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11 Iconic Football Celebrations and Reasons Behind Them

Ronaldo's Calma or siuuu, Messi's "remember the name", Balotelli's muscle flex or Henry's knee slide; here are the 11 most iconic football celebrations in history and the reasons behind them.

Aug 16, 2022, 11:02 PMβ€’8 min read

11 Iconic Football Celebrations and Reasons Behind Them

Football is the most loved and watched sport in the world. What footballers do on the ground goes viral in a minute. From their outstanding free-kicks, goals, saves, hairstyles and celebrations, everything impacts their fans. They then want to emulate what their icons have done on the field. Here are 11 iconic football celebrations which have somehow changed the football scenario.

11 Iconic Football Celebrations and their reason behind it

11 iconic football celebrations | Football facts | Sportz Point

Note: The numbering is made just to order it. All of the below celebrations are iconic in their own way and hold the same importance.

#1 Calma | Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo's "Calma" celebration silenced the Barcelona supporters at Camp Nou in 2012. The then Real Madrid star scored the match-winning goal against the arch-rival in the El-Clasico of the 2011-12 La Liga season. The celebration meant the fans needed to calm down as Cristiano was there to save the match for them. This was Ronaldo's first win over Barcelona in La Liga. Mesut Ozil had provided the assist to him.

11 Iconic Football Celebrations and Reasons Behind Them - Ronaldo's Calma - sportzpoint.com

#2 SIUUUUUU | Cristiano Ronaldo

Along with the "Calma", this is one of the most loved and iconic celebrations in football history. The "Siuuuuuu" has been hit by many young footballers who admire Cristiano Ronaldo. The word "si" in Spanish means "yes". According to the Portuguese star, while playing for Real Madrid against Chelsea in the USA in a pre-season game in 2013 he hit the celebration for the first time.

"I started to say 'si', it's like 'yes' when I was in Real Madrid," Ronaldo said in an interview.

"I was in the USA and we played against Chelsea and I don't know where this is coming from, the celebration. I just scored the goal and it just came out. It was just natural, to be honest. Since that, I started to do it more often and I feel like the supporters and the fans see it and they're like 'Cristiano, siiiiiiuuuu,' Ronaldo added.

on X: "Ronaldo has NEVER done 'SIUUU" celebration in a Manchester United  shirt, but knowing he'll do that in a Man City jersey in a few days kills  me. https://t.co/7BagjvFWxJ" /

#3 Remember the name "Jersey celebration" | Lionel Messi

Along with Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi is one of the most celebrated and loved football icons in the history of the game. Messi, the highest goal scorer in La Liga history scored one of the most iconic goals in the league to silent Santiago Bernabeu. On April 23, 2017, Messi scored the match-winning goal against Real Madrid to win the El Clasico by 2-3. To celebrate his 500th Barcelona goal, the Argentine held up his jersey and showed his name and number to the Madrid fans to remember the name. This is one of the most iconic La Liga moments as well.

#4 Henry's Slide | Thierry Henry

Thierry Henry is one of the most successful footballers in Premier League history. His time at the Arsenal Football Club had made him one of the stars of the game. The French striker always had a great record against their East London rival, Tottenham Hotspur. In their London Derby in 2002, Henry again found the net after running nearly 80 yards and celebrated in front of the travelling away fans with a famous knee slide.

No photo description available.

#5 Tribute to Maradona | Lione Messi

Messi and Maradona, are two names that will be written in football history forever. Maradona was one of the icons that Messi used to look upon throughout his career. Both the Argentines used to share tremendous mutual respect. Although their coach and player partnership could not produce the prize the whole of Argentina was looking for, their love remained the same for each other.

After the sudden demise of Diego Maradona, the then-Barcelona star gave a perfect tribute to him after scoring a goal against Osasuna in La Liga. Messi took off his shirt to reveal Newell's Old Boys shirt in reference to former player Diego Maradona.

11 Iconic Football Celebrations and Reasons Behind Them - Messi's Tribute to Maradona - sportzpoint.com

#6 Mario Balotelli | The Muscle Flex Celebration

Mario Balotelli is one of the most controversial footballers of all time. He used to be in the news for good or bad. Euro 2012, Italy vs Germany, semi-finals, Mario Balotelli was in the news for some good things. He scored twice as Italy defeated Germany by 2-1 to lock horns with Spain. As the Italian striker hit the net, he ripped off his shirt and flexed his muscles to show the world what he is made of. When he asked about the celebration, Balotelli said, "People saw my body and got angry – they were jealous."

Balotelli flexed his muscles in jubilation after scoring the second goal against Germany in the semi-finals of EURO 2012 | sportzpoint.com
Balotelli flexed his muscles in jubilation after scoring the second goal against Germany in the semi-finals of EURO 2012.

#7 'Dani Jarque: Siempre con nosotros' | Andres Iniesta

One of the greatest playmakers and mid-fielders of football history, Andres Iniesta could not hold on to his emotions after netting the ball in the final of the 2010 Football World Cup. The Spanish maestro scored a scintillating goal to take his team home against the Netherlands in the final.

In pure joy and happiness, Iniesta took off his jersey to show the message, 'Dani Jarque: Siempre con nosotros' which means "Dani Jarque: Always with us." Dani Jarque was a former Espanyol player and he was with Iniesta in the Spain U-21 team. Both of them were really closed. However, unfortunately, Dani passed away from a heart attack in 2009 which also led Iniesta to depression. Iniesta showed his love for his friend on the grandest stage of football.

11 Iconic Football Celebrations and Reasons Behind Them - Iniesta's  'Dani Jarque: Siempre con nosotros' - sportzpoint.com

#8 Klopp's fist bumps | Jurgen Klopp

Jurgen Klopp and the Liverpool fans share a passionate love for each other. The German coach has been very successful for the Reds and he has been very much popular with the fans at Anfield as well. Jurgen uses his fist bumps to share his passion for Liverpool and football with the fans at the stadium. In fact, it has now become a tradition that after each important win over his opponent, Klopp does his fist bumps in front of the Liverpool fans and the fans chant for him as well.

#9 The Bar Pose | Thierry Henry

When you score so many iconic goals, you tend to come twice in the list of most iconic celebrations in football history. Thierry Henry comes twice on the list. Perhaps, this is one of the first "football memes" made on the internet.

Playing for the "New York Red Bulls", the then-36-year-old Henry went viral on the internet. In 2013, after nearly winning everything in football, Henry went to play for the New York Red Bulls and scored a fantastic goal for them. Then, he stood by the goalpost and celebrated like nothing just happened. Few took out the photo and photoshopped it into memes which went viral as well. The celebration is also called "Henrying".

Henrying - 11 Iconic Football Celebrations and Reasons Behind Them - Sportz Point

#10 The shirt-off | Diego Forlan

Do you know why referees give a yellow card to players who take off their shirts during the celebration? Well, it is because of Diego Forlan.

Forlan's stint at Manchester United was never a smooth ride. In fact, he had a nine-month-long goal drought at that time as well. In 2002, even after ending his goal drought, Sir Alex Ferguson decided to sit him on the bench for an important Premier League clash against Southhampton.

With the match being 1-1, Sir Alex decided to bring the Uruguayan on the field. Forlan, then scored an absolute stunner from outside of the box to give United the lead and eventually the win. With humongous joy, Forlan took off his shirt but could not wear it back on time. He played bare-chested for a little while and the video of him holding his shirt in one hand while making a tackle near the touchline will always be funny.

FIFA did not like that, and after that incident, they decided to give a yellow card to every player whenever he took off his shirt on the field.

Diego Forlan's shirt-off celebration - sportzpoint.com

#11 Baby Celebration | Bebeto

Brazilian footballer, Bebeto's baby celebration is one of the most iconic football celebrations in World Cups. After scoring a goal against the Netherlands in the 1994 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, Bebeto went to the corner and celebrated holding an imaginary baby in his hands. Later his teammates joined him too in the celebration.

After the match, he revealed that it was for his newborn son, Mattheus. In a webinar for InStat, Bebeto said, "It was spontaneous. Nothing had been planned. But I was pleasantly surprised to see some of my teammates joining me in celebrating that goal. At first, no one outside the team knew about our son being born. But later, I explained to the world."

11 Iconic Football Celebrations and Reasons Behind Them - Bebeto's baby celebration - sportzpoint.com

 

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10 biggest football transfers from Premier League to La Liga

Discover the 10 biggest football transfers from the Premier League to Laliga, featuring players like Eden Hazard, and Phillipe Coutinho and legends like Luis Suarez and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Mar 29, 2025, 8:48 PMβ€’7 min read

10 biggest football transfers from Premier League to La Liga-sportzpoint.com

Laliga clubs regularly own some of the biggest names in the world of football. Many of their top stars have come from abroad, often moving from the Premier League to La Liga. However, some superstars were not so successful in Laliga after the transfers. 
Trent Alexander Arnold is more likely to be the next biggest football transfer from the Premier League to Laliga. 
Discover the 10 biggest football transfers from the Premier League to Laliga, featuring players like Eden Hazard, and Phillipe Coutinho and legends like Luis Suarez and Cristiano Ronaldo.

10 biggest football transfers from Premier League to La Liga:  

Rank Player From To Transfer Fee
1 Phillipe Coutinho Liverpool FC Barcelona €142 million
2 Eden Hazard Chelsea Real Madrid €130 million
3 Gareth Bale Tottenham Hotspurs Real Madrid €85 million
4 Cristiano Ronaldo Manchester United Real Madrid €80 million
5 Julian Alvarez Manchester City Atletico Madrid €82 million
6 Luis Suarez Liverpool FC Barcelona €75 million
7 Diego Costa Chelsea Atletico Madrid €57 million
8 Raphinha Leeds United FC Barcelona €67 million
9 Ferran Torres Manchester City FC Barcelona €46 million
10 Conor Gallagher Chelsea Atletico Madrid €35 million

10. Conor Gallagher | Chelsea to Atletico Madrid | €35 million:

10 biggest football transfers from Premier League to La Liga-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: Sky Sports

Conor Gallagher was one of the key players for Chelsea in his final season. He is a Chelsea academy player, despite being an academy graduate of Chelsea, the Blues sold him to the Laliga side Atletico Madrid for €35 million and became one of the players with the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga.

He has seemed a perfect fit for Diego Simeone’s managed side, though he has rotated with other midfielders. Gallagher scored an important Champions League goal against Real Madrid, during a round of 16 match in which Atletico was heartbreakingly beaten on penalties.

9. Ferran Torres | Manchester City to FC Barcelona | €46 million:

10 biggest football transfers from Premier League to La Liga-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: Barca Universal

FC Barcelona paid €46 million to Ferran Torres from Manchester City in 2022. But he was never able to prove his worth in FC Barcelona, he was one of the failed yet one the biggest transfers from the Premier League to Laliga.

The winger had never scored more than 10 goals in a single campaign for the La Liga giants. Torres played 145 games at Barcelona and has started almost exactly half (73), which shows the coaches he has played under have been aware that he cannot impact games.

8. Raphinha | Leeds United to FC Barcelona | €50 million:

10 biggest football transfers from Premier League to La Liga-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: Republic World

Raphinha was not a major signing for FC Barcelona, yet among the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga. In the first season, Raphinha scored 14 goals and contributed in 15 goals. However, in the 2024/25 season, Raphinha found his lost form under Hansi Flick as he scored 27 goals and delivered 20 assists. Now the Brazilian winger is one of the players who is getting Ballon d'Or shouts in 2025.

7. Diego Costa | Chelsea to Atletico Madrid | €57 million:

10 biggest football transfers from Premier League to La Liga-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: Reddit

Costa played for Atletico Madrid on a few different occasions. He had already left once before coming back in 2010 by the time he moved to Chelsea in 2014, and four years later, he was back, with Atletico Madrid paying €57 million for him.

Diego Costa was one of the players also among the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga. In his final season before leaving for the Premier League, Costa scored 36 goals, and in three seasons at Stamford Bridge, he scored 59 goals and 21 assists. The Spanish forward 81 games in four seasons after his return but scored just 19 goals in that time.

6. Luis Suarez | Liverpool to FC Barcelona | €75 million:

10 biggest football transfers from Premier League to La Liga-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: FC Barcelona 

Barcelona had seen enough from Suarez in just two and a half seasons at Liverpool to sign him for an initially reported fee of Β£75million. That he’d move onto bigger things was unsurprising after notching 31 goals and 13 assists in his final season in the Premier League.

Luis Suarez was one of the key players also among the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga. The Uruguayan forward scored 195 goals and assisted 113 in 283 games, in his second season at Barca, scoring a remarkable 40 La Liga goals, along with 18 assists. Across all competitions that season, Suarez scored 54 goals and assisted 24.

5. Julian Alvarez | Manchester City to Atletico Madrid | €80 million:

10 biggest football transfers from Premier League to La Liga-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: X

One of the most recent players to the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga, Julian Alvarez moved to Manchester City for Atletico Madrid in the summer transfer window of the 2024 season. He already has 23 goals and five assists this season, including eight direct goal contributions in the Champions League. So far, the move looks a positive one for Alvarez.

4. Cristiano Ronaldo | Manchester United to Real Madrid | €80 million:

10 biggest football transfers from Premier League to La Liga-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: Sporting News

Cristiano Ronaldo was undoubtedly the best move from the Premier League to La Liga in history. He broke new ground with a transfer worth approximately Β£80million from Manchester United. The previous world-record transfer was Zinedine Zidane to Real Madrid, which had stood for eight years.

Ronaldo was one of the most devastating forwards in the world for his entire spell at Real Madrid, scoring 450 goals and assisting 131 in 438 games. Ronaldo is the most successful and among the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga. He won the Ballon d’Or in 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017 while he was a Real Madrid player.

3. Gareth Bale | Tottenham Hotspurs to Real Madrid | €85 million:

10 biggest football transfers from Premier League to La Liga-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: Sporting News

At the time of his transfer to Real Madrid for approximately Β£85million, Bale’s was a world-record move. Gareth Bale was among the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga.  

Bale would win five Champions Leagues with Real, as well as three La Liga titles, among many other honors. Throughout seven seasons, he scored 106 goals and assisted 67 times.

2. Eden Hazard | Chelsea to Real Madrid | €130 million:

10 biggest football transfers from Premier League to La Liga-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: Sky Sports

Eden Hazard was one of the failed transfers yet and second-placed in the list of the biggest football transfers from the Premier League to La Liga. That he never played 20 La Liga games in a single season, showed how much Hazard struggled, and he retired at just 32 years of age, having played just 10 games in his final season. The Belgian failed to match that single-season total in 76 games across his entire Real Madrid career.

1. Phillipe Coutinho | Liverpool to FC Barcelona | €142 million:

10 biggest football transfers from Premier League to La Liga-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: Barca Blaugranes

The biggest football transfer from the Premier League to La Liga, Barcelona spent an astonishing Β£142million to sign the midfielder from Liverpool. At Liverpool, he had become an iconic figure, having a direct hand in 97 goals in 201 games.

 After 13 direct goal contributions in his first 18 La Liga games, Coutinho slowed with only seven contributions in the 32 games he played in the season. The Brazilian left for Aston Villa, after only 39 goal contributions in 106 games at Barcelona.

Let us know your thoughts via our Twitter, moreover, you can follow us on Twitter for all the updates. Join our Telegram and WhatsApp channels to get all the news and scorelines.

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Last 10 European Golden Shoe winners List

Discover the last 10 European Golden Shoe winners list, featuring stars like Erling Haaland, and Harry Kane, and legendary players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Luis Suarez.

Mar 29, 2025, 9:27 AMβ€’4 min read

Last 10 European Golden Shoe winners list-sportzpoint.com

The European Golden Shoe is one of the most prestigious individual awards in football, given annually to the leading goal scorer from the top European leagues. Over the past decade, some of football’s biggest superstars have dominated this recognition, showcasing their incredible talent and consistency in front of goal.

In this article from Sportz Point, discover the last 10 European Golden Shoe winners list, featuring stars like Erling Haaland, and Harry Kane, and legendary players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Luis Suarez.

Last 10 European Golden Shoe winners List:

SEASON PLAYERS
2014-15 Cristiano Ronaldo
2015-16 Luis Suarez
2016-17 Lionel Messi
2017-18 Lionel Messi
2018-19 Lionel Messi
2019-20 Ciro Immobile
2020-21 Robert Lewandowski
2021-22 Robert Lewandowski
2022-23 Erling Haaland
2024-25 Harry Kane

Harry Kane | 2024-25 season | Bayern Munich:

Last 10 European Golden Shoe winners list-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: News 18

Harry Kane is among the greatest strikers to crave his name in the European Golden Shoe winners list. Despite the Bayern forward's failure to win any silverware, he won one of the most prestigious individual awards the Golden Shoe, this award shows his goal-scoring prowess. The Englishmen won the award for scoring 36 goals in the 2024-25 season.

 Erling Haaland | 2022-23 | Manchester City:

Last 10 European Golden Shoe winners list-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: Man City

Earling Haaland scored 36 goals in the Premier League 2022-23 season to win the prestigious individual award and cemented his name among the top players to win the European Golden Shoe winners list. In that season Earling Haaland and company won their maiden UEFA Champions League title and completed a treble for Manchester City under Pep Guardiola.

 Robert Lewandowski | 2021-22 and 2020-21 | Bayern Munich:

Last 10 European Golden Shoe winners list-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: ESPN

Robert Lewandowski won the Golden Shoe Award in the 2021-22 season, as he cemented his name as one of the two players to win the European Golden Shoe multiple times in the list. His goals were more than enough to declare him a Ballon d'Or winner, but he was overshadowed by Karim Benzema in that season. 

In the 2020-21 season, Robert Lewandowski won his first Golden Shoe Award. In that season Robert Lewandowski and his company won a treble for Bayern Munich under Julian Nagelsmann, but he failed to win the Ballon d'Or award as Lionel Messi won the Copa America.

Ciro Immobile | 2019-20 | Lazio:

Last 10 European Golden Shoe winners list-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: Rediff

Immobile scored 36 league goals for Lazio in 2019-20 to win the prestigious individual award and cemented his name among the top players to win the European Golden Shoe winners list. Despite scoring 36 league goals for Lazio but did not get the chance to claim a Ballon d’Or rank as the award was cancelled that year due to Covid.

Lionel Messi | 2018-19, 2017-18, and 2016-17 | FC Barcelona:

Last 10 European Golden Shoe winners list-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: Sports Net

Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski are the only players to crave their names multiple times in the European Golden Shoe winners list. In the 2018-19 season, Messi became the last player to win the Golden Shoe and Ballon d'Or in one season. Messi was the only player, who was dragging Ernesto Valverde's managed Barcelona side to the treble and scored 36 goals.

In the 2017-18 season, Messi scored 34 league goals and won his second European Golden Shoe, despite delivering a stinker performance in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. In the 2016-17 season, Messi scored more goals than Cristiano Ronaldo, who won the Ballon d'Or that season, but Messi won the European Golden Shoe and became the first player to win the Golden Shoe thrice in the list.

Luis Suarez | 2015-16 | FC Barcelona:

Last 10 European Golden Shoe winners list-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: The Mirror

Luis Suarez was a goalscoring machine in 2015-16, as he even managed to outgun the likes of Messi and Ronaldo. The Uruguayan scored 40 goals in La Liga alone, and he became the one and only player to win an individual award in Messi and Ronaldo's era. His goalscoring prowess is the reason, he is on the European Golden Shoe winners list

Cristiano Ronaldo | 2014-15 | Real Madrid:

Last 10 European Golden Shoe winners list-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: Eurosport

Surprisingly, 2014-15 was the last time that Ronaldo ever won the European Golden Shoe. He enjoyed an excellent individual season, scoring 48 league goals for Real Madrid, but was ultimately overshadowed by Barcelona and Messi who won the treble that year. His excellent goal-scoring skills are the reason he is on the European Golden Shoe winners list. 

Let us know your thoughts via our Twitter, moreover, you can follow us on Twitter for all the updates. Join our Telegram and WhatsApp channels to get all the news and scorelines.

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Top 6 male fittest players in the world

Proper fitness and training are a must for every sportsperson today. Here are the top 6 male fittest players in the world including footballers like Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah.

Mar 27, 2025, 7:45 PMβ€’4 min read

Top 6 male fittest players in the world

Proper fitness and training are a must for every sportsperson today. No matter which field of sports you are associated with, a nutrition-rich diet, exercising, and taking extreme care of physical health are an absolute mandate.

World-renowned athletes also inspire the younger generation to emphasize their physical health and lead a disciplined life. On this note, let's take a look at the top 6 male fittest players in the world.

Cristiano Ronaldo

top male fittest players in the world: Cristiano Ronaldo | sportzpoint.com

Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest footballers of all time and a huge inspiration to billions. Apart from his football skills, the entire world knows Ronaldo for his chisled and well-featured physique.

The Portuguese captain had the physical capabilities of a 20-year-old when he joined Juventus in 2018. 

He had 7% body fat and a muscle mass of 50%. He weighs around 79 kg. The pivotal reason behind these extreme physical abilities is his dedication to fitness and his physical health.

No wonder his performances advanced at this level throughout the past years. 

Ronaldo focuses on his sleep and nutrition as he eats five times a day and sleeps 8 hours as well. The 39-year-old has an extreme fitness routine. He enjoys his cardio, pilates and strength exercises. 

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli: Top male fittest players in the world - sportzpoint.com

Virat Kohli is undoubtedly the athlete who revolutionized the concept of fitness in India. He is one of the fittest athletes in India at the moment. The former Indian test skipper influenced, and still influences his teammates, the younger generation, and his fans to follow the path of a proper fitness regime.

There has been a massive improvement in his performance since he started eating clean and followed a definite path of athleticism.

Kohli weighs around 74.5-75 kg and has been maintaining that weight for the last few years. He is one of the fastest runners in cricket and focuses on nutrition and strength training to stay fit.

Mohamed Salah

Top male fittest players in the world: Mohammed Salah | sportzopint.com

The current Liverpool winger did not look like this when he left England in 2015 to join Italian Club Fiorentina and then Roma. However, since then, Egyptian footballers have become some of the fittest players in the world. 

He has a very low body fat percentage and maintains a disciplined life, making a lot of sacrifices to remain in shape. 

Salah generally has mixed variants of food to have all kinds of nutrition and then focuses on his training to stay fit. He normally trains twice a day if he is skipping his football practice. "My nutritionist says that because I don't have any fat on my body, I can eat what I want. I also don't drink, so it's fine," Salah told CNN in 2020. Discover the world of football with https://1xbitpakistan.com/

LeBron James

Lebron James | Lebron james body | sportzpoint.com

The 6 feet 8 inches tall LeBron James is one of the greatest basketball players in NBA history. The 113-kilo weight basketballer is undoubtedly the oldest NBA player currently.

James, throughout his career, has remained fit and lean. However, in 2014, he gained some weight but then lost many kilos with his diet and training. "I am very consistent with training my body, rehabbing my body, eating, having my body be very clean throughout this journey because I've always wanted to have a long career, or as long as I could be in this space," James told Tim Ferriss in an interview in 2018. 

Moreover, he sleeps more than 8 hours a day and sometimes 9 or 10 to recover well.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Fittest male players in the world - sportzpoint.com

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is one of the most influential figures in modern football. The 42-year-old, even after calling it a day, follows a strict regime to remain in his fittest form. According to GQItalia, his food items are carefully weighed on a scale.

No matter how small a quantity the food is, everything needs to be measured to the exact gram. Also, junk food is a strict no for him. His workout routine, along with a strict diet, are the reasons behind his fitness and strength

Rich Froning

Rich Froning: Fittest player in the world - sportzpoint.com

This list would remain incomplete without Rich Froning, the greatest CrossFit athlete of all time. He is the first and only athlete to clinch the title of "Fittest Man on Earth" 4 times consecutively from 2011. He is immensely powerful and can deadlift 545 pounds. Also, he can snatch 300 pounds, and do 75 chin-ups after deadlifting 545 pounds. His interest in strength and CrossFit games began during his fire department training days.

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Uruguay vs Argentina FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Why is Lionel Messi not playing?

Lionel Messi has been excluded from the Argentina squad that will take on Uruguay and Brazil in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in March. In this article, we explain the reason.

Mar 21, 2025, 2:09 PMβ€’3 min read

Uruguay vs Argentina FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Why is Lionel Messi not playing?-sportzpoint.com
(Image Credit | AP)

Lionel Messi has been dropped from the Argentina squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL Qualifiers encounters against Uruguay and Brazil during the March international break.

Lionel Scaloni announced a 26-member squad on March 17th, excluding the World Cup-winning captain., sparking debates among the Albiceleste fans.

However, reports suggested that Messi might have sustained an injury during the Major League Soccer game for Inter Miami, making it impossible for him to attend the national fixture.

Sportz Point breaks down why Lionel Messi will not play against Uruguay and later against Brazil.

Why is Lionel Messi not playing?

Uruguay vs Argentina FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Why is Lionel Messi not playing?-sportzpoint.com
(Image Credit | AFP)

The 37-year-old Argentine forward sustained a low-grade injury in the adductor muscle during Inter Miami's MLS encounter against Atalanta United on March 16th, Sunday. 

Although Lionel Messi opened the scoring and led Inter Miami to a 2-1 victory, it has been revealed that he has suffered an injury that might keep him out of international duties.

Inter Miami issued an official statement on March 18th, stating Messi's injury updates. The statement reads:

Inter Miami CF has provided an injury update presented by Baptist Health for captain Leo Messi.

Messi underwent an MRI this morning to assess the extent of the discomfort in his adductor region, which he experienced during last night’s match against Atlanta United.

The examination’s findings confirmed the presence of a low-grade injury in the adductor muscle. His clinical progress and response to treatment will determine his availability for competition.

The Argentina captain himself posted a story on Instagram which contains a photo of him in the national shirt, and he conveyed his disappointment in a short statement.

It's a shame to miss these two very special matches with the national team against Uruguay and Brazil. As always, I wanted to be there, but at the last minute, a minor injury forced me to take a break before playing again left me out. From here, I'll be cheering and supporting you like any other fan. Go Argentina!

These statements confirm that he's not expected to be sidelined for long but will miss the upcoming matches with Uruguay on March 22nd and Brazil on March 26th.

When will Messi return to play Argentina?

However, Messi will have to wait until before donning the national crest again. In the June international break, when Argentina will travel to play against Chile on June 4th and will take on Colombia on June 9th.

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10 Best Football Managers in Europe Right Now

Explore the top 10 best football managers in Europe, featuring legendary managers like Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti, who led their teams to glory.

Mar 20, 2025, 8:33 AMβ€’10 min read

10 Best Football Managers in Europe Right Now-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: GMS

There are many top football managers right now in the world of football, with some experienced veterans in the game continuing a wonderful 2024 season, while some young football managers are trying to crave their name among the world's best. With the 2024-25 season at the midway, there is plenty of time for the managers to stake a claim that they are deserving of a higher spot among the top football mangers right now.

In this article from Sportz Point, explore the top 10 best football managers in Europe, featuring legendary managers like Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti, who led their teams to glory.

What will be the ranking factors?

  • Trophies they conquered
  • Recent success
  • Longevity in this sport
  • Performance compared to expectations

10 best Football Managers Worldwide right now:

RANK MANAGERS NATIONALITY CURRENT CLUB
1. Pep Guardiola Spanish Manchester City
2. Carlo Ancelotti Italian Real Madrid
3. Arne Slot Dutch Liverpool FC
4. Simone Inzaghi Italian Inter Milan
5. Xabi Alonso Spanish Bayer 04 Leverkusen
6. Mikel Arteta Spanish Arsenal FC
7. Diego Simeone Argentine Atletico Madrid
8. Jurgen Klopp German Currently unattached with any clubs
9. Hansi Flick German FC Barcelona
10. Unai Emery Spanish Aston Villa

10. Unai Emery | Aston Villa:

10 Best Football Managers Worldwide Right Now: Unai Emery-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: The Times

Before the 2023-24 season kicked off very few would have given Aston Villa a chance to claim a spot in the UEFA Champions League 2024-25, but Unai Emery ensured that the Villains finished in the top four. The Spanish tactician has been highly regarded and among the top football managers right now. He won multiple UEFA Europa League with Sevilla. Nevertheless, Unai Emery has developed multiple players like John McGinn, Olie Watkins, and Enzi Konsas

Unai Emery's trophy cabinet:

  • 4x Europa League winner (1x with Villarreal CF in 2020-21, and 3x with Sevilla FC in 2013-14, 14-15, and 15-16)
  • 1x French Champion with Paris Saint Germain (2017-18)
  • 2x French Cup Winner with Paris Saint Germain (2016-17 and 2017-18)
  • 2x French League Cup winner with Paris Saint Germain (2016-17 and 2017-18)
  • 2x French Super Cup winner with Paris Saint Germain (2016-17 and 2017-18)

9. Hansi Flick | FC Barcelona:

10 Best Football Managers Worldwide Right Now: Hansi Flick-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: Barca Universal

While his reputation was in the mud after a poor managerial spell in charge of the German national football team, Hansi Flick has reminded the world why he is among the top football managers right now. The former Bayern Munich settled in nicely at Camp Nou and had the Catalan giants flying at the top. Hansi Flick has proved himself to be an intelligent and tactically brilliant manager.

Hansi Flick's trophy cabinet:

  • 1x FIFA World Cup with Germany (2014)
  • 1x FIFA Club World Cup winner with Bayern Munich (2020-21)
  • 1x UEFA Champions League winner (2019-20)
  • 2x Bundesliga Champion with Bayern Munich (2019-20 and 2020-21)
  • 1x German Cup winner with Bayern Munich (2020-21)
  • 1x German Super Cup winner with Bayern Munich (2019-20)
  • 1x Spanish Super Cup winner with FC Barcelona (2024-25)
  • 4x Baden Cup winner with Hoffenheim (2001-02, 2002-03, 2003-04, 2004-05)

8. Jurgen Klopp | Currently unattached with any clubs:

10 Best Football Managers Worldwide Right Now: Jurgen Klopp-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: BBC

Jurgen Klopp is currently not a manager, having left Liverpool FC at the end of the 2023-24 campaign. However, he will be honorably remembered as one of the greatest managers in the Premier League and also one of the top football managers right now.

The German tactician made Liverpool from a mid-table team to one of the title contenders in the Premier League title race. He now works in a non-coaching role for the Red Bull football group.

Jurgen Klopp's trophy Cabinet:

  • 1x UEFA Champions League winner with Liverpool FC (2018-19)
  • 1x FIFA Club World Cup winner with Liverpool FC (2019-20)
  • 1x Premier League winner with Liverpool FC (2019-20)
  • 1x English FA Cup winner with Liverpool FC (2021-22)
  • 1x EFL Cup winner with Liverpool FC (2021-22 and 2023-24)
  • 1x English Super Cup winner with Liverpool FC (2022-23)
  • 1x UEFA Super Cup winner with Liverpool FC (2019-20)
  • 2x Bundesliga Champions with Borussia Dortmund (2010-11, 2011-12)
  • 1x German Cup winner with Borussia Dortmund (2011-12)
  • 2x German Super Cup winner (2013-14 and 2014-15)

7. Diego Simeone | Atletico Madrid:

10 Best Football Managers Worldwide Right Now: Diego Simeone-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: Atletico Madrid

One of the longest-serving managers in Europe's top five leagues, Diego Simeone is floating among the top football managers right now. In the 2023-24 campaign, Atletico Madrid enjoyed another successful team as they qualified for the UEFA Champions League yet again. 

The disappointment will come with the lack of silverware collected as Atletico Madrid was knocked out of the UEFA Champions League 2024-25 season in the quarterfinals despite being one of the favorites to win the title. 

Diego Simeone's trophy cabinet:

  • 2x Spanish Champion with Atletico Madrid (2020-21 and 2013-14)
  • 2x UEFA Super Cup Champions with Atletico Madrid (2012-13 and 2018-19)
  • 2x UEFA Europa League winner with Atletico Madrid (2011-12 and 2017-18)
  • 1x Spanish Super Cup winner with Atletico Madrid (2013-14)
  • 1x Spanish Cup winner with Atletico Madrid (2012-13)
  • 2x Argentine Champions 1x with Club Estudiantes de La Plata (2005-06) and 1x with River Plate (2007-08)

6. Mikel Arteta | Arsenal:

10 Best Football Managers Worldwide Right Now: Mikel Arteta-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: CNN

Arsenal fans would back their boss as the best on the planet as Mikel Arteta has transformed the club's fortunes in recent years and had them in contention to win the Premier League title for a second successive season.

 If the Gunners had become champions of England for the first time in 20 years, the Spanish tactician would have been praised as a hero. Despite, his failure to conquer silverware, he is one of the top football managers right now.

Mikel Arteta's trophy Cabinet:

  • 2x English Champion with Manchester City (2017-18 and 2018-19)
  • 2x English FA Cup winner 1x with Arsenal (2019-20) and 1x with Manchester City (2018-19)
  • 3x English Super Cup Winner 1x with Manchester City (2018-19) and 2x with Arsenal (2020-21 and 2023-24)
  • Note: Mikel Arteta was Pep Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City.

5. Xabi Alonso | Bayer 04 Leverkusen:

10 Best Football Managers Worldwide Right Now: Xabi Alonso
Image Credit: GOAL

The work Xabi Alonso has done during his two seasons at Bayer Leverkusen is incredible. His team went on the longest unbeaten run in Europe's top 10 leagues and knocked Bayern Munich off their Bundesliga rest for the first time in over a decade, because of his tactical masterclass he is among the top football managers right now.

 Alonso lifted the German league title and added the 2024 DFB Pokal to Leverkusen's trophy cabinet, but he ultimately fell short in the Europa League, overall, it was a tremendous season.

Xabi Alonso's trophy cabinet:

  • 1x Bundesliga Champion with Bayer 04 Leverkusen (2023-24)
  • 1x German Super Cup winner with Bayer 04 Leverkusen (2023-24)
  • 1x DFB Pokal winner with Bayer 04 Leverkusen (2023-24)

4. Simone Inzaghi | Inter Milan:

Simone Inzaghi : 10 Best Football Managers Worldwide Right Now-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: BBC

To be ranked above the likes of Klopp, Alonso, and Arteta in 2024 is an incredible achievement and a testament to the work Simone Inzaghi has done at Inter Milan. The Serie A title returned to the Italian giants after they secured the trophy in the best way possible, against fierce rivals AC Milan at the San Siro.

He also came so close to being the first Inter boss to bring the Champions League back to Italy in the 2022/23 season, narrowly losing in the final against Manchester City. Surely, he is among the top football managers right now.

Simone Inzaghi's trophy cabinet:

  • 1x Italian Champion with Inter Milan (2023-24)
  • 3x Italian Cup winner 1x with Lazio (2018-19) and 2x with Inter Milan (2021-22 and 2022-23)
  • 2x Coppa Italia winner with Lazio (2013-14 and 2014-15)
  • 1x Italian Supercoppa winner with Lazio (2014-15)
  • -5x Italian Super Cup winner 2x with Lazio (2017-18 and 2019-20) and 3x with Inter Milan (2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24)
  • Note: He was Lazio's under-19 team coach

3. Arne Slot | Liverpool FC:

10 Best Football Managers Worldwide Right Now: Arne Slot-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: The NY Times

After a solid run with Feyenoord, Arne Slot was chosen to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool last summer. Considering the legacy that the former coach left behind at Anfield, Slot had a lot to live up to, and it would have been easy for the pressure to get to him quickly.

Instead, he's taken the Reds and shot them straight to the top of the Premier League. He enjoyed the best start of any manager in Liverpool's history and is showing no signs of slowing down right now. His managerial spell with Feyenoord was enough to make his name among the top football managers right now.

Arne Slot's trophy Cabinet:

  • 1x Dutch Champion with Feyenoord (2022-23)
  • 1x Dutch Cup winner with Feyenoord (2022-23)

2. Carlo Ancelotti | Real Madrid CF:

10 Best Football Managers Worldwide Right Now: Carlo Ancelotti-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: The Guardian

As one of the few people to have won the European Cup as both a player and manager, Carlo Ancelotti will leave an ever-lasting legacy. The Italian first dipped his toe in the world of management in 1995 and, almost three decades later, he is still among the top football managers right now.

The 65-year-old has won league titles in four of the top five European leagues: England, Spain, Germany, Italy, and France, and most recently secured a Spanish league and Champions League double.

Carlo Ancelotti's trophy cabinet:

  • 5x UEFA Champions League winner 2x with AC Milan (2002-03, 2006-07) and 3x with Real Madrid (2013-14, 2021-22, 2022-23)
  • 2x Spanish Champion with Real Madrid (2021-22 and 2023-24)
  • 1x Premier League Champion with Chelsea (2009-10)
  • 1x Italian Champion with AC Milan (2003-04)
  • 1x French Champion with Paris Saint-German (2012-13)
  • 1x German Champion with Bayern Munich (2016-17)
  • 3x FIFA Club World Cup Champion 1x with AC Milan (2007-08), 2x with Real Madrid (2014-15 & 2022-23)
  • 1x FIFA Intercontinental Cup winner with Real Madrid (2023-24)
  • 5x UEFA Super Cup winner 2x with AC Milan (2003-04, 2007-08) and 3x with Real Madrid (2014-15, 2022-23, 2024-25)
  • 2x Spanish Cup winner (2013-14 and 2022-23)
  • 1x Italian Cup winner (2002-03)
  • 2x German Super Cup winner (2016-17 & 2017-18)
  • 2x Spanish Super Cup winner with Real Madrid (2021-22 and 2023-24)
  • 1x English Super Cup winner with Chelsea (2009-10)

1. Pep Guardiola | Manchester City:

10 Best Football Managers Worldwide Right Now: Pep Guardiola-sportzpoint.com
Image Credit: Manchester City FC

Pep Guardiola ranks first among the top football managers right now. Pep Guardiola still has enough credit in the bank to be regarded as the best manager in world football. Manchester City won a fourth consecutive Premier League title under the former Barcelona man, and yet 2023/24 still felt like a slightly underwhelming campaign. Those are the high standards set by the Catalan genius.

Guardiola has cemented himself as one of the greatest managers of all time. While his side has struggled as of late, there is no doubt that the former Barcelona man is still the best manager in the world.

Pep Guardiola's trophy cabinet:

  • 3x UEFA Champions League winner 2x with FC Barcelona (2008-09 & 2010-11) and 1x with Manchester City (2022-23)
  • 4x FIFA Club World Cup winner 2x with FC Barcelona (2008-09 & 2010-11) 1x with Bayern Munich (2013-14) and 1x with Manchester City (2023-24)
  • 3x German Champion with Bayern Munich (2013-14, 2015-16, and 2014-15)
  • 3x Spanish Champion with FC Barcelona (2008-09, 2009-10, and 2010-11)
  • 6x English Champion with Manchester City (2017-18, 2018-19, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24)
  • 4x UEFA Super Cup winner: 1x with Manchester City (2023-24), 1x with Bayern Munich (2013-14), 2x with FC Barcelona (2009-10 and 2011-12)
  • 2x DFB Pokal winner with Bayern Munich (2013-14 and 2015-16)
  • 2x English FA Cupo winner with Manchester City (2018-19 and 2022-23)
  • 2x Spanish Cup winner with FC Barcelona (2008-09 and 2011-12)
  • 3x Spanish Super Cup winner with FC Barcelona (2008-09, 2009-10, 2011-12)
  • 4x EFL Cup winner with Manchester City (2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21)
  • 3x English Super Cup winner with Manchester City (2018-19, 2019-20, 2024-25)

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