The Awakening

The year was 1982. 

A tiny-looking Argentine footballer entered Europe to play for Spanish giants, FC Barcelona. With sublime footballing skills and abilities, he had been a highly-anticipated player since his entry into Europe. He scored 11 goals and provided 10 assists for his teammates in the 1982-83 LaLiga. He also won the Spanish Super Cup with Barcelona in the same season. However, things quickly took a turn for the worse.

It was the player's second season with Barcelona in 1984, but the Barca club officials were already running out of patience with this ever-rebellious, self-driven player. His consistent proneness to injuries also led him to become an unwanted liability to the Barcelona bosses. Despite the contract, he was almost certain to leave the club at the end of the 1983-84 season. 

During this time of turbulence off the pitch, an incident on the pitch added fuel to the fire for him. In a heated match against Athletic Bilbao in the Copa Del Rey final, both teams got into a fight and the tiny Argentine knocked out Bilbao goalkeeper Miguel Sola by kicking him down. He was sentenced to a three-month ban following this incident. 

The distance between him and the club was growing, and he felt a growing excitement to head out. By that point, though, he had already established himself as one of the world’s best footballers, showcasing his incredible skills on the field. Naturally, he had many lucrative offers from many top European clubs. But the rebellious Argentine made an unconventional decision to play for Napoli, a club located in Naples, a city in the far south of Italy.

Little did the Argentine know, that by opting to play for Napoli, he would literally be enthroned as a God by the people of Naples. He was destined to become a Messiah for the people, embodying their hopes and dreams. 

In July 1984, the City of Naples welcomed the tiny-looking Argentine named Diego Armando Maradona. The greatest chapter in Napoli's football history began in this way, igniting the hopes of the people of a city that was shrouded in darkness at that time. 

The light of life

It was Antonio Juliano, Napoli's Sporting Director at that time who himself traveled to Spain to discuss Maradona's transfer with Barca and he made it possible. After the negotiation was over, Diego signed for Napoli for a record £6m fee. It is said that Barcelona's board demanded £5m and an extra fee at the end of the negotiation, and that extra fee was paid by the funds raised by the people of Naples! 

Even before Maradona set foot in the city, it was clear that the citizens had already begun to see him as a beacon of hope, almost like a savior in their eyes.

The reason behind Naples' citizens finding great hope in Maradona's arrival was not only Napoli's disastrous performance in the Serie A. The city and the areas surrounding Naples faced significantly more challenges than other parts of Italy during that time. The city continued to survive under the passive control of Italian mafia groups, leading to widespread poverty, high unemployment, and organized crimes.

Born and raised in a poor family in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Maradona did not find much difference between the two cities. He found his sense of home in Naples. In his post-signing interview, Maradona said:

"I want to become the idol of the poor children of Naples because they are like I was when I lived in Buenos Aires." 

Naples was in a tumultuous situation and so was the Club Napoli, the lifeblood of the city. Since its foundation in 1926, Napoli faced a challenging journey up until 1984, with no Scudetto (the Italian league title) and they narrowly avoided relegation in two back-to-back seasons in Serie A. 

In his debut match in the Seria A against Hellas Verona in Verona, Maradona's Napoli side had to hear the sarcastic chants of 'Lavatevi, Lavatevi', meaning 'wash yourselves'. Verona fans from the wealthy city of Verona mocked that Naples is for the poor; Napoli represents the club of the underprivileged. That is why they said 'Clean yourselves'. Although those arrogant supporters did not understand that day, how hard Maradona was going to hit their arrogance.

However, Napoli finished eighth in the 1984-85 season, which was a much better result than their last few years. Ottavio Bianchi became the new manager of Napoli in 1985. In the 1985-86 season, Napoli finished third in Serie A. Maradona, who won the World Cup with Argentina in 1986, took Napoli to the desired success in the 1986-87 season. Naples erupted in celebration after Napoli secured its first Scudetto with a 1-1 draw against Fiorentina. The festival lasted for a week, and Maradona shone like an angel in the lives of the people of Naples.

In the same season, Napoli won the Coppa Italia, defeating Atalanta 4–0 on aggregate in the final. In 1989, Napoli won the UEFA Cup by beating VFB Stuttgart 2–1, 3–3, the first European trophy in Napoli's history. Napoli won the Scudetto for the second time in 1990 and the hero behind all these was the lover of Naples, Diego Maradona!

However, the sun, though it ascends, must inevitably set. The last few years of Maradona's career in Italy, who became a God-like figure in Naples, proved the truth that there is always darkness under the bright lights that blind our eyesight.

The fall

The wealth in Naples was a strong lure for him, as he hailed from a poor family in Argentina. Maradona fought poverty since his childhood and that is why the wealth he amassed from fame and football led him to the wrong ways. Maradona became the favourite of Carmine Giuliano, the kingpin of the Giuliano family which was the biggest mafia clan in Naples at the time. Carmine made Maradona addicted to cocaine and other drugs, several partners, luxury cars, and gifts. 

In 1988, Napoli had the power to bankrupt the Camorra family, the football-centric gambling lords, as they came close to winning the league. Strangely, Napoli dropped points in the last five matches, and AC Milan were the champions for the 1987-88 season. It was suspicion for everyone but the message came directly to the players. Maradona's car was vandalized and his teammate Salvatore Bagni's house was robbed twice. 

But a football match added fuel to the fire for Maradona in Italy as well just like it did for him in Spain. Argentina faced Italy in the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup and the match was held at Napoli's home ground, Stadio San Paolo! In that match, Maradona scored the winning penalty in the shoot-out to take Argentina to the final, in front of the fans who showered him with love since he set foot on Italian soil.

From then on, even the Napoli fans started to think of him as a villain. The hero was ignored and in fact, the entire Naples was in a near-riot situation at that time. After failing a drug test in March 1991, Maradona was banned from football for 15 months. Most of the Napoli fans turned their face away from their 'Dios' and the beloved legend of Napoli left the city almost silently in 1992. He left behind a unique story of an intense love for football entwined with human emotions.

And the rest  

Maradona returned to Spain in 1992 to play for LaLiga side Sevilla but he was way beyond his prime at that time. Maradona finally said good-bye to football in 1997. Maradona passed away on  25th November 2020 and today is his 64th birth anniversary.

However, the club of his heart did not break his heart anymore. Napoli officially renamed San Paolo to Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in 2020 after Maradona passed away. Napoli won their first Scudetto in 33 years in the 2022-23 season and the city did not let Maradona die in the league-winning celebrations as well with his photos and wearing his jersey marked with 'Maradona 10'. 

How can a city forget someone whose name is synonymous with faith in God, whose photo is placed between the photos of Jesus and Mother Mary in almost every shop in the city, whose legacy is painted in the forms of murals and graffiti on almost every wall of the city?

That is why he is gone but never forgotten. The people of the city of Naples still shower their love for Maradona, the tiny-looking Argentine who once took them out of darkness and gave them the lights of life. 

The No.10 jersey in football is always an iconic one. Be it for any club, country or any team playing in a local tournament, usually the best player of the team or the attacker wears the No.10 jersey for the team. 

FC Barcelona, one of the best and historical clubs in the World, had some of the greatest players ever to wear the No. 10 jersey for them. Today, in this article, we will discuss 10 legendary Barcelona players who have worn the jersey no. 10. 

To give you the context of the article, let me remind you that, after a great 2024-25 season, Lamine Yamal is set to wear the No.10 jersey for FC Barcelona in the next season, only if Ansu Fati leaves the club. 

Read Also | Football jersey numbers: Significance of jersey numbers in football

1. Lionel Messi (2008-2021)

If you talk about any stats or legendary things about FC Barcelona, there is a chance that you will have to mention the little man from Argentina, Lionel Messi. Most goals, most trophies, most assists, most Ballon d'Ors, and many more records for the club - Messi has everything to his name.

Messi had 672 goals and 303 assists in 778 appearances for FC Barcelona and left the club with the most number of titles. The 8-time Ballon d'Or winner wore the No.10 jersey for the first time in 2008 when Ronaldinho left the Catalan club to join AC Milan. 

Since then, Messi has worn the iconic jersey for 14 years, before leaving the club as the greatest Barcelona player. 

Read Also | 11 players who have won the most trophies in football history

2. Diego Maradona (1982–1984)

An Argentine legend followed by another one. One of the greatest footballers ever, Diego Maradona, who is known for his time at Italian Club Napoli, spent two seasons at FC Barcelona as well. 

Although Maradona's stint at Barcelona was full of controversies and injuries, he scored 38 goals in 58 matches and won the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup for FC Barcelona. 

3. Ronaldinho (2003–2008)

With his Samba magic and flair, Ronaldinho is regarded as one of the greatest Barcelona players ever. The Brazilian legend was there when Messi made his debut and gave him all the support to fill his shoes later. Before Messi, it was Ronaldinho, who used to wear the No. 10 jersey for FC Barcelona. 

Ronaldinho scored 94 goals and provided 71 assists in 207 matches for FC Barcelona. 

Alongside winning two La Liga titles, he also won the 2006 UEFA Champions League for the Spanish club.

Read Also | Top 10 Greatest EL Clasico Matches of All Time

4. Gary Lineker (1986–1989)

Gary Lineker is one of the greatest English players ever to play for FC Barcelona. From 1986 to 1989, Lineker played for FC Barcelona in 138 matches, wearing the famous No. 10 jersey. 

Lineker scored 51 goals for the Catalan club and helped them win the Copa del Rey in 1988 and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1989.

5. Rivaldo (1997–2002)

Rivaldo, the Brazilian legend and captain, joined FC Barcelona in the 1997 season and played 235 games for the Catalan, the most he played for any club in his career. The attacking midfielder scored 130 goals for Barcelona and won four titles, including two La Liga titles. 

Not only that, during his stint at Barcelona, he won the FIFA Best Player Award and Ballon d'Or award in 1999. 

Read Also | Football Facts: Players With Champions League, World Cup and Ballon d'Or

6. César Rodríguez (1939–1955)

Since there was no consistency in jersey numbers during the 1930s and 1940s era, it is quite unclear how many games he played wearing the No. 10 jersey for FC Barcelona. But Cesar, who wore the No. 10 jersey occasionally for FC Barcelona, played 344 games for the club.

In those games, he scored 226 goals and won 11 trophies for the club, including 5 La Liga titles. With 28 goals, he also finished the 1948-49 season as the top scorer of La Liga.

7. Juan Román Riquelme (2002–2005)

Another Argentine legend is on the list of legendary players to wear the No. 10 jersey for FC Barcelona. Riquelme, the legendary Argentine attacking midfielder, though he only played 42 games for FC Barcelona, made his mark before leaving for Villarreal and Boca Juniors. 

8. Michael Laudrup (1989–1994)

Laudrup, the Danish playmaker, was an integral part of Johan Cruyff’s dream team. The stylish midfielder played 226 games for FC Barcelona and scored 54 goals for the club. Along with his goals, Laudrup assisted 26 times as well. 

Laudrup won 9 trophies for FC Barcelona, including 1 UEFA Champions League, 4 La Liga titles, 1 UEFA Supercup and 2 Spanish Super Cups. Post becoming FC Barcelona.

After his successful 1992 and 1993 seasons, Laudrup joined Real Madrid the next season. 

9. Luis Suárez Miramontes (1955–1961)

One of the greatest Spanish midfielders, Luis Suárez Miramontes, is also one of the greatest FC Barcelona players. Luis Suárez Miramontes, in 176 games for FC Barcelona, scored 80 goals and assisted 21 times. 

Suarez won two La Liga titles and two Spanish Cup titles for FC Barcelona before moving to Inter Milan, where he flourished as a striker and went on to win two Champions League titles as well. 

But before leaving for Inter Milan, he won the 1960 Ballon d'Or while playing for FC Barcelona.

10. Hugo Sotil (1973–1976)

Hugo Sotil, the Peruvian striker, was one of the key players for FC Barcelona during the Johan Cruyff era. In 70 games, he scored 18 goals and helped FC Barcelona win the 1973–74 La Liga title.

Hugo was one of the key members of Barcelona's resurgence in the 1970s. 

European football has gifted us numerous memorable moments and matches this season, and we can expect more to come in the upcoming months.

The top five European Leagues – Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1 have different title chase scenarios as the leagues are entering the final lap, leading the clubs to their fate in the 2024-25 season.

England, Germany, and France have witnessed a one-sided battle for the league title this season, except for Spain and Italy, where the champions might be decided even in the closing matchday this season.

In this article, we will examine the league table scenarios, possible equations for the league leaders to secure the title, and the contention for the continental competitions such as UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League for next season.

Premier League 

Liverpool are currently atop the Premier League 2024-25 table, having bagged 73 points in 30 matches. The Reds are edging closer to the title as Arsenal, the second-placed side, dropped points against Everton in a 1-1 stalemate yesterday.

Liverpool have a chance to extend their lead at the top with a win against Fulham this evening, which will see them going 14 points ahead of the Gunners.

The Mikel Arteta-led side has earned 62 points in 31 games so far. As of now, Liverpool only need 11 points from their last eight games to secure the Premier League title for the 20th time in their history.

Liverpool are just four wins away from being crowned Premier League champions.

If it plays out like that, they could win the title at Anfield vs. Spurs then receive guard of honours from both Chelsea and Arsenal 🤯 pic.twitter.com/MVDmpDzRhi

— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) April 5, 2025

Nottingham Forest have been a surprise entrant for a top-four finish in the Premier League, charging for a UEFA Champions League berth next season. The Forest are now third with 57 points in 31 games – five points clear of the fourth-placed Chelsea.

Fifth-placed Manchester City (51 points in 30 games) and Aston Villa (51 points in 31 games), now sixth, will throw a tough challenge for the Champions League and Europa League berth, whereas seventh-placed Newcastle United (50 points in 29 games) might surpass City and Villa in the race.

Premier League 2024-25 Table

LaLiga

The title race in LaLiga 2024-25 has intensified dramatically after the league leaders FC Barcelona and nearest challengers Real Madrid dropped points in the same day yesterday. Los Blancos faced a shocking 1-2 defeat against Valencia at home, whereas Barcelona were held to a 1-1 draw against Real Betis at home.

Barcelona are currently atop the table with 67 points in 30 matches, four points clear of Real Madrid with 63 points in the same number of games. The title race might go down to the last matchday as these two teams will meet in the fierce El Clasico, scheduled for May 11th, which could decide the potential champions. 

Despite failing to take full advantage of Real Madrid’s slip-up, Barcelona remain 𝙃𝙀𝘼𝙑𝙔 𝙁𝘼𝙑𝙊𝙍𝙄𝙏𝙀𝙎 to win the LALIGA title - according to @OptaAnalyst 📊📈 pic.twitter.com/uUQ5lu6uir

— 433 (@433) April 6, 2025

Fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao (53 points in 29 games) are already five points ahead of Real Betis, now fifth (48 points in 30 games) with one game in hand. Sixth-placed Villareal (47 points in 28 games) could pose a challenge for both of them for UCL and UEL qualification, with two games in hand to match Betis' tally.

LaLiga 2024-25 Table

Serie A

Serie A 2024-25 might witness one of the greatest showdowns in the title charge in the league's history, as league leaders Inter Milan dropped points in a 2-2 draw against Parma last night.

Defending champions Inter Milan are currently topping the table with 68 points across 31 games, having played one game more than second-placed Napoli, who have accumulated 64 points in 30 games. If Napoli ends this week with a win, the gap between these two teams will be just one, leading the teams to walk the wire in the final matchdays.

🚨 After Inter’s draw vs Parma today, the Serie A title race is wide open!

Napoli and Inter are neck and neck — and with only a few games left, neither side can afford to drop points.

Every match now feels like a final. Who will hold their nerve?#Inter #Napoli #SerieA… pic.twitter.com/tyRpVx9lWI

— GlobalFootballX (@MorckIsak) April 5, 2025

The pressure to finish in the top four have also intensified in Italy. With Inter and Napoli confirmed to finish in the top four, third-placed Atalanta (58 points in 30 games), fourth-placed Bologna (56 points in 30 games), fifth-placed Juventus (55 points in 30 games), and sixth-placed AS Roma (52 points in 30 games) will battle it out for the last two UCL berths.

Serie A 2024-25 Table

Bundesliga

As of now, only six points separate league leaders Bayern Munich and second-placed Bayer Leverkusen, though Bayern might attain the Bundesliga 2024-25 title and a first trophy for Harry Kane – if they manage to accumulate 13 from the 18 points available.

Bayern Munich are now ahead with 68 points in 28 games, whereas reigning Champions Bayer Leverkusen have managed 62 in the same number of matches, practically confirming their participation in next season's Champions League.

However, the race for two other UCL berths will draw Eintracht Frankfurt (third, 48 points in 28 games), FSV Mainz (fourth, 46 points in 28 games), RB Leipzig (fifth, 45 points in 28 games), and Borussia Monchengladbach (sixth, 43 points in 27 games) into a battle, looking for places in continental competitions.

Bundesliga 2024-25 Table

Ligue 1

Paris Saint-Germain have claimed the 2024-25 Ligue 1 title after beating Angers 1-0 last night, ensuring their fourth successive title with 74 points in 28 games. The Luis Enrique-managed side have been crowned champions with six matches remaining and are now 24 points ahead of the second-placed AS Monaco (50 points in 28 matches). 

PSG have clinched another milestone, winning the league title without losing a single game so far, and with six matches remaining, they will look to embrace the 'invincible' tag by ending the season without a single defeat.

If Les Parisiens complete an unbeaten league season, they will join a special group of clubs from Europe's top five leagues that have achieved this feat. This group includes Bayer Leverkusen in 2024, Juventus in 2012, Arsenal in 2004, AC Milan in 1992, Perugia in 1979, and Preston North End in 1889.

However, the race to qualify for next season's UCL will go down to the wire between six teams who are differentiated by only four points – AS Monaco (50), Olympique de Marseille (49), Olympique Lyonnais (48), OGC Nice (47), Lille OSC (47), and RC Strasbourg (46).

Ligue 1 2024-25 Table

(*all stats are accurate as of the time of publishing this article.)

Former Brazilian striker Ronaldo Nazario, 'the phenomenon' named some of his colleagues, footballing legends and icons among his list of the 11 best players ever. Former Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Juventus stars are on the list.

In this special article, we explore the greatest football XI as per Ronaldo Nazario.

The greatest football XI as per Ronaldo:

1. Pele
2. Lionel Messi
3. Diego Maradona
4. Zico
5. Romario
6. Cristiano Ronaldo
7. Marco Van Basten
8. Zinedine Zidane
9. Luis Figo
10. Rivaldo 
11. Ronaldinho

1. Pele

Ronaldo Nazario grew up in Brazil in the 80s, it is not a surprise that he picked Pele. While Ronaldo Nazario was too young to watch Pele play live, his legacy is still to this day within the football world. For many Brazilians, Pele will always be the Greatest of all time.

2. Lionel Messi

Ronaldo has often spoken highly of the Argentine forward, and it is not a surprise that he named Lionel Messi as one of the best players of all time.

Ronaldo Nazario said the following during an interview in 2020:

Messi is out of this world. He’s great. I like him much more than any other player. Everything he does is spectacular.

3. Diego Maradona

Ronaldo was born in 1976; he would have seen Diego Maradona in action during his development years and it is no surprise that the Argentine genius made such an impression on him. In reverse, Diego Maradona was always very complimentary of Ronaldo.

In 2018, Maradona said:

“If it were not for the injuries, Ronaldo would have been the best of all time.”

4. Zico

Zico spent the majority of his career playing in his native country for Flamengo. He enjoyed a brief spell in Europe with Udinese but only spent two years playing in Italy before he returned to Brazil.

The Former Brazilian midfielder also earned 71 caps for Brazil and scored 48 goals on the international stage. Despite never winning the World Cup, he is still considered one of the greatest players in the country’s history.

5. Romario

Ronaldo played a total of 19 games alongside Romario for Brazil and the pair combined for 12 goals during their time together. 

Ronaldo told Bobo TV during an interview in 2022.

In 1997, I was an important player already. I had already won the Ballon d’Or. 

During the training retreat for the Copa America, Romario suddenly told me: ‘Get ready, we go out tonight, don’t worry.’

He had prepared a ladder to climb over the hotel’s wall and there was a taxi waiting for us on the other side.

We returned at five am and I was exhausted the following day in training. I understood that Romario did it on purpose to tire me out and take my spot in the starting XI.

6. Cristiano Ronaldo

While Ronaldo Nazario neglected Cristiano Ronaldo from his three greatest players of all time, he still names the Portuguese forward in his best XI.

Ronaldo Nazario told ESPN: 

Cristiano has an incredible career; he has scored in every way possible and successfully adapted to different positions. He is undoubtedly one of the best, but not the greatest.

7. Marco Van Basten:

There can be no denying that the three-time Ballon d’Or winner ranks among the greatest players of all time. At club level, the Dutchman scored a whopping 283 goals in just 379 appearances for Ajax and AC Milan. Like Ronaldo, Van Basten had to retire his career short because of injuries.

8. Zinedine Zidane

During their time together at Real Madrid, Ronaldo played 139 games alongside Zinedine Zidane and the pair combined for 31 goals during that time. Considered by many to be the greatest midfielder of all time, it is no surprise that the Frenchman cuts into Ronaldo’s elite list.

9. Luis Figo

Ronaldo shared a close bond with Luis Figo during his playing days as the pair played alongside each other at Barcelona and Real Madrid. In fact, throughout Ronaldo Nazario's career, only Iker Casillas and Roberto Carlos played more games with him than Figo played.

The former Portuguese winger won 22 trophies throughout his career and undoubtedly ranks as one of the best players of his generation.

10. Rivaldo

Rivaldo was also recognized by Nazario as one of the best players of all time. Former Brazilian international won the Ballon d'Or in 1999. While they never played together at club level, they did make 46 appearances alongside each other when playing for the national team.

11. Ronaldinho

The last name that Ronaldo gave when naming the best players of all time was Ronaldinho. A fellow Ballon d’Or and World Cup winner, this list would feel incomplete without the legendary attacking midfielder. The pair made 39 appearances together for Brazil and won the World Cup and Copa America together.

The 2025 January football transfer window has brought excitement and surprises as clubs across Europe's top five leagues, Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, and Ligue 1, reshaped their squads for the second half of the season.

With blockbuster deals, unexpected moves, and emerging talents switching clubs, the window has kept fans and analysts on their toes. Here is the list of all major transfers in Europe's top five leagues.

Transfers

 Key Transfers:

1. Omar Marmoush to Manchester City:

Manchester City secured the signing of the Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt for an initial fee of 75 million. The Egyptian international has been in exceptional form. 

At the age of 25 his goal-scoring record is unbelievable, scored 15 goals in just 17 matches for Frankfurt.

Our #7 🇪🇬🩵 pic.twitter.com/qwWDRpeIFz

— Manchester City US (@ManCityUS) January 23, 2025

 His Versatility allows him to play both as a winger and a forward. Marmoush has the ability which Pep Guardiola's team lacks most this season. Given his recent performances and the potential impact, he can have on the team's success, the investment in Marmoush appears justified.

Read Also | Omar Marmoush: Europe's biggest club is after new "Mo Salah" | Who is he?

2. Abdukodir Khusanov to Manchester City: 

The young Uzbek defender has become the first signing of Pep Guardiola's Manchester City in the 2025 January transfer window.

Several City defenders have struggled for from and some of them picking up injuries regularly. The defending PL champions aim to bolster and reshape their defense after signing Khusanov from RC Lens. His physical presence, durability, and technique justify the 40 million price tag.

We're delighted to announce the signing of Abdukodir Khusanov 🩵 pic.twitter.com/ltXMbzm3TK

— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 20, 2025

3. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to Paris Saint Germain:

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's 70 million price tag is justified as he brings explosive talent, creativity, and key players to Paris Saint-Germain's attacking line-up. 

A proven dribbler and goal-creator, The Georgian international is vital for breaking defenses. He played a crucial role in Napoli's Serie A-winning 2022-23 season. At 23, his potential and ability to balance the squad make him a long-term investment and Key to PSG's ambitions.

Paris Saint-Germain is thrilled to welcome Khvicha Kvaratskhelia! The 23-year-old winger, set to wear the iconic number 7, becomes the first Georgian player in the club’s history.#WelcomeKvara ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/K9mKyxK9vT

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) January 17, 2025

4. Randal Kolo Muani to Juventus

⚪️⚫️🤝🏻 Official, confirmed. Randal Kolo Muani signs in at Juventus on loan deal from PSG.

€1m loan fee, €2m add-ons and €2.6m extra costs confirmed by Juventus. pic.twitter.com/YS7RR5VsX8

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 23, 2025

Randal Kolo Muani's pace, versatility, and passing made him a perfect fit for Juventus. His ability to stretch defenses, link up with teammates, and adapt to formation complements Thiago Motta's system.

At 25, the French man brings energy, work rate, and tactical intelligence, making him a key player in Juve's attack and their push for success on his loan spell for the Italian giants.

5. Kyle Walker to AC Milan

🚨🔴⚫️ AC Milan have agreed deal to sign Kyle Walker from Man City, here we go!

Loan move with buy option clause not mandatory, salary covered by AC Milan with contract agreed.

Travel and medical being planned.

Manchester City’s captain ready for new chapter. pic.twitter.com/zmhZEj0Clv

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 22, 2025

Kyle Walker would bring experience, pace, and defensive solidity to AC Milan on his loan spell. The English international's international overlapping runs, ability to recover defensively, and leadership fit perfectly into Sergio Conceicao's system, providing balance to their backline.

With his Champions League experience and tactical adaptability, the 34-year-old would strengthen Milan's defense and enhance their push for domestic and European success.

6. Vitor Reis to Manchester City

🚨🔵 EXCLUSIVE: Vitor Reis to Manchester City, here we go! 🇧🇷

Verbal agreement reached right now with Palmeiras on package under €40m fee... and City want it to be IMMEDIATE transfer!

Vitor Reis, set for medical and contract signing as soon as clubs will check all documents. pic.twitter.com/ovLIrSFyDj

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 13, 2025

Manchester City's 37 million investment in Vitor Reis from Palmeiras highlights their focus on securing top young talent. The Brazilian possesses exceptional technical ability, versatility, and defensive intelligence traits highly in Pep Guardiola's system.

Read Also | Manchester City signs Vitor Reis: Can he fix City's defensive struggles?

The 19-year-old Brazilian offers dynamism and defensive stability. His Brazilian flair combined with tactical maturity, aligns with City's philosophy of developing the future stars. 

Football, the biggest and most watched sport in the world has given us an enormous amount of iconic moments to live for. From the era of Pele and Maradona to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo and now Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, football stars have been able to create moments on and off the field which will stay with the fans for their lifetime. In our special football facts article, we look into some of those iconic football moments till now. 

Maradona's "Hand of God" 

If you talk about iconic football moments, this has to be one of the most iconic and controversial moments in football history. The Argentine maestro Diego Maradona used his hand to score a goal in the all-important quarter-final match against England in the 1986 FIFA World Cup at Estadio Azteca in Mexico. 

In the sixth minute of the game, a long ball by English midfielder Steve Hodge came towards the English goal and Maradona, the lone Argentine player inside the box jumped in the air to get the ball. While jumping in the air, Maradona had his left arm outstretched and the fist close to his head. English goalkeeper Peter Shilton also jumped in the air to get the ball. 

But the ball hit Maradona's fist and went straight into the goal to give Argentina the 1-0 and eventually won the match by 2-1. Scoring a goal with the hand is illegal but the referee did not have a clear view and after a discussion with the linesman, gave the goal to Argentina. 

Post the goal, when Maradona was asked if the goal was illegal, he said, "A little with the head of Maradona, and a little with the hand of God" and the goal was named "Hand of God" after that. However, later the late great footballer acknowledged the fact the goal was illegal. 

Argentina went on to win the FIFA World Cup that year and Mexican photographer Alejandro Ojeda Carbajal clicked the iconic moment for generation next to have a look at that iconic and controversial moment.

Read Also | 11 Iconic Football Celebrations and Reasons Behind Them 

The Miracle of Istanbul

The Miracle of Istanbul is one of the most iconic incidents in Liverpool FC's history and perhaps in modern football's history. In the 2005 UEFA Champions League final at Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Liverpool FC and AC Milan faced each other as Liverpool looked for their fifth European title and AC Milan looked for their seventh title.

Liverpool were appearing in a Champions League final first time since 1985 and Milan were playing their second final in three years. Obviously, Milan was touted to be the favourites and they proved everyone right with captain Paolo Maldini scoring within the first minute of the match. Hernan Crespo then scored in the 39th and 44th minute to give Milan a huge 3-0 in the first half.

Down and out Liverpool needed to do something 'miraculous' to make a comeback in the match and they did so. Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard first scored for them in the 54th minute with a cracking header. Vladimir Smicer scored two minutes later with a long-range shot from outside the box. In the 60th minute, Xabi Alonso scored after his penalty was partially saved by goalkeeper Dida.

With the game being 3-3 after the full and extra time, the game went to penalties. Serginho missed the first penalty for Milan. Hamann scored for Liverpool to give them the lead. Andrea Pirlo then missed the second penalty for Milan and Djibril Cissé gave Liverpool a 2-0 lead. 

Tomasson then scored his penalty for Milan but John Arne Riise missed his one for Liverpool and Milan came back with Kaka scoring in the next shot. Vladimir Smicer then scored his penalty and Jerzy Dudek saved Andriy Shevchenko's penalty to hand Liverpool their fifth Champions League title. 

Zinedine Zidane's Headbutt

Another iconic moment in modern football history took place during the 2006 FIFA World Cup when France captain Zinedine Zidane headbutted Italian defender Marco Materazzi. The Les Blues captain received the red card which then became the last footballing action from the French legend. 

So what happened that day? The World Cup final at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin went into extra time after Zidane himself gave France the lead in the seventh minute and Marco Materazzi equalising for Italy in the 19th minute of the game. Throughout the game, both Zidane and Marco Materazzi came close to each other. 

In the 110th minute of the match, after Materazzi touched Zidane during a ball play and Gennaro Gattuso cleared the ball, both players shared words between themselves. Everything looked part of the game but what came seconds later shocked the entire world.

The 1998 World Cup winner planted his golden boots firmly on the ground and lowered his head to headbutt the Italian defender, who was sent tumbling across the turf. With most of the players and the match referee Horacio Elizondo not witnessing the incident, the referee had to discuss everything with the assisting referee before showing a red card to the French captain.

Zidane without even a word to argue with the referee, left the field head bowed. Italy went on to win the match by 5-3 in the penalties. 

Later in 2020 in the Spanish publication AS, Materazzi revealed what he had said to Zidane which resulted in the headbutt. He said, “There had been a bit of contact between us in the area. He had scored France's goal in the first half and our coach (Marcello Lippi) told me to mark him. After that first brush between us, I apologised but he reacted badly.

“After the third clash, I frowned and he retorted: 'I'll give you my shirt later'. I replied that I'd rather have his sister than his shirt.

“My words were stupid but did not deserve that reaction. In any neighbourhood of Rome, Naples, Turin, Milan Paris, I hear much more serious things.

“I talked about his sister not his mother, like I have read in some newspapers. My mother died while I was a teenager, I would never insult his.”

Zidane never spilt a word about the incident until 2022 when he said Telefoot, “I’m not at all proud of what I did but it’s part of my past.”

Pele’s 1000th Goal

From the recent incidents of football let me now take you to a glorious past when a certain player named Pele scored the 1000th goal of his professional career and became the first and still the only footballer to achieve the feat.

Pele, the once-in-a-lifetime player from Brazil popularised football all over the world during and after his playing days. The three-time World Cup winner with Brazil holds an enormous number of records while playing for Santos and his national team.

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Due to the hazardous nature of the football schedule during his time, there was never an exact count of how many goals the Brazilian no. 10 scored. However, on November 19, 1969, during a game between Santos and Vasco da Gama fans of both teams gave him a standing ovation after he scored in the game. That goal was considered the 1000th goal of his professional career. 

At that time, Pele was not even 30, which proved at what rate the great man scored. Although there will be always a question mark on how many goals he actually scored since there is no official record to support that, Pele in 2015 claimed that he scored 1283 goals in his career. 

The Undefeated Invincibles

Now from a goal or moment, we will talk about a whole football season that has been etched in Premier League and football history for eternity. Arsene Wenger's Arsenal FC went unbeaten in the 2003/04 season to create history. In the 38 games in the league, they won 26, drawn 12 and lost none.

Read Also | The Invincibles: 8 times a football team won their league undefeated

After winning a domestic double in the 2002/03 season. manager Arsene Wenger told his team that they were capable of going unbeaten in the season. And, the players made that happen. However, that was not a smooth ride for the team as they came back from setbacks to win or draw games.

Theirry Henry was their strongest force at the front with the French striker scoring 30 goals in the season, while Robert Pires netted 14 times. However, it was players like captain Patrick Viera, Dennis Bergkamp, Gilberto Silva, Sol Campbell and Kolo Toure who carried the team on their backs. 

Arsenal 2003-04 Invincible squad

Leicester City’s Premier League Triumph

From the Invincible's story, we move to one of the greatest underdog stories in football history. Leicester City winning the Premier League title in the 2015-16 season is football's most inspiring story you will hear and tell in your life.

Before winning the Premier League, they were nearly relegated in season before and two seasons ago, they were playing in the Championship. Who on earth would have given the bets for the Foxes to win the league that season? Well, it was, the fearlessness and beliefs of Claudio Ranieri's boys that turned the grass into golds and underdogs into champions.

Ranieri created a solid 4-4-2 formation at the start of the season to form a team that can beat anyone in the counterattack and then defend with solid shape and discipline. They are still the team to win the Premier League with the lowest average possession figure of 42.43%. 

Jamie Verdy with 24 goals and 6 assists was the star for the Foxes alongside Riyad Mahrez, who scored 17 goals and assisted 11 times in that season. N'Golo Kante's stunning debut season saw making him 175 tackles and 156 interceptions, which were the most in the league that season.

Leicester City won 23 games. drawn 12 and lost only 3 games to earn a club record 81 points en route clinching their first and only Premier League title. 

Leicester City' squad in the 2015-16 Premier League

The Most Expensive Transfer in History

Football, the sport is what it is because of the amount of revenue it has been generating over the last few decades and professional players earning a hefty amount for showing their skills week in and week out. 

Footballers attracting "A huge amount of money" has been one of the reasons why players are now ready to leave their favourite clubs or leagues and play somewhere they can more money.

Neymar Jr, the Brazilian attracted people's eyes from his early days in Santos. He then was signed by FC Barcelona and played alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez to create one of the most fearsome trios in football history. However, after spending four seasons with the Catalonian club, Neymar made a move to the French club Paris St. Germain (PSG) where he earned a record transfer fee of €222 million in August 2017.

Neymar's move to PSG from Barcelona for €222 million is still the most expensive transfer in football history as of August 2024.

The Messi-Ronaldo Era

Well, if you are writing about major football facts and you do not mention Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, you should either end up in jail or accept some huge punishments from the football fans. 

I waited till the last to mention these two greats because if we mentioned their moments created with goals, trophies or seasons, the list would have ended up being 10000 words long. That's why and rightly so, we mentioned the whole Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo era as a significant football moment in the history of football.

Read Also | 10 players who have won the most trophies in football history 

Since 2006, both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo won a total of 77 trophies (Messi 44, Ronaldo 33). They scored fifty-plus goals in a season a record 13 times in their career (Messi 6 times, Ronaldo 7 times). They are the only two players to score over 800 official goals each in their careers for club and country.

They both have scored more than 100 goals in their international careers. Moreover, they dominated the Ballon d'Or winners list by not letting anyone other than themselves win the award from 2008 to 2017. The record was finally broken by Luka Modric of Croatia when he won the 2018 Ballon d'Or to announce "the end of an era".

Read Also | Ballon d'Or 2024: Most Ballon d'Or wins by Clubs 

Both legends together won the European Golden Shoe award ten times (Messi 6 times, Ronaldo 4 times). Messi, the Barcelona legend is the top scorer in La Liga history while Ronaldo is the top scorer in UEFA Champions League history.

With both the players going beyond the prime, football is now back to normal where players scoring 30-40 goals are getting considered as the best in the world, again.