Confirmed: Leo Messi will leave PSG

According to reports of Fabrizio Romano, it is confirmed that Leo Messi will leave Paris St. Germain after his suspension by the club.

Koushik Biswas

May 3, 2023, 2:42 PM

Confirmed: Leo Messi will leave PSG

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Lionel Messi will leave PSG after his suspension from the football club authorities. PSG suspended the Argentine footballer after his visit to Saudi Arabia without the approval of the club.

Leo Messi now can not practice with the team for the next two weeks. Moreover, he will also not be paid any money for that period as well. Post that suspension, it was already reported that PSG will end the contract with the 7-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Read Also: Lionel Messi stats for PSG: The GOAT's adventures in Paris

The 35-year-old footballer is getting linked with Saudi clubs and MLS clubs along with his home team Barcelona. According to a few reports, Barcelona are confident to sign back Leo Messi but there will be some serious financial calculations for that.

Along with all the reports, Lionel Messi is also linked with Manchester City. The Premier League team had tried their luck to get Messi last time, but PSG had the better of them. Although Messi's team was already seen in Barcelona in the last few weeks, his Barcelona return is termed as "not impossible".

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The most shocking goal misses in Football history

From legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to the new superstars of football, there have been many distressing goal misses that remain iconic and unforgettable. Sportzpoint explores the most shocking goal misses in Football history.

The most shocking goal misses in Football history

Football is a sport full of drama, distress, excitement, and unforgettable moments that are cherished from generation to generation. Goals are the highlighting factor that decides the fate of a team and that is why the near-misses leave the fans in agony and sometimes change the course of football's history.

These fumbles in front of the goal are surprising and unexpected at the same moment. In this article, we delve into the most shocking misses in football history.

Erling Haaland 

(Manchester City vs Liverpool, 2022 FA Community Shield Final)

The most shocking goal misses in Football history-sportzpoint.com

The Norwegian goal-machine emerged as an absolute cheat-code for Manchester City since his move to Man City in 2022. However, he came to England as and promising youngster but faced criticism from fans after his open goal miss in his very first match for Manchester City in the FA Community Shield Final on 30 July 2022 against Liverpool.

The most shocking goal misses in Football history-sportzpoint.com

Phil Foden unleashed a left-footed strike in the seventh minute of injury time and it was denied by Liverpool keeper Adrian, but Erling Haaland wasted an open chance to score from the second ball as he hit the crossbar from a close range to the goal. Liverpool won the game by 3-1.

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting

(PSG vs Strasbourg, Ligue 1 2018-19)

The most shocking goal misses in Football history-sportzpoint.com
(Image Credit | Squawka Live)

The Cameroonian International featured for teams such as Bayern Munich and Paris-Saint Germain, and he was a part of the PSG squad who were runner-ups in the UCL 2019-20. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting also scored the winner in injury time against Atalanta in the quarter-final of the same UCL campaign.

However, Choupo-Moting got down in history for a bizarre instance in a 2-2 draw against Strasbourg in Ligue 1 during his first season with the French side. Christopher Nkunku successfully chipped the opponent keeper with a shot that was about to go in, but Choupo-Moting somehow stopped the shot on the line in an attempt to tap it in, but his intervention led the threat to get cleared. 

Neal Maupay

(Brentford vs Cardiff City, EFL Championship 2017-18)

The most shocking goal misses in Football history-sportzpoint.com
(Image Credit | Wales Online)

Neal Maupay, the French forward who spent most of his career in England, joined Brentford in 2017 and went on to be a headline for his incredible open-goal miss against Cardiff City in the 2017-18 EFL Championship. 

The golden opportunity emerged as Ollie Watkins won the possession in front of the box by beating Sean Morrison in a duel and he fooled the keeper to pass it to Maupay, who only had an open goal in front of him.

However, Maupay took some time to slot it home as defender Sol Bamba ran onto the goal-line to stop the shot. Surprisingly, Maupay did not let Bamba do anything as he fired it inches off the post. Brentford eventually lost the game by 0-2.

Cristiano Ronaldo

(Manchester United vs Sheffield United, Premier League 2006-07)

The most shocking goal misses in Football history-sportzpoint.com
(Image Credit | Sheffield Star)

Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably the greatest footballer ever, also finds himself on this unfortunate list. The dreaded Portuguese netted the most goals in football history, although his unbelievable miss came in his early days at Old Trafford. Ronaldo wasted this open-scoring chance during a Premier League game against Sheffield United in 2006.

A sublime backheel by Wayne Rooney opened a space in front of the box for the Red Devils as Ryan Giggs intercepted the pass before cutting a grounder through Sheffield's defence. The ball comfortably found Cristiano Ronaldo but his strike flew over the crossbar from a very close distance to the goal.

Lionel Messi 

(Argentina vs Trinidad and Tobago, Friendly, 2014)

The most shocking goal misses in Football history-sportzpoint.com

Lionel Messi, the other footballer who is arguably considered the greatest footballer of all-time, has also entered this fateful list due to his unbelievable blunder for Argentina against Trinidad and Tobago on 4 June 2014, prior to the 2014 FIFA World Cup. 

Angel Di Maria fired into the opponent box and released a comfortable pass before the ball could cross the goal-line, but Messi failed to respond quickly as the defender cleared the ball from in front of an open goal before even Messi could intercept.

Randal Kolo Muani

(France vs Argentina, 2022 FIFA World Cup Final)

The most shocking goal misses in Football history-sportzpoint.com

This wasted scoring opportunity changed Argentina's football history as Argentina lifted the 2022 FIFA World Cup by beating France in penalties, following an unnerving 3-3 draw after extra time. 

The 120-minute Final showcased a brilliant display of football ending in a 3-3 draw between France and Argentina, before going down to penalties to decide the world champion. However, France could have snatched the World Cup if Randal Kolo Muani was not denied by Emiliano Martinez in the last minute of the game.

A lobbed pass was intercepted by Kolo Muani in front of Argentina's box as Nicolas Otamendi failed to intercept, but Kolo Muani's first-touch attempt was denied by Argentina keeper Emiliano Martine who stretched his leg to stop the shot. Only 47 seconds were left before the final whistle! This miss will remain iconic for the heroic save by Emi rather than the blunder by Kolo Muani.

Fernando Torres 

(Chelsea vs Manchester United, Premier League 2011-12)

The most shocking goal misses in Football history-sportzpoint.com
(Image Credit | Footy Accumulators)

Fernando Torres was arguably the top striker in the world in and around 2007 to 2010. Chelsea broke the British transfer record to acquire the Spaniard from Liverpool in January 2011. Somehow, 'El Nino' failed to replicate his Liverpool performance at Stamford Bridge, and his disappointing tenure with the Blues was highlighted by a moment during a match against Manchester United in September 2011.

Torres already scored the only goal for his team but Chelsea was behind 3-1. In the 83rd minute, Ramires played a beautiful through that cut the United defense open in half. Torres intercepted the ball and managed to ease past David de Gea with a skillful feint, having an open goal in front of him.

However, Torres surprisingly shot the ball wide of the post and missed the golden chance which went down as one of the worst misses in the Premier League history.

Yakubu Ayegbeni

(Nigeria vs South Korea, FIFA World Cup 2010)

The most shocking goal misses in Football history-sportzpoint.com
(Image Credit | Afrosport)

Nigeria faced South Korea in a do-or-die match after two consecutive defeats in the Group stage of FIFA World Cup 2010, and Yakubu Ayegbeni crashed the headlines but not quite for the right reasons.

Midfielder Yusuf Ayila delivered a ball right into the six-yard box where Ayegbeni received the pass, but he missed the absolute sitter from inches close to the goal. The match eventually ended in a 2-2 draw and Nigeria finished at the bottom of the group.

Ilija Sivonjic

(Dinamo Zagreb vs Cibalia Vinkovci, HNK 2006)

The most shocking goal misses in Football history-sportzpoint.com
(Image Credit | Vecernji)

Croatian footballer Ilija Sivonjic's open miss in 2006 for Dinamo Zagreb against Cibalia is widely considered one of the worst misses in football history. 

In the 33rd minute of the game, one of his Dinamo teammates slotted the ball on target. Although it went past the opposition keeper, it was stopped by Sivonjic who attempted a backheel to tap it in. The ball inexplicably bounced off the goal line and one of the Cibalia defenders sent it out of play. 

Ronny Rosenthal

(Liverpool vs Aston Villa, 1996)

The most shocking goal misses in Football history-sportzpoint.com
(Image credit | Birmingham Live)

Ronny Rosenthal started his Liverpool career very well, scoring 7 goals in his first 8 games. He even scored a hat-trick in his first game against Charlton. However, he couldn't keep up this great form later.

In 1992 during Pool's PL encounter against Aston Villa, Rosenthal wasted a golden opportunity to score. Rosenthal intercepted a long ball from David James and dribbled past the goalkeeper, but misfired his left-footed strike to hit the crossbar. This miss is still remembered as one of the worst misses in Premier League history.

Rosenthal later joked about this famous miss and said:

"Does it bother me? No it doesn't matter now. I'm glad it happened!

"I'm glad I missed because I'm still on the map [because of it]."

via Birmingham Live

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Players with the Most Hat-tricks in International football (Male and Female)

Many players have made their mark on the national team by scoring remarkable goals that have helped their countries succeed. In this article, Sportz Point discusses the players with the most hat trick goals in International football.

Muojindu Francis

Nov 8, 2024, 4:11 PM

USA's Alex Morgan in action for her country

Various international women's football players have cemented themselves in history books by achieving remarkable records. At the forefront is Canada's Christine Sinclair, an iconic figure in women's football

This collection of players and their impressive accomplishments underscore the development of women's football and the extraordinary talent that has emerged within the sport over the years. Let’s take a closer look at these stellar performers

Read Also: Real Madrid's Top 5 most expensive signings of all time

Babra Bander: Zambia- 7 

Babra Banda of Zambia at the Olympics- Sportz Point.com

From the streets of Lusaka to the global stage, Barbra Banda’s journey is a testament to determination and raw talent. Born in Zambia’s capital, Banda started playing football at the tender age of seven. But her early sporting prowess wasn’t confined to just football.

Inspired by renowned Zambian boxer Catherine Phiri, Banda also dabbled in boxing at 14, quickly making a name for herself. She dominated the amateur scene, and after winning every bout and seeing other fighters hesitant to face her, Banda turned professional, where she won all five of her matches. However, football eventually took center stage in her life.

In October 2018, Banda signed with Spain's first division club, EDF Logroño, becoming the first Zambian woman to play football in Europe. Her career continued to soar when, in March 2024, she joined the Orlando Pride in the United States, signing a four-year contract that would keep her with the club until 2027.

Her impact on the international stage began early. Banda played for Zambia’s U-17 women’s team at the 2014 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, turning 14 during the tournament. Two years later, on March 6, 2016, she made her senior team debut in a Women’s Nations Cup qualifier against Namibia.

The peak of her career came at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Banda captained the Zambian national team as they made their debut appearance at the prestigious tournament. She became the first woman to score consecutive hat-tricks in Olympic history, netting three goals in a 3-10 loss to the Netherlands, she scored another three in a 4-4 draw against China. These performances also made her the first woman to score two hat-tricks in a single Olympic tournament.

Read Also: I didn't set a date or a deadline": Lionel Messi hints at retirement after hat-trick against BoliviaFIFA World Cup 2026: Teams qualified so far

Michelle Akers: United States of America- 7

The name Michelle Akers is synonymous with U.S. women’s soccer dominance. With seven career hat-tricks, Akers helped the U.S. win the inaugural 1991 FIFA Women’s World Cup, leading the tournament with 10 goals, including five in a single game.

Her leading the team was crucial to the U.S. women's team securing its first-ever world title, and she later played a vital role in the 1999 World Cup and 1996 Olympics victories. 

Akers was also the lead scorer in the inaugural FIFA Women's World Cup in China in 1991. The U.S. women's team defeated Norway 2–1 in the final with Akers scoring both goals.

Ali Al-Biski: Libya - 7

Ali Al-Biski, a former Libyan footballer, played as a striker and holds the record as Libya's all-time top scorer despite the nation’s limited participation in FIFA events during his time. He led the Libyan Premier League in scoring twice—first in 1965 with Al-Madina SC, and again in 1968 with Al Ahli Tripoli. He recorded seven hat-tricks for the national team.

Pelé: Brazil - 7

Pele has scored 757 goals in his footballing career

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, famously known as Pelé, was a Brazilian forward and a football icon, widely hailed as one of the greatest players in history. With a Guinness World Record for 1,279 goals in 1,363 games (including friendlies), Pelé was named Athlete of the Century by the IOC in 1999 and featured in Time magazine’s 100 most influential people of the 20th century. He debuted for Santos at 15 and for Brazil at 16, winning three World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970) and scoring seven hat-tricks for Brazil.

Sándor Kocsis: Hungary - 7

Sándor Kocsis, a Hungarian striker, played for Ferencvárosi TC, Budapest Honvéd, Young Fellows Zürich, and FC Barcelona. After relocating to Spain post-1956 Hungarian Revolution, Kocsis joined Barcelona’s squad. He led the 1954 World Cup with a record 11 goals, scoring 23 times for Hungary that year—a single-year record. Kocsis was also the first player to achieve two hat-tricks in a World Cup.

Cristiane: Brazil- 8

Cristian of Brazil in one of her numerous appearances for the country- Sportz Point.com

Brazilian forward Cristiane stands alongside the greats, boasting eight hat-tricks throughout her career. A prolific goal scorer, she played a key role in Brazil's silver medal triumphs at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics. Cristiane has participated in five FIFA Women’s World Cups and four Olympics, with her most recent hat-trick coming in Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Jamaica at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Ali Daei: Iran - 8

Ali dael  in his country's international colors- Sportz Point.com

Iranian striker and former national team captain, Ali Daei, was renowned as the world’s top scorer in official internationals per the IFFHS, netting 20 goals in 1996. During the 1998 World Cup qualifiers, he scored nine goals over 17 matches, amassing 38 goals in 52 appearances by that time. In 2004, he became the first male to score 100 international goals, reaching 102 with a four-goal game against Laos.

Gerd Müller: Germany - 8

Gerd Muller - UEFA Euro 1976 Top Scorer - sportzpoint.com

Gerd Müller, a prolific German striker known for his precision in the penalty area, is considered one of football’s top scorers. With West Germany, he scored 68 goals in 62 games. For Bayern Munich, he scored 365 goals in 427 Bundesliga matches and 65 goals in 74 European games, holding a league scoring record. Müller’s eight hat-tricks include two in the 1970 World Cup.

Poul Nielsen: Denmark - 8

Danish striker Poul Nielsen scored 52 goals in 38 games, sharing Denmark’s top-scoring record. He earned a silver medal at the 1912 Olympics and led Kjøbenhavns Boldklub (KB) to six Danish championships. Scoring eight hat-tricks in international play, Nielsen was an iconic figure for Denmark until his death in 1962.

Abby Wambach: United States of America- 8

American soccer Legend Abby doing an overhead kick- Sportz Point.com

Mary Abigail Wambach, born on June 2, 1980, is a retired American soccer player, coach, and National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee. A six-time recipient of the U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year award, Wambach was a key player for the U.S. women’s national team from 2003 to 2015.

She earned her first international cap in 2001 and, as a forward, became the highest all-time goal scorer for the U.S. national team. Globally, she ranks second in international goals for both men and women with 184 goals, trailing only Canada's Christine Sinclair.

Wambach competed in four FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments: the 2003 edition in the U.S., the 2007 event in China, the 2011 tournament in Germany, and the 2015 competition in Canada. She also represented the U.S. in the 2004 Athens and 2012 London Olympics.

Throughout these five major international tournaments, Wambach played 30 matches and netted 22 goals. She helped her team secure two Olympic gold medals, third-place finishes twice at the Women's World Cup, a second-place finish in 2011, and ultimately, a World Cup victory in 2015.

Read Also: FIFA World Cup 2026: Teams qualified so far

Carli Lloyd: United States of America- 9

Retired female football veteran Carli holding a world cup trophy- Sportz Point.com

Carli Lloyd is another legend of international football, having represented the U.S. from 2012 to 2021. Over her remarkable career, she earned two Olympic gold medals (in 2008 and 2012) and won two FIFA Women's World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019. In addition, she was named FIFA Player of the Year twice, in 2015 and 2016, and competed in four Olympic Games (2008, 2012, 2016, and 2021).

Lloyd’s capacity for rising to the occasion was evident when she scored the decisive goals in the gold medal matches of both the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics. She was also instrumental in the U.S. clinching World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019, she also secured a bronze medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics. She played in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, where the US finished as runners-up.

Ali Mabkhout: UAE - 9

Ali Makhbout- Sportz Point.com

Ali Mabkhout, a forward for Al Nasr and the UAE national team, debuted with Al Jazira in 2009. A pivotal figure in UAE’s 2019 AFC Asian Cup quarterfinal win over Australia, he became UAE’s top scorer on October 10, 2019, with a hat-trick against Indonesia in a 5-0 victory.

Sven Rydell: Sweden- 9

Swedish striker Sven Rydell scored 49 goals in 43 matches, a record that stood for over 80 years until broken by Zlatan Ibrahimović in 2014. Rydell’s international career included a bronze medal at the 1924 Olympics, and he holds the Swedish record of nine international hat-tricks.

Vivian Woodward: England - 10

Vivian Woodward, an English forward, starred from the early 1900s to World War I, playing for Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea. As Great Britain’s captain, he won gold at the 1908 and 1912 Olympics, recording six hat-tricks for England amateurs and four for England’s national team.

Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal- 10

Europe's Top International Goalscorers: Cristiano Ronaldo extends his lead-sportzpoint.com

At the age of 18, Ronaldo made his debut for Portugal as a substitute against Kazakhstan on 20 August 2003. At UEFA Euro 2004, he scored his first international goal in a 2–1 group stage loss to Greece in his eighth international appearance.

In 2016, Ronaldo led Portugal to their first-ever trophy at the UEFA Euro 2016, although he was subbed off in the 25th minute in the final against hosts France.He received the Silver Boot as the second-highest goalscorer.

In the 2018 World Cup, Ronaldo became the oldest player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup match, in a 3–3 draw against Spain Cristiano Ronaldo became the first male player to score 10 hat-tricks for a national team on 12 October 2021 in Portugal's 5–0 win against Luxembourg, breaking Sven Rydell's record.

Lionel Messi:Argentina -10

Lionel Messi hints at retirement after hat-trick against Bolivia-sportzpoint.com

Lionel Messi debuted for Argentina’s U20 team in 2004 and won the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship. His senior debut came in 2005 at 18. In 2021, he ended Argentina’s 28-year trophy drought with a Copa América win. On October 15, 2024, Messi scored his 10th international hat-trick in a 6-0 win over Bolivia.

Christine Sinclair: Canada- 11

Former Canadian soccer captain Sinclaire celebrating a goal- Sportz Point.com

Christine Margaret Sinclair is a Canadian professional soccer player who plays as a forward for the Portland Thorns in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). From 2000 until her international retirement in 2023, she was a key member of the Canadian national team. 

Sinclair is an Olympic gold medalist, two-time Olympic bronze medalist, CONCACAF champion, and has won the Canada Soccer Player of the Year award 14 times. She holds the world record for the most international goals scored by any player, male or female, with 190 goals and is among the most-capped players in international soccer, with 331 appearances.

In a career spanning more than two decades with the senior national team, Sinclair has competed in six FIFA Women's World Cups and four Olympic Football Tournaments, leading her team to bronze medals in 2012 and 2016, and to gold in 2020.

She is one of only three players to score in five different World Cup tournaments, alongside Marta and Cristiano Ronaldo. In 2022, Sinclair was honored with the Best FIFA Special Award for her achievement as the world’s top goal scorer.

Notably, Sinclair scored her eleventh international hat-trick during a 2012 Olympic match against the United States, netting all three of Canada’s goals in a 3–4 loss.

Read Also: Most valuable Spanish players in history: Yamal goes past Rodri

Alex Morgan: United States of America- 12 

Alex Morgan of the USWNT during a match- Sportz Point.com

Alexandra Patricia Morgan, born on July 2, 1989, is a retired American professional soccer player who last played as a striker for San Diego Wave FC in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), where she served as captain, as well as for the United States national team. She co-captained the U.S. national team with Carli Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe from 2018 to 2020, and later with Lindsay Horan in 2023.

Morgan was the first overall pick in the 2011 WPS Draft by the Western New York Flash, where she made her professional debut and contributed to the team's league championship win. At 22, she was the youngest player on the U.S. national team at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, where the team finished as runner-up.

During the 2012 London Olympics, Morgan scored the decisive goal in the 123rd minute of the semi-final against Canada. She ended 2012 with 28 goals and 21 assists, becoming the second American woman, after Mia Hamm, to record 20 goals and 20 assists in a single year. This achievement made her the sixth and youngest U.S. player to reach 20 goals in one season. Morgan was named U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year and became a FIFA World Player of the Year finalist.

She played a crucial role in the U.S. team's victories at the 2015 and 2019 FIFA Women's World Cups, earning a spot on the Dream Team in both tournaments and winning the Silver Boot in 2019. Morgan recorded her eleventh international hat-trick with five goals on 11 June 2019 in the United States 13–0 victory over Thailand in the 2019 World

Her record-breaking twelfth international hat-trick came in 2021 against Paraguay in a game where the United States dominated and won 8-0

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UEFA Champions League 2024-25 league phase matchweek roundup | PSG, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Arsenal lose while Barcelona, Inter, and Bayern enjoy wins

Read the highlights of the UEFA Champions League 2024-25 league phase matches on match week number 4 as Liverpool maintain a 100% record while Madrid and Man City suffer heavy defeats.

Muojindu Francis

Nov 7, 2024, 12:23 AM

UEFA Champions League 2024-25 league phase matchweek roundup | PSG, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Arsenal lose while Barcelona, Inter, and Bayern enjoy wins

Luis Díaz netted a hat-trick to keep Liverpool at the top of the league table with a flawless record, while AC Milan shocked Real Madrid on their home turf. Celtic, Borussia Dortmund, PSV Eindhoven, GNK Dinamo, and Monaco also secured wins.

Meanwhile, Viktor Gyökeres scored three goals as Sporting CP pulled off the night’s biggest upset against Manchester City. Sit back and relax, as we bring all the updates of the match week 4 of the UEFA Champions League 2024 - 25 league phase round.

Read Also| Pau Cubarsi Injury Update: The defender gets 10 stitches after getting injured in the Champions League match against Crvena Zvezda

Tuesday night's action

PSV Eindoven against Girona- Sportz Point.com

PSV earned their first win of the league phase with a commanding performance. Early on, goalkeeper Walter Benítez kept them in the game, and 16 minutes in, Ryan Flamingo acrobatically volleyed in Malik Tillman's long throw. Tillman then extended the lead just after the half-hour mark with a skillful run down the left.

Girona's captain, Arnau Martínez, was sent off for a second yellow card soon after halftime, and PSV took full advantage. They controlled the remainder of the match and scored twice in six minutes towards the end, with Johan Bakayoko netting a solo goal and an own goal from Ladislav Krejčí sealing the victory.

Slovan Bratislava 1-4 GNK Dinamo

DNK Dinamo celebrate champions League win- Sportz Point.com

Sandro Kulenović's two goals powered Dinamo to their first away win by a margin of three or more goals in the competition's main phase. Although David Strelec had initially put Slovan ahead with a close-range goal, Dario Špikić quickly equalized with an impressive solo effort.

Shortly after, Petar Sučić glanced in a header from Marko Pjaca’s cross, putting Dinamo in control. Kulenović added another after halftime with a composed finish from Pjaca's pass and later curled in a goal from distance. Dinamo’s dominant performance saw Sučić and Ronaël Pierre-Gabriel hit the woodwork in the final moments, securing back-to-back victories.

Bologna 0-1 Monaco

Monaco Captain Kehrer celebrates goal against Bologna- Sportz Point.com

Thilo Kehrer, Monaco's captain, scored late to secure his team’s third win in four league games. In the 86th minute, he converted a flick from Breel Embolo after Aleksandr Golovin's corner.

Monaco had the upper hand early on, with goalkeeper Łukasz Skorupski tipping Embolo's shot onto the post and making a superb save on Golovin's free-kick. Bologna, still searching for their first Champions League goal of the season, came closest through shots by Sam Beukema and Giovanni Fabbian.

Read Also| Viktor Gyokeres: Do you know he was sold by Brighton for only £1 m in 2021?

Borussia Dortmund 1-0 Sturm Graz

Dortmund celebrate Champions League victory against Sturm Graz- Sportz Point.com

A late goal from Donyell Malen clinched a narrow victory for Dortmund over Sturm Graz. Dortmund dominated the game, with goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen denying shots from Pascal Gross and Maximilian Beier before halftime.

Scherpen also thwarted Nico Schlotterbeck's attempts, and Mika Biereth missed a header at the other end. Just when it seemed the game would end in a draw, Malen struck, handing Sturm another loss.

Celtic 3-1 Leipzig

Celtic secure victory over Leipzig- Sportz Point.com

Former Leipzig youth player Nicolas Kühn scored twice to lead Celtic to their second league win. Leipzig initially took the lead with Christoph Baumgartner’s header from Kevin Kampl’s corner, but Kühn leveled with a brilliant goal and then added another in first-half injury time, marking Celtic’s 350th goal in the competition.

Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel celebrated his 38th birthday by blocking Baumgartner’s attempt at a second goal before Reo Hatate scored from close range to keep Celtic’s perfect home record intact.

Liverpool 4-0 Bayer Leverkusen

Liverpool celebrate goal against Bayer Leverkusen- Sportz Point.com

Xabi Alonso’s return to Anfield ended in disappointment as Leverkusen suffered their first away loss in nearly 18 months, with Luis Díaz scoring his first hat-trick for Liverpool.

The second half saw all the action, as Díaz opened with a clever finish. Cody Gakpo headed in another two minutes later, and Díaz then scored off Mohamed Salah’s cross before completing his hat-trick after Darwin Núñez was denied.

LOSC Lille 1-1 Juventus

Juventus celebrate a goal against Lille in the Champions League- Sportz Point.com

Lille and Juventus each moved to seven points from four games after drawing at Stade Pierre Mauroy. Jonathan David scored the opener in the 27th minute, converting Edon Zhegrova's fine pass.

Juventus equalized in the second half when Dušan Vlahović calmly netted a penalty after André was called for a foul on Francisco Conceição. Goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier’s reflex save prevented Vlahović from scoring earlier in the match.

Real Madrid 1-3 Milan

Milan players celebrate a resounding win over real madrid- Sportz Point.com

Milan claimed their first victory over Madrid in 15 years with an impressive showing at the Bernabéu. Malick Thiaw’s powerful header put Milan ahead, though Madrid equalized with a penalty by Vinícius Júnior.

Álvaro Morata restored Milan’s lead before halftime by capitalizing on a save from Andriy Lunin. In a swift counterattack, Rafael Leão set up Tijjani Reijnders, who scored to seal Milan’s historic win.

Sporting CP 4-1 Manchester City

Sporting CP players celebrate their win against Man City- Sportz Point.com

Viktor Gyökeres’ hat-trick led Sporting to a comeback victory, handing Manchester City their first Champions League defeat in 27 games. Phil Foden had given City an early lead, but Gyökeres equalized with a header from Geovany Quenda’s cross.

Sporting then struck twice early in the second half, with Maximiliano Araújo finishing a team goal straight from kick-off, followed by Gyökeres converting a penalty. Although Erling Haaland hit the bar from another penalty, Gyökeres scored once more from the spot, capping off a memorable night for outgoing coach Rúben Amorim.

Read Also| Crvena Zvezda vs Barcelona UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Highlights | Lewandowski scores a brace as Barcelona thrash Crvena by 2-5 in a goal fest in Serbia

Wednesday night action

Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 Young Boys

Shakhtar players celebrate their goal in matchweek 4 of the Champions League- Sportz Point.com

The home side clinched a crucial win at home. Kastriot Ineri opened up the scoring for Young Boys with a powerful right-footed shot from outside of the box. Zubkov leveled the game in the 31st minute and Sudakov netted a second goal right before halftime to give the home side the lead.

Shakhtar kept piling pressure to add more goals but Young Boys did a good job preventing them from doing so.

Club Brugge 1-0 Aston Villa

Aston Villa- Sportz Point.com

Aston Villa faced its first loss of the tournament, ending their hopes of a perfect record and a chance to go top of the table, due to a second-half penalty scored by Vanaken in the 52nd minute.

Club Brugge secured their second victory of the campaign and had opportunities to extend their lead, but Emi Martinez made crucial saves, and Ferran Jutgla’s attempt struck the woodwork in the first half, preventing a larger scoreline.

Sparta Praha 1-2 Brest

Brest secures a win against Sparta Praha- Sportz Point.com

The away team was in fine form tonight, causing a consecutive defeat to Sparta Praha. Edimilson Fernandes opened the scoring in the 37th minute to give Brest an early advantage, which they doubled in the second half courtesy of an own goal by Sparta midfielder Kairinen in the 79th minute.

Victor Olatunji ensured that the visiting team did not leave with a clean sheet when he fired home a left-footed shot to the center of the goal at stoppage time.

Feyenoord 1-3 RB Salzburg

Feyenoord- Sportz Point.com

It was a tough night for Feyenoord, who lost Nadje to a red card in the 45th minute, allowing Salzburg to take advantage. Striker Karim Konate seized the opportunity, scoring twice.

Moussa pulled one back for Feyenoord in the 81st minute, but Salzburg wasn’t finished; Guindo struck in the 86th minute to secure a comfortable victory for the visitors.

Stuttgart 0-2 Atalanta

Ademola Lookman dribbles with the ball past a stuggart player- Sportz Point.com

Atalanta continued their strong run, showing no signs of defeat. The first half remained goalless as both teams battled for control.

The tone shifted in the second half, with Ademola Lookman scoring in the 51st minute, followed by Zaniola’s composed finish in the 88th minute to secure the victory

PSG 1-2  Atletico Madrid

Marquinhos trying to defend against Alvarez- Sportz Point.com

PSG’s Champions League campaign hasn’t gone as expected, as they faced another home defeat, this time to Spanish powerhouse Atletico Madrid. Zaire Emery gave PSG an early lead in the 14th minute.

Molina quickly equalized just four minutes later with a precise shot to the center of the goal. After a hard-fought contest, Correa struck in stoppage time, securing a crucial win for Atletico.

Bayern 1-0 Benfica

Bayern vs Benfica Sportz Point.com

Vincent Kompany’s team secured the win after Jamal Musiala scored a header in the 67th minute. His goal proved decisive in a closely contested match, earning them all three points.

Inter Milan 1-0 Arsenal

An Inter Milan player with the ball against Arsenal - Sportz Point.com

Inter Milan secured a narrow 1-0 win over Arsenal in their Champions League clash today. The only goal came through a Hakan Calhanoglu penalty in first-half stoppage time, providing Inter with the lead just before halftime.

Arsenal struggled to respond effectively, with few clear opportunities to challenge Inter's defense in the second half.

Read Also| Longest unbeaten runs in the UCL: Sporting ends Man City's 26-game run

Crvena Zvezda 2-5 Barcelona

99th Champions League goal for Lewandowski - Crvena vs Barcelona - sportzpoint.com

Barcelona claimed a convincing 5-2 victory over Crvena Zvezda in their Champions League match in Belgrade. Ferran Martinez opened the scoring for Barcelona in the 13th minute, while Robert Lewandowski followed up with goals on either side of halftime (43' and 53').

Raphinha and Fermín López added two more to Barcelona's tally, showing the team's offensive strength. Crvena Zvezda responded with goals from Jean-Philippe Krasso and Milson, but ultimately couldn’t keep pace with Barcelona's attack, conceding five in total.

 

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UEFA Champions League 2024-25 | Paris Saint-Germain vs Atletico Madrid | Match Preview, Head-to-head, Possible Lineups and Fantasy XI Prediction

Read the full match preview, head-to-head stats, possible starting lineups, and Fantasy XI Prediction of Paris Saint-Germain vs Atletico Madrid UEFA Champions League 2024-25 league match at Parc des Princes in Paris, France on 7 November 2024.

(Image Credit | GOAL.com)

Paris Saint-Germain is back to their Champions League quest as the French champions will take on Atletico Madrid at Parc des Princes on 7 November 2024. Both teams will head onto the fourth UCL match-week in search of their second win in the UEFA Champions League 2024-25. This electrifying encounter will kick-off in Paris tonight at 1:30 AM IST.

From possible starting XIs to Fantasy predictions, here is everything you need to know about the League match of Paris Saint-Germain vs Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League 2024-25

Match Details 

Match: Paris Saint-Germain vs Atletico Madrid - UEFA Champions League 2024-25 League Match

Date: 7 November 2024

Time: 1:30 AM IST

Venue: Parc des Princes, Paris, France

How to watch the UEFA Champions League 2024-25 League Match between Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid

The match will be streamed Live on the Sony Liv app and website. Viewers can also watch the game live on TV on Sony Sports Network

Team News

Paris Saint-Germain

UEFA Champions League 2024-25 | Paris Saint-Germain vs Atletico Madrid | Match Preview, Head-to-head, Possible Lineups and Fantasy XI Prediction-sportzpoint.com

Paris Saint-Germain have had a complex start to their UCL 2024-25 campaign, winning 1 game, losing 1, and drawing 1 game as well. The French champions opened their account with a 1-0 win over Girona in the first match-week following a 0-2 defeat against Arsenal in the second match-week. In their last UCL outing against PSV Eindhoven, PSG came from behind to end the game in a 1-1 draw

However, PSG will be confident against Atletico after winning two back-to-back games in the Ligue 1, having earned a 3-0 victory over historic rivals Olympique de Marseille and beating Lens by 1-0 in their last game. Currently, Les Parisiens are in the 23rd position in the UCL league table with 4 points in 3 matches.

Head coach Luis Enrique will ensure to build a strong starting eleven to take on Atletico Madrid. However, PSG will be playing without Presnel Kimpembe, Lucas Hernandez, and Gonçalo Ramos who are sidelined due to long-term injuries. 

However, Enrique will start Donnarumma again in the goal after dropping him from in starting eleven against Lens last week. Dembele, Barcola, and Asensio will lead the PSG attack whereas Hakimi and Marquinhos will solidify the defence.

Last 5 Matches: D W D W W 

Read Also | UEFA Champions League 2024-25 league phase match week 3 roundup

Atletico Madrid

UEFA Champions League 2024-25 | Paris Saint-Germain vs Atletico Madrid | Match Preview, Head-to-head, Possible Lineups and Fantasy XI Prediction-sportzpoint.com

Atletico Madrid is almost on the same page with their inconsistent performances both in the UCL and LaLiga 2024-25. The Rojiblancos started their UCL campaign with a 2-1 victory over RB Leipzig as José María Giménez scored a last-minute winner that ensured three points for the Spanish side. However, Atletico faced a 0-4 thrashing by Benfica in their second UCL outing and lost to Lille OSC by 1-3 in the third match-week. 

Atletico is also struggling in the LaLiga with 5 draws in 12 matches although they had a 2-0 victory over Las Palmas in their last match across all competitions. Currently, Atletico Madrid is standing in the 28th position in the UCL league table having 3 points earned in 3 matches.

Coach Diego Simeone will have to field the best eleven to take on PSG with Robin Le Normand, Marcos Llorente, Thomas Lemar, and Cesar Azpilicueta being sidelined due to injuries. José María Giménez is also suspended due to a second consecutive yellow against Benfica and LOSC.

In these circumstances, Axel Witsel and Clément Lenglet are likely to be the central-back pairing whereas Rodrigo De Paul will lead the midfield. Antoine Griezmann and Julian Alvarez are expected to be the attacking duo for Atletico tonight.

Last 5 Matches: W L L W W 

Head-to-head

Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid will face each other for the first time in any competitive match.

Possible Playing XI

Paris Saint-Germain 

Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK); Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Warren Zaïre-Emery, Vitinha, João Neves; Ousmane Dembélé, Marco Asensio, Bradley Barcola

Atletico Madrid

Jan Oblak (GK); Nahuel Molina, Axel Witsel, Clément Lenglet, Reinildo Mandava; Rodrigo De Paul, Koke, Conor Gallagher, Sameul Lino; Antoine Griezmann, Julian Alvarez

Paris Saint-Germain vs Atletico Madrid: Fantasy XI Prediction

Donnarumma, Hakimi, Molina, Witsel, Mendes, De Paul, Zaïre-Emery, Dembélé, Griezmann, Alvarez, Asensio.

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Top 10 La Masia Graduates who ruled football

Becoming a top football player often starts during the teenage years, and few clubs rival Barcelona in nurturing young talent. With a legacy stretching back decades, La Masia remains a leading academy. Sportz Point highlights its top 10 players.

Muojindu Francis

Oct 26, 2024, 3:15 PM

Top 10 La Masia Graduates who ruled football

La Masia, FC Barcelona’s iconic youth academy, has produced some of football’s most legendary players and set the standard for talent development worldwide. Producing technically brilliant midfielders and unbelievable attackers. Here, we dive into the top 10 players who rose from Barcelona’s famed academy to rule the football world.

Read Also| LaLiga 2024-25 | Real Madrid vs FC Barcelona | El Clasico Preview, Head-to-head Stats, Possible Line-ups, and Where to watch 

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi Stats: Goals in every calendar year by Messi-sportzpoint.com

Undoubtedly the greatest talent to emerge from Barcelona's youth academy and arguably the best to ever represent the club, Messi joined the La Liga giants in 2001 from Argentina’s Newell’s Old Boys, where he had trained since he was six.

Recognizing his extraordinary potential, Barcelona committed to covering his medical treatment after he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. At 16 years, four months, and 23 days old, Messi made his first-team debut on 16 November 2003, entering the field in the 75th minute of a friendly match against José Mourinho's Porto.

His performance, which included creating two scoring opportunities and a shot on target, impressed the technical staff. Following this, he started training daily with Barcelona’s reserve team, Barcelona B and joined the first team for weekly sessions.

From 2008 to 2021, Messi achieved unprecedented success at Barcelona. He led the club to numerous titles, including 10 La Liga titles, 7 Copa del Rey titles, and 4 UEFA Champions League trophies.

His influence on the field was transformative, as he could play across various attacking positions, adapt to different tactical setups, and still deliver fantastic performances. Messi’s goal-scoring record during this time was astonishing; he became Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing legendary figures like César Rodríguez.

One of his most memorable achievements was scoring 91 goals in the 2012 calendar year, breaking the previous record set by Gerd Müller. Messi became the captain of Barcelona in 2018 and remained so till 2021.

Over his 18-year career with Barcelona’s senior team, he made 768 appearances the most in the club's history became their top goal scorer, and earned 7 Ballon d'Or awards.

Xavi Hernandez

Players with most assists in football history - Xavi | sportzpoint.com

Xavi celebrated as the greatest playmaker of his generation and a symbol of Barcelona’s tiki-taka passing style, joined La Masia at age 10. While initially inspired by Barcelona playmaker Pep Guardiola, he also grew up watching English football. Xavi made his La Liga debut on 3 October 1998 in Barcelona’s 3–1 victory over Valencia.

Starting with a mix of reserve and senior team appearances, his consistent performance soon earned him a spot as a key player in Louis van Gaal’s title-winning squad, ending his debut season with 26 appearances and the 1999 La Liga Breakthrough Player of the Year award.

Xavi assumed the role of Barcelona’s primary playmaker after Guardiola was injured in the 1999–2000 season. He was appointed vice-captain of Barcelona in the 2004–05 season, during which he played a crucial role in helping the team secure both La Liga and the 2004 Supercopa de España titles.

His influence on the field continued to grow, and by the 2008–09 season, Xavi was a central figure in Barcelona’s Champions League success. His exceptional playmaking in the 2009 Champions League Final, where Barcelona defeated Manchester United 2–0, earned him the title of "UEFA Champions League Best Midfielder" for his contributions.

Xavi’s influence extended to La Liga, where he was the top assist provider with 20 assists during the season. His excellence placed him among the top three contenders for the 2010 FIFA Ballon d'Or, where he ultimately finished third, trailing only his Barcelona teammates, Lionel Messi and Andrés Iniesta.

After club captain Carles Puyol retired, Xavi was appointed as Barcelona's new captain, cementing his legacy within the team. On April 25, 2015, Xavi achieved a historic milestone by making his 500th La Liga appearance, becoming the eighth player in history to reach this number. 

His illustrious Barcelona career concluded on June 6, 2015, during the Champions League Final against Juventus, where he entered as a substitute for Andrés Iniesta in the 78th minute. This marked his 767th and final appearance for the club, as Barcelona went on to secure their fifth European Cup.

After coaching in the Middle East, Xavi returned to the Nou Camp in November 2021 as Barcelona’s manager. In his stint as Manager, he helped the club to win the 2022/2023 La Liga title joining the League of Players to win a league title as a player and a coach.

Read Also| Latest FIFA Rankings announced: Argentina remains on top, India climbs up to 125th

Andres Iniesta

Andres Iniesta: Players with most trophies in Football history | Sportz Point

At age 12, Andrés Iniesta was playing for Albacete Balompié in a junior seven-a-side tournament when he caught the attention of scouts from clubs across Spain. His family had connections with Barcelona’s youth team coach, Enrique Orizaola, who persuaded them to consider sending Iniesta to La Masia, Barcelona’s renowned youth academy. 

A visit to La Masia with his parents convinced them to enroll Iniesta in the academy, setting him on a path toward the club’s first team. Iniesta joined Barcelona’s senior squad during Radomir Antić’s tenure as head coach. He made his debut on October 29, 2002, in a 1–0 away victory over Club Brugge during the UEFA Champions League group stage. 

In the 2004–05 season, Iniesta played in 37 out of 38 league matches—more than any other Barcelona player that season—although 25 of those appearances were as a substitute. He scored twice, helping Barcelona clinch the La Liga title.

When Xavi was sidelined with an injury at the start of the 2005–06 season, Iniesta found himself in a more regular starting role in midfield, where he continued to improve and develop. Following the retirements of Carles Puyol and later Xavi, Iniesta eventually became Barcelona’s captain. 

He was named man of the match in the 2015 UEFA Champions League Final, assisting Ivan Rakitić's opening goal in a 3–1 win over Juventus at Berlin's Olympiastadion. This victory made Barcelona the first club in history to win two trebles of domestic league, domestic cup, and European Cup. Iniesta was among the seven players who had been part of both historic treble-winning teams.

Though he signed a lifetime contract with Barcelona, Iniesta announced on April 27, 2018, that he would leave the club at the end of the season. He made his 674th and final appearance on May 20 in a 1–0 home victory over Real Sociedad, as Barcelona celebrated their 25th league title and 30th Copa del Rey win.

Over his career, Iniesta became Spain’s most decorated footballer, amassing 35 trophies, including nine La Liga titles and four Champions League victories. Internationally, Iniesta played a pivotal role in Spain’s 2010 World Cup triumph, famously scoring the winning goal in the final against the Netherlands, securing Spain’s first and only World Cup title.

Carles Puyol

Barcelona XI of La Masia graduates from 2012: Where are they now?

Puyol remains very famous for his World Cup semi-final goal against Germany, which helped them qualify for and win the final in 2010. The legendary Catalonian defender, dedicated his entire career to Barcelona, primarily as a center-back, though he was equally skilled on either side of the defense.

Renowned for his leadership and formidable defensive abilities, Puyol earned the nickname "El Tiburón" ("The Shark") for his fierce presence on the field. In 1998, Barcelona considered a transfer to Málaga due to competition from Frank de Boer and Michael Reiziger, but Puyol chose to stay and earn his place in the team.

Promoted by Louis van Gaal, he debuted in La Liga on October 2, 1999, contributing to a 2–0 win against Real Valladolid. Named captain in 2004 after Luis Enrique's retirement, Puyol led Barcelona with unwavering determination until his retirement in 2014.

Over his illustrious career, he played 593 matches, won 18 major titles—including six La Liga championships and three Champions League trophies—and was named UEFA's "Best European Right-Back" in 2002.

Cesc Fabregas

Cesc Fàbregas has announced his retirement from football

Cesc Fàbregas began his football journey with CE Mataró before joining Barcelona’s La Masia academy at age 10 in 1997. Admiring then-captain Pep Guardiola, Fàbregas dreamed of Barcelona’s first team. However, with limited chances for promotion, he signed with Arsenal’s academy on September 11, 2003.

In the 2004–05 season, Fàbregas began making senior appearances, debuting against Manchester United in the FA Community Shield. When Vieira was injured, he took on a larger role, starting four consecutive Premier League games.

By 2006–07, Fàbregas had established himself as a creative force for Arsenal, finishing the season with 13 assists—second highest in the league. His standout performance earned him the Golden Boy award, a spot on the 2006 UEFA Team of the Year, and Premier League Player of the Month for January 2007.

Though he was a finalist for both the PFA Players' Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year awards, these went to Cristiano Ronaldo. Arsenal fans voted him Player of the Season in June 2007.

On November 24, 2008, Fàbregas was named Arsenal captain, succeeding William Gallas. Mid-season, however, a knee injury sidelined him for four months, and Arsenal finished without a trophy, placing fourth in the league and reaching the Champions League semifinals.

Barcelona re-signed Fàbregas on August 15, 2011, for €29 million plus bonuses, ending a lengthy transfer saga. His debut season was successful, winning the Copa del Rey, Supercopa de España, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup, with 15 goals, 20 assists, and four best midfielder awards.

On June 12, 2014, Chelsea signed Fàbregas on a five-year contract for around €33 million. He won the Premier League in 2017 and the FA Cup in 2018 before leaving in January 2019. After stints at Monaco and Como, Fàbregas retired on July 1, 2024, closing a remarkable career.

Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola in his playing days with Barcelona- Sportz Point.com

Widely regarded as the greatest football manager of all time Pep Guardiola joined La Masia from Gimnàstic de Manresa at age 13. Rising through Barcelona's youth ranks over six years, he made his senior debut in 1990 against Cádiz and quickly became a regular in the 1992/1993 season

 At just 20, Guardiola played a pivotal role in Barcelona's La Liga and European Cup victories, even being hailed by Italy’s Guerin Sportivo magazine as the world’s best player under 21. Under Bobby Robson in 1996–97, Guardiola helped Barcelona secure the Copa del Rey, Supercopa de España, and the European Cup Winners' Cup.

Named captain by new manager Louis van Gaal in 1997, Guardiola led with distinction. However, on April 11, 2001, he announced he would leave Barcelona after 17 years, his final appearance for the club came on June 24, 2001, against Celta Vigo, appearing in 479 games and winning 16 trophies over 12 seasons.

On the international stage, Guardiola debuted for Spain on October 14, 1992, in a friendly against Northern Ireland, and that year captained Spain to a gold medal at the Barcelona Olympics.

Guardiola's managerial journey began with Barcelona B in 2007, and by 2008, he took charge of the senior team. Over four seasons, he led them to three La Liga titles, and two Champions Leagues, and achieved the club’s first treble in 2009.

In 2013, he moved to Bayern Munich, winning three Bundesliga titles, a Club World Cup, and two DFB-Pokals over three seasons. Now at Manchester City, Guardiola continues to break records, including setting the longest Champions League winning streak at 26 games (2022-2024), surpassing Manchester United’s previous record of 25 (2007-2009). 

Read Also| Messi vs Ronaldo: The hat-trick battle

Victor Valdes

Football Facts: 10 players who have played most games with Lionel Mess

Born in Hospitalet de Llobregat, Catalonia, Víctor Valdés joined Barcelona’s youth setup from Peña Cinco Copas on July 1, 1992. By the 2003–04 season, he had claimed the position of first-choice goalkeeper, and in the 2004–05 season, he was instrumental in Barcelona’s first league title in six years, earning the Zamora Trophy as Spain’s best-performing goalkeeper with the fewest goals conceded.

In 2005–06, Valdés played a vital role in Barcelona’s European success, securing the Champions League title. His crucial saves in the final against Arsenal, including two close-range stops against Thierry Henry, helped Barcelona clinch a 2–1 victory at the Stade de France. On June 17, 2007, Valdés equaled Andoni Zubizarreta's record by starting—and never being substituted—in all 38 La Liga games that season.

Valdés set a club record for consecutive clean sheets in European competition, with a shutout against Rangers on November 7, 2007. during his time at Barcelona, he amassed six La Liga titles, three Champions League trophies, and 21 titles in total.

By the 2011–12 season, Valdés had broken Zubizarreta’s records for the most appearances by a goalkeeper in both league and official competitions, cementing his legacy at the club. He retired from football officially in January 2018.

Gerard Pique

10 players who have won the most trophies in football history - Gerrard Pique 37 trophies - sportzpoint.com

Piqué joined La Masia at age 10, where he quickly distinguished himself as a gifted defender with a natural understanding of the game. However, seeking more first-team opportunities, he moved to Manchester United in 2004. 

During his time with United, Piqué honed his defensive skills and gained valuable experience, ultimately contributing to the club’s Premier League and Champions League successes in the 2007–08 season. This formative experience set the stage for his return to Barcelona.

Upon his return to Barcelona in 2008, Piqué was welcomed by manager Pep Guardiola, and he quickly proved himself indispensable to the team. Known for his composure, technical skill, and ability to read the game, Piqué became a core component of Barcelona’s defense, fitting seamlessly into the club style.

His contributions helped Barcelona achieve unprecedented success, including the historic treble in the 2008–09 season—winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League in one season. This marked Barcelona’s first treble, and Piqué’s defensive reliability was crucial to the team’s achievement. Piqué would go on to be part of two more historic trebles, in 2014–15, which established Barcelona as the only club to achieve this feat twice.

Throughout his time at Barcelona, Piqué’s trophy cabinet expanded to include six La Liga titles, three UEFA Champions League trophies, six Copa del Rey titles, six Supercopa de España titles, three UEFA Super Cups, and three FIFA Club World Cups.

His defensive consistency and footballing intelligence earned him individual accolades, including being named La Liga’s Best Defender in 2009–10 and multiple selections to the UEFA Team of the Year and the FIFA FIFPro World XI. 

Piqué’s international career with Spain was equally remarkable. Forming a formidable partnership with Sergio Ramos, he was a crucial part of Spain’s golden era. In 2010, he helped Spain secure its first FIFA World Cup, anchoring a defense that conceded just two goals in the tournament and set a record for consecutive clean sheets in the knockout stages.

Two years later, he was instrumental in Spain’s Euro 2012 triumph, solidifying their dominance in international football. Over his international career, Piqué earned 102 caps, scoring five goals and proving himself as one of Spain’s most reliable defenders on the global stage.

As Piqué retired in 2022, he left a lasting legacy with 616 appearances for Barcelona, 53 goals, and 30 major trophies—a record that solidifies his place as one of the most decorated players in the club’s history. 

Read Also| Premier League 2024-25 | Arne Slot sets record as Liverpool manager

Pedro

Pedro during his Barcelona playing days- Sportz Point.com

Pedro was born on July 28, 1987, in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. His football journey began at San Isidro, a local club in Tenerife, where he displayed his technical prowess and versatility as a forward. His talent soon caught the attention of FC Barcelona scouts, and in 2004, at the age of 17, he joined the prestigious La Masia academy.

Pedro’s official debut for Barcelona’s first team came in January 2008 in a Copa del Rey match, and he made his La Liga debut later that season. However, it was during the 2008–09 season that he truly began to shine.

He played a pivotal role as the club achieved an unprecedented treble in the 2008–09 season, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League. Pedro’s adaptability allowed him to thrive in various attacking roles, complementing the skills of Lionel Messi, Xavi, and Andrés Iniesta.

During his time at Barcelona, Pedro won an astounding 20 major trophies, including five La Liga titles, three UEFA Champions League titles, three Copa del Rey titles, and two FIFA Club World Cups.

After over a decade with Barcelona, Pedro transferred to Chelsea in the English Premier League in 2015. During his five-year stint with Chelsea, Pedro added to his trophy cabinet with a Premier League title in the 2016–17 season, an FA Cup in 2018, and a UEFA Europa League title in 2019

Sergio Busquets

Sergio Busquets is the player with the most appearances in El-Clasico history | sportzpoint.com

Sergio Busquets was born on July 16, 1988, in Sabadell, Spain. Football ran in his family, as his father, Carles Busquets, was a former goalkeeper for Barcelona. Busquets joined La Masia, Barcelona's famed youth academy, in 2005, where he initially struggled to make a name for himself among the academy’s ranks.

However, under the guidance of Barcelona B coach Pep Guardiola, Busquets began to flourish, developing his trademark tactical intelligence and vision. Guardiola, who would later become his first-team coach, saw immense potential in Busquets’ ability to read the game, control tempo, and anticipate opponents' moves.

Busquets made his first-team debut for Barcelona in a 2008 La Liga match against Racing Santander. His performance, marked by calmness, technical skill, and defensive acumen, caught the eye of fans.

Over the years, Busquets became renowned for his "pivot" role, where he excelled in recycling possession, intercepting passes, and dictating play from deep positions.

During his time at Barcelona, Busquets would go on to win a remarkable 32 major trophies, including nine La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey titles, and three UEFA Champions League titles.

His impact extended beyond his statistical contributions; Busquets’ mastery of positional play and pressing transformed Barcelona’s midfield, laying the foundation for the club’s sustained success during his time.

In May 2023, Busquets announced his decision to leave Barcelona, marking the end of an era. After nearly two decades with the club, he departed as one of Barcelona’s most decorated players with 32 trophies to his name.

 

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