Barcelona legend Xavi believes nobody will ever be able to replace his former teammate Lionel Messi with respect to his abilities and achievements. Comparing the Argentine with Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi said that Messi was way above the Portugal's Euro 2016 winner. The 36-year old said, "There will be many good players in the future but no one would come close to Messi's level, when he eventually decides to call it quits."
Johan Neeskens, one of the finest midfielders football has seen, is in Mumbai this week in connection with the World Coaches Programme.
One of the greatest midfield maestros of all time, he helped redefine the art with his creative mind, pinpoint passing and sublime ability to read the game.
The following is a factbox on former Dutch international who was popularly known as 'Flying Dutchman'.
The French coach, who took over Real Madrid following Rafael Benitez's sacking in January is in the city to promote a Mumbai-based real estate brand Kanakia Group, known for its themed residences.
Prolific striker Luis Suarez has agreed a new contract with Barcelona until 2021, the Spanish champions announced on Thursday. The Uruguay international will sign the new deal, which will keep him at the club until he is 34 years old and contains a release clause of 200 million euros ($207 million), on Friday. Suarez has scored 97 goals in 116 games for Barcelona since signing from Liverpool in 2014 for a reported 81 million euros ($84 million), and has collected eight major trophies.
Factbox on Barcelona, who were crowned Spanish champions for the 22nd time after second-placed Real Madrid's 1-1 draw at Espanyol on Saturday left them with an unassailable lead.
Several players across the continent are poised to make a name for themselves on the international stage.
The 25th Laureus World Sports Awards will take place in Madrid, Spain on April 22, it was announced on Wednesday.
'A few days ago, following the QSL protocol, I tested positive in the last COVID-19 test. Fortunately, I'm feeling ok, but I will be isolated until I am given the all clear.'
From the early pioneers to today's global superstars, the Olympics have captured hearts and minds, shaping cultures and inspiring generations.
Luis Figo and Carlos Puyol find it inexplicable, while Raul thinks it's a testament to the quality of Spanish football but all three La Liga legends are sure that Barcelona's astonishing slump would not last too long.
While Lara agreed in principle to the point, he found differences too in the two models.
Top A-League clubs have expressed interest in signing departing Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta for the next season, Football Federation Australia (FFA) chief executive David Gallop has said.
A summary of the concluding day's action in the German Cup, French Cup and La Liga.
Former Arsenal, Spain midfielder Fabregas hangs up his boots, to coach Italian club.
Brazil forward Neymar has signed for Al-Hilal from French champions Paris St Germain
Give Messi time to decide on Argentina future, says Saviola
Spain and Liverpool legend Luis Garcia believes that Indian football can touch global heights if the players are given exposure to different leagues abroad and nourish young talents and coaches methodically.
In the other pairings, English champions Manchester United will take on Greek club Olympiakos, while AC Milan take on Atletico Madrid.
Wearing his infectious goofy grin, 'Samba Magician' Ronaldinho cast a spell on the football-crazy denizens of Kolkata as his arrival for a two-day visit in Kolkata ushered in an early onset of the Durga Puja festival.
Iniesta has spent all of his senior career at Barcelona and is their most decorated player ever along with Lionel Messi, having lifted 31 trophies, which is soon to be 32 if Barca clinch the Liga title on Sunday at Deportivo La Coruna.
Lionel Messi has added another record against his already legendary name.
Varun posted a picture of himself with the former Barcelona playmaker on Twitter.
A summary of sports events and sports persons, who made news on Wednesday
Clashes between Real Madrid and Barcelona are rarely short on drama and Saturday's La Liga 'Clasico' may have more than its usual share with Luis Suarez poised to return from a biting ban and Barca teammate Lionel Messi on the brink of equalling the top-flight scoring record.
Lionel Messi didn't enjoy his time with the Ligue 1 side Paris Saint Germain.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi paid rich tributes to football legend Diego Maradona, who died on Wednesday after suffering a heart attack.
Barcelona striker Luis Suarez said he felt "privileged" after scoring four goals against Deportivo La Coruna to move ahead of Brazilian Ronaldo's tally of 48 goals in a season for the club.
Hrithik Roshan co-owned Indian Super League team FC Pune City on Tuesday announced former Chelsea and Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen as their marquee player for the 2016 edition of the league.
Former World Cup winner and Arsenal's record goal-scorer Thierry Henry announced his retirement from soccer on Tuesday, bringing an end to his a glittering 20-year career.
"It's a difficult journey that any LGBTQ+ ppl have to go through. To see my role models and legends of the game, make fun out of coming out and of my community, is beyond disrespectful," Cavallo said.
As the mercurial Messi rings in his 28th birthday, Rediff.com brings you all the exciting moments from the ace footballer's life.
Barcelona drew 1-1 at Valencia after Real Madrid lost 1-0 away to Alaves, allowing Sevilla to go top of La Liga with a 2-1 home win over Celta Vigo on Sunday. Here are five talking points from the weekend's La Liga action.
Xavi's agent has declined to comment on reports the Barcelona midfielder is set to leave the La Liga leaders at the end of the season and sign a lucrative contract with Qatari side Al Sadd.
'To see a player that I have always followed, who is an example for me, to see him leave now brings me a lot of pain.'
Factbox on Rafael Nadal who won his ninth French Open title, and record fifth in succession, after beating Serbia's Novak Djokovic 3-6, 7-5, 6-2, 6-4 on Sunday.
Brazil soccer great Pele died on Thursday, aged 82, after a long battle with cancer.
The PSG frontline is already formidable, with Messi's former Barca team mate Neymar and young France striker Kylian Mbappe seen as two of the best players on the planet.
Henry, who started out playing for Monaco and went on to enjoy a stellar club career with Arsenal and Barcelona, has been working as assistant coach for the Belgian national team but has never been in charge of a team in his own right.
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