News for 'football hero'

No Trophy This Time, Yet Argentina Returned as Heroes

No Trophy This Time, Yet Argentina Returned as Heroes

Rediff.com6 days ago

Despite losing the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, the Argentine national football team received a massive hero's welcome upon their return to Buenos Aires. Thousands of passionate fans gathered at Ezeiza International Airport to celebrate their team, demonstrating that their bond with the players transcends mere results and trophies.

Dan Burn: From Rejection to World Cup Hero at 34

Dan Burn: From Rejection to World Cup Hero at 34

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

England defender Dan Burn, 34, has emerged as an unlikely hero at the World Cup, making crucial clearances and blocks in high-pressure matches against Mexico and Norway, defying a career path that saw him released by Newcastle as a boy and playing in lower divisions.

Norway Football Team Gets Royal Welcome

Norway Football Team Gets Royal Welcome

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Norway enjoyed a memorable 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, reaching the quarter-finals for the first time in the tournament before suffering a narrow 2-1 extra-time defeat to England.

Egypt's Pharaohs get heroes' welcome after best-ever World Cup campaign

Egypt's Pharaohs get heroes' welcome after best-ever World Cup campaign

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Thousands of ecstatic supporters welcomed the Egyptian national football team home after their historic World Cup campaign, which saw them reach the last 16 for the first time, despite a heartbreaking defeat to Argentina.

From knee injury to World Cup hero: Rodri's rise

From knee injury to World Cup hero: Rodri's rise

Rediff.com7 days ago

Rodri, Spain's midfield maestro, completed his collection of major football prizes by winning the World Cup, less than two years after a significant knee injury. Named the tournament's best player, he joins an elite group of footballers. Rodri highlighted the importance of overcoming adversity and praised his team's collective effort in their hard-fought victory against Argentina.

Moments That Defined 2026 World Cup

Moments That Defined 2026 World Cup

Rediff.com5 days ago

From Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to Cape Verde's fairytale run, VAR controversies and unforgettable fan moments, relive the memories that made the 2026 FIFA World Cup the biggest and most dramatic tournament in history.

This Duck Just Became Mexico's FIFA World Cup Hero

This Duck Just Became Mexico's FIFA World Cup Hero

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Merlin, a domesticated duck dressed in a miniature Mexico shirt and custom socks, has become an unexpected unofficial mascot for Mexico's World Cup team. After going viral during street celebrations, Merlin's popularity soared, with fans embracing the feathered supporter and his owner, Karla Gomez, expressing delight at his newfound fame.

Former England captain and manager Kevin Keegan dies at 75

Former England captain and manager Kevin Keegan dies at 75

Rediff.com6 days ago

Keegan's family and Newcastle announced in January that the two-time European Footballer of the Year was undergoing cancer treatment, without disclosing details of his illness.

FIFA World Cup: From hero to outcast: Balogun sent off, US move on

FIFA World Cup: From hero to outcast: Balogun sent off, US move on

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Balogun scored and celebrated in style before a VAR review turned his night around for the worse, as he was sent off for a foul. Even with 10 men, the United States stayed disciplined and beat Bosnia 2-0. Malik Tillman sealed the win with a free-kick goal. The result sends the U.S. into the last 16 against Belgium. Balogun is suspended for that match.

From Colombia to Mexico's World Cup hero: Quinones inspires a nation

From Colombia to Mexico's World Cup hero: Quinones inspires a nation

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Julian Quinones continued his remarkable FIFA World Cup campaign with his third goal as Mexico defeated Ecuador to reach the last 16, ending a 40-year knockout drought and inspiring fresh belief among the home fans.

9 World Cup Finals Decided In Extra Time

9 World Cup Finals Decided In Extra Time

Rediff.com7 days ago

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final joined an exclusive list after Spain edged Argentina 1-0 in extra time. This is the ninth time a Cup final went beyond the stipulated 90 minutes,

FIFA World Cup 2026: Haaland, Messi mania hits Peru as parents name babies after stars

FIFA World Cup 2026: Haaland, Messi mania hits Peru as parents name babies after stars

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

In Peru, there is a wave of new baby Haalands. In Argentina, Lionel has raced up the rankings, and in Mexico a girl was reportedly named after three soccer players. Parents in Latin America are already christening a new generation of babies after the stars of the World Cup.

Inside Kolkata's FIFA Gully, India's unique tribute to the FIFA World Cup

Inside Kolkata's FIFA Gully, India's unique tribute to the FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Kolkata's iconic 'FIFA Gully' has transformed a small neighbourhood lane into a colourful World Cup attraction, with murals and giant cut-outs of Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar and other football stars celebrating the city's enduring love for the beautiful game.

40 Years After 'Hand Of God' Diego Maradona Still Argentina's World Cup Hero

40 Years After 'Hand Of God' Diego Maradona Still Argentina's World Cup Hero

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Monday marks 40 years since Diego Maradona's defining performance in Argentina's 2-1 win over England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium.

Subrata Paul Highlights Goalkeepers' Pivotal Role In World Cup Success

Subrata Paul Highlights Goalkeepers' Pivotal Role In World Cup Success

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Former India captain Subrata Paul asserts that goalkeepers were instrumental in the success of teams at the recent FIFA World Cup, often outshining attacking players. He highlights specific goalkeepers like Vozinha, Unai Simon, Emiliano Martinez, and Thibaut Courtois for their exceptional performances and discusses the evolving role of modern goalkeepers in tactical play.

'This goal belongs to Spain': Torres' historic strike

'This goal belongs to Spain': Torres' historic strike

Rediff.com7 days ago

Spain forward Ferran Torres dedicated his World Cup-winning goal to the entire nation after his extra-time strike secured a 1-0 victory over Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. The 26-year-old's solitary goal of the tournament proved decisive, ending Argentina's hopes of retaining the title and delivering Spain's first World Cup triumph since 2010. The win also extended Spain's unbeaten run to a European-record 38 international matches.

Messi to lead Argentina's Qatar heroes at 2026 FIFA World Cup

Messi to lead Argentina's Qatar heroes at 2026 FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Lionel Messi will lead defending champions Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after coach Lionel Scaloni named a 26-man squad featuring 17 players from the 2022 title-winning team.

FIFA World Cup: A B De Villiers Salutes South Africa's World Cup March

FIFA World Cup: A B De Villiers Salutes South Africa's World Cup March

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

South Africa reached the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time after a 1-0 win over South Korea.

FIFA World Cup: 'Now everybody knows where Cabo Verde is'

FIFA World Cup: 'Now everybody knows where Cabo Verde is'

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Cabo Verde's World Cup dream ended in defeat, but their story had already become one of the tournament's defining moments. After the debutants stretched defending champions Argentina to extra time, football greats Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thierry Henry saluted the tiny island nation for proving that belief can outweigh size and reputation.

Is This The Save Of The World Cup?

Is This The Save Of The World Cup?

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Alireza Beiranvand produced seven saves, including a stunning contender for save of the tournament, as Iran held Belgium to a 0-0 draw at the FIFA World Cup.
The performance capped an extraordinary journey from poverty and homelessness to national hero.

Spain welcomes football heroes home

Spain welcomes football heroes home

Rediff.com1 Jul 2008

Tens of thousands of ecstatic Spaniards lined Madrid's streets and packed into a central square on Monday to raucously cheer home their football heroes, after Spain's Euro 2008 final victory in Vienna. Finally free of pressure after beating Germany 1-0 on Sunday, delighted players celebrated on a stage in front of thousands in Madrid's Colon Square and tossed 69-year-old coach Luis Aragones into the air.

'It destroyed our game' Switzerland coach slams 'unacceptable' VAR rule

'It destroyed our game' Switzerland coach slams 'unacceptable' VAR rule

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Switzerland coach Murat Yakin blasted the rule behind Breel Embolo's controversial red card as "unacceptable" after Argentina's 3-1 extra-time victory ended the Swiss team's historic FIFA World Cup 2026 run.

Bhaichung Bhutia: Messi needs another World Cup to match Maradona's legacy

Bhaichung Bhutia: Messi needs another World Cup to match Maradona's legacy

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia believes Lionel Messi needs to win the 2026 World Cup to truly equal Diego Maradona's legendary status, despite Messi's 2022 triumph. Bhutia rates Maradona higher due to his single-handed 1986 World Cup victory, while also tipping Spain as slight favourites over Argentina in the upcoming final.

'Go Daddy' Family Cheers Harry Kane's World Cup Heroics

'Go Daddy' Family Cheers Harry Kane's World Cup Heroics

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Harry Kane struck in the closing stages to rescue England from a shock World Cup exit, sealing a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over DR Congo and a place in the Round of 16, as emotional scenes unfolded in the stands with his family celebrating his match-winning heroics.

How England Players Celebrated Their FIFA World Cup Opening Victory

How England Players Celebrated Their FIFA World Cup Opening Victory

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

England's football team kicked off their World Cup campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia in Dallas. Following the thrilling win, players like Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham celebrated their success with their wives and girlfriends in the stands, sharing emotional moments with their loved ones.

FIFA World Cup: 'If it was Messi, no red card' ex-US star sparks controversy

FIFA World Cup: 'If it was Messi, no red card' ex-US star sparks controversy

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

After the US's win in the round of 32 fixture against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which involved striker Flo Balogun being shown a red card and sent off after a tackle with an opponent, former US footballer Alexi Lalas questioned why Argentina superstar Lionel Messi escaped any notice

Beckham tips Japan to pull off surprise at World Cup

Beckham tips Japan to pull off surprise at World Cup

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

David Beckham has tipped Japan as a dark horse for the 2026 FIFA World Cup while backing England to end their 60-year wait for glory. The former captain also highlighted France, Spain, Argentina and Brazil as title contenders.

Volpato makes late switch from Italy to Australia ahead of FIFA World Cup

Volpato makes late switch from Italy to Australia ahead of FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Former Italy under-20 international Cristian Volpato has decided to represent Australia and will join the Socceroos' training camp in Los Angeles ahead of the World Cup, Football Australia said on Friday.

Old Masters and New Icons: The Stars Defining World Cup 2026

Old Masters and New Icons: The Stars Defining World Cup 2026

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

The expanded World Cup is being dominated by superstar performances from Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland, who are leading the scoring charts. Young talent like Lamine Yamal is also making a significant impact, while Harry Kane continues to impress. The tournament is shaping up to be a thrilling display of individual brilliance, with a potential repeat of the last final between Messi and Mbappe.

Know Christopher Nolan's Movies Before You Watch Odyssey

Know Christopher Nolan's Movies Before You Watch Odyssey

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

From Following to Oppenheimer, here's why Christopher Nolan remains cinema's greatest modern blockbuster auteur.

Late extra-time own goal takes Argentina past Cape Verde

Late extra-time own goal takes Argentina past Cape Verde

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Argentina secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Cape Verde in their World Cup last-32 encounter, which extended into extra time. An own goal in the 111th minute ultimately decided the match, sending the reigning champions into the last 16 where they will face Egypt.

Cabo Verde Goalkeeper Vozinha's Mother Arrives For World Cup Match

Cabo Verde Goalkeeper Vozinha's Mother Arrives For World Cup Match

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Cabo Verde goalkeeper Josimar 'Vozinha' Dias's mother, Ana Candida Evora, was welcomed by FIFA in Miami, ahead of Cabo Verde's FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H clash against Uruguay. This heartwarming gesture followed Vozinha's emotional revelation about his family's visa issues preventing them from attending his historic 0-0 draw against Spain. US authorities, in coordination with the State Department, the Cape Verde government, and FIFA, facilitated her travel, allowing her to support her son and the 'Blue Sharks' in person.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Debutants Cape Verde celebrate maiden point like champions

FIFA World Cup 2026: Debutants Cape Verde celebrate maiden point like champions

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

When the final whistle blew, players embraced, danced and celebrated on the pitch as if they had won the match. Their joy was understandable. Against one of football's traditional giants and the world's second-ranked team, Cape Verde had achieved something few thought possible.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Yamal ignites Spain's goal rush in 4-0 rout of Saudi Arabia

FIFA World Cup 2026: Yamal ignites Spain's goal rush in 4-0 rout of Saudi Arabia

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Inspired by Lamine Yamal, Spain strolled to a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia in Group H on Sunday, where Mikel Oyarzabal restored his reputation with two goals and Luis de la Fuente's side found their groove after an underwhelming World Cup opener.

15 saves! Curacao Goalkeeper Eloy Room Makes FIFA World Cup History

15 saves! Curacao Goalkeeper Eloy Room Makes FIFA World Cup History

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room made 15 saves in the 0-0 draw with Ecuador -- the most in a 90-minute match in the World Cup history.

FIFA World Cup: What Every Fan Must Know

FIFA World Cup: What Every Fan Must Know

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Packed with legendary players and remarkable milestones, these fascinating FIFA World Cup facts offer a glimpse into the tournament's rich history.

How East Bengal Ended 22-Year Wait For ISL Glory

How East Bengal Ended 22-Year Wait For ISL Glory

Rediff.com22 May 2026

East Bengal secured the Indian Super League title after a dramatic season, defeating Inter Kashi in the final. AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey has assured a full-fledged format next season despite ongoing uncertainties surrounding the league's structure.

Japan vs Tunisia marks 1,000th FIFA World Cup match

Japan vs Tunisia marks 1,000th FIFA World Cup match

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Japan v Tunisia marks 1,000th FIFA World Cup match

Nightclub row: Graeme Swann slams ECB, says board focused on policing, not celebrating

Nightclub row: Graeme Swann slams ECB, says board focused on policing, not celebrating

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Former England spinner Graeme Swann has questioned ECB's imposition of midnight curfew on players, and termed Ben Stokes a victim of the culture more interested in policing than celebrating an achievement.

International Football Friendly: Undav Scores Late Winner As Germany Edge Past Ghana

International Football Friendly: Undav Scores Late Winner As Germany Edge Past Ghana

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Deniz Undav scored a late goal to secure a 2-1 victory for Germany against Ghana in a friendly match, enhancing his chances of being selected for the World Cup squad.