Football

Diego Maradona's Legacy to Live On with Memorial Site and FoundationThe legacy of football legend Diego Maradona will continue to inspire generations to come, as his children have announced the launch of a foundation and the creation of a memorial site in his honor.The "M10 Memorial" is scheduled to open in 2025 in the heart of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The 1,000-square-meter site will be a place for fans to pay tribute to the iconic player and learn about his life and career."We want our father to be close to the love of the people, and to grant the wish of all those who want to bring him a flower," said Maradona's daughter, Dalma.Access to the memorial will be free for Argentines, while donations to the Maradona Foundation will allow visitors to place their photo on a "heritage wall." The foundation, chaired by Dalma and four of Maradona's other children, aims to preserve his legacy and support charitable causes.The memorial site will also house Maradona's remains, which were recently transferred from a cemetery to a mausoleum. This will allow locals and tourists to visit the resting place of "Argentina's great idol."Maradona, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 60, is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. His exceptional skills and charismatic personality left an indelible mark on the sport.The memorial site and foundation will serve as a testament to Maradona's enduring legacy and the love and admiration he continues to inspire.

Former Manchester United legend Gary Neville will grace India with his presence to support the Apollo Tyres grassroots football programme, United We Play. Neville, renowned as one of the greatest right-backs in football history, will attend the grand finale of the programme's fourth edition in Chandigarh on October 18, 2024.Neville's illustrious career boasts eight English Premier League titles and two UEFA Champions League triumphs with Manchester United. He spent nearly two decades with the club, making 602 appearances and becoming a symbol of loyalty and dedication. Neville also represented England with distinction, earning 85 caps over a 12-year international career.The United We Play programme aims to nurture young football talent in India by providing a platform to showcase their skills and introduce them to global training methodologies. Supported by Manchester United, the initiative has reached over 15,000 young footballers across 18 cities in India.Rajesh Dahiya, Vice President, Commercial, India and SAARC, Apollo Tyres Ltd, expressed his excitement about Neville's visit: "We are thrilled to welcome a player of Gary Neville's stature to India. His presence will inspire young footballers and offer valuable insights into his remarkable career."The fourth edition of United We Play was launched in Kolkata last year by former Manchester United and French footballer Louis Saha. The programme has expanded to include cities in the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions, reaching out to young footballers in Kathmandu, Bangkok, Dhaka, and Dubai.Neville's visit to India is expected to motivate aspiring footballers and further enhance the impact of the United We Play programme. His presence will provide a unique opportunity for young players to learn from a footballing icon and gain inspiration for their own journeys in the sport.

Diego Maradona's Legacy Lives On in Immersive Barcelona ExhibitArgentine football legend Diego Maradona's spirit is alive and well in an immersive exhibition currently underway in Barcelona. The "Diego Vive" ("Diego Lives" in English) exhibit transports visitors into the world of the late player, featuring a hologram of Maradona and a reconstruction of his childhood home.After successful runs in Naples and Tel Aviv, the exhibition has arrived in Barcelona, where Maradona spent two injury-marred seasons with FC Barcelona in the early 1980s. Spread over 2,000 square meters in central Barcelona, the exhibit greets visitors with a hologram of a young Maradona adorned in a Boca Juniors jersey, the club where he won his only Argentine league title.Visitors can immerse themselves in Maradona's world by taking a penalty kick in his style or recreating his infamous "Hand of God" goal against England in the 1986 World Cup. The exhibition also showcases a collection of photos, an immersive video show narrating Maradona's life story, and a reconstruction of his childhood home in the Villa Fiorito shanty town on the outskirts of Buenos Aires."When you are here, you feel again that Diego is next to you, and that is the idea, to feel him," said Avelino Tamargo, one of the creators of the exhibition. The exhibit is supported by Maradona's family, who lost him in 2020 at the age of 60 after a battle with addiction and health issues.Maradona's legacy extends beyond the football field. In Argentina, he is revered as a national hero, alongside Che Guevara and Eva Peron. His impact on the sport and his country continues to inspire generations.

Diego Maradona Negligence Trial Postponed to March 2025An Argentine court has postponed the criminal trial of seven medical professionals accused of negligence in the death of football legend Diego Maradona to March 2025. The trial was initially scheduled to begin next month but has now been rescheduled to start on March 11, 2025.Maradona, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, died in November 2020 at the age of 60 while recovering from brain surgery. He had a history of cocaine and alcohol addiction.The medical professionals facing trial include neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque, psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, and six nurses. They are accused of providing "reckless" and "deficient" home treatment to Maradona.Prosecutors allege that the medical team failed to provide adequate care to Maradona, who was found dead in bed two weeks after undergoing brain surgery. A panel of medical experts concluded that Maradona would have had a better chance of survival if he had received proper treatment in a hospital setting.The medical professionals face prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years if convicted. One of the nurses, Gisela Dahiana Madrid, has requested a separate jury trial, which is scheduled to begin on October 2, 2023.The postponement of the trial has been met with mixed reactions. Some believe that it is necessary to ensure a fair trial, while others argue that it is a further delay in seeking justice for Maradona's family.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary Portuguese footballer, has achieved an unprecedented milestone on social media, becoming the first individual to amass a staggering 1 billion followers across various platforms. This remarkable feat underscores Ronaldo's immense popularity and global reach, solidifying his status as one of the most influential figures in the world.Ronaldo's social media presence has skyrocketed in recent years, particularly with the launch of his Instagram channel. Within a week of its inception, his YouTube account surpassed 50 million followers, shattering multiple records. On Instagram, Ronaldo boasts an impressive 639 million followers, the largest chunk of his 1 billion followers. He also commands a significant following on Facebook (170.5 million) and X (113 million).To commemorate this historic achievement, Ronaldo shared an emotional message on social media, expressing his gratitude to his followers and acknowledging the shared passion and love for the game that unites them. He emphasized that this milestone is not merely a number but a testament to their collective journey and the unwavering support he has received throughout his career.Ronaldo's social media dominance extends beyond the major platforms. He also maintains a presence on smaller Chinese platforms such as Weibo and Kuaishou, further expanding his reach to a global audience.This unprecedented achievement is a testament to Ronaldo's enduring legacy as a football icon and his ability to connect with fans on a personal level. His social media presence has become a powerful platform for him to share his passion for the game, inspire others, and engage with his vast following.

Zico's Paris Ordeal: Stolen Bag, Olympic Flame's ArrivalFormer Brazilian football legend Zico has become the victim of a theft in Paris, with his bag containing valuables worth hundreds of thousands of euros stolen. The incident occurred while Zico, 71, was in transit, leaving his car window open. The stolen items included cash, watches, and diamond jewelry.While the Parisien daily reported the value of the stolen goods at 500,000 euros ($542,000), a source close to the matter has disputed this figure as highly exaggerated. Zico, a three-time World Cup participant, is currently in Paris as a guest of the Brazilian Olympic team ahead of the 2024 Games.Meanwhile, the Olympic flame made its grand entrance into Paris on Friday, carried by a white-clad bearer on a diesel-belching tug. The flame had previously been carried by US rapper Snoop Dogg and passed under the peripherique motorway.The 68th stage of the relay, entitled the "Epilogue," marked the flame's final journey before the Games. It had previously passed through Paris on Bastille Day and July 15 before circling the suburbs.Earlier in the day, the flame visited the athletes' village, where International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach and former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon took turns as torchbearers. Athletes from around the world captured the moment on their phones, expressing awe and excitement.The flame's journey continued through Saint-Denis, where rapper MC Solaar carried it, and stopped at the Stade de France, where Snoop Dogg took his turn. It then boarded a series of canal boats, cruising past factories and housing blocks to Paris, accompanied by spectators, security, and even canoeists in fancy dress.The relay toured the Parc de la Villette and the Parc des Nations, housing the "clubhouses" of various countries. It then took to the water again, cruising down the Canal de l'Ourcq towards the Canal Saint-Martin and the Seine.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary Portuguese forward, is currently enjoying a well-deserved vacation with his family following Portugal's heartbreaking quarter-final exit from UEFA Euro 2024. The 38-year-old icon has been sharing glimpses of his time off on social media, showcasing his close bond with his daughter.Ronaldo's Instagram post on Wednesday captured him spending quality time with his little girl, accompanied by the heartwarming caption, "Daddy loves you, Mommy loves you." The video exudes the love and affection that Ronaldo holds for his family, providing a glimpse into his life beyond the pitch.Ronaldo's Euro 2024 campaign ended in disappointment as Portugal suffered a 3-5 penalty shootout defeat to France after a goalless draw in extra time. The loss left Ronaldo visibly devastated, and he was seen consoling his teammate Pepe, who played his final international match.In a heartfelt message on Instagram, Ronaldo expressed his gratitude to the Portuguese fans and acknowledged the team's efforts. "We wanted more. We deserved more. For us. For each one of you. For Portugal," he wrote. "We are grateful for everything you have given us and for everything we have achieved so far. On and off the field, I am sure that this legacy will be honored and will continue to be built."Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has remained tight-lipped about Ronaldo's future with the national team, stating that it is too early to make any individual decisions. However, Martinez has repeatedly emphasized Ronaldo's importance to the team, highlighting his exceptional talent and unwavering commitment.Ronaldo's illustrious international career has spanned six Euros and four World Cups. He holds the all-time record for most international goals with 130 for Portugal and is the country's most-capped player. He played a pivotal role in Portugal's Euro 2016 triumph and has etched his name into the annals of football history.In the 2022 World Cup, Ronaldo became the first and only male player to score in five consecutive editions of the tournament, further cementing his status as one of the greatest players of all time. He made his Euros debut in 2004 and holds the record for most tournament appearances.As Ronaldo enjoys his vacation, the football world eagerly awaits his next move. Whether he continues his international career or embarks on a new chapter in his club career, the Portuguese icon remains an inspiration to millions around the globe.

Sunil Chhetri, India's legendary football captain, bid farewell to international football on June 6, 2023, in a tearful farewell match against Kuwait. The match, a World Cup qualifier, ended in a 0-0 draw, but the result was overshadowed by the outpouring of emotion for Chhetri.Nearly 59,000 fans packed the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata to witness Chhetri's final appearance for India. The atmosphere was electric, with fans chanting, waving banners, and dancing in the stands. Chhetri, known for his diminutive stature and relentless determination, played with his usual passion and skill, but was unable to find the winning goal.Chhetri's international career spanned nearly two decades, during which he scored 94 goals for India. This tally places him among the world's all-time leading scorers, behind only Cristiano Ronaldo, Iran's retired Ali Daei, and Lionel Messi. Chhetri's goals helped India qualify for the Asian Cup for the first time in 27 years in 2011.Off the field, Chhetri is a role model for aspiring footballers in India. His dedication to the sport and his humble demeanor have earned him widespread admiration. India's coach, Igor Stimac, described Chhetri as "an inspiration to everyone, absolutely committed to the Indian jersey."Chhetri's retirement marks the end of an era for Indian football. He has been the face of the sport in the country for many years, and his absence will be felt deeply. However, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of footballers.

Toni Kroos, the German maestro, has etched his name into the annals of football history by winning his sixth Champions League title, a feat that places him among the most decorated players in the competition's illustrious history.Kroos's swansong at Real Madrid culminated in a fitting triumph as the Spanish giants defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at Wembley Stadium. The German midfielder played a pivotal role in the victory, orchestrating Madrid's midfield with his trademark precision and vision.Alongside teammates Dani Carvajal, Nacho, and Luka Modric, Kroos joined Real Madrid legend Paco Gento as the most decorated players in European Cup history. The 34-year-old's exceptional career has been marked by an unwavering commitment to excellence and a remarkable ability to control the tempo of the game.Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed his admiration for Kroos, stating that his door remains open should the midfielder reconsider his decision to retire after Euro 2024. "He's finished at the top. It is not possible to go out better," said Ancelotti. "He is a legend of this club and obviously we all thank him for what he has done."Kroos's Champions League journey began at Wembley Stadium in 2013 when he was part of the Bayern Munich team that won the competition. However, injury prevented him from featuring in the final. After helping Germany win the World Cup in Brazil, Kroos joined Real Madrid in 2014 and became an integral part of a generation that has dominated European football.In his farewell match, Kroos was at the heart of Madrid's resurgence after a sluggish first half. His trademark free-kick was denied by Gregor Kobel, but he played a crucial role in Carvajal's opening goal. Vinicius Junior quickly added a second to seal the victory and allow Kroos to receive a standing ovation from the Madrid faithful.Kroos's retirement from international football after Germany's Euros exit in 2021 was short-lived. He has answered the call from manager Julian Nagelsmann to return for one last major tournament at Euro 2024.Toni Kroos's illustrious career has come to an end, but his legacy as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation will endure. His exceptional talent, unwavering professionalism, and unwavering commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on the game of football.