leo spanish pronunciation born june argentine professional plays forward spanish club barcelona considered best player world rated sport greatest time football player history win won player win european golden shoes barcelona won titles champions league titles del prolific creative holds records goals scored season football season calendar year assists born raised central argentina diagnosed growth child age relocated spain join barcelona agreed pay medical treatment fast progression barcelona youth academy competitive debut aged october despite injury prone early career established integral player club years finishing finalist world player year award feat repeated following year campaign came season helped barcelona achieve spanish football years old won world player year award record voting margins successful seasons followed winning consecutive including unprecedented fourth personal best campaign date season set european records goals scored single season establishing barcelona time scorer official competitions march struggled injury following seasons twice finishing second perceived career rival regained best form campaign breaking time records champions league november led barcelona historic second argentine international country time leading youth level won world youth championship finishing tournament golden ball golden shoe olympic gold medal summer olympics style play left drew comparisons diego declared teenager successor making senior debut august youngest argentine play score world cup edition reached final named young player tournament squad captain august led argentina consecutive finals world cup won golden ball following fourth final defeat retired international football aged having represented country seven major tournaments convicted tax fraud committed received fine suspended prison sentence early life born june santa children steel factory manager wife worked manufacturing workshop father italian spanish heritage great grandson immigrants mother primarily italian descent growing tight football loving family leo developed passion sport early age playing constantly older brothers cousins professional age years joined local club coached father earliest influence player came maternal grandmother accompanied training matches greatly affected death shortly eleventh birthday devout catholic celebrated goals looking pointing sky tribute grandmother lifelong supporter old boys joined club years old years played scored goals member machine near youth named year birth regularly entertained crowds performing ball tricks half time team home games future professional player threatened age diagnosed growth father health insurance covered years growth treatment cost month agreed contribute later promise scouted buenos_aires club river plate unable pay treatment country economic collapse family relatives sought arrange trial barcelona september team director immediately wanted sign board directors time highly unusual european clubs sign foreign players young age december ultimatum issued barcelona prove commitment paper hand offered contract paper february family relocated barcelona moved apartment near club stadium camp year spain rarely played transfer conflict fielded league football struggled integrate team reserved nature quiet teammates initially believed mute home suffered mother moved brothers little sister stayed barcelona father year barcelona youth academy finally enrolled royal spanish football federation february playing competitions befriended teammates completing growth treatment aged integral baby dream team barcelona greatest youth season scorer goals games won unprecedented league spanish cups final victory known club lore final mask week suffering broken league match allowed start game condition wear plastic protector soon hindered mask took scored goals minutes close season received offer join arsenal foreign club soon left england chose remain barcelona barcelona rise team season fourth barcelona rapidly progressed club ranks debuting record teams single campaign named player tournament international pre season competitions juveniles played official match team promoted juveniles scored goals league games youth players called strengthen depleted team international break years months days old team debut came 75th minute friendly november performance creating chances shot goal impressed technical staff subsequently began training daily club reserve barcelona weekly team training session senior squad new star player told teammates believed year old better player soon befriended called little brother greatly eased transition team gain match experience joined barcelona addition juveniles playing game team november helped save zone scoring goals games including hat trick minutes spanish cup match man marked progress reflected professional contract signed february lasted contained initial clause million month later march debut barcelona clause automatically increased million played games team season score physically weaker opponents older taller training worked increasing muscle mass overall strength order able shake defenders end season returned youth teams helping juveniles win league finished campaign having scored teams total goals official competitions season guaranteed starter team playing games campaign scoring occasions debut previous november called team october senior players asked manager frank promote played left wing moved usual position right flank initially player wishes allowing cut centre pitch shoot dominant left foot league debut match october coming minute years months days old time youngest player represent barcelona official competition substitute player played minutes matches team season including debut champions league scored senior goal assist time youngest scorer club barcelona second season won league time years making starting june 18th birthday signed contract senior team player barcelona player years previous contract clause increased million breakthrough came months later august joan trophy barcelona pre season competition starter time gave received performance receiving ovation camp requested loan bid buy came inter milan willing pay clause triple wages according president joan time club faced real risk losing ultimately decided stay september contract updated second time months extended issues legal status spanish football federation missed start september acquired spanish citizenship eligible play wearing number shirt gradually established choice right forming attacking trio samuel starting line major matches like rivals real madrid november away victory round champions league played best match point scored goals games including champions league season ended prematurely return leg march suffered torn worked regain fitness time champions league final told day final fit play disappointed celebrate victory arsenal paris later came regret barcelona began gradual decline year old established best players world campaign idol club supporters scored goals games competitions continued plagued major injuries fracture sustained november kept action months recovered time round champions league liverpool effectively marked game barcelona reigning champions competition league goal contribution increased end season goals came games march scored hat trick player years goal real madrid end match draw extra time growing importance club reflected new contract signed month greatly increased wages frequently compared diego proved similarity nearly replicated famous goals span weeks del semi final april scored goal remarkably similar goal quarter finals world cup known goal century collected ball right near halfway line ran metres beat defenders scoring angled finish league match june saw score launching ball guiding past hand similar fashion hand god goal world cup match continued individual rise barcelona team failed reach del final rested second leg lost league real madrid goal average lost form new star player years old receiving nickname spanish media efforts earned award recognition journalists voted best player year runner international managers national team captains voted second world player year award managed score goals campaign second half season marred injuries suffered torn december returned score twice away victory celtic round champions league competition scorer point goals return leg march fielded despite warning medical staff leading captain spanish media play match barcelona finished season trophies eliminated champions league semi finals eventual champions manchester united placed league winning unsuccessful seasons barcelona need overhaul leading departure given number shirt signed new contract july annual salary million club highest paid player ahead new season major concern remained frequent muscular injuries left lined total months combat problem club implemented new training nutrition lifestyle assigned personal travel ups argentina national team result remained virtually injury free years allowing reach potential campaign season scored goals games contributing alongside henry total goals competitions record time club despite injuries early year performances saw voted runner world player year award times season barcelona new manager captain played mainly right wing like time false freedom cut inside centre played time false positioned centre forward dropping deep link assisted chip goal scored twice end match victory greatest score real madrid stadium returning wing played final breaking team scoring assisting second goal defeated athletic win del league goals season crowned champions days later win fifth double season champions league scorer goals youngest tournament history scored goals assisted ensure quarter final victory munich returned false final rome faced manchester united headed ball van der end score barcelona champions europe achieving history spanish football success reflected new contract signed september committed club new clause million salary increased million prosperity continued second half club achieve winning tier trophies single year victories super cup august won club world cup december scoring winning goal chest years old won world player year award times greatest voting margin trophy history continued success position right wing resumed playing false early beginning champions league round match leg draw won second leg goals assist point effectively tactical focal point team rate increased scored total goals competitions season equal club record campaign notably scored goals champions league quarter final arsenal april rare achievement barcelona time scorer competition eliminated champions league semi finals eventual champions inter milan finished season scorer goals second consecutive year league scorer spain europe goals tying record helped barcelona win single defeat secured trophy campaign scoring hat trick victory leg defeat assuming role instrumental november charge real madrid barcelona defeated rivals helped team achieve consecutive league victories record spanish football concluding hat trick madrid february club performances earned inaugural amalgamation world player year award win met criticism lack success argentina world cup award old format placed outside owing win votes international coaches captains end season barcelona played controversial span days league match april ended draw penalty securing consecutive title addition goals league assist provider assists lost del final days later scored goals win leg champions league semi finals second past players acclaimed best competition score important second leg draw sent champions league final faced manchester united repeat final years earlier competition scorer consecutive year goals gave man match performance scoring match winning goal victory finished season goals assists competitions barcelona time single season scorer player spanish football reach goal developed combination number creator scorer assistant scored unprecedented goals provided assists club competitions season producing hat trick occasions began campaign helping barcelona win spanish european super cups scored times achieve aggregate victory real madrid overtaking competition time scorer goals close year december scored twice club world cup final victory winning golden ball best player tournament years previously efforts received fourth player history win times van additionally won inaugural best player europe award revival old style widely considered best players history alongside legends like diego record breaking year maintained form second half season year saw break longstanding records march weeks scoring goals league fixture scored times champions league round match unprecedented achievement history competition addition joint assist provider assists feat scorer goals tying record season second player scorer campaigns weeks later march barcelona history years old overtaking year record goals hat trick despite individual form barcelona year cycle success greatest eras club history drew end won del athletic fourteenth title period lost league real madrid eliminated champions league semi finals eventual champions sending crucial second leg penalty kick home league match scored goals approaching bench embrace announced resignation manager finished season league scorer spain europe second time goals time record goals competitions surpassed goals season making single season scorer history european club football manager coached aged helped club achieve best start season second half year points competition midway point record spanish football double scored december real saw break longstanding records surpassed record league goals barcelona time scorer record goals scored calendar year overtaking goals scored munich germany sent number barcelona shirt signed respect admiration breaking year record close year scored unprecedented goals competitions barcelona argentina acknowledge achievement citing issues received world records title goals scored calendar year odds favourite won player history win times barcelona virtually secured title start eventually real madrid point record previous season performances deteriorated second half campaign concurrently absence ill health losing successive including del semi finals nearly eliminated knockout round champions league milan revival form second leg led comeback goals assist ninth senior season barcelona signed new contract february committing club fixed wage rose million wore captain time month later march league match team tactical focal point degree arguably barcelona legends evolution false years earlier input team attack increased percent winning campaign goal contribution rose percent season largely injury free seasons muscular injuries previously plagued suffered strain april quarter final paris saint appearances sporadic second leg barcelona goal came bench second half minutes helped create game tying goal allowed progress semi finals unfit proved ineffective leg munich unable play second barcelona defeated aggregate eventual champions matches gave notion barcelona perceived tactical psychological dependence star player continued struggle injury eventually parting ways long time personal damage sustained ended streak consecutive league games worldwide record goals run including goal display player score opposition teams goals competitions including goals finished campaign league scorer spain europe second consecutive year player history win european golden shoe times following irregular start new season manager club old boys suffered fifth injury year tore november leaving lined months despite injuries voted runner award year monopoly second half season doubts persisted form leading perception world cup contribution goals shots passes dropped significantly compared previous seasons produced fine moments broke longstanding records seven days hat trick march saw overtake goals barcelona competitions including hat trick real madrid march time scorer ahead goals scored real madrid legend finished campaign worst output seasons managed score goals competitions time years barcelona ended season major trophy defeated del final real madrid lost league game madrid causing sections fans camp prolonged speculation future club signed new contract year contractual update salary increased million million taxes highest wage sport new manager captain experienced largely injury free start season allowing break longstanding records end year hat trick scored november time scorer surpassed year record league goals held days later scored hat trick overtaking goals scorer history champions league hat trick scored city rivals december allowed surpass time scorer goals placed second largely owing second place achievement argentina world cup historic start barcelona perceived headed disappointing end season renewed speculation media leaving club turning point came january victory madrid time attacking dubbed scored match marking beginning highly successful run years playing centre pitch returned old position right wing late previous year suggestion according regained best arguably best form ended team attacking star player goals trio scored total goals competitions season record spanish football end campaign scored goal away win madrid securing title league goals season hat trick scored minutes march fastest senior career thirty second hat trick overall barcelona allowing overtake player hat tricks spanish football additionally season assist provider assists surpassed player assists record assist fixture february scored hat trick scored twice barcelona defeated athletic del final achieving sixth double history opening goal hailed greatest career collected ball near halfway line beat opposing players score tight space near post goal later named final nominees award champions league scored twice assisted semi final victory munich second goal came minutes saw chip ball past defender drop ground went viral year tweeted sporting moment named best goal season despite second leg loss barcelona progressed final june berlin defeated win second club history win league domestic cup european cup twice score participated goals particularly second forced save scored match winning goal rebound addition assist provider assists finished competition joint scorer goals earned distinction player achieve scoring mark champions league seasons efforts season received best player europe award second time opened season scoring twice free kicks barcelona victory super cup subsequent aggregate defeat athletic ended expressed hopes second scoring goal september youngest player appearances champions league away draw september sustained injury barcelona match las tests later confirmed suffered tear left knee ruling weeks finally returned pitch november making substitute appearance barcelona away win rivals real madrid capped year opening scoring 36th minute club world cup final december collecting fifth club trophy barcelona went defeat river plate winning tournament silver ball despite missing semi final december scored appearance barcelona home win real january recording barcelona goal new year scored goals assisted derby win camp leg round del days later won record fifth time career february scored hat trick barcelona win leg del semi final camp scoring career goal process including youth competitions teammate scoring goals match time players scored goals camp time feat occurred times club history camp les league match camp win assisted penalty kick people saw touch genius criticised opponent players complained coach defended penalty stating forwards respectful penalty routine compared icon battling lung cancer leading fans indicate penalty tribute happy play insisting legal entertaining february reached league goal away win sporting days later scored goals barcelona win arsenal stadium leg champions league round second goal barcelona official competitions april ended match scoring drought senior career goal club country barcelona home loss finished season setting goals barcelona extra time win del final stadium club celebrated winning domestic double second consecutive season total scored goals provided assists barcelona attacking trio managed spanish record goals season breaking record set previous season argentina national team success youth level dual argentine spanish national eligible play national team countries spain squad began pursuing barcelona director football alerted royal spanish football federation young player declined offer having represent childhood prevent spain taking argentine football association organised june purpose status argentina player days seventeenth birthday june debut country scoring providing assists victory subsequently included squad south american youth championship held colombia february lacked stamina teammates result growth substitute games proving effective coming second half named man match venezuela scored winning goal crucial match brazil securing place qualification world youth championship aware physical limitations employed personal trainer increase muscle mass returning squad improved condition time world youth championship hosted netherlands june left starting line match united_states defeat squad senior players asked manager francisco let start considered best player helping team defeat egypt germany progress past group stage proved decisive knockout phase scored colombia provided goal assist title favourites spain scored opening goal reigning champions brazil ahead final awarded golden ball best player tournament scored penalties victory nigeria argentina fifth championship finishing tournament scorer goals performances drew comparisons diego led argentina title senior world cup debuts recognition achievements senior manager gave friendly hungary august aged senior debut argentina came 63rd minute sent minutes perceived foul grabbed shirt struck defender arm trying shake referee interpreted intentional contentious decision reportedly found dressing room sending returned team september world cup defeat declared debut ahead match started game qualifying match peru able win crucial penalty secured victory match described jewel subsequently regular appearances team ahead argentina participation world cup scoring goal friendly croatia march injury sustained week later presence world cup selected squad regained fitness time start tournament world cup germany witnessed opening match victory ivory coast bench match serbia montenegro youngest player represent argentina world cup came substitute minute assisted fourth strike minutes scored final goal victory making youngest scorer tournament sixth youngest history world cup progression knockout phase secured starters rested group match consequently started game netherlands draw won group goal differential round match mexico played nineteenth birthday came minute score tied appeared score goal ruled team needing late goal extra time proceed play quarter final germany argentina eliminated penalty shootout home decision leave bench germany led widespread criticism believed changed outcome match argentina favour final olympic gold evolved best players world secured place starting line team considered favourites win held venezuela set game winning goal victory united_states opening match winning penalty led game tying strike win match colombia secured place knockout phase started game bench coming minutes score help team defeat assisting goal quarter final stage group winners faced peru scored second goal victory saw semi final ball mexico ensure win surprise defeat argentina lost final brazil lacked best players unexpected loss followed criticism argentina exempt young age secondary status star player juan named best young player tournament ahead summer olympics barcelona legally barred representing argentina tournament coincided champions league qualifying matches interference newly appointed manager won tournament permitted join squad beijing match scored opening goal assisted victory ivory coast following win group match australia ensuring quarter final qualification rested game serbia won match finish group netherlands scored goal assisted second strike help team win extra time semi final victory brazil assisted goal final argentina defeated nigeria claim olympic gold medals singled stand player tournament best team collective decline late national team experienced year period marked poor performances manager diego led argentina world cup victory player team struggled qualify world cup securing place tournament defeating qualifying match criticised strategic decisions played position positioned deep able contribute attack ability qualifying matches scored goal opening goal match victory venezuela game played march wore argentina number shirt time following international retirement overall scored goals appearances qualifying process ahead tournament visited barcelona request tactical input outlined formation playing position known argentine football preferred position childhood despite poor qualifying campaign argentina considered title contenders world cup south_africa start tournament new formation proved effective managed attempts goal opening match repeatedly denied nigeria resulting win match korea excelled role participating goals victory place knockout phase guaranteed starters rested group match reportedly refused wore captain time win greece focal point play helped create second goal argentina finish group winners round defeated mexico assisting goal controversial strike stood despite argentina defence proved liability world cup finally led elimination quarter final germany stage tournament opponent years earlier loss worst margin defeat subsequently identified tournament best players citing outstanding pace creativity spectacular efficient shooting passing home subject far judgement perceived best player world expected lead average team title arguably failed replicate performances barcelona national team leading accusation cared country club replaced orchestrated olympic victory publicly stated intended build team employing false system success barcelona scored record goals club season scored argentina official match march despite tactical change goal drought continued hosted argentina matches colombia ended draws standards media fans noted combine enjoyed far greater popularity argentine public consequently team supporters time career crucial match bench gave received performance assisting goals victory costa_rica quarter final ended draw following extra time having assisted argentina eliminated penalty shootout eventual champions assuming argentina unsuccessful performance replaced appointment august awarded year old squad accord captain reserved nature went lead squad example best player continued role team field leader redesign team dismissed brought players won world youth championship olympic games playing free role improving team finally ended goal drought scoring world cup qualifying match chile october official goal argentina half years rate drastically increased scored goals matches previous managers scored times appearances following years total goals games argentina record held argentina time scorer goals scored calendar year country hat trick came friendly switzerland february followed hat tricks year half brazil guatemala helped team secure place world cup victory september addition providing assist scored twice penalty kick taking international tally goals argentina second highest overall scored total goals matches qualifying campaign concurrently performances relationship improved gradually began perceived favourably argentina world cup finals ahead world cup brazil doubts persisted form finished unsuccessful injury plagued season barcelona start tournament gave strong performances elected man match matches world cup match captain led victory bosnia helped create early opening goal scored second strike past players world cup goal debut tournament years earlier second match iran scored injury time goal metres end game win securing qualification knockout phase scored twice group match victory nigeria second goal free kick finished group assisted late goal extra time ensure win switzerland round starting play led match winning goal quarter final belgium helping argentina progress semi final world cup time following draw extra time eliminated netherlands penalty shootout reach final billed versus germany world best player best team final repeat final featuring diego half hour started play led goal ruled missed opportunities open scoring match particular start second half effort went wide far post substitute mario finally scored minute followed minute extra time free kick sent net germany won match claim world cup conclusion final awarded golden ball best player tournament addition joint highest goals assist created chances completed runs deliveries penalty area produced competition selection drew criticism lack goals knockout round president expressed surprise suggested chosen marketing purposes final appearance senior international career followed held chile barcelona manager argentina entered tournament title contenders second place achievement world cup opening match ahead goals half time lost lead end match draw scored penalty kick goal tournament following win defending champions earned cap country final group match win jamaica fifth argentine achieve milestone appearances scored total goals argentina came official competitive matches evolved team symbolic captain genuine leader led argentina knockout stage group winners quarter final created numerous chances including rebound repeatedly denied colombia ultimately ended match scoreless leading penalty shootout favour semi final stage excelled provided assists helped create goals victory receiving applause initially hostile crowd argentina started final odds title favourites defeated chile penalty shootout extra time draw faced aggression opposing players including taking boot played standards argentine successfully convert penalty close tournament reportedly selected receive valuable player award rejected honour argentina continued trophy drought began world cup defeats brought intense criticism argentine media fans retirement place argentina squad initially jeopardy sustained injury friendly win honduras pre warm match later reported suffered deep region remain squad tournament later left bench argentina opening win defending champions chile june concerns fitness declared match fit nation second group match panama june left bench replaced 61st minute subsequently scored hat trick minutes starting play led goal match ended victory sealing argentina place quarter finals competition elected man match performance june quarter final venezuela produced man match performance assisting goals scoring victory enabled equal national record goals official international matches record broken days later scored win semi final hosts united_states assisted goals match argentina sealed place final competition second consecutive year named man match repeat previous year final june argentina lost chile penalties resulting consecutive defeat major tournament final argentina fourth overall match missed penalty shootout announced retirement international football sources reported argentine players lucas follow captain retiring international football chile coach argentine juan said match generation compare generation argentine football think best player played today united_states finished tournament second highest scorer goals highest assist provider assists winning man match awards player tournament named team tournament performances missed golden ball award best player went don leo following announcement campaign began argentina fans big names football society change mind retiring greeted fans signs reading don leo team landed buenos_aires argentina president urged quit stating lucky life pleasures gift god best player world country like greatest thing argentina care buenos_aires mayor unveiled statue capital convince reconsider retirement social networks global topic campaign continued streets avenues argentine capital supporters going buenos_aires july slogan week announced international retirement argentine newspaper reported playing argentina world cup november player profile style play short stature lower centre gravity taller players gives greater agility allowing change direction quickly evade opposing tackles spanish media calls atomic despite physically possesses significant upper body strength combined low centre gravity resulting balance aids physical challenges opponents consequently noted lack diving sport short strong legs allow short bursts acceleration quick feet enable retain control ball speed barcelona manager stated player runs faster ball improved ability weaker foot predominantly left player outside left foot usually begins runs uses inside foot finish provide passes assists prolific known finishing positioning quick reactions ability attacking runs beat defensive line functions role courtesy vision precise passing accurate free kick penalty kick pace technical ability enable undertake individual runs goal particular usually starting halfway line right pitch widely considered best world greatest time regard ability argentina manager diego said ball stays foot seen great players career seen ball control individual qualities rounded hard working team player known creative combinations particular barcelona plays free attacking role versatile player capable attacking wing centre pitch favoured position childhood known argentine football began career spain left left sided forward team debut moved right wing manager frank position easily cut defence middle pitch shots goal left foot predominantly cross balls teammates subsequent managers played false role positioned centre forward lone centre moving deep drawing defenders order create exploit spaces passes runs combinations returned playing right sided position characterised early career argentina national team similarly played managers employed right wing false deeper creative role classic number attacking reception talent teenager established world best players age diego considered year old best player world alongside brazilian shortly winning commented best reference protégé years later won record margin public debate qualities player moved status contemporary football possibility greatest player history early proponent manager early august declared best player seen following years opinion gained greater acceptance managers current players end second winning season superiority ahead predominant view continental europe frequent dismissal centred fact won world cup argentina leading sport instead cite best club player history career compared diego similar playing styles left initially merely young argentine players including idol receive new moniker career progressed proved similarity previous contenders establishing greatest player argentina produced won world cup alongside said october day years world cup mexico manager orchestrated world cup victory echoed sentiment opined plays level best notable sport diego expressed belief overtaken best player history argentine society generally held lesser esteem consequence uneven performances national team differences class personality background ways predecessor controversial character rose greatness reserved man outside football enduring mark fact fault proved argentine upcoming player achieving stardom overseas young age lack outward passion shirt sing national anthem emotional displays past led false perception felt truly argentine despite having lived spain age said argentina country family way expressing change records people country happy comparisons contemporary peers compared contrasted portuguese forward ongoing rivalry compared past sports rivalries like muhammad ali joe rivalry boxing john rivalry tennis rivalry formula times denied rivalry widely believed push aim best player world won european golden shoes fans regularly argue individual merits players playing styles debate revolves differing muscular build contrasting public personalities self confidence foil faces twice season ranks world viewed annual sports events pitch direct competitor terms salary social media fanbase popular culture according france football world highest paid years player exceed million earnings million million points income million second forbes list world highest paid athletes income million salary endorsements barcelona highest paid player receiving salary increased million million years current salary million net million taxes established highest sport addition salary euro bonuses income derives endorsements consequently cited world athletes year research began main sponsor company leading youth prospect signed age transferred successfully challenged rival claim image rights court time established leading brand long running signature collection boots receive sub brand boots commercial entity marketing brand based exclusively talents achievements player contrast arguably glamorous players like david start career mainly held sponsorship contracts companies employ sports oriented marketing onwards concurrently increased achievements player marketing appeal widened leading long term endorsement deals luxury brands global brand ambassador turkish motors companies additionally face video game series pro evolution soccer appearing covers subsequently signed rival company sports face series appeared consecutive covers global popularity influence documented time annual list world influential people published time fanbase social media website facebook largest public figures seven hours launch april facebook page nearly seven million followers november second million followers according survey sports research firm international markets familiar respondents world perceived favourably making second recognized player globally likable contemporary players events illustrated presence popular culture solid gold replica left foot weighing valued million went sale japan march raise funds victims earthquake turkish advertisement starring engages competition los_angeles star watched youtube year release receiving million views subsequently voted best advertisement decade commemorate youtube founding world press photo selected final game photograph facing world cup trophy argentina final defeat germany best sports image documentary life filmmaker premiered venice film festival august personal life family relationships relationship fellow native known years old cousin best friend childhood lucas football player keeping relationship private year confirmed romance interview january going public month later carnival barcelona derby previously romantically linked argentine models sons born born celebrate partner pregnancy placed ball shirt scoring argentina win ecuador june confirming pregnancy interview weeks later born barcelona november attending birth given permission barcelona miss training announced son arrival facebook page writing today man world son born thanks god gift left april confirmed facebook expecting child missed training ahead match madrid attend birth second son september barcelona enjoys close relationship immediate family members particularly mother face left shoulder professional affairs largely run family business father agent oldest brother handles daily schedule publicity mother brother manage charitable organisation leo foundation care personal professional matters leaving spain age maintained close ties hometown preserving distinct accent kept ownership family old house long stood maintains apartment exclusive residential building mother family compound outside city training national team buenos_aires hour trip car immediately practice dinner family spent night returned buenos_aires day time practice keeps daily contact phone text small group fellow members machine old boys considered club man long planned return end playing career bad terms club transfer barcelona public feud ended embracing ties issuing club membership card newborn son charity career involved charitable efforts aimed vulnerable children commitment stems medical difficulties faced childhood contributed time finances united_nations children fund organisation barcelona strong association served goodwill ambassador appointment march completing field mission organisation months later travelled haiti bring public awareness plight country children wake recent earthquake participated campaigns targeting hiv prevention education social inclusion disabled children celebrate son birthday november publicity campaign raise awareness mortality rates children addition work founded charitable organisation leo foundation supports access health care education sport children established following visit paid hospital ill children boston experience point decided earnings society foundation awarded research grants financed medical training invested development medical centres projects argentina spain world addition fundraising activities global friends football matches foundation receives financial support companies assigned endorsement agreements main sponsor invested youth football argentina financially supports football club based neighbourhood born committing refurbishment facilities installation weather pitches funds management youth players old boys rival club central river plate buenos_aires old boys club funded construction new gymnasium dormitory inside club stadium youth academy youth coach employed leo foundation talent scout young players february utilized social media track boy photo went viral showed wearing shirt striped blue plastic bag imitating argentina strip legal issues financial affairs came investigation suspected tax offshore companies tax belize allegedly evade million taxes related sponsorship earnings unrelated shell company panama set subsequently identified belonging panama papers data leak pleaded ignorance alleged scheme voluntarily paid million august stood trial alongside father counts tax july father found guilty tax fraud handed suspended month prison sentences respectively ordered pay million million fines career statistics club notes international june notes honours achievements club del champions league super cup club world cup international world youth championship olympic gold medal runner world cup runner individual awards world player year club year club forward year world best world best division world best best player europe european golden shoe best player best forward player month january argentine year argentine year club world cup golden ball club world cup silver ball world cup golden ball valuable player rejected world team year team year team time published world cup dream team dream team goal year best goal young world player year golden boy young european year world youth championship golden ball world youth championship golden shoe best young player assist provider del champions league champions league assist provider club world cup world youth championship assist provider records june consecutive youngest time time winner years old best player europe awards best player awards goals assist provider assists goals goals goals super cup goals shared rob van der terry club world cup goals shared club country calendar year goals club competitions calendar year goals club competitions season goals longest run domestic league matches goals season goals hat tricks scored season shared player score opposition teams matches goals player won club world cup golden ball youngest player score goals years player champions league seasons player consecutive champions league seasons hat tricks scored champions league goals scored champions league match shared youngest player appearances champions league years days titles won barcelona shared barcelona official competitions goals barcelona including goals barcelona champions league goals hat tricks scored competitions barcelona player hat tricks scored barcelona player barcelona player seasons time assist provider assists argentina time goals argentina calendar year goals shared youngest player play argentina world cup years days youngest player score argentina world cup years days youngest player reach caps country jurisdiction years days


dutch pronunciation born june dutch professional plays defensive english club birmingham city began football career hometown club joining youth system young teenager let leave second tier club ahead eagles year later senior debut signed professional contract spent seasons regular member eagles team joining club played right year switching second season appointed vice captain took season helped club qualify european football time seven years captained victory cup final win major trophy club history ahead season joined football league championship second tier club birmingham city played netherlands toulon tournament capped times country level personal life born june municipality netherlands attended primary school leaving school began college course business economics complete came family mother sisters played sister rode horses father coached lower reaches dutch amateur football including reserve team club hometown club began playing football age club career ahead eagles spotted scouts seasons youth system staff believed required standard moved based second tier club ahead eagles following summer took team pre season training camp germany senior debut opening day august away entered game replace injured half time team lost september signed professional contract years option fourth scored senior goal april winning goal ahead eagles beat finished season team regular league appearances second season helped ahead eagles reach final round promotion play offs lost april linked reigning dutch champions beginning june parties agreed terms financial situation change ownership meant deal proceed june year old signed year contract club paid fee player presented right despite having played season play right defeat away struggled player pace ability feet eventually penalty finished season fifth position qualifying play offs place league sent leg semi final suspended second replaced half time leg final lost den unused substitute second leg recovered goal deficit lose penalties second season played regularly preferred position scored goal october finished biggest win goals goal second powerful drive metres january transfer window turned described substantial bid belgian pro league club club having let join loan prepared lose performances season earned supporters vote player year substitute starter weeks new manager robert went establish minor knee injury sustained mid season training camp meant missed couple matches appearances starting intermittent suspension selected finished seventh place albeit points faced play offs strong performance leg defeat home loss second leg confirmed qualify league ahead season replacement van appointed vice captain captain began season bench soon came starting frequently wore captain absence reduced yellow card count half season usual end season captained played recommendation according club website inspiration match unbeaten finish meant qualified european football time seven years technical director said worthy ambassador club field amid interest clubs abroad including club signed new year contract negotiations lengthy player said happy staying appreciated prospect european football played according club player insisted release clause included contract entered league second round draw away leg opponents took goal lead second leg scored headed goal half time reduce deficit held eliminated spoke motivation drew confident remarks reportedly ahead second leg perceived domestically missed match competitions suspension played minute cup run quarter final fourth edge box defeat club beat flight club semi final final albert goals beat cup holders captain lifted major trophy club history twice annual community player award brings prize donated social project winner choice actively involved kids united football team children disabilities win occasion charity benefited winner shared prize money nominees late july english club birmingham city bid services triggered release clause contract accepted stop leaving disappointed losing captain soon start new season losing player club community birmingham city july signed year contract football league championship second tier club birmingham city fee officially undisclosed release clause figure widely reported went straight starting opening game season playing alongside stephen formation breaking play putting tackles generally making uncomfortable opponents kept place league matches david davis fine performance league cup tie villa followed mistakes poor defeat home united manager included davis alongside birmingham won minor injury restricted seat bench early november davis took role reverted man central said davis start visit brighton end month returned provide bit control involved incident suffered knee damage brighton manager chris described hearted challenge having scored times league matches netherlands registered goals days january minute match home won ball played james kept running shot goal arrived far post time slide ball home winner derby county weeks later ran clearance hit powerful volley outside penalty area wide complete victory repeated feat match home town goals earned nomination january championship player month lost hull city international career appearance international football netherlands promises team team providing stepping stone team team march played half defeat friendly match senior squad august received debut second half substitute european championship played spain september group won taking field minutes sent minutes later foul start friendly denmark november playing right win ball set goal played czech_republic germany unused substitute euro international appearances toulon tournament netherlands represented played matches style play dutch journalist suggests position choice holding defence best use energy recovering ball comfortable ball able distribute possession tries shake things play gone dormant lies weakness pick silly cards time time averaged yellow cards season according technical director speaking battling style die attitude sort player supporters identify interview described wanted improve said pressure career statistics match played honours club cup


gordon banks gordon banks born december england international football appearances year career football league won caps country regarded greatest time named banks second best 20th century 1st ahead 3rd named year named year occasions joined march played youth team youth cup final team debut november sold leicester city july played cup finals club beaten cup finals winning league cup finishing finalists time established england number played game nation world cup victory despite success dropped leicester sold city april game great saves prevent goal world cup absent illness england beaten west_germany quarter final stage league cup win club major honour england number car crash october cost sight eye professional career play united_states fort briefly entered management united left game sacked december club career banks born sheffield west riding yorkshire brought working class area family later moved village father set illegal betting shop brought greater prosperity misery day banks disabled brother shop daily died injuries weeks later left school december took employment local coal merchant helped build upper body strength spent season playing amateur regular failed turn match club trainer spotted banks spectators invited play goal aware banks previously played sheffield performances earned game yorkshire league welfare defeat works debut followed home defeat dropped returned aged switched jobs carrier scouted whilst playing offered game trial youth team march impressed games offered time week contract manager july reserve team placed central league account powerful club director merit banks conceded goals season finished place victories banks posted germany royal signals national service won rhine cup regimental team recovered fractured elbow help youth team final youth cup beaten aggregate manchester united famous team included bobby banks given team debut manager expense long serving ron division game united november game ended banks kept place city following match missed games end season injury coaching speak banks learn mistakes pitch soon developed modern vocal ordered players effective defence having league cup appearances came surprise banks matt manager division club leicester city bought july meant wage increase week leicester city banks faced competition including year old scotland international john anderson year old dave started season reserve team effect making club second choice ahead rivals team choice played reserve team games picked injury manager matt selected banks leicester debut street september match finished strike opener banks retained place defeat newcastle united james park days later fit banks sent reserves team conceded goals games recalled choice remainder season defensive record improve banks conceding heavy defeat park improved match settled comfortable 12th place finish training worked extensively improving weaknesses coming crosses extra hours training came practice sessions improve skills largely unique era specialized coaches summer anderson departed leaving banks club undisputed number ahead group leicester finished sixth managed beat champions white hart lane greatest accomplishment reaching final cup banks conceding goals games route final keeping clean sheets semi final sheffield united goals jimmy finally broke second replay andrew opponents final won division title point margin right picked severe injury early match dropped disciplinary reasons rookie favour city effectively playing men offered little threat going forward bobby smith terry gave spurs win double 20th century banks unable prevent goal season proved highly disappointing leicester finished 14th league exited cup hands city highlight club participation european cup winners cup actually banks difficult position choosing play club spanish club madrid choosing attend england versus portugal match non playing squad member elected attend games leaving london time reach leicester minutes kick madrid minute goal earned draw street return leg banks saved collar penalty madrid awarded second penalty collar converted leicester lost game losing tie aggregate banks broke nose cottage opening day season defeat leicester went chase possible double reaching cup semi finals whilst lying table april city beat liverpool reach final banks keeping clean sheet despite goal near constant siege club news world reported liverpool attempts goal leicester banks later stated finest performance club level banks broke finger defeat west injured leicester lost final league games end season disappointing fourth place cup final banks rest team lost game manchester united city ended season 11th place having inconsistent season success instead came league cup beat west united legs semi finals reach final city opening tie victoria ground finished extremely muddy conditions banks shot bill keith rebound street goals mike dave gibson howard riley won game leicester settled tie banks started season wages week club agreed pay week december wages difficult club spend received sale frank transfer request dissatisfaction pay quality replacements reluctant join club paid like banks base rate rival clubs paid average players leicester finished 18th league knocked cup liverpool sixth round league cup city struggled past united replay town crystal palace replay recorded victory city road past plymouth semi finals banks found playing league cup final won final successfully defending win bridge draw street missed games season breaking wrist diving feet town joe pre season friendly leicester finished season seventh spot exited cup competitions hands manchester city despite world cup winner previous summer banks dropped end season highly promising teenage reserve peter manager matt blunt telling banks club directors think best days teammate norman told banks pressured decision told board leave club given team football banks transfer listed price club received march big clubs unwilling expense liverpool manager bill showed strong interest convince club board directors agree large fee west united manager ron prepared match fee instead signed bobby agreed terms want word terms instead agreed city mid table division city leaving street banks requested loyalty bonus leicester told matt decided pay penny compensation payment final banks refused boss tony seemingly negotiated payment leicester years later banks informed actually payment leicester valued good highly built close relationship time banks moved replaced john farmer club number kept goal games season making home debut victoria ground win club leicester banks fitted built team veteran players judged past best struggled near foot division table campaigns rising ninth place season banks remained reliable club march knocked unconscious park moore replacement david herd conceded goals defeat banks played season cleveland american united soccer association summer played seven short lived club games cleveland ohio banks believed best saves career shirt instance saved caught powerful placed manchester city davies yards second case saved francis lee maine road great save club catching volley hit yards white hart lane began compete honours season despite impressive victories clubs arsenal leeds united city ended season mid table obscurity club great achievement reaching semi finals cup beating town town hull city route facing arsenal semi finals lost goal lead draw beaten replay villa park despite mid table finish beat hull city manchester united reach cup semi final faced arsenal draw meant replay park gunners goals victory came disputed frank penalty john goal television showed clearly interview said felt cheated chance play club cup final banks found league cup took matches reach final overcoming oxford united replay manchester united second replay bristol west united second replay following aggregate draw legs extra time second leg west banks harry penalty saved powerful spot kick city competition faced final peter beat banks hooked shot half time goals terry george won game end season banks named year receive honour october driving home session injured shoulder banks lost control new ford consul ford car ended ditch attempted overtake car sharp turn collided oncoming austin van taken north hospital operation received face micro inside right eye told chances saving sight eye sight returned loss vision severely limited abilities retired professional football following summer fort april went play named superstar north american soccer league fort won division banks named year conceded goals games best defensive record played league ireland game patrick athletic keeping clean sheet win richmond park october returned fort played games season international career banks capped twice england matches wales scotland ron england banks rose prominence world cup chile new coach appointed england right demanded sole control team began looking world cup banks won cap april scotland dropped following poor performance england lost banks scotland goals came firstly error jimmy secondly penalty spot picked match brazil ended credible draw douglas cancelled opener banks continued play consistently established england choice picked play rest world celebration match mark years football association banks played england games little world cup brazil summer draw portugal defeat argentina tony won caps england goal found challenge banks team place came end conceded goals brazil england summer tour built solid understanding defenders george jack bobby moore ray wilson conceded goals matches hungary yugoslavia west_germany sweden played seven build world cup team passed biggest test character british home championship beating scotland crowd park going competition defeat matches little world cup came austria game banks missed injury world cup banks entered world cup england choice ron peter took field tournament england opened tournament draw banks virtual spectator highly defensive rarely ventured half defeated mexico banks rarely troubled win france took england group stage banks conceding goal england beat argentina scoring match half sending refused leave pitch dismissed dissent contrast previous games semi final portugal proved fair contest sides talented players eager attack start match panic buildup game trainer forgot buy banks hands better able handle ball run nearby purchase teams tunnel bobby scored goals portugal strong finish won penalty minutes jack handled ball penalty area converted penalty sending banks wrong way game finished england favour goal banks conceded england minutes regular play giving scotland goal minutes home international clash april remains record england england opponents final west_germany england dominated final banks beaten weak ray wilson handed chance sent accurate relatively weak shot corner net banks jack failed adjust position time reach ball england minutes went ahead late second half martin seconds left game sent free kick england penalty area ball fell guided ball ray wilson banks net game extra time extra time germans sent shots england goal banks managed catch control great danger scored goals complete hat trick claimed second goal crossed line banks maintained belief officials called decision correctly goals banks deal fiery shot held later exposed come centimetres away connecting ball euro scotland team beat world champions goals law bobby jim secured victory april despite set england qualified euro consisted teams england italy hosts soviet_union yugoslavia england played games tournament losing yugoslavia beating soviets place play world cup banks went world cup england number caps peter cap alex caps soon found heat altitude mexico difficult cope team efforts helped bobby moore falsely accused stealing infamous despite goal beat opponents romania far tougher test awaited june england faced brazil day match banks informed awarded playing pace brazil putting england enormous pressure attack begun captain sent low ball right flank brazilian sped past left terry cooper crossed ball yard box connected powerful send ball low right hand corner goal knowledge placed perfection immediately shouted brazilian portuguese goal split second incident allowed banks time conscious thought shot impossible catch way prevent following rebound ball bar ball bounced yards goal line banks managed contact ball fingers right hand rolled hand slightly angle ball landed inner goal knew saved ball witnessing reaction banks rose feet defend corner broke laughter following exchange thought goal banks getting old hold bobby moore numerous journalists later describe save greatest history game banks later won remember winning world cup save big thing people want talk save public voted save list greatest sporting moments brazil won game guided shot past banks second half england ultimately joined brazil win final group game czechoslovakia reward rematch final west_germany day game banks england hopes making world cup started complain upset stomach affected violent stomach limbs spent time bathroom passed extremely fitness test suffered shortly game forced rest place peter remarked players lose lose banks watched game television hotel england lost goal lead eliminated extra time time delay broadcast switched television england lead bobby moore returned hotel break news defeat later surfaced banks poisoned game evidence support banks believed final years teams competed euro belgium hosts hungary soviet_union west_germany england came close qualifying lost west_germany final round qualifying banks involved notorious incident george best playing england northern_ireland ball banks hands headed net referee judged dangerous play banks played final game england win scotland park international games kept clean sheets lost games coaching career december appointed coach port manager dennis butler demoted reserve coach october new boss banks enjoyed coaching soon resigned position feeling players wright refused advice board applied vacant management positions lincoln city united rejected instead accepted role manager alliance premier league time club united signed centre half centre forward city john finished 13th place november left temporary charge team affairs whilst underwent surgery led club defeat trophy hands lower league club return club banks sacked offered position ticket seller accepted post belief money owed terms management contract eventually settle contract later stated broke heart want stay game personal life banks met wife national service germany children robert born july separated time america couple reunited banks returned england banks nephew nick banks drummer band pulp shortly retirement banks surprised episode life later fronted leicester based company lost significant sum money business failed helped leicester city offered match appointed city president following death stanley 1980s member man pool panel sold world cup winners medal international cap final sold banks inaugural english football hall_of_fame march named world greatest living awarded honorary doctorate university february banks legend inducted new walk fame having plaque installed pavement sheffield town hall july unveiled statue banks making famous world cup save outside stadium march inducted city trent hall_of_fame roy banks published autobiography banks england published comprehensive autobiography autobiography irish investigative author don published memoir called gordon banks hero fly wrote influence england life december announced receiving treatment kidney cancer career statistics sources source honours england world cup european championship place bronze british home championship shared shared


born commonly known brazilian professional plays defender french club paris saint brazil national team mainly central defender play right began career winning moved eventual fee million regular season reached final july moved paris saint million year contract highest fees player age won items club including title seasons played frequently acquisition david international debut brazil won toulon tournament represented nation following year olympics club career joined age winning state junior cup included senior squad january remaining unused substitute home win professional debut competition february playing minutes victory score appearances season topped table regular season defeated play offs quarter finals conclusion state championship debut playing start finish loss stadium teams resting players game season concentration played games national championship unused substitute club won finals july signed transfer initially year loan fee million rising million team appearances minutes wore number played debut september loss sent manager replace final minutes october decided partner speed alongside teammate fellow brazilian central defence starter bench given straight red card victory milan december judged denied clear opportunity played games season included minutes final playing right lost rivals paris saint season july signed year deal french paris saint fee million according bbc sport highest transfer fee teenager sky sports report fifth highest transfer france sport record highest french news channel described transfer fifth expensive time defender rio ferdinand daniel transfer threatened medical exam missed team pre season visit sweden mother said caught virus denying claims circulated official debut club september scored professional goal confirm win stadium group stage champions league days later debut starter draw league goal club came september win october scored second goal champions league group victory playing injury expressed surprise form start career scored goal aggregate win champions league march unused substitute won final april scored opening goal win league champions record league points tally game left play season began season august des champions playing minutes won workers stadium beijing 32nd minute gave away penalty kick saved penalty shot goal season came win september heading corner march signed year contract extension team club president said biggest european clubs interested signing contract extension paris saint ambitious long term project left brazilian defence alongside david featured win scoring days later started victory final 34th consecutive game defeat club surpassing record set george won consecutive league title victory playing final minutes place weeks later unused substitute team finished perfect domestic season victory france final season began season victory des champions unused substitute played right end summer transfer window bids rejected signature amounts million played rarely season partnership david centre defence team defenders alex recommended leave team demand big teams opportunity play february criticised agency representing david having led players position club limiting opportunities mentioned barcelona interest player stated open leave end season agent confirmed leaving march scored goal season won saint cup quarter finals following expulsion team took right earning praise performances champions league april played entirety win final france final win won domestic trophies second consecutive season international career played minute brazil campaign south american football championship won qualified year world cup category undisputed starter match tournament team took fourth place mexico october dual portuguese brazilian stated open representing portugal national team later month received brazil named squad friendly matches honduras chile played november debut honduras miami november replacing david minutes win played brazil toulon tournament featuring matches country won tournament scored brazil eventual win final france missing world cup home soil returned senior september new manager featured friendly wins colombia ecuador miami making start included brazilian squad chile major international tournament competitive debut appearance tournament june final group match monumental david replacing final minutes win venezuela sent brazil quarter finals group winners named brazilian squad united_states experimental selection lacking club defensive partners david played games centre alongside replaced group game loss peru stadium eliminated team later year included squad team hosting olympic tournament playing style terms position predominantly central defender right defensive signing described quick player good sense position knew impose game named new teammate role model march told despite average height compensated strength timing attributes learnt assistant manager praised manager defender encouraging defenders attack set pieces teaching correct positioning situation fellow defender said august little phenomenon speed heading ability knows humble little january named british newspaper observer promising young players europe wrote temperament remain talent succeed benefit playing alongside club team mate enjoys solid understanding wealthy paris saint personal life told engaged brazilian singer reality television contestant carol proposed underneath tower career statistics club match played international match played june honours club runner paris saint france des champions international brazil south american football championship brazil toulon tournament


henry french pronunciation born april french professional plays german club munich france national team player primarily plays left right known pace energy skill precise passing described player fast tricky excellent great control ball feet joining recognised world stage best french players generation previous french national team called jewel french football career began youth player local hometown club left club seven years join professional outfit departed club years having difficulties adjusting joined played years spending years amateur divisions different clubs brest earned club months club moved turkey january join won turkish cup months departed club controversial fashion order return france join spent seasons club helping reach final france seasons joined german club munich club record fee million won titles champions league club world cup include doubles form club winning season saw nominated alongside man represented france national football team times represented nation world cups european football championships international debut mexico world cup scored international goal spain played final match italy individually time winner french player year award won german year player hold honours named team year declared young player year france won best player europe award ranked fourth guardian list best players world beginnings born april sur raised low income neighbourhood fringes city years old family involved car accident hometown suffered facial injuries resulted left long right face prior joining worked construction worker father referred learning experience club career early career began football career age playing youth section amateur club sur seven year stay joined professional outfit playing second division excelled developed academic problems led releasing press conference ahead munich champions league tie club explained released academy suffering broken elbow officials previously wanted drop academy small leaving returned hometown joining biggest club city spending year reserves promoted senior team appearances debut season playing fourth division french football earned promotion tier national second season club appeared league matches converting goals finished 17th meant return fourth division solid performances earned fellow national club season club appearances scoring goal following season despite finishing safe relegated division sixth division french football club declared bankruptcy resulting news led signing brest national club brest established premier player league appearing league matches scoring goals performance team led club finishing second league earning promotion despite success brest sought play division french football dream came fruition manager jean took liking recruited free transfer spent half season impressed earning player month august scored league goal november team draw stellar play right led supporters comparing robert legend negotiations extension ended stalemate january relocated turkey joined initial loan deal istanbul based outfit right pay million permanent brought manager appeared league matches club finished place position playing club supporters nicknamed reference quick acceleration ball feet large located right face turkish cup instrumental club rivals competition ultimate match scored opening goal 16th minute assisted goal later substituted 52nd minute leading trophy major honour ruling june announced returning france joining club year contract plus reuniting manager jean considered surprising years remaining contract club paid million loan permanent march argued paid wages club asked sport governing body contract confirmed point season threatened baseball bat agent director day announcing officials manager player club announced intent ask probe situation july ruled favour dismissed claims player fault response turkish club announced decision challenge ruling appealing international court arbitration sport april appeal dismissed court declared statement terminated contract turkish club end season grounds entitled compensation sought million compensation season arrival handed number shirt debut july defeat collecting yellow card september scored goal club victory weeks later goals matches victories club nice november scored game winning goal win goal scored metres later voted goal season supporters france performed scoring double scoring opening goal semi final victory win pushed final faced rivals paris saint second consecutive cup final appearance unfortunately losing club europe scored goals cup italian club spanish outfit cup scored goal converting second leg round tie premier league club later named national union professional young player year season following success internationally world cup bidding war occurred order obtain services english club arsenal initially offering million player arsenal spanish club real madrid offered million according directors rivals sought services president accusing jean tapping discovered chairman visited france national team world cup later threatened report football actions went far accuse agent badly advising player continued declare limits nearly years remaining contract august confirmed intention remain club season heightened popularity saw increased speculation writers supporters finally win league title season began campaign high note scoring club second match season victory november suffered groin injury loss resulting injury meant number weeks returning following winter break return january goals win following month suffered fractured foot match injury required miss league matches france match april finished league season scoring weeks win victory france reached final second straight season putting scoring game winning goal semi final win final heavy favourites team completely dominated days prior recorded upset victory defeating penalties match ended following extra time final match win final match day season victory secured second place best finish finishing runner season following season awarded french player year french sports publication france football honor ended year reign henry munich season june german club munich announced reached agreement transfer player agreeing year deal paying club record million given number shirt freed retirement end previous season team debut month later scoring twice friendly munich youth competitive debut july bremen round premiere scoring twice assisting victory semifinals early goal win defending champions injury unable play final won scored league goal club august triumph bremen converting penalty 31st minute went scoreless league months scoring goal providing assist goal win month later recorded feat providing assist opening goal scored scoring game winning goal win german cup recorded goals provided assists matches contested goal competition february win inner city rivals munich converting lone goal penalty final minute extra time semi finals scored opening goal win resulted club qualifying final final assisted opener 11th minute match won claiming 14th cup title cup reached semi finals scoring goals competition including germans comeback win spanish club quarter finals total appeared matches scoring goals assisting goals won league cup double efforts june named german year named french player year second consecutive season season tearing ankle euro began season september match appearing substitute minute league debut days later month play scored goal season comeback win following match scored straight league matches club going undefeated span december capped portion season scoring goal providing assists victory champions league performances finished french magazine france football award won debut saw earn german cup win player scoring providing assist february scored double club win sporting leg round clash later eliminated aggregate spanish champions barcelona round scoring goal second leg draw league failed defend title despite suffering defeat twice final matches losing ended season total appearances scoring goals providing assists season following season constant speculation began surface availability transfer market despite president executive new manager louis van declaring sold numerous media outlets declared english clubs manchester united spanish clubs barcelona real madrid italian outfit inter milan strong interest player clubs willing offer million services order quell interest declared leave million began season struggling left knee healthy start season scoring goal victory rivals converting free kick goal notable celebration afterward following conversion ran field celebratory teammates enthusiastically jumped manager louis van awaiting arms mutual admiration ended speculation media having poor relationship early october began affect play resulted missing rest year france world cup playoff tie republic ireland january returned team making appearance substitute club league win bremen goal new year came february scoring victory march scored goal leg win english club manchester united champions league quarter finals converting free kick wayne going net club ensuing match scored opening goal team victory april sent referee club leg champions league semi final committed foul play expulsion resulted missing second leg won advance champions league final april handed match suspension control disciplinary body assault suspension meant miss final following ruling munich announced intent appeal suspension club appeal heard appeals body upheld ban meaning miss final club competition fixture eligible immediately ruling responded announcing intention appealing court arbitration sport scored goal win bremen edition final days later appeal heard court arbitration sport dismissed meaning officially ruled champions league final inter milan munich lost match announced german newspaper agreed new year contract munich sign contract arrival madrid watch teammates contest champions league final day final club officially confirmed agreement new tied club uncertainty annual salary speculated new deal pays annual salary million year highest annual salary awarded player club history season began season healthy time debut season club world cup players arrive pre season training season debut august victory round match scored goal season days later assisted game winning goal scored team opening league match september forced leave team win suffering ankle injury injury discovered ruled weeks despite initial diagnosis missed months returned team november league match week later criticized manager louis van performance friendly match organized help injured team players regain fitness van disappointed players performances singled stating didn effort showed commitment remain contention appear team league match subsequently appeared match substitute 61st minute december scored double victory swiss club champions league january league match following winter break suffered lower leg injury half result tackle brazilian initial media reports described injury possibly having undergo surgery repair torn medical analysis injury reduced subsequently missed weeks returned team february league match february assisted goals win following team league win february embarked streak charted statistical output league matches february assisted team goal defeat rivals match repeated feat previous match assisted goal defeat march arguably best performance season scoring goal providing assists following match assisted team opening goal scored mario game winning goal minutes time win april assisted goal match converted streak ended team draw april days later scored final goal sweeping season prior start season suffered ankle injury pre season training session resulted player carried training ground members club medical team despite player fearing torn ankle examination club doctors revealed injury thought missed competitive match away win august season debut week later opening league match season playing entire match loss following week assisted game winning goal scored win scored goal campaign team league match won match following international break september scored double assisted goal home victory week later assisted team goals shutout win following october international break manufactured statistical output scoring assisting goals win october scored game winning goal win champions league scored goal competition november spanish club group stage scored goal half win allowed club progression champions league knockout phase december scored set goals win bremen league win inserted place position league momentarily losing spot late november failing score goal months february scored game winning goal win quarter finals goal resulted scoring official competition munich participated joined club february scored goals shutout win weeks later scored goal assisted goals scored mario semi finals scored second goal team extra time win win took munich 18th german cup final april scored opening goal leg victory spanish club real madrid semi finals champions league days match reported german publication sport involved dressing room fight half time madrid match report stated clear air meeting held said apologized accepted fine actions team ensuing match bremen appeared substitute scored game winning goal minute scored final lost rivals extra time champions league final sustaining injury tackle eventually lost penalty shootout season started season winning august won champions league munich german final completed continental winning assists season august won best player europe award january placed march scored win confirmed champions season scored 100th goal december goal happened competitive match season december trained team time injury march international career prior representing senior team present france team earning selection september victory israel qualifying european football championship scored goal days later friendly win slovakia november scored important goal england qualification playoffs france defeated aggregate advance finals missed competition earning selection coach pre world cup squad total appearances scoring goals earned cap senior team victory mexico appearing substitute minute david solid performances friendly matches ahead world cup led inclusion team competition appeared seven matches france contested starting june scored france opening goal team round win spain receiving ball patrick allowed past oncoming shoot net played final france lost italy penalties shot goal came extra time later replaced following retirement expected succeed national team went scoreless year half converting penalty shot england march france following goal paid tribute legendary french commentator died day earlier euro france performed expectations appearing group stage matches france suffered early elimination june team final group stage match italy left ankle 8th minute play returned team october world cup qualification match romania scoring team opening goal draw march scored lone goal away lithuania days later completed feat time france winner 75th minute following service named man preliminary squad participate world cup second world cup overall later named man team compete competition appeared group stage matches following team opening match criticised performance international questioned leadership ability later reported media purposely later dismissed team reportedly having dispute passed half time team loss mexico june emotional appeared alongside football rumors associated team apologize supporters national team performance past years stating france suffering moment like sorry country following day team training session response expulsion june returned training incident team final group stage match hosts south_africa assisted team goal competition scored france lost match resulted team elimination competition august players summoned attend hearing held disciplinary committee french football federation response team strike held world cup august received match international ban incident attend hearing parent club objection march called national team new manager time world cup eligible return team october serving match suspension injuries missed ups march arriving ahead team matches croatia attended personal press conference apologized behavior overall calendar year return team march team match responded assisting team second goal scored win match france participation world cup croatia appeared substitute subject section supporters parts stadium appearing regularly qualifying euro named squad participate competition days prior scored goal france years friendly comeback win iceland scored game winning goal win serbia days later capped trio lead friendly matches ahead european championship scoring opening goal shutout win estonia included france squad world cup june coach confirmed miss tournament injury shortly august retired international football cited reasons retirement purely personal style play personality primarily plays described player fast tricky excellent great control ball feet despite predominantly right utilized right sided development years france establishing international munich personally admitted preference play left wing going far state place left asked february media session international duty played left wing domestically struggled establish left international level france presence left dominant players declared best utilized left free best head playing left allows use bursts acceleration weaving runs effectively cut inside gives options shooting delivering decisive pass capable playing center field attacking vision skills best exhibited despite predominantly playing wing averaged double assists year beginning final season described field play describing crowd rare breed capable enjoying talents expressing world cup national team jewel french football praised person declaring loves life kind player makes impression time plays bound important figure world football field personality matched field referred club international teammates stated humour important admitting important smiling wake feel good great job like fun notable stunts include driving tractor field matches debut season bucket water club oliver roof club training centre winter break team bus crashing struggled injuries season appeared club competitive matches struggled minor injuries resulted player failing appear matches subsequent seasons passed match barrier season failing previous seasons ahead season tore international duty season struggled left knee season suffered ankle injury resulted missing months despite initial diagnosis ruling weeks later suffered similar ankle injury start season admitted injuries led year career difficult stating july years seasons difficult partly kept picking injuries important thing avoid injuries personal life younger brothers football players played amateur clubs france national plays reserves team wife french national descent couple daughters named sons named convert islam following conversion adopted commercial promotions establishing international involved numerous promotional campaigns sponsored american company regularly wears appeared television advertisements season starred television called aired direct france sponsored acted variety appearing sketches features sports video game series season appeared french cover alongside international teammate ninth highest rated player metres billboard officially unveiled home city sur ahead world cup billboard paid tribute similar billboard erected home city career construction billboard initially suspended possible image associated alleged relationship prostitute regional council region initially opposed billboard agreed allow construction billboard billboard project sponsor display duration world cup recently international superstars featured game minute animated run world cup went viral appeared music video magic system single released stayed seven weeks number french singles chart controversies april reported french television service members french national team investigated roles clients prostitution ring operated inside paris nightclub women possibly report stated players questioned witnesses judge group report described players major player big foreign club plays championship france later day players discovered interview reportedly admitted having relationship prostitute know minor time relationship began april country secretary state sports refusing publicly comment case infancy declared player placed investigation represent france national team following day judicial source confirmed placed official investigation start world cup july questioned paris police following questioning indicted judge charge minor prostitute november prosecutors asked cases dropped saying players aware escort identified years old paid sex career statistics club statistics accurate includes french league cup german league cup german super cup super cup club world cup international correct october international goals honours club turkish cup cup munich champions league super cup club world cup international france world cup runner individual player month august october november april young player year goal year team year bronze french player year german year team year team year best player europe award super cup man match team season assists player year man year globe soccer best year club world cup golden ball club world cup valuable player final world place


richard richard francis born january semi professional plays league premier division club metropolitan police started career queens park rangers team debut end season loan spells borough town released having appearances brief spells dropping non league football played following short spells different clubs played season scored goals scored cup fourth round game liverpool defeated born london dominican parents played internationally national team scored debut barbados earned caps team second appearance came defeat barbados second leg club career born london dominican parents club queens park rangers member youth system age turned professional february team debut minute substitute defeat town april appearance season start defeat county season finished second division scored goal club victory bury january scored second final goal season lead draw cardiff city march later handed red card end season july manager placed transfer list having appearances scored goal season joined conference national team borough month loan october debut following day defeat burton scored game victory city football league trophy round went score southern section second round football league trophy finished defeat town finished loan spell having scored goals appearances returning scored goals league featured legs second division play semi final final lost cardiff millennium stadium scored appearance season victory football league trophy october featured football league trophy november proved final appearance later joined loan december debut defeat town january scored goal victory town finished loan spell appearances goals joined town division month loan february debut defeat scored following game finished victory york city finished loan spell appearances goal end season june released offered new contract trained newly formed league team joined september debut victory united scored goal following match victory football league trophy making seven appearances released november subsequently signed southern league division east club fisher athletic later month left club sign league non contract terms november played defeat hull city left club mutual consent signed conference national town december debut came draw island goal came defeat making appearances rejoined non contract terms training town appearances failing earn long term contract trial eventually joined city february appearance signing town march making appearances soon moved joining richmond borough days later appearances end season joined trial july loaned conference south february appearances making debut defeat loan transfer listed march released club scoring goals appearances season leaving joined conference south march scoring goals league appearances remainder season scored goal season victory town september scored goals victory team bath trophy qualifying round saw progress round played legs play semi final defeat town finishing season appearances goals following end season signed new contract june scored cup fourth round tie premier league liverpool january putting lead minutes eventually lost transfer deadline day march joined rival conference south club united loan end season making appearances scoring goals point season appearances scored goals end season signed club permanently summer signed conference premier team month loan february having appearances scored goals point season debut 75th minute substitute borough february started following game victory making final appearance substitute victory unused substitute following matches finished loan spell appearances finished season appearances goals end season signed conference premier team york city unavailable opening games season suspension received debut minute substitute united scoring york draw sent minutes start york following game resulted serving match suspension return minute substitute victory october later pulled thigh muscle meaning expected injured remainder month eventually returning training november return came victory cup round coming minute substitute scoring game scored winning goal trophy second round replay newport county time january scored york goal defeat trophy quarter final march finished season appearances goals york club announced released contract expired signed conference premier team borough year contract june debut opening game season defeat august scored goal finished season goals appearances relegated conference south offered new contract club indicating wished leave later went trial club start august joined forest green trial featured game town failed land deal later month joined conference premier united released december later day signing conference south second debut club draw town trophy round appeared replay defeat days later score goals games conference south month joining returned conference premier signing lincoln city contract end season joined trinity trial august scored team pre season victory signed conference south august debut days later draw home town scored goals club august defeat city released december promptly joined fellow conference south scored debut defeat salisbury city january subsequently released january scoring matches club signed conference south club united january debut came home win february scoring goal victory home town february released march having scored seven games club returned conference south march contract end season making debut march home defeat june left rejoin borough conference south summer preseason appearances richmond borough scoring goal united july later signed went loan stint november spell winter richmond borough jersey march narrowly lost penalty shoot thriller middlesex senior charity cup july metropolitan police manager jim cooper announced arrival international career earned national team world cup qualification round match barbados february barbados went match heavy favourites fell goal international debut finished draw making debut manager christopher said great goal powerful effort work hope support game sure win played defeat second leg march style play signing york city manager martin described strong hold ball poor season link man need retain possession better final personal life cousin fellow international jefferson louis paired second leg game barbados time semi professional worked school officer school participated coaching sixth teammates received beaten liverpool cup said spend helping local community joining york city moved house teammates alex james meredith career statistics club match played september international match played march international goals match played february score listed score column indicates score goal