Fulham Football Club lost their most famous son with the death of the great Johnny Haynes. He was Fulham’s greatest-ever soccer player and probably the best soccer player in Britain during the late 1950s. There was a minute’s silence at the home match with Liverpool Football Club, and it was fitting that his great friend … Read more
Franz Beckenbauer is a German footballer who began his professional playing career as a forward and midfielder. In switching to defense, he changed soccer forever, becoming the greatest defender in history and inspiring countless players worldwide to follow in his footsteps. Who Was Franz Beckenbauer? On September 11, 1945, Franz Anton Beckenbauer was born in … Read more
Dunga is the nickname given to Carlos Caetano Bledorn Verri. A former professional soccer player from Brazil, he played as a defensive midfielder. In 1994, Brazil won the World Cup under his captaincy. He and Spanish midfielder Xavi are the only two players to have participated in a World Cup final, an Olympic final, a … Read more
People watch and enjoy soccer for a multitude of reasons. There is a sense of identity and connection to a town, city, or even a family member. There is the primitive sense of tribalism that can come with belonging to a band, and indeed it is an emotion on which some of the most fraught … Read more
Former Argentine soccer player Daniel Bertoni played on either the left or right-wing. During his career in Argentina, he dominated the soccer field at Club Atlético Independiente, where he won three Copa Libertadores, one Intercontinental Cup, and three Copa Interamericana trophies. Daniel Bertoni Early Career The future World Cup winner was born on March 14, … Read more
Iván Kaviedes is a former professional soccer player from Ecuador. He represented the Ecuador national team on 57 occasions. He had a journeyman career at the club level and played for several clubs across Europe and the Americas. He played as a forward/striker and was nicknamed “El Nine.” The six-foot striker is considered a legend … Read more
Fabio Capello has had many labels throughout his prodigious managerial career. A pragmatist, a tactician, and a fierce disciplinarian with clarity of mind and an obstinate determination to succeed. He was, however, no yes-man and indeed no proxy for Silvio Berlusconi, AC Milan’s omnipotent president. The latter, in 1991, entrusted the rookie Italian coach to … Read more
A boy can be removed from Rosengård, but Rosengård cannot be removed from Zlatan Ibrahimović. In Sweden, Rosengård, a suburb notorious for its crime and poor economy, has these words painted at the entrance to a tunnel leading to it. Approximately 80% of the 24,000 residents come from immigrant backgrounds, and only 38% are employed. … Read more
Pat Nevin played nearly 750 games over a 20-year career in England and Scotland, making him one of the most familiar faces in British soccer. After scoring a hat-trick against Celtic Boys’ Club for his team, Blue Star, he signed for them as a 14-year-old in 1977. He then represented Glasgow Schoolboys and Scottish Schoolboys, … Read more
Paul Breitner played professional soccer for the German national team as a midfielder and left-back. In addition to being named in the World Cup All-Time Team, Breitner was also considered one of the best players of his generation. He formed a defense partnership with Franz Beckenbauer and Berti Vogts for his national team. When playing … Read more