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If you're watching Blue Lock you may be wondering if the characters are inspired by real soccer players. Does their style of play resemble famous soccer stars? The answer is yes, and I'm here to help you enjoy the anime while learning more about the beautiful game, the King of Sports. Muneyuki Kaneshiro , the writer of Blue Lock , has been quite open about the direct inspirations behind the characters. This has been revealed in an interview and the official Blue Lock Character Guide, the Egoist Bible , which spans two volumes so far. In some cases, Kaneshiro hasn’t confirmed specific parallels, but don’t worry! You're in good hands. I’m a former sports journalist with a lifelong passion for watching (and playing) soccer who's ready to draw connections to real-life players who I feel fit alongside various Blue Lock characters. Without further ado, let’s dive into the real-life...

Soccer Aid for Unicef 2024, broadcast live from Stamford Bridge, London, last week has raised £15 million, for Unicef’s vital work helping give children around the world happy, healthy, and play-filled childhoods.

Thanks to the generous UK public, Unicef UK supporters, ITV1, Itvx and Stv viewers, this year’s amount sees the current total, raised since 2006 – when Unicef UK Ambassador Robbie Williams founded the concept – hit a record fundraising milestone of over £106 million for children worldwide. This year, with thanks to the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, every donation made up to £4 million was doubled.

The hotly anticipated match took place at the sold-out Stamford Bridge stadium in London – returning for the third time in Soccer Aid for Unicef history and welcoming back over 40,000 fans. The match ended 6-3 to England, with the Three Lions taking the win for the first time in six years. World XI keep the overall...

Soccer Aid for Unicef 2024 will take place on June 9 at Stamford Bridge.

The live show on ITV1, Stv and Itvx will be hosted by Unicef UK Ambassador Dermot O’Leary, who will be joined once again by Unicef UK High Profile Supporter, Alex Scott. Sam Matterface returns as Commentator, with Iain Stirling on Co-Comms duty. A half-time entertainment show will also be announced in due course. Previous performers include Rita Ora, Robbie Williams and Tom Grennan.

England have won five times since the game began in 2006 – but their last victory came in 2018. They trail the Soccer Aid World XI Fc who have won the fixture seven times – and are on a record five-year winning streak.

England will take to the pitch in a specially commissioned Euro ’96 kit. This is ahead of Euro 2024 – the first game of which is just five days after Soccer Aid. The Soccer Aid World XI Fc will...

Bollywood superstar and NBA Brand Ambassador for India Ranveer Singh was seen at the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 for the second consecutive year. A true fan of basketball and the NBA, Ranveer’s energy and passion could be seen both on and off court.

Last year around, Ranveer was seen teaching Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shaquille O’Neal and Trae Young his signature dance moves and bhangra at the games and this year we’re not surprised to see him groove to some desi beats with Minnesota Timberwolves’ Karl-Anthony Towns. He also had his fan-boy moment when he was gifted a signed jersey by Minnesota Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert.

Ranveer was seen in conversation with owner of the Dallas Mavericks, renowned businessman, and fellow Indiana University alumnus Mark Cuban. In addition, Ranveer shared candid moments with renowned actor Michael B Jordan, former Italian footballer Alessandro Del Piero, NBA Hall of Famer and 2x NBA...

Bollywood superstar and NBA Brand Ambassador for India Ranveer Singh was seen at the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 for the second consecutive year. A true fan of basketball and the NBA, Ranveer’s energy and passion could be seen both on and off court.

Last year around, Ranveer was seen teaching Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shaquille O’Neal and Trae Young his signature dance moves and bhangra at the games and this year we’re not surprised to see him groove to some desi beats with Minnesota Timberwolves’ Karl-Anthony Towns. He also had his fan-boy moment when he was gifted a signed jersey by Minnesota Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert.

Ranveer was seen in conversation with owner of the Dallas Mavericks, renowned businessman, and fellow Indiana University alumnus Mark Cuban. In addition, Ranveer shared candid moments with renowned actor Michael B Jordan, former Italian footballer Alessandro Del Piero, NBA Hall of Famer and 2x NBA...

Like elsewhere, football fever has gripped India too with a majority rooting for all-time favourites Brazil, while the remaining seem to be divided between holders France and Lionel Messi-led Argentina.

When there is so much enthusiasm for the sport in India, the big question is: Why can’t a country that has started producing Olympic champions qualify for the football World Cup?

Every time a World Cup takes place after four years, Indian fans have precisely one question — when will India play in the game’s showpiece event?

And the answer is always the same — given the standard of the game back home, India will never play in the World Cup.

Maybe Indian football can benefit if the truth that is hidden behind this brazen answer is brought out.

Indian football officials probably do not allow this truth to come out. Even those who are critical of the plight...

Tom Felton has assured fans that he is “on the mend” after he collapsed during a celebrity golf match at the Ryder Cup on Thursday.

In a video posted to his Instagram account on Saturday, the “Harry Potter” star thanked viewers for their support after the incident, with his guitar in hand.

“Hello everyone, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. Just wanted to say a huge thank you for all the lovely well wishes as of recent,” Felton said in the video. “Bit of a scary episode, really — but on the mend, people have been taking really good care of me. So thank you very much to anyone who has sent messages of get well soon because I am on the mend, officially.”

Felton then transitioned into song, crooning: “Don’t you worry cause Tom will be doing fine/ So don’t you worry, Tom will be doing fine.”

Felton...

EA Sports FIFA players now have access to one of the most lethal strike-forces in football history, with the news that Diego Maradona, Pelé and Ronaldinho are teaming-up in a Soccer Aid World XI Fc team.

This is the first time ever that Maradona, Pelé and Ronaldinho will be playable from the start, in the same side, without the need for transfers.

Robbie Williams is set to play with the Soccer Aid World XI Fc in eSoccer Aid – an online competition on Saturday 27th June raising money to help stop the spread of coronavirus and limit the impact on children’s lives.

Unicef UK Ambassador and Soccer Aid for Unicef Co-Founder, Robbie Williams, said: "This is a unique and wonderful initiative to be part of because the Soccer Aid World XI Fc is needed more than ever before. We have been able to bring together some of the best players...

Author: Zehra Phelan

Netflix has released a trailer for its original documentary series First Team: Juventus alongside a poster.

The original docu-series will follow the stories of the Italian powerhouse football club. The first part will be released on 16th February, while the second one later this year.

First Team: Juventus Official Synopsis Netflix will follow the most compelling stories and characters in the club during the 2017-2018 season, spending time with the players both on and off the field, on the road, at home and wherever it takes to capture in-depth the real lives that make Juventus one of the most fascinating teams in the world. Fans and supporters worldwide will have access to the club’s “behind the scenes” and will feel closer than ever not only to the club that has won six straight league titles, but also to some of the greatest footballers such as the legend Alessandro Del Piero,...

[[tmz:video id="0_n1hw55wy"]] He's one of the greatest Italian soccer players ever ... and super rich so he can eat at the best restaurants in the world ... so we had to ask Alessandro Del Piero -- whatcha think of Olive Garden? Fyi -- Adp is a futbol god who led Italy to a World Cup victory back in 2006 ... and is widely considered one of the best players of his generation. He's also a big fan of Italian cuisine.  So,...

[[tmz:video id="0_i14fw3lc"]] Major props for USA soccer from one of the greatest players alive -- with Italian legend Alessandro Del Piero telling TMZ Sports the Americans are getting "pretty good" ... and he might just play here.  Fyi -- Adp is a futbol god who led Italy to a World Cup victory back in 2006 ... and is widely considered one of the best players of his generation.  Last night, the 40-year-old (who still plays professionally btw) was out at...

EA Sports

The dust has now settled after the release of the FIFA 15 demo and gamers have taken to social media, forums and football stadiums to voice their opinions on the latest instalment of the FIFA series.

Reactions have been varied from: “EA Sports have almost achieved perfection” to “Not feeling this FIFA 15 demo; don’t think I’ll be queuing up at the midnight release.”

FIFA 15 has added the ability to measure the emotional state of all 22 players in the starting line-ups – Liverpool’s Mario Balotelli will no doubt always be on edge.

Other improvements include that the pitch will show signs of wear and tear as the game progresses, players’ kits will look ready for a cringeworthy Ariel advert as they jump from slide tackle to slide tackle and defenders will now perform David Luiz’s favourite move of placing their arms behind their back to avoid conceding a handball.

Soccer Aid: ITV, 6pm

The game that sees footballing stars team up with celebrities in an England vs Rest of the World match - in aid of Unicef - is back and live from Old Trafford, with kick-off at 8pm.

Dermot O'Leary presents the pre-match build-up and the match, which sees the likes of England's David Seaman, Jamie Redknapp, Olly Murs and John Bishop take on Alessandro Del Piero, Andriy Shevchenko, Gordon Ramsay, Michael Sheen, Kevin Bridges and James McAvoy.

Quirke: BBC One, 9pm

The last in the three-part crime drama sees the pathologist succumb to drink as his family life unravels around him.

Meanwhile, a request from his daughter, Phoebe, to help find her missing friend leads Quirke to a world where race and class are major factors. Guest starring Merlin's Colin Morgan.

Fargo: Channel 4, 9pm

The drama, inspired by the Coen brothers film of the same name,...

The full lineup for this year's Soccer Aid has been confirmed, with Chelsea boss José Mourinho, True Blood star Stephen Moyer and Avengers actor Jeremy Renner all involved.

The charity event - taking place at Old Trafford, Manchester next Sunday (June 8) - sees a mixture of celebrities and former football greats team up as an England side captained by Robbie Williams take on a Rest of the World outfit led by Michael Sheen.

The England team lineup is as follows:

Sam Allardyce (Manager)

Robbie Williams (Assistant Manager)

Peter Reid (Coach)

Bradley Walsh (Coach)

Stephen Moyer

Jack Whitehall

Dominic Cooper

Marvin Humes

Mark Owen

Paddy McGuinness

Olly Murs

Ben Shephard

Jonathan Wilkes

Jamie Theakston

John Bishop

Danny Jones

Jamie Redknapp

Jamie Carragher

Teddy Sheringham

David Seaman

Des Walker

Matt Le Tissier

The Rest of the World team lineup is as follows:

José Mourinho (Manager)

Michael Sheen (Captain)

Jeremy Renner

Sam Worthington...

24 Hours of Le Mans 2013 dates, times and TV channel: Speed and speedtv.com air full coverage of the 81st Le Mans 24 Hours sports car endurance race from the legendary 8.469-mile Circuit de la Sarthe near Le Mans, France, June 22-23. Live streaming and bonus coverage featuring Corvette onboard and pit camera footage is also available on 24 Hours of Le Mans On-Board Pass Presented by Chevrolet. Actor Patrick Dempsey and Italian soccer star Alessandro Del Piero’s Dempsey/De Piero Racing have entered their Michelin-shod Gte-Am class Porsche 911 GT3 Rsr (pictured below) in partnership with Proton Competition racing team. [...]

The post 24 Hours of Le Mans 2013 dates, times and TV channel appeared first on Channel Guide Magazine.

Football is arguably the most popular sport on the planet, although in 2012, the sport had to take a back seat with greater focus on the Olympics across the globe. Nevertheless, the greatest footballers on the planet continued to entertain week in and week out, come rain or shine (although maybe not snow). Some of the greatest sporting moments of 2012 revolved around the beautiful game, such as the remarkable unbeaten season for Juventus in Italy, or the adrenaline-fuelled finish to the Premier League season.

Upcoming is a list of 50 footballers that have had standout years at their clubs and have captured the attention of fans more than any others. Of course this is a subjective list, and some who many consider deserving will be left out. As a fan, I tried to note down players who I would love to see playing for my favourite team, and people that have helped...

Stoke City striker Michel Owen could be set for a surprise move to the Australian A-League after his agent allegedly approached Perth Glory over a move, according to a report on TeamTalk.com.

The former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester United forward only joined the Potters in September last year on a one-year contract, but he is yet to make a league start for Tony Pulis’ side since then.

A Perth Glory spokesman told the West Australian newspaper:

“Michael Owen’s agent has enquired about Michael playing in the A-League.”.

“Perth Glory are interested but are yet to find out Michael’s terms and conditions.

“Until these are known, Perth Glory will not enter any further negotiations.”

Should Owen join the A-League, he would be following former Anfield and England teammate Emile Heskey in doing so, who joined Newcastle Jets on a one-year deal at the start of the season.

Liverpool, now six months into the Brendan Rodgers revolution, are currently marooned in mid-table; over-reliant on one fit striker, an eighteen year old and their increasingly aging captain.

But thankfully for Liverpool supporters, form is improving and the Reds seem to be slowly climbing the table. And now, with January just around the corner, life could be getting even better.

Yes, the transfer window is re-opening and everyone at Anfield will be hoping for a slightly more successful time than the summer proved to be. Rodgers got his wish in bringing chum Joe Allen to the club, while also managing to snap up Fabio Borini and offloading misfit Andy Carroll, but did somehow manage to lose out on a seemingly perfect fit for their lacklustre squad in Clint Dempsey, despite the nominal asking price of just £6 million.

Following the closure of the summer window, Liverpool fans had to then put...

Celtic were handed with a difficult draw in Nyon today, as they were paired with Italian giants Juventus. Many fans had felt this was the clubs’ best ever chance to make it to the Last 8 of the UEFA Champions League for the first time. And a tie against Malaga, Schalke or even Psg would have been seen as an excellent opportunity to do that. Being paired with the Serie A champions will certainly put a dent in many fans’ ambitions as they are possibly the toughest team Celtic could have drawn. However, there is no reason for Celtic to fear Juventus despite the Italians being favourites.

Celtic have shown this season that they can match some of the best sides in Europe when they beat Barcelona at home and also trumped last-season’s quarter-finalists Benfica as well as wealthy Spartak Moscow. The Parkhead side have also beaten Juventus at home in the past.

Los Angeles, Nov 16: Singer Elton John got a personalised T−shirt from Italian footballer Alessandro Del Piero.

Piero, who recently joined Sydney Football Club, gave the T−shirt for John and his over an year son Zachary.

"My little boy is 22 months old and loves soccer. He's already kicking the ball around. He will love this," thesun.co.uk quoted John as saying.

John has Zachary with partner David Furnish and the couple are waiting for their second child through same surrogate.

Ians...

The Football Federation Australia has completed a series of six black and white online vignettes about A-League signatories and their love for the game.

The series, produced by Sydney-based production company Versus Media, is to compliment the current campaign We Are Football and speaks with, among others, footballing legend and recent Sydney signing Alessandro Del Piero, former player and commentator Mark Bosnich, and chairman of Ffa Frank Lowy.

Tanya Babic and co-founder said: “We want to make the videos candid portraits of these key spokespeople and look beyond the TV facade, to get an intimidate glimpse into their first memory of falling love with the game; who their favourite team is; and how its affected their lives.”

The Ffa selected the Del Piero video to run as a Tvc across Nine and Foxtel, which the Bosnich video was bumped up to Foxtel as well.

Versus has begun work on the...

According to an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport (via CaughtOffside), Alessandro Del Piero turned down the opportunity to join Liverpool in the summer, after considering the tragic events of Heysel and out of respect for the victims.

Del Piero ended his illustrious association with Juventus after 19 years in the summer, and had attracted interest from Liverpool, who were in the market for a new striker after letting Andy Carroll leave, and failing to conclude a deal for Clint Dempsey, so instead joined Spurs. But despite that interest, the Italian forward joined Australia’s Sydney Fc on a free transfer.

According to the report, Del Piero acknowledged the interest shown by Brendan Rogers’ side, but confirmed that it was Heysel that put him off joining the Anfield side:

“Why I said no to Liverpool? Negotiations with Sydney were already advanced and then I thought about what had happened at Heysel.

Juve...

The media team at Destination Nsw did not cover themselves in glory, The Smh reports.

Soccer fans may have noticed the excitement around the arrival of Alessandro Del Piero to play for Sydney Fc.

So it was a big press turnout for a photocall at Taronga Zoo including minister George Souris. Which made it awkward when they had to cancel it because nobody had remembered to invite del Piero, who was at training.

Sydney Fc tells the Smh: We knew nothing about it.” Which is awkward.

According to reports from Football Italia reporter Gianluca Di Marzio Sam Allardyce is lining up an ambitious move to bring 33-year-old Inter veteran Dejan Stankovic to Upton Park, despite the Serbian international recently pledging his future to the club amid a raft a high-profile potential departures from The Nerazzurri.

Stankovic is the latest eye-catching name to be linked with the Hammers after last week’s news that Big Sam was considering a move for Clarence Seedorf, who instead opted to sign for Botafogo in Brazil, as well as Alessandro Del Piero and yesterday’s link with Chelsea youngster Romelu Lukaku.

Inter are currently stream-lining their squad to make way for new, younger talent and to cut down what is a considerable wage bill. And now it seems Stankovic, who has spent nine seasons at Inter Milan, making over 300 appearances and winning an impressive five Serie A titles and a Champions...

Arsenal are weighing up a shock move for Italian legend Alessandro Del Piero who has announced that he will end his 19-year stay at Juventus in the summer. The 37 year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and as the Turin club weren’t quick to offer him an extension, Del Piero has declared that he will leave the club in the summer.

With Arsenal, Queens Park Rangers and Blackburn Rovers all having show interest and possessing the financial resources for a huge wage offer, Del Piero could be tempted out of possible retirement for the right financial package and opportunity.

Sky Sports over the weekend made it known that Arsene Wenger was keeping tabs on the player he has long admired whilst The Daily Mail claims that there is also interest from the mega rich clubs abroad such as Paris Saint-Germain. We image there is also...