Tag: Icons

La Décima! Cristiano Ronaldo and Icons Celebrate Their 10th Signing Session

August 7, 2014
Signing Sessions
It’s been quite a year for Cristiano Ronaldo, winning his second Ballon D’Or title, becoming Portugal’s all-time top goal scorer, winning the UEFA Champions League and now signing with Icons.com for the 10th time in 9 years.
Cristanio-Ronaldo-Signing-Session-10-Seasons-With-Icons
After such a successful year, it’s no surprise to hear that Cristiano is ready and raring to go again as the 2014-15 season commences, starting with Real Madrid’s Super Cup Final against Sevilla in Cardiff. One of the first Icons to ever arrive early to his signing with Icons.com on Tuesday 5th August, 2014, he spoke of the year ahead and exciting new arrivals at Madrid.
La Décima
Cristiano signed a host of new products for Icons.com in his 10th signing (La Decima!) in 9 years. There’s a range of signed shirts, boots and photos celebrating Real Madrid’s La Decima Champions League Final win, in which Cristiano scored the 4th goal from the penalty spot.
2014-15 season
Also available are new products from the 2014-15 season, including Real Madrid shirt, boot and Portugal shirt.
For the Man United fans
There’s even something for Man United fans, with this limited edition 2007-08 season signed shirt, which is signed on the front and available framed only.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic range of items signed by the best player in the world, today.

 


Why We Love Andres Iniesta, The World’s Most Beloved Footballer

May 13, 2014
Why We Love

In 1999, Pep Guardiola stated that he had seen a 15-year-old in a youth team of FC Barcelona who could read the game better than he could himself. Because the boy was a big fan of Guardiola, he signed a poster for him with the text: “To the best player I’ve ever seen.” The boy was delighted.

Andrés-Iniesta-the-most-beloved-footballer-around-the-world

It were Andrés Iniesta’s first steps to a glorious carreer.

Iniesta is not only one of the world’s best football players. He is also one of the most beloved footballers around the world. Even fans of rivals Real Madrid and Espanyol have to admit they like him as both a player and a person.

We met Andrés Iniesta for the third time during our private signing session last month. He is one of the nicest person in football and so down to earth.

Pep Guardiola once said about Iniesta: “He doesn’t wear earrings and hasn’t got any tattoos. That makes him unattractive to the media but he is the best.” He is an ordinary-looking guy, who not long ago in a Barcelona café was mistaken for a waiter by a woman who gave him her order. Iniesta went to the kitchen and got it for her.

But what makes Iniesta such a beloved player around the world? He thanks his parents for the person he is nowadays.

“I like to return to the small town where I grew up and hang out with my old friends. It is easy for me to be me. I am how my parents educated me. I am what I am thanks to my parents. It’s impossible to lose those values. When I was 12 years old my father saved money for three months to buy me predator boots. I have money now but each time I look at those boots I remember where I come from.”

Vision of life
Something that changed his vision of life was the death of Dani Jarque, his close friend and Espanyol’s captain, who suddenly passed away in 2009 because of a heart attack. “Jarque’s death completely changed my vision of life.”

He wanted to make the world remember Dani Jarque. And he did. Iniesta scored the winner in the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ final which made Spain the world champion for the very first time. When all the world was watching him, he took off his shirt and showed his message, “Dani Jarque siempre con nosotros.”

Dani Jarque will always stay with him. And we will always like Andrés Iniesta.

Follow Icons on Twitter for all the latest football news, chat and competitions: @icons_football

 


Why We Love Brazil’s 1970 FIFA World Cup Squad, The Greatest Team Ever

May 2, 2014
Why We Love

It is the good old Friday afternoon discussion in the pub: what has been the greatest football team ever? We are giving you 5 reasons what made the 1970 FIFA World Cup™ Brazil team so special.

1970-World-Cup-Brazil-squad-is-the-greatest-team-of-all-time

#1: Revenge for 1966 FIFA World Cup™ 
The 1966 FIFA World Cup™ had been a huge blow for Brazil. Following the victories in ’58 and ’62, a new FIFA World Cup™ trophy was all that matters. But it ended in disaster. No win meant a particularly un-Brazilian first round exit, and the team was in complete disarray. They took the ultimate revenge four years later.

#2: A glorious exhibition of attacking football
“What this team needs are great players, players who are intelligent. Let’s go with that and see where it takes us.” Brazil manager Mario Zagallo realized that his role was one of overall management, not specific tactics. It led to one of the most sensational explosions of style and offense in the prestigious history of the tournament. Brazil had once again proved that force of personality could overwhelm the system.

#3: World Cup’s most thrilling attacking force
Starplayer Pelé was joined by thrilling wingers Jairzinho and Rivelino, playmaker Gerson, the nascent talent of midfielder Clodoaldo and skipper Carlos Alberto, a superb exponent of the art of the attacking full-back. Centre-forward Tostao was there, too, his career saved by an eye operation. Together they formed the World Cup’s most thrilling attacking force.

#4: Most memorable match in FIFA World Cup™ history
The group stage of the 1970 FIFA World Cup™ brought together first and foremost champions England and favourites Brazil. The match between them is regarded as one of the best in FIFA World Cup™ history – certainly among first round matches. Brazil won 1-0 thanks to a Jairzinho goal after a fine attack, but the game is also remembered for the “save of the century” by Gordon Banks from a Pelé header.

#:5 The best team goal in FIFA World Cup™ history

 

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Why We Love Eusebio, One Of The Greatest Goalscorers Of All Time

January 6, 2014
Why We Love

Yesterday, football lost a legend. Portuguese icon Eusebio, who was top scorer at the 1966 World Cup, died aged 71 from a heart attack on Sunday, prompting tributes from players, pundits, coaches and fans across the world.

Eusebio - One Of The Greatest Goalscorers Of All Time

Given his contribution to the game, it’s maybe no surprise. Is there a more breathtaking record in international football than his? Eusebio scored 733 goals in 745 competitive games in his career, putting his reputation as one of the greatest players of all time beyond any doubt.

Raised in extreme poverty, the forward would skip school classes to play barefoot football with his friends on improvised pitches using improvised footballs. From those humble beginnings, he became one of the most recognisable faces in sport.

Since his retirement, he continued to act as an ambassador for the game and is still regarded one of the best goalscorers the game has ever seen. He’ll be sorely missed.

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Highlights Of Our 2013 (Feat. Messi, Ronaldo, Maradona, Mourinho & More)

December 19, 2013
Videos

It’s been a busy year for Icons, full of signings with the biggest names in world football. Don’t believe us? Just check out some of the video highlights from our 2013 then click to view the amazing autographed memorabilia on sale from each player below.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo signed shirts, photos, posters, boots, balls and more for Icons in a signing session in Madrid in May. After a jawdropping year at the Bernabeu, CR7 is now favourite for the FIFA Ballon d’Or award in January.

Leo Messi

 

Leo Messi met with Icons several times throughout 2013, a year that has seen him flourish further into his reputation as one of the best players of all time, despite recently being sidelined by injury. You can pick up signed posters, Barcelona and Argentina shirts, boots and photos now.

Jose Mourinho

 

Jose Mourinho is back at the Bridge and – no surprise here – in the thick of it as the Premier League title race heats up. Get signed memorabilia from the Chelsea mastermind today.


Diego Maradona

 

Icons travelled to Dubai to meet with the legendary Diego Maradona for a signing session at the master Argentine’s home in May. Click here to buy incredible signed memorabilia from the World Cup icon.

Philippe Coutinho

 

Brazilian marvel Coutinho has enjoyed a stellar year at the heart of the Liverpool midfield, overseeing their transformation into title contenders in 2013-14. Icons met with the superstar in the making in September, when he signed shirts, boots and photos available to buy now.

That’s not all – we also met with Gareth Bale and welcomed new Icons including Luis Figo, Gianluigi Buffon, Nemanja Vidic, Javier Hernandez, Eusebio and more. Keep up to date with our latest signings by visiting our Facebook page – don’t miss out.

Follow Icons on Twitter for all the latest football news, chat and competitions: @icons_football


Introducing Our Official FIFA World Cup™ Range!

December 9, 2013
Announcements

The draw is done, the stage is set – the 2014 World Cup is now just around the corner, with a mere 184 days between now and kick off. As anticipation mounts, Icons are proud to announce the launch of our official licensed FIFA World Cup™ Collection featuring signed memorabilia from the tournament’s most brilliant entertainers past and present.

World-Cup-Range

From Diego Maradona and Pele to Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi, sports fans can now mark what promises to be a tournament to remember, hosted by the spiritual home of football, with authentic autographed shirts, photos, boots and more from the World Cup’s biggest ever superstars. Each product comes in special gold-lined framing designed to evoke the gold of the coveted World Cup trophy, making for Icons’ classiest collection yet.
Can Messi add to his trophy the cabinet the one prize that has so far eluded him, a World Cup winner’s medal? Are Cristiano’s formidable talents enough to carry a Portugal side that struggled through qualification out of the group stage? With Wayne Rooney at his peak, can the Manchester United man put the disappointment of previous World Cup campaigns behind him? With this tournament set to be Andrea Pirlo’s last, can he bow out in style with a winner’s medal? So many questions hang over the impending tournament but one thing’s for sure – there’s simply no better way to celebrate the greatest event in world sport than Icons’ official FIFA World Cup™ collection.
Look out for new additions to the collection in the coming months as the tournament nears – we’ll be adding exclusive new players and products. Stay tuned. In the meantime, click here to check out the first part of the collection – our World Cup legends range.
Follow Icons on Twitter for all the latest football news, chat and competitions: @icons_football

Why We Love The Race For This Year’s FIFA Ballon d’Or, The Closest Ever

December 9, 2013
Why We Love

No matter who eventually wins the FIFA Ballon d’Or award this January, one thing’s for sure – this year’s player of the year award will surely be remembered as the hardest ever to call. Each of the three players named in an announcement yesterday as up for the prestigious award – Leo Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery – can reflect on incredible years and nigh-impossible feats for their respective clubs. But who will win?

(FILE PHOTO) In this composite image a comparison has been made between Franck Ribery (L), Lionel Messi (C) and Cristiano Ronaldo (R). All three players have been short listed for the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2013, the winner of the award will be revealed at the FIFA Ballon dOr gala in Zurich on January 13, 2014. ***LEFT IMAGE*** AUGUST 01: Franck Ribery of Muenchen controls the ball during the Audi Cup Final match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Manchester City at Allianz Arena on August 1, 2013 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Bongarts/Getty Images) ***CENTRE IMAGE*** NOVEMBER 01: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona runs with the ball during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol at Camp Nou on November 1, 2013 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) ***RIGHT IMAGE*** SEPTEMBER 28: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid CF runs with the ball during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Club Atletico de Madrid at Bernabeu on September 28, 2013 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

(FILE PHOTO) In this composite image a comparison has been made between Franck Ribery (L), Lionel Messi (C) and Cristiano Ronaldo (R). All three players have been short listed for the FIFA Ballon d’Or 2013, the winner of the award will be revealed at the FIFA Ballon dOr gala in Zurich on January 13, 2014. ***LEFT IMAGE*** AUGUST 01: Franck Ribery of Muenchen controls the ball during the Audi Cup Final match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Manchester City at Allianz Arena on August 1, 2013 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Bongarts/Getty Images) ***CENTRE IMAGE*** NOVEMBER 01: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona runs with the ball during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol at Camp Nou on November 1, 2013 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) ***RIGHT IMAGE*** SEPTEMBER 28: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid CF runs with the ball during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Club Atletico de Madrid at Bernabeu on September 28, 2013 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Barcelona superstar Leo Messi spent the first half of 2013 reclaiming the La Liga title back from Real Madrid‘s grip. The second half he spent establishing a dominant lead at the top of the Spanish league for the Catalan giants, with the club presently only one point away from their best start to a campaign ever. It says a lot about the calibre of player Messi is that, owing to a hamstring complaint that has persisted since the end of the last season, cutting the Argentine’s game time down significantly, pundits are describing him as “only” having scored 46 goals in 2013 – a number “disappointing” only by his unfathomably high standards, forged by his feats in 2012, a year where he scored a record breaking 91 goals. By any other standards, his achievements in 2013 are stunning.

Cristiano Ronaldo meanwhile can reflect on a year easily summed up in one match. Last month’s Portgual vs Sweden second leg qualifier showed the Madrid maestro as the unplayable player he has become in 2013 – a player able to take a game by the scruff of the neck and power through defences to an almost single-handed win. In 48 appearances to date this year for Madrid, he has made a combined 78 goals and assists, striking up a winner partnership with new team mate Gareth Bale. A curious stat that’s telling sign of his current brilliance – following his goalscoring feats in 2013, CR7 has now scored in every minute apart from the 47th. Should be grab a goal in the 47th minute of any match before he retires now, he’ll become the first player in history to score in every single minute of the 90.

Franck Ribery is the race’s dark horse but not to be dismissed. Winning the UEFA Champions League with Bayern Munich, starring against Borussia Dortmund in a captivating final, undoubtedly promoted him into the pantheon of current superstars of the game, alongside Messi and Ronaldo. Bayern have emerged in 2013 as the game’s current dominant domestic force, breaking countless records in the Bundesliga and sweeping aside competition in Europe. Ribery, with his nimble footwork and direct play, is to be heavily credited with that. Some pundits predict that, with Messi and Ronaldo having won the trophy already, those in charge of deciding the Ballon d’Or winner may want to give the prize to new blood. We’ll find out for certain in January. In the meantime, be sure to check out signed memorabilia from Cristiano and Messi, available from Icons today in time for Christmas.

Follow Icons on Twitter for all the latest football news, chat and competitions: @icons_football