Tag: World Footballer Of The Year

Leo Messi: Ten Years An Icon

Lionel-Messi-Signing-Session-Icons

Title after title, honour after honour, record after record, Barcelona and Argentina superstar Leo Messi has written his way into the history books as one of the greatest to ever play the game. In that space of time, Messi has won four Champions Leagues, seven La Liga titles, three Spanish Cups and two FIFA Club World Cups, among various other honours. Add to that his four straight Ballon d’Or awards between 2009 and 2012 and countless golden boots.

In 2014-15, the 28-year-old teamed up with Luis Suarez and Neymar Jr to form the world’s most deadly attacking trio. Together they claimed the treble with Barcelona, culminating in a 3-1 defeat of Juventus in a typically ruthless display at the showpiece Champions League final in Berlin. It was a fitting way for Messi to mark ten years in the red and blue of Barcelona.

Having made his debut for the club back in October 2004, he was soon showing fans the sort of flair that would come to exemplify his electric playing style. The 2005-06 season would be Messi’s breakthrough year, as he played a significant role in Barcelona’s league and Champions League double. Records would soon tumble, as Messi emerged as the club’s most talented young star. The world at large began to notice his immeasurable talent in the 2006-07 season after he scored a number of marvellous goals, including an incredible solo effort against Getafe at the Camp Nou.

Barca were Champions League winners again in 2009, with Messi scoring the second goal in a 2-0 defeat of Manchester United in Rome. By now the world was in awe of Messi and his Barcelona teammates Xavi and Andres Iniesta. It was also to be the year that Messi would win his first of four consecutive Ballon d’Ors. A year later he would equal Ronaldo’s record for league goals in a single season as Barca secured the second of what would be three back-to-back La Liga titles.

But many will argue that 2010-11 was the ultimate season for Messi and Barcelona. Under Pep Guardiola, Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, David Villa and co. added to their league title with a third Champions League triumph in six years. Their Wembley coronation came after another defeat of Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United and, just as in 2009, Messi was on hand to score a vital goal – a swerving shot from just outside the box that bamboozled United keeper Edwin van der Sar and put Barcelona 2-1 up.

In 2011-12 Messi became Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer, amassing more goals than Cesar Rodriguez’s 232 following a superb hat-trick against Granada. It came just two days after he’d scored five in one match against Bayer Leverkusen in a remarkable Champions League victory. He ended 2012 with a record for most goals in a calendar year, having notched 91 for club and country, eclipsing Gerd Muller’s long-established benchmark of 85.

As of last season, Leo was showing little sign of slowing down, having finally overtaken Raul to become the Champions League’s all-time leading goalscorer and surpassing Telmo Zarra’s mark as La Liga’s most prolific marksman. Thanks in no small part to the explosive and unstoppable front three of Messi, Suarez and Neymar Jr, Barcelona swept aside all before them to complete their second ever treble-winning campaign.

At the time of writing, Messi has accumulated 24 club titles, 412 goals in 482 games for Barcelona and is just ten shy of becoming Argentina’s all-time topscorer. Whatever the future holds for this mercurial genius, Leo Messi has in a single decade broken more records and won more honours and awards than almost any other footballer in the history of the sport.

We at Icons are immensely proud to be celebrating ten years of signings with Leo Messi. Every piece of official Messi-signed merchandise is created under license by Icons Shop Ltd and now comes with an official Messi signed merchandise Certificate of Authenticity, which carries an image of Leo signing the product line.

The full range is exclusively available on Icons.com.



Cristiano Ronald & Icons Celebrate A Decade Together

We saw Cristiano Ronaldo for another private signing session on February 12th in Madrid, marking Cristiano’s tenth(!) year working with Icons.

Cristanio-Ronaldo-Signing-Session

In that time Cristiano has done it all – winning three Ballon d’Ors, two UEFA Champions League titles, two FIFA World Club Championships four League titles in two countries and broken countless goal scoring records at European and international level along the way. Yet Cristiano remains just as sincere and humble as when we first met him at the age of 20 in Manchester, in 2005.

Great pleasure

Cristiano has always been a pleasure to work with, offering the highest level of professionalism. Cristiano even turns up for the signing early, thankfully the Icons signing team are as ready as he is. Cristiano is friendly with everyone, and jokes with those in the room in English, Spanish and Portuguese, a testament that this is a man who is more than just a footballer.

New range of signed Cristiano Ronaldo memorabilia

In this special signing, celebrating his ten years with Icons, Cristiano signed Real Madrid home shirts, a new retro style Portugal shirt as well as a very limited number of Manchester United Shirts. Cristiano also signed two boot styles for us, including his new black Nike Victory V boots, which look absolutely stunning in silver permanent marker.

Finally, Cristiano signed a range of Madrid photos showing him celebrating his recent third Ballon d’Or win, scoring in El Clasico against Barcelona and breaking the record for most goals in one Champions League season on the way to Real Madrid’s famous La Decima title.

And do not forget to watch our special Cristiano signing video:

 



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

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.

 



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

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!

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

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