Latest news with #BastianSchweinsteiger
Daily Mail
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Bastian Schweinsteiger kisses 'married' blonde woman on Mallorca beach trip – just weeks after high-profile relationship with former tennis world No 1 Ana Ivanovic ended
Bastian Schweinsteiger has been pictured kissing his new partner during an intimate trip to the beach in Mallorca after seemingly splitting from his wife, Ana Ivanovic. Photos and videos shared by German publication Bild show Schweinsteiger, 40, relaxing on the sand with the married woman, who is believed to be named Silva. According to the outlet, the mystery woman is from Bulgaria and has two sons, who attend the same school as Schweinsteiger and Ivanovic's eldest children. She does not live with her husband and is reported to have separated from him. 'They both looked happy and in love, they didn't take their hands off each other as they lay on towels on the sand. They were hugging and kissing,' a source told Bild. Schweinsteiger has reportedly already moved out of the family home he shared with Ivanovic and taken a romantic trip to Morocco with his new girlfriend. Bild allege Schweinsteiger's relationship with Silva began several months ago. In images posted on a Ukrainian website, Silva can be seen dressed in a fitness outfit on an exercise ball, in an article on exercises for women after pregnancy. The pictures of the beach trip were published earlier this week after it emerged that Schweinsteiger and Ivanovic, one of sport's ultimate power couples, had split. They tied the knot at a lavish ceremony in Venice in 2016 but Bild claim their relationship became strained due to them struggling to spend time together. Schweinsteiger regularly travels while Ivanovic remains with their children in her hometown of Belgrade. They have rarely been spotted together in public in recent months, making just a handful of appearances at events, including the Laver Cup. Their last Instagram post together came when they visited a Christmas market in Vienna in December, while a recent joint Instagram story, shared in early April, was confirmed as a pre-produced promotional video announcing a brand deal. After being contacted by Bild, Schweinsteiger's representatives said he and Ivanovic would not be commenting on private matters. Schweinsteiger and Ivanovic first met in New York in 2014 and the Germany legend got down on one knee to propose in a London park just a few months later. Their wedding took place in July 2016, with Ivanovic, who memorably won the French Open in 2008, then retiring from tennis in December 2016. Ivanovic gave birth to their first son in 2018, and had another baby boy the following year. The couple announced the arrival of their third son in May 2023. Their first two sons are named Luca and Leon, respectively, while the name of their third son has not been publicly confirmed. Ivanovic, meanwhile, put on a brave face despite the speculation as she posed for the cameras at the French Open at Roland Garros, Paris on Sunday evening.
Daily Mail
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Bayern Munich legend Bastian Schweinsteiger opens up on winning the Champions League, his two favourites for this year's competition - and the humbling Old Trafford moment he will never forget
Bastian Schweinsteiger's journey — from the fields of Bavaria to the heart of Cape Town — is more than a career highlight reel. It's a testament to football's universal language. Through Heineken's UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour, he is bridging continents and generations through their shared passion of football. As Schweinsteiger sat beside the gleaming 7.5kg silver trophy, he reflected on the emotional weight the object carries — not just for players, but for fans. 'When you see how people look at the trophy, you see shining eyes. It's something very special, and that's the most beautiful thing I could witness.' Schweinsteiger went on to share some heartfelt stories about how supporters have influenced his career, stating: 'Sometimes they know more about the game than I do,' he laughed. 'They remember passes, goals, the exact minute I scored. It surprised me how much they remember.' When asked if he'd ever felt intimidated or deeply moved by fans during his career, Schweinsteiger shared a rare and humbling story. 'To be honest, what was outstanding — I remember when we were facing Manchester United with Bayern Munich at Old Trafford in 2010. It was the second leg. We lost the game 3-2, but we qualified for the next round because Arjen Robben scored a beautiful goal in the second half.' 'But when we were about to leave the pitch, the whole Stretford End stood up and gave us a standing ovation. That was very impressive. You don't experience that so many times in your life.' It's the kind of respect only football can inspire — admiration between rivals, earned through performance and shared history. He also recalled one particularly emotional moment: after Bayern Munich's dramatic loss to Chelsea in the 2012 Champions League Final, he missed a crucial penalty in front of Bayern fans. 'I remember those faces. I saw them every weekend,' he said. 'But a year later, we won the trophy — so I was all right in the end.' The German couldn't avoid questions about today's Champions League contenders. When asked to name his favourites, he said: 'Right now, I would say Barcelona and Paris,' he said. 'I was very surprised at how Paris knocked out Liverpool. And Barcelona — with their German coach Hansi Flick and Robert Lewandowski, who are friends of mine — I wish them all the best.' The conversation turned to rising stars — and after being asked which current player he would most like to have played alongside in his prime, Schweinsteiger answered: 'I like Frenkie de Jong. I like Rodri a lot,' he said. 'In Germany, we have Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz — two very talented players, still very young.' Schweinsteiger has fond memories of South Africa. In 2010, he was part of Germany's run to the semi-finals during the FIFA World Cup, and he said returning more than a decade later rekindled that sense of connection. 'You could feel the love of the South African people towards the game,' he recalled. 'Different cultures, but they all share the same passion.' And in a switch of roles, when asked what match he'd most love to attend simply as a supporter, Schweinsteiger's eyes lit up. 'I'd love to go to a Boca Juniors or River Plate match in South America. I've heard it's fantastic,' he said. 'I've seen a lot in Europe and the U.S., but I've never experienced that atmosphere.' Heineken® Takes the UEFA Champions League Trophy on a Worldwide Journey to the Hardcore Fans in Asia & Africa Heineken® is putting 'hardcore' football fans at the heart of the action by bringing one of the most prestigious trophies in the sporting world to Asia and Africa with the UEFA Champions League (UCL) Trophy Tour. For fans who never miss a match but aren't able to make it to the stadium, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the ultimate prize in club football up close. In South Africa, 3.4 million fans watch UEFA Champions League matches on their own on their smartphones – turning what should be a shared celebration into a solo one. To reignite the community spirit of matchday, Heineken® created a special wall where fans attached their phones, syncing the screens creating one giant display for a shared viewing experience – HERE. .
News24
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Bastian Schweinsteiger lauds SA's passion for football as Heineken UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour hits Joburg
South African football lovers were treated to a once-in-a-lifetime experience this April, as the Heineken UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour made a spectacular stop in Cape Town and Johannesburg, bringing football's most prestigious club trophy to the fingertips of thousands of passionate fans. With German football legend Bastian Schweinsteiger headlining the tour, the event offered more than just photo ops. It brought emotion, nostalgia, and real moments of connection to fans who have cheered from afar for years. 'The passion for football here is incredible,' Schweinsteiger said during an exclusive sit-down in Johannesburg. 'To bring the trophy this close to the people who love the game so much, it's special. It is the admiration that you see in their eyes that makes this moment worthwhile.' The South African leg of the tour kicked off on 24 April when the former Bayern Munich star, affectionately known as 'Schweini' touched down in Cape Town, trophy in tow. From there, the tour brought magic to the coast with a brunch at CABO Beach Club, and a grand handover ceremony at Zeitz MOCAA. Fans posed for photos with the trophy and got a chance to connect with the legend himself. The excitement then travelled to Johannesburg, where Melrose Arch hosted the Joburg fan activation zone, buzzing with music, football flair, and die-hard supporters. The night ended with a glamorous black-tie gala in Steyn City, where South Africa's football community, celebrities, and media personalities rubbed shoulders over shared love for the game. 'This tour exemplifies why the Heineken and UEFA Champions League partnership is so iconic,' said Warrick Wyngaard, Heineken Brand Marketing Communication Manager. 'It's about creating magical moments that connect fans to the football they love.' It's not just a trophy, it's a symbol For fans, getting up close to the UEFA Champions League trophy, famously nicknamed 'the cup with the big ears', was an emotional moment. It's a symbol of greatness, grit, and the kind of football stories that stay with you forever. 'Seeing people light up around the trophy was incredible,' Schweinsteiger shared. 'Football isn't just played on the pitch. It lives in the hearts of fans everywhere, including right here in South Africa.' He spent time chatting, signing autographs, and offering encouragement to young aspiring players – reminding them that legends are made through patience and discipline. 'Stay focused. Respect the game. Don't lose your passion, that's where it all starts.' In true Heineken style, the experience wasn't just about nostalgia, it was innovative too. Fans enjoyed activations like the Heineken Social Screen, which turned mobile devices into an interactive, synced-up football experience, bridging digital and real-world energy. The tour created space for fans of all ages, backgrounds and teams to come together from Cape Town creatives to die-hard Soweto supporters, proving that great football stories unite people in powerful ways. South Africa's football heartbeat While South Africa may be far from the stadiums of Madrid, Milan or Munich, the passion for the UEFA Champions League is alive and well. 'South African fans understand what makes the Champions League special, the drama, the skill, and those unforgettable nights,' Schweinsteiger said. 'Being here reminded me why we play. It's for the fans.' As the tour wrapped up, the sentiment was clear: it was a celebration of football as a global language. The final whistle From autograph-seeking teens to lifelong fans who've followed Schweinsteiger since his first Champions League campaign, the Trophy Tour created memories that will last far beyond this season. Whether it was your first time seeing the trophy in real life or a moment spent hearing encouragement from a football legend, the magic was undeniable. As Heineken continues its commitment to bringing the UEFA Champions League experience closer to fans around the world, South Africa can proudly say it showed up, sang loud, and reminded the world why Mzansi's got heart.
Daily Maverick
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
Champions League winner Bastian Schweinsteiger picks his favourites for Europe's biggest club trophy
The youthful teams have caught the eye of Bastian Schweinsteiger for the imminent UEFA Champions League semifinals. Former German international and Bayern Munich legend Bastian Schweinsteiger has been enthralled by the UEFA Champions League campaigns of the young Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Barcelona outfits, backing one of the two sides to go all the way. Schweinsteiger, a Champions League winner himself with Bayern Munich in 2013, was in South Africa over the past weekend for the Heineken UEFA Champions League trophy tour. 'I think Paris [Saint-Germain] actually,' Schweinsteiger told Daily Maverick. 'To knock out Liverpool was for me a surprise [especially] how they did it.' PSG is set to face Arsenal on Tuesday in London in the first leg of the Champions League semifinal, while Inter Milan and Barcelona prepare to do battle in Spain a day later. After finishing the league phase of the new format of the Champions League in 15th position, PSG fought through a play-off round to face the top-ranked side and newly crowned English Premier League champions Liverpool. They surprisingly overcame the scouse side – who Schweinsteiger initially had as favourites for the title – 4-1 on penalties after a 1-1 stalemate over two legs. After a slow start, PSG have turned their season around with a strategic shift, and the French club are now three matches away from their first Champions League trophy. 'Luis Enrique is doing a fantastic job over there,' Schweinsteiger said, complimenting the Spanish manager on PSG's performances. 'There are no Neymars, no Messis, no Mbappes, but still he has managed to play that kind of football. It was unexpected in my eyes, even though I know Luis Enrique is a fantastic coach.' Spanish giants Barcelona, who, like PSG, have youth at the centre of their growing project, are the other side Schweinsteiger fancies to capture Europe's most prestigious club trophy. 'Barcelona and Hansi Flick,' Schweinsteiger said. 'They've shown their quality and what they're capable of, to control the game.' Barcelona clinched the Copa del Rey trophy at the weekend, beating rivals Real Madrid 3-2 in extra time. The side from Catalonia are on course for a treble if they clinch the Champions League, as they lead La Liga by four points over Real Madrid, with five matches left in the season. '[That] they also have an experienced player like Robert Lewandowski upfront is always helpful,' Schweinsteiger said on why he likes Barcelona, giving a special mention to his former Bayern Munich teammate. 'Those are my favourites.' 'German heart' Speaking at the event held in Cape Town, Schweinsteiger joked that Barcelona's German manager Flick is the reason for his side's success. 'The German heart is definitely [at Barcelona] with Hansi,' Schweinsteiger said. 'I saw them against Bayern Munich, how they played, their way of football is very interesting. They have great chemistry in their team as well. 'For Hansi Flick, it would be something very special to play the final in Munich and also to lift the trophy with Barcelona in Munich.' Arsenal are the only English outfit in the final four of the Champions League, with Italy, Spain and France also represented by one team each. Arsenal cruised past the Champions League royalty of Real Madrid 5-1 in the quarter finals to reach the semifinals for the first time since the 2008/09 season. While Schweinsteiger didn't outline Arsenal as favourites to win their first Champions League trophy in the club's history, he did acknowledge that their 3-0 and 2-1 wins over Real Madrid – who have won the Champions League a record 15 times – meant that they were serious contenders. 'If you beat Real Madrid like they did, it's absolutely possible,' he said. Heartbreak to joy For three of the four teams left in the Champions League, it will end in heartbreak. This is a disappointment Schweinsteiger had in 2012. Playing at home at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Bayern Munich lost 4-3 on penalties to Chelsea after a 1-1 draw. Schweinsteiger missed the final penalty for Bayern before Didier Drogba sealed the winning spot-kick for the men from London. Thomas Müller scored in the 83rd minute in regular time before Drogba equalised for Chelsea five minutes later, as the Ivorian went on to be Chelsea's hero on the day. 'We lost it – we say – in our own house, in Munich,' Schweinsteiger 'That's even more difficult to accept. 'Everything was prepared in Munich for a ceremony, the home team is winning the trophy. 'We were in that game, from minute one, dominant, we were the better team. Something was still missing in our finishing, but we were dominating until minute 88 when Drogba scored that header.' Schweinsteiger believes that everything happens for a reason and said that no matter what they tried, they would have lost the match regardless, as the Bayern Munich forwards spurned several chances throughout the match. 'In that match, Chelsea was meant to be the champion and Drogba the hero,' Schweinsteiger said. 'We could've probably played another 120 minutes and wouldn't have probably scored and won the match.' But that set the scene for jubilation a year later for Bayern Munich, who were crowned Champions League winners in the first all-German final, beating Borussia Dortmund, coached by Jurgen Klopp. 'If you lose the trophy in your hometown, in your living room, then it was sweeter to win it the next season against Borussia Dortmund, our biggest rival in that period in Germany,' Schweinsteiger said. 'There was a lot of pressure in that game. If we would have lost that match, it would have not been easy to recover from that one because to lose against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final [at] Wembley, it [would have been] painful.' Mario Mandžukić opened the scoring for Bayern Munich before İlkay Gündoğan equalised. It looked like history repeating itself before former Dutch international Arjen Robben sealed the win for Bayern Munich with a deft finish in the 89th minute. 'Luckily, Arjen Robben scored the final goal in the last minute,' Schweinsteiger said. It led to Schweinsteiger's 'proudest moment' in the UEFA Champions League. The four teams remaining in the tournament this year hope to emulate Bayern Munich on 31 May, the final coincidentally hosted at the scene of Schweinsteiger's 2012 heartbreak — the Allianz Arena in Munich. 'Lifting the trophy with [my] team, which lost the big final in Munich before, that was my proudest moment,' Schweinsteiger said. DM
eNCA
27-04-2025
- Sport
- eNCA
UEFA Champions league trophy tour hits SA
JOHANNESBURG - The UEFA Champions League trophy tour began on 8 April in Vietnam and has officially hit South Africa. The prestigious piece of silverware is being showcased in Vietnam, Indonesia, South Africa, Zambia and Kenya. Promoting the tour, is none other than German international footballer, Bastian Schweinsteiger.
