Latest news with #ElClásico
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
What the Super Bowl halftime show and success of F1: The Movie prove about the amalgamation of sport, fashion, music and entertainment
In early May, Spanish football giants Barcelona unveiled a striking collaboration with Travis Scott, releasing limited-edition jerseys featuring the American rapper's Cactus Jack logo for the El Clásico clash. Only 1,899 units priced at €399.99 and 22 signed jerseys at €2,999.99 were released. The kits were sold out within half an hour, earning Barcelona over €1.5 million. Resale prices surged, with home jerseys traded at $2,000–3,000, while away versions ranged between $1,600 and 2,000. This was in comparison to a standard FC Barcelona Dri-FIT match jersey, which retails at around €195 or even less on Indian platforms. The collaboration allowed Barcelona to tap into Scott's global fanbase and build a narrative that went beyond football. It also introduced the artist to a new segment of fans and generated substantial media coverage for both parties. Such partnerships are not only about merchandise, they are about integrating entertainment and fashion into sports ecosystems. In recent years, the Super Bowl halftime show has increasingly become the centre of attention, often overshadowing the game itself. This year, on February 9, Super Bowl LIX featured Kendrick Lamar as its halftime headliner, drawing 133.5 million viewers — surpassing the game's average viewership of 127.7 million, itself a record for a Super Bowl. The halftime viewership peaked at 137.7 million and surpassed Michael Jackson's 1993 record of 129.3 million. Lamar's performance led to an immediate 175 percent spike in Spotify streams, with the 'Not Like Us' song alone resulting in an increase of 430 percent. Within 24 hours, Lamar became the most-streamed global artist, while singer-songwriter SZA reached No. 2 in the US charts. The amalgamation of sports, fashion and music is no longer a trend, but a calculated use of power in today's cultural landscape. What was once a clear distinction between athletes, musicians, and designers has now transformed into a permeable space where collaborations are not just common, but expected. From stadiums to streaming platforms, from limited-edition sneakers to halftime performances, the convergence of these industries is reshaping how audiences engage with sport, not merely as spectators, but as consumers of a broader cultural experience. This shift is especially evident at major global events and high-profile collaborations, where music, artists and fashion labels now play a central role in the branding and marketing of sports. While the Super Bowl highlights this connection in American football, a similar relationship has long existed between basketball and fashion, particularly through the sneaker culture. The Air Jordan brand, introduced by Nike in 1985, revolutionised the way basketball merchandise was perceived. No longer just sportswear, Air Jordans became desirable fashion items. Since its creation, the brand has sold over 130 million pairs of shoes and has generated over $3.1 billion in revenue. Beyond initial sales, the resale market for Jordans has created a parallel economy, valued in billions of dollars. Certain models, such as the Jordan 1, 4, and 11, continue to be popular across generations. This evolution has expanded the sport's appeal to audiences who may not be traditional basketball fans, with sneakers acting as a way to get interested in the sport itself. Scott's entry into sneaker culture is another example of this cultural synergy. His 2017 Air Jordan 4 'Cactus Jack', released before his Astroworld breakout, and subsequent Air Jordan 1 and 6 models, became market sensations. Scott's AJ1 Retro High is now StockX's eighth best-selling AJ1, trading at an average $1,093, representing a 524 percent premium over retail, and totalling over 21,000 trades. The AJ1 Low averaged $776 resale (499 percent premium), while the AJ6 Retro averaged $1,279 with a 412 percent premium. These figures far exceed typical sneaker collaborations, confirming Scott's pull in merging music, fashion and the sport culture. Another representation of this convergence is the Apple-produced film F1: The Movie, which released on June 27. With a production and distribution budget exceeding $250 million, it has grossed $397.6 million globally, making it Apple's first major theatrical success. Its marketing featured brand tie-ins with companies like IWC Schaffhausen, Tommy Hilfiger, GEICO, and EA Sports, together contributing at least $40 million in sponsorship value. Apple's renewed interest prompted it to bid over $150 million annually for US Formula 1 streaming rights starting 2026, outbidding ESPN. F1's US television audience has more than doubled since 2018, now averaging 1.3 million viewers per race, a growth accelerated by the documentary 'Drive to Survive' and the new film. These examples point to a broader shift in how sport is consumed and marketed. Increasingly, sporting events serve as launchpads for artists, designers and brands. The appeal of sport is no longer limited to the game itself; it extends to what surrounds it such as music performances, clothing releases, and digital engagement. Artists gain exposure to large audiences, brands benefit from association with cultural icons, and sports organisations attract viewers who may not have previously followed the game. This model benefits all stakeholders and reflects the growing convergence of entertainment sectors. The idea of a sports fan is also evolving. Today's fans are more likely to engage with sport through fashion, music, and digital platforms than through traditional forms of viewership. Owning a jersey or a pair of limited-edition sneakers is now a way of signalling interest and allegiance, even among those who may not watch matches regularly. This shift is particularly evident among younger audiences, who often consume sports content through short clips, social media posts, and merchandise drops, rather than live broadcasts. As the landscape continues to evolve, such cross-industry partnerships will likely become more common, reinforcing the idea that sport today is not just about competition; it is also about culture, community, and commerce. (The writer is an intern with The Indian Express)
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Business Standard
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Business Standard
Why Cristiano Ronaldo would want Messi to join Saudi League in the summer?
Saudi Arabia's growing ambition in global football was spotlighted by Ronaldo's signing and the Club World Cup. With heavy investment underway, bringing Messi aboard would be a bold statement again. Shashwat Nishant New Delhi Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the two footballing legends with a combined 13 Ballon d'Or crowns, once energized the football world by battling it out against each other at least twice a year across El Clásico fixtures at Barcelona and Real Madrid. Though their European rivalry has since evolved, a new showdown in the Middle East might not be ruled out as of now. Cristiano Ronaldo recently extended his record-breaking contract with Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. Despite an option to stay through 2026, discussions swirl about major Saudi clubs plotting a move for Messi. With Ronaldo already in Riyadh, momentum is building. Ronaldo's United teammate Saha predicts Messi reunion Speaking to BoyleSports, ex-Manchester United striker Louis Saha argues that Ronaldo would be thrilled to see Messi join him in Saudi Arabia: 'Will Cristiano want Messi in Saudi Arabia? Definitely. Cristiano will want more big players over there… He's a competitor and he wants to win, he hasn't won as much as he would like. It'd be great to see internal competition.' Saha emphasized that Messi's arrival would elevate the league's status and intensify its competitiveness, a landscape Ronaldo relishes. Saudi's roadmap for football Saudi Arabia's growing ambition in global football was spotlighted by Ronaldo's signing and the Club World Cup. With heavy investment underway, bringing Messi aboard would be a bold statement in expanding league prestige and sporting rivalry. Messi on the move? Reports suggest Al-Ahli has tabled a lucrative offer for the Argentine superstar. However, Messi chose Major League Soccer last year, joining Inter Miami instead of moving to Saudi. As negotiations continue, Messi's next move could reshape global club football, adding another chapter to this storied rivalry. Bringing Messi to Saudi would not only unite two legends on foreign soil, it could also launch a fierce new era of competition in a league eager to make global waves.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
📆 LaLiga 25/26: the fixture list is out, El Clásico dates confirmed!
As every summer, the draw for the LaLiga EA Sports calendar becomes the first major event of a season that has not yet begun but is already starting to be felt. This time, the 2025/26 season already has its own: assigned matchdays, debuts, and marked rivalries that already have dates in this upcoming season. Advertisement From today, the teams know their roadmap and the fans can start counting the days. The first matchday, scheduled for the weekend of August 17 and 18, will raise the curtain on a championship that promises to be thrilling, with new sports projects, renewed faces, and several historic clubs returning to the elite. Above all, the debut of the champion, Barça, stands out, playing away against RCD Mallorca. Real Madrid, which might not start LaLiga on matchday 1 due to the Club World Cup, will host Atletico Osasuna at home. The last matchday, set for May 24, will close the circle, in what is usually a date filled with drama, both in the fight for the title and in the relegation battle. Advertisement While Real Madrid will close LaLiga at home against Athletic Club, Barça will do so by visiting a always challenging venue like Mestalla. Simeone's Atlético will also travel to Valencia, with a Villarreal vs Atlético match that, who knows, could have the Champions League at stake. But if anything stands out each year, it's the matches that transcend the standings. The first to be highlighted on any calendar is undoubtedly El Clásico. Real Madrid and FC Barcelona will face each other again in two high-tension chapters: the first at Santiago Bernabéu, on matchday 10, scheduled for October 26, and the return at the newly renovated Spotify Camp Nou, on matchday 35, on May 10. Advertisement Two dates that, beyond the historical rivalry, usually have a direct impact on the championship race. There will also be no shortage of derbies, those matches where emotion doesn't understand dynamics or budgets. In the capital, the Madrid Derby between Real Madrid and Atlético will be played on matchdays 7 and 29. A battle where there's always more than three points at stake, with the first duel at the Metropolitano, leaving the Bernabéu for the second leg. In the south, the Seville Derby will once again fill Sánchez-Pizjuán and Villamarín with passion, with matches scheduled for matchdays 14 and 26 at Sánchez Pizjuán and Benito Villamarín respectively. In the north, matchdays 11 and 22 will feature the two major clubs of the Basque Country. Advertisement In Barcelona, which this year will feature the excitement of Joan García, Barça and Espanyol will experience a Catalan Derby with unfinished business. The dates will be January 4 at the RCD Stadium, with the second leg on April 12. LaLiga 2025/26 is already written on paper. Only the essential is missing: for the ball to start rolling and for football, as always, to surprise us. This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here. 📸 LLUIS GENE - AFP or licensors
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
🚨 It's official, Hansi Flick extends his contract with FC Barcelona
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here. What had been an open secret has been confirmed. Hansi Flick will continue to manage FC Barcelona for one more season than initially stipulated in his contract. On Wednesday, the club confirmed the extension of the German coach's contract until 2027. A renewal that had been expected for over ten days. The victory in El Clásico of LALIGA against Real Madrid and the achievement of three titles in the current season have been decisive for a contract extension that satisfies all parties. The show must go onHANSI FLICK 2027 💙❤️ — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 21, 2025 But not only the achievements of the current season have been key to the renewal. The playing identity that the German coach has achieved, as well as the growth of several young talents of the club, have played a decisive role in securing the German's stay on the Barça bench. There's Hansi Flick in Barcelona for a while longer. 📸 PIERO CRUCIATTI - AFP or licensors
See - Sada Elbalad
21-05-2025
- Sport
- See - Sada Elbalad
Tottenham vs. Manchester United Europa League Final Date
Amir Hagag San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Spain, is set to host an all-English El Clásico featuring Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur for the 2024-25 Europa League final. The match is scheduled for Wednesday evening, May 21, 2025, at 10:00 PM and will be broadcast on beIN Sports HD 1. Manchester United earned their spot in the final with a dominant 4-1 win over Athletic Bilbao in the second leg of the semi-final at Old Trafford, following a 3-0 success in the first leg at San Mamés, totaling a 7-1 aggregate victory. On the other hand, Tottenham Hotspur secured their final berth by overcoming Norway's Bodo Glimt 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final at Aspmira Stadium, having also won the first leg 3-1, leading to a 5-1 aggregate score. read more Japan Stun Spain 2-1 to Qualify for World Cup Last 16 World Cup 2022: Get to Know Confirmed Line-ups of Japan and Spain Group E Decider Saudi Arabia Bid Farewell to World Cup after 2-1 Loss to Mexico Tunisia Achieve Historic Win over France but Fail to Qualify Tunisia to Clash against France in World Cup Sports Get to Know Squad of Group D Teams in World Cup Sports Al Ahly Gift EGP 70,000 to Players After Claiming Egyptian Super Cup Title Sports Bencharki Hits First 2 Goals with Al Jazira Since Leaving Zamalek Sports Arsenal Possible Line-up for Nottingham Forest News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies
