Latest news with #LaDecima
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Always going to be a Madridista' – Luka Modric says goodbye to Real Madrid after final appearance
Real Madrid exited the Club World Cup on Wednesday after losing 4-0 to Paris Saint-Germain, in what was Luka Modric's final appearance for the club. The Croatian midfielder's contract runs out at the conclusion of the tournament, and he will now move on after 13 glorious years at the Santiago Bernabeu. Modric on his 13 years as a Real Madrid player And off the back of his final match in the famous white jersey, Modric spoke to Real Madrid's official media channels to convey his emotions. As per Sport, he reflected on his time at the club. Advertisement 'An unforgettable, glorious and winning stage has ended. What I have experienced gives me more joy. Remembering everything I have achieved here makes me very happy, even if it is over. I have grown as a player and as a person. Real Madrid has given me everything football-wise and for that I will be grateful for life. I'm always going to be a Madridista. 'It has been a long journey, but unforgettable. I've grown a lot as a player and as a person. I have another house outside my house, because Madrid and Spain are like my second home. I'm very happy and I'm sure that with time I'll be even more aware of what I've achieved, because I'm going to need some time to add up all the emotions and everything I've achieved here.' Image viaAdvertisement Modric on being Real Madrid's most successful player Modric, who will be joining Milan as early as next week, was asked about his feelings of being Real Madrid's most successful player in history in terms of trophies won. 'Hearing my numbers makes me happy and proud of what I have achieved. Being the player who has won the most titles at the best club in the history of football is impressive. There are also other things, such as the affection of the people. I always keep that with me because it's something that no one can take away from you. You can't fool people and they won't love you just because you play for Real Madrid, but the affection they have given me is impressive. I never imagined it.' Modric reveals his favourite Real Madrid moment Modric also revealed that Real Madrid's Champions League final victory over Atletico Madrid in 2014 was his favourite moment as a Los Blancos player. Advertisement 'The dominance of the last 12 or 13 years began, which has been incredible, winning six Champions League in 10 years. I always mention La Decima because it was impressive, and the way we won it perfectly defines what Real Madrid is: never give up and believe until the end. It was unforgettable for the Madridistas, because the number 10 is special. For me it is also a special number. When I remember that celebration I always get a smile.'
Hindustan Times
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Rafael Nadal's La Decima-winning French Open racquet sells for record price of INR 49 lakh
The Babolat racquet that Rafael Nadal used to complete La Decima at the Roland Garros eight years ago was sold at a Prestige Memorabilia auction on Sunday for a record price of $157,333.20 (INR 49.12 lakh), which included buyer's premium. It became the most expensive racquet sold at an auction, surpassing his previous record of $139,700 (INR 11.96 lakh), which he acquired at Sotheby's in 2023 by selling the racquet he used during the 2022 Australian Open, where he beat Daniil Medvedev in the final. In 2017, Nadal defeated Stan Wawrinka in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3, 6-1 to complete an unprecedented 10th French Open win. The win was all the more significant as he did not drop a single set en route to the title, which he won four more times in his career before retiring from professional tennis in 2024. "To find a Grand Slam Final-used racket from Rafael Nadal is rare," reads the Prestige Memorabilia lot description. "To find one photomatched across an entire clay season (and more) -- capped by a French Open title -- is unprecedented." The custom-made racquet has a 'Rafa' emblem at the throat and a sticker reading 'RG 2017 Nadal'. Nadal attended the 2025 French Open for his farewell ceremony on Court Philippe Chatrier, which was graced by the other members of the Big Four. The organisers shared a small tribute clip as the crowd, donning 'Merci Rafa' shirts, gave a standing ovation. The organising committee ended the hour-long event by unveiling the iconic plaque on Court Philippe Chatrier, bearing Nadal's footprint along with the number 14 inscribed on it. 'When I (saw) that, I thought it was going to be just for this year. Knowing that's going to be forever there, it's a present that I can't describe in words,' Nadal said at his press conference later. 'For me it was and it is and it's always going to be a huge honor and very, very emotional to have this spot on the most important court of my tennis career, without a doubt. 'It's difficult to describe the feeling, but it's something that really touched me.'
eNCA
25-05-2025
- Sport
- eNCA
Real Madrid 'legend' Alonso returns as new coach
MADRID - Real Madrid appointed Xabi Alonso to replace Carlo Ancelotti as coach on Sunday, with the Spaniard to take over from June 1 and lead the team at the Club World Cup. "Xabi Alonso will be the Real Madrid coach for the next three seasons, from June 1, 2025 until June 30, 2028," said Real Madrid in a statement. With veteran Italian coach Ancelotti taking the reins of the Brazilian national team, Madrid secured a deal with former midfielder Alonso, whom they have been linked with for months. Alonso, 43, leaves German side Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the Bundesliga season after finishing second. "Alonso is one of the biggest legends at Real Madrid and in world football," continued Los Blancos' statement. "He wore our shirt in 236 games between 2009 and 2014. During that time he won six trophies." Alonso will be officially presented on Monday at 1030 GMT. The Spaniard coached Leverkusen to a league and German Cup double in the 2023-2024 campaign, with his team unbeaten in the top flight, making him a target for Europe's top clubs. Basque coach Alonso had an agreement with Leverkusen to allow him to depart if one of his former sides, including Madrid, Liverpool and Bayern Munich, wanted to hire him. Ancelotti's Madrid endured a disappointing campaign, winning the European Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup but suffering Champions League quarter-final elimination by Arsenal. Barcelona beat Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey finals and then reclaimed the Liga throne from their arch-rivals, meaning they failed to win a major trophy. Madrid added French superstar Kylian Mbappe last summer but Ancelotti found it hard to include him in the team alongside Vinicius Junior without destabilising it. Mbappe netted 31 La Liga goals which should earn him the European Golden Shoe, but Alonso's main job will be to restore the team's solidity without compromising the attack. After losing two matches in the whole of the previous campaign, this season Madrid slumped to 14 defeats. - La Decima - Alonso will replace one of the most successful managers in Madrid's history, despite their struggles this season. Ancelotti, 65, took Los Blancos to 15 trophies during two spells at the club, spanning six years. The Italian won three Champions League trophies in Madrid, including La Decima -- Madrid's 10th -- in 2014, with Alonso as part of his squad, although he was suspended for the final. Alonso was also coached by Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho and Vicente del Bosque among others and is considered tactically adroit and an excellent organiser, which could be ideal for a Madrid side that has lacked balance. The midfielder won two European Championships and the 2010 World Cup with Spain as he helped La Roja dominate the international game. After retiring from playing in 2017 he coached Real Madrid and Real Sociedad at youth level before being appointed by Bayer Leverkusen in 2022. Real Madrid have already signed defender Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth this summer and Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to follow, with his contract coming to an end at Anfield. Madrid are trying to bring in the England international before the Club World Cup this summer, which will be Alonso's first chance to win silverware. rbs/bsp/nr
The South African
23-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
A full starting XI of Orlando Pirates players in the Bafana squad
You can build a proper starting XI from all of the Orlando Pirates players in the latest Bafana squad. What formation would they play in, though? Chaine; Van Rooyen, Sibisi, Mbokazi, Selepe; Mbatha; Maswanganyi, Mofokeng; Makgopa; Mabasa, Nkota. Sipho Chaine, Deano van Rooyen, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Simphiwe Selepe, Thalente Mbatha, Evidence Makgopa, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Patrick Maswanganyi, Rele Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota are the 11 Sea Robbers stars in the group. Bruce Bvuma, Yusuf Maart and Mduduzi Shabalala are the Chiefs trio included. Check the whole squad out below: Chaine; Van Rooyen, Sesane, Mbokazi, Letlapa; Mbatha, Makhaula; Appollis, Nkota, Mofokeng; Mabasa. Meanwhile, Letlapa headlines a list of names linked with Orlando Pirates Is Kekana the best PSL player in history? Hlompho Kekana was a combative and explosive character on the pitch, but off it, he's as humble as they come. Regarded by his teammates as a model professional and example, he took care of his body and was fit as a fiddle even at the ripe age of 36. Also, his devotion to a healthy diet didn't do him any harm either. The retired midfield general remains popular with journalists, too, having always made himself available for calls and interviews. In the aftermath of Sundowns' tenth ABSA Premiership title win, a triumph that completed a fabled 'La Decima', Kekana was effusive when praising his teammates. Those men fought alongside him to snatch the title on the very final day. Kekana was truly a team-oriented man. Check out Kekana's amazing story and CV Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Orlando Pirates whispers: Kekana, Makhaula, Mofokeng, Benni McCarthy
Today's Orlando Pirates rumour wrap involves the likes of Hlompho Kekana, Benni McCarthy and some big opinions on Makhehlene Makhaula and Rele Mofokeng. Hlompho Kekana is a huge fan of Makhehlene Makhaula's industry in midfield for the Sea Robbers. 'This is my Player for the Season [Makhehleni Makhaula],' said Kekana on SABC Sport's Soccer Zone. Click for the story Former Orlando Pirates, Bafana Bafana and FC Porto striker Benni McCarthy did a whole lot more than win the Champions League. Click for the story Benni's 2011 Rabbit Food diet Meanwhile, here's Benni in a Buccaneers jersey. Image: SoccerLaduma Hlompho Kekana was a combative and explosive character on the pitch, but off it, he's as humble as they come. Regarded by his teammates as a model professional and example, he took care of his body and was fit as a fiddle even at the ripe age of 36. His devotion to a healthy diet didn't do him any harm either. The retired midfield general remains popular with journalists, too, having always made himself available for calls and interviews. In the aftermath of Sundowns' tenth ABSA Premiership title win, a triumph that completed a fabled 'La Decima', Kekana was effusive when praising his teammates. Those men fought alongside him to snatch the title on the very final day. Kekana was truly a team-oriented man. Check out Kekana's amazing story and CV Hlompho Kekana admits he knew he had 'overstayed his welcome' at Mamelodi Sundowns when his game time became limited. Image: @iDiskiTimes / X Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
