Latest news with #LuisFigo
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Els launches new Portuguese golf club alongside Montgomerie and Duval
By Phil Campbell Ernie Els was delighted to see his new Portuguese golf club launched in style alongside two all-time greats of the game and an array of sporting royalty. The four-time major champion played a nine-hole exhibition to open the Els Club Vilamoura with Scottish legend Colin Montgomerie and 2001 Open Champion David Duval. Els Club Vilamoura, is a championship-standard 18-hole golf course, designed by Els, that features a luxury clubhouse and signature amenities such as the 261 Bar, and was built on the previous Victoria course, which hosted the Portugal Masters from 2007 to 2022. Els, who won the US Open in 1994 and 1997 and two Open crowns in 2002 and 2012, invited Montgomerie and Duval to play the course, as well as Portuguese Champions League winner Luis Figo and former England striker Peter Crouch. Els said of his new club: 'I've been coming to Vilamoura for many years, I've spent many summers with my family here and we just love Portugal. 'Golf is in a pretty sweet spot at the moment and [creating this course] has been a really nice venture. 'We want the conditions to be absolutely perfect and for people to have a great experience and good food.' Els Club, Vilamoura has been built in partnership with English investment fund Arrow Global and management company DETAILS and is the first private-members club in the Algarve. Membership is extended only to those proposed by founder members or those invited by the club. During a press conference on the morning of the Els Club launch, it was also announced the course would host the new PGA Champions Tour event, the Portugal Invitational after signing a five-year deal. The first edition of the event is set to be held between 31 July to 2 August 2026 and has been brought about through the work of The PGA Tour Champions, Arrow Global Group and Turismo de Portugal and Turismo de Algarve. A field of 78 players will be welcomed to the new track with the likes of Bernhard Langer and Miguel Ángel Jimenez set to compete at the event that boasts a whopping prize purse of £2.23million ($3m). PGA Tour Champions President Miller Brady said: 'This Tour is a global showcase of the game's legendary players, and we know the great golf fans in Portugal and throughout Europe will welcome the opportunity to watch them compete in person at The Els Club Vilamoura.' Els added: 'It's wonderful to see those plans now coming to fruition and we're grateful to PGA TOUR Champions President Miller Brady, the team at Arrow Global Group and Turismo de Portugal and Turismo de Algarve, for sharing in our vision and bringing this exciting new tournament here.' Vilamoura is just a 25-minute drive from Faro airport, which boasts connections to 90 airports worldwide, and is also just a two-hour drive from Lisbon. The resort is rich in culture, gastronomy and outdoor activities and is home to its famous marina which is a multiple winner of the Yacht Harbour Association's Best International Marina award. Montgomerie said: 'The golf course is superb, and the clubhouse is fantastic. It's not just a course for the present; it's a course for the future as well,' while Duval added: 'It'll be much anticipated for everybody on the Champions Tour, and I struggle to see how it won't be a huge success a year from now.'
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
25 years since Luis Figo's controversial transfer
Big-money moves are nothing new in European football, but some transfers still send shockwaves decades later. One such moment came 25 years ago, when Luís Figo, Barcelona's poster boy and midfield maestro, did the unthinkable - he signed for arch-rivals Real Madrid. The date was 24th July 2000, a day now etched in footballing folklore. Figo's €60 million move not only shattered the world transfer record at the time but also sparked one of the most heated chapters in the storied rivalry between Barça and Real. For fans in Catalonia, it wasn't just a transfer — it was betrayal of the highest order. A star rises in Catalonia Luís Filipe Madeira Caeiro Figo began his journey at Sporting Lisbon, but it was at Barcelona - under the guidance of Johan Cruyff - that he truly made his name. Signing in 1995, he quickly established himself as one of the club's standout players. In five years at Camp Nou, he made 249 appearances, scored 45 goals, and won a string of honours: two La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey trophies, a Spanish Super Cup, a Cup Winners' Cup, and a UEFA Super Cup. The only prize missing from his Barça CV was the Champions League. Florentino Pérez's bold promise At the time, Florentino Pérez was just a presidential candidate at Real Madrid. But in a bold move that shocked Spanish football, he promised that if elected, he would bring Figo to the Bernabéu. On 17th July 2000, Pérez won the presidency and within a week, he delivered on his audacious pledge. The reaction in Barcelona was swift and furious. Figo's name was instantly tarnished, his legacy all but erased in the eyes of Blaugrana supporters. That hatred reached its peak on 23rd November 2002, during a fiery clash at Camp Nou. As Figo stepped up to take a corner, he was relentlessly booed and, infamously, a pig's head was hurled from the crowd onto the pitch, a dramatic symbol of perceived treachery in Spanish football culture. Figo delivers for Madrid Despite the hostility, Figo flourished in Madrid. Over five seasons, he made 245 appearances, netted 57 goals, and helped the club to significant silverware: two La Liga titles, two Spanish Super Cups, a Champions League, and a Club World Cup. In 2001, he was named FIFA World Player of the Year - a personal triumph that vindicated Pérez's gamble. But things soured towards the end of his spell at the Bernabéu. In 2005, with Vanderlei Luxemburgo taking charge, Figo found himself sidelined. The Brazilian manager's arrival effectively signalled the end of Figo's time in Madrid. He soon made the switch to Inter Milan, where he wrapped up his career with eight more trophies before retiring in 2009.
Cision Canada
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Cision Canada
Legends Charity Game in Lisbon to raise millions for charity
LISBON , July 17, 2025 /CNW/ -- International stars of the football world are coming together in Lisbon this September for the Legends Charity Game in order to raise funds for communities suffering from the effects of war and local tensions around the world. Continue Reading Lisbon, July 17, 2025 - International stars of the football world are coming together in Lisbon this September for the Legends Charity Game in order to raise funds for communities suffering from the effects of war and local tensions around the world. (PRNewsfoto/Legends Charity Game) Organiser Sport Global Group is bringing football's most legendary players to play in one of Europe's biggest charity matches in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon on 15 September 2025 ahead of the country co-hosting the World Cup in 2030. The Legends will compete in front of more than 50,000 fans, and in front of millions of people that will watch the game online/on TV. With the collaboration of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), the match will bring together Portuguese legends and stars from the rest of the world, in an event aiming to raise over one million euros for charities that support communities and families in situations of severe vulnerability, particularly with strong backing in the area of social responsibility. Luis Figo , who won trophies across Europe as well as the Ballon d'Or in 2000, will be captaining the Portugal Legends side. He comments: "It's always a pleasure to come back to my country and play football, especially when wearing the national team colours! Hope to see a full stadium in my hometown Lisbon for this amazing Legends Charity Game and raise funds for important charity causes." Joining Figo, from the triumphant Euro 2016 winning squad, are Ricardo Quaresma , Eliseu and Ricardo Carvalho . Champions League winners Fábio Coentrão, Maniche, Hugo Almeida , Vitor Baia , José Bosingwa and Deco will also play on the night as well as other famous Portuguese legends include Beto Pimparel, Jorge Andrade , Dani, Tiago Mendes , Hélder Postiga, Nuno Gomes and Simão. They will be managed by another Champions League winner - Costinha. They will be facing stiff competition from the World Legends squad that includes legends such as: Peter Schmeichel ( Denmark ), Edwin van der Sar ( Netherlands ), Cafu ( Brazil ), Javier Zanetti ( Argentina ), Diego Lugano ( Uruguay ), Leonardo Bonucci ( Italy ), Gaizka Mendieta ( Spain ), Youri Djorkaeff ( France ), Christian Karambeu ( France ), Marek Hamsik ( Slovakia ), Giorgos Karagounis ( Greece ), Krassimir Balakov ( Bulgaria ), Gheorghe Hagi ( Romania ), Henrik Larsson ( Sweden ), Shota Arveladze ( Georgia ), Javier Saviola ( Argentina ), and Ronaldinho ( Brazil ). Mendieta, who captained Valencia in two Champions League finals, says: "This is a great event in the run up to the 2030 World Cup and I look forward to coming back every year. It is a fantastic opportunity to raise money for people who are less fortunate than we are and who need all the help they can get at the moment." This match represents a new step in the 'Portugal Legends' initiative - a project by the FPF created to highlight, celebrate, and strengthen the lasting bond between former international players, the National Team, and Portuguese football. The match will be played in front of 60,000 fans at either Estádio da Luz (SL Benfica Stadium) or Estádio José Alvalade (Sporting CP Stadium), which will be part of a big and exciting reveal in August when the Champions League schedule is released. The Legends Charity Game aims to raise over €1,000,000 for a number of good causes based both abroad and in Portugal as the Football Family aims to give back to the families of the world. Funds will be raised for both international and national charities who help families and communities in need. One of the international organisations that The Legends Charity Game will be raising funds for is the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS). Every day, the Ukrainian Red Cross teams provide evacuation support, psychosocial and first aid, provide essential humanitarian relief, support temporary shelters, help with housing restoration, and spread awareness about unexploded ordnance risks. Ukrainian Red Cross volunteers and staff work in all regions of the country to support those who need it most. Maksym Dotsenko , Director General of the Ukrainian Red Cross, comments: "The war in Ukraine continues, and unfortunately, millions of people still need support every day. We have no right to stop. Initiatives like the Legends Charity Game are not just about the funds raised. They are about compassion, and the understanding that the world stands by us. They are about solidarity that transforms into real help for those going through the toughest times. We are grateful to everyone who takes part." The Lisbon -based Cáritas Portuguesa, which offers critical support to marginalised communities fighting issues such as poverty and inadequate emergency relief, is also a charitable partner for the Legends Charity Game. Rasmus Sojmark, CEO of Legends Charity Game organisers Sport Global Group, explains: "We are taking our charitable endeavours up a notch this year with the spectacular football match in order to raise a lot of money for some very worthy causes. By tying the match in with the SBC Summit in Lisbon the same week, we have found a way for the communities around football and business to help other communities that are facing unimaginable hardships." Tickets are available to purchase via the official website See Tickets will handle ticket management of the event. Sport Global Charitable Foundation is a restricted fund under the auspices of Prism the Gift Fund (UK registered charity with charity number 1099682). All of the profits from the Legends Charity Game will support the Sport Global Charitable Foundation's beneficiary charities across a range of causes including the Ukrainian Red Cross Society and Caritas Portugal . Photo: For more information: Marketing: Thomas Rasmussen , [email protected] Sponsorship: Rasmus Sojmark, [email protected] SOURCE Legends Charity Game
Korea Herald
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Korea Herald
FAIR PLAY MENARINI INTERNATIONAL AWARD, A WAVE OF EMOTIONS MARKS THE 29TH EDITION
FIESOLE, Italy, July 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A night suspended between history and legend, dedicated to the most authentic values of ethics and fair play. In the timeless setting of the Roman Theatre of Fiesole, where culture met sport, the final ceremony of the 29th edition of the Fair Play Menarini International Award took place, bringing together some of the greatest sportsmen and women in world, in acknowledgment of their examples of loyalty, respect, and integrity, both on and off the field. Among this year's awardees was the icon of football, Luis Figo, Ballon d'Or winner with Real Madrid and winner of 4 consecutive italian championships with Inter, a winger who has redefined the role with his charisma and unparalleled ability. The Award also paid tribute to Demetrio Albertini, midfield player and reference for generations of fans, and "Billy" Costacurta, renowned defender of the AC Milan and national teams, representing an era of football that made history. Among those honoured this year were also Gianmarco Tamberi, Olympic and world high jump champion and flagbearer for Italy at the Paris 2024 Games, a charismatic and inspiring athlete, capable of turning each competition into a moment of both entertainment and a celebration of values. Also awarded was fellow flagbearer Arianna Errigo, fencing legend and symbol of determination and lifelong dedication to a sporting discipline that she has helped to gain greater appreciation. Recognition also went to Sasha Vujacic, two-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, who earned admiration for his competitive spirit and a career built on commitment and respect. Joining them were Blanka Vlasic, high jump icon and two-time world champion; Alice Bellandi, Olympic gold medallist and newly crowned judo world champion, and Nadia Battocletti, a rising star in middle-distance running who claimed Olympic silver in the 10,000 metres through strength, strategy, and dedication. Andy Díaz, dominant triple jumper with an Olympic bronze and indoor world title, was also present together with Rigivan Ganeshamoorthy, Paralympic gold medallist in the discus throw, a true example of strength and inspiration. Completing the line up was Guido Meda, the legendary voice of MotoGP, acknowledged for the passion with which he has so enthusiastically commented on races over the years. Making the evening even more special was the presence of three Fair Play Menarini Ambassadors, who themselves have received the award in past editions: Ian Thorpe, five-time Olympic champion and swimming legend, Giancarlo Antognoni, 1982 World Cup winner, recognised for loyalty and a sense of belonging towards the city of Florence, and Fabrizio Donato, winner of the triple jump bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympic Games. The ceremony was broadcast live on Sky TG24, and hosted by Rachele Sangiuliano, Federica Lodi, Michele Cagiano, and Omar Schillaci, and a special commentary was given by Federico Buffa, whose words enhanced the more profound meaning of each of the stories told throughout the evening. In addition to these remarkable champions, the winners of the Fair Play Menarini "Young Athletes" Award - Nicola Nardo, Michele Vivalda, and Alessandro Bugli - were also celebrated, together with the awardee of the Special Fiamme Gialle "Study and Sport" Award, Margherita Voliani. These two special awards, which aim to put the spotlight on particular positive acts of fair play by the younger generations, were conferred last June during the press conferences held at the Italian Olympic Committee and Tuscany Region headquarters. "The Fair Play Menarini Award is a mosaic of stories which both inspire and convey a meaningful message, and each edition reminds us of the strength of those who choose to live sport with integrity and respect - said Valeria Speroni Cardi and Filippo Paganelli, Members of the Board of the Fair Play Menarini Foundation - With that same energy, we are already looking ahead to the 30th edition, and we look forward to seeing you in 2026 for yet another magnificent adventure together." The 29th edition of the Fair Play Menarini International Award is supported by the Istituto per il Credito Sportivo e Culturale as Institutional Partner, and by Sustenium, Frecciarossa, Estra, and Adiacent as initiative partners. To keep up to date on the protagonists, relive the most exciting moments, and find out all the latest news, visit the official website and the Award's social media channels on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Photo - Photo - Photo - Photo - Photo - Logo -
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
FAIR PLAY MENARINI INTERNATIONAL AWARD, A WAVE OF EMOTIONS MARKS THE 29TH EDITION
FIESOLE, Italy, July 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A night suspended between history and legend, dedicated to the most authentic values of ethics and fair play. In the timeless setting of the Roman Theatre of Fiesole, where culture met sport, the final ceremony of the 29th edition of the Fair Play Menarini International Award took place, bringing together some of the greatest sportsmen and women in world, in acknowledgment of their examples of loyalty, respect, and integrity, both on and off the field. Among this year's awardees was the icon of football, Luis Figo, Ballon d'Or winner with Real Madrid and winner of 4 consecutive italian championships with Inter, a winger who has redefined the role with his charisma and unparalleled ability. The Award also paid tribute to Demetrio Albertini, midfield player and reference for generations of fans, and "Billy" Costacurta, renowned defender of the AC Milan and national teams, representing an era of football that made history. Among those honoured this year were also Gianmarco Tamberi, Olympic and world high jump champion and flagbearer for Italy at the Paris 2024 Games, a charismatic and inspiring athlete, capable of turning each competition into a moment of both entertainment and a celebration of values. Also awarded was fellow flagbearer Arianna Errigo, fencing legend and symbol of determination and lifelong dedication to a sporting discipline that she has helped to gain greater appreciation. Recognition also went to Sasha Vujacic, two-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, who earned admiration for his competitive spirit and a career built on commitment and respect. Joining them were Blanka Vlasic, high jump icon and two-time world champion; Alice Bellandi, Olympic gold medallist and newly crowned judo world champion, and Nadia Battocletti, a rising star in middle-distance running who claimed Olympic silver in the 10,000 metres through strength, strategy, and dedication. Andy Díaz, dominant triple jumper with an Olympic bronze and indoor world title, was also present together with Rigivan Ganeshamoorthy, Paralympic gold medallist in the discus throw, a true example of strength and inspiration. Completing the line up was Guido Meda, the legendary voice of MotoGP, acknowledged for the passion with which he has so enthusiastically commented on races over the years. Making the evening even more special was the presence of three Fair Play Menarini Ambassadors, who themselves have received the award in past editions: Ian Thorpe, five-time Olympic champion and swimming legend, Giancarlo Antognoni, 1982 World Cup winner, recognised for loyalty and a sense of belonging towards the city of Florence, and Fabrizio Donato, winner of the triple jump bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympic Games. The ceremony was broadcast live on Sky TG24, and hosted by Rachele Sangiuliano, Federica Lodi, Michele Cagiano, and Omar Schillaci, and a special commentary was given by Federico Buffa, whose words enhanced the more profound meaning of each of the stories told throughout the evening. In addition to these remarkable champions, the winners of the Fair Play Menarini "Young Athletes" Award - Nicola Nardo, Michele Vivalda, and Alessandro Bugli - were also celebrated, together with the awardee of the Special Fiamme Gialle "Study and Sport" Award, Margherita Voliani. These two special awards, which aim to put the spotlight on particular positive acts of fair play by the younger generations, were conferred last June during the press conferences held at the Italian Olympic Committee and Tuscany Region headquarters. "The Fair Play Menarini Award is a mosaic of stories which both inspire and convey a meaningful message, and each edition reminds us of the strength of those who choose to live sport with integrity and respect - said Valeria Speroni Cardi and Filippo Paganelli, Members of the Board of the Fair Play Menarini Foundation - With that same energy, we are already looking ahead to the 30th edition, and we look forward to seeing you in 2026 for yet another magnificent adventure together." The 29th edition of the Fair Play Menarini International Award is supported by the Istituto per il Credito Sportivo e Culturale as Institutional Partner, and by Sustenium, Frecciarossa, Estra, and Adiacent as initiative partners. To keep up to date on the protagonists, relive the most exciting moments, and find out all the latest news, visit the official website and the Award's social media channels on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Photo - - - - - - SOURCE Menarini Industrie Farmaceutiche Riunite Sign in to access your portfolio
