Chelsea and Germany legend Michael Ballack fought back the tears as he spoke about the death of his 18-year-old son for the first time. The former midfielder's world was turned upside down in 2021 when his son, Emilio, passed away after a tragic quad bike accident during a family holiday in Portugal.
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has sent a clear warning to his squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup, suggesting that high-profile names could be left out of his final selection. As the nation prepares for upcoming friendlies against Switzerland and Ghana later this month, Nagelsmann has indicated that club status will not guarantee a seat on the plane to North America, emphasising that team chemistry and specific tactical profiles will take precedence over reputation.
Noahkai Banks says he is "very torn" over his international future as he considers his opportunities with the U.S. men's national team and Germany. The teenage defender was in USMNT camp in the fall but did not earn a cap and remains eligible for either national team. Banks has also featured on various U.S. youth teams since 2023.
Former England defender Phil Jones has shown his backing of the Three Lions and captain Harry Kane ahead the World Cup, calling for the Bayern Munich striker to win the Golden Boot in North America this summer and lead England to winning the trophy for the first time since 1966. Speaking exclusively with GOAL, Jones was asked to predict his winners and losers of the tournament and said he believes Germany will 'crash and burn'.
There really is nothing like the World Cup. Even just qualifying generates a level of nationwide excitement that the club game simply cannot match, which is why we witnessed truly joyous scenes all across the globe during the November international break, as 14 more countries booked their seat at next summer's festival of football in North America.
Teddy Sheringham. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. "Football, bloody hell!" The 1999 Champions League final is one of the greatest dramas in the history of Bayern Munich. The German giants led for a long time in Barcelona before Manchester United snatched the trophy they thought was theirs in stoppage time. But according to one member of the Bayern team, he actually won that final. "Actually, I'm a Champions League winner," claims the latest member of GOAL's Rebel United, Mario Basler.
Manchester United, often simply referred to as "United," are one of the most iconic and successful football clubs in the world, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, England. The club was founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878 by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway depot at Newton Heath. The team changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to its current home, Old Trafford, in 1910.
Famous players
Manchester United have been home to some of the greatest footballers in history. Sir Bobby Charlton, a World Cup winner with England in 1966, is arguably the most iconic figure in the club's history. Other legendary players include George Best, known for his flair and skill, and Eric Cantona, who brought a winning mentality to the club during the 1990s. More recent stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, and Paul Scholes have also contributed significantly to the club's success.
Honours
Manchester United are one of the most decorated clubs in English football, having won a record 20 Premier League titles (formerly the First Division). They have also lifted the FA Cup 12 times, the League Cup five times, and the UEFA Champions League three times. The club's dominance in English football was particularly evident during the 1990s and early 2000s under manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Managers
Sir Alex Ferguson is undoubtedly the most successful manager in Manchester United's history. He spent 26 years at the club, leading them to an unprecedented era of success. Before Ferguson, managers like Matt Busby and Wilf McGuinness played crucial roles in shaping the club's identity. More recent managers, including David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, and José Mourinho, have faced the challenge of maintaining the club's high standards.
Stadium
Old Trafford, often referred to as the "Theatre of Dreams," is one of the most famous stadiums in the world. With a capacity of roughly 75,000, it is among the largest football stadiums in the United Kingdom. The stadium has hosted numerous major matches, including UEFA Champions League finals and FIFA World Cup matches.
Location
Manchester United are based in the city of Manchester, which is located in the northwest of England. The club's home ground, Old Trafford, is situated in the Trafford borough. Manchester is a major industrial city with a rich footballing heritage.
Owners
In February 2024, British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe's company, INEOS, acquired a significant 25% stake in Manchester United. This acquisition granted Ratcliffe sporting control over the club, placing him in a position to influence key decisions related to its operations.
Ratcliffe has already made a substantial financial commitment to Manchester United. His large investments demonstrate his dedication to the club's success and his willingness to provide the necessary resources for its growth.
Frequently asked questions
Wann wurde die AC Milan gegründet?
Die Associazione Calcio Milan, kurz AC Milan, wurde im Dezember 1899 als Mailänder Fußball- und Cricketklub (Milan Cricket and Football Club) gegründet.
Wer ist/sind der/die Besitzer der AC Milan?
Milan gehört seit 2022 mehrheitlich der US-Investmentfirma RedBird Capital Partners. Für rund 1,2 Milliarden Dollar übernahm die Gruppe den Verein.
Wie wird das Stadion der AC Milan genannt?
Die Heimspielstätte der AC Milan ist das Giuseppe-Meazza-Stadion, auch oft San Siro genannt. Der Verein teilt sich die Arena mit dem Stadtrivalen Inter Mailand.
Wie viele Zuschauer passen ins Stadion der AC Milan?
Das San Siro fasst satte 75.817 Fans, womit es eines der größten Fußballstadien Europas ist.
Wie viele Titel hat die AC Milan gewonnen?
Auch an der Titelfront ist Milan im europäischen Vergleich ganz vorne mit dabei. Insgesamt hat der Verein rund 50 Trophäen eingesackt, darunter alleine siebenmal die Champions League. Nur Real Madrid hat die Königsklasse häufiger gewonnen (15-mal).
Wie viele nationale Meisterschaften hat die AC Milan gewonnen?
Auch auf nationaler Ebene ist die AC über die Jahre extrem erfolgreich gewesen. Nur wenige italienische Klubs haben mehr Titel eingefahren als die 19 Meisterschaften und fünf Coppa Italia von Mailand.
Wer hat die meisten Spiele für die AC Milan absolviert?
Rekordspieler der AC Milan Paolo Maldini. Die Vereinslegende stand 901-mal für die Rossoneri auf dem Feld, führte sein Team dabei unter anderem zu fünf CL-Titeln, sieben Meisterschaften und dem Gewinn des italienischen Pokals.
Wer ist der beste Torschütze in der Geschichte der AC Milan?
Bester Torschütze ist der Schwede Gunnar Nordahl. Er erzielte zwischen 1949 und 1956 ganze 214 Tore in nur 262 Spielen. Zweiter ist Andriy Shevchenko mit 175 Buden.
Welche berühmten Stars haben für die AC Milan gespielt?
Es haben vermutlich mehr Legenden für Milan gespielt, als hier aufgezählt werden könnten. Hier eine Auswahl: Paolo Maldini, Franco Baresi, Gianni Rivera, Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit, Andriy Shevchenko, Kaka, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf oder Alessandro Nesta.
Welche berühmten Trainer hatte die AC Milan?
Die erfolgreichsten Trainer für Mailand waren Nereo Rocco, Arrigo Sacchi, Fabio Capello und Carlo Ancelotti. Unter allen vieren konnte der Verein sowohl die Meisterschaft als auch die Königsklasse gewinnen - in den meisten Fällen jeweils mehrfach.
Wie lautet der Spitzname der AC Milan?
Die gängigsten Spitznamen der AC Milan sind "I Rossoneri" ("die Rot-Schwarzen"), sowie "Il Diavolo" ("der Teufel").