Michael Ballack, légende du Chelsea FC et de l'Allemagne, a retenu ses larmes en évoquant pour la première fois le décès de son fils âgé de 18 ans. L'ancien milieu de terrain a vu sa vie basculer en 2021 lorsque son fils Emilio est décédé à la suite d'un tragique accident de quad pendant des vacances en famille au Portugal.
Le sélectionneur allemand Julian Nagelsmann a lancé un avertissement clair à son équipe avant la Coupe du monde 2026, laissant entendre que des joueurs de renom pourraient être écartés de sa sélection finale. Alors que le pays se prépare pour les prochains matchs amicaux contre la Suisse et le Ghana à la fin du mois, Nagelsmann a indiqué que le statut au sein d'un club ne garantirait pas une place dans l'avion pour l'Amérique du Nord, soulignant que la cohésion de l'équipe et les profils tactiques spécifiques primeraient sur la réputation.
Au Bayern Munich, on appelle ça une erreur industrielle. Jochen Sauer, directeur du campus bavarois, l'admet sans détour : le départ gratuit d'Angelo Stiller est un échec qui "ne doit plus jamais arriver". Formé au club pendant onze ans, le milieu de terrain de 24 ans fait aujourd'hui le bonheur de Stuttgart, qu'il a mené à une historique deuxième place devant... le Bayern la saison passée. Devenu l'un des meilleurs passeurs d'Europe, ce "stratège" au profil cérébral rappelle furieusement Toni Kroos, son idole absolue. Alors que le Real Madrid surveille de près ce profil rare, retour sur l'ascension d'un joueur façonné par un seul coach, Sebastian Hoeneß, et qui prouve que l'intelligence bat souvent le physique.
Pour le monde entier, la finale de la Ligue des champions 1999 reste le théâtre du plus grand traumatisme de l'histoire du Bayern Munich, renversé par Manchester United dans les arrêts de jeu. Mais pour Mario Basler, cette nuit-là a une tout autre saveur. Buteur sur coup franc, sorti à la 89e minute alors que son équipe menait, et ivre la veille du match, l'enfant terrible du football allemand a vécu cette soirée selon ses propres règles. Figure de proue du légendaire "FC Hollywood", Basler incarne une époque révolue où le talent pur pouvait coexister avec un mode de vie dissolu fait de bières, de cigarettes et de bagarres de pizzeria.
C'est Legacy, la série de GOAL sur la route de la Coupe du Monde 2026. Chaque semaine, nous explorons les histoires et les héritages qui définissent les plus grandes nations du football.
Rome, une nuit magique. Alors que l'Allemagne célèbre son troisième titre mondial en 1990, un homme s'extrait doucement du chaos ambiant. Franz Beckenbauer — mains dans les poches, médaille d'or autour du cou — traverse seul la pelouse du Stadio Olimpico, perdu dans ses pensées pendant que ses joueurs exultent. Un îlot de calme au milieu de l'euphorie, le dernier acte d'un empereur du football.
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
When were West Ham founded?
West Ham United were founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks F.C, later renamed to West Ham United in 1900.
Who are the owners of West Ham?
British businessman David Sullivan owns 38.8% stake in the club and co-owns West Ham with David Kretinsky of 1890s Holdings (27%), Vanessa Gold of Family Trust (25.1%), J. Albert Smith of WHU LLC (8%) and other investors (1.1%).
What is West Ham's stadium called?
West Ham United play all their home games at the London Stadium, moving from their former home venue Boleyn Ground in 2016, which served the club's base for over a century. There are plans to expand London Stadium's capacity to 67,000.
What is London Stadium's capacity?
The London Stadium has a capacity of 62,500, making it London's fourth-largest stadium.
How many trophies have West Ham won?
West Ham have won five major honours during their history, which includes three FA Cups as well as the 2022-23 UEFA Conference League.
How many Premier League (top flight) titles have West Ham won?
West Ham United have never won the English top-flight. Their best-ever finish was third position in the 1985-86 season of the-then English first division.
Who has made the most appearances for West Ham?
Former English defender Billy Bonds is West Ham's leading appearance maker of all-time, featuring for the club in 799 games across 21 seasons.
Who is West Ham's all-time top goalscorer?
With 326 goals in 505 games, Vic Watson is the greatest goalscorer in the history of West Ham United.
Which famous players have played for West Ham?
Bobby Moore, Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole and Mark Noble are among West Ham's biggest-ever stars, with the London side also famously once managing to lure Argentina internationals Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano to the club.
Which famous managers have been in charge of West Ham?
Avram Grant, Alan Pardew, David Moyes, Gianfranco Zola, and Manuel Pellegrini are among the most acclaimed managers to have been at the helm for West Ham United.
What is West Ham's nickname?
West Ham United are nicknamed The Irons and The Hammers, a reference to the club's first name, Thames Ironworks F.C.