FIFA.com - News

Riobo: You have to keep a cool head

Fri, 24 May 2013 12:06:00 GMT

Spain's Rafael Riobo was top scorer at the FIFA Interactive World Cup 2013 Grand Final, but it was his attacking style that ultimately prevented him from going beyond the semi-finals. "I should have been more cautious," he told FIFA.com.

Europa given Champions incentive

Fri, 24 May 2013 11:28:00 GMT

UEFA have announced that the winner of the UEFA Europa League will earn a place in the following year's UEFA Champions League, with the initiative to begin in the 2015/16 campaign.

Lopetegui: We intend to be competitive

Fri, 24 May 2013 08:20:54 GMT

Spain coach Julen Lopetegui speaks to FIFA.com about his team's expectations for the FIFA U-20 World Cup and their chances in what could be the competition's toughest section.

Sociedad aim to bounce back in Euro race

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:10:00 GMT

Real Sociedad face dethroned champions Real Madrid in this weekend's penultimate La Liga round as they seek to stay in front of Valencia in the race for UEFA Champions League qualification.

Isco and Thiago called up by Spain U-21s

Thu, 23 May 2013 11:58:00 GMT

Senior internationals Isco and Thiago are the notable inclusions in Julen Lopetegui's squad for this summer`s European U-21 Championship in Israel.

New faces sign up to 11 for Health

Thu, 23 May 2013 10:21:00 GMT

Five more international football stars have been recruited to the FIFA 11 for Health programme, as the campaign to educate youngsters about major health concerns takes its messages worldwide.

Adriano extends Barcelona stay

Wed, 22 May 2013 22:41:00 GMT

Barcelona have announced that versatile Brazilian defender Adriano has signed a new four-year contract to remain at the Nou Camp.

Pellegrini: I'm leaving Malaga

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:50:00 GMT

Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed he will leave Malaga at the end of the season, with the Chilean coach heavily tipped to fill the vacancy left by Roberto Mancini at Manchester City this summer.

Xavi: Trusting your medical services is vital

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:28:00 GMT

Xavi was among those present as Barcelona’s Medical Services was granted FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence status. Afterwards, he told FIFA.com the significance of having a medical centre of such calibre available to those at the club.

The parallel courses of Falcao and Martinez

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:55:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks at the performances of Colombian forwards Jackson Martinez and Radamel Falcao in their first seasons in Europe and finds some striking statistical similarities.

Mourinho to depart Real

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:58:00 GMT

Jose Mourinho will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season after three years in Spain with club president Florentino Perez saying the departure is via mutual consent.

The boots that bent it for Beckham

Tue, 21 May 2013 04:41:00 GMT

Every Monday, FIFA.com delivers you a football-related photo you won’t be able to resist paying a second glance to. This week’s showcases the boots a legend wore for an unforgettable farewell.

Messi committed to Barça

Mon, 20 May 2013 23:48:00 GMT

Lionel Messi has reaffirmed his commitment to Barcelona, claiming that he "has never thought about playing for any other club".

Barça win, Zaragoza slip to danger

Sun, 19 May 2013 22:46:00 GMT

Barcelona beat Valladolid 2-1 at Camp Nou to keep the La Liga winners on track for 100 points this season, while Real Zaragoza dropped a 2-1 result to Athletic Bilbao and slipped into the third relegation spot.

Sociedad hold fourth, Granada win big

Sat, 18 May 2013 23:25:00 GMT

Real Sociedad reamin in fourth in La Liga after beating Sevilla 2-1, while Valenica, who sit fifth, beat Getafe 1-0 and Granada beat Osasuna 3-0.

The Week in Quotes

Sat, 18 May 2013 10:08:00 GMT

Featuring Ludovic Giuly on making a fashion mistake at Barcelona, Marco Schallibaum on the amazing toughness of Jeb Brovsky and Gabriel Batistuta on what playing alongside Lionel Messi would have forced him to do.

Mourinho: This is my worst season

Sat, 18 May 2013 09:33:00 GMT

Jose Mourinho has described his first campaign without a major trophy for a decade the "worst season" of his life, after Atletico Madrid secured a 2-1 extra-time victory over Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final.

Atleti stun Real in extra time

Fri, 17 May 2013 23:51:00 GMT

Atletico Madrid scored eight minutes into extra time and held on to beat Real Madrid 2-1 in the Copa del Rey final, recording their first derby win since 1999.

How did you rate Beckham?

Fri, 17 May 2013 15:05:00 GMT

FIFA.com wants to know how good you thought David Beckham was and what are your best memories of his playing career.

Barcelona's medical services get FIFA approval

Thu, 16 May 2013 23:11:00 GMT

Stars such as Lionel Messi, Carles Puyol, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Jordi Alba and Victor Valdes were in attendance as Barcelona's Medical Services were granted FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence status

Beckham: I always wanted to go out on top

Thu, 16 May 2013 21:29:00 GMT

David Beckham has explained his decision to retire, admitted criticism over his lifestyle upset him and expressed his pride at what he achieved in his career.

Falcao denies rumours, Simeone hails Beckham

Thu, 16 May 2013 20:43:00 GMT

Falcao has rubbished reports he has signed for Monaco, while Diego Simeone has discussed Atletico Madrid's Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid and praised David Beckham.

Beckham, the magnificent seven

Thu, 16 May 2013 18:36:00 GMT

Wonder goals, a wonderful gesture and admirable achievements feature as FIFA.com picks out seven memorable moments from David Beckham’s career.

Pedro keen to stay at Barça

Thu, 16 May 2013 15:15:00 GMT

Barcelona forward Pedro has said that he wants to stay at the club and fight for his place, even if Neymar arrives at the Camp Nou during the summer.

Genes: Paraguay want to be favourites in Turkey

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:54:00 GMT

Following a friendly against Spain, part of their preparations for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, La Albirroja boss Victor Genes discussed his squad’s goals for the competition.

Godin optimistic ahead of cup final

Wed, 15 May 2013 10:53:00 GMT

Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin has said he is optimistic of his side's chances ahead of the Copa Del Rey final against Real Madrid, despite the Rojiblancos' poor record against their city rivals.

Runs, records and retirement

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:39:00 GMT

Sir Alex Ferguson stars in FIFA.com's latest stats review, which also reflects on a week of contrasting emotions for Greuther Furth, Lionel Messi, Paris Saint-Germain and Porto.

Benitez defends Chelsea record, Lampard eyes glory

Tue, 14 May 2013 20:55:00 GMT

Rafa Benitez has outlined the difficulties he’s faced as Chelsea manager and insisted they’ve had a good season, while Frank Lampard has discussed how much the UEFA Europa League means to the Blues.

Who's your U-21 player of the season?

Tue, 14 May 2013 13:24:00 GMT

FIFA.com wants to know who you think has been the most impressive U-21 player this season in your domestic league.

Messi likely to miss rest of the season

Tue, 14 May 2013 10:54:00 GMT

Barcelona have revealed that Lionel Messi will be out for two-to-three weeks with his long-running hamstring injury, effectively ruling him out for the remainder of the season.

Granada late show denies Real Sociedad

Mon, 13 May 2013 23:35:00 GMT

An equaliser deep into injury time gave relegation threatened Getafe a valuable point at Real Sociedad denting the home side’s UEFA Champions League ambitions.

Pellegrini: No deal with City

Mon, 13 May 2013 08:44:00 GMT

Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini has reacted to speculation that he will be joining Manchester City by denying that he has signed a contract with the English Premier League side.

Vilanova: Season a success overall

Mon, 13 May 2013 04:43:00 GMT

Despite disappointment in the UEFA Champions League, Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova believes his first season in charge has been a success after they clinched their fourth title in five seasons.

Barça beat Atleti as Valencia win big

Sun, 12 May 2013 23:07:00 GMT

Despite finishing with ten men, La Liga champions Barcelona fought back to beat Atletico Madrid 2-1, while Valencia downed Rayo Vallecano 4-0.

Alves: This title is for Vilanova, Abidal

Sun, 12 May 2013 10:30:00 GMT

Dani Alves has dedicated Barcelona's latest La Liga title to coach Tito Vilanova and defender Eric Abidal, who have both struggled with health difficulties during the season.

Barça claim title after Real held, Bilbao win

Sat, 11 May 2013 23:30:00 GMT

Real Madrid drew 1-1 with Espanyol, which seals the La Liga title for Barcelona, while Athletic Bilbao beat Mallorca 2-1 and Osasuna edged Getafe 1-0.

Zaragoza held by nine-man Levante

Fri, 10 May 2013 22:54:00 GMT

Levante and Real Zaragoza ended 0-0 Friday despite Levante finishing the match with only nine men.

Babies and the beautiful game

Fri, 10 May 2013 11:55:00 GMT

From Bebeto through Joey Barton to Jonathan Soriano, FIFA.com looks at how the arrival of babies has been greeted in the world of football.

French revolution strikes in Madrid

Fri, 10 May 2013 11:32:00 GMT

Among the highlights of the ninth FIWC were a historic number of participants, a host of surprises and 2009 winner Bruce Grannec claiming his second world crown.

Barcelona hungry to wrap up title

Fri, 10 May 2013 06:54:00 GMT

Barcelona will aim to wrap up the Spanish league title on Sunday with a win on their visit to Atletico Madrid, while further down the ladder a fierce race is on for European qualification.

Madrid hit Malaga for six, delay Barcelona title party

Wed, 08 May 2013 23:28:00 GMT

Real Madrid once again ensured Barcelona will have to wait a few more days before sealing the La Liga title as they beat nine-man Malaga 6-2 in a wildly open game at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Bruce Grannec claims second FIFA Interactive World Cup title

Wed, 08 May 2013 21:12:00 GMT

The 2013 FIFA Interactive World Cup (FIWC) has wrapped up in dramatic fashion with Bruce Grannec of France claiming a second world title after beating Mexico’s Andrei Torres Vivero 1-0 in a tense finale.

Mascherano nearing recovery

Wed, 08 May 2013 14:22:00 GMT

Javier Mascherano returend to training following the knee injury he suffered last month, while Pedro Rodriguez looks set to face Atletico Madrid on Sunday after recovering from an illness.

League queens crowned, big guns fire

Tue, 07 May 2013 03:21:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews a massive week in the women's game highlighted by huge interest as Barcelona edged Athletic Bilbao in a stunning Spanish season finale, champions crowned in Italy, plus the latest from Germany and USA.

Getafe edge rivals Sociedad

Mon, 06 May 2013 23:11:00 GMT

Getafe overturned an early Carlos Vela goal to secure a 2-1 comeback victory against Real Sociedad with both teams chasing passage to Europe.

Albiol: I love video games

Mon, 06 May 2013 21:08:00 GMT

Real Madrid and Spain defender Raul Albiol speaks to FIFA.com about his passion for the console - one he shares with several of his colleagues at club and international level.

2013 FIFA Interactive World Cup Grand Final kicks off in Madrid

Mon, 06 May 2013 14:25:00 GMT

From a record 2.5 million competitors, only 21 finalists remain to compete for the coveted title of FIFA Interactive World Champion 2013 at the Grand Final in Madrid this week.

Vilanova hails Barça character

Mon, 06 May 2013 09:20:00 GMT

Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova has praised his side for fighting back against Real Betis and has promised that "things will be different" next season.

Messi the supersub, Sevilla win

Sun, 05 May 2013 22:23:00 GMT

Lionel Messi came on on as a substituteand had an immediate impact for Barcelona, scoring twice as Barça beat Real Betis 4-2 in La Liga while Sevilla secured a 3-0 victory over Espanyol.

Ronaldo hits 200, Atleti draw blank

Sat, 04 May 2013 23:28:00 GMT

Real Madrid forced rivals Barcelona to delay their title celebrations as Cristiano Ronaldo hit his 200th goal for the club in an entertaining 4-3 win while neighbours Atletico Madrid drew 0-0 with Deportivo La Coruna.