FIFA.com - News

The Week in Quotes

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 02:36:00 GMT

Featuring Carlo Ancelotti on prioritising food over football in London, Moritz Leitner on the Borussia Dortmund bug, David Beckham on his love of AC Milan and Javier Clemente criticising Cristiano Ronaldo.

Aimar extends Benfica contract

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:34:00 GMT

Pablo Aimar has extended his contract with Benfica by a year, the Lisbon club said on Friday.

Happy birthday to you!

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 08:47:00 GMT

FIFA.com is once again looking forward to another week of footballing birthdays, with two hot shots from Madrid in Cristiano Ronaldo and Radamel Falcao alongside Barcelona legend Hristo Stoichkov in line for a celebration.

The Week in Quotes

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 03:04:00 GMT

Featuring Jeremie Janot on keeping warm during games, Ricardo Rocha on how his humorous mistake helped Brazil in 1994, Martin O’Neill on how his French sounds South Korean and Michael Rensing on Cologne’s disease.

Titans, trebles and halted runs

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:11:00 GMT

The end of long-running sequences for Sudan and Porto features alongside milestones for Mario Gomez, Christine Sinclair and Abby Wambach, and a glut of La Liga trebles in FIFA.com's latest stats review.

Inter complete three signings

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:11:00 GMT

Inter Milan have finalised three transfers, completing deals for Fredy Guarin from FC Porto, Angelo Palombo on loan from Sampdoria and youngster Juan from Internacional.

Deschamps: Lucho sale makes sense

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:55:00 GMT

Coach Didier Deschamps has explained that Marseille have agreed to sell midfielder Lucho Gonzalez back to FC Porto in an effort to "reduce the wage bill".

Braga loan Amorim from Benfica

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:25:00 GMT

Ruben Amorim is set to spend the next 18-months at Braga, with the Benfica winger, who extended his deal with the table-toppers until the end of the 2013/14 season, moving to the third-placed side on loan.

Djalo signs for Benfica

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:17:00 GMT

Portuguese international Yannick Djalo has signed for Benfica after his failed transfer on the last day of the August transfer window.

Deadline day as it happened

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

With the January transfer window coming to a close, FIFA.com posted a live round-up of the main events. Click here to read about the major moves and the drama of deadline day.

Porto lose ground, Lisbon win

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:12:00 GMT

Porto slipped up in a 3-1 defeat by Gil Vicente, losing ground on leaders Benfica, while Sporting Lisbon secured a 2-0 win over Beira Mar, and Vitoria Setubal stayed bottom after a 3-2 loss to Olhanense.

Benfica deny Feirense to widen gap

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 23:01:00 GMT

Benfica strengthened their grip at the top of the Liga ZON Sagres, moving five points clear with a 2-1 win over Feirense, while Rio Ave and Academica finished goalless.

The Week in Quotes

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 02:16:00 GMT

Featuring Pele comparing himself to legends of music and art, Lionel Messi on how criticism from Argentinians upset him, Carlos Alberto Torres writing off Brazil’s hopes in 2014, and Vinnie Jones on a day he will never forget.

Alan Kardec earns Muricy praise, discusses role

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:45:00 GMT

Santos coach Muricy Ramalho has hailed Alan Kardec following his match-winning performance against Ituano, while the 23-year-old preferred to deflect praise on to his team-mates.

Toulouse deny receiving Machado offers

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:06:00 GMT

Toulouse have dismissed comments from Portuguese midfielder Paulo Machado that they have turned down bids for him.

Blatter wishes Eusebio a Happy 70th Birthday

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:19:00 GMT

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter has sent a letter to the Portuguese Football Association to commemorate the birthday of legendary former Portugal and Benfica star Eusebio, who turned 70 on Wednesday 25 January.

The vindicated hunt for the Black Panther

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:59:00 GMT

On Eusebio’s 70th birthday, FIFA.com recalls the lengths Benfica went to sign him as a 17-year-old and the impact he went on to have to the club, Portugal and Africa.

Ramos: The community comes first

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:44:00 GMT

FIWC08 champion Alfonso Ramos talks to us about the qualities needed to be a champion, the atmosphere at a Grand Final and why he keeps coming back.

Rodrigo: There’s a great atmosphere at Benfica

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:25:00 GMT

In-form striker Rodrigo has discussed Benfica’s hard-fought victory over Gil Vicente, their battle with Porto for the Liga title and the atmosphere within Jorge Jesus’s squad.

Benfica, Porto maintain blistering pace

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:55:00 GMT

Benfica and FC Porto both claimed 3-1 victories, against Gil Vicente and Vitoria Guimaraes respectively, to maintain their advantage at the top of the Portuguese Liga.

Sevilla seal Diawara signing

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 16:22:00 GMT

La Liga side Sevilla have completed a deal to sign Baba Diawara from Portuguese club Maritimo, with the 24-year-old Senegalese striker agreeing a four-and-a-half-year contract.

The Week in Quotes

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 02:31:00 GMT

Featuring Cristiano Ronaldo on looking good, Mario Basler on which footballer he'd chose to watch over a supermodel, Pep Guardiola on who he'd like to be reincarnated as and Miroslav Klose on having his feet kissed.

Kleber, Porto’s wandering star

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:59:00 GMT

Kleber’s lust for adventure has been rewarded with a starring role at Porto and a place in the Brazilian national team. FIFA.com spoke to the young and upwardly mobile striker.

Senegalese strikers top recent activity

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 07:26:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews the recent transfers, including Papiss Cisse, Baba Diawara and Moussa Sow moving to England, Spain and Turkey respectively and Gary Cahill, Alberto Gilardino and Jadson also finding new homes.

EURO in sight, World Cup in mind

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:00:00 GMT

With the UEFA Futsal EURO 2012 fast approaching, 14 European nations are anticipating the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2012 play-off draw. FIFA.com looks ahead to both.

Rooney and Cruz square off

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:17:00 GMT

Watch our video highlights of FIFA Interactive World Cup Champion 2011 Francisco Cruz's experience at the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2011.

The five-point European review

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 07:56:00 GMT

In FIFA.com's weekly look at the club action across Europe, we reflect on derby joy for Inter Milan and key victories for title challengers Manchester United, Real Madrid and Paris St Germain.

Braga edge Sporting, Leiria waste leads

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 23:09:00 GMT

Braga consolidated third place in the Portuguese Liga and maintained pressure on the leaders by beating Sporting 2-1, while Uniao Leiria twice squandered the lead in a 2-2 draw at Nacional.

Benfica stay two points clear of Porto

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 22:56:00 GMT

Benfica remain two points clear of FC Porto after both sides claimed easy victories, the former beating Vitoria Setubal 4-1 while the latter downed Rio Ave 2-0 thanks to a James Rodriguez double.

The Week in Quotes

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 04:48:00 GMT

Featuring Sir Alex Ferguson on his ideal guests at a dinner party, Ezequiel Lavezzi on his popularity, Alejandro Sabella comparing Lionel Messi to Scalextric, and Alfredo Di Stefano justifying the jeering of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Benzema talks title hopes, praises Ronaldo

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:26:00 GMT

Karim Benzema has expressed his confidence that Real Madrid will win La Liga, discussed his own form and saluted team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.

Villas-Boas certain Blues can close gap

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 04:57:00 GMT

Andre Villas-Boas has expressed little concern over Chelsea's current place in the Premier League table as they look ahead towards a stiff test against a resurgent Sunderland side.

Beyond our imagination

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:59:00 GMT

We sat down with the lucky winner of our 'Win a trip to the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2011 Gala' contest during their Zurich visit.

Cruz enjoys a night with the stars

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 01:05:00 GMT

We sat down with FIWC champion Francisco Cruz to discuss his incredible night at the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2011 Gala.

Carlao bags points for Braga

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 22:57:00 GMT

Braga moved level with third-placed Sporting in the Portuguese Liga after winning 2-1 at Beira Mar, substitute Carlao netting the winner in the second half.

Did your favourite win the Ballon d'Or?

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:51:00 GMT

Lionel Messi has been awarded the FIFA Ballon d’Or Award for 2011. FIFA.com wants to know whether you agree with the choice made by journalists, national coaches and national captains from around the world.

Chosen trio give their verdicts

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:55:00 GMT

Shortly after the names of the three candidates for the FIFA Ballon d’Or award were revealed, FIFA.com spoke to Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Xavi about their fantastic 2011.

Mourinho warns Real against complacency

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:19:00 GMT

Despite going five points clear of second-placed Barcelona, Real Madrid still have a lot of work to do to become Spanish champions according to Jose Mourinho.

Respect reigns among male hopefuls

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:58:00 GMT

Sir Alex Ferguson, Pep Guardiola, Lionel Messi and Xavi have been speaking a pre-FIFA Ballon d'Or press conference in Zurich. FIFA.com looks back at what was said.

Eagles hammer Leiria, Nacional win

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 22:49:00 GMT

Benfica continued their impressive form in the Portugues Liga tonight as a convincing second-half performance put Uniao Leiria to the sword 4-0, while Nacional were similarly impressive, winning 3-0 at Gil Vicente.

Magath pleased with Portuguese additions

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 10:21:00 GMT

Felix Magath has completed his sixth and seventh signings of the January transfer window, bringing defender Felipe Lopes and midfielder Ibrahim Sissoko to Wolfsburg from the Portuguese league.

Danilo arrives at Porto from Santos

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 21:04:00 GMT

Brazilian midfielder Danilo has arrived at Porto after having agreed a five-year deal with the club last July, making a €13 million transfer move from Santos.

Vieirinha makes Wolfsburg switch

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:38:00 GMT

Bundesliga side Wolfsburg have signed Portuguese forward Vieirinha from PAOK Salonika to a three-and-a-half-year contract after already adding Petr Jiracek to the squad last month.

AVB talks defensive problems, fans’ boos

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 18:11:00 GMT

Andre Villas-Boas has said there is no need for Chelsea to change their system despite the worrying number of goals they have conceded, discussed the disgruntlement of the club’s supporters and bemoaned a disappointing December.

Norwich snatch point against Fulham

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 17:20:00 GMT

Simeon Jackson scored deep into stoppage time to snatch Norwich City a point from their home encounter with Fulham, rescuing a 1-1 draw after Orlando Sa had netted after just six minutes for the visitors.

Villas-Boas warns PSG, talks targets

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 03:19:00 GMT

Andre Villas-Boas has told Carlo Ancelotti none of his players are for sale and questioned why anyone would want to leave Chelsea for Paris Saint-Germain, while also weighing in on his own transfer targets.

Eusebio set to leave hospital

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 19:25:00 GMT

Portuguese football legend Eusebio is set to be released from hospital on Saturday, a spokesperson for the hospital announced on Friday.

Which team stole the show at a FIFA tournament in 2011?

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:09:00 GMT

There were many fantastic displays of football at the various FIFA tournaments held in 2011. Which was your favourite?

The Year in Classic

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:55:00 GMT

FIFA.com has welcomed many more players, clubs and rivalries into the Classic Football section during the past 12 months. Now we look back over those greats who earned their place in 2011.

The Year in Numbers

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 02:19:00 GMT

As 2011 draws to a close, FIFA.com looks back at some of the eye-catching stats behind the year's biggest events and achievements in the world of football.