FIFA.com - Interviews

Ricard Rocha: Recife is wonderful

Fri, 24 May 2013 12:38:36 GMT

Former Brazil centre-half Ricardo Rocha, part of the 1994 FIFA World Cup-winning squad, tells FIFA.com about the welcoming atmosphere teams and supporters can expect in Recife.

Dante: Dortmund are dangerous

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:39:59 GMT

As he readies himself for the biggest challenge of his career – Saturday’s UEFA Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund – Bayern Munich defender Dante spoke to FIFA.com.

Lahm: This team is hungry

Mon, 20 May 2013 08:11:00 GMT

In the build-up to the UEFA Champions League final, FIFA.com spoke exclusively to Bayern Munich and Germany captain Philipp Lahm, who also looked ahead to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil.

Ramires: I have great affection for Benfica

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:04:00 GMT

Ramires speaks to FIFA.com about his time at Benfica, his varying role in the Chelsea team, the UEFA Europa League final between his former and current club, the form of David Luiz and his targets with Brazil.

Saha: France need to improve

Tue, 14 May 2013 05:13:00 GMT

In the second part of our exclusive interview with Lazio star Louis Saha, he speaks about racism, the qualities of former team-mate Didier Deschamps as a player, and coach and France's hopes for Brazil 2014.

Saha: Sir Alex is something special

Mon, 13 May 2013 03:54:00 GMT

Former France forward Louis Saha speaks about life at his new club Lazio, the lessons he learned while under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United and why Goodison Park is his favourite stadium in England.

Buffon: A big save is as important as a goal

Mon, 06 May 2013 08:38:00 GMT

FIFA.com chats with legendary Italy goalkeeper Gigi Buffon who reflects on a magnificent career ahead of next month's FIFA Confederations Cup and discusses the importance of captaincy, goalkeeping and much more.

Amoroso: Brasilia has grown a lot

Fri, 03 May 2013 11:10:00 GMT

Former Brazil striker Marcio Amoroso speaks to FIFA.com about his old hometown of Brasilia as we continue our series on the FIFA World Cup and FIFA Confederations Cup host cities

Remy: The Premier League is perfect for me

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Speaking before QPR’s relegation was sealed on Sunday, Loic Remy gave an exclusive interview to FIFA.com and discussed his long-awaited return to the France side, his experiences in Ligue 1 and his Premier League experiences.

Solo: We learned how to manage the game

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 10:02:00 GMT

FIFA.com caught up with USA goalkeeper Hope Solo about her own development, USA's rise to become Olympic champions and the role of Pia Sundhage in the team's success.

Osvaldo: Fortaleza is a really beautiful city

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:13:00 GMT

Sao Paulo and Brazil forward Osvaldo speaks to FIFA.com about his hometown of Fortaleza, which is one of the venues for the upcoming FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013.

Cahill: My passion is as strong as ever

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 02:50:00 GMT

Australia’s talismanic midfielder Tim Cahill chats to FIFA.com about his international career, the Socceroos' Brazil 2014 ambitions, new life in New York, giving back to the game and how a Samoan heritage shaped his personality.

Fred: We need to excite the Brazil fans

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 08:20:00 GMT

FIFA.com hears from the in-form Brazil and Fluminense striker Fred on his chances of playing at the 2014 FIFA World Cup™, the development of Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side and his future at club level.

Thiago Silva: Barça can make you look silly

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 08:47:00 GMT

Thiago Silva speaks to FIFA.com about living in the French capital, Paris Saint-Germain’s progress and upcoming showdown with Barcelona, Lucas Moura and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Brazil’s ambitions.

Recber: How I wish I was 20 again

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 08:09:00 GMT

Former goalkeeper Rustu Recber chats to FIFA.com about his career, the Turks’ incredible passion for football and the upcoming FIFA U-20 World Cup in his homeland.

Gotze: I always want more

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 08:13:00 GMT

One of the brightest young talents in world football - Germany and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mario Gotze - speaks exclusively to FIFA.com about his playing style, career ambitions and hopes for Brazil 2014.

Boateng: We can beat racism

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 14:50:00 GMT

Following a positive meeting with FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter at the Home of FIFA today, AC Milan and Ghana star Kevin-Prince Boateng spoke to FIFA.com, delivering a confident message that racism can be eradicated from the game.

Hernanes: Scolari knows my game

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 09:14:00 GMT

In an in-depth chat with Lazio and Brazil midfielder Hernanes, we learn about his injury frustrations, hopes for his future international career as well in life in Eternal City.

Bradley: We have a special opportunity

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 08:35:00 GMT

Egypt's American head coach Bob Bradley has helped the Pharaohs weather the storm of tragedy and galvanised the dream of the nation: to reach the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™.

Juninho: Felipão has a different kind of challenge

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 09:01:00 GMT

FIFA.com spoke to Juninho on issues as wide-ranging as club administration, Luiz Felipe Scolari’s job as the Seleção helm, the dark side of youth football and the evolution of the English game.

Belo Horizonte, as seen by Gilberto Silva

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 09:04:00 GMT

FIFA.com chats with Atletico Miniro defensive midfielder Gilberto Silva about life in Belo Horizonte, its tourism, gastronomy, culture and, of course, its football.

Srna: High hopes for Shakhtar, Croatia

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 09:04:00 GMT

FIFA.com chatted exclusively to Croatia captain Darijo Srna about his country's FIFA World Cup™ qualifying campaign, playing in the UEFA Champions League with Shakhtar Donetsk and the importance of family.

Webb on racism: Enough is enough

Sat, 02 Mar 2013 13:37:00 GMT

FIFA Vice President Jeffrey Webb spoke after the IFAB General Annual General Meeting about his new role as the head of FIFA's Anti-Racism Taskforce following the recent meeting of the FIFA Strategic Committee.

Valderrama: Colombia ready for World Cup return

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 08:16:00 GMT

El Pibe, arguably the most iconic figure in Colombian football history, spoke to FIFA.com on the displacement of No10s, Los Cafeteros’ revival and Falcao’s rise to stardom.

Dani Alves: Excuses are for losers

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Brazil and Barcelona full-back Dani Alves chats with FIFA.com about the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup™, the weight of expectation on Brazil and why he believes Barcelona lives up to its moniker of being 'more than a club'.

Saviola: We’re punching above our weight

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 08:08:00 GMT

Having made his mark at a host of top clubs, Javier Saviola is currently thriving at Spanish side Malaga, as he told FIFA.com in an exclusive interview.

Iniesta: The secret is stability

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 09:01:00 GMT

Family life, boyhood heroes and La Roja’s upcoming challenges were among the topics on the agenda when Spain and Barcelona maestro Andres Iniesta spoke to FIFA.com.

Desailly: I want to see creative sparkle

Sat, 02 Feb 2013 07:55:00 GMT

Ghana-born former French international captain Marcel Desailly has been taking in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations and speaks to FIFA.com on the tournament so far.

Neymar: The pressure is huge

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The Santos and Seleção star opened up to FIFA.com about fatherhood, his club future, the mood in Brazil ahead of a vital two years for the national team, and his dreams of glory.

Keita: My country can count on me

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 08:36:00 GMT

Following his matchwinning performance in Mali's 2-1 win over Niger at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, former Barcelona midfielder Seydou Keita spoke to FIFA.com about his international dreams.

Xavi: The hunger is still there

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 08:32:00 GMT

In a wide-ranging interview with FIFA.com, the Barcelona captain discussed his club’s rivalry with Real Madrid, his friendship with Iker Casillas and the secret of Spain’s recent success.

Guardiola: I’ve missed the game

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 08:20:00 GMT

Just days before announcing his forthcoming appointment at Bayern Munich, Pep Guardiola gave an exclusive and far-ranging interview to FIFA.com.

Messi: I've changed so much

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 08:28:00 GMT

Shortly before being handed his fourth FIFA Ballon d’Or, the world’s finest player went over the events of a memorable 2012 in an exclusive interview with FIFA.com.

Valbuena: I have to prove myself more

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 07:38:00 GMT

Marseille and France midfielder Mathieu Valbuena speaks to FIFA.com about his rise from playing in France's fifth tier to showcasing his talents in the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA World Cup™.

Ronaldo: Criticism is part of life

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 08:22:00 GMT

Cristiano Ronaldo speaks exclusively to FIFA.com, touching on his main footballing ambitions, his life off the field, Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid's current travails.

De la Torre: Mexico are growing stronger

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 08:15:00 GMT

Speaking to FIFA.com, Mexico coach Jose Manuel de la Torre discussed translating youth success to senior level, the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 and FIFA World Cup™ qualifying.

Kopa: Real in my era were as good as Barça now

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 08:26:00 GMT

Raymond Kopa compares the Real Madrid side he formed part of with the Barcelona one of today, explains why Ferenc Puskas impressed him more than Alfredo Di Stefano, and discusses winning the Ballon d’Or and Lionel Messi.

Rijkaard: There’s no magic bullet to stop Barça

Mon, 31 Dec 2012 04:40:00 GMT

Frank Rijkaard speaks to FIFA.com about life at the Saudi Arabia reins, the Netherlands’ UEFA EURO 2012 disappointment, the best formula to nullify Barcelona, and Lionel Messi as a player and person.

Tabarez: Football is becoming more global

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 07:11:00 GMT

In the first of a two-part interview, Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez speaks with FIFA.com on La Celeste’s form, their triumph in 1950, Brazilian football and his hopes for the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.

Del Bosque: I listen to criticism and value it

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 08:52:00 GMT

In the second of a two-part interview, Vicente Del Bosque chats to FIFA.com about the differences of coaching in club and international football, handling criticism and Spain’s quest to reach Brazil 2014.

Del Bosque: Competition for places is enormous

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 06:51:00 GMT

FIFA Coach of the Year nominee Vicente Del Bosque spoke to FIFA.com about Spain's phenomenal success, coveted style and plethora of on-field leaders.

Simunic: Messi’s the best of all time

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 07:53:00 GMT

Josip Simunic speaks to FIFA.com about his long and distinguished career, his hopes for Dinamo Zagreb and Croatia, his tip for the Ballon d'Or and the target of a Brazil 2014 swansong.

Scolari: I’m delighted Neymar’s now on my side

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 08:21:00 GMT

Luiz Felipe Scolari tells FIFA.com how delighted he is Neymar is now at his disposal and why Cristiano Ronaldo deserves the FIFA Ballon d’Or, and discusses keeping all the egos happy in the Brazil squad and their 2014 hopes.

Delgado: Monterrey can go all the way

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 08:33:00 GMT

Now firmly established at Monterrey and armed with the lessons of Japan 2011, Cesar Delgado told FIFA.com Los Rayados want to “achieve what no other CONCACAF team has done”.

Falcao: We want to make our own history

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 13:21:00 GMT

Falcao chats to FIFA.com about his improvement as a player, Atletico Madrid's targets, Colombia's resurgence under Jose Pekerman and their mission to reach Brazil 2014.

Hodgson: Character is vital

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 10:14:00 GMT

In the second part of our exclusive two-part interview with Roy Hodgson, the England manager highlights the importance of being surrounded by a squad of full of good characters.

License to thrill for Roberto Carlos’s World XI

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 13:10:00 GMT

In a light-hearted chat with FIFA.com, the former Brazil and Real left-back nominates Cristiano Ronaldo for the FIFA Ballon d’Or and picks a decidedly attack-minded FIFA/FIFPro World XI.

Gilberto Silva: Midfield concept has changed

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 08:49:00 GMT

Gremio midfielder and FIFA World Cup winner Gilberto Silva speaks exclusively to FIFA.com about his long career, the changing role of modern midfielders, club team-mate Ze Roberto, and Kaka returning to A Seleção.

Hodgson: We need to have a successful team

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 08:16:00 GMT

In the first part of an exclusive two-part interview with FIFA.com, England manager Roy Hodgson talks about his appointment, Brazil 2014 qualifying and leaving a successful legacy for his successors.

Hulk: It has to be Messi

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 11:36:00 GMT

Zenit St Petersburg and Brazil striker Hulk reveals his player and coach of 2012 to FIFA.com and also offers up a few of his suggestions for the FIFA/FIFPro World XI.

Matthaus: It's Xavi or Iniesta for me!

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 12:00:00 GMT

With the awards ceremony to announce the FIFA Ballon d’Or 2012 winner edging ever closer, FIFA.com spoke exclusively to 1991 World Player of the Year Lothar Matthaus, who believes two Spaniards are favourites for the honour.