This document lays out a plan to further modernise the football world, make it increasingly inclusive and pave the way to a landscape in which, one day, we will have around 50 national teams and 50 clubs from all continents at a top competitive level. This is a vision to make football truly global.
CROATIA
Ivan Rakitic has played alongside Luka Modric, Manuel Neuer, Raul, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez. He captained Sevilla to UEFA Europa League glory, scored the opener for Barcelona in a triumphant UEFA Champions League final, and helped propel Croatia, against all odds, into the FIFA World Cup™ Final.
The 32-year-old recently returned to Seville, which he calls “probably the craziest city in Spain for football passion”, with the goal of helping take Sevilla to the next level in the Champions League. More recently, he made the emotional decision to retire from international football, which he explains.
In this fascinating interview, he also raves about Modric, sends a heartfelt message to Messi, tells the incredible story of how he met his wife, and discusses earning an honour previously bestowed only on Diego Maradona, his glorious time at Barcelona and performances in El Clásico, Russia 2018 and the mind-blowing reception Croatia received on their return to Zagreb.
Ivan Rakitic has played alongside Luka Modric, Manuel Neuer, Raul, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez. He captained Sevilla to UEFA Europa League glory, scored the opener for Barcelona in a triumphant UEFA Champions League final, and helped propel Croatia, against all odds, into the FIFA World Cup™ Final.
The 32-year-old recently returned to Seville, with the goal of helping take Sevilla to the next level in the Champions League. More recently, he made the emotional decision to retire from international football, which he explains.
In this fascinating interview, he also raves about Modric, sends a heartfelt message to Messi, tells the incredible story of how he met his wife, and discusses earning an honour previously bestowed only on Diego Maradona, his glorious time at Barcelona and performances in El Clásico, Russia 2018 and the mind-blowing reception Croatia received on their return to Zagreb.
There’s only one number one – it’s Leo. I just want to say this: ‘Thank you for everything, Leo, because you’ll never know how much it meant to me to play next to you.’
SPAIN
Santi Cazorla wrote his name large in Spain’s football history. He was a member of a golden generation that dominated world football for years, earning La Roja one FIFA World Cup™ and two UEFA European Championships.
Now 35, Cazorla made his senior Spain debut in 2008 and has proved over the years that he is a midfielder of unique qualities. His nickname, El Mago (the Magician), is testament to his laser-like passes, sumptuous dribbling skills and two-footed shooting.
Despite some long and serious injuries, Cazorla’s playing career has still endured. After impressing at his former club Villarreal, which he rejoined in 2018, he caught the attention of Qatar’s Al Sadd and their coach Xavi, who convinced him to move to the country that is set to host the FIFA World Cup in two years’ time.
Four months after touching down in Doha, FIFA.com spoke with the Spaniard about his move to Qatar, his time with La Roja, his experience with Luis Aragones and Vicente del Bosque, and his opinion of Xavi, the Qatari league and Al Sadd.
Santi Cazorla wrote his name large in Spain’s football history. He was a member of a golden generation that dominated world football for years, earning La Roja one FIFA World Cup™ and two UEFA European Championships.
Now 35, Cazorla made his senior Spain debut in 2008 and has proved over the years that he is a midfielder of unique qualities. His nickname, El Mago (the Magician), is testament to his laser-like passes, sumptuous dribbling skills and two-footed shooting.
Despite some long and serious injuries, Cazorla’s playing career has still endured. After impressing at his former club Villarreal, which he rejoined in 2018, he caught the attention of Qatar’s Al Sadd and their coach Xavi, who convinced him to move to the country that is set to host the FIFA World Cup in two years’ time.
Four months after touching down in Doha, FIFA.com spoke with the Spaniard about his move to Qatar, his time with La Roja, his experience with Luis Aragones and Vicente del Bosque, and his opinion of Xavi, the Qatari league and Al Sadd.
Xavi is a great coach. I deal with him on a daily basis, and the many leadership qualities he had as a player he now has as a coach.
ENGLAND
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s reputation has, in a few months, skyrocketed proportionately to his torso whenever James Rodriguez or Lucas Digne have swung back their arrows and aimed at the blue bullseye, AKA his head.
The 23-year-old has scored 11 goals in nine appearances for Everton. He is, in a sea of apex predators including Harry Kane, Mohamed Salah and Jamie Vardy, co-leading the swim for the Premier League Golden Boot. DCL made, and scored on – naturally, with a header – his England debut.
Three Lions legends Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney have raved about him. His game has been compared to Didier Drogba’s; his aerial majesty to Cristiano Ronaldo’s.
FIFA.com caught up with Calvert-Lewin to discuss his incredible start to the season, whether he’s the best header of a ball in the world, and all things Everton and England.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s reputation has, in a few months, skyrocketed proportionately to his torso whenever James Rodriguez or Lucas Digne have swung back their arrows and aimed at the blue bullseye, AKA his head.
The 23-year-old has scored 11 goals in nine appearances for Everton. He is, in a sea of apex predators including Harry Kane, Mohamed Salah and Jamie Vardy, co-leading the swim for the Premier League Golden Boot. DCL made, and scored on – naturally, with a header – his England debut.
Three Lions legends Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney have raved about him. His game has been compared to Didier Drogba’s; his aerial majesty to Cristiano Ronaldo’s.
FIFA.com caught up with Calvert-Lewin to discuss his incredible start to the season, whether he’s the best header of a ball in the world, and all things Everton and England.
I would look at Robert Lewandowski and study his game and see what positions he gets in, because I feel he’s got similar attributes to what I have.
Podium unchanged, Malta on the move
Discover
Belgium
Pts. 1765
France
Pts. 1752
Brazil
Pts. 1725
England
Pts. 1669
Portugal
Pts. 1661
Spain
Pts. 1639
Status quo remains in Women's Ranking
Discover
USA
Pts. 2181
Germany
Pts. 2090
France
Pts. 2036
Netherlands
Pts. 2032
Sweden
Pts. 2007
England
Pts. 1999
As the world’s number one sport, football is uniquely placed to strengthen initiatives that can improve the lives of young people around the world.
