THE BEST STORIES are frequently those which seem scarcely believable; full of paradoxes and contradictions, with little room for logic or genuine coherence. Add a sense of mystery and the account suddenly…
Illustration by Federico Manasse When Alexis Sanchez gave Chile an early lead against Germany in a 2017 Confederations Cup group stage encounter, he brought an end to a 10-year record. It was…
Illustration by Federico Manasse Born in the working-class inner city of East Belfast, it was seemingly inevitable George Best would swiftly fall in love with the beautiful game. Childhood images show the…
Illustration by Federico Manasse Before the summer of 2002, Asia was largely forgotten by the footballing world. A general awareness existed among top-level clubs that the continent offered large swathes of untapped…
Illustration by Federico Manasse Few sportsmen have been the subject of as many words or column inches as Cristiano Ronaldo, a footballer whose achievements are so vast, varied and staggering it is…
At his best, Lúcio was a modern, unstoppable libero, sweeping up in defence then breaking out with the ball with no fear and bags of energy and skill
THEY HAVE ALWAYS BEEN THE UNDERDOG, fighting against the odds, punching above their weight and instilling hope in a nation which has often been in desperate need of some. Northern Ireland’s appearance…
Thousands gathered outside the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán in front of the iconic and eye-catching mosaic of Sevilla’s club crest, surrounded by those of 60 visiting teams. The Andalusian’s side clash with…
Ever since they invited Andalusian neighbours Recreativo de Huelva to a friendly match on 8 March 1890, history has always been a vital component in the makeup of Sevilla FC. Los Rojiblancos…
TO THE OUTSIDERS LOOKING IN, the sight of a teary 34-year-old, with his right forearm and two of his fingers hastily wrapped in a plaster cast must have appeared bemusing and bewildering. Indeed,…
The opening weekend of the football season is one when hope, however temporary, triumphs over all else. In August 2007 this was the case for Sevilla, who were riding the crest of a…