Eight Reasons We Loved The Career of Don Andrés

October 8, 2024
Why We Love

Legendary former FC Barcelona and Spain midfielder Andrés Iniesta today officially announced his retirement from football. We first signed with Andrés well over a decade ago and have always thoroughly enjoyed working with him, indeed every bit as much as his balletic football.

Counting down eight reasons why we loved the career Don Andrés led for club and country, all of us at Icons.com would like thank him for the memories as we hope to see him soon for another signing session.

To celebrate the great career of the great man, we are offering 10% OFF all items in our Andrés Iniesta collection – simply use the code ‘INIESTA8’ at the checkout on eligible items.

1. UEFA EURO 2012 Best Player of the Tournament

Fresh from winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, Spain entered UEFA EURO 2012 as defending champions and heavy favourites. Even so, the Roja side of 2012 sparkled with Andrés Iniesta as its muse.

Andrés was extraordinary in Poland and Ukraine, winning the UEFA EURO 2012 Best Player of the Tournament, awarded by the UEFA Technical Team – a testament to his overall contribution given he did not score and registered just one assist.

“In many ways, he symbolised the tournament – the creative, incisive runner, with and without the ball. We felt that he epitomised a lot of what we saw,” said UEFA technical director Andy Roxburgh.

2. Camp Nou farewell

Though it was a deeply affecting and an ultimately sad moment for fans of the man and his club, the image of Andrés Iniesta soaking in his last appearance for FC Barcelona at Camp Nou, alone in the middle of a pitch he had made his own, speaks to his passion for Barça.

When respect and admiration goes both ways, from player to fans and fans to player, that’s when you get a true club legend.

3. Bernabéu ovation

You have to be a special player to get a standing ovation from opposing fans. In this case, the opposing fans weren’t just any opposing fans. In November of 2015, with 15 minutes left of a brutal 4-0 Clásico defeat, it was Madridistas of all people showing their appreciation for Iniesta with a standing ovation.

It was a moment to remember for Don Andrés and symbolic of a player who was able to transcend football rivalry.

4. Partnership with Xavi

Lennon and McCartney. Batman and Robin. Tom and Jerry. Not all duos are created equal. Forming a midfield partnership that produced mountains of trophies, countless awards and too many goals and assists to count, the partnership of Andrés Iniesta and Xavi will go down as the best of a magnificent era and quite possibly the greatest ever.

5. Uncontainable

A picture paints a thousand words. This photo, taken by Ullstein Bild, sums it up. The respect from world class opposition. The art of it, the audacity, the absurdity. It’s all there. Wonderful.

6. Maestro of the “Greatest Team Ever”

The 2010-11 campaign for FC Barcelona will not soon be repeated – if indeed it ever can be. Sir Alex Ferguson described that team as the greatest he’d ever faced. He had every right to say so and every humility to, in the aftermath of Barça’s crowning achievement that season, a 3-1 demolition of Manchester United at Wembley Stadium in the UEFA Champions League final.

No one game could truly define the majesty of that team and that season and, of course, Andrés Iniesta was at the very heart of its success with nine goals and 15 assists in an eye-watering 50 appearances.

7. The ‘Iniestazo‘

This would be THE goal of Andrés Iniesta’s storied career if he hadn’t, well, we’ll get to that. The ‘Iniestazo’ goal will be forever remembered by Blaugrana the world over not only as one of the most dramatic goals in a golden generation for the club but also as the goal that set up an iconic UEFA Champions League triumph.

It’s one of those goals you watch time and again if you’re a Barça fan. And not just that, it’s a damn good goal of a highly technical nature as Iniesta, in the dying embers of their epic semi-final second leg at Stamford Bridge, lets a pass from Lionel Messi drag across his body before whipping the ball in to the roof of the Chelsea net.

8. 2010 FIFA World Cup Final winner

Time stood still during this iconic Andrés Iniesta moment, surely the highlight of a remarkable career. Spain had never been world champions and were searching for the breakthrough of a tense FIFA World Cup final in Johannesburg.

They needed a moment of magic. Good thing they had Iniesta, a FIFA World Cup winner in more than one sense.


Andy Brassell: What To Watch On Matchday One Of The New UEFA Champions League

September 17, 2024
Previews and Predictions

The newly-reformatted UEFA Champions League is here! Who better to guide you through the first matchday of a new era for European football’s biggest and brightest club competition than continental football expert ANDY BRASSELL, here to take you through the main focal points of the first week of action.

HUGE MATCH-UPS

There have been two main stages to the build-up to this year’s reformatted UEFA Champions League; pre-draw, in which many were confused by what the big, new, all-in-one league phase would look like, and post-draw, in which many of the original naysayers were now drooling with anticipation over some of the big fixtures.


And we have them from the get-go this week. AC Milan v Liverpool FC, Manchester City v Internazionale and AS Monaco v FC Barcelona are all outstanding matches with the potential to get this fresh era off to an absolute flier. With the UEFA Champions League restarting in bold fashion with fixtures over a three- day window rather than two, each one of Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday has its huge, must-watch game.


Wednesday’s centrepiece between City and Inter is probably the ultimate pick, a rerun of the 2023 Final and one containing two of Europe’s best sides who have every right to believe in their chances of going deep into this season’s campaign. The Italian champions have a far better team now than the one that got to Istanbul in 2023; in fact they were improved last season too, and still managed to drop the ball against Atlético Madrid in the Round of 16. With City feeling a bit mugged-off by Real Madrid CF last season, both sides have scores to settle.

HANDBRAKE OFF

We were used to a degree of caution in the UEFA Champions League group stages as teams managed workload and resources and played it safe to ensure they finished in the top two. Maybe a best practice approach to this new megagroup will emerge at some point, but it is unlikely to do so this season, and it certainly won’t in the opening weeks.


Why? Quite simply there is no way of knowing yet how many points a team needs to make it into the top eight (and thus directly into the last 16) or, for those below-elite clubs with slightly lesser aims, into the top 24 to make it into the playoffs for the first knockout round.


It might be that, for instance, somewhere around the 16-point mark from the eight games gets top eight – and you bet your last pound/euro that the biggest clubs will do everything they can to get two midweek
matchdays of rest – while around nine should earn teams a playoff spot. For now, though, we just can’t know. And neither can the clubs.


So from Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid CF to Brest or Sturm Graz, the only option is to go for it. The biggest clubs can’t play conservatively with that tangible prize of a couple of games off lying ahead of them. The smaller clubs know a couple of good results will keep them in the mix for post-January involvement. So whether your aim is to top the class or to scrape a passmark, being aggressive and positive is probably the only way to do it, which has to be good news for the watching public.

NEW SIGNINGS WITH POINTS TO PROVE

Generally European clubs are counting the pennies more closely than in a long while but a few clubs have been determined to change their squads profoundly this summer, and have often traded furiously to that end. Juventus (who start against PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday) are one giant who has used the summer to get rid of players as well as bring them in and present an exciting new squad for this return to the UEFA Champions League.


It is the biggest stage and for that reason the new boys will be keen to take their opportunities to show their new clubs that they did the right thing in signing them. Michael Olise’s European debut is hotly anticipated, having already conquered swathes of France fans on his first senior squad call-up earlier this month. FC Bayern Munich (who play Dinamo Zagreb) have a rich history of wide players and the Hammersmith-born man scored his first goal for the club in their 6-1 demolition of Holstein Kiel this weekend.


The summer’s biggest signing was Julián Alvarez, who arrived at Atlético looking a little jaded (hardly surprising given he played nearly 80 games in a last season for Manchester City and Argentina that lasted 11 months) but he has started to find an extra gear in recent weeks, scoring in a win against Chile for Argentina and then getting his first Atleti goal to seal a win against Valencia CF on Sunday night. Diego Simeone’s team host RB Leipzig and Alvarez may well be in the starting lineup.


Douglas Luiz is another overworked player who could do with finding some inspiration this week. The Brazilian made a first start for Juventus since joining from Aston Villa in the goalless draw at Empoli this weekend, and he received some criticism for his display. As with Alvarez, it is a little unfair after he arrived straight from a summer playing in the Copa América. Juve were prepared to push the boat out for him so he could give Kenan Yıldız, Teun Koopmeiners and Nico González the space to flex their creative muscles, so Douglas Luiz will be even more vital – arguably – in a UEFA Champions League context as the Serie A side look to return to the top table in style.

ICON OF THE MATCHWEEK: Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid CF)

The brilliant Brazilian was on the scoresheet again at the weekend, netting the vital penalty opener at Real Sociedad in a hard-fought win. Much has been made of the relationship between Vini and Kylian Mbappé and how they might tactically fit; with them both being renowned for outstanding movement and having played significant parts of last season in a front two and as a central striker respectively, the flexibility they will give Carlo Ancelotti is significant.


This week, however, they land together in Real Madrid CF’s natural habitat, in the arena in which they will be judged ahead of all others. VfB Stuttgart, last season’s surprise Bundesliga runners-up, arrive at the Bernabéu and will prove a test.


Sebastian Hoeness’ team are not shy; they play attacking, possession-based football and this, combined with a habitually narrow midfield shape, should mean that Vini will find more space on the left flank than he would be likely to in your average La Liga game. VfB Stuttgart will come to spoil a Madrid party and, inadvertently, might give Vini and Mbappé the chance to party themselves.


GIVEAWAY! Win A Signed and Framed Luke Shaw England Shirt with eBay!

June 24, 2024
Giveaways & Competitions

It’s giveaway time again! We’ve teamed up with our friends at eBay Collectors UK to offer you the chance to win a Luke Shaw signed England shirt in an official UEFA EURO 2024 frame!

To be in with a chance of winning this incredible prize, all you need to do is head over to Instagram, follow us and eBay Collectors UK and tell us your favourite football UEFA European Championships shirt – past or present!

It’s that simple!

A winner will be chosen at random from all valid entrants. Good luck!

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

  1. This Promotion is open to users registered on either Instagram or Facebook (Meta) (the “Site”) who are UK residents, and who must be 18 years of age or older. Employees (and their families) of eBay, affiliates, subsidiary companies, representatives or agents of those companies and anyone else who may be professionally involved with the Promotion are not eligible to enter.
  2. The Promoter of this prize draw is Icons Shop Limited (registered in England under company number 06791294 and with its registered office at Unit 7, Airfield Industrial Estate, Airfield Way, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 3PE) (the “Promoter”).
  3. The Promoter is offering those who enter this promotion a chance to win 1x Luke Shaw Official UEFA EURO 2024 Back Signed and Framed England 2022 Home Shirt with Fan Style Numbers (Icons.com SKU I1689EUR24F).
  4. Multiple entries per person are not permitted.
  5. Entries submitted on behalf of another person will not be accepted and joint submissions are not allowed. Incomplete, illegible, misdirected or late entries will not be accepted.
  6. To enter this prize draw on Instagram, entrants must follow Icons.com’s official Instagram account (@icons_memorabilia); and follow the eBay Collectors UK official account (@eBay_collectors); and tag an account that is not their own in the comments section of the official giveaway post; and comment stating their favourite football kit from a past or present UEFA European Championships tournament. Entrants will need to follow each of these steps to validate their entry into the giveaway.
  7. The winner of the giveaway will be selected at random by Icons.com.
  8. No purchase is necessary to enter this promotion, however internet access is required.
  9. The prize is non-refundable, non-transferable and non-exchangeable and there is no cash alternative offered.
  10. The Promoter reserves the right to offer an alternative prize of equal or greater value. In the event of unforeseen circumstances or circumstances outside its reasonable control, the Promoter reserves the right to modify or discontinue this promotion without prior notice, be it temporarily or permanently.
  11. The winner will be selected from all valid entries received during the promotional period. The draw will take place no later than fourteen days following the end of the promotional period.
  12. The winner will be notified within ten days of the draw via the social network platform on which they entered the competition. They will be asked to provide a postal address to which the prize will be sent. If the winner fails to respond and/or to give a valid address within five days of this notification, or declines their prize, a redraw will take place from the remaining valid entries to select a new winner (however, this five-day period may be extended at the Promoter’s sole discretion). If the winner declines their prize, or fails to respond within the required period, they forfeit any right to the prize.
  13. The prize will be sent via post to the address supplied within two weeks following provision of the winner(s)’s address in accordance with the T&Cs.
  14. The name and county of residence of the winner(s) will be made available on request to anyone sending a stamped self-addressed envelope to the Promoter as the address set out above within 10 weeks of the closing date of the promotion.
  15. The Promoter does not accept responsibility for network, computer or software failures of any kind and has no responsibility for lost, delayed or misdirected entries.
  16. The Promoter reserves the right to exclude any entries the Promoter in its sole discretion considers to be inappropriate, unrelated or offensive and to disqualify any entries if the Promoter, at its sole discretion, believes that there has been an attempt to manipulate or tamper with the operation of the promotion (including, without limitation, by setting up multiple email, Facebook or other social media accounts in order to submit multiple entries).
  17. By entering this competition you agree that the promoter may store and use the data you enter into this competition and contact you. You agree that the promoter may store and use any image and/or comment you post as your entry for this competition, and may use your name and competition entry in its social media channels and website (including, but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube and icons.com), worldwide and without limit of time. You understand that you won’t have any right to preview or pre-approve the content (and that you won’t be entitled to any kind of payment) in the event that it is used by Icons as noted above.
  18. Except for the purpose of carrying out the promotion, the Promoter will not use entrants’ personal data without the express consent of the entrant. See https://www.icons.com/privacy-policy-cookie-restriction-mode- for our full privacy policy.
  19. You agree to be bound by the decisions of the Promoter, which are final in all matters relating to the promotion. No correspondence will be entered into in respect of the Promoter’s decisions.
  20. These terms and conditions shall be governed by and construed exclusively in accordance with the laws of England and the parties agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of England, including the seeking of all injunctive or ancillary relief actions.

Andy Brassell: Five Icons You Have Heard Of And Five You Have Not at UEFA EURO 2024

June 14, 2024
Previews and Predictions

You’ll have seen him on Sky Sports, heard him on The Football Ramble and read his expert European football insight here, there and everywhere, now ANDY BRASSELL tells Icons.com the stars you need to keep your eyes on at UEFA EURO 2024.

Five Icons You’ve Heard Of…

We have to come straight out the gate with the man who makes France (at least joint) favourites, Kylian Mbappé. The 25-year-old had a strange final season with Paris Saint-Germain, banished from the first-team squad at the beginning of the season after declining to opt into the final year of his contract and further marginalised since telling the club he was leaving in February. Real Madrid CF’s future centre-forward, remarkably, still scored 51 times over the course of the season and even if he has looked understandably rusty in recent weeks after playing only intermittently, perhaps he’ll have plenty left in the tank for this tournament. 

Despite Harry Kane’s amazing first campaign outside of his home country, we have to look to Mbappé’s future club for England’s main man. In any normal situation the Premier League’s outstanding player Phil Foden would be a shoo-in to be stationed just behind Kane, but nothing about Jude Bellingham is normal. He has had a phenomenal first season at the Bernabéu in a more advanced role in which Gareth Southgate will want to use him. Bellingham has scored only three times in his opening 29 games for England but it does not take a genius to figure that will now change very quickly – probably in the country where he made his name with his performances for Borussia Dortmund. 

Bellingham could have easily had Jamal Musiala next to him in the Three Lions’ midfield, with the pair having appeared for England Under-16s together, but the Bayern Munich midfielder opted for Germany after a Jogi Löw charm offensive and the rest is history. At just 21, he is already vital for Germany with his change of pace, his dribbling, his ability to trim through the lines and his goalscoring. He will be one of the most exciting players to watch this summer. 

“Nothing about Jude Bellingham is normal.”

– Andy Brassell on England’s talisman

Bruno Fernandes always aims to be exciting too – a player who conducts the orchestra with urgency rather than reserve. Like many at Manchester United, he has had his difficulties this season but this current Portugal team is built for him. It is no longer the Cristiano Ronaldo show and it is no longer the case that everything has to run through their number seven. It is Fernandes’ team now and he has the passing to bring their wide men into play as well as make his late runs into the box to score.  

After Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s unbelievable debut season at SSC Napoli in 2022-23 helped them win their first Serie A title since Diego Maradona’s time at the club (the locals don’t call him ‘Kvaradona’ for nothing), the sophomore campaign has been a bit tougher, always playing catch-up after his pre-season was curtailed by injury. Kvaratskhelia has still had his moments and his superstar status in Georgia demands he show out in Germany, with the trademark dribbles and directness that make him such an idol. 

Five Icons You Maybe Haven’t Heard Of…

It’s very possible you’re already well-aware of the work of Florian Wirtz after his instrumental role in Bayer Leverkusen’s amazing league and cup double-winning season. But UEFA EURO 2024 is set to be the time in which he becomes a household name the world over. He is the only player in Xabi Alonso’s team to be given the freedom to “dribble where he sees fit” (as Alonso described to me last year) but that’s because he is always trusted to make the right call. Wirtz opens space to make the last pass and score and is full of confidence – as well as having been rotated judiciously by Alonso, so he should have energy to spare.

If Wirtz hopes to make a dent in next season’s UEFA Champions League, Georgiy Sudakov has already done it. Ukraine’s 21-year-old midfielder put in a series of stunning performances for Shakhtar Donetsk in the season just gone – including a man-of-the-match display as they racked up a famous win over FC Barcelona – and has a rare feel for when to keep the ball and when to send it on its way. If he repeats that with his national team this summer, Shakhtar can consider selling him for a similar price to that for which his best mate Mykhailo Mudryk went. 

Johan Bakayoko is also aiming for the top, having spoken recently about how he intends to aim for the Ballon d’Or in years to come. For now the Belgium winger is coming off a very good season for an all-conquering PSV, scoring 12 times and providing nine assists for their winning Eredivisie campaign. His speed and canny left foot is becoming more and more important for a national team trying to take some of the creative burden off Kevin De Bruyne. The Premier League beckons next for Bakayoko.

“UEFA EURO 2024 is set to be the time in which he becomes a household name the world over.”

Andy Brassell on Florian Wirtz

Georges Mikautadze is another set for a big move this summer. Georgia’s starting centre-forward began the season with Metz, went to Ajax, was loaned back to Metz after limited playing time and almost kept them in Ligue 1 with his goals (13 in 20 starts). A smart finisher with plenty of pace, Mikautadze could make the most of space from Kvaratskhelia drawing all the attention and seal a big move in the process. 

Italy might not have a squad packed with star names as we’ve come to expect, but there are a few who could present themselves to the world this summer. Perhaps Davide Frattesi could be one of them. The 24-year-old midfielder has had to bide his time in his first season at Internazionale, starting only six times in Serie A, but has made some important contributions charging forward to score big goals. Frattesi has already done the same for Italy, hitting a brace at San Siro to decide a vital qualifying win over Ukraine, and should have plenty left in his legs at the end of a long season compared to some of the competition.   

Which exciting new talent should Icons be signing in the future?

Given Spain’s domination of much of European football’s 21st century so far it is remarkable that a 16-year-old is their most fêted player ahead of UEFA EURO 2024. Lamine Yamal has been Spain’s youngest ever player, youngest ever starter and youngest ever scorer, and will likely go on to impress in this tournament. His surgical left-footed delivery and ability to go past players should give La Roja the ability to speed up play, something they have lacked in recent tournaments.

Where Yamal could well start for Spain, Francisco Conceição may have to content himself with a place on the bench for Portugal, but he has everything you could want in an impact player. Back at FC Porto after a disappointing spell at Ajax, Conceição’s mazy left-footed dribbling creates chances and commits defenders. The 21-year-old finished the season in fine form and was excellent in the friendly win over Finland. 

Portugal also have box-to-box power in João Neves, a talent who is attracting the attention of the Premier League’s biggest clubs after his performances for SL Benfica this season. At 19-years-old Neves has an incredible engine, he rarely gives the ball away and could even earn a starting place should Roberto Martínez aim for more balance in a team full to the brim with attacking talent.

Dark Horses

It’s extraordinary that since the full-scale invasion by Russia, Ukraine’s national side have not only carried on but come within a whisker of getting to the 2022 FIFA World Cup before qualifying for this tournament. This tells us about the fortitude of a nation and its footballers, of course. It should also tell us that this is a squad jam-packed with talent. 

As well as Murdyk and Sudakov, they have La Liga’s top scorer in Artem Dovbyk, his Girona teammate Viktor Tsygankov and a great goalkeeper to back it all up in Benfica’s Anatoliy Trubin – or Real Madrid CF’s Andriy Lunin, if coach Sergiy Rebrov prefers. Add to that the fact they’re facing a far-from-insurmountable group comprising Slovakia, Romania and Belgium and a repeat of UEFA EURO 2020’s unexpected quarter-final is on the table.

Shop the full collection of official UEFA EURO 2024 memorabilia on Icons.com, including signed shirts, boots, balls, photos and replica trophies.


CLOSED | GIVEAWAY! Win One of SIX Officially-Licensed Framed Shirts Signed By Lionel Messi!

June 4, 2024
Giveaways & Competitions

It’s the return of the giveaways that get the world talking! That’s right, we’ve once again teamed up with the one-and-only Lionel Messi for another internet-busting competition. This time we’re giving away SIX officially-licensed framed shirts signed by the iconic 2022 FIFA World Cup winner…

The prizes up for grabs were all genuinely signed by Leo during Official Messi Signed Merchandise signing sessions conducted exclusively with Icons.com.

Depending on your entry you could be in with a chance of winning a signed Argentina shirt in an Official FIFA World Cup frame, a signed FC Barcelona shirt in an Official FC Barcelona frame, OR a signed Inter Miami CF shirt in an Official Messi Signed Merchandise frame.

And, as ever, it could not be more simple to enter our giveaway. All you need to do to be in with a chance of taking home one of six signed and framed shirts is to get over to Leo’s official Instagram and/or Facebook page and follow the instructions below…

TO ENTER VIA INSTAGRAM:

1) Comment #IconsARG, #IconsFCB OR #IconsMIA on Messi’s official giveaway post
AND
2) Follow Icons.com’s official Instagram account

TO ENTER VIA FACEBOOK:

1) Comment #IconsARG, #IconsFCB OR #IconsMIA on Messi’s official giveaway post
AND
2) Follow Icons.com’s official Facebook page

The prizes come complete with official Certificates of Authenticity (COA) which have photographic evidence of Messi with the shirts in question as well as providing the location at which it was signed – so you can be sure these prizes are the real deal!

We’ll draw six winners completely at random from all valid entries – three from Instagram and three from Facebook – and announce the lucky names on the official Icons.com social media pages shortly after entries close on Monday June 10th. So keep your eyes peeled!

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

  1. The Promoter of this prize draw is Icons Shop Limited (registered in England under company number 06791294 and with its registered office at Unit 7, Airfield Industrial Estate, Airfield Way, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 3PE) (the “Promoter”).
  2. The Promoter is offering those who enter this promotion via Facebook a chance to win one of three prizes depending on their entry. The three separate prizes are 1x Lionel Messi Back Signed Inter Miami CF 2024-25 Home Shirt In Hero Frame: Option 1 (Icons.com SKU I3185HF1); Lionel Messi Official FIFA World Cup Back Signed and Hero Framed Argentina 2022 Home Shirt: Option 1 (Icons.com SKU I2553FWCHF1); and 1x Lionel Messi Official FC Barcelona Official Back Signed and Framed 2011-12 Home Shirt (Icons.com SKU I3192FCBF).
  3. The Promoter is offering those who enter this promotion via Instagram a chance to win one of three prizes depending on their entry. The three separate prizes are 1x Lionel Messi Back Signed Inter Miami CF 2024-25 Home Shirt In Hero Frame: Option 1 (Icons.com SKU I3185HF1); Lionel Messi Official FIFA World Cup Back Signed and Hero Framed Argentina 2022 Home Shirt: Option 1 (Icons.com SKU I2553FWCHF1); and 1x Lionel Messi Official FC Barcelona Official Back Signed and Framed 2011-12 Home Shirt (Icons.com SKU I3192FCBF).
  4. Multiple entries per person are permitted. Entries will be accepted on Facebook and Instagram only, provided they fit the entry criteria outlined in these terms and conditions. However, entries submitted on behalf of another person will not be accepted and joint submissions are not allowed. Incomplete, illegible, misdirected or late entries will not be accepted.
  5. To enter this prize draw on Facebook to win the Lionel Messi Back Signed Inter Miami CF 2024-25 Home Shirt In Hero Frame: Option 1, entrants must follow Icons.com’s official Facebook account (@iconsfootball) and comment #IconsMIA. Entrants will need to do both to validate their entry into the giveaway.
  6. To enter this prize draw on Facebook to win the Lionel Messi Official FIFA World Cup Back Signed and Hero Framed Argentina 2022 Home Shirt: Option 1, entrants must follow Icons.com’s official Facebook account (@iconsfootball) and comment #IconsARG. Entrants will need to do both to validate their entry into the giveaway.
  7. To enter this prize draw on Facebook to win the Lionel Messi Official FC Barcelona Official Back Signed and Framed 2011-12 Home Shirt, entrants must follow Icons.com’s official Facebook account (@iconsfootball) and comment #IconsFCB. Entrants will need to do both to validate their entry into the giveaway.
  8. To enter this prize draw on Instagram to win the Lionel Messi Back Signed Inter Miami CF 2024-25 Home Shirt In Hero Frame: Option 1, entrants must follow Icons.com’s official Instagram account (@icons_memorabilia) and comment #IconsMIA. Entrants will need to do both to validate their entry into the giveaway.
  9. To enter this prize draw on Instagram to win the Lionel Messi Official FIFA World Cup Back Signed and Hero Framed Argentina 2022 Home Shirt: Option 1, entrants must follow Icons.com’s official Instagram account (@icons_memorabilia) and comment #IconsARG. Entrants will need to do both to validate their entry into the giveaway.
  10. To enter this prize draw on Instagram to win the Lionel Messi Official FC Barcelona Official Back Signed and Framed 2011-12 Home Shirt, entrants must follow Icons.com’s official Instagram account (@icons_memorabilia) and comment #IconsFCB. Entrants will need to do both to validate their entry into the giveaway.
  11. The winners of the giveaway will be selected at random by Icons.com.
  12. No purchase is necessary to enter this promotion, however internet access is required.
  13. The prizes are non-refundable, non-transferable and non-exchangeable and there is no cash alternative offered.
  14. The Promoter reserves the right to offer an alternative prize of equal or greater value. In the event of unforeseen circumstances or circumstances outside its reasonable control, the Promoter reserves the right to modify or discontinue this promotion without prior notice, be it temporarily or permanently.
  15. The winners will be selected from all valid entries received during the promotional period. The draw will take place no later than fourteen days following the end of the promotional period.
  16. The winners will be notified within ten days of the draw via the social network platform on which they entered the competition. They will be asked to provide a postal address to which the prize will be sent. If a winner fails to respond and/or to give a valid address within five days of this notification, or declines their prize, a redraw will take place from the remaining valid entries to select a new winner (however, this five-day period may be extended at the Promoter’s sole discretion). If a winner declines their prize, or fails to respond within the required period, they forfeit any right to the prize.
  17. The prize will be sent via post to the address supplied within two weeks following provision of the winner(s)’s address in accordance with the T&Cs.
  18. The name and county of residence of the winner(s) will be made available on request to anyone sending a stamped self-addressed envelope to the Promoter as the address set out above within 10 weeks of the closing date of the promotion.
  19. The Promoter does not accept responsibility for network, computer or software failures of any kind and has no responsibility for lost, delayed or misdirected entries.
  20. The Promoter reserves the right to exclude any entries the Promoter in its sole discretion considers to be inappropriate, unrelated or offensive and to disqualify any entries if the Promoter, at its sole discretion, believes that there has been an attempt to manipulate or tamper with the operation of the promotion (including, without limitation, by setting up multiple email, Facebook or other social media accounts in order to submit multiple entries).
  21. By entering this competition you agree that the promoter may store and use the data you enter into this competition and contact you. You agree that the promoter may store and use any image and/or comment you post as your entry for this competition, and may use your name and competition entry in its social media channels and website (including, but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube and icons.com), worldwide and without limit of time. You understand that you won’t have any right to preview or pre-approve the content (and, that you won’t be entitled to any kind of payment) in the event that it is used by Icons as noted above.
  22. Except for the purpose of carrying out the promotion, the Promoter will not use entrants’ personal data without the express consent of the entrant. See http://www.icons.com/about/help/privacy-policy.html for our full privacy policy.
  23. You agree to be bound by the decisions of the Promoter, which are final in all matters relating to the promotion. No correspondence will be entered into in respect of the Promoter’s decisions.
  24. These terms and conditions shall be governed by and construed exclusively in accordance with the laws of England and the parties agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of England, including the seeking of all injunctive or ancillary relief actions.

Visit the worldwide exclusive home of Official Messi Signed Merchandise by visiting Icons.com today…

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Introducing… Mystery Memorabilia

March 27, 2024
Announcements

Icons.com is thrilled to introduce Mystery Memorabilia, a brand new mystery box product that brings you all the excitement of authentic signed memorabilia with a surprise twist.  

The Mystery Memorabilia concept is simple. Buy a box from Icons.com and you’ll receive a shirt signed by one of the greats of football… you just won’t know who you’ve got until you unbox it! 

After you’ve purchased from our Mystery Memorabilia collection, our team package your surprise shirt at random from our curated collection and seal it in our brand new sleek and stylish Mystery Memorabilia box.

We’ve launched with two unique and iconic boxes on offer: a European Champion Edition and a World Champion Edition.

If you purchase our European Champion Edition you are guaranteed to receive a shirt signed by a winner of Europe’s top club cup competition. No runners-up, no messing around. Potential pulls include Lionel Messi, Paolo Maldini, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Xavi, Christian Pulisic, Deco, Ryan Giggs and Jack Grealish – to name a famous few!

Our World Champion Edition takes things up a notch. Buy this box and you’re guaranteed to pull a world champion, a player who has reached the very top of the game. Messi signed shirts are included again, along with the likes of Andres Iniesta, Francesco Totti, Rivaldo, Fernando Torres, Marco Materazzi, Fabio Cannavaro, Roberto Carlos and many more.

As these are exclusive signed shirts with a limited quantity available, we don’t as yet have the option for you to state your preferences for which players and/or clubs to include or exclude.

Remember: shirts are boxed-up completely at random. This means you may receive a shirt from a player or club who is a rival to your favourite player or club. Please be prepared for and accepting of this eventuality as this is the nature of mystery box products.

With this in mind our standard returns policy is in effect. So, if you find you are dissatisfied with your order, you may return your box for a refund, providing your shirt is still in a new and unused condition. Please note that you will be responsible for return postage costs within 14 days (returning the item to us within 30 days).


2023 Holiday Delivery Information & Opening Hours

November 27, 2023
Announcements

Looking for our all-important festive delivery dates, opening hours and other important information? You’ve come to the right place.

But, if you can’t find the info you need here, or you have more questions about our holiday schedule, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by giving us a ring on 020 3904 7600 or by emailing customersupport@icons.com.

Please note that the dates and times below have been advised to us by both Royal Mail and DHL but we would strongly recommend placing any and all orders as soon as possible.

Holiday & Christmas Delivery

Our offices and warehouse are closed on Saturdays and Sundays so orders placed between 5.30pm (GMT) on Fridays and 9am (GMT) on Mondays will not be processed until we reopen the following week. We always aim to dispatch within 1-2 working days.

This year Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday. Orders received after the dates outlined below have no guarantee of being delivered in time for Christmas. Orders placed after these dates will be processed once our offices and warehouse reopen on January 2nd, 2024.

UNFRAMED, DELUXE PACKAGED & ACRYLIC CASED ITEMS

UK mainland – Orders must be placed no later than noon (GMT) on Dec 19th

Rest of the World (ROW) – Orders must be placed no later than noon (GMT) on Dec 15th

CLASSIC, HERO & LICENSED FRAMED ITEMS + PRE-FRAMES

UK mainland – Orders must be placed no later than noon (GMT) on Dec 17th

Rest of the World (ROW) – Orders must be placed no later than noon (GMT) on Dec 13th

*Please note* Dispatch is guaranteed, however, at this time of year, couriers may experience difficulties with bad weather and high work loads. Imports and duties are the responsibilities of the customer and can cause delays.

Icons Office and Warehouse Opening Hours

22nd Dec 2023 – 8am – 1pm (GMT), open with limited staff availability
23rd Dec 2023 – Closed for weekend
24th Dec 2023 – Closed for weekend
25th Dec 2023 – Closed for UK Christmas Day Holiday
26th Dec 2023 – Closed for UK Boxing Day Holiday
27th Dec 2023 – 8am – 4pm (GMT), open with limited staff availability
28th Dec 2023 – 8am – 4pm (GMT), open with limited staff availability
29th Dec 2023 – 8am – 4pm (GMT), open with limited staff availability
30th Dec 2023 – Closed for weekend
31st Dec 2023 – Closed for weekend
1st Jan 2024 – Closed for UK New Year’s Day Holiday
2nd Jan 2024 (onwards) – 8am – 4pm (GMT), open as usual

For more information on our holiday schedule, or to track your order, please get in contact with our Customer Support team by using the contact field below. Please note our offices are closed on weekends so messages submitted between Friday 5.30pm (GMT) and Monday 9am (GMT) may experience a longer response time.


Tennis Sensation Carlos Alcaraz Serves Up Signatures at Exclusive Session!

November 16, 2023
Announcements

Icons.com is delighted to announce that two-time major winning tennis star Carlos Alcaraz put pen to product in his first ever signing session, an exclusive with the Icons.com signing team.

The Icons.com team headed out to Murcia in Spain on November 6th for the first of what we hope will be many signing sessions with the 2023 men’s singles Wimbledon winner.

Garnering attention in 2019 after winning three consecutive ITF Futures tournaments, Alcaraz went on to become the youngest year-end number one in the history of the ATP computerised rankings, aged just 19.

His breakthrough continued in 2022, where he secured his first ATP Tour title at the Rio Open, defeating several seasoned opponents along the way. Alcaraz continued to impress, and in 2023 he won the world-famous men’s singles Wimbledon title, defeating one of the sport’s all-time greats in Novak Djokovic.

There’s no doubt Alcaraz will continue to shine bright in the world of tennis. Icons.com are extremely proud to have held the first of many exclusive signings with this ace Spaniard, serving up a plethora of signed incredible memorabilia for his many fans around the world.

Each and every item of Alcaraz signed memorabilia from Icons.com comes with an official Certificate of Authenticity, which serves as your proof that the Argentine’s signature is 100% authentic and was genuinely signed by the man himself during this private signing session, organised and conducted by our dedicated signing team.

The full range of Alcaraz signed memorabilia is available to buy from Icons.com right now.

For the latest on who we sign with next, as well as early access to products and exclusive discounts, giveaways and much more, make sure you’re subscribed to the Icons.com email newsletter. Sign up today via icons.com/newsletter.