Tag: FC Barcelona

Eight Reasons We Loved The Career of Don Andrés

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

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.



FC Barcelona and Spain Legend Sergio Busquets Signs For Icons!

With over 700 appearances for FC Barcelona, midfield master Sergio Busquets is rightly regarded as one of the Catalan club’s greatest modern servants and a player who has won it all during a legendary career.

And, on February 3rd, at an undisclosed location in Barcelona, the iconic figure that is Busquets signed memorabilia for Icons for the first time, putting his autograph to our excellent range of items that are sure to be a hit with his many fans around the world.

Sergio Busquets signs for Icons.com, Barcelona, Spain, February 2023.

The midfielder and his FC Barcelona teammates are enjoying life under fellow Icons signee Xavi this season, topping La Liga in their quest to wrestle the title back from rivals Real Madrid.

If Busquets and company do win La Liga this season it will be the midfielder’s ninth Spanish title, an honour to go with his three UEFA Champions Leagues, seven Copa del Reys, three FIFA Club World Cups and the small matter of his UEFA EURO 2012 and 2010 FIFA World Cup winner’s medals.

Indeed, Busquets has forged a supremely successful career from his position in defensive midfield where he has served FC Barcelona and Spain with near-perfect performances spanning the course of nearly two decades.

Celebrating his immense career, our collection of items, available now on Icons.com, comprises signed shirts, photos, balls and captain’s armbands.

Each and every item of Busquets signed memorabilia from Icons.com comes with an official Certificate of Authenticity, which serves as your proof that the Spaniard’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 Busquets 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.



Our First Official Messi Signing Of 2023!

For the first time since he and his Argentina compatriots won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Lionel Messi met with our team to put pen to product at a private and exclusive signing session in Paris.

The official signing took place on January 30th and presented our team with the first opportunity of 2023 to get highly sought-after Argentina shirts signed by the man who led his nation to its third world title.

Messi was on inspired form throughout the tournament in November and December, scoring a whopping seven goals – including a brace in the Final – and earning the adidas Golden Ball as the competition’s best player.

We at Icons watched with immense pride as Messi then lifted the iconic trophy at the Lusail Stadium in Doha following a pulsating Final that will live long in the memory.

Icons Shop Ltd CEO Dan Jamieson, who was at the Final in Qatar to see Messi’s Argentina defeat France, said: “They say when you bet on a game the result means more.

“We went all-in on Leo a long time ago and he pulled off the big one. After all the twists and turns my heart hurt. Even the crowd around us got involved as they wondered why England fans were supporting Argentina so much!”

It’s no wonder that in the ensuing hours, days and weeks we received an overwhelming influx of orders for exclusive Official Messi Signed Merchandise and Official FIFA World Cup Memorabilia from all over the world.

At an undisclosed location in Paris, Messi signed Argentina shirts both home and away, personal dedications, 2022 FIFA World Cup footballs, Adidas boots, artwork and more amazing items for his many adoring fans.

Icons have been working with Messi since the age of 17 and in turn have developed a wonderful relationship with the world’s greatest player. Icons is the only source of authentic Official Messi Signed Merchandise.

Every single piece of Official Messi Signed Merchandise comes with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) that shows Messi signing one of the items at the session, as well as the date and location of the signing. The COA is created under license by Icons.com.

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.



Icons Signs With FC Barcelona Star Raphinha!

On January 27th, Icons were excited to add a new name to our ever-growing list of superstar footballers when, at an undisclosed location in Barcelona, Raphinha met our team for a private signing session!

The tricky winger was a sensation in the Premier League for Leeds United before his move to FC Barcelona in July 2022 where he continues to wow fans with his cannot-be-stopped playing style.

Raphinha signs for Icons.com, Barcelona, Spain, 27th January 2023.

The mercurial talent represented Brazil at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar having burst on to the European football scene with a string of impressive performances on the biggest stages.

Raphinha signed FC Barcelona shirts and photos, as well as Brazil and Leeds United items, plus Adidas boots and more – all of which are available in a wide range of stunning presentation and framing options.

Each and every item of Raphinha signed memorabilia from Icons.com comes with an official Certificate of Authenticity, which serves as your proof that the Brazilian’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 Raphinha 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.



Another Signing with Lionel Messi!

Argentina megastar and global icon Lionel Messi once again put pen to product for Icons.com at his fourth and final signing of 2022. With the signing done, the legendary forward’s sights will now be firmly set on the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The official signing took place in Paris on November 5th, 2022 and was his final session of the year before heading off to Qatar to prepare for the biggest show on earth: the FIFA World Cup.

Messi’s form has been electric so far this season and he is currently a key part of arguably the most potent attack in world football. He will be hoping to carry that form over to the FIFA World Cup where his side, Argentina, are favourites to lift the iconic trophy.

This will be Messi’s fifth FIFA World Cup and he is set to break even more records at this year’s competition, most notably the most minutes played at a FIFA World Cup finals, a record currently held by Italian legend Paulo Maldini.

Icons have been working with Messi since the age of 17 and in turn have developed a wonderful relationship with the world’s greatest player. Icons is the only source of authentic Official Messi Signed Merchandise.

Every single piece of Official Messi Signed Merchandise comes with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) that shows Messi signing one of the items at the session, as well as the date and location of the signing. The COA is created under license by Icons.com.

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.



Yaya Toure Signs With Icons.com!

Icons.com is delighted to announce yet another signing with an iconic player – this time, it’s former FC Barcelona and Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure!

The private signing session took place in London on September 9th, 2022 at which Toure added his signature to an array of fantastic new items including shirts, boots, balls and photos.

Toure-signed Ivory Coast, FC Barcelona and Manchester City shirts are available to buy not only in sleek Icons.com presentation options but also in our official and exclusive FC Barcelona, UEFA Champions League and Manchester City memorabilia collections.

Toure began his senior career at Belgian club Beveren before spells at Olympiacos and Monaco but his first major honours came with Spanish giants FC Barcelona, where he twice won La Liga. The Ivorian won the UEFA Champions League in 2009, playing in the Rome final famous for Lionel Messi’s brilliant header in the 2-0 triumph.

After 118 appearances for FC Barcelona, Toure moved to Premier League club Manchester City, where he quickly established himself as a vital part of the team and won three Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two League Cups.

Over an almost 20-year career, Toure played over 600 games and scored 103 goals from midfield. It almost goes without saying that Toure was one of the most influential African players of a generation.

Each and every item of Yaya Toure signed memorabilia from Icons.com comes with an official Certificate of Authenticity, which serves as your proof that Toure’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 Toure signed memorabilia is available to buy from Icons.com right now.

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



Lionel Messi Signs with Icons Again!

Arguably the greatest player ever to grace a football pitch has yet again signed with Icons.com, showcasing the unique and exclusive relationship we have with the Argentine record-breaker.

In his third and by no means last signing of 2022, Messi added his signature to yet more incredible memorabilia. The signing took place on September 8th, 2022 in the French capital of Paris.

All-new Messi signed FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Argentina shirts will be available to buy online soon in our official and exclusive FC BarcelonaParis Saint-GermainUEFA Champions League and FIFA World Cup memorabilia collections.

Currently playing for French giants Paris Saint-Germain, Messi has consistently set the world alight with his raw ability and goal-scoring prowess.

Indeed, you will find it hard to find a player who can match his ability and career record and it’s unlikely that he will be surpassed any time soon.

Messi recently broke yet another UEFA Champions League record, after finding the net against Maccabi Haifa he has now scored against 39 teams in the competition – that’s more teams than any other player has scored against.

Icons have been with Messi since the age of 17 and in turn have developed a wonderful relationship with the world’s greatest player. Icons is the only source of authentic Official Messi Signed Merchandise.

Every single piece of Official Messi Signed Merchandise comes with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) that shows Messi signing one of the items at the session, as well as the date and location of the signing. The COA is created under license by Icons.com.

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.