Tag: Football

Relaunched: The World’s Best Memorabilia Brand Now Has The World’s Best Website

October 15, 2015
Announcements

Icons.com relaunches. The world’s best memorabilia brand now has the world’s best site

Icons-World-Best-Site

Today, we’re very excited to relaunch the Icons website. We just wanted to explain what we’ve done and why we’ve done it.

Designed for tablets and mobiles

The site has been completely rebuilt and now has a responsive design which means it automatically resizes to fit the screens of a desktop computer, a tablet or a mobile device. Over half our customers view the site on either a tablet or a mobile and we’re hoping this makes it a lot easier for them to use.

Easy shopping experience

We have concentrated our efforts on ensuring that the site is easy to use, intuitive and reassures our customers of our authenticity at every level. We now have a quicker checkout, wish lists and a personal account option where you can store your details.

Showcase our licensed collection

Icons are the only company allowed to create official memorabilia ranges for FIFA World Cups and the UEFA Champions League. Today we also launch our new collection: UEFA Euro2016 France to celebrate the history and excitement around next year’s tournament in France.

More video content

Icons lead the memorabilia market in authentication videos – no one else does videos of this quality or standard to 100% reassure our customers on the authenticity of the products they’re buying. We showcase our limited edition products and our long term, on-going relationships with the world’s best players, past and present. Check out our most recent releases from Leo Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar Jr, as well as our summer signing with the Dutch Masters – Van Basten, Guillit and Rijkaard.

Increased security

Icons have moved onto a new open-source platform called Magento. Without boring you with too much tech speak, it basically means that the platform is regularly upgraded so we can be constantly on top of new web developments and we also have enhanced security for ourselves and for our customers too.

More news and features

We’ve also relaunched our blog on www.icons.com/news, check out articles about our recent signings. We will be integrating our videos, social media and photos as well our links to the players’ own websites and social media so we can keep you up to date with our signings and what our players are up to too.

Feedback

We’re always happy to hear from our customers so let us know on customersupport@icons.com what you think. We look forward to hearing from you and hope your experience is world class.

Dan Jamieson,

CEO Icons Shop Ltd

 

 


Neymar Jr Returns! Brazilian Talisman Signs With Icons Again

August 12, 2015
Signing Sessions

Neymar-Jr-Signing-Session-Icons

We saw Neymar for another special signing session on August 6th 2015 in Barcelona. Once again a pleasure to work with, the Brazilian offered the highest level of professionalism possible. Regarded as one of the most exciting talents to hit the international stage in years, Neymar Junior has the world at his feet. The Brazilian boy wonder is part of the most dangerous attacking force on the planet and in 2015, Neymar is set to take the world by storm once again with Brazil and Barcelona.

At just 23 years of age, Neymar has achieved more than some footballers do in their entire careers. Dubbed “the new Pele” by the great man himself, the young forward quickly amassed plaudits following his Santos debut aged 17. In his first three seasons with Santos, Neymar won three consecutive league titles and was awarded Player of the Year each campaign. He also beat Wayne Rooney and Leo Messi to the prestigious FIFA Goal of the Year award in 2011 for a skilful run and calm finish against Flamenco. At just 18, Neymar made his debut for the Seleção and now just five years later is the focal point and captain of the Brazil national side. He was a constant goal threat at the FIFA World Cup in Brazil before injury ruled him out of the semi-finals. The forwards’s style is rooted in the street football he played growing up in Sao Paulo; all sharp touches, stylish step-overs and incisive flicks.

Joining Barcelona after a sensational 2013 Confederations Cup, Neymar settled quickly, reaching double figures in goals for the Catalan giants in his first season. Neymar’s quick-footed flair and incredible pace make him a joy to watch; but it’s his devastating finishing that looks set to make him a legend and Icon for years to come.  He now partners Leo Messi and Luis Suarez in the most feared strike force in the world and one that led Barcelona to an unprecedented treble in 2015, ending the season with a personal 39 goals in all competitions.

Other superstars such as the likes of Xavi Hernandez, Ronaldinho and retired World Cup winner Ronaldo have all identified Neymar as the next best player in the world. Will 2015 see Neymar inherit that title from the man who just so happens to be a teammate?  Whatever the outcome, fans are in for a treat as the best players in the world vie for football’s top prize.

New range of signed Neymar Junior memorabilia

Neymar has been signing with Icons since 2012, just before his £71.5 million move to Spain.

Neymar memorabilia is hugely popular on icons.com and we are delighted to stock products carrying the authentic Neymar Junior autograph. These include current and previous Barcelona and Brazil shirts as well as seminal photographs and posters signed by all three of the amigos. Don’t miss out on these ultimate collector’s items, a must-have for any true Barcelona fan.


We Predict… The 2015-16 Season

August 7, 2015
Previews and Predictions

 

It feels like an age since Chelsea lifted that Premier League trophy, bringing the 14-15 Premier League season to a close. It’s been a busy summer for almost every club but here we are, at that exciting stage again; the beginning of a new season! Who will emerge as champions? Which signings will prosper? Which will flop? Here is how everybody at Icons thinks the season will pan out at home and abroad…

Icons-memorabilia-3

Edward Freedman, Chairman

Premier League top four: Chelsea, Arsenal, Man City, Manchester United

La Liga: Barcelona

Champions League: Barcelona

F.A Cup: Southampton

League Cup:  Arsenal

Relegation: Aston Villa, Norwich, Watford.

Surprise Package: Sterling and Harry Kane have poor seasons. At least 2 Premier League managers go before Christmas.

Dan Jamieson CEO and Managing Director

Premier League top 4: Chelsea, Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool

Premier League top scorer: Sergio Aguero

La Liga winners: Barcelona

Champions League winners: Bayern Munich – Pep finally gets it right

FA Cup: Liverpool

League Cup: Man City

Premier League bottom 3: West Ham, Sunderland, Leicester

Positive surprise packages: Everyone is saying Bournemouth so that’s boring, how about Sterling to live up to the price tag? Crystal Palace to push for Europe

Negative surprise packages: Louis Van Gaal to be gone by this time next year having spent a third of a billion pounds on everything apart from what they need

Random predictions: The UEFA Champions League is more enjoyable on BT Sport than ITV and no one misses Andy Townsend

 

Ben Soley, Sales and Marketing Manager

Premier League top 4: Chelsea, City, Manchester United, Liverpool

Premier League top scorer: Sergio Aguero, if he can stay fit

La Liga winners: Barcelona

Champions League winners: Barcelona

FA Cup: Man United

League Cup: Man City

Premier League bottom 3: Watford, Bournemouth, Leicester

Positive surprise packages: Sterling to start 30 games and get double figure goals. Rooney to break England goal scoring record against Switzerland.

Negative surprise packages: Aleksandar Mitrovic (Newcastle United). Depay to have great opening 10 games and then go off the boil.

Random predictions: three managers sacked by Christmas day, Mitrovic to be sent off at least twice for Newcastle, Balotelli to leave Liverpool – celebrations go wrong and fire engines called to Anfield after fireworks mishap.

Margaret Plunkett, Head of Customer Service

Premier League top 4: Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United

Premier League top scorer: Hazard

La Liga winners: Barcelona

Champions League winners: Real Madrid

FA Cup: Arsenal

League Cup: Stoke

Premier League bottom 3: Norwich, Leicester, Watford

Positive surprise packages: Jurgen Klopp to manage in Premiership in 2015/16 season

Negative surprise packages: Sam Allardyce to return as Premiership manager

Random predictions: Arsenal to beat Chelsea in a Premiership game to prove Community shield win was not luck or a fluke.

 

Jack O’Neill,  Editorial Intern

Premier League top 4: Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United

Premier League top scorer: Diego Costa

La Liga winners: FC Barcelona

Champions League winners: FC Barcelona

FA Cup: Manchester United

League Cup: Manchester United

Premier League bottom 3: Norwich, Leicester, Watford

Positive surprise packages: Bournemouth to survive by playing positive attacking football. Diego Costa to miss the first month of the season getting a hamstring transplant. Never gets injured again. Jack Wilshere to look on in envy from the Arsenal medical table.

Negative surprise packages: Southampton to become the new Everton and push the top 4 all the way. Everton to become the new Southampton and lose all their best players.

Random predictions: Alan Pardew to lose his cool once again and punch Jose Mourinho on the touchline. Hazard / Oscar / Willian to outscore the Three Amigos in the Champions League.

 

Alistair Hunter, Editorial Intern

Premier League top 4: Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City

Premier League top scorer: Diego Costa

La Liga winners: FC Barcelona

Champions League winners: FC Barcelona

FA Cup: Manchester United

League Cup: Aston Villa

Premier League bottom 3: Sunderland, Watford, Leicester

Positive surprise packages: Bournemouth to escape relegation on the final day of the season; Newcastle and Aston Villa will be reinvigorated – the latter especially so.

Negative surprise packages: Claudio Ranieri will be sacked before Christmas, sending Leicester into a tailspin they fail to recover from. Roberto Firmino will score fewer than five goals for Liverpool, putting more pressure on Brendan Rodgers.

Random predictions: A goalkeeper will score at some point this season. Alan Pardew will have a quiet and controversy-free season.

 

Harm Jan Deuring, Social Content Co-ordinator

Premier League top 4: Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City

Premier League top scorer: Hazard

La Liga winners: FC Barcelona

Champions League: Bayern Munich

FA Cup: Arsenal

League Cup: Manchester City

Premier League bottom 3: Watford, Norwich City, Leicester City

Positive surprise packages: Stoke City playing Brazilian samba football. Spurs impress with youngest team ever, but will end fifth again.

Negative surprise packages: Liverpool, Southampton

Random predictions: Louis van Gaal will get his own dictionary, Depay will do better than Di Maria.

 

Scott Hutchison, US Partner

Premier League top 4: Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United

Premier League top scorer: Harry Kane

La Liga winners: Barcelona

Champions League winners: Chelsea

FA Cup: Chelsea

League Cup: Everton

Premier League bottom 3: Norwich, Sunderland, Leicester

Positive surprise packages: Bournemouth stay up, and Matt Richie is the reason why.

Negative surprise packages: Every single signing (aside from Milner) Brendan Rodgers made this summer for Liverpool.

Random predictions: Brendan Rodgers is on the hot seat by week 8.

 

 

 


He’s Back! Gareth Bale Signs For Icons.com Again

June 16, 2015
Signing Sessions

Icons met Gareth Bale for the fourth time for an exclusive signing session. This time in lovely Cardiff whilst he was on international duty with Wales.

Gareth-Bale-Signing-session (2)

Icons were given a hospitable welcome by the Welsh FA before meeting with an equally friendly Gareth. Bale signed a collection of Real Madrid, Spurs and Wales shirts for Icons, as well as his latest Adidas boot. Just a few days after our signing session, he scored the winning goal for Wales against Belgium and brought his country a step closer to qualifying for EURO 2016.

Icons have been signing with Gareth since 2011, as part of our “Stars of the Future” programme. Now Gareth is the world’s most expensive player having signed to Madrid for a cool Euros 100 million, but he’s still the same, down to earth man he was we when we first met him.

Do not forget to watch our special Gareth Bale signing video:


Cristiano Ronald & Icons Celebrate A Decade Together

February 25, 2015
Signing Sessions

We saw Cristiano Ronaldo for another private signing session on February 12th in Madrid, marking Cristiano’s tenth(!) year working with Icons.

Cristanio-Ronaldo-Signing-Session

In that time Cristiano has done it all – winning three Ballon d’Ors, two UEFA Champions League titles, two FIFA World Club Championships four League titles in two countries and broken countless goal scoring records at European and international level along the way. Yet Cristiano remains just as sincere and humble as when we first met him at the age of 20 in Manchester, in 2005.

Great pleasure

Cristiano has always been a pleasure to work with, offering the highest level of professionalism. Cristiano even turns up for the signing early, thankfully the Icons signing team are as ready as he is. Cristiano is friendly with everyone, and jokes with those in the room in English, Spanish and Portuguese, a testament that this is a man who is more than just a footballer.

New range of signed Cristiano Ronaldo memorabilia

In this special signing, celebrating his ten years with Icons, Cristiano signed Real Madrid home shirts, a new retro style Portugal shirt as well as a very limited number of Manchester United Shirts. Cristiano also signed two boot styles for us, including his new black Nike Victory V boots, which look absolutely stunning in silver permanent marker.

Finally, Cristiano signed a range of Madrid photos showing him celebrating his recent third Ballon d’Or win, scoring in El Clasico against Barcelona and breaking the record for most goals in one Champions League season on the way to Real Madrid’s famous La Decima title.

And do not forget to watch our special Cristiano signing video:


Neymar Jr Signs Icons Once Again!

February 10, 2015
Signing Sessions

Having been the first to sign with Neymar Jr. in 2012, we are pleased to announce our latest signing with the Brazil and Barcelona star. Regarded as one of the most exciting talents to hit the international stage in years, Neymar Jr. has the world at his feet.

Here you find the full, exclusive range of Neymar Jr. signed products. And do not forget to watch our video below we shot during the signing session!


Gareth Bale Signs For Icons.com Again!

November 17, 2014
Signing Sessions

Icons met Gareth Bale for the third time in three years this week in Cardiff whilst he was on international duty with Wales.

Gareth-Bale-Signing-Session

Icons were given a hospitable welcome by the Welsh FA before meeting with an equally friendly Gareth. Bale signed a collection of Real Madrid, Spurs and Wales shirts for Icons, as well as his latest Adidas boot. Being the first signing Gareth has done since helping Madrid to their La Decima, Icons have a collection of special itemscelebrating his UEFA Champions league final winning goal against Atletico Madrid.

Icons have been signing with Gareth since 2011, as part of our “Stars of the Future” programme. Now Gareth is the world’s most expensive player having signed to Madrid for a cool Euros 100 million, but he’s still the same, down to earth man he was we when we first met him.


Icons.com: Official Messi Signed Merchandise Partner

October 6, 2014
Announcements

Icons first met Leo Messi on May 5th, 2006. Although Messi had made less than 30 appearances for club and country, Icons were convinced of his potential and made the signing happen.

Leo-Messi-Signing-Sessions-For-Icons

Today, eight years later, Messi is the biggest name in world football and has a glittering trophy cabinet to prove it. To date Messi has won six La Liga titles, three UEFA Champions League titles, two FIFA Club World Cup titles and four consecutive Ballon D’Or awards to name just a few.

Despite all this, Messi claims “off the pitch I am just normal”. And he’s right. Humble, unassuming and polite, he is a pleasure to work with. On the pitch, however, he is unlike any footballer the world has ever seen.

Official Messi Signed Merchandise

On Friday 26th September, 2014 Icons saw Leo Messi yet again to sign a range of shirts, boots and photos for us and his fans. Icons have also been working around the clock to launch the new Official Messi Signed Merchandise range.

All Official Messi Signed Merchandise is created under license by Icons Shop Ltd and now comes with an Official Messi Signed Merchandise Certificate of Authenticity, which has an image of Leo signing the product line.

The full range is only available on Icons.com.