Tag: Paris Saint-Germain

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.


Our First Official Messi Signing Of 2023!

January 30, 2023
Signing Sessions

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.


CLOSED | GIVEAWAY! Win A Leo Messi Signed & Official Paris Saint-Germain Framed Shirt!

December 21, 2022
Giveaways & Competitions

After the huge success of our giveaway with the newly-crowned megastar world champion Lionel Messi, we’re giving away yet more official Messi signed memorabilia – this time over on our official TikTok page!

The prize up for grabs this week is an official Paris Saint-Germain framed shirt signed by the Argentine icon during a private signing session in Paris on May 23rd, 2022.

And, as ever, it could not be simpler to enter our giveaway. All you need to do to be in with a chance of taking home this superb piece of signed football memorabilia is to follow our official TikTok page and tag a friend in the comments!

TO ENTER VIA TIK TOK:

1) Tag a friend in the comments of our official giveaway post

AND

2) Follow Icons.com’s official TikTok account

The prize is a Lionel Messi Official Paris Saint-Germain Back Signed and Framed 2021-22 Home Shirt: Icon Edition (Icons.com SKU ICLMPSGS17PSGF2), which comes complete with an official Paris Saint-Germain Certificate of Authenticity (COA). The COA has photographic evidence of Messi with the shirt in question as well as providing the location at which the shirt was signed – so you can be sure this is the real deal!

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 a chance to win 1x Lionel Messi Official Paris Saint-Germain Back Signed and Framed 2021-22 Home Shirt: Icon Edition (Icons.com SKU ICLMPSGS17PSGF2).
  3. Multiple entries per person are permitted. Entries will be accepted on TikTok 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.
  4. To enter this prize draw on TikTok, entrants must follow Icons.com’s official TikTok account (@icons_memorabilia) and tag an account that is not their own in the comments section. Entrants will need to do both to validate their entry into the giveaway.
  5. The winner of the giveaway will be selected at random by Icons.com.
  6. No purchase is necessary to enter this promotion, however internet access is required.
  7. The prize is non-refundable, non-transferable and non-exchangeable and there is no cash alternative offered.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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).
  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. 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.

Shop from our full range of 100% Official Messi Signed Merchandise signed items by visiting Icons.com today…

Follow Icons on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all our latest blog posts, special offers and competitions.


Lionel Messi Signs with Icons Again!

September 16, 2022
Signing Sessions

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 Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, UEFA 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.


Second Messi Signing of 2022 for Icons.com!

May 23, 2022
Signing Sessions

Global megastar Lionel Messi has yet again put pen to product in an exclusive new official signing with Icons.com.

In his second signing of 2022, Messi added his signature to even more incredible Official Messi Signed Merchandise. The signing took place on May 23rd, 2022 in the French capital of Paris.

Messi signed FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Argentina shirts are available to buy online now in our official and exclusive FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, UEFA Champions League and FIFA World Cup memorabilia collections.

Messi, who is currently strutting his stuff along side fellow icon Neymar Jr for Paris Saint-Germain, has enjoyed what is among the most remarkable careers in all of football history.

To name but a few of Messi’s honours, he boasts an incredible seven Ballon d’Ors, 10 La Liga titles, and four UEFA Champions League winner’s medals. He most recently won the Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint-Germain in 2021-22.

It’s safe to say Messi’s ability will be hard to emulate for some years to come. That’s why Icons are so proud to have been with him every step of the way for almost 20 years.

Every single piece of Official Messi Signed Merchandise comes with a Certificate of Authenticity 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.


Lionel Messi Signs Again for Icons.com!

April 14, 2022
Signing Sessions

Icons.com’s decade-long official relationship with Lionel Messi has paid off once again as the global superstar put pen to product in our first signing of 2022 with the Argentine maestro.

The private signing session took place in Paris on April 13th, 2022 at which Messi signed a superb collection of incredible pieces of memorabilia, including shirts, boots, balls and photos.

We now have even more Official Messi Signed Merchandise in stock, including FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Argentina shirts. They are also available to buy online in our official and exclusive FC Barcelona, UEFA Champions League and FIFA World Cup memorabilia collections.

In terms of pure ability and astonishing natural talent, Messi has continued to set the bar high and has forged a career that will be talked about for decades to come. Having scored an incredible 672 goals in 778 FC Barcelona appearances, Messi not only broke a club record but also a La Liga record.

Every piece of Official Messi Signed Merchandise comes with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) that shows Messi signing these great items at the session in question, as well as details of the date and location of the signing. Our official COAs are created under license by Icons Shop Limited. So, any Messi signed product that doesn’t come with an official COA is not official and therefore cannot to be trusted.

For all the latest on which global megastar 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 Superstar Lionel Messi!

December 17, 2021
Signing Sessions

Icons.com are delighted to confirm that Lionel Messi has once again put pen to product at the latest of our official signing sessions with the global superstar.

The private signing session took place in Paris on December 16th, 2021 at which Messi signed a vast array of incredible pieces including shirts, boots, balls and photos.

Messi-signed FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Argentina shirts are available to buy online now in our official and exclusive FC Barcelona, UEFA Champions League and FIFA World Cup memorabilia collections.

We all know that Messi needs no introduction but it’s impossible not to marvel at his superhuman ability and hall of fame playing record. Now plying his trade at PSG, Messi has been the focal point of some of European football’s most deadly attacks in every season he has played.

Breaking over 20 records at FC Barcelona, including the club’s all-time goalscoring record and winning the Ballon d’Or more than any other player, Messi now set his sights on breaking records in France at another of the world’s biggest clubs.

As Lionel Messi’s official and exclusive worldwide signing partner and licensee, we at Icons.com pride ourselves on the fact that we have been signing with him since the age of 17. That’s almost 20 years of signing with one of the world’s greatest ever players.

All Official Messi Signed Merchandise comes with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) that shows Messi signing the item in question at our session, as well as detailing the date and location of the signing. The COA is officially branded and created under license by Icons Shop Limited.

For all the latest on which global megastar 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.

The private signing session took place in Paris on 16th December 2021 where Messi signed a vast array of incredible pieces including shirts, boots, balls and photos.

Messi signed Barcelona, PSG, Argentina shirts are available to buy online now not only in sleek Icons.com presentation options but also in our official and exclusive FC Barcelona, UEFA Champions League and FIFA World Cup memorabilia collections.

We all know that Messi needs no introduction but it’s impossible not to marvel at his vast ability and playing record. Now plying his trade at PSG, Messi has been the focal point of Barcelona’s attack force in every season he has played.

Breaking over 20 records at Barcelona, including becoming their all time top goal scorer and winning the most Ballon d’Or awards, Messi will no set his sights on breaking some records in France, which we are sure he will.

As Icons are Lionel Messi’s official and exclusive worldwide signing partner and licensee, we pride ourselves on the fact that we have been signing with him since the age of 17. That’s almost 20 years of signing with the worlds greatest player.

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

For all the latest on which global megastar 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.


CLOSED | GIVEAWAY! Win a Cristiano Ronaldo or Neymar Jr signed plaque and photo frame!

February 5, 2019
Giveaways & Competitions


It’s giveaway time! To celebrate the joint birthday of two of our favourite Icons, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar Jr, we’re offering you the chance to win a signed plaque and photo frame from one of these two legends of the modern game. ‘Sounds good but how do I enter?’ I hear you ask?

Well, as ever, it could not be simpler. All you need to do to be in with a chance of winning is:

  1. Subscribe to the Icons.com email newsletter via this handy little link
  2. Update your preferences and tell us who your favourite player or players are

When the competition closes on Friday February 8th at 12pm GMT we’ll be taking every name on our subscriber list, grabbing all the good folk who’ve updated their preferences, and drawing two lucky winners from the whole lot. So, make sure you’re in before midday Friday!

Good luck everyone!

(Now, for the boring bit…) 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 65 New Cavendish Street, London, W1G 7LS) (the “Promoter”).
    2. The Promoter is offering those who enter this promotion a chance to win either a Cristiano Ronaldo Signed Plaque and Juventus Photo Frame OR a Neymar Jr Signed Plaque and Paris Saint-Germain Photo Frame. Valid entrants will only be eligible to win one of the two prizes on offer.
    3. Entrants must be aged 14 years or over. This promotion is not open to any employees of the Promoter or any of their affiliate companies, their families, agents or anyone else connected with this prize draw.
    4. Multiple entries per person are not permitted. Entries will only be accepted provided they fit the entry criteria outlined in these terms and conditions (paragraph 5). 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 entrants must be subscribed to the official Icons.com Newsletter (icons.com/newsletter) and must have either “Cristiano Ronaldo”, “Cristiano”, “CR7”, “Ronaldo”, “Neymar” or “Neymar Jr” in the Favourite Players field of their subscriber preferences.
    6. No purchase is necessary to enter this promotion, however internet access is required.
    7. The promotion is open to entries until 12pm GMT on 8th February 2019 (the “promotional period”).
    8. Only one winner per prize will be drawn. The prizes are non-refundable, non-transferable and non-exchangeable and there is no cash alternative offered.
    9. 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.
    10. The winner will be selected from all valid entries received during the promotional period. The draw will take place no later than seven days following the end of the promotional period.
    11. The winner will be notified within five days of the draw via the email address with 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.
    12. The prize will be sent via post to the address supplied within two weeks following provision of the winner’s address in accordance with paragraph 13.
    13. The name and county of residence of the winners 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.
    14. 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.
    15. 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).
    16. 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.
    17. 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.
    18. 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.
    19. 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.

    Shop from our full range of 100% authentic Dele signed items by visiting Icons.com today…

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