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First a message from our editor, James Andrew:
When Manchester Metropolis acquired in contact and requested whether or not we fancied interviewing newly-crowned Ballon d’Or winner Rodri in Madrid, we dropped every thing, jumped on a airplane and flew to the Spanish capital. There have been a number of obstacles in our method, however overcoming them was value it when the Premier League and Euro 2024 winner arrived on the serene setting of the Rosewood Villa Magna Lodge, sitting down with us for a chat about his superb 12 months, trophies and profession thus far.
It was abundantly clear that the midfielder was very happy with his award – and rightly so – as he made certain he used a particular material to wipe away any fingerprints on the glistening gold orb. Past that although, he was only a regular man. Well mannered, pleasant, participating and considerate all through our time with him. A traditional man who simply so occurs to be a gifted footballer.
Manchester Metropolis followers and team-mates alike shall be wanting ahead to Rodri’s comeback, as soon as he’s totally recovered from his ACL harm, and returning to the shape that noticed him voted the best participant on the earth. When you’ve learn our sensible interview on this challenge, I’d urge you to go and watch our tactical chat with Rodri on our YouTube channel. Benefit from the magazine.
Rodri: “How I received the Ballon d’Or”
The Spaniard might not act like a celebrity, however his sheer consistency noticed him scoop the game’s best particular person prize – he tells us why soccer was in the end the winner.
Ollie Watkin’s one shot at glory
Aston Villa’s marksman had barely featured at Euro 2024, however simply wanted an opportunity. From Weston-super-Mare to the Westfalenstadion, a profession outlined by seizing such alternatives was about to succeed in its peak…
Martin Adam: Euros cult hero
Standing 6ft 3in tall with a bushy beard, the goal man proved widespread throughout the continent when he emerged from Hungary’s bench in June and is now eyeing a transfer to England.
Neverkusen to Neverlusen
Earlier than 2024, Bayer Leverkusen have been notorious for by no means having received the Bundesliga – then Xabi Alonso’s males swept to the title unbeaten. These concerned recount the emotional journey…
Emma Hayes: Mission not possible
As if a report seventh WSL title wasn’t sufficient this 12 months, the managerial maestro adopted it with Olympic gold. She admits how her late father’s phrases set her on a path to the US, which led to a household assembly with a Hollywood nice.
The 30 finest gamers on the earth
FFT ranks the standout male stars of 2024, from the defensive rock named after Zorro to the aim machine who matched a long-standing achievement by Paul Jewell.
Sven, Sven, Sven-Goran Eriksson
Regardless of ascending to a few of world soccer’s most pressurised jobs, the Swede at all times used his Zen method to his benefit. Months after his passing, we salute a legendary teaching profession.
Saudi Arabia: A particular report
FIFA will affirm the nation as 2034 World Cup hosts this month, so FFT headed there to be taught what it’s like, meet Ivan Toney and watch two of the league’s largest video games, that includes a sure Cristiano Ronaldo…
Martin Keown solutions YOUR questions
The previous Arsenal and England centre-back on avoiding Highbury’s notorious ingesting tradition, turning down Manchester United, that incident with Ruud van Nistelrooy and extra.
Tactically talking
Analytical authority Adam Clery stops by to clarify why Champions League-winning boss Carlo Ancelotti stays ‘The Don’ after 30 years within the sport, and precisely why Manchester United followers needs to be excited by the arrival of attack-minded Ruben Amorim as supervisor.
Across the grounds within the EFL, non-league and Scotland
Oxford United’s globetrotting gaffer Des Buckingham reveals why coming house to guide his boyhood membership to the second tier issues…
Caley’s battle to outlive: Relegated and docked factors, Inverness Caledonian Thistle are hopeful of higher days to come back.
In Finest & Worst, The Wanderer fanzine editor Jonny King casts his thoughts again to Ceefax strikers, Wembley glory and Tony Adams insanity at Wycombe…
Centre mid to centre stage: Jim Whitley spent 13 years as a professional for golf equipment together with Wrexham and Manchester Metropolis – now he’s treading the boards.
The savage world of administration: From pantomime villain to, er, tactical doyen: Robbie Savage is proving a dab hand within the dugout with Macclesfield.
The Mixer
Our choose of the sport’s cool clobber showcases David Beckham’s new Predator boot, soccer sticker wrapping paper, traditional Christmas jumpers and Inter’s retro assortment.
Seen one thing you wish to get in The Mixer? DM Deputy Editor Matt Ketchell
Upfront
Ex-Manchester United, Leeds and England midfielder Lee Sharpe names the video games that modified his life, whereas columnist Jules Breach lists her highlights from the final 12 months.
Attempt to grasp our quiz about boiler mascots, Gazza and targets for Africa, then try My Soccer the place Sky and BBC presenter – and Liverpool fan – Kelly Cates discusses life as Kenny Dalglish’s daughter, Ronnie Whelan’s Coke bubble ideas and irking Cristiano Ronaldo.
Again to the drafting board: Manchester United and England each modified bosses in 2024 – illustration royalty David Squires reacted with typical wit.
Within the Gamers Lounge this month…
Milan legend Alessandro Costacurta displays on the Miracle of Istanbul, Jason Euell remembers his intimidating upbringing in Wimbledon’s Loopy Gang and Steve Archibald remembers how he bagged Diego Maradona’s No.10 shirt after swapping Spurs for Barcelona.
Good XI
The previous Slovakia stopper selects a facet plagued by Liverpool favourites, anchored by an iconic Mohawk-wearer.
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