Lionel Messi of Argentina, one of the nominees for the football player of the year, speaks prior to the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2011 gala held at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 9, 2012.... (Associated Press)

ZURICH — Already considered one of soccer’s greats at age 24, Lionel Messi on Monday became the first to win FIFA player of the year three times in a row.

The Barcelona and Argentina forward received the FIFA Ballon d’Or award for 2011, beating club teammate Xavi Hernandez and Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo.

“It’s a huge honor,” Messi said after accepting the trophy from retired Brazilian great Ronaldo.

The only other three-time winners are Ronaldo (1996-97, 2002) and Zinedine Zidane (1998, 2000, 2003). The FIFA award was renamed last year when it merged with France Football’s Golden Ball.

On a night of Barcelona dominance, Pep Guardiola was honored as men’s coach of the year. He was chosen ahead of Real Madrid’s Jose Mourinho and Manchester United’s Alex Ferguson.

Among the women, Homare Sawa of Japan ended Brazilian forward Marta’s five-year reign as the top player. American Abby Wambach was a finalist. Sawa led Japan to win the 2011 Women’s World Cup and adds the FIFA prize to those as the tournament’s best player and top scorer.

Messi scored 55 goals in 2011 for Barcelona, which won its third Champions League title in six seasons, and he had four goals for Argentina’s national team. Barcelona won five trophies last year,

Messi received 48 percent of the points in votes cast by national team coaches and captains plus selected reporters. Cristiano Ronaldo finished second with 22 percent and Xavi had 9 percent to finish third for the third straight year.

“This one is very special because I want to share this with my friend and teammate Xavi. He deserves it,” Messi said.

A major international tournament victory is all that now eludes Messi. Guardiola and Ferguson agreed at an earlier news conference that Messi should be considered in the same elite category Pele, Diego Maradona and Alfredo di Stefano.

“Now he can sit beside them,” Guardiola said.

Messi joined Michel Platini in winning the Ballon d’Or for three consecutive years, though the France great won from 1983-85 when only European players were eligible. Platini called Messi “a pearl,” but said he must win soccer’s biggest prize to rival Pele or Maradona.

“Messi will always be great with or without (winning) a World Cup - but the World Cup, it’s something special,” Platini said. “I think the World Cup will stay in the mind of the people.”

Dutch forwards Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten also received three Ballon d’Or awards. Before starting his victory streak, Messi was runner-up twice behind Brazil’s Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Messi was outscored by Ronaldo in the Spanish league last season - 40 to 31 - but elevated his game in the biggest matches. Xavi described his teammate as “one of the best footballers in the history of the sport.”

“He’s still young. I think he’s probably going to break all the records that exist in the sport,” Xavi said.

U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann voted Messi first, followed by Ronaldo and Diego Forlan. American captain Carlos Boacanegra had Messi first, followed by Xavi and Ronaldo. Paul Kennedy of Soccer America, the U.S. media voter, had Messi first followed by Ronaldo and Xavi.

Messi missed a second trophy for the year’s most beautiful goal. Fans voted online from a list of 10 and chose the goal by Brazil forward Neymar in his club Santos’s 5-4 loss against Flamengo last July.

Ferguson received the FIFA presidential award from Sepp Blatter in recognition of his 25 years as manager at Old Trafford. The 70-year-old Scot has won 12 English League and two Champions League trophies.

“It is an honor for it to be given me in the twilight of my life,” he said.

Norio Sasaki was honored as best coach of a women’s team for guiding Japan to its World Cup title. Pia Sundhage, whose U.S. team lost in the final, and France’s Bruno Bini were also on the list.

The Japan Football Association received FIFA’s Fair Play award for its response to the earthquake and tsunami last March.

All three Ballon d’Or nominees were part of the 2011 all-star lineup chosen by the FIFPro group of players’ unions comprising 50,000 members worldwide. They selected a team entirely of Barcelona, Madrid and Manchester United players:

Goalkeeper (Iker Casillas); defense (Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, Nemanja Vidic); midfield (Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Xabi Alonso); forwards (Messi, Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney).

By GRAHAM DUNBAR, AP Sports Writer

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkbsENyG7b0

www.youtube.com/watch?v=16HUamnrOnY

Taçi Oil, the largest oil company in Albania, has signed an annual sponsorship deal with AC Milan for the 2011-2012 season as a premium sponsor.

Taçi Oil has had a close association with Milan for many years. Since 2008, in fact, it has been the main sponsor of Milan Junior Camp in Tirana, recognizing an opportunity to highlight its ability to growth and continuous improvement. To date, the event has involved about 1400 Albanian young players between 8 and 16 years, some of whom have had the unique opportunity of being welcomed into the great family at the annual Rossoneri Milan Junior Camp Day in Milan.

The combination of Taçi Oil and Milan has over the years led to the creation of numerous other initiatives, such as two friendly matches between the Rossoneri club in Albania, in 2008 and 2009 in Tirana where the likes of stars such as Maldini, Kaka and Beckham played. In addition, this year there has been an expansion of activities of the Milan Junior Camp in neighboring Kosovo and in the town of Pristina, in 2010 Taci Oil promoted the Tirana Park in Milan, an event dedicated to families that involved thousands of families for a whole weekend and the Milan School Cup, a tournament for schools in the capital.

The deal, which took place thanks to the help of Infront, official advisors who also aid the club in searching, choosing and managing sponsors, was signed this morning in Milan’s headquarters in the trophy room by Adriano Galliani, vice president and managing director of Milan, Rezart Taçi, president of Taçi Oil and Marco Bogarelli, president of Infront Italy.

“The signing of the deal is only the natural evolution of a well established relationship between Taçi Oil and its president that has been ongoing for many years,” said Adriano Galliani, vice president and managing director of Milan. “In what is a very particular moment for Italian football, champions of Italy Milan continue to be the most sought after club by other companies who are looking to expand their commercial options and give their name more visibility. The deal also highlights the excellent and very productive working relationship we have with our advisors, Infront, in terms of sponsors and they continue to be a vert strategic element in our partnership.”

“We have followed Milan with satisfaction from the 2010-2011 season,” said Marco Bogarelli, President of Infront Italy. “This new agreement, is the basis for solid and durable partnership and will allow the team to break into a new growth market such as Albania. Conversely sponsors will allow the company to benefit from the brand strength Milan as a means of international communication.”

During the meeting, Rezart Taci said: “As well as thanking my friend Adriano Galliani for having invited me to this magnificent hall with all the trophies at their headquarters and Infront, headed by Marco Bogarelli for giving me this opportunity, I would like to underline that it is a real honour for me personally and also for the Taci Group to be undertaking a new challenge in Italy along with AC Milan. AC Milan have always been a symbol of strength for my family and I, of determination and success, the same values with which I have based my professional career on. I love Italian football which I believe is still the best in the world. I hope, thus, that as well as bringing my group commercial success this deal will also represent the future when it comes to further international investments in the Italian game. Italy, in my opinion, is the most beautiful place in the world with infinite natural beauty ad culture and from a personal point of view, aside from the bond I have with the club, I still prefer to bring my guests to Italy and to the San Siro than to England or Spain.”

 Source: acmilan.com

The new agreements see the UK-based company installing two unique automated pitch protection systems at the home stadia of La Liga side Real Madrid and Swedish outfit IFK Göteborg.

According to an official announcement released by Matchsaver, the pitch protection system can be activated in less than ten minutes and almost entirely eliminates the need for match cancellation due to adverse weather conditions.

As well as reducing the costs incurred through cancelling matches, rescheduling and cancellation insurance, Matchsaver also can reduce the cost of undersoil heating by 70% due to its thermal barrier properties.

Paul Burgess, head groundsman at Real Madrid’s 81,1780-capacity Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, said, “At Real Madrid we constantly strive to keep our playing surfaces in world class condition, this is why we chose the Matchsaver system. It was excellent value, both in terms of cost and performance. The team’s training schedule is very tight and we didn’t want to be restricted by adverse weather conditions, I have been so impressed with the system that I have requested an additional two systems for our training ground.

Our Matchsaver system now enables us to train when we want, without interruption as the pitch can be protected from rain, frost and snow at the press of a button. I would have no hesitation in recommending Matchsaver,” Burgess added.

Financial details of Matchsaver’s new agreements were not released.

 Source: sportspromedia.com

The deal, announced at a press conference on Friday at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, sees Emirates become a Partner and Official Airline to the world’s most successful football club.

With the aid of top players like Alfredo Di Stefano, Emilio Butragueño, Raul Gonzalez, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo, David Beckham and now Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Casillas, Real Madrid have clinched 31 La Liga titles, 18 Copa Del Rey trophies and have conquered the UEFA Champions League a record nine times.

“Emirates is a world-renowned company that has always respected and valued sport. The airline shares our belief in loyalty, effort, commitment and innovation and these common principles will create a special understanding. We strongly believe this is a strategic alliance bridging us with our many followers all over the world,” said Florentino Perez, President of Real Madrid.

“Adding Real Madrid to our European football sponsorship line-up further enhances a superb list of European teams that we support including Arsenal, HSV, PSG, AC Milan and Olympiacos,” said Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group.

“Having launched flights to Madrid on 1st August last year, this is a tremendous way for Emirates to mark the first anniversary of the route, while demonstrating our on-going support to sports and sports followers around the world,” added Salem Obaidalla, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Europe & Russian Federation.

Obaidalla was present for the announcement in Madrid, along with Boutros Boutros, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications and Real Madrid President, Florentino Perez. Members of the first team also joined the event.

The sponsorship deal, over five seasons, gives Emirates international brand visibility at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium and Real Madrid City, as well as promotional and hospitality rights worldwide.

Aside from European football club sponsorships, Emirates is also an Official Partner of the FIFA World Cup™, the Official Airline of 12 golf tournaments internationally and supports a range of high-profile horse racing, tennis, rugby, sailing, and cricket events across the globe.

Emirates flies daily to Madrid, using an Airbus 340-300. EK141 departs Dubai at 0750hrs and arrives in Madrid at 1345hrs. EK 142 leaves Madrid at 1525hrs and gets into Dubai at 0030hrs the following day.

Source: gulfnews.com

“We are very proud and excited to announce the extension of our successful partnership with the Argentine Football Association. adidas is the global leader in football andArgentinais without any doubt one of the strongest teams in the world,” said Herbert Hainer, CEO of the adidas Group. “Therefore, we are very much looking forward to continuing our successful partnership and to supporting AFA in their preparations for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ in Brazil and beyond.”

“We appreciate the continuity and the confidence of adidas. It contributes to building an unbreakable bond with AFA. This agreement fully satisfies AFA and brings important values to continue to develop football inArgentina,” said Julio Grondona, President of AFA, and added: “AFA is committed and will continue wearing the shirt with pride all around the world.”

In addition to this, both adidas and AFA will continue working together to promote football at all levels of the game and in all age groups, both inArgentinaand globally.

adidas is Official Sponsor, Supplier and Licensee of the FIFA World Cup™. adidas thus provides the Official Match Ball and supplies the equipment for all officials, referees, volunteers and ball kids. In the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ inSouth Africa, adidas equipped more than 200 players and 12 teams: World Champion Spain, host nationSouth Africa,Argentina,Mexico,Paraguay,Japan,Nigeria,Germany,France,Slovakia,DenmarkandGreece. In Latin America, adidas sponsors the football federations ofArgentina,Colombia,Mexico,ParaguayandVenezuela.

In addition, adidas is Official Partner of the European Football Union UEFA and the Confederation of African Football CAF. adidas is also Official Supplier to Major League Soccer (USA) and the UEFA Champions League. Moreover, adidas is Official Supplier to prominent football clubs including AC Milan, C.A. River Plate, Chelsea FC, Liverpool FC, FC Bayern München, Olympique Marseille and Real Madrid. Additionally, stars such as Lionel Messi, Michael Ballack, David Beckham, Diego Forlán, Kaká, Arjen Robben, Bastian Schweinsteiger and David Villa represent their respective clubs wearing state-of-the-art adidas football equipment.

 Source: www.adidas-group.com

Adidas Home Kit 2011/12

The new Real Madrid kit for the coming season has already arrived. From today Real Madrid enthusiasts will be able to find the brand new kit their idols will be wearing on the field during the 2011-12 season in Adidas official shops, in the Real Madrid official shop, and all other authorized distributors.

The new Real Madrid kit stands out for its sleek and sober design. Gold is the chosen color for the details, including the Adidas logo and the three stripes; a brand new feature which represents the many successes of the most laureate club in the history of Football. For the first time since its foundation, the club has decided to include gold in the design of its uniforms. Players’ names and numbers will be golden too, matching the details on the jersey.
The badge has an innovative 3-D design, which reduces the weight of the garment, giving it an added feature. This jersey gets back to the classic polo collar, which carries the initials of the club on the reverse side. Shorts and socks have the same classic lines as the jersey and include the initials of the club:”RM”.

Adidas Climacool™ TECHNOLOGY
This jersey features Adidas’ exclusive Climacool™ Technology which ensures body temperature control and ventilation, thanks to the use of technically advanced fabrics.

Below its video made by Realmadridcf

www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Jdnd1g34Zs

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After the spectacular presentation in the Bernabeu Stadium, the soccer jersey of Real Madrid with the number 9 in the back and the name of Cristiano Ronaldo sold out in a matter of hours. Kaka’s shirt sold out as well.

The big difference between both stars is that Cristiano Ronaldo’s jersey sold out in only 2 hours (around 2000 shirts) while the one of Kaka sold 600 units in amount of time (consider that each jersey costs around 85 euros).

According to the well-know Madrilenian newspaper AS, it was so shocking the commotion that after the presentation around 300 jerseys with the name of the Portuguese Soccer Star were stolen from the Real Madrid’s official store. For that reason, the security staff of the institution had to take measures to avoid more robberies.

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