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A Moment In Time – When QPR Almost Won The League

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The season is 1975-76, and QPR are about to embark on their most remarkable season in their 93 year history (to that date). Promoted to the First Division in 1973 when they finished 2nd to Burnley, they ended 8th in season 73-74, and 11th in 74-75.

October

October

They were positive about their prospects under manager, Dave Sexton
After a career that involved clubs like West Ham, Luton, Crystal Palace and Brighton, Sexton embarked on a management career.  After a position as first team coach at Arsenal, he joined Chelsea as manager in 1967.  In 1970 he guided Chelsea to the FA Cup and then the European Cup Winners Cup a year later.  Sexton was sacked by Chelsea and then took over at Loftus Road in 1974.
QPR had a tough start to the season with a home fixture against Liverpool and also a trip to Derby County in their first three matches.
Liverpool had finished 2nd to Derby County in the previous season, and 2nd to Leeds the year before that.  In 72-73, they were champions.  Derby were champions in 74-75 and 3rd in 73-74.
Sexton had assembled a playing squad that was a mixture of youth and experience.
Phil Parkes (age 26), Goalkeeper
Parkes was one of several keepers around in the 70’s who would’ve played many more internationals had Shilton and Clemence not been around.  After a couple of years as Walsall, he made his debut for QPR at the start of the ’70-71 season.  Parkes went onto make 344 appearances for QPR and then went onto make a similar amount for West Ham, but only won 1 England cap.
 
Dave Clement (age 27), Right Back
Clement made his debut for QPR in ’67, he eventually moved on in ’79, having made 472 appearances.
 
Ian Gillard (age 25), Left Back
Gillard started out in Spurs youth team before moving to QPR and making his debut in ’68.
John Hollins (age 29), Centre-Back, Midfield
Hollins, was another player who’d spent time at Chelsea.  He’d made 436 appearances in 12 years, he’d joined QPR during the summer of ’75.
 
Frank McLintock (age 36), Centre-Back
McLintock had spent most of his career at Arsenal where he was captain when they won the double in 1971.  He played for Arsenal for 9 years, he’d previously spent 7 years at Leicester before that.  He joined Rangers at the start of the ’74-75 season
Dave Webb (age 29), Centre-Back
Where McLintock had been a stalwart at Arsenal, Webb had been an integral part of Chelsea’s defence for 6 years, before joining QPR at the same time as McLintock.  The two were to form an important partnership at the back for The Hoops.
 
Dave Thomas (age 25), Left Winger
Thomas was a typical 70’s winger.  Every team seemed to have one.  He spent 6 years at Burnley before joining QPR in ’72.

Gerry Francis (age 25), Midfield
QPR was Francis’ first club, in an impressive career that saw him return to Loftus Road in ’81 and then with 2 stints as manager in the ‘90’s

Don Masson (age 29), Midfield
Masson, a Scot, had begun his career at Middlesbrough in ’64.  He moved to Notts County in ’68 and then onto QPR in December ‘74

Stan Bowles (age 27), Midfield, Forward
For many QPR fans, Bowles is the finest player to have ever worn the blue & white hoops.  A mercurial talent, of which there were plenty around in the ‘70’s, he started at Man City in ’67, before brief stints at Bury, Crewe and Carlisle.  He joined QPR at the start of their promotion season in ’72 and was an important part of their successful campaign that year.

Don Givens (age 26), Forward
Irish international, Givens played just one season at Man Utd in ’69, before spending a couple of seasons at Luton.  It was QPR where he made his name, though, joining at the same time as Bowles
 
Mick Leach (age 28), Midfield
Mick Leach was QPR through and through. Making his debut in ’65, he eventually spent 13 years at Loftus Road

Ron Abbott (age 22), Centre-Back, Forward
Abbott never advanced beyond a fringe-player after making his debut in 1973
Tony Tagg (age 17), Centre-Back
Youngster, Tagg, only played 4 times for QPR before moving onto Millwall at the end of the 75-76 season
QPR opening fixtures for ’75-76
Liverpool (H)
Aston Villa (H)
Derby County (a)
Wolves (a)
West Ham (H)
Date: 16th August 1975
Venue: Loftus Road
Visitors: Liverpool
QPR had never beaten Liverpool before.  Liverpool finished 2nd in the league in the past two seasons.  They were in their 2nd season under Bob Paisley, who’d taken over from the legendary, Bill Shankly.
QPR were embarking on their 3rd successive season in the top flight, after promotion in 1973.  Over 27,000 packed into the West London ground, eager for the start of a new season. QPR were scintillating that day.  They took the lead through a wonderful goal from Gerry Francis
That goal was later voted Match of the Day goal of the season.
Mick Leach, a 2nd half substitute for debutant John Hollins (Chris’s dad), then doubled the lead and QPR ran out 2-0 winners.  A cracking start and Rangers fans were soon to get used to a free-flowing passing brand of football they kept producing that year.
Newly promoted, Aston Villa, were the visitors to Loftus Road, three days later, and Gerry Francis was again on strike but the spoils were shared in a 1-1 draw.
The following Saturday, Rangers were at the home of the champions, Derby County.  Derby had beaten West Ham to win the Charity Shield (now Community Shield), 2-0 at Wembley just a fortnight earlier, but drawn their opening two league matches.
QPR were forced to make changes as their 2 central defenders, McLintock and Webb, were both out injured.  With a combined age of 65, the two stalwarts were replaced by Ron Abbott and Tony Tagg who had a combined age of just 39.  They were up against the formidable Kevin Hector and Francis Lee, as well as players like Charlie George, Archie Gemmill and Bruce Rioch.  Derby also boasted one of the best defensive pairings the First Division has ever seen in Roy McFarland and Colin Todd.
QPR exploded out of the traps as talisman, Stan Bowles scored a first half hat-trick, including one from the spot.  Just before the break, McFarland grabbed a goal back for the home side, but Rangers carried on in the 2nd half with further goals from Dave Thomas and Dave Clement and QPR celebrated a famous 5-1 win away to the champions.
These were indeed, heady times.
QPR finished off the month with a 2-2 draw at Wolves and a 1-1 draw at home to West Ham.  Don Givens scored all 3 goals for ‘The Hoops’.
5 games in and QPR were sitting in 3rd place.
Into September and a Dave Thomas goal saved a point away to Birmingham in a 1-1 draw. They then travelled to 3rd Division, Shrewsbury in the 2nd Round of the League Cup.  0-1 down at half-time, QPR responded with goals from Webb, Masson, Thomas and Leach in the 2nd half, and went through 4-1 winners.
Back in the league, and a season record crowd of over 29,000 witnessed the visit ofManchester United.  United, promoted from the 2nd Division the previous season, were sitting at the top of the table in their first season back, but they too succumbed as Dave Webb scored the only goal of the game, as QPR won 1-0.
This was the start of a 4-game run where Phil Parkes was unbeaten in the Rangers goal.  A0-0 draw in Middlesbro was followed by two 1-0 home wins against Leicester and Newcastle.  Mick Leach scoring both goals.
At the end of September, QPR had hit the top, and were still unbeaten.
 
October, and QPR travelled to Elland Road to play 4th placed, Leeds United.  A Stan Bowles penalty wasn’t enough to avoid Rangers first defeat of the season as they went down, 1-2.  QPR were then in action in the League Cup as Charlton were the visitors to Loftus Road, and they again had to come from behind as Bowles equalised for a 1-1 draw.
October 11th saw Everton visit Loftus Road.  QPR again put together an impressive performance as they thoroughly overran their more illustrious opponents.  Givens put the home side in front and then a pile-driver from Masson gave QPR a 2-0 lead at the break.
 In the 2nd half, 2 goals from Francis and another from Thomas saw QPR round off a fine 5-0win.  Now top scorers in the division, they were also the only side whose goals against was still in single figures.
The trip to Charlton for the League Cup replay, saw QPR progress to the 4th Round as they won 3-0, with goals from Thomas, Masson and Bowles.
When they travelled to Burnley, QPR’s progression this season was in comparison.  When they came up from the 2nd Division in 1973, Burnley finished above them as champions. Now in 18th, Burnley were desperate for the points and won 1-0.
At the end of October, they entertained bottom club Sheffield United.  Surprisingly, they proved tougher opponents than was expected but a Don Givens goal in the end, made all the difference as QPR won 1-0.
QPR went into November, still top of the table, although only on goal average from Manchester United and West Ham, with champions, Derby County, just 1pt behind.
 
 November

 

November was a busy month for the boys from Loftus Road.  6 games, including the 4thRound of the League Cup.
They started with a trip to Coventry.  A 1-1 draw saw them drop to 3rd in the table as Man Utd beat Norwich, 1-0 to go top.  West Ham moved into 2nd as they thumped Birmingham, 5-1 at St.Andrews.  The following weekend, their stuttering form continued as Tottenhamcame to visit and walked away with a 0-0 draw.  It was the first time this season the Loftus Road faithful had not seen their side score at home.
During the week they entertained Newcastle at home in the League Cup and went out losing1-3.  As they then drew 1-1 at Ipswich, the early season ambitions looked a long way off.  1 win in 6 matches in all competitions, and they’d yet to score more than once in a game during that period.
So when Stan Bowles grabbed the only goal of the game at home to Burnley towards the end of November, the QPR fans were greatly relieved.  Despite recent form, they were lying in 2nd, just 1pt behind leaders, Derby.  In fact, just 1pt separated the top 4 and it was clear the season would be close.
November ended with QPR returning to their free-flowing attacking play as Stoke were the visitors and QPR won 3-2, with goals from Masson, Clement and Webb.  As Derby had beaten Middlesbro by the same score, QPR remained 2nd going into the final month of 1975. It may have been a frustrating month, but QPR’s only defeat was in the League Cup, and after the 2 league defeats in October, this was vital.
 

December was often a real test for sides during the ‘70’s.  Back then, Christmas and Easter were crucial periods as 3 games were often squeezed into a few days.  It wasn’t that many years ago that some clubs played twice on the same day, and playing games on consecutive days was not uncommon.  A great viewing spectacle as there were plenty of matches going on, but for small squads, it meant many players just played through pain that would eventually catch up with them, come May.

A trip to Maine Road to meet Man City was first up in December, and another draw, 0-0. Then December 13 was the big one.  That point against City had propelled QPR back to the top of the table as Derby lost at Birmingham.  Now 1pt separated 6 clubs, but QPR’s goal average was worth a point at that stage.  Hot on their heels were Derby, Leeds, Man Utd, Liverpool and West Ham.
December 13, QPR v Derby.  1st v 2nd.  QPR were hopeful after their 5-1 demolition of County back in August, but it was a tight encounter this time which ended 1-1 and was most memorable for the first ever goal for Phil Nutt, who’d come on as a second half substitute for Rangers and was making only his 2nd appearance for the club.
Into the Christmas period and QPR had 3 games in a week, including a trip to Anfield on the 20th, a home game with Norwich in Boxing Day and then a trip to Arsenal a day later.
The trip to Liverpool was another 1st v 2nd, as the top 4 clubs were all on 28pts.  Rangers couldn’t repeat their performance on the opening day of the season and goals from John Toshack and Phil Neal gave the home side a 2-0 win.
That ended an 8-game unbeaten run for QPR in the league, but they responded well as Masson and Bowles gave them a 2-0 win over Norwich on Boxing Day.  The Christmas spirit didn’t last onto the next day as a trip to Highbury saw QPR beaten 0-2.
Liverpool’s form over Christmas had seen them hit the top, above Man Utd on goal average. Leeds and Derby were 1pt behind and now QPR were 3pts behind the leaders.
QPR were still unbeaten at home, but had picked up just 1 win on the road.  1976 was going to be a crucial year.
 

1976 was a big year for Queen’s Park Rangers Football Club.  They put their league aspirations aside to compete in the FA Cup.  The Third Round is often the most anticipated date on the football calendar, and QPR looked forward to entertaining Newcastle. Unfortunately the game was a tight affair with no goals.  Back then, replays were held the following Wednesday.  QPR travelled up to St.James’s Park, but were beaten 1-2, and that would be the end of their cup dreams.

On the plus side, it allowed them to fully concentrate on the league.
Following their FA Cup exit they travelled to Old Trafford.  Manchester United went top of the table with a 2-1 win. Sammy McIlroy and Gordon Hill scoring either side of Don Givens goal.
Since beating Stoke, 3-2 at the end of November, QPR had won just 1 of the following 8 matches they’d played in all competitions.  That win had taken them to the top of the table, but now they were down in 5th, 5pts behind the leaders, United.
They then hosted Birmingham at Loftus Road and seemed to get themselves back on track as two Don Masson goals gave them a 2-1 win.  They weren’t completely back in form as they went to West Ham and lost 0-1.
That was their 6th defeat of the season and the 4th in their last 6 league matches.  But that was the time when it all changed for Rangers.  They wouldn’t lose again until mid-April.  12 games unbeaten with 7 clean sheets, 27 goals scored.  Many who remember this season fondly, will point to this period as being probably one of the best times to be a QPR fan.
January ended with a 2-0 win away to Aston Villa.  Second half goals from John Hollins and Gerry Francis gave QPR, 2 valuable points, on the same day that Man Utd, Liverpool and Derby all won.  QPR were still 4pts behind Man Utd, and had played a game more.  More consistency would be needed in February.
 
 QPR were just about to hit a rich vein of form.  Wolves were the visitors on 7th February and a 2-1 lead became a 4-2 win for the Hoops.  Givens (2), Thomas and Francis (pen) were the scorers.
QPR moved up to 2nd with that win, as Leeds and Derby both lost.  Liverpool hit the top with their win over Leeds.
A week later and they made the short journey to North London to take on Tottenham.  A 3-0win showed the gulf between the two sides.  Givens and Francis (2) again were the scorers. Francis had now scored 4 goals in his last 3 games, Givens 3 in his last 2.  Rangers were now 1pt behind Liverpool and Man Utd, but had played 2 games more at that stage.
By the time Ipswich came to Loftus road in mid-Feb, QPR were in full flow and saw them off3-1.  Here are the goals from that game
Man Utd lost to Villa, so QPR were back up to 2nd place, just 2pts behind Liverpool and one of 3 teams on 40pts with Man Utd and Derby.
When Dave Thomas scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win over Leicester, QPR were now level with Liverpool who were beaten at Arsenal.  This was now QPR’s 5th straight win and they were the form side in the league.  They also only conceded in 2 of those games and their defence bore comparison with Liverpool.
Their final game of February was against the bottom club, Sheffield United.  United were in a dire situation.  10pts from safety with just 10 games to go, and with only 2pts for a win, they seemed doomed.  They managed to galvanise themselves to hold QPR to a 0-0 draw.
With Liverpool suffering a surprise 0-2 defeat at home to Middlesbro, QPR ended the month level on points with Liverpool and Man Utd, although they’d played a game more.
 
If QPR fans thought February was good, 5 wins and a draw, March was out of this world.  4 games, 4 wins, 8 goals scored and just 1 conceded.
Coventry scored the only goal against Phil Parkes in March, but that was hardly any consolation as Thomas, Francis, Givens and Masson gave QPR a 4-1 at Loftus Road on 6thMarch.
That win took Rangers back to the top of the table, and by this time they were flying.  They travelled to Merseyside next, to Everton, who were keen to avenge their 0-5 mauling at Loftus Road.  It wasn’t to be and Stan Bowles and Mick Leach scored in each half to give QPR a 2-0 win.  Liverpool, Man Utd and Derby all won too, and they were all on 45pts, just 2 behind QPR who’d played a game more than Liverpool & Derby and two more than United.
It was clear Rangers would need to keep this run going, as United then drew at Norwich in one of their games in hand, to move into 2nd just 1pt behind QPR with a game in hand.  On 20th,Man Utd were involved in an exciting 4-3 win at Newcastle, Liverpool went to Norwich and won 1-0 and Derby won 2-0 at Middlesbro.  QPR were at Stoke and Dave Webb scored the only goal of the game to give QPR a 1-0 win, and a 3rd successive win at that.  Derby were then held at home by Stoke, and moved into 3rd place, 1pt behind QPR but no longer having a game in hand.
At the end of March, the top 4 clubs were all at home, Derby beat Birmingham 4-2, Man Utd beat Middlesbro 3-0, and Liverpool beat Burnley, 2-0.  QPR entertained Man City and again Dave Webb scored the only goal of the game.
QPR ended March having won every game they could, yet were still just 1pt ahead of Man Utd and Derby and 2pts ahead of Liverpool.  Both Man Utd and Liverpool had a game in hand on Rangers too.  As April approached, QPR, still unbeaten at home, could look forward to 3 of their last 5 games at Loftus Road.  They were now in pole position, 10 games unbeaten and had only conceded goals in 3 of those 10 games.
Things were finely poised
 
The final month, and the final push.  4 clubs were in with a chance of the title.  QPR, Man Utd, Liverpool and Derby.  QPR lead by 1pt from Man Utd and Derby, with Liverpool a further point behind.  QPR and Derby only had 5 games left, Man Utd and Liverpool, 6.
Liverpool still had the Merseyside derby at Anfield to come, Man Utd had the Manchester derby at Old Trafford to look forward to.  Derby had both Man City and Everton to play, as well as an FA Cup Semi-Final against Man Utd to go as well.  Liverpool were also heavily involved in the UEFA Cup (now the Europa League) and had reached the Semi-Finals.  For QPR, only their final game against Leeds would see them meet an opponent in the top 9. They were on a run of 19pts from a possible 20 from their last 10 games.
Saturday, April 3 1976
QPR travelled to Newcastle.  Mick Leach had scored the only goal of the game at Loftus Road last September, but Newcastle had put QPR out of both the League and FA Cups. Newcastle scored first but McLintock and Bowles gave Rangers a crucial 2-1 away win.
On the same day, Liverpool beat Everton 1-0 with a late goal from supersub, David Fairclough.  Man Utd and Derby played in the FA Cup Semi-Final, which Utd won 2-0.
Tuesday, April 6
Liverpool beat Leicester 1-0 at Anfield with a goal from Kevin Keegan
QPR and Liverpool were now equal on 53pts from 38 games.
Saturday, April 10
Liverpool travelled to Villa Park and were held 0-0.  Man Utd went to Portman Road and were beaten 0-3 by Ipswich.  Derby were involved in a cracker with Man City at Maine Road.  City won 4-3.
QPR had a crucial game at home to Middlesbro.  No score at half-time and locals could be forgiven for getting nervous.  Their mood wouldn’t have improved when Phil Boersma (fomer Liverpool player) gave the visitors the lead early on in the second half.  But Don Givens, Stan Bowles and 2 from Gerry Francis (1 from the spot) gave QPR a 4-2 win
 
Those results probably put paid to the title hopes of Derby and Man Utd, so it would become a two-horse race,
Saturday, April 17
Man Utd bounced back from their Ipswich defeat by beating Everton, 2-1.  Derby drew 2-2 at home to Leicester and Liverpool won a thriller when they beat Stoke, 5-3.
QPR were away to Norwich.  They were hopeful, after their 2-0 win on Boxing Day, and were also in great form.  6 straight league wins, and unbeaten in 12, winning 11 of those.  But this was just one game too far for a QPR side who finally looked to be getting tired. Norwich took the lead, QPR equalised with a good goal from Dave Thomas, but Norwich then scored twice, although Phil Boyer looked offside.  QPR managed a goal back when Powell lobbed his own keeper, but the defeat hurt.
Liverpool were now top by 1pt, and QPR needed them to slip up against either at Man City or at Wolves.
 
 Monday, April 19
The Easter programme in the ‘70’s was a busy affair with 2 games in 3 days.  QPR were back at home for the visit of Arsenal.  Still unbeaten at home, Rangers were keen to avenge their defeat at Highbury in late December.  Goals from Frank McLintock and another penalty from Gerry Francis, gave QPR a 2-1 win.
Liverpool had to go to Maine Road and play Man City.  Heighway and 2 more from David Fairclough, sealed a 3-0 win for Liverpool.  Man Utd won 1-0 at Burnley and were still in with a chance, although a slim one.
 

QPR had just one game left, a home match against Leeds, who were 4th.  Liverpool’s final match was away to Wolves, who were battling relegation.  Because of UEFA Cup fixtures, there would be an anomaly to the schedule.  These days the final matches are played all on the last day.  Back in 1976 QPR played their final match on 24th April, and Liverpool wouldn’t go to Wolves until 10 days later on the 4th May.

Before that, Man Utd were at home to Stoke and saw their feint hopes of a title vanish in a 0-1 defeat.
Saturday 24th April
QPR at home to Leeds.  A goalless first half was interrupted by Dave Thomas opening the scoring midway through the second half.  Suddenly, QPR seemed to play much more confidence and less nervy.  Then the moment that every QPR fan had wanted, a breakaway saw Stan Bowles in acres of space and he finished calmly  and with less than 10 minutes to go, QPR had confirmed victory with a 2-0 win.  Queue celebrations.  QPR were 1pt  ahead of Liverpool and needed Wolves to win in their match in 10 days time.
Many QPR fans will point to them being champions for the next 10 days.
 
Tuesday, May 4th
Liverpool had just won the first leg of the UEFA Cup Final, 3-2 against Bruges.  Southampton had beaten Man Utd in the FA Cup Final, and now attention turned to the final match of the season.  You’d never have it happen now, but the championship decider was played the same night at the Manchester derby.  United won 2-0.
Wolves v Liverpool
Wolves were 3rd from bottom and a win would see them safe.  Liverpool just needed a draw.
Steve Kindon put the home side ahead in the first half.  15 minutes left and then Kevin Keegan put away a Toshack header.  Then Toshack, himself made it 2-1, before the best finish of the night as Ray Kennedy gave Liverpool a 3-1 victory.
 
2 years after taking on the ‘impossible job’, Bob Paisley had won the League Championship for Liverpool.  He would go onto win more trophies per season than any other manager in the English game (but that’s for another story)
QPR were left to dream about what might have been.  Their form in December and early January probably cost them the title, as did the defeat to Norwich, with just 2 games left. After they lost to West Ham at the end of January, they played 15 games, won 13, drew 1, lost 1, scored 31, conceded 11.
Several players were capped by their countries, with Clement, Gillard, Thomas, Bowles and Francis all playing for England.  Don Masson became a Scotland international.  Don Givens became a regular in the Republic of Ireland squad.
They have yet to come anywhere near emulating this.  Maybe with the money they now have they could at least consider a European place, but for now 1975-76 will go down as their greatest ever season.

Atletico Madrid

Memphis Depay – Net Worth, Salary, Contract, Tattoos, Girlfriend, Cars and more

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Netherlands and Corinthians football player Memphis Depay from a match

Memphis Depay is one of the most popular footballers in Europe right now, and here we find out about his net worth, salary, contract, tattoos, girlfriend, and more.

Memphis Depay Net Worth and Salary

Memphis Depay has a net worth of approximately £45 million which is largely down to his football career. However, some of it could be attributed to his hobby of producing hip-hop music as well. At 32, he would only expect that amount to increase in the future.

Depay signed for FC Barcelona in the summer of 2021. While he was initially offered a contract worth €7million plus add-ons per year, Depay agreed to a 30% salary cut to help the Catalan club register him for the season. He is believed to be earning a yearly salary of £4,680,000 now at Corinthians in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A.

Memphis Depay Club Career

Depay started out his club career at Moordrecht as a 6-year-old. After moves to the youth teams of Sparta and PSV Eindhoven, he was promoted to the latter’s first team in the 2011-12 season. After scoring 50 goals in 124 appearances for them, he caught the eye of Manchester United in 2015.

Memphis Depay has a net worth of £16.5million. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Memphis Depay has a net worth of £16.5million. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

The Red Devils signed the then 21-year-old forward, but things did not work out well for him there. Even though he won the FA Cup, the League Cup and the UEFA Europa League during his time at Old Trafford, Depay largely struggled under Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho, managing just 7 goals in 53 games for the club. His career received a lifeline when Olympique Lyon finally gave him an escape route in 2017.

He then became the main man in Lyon’s attack and his best season came in 2020/21, where he made the Ligue 1 Team of the Year. In his three and a half years at the club, Memphis managed 63 goals in 139 appearances. His dream move then came in the summer of 2021, when he was signed by Barcelona – who had just lost Lionel Messi to PSG – as a free agent.

Memphis Depay’s football journey continued with his move to Atletico Madrid in a significant transfer announcement on January 20, 2023. He inked a two-and-a-half-year contract with the club, marking a new chapter in his career. The initial transfer fee for this move was reported to exceed €4 million, underlining Atlético’s investment in the talented Dutchman.

Memphis Depay of Atletico de Madrid leaves the field injured. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Memphis Depay of Atletico de Madrid leaves the field injured. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Depay made an immediate impact in his new team, showcasing his goal-scoring abilities. On February 12, 2023, he netted his first goal for Atlético Madrid in a crucial 1-0 victory against Celta de Vigo.

Memphis Depay International Career

Depay has been a regular for the Netherlands and has represented them at the U15, U16, U17, U19, and U21 levels before making his bow for the senior team in his debut against Turkey in October 2013. He starred for the U17 Netherlands side that won the UEFA European Championship in 2011 and scored in the final.

He has also represented the U17 team in the U17 FIFA World Cup in Mexico. Depay has a decent record for the national team so far and is one of their star players. He was particularly impressive for the senior team during the 2014 FIFA World Cup and has been a permanent fixture in the squad since then.

Depay also featured for Oranje in the 2020 UEFA Euros. He scored three times during the tournament but could not help his team progress further than the last-16 stage.

Memphis Depay of Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Memphis Depay of Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Memphis Depay Music Career and Rap Albums

Depay has another talent up his sleeves. The Dutch superstar has used the fame and wealth acquired from football towards furthering a career in Music on the sides. He started out by releasing non-Album freestyles, with his debut track ‘LA Vibes’ also featuring Netherlands teammate, Quincy Promes.

He has also combined on hit tracks with Dutch hip-hop stars Winnie as well as Broederliefde. Depay released several singles including ‘No Love’, which came after he broke off his engagement with his then-fiancee, Lori Harvey. The former Lyon superstar’s debut album dropped in 2020, which was titled ‘Heavy Stepper EP’, and did fairly well on the Dutch charts.

Memphis Depay Family, Girlfriend, and Personal Life

Memphis Depay was born in 1994 to his Ghanaian father, Dennis Depay, and Dutch mother, Cora Schensema. His father supposedly walked out on his family when he was 4, which is why Memphis prefers if people address him just by his first name.

Memphis Depay has a net worth of £16.5million. (Photo by Flor Tan Jun/Getty Images)
Memphis Depay has a net worth of £16.5million. (Photo by Flor Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Depay famously dated model Lori Harvey, the daughter of American TV star Steve Harvey, and the couple were even engaged up until 2018, when they announced their break-up. He is believed to have also dated actress Karrueche Tran in 2015, and most recently dated American singer Chloe Bailey (2020-21).

Memphis Depay Tattoos and Cars

The star forward has numerous tattoos on his body. One of them is a tattoo on his left arm that is a tribute to his grandfather, who passed away just before Memphis’ 15th birthday. He has a tattoo that states ‘succesvol’ on the inside of his lips, which translates to ‘successful in English and a big lion inked on his back.

Memphis Depay has a big tattoo of a lion on his back net worth, salary, contract, cars.
Memphis Depay has a big tattoo of a lion on his back. (imago Images)

Memphis also has the words ‘Dream Chaser’ tattooed on his upper torso. The Dutch international also has a Christ the Redeemer tattoo on his left torso with the date ‘18.06.14’. That goal came against Australia in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Porto Alegre, Brazil.

Depay has a large collection of cars. Some of his prized assets include a Mercedes Maybach S650 – $350,000, Rolls Royce Wraith – $600,000+, Mercedes AMG G63 – $150,000, and an Audi RS6 – $100,000. He also owned a Mercedes G-Wagon as of 2016 and is also believed to have owned a Ferrari.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jafd1FulPHI

Memphis Depay Sponsorships and Endorsements

Memphis Depay was sponsored by Under Armour for a while up until a supposed split in early 2021. He has sported Adidas boots heavily and even featured in a 2014 advertisement for them. Apart from them, Memphis Depay’s endorsements and sponsorships aren’t known.

Memphis Depay Social Media

Memphis Depay is active on all three major social media accounts.

PlatformFollowersLink
Facebook5.6 millionHere
Twitter1.9 millionHere
Instagram17 millionHere

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Spain vs France: Match Preview, Team News, Predictions and More

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Spain vs France: Match Preview, Team News, Predictions and More.

It will be a game of fine margins when Spain take on France in the first Euro 2024 semifinal on Tuesday night

A mere victory away from this summer’s showpiece event in Berlin, continental heavyweights Spain and France are set to clash in the Euro 2024 semi-finals on Tuesday. Both teams have been pragmatic rather than spectacular this summer and the clash on Tuesday will be a proper tactical matchup between Didier Deschamps and Luis de La Fuente.

Spain, boasting a flawless record so far, reached Munich by eliminating the hosts, Germany in a dramatic quarter-final. La Roja struck in the dying minutes of extra time to claim a 2-1 win in Stuttgart. Dani Olmo, brought on for the injured Pedri, opened the scoring, but Germany equalized through Florian Wirtz. Just as the game seemed destined for penalties, Mikel Merino’s powerful header secured Spain’s place in the semis.

Under the guidance of Luis de la Fuente, Spain have been a formidable force. They are the only team to have won all five of their matches in the tournament. No nation in European Championship history has won six times in a single finals or posted six consecutive wins. De la Fuente, who took over from Luis Enrique, has implemented a tactical shift that has paid dividends. Spain have recorded lower possession than their opponents twice this summer, a significant departure from their ball-heavy traditional style of football.

This new approach, featuring quick passing and pace out wide, has been highly effective. Since the start of 2023, Spain has the best win percentage of any European nation, winning 15 of their 19 games under De la Fuente. Their victory in the most recent UEFA Nations League means they are now on their best winning run since the glory days of June 2010.

Spain have advanced from four of their five European Championship semi-finals, with their only defeat coming in a penalty shootout against eventual winners Italy three years ago. They now aim to reach their fifth continental final and their first since their dominant run culminated in victory at Euro 2012.

Meanwhile, France are aiming to reach their fourth European Championship final, but only their second outside of French soil. Didier Deschamps, who oversaw their 2016 final defeat to Portugal in Paris, is determined to go one better this time. Having fallen at the final hurdle in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Les Bleus will hope to make amends on the continental stage.

Since their loss in the 2022 World Cup final, France’s progress has been less smooth compared to Spain’s. They were uninspired in their last-16 win over Belgium and narrowly edged past Portugal in the quarter-finals. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan made crucial saves to take the tie into extra time, and Theo Hernandez scored the decisive penalty in Hamburg.

Concerns over the form and fitness of captain Kylian Mbappe have persisted, as Real Madrid’s newest ‘galactico’ was forced off before the shootout. Despite Mbappe’s struggles, France has managed to find a way to advance. They have scored only four goals in their five Euro 2024 matches, three of which came from penalties or own goals. The inability to find the back of the net remains a major concern in the business end of the competition.

France’s style may not be as aesthetically pleasing as Spain’s, but they have been effective. They beat Spain 2-1 in their most recent meeting, the 2021 Nations League final, and few would bet against them in this semi-final clash. SoccerSouls predicts a close clash with little to separate them on the night. We take a look at how both sides could line up on the night and what tactics they might employ.

Team News and Predicted XI

Spain

Spain’s close win over Germany in the last eight came with a cost. Daniel Carvajal and Robin Le Normand are both suspended for the game while midfield maestro Pedri will miss the rest of the tournament thanks to a medial collateral ligament sprain. De La Fuente will hope that his squad can make up for the three absences.

La Roja are expected to line up in their traditional 4-3-3 formation with the excellent Unai Simon in goal. Real Madrid skipper Nacho and Aymeric Laporte should hold firm at centre-back with Jesus Navas and Marc Cucurella pushing forward at wing-back.

Rodri should once again form the pivot in the midfield, with Dani Olmo and Fabian Ruiz pushing forward. Skipper Alvaro Morata should lead the line with the electric duo of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams providing support.

Predicted Playing XI (4-3-3): Simon: Navas, Nacho, Laporte, Cucurella; Olmo, Rodri, Ruiz; Yamal, Morata, Williams

Spain vs France: Match Preview, Team News, Predictions and More.

France

With the slate wiped clean regarding bookings, France have no disciplinary issues to worry about. However, Kylian Mbappe’s nose injury remains a source of concern for Didier Deschamps and his team.

The former Paris Saint-Germain striker has scored only one goal from 20 shots at Euro 2024 thus far and will need to discover his shooting boots to give France a good chance of making the final.

Deschamps is likely to continue with the 4-3-1-2 formation with the excellent Mike Maignan in goal. The AC Milan stopper should be protected by the back four of Jules Kounde, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano and Theo Hernandez.

N’Golo Kante and Aurelien Tchouameni should form the double pivot in the midfield, freeing up Adrien Rabiot to push forward and help Antoine Griezmann in the number 10 role. Kylian Mbappe and Randal Kolo Muani will lead the line and hope to end their nation’s poor goalscoring form in the tournament.

Predicted Playing XI (4-3-1-2): Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez; Kante, Tchouameni, Rabiot; Griezmann; Kolo Muani, Mbappe

Spain vs France: Match Preview, Team News, Predictions and More.

Key Stats

  • Spain have advanced from four of their five European Championship semi-finals in history.
  • A win on the night will see Spain become the first side to win six consecutive games in the same finals of the European Championships.
  • Mike Maignan can boast a save ratio of 94%, the best ratio of any shot-stopper in the tournament.
  • Both teams have faced off 36 times so far, with Spain coming out on top 16 times and France winning 13 games.
  • Spain have won just one their six clashes against France at the European Championships.

Match Deciding Duel

Lamine Yamal (Spain) vs Theo Hernandez (France)

Spain vs France: Match Preview, Team News, Predictions and More.

Lamal has certainly brought his A game to the tournament and will once again be Spain’s electric creator down their right flank. With Theo Hernandez and Adrien Rabiot likely to provide the thrust on the flanks for France, there will be space for Spain and Yamal to run into on the night.

This should work in the Iberian giants’ favour should Dani Olmo and Nico Williams stretch France, bringing Upamecano out of position. This should open up space for Morata to run into and cause havoc. Yamal’s eye for the audacious and his ability to get past players will certainly keep France on their toes.

Prediction

Spain 1-1 France (France to Progress on Penalties)

Given the stakes, the game is likely to be tightly contested. France have more match-winners in their squad and coupled with the absentees for Spain should give Les Bleus the advantage. The match is likely to go right down to the wire with Mike Maignan likely to come up trumps for his side in the penalty shootout.

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Lionel Messi 2023 – Net Worth, Salary, Endorsements, Wife, Tattoos, Cars and More

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Lionel Messi 2023 – Net Worth, Salary, Endorsements, Wife, Tattoos, Cars and More

Lionel Messi is arguably the greatest footballer to ever step foot on the green grass, and here we learn more about the 7-time Ballon d’Or winner’s net worth, salary, contract, and more.

Lionel Messi Facts

Birth PlaceRosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
Father’s NameJorge Messi
Mother’s NameCora Schensema
Star SignCancer
Net Worth$600 Million
Age34
Date of Birth24 June 1987
NationalityArgentine
PositionCentre-forward / Winger
Youth ClubsGrandoli (1992-95), Newell’s Old Boys (1995-00), Barcelona (2000-03)
Senior ClubsBarcelona, PSG, Inter Miami
Achievements10 x La Liga, 7 x FIFA Ballon d’Or, 4 x UEFA Champions League, Best FIFA Men’s Player (2019), 1x World Cup, 1x Copa America, 1x CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions, 8 x La Liga Golden Boot, Copa America (2021), Olympic Gold Medal (2008/09), 10 x Spanish Cup, 3 x UEFA Super Cup, 2x French Champion
Wife / GirlfriendAntonela Roccuzzo
ChildrenThree Sons: Thiago (b. 2012), Mateo (b. 2015), Ciro (b. 2018)
SponsorshipsAdidas, Gatorade, Pepsi, Budweiser, Lays, Konami, Dubai Auto Expo, Jacob and Co.
Social MediaInstagram, Facebook

Lionel Messi Net Worth and Salary

Lionel Messi has a net worth of about $ 600 million. That figure does not come as a shock considering he is arguably the best player the world has ever seen during an age where players are paid handsomely by their clubs. This figure is largely down to his career at FC Barcelona.

The Argentine superstar left Barcelona in the summer of 2021 after 21 years at the club. He signed an astonishing deal at PSG that sees him early with a weekly salary of £500,000.

According to Jorge Mas, Messi will earn approximately $60 million per year, which includes his salary, ownership stake in Inter Miami, and signing bonus. The contract is effective from July 1, 2023, until late December 2025.

Lionel Messi of Argentina reacts during the international friendly match between Argentina and Australia. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
Lionel Messi of Argentina reacts during the international friendly match between Argentina and Australia. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)

Lionel Messi Club Career

Anyone who has heard about football knows Lionel Messi. The Argentine sensation arrived in Spain in 2000 from Newell’s Old Boys. At 16 years, 4 months, and 23 days, Messi finally made his much-awaited senior team debut for Barcelona in a friendly against Jose Mourinho’s FC Porto in November 2003.

Since then, Messi has won almost everything in sight. The 9-time La Liga player of the year has also won the league title 10 times in his career and 15 other domestic cup trophies. Lionel Messi is also a record six-time Ballon d’Or winner, which is one more than that of Cristiano Ronaldo.

He has also been awarded the UEFA Player of the Year Award thrice along with a Best FIFA Men’s Player title in 2019. His record at Barcelona makes for astonishing reading. Messi scored 672 goals and provided 306 assists during his 778 games for the Catalan giants. He made his debut for PSG against Reims in a Ligue 1 match on 29th August 2021.

Lionel Messi with his 7th Ballon d'Or. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
Lionel Messi with his 7th Ballon d’Or. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

Messi’s contract with Paris Saint-Germain is set to expire on June 30, and he will leave the club this summer. He is set to join MLS Team Inter Miami as a free agent on July 1 2023.

Lionel Messi’s International Career

Lionel Messi is probably the only player to have been called Diego Maradona’s successor and actually go on to live up to that title. In fact, Messi actually bettered Maradona in every way when it came to stats and trophies at the club level. But what made Barrilete Cosmico a divine figure in Argentina was his role in Argentina’s 1986 FIFA World Cup win on home soil.

That was the argument used by many to state that Maradona’s legacy was greater than that of Messi because of international trophies. Once Cristiano Ronaldo won the UEFA Euro 2016 with Portugal, the pressure was on the mesmeric Argentine to win something with La Abiceleste.

Messi led Argentina to the 2014 FIFA World Cup final but failed at the last hurdle against Germany. He also lost in the Copa America finals in 2007, 2015, and 2016. But his golden moment finally came in 2021, when Messi captained Argentina to a 1-0 win against Brazil in the Copa America final. That was his second major accomplishment after a gold medal at the 2008 Olympics.

https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/1674724367912124418?s=20

The post covid time has been working well for the Argentine, as he led Argentina to three major trophies including Copa America in 2021, CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions and World Cup in 2022.

Lionel Messi’s Family, Girlfriend, and Personal Life

Lionel Messi was born on 24th June 1987 in Rosaria, Argentina to Jorge Messi and Celia Cuccittini. His father was a steel factory manager while his mother worked in a magnet manufacturing company. Lionel was the third of their four children.

He has two brothers – Matias and Rodrigo Messi, and a sister named Maria Sol Messi. Lionel Messi met Antonella Roccuzzo as a five-year-old, who was the cousin of a childhood best friend. The two entered into a relationship in 2008 and made it public in 2009.

Lionel Messi with his family celebrating his 36th Birthday. (CreditsL @leomessi Instagram)
Lionel Messi with his family celebrating his 36th Birthday. (CreditsL @leomessi Instagram)

Messi and Roccuzzo married each other in 2017, and have three sons together. Their first child, Thiago Messi, was born in 2012. Mateo, their second son, entered the world in 2015, while Ciro Messi arrived in 2018.

Lionel Messi Sponsorships, Endorsements

Messi is Adidas’ biggest client, earning $ 25 million yearly from his deal. He also has sponsorships and endorsements from Gatorade, Pepsi, Budweiser, Lays, Konami, Dubai Auto Expo, Jacob and Co. He earns a significant amount of wealth from numerous sponsorship deals which is understandable considering his reach and popularity.

The Argentine according to a report from Reuters has entered the world of NFTs and Fan Tokens with his recent $20 million deal with Socios.com, an all-in-one fan influence & rewards app. Messi even received a large number of fan tokens when he moved from Barcelona to PSG. He will be the brand’s global ambassador and promote Socios.com.

“Fans deserve to be recognized for their support,” Messi said in a statement. “I’m proud to join Socios.com’s mission to create a more connected and rewarding future for fans around the world.”

Messi has adidas as a part of sponsorship / endorsements.
Lionel Messi has Adidas as a part of his sponsorship/endorsements. (imago Images)

Messi has his own brand, which is branded with his last name that has become synonymous with the sport over the years. It is unclear how much money he rakes in through this avenue but given his popularity, it won’t be a small amount.

Lionel Messi has signed a contract with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS). The deal includes profit sharing with MLS partners Apple and Adidas, in addition to his playing contract. Messi also has the option to purchase a minority stake in the club, similar to David Beckham’s arrangement when he joined MLS in 2007.

Lionel Messi Tattoos and Cars

Messi is heavily inked and all his tattoos hold some personal meaning. The Argentine striker has the birthdates of his wife and three children inked on his right shin and calf. The bottom portion of his left leg features a football and the number 10, and he also has a crown on his right arm- the same as Antonela.

Lionel Messi has several tattoos on his body.
Lionel Messi has several tattoos on his body. (imago Images)

His left leg also features Thiago’s handprints and his name, and he also has a tattoo of his wife’s lips on his hips. His right arm features a prominent rosary, as an ode to his hometown of Rosario. Messi also has a portrait of his mother on his back and a large tattoo of Jesus on his right arm.

The legendary forward also boasts of some really fast and expensive cars. He is believed to have a Pagani Zonda Tricolore, several Audi Cars (Q7, R8, A7), a Mercedes SLS AMG, Ferrari F430 Spyder, Maserati Gran Turismo MC Stradale, an Escalade and a Range Rover Vogue.

Lionel Messi’s Social Media

Lionel Messi is active on two major social media accounts. He apparently does not have a verified Twitter account.

PlatformFollowersLink
Facebook114 millionHere
Instagram476 millionHere

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FAQs about Lionel Messi

What is Lionel Messi’s net worth?

Lionel Messi has an approximate net worth of $600 million as of 2023.

What is Lionel Messi‘s nationality?

Lionel Messi is Argentine.

Has Lionel Messi won the World Cup?

Yes, Lionel Messi won the FIFA World Cup in 2022.

How much did Inter Miami pay to sign Lionel Messi?

Lionel Messi signed for Inter Miami as a free agent in 2023.

What is the salary of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami?

Lionel Messi currently earns a salary of around $60 million per year at Inter Miami.

Who is Lionel Messi’s wife?

Lionel Messi is married to Antonella Roccuzzo.

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Home » Teams » QPR » A Moment In Time – When QPR Almost Won The League

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