SS Columns
Five soccer predictions from the experts that could not have been more wrong
The idea of working as a soccer writer might sound like the perfect way for a sports fanatic to make a living. But it can be a job that leaves even the biggest experts a little red-faced. Sports pundits are not just expected to talk expertly about what has happened, they also have to take on the role of fortune tellers and predict what is going to occur next. It’s an inexact science, and sometimes the biggest stories are the ones they get completely wrong.
Leicester to be relegated in 2016
When the Foxes appointed Claudio Ranieri as boss in July 2015, there was heavy criticism. The BBC’s Chief Football Writer Phil McNulty predicted certain relegation and to be fair, all the best UK bookmakers agreed. When the season got underway, Leicester were an incredible 5,000 to one for the title. The rest, of course, is history, and McNulty’s embarrassment was nothing compared to the impact on those bookmakers. These days, you never see such astronomically long odds and even bigger improbabilities than that Leicester team of 2005 winning the Premier League are seldom much longer than 200 to one. However, the pundits continue to make predictions with the same levels of certainty.
Roy Hodgson, Liverpool’s savior
The same journalists who criticized Ranieri’s appointment in 2015 had expressed the opposite view when Liverpool gave the top job to Roy Hodgson five years earlier. Headlines screamed that he was “perfect for the job” having gained experience at the highest level with Inter Milan, before going to lowly Fulham where he got them to the Europa League final. What actually happened was that he never got to grips with the role, Liverpool were bundled out of the Carling Cup by Northampton Town and Hodgson was fired after six months, with the team dangerously close to the relegation zone.
We’ve got our Arsenal back
That’s what the Gunners faithful were singing from the terraces in December 2018 as their team dominated local rivals Tottenham under the leadership of new boss Unai Emery. The press got caught up in the hype, predicting a return to the days of The Invincibles. Just a year later, Emery was out of the door and Arsenal were in disarray.
A formality for PSG
Last year’s Champions League encounter between PSG and Manchester United at Old Trafford looked like men versus boys. United were all at sea and were fortunate only to lose 2-0. The football media described the encounter as “the outcome of years of mismanagement” and feared far greater humiliation in the second leg, which would be “a completion of formalities” for PSG. As it was, United played their best game of the season, and Rashford’s late goal meant they were through to the quarter finals.
Liverpool CHAMPIONS
Surely this one is a safe prediction? The only catch is that it was made ten years too early. At the start of the 2009/10 season, an effusive Phil McNulty told readers this was going to be Liverpool’s season, and closed the article with the above two words. In fact, the team didn’t win a single trophy, finished seventh in the table and fired their manager, a certain Rafa Benitez, at the end of the season.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic 2023 – Net Worth, Salary, Endorsements, Wife, Tattoos, Cars & More
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is one of the best footballers in the world and has shined everywhere he has gone and has an incredibly high net worth as compared to the other footballers. One of the very few players to have played at the top in nearly every major European League, Ibrahimovic has gained quite a fan following on and off the pitch. Let us take a look at his net worth, salary, endorsements, family, tattoos, cars, and various other facets of his life.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic Facts
| Birth Place | Malmo, Sweden |
| Father’s Name | Sefik Ibrahimovic |
| Mother’s Name | Jurka Gravic |
| Star Sign | Libra |
| Net Worth | $190million |
| Age | 39 |
| Date of Birth | Oct 3, 1981 |
| Nationality | Swedish |
| Position | Centre-forward |
| Youth Clubs | Malmo FF |
| Senior Clubs | Malmo (1999-2001), Ajax (2001-2004), Juventus (2004-2006), Inter Milan (2006-2009), Barcelona (2009-2011), AC Milan (2011-12, 2020-2023 ), PSG (2012-2016), Manchester United (2016-2018), LA Galaxy (2018-2019) |
| Achievements | 5 time Top Scorer (Ligue 1- 2013, 2014, 2016 Serie A- 2012, 2009), 14 Swedish Footballer of the Year (2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2020), 1 FIFA Puskas Award (2013), 1 La Liga, 4 Serie A, 4 Ligue 1, 2 Eredivisie, 1 FIFA Club World Cup, 1 UEFA Super Cup |
| Wife | Helena Seger |
| Children | Two |
| Sponsorships | Volvo, Vitamin Well Sports, Microsoft Xbox, Nike |
| Social Media | Twitter, Instagram, Facebook |
Zlatan Ibrahimovic Net Worth and Salary
One of the richest football players in the world, Ibrahimovic has a net worth of nearly $190million. The centre-forward was earning £187,000-per-week at AC Milan and earns £9.7million per year.
However, given the fact that the Swede has been a professional player for nearly 22 years, he has culminated a lot of wealth and has a lot of assets to his name.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic club career
A true journeyman, Zlatan first made his name in the youth set up of Malmo FF and was later promoted to the club’s senior team. After a successful two years at the Swedish club, Ibrahimovic was signed by Dutch club Ajax. His skill on the ball, goal-scoring ability, and aerial awareness was admired a lot by the people at the club, however, he left the club in 2004 to join Serie A giants Juventus.
The Turin-based club signed the player for £10.8million, a huge fee at the time. However, although Zlatan did his job well at the club and won two Scudettos, they were stripped off the club due to an impending case on Juventus. Zlatan left the club and joined rivals Inter Milan.
In August 2006, Ibrahimovic made his bow for Inter Milan and also scored in his Serie A debut with the Nerazzurri. He was the top scorer for the club in Serie A that year with 15 goals as helped them win the Scudetto. In 2007, he signed a new contract with the club that made him the highest-paid footballer at the time. Jose Mourinho also loved the player during his tenure with the club, as Ibrahimovic was a vital part of his side.
In 2009, Ibrahimovic signed for Barcelona and played as a striker under Pep Guardiola. However, things soon turned sour between the two, and the Swede was sent out on loan to AC Milan in the following season. Ibrahimovic later completed a permanent transfer to AC Milan in 2011, and he ended the season by being the top scorer in the Serie A with 28 goals to his name.
In 2012, PSG signed the then 30-year-old for €20million and he was made the best-paid footballer in the world behind Samuel Eto’o. In his four years at the French capital, Ibrahimovic won the Ligue 1 every single year while he also won the top-scorer award in three seasons. A behemoth of a striker, Ibrahimovic excelled at the club but could not get them European glory.
In 2016 he signed for Premier League club Manchester United. Although he spent only two seasons at the club, he was loved by the fans for his magnanimous personality and his charming interviews. Although he could not get the Old Trafford outfit a league title, he was a crucial part of their Europa League winning squad in 2017 under Jose Mourinho.
Later, in 2018, Ibrahimovic signed for LA Galaxy and made the fans wild on his debut as he scored two goals, including a 45-yard volley, and completed a come-back as the club won 4-3 against Los Angeles FC. In 2019 he was made the team captain and scored 26 goals that year. In 2020, he left the club to sign for AC Milan. He retired from professional football in June 2023.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic International career
Ibrahimovic made his international debut in 2001 against the Faroe Islands and played his first competitive game in 2002 against Azerbaijan. He was selected in the country’s 2002 World Cup squad but they were eliminated in the Round of 16 by Senegal.
2004 saw a lot of sorrow for Ibrahimovic as he was selected to play in the 2004 European Championship but missed a crucial penalty in the quarter-final against the Netherlands, who eventually eliminated them. Ibrahimovic failed to shine in the 2006 World Cup as well as he did not score a single goal in the competition and was eventually eliminated in the Round of 16 by hosts Germany.
Although Ibrahimovic performed well at the 2008 Euros, his team could not manage the same, and they were eliminated in the group stage itself. In 2012, Ibrahimovic was named as the captain of his national team and performed brilliantly. However, like 2008, his team could not pull through and were sent home in the group stage itself.
The 2016 Euros saw Sweden finish bottom of their group, and Ibrahimovic subsequently announced his retirement after playing for over 15 years for his country. Ibrahimovic ended his international career as the 6th highest appearance and the highest goal-scorer (62) in the national team’s history.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic Family, Wife and Personal Life
Ibrahimovic was born on Oct 3, 1981 to Sefik Ibrahimovic and Jurka Gravic in Malmo, Sweden. The 39-year-old has one sibling called Sanela and four half-siblings. In 2002, he met Helena Seger, and the pair got married four years later in 2006. In the same year, they had their first child, a boy named Maximilian Ibrahimovic. In 2008, they had their second child, another boy named Vincent Ibrahimovic.
Helena Seger is a businesswoman and a former model but she has also been there for Zlatan through thick and thin and is often seen with him on their family trips to America, Sweden, and several other countries.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic Sponsorships & Endorsements
The Swede has plenty of sponsorships deals across the globe. Currently, he is under contract with Nike. However, he has previously been contracted to both Adidas & Puma.
Apart from this, Ibrahimovic also has contracts with Volvo, Nivea, Vitamin Well Sports, and gaming console manufacturing company Microsoft Xbox. However, there is no information on his earnings from these endorsements and sponsorship deals.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic in Popular Culture
The name ‘Zlatan’ was trademarked in May 2003 at the Swedish patent & Registration Office for ‘most likely being perceived as Zlatan Ibrahimovic’, courtesy of which he receives exclusive rights to his name.
The Swedish post office in 2014 issued a set of five postage stamps featuring Ibrahimovic. He also features in the EA Sports FIFA video games series. In February 2016, Auto Images (a Swedish Production company) released a documentary of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, titled ‘Becoming Zlatan’. In 2019, a statue of Ibrahimovic was unveiled outside Malmo’s stadium to commemorate his footballing services. The statue is 8ft 9 inches and weighs almost 500 kilograms.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic Tattoos
Ibrahimovic has 12 tattoos on his body. He has his surname tattooed in Arabic on the right arm along with his sons’ names Maximilian and Vincent. His lower back has the Buddhist tattoo ‘Five Deva Faces Yantra’, which represents wind, water, fire, creative perception & space.
On his back, he has the tattoo of a roaring lion. Another Buddhist tattoo, Ibrahimovic also has the ‘Yant Prajao Khao Nirote’ on his upper right arm, which represents stopping the suffering of a family. He also has the phrase ‘Only God can Judge me’ tattoo on his rib cage. Lastly, Ibrahimovic also has tattoos depicting a feather, a Koi fish, Polynesian tribal, and ace of hearts and clubs.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic Cars
The Swede has several cars in his lavish homes around the world. He has a Porsche 918 Spyder, Ferrari Monza SP2, Ferrari LaFerrari, Ferrari Enzo Ferrari, Ferrari 488 Pista while he also has several Volvo cars due to his sponsorship deal with them.
He currently owns the Volvo ZC70 as part of an endorsement deal. Besides this, he also has a Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale, Lamborghini Urus SUV, Porsche 911 Targa Heritage Design Edition.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic Social Media
Ibrahimovic is active on all three major social media platforms.
Read More:
- Who is Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke and what’s his net worth in 2021?
- Why NFTs Are Game Changers For Soccer Clubs
- Top 10 Most Expensive Transfers in Football History
FAQs about Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has an approximate net worth of around $190million.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is Swedish.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has played for nine clubs in his senior career – Malmo, Juventus, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Barcelona, LA Galaxy, Paris Saint Germain, Ajax, and Manchester United.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has never won the FIFA World Cup.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic earned £187,000-a-week at AC Milan.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is married to Helena SEger.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has two children.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has 12 tattoos
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
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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
Read More:
- Who is Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke and what’s his net worth in 2021?
- Why NFTs Are Game Changers For Soccer Clubs
- Top 10 Most Expensive Transfers in Football History
FAQs about Lionel Messi
Technologies That Changed Online Gambling
The constant growth of technology has impacted the lives of people in various ways in the past few decades. The advent of the Internet in the 90s has opened up a doorway for welcoming numerous features of technological advancement, modifying every possible thing we are previously acquainted with. It is especially the past two decades that has witnessed a major shaking up of the gambling industry as the foundation shifted from land-based casinos to the massive success of online casinos.
The year 2021 has experienced massive growth in online gambling features like the current evaluation stands at $70.02 Billion! The lingering effects are expected to bring in further innovations. This article revolves around the impact created by future technologies in the world of online gambling.
Mobile Technology
Modern-day punters are more inclined towards placing their bets on the go, and hence studies have found in current years, the use of mobile devices like smartphones and tablets has taken over the use of laptops and desktops while gambling. This created a major need for bringing innovation to the already existing mobile games. Matching the quality of the games that are available on mobile (for both android and iOS platforms) with the same that is available on desktop is the current requirement.
Moreover, the availability of sign-up bonuses, no-registration bonus, deposit bonus, etc., offered on mobile gambling websites, paved the way towards the improvement of mobile gaming technology. Slots, such as Wicked Winnings slot machine, are amongst the most popular games played over mobile. Fixed and multi-line slots, themes and classic variants, progressive jackpots, free spins, and multipliers are some of the key attractions in slots.
Live Dealer Games
Resembling virtual reality technology, these live dealer games are immensely responsible for shaping the way people view table games at brick and mortar casinos. Live dealer games are now being accented widely all around the globe for enhancing the casino experience of punters. Through this technology, punters can have a taste of life table games without even having to be physically present at any casino establishment. They can have the same experience socializing with a live dealer from the comfort of their home. Just with the availability of the Internet, people can bring home the collective experience of a poker room. The current market has a high demand for live dealer games as it is highly compatible with the lifestyle of the contemporary generation.
Artificial Intelligence
The utility of AI across every field possible is on the rise, including the use of chatbots and other inquiry services that are entirely managed by AI technologies. It is not only designed for smooth operation but also fault-free customer interface. The use of artificial intelligence in the field of casinos turns online dealings into more human-like. It would further make services more cost-effective and better service providing.
CryptoCurrency Гsage
The advent of cryptocurrency brought changes to the entire payment scenario of online gambling. A huge crowd has been secured by the online gambling industry after the operators started accepting cryptocurrency as a valid method of transaction. This helped a new feature to grow in the world of online casinos, that is, no deposit online casinos.
The usage of cryptocurrencies has proven itself to be one of the safest options of the transaction also by hindering underage gambling. It enables customers to stay anonymous yet carry out the transactions at any crypto casino. It can be easily predicted that the future of online casino transactions is the blockchain method. This enables the operators to keep a record of the customer behaviour to curate exclusive promotions as well as integrating other safety measures for the punters.
The most widely used cryptocurrencies are Bitcoin, Etherium, Dogecoin, and so on.
Countries with Cryptocurrency Popularity
| Nigeria | 32% |
| Vietnam | 21% |
| Philippines | 20% |
| Turkey | 16% |
| Peru | 16% |
| Switzerland | 11% |
| India | 9% |
| China | 7% |
Cloud Gaming
Cloud computing has transformed the way people have traditionally viewed technology. With the usage of cloud computing, it is now possible to incorporate several improved graphics, which has opened up ways of expanding the storage, providing a better experience to punters. Hence, it is now possible to store bulky files, which is an indispensable by-product of high-tech gaming.
Here is a list of the most popular cloud gaming platforms at the moment:
- PlayStation Now
- Shadow
- Project xCloud
- Ge Force
- Vortex Now
Big Data
As we know, in current times, the world runs on the power of data which is nothing less than a virtual fuel. Data gathered from the activities of a certain user can track down the psychological aspects on which the user operates in general. Through data, a personalized experience can be designed for every individual who is sure it’s the best and the most immersive experience a user can expect.
Online casinos can power their services using data as their tool to provide a tailor-made experience that will not only keep people hooked but increase the appeal of the particular operator.
Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
It has been a few years since the virtual reality concept has taken over the world and especially that of online gaming, setting a whole new standard for the online gambling industry. The journey of casinos started in the 18th century, which led the business to enter the current casino arena in the 21st century, which only requires a tap on the mobile screen.
This technology enables the engineering of the best quality experience as players are able to see their fellow players looking around. For a premium experience on online casinos, indulging in virtual reality is a must for future players.
Like smartphones, Virtual reality headsets and glasses are essential to replicate the feel of a regular casino using virtual reality technology.
Future Prospects: Smartwatch Technology
Just like VR headsets and VR glasses, it is another tool that serves the purpose of on-the-go mobile gambling, making it even easier and more approachable. It is ideal for youngsters as they are more inclined towards smartwatches.
For now, smartwatches are only used for receiving notifications when linked with their smartphones, but the future technology is surely aiming towards modifying smartwatches into an efficient tool for supporting online casino games. Just like the smartphone these days, smartwatches will be accessible to the population of every developing country in upcoming years, and hence there are excellent prospects of development using smartwatches as a tool.
Conclusion
All these technological advancements can add to the all-over experience of a user allowing only the betterment of services keeping in mind the individual values of customers. With time, technology delves into a state that brings practical innovations to play. It is a fascinating journey for contemporary punters to experience the rapid transformations that the industry is undergoing as a result of several major inventions.
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