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World Cup 2014

Football Fever: It Never Ends!

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Football is never far from the headlines. England are on their way home from Brazil having disappointed a nation, but in just a month’s time thoughts will turn from international football to the domestic game and the Premier League in particular.

For some supporters, their clubs will always be more important than how England fare in tournament football. For some, international breaks are a chore and a distraction from the main event, which is how their team is doing, either at the top of the game or further down towards the bottom of the football pyramid.

While the world watches events in South America, many fans’ thoughts will turn to how their teams will do next season and, if they are supporters of a team outside the Premier League, the question of Wayne Rooney’s form in an England shirt will become a distant memory.

Now that football is often a year-round sport (the summer months of June and July are taken up with football this year) it sometimes overshadows other great sports and activities during this time of year.

World cup

For example, there are several big events happening in the world of poker during these summer months. Poker is a growing activity with many around the world now playing online; from Texas Hold’em and Omaha to Stud and Badugi, all variations of the game are growing in popularity.

However, rather than competing with football, poker is embracing the mood and joining in the summer of fun with its own competition, Football Fever, which takes place online at PokerStars throughout June, eventually finishing on July 13.

Football Fever offers new challenges every day. Those players who succeed in the initial challenge will be awarded a tournament ticket that can be used to predict an upcoming football game. Those going further in the challenge can then win cash in an All-in Shootout tournament.

Football Fever also offers a Mission Week which again leads to cash prizes and a phase tourney with $1m guaranteed. More details can be found here. By the time Football Fever comes to an end, domestic football will be almost ready to take off once again. Wimbledon will be over, the cricketing summer will be coming to an end and football will be ready to resume its place at the top of the sporting headlines.

Despite the game having centre stage throughout the whole summer, domestic football will once again throw up some intriguing questions. Do Manchester City have the strength in depth to defend the Premier League title won last year? How will Manchester United react with new manager Louis van Gaal at the helm? Will Chelsea be stronger and was last year the closest that Liverpool will get to the trophy? Arsenal led the table for much of the season but fell away later on. Having won the FA Cup, Arsene Wenger will be desperate to get the Premier League trophy back into the Emirates trophy cabinet.

Once we think of these issues it is easy to get excited about the new season even though the whole summer has been dominated by the game. The Premier League always generates great interest throughout the world and, with so many players having represented their countries in recent weeks, it will be fascinating to see how they manage the transition back with their clubs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

England

Howard Webb – Net Worth, Wife, Salary, Current Job, Controversies, and more

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Howard Webb from a match

Howard Webb is an English former professional football referee who primarily officiated the premier league matches and international matches, and here in this article, we will see Howard Webb’s Net Worth, Wife, Salary, Current Job, Controversies, and more.

Howard Melton Webb famously known as Howard Webb was officiating Premier League matches since 2003 and also officiating FIFA matches since 2005. He retired from refereeing in 2014 and in his period, he has officiated about 567 official matches. Let’s get to know about the former referee later in this blog.

Howard Webb Net Worth and Salary

The former English referee is said to be having a net worth of around $5 million. Webb’s primary source of income was through his refereeing career. He is certainly a famous referee and personality in England. Howard Webb is the Chief Refereeing Officer for the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), but his income is not revealed. Howard Webb might have his own ventures as well, but there is no information about the same. He is one of the finest referees of Fifa World Cup and EPL as well.

Apart from refereeing, Howard has also earned by serving as an analyst, and is currently the Chief Refereeing Officer at PGMOL. His salary details from when he served in the premier league are not available right now. But certainly, he might have earned much with his seniority in the field, and will currently be pocketing a decent paycheck.

Howard Webb Refereeing Career

Howard began his career by refereeing the local league in 1989. In 1993, Howard was promoted to the Northern Counties East League as an assistant referee but became a referee two years later. In 1998, Howard got promoted as a Football League assistant referee and again in a year’s time, got the chance to become a referee which he didn’t deny.

Howard was added to FIFA’s international referees’ list in 2005 and since then, he was allowed to officiate football’s high-profile matches including UEFA Champions League matches and FIFA World Cup matches.

Howard Melton Webb gestures during the Round of 16 football match between Brazil and Chile. (Photo credit should read JUAN MABROMATA/AFP via Getty Images)
Howard Melton Webb gestures during the Round of 16 football match between Brazil and Chile. (Photo credit should read JUAN MABROMATA/AFP via Getty Images)

Webb’s first appearance as a referee in the top tier football was when Fulham faced Wolverhampton Wanderers in the league. He has officiated many important matches including the 2005 Community Shield final, 2006 FA Cup final, 2007 Football league cup final, 2009 FA Cup final and many.

Apart from club football, Howard has also officiated International football matches. His first international match as a referee was when Portugal faced Ireland in 2005. He then officiated his first champions league match in 2006 and went on to officiate the Champions League final in 2010 at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium between Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.

He was also a part of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2014 FIFA World Cup officiating a total of 6 world cup matches in his career and has also officiated 3 matches in the 2012 UEFA Euros. He was also appointed to officiate in the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil.

English referee Howard Webb was a part of 2010 FIFA World Cup. (Photo credit should read FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images)
English referee Howard Webb was a part of 2010 FIFA World Cup. (Photo credit should read FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images)

Howard Webb Early Life

Howard Webb was born on 14 July 1971 in Yorkshire to the couple Billy Webb and Sylvia. Howard’s father Billy was an official referee for almost 35 years. Following in his dad’s footsteps, Howard started his career as a referee when he was just 18 years. He studied at the Brinsworth Comprehensive School.

Howard Webb Wife – Bibiana Steinhaus

Howard married Bibiana Steinhaus in March 2021. Bibiana is a German Bundesliga referee and the couple hopes to lead a pleasant life ahead. Howard was previously married to Kay Webb but unfortunately ended their relationship in 2016. He has three children Holly, Jack and Lucy Webb with his Ex-wife.

Howard Webb Other Jobs

Before becoming a full-time referee, Howard served as a police officer in the South Yorkshire Police Department. He then left the job to focus completely on refereeing. After retiring from refereeing, Howard took up the role of Technical director of the Professional Game Match Officials Board in 2014.

He then switched jobs by joining BT Sports as an analyst, and also became the director of referees for the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. Later in 2017, he resigned from the post and became the Manager of Video Assistant Referee Operations for Major League Soccer. In 2022, it was announced that Howard would be a chief refereeing officer for the Professional Game Match Officials Limited.

Howard Webb has a net worth of $4.2 million. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Howard Webb has a net worth of $4.2 million. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

After retiring from active refereeing in 2014, Howard Webb transitioned into a role as a technical director of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), where he contributed to the development and training of referees in the English game.

Howard Webb Controversies

The most controversial moment of Howard was in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, when the Netherlands faced Spain in the final. Netherlands player Nigel de Jong landed a karate-like kick in the chest of Xabi Alonso but escaped a red card for the foul. Many rumours were there saying that Howard was biased over Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United which led the former Liverpool striker Ryan Babel to post a meme with Howard in a Man United jersey on his social media account.

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What is the net worth of Zinedine Zidane? Learn more about his family, career records, and more

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Zinedine Zidane is one of the greatest in the history of the game and here is all about his net worth, family, and more

Net Worth (2023) $120million
Salary (2023) $14million
Age 51
Date of Birth 23 June, 1972
International team France
Current clubNA
Father’s NameSmail Zidane
Mother’s NameMalika Zidane

Net Worth 

Zinedine Zidane has been around the footballing scene for a long time now, and it’s not surprising that his net worth is touted to be in the region of $120million in 2023.

Having retired as a player, it wasn’t until 2016 that Zidane began his job as the manager of Real Madrid

Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid side are four points behind Atlético in La Liga. Photograph: Javier Soriano/AFP/Getty Images
Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid side are four points behind Atlético in La Liga. Photograph: Javier Soriano/AFP/Getty Images

There are only a few names in European football who have achieved such success as both a player and a manager. And it’s safe to say that the best of Zidane is undoubtedly yet to come.

The gaffer currently pulls a salary of around €12m on a yearly basis for managing Madrid. However, the wage is bolstered by multiple incentivized bonuses. 

Playing career

Zidane’s most renowned career moment was undoubtedly the head-butting incident during the 2006 FIFA World Cup that seemed to completely shock the footballing world.

Many, to this day, argue that if it wasn’t for Zidane’s decision to go through with in, France could’ve been able to go on and beat Italy to the title that year. 

France legend Zinedine Zidane headbutts Italy’s Marco Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup Final. (Credits: Getty Images)
France legend Zinedine Zidane headbutts Italy’s Marco Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup Final. (Credits: Getty Images)

The attacker went on to earn more than 100 caps for the French national team in his career. Zidane was part of the squad that won the FIFA World Cup in France all the way back in 1998, and also the team that secured the European Championships in Belgium a couple of years later. 

The Frenchman was a trendsetter in terms of his ability on the pitch though, as was displayed from his long spells at Juventus and Real Madrid – arguably the two grandest clubs in world football.

Add in the fact that he made more than 150 La Liga and Serie A appearances each, and it begins to become clear that Zidane is a true legend of the European game. He was a part of the Los Blancos team which included Luis Figo, Ronaldo, David Beckham, and Roberto Carlos. 

Managerial Career 

Zidane was first appointed as the manager of Real Madrid back in January 2016, after a long spell working with the Castilla side at the Bernabeu.

His association with Madrid began in 2012, when he was appointed initially as the sporting director, with promotions to U17 team manager, Castilla assistant coach, and then Castilla manager, all happening within a few years. 

Zidane helped Real Madrid win three consecutive Champions League. (Credits: Getty Images)
Zidane helped Real Madrid win three consecutive Champions League. (Credits: Getty Images)

After being given the first-team job, it’s safe to say that the Frenchman has an instant impact. He helped Los Blancos secure the Champions League title in his first season in charge. This formidable feat was repeated during the next two La Liga campaigns.

In the summer of 2018, with three back-to-back Champions League winners medals under his belt, Zidane decided to call it quits. 

The Madrid fan base was thankful for his efforts. Although the La Liga club did find a replacement, he was brought back in March 2019.

The French legend prefers to utilize a free-flowing style of attacking football. This involves a considerable amount of quick passing in midfield and proper utilization of the wide areas. 

Personal Life 

The Zidane has been just as successful in his personal life, as he has been in football.

Zinedine Zidane and his wife Veronique at The Best FIFA Football Awards at TPC Studio in Zurich, Switzerland. (Credits: Getty Images)
Zinedine Zidane and his wife Veronique at The Best FIFA Football Awards at TPC Studio in Zurich, Switzerland. (Credits: Getty Images)

Having met his wife, Veronique, all the way back when he was 17, the pair now have four children. All of whom are involved in the footballing world.

Enzo Zidane, Luca Zidane, Theo Zidane and Elyaz Zidane are the Frenchman’s four kids. While Luca and Enzo are plying their trades elsewhere, Theo and Elyaz are still working their way up the ranks at Madrid. 

Sponsorships And Endorsements 

The Frenchman, unlike some of the other players from his generation, wasn’t involved in too many sponsorship or endorsement deals. The Madrid manager’s biggest presence was with universal sporting goods company Adidas, while network provided Orange also utilized his services. 

An unlikely recipient that utilised Zidane as their company’s face was India-based real estate firm Kanakia Group. The World Cup winner was appointed as the company’s brand ambassador, so as to promote business in a worldwide market. 

Charity And Awareness 

Zidane was appointed by the United Nations as the ambassador to their United National Development Programme back in 2001. Having come through a childhood that was stricken due to the harsh realities of poverty, Zidane worked hand-in-hand with the UN to promote the UNDP’s mission to wipe poverty from the face of the earth. 

The Frenchman has also represented in multiple charity matches that have been conducted by FIFA and UEFA.

Zinedine Zidane for Real Madrid in a Champions League game (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Bongarts/Getty Images)

Zidane has featured in fundraising matches for various issues – including the crisis in the core of the African continent. He also helped fund the fight against Ebola in some African nations. 

What cars does Zidane own?

The Frenchman isn’t the most flamboyant of managers. Hence, he doesn’t have the number of automobiles that some of the other names in the industry do.

Zidane with his Audi RS3. (Credits: Instagram)
Zidane with his Audi RS3. (Credits: Instagram)

He does own a Ferrari and an Audi R8. However, the former World Cup winner is often seen driving around in his luxury Range Rover. 

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AC Milan

Best England World Cup Team Of All Time

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English midfielder David Beckham during a press conference.

The England national football team has been competing in the FIFA World Cup since 1950 and has produced many legends and legendary moments in the tournament and here in this article, we will see the best world cup 11 of England.

England’s national team has not really been a successful team with respect to the talents they have in every cup competition. It is one of the underperforming nations in the World Cup and they hope to lift away the curse in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Let us see the best players in each position to feature for England in the World Cups in a 4-4-2 formation.

Goalkeeper – Peter Shilton

Peter Leslie Shilton, shortly called Peter Shilton, holds the all-time record for most matches played – 1390. He represented England’s national team for 20 years. He played the majority of his career at Nottingham Forest and Southampton.

He is the most capped player in England’s national team with 125 appearances. He has been named in the top ten goalkeepers of the 20th century by IFFHS and his longevity in his footballing career earns a spot in the Best 11 squad.

Right-Back – Gary Neville

Gary Neville currently works as a football pundit for the English media and was one of the best fullbacks in the past. He played for Manchester United for more than 20 years and has made 400 league appearances for the side.

He is known for his work rate, consistency and aggressive capabilities. He even played as a centre-back due to his positional sense.

Centre-back – Bobby Moore

Robert Frederick Chelsea Moore famously called Bobby Moore is a former West Ham United player and the club retired his number 6 after his death. He has made 108 appearances for England’s national team.

He led England’s team to their first World Cup trophy in 1966. The player was crucial in the cup and there is no doubt that he is one of the best centre-backs to ever play for England.

Centre-back – Billy Wright

Billy Wright is a Wolverhampton Wanderers legend and has made over 540 appearances for the club. He played as a captain for the country from 1948 and made 90 appearances for the country as a captain.

He was the first football player to earn more than 100 caps and was a great captain. He earns the spot on this list for his leadership qualities and elite mentality.

Left-back – Ashley Cole

Ashley Cole is the most-capped England fullback with 107 appearances. He has featured in 2002, 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cup. He was voted England’s player of the year in 2010. The player played the majority in Arsenal’s 4-4-2 formation and best suits in this team.

Left-midfielder – Bobby Charlton

Sir Robert Charlton CBE famously known as Bobby Charlton is a former English midfielder who played most of his career at Manchester United. He has made 106 appearances for England’s national team scoring 49 goals.

The player featured in the 1966 FIFA World Cup final against West Germany and won the match to give England their first World Cup.

Centre-midfielder – Frank Lampard

Frank Lampard is one of the best midfielders to feature in the Premier League. He has been one of the best midfielders in England’s team and has featured in the 2006 and 2010 World Cup. He earns his spot in this team for his leadership and for his offensive contributions.

Centre-midfielder – Steven Gerrard

Steven George Gerrard MBE famously called Steven Gerrard is a former Liverpool player. He earned 114 caps for England and has captained both England and Liverpool in his career.

The player is the best fit for the midfield role and was known for his partnership on the field with Frank Lampard. He was the top scorer for England in the 2006 World Cup.

Right-midfielder – David Beckham

David Robert Joseph Beckham OBE famously called David Beckham is a Manchester United legend. He is one of the best midfielders of the game and also one of the best spot-kick takers and was known for his bending freekicks. He had good crossing abilities from the right flank.

He made his first World Cup debut in the 1998 FIFA World Cup and has featured in three editions of the World Cup including the 1998, 2002 and 2006 World Cup. He captained England’s team from 2000.

David Beckham of England grimaces during the FIFA 2010 World Cup. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Striker – Jimmy Greaves

Jimmy Greaves has been one of the best strikers for England’s national football team. He has scored 44 goals in his 57 appearances for the country and has the most goals per match contribution for England as a striker with more than 50 appearances.

He is gifted with pace and the striker was a part of the national team that won the 1966 FIFA World Cup.

Striker – Harry Kane

Harry Kane is the current England team captain and has scored 51 goals for the country. He won the Golden Boot in the 2018 FIFA World Cup with 6 goals in the tournament. He is just two goals short of being England’s all-time top scorer.

Harry Kane

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He is ambitious about the 2022 FIFA World Cup and is definitely a contender for the Golden Boot in this World Cup edition.

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