International

Born in Flero, Italy, on 19th May 1979, Andre Pirlo, nicknamed l'architetto (‘the architect’), is a living legend of Italian football. One of the most iconic and cultured playmakers of recent generations, he has enjoyed a football renaissance in the twilight of his career. Having served as an integral part of AC Milan’s midfield for over decade, he began to feel that he was becoming...

In support of the Football Supporters’ Federation’s ‘Away Fans Matter’ campaign and inspired by a line from Herman Melville’s evocative 1851 masterpiece, Moby Dick, this design romantically portrays the unconditional devotion of the dedicated Away Fan, as a restless, driven adventurer. The design presents a beautiful visual analogy for the extreme lengths that the Away Fan goes to; the incredibly...

It began in 1872, on a cold field in Glasgow — the first international football match the world had ever seen. On that day, the England team took to the pitch wearing an emblem that would come to define generations: three lions within a shield, a reflection of England’s ancient coat of arms. The lions were navy blue, their eyes...

RIP Johan Cruyff: April 25, 1947 - March 24 2016. Born in Amsterdam, Holland, Hendrik Johannes Cruijff (Cruyff) was one of the most famous exponents of the football philosophy known as Total Football explored by Rinus Michels for Ajax of Amsterdam and KNVB. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. He was described as 'Pythagoras in...

Paul John Gascoigne (born 27 May 1967, Dunston, Gateshead, England), commonly referred to as Gazza, joined Newcastle United as an apprentice in 1983. His talent as a youngster was recognised by manager Jack Charlton who handed him his full first team debut in 1985. He spent three more years at St James' Park where he won the PFA Young Player...

FIFA has been beleaguered over ethical matters for many years. Platini, the president of UEFA, was once considered a sure bet for the presidency of FIFA. In October 2015 the Frenchman was handed a provisional 90-day suspension, together with FIFA president Sepp Blatter, amid allegations of corruption. Both men have vigorously professed their innocence. The following text is taken from...

Sócrates Brasileiro Sampaio de Souza Vieira de Oliveira—born 19 February 1954 in Belém do Pará, Brazil—was more than a footballer. A midfielder of rare elegance, he was a philosopher on the pitch, a man whose presence turned football into poetry. Captain of Brazil’s Joga Bonita squads in 1982 and 1986, he played not to conquer, but to celebrate—the beauty of...

The red dragon has been associated with Wales for centuries, and as such, the flag is claimed to be the oldest national flag still in use. It is considered that the Welsh kings of Aberffraw first adopted the dragon in the early fifth century in order to symbolise their power and authority after the Romans withdrew from Britain. Later, around...