Javier Aguirre Officially Named Head Coach of Mexico’s National Men’s Soccer Team

Posted on July 22, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

It’s official… Javier Aguirre is a Tri-time coach…

The 65-year-old Mexican football manager and former footballer who played as a midfielder has been named head coach of Mexico for a third time and will have former captain Rafael Marquez as his assistant, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) has announced.

Aguirre will initially take the head coach job and lead the team for two years through the 2026 World Cup, before leaving Marquez in charge ahead of preparations for 2030.

Marquez recently terminated his contract as Barcelona B manager in order to join Mexico.

“Javier has a strong track record, with experience and undisputed leadership in team management, while Rafa has great skill in talent development,” the FMF said in a statement.

Aguirre, who takes over after Jaime Lozano left the team, led Mexico to the round of 16 in the 2002 and 2010 World Cups. Mexico was knocked out in that round at every World Cup between 1994 and 2018, then was eliminated in the group stage in 2022.

“[Aguirre] is without a doubt the Mexican coach with the longest and most recognized career abroad and he also has in-depth knowledge of the processes in national teams,” said Duilio Davino, director of national teams. “‘Rafa’ is one of the most important players in Mexican history with a great national and international career who began his coaching career with an emblematic team.

“We have offered him to be the assistant until 2026 so that he can contribute his knowledge and then assume the leadership.”

After a dismal group stage exit in this summer’s Copa América, Lozano parted ways with the national team earlier this month. Following the Copa, Lozano, who had a record of 10W-4D-7L with Mexico, turned down a demotion that would have let him stay on as an assistant.

“Jaime Lozano was offered, along with his coaching staff, a contract until 2030, in which during 2024-2026 they will accompany a more experienced head coach towards our World Cup, and later it would be Jaime himself who would retake the reins of head coach in the 2026-2030 process,” the FMF said earlier this month.

The first order of business for Aguirre and Marquez will be to prepare for Mexico’s upcoming U.S.-based friendlies against New Zealand on September 7 (at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California) and Canada on September 10 (at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas).

The Mexico City-born manager recently closed out a two-year run as coach of Mallorca in Spain, where he made headlines with a Cinderella run to the final of the 2023-24 Copa del Rey. He also coached the national teams of Japan and Egypt.

Marquez, widely recognized as one of the greatest players in Mexico’s history, took part in five World Cups (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2018). After retiring, the El Tri legend began coaching Alcala at the youth level in 2020 and Barcelona B in 2022.

As a player, Marquez won four league titles and two Champions League crowns with Barcelona.

Julen Agirrezabala Makes Great Save to Help Athletic Bilbao Claim Copa del Rey Title

Posted on April 7, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Julen Agirrezabala is celebrating a massive save that helped his team win a historic title…

The 23-year-old Spanish professional footballer and goalkeeper for Athletic Bilbao saved a spot kick from Mallorca‘s Manu Morlanes as Athletic Club beat Mallorca 4-2 on penalties on Saturday to win their 24th Copa del Rey title and their first since 1984, ending a 40-year major silverware drought in a nerve-wracking final in Seville.

Along with Agirrezabala’s great save, Nemanja Radonjic missed the goal with his effort.

Meanwhile Athletic’s penalty takers were flawless in their execution, scoring all of their first four.

Iker Muniain received the trophy from Spanish King Felipe VI before lifting it high for his team and fans to celebrate.

Since their last Copa del Rey triumph, Athletic had lost six straight finals, including in 2020 and 2021.

Only Barcelona and their 31 Copas have more than Athletic, despite the team from Bilbao fielding players only from or near Spain’s northern Basque Country region.

Athletic’s only previous silverware in the last 40 years has been two Spanish Supercopa triumphs, in 2015 and 2021.

“We’ve made history. The fans deserve it… I’ve dreamed a lot about this,” an emotional man-of-the-match Nico Williams told TVE. “Me, my family, my brother. I did it for my family, with what we’ve fought for. I’m happy to make history with this club.”

Valverde, who won two LaLiga titles and a Copa del Rey with Barcelona, said Saturday’s triumph was the most meaningful of his career.

“This is incredible. This doesn’t compare to any other [trophy],” he told Moistar.

“With what the stadium was like, what this competition means for our fans, the years we’ve been looking for it … and in the end, with the penalties, something they’re specialists in … It means a lot to this club.”

NBA great Steve Nash, a minority owner of Mallorca, was at the game, as well as Rafael Nadal, a native of the island of Mallorca. Each club had 20,000 tickets for traveling fans at the packed 57,000-seat La Cartuja Stadium. Some 40,000 more fans, mostly for Athletic, were expected to descend on the southern city without tickets.

Even though Athletic are fifth in LaLiga and Mallorca down in 15th place, there was little difference between them in the final. Javier Aguirre, Mallorca’s journeyman coach, succeeded in nullifying the more explosive attack of Valverde‘s Athletic.

The game had finished 1-1 after extra time. Despite Athletic dominating proceedings with almost 70% of possession, Dani Rodríguez fired in a curling shot after a couple of other efforts had been charged down, giving Mallorca the lead in the 21st minute.

But Oihan Sancet equalized in the 50th minute before Athletic laid siege to Mallorca’s goal.

They were wasteful, however, missing several chances to score late on, including Williams hitting the post in extra time. But a gritty Mallorca outfit held strong in defense and were a threat in counter-attacks as well, before finally succumbing in the shootout.

“The first thing I have to do is to congratulate Athletic and its fans. They have been waiting a long time for this,” Mallorca scorer Rodríguez said. “I am moved because I am very proud of my teammates and our supporters who accompanied us.

“Our dream was to win this cup. We tried to, but it wasn’t to be.”

Premier League Teams Eyeing FC Barcelona Phenom Pau Cubarsí

Posted on February 6, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

It appears that all eyes are on Pau Cubarsí.

The 17-year-old Spanish soccer player, a defender for F.C. Barcelona, is being targeted by several Premier League clubs with his release clause set at around €10 million ($10.7m), per ESPN.

Cubarsí only signed his first professional contract with Barça last year, but his emergence in the first team has accelerated the need for the club to agree a new deal with the teenager.

Barça was already negotiating an improvement with the center-back’s camp, but sources explain his performances with the first team have “changed the starting point” when it comes to reaching an understanding over a new long-term agreement.

Sources close to the coaching staff detail the maturity and bravery Cubarsí has demonstrated since being handed his debut as a 16-year-old in the Copa del Rey against Unionistas de Salamanca in January.

Cubarsí has since made six appearances under coach Xavi Hernández, including starts in LaLiga wins against Real Betis, Osasuna and Alavés.

“We were joking about him the other day because at just 17 he already seems like a veteran,” Xavi said after last weekend’s 3-1 win over Alavés.

“He is already playing like a player who is far older than his years. He is aggressive, he does not lose possession and he’s so good at bringing the ball out from the back.”

Those qualities have led to an urgency to renew Cubarsí’s contract as some of England’s biggest clubs circle due to his clause being fixed at a relatively affordable €10m.

Cubarsí joined Barça in 2018 as an 11-year-old after spending four years at Girona. He has since progressed through the Catalan club’s La Masia academy before he made his Barça Atlétic debut earlier this season as he began to train regularly with the first team.

Xavi handed him his first-team debut on Jan. 19. He has made six appearances since, impressing at the heart of the defense alongside Uruguay international Ronald Araújo.

“He’s very well prepared,” Xavi said of Cubarsí after he made his LaLiga debut against Betis in January, just days before his 17th birthday.

“He doesn’t seem 16 when you speak with him. He is a focused and responsible kid. I don’t think he lost a single ball, either.

“He’s going to mark an era, the same as Lamine [Yamal] .We are continuing to build a team with young footballers. These are players who we must build the club’s future with.”

Cubarsí is one of several youngsters to breakthrough under Xavi, with Yamal (16), Hector Fort (17) and Marc Guiu (18) among the others to have made an impact this season.

Fort, who can play across the back four but is primarily a full-back, is close to being signed to Jorge Mendes‘ agency, sources have told ESPN.

Inter Miami Completes Signing of Sergio Busquets

Posted on July 16, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

It’s official… Sergio Busquets will be playing Major League Soccer.

Inter Miami has completed the signing of the 35-year-old Spanish professional footballer and former Barcelona midfielder on a deal until 2025, the MLS side has revealed.

The 2010 World Cup winner will join the squad in the coming days and will occupy a designated player slot, the club added.

“I am excited to welcome Sergio Busquets to Inter Miami,” said managing owner Jorge Mas. “Since day one we have set out to bring the world’s best players. Sergio’s repertoire speaks for itself.”

The former Barcelona captain, who retired from international duty last year, played more than 700 games for the Spanish champions, winning nine LaLiga crowns, seven Copa del Rey titles, three Champions League trophies and three Club World Cups.

Busquets was also linked with a move to Saudi Arabia as Al Hilal and Al Nassr made bids for his services, according to media reports.

Miami expect Busquets to be available to play next Saturday when they host Mexican side Cruz Azul for their Leagues Cup opener, when Messi is set to make his debut.

The MLS designated player rule allows clubs to acquire up to three players whose total compensation and acquisition costs exceed the salary cap.

Nacho Fernandez Signs New One-Year Contract with Real Madrid

Posted on June 25, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Nacho Fernandez isn’t going anywhere…

The 33-year-old Spanish soccer player and captain of Real Madrid has signed a new one-year contract at the club.

The defender announced earlier this month that he’d decided to accept Real Madrid’s offer of a new deal, having previously considered a move away from the club in search of more playing time.

A club statement said: “Real Madrid and Nacho Fernández have agreed an extension to our captain’s contract, keeping him tied to the club until the 30th of June 2024.

“Nacho has represented Real Madrid for 22 years, ever since joining the club’s Under-11s academy side back in 2001.

“He has made 319 appearances for the Real Madrid first team, winning 23 trophies: three European Cups, five Club World Cups, four European Super Cups, three LaLiga titles, two Copas del Rey and four Spanish Super Cups.”

Fernandez, a Spain international, has taken on the role of club captain since the departure of Karim Benzema earlier this month.

“There are always offers from elsewhere, but I’ve decided to stay for one more year,” Nacho told TVE on June 11. “I’m really happy and excited about staying.”

The versatile defender, whose favorite position is centerback but can also play at full-back on either flank, has fallen behind Eder Militao, David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger among coach Carlo Ancelotti‘s options in central defense.

Nacho played 27 LaLiga games last season, starting 18 of them, but became increasingly important over the course of the campaign, which convinced him to continue at the Bernabeu.

Brahim Diaz Returning to Real Madrid After Three Years on Loan to AC Milan

Posted on June 10, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Brahim Diaz is about to get Real…

The 23-year-old Spanish professional footballer, who plays as an attacking midfielder for Italy’s Serie A club AC Milan, is returning to Real Madrid.

Diaz spent three seasons on loan at AC Milan, helping them win a Serie A title in 2022 and reach the Champions League semifinals this season.

He joined Madrid from Manchester City in 2019, but barely played in his single season in Spain’s capital.

He will rejoin a squad that won Spain’s Copa del Rey last season but needs to replace the loss of Karim Benzema.

Diaz is the third arrival at Real Madrid this month, following a deal reached with Borussia Dortmund for midfielder Jude Bellingham and the decision to buy back left back Fran Garcia from Rayo Vallecano.

Ernesto Valverde One Step Closer to Return to Coaching Roster at Athletic Bilbao

Posted on June 24, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Ernesto Valverde could be making a big return…

The 58-year-old Spanish football manager and former player appears set to return to coaching at Athletic Bilbao after a candidate who pledged to sign him won the election for the presidency of the Spanish club on Friday.

Jon Uriarte won a four-year term after he beat two other candidates with 46% of the 22,000 votes cast by members.

One of Uriarte’s campaign pledges was to bring back Valverde for a third stint as Bilbao’s coach.

Valverde has not spoken publicly on the chance to come back to the club that fields only players from the northern Basque Country region bordering with France and surrounding areas.

Another candidate for Bilbao’s presidency, Inaki Arechabaleta, promised to bring back Argentine Marcelo Bielsa for a second stint as coach.

Valverde has not coached since he was fired from FC Barcelona in January 2020. Barcelona let him go despite having won back-to-back Spanish league titles and the Copa del Rey under Valverde and with his team still leading the league.

Valverde, a former player, coached Bilbao to a club record 306 games in 2003-05 and 2013-17. He has also coached Valencia, Olympiakos, Villarreal and Espanyol.

Bilbao is, along with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Osasuna, the last Spanish clubs owned by club members, not shareholders. The club members elect presidents and board members to run the club. Candidates must have been a club member for at least one year to run.

Messi Nominated for FIFA Puskas Award for the Most Beautiful Goal of the Year

Posted on November 7, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Could the fourth time be the charm for Lionel Messi?

The 28-year-old Argentine soccer superstar is among the 10 nominees for FIFA‘s Puskas Award, which celebrates the “most beautiful” goal of the year.

The award is named after legendary Real Madrid and Hungary striker Ferenc Puskas and the period for this year’s prize is from September 27, 2014 to September 23, 2015.

Messi, who was previously nominated for the prize in 2010, 2011 and 2012, was shortlisted for the Puskas Award for beating four defenders before scoring Barcelona‘s first goal against Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final.

Here’s a look at this year’s Puskas Award nominees:

2015 Puskas Award nominations

David Ball – Fleetwood v Preston, League One

Gonzalo Castro – Real Sociedad v Deportivo, La Liga

Alessandro Florenzi – Roma v Barcelona, Champions League

Wendell Lira – Goianesia v Atletico, Brazil Football League

Carli Lloyd – USA v Japan, Women’s World Cup

Lionel Messi – Barcelona v Athletic Bilbao, Copa del Rey

Philippe Mexes – AC Milan v Inter Milan, friendly

Marcel Ndjeng – SC Paderborn v Bolton, friendly

Esteban Ramirez – Herediano v Deportivo Saprissa, Costa Rica

Carlos Tevez – Juventus v Parma Calcio, Serie A

The award was won by Colombia’s James Rodriguez last year for his goal against Uruguay in the World Cup.

Messi Records His 400th Goal for FC Barcelona

Posted on April 18, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Lionel Messi is making history once again…

The 27-year-old Argentine soccer star reached another career milestone in an FC Barcelona uniform when he notched his 400th goal for the team in Saturday’s La Liga meeting with Valencia at the Camp Nou.

Messi completed his fourth ton for the Blaugrana with the very last kick of the match, latching onto a long ball over the top and landing the milestone after tucking home the rebound after his initial shot was saved by Diego Alves.

It was Messi’s 278th league goal for the Primera Division leaders, with a further 75 coming in the Champions League, 32 in the Copa Del Rey, 10 in the Spanish Super Cup, four in the Club World Cup as well as one strike in the UEFA Super Cup.

Messi had become Barca‘s all-time leading goalscorer in March last year when he exceeded Paulino Alcantara‘s 369 goals for the club scored between 1912 and 1927.

The Argentina forward, who has won the Ballon d’Or on four occasions, also holds the record for leading goalscorer in a single La Liga season, with 50 in 2011-12.

Among a host of other records, he’is also the joint record scorer in European Cup history on 75 goals, level with Cristiano Ronaldo. And he’s also tied with Ronaldo for the most La Liga hat tricks, with both forwards having scored 24.

Villa Moving from Barcelona to Atletico Madrid

Posted on July 9, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

David Villa is switching teams…

The 31-year-old Spanish international soccer star will be leaving Futbol Club Barcelona to play for Atletico Madrid.

It’s all part of a deal potentially worth $6.55 million, according to Barça officials.

Copa del Rey winner Atletico will pay the defending La Liga champion 2.1 million euros this season, with the promise of another 2.1 million if Villa continues to play in 2014-2015, Barcelona said in a statement.

Atletico will have to hand over an additional 1 million euros if Villa remains with the club into the 2015-2016 season.

Barcelona also retains a claim to 50 percent of any future transfer fee for Villa.

With 56 goals in 92 appearances, Villa is Spain’s leading scorer in international play, despite his missing the 2012 European Championship due to an injury.

He was an integral part of the Spanish squad that won Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup.

Villa joined Barça in 2010 and kicked 48 goals in 119 official matches with the club, but he had a hard time getting back into the starting lineup after the broken leg he suffered in 2011 kept him off the pitch for months.

Barcelona’s recent signing of Brazilian sensation Neymar left Villa’s future with the red-and-blue even cloudier.

Premier League clubs Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United were said to be interested in Villa, but Atletico – anxious to replace departed striker Radamel Falcao – beat the English sides to the negotiating table.

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are to meet next month in the Spanish Supercup.

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