Player Profiles

 

Week 12 - 10/9/12

Gianluigi Buffon (Goalkeeper - Juventus, Italy - DOB 28/1/1978)

Buffon began his career as a midfielder with the youth system of Parma in 1991 before switching to his current position as a goalkeeper. He made his Serie A debut for Parma in 1995 at the age of 17, keeping a clean sheet against the season champions AC Milan.
After 225 appearances for Parma, Buffon signed for Juventus for a record goalkeeper transfer fee of 32.6 million pounds in 2001. Buffon took the number 1 shirt for Juventus and in his first season, Juventus won the Serie A. Buffon was part of the Juventus match fixing scandal in 2006 where Juventus were automatically removed of their Serie A titles in 2005 and 2006 and they were relegated to the Serie B.
Buffon has made almost 400 appearances for Juventus and won 8 Serie A goalkeeper of the year awards, 6 at Juventus and 2 at Parma. He has also made 120 appearances for the Italian national team and won the FIFA World Cup in 2006 and came runners up in the Euro 2012

Coming soon:

Week 13: Antonio Cassano    17/9/12

Week 14: David Villa              24/9/12

Week 15: Frank Lampard       1/10/12

 

On the Monday of each week, a new player profile will be released. You can also view previous player profiles below.

 

Week 11 - 3/9/12

Roberto Carlos (Left Back - retired, Brazil - DOB 10/4/1973)

Brazilian superstar Roberto Carlos was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He grew up in a very poor family. Roberto Carlos was best recognised for his amazing free kicks in which he curved the ball with the outside of his left foot (he was left footed) around the wall.
He began his career in 1991 playing for Brazilian team Uniao Sao Joao. After 2 years, he moved to another Brazilian club, Palmeiras. In 1995, Roberto Carlos moved to Inter Milan. After a year, he moved to Real Madrid and spent 11 years there, playing 512 games for the club including 370 La Liga games. He also scored a total of 66 goals.
After his great stint at Real Madrid, Roberto Carlos moved to Turkey and played for Fenerbahce for 3 years. He then finished his career at Corinthians (Brazil) and  Anzhi (Russia).
Roberto Carlos played 125 international matches for Brazil. He scored 11 goals and participated in 4 world cups, including the 2002 world cup which was won by Brazil
Roberto Carlos retired from playing football in August 2012

 

Week 10 - 27/8/12

Eden Hazard (Attacking Midfielder - Chelsea, Belgium - DOB 7/1/1991)

Eden Hazard was born in La Louviere, Belgium, but grew up in Braine-le-Compte. He grew up in a football family. Both his parents were footballers and his brother Thorgon (who is his teammate at Chelsea) play top level football, except his dad who played at semi-professional level.

Hazard began his senior career for Lille in 2007, but was permanently on the senior team a year later in 2008. That season, Hazard played 35 games and won the UNFP (National Union of Professional Footballers) Young Player of the Year award. This award is given to the best players in the Ligue 1 and Ligue 2. There is a Young Player of the Year award, Player of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year, Manager of the Year and Goal of the Year award. The following season, Hazard won the same award again, becoming the first international player to win the award and the only player to win the award back to back.

In the 2010/11 season, Lille won the Ligue 1 for the first time in over 50 years. Eden Hazard won the UNFP Player of the Year award that season and the next season. In 2012, Hazard moved to Chelsea for a believed 32 million pounds. He began his Premier League season with 6 assists and a goal in his first 3 matches

 

Week 9 - 20/8/12

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Striker - Paris Saint-German, Sweden - DOB 3/10/1981)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was born in Malmo, Sweden. He has played for 7 different clubs in his 14 year senior career. His career began at his hometown, debuting for Malmo FF senior team in 1999. Ibrahimovic scored only 16 goals for Malmo before moving to the Netherlands. He signed a deal with Ajax for 80 million Swedish Kronor (approximately 7 million Euro's). Ibrahimovic won the Eredivisie in his first full season for Ajax. In 2004, Ibrahimovic injured Ajax team mate Rafael van der Vaart in an international match, who later accused Ibrahimovic of deliberately injuring him. This led to Ibrahimovic's move to Juventus for 16 million Euro's. His first season for Juventus in the Serie A included 16 goals in 35 matches. He scored only 7 the following season and when Juventus was relegated down the the Serie B as punishment for the Calciopoli scandal, Ibrahimovic insisted that he moved from Juventus.

In 2006, Ibrahimovic signed a 4-year, 25 million euro deal with Inter Milan. Inter had just won their first Serie A for almost 20 years which was won because of the Calciopoli scandal. Ibrahimovic spent 3 years at Inter, winning the Serie A each season while scoring 57 goals in 88 Serie A matches. Because of Ibrahimovic's brilliant form, he was signed by Barcelona for 46 million euro's. After scoring 21 goals in 45 appearances for Barcelona in his first season, he was loaned out in 2010 to his 3rd Italian club, AC Milan. Ibrahimovic scored 21 goals that season and was transfered to AC Milan in 2011. He had another stellar season for AC Milan scoring 35 goals. In 2012, Ibrahimovic was signed by Paris Saint-German whose new owners from Qatar splashed over 100 million Euro's to the club, which made the club the richest in France. Ibrahimovic was part of a huge spending spree by PSG which also included his former AC Milan team mate Thiago Silva.

Ibrahimovic was eligible to play for either Croatia or Bosnia-Herzegovina (his parent's original home countries) but he chose to play for Sweden, his counrty of birth. He has scored 31 goals in 77 appearances for Sweden and is now the team captain.

Week 8 - 13/8/12

Robin Van Persie (Striker - Arsenal, Netherlands - DOB 6/8/1983)

Robin Van Persie began his career with highly rated dutch club Feyenoord Rotterdam. Feyenoord is one of only 4 dutch clubs to never be relegated from the Eredivisie, along with Ajax, PSV and Utrecht. Van Persie debuted for the senior team in 2001 due to injuries in the squad. At the time, Van Persie was a left winger. He received the young talent award that season.

In 2004, Van Perise signed for his current club Arsenal for a transfer fee of 2.75 million pounds. Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger planned to make Van Persie into a striker. Van Persie had a slow start with Arsenal, starting on the bench for the majority of his first few seasons. When Arsenal striker Thierry Henry moved to Barcelona in 2007, Van Persie took the role as Arsenal's main striker. He scored 9 goals for Arsenal that season and 20 the next season.

In the 2011/12 season, Van Persie had a stellar season, scoring 37 goals for Arsenal and was the top goalscorer of the Barclays Premier League, scoring 30 goals. Van Persie has now scored 96 goals in 194 appearances for Arsenal. In the 2012 transfer period, there was a lot of speculation about where Van Persie was going to spend his next season. He refused to sign a new contract for Arsenal. Manchester City and Manchester United showed huge interest in Van Persie as well as Italian giants Juventus. Van Persie showed his interest in Juventus, saying that he wants to play somewhere other than England, prefferable in Italy. Arsenal though have denied several bids from all 3 clubs, saying that he is worth more than what they have offered.

 

Week 7 - 6/8/12

Andrea Pirlo (Centre Midfield - Juventus, Italy - DOB 19/5/1979)

Andrea Pirlo was born in Lombardia, Italy. His first club was Brescia, which is located in his home town. He was then picked up be Inter Milan in 1998. He played the first season there and was then loaned out to Reggina and back to Brescia.

In 2001, Pirlo was sold to Inter's rivals AC Milan for 18 million euro's. Pirlo spent 10 years at AC Milan which included a Serie A title and a UEFA Champions League. Pirlo scored 32 goals in 284 appearances for AC Milan. At the end of the 2010/11 season, Pirlo confirmed that he was leaving AC Milan. AC Milan won the Serie A the following season. Pirlo was signed by Juventus as a free agent. He was given a 3-year contract. Juventus won the Serie A in Pirlo's second season (2011/12) without losing a match.

Pirlo's international career included the 2006 World Cup where he scored Italy's opening goal and was named man of the match in their first group match against Ghana. Italy came first in their group and made it to the semi final against Germany. Pirlo got the assist in the 1-0 win for Italy and was named man of the match. In the final, Pirlo got the assist for Marco Materazzi's equaliser in the 1-1 draw and the match went to penalties. Pirlo scored in the shootout and Italy won the World Cup. Pirlo again received the man of the match award, his 3rd of the tournament.

Pirlo also starred in Italy's Euro 2012 campaign. Italy came second in their group, behind Spain and went on to the quarter finals. Italy defeated England in the penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw. Pirlo scored a cheeky penalty, known as the Panenka. Italy beat Germany in the semi-final and faced Spain again, losing 4-0. Pirlo won 3 man of the match awards and was one of the star players of the tournament

Week 6 - 30/7/12

Jordi Alba (Left Wing Back - Barcelona, Spain - DOB 21/3/1989)

Jordi Alba was born in Barcelona, Spain. His career began as a youth player as a left midfielder for Barcelona. In 2005 he moved to Cornella (which is located near Barcelona) and 2 years later he joined Valencia. In 2008, Jordi Alba made his debut for Valencia's first team. Because of Valencia's constant injuries in defence, Jordi Alba was forced to play as a left back. On the 28th of June 2012, Jordi Alba signed a 5-year contract for his main youth club, Barcelona, for a 14 million euro transfer fee.

Jordi Alba's first international competition was the Euro 2012 where he played left back for the winners, Spain. He scored his first goal in the final in Spain's 4-0 win over Italy. Jordi Alba was one of the best players of the Euro 2012 and this showed when he signed for Barcelona only days before the final

Week 5 - 23/7/12

Mario Balotelli (Striker - Manchester City, Italy - DOB 12/8/1990)

Mario Balotelli was born in Palermo, Sicily. His parents Thomas and Rose Barwuah were Ghanaian immigrants. Shortly after he was born, his family moved to Brescia, Lombardia. After Balotelli had life-threatening complications, his family decided to entrust him to an Italian foster family (the Balotelli's), in 1993. At first, he stayed with the foster family during weekdays and returned during weekends. After a while, Balotelli was premanently with his foster family.

When Balotelli became famous, his biological parents asked for him to return. Balotelli accused them of 'glory hunting' because he thought that they only wanted him back because he was now famous. Because the Balotelli's had not adopted him, Mario Balotelli had to wait until his 18th birthday until he could become a citizen of Italy. On the 13th of August 2008, Balotelli gained his citizenship.

Balotelli's first club was Lumezzane, which is located in Lombardia, Italy. Balotelli played 2 games before signing for Inter Milan in 2006. He made his first team debut in December 2007, coming off the bench. 3 days later he started against Reggina, scoring 2 of Inter's 4 goals. In November 2008, Balotelli became the youngest player to score in a UEFA Champions League match (18 years old). After many incidents at Inter Milan in 2009 and early 2010, Balotelli signed with Manchester City for 22 million euro's in August 2010. Balotelli has scored 27 goals in 60 appearances for Manchester City. He has also received 4 red cards in his 2 years at Manchester City.

Balotelli made his first major tournament appearance for Italy in the Euro 2012. He scored his first goal against Ireland in a 2-0 victory in the group stages. Italy came second in their group and moved on to the quarter finals. Balotelli scored a crutial penalty in the shoot-out against England when he faced Manchester City team mate Joe Hart. In the semi final, Balotelli scored 2 stunning goals in a 2-1 victory again Germany to send Italy to the final against Spain where they lost 4-0. Balotelli was the equal top goalscorer in the Euro 2012, along with Fernando Torres, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mario Gomez, Mario Mandzukic and Alan Dzagoev.

Balotelli is known for his pace and strength. He is also criticized for his poor behaviour. He is also known for his goal celebrations as he celebrates when his team mates score but not when he scores. Balotelli said 'When I score I don't celebrate because I am doing my job. When the postman delivers your letters, does he celebrate?'

Week 4 - 16/7/12

Manuel Neuer (Goalkeeper - Bayern Munich, Germany - DOB 27/3/1986)

Manuel Neuer was born Gelsenkirchen, Germany. His first club was Shalke who he signed for in 2005. He made his debut when he came on as a substitute for injured goalkeeper Frank Rost. In 2008 Neuer was shortlisted for the 2007/08 UEFA Club Goalkeeper of the Year award of which he was the youngest player. In 2009, Bayern Munich expressed their interest in Neuer, after Shalke had a disappointing season.

In 2011, Neuer moved to Bayern Munich for 22 million pounds making him the second most expensive goalkeeper of all time. He signed a 5-year contract which will last until 2016. In the 2011/12 UEFA Champions League, Neuer saved penalties from Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka in the semi final and Bayern Munich made the final in Munich, which they lost in another penalty shootout. Neuer scored and saved a penalty in the shootout.

In the Euro 2012, Neuer played all of Germany's 10 qualifying matches (Germany won all 10 games). He also played all of the group stage and finals. Germany won all their group stage matches but were knocked out by Italy in the semi fina 2-1.

Week 3 - 9/7/12

Mario Mandzukic (Striker/Winger - Bayern Munich, Croatia - DOB 21/5/1986)

Mario Mandzukic was born in Slavonski Brod, Yugoslavia (Slavonski Brod was formerly in Yugoslavia - when Mandzukic was born - but is now in Croatia). Mandzukic spent his time as a junior footballer at German Club DSF Ditzingen (near Stuttgart). In 1996 he moved back to his home city to play for Marsonia. He also began his senior career there in 2004.

In 2007, Mandzukic signed a new contract at Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia). He finished his first season with 12 goals for the Croatian giants, along with 11 assists. The next season he was top goalscorer of the Croatian league with 16 goals. In July 2012, Mandzukic joined VfL Wolfsburg. He spent 2 years at the club, scoring 20 goals in 56 matches.

On the 26th June 2012, Mandzukic signed a contract at UEFA Champions League runners up Bayern Munich. This was because of his brilliant form at VfL Wolfsburg and his great performance at the Euro 2012, in which he scored 3 of Croatia's 4 goals, including 2 in Croatia's opening match against Ireland. Mandzukic is a great threat in the air and can play either as a striker or as a winger.

Week 2 - 2/7/12

Mario Gomez (Striker -  Bayern Munich, Germany - DOB 10/7/1986)

Mario Gomez was born is Riedlingen, Germany. Gomez's maternal side is Spanish and his paternal side is German. He is a citizen for both Spain and Germany but decided to play for Germany. His first club of his senior career was VfB Stuttgard, which he joined in 2003. He played most of his games for the 2nd team but made a few appearences for the first team. After 2 years he was permanently promoted to the first team for which he scored 87 goals in 146 matches.

In 2009 Gomez was transferred to Bayern Munich for about 30-35 million euro's. He has scored 94 goals in 3 seasons at Bayern Munich. Gomez made his debut for the German national team in 2007. He has scored 25 goals in 57 appearences.

Gomez has a great shot and is a threat in the air. But his best ability is getting in the right postition to recieve a pass or shot and then converting that into a goal.

Week 1 - 25/6/12

Lionel Messi (Striker - Barcelona, Argentina - DOB 24/6/1987)

Lionel Messi was born in Rosario, Argentina, His father Jorge's family originates from Anconca, Italy. Messi started playing football at 5 years old, playing for Grandoli, a local club coached by his father. At 11 years old, Lionel Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. Carles Rexach, the sporting director for Barcelona, had been made aware of Messi's talent who had family members living in Barcelona. Messi was offered a contract to play for Barcelona who offered to pay his $900 per month medical bills if he was willing to move to Spain. With his father, Messi moved to spain and enrolled in Barcelona's youth academy.

Messi's career began in the 2000/01 season playing for the younger Barcelona teams. In 2005, Messi made his debut for Barcelona's first team when he was offered a contract until 2014. Scince then, Messi has played 329 games, scoring 253 goals and getting 102 assits for Barcleona - the only club of his senior career.

In the 2011/12 season, Messi broke the record for the most goals scored in a single La Liga season, scoring an amazing 50 goals in only 37 games. (View all his goals and assists in the video below) Messi is regarded as the best modern day footballer worldwide. Messi has incredible pace, dribbling skills and a cool head when shooting at goal. Messi turned 25 on Sunday and he and his wife Antonella are expecting a baby boy.