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10 Most Expensive Football Boot Sponsors in the World

April 5, 2015 by Khabir Uddin Mughal

10 Most Expensive Football Boot Sponsors in the World

Soccer being one of the most popular sports in the world, people adore and celebrate the players like they are no less than the Hollywood stars. In fact, there is plenty of reason for the footballers to receive such glamour and attention. It is not that the people in front of the televisions sets, or those in the gallery wearing their fan wigs and jerseys, are the only ones who celebrate them. The major sports brands and other companies also keep an eye out for them, and bestow them with huge pay-cheques, if they can rope in the players for an a handsome endorsement deal. Some sports companies even sponsor the boots that the players wear on the ground, and this is one of the best ways to get the players to endorse their products. Let us take a look at 10 Most Expensive Football Boot Sponsors in the World.

10 Most Expensive Football Boot Sponsors in the World

10. Neymar – Nike

Brazilian youngster Neymar established himself as one of the most talented players in the soccer world. He was constantly tracked by reputed clubs all over the world when he showed his talent playing for Santos and Brazilian team. He eventually moved to Spanish club Barcelona for a record amount which is also rumored as a counter by Barcelona to the Real Madrid’s record transfer of Gareth Bale. Neymar currently has endorsements from several reputed brands such as Castrol, Red Bull, Volkswagen and Panasonic, besides his long association with Nike. His recent 11-year deal with Nike will reportedly pay him nearly $1 million per year according to the recent news by Forbes. The football world is still waiting for the exact amount of the shoe contract of Nike with Neymar. Neymar is currently wearing Hypervenom Phantom boots by Nike and occupies the tenth spot in our list of 10 most expensive football boot sponsors.

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9. Wayne Rooney – Nike

SD-WayneRooneyNike-1 — 10 Super Expensive Football Boot Sponsors in the World

Wayne Rooney established himself as one of the best prospects of England while playing for the English club Manchester United. With his recent contract with the Red Devils, he is now reportedly earning around $26 million per season. He has sponsorship contracts from Coca-Cola and EA Sports in his portfolio besides his long term association with Nike. The recent contract with American sportswear giant Nike earns him nearly $1.67 million per year. Wayne Rooney is currently wearing Hypervenom Phantom boots by Nike and occupies the ninth spot in our list of 10 most expensive football boot sponsors. Besides him, several superstars such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Neymar and Danny Welbeck also wear the same shoe by Nike on the field.

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8. Sergio Agüero – Puma

SD-SergioAgüeroPuma-1 — 10 Expensive Football Boot Sponsors of All Time

Sergio Agüero started to climb the staircase of success while playing for Argentine club Independiente. He later established himself as a world-class player after his transfer to Atletico Madrid in 2006 and later to the Manchester City in 2011. Agüero is known for his hardcore skills and his presence in front of the crossbar at the right time, besides being known as the former son-in-law of Diego Maradona. The boot contract with German manufacturer Puma reportedly earns him nearly $2 million per season. Sergio Agüero is currently wearing the evoSpeed 1.2 boots by Puma and occupies the eighth spot in our list of 10 most expensive football boot sponsors. Besides him, several amazing footballers such as Radamel Falcao and Ibrahim Afellay also wear the same shoe by Puma on the field.

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7. Lionel Messi – Adidas

SD-LionelMessiAdidas-1 — Most Expensive Football Boots of All Time

Lionel Messi is widely known as the magician of football and currently plays for the Spanish club Barcelona. He is noted for being technically and skillfully gifted and also known as the worst nightmare for the defenders of the opponent team. Lionel Messi started his club career with Nike beside him, but Adidas later scooped his contract by paying nearly $3.34 million per year for wearing their boots. Adidas recently launched a F50 version of their boots called the F50 Messi SG which is the second only shoe beside Beckham’s to be named in honor of a player. Lionel Messi is currently wearing the F50 adiZerobots by Adidas and occupies the seventh spot in our list of 10 most expensive football boot sponsors.

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6. Mesut Özil – Adidas

SD-MesutÖzilAdidas-1 — 10 Amazingly Expensive Football Boot Sponsors

Mesut Özil dictated his prominence in the modern football while playing for Bundesliga side Werder Bremen besides his marvelous career with the German national team. He then transferred to the Spanish club Real Madrid in 2010. He witnessed legal battles with his then boot supplier Nike during his career with Madrid. The legal issue gave him so much trouble that he wore boots both by Nike and Adidas side by side in a season. Özil eventually overcame the legal issues and moved to English side Arsenal with a record German transfer fee of £42.5 million. The recent boot contract with Adidas reportedly earns him nearly $4.9 million per season. Mesut Özil is currently wearing the Predator LZ II boots by Adidas and occupies the sixth spot in our list of 10 most expensive football boot sponsors.

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5. Cesc Fabregas – Puma

SD-CescFabregasPuma-1 — Super Expensive Sponsors of Football Boot

Cesc Fabregas is noted as an ingenious production by the Barcelona’s “La Masia” academy, and also for his creativity and amazing assists. Fabregas first showcased his talent on the club level while playing for the English club Arsenal between 2003 and 2011. He made his comeback in his previous club Barcelona in 2011 and also became an integral part of the Spanish team that won two Euro Cups and a FIFA World Cup. The recent boot contract with Puma reportedly earns him nearly $5.34 million per season. Cesc Fabregas is currently wearing the PowerCat 1boots by Puma and occupies the fifth spot in our list of 10 most expensive football boot sponsors. Besides his own boot association with Puma, he also played a key role during the launch ceremonies for new evoPOWER 1 boots by Puma.

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4. Gareth Bale – Adidas

SD-GarethBaleAdidas-1 — Top 10 Expensive Football Boots of All Time

When you talk about Welsh footballers, you talk about Gareth Bale. He first showed his prominence in the football world while playing for the Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur from 2007 to 2013. He started his career as a defender but later used as an offensive winger due to his skills, field presence and powerful shot near the crossbar. Gareth Bale moved to Real Madrid in a record transfer fee of $142.8 million in 2013. Adidas recently signed a six-year contract extension with the Welsh genius which will reportedly pay him nearly $5.5 million per season. Gareth Bale is currently wearing the F50 adiZero boots by Adidas and occupies the fourth spot in our list of 10 most expensive football boot sponsors. Besides him, Karim Benzema also wears the same line of boots on the ground.

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3. Mario Balotelli – Puma

SD-MarioBalotelliPuma-1 — Most Expensive Football Boots in the World

Mario Balotelli showed his own prominence in the international club football while moving from Inter Milan to Manchester City to AC Milan. He is noted as the most notorious footballer of recent times with his unexplained movements off the ground. He is famous for almost everything, starting from his presence on the ground till the moment he appeared on television in an AC Milan jersey while playing for Inter Milan, even for lighting his house on fire. Puma recently signed a contract with the Italian genius which will reportedly pay him nearly $6.9 million per season. Mario Balotelli is currently wearing the evoPOWER 1boots by Puma and occupies the third spot in our list of 10 most expensive football boot sponsors.

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2. Cristiano Ronaldo – Nike

SD-CristianoRonaldoNike-1 — Expensive Football Boots – All Time List

When any reader starts to read our articles regarding any “most-expensive” he knows he’ll find Cristiano Ronaldo somewhere in the list. Cristiano Ronaldo started developing his talent since a very early age under the watchful eye of Sir Alex Ferguson. He finally ended his association with Manchester in 2009 and moved to Spanish side Real Madrid for a record transfer fee. Ronaldo is currently sponsored by several market-giants such as Castrol, Fly Emirates, Coca-Cola and KFC. The old contract of Ronaldo with Nike reportedly earns him nearly $8.35 million per season and it is also rumored that Nike will offer nearly $13.4 million to CR7 during the extension of their sponsorship contract. Cristiano Ronaldo is currently wearing the Mercurial Vapor IX boots by Nike besides having his own custom line of CR7 Superfly series and occupies the second best spot in our list of 10 most expensive football boot sponsors.

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1. David Beckham – Adidas

SD-DavidBeckhamAdidas-1 — Top 10 Expensive Football Boots in the World

When anyone thinks about fashion with football ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, there is just one man ahead of him still now, and it’s the David Beckham. The ingenious creation of English team, Beckham, witnessed stardom in almost everything he ever tried, starting from his marvelous presence on the ground till he started modeling and his Spice Girl wife Victoria. Even after his retirement from the professional sports he still remains a major attraction for reputed brand for a single reason: the world knows who David Beckham is. Even after the massive stardom and recent contract of Ronaldo, Beckham still earns nearly $11.7 million per year from Adidas. David Beckham is wore the Predator LZ boots by Adidas till his career with Paris St. Germain and occupies the top spot on our list of 10 most expensive football boot sponsors.

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As the very name suggests, the feet of the footballers are what create all the magic, the biggest moments for the fans and the sport itself. It is necessary for the players to have something great on their feet when they create such historic moments. Sportswear companies are happy to enjoy their share in the history by sponsoring such boots.

10 Most Successful Countries in FIFA World Cup

April 4, 2015 by Khabir Uddin Mughal

10 Most Successful Countries in FIFA World Cup

Soccer, with its matches packed up within 90 minutes, and with huge amount of excitement, from the ground to the audience, is one of the greatest sports on the planet. Every child in every ally plays the sport, emulating the top players in the world, and dream to be on the national team and represent their country in front of the entire world. At an international level, it is a great honour for the teams to perform well ad be known as recognized for that. The fight amongst the teams to appear among the top teams in the world of soccer is quite strong, as they battle it out during the FIFA World Cup, to take home the cup. Let us take a look at the 10 Most Successful Countries in FIFA World Cup.

10 Most Successful Countries in FIFA World Cup

10. Sweden

The Swedish national football team is currently controlled by the Swedish Football Association and uses Friends Arena in Stockholms län as their home ground. The team won the gold medal at the 1948 Summer Olympics. Swedish national football team participated 11 times in the FIFA World Cup since their first appearance in 1934 and won 16 matches out of total 46 world cup matches they played till now. The team earned a total 61 points with an average of 1.33 points per world cup match, and faced just 16 losses and 13 draws till the last world cup in 2014. They scored a total of 74 goals in world cups and received 69 goals from the opponents. Sweden football team, as of the last 2014 FIFA World Cup, became the FIFA World Cup Runners-up on one occasion in 1958, and is inducted in the tenth place in our list of 10 Most Successful Countries in FIFA World Cup.

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9. Uruguay

SD-Uruguay-1 — 10 Most Successful Countries – FIFA World Cup

The Uruguayan national football team is currently governed by the Uruguayan Football Association and commonly referred to as “La Celeste” or “Charrúas”. The team won the Copa América a record 15 times and won the Gold Medals twice at the Summer Olympics. Uruguayan national football team participated 12 times in the FIFA World Cup since their first appearance in 1930 and won 20 matches out of total 51 world cup matches they played till now. The team earned a total 72 points with an average of 1.41 points per world cup match, and faced just 20 losses and 12 draws till the last world cup in 2014. They scored a total of 80 goals in world cups and received 71 goals from the opponents. Uruguay football team, as of the last 2014 FIFA World Cup, became the FIFA World Cup Champions on two occasions, in 1930 and 1950, and is inducted in the ninth place in our list of 10 Most Successful Countries in FIFA World Cup.

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8. Netherlands

SD-Netherlands-1 — 10 Most Successful Teams in FIFA World Cup

The national football team of the Netherlands is currently governed by the Royal Netherlands Football Association. The team is also known as “Nederlands Elftal” and “Oranje”, and won the UEFA European Championship in 1988. Netherlands’ national football team participated 10 times in the FIFA World Cup since their first appearance in 1934 and won 27 matches out of a total 50 world cup matches they played till now. The team earned a total 93 points with an average of 1.86 points per world cup match, and faced just 12 losses and 11 draws till the last world cup in 2014. They scored a total of 86 goals in world cups and received 48 goals from the opponents. The Dutch football team, as of the last 2014 FIFA World Cup, became the FIFA World Cup Runners-up on three occasions in 1974, 1978 and 2010, and is inducted in the eighth place in our list of 10 Most Successful Countries in FIFA World Cup.

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7. France

SD-France-1 — 10 Most Successful Soccer Teams in FIFA World Cup

The French national football team is controlled by the French Football Federation and is a member of UEFA. The team is also known as “Les Bleus”. The team played its first official match in 1904 and currently uses Stade de France in Saint-Denis as the home venue. French national football team participated 14 times in the FIFA World Cup since their first appearance in 1930 and won 28 matches out of total 59 world cup matches they played till now. The team earned a total 96 points with an average of 1.63 points per world cup match, and faced just 12 losses and 19 draws till the last world cup in 2014. They scored a total of 106 goals in world cups and received 71 goals from the opponents. France football team, as of the last 2014 FIFA World cup, became the FIFA World Cup Champions in just one occasion in 1998, and is inducted in the seventh place in our list of 10 Most Successful Countries in FIFA World Cup.

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6. England

SD-England-1 — 10 Amazing Football Teams in FIFA World Cup

The England national football team is controlled by The Football Association of England and is one of the two oldest national teams in football besides Scotland. The team currently uses the Wembley Stadium as their home ground. English national football team participated 14 times in the FIFA World Cup since their first appearance in 1950 and won 26 matches out of total 62 world cup matches they played till now. The team earned a total 98 points with an average of 1.58 points per world cup match, and faced just 20 losses and 16 draws till the last world cup in 2014. They scored a total of 79 goals in world cups and received 56 goals from the opponents. Spain football team, as of the last 2014 FIFA World Cup, became the FIFA World Cup Champions on just one occasion in 1966, and is inducted in the sixth place in our list of 10 Most Successful Countries in FIFA World Cup.

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5. Spain

SD-Spain-1 — Top 10 Successful Countries in FIFA World Cup

The Spanish national football team is currently governed by the Royal Spanish Football Federation. The national side is also known as “La Roja”, “La Furia Roja”, “La Furia Española” and “La Furia”. The team was a member of FIFA since 1904. Spanish national football team participated 14 times in the FIFA World Cup since their first appearance in 1934 and won 29 matches out of total 59 world cup matches they played till now. The team earned a total 99 points with an average of 1.68 points per world cup match, and faced just 12 losses and 18 draws till the last world cup in 2014. They scored a total of 92 goals in world cups and received 66 goals from the opponents. Spain football team, as of the last 2014 FIFA World cup, became the FIFA World Cup Champions in just one occasion in 2010, and is inducted in the fifth place in our list of 10 Most Successful Countries in FIFA World Cup.

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4. Argentina

SD-Argentina-1 — Most Successful Nations in FIFA World Cup

The Argentinian national football team is currently governed by the Argentine Football Association. The team uses “Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti” as their home ground. The Argentine national football team participated 16 times in the FIFA World Cup since their first appearance in 1930 and won 42 matches out of total 77 world cup matches they played till now. The team earned a total 140 points with an average of 1.82 points per world cup match, and faced just 14 losses and 21 draws till the last world cup in 2014. They scored a total of 131 goals in world cups and received 84 goals from the opponents. Argentina football team, as of the last 2014 FIFA World Cup, became the FIFA World Cup Champions in two occasions, in 1978 and 1986, and is inducted in the fourth place in our list of 10 Most Successful Countries in FIFA World Cup.

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3. Italy

SD-Italy-1 — 10 Most Successful Team – FIFA World Cup

The Italian national football team is administered by the Italian Football Federation. The team won the European Championship in 1968 and an Olympic football tournament in 1936. The italian team is also known as “Gli Azzurri” from the traditional color of Italian national teams. Italian national football team participated 18 times in the FIFA World Cup since their first appearance in 1934 and won 45 matches out of total 83 world cup matches they played till now. The team earned a total 156 points with an average of 1.88 points per world cup match, and faced just 21 losses and 17 draws till the last world cup in 2014. They scored a total of 128 goals in world cups and received 77 goals from the opponents. Italy football team, as of the last 2014 FIFA World Cup, became the FIFA World Cup Champions on four occasions, in 1934, 1938, 1982 and 2006, and is inducted in the third place in our list of 10 Most Successful Countries in FIFA World Cup.

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2. Germany

SD-Germany-1 — 10 Most Successful Football Teams in FIFA World Cup

The German national football team is administered by the German Football Association since 1900. The team has represented the Federal Republic of Germany since the re-inauguration of the Deutscher Fußball-Bund in 1949. The German national football team participated 18 times in the FIFA World Cup since their first appearance in 1934 and won 66 matches out of total 106 world cup matches they played till now. The team earned a total 218 points with an average of 2.06 points per world cup match, and faced just 20 losses and 20 draws till the last world cup in 2014. They scored a total of 224 goals in world cups and received 121 goals from the opponents. Germany football team, as of the last 2014 FIFA World Cup, became the FIFA World Cup Champions in four occasions, in 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014, and is inducted in the second place in our list of 10 Most Successful Countries in FIFA World Cup.

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1. Brazil

SD-Brazil-1 — 10 Amazing Soccer Teams in FIFA World Cup

The Brazilian national football team is currently administered by the Brazilian Football Confederation which is the governing body of soccer in Brazil. The country is a member of the International Federation of Association Football since 1923. Brazil national football team participated 20 times in the FIFA World Cup since their first appearance in 1930 and won 70 matches out of total 104 world cup matches they played till now. The team earned a total 227 points with an average of 2.18 points per world cup match, and faced just 17 losses and 17 draws till the last world cup in 2014. They scored a total of 221 goals in world cups and received 102 goals from the opponents. The Brazilian football team, as of the last 2014 FIFA World Cup, became the FIFA World Cup Champions in five occasions, in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002, and is inducted in the top place in our list of 10 Most Successful Countries in FIFA World Cup.

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As the FIFA returns at a gap of four years, the teams hold on to the glory they receive, and prepare to defend their title in the next one. As for the football0buffs, they wait for their favourite teams to give the best, irrespective of what country they belong to.

10 Most Expensive Transfers in Football History

March 29, 2015 by Khabir Uddin Mughal

10 Most Expensive Transfers in Football History

It is a dream for every sports fan to see the best players perform. When such great players defend the team that is a sports fan’s favourite, there is nothing that can stop him from watching the games played by the team. That is why, the top clubs always want to rope in the best players from all over the world to be a part of their franchise, to ensure that the fans get what they want and stay loyal. The clubs in each league wait to get the top players, and for that, they are ready to do anything. Of course, the major incentive for the players when they play leagues, is the amount of money they are offered as contract fee. The football franchises are pretty generous in this regard, as they dole out huge sums of money to get the best players transferred from one team to their own. Let us take a look at the 10 Most Expensive Transfers in Football History.

10 Most Expensive Transfers in Football History

10. Edinson Cavani

Uruguayan footballer Edinson Roberto Cavani Gómez is widely known as a “modern striker” and has participated in the FIFA World Cup twice for his nation. He was also an integral part of the Uruguayan team that won their record 15th Copa América title. Edinson Cavani joined French club Paris Saint-Germain in 2013 from Italian club Napoli with a jaw-dropping transfer fee of €64 million which is the tenth costliest transfer in our list of 10 Most Expensive Transfers in Football History. He scored 78 goals out of 104 appearances for Napoli between 2010 and 2013, and has also scored 24 goals in 49 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain till now since his joining in 2013. Edinson Cavani has scored 24 international goals in his 69 appearances till now for the Uruguayan national soccer team since 2008.

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9. Kaká

SD-Kaká-1 — 10 Most Costliest Transfers of All Time

Brazilian attacking midfielder Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, famously known as Kaká, is currently associated with American club Orlando City in Major League Soccer. He was named FIFA World Player of the Year and rec eived the Ballon d’Or award in 2007. Kaká joined Spanish club Real Madrid in 2009 from Italian club AC Milan with an amazing transfer fee of €65 million which is the ninth costliest transfer in our list of 10 Most Expensive Transfers in Football History. He scored 7 goals out of 30 appearances for AC Milan between 2013 and 2014, and has also scored 2 goals in 19 appearances for São Paulo till now since his transfer on loan in 2014. Kaká has scored 29 international goals in his 89 appearances till now for the Brazilian national soccer team since 2002.

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8. Zlatan Ibrahimović

SD-ZlatanIbrahimović-1 — 10 Most Costliest Transfers in Football History

Swedish footballer Zlatan Ibrahimović is the all-time leading goalscorer of Sweden and represented his nations twice in 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups. His jaw-dropping bicycle-kick against England received the 2013 FIFA Puskás Award as the Goal of the Year. Zlatan Ibrahimović joined Spanish club Barcelona in 2009 from Italian club Inter Milan with an amazing transfer fee of €69 million which is the eighth costliest transfer in our list of 10 Most Expensive Transfers in Football History. He scored 28 goals out of 32 appearances for AC Milan between 2011 and 2012, and has also scored 73 goals in 87 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain till now since his joining in 2012. Zlatan Ibrahimović has scored 51 international goals in his 101 appearances till now for the Swedish national soccer team since 2001.

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7. Zinedine Zidane

SD-ZinedineZidane-1 — 10 Most Costliest Transfers in Soccer History

Legendary retired French attacking midfielder Zinedine Yazid Zidane, nicknamed “Zizou”, is currently coaching the Real Madrid Castilla team after his retirement from professional football. He was voted as the “Best European Footballer of The Past 50 Years” in the UEFA Golden Jubilee Poll. Zinedine Zidane joined Spanish club Real Madrid in 2001 from Italian club Juventus with a record transfer fee of €75 million which is the seventh costliest transfer in our list of 10 Most Expensive Transfers in Football History. He scored 24 goals out of 151 appearances for Juventus between 1996 and 2001, and has also scored 37 goals in 155 appearances for Real Madrid till his retirement in 2006 since his joining in 2001. Zinedine Zidane has scored 31 international goals in his 108 appearances till 2006 for the French national soccer team since 1994.

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6. Ángel Di María

SD-ÁngelDiMaría-1 — 10 Most Costliest Transfers of Footballers

Argentine footballer Ángel Fabián Di María Hernández now plays as an attacking midfielder for Manchester United and the Argentina national team. He represented the Argentine team in two FIFA world cup and also in 2011 Copa América. Ángel Di María joined English club Manchester United in 2014 from Spanish club Real Madrid with a superior transfer fee of €75 million which is the sixth costliest transfer in our list of 10 Most Expensive Transfers in Football History. He scored 22 goals out of 124 appearances for Real Madrid between 2010 and 2014, and has also scored 3 goals in 21 appearances for Manchester United till now since his joining in 2014. Ángel Di María has scored 11 international goals in his 57 appearances till now for the Argentine national soccer team since 2008.

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5. James Rodríguez

SD-JamesRodríguez-1 — 10 Most Expensive Transfers of All Time

Colombian footballer James David Rodríguez Rubio currently plays as an attacking midfielder for Real Madrid and Colombian national team. He is noted for receiving the Golden Boot in last 2014 FIFA World Cup as the top goal scorer of the tournament. James Rodríguez joined Spanish club Real Madrid in 2014 from French club AS Monaco FC with an amazing transfer fee of €79.5 million which is the fifth costliest transfer in our list of 10 Most Expensive Transfers in Football History. He scored 9 goals out of 34 appearances for AS Monaco FC between 2013 and 2014, and has also scored 8 goals in 20 appearances for Real Madrid till now since his joining in 2014. James Rodríguez has scored 12 international goals in his 32 appearances till now for the Colombian national soccer team since 2011.

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4. Luis Suárez

SD-LuisSuárez-1 — 10 Most Expensive Football Transfers

Uruguayan footballer Luis Alberto Suárez Díaz currently plays as a striker for FC Barcelona besides his appearances for the Uruguayan national team. He recently won the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award in April 2014 and also named the FWA Footballer of the Year. Luis Suárez joined Spanish club Barcelona in 2014 from English club Liverpool with a jaw-dropping transfer fee of €94 million which is the fourth costliest transfer in our list of 10 Most Expensive Transfers in Football History. He scored 69 goals out of 110 appearances for Liverpool between 2011 and 2014, and has also scored 8 goals in 19 appearances for Barcelona till now since his joining in 2014. Luis Suárez has scored 43 international goals in his 82 appearances till now for the Uruguayan national soccer team since 2007.

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3. Cristiano Ronaldo

SD-CristianoRonaldo-1 — 10 Most Expensive Transfers of Soccer players

Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro currently plays as a forward of Real Madrid C.F. besides being the captain of the Portuguese national team. He won the Ballons d’Or three times and is only the second player to receive three European Golden Shoe Awards. Cristiano Ronaldo joined Spanish club Real Madrid in 2009 from English club Manchester United with a record transfer fee of €94.4 million which is the third costliest transfer in our list of 10 Most Expensive Transfers in Football History. He scored 84 goals out of 196 appearances for Manchester United between 2003 and 2009, and has also scored 208 goals in 190 appearances for Real Madrid till now since his joining in 2009. Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 52 international goals in his 118 appearances till now for the Portuguese national soccer team since 2003.

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2. Neymar

SD-Neymar-1 — 10 Most Expensive Soccer Transfers

Brazilian footballer Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior currently plays as a forward for FC Barcelona besides being the captain of the Brazilian national team. He was described as “an excellent player” by Brazilian legend Pelé, and also noted that “he will be the best in the world” by Ronaldo and Messi. Neymar joined Spanish club Barcelona in 2013 from Brazilian club São Paulo with a record transfer fee of €95 million which is the second costliest transfer in our list of 10 Most Expensive Transfers in Football History. He scored 54 goals out of 103 appearances for São Paulo’s Santos FC between 2009 and 2013, and has also scored 26 goals in 50 appearances for Barcelona till now since his joining in 2013. Neymar has scored 43 international goals in his 61 appearances till now for the Brazilian national soccer team since 2010.

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1. Gareth Bale

SD-GarethBale-1 — 10 Most Expensive Transfers of Footballers

Welsh footballer Gareth Frank Bale currently plays as a winger for Real Madrid and the Wales national team. He is widely regarded as a soccer player with “tremendous speed, great crossing ability, a great left foot and exceptional physical qualities”. Gareth Bale joined Spanish club Real Madrid in 2013 from English club Tottenham Hotspur with a record transfer fee of €100 million which is the costliest transfer in our list of 10 Most Expensive Transfers in Football History. He scored 42 goals out of 146 appearances for Tottenham Hotspur between 2007 and 2013, and has also scored 27 goals in 52 appearances for Real Madrid till now since his joining in 2013. Gareth Bale has scored 14 international goals in his 48 appearances till now for the Wales national soccer team since 2006.

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Every time a player joins a new club, it becomes a matter of huge discussion in the media and among the followers of the sport to find out or predict how much the player must have bagged to have made the decision of transferring from one team to the other. With football being a complete entertainment package, the players’ transfer fees become a subject of gossip, and it is also a part of the sport.

Top 10 Most Expensive Football Clubs

March 28, 2015 by Khabir Uddin Mughal

Top 10 Most Expensive Football Clubs

Association football, known commonly as soccer or just football, is one of the most popular sports in the world. Millions of fans gather to watch the games, be it in front of their television sets at home, or in the midst of large crowds at the stadiums. Football leagues are considered among the biggest of all leagues played all over the world. In these leagues, clubs have battles on the field against one another, and fans brim with thrill and excitement. The top clubs rope in the best players from around the world. It is a matter of great anticipation what players they will sign in and for how big a contract amount. Here is a list of the Top 10 Most Expensive Football Clubs. Let us take a look at these.

Top 10 Most Expensive Football Clubs

10. Liverpool

English professional football club Liverpool, placed at the 10^th position in our list of Top 10 Most Expensive Football Clubs, is based in Liverpool, England, and played their home matches at Anfield since it was established. The anthem of Liverpool is “You’ll Never Walk Alone”. The club was founded in 1892 and eventually won more European trophies than any other English clubs. Liverpool has won 18 League titles, 8 League Cups, 7 FA Cups, 5 European Cups, 3 UEFA Cups and 3 UEFA Super Cups. The club, as of last year’s Forbes List of 2014, currently has a total estimated value of $704 million with 6% positive change from the previous year, and has earned nearly $313 million revenue in the last financial year. Liverpool was listed in 2013 with a total estimated value of $651 million after 5% positive changes in the estimated value and has earned $296 million in 2012-2013 financial year.

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9. Juventus

SD-Juventus-1 — Top 10 Most Expensive Soccer Clubs

Italian professional football club Juventus Football Club S.p.A. commonly referred as just Juventus, placed at the 9^th position in our list of Top 10 Most Expensive Football Clubs, is based in Turin, Piedmont. It is ranked fourth in Europe and eighth in the world in terms of number of national and international trophies. Juventus has won 30 league titles, 6 national super cups, 2 UEFA Champions Leagues, 3 UEFA Cups, 2 UEFA Super Cups and a European Cup Winners’ Cup. The club, as of last year’s Forbes List of 2014, currently has a total estimated value of $850 million with 22% positive change from the previous year, and has earned nearly $354 million revenue in the last financial year. Juventus was listed in 2013 with a total estimated value of $694 million after 17% positive changes in the estimated value and has earned $248 million in 2012-2013 financial year.

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8. A.C. Milan

SD-ACMilan-1 — List of Most Expensive Soccer Clubs in the World

Italian professional football club Associazione Calcio Milan, commonly known as just A.C. Milan, placed at the 8^th position in our list of Top 10 Most Expensive Football Clubs, is based in Milan, Lombardy. It was founded by Herbert Kilpin and Alfred Edwards in 1899, and is the second most successful club in the world as per the number of international titles. A.C. Milan has won a total of 18 officially recognized FIFA and UEFA titles which includes a FIFA Club World Cup and three Intercontinental Cups. The club, as of last year’s Forbes List of 2014, currently has a total estimated value of $856 million with 9% negative change from the previous year, and has earned nearly $343 million revenue in the last financial year. A.C. Milan was listed in 2013 with a total estimated value of $945 million after 4% negative changes in the estimated value and has earned $326 million in 2012-2013 financial year.

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7. Manchester City

SD-ManchesterCity-1 — Top 10 Richest Football Teams

English professional football club Manchester City, placed at the 7^th position in our list of Top 10 Most Expensive Football Clubs, is based in Manchester, England. The club was first founded as St. Mark’s club in 1880 and changed its name to Manchester City in 1894. Manchester City recently won the League Cup and their second Premier League title in 2014. Manchester City is currently operated by UK Sports Investments Limited which is mainly controlled by former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The club, as of last year’s Forbes List of 2014, currently has a total estimated value of $863 million with 25% positive change from the previous year, and has earned nearly $411 million revenue in the last financial year. Manchester City was listed in 2013 with a total estimated value of $689 million after 35% positive changes in the estimated value and has earned $362 million in 2012-2013 financial year.

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6. Chelsea

SD-Chelsea-1 — Top 10 Richest Soccer Clubs

English professional football club Chelsea, placed at the 6^th position in our list of Top 10 Most Expensive Football Clubs, is based in Fulham, London. The club was established in 1905 and uses Stamford Bridge stadium as their home ground since then. Chelsea has won a UEFA Champions League title, 2 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cups, a UEFA Super Cup, 4 English premier league title, 7 FA Cups, 5 League Cups and 4 FA Community Shields, and is the only British club to win the UEFA Champions League. The club, as of last year’s Forbes List of 2014, currently has a total estimated value of $868 million with 4% negative change from the previous year, and has earned nearly $394 million revenue in the last financial year. Chelsea was listed in 2013 with a total estimated value of $901 million after 18% positive changes in the estimated value and has earned $409 million in 2012-2013 financial year.

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5. Arsenal

SD-Arsenal-1 — 10 Richest Soccer Clubs in the World

English professional football club Arsenal, placed at the 5^th position in our list of Top 10 Most Expensive Football Clubs, is based in Holloway, London, and is one of the most decorated clubs of the English Premier League. The club was founded in 1886 and joins the Football League in 1893. Arsenal has won 13 Premier League titles and 11 FA Cups. Arsenal has a fierce rivalry with neighboring Tottenham Hotspur which fights against him in the Classic North London derby. The club, as of last year’s Forbes List of 2014, currently has a total estimated value of $1,331 million with no certain change from the previous year, and has earned nearly $370 million revenue in the last financial year. Arsenal was listed in 2013 with almost the same total estimated value of nearly $1,326 million after 3% positive changes in the estimated value and has earned $368 million in 2012-2013 financial year.

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4. Bayern Munich

SD-BayernMunich-1 — 10 Richest Football Clubs in the World

German professional football club Fußball-Club Bayern München e.V. famously known as just Bayern Munich, placed at the 4^th position in our list of Top 10 Most Expensive Football Clubs, is based in Munich, Bavaria. The club was established by eleven soccer players led by Franz John in 1900. The club has won a FIFA Club World Cup, 5 UEFA Champions League, 24 Bundesliga titles, 17 national cups, 2 Intercontinental Cups, one UEFA Cup and one European Cup Winners’ Cup. The club, as of last year’s Forbes List of 2014, currently has a total estimated value of $1,850 million with 41% positive change from the previous year, and has earned nearly $561 million revenue in the last financial year. Bayern Munich was listed in 2013 with a total estimated value of $1,309 million after 6% positive changes in the estimated value and has earned $468 million in 2012-2013 financial year.

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3. Manchester United

SD-ManchesterUnited-1 — Top 10 Richest Football Clubs

English professional football club Manchester United, placed at the 3^rd position in our list of Top 10 Most Expensive Football Clubs, is based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, England. The club was founded in 1878 as Newton Heath LYR Football Club and changed to its current name in 1902. Manchester United has won a FIFA Club World Cup, 20 English premier league titles, 11 FA Cups, 20 FA Community Shields, 3 European Cups, a UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup and one UEFA Super Cup. The club, as of last year’s Forbes List of 2014, currently has a total estimated value of $2,810 million with 11% negative change from the previous year, and has earned nearly $551 million revenue in the last financial year. Manchester United was listed in 2013 with a total estimated value of $3,165 million after 42% positive changes in the estimated value and has earned $502 million in 2012-2013 financial year.

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2. FC Barcelona

SD-FCBarcelona-1 — Top 10 Richest Soccer Teams

Spanish professional football club Futbol Club Barcelona or just Barça, placed at the 2^nd position in our list of Top 10 Most Expensive Football Clubs, is based in Barcelona, Catalonia. The club was founded by a group led by Joan Gamper in 1899 and uses “Més que un club” motto which translated “More than a club”. FC Barcelona has won a record two FIFA Club World Cup titles, 4 UEFA Champions League, 22 La Liga, 26 Copa del Rey, 4 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup and 11 Supercopa de España title. The club, as of last year’s Forbes List of 2014, currently has a total estimated value of $3,200 million with 23% positive change from the previous year, and has earned nearly $627 million revenue in the last financial year. FC Barcelona was listed in 2013 with a total estimated value of $2,600 million after 99% positive changes in the estimated value and has earned $613 million in 2012-2013 financial year.

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1. Real Madrid

SD-RealMadrid-1 — Top 10 Most Expensive Soccer Team

Spanish professional football club Real Madrid Club de Fútbol or just Real Madrid, placed at the top position in our list of Top 10 Most Expensive Football Clubs, is based in Madrid, Spain. The club was established in 1902 and the team uses Santiago Bernabéu Stadium as their home ground since 1947. Real Madrid has won a FIFA Club World Cup, a record 10 UEFA Champions League, 32 La Liga, 3 Intercontinental Cups, 19 Copa del Rey and 9 Supercopa de España. The club, as of last year’s Forbes List of 2014, currently has a total estimated value of $3,440 million with 4% positive change from the previous year, and has earned nearly $675 million revenue in the last financial year. Real Madrid was listed in 2013 with a total estimated value of $3,300 million after 76% positive changes in the estimated value and has earned $650 million in 2012-2013 financial year.

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The clubs dole out large sums of money to sign in players in their best forms, to ensure that the performance of the clubs is the best, and millions and millions of viewers watch their games. This also attracts the companies that offer huge sponsorships. It is quite natural that the clubs earn huge revenues and are counted among the world’s most expensive ones. For fans, however, these numbers do not matter, and all they care about are great games.

10 Old and Defunct Football Stadiums

March 25, 2015 by Khabir Uddin Mughal

10 Old and Defunct Football Stadiums

Stadiums always played a role in our development starting from the medieval era when the grounds were often used as the venue for popular recreation, till the modern day when the exclusive grounds maintained by huge organized are decorated with giant screens and state-of-the-art technology. Football or association football or soccer is the most widely played sport in the world, with over 200 countries playing football on international or national stages. There are also famous clubs who has their heritage attached with their home grounds. Home grounds always played a key role in the success of a football club as the teams practice, play and achieve victory on the home ground. Moreover, the home grounds also hold the record crowd for any club. There are so many new stadiums built, as the old stadiums were not able to handle the vast number of audience. It is certainly sad to see any club neglecting its ground after it moved to the new home, but there are many clubs which also maintain their heritage at the ground. So here is the list of 10 old and defunct football stadiums.

10 Old and Defunct Football Stadiums

10. Milton Road Ground – Cambridge City

Milton Road Ground was the home ground of Southern League Premier Division club Cambridge City F.C from 29th April 1922 to 27th April 2013. The stadium was located in Cambridge, England and was one of the largest outside the Football League, and is inducted in the tenth place in our list of 10 Old and Defunct Football Stadiums. The ground was also used for greyhound racing during the late 1960s and attracted more crowd than football match. After a legal dispute with Cambridge city, High Court ordered that the club will stay at the City ground till 2013 and will share in 50% of future profits from development of the site. As the consequence of the City Ground’s failed FA ground inspection in April 2008, the Cambridge City football club was automatically demoted to the Southern League Premier Division from the Conference South.

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9. Manor Ground – Oxford United

SD-ManorGround-1 — 10 Best Old Football Stadiums

Manor Ground was the home ground of Oxford United football club since 1925 until 2001 and was located in Oxford, England. It was built and opened in 1876 Oxford United which was previously known as Headington United, and is inducted in the ninth place in our list of 10 Old and Defunct Football Stadiums. Oxford United used the Manor Ground stadium until they moved to the Kassam Stadium, which they share with London Welsh Rugby Football Club as the home ground. The stadium in an FA Cup 6th Round match on 29 February 1964 hosted Oxford United’s record crowd of 22,750 against Preston North End. For its poor maintenance, it started to be known as one of the more dilapidated stadiums in Britain according to 1990 Taylor Report. Manor Ground was demolished in 2001 and is now the site of a private hospital.

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8. Roker Park – Sunderland

SD-RokerPark-1 — Top 10 Old and Defunct Football Stadiums

Roker Park was the home ground of English football club Sunderland A.F.C. from 1897 to 1997 and was located in Roker, Sunderland, and is inducted in the eighth place in our list of 10 Old and Defunct Football Stadiums. It has the record crowd of 75,118 before the Sunderland club moved to the Stadium of Light. Roker Park was officially opened on 10 September 1898 by Charles Vane-Tempest-Stewart, 6th Marquess of Londonderry, and hosted Liverpool vs Sunderland friendly match as the inaugural football event. The last competitive football match at the Roker Park ground was a 3–0 Sunderland victory over Everton. Roker Park was demolished in 1998 and a housing estate was built on the site of the stadium after the final farewell game between Liverpool and Sunderland football club.

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7. The Dell – Southampton

SD-TheDell-1 — 10 Defunct Football Stadiums

The Dell was the home ground of Southampton football club from 1898 and 2001 and was located in Milton Road, Southampton, Englan, and is inducted in the seventh place in our list of 10 Old and Defunct Football Stadiums. The site of The Dell was described before the construction of the stadium as “a lovely dell with a gurgling stream and lofty aspens” in Philip Brannon’s Picture of Southampton published in 1850. After the construction of the stadium, several names were suggested such as “the Fitzhugh Dell”, “Milton Park” and “The Archer’s Ground” but later named as The Dell. The stadium’s demolition work started 26 May 2001, and the Southampton football club moved to the new St Mary’s Stadium. A housing estate was built on the site of The Dell while blocks on the new site bear the names of former Southampton players.

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6. Filbert Street – Leicester City

SD-FilbertStreet-1 — List of Old and Defunct Football Grounds

Filbert Street was the home ground of Leicester City football club from 1891 until 2002, and is inducted in the sixth place in our list of 10 Old and Defunct Football Stadiums. The stadium was located in in Leicester, England, and was officially named “The City Business Stadium” in the early 1990s. For higher attendance and to provide better facilities after the success of the club under Martin O’Neill during the late 1990s, an expanded stadium was required by Leicester City and they moved to their new home ground King Power Stadium. Filbert Street stadium was sold for £3.75 million to a development company in March 2002 and the demolition of the stadium begun in March 2003. It is now the part of ‘Filbert Village‘ development as accommodation for students of the University of Leicester and De Montfort University.

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5. Don Valley Stadium – Rotherham United

SD-DonValleyStadium-1 — 10 Old and Defunct Football Grounds

Don Valley Stadium was the home ground of Rotherham United from 2008 till they moved to the New York Stadium at the start of the 2012–13 football season. The stadium was named after the nearby flowing river the River Don, and is located in in Sheffield, England. The Don Valley Stadium complex was opened in 1990, and first hosted the 1991 World Student Games, and is inducted in the fifth place in our list of 10 Old and Defunct Football Stadiums. Besides football, the stadium also hosted games by rugby league side Sheffield Eagles, and was also the former home ground of the Parramore Sports football team. Don Valley was the second largest stadium in United Kingdom at the time of its closure with a seated capacity of 25,000. The stadium was demolished since 21 November 2013 till May 2014.

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4. Vetch Field – Swansea City

SD-VetchField-1 — Top 10 Defunct Football Stadiums

Vetch Field was the home ground of Swansea City F.C since it was opened in 1912 till the club moved to the newly built Liberty Stadium in 2005, and was located in Swansea, Wales. Vetch Field also hosted many matches for the Wales national football team besides being as the home ground of Swansea City, and is inducted in the fourth place in our list of 10 Old and Defunct Football Stadiums. The last ever football match was held at the Vetch Field was the 2005 FAW Premier Cup final where Swansea defeated Wrexham with 2–1 score. Besides football, the stadium also hosted 8 rugby league matches between 1990 and 1999, and also hosted the music tour of The Who in 1976. Demolition of the Vetch Field stadium was started on 31 January 2011, but the center circle of the stadium will remain.

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3. Maine Road – Manchester City

SD-MaineRoad-1 — Top 10 Old Football Stadiums

Maine Road was the home ground of Manchester City F.C from its construction in 1923 till the final match on 11 May 2003, and was located in Moss Side, Manchester. It was nicknamed Wembley of the North because of its high capacity and is inducted in the third place in our list of 10 Old and Defunct Football Stadiums. The stadium hosted many important events such as FA Cup semi-finals, a League Cup final and Charity Shield matches. For the attendance in 1934 FA Cup Sixth Round match between Manchester City and Stoke City, Maine Road holds the record for the highest home attendance in English football. Manchester City’s final goal was scored at the stadium by Marc-Vivien Foé on 21 April 2003 during the 3–0 final victory over Sunderland. The Maine Road Football ground was demolished in 2004.

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2. Bank Street – Manchester United

SD-BankStreet-1 — 10 Best Defunct Football Stadiums

Bank Street or Bank Lane was the home ground of Manchester United from 1898 to 1910 and located on Bank Street in the Manchester suburb of Clayton, and is inducted in the second place in our list of 10 Old and Defunct Football Stadiums. The club owner John Henry Davies believed he could not sufficiently expand the Bank Street ground, and for that, moved to Old Trafford in 1910. The main stand at Bank Street was blown down in a storm after Manchester moved out from Bank Street. The stadium is now occupied for the car parking of the Manchester Velodrome. Manchester United won their first league title in 1908 and the FA Cup in 1909 on this ground as their home ground of that time. The site of the Bank Street stadium is very close to the Manchester City’s Home ground the Etihad Stadium.

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1. Highbury – Arsenal F.C.

SD-HighburyArsenal-1 — Top 10 Old and Defunct Football Grounds

Highbury was the home ground of Arsenal Football Club from 6 September 1913 to 7 May 2006 and called with the name for its location in Highbury, North London. Highbury was nicknamed “The Home of Football” by Arsenal F.C, and is inducted in the top place in our list of 10 Old and Defunct Football Stadiums. The club moved to their new stadium Emirates Stadium in nearly Islington after the 2005-06 EPL season. Highbury was redeveloped as a residential development known as Highbury Square after Arsenal moved from the ground, but parts of the East and West Stands of the Highbury stadium still remain. The stadium hosted 1948 Summer Olympics and FA Cup semi-finals during its time. Besides football, it also hosted international matches of various sports such as boxing, baseball and cricket.

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There are also stadiums like Nevill Ground that was used for football, but is now used for its original purpose of cricket. Trent Bridge is also a stadium which was used by Notts County in 1910, but now used as a cricket stadium. Withdean Stadium was also used by Brighton & Hove Albion F.C as their home ground from 1999 to 2011 but now use as an athletic stadium.