While Neymar and everybody else thinks Lionel Messi is the best player in the world, you have Cristiano Ronaldo voting for himself, Messi-haters voting for Xavi and Xavi himself voting for Paul Scholes (which, in a nutshell, tells you all there is to say about ‘votes’).

But the best part about El Clasico this season is that you will truly get to see two the best teams in the world, with several of the best players in the world (finally there’s more to Madrid than just Ronaldo) going head to head – and the El Clasico Stats back this up.

While we wait, here are some great videos to help you build up to the best match of the weekend:

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

All of Messi’s 202 goals scored for Barcelona (2005-2011), in a simple, no-frills video. After the constant adulation, it is still ridiculous how good is really is.

Of course, when you’re playing with the likes of Ronaldinho, Eto’o, Henry and Iniesta, it gets a bit easier. But we tend to forget how the young Messi was still phenomenally good, as his early goals for Barcelona show:

For more great football video compilations, check out this YouTube channel.

Spotter’s Credit: Ahmed Umair.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Sports Illustrated and Gillette Odor Shield Sweat for Greatness contest is celebrating extraordinary achievements of ordinary men and here on Soccerlens, we are going to look at extraordinary achievements of modern day footballers.

For all the bad traits in the game of football, sometimes the sport can inspire you, can give you hope. Forget the racism scandal surrounding John Terry, the diving, spitting and swearing – the game’s values of  hard work, dedication and endeavour can shine through.

The game and the players that make it can triumph through adversity, injury and personal grievance to compete on an international scale and delight the supporter on a Saturday afternoon.

Although there have been countless stories of bravery from the modern day footballer, some stand out above the rest.

Salvador Cabanas

Salvador Cabanas

Salvador Cabanas is regarded as one of South America’s most clinical goalscorers of the 2000′s, winning acclaim and accolade across the continent and the world. The Paraguay international starred at club level in his homeland, Chile and Mexico, with his most successful period being between 2006 and 2010 at Mexican side America. A goal-scoring record of 174 strikes in 319 games shows the Asuncion born man’s predatory instincts and calibre.

On a number of occasions Cabanas finished top goalscoring in Mexico and Chile, and was the top scorer in the Copa Libertadores in 2008 with America. Awarded as the South American Player of the Year in 2007, Cabanas also impressed at international level, scoring 10 goals in 44 appearances for his nation.

The front-man scored on two separate occasions against Brazil, and proved the difference in a famous 1-0 Paraguay victory over the Selecao back in June 2008.

The forward’s life was turned upside down on 25th January 2010 however, as he was shot in the head in a Mexico City nightclub by notorious drug lord Jose Balderas Garza. The cause of the incident has yet to be fully determined, with some suggesting Cabanas was defending himself against a robbery, others stating that the gangster reacted to a show of arrogance from the footballer.

Either way Cabanas’ life was on the line, but the South American showed tremendous battling qualities to survive the callous attack. As a craniotomy was deemed too risky by the doctors at the time, the bullet was not removed from his skull, and has not be taken out to this day. The striker left intensive care in February 2010, but suffers from short term memory loss and an altered way of life due to the assault.

Cabanas recovered adequately to feature in a exhibition game between the Paraguay national team and old club America in 2011, but could not continue his professional career. The story of his miraculous recovery warms the hearts of South American football fans, and his achievement must be deemed as extraordinary given the extremity of his injury.

Julio Gonzalez

Julio Valentin Gonzalez (Left)

Julio Gonzalez’s story of recovering from a tragic car crash and an amputated arm to play a part in the game in his homeland, also in Paraguay, is uplifting and endearing. The international attacker was playing for Vicenza in Italy back in December 2005, when he was involved in a high impact car crash when travelling to Venice airport. After being hospitalised for a month in Europe, doctors were forced to amputate the South American’s left arm.

Gonzalez had, and has, a clear love for the game, with the pinnacle of his career winning a silver medal with Paraguay at the 2004 Olympics. After the injury, the former Guarani player pledged to return to playing, and went through a strict and grueling rehabilitation process to regain health and fitness. He made his comeback in November 2007, turning out for Tacuary back in Paraguay. He later went on to play for Presidente Hayes also.

Despite losing the ability to play at the highest level, Gonzalez has remained an important member of the football community in his country, and in 2008 opened an Inter Milan football academy in the nation. He continues to coach local youngsters with the Milanese club’s backing and his enthusiasm for the game he loves has not dwindled despite his injuries. A true inspiration, Gonzalez could easily have quit the sport, but a fledging coaching career is in the making for the 30-year-old.

Ivan Klasnic

Ivan Klasnic

Ivan Klasnic is the first and only player to compete in a major competition after recovering from an organ transplant, going against medical opinion to play at the highest level. The Bolton attacker was diagnosed with kidney failure in January 2007, which threatened the Croatia international’s life – never mind his football career.

After a promising start to his time in the professional game at St Pauli, the Hamburg born forward moved to Werder Bremen in 2001, who he represented when he suffered the illness. After undergoing a transplant operation, using his mother Sima’s kidney, things looked grim as Klasnic’s body rejected the new organ.

The striker went under the knife for a second time soon after using his father’s kidney, and although the operation was a success, Klasnic was advised he would not be able to play the game he loved ever again.

The Werder Bremen man defied medical guidance and started to train again, making a miraculous recovery to the professional game on 24 November 2007, playing for the Weserstadion team against Cottbus Energie. From there, Klasnic has continued an impressive career, the highlight of which his involvement for Croatia in Euro 2008, scoring two goals in the process.

Klasnic has since left the Bundesliga club to play in Ligue 1 for Nantes and in England with Bolton. The goal-getter’s determination to compete at the highest level in the game despite his medical problems should be held in high regard, as Klasnic’s determination and dedication encapsulate the true footballer.

There are many more stories of heartache and recovery in the game, but the three men mentioned have shown extraordinary courage and resolve to bounce back from such debilitating blows in their lives, demonstrating that football can inspire, motivate and unify.

Sweat for Greatness

Sports Illustrated has joined hands with Gillette Odor Shield for the Sweat for Greatness contest to celebrate ordinary men achieving extraordinary things. You are asked to vote for the one you find the most extraordinary at si.com/greatness.

The three final contestants are:

• Stephen Wampler, the first man with Cerebral Palsy to climb El Capitan the 3,000 ft rock in Yosemite National Park
• Joe Beimfohr, army veteran lost both his legs in Iraq, recovered and became a pro hand-cyclist
• John Olson, overcame Epilepsy to become a mountain climber

This is a sponsored editorial.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

The Champions League (sponsored by Heineken) represents competition between the finest football sides in Europe (and the best footballers in the world). Winning the domestic league is undoubtedly important, and it is the bread and butter of any football club – but participating in the most prestigious, world-renowned and toughest club competition in the world is another matter entirely. Few football clubs are deemed worthy to play in the Champions League. Far fewer still are worthy to win it.

In the video(s) below produced by Heineken (some of which you’re likely to have seen on TV while watching Champions League matches this season), watch the artistry of some of the greatest players to players to play in Europe producing some of the most legendary moments of the UEFA Champions League.

And this season you can also play live, legendary football with Heineken Star Player. Play live with every UEFA Champions League match on TV and anticipate the outcome of live match moments to score. Take on your friends – take on the world. Get more information on Heineken’s facebook page, and watch the video below:

This is a sponsored post.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

If ever there is a time to push football it is when the dark nights draw in and the jackets go on. Push football? I know, we all watch it; comment; log on; and couch surf our way through hundreds of hours of football. Yet, the number of us playing the sport can always grow.

It’s not that there is anything wrong with those of us who chose to watch instead of lace up. Encouragement to participate is never a bad thing though, so the FA and Mars are teaming up to get 150,000 new participants into football by 2013. With 100 ‘Just Play‘ Centres promised by the end of 2011, you can hardly turn them down.

That is exactly what Just Play is, the initiative to get out there and play football. You don’t have to be good or competitive, the idea is to play and enjoy football. Just Play is all about adults and will make a positive impact on an area of the grassroots game that is often overlooked. That is possibly where previous “schemes” from head-office have missed the target.

If you’re interested, then search Just Play and book a kick-about at your nearest centre.

Each centre will be staffed by specially trained organisers, delivering casual football sessions that can benefit up to 50 participants at any one time. To book a session go online or turn up and Just Play.

There isn’t really a reason not to, it costs just £3 on average to participate in a Just Play session and there are hundreds going on all over the country. So what are you waiting for? Just Play!

Interview and videography by Laurence McKenna.

Also See: Soccerlens interviews Robbie Savage.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Manchester United’s Tom Cleverley and Phil Jones sat down to speak with FA TV ahead of the Bulgaria v England Euro 2012 qualifier this week, chatting about Manchester United, Alex Ferguson, Wayne Rooney and joining the England squad.

Have a look:

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

adidas recently hosted an exclusive event to promote the launch of their new adiPower Predator boot, inviting football bloggers and selected fans to join the adidas crew and adidas sponsored footballers in testing out the new Predator, as well as hosting a football match between football bloggers (Soccerlens’ scored 2 goals and won the man of the match, heh!).

Props to adidas for hosting an awesome event and for inviting Soccerlens. Here’s a video montage of the event:

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Barcelona v Manchester United. Two teams, one cup. Here’s the video:

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Remember Zahia Dehar? The girl that was at the center of a four-way under-age prostitution storm involving Franck Ribery and two of his French teammates? The girl who was under 18 when she took money for sex and then claimed to be surprised at her ‘lovers’ facing fines and jail time?

Of course you remember. And what better way to move on from that moment of fame than to play the role of sex bot that gains free will? A nymph from space, so to speak.

At least she’s being more honest than Imogen Thomas (last seen profiting from a modeling gig in Paddy Power’s Champions League final special, where half the bets are about Ryan Giggs being caught offside). Remember, the central reason behind the injunction granted to Ryan Giggs was that the judge found evidence of Imogen trying to extort money from Giggs.

Zahia is streets ahead, she gets paid, feigns innocence, plays her part in destroying the French World Cup bid and casually moves on to being a space age nymph.

Check her out below:

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

An extensive video tutorial on how to emulate your favourite divers and cheaters in world football. Bonus – how to con the ref.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News