Squad: Jose Mourinho (Coach)

Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho (Setubal, Portugal, 26-1-1963) joined Real Madrid one week after winning the Champions League title with Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Nerazzurri hadn't won the title in 45 years, but under the Portuguese coach Inter also won the Italian Scudetto and the Cup of Italy during the 2009/10 season; the first-ever treble in club history. Mourinho also won the Scudetto in his first season at Inter, as well as the Italian Super Cup.

Earlier in his career, Mourinho won six titles in three years at Chelsea. During his first year at Stamford Bridge, he won the Premier League and the Carling Cup. Chelsea won the Premiership again the following year after a tight race with Manchester United throughout the season, which the Blues opened by winning the Community Shield. Mourinho led Chelsea to victory in the FA Cup and the Carling Cup during the 2006/07 campaign.

Before leaving for England, Mourinho won the second Champions League title for Porto in 2004 as well as the Portuguese league title (the first for Porto in four years). With the Portuguese side he also won one UEFA Cup, one Cup of Portugal and one Portuguese Super Cup.

Data

• Place of Birth: Setubal, Portugal


• Date of Birth: 26 January 1963


• Nationality: Portuguese

Honours

• Champions League: 2004 (Porto), 2010 (Inter)


• UEFA Cup: 2003 (Porto)

• Scudettos: 2008/09, 2009/2010 (Inter)


• Premier League: 2004/05, 2005/06 (Chelsea)


• Portuguese league: 2002/03, 2003/04 (Porto)

• Italian Cup: 2009/10 (Inter)


• F.A. Cup: 2006/07 (Chelsea)


• Carling Cup: 2004/05, 2006/07 (Chelsea)


• Cup of Portugal: 2002/03 (Porto)


• Spanish Cup: 2010/11 (Real Madrid)

• Italian Super Cup: 2008 (Inter)


• Community Shield: 2005 (Chelsea)


• Portuguese Super Cup: 2003 (Porto)

Personal accolades:

• FIFA World Coach of the Year: 2010


• IFFHS Best Coach award: 2004, 2005, 2010


• UEFA Best Coach: 2002/03, 2003/04


• League Managers Association (LMA) Hall of Fame: Inducted 2010


• Best coach of the Italian League: 2009


• Best Coach of the Premier League: 2004/05, 2005/06


• Best Coach of the Portuguese league: 2002/03, 2003/04

Squad: Gonzalo Higuain (20)

Gonzalo Higuain

Gonzalo Higuaín jumped onto the world football stage after being named Breakthrough Player on Argentina’s 2006 Torneo Apertura. "Pipita" is known for his speed in the last third of the pitch, his great striking ability, and his precisionpassing. Quick, elegant, and a knack for decision-making make Higuaín a fashionable forward in today's world of football.

Higuaín scored his first goal as Madridista against Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderón Stadium in 2006/07. His propensity for scoring in derbies dates back to his first Boca-River clash, when he led Los Millonarios to victory with a stunning brace. During his first year with Real Madrid he was criticised for rushing his shots on goal, but his few successful finishes were worth their weight in gold; Higuaín netted the game winner in the team’s amazing 4-3 comeback against Espanyol and lit a spark under his teammates in the season-closer against Mallorca.

Whether he plays close to the six-yard box or along the right wing, Higuaín has what it takes to be a goal-scoring machine.

Data

• Place of Birth: Brest, France


• Date of Birth: 10/12/1987


• Position: Forward


• Weight: 81.5 kg


• Height: 184 cm


• Nationality: Argentine/French

Honours

• Copa del Rey: 2011


• La Liga: 2006/07, 2007/08


• Spanish Super Cup: 2008

Squad: Karim Benzema (9)

Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema was born in Lyon, France on 19 December 1987 to a working class family originally from northern Algeria; roots that defined his mature yet simple character. The early days of his life as a footballer began at the age of 9 with Olympique Lyonnais, a club he had never left until signing for Real Madrid. He was one of the youth system’s most outstanding players and scored 38 goals in one season with the Under-16 side followed by the UEFA European Under-17 title with France in 2004. He debuted with Lyon’s first team on 15 January 2005 against Metz. Although he did not score, he did provide an assist to Bryan Bergougnoux, who scored the winning goal. Despite the fact that Benzema had been crowned champion of Europe, club staff didn’t want to rush the player’s development and only played him in six matches that season. He did however go on to score 12 goals in 14 matches with France’s Under-18 side.

The following year he played in 13 matches, scored one goal and made his Champions League debut against Rosenborg. He played in 21 matches and scored five goals in 2006/07, but Benzema really exploded onto the scene in 2007/08. Lyon won the Ligue 1 title for the seventh straight year as well as the Coupe de France. It was also the year he debuted with the French national team. On 28 March 2007 Benzema suited up for Les Bleus against Austria and scored his first international goal. The major thorn in his side was the 2008 Euro after France fell in the opening round. This season was especially bittersweet for the striker. His coach kept him on a relatively tight leash, allowing Benzema to score just 17 goals in 36 matches. Despite being eliminated by Barcelona in the Last 16 of the Champions League, Benzema did manage to score five goals in Europe’s top competition.

Benzema’s football is based on tremendous strength, his wicked moves, unlimited ball skills and a superb strike. The Madridista striker is intelligent and dominates every facet of what his position demands. He is an animal inside the box when his team needs him and he is the perfect man to initiate a counter-attack when his teammates feel pressured.

Data

• Place of Birth: Lyon, France
• Date of Birth: 19/12/1987
• Position: Forward
• Weight: 83.5 kg
• Height: 184.1 cm
• Nationality: French

Honours

• Copa del Rey: 2011
• Ligue 1: 2004/05, 2005/06, 2006/07, 2007/08
• Coupe de France: 2008
• Trophée de Champions: 2005, 2006, 2007

Squad: Cristiano Ronaldo (7)

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo was born and raised in a working class neighborhood on the Portuguese island of Madeira. He officially began playing football in 2003 for Clube Futebol Andorinha de Santo Antonio. By the age of ten, the islands more prominent teams began expressing interest in the phenom. Ronaldo joined Nacional da Ilha da Madeira, where he continued his meteoric rise and one year later was on the move to Lisbon, where he signed for Sporting in 2001. He is still the only player in club history to be promoted by four academy teams until debuting with the first team in one season. Ronaldo scored a brace in his first match against Deportivo Moreirense and went on to win the Superliga that same year as a mainstay One season later he made his European debut in a Champions League qualifier against Inter.

The turning point of his career was a brilliant performance during a friendly against Manchester United in 2001. Ferguson later admitted that his players couldn’t stop talking about Ronaldo. Even on the flight back to England, players of the likes of Roy Keane and Van Nistelrooy insisted that the manager sign Cristiano. The official announcement was made one week later after ManU paid £12.24 million for his services; a record transfer fee for an adolescent.

Cristiano Ronaldo perfected his skills in the following years and also managed to stand out for his intelligence and great physique. He would go on to win the Ballon d’Or, the Golden Boot, the FIFA World Player award, the FIFPro award, the UEFA Club Forward of the Year distinction, and became the top-scorer of the Champions League.

The Madridista forward made his international debut on 20 August 2003 against Kazakhstan and has since become the captain of Portugal, who he led into action in the 2010 World Cup.

Data

• Place of Birth: Madeira, Portugal
• Date of Birth: 05/02/1985
• Position: Forward
• Weight: 84.5 kg
• Height: 186.5 cm
• Nationality: Portuguese

Honours

• Super League: 2002
• FA Cup: 2004
• Football League Cup: 2006, 2009
• Premier League: 2007, 2008, 2009
• Community Shield: 2007, 2008
• UEFA Champions League: 2008
• FIFA Club World Cup: 2008
• Copa del Rey: 2011

• Bravo Trophy: 2004
• FIFPro Special Young Player of the Year: 2005, 2006
• Portuguese Footballer of the Year: 2006, 2007
• FA Premier League Player of the Year 2007
• Ballon d'Or runner-up: 2007
• FIFA World Player, third place: 2007
• UEFA Champions League Top-Scorer: 2008
• Golden Boot: 2008
• UEFA Club Footballer of the Year: 2008
• UEFA Club Forward of the Year: 2008
• FIFPro World Player of the Year: 2008
• Ballon d'Or: 2008
• FIFA World Player 2008

Squad: Angel Di Maria (22)

Angel Di Maria

Angel di Maria is a versatile left winger who can play just as well along the right or serve as a second attacker. The youngster has already garnered accolades on both club and national team levels.

In 2007 Di Maria won the Under-20 World Championship with Argentina and one year later scored the Gold Medal winner in the Olympic Games, where he played alongside Madridista teammates Gago and Garay. In 2009/10 with Benfica, Di Maria won the double and one year prior won the Portuguese League Cup.

The midfielder began his career at Rosario Central and moved to Portugal in the summer of 2007. Three summers later, he found himself on international duty in the 2010 World Cup. His debut with the Argentine national team took place on 6 September 2009 in what was a World Cup qualifier against Paraguay.

Data

• Place of Birth: Rosario, Argentina
• Date of Birth: 14/02/1988
• Position: Midfielder
• Weight: 75 kg
• Height: 180 cm
• Nationality: Argentine

Honours

• Copa del Rey: 2011
• Portuguese Liga: 2009/10
• Portuguese League Cup: 2008/09, 2009/10
• Olympic Gold Medal: 2008
• Under-20 World Championship: 2007
• Best Player of the Portuguese Liga: 2009/10

Squad: Lass Diarra (23)

Lass Diarra

Determined to become a football player, he joined Nantes' youth system as a child and later landed at Le Mans, with whom he played in the French Second Division. The most recent French side he played for was Le Havre (2003-05).

Chelsea took interest in Lass and signed him in 2005, making him the youngest player in club history. He won the Premiership and a Carling Cup with the Blues. He later moved to Arsenal, where he remained only half a season before joining Portsmouth, where he would immediately see more playing time and become one of the top players in the Premiership.

Diarra is strong, solid in defence and covers a large part of the pitch. He is excellent in the aerial game despite not being too tall and he is capable of scoring goals from a distance thanks to a powerful shot. His versatility allows him to play both as a midfielder and as a right back.

Data

• Place of Birth: Paris, France
• Date of Birth: 03/10/1986
• Position: Midfielder
• Weight: 73 kg
• Height: 172.2 cm
• Nationality: French

Honours

• Copa del Rey: 2011
• Carling Cup: 2007
• FA Cup: 2007, 2008

Squad: Jose Callejon (21)

Jose Callejon

Jose Maria was born in Motril (Granada) on 11 February 1987. He joined Real Madrid's academy in September 2002 following a stint at Agrupacion Deportiva de Futbol Costa Tropical. His brother Juan Miguel, who currently plays for Cordoba, also joined the club.

Callejon started out on the Under-16 side, climbing up the ladder until he became a Real Madrid C player at the start of the 2006/07 campaign - he played some games with the third team during the previous year. He was promoted to Castilla in the 2007/08 season and made his international debut with Spain's Under-21 side on 25 March 2008 against Kazakhstan, scoring one goal.

Real Madrid transferred Callejon to Espanyol in the summer of that year. He made his Firtst Division debut with the Barcelona team against Getafe on 3 September. He arrived as a striker, but adapted to the winger position down either side thanks to his versatility, speed and dribbling skills.

Data

• Place of Birth: Motril (Spain)


• Date of Birth: 11/02/1987


• Position: Midfielder


• Weight: 73 kg


• Height: 179 cm


• Nationality: Spanish

Squad: Mesut Özil (10)

Mesut Özil

A constant work in progress, Mesut Ozil has quickly earned a reputation as an elegant and versatile midfielder. His knack for the final pass, his free-flowing movement on every third of the pitch and his exquisite left foot earned Ozil a spot in Shalke 04's academy in 2005. It only took one season for the midfielder to earn his promotion to the first team and he made his Bundesliga debut at the age of 17.

During the winter transfer window 0f 2008, Ozil completed a switch to Werder Bremen, where he played over 60 matches and scored 13 goals. With Werder, the midfielder went on to win the 2009 DFB Cup and the 2009 DFL Supercup. On an individual level, Ozil was rewarded for his outstanding Bundesliga play by being named the best player of the first leg of the 2009 season.

Ozil is paving the way for the German national team's new generation of players. Although of Turkish decent, his entire life has been committed to Germany. He played for the Under-17 side and moved his way up to the Under-21 side, which won the 2009 European Championship. Ozil provided two assists and scored a goal in the final against England.

His debut with the senior side dates back to 12 August 2009, when Germany defeated Azerbaijan. Ozil continued to impress in World Cup qualifiers and by the end of the 2010 World Cup was among the ten finalists for the Golden Boot.

Data

• Place of Birth: Gelsenkirchen, Germany
• Date of Birth: 15/10/1988
• Position: Midfielder
• Weight: 70 kg.
• Height: 181 cm.
• Nationality: German

Honours

• Copa del Rey: 2011
• DFB Cup: 2009
• DFL Supercup: 2009
• UEFA Cup runner-up: 2009
• UEFA European Under-21 Championship: 2009

Squad: Kaka (8)

Kaka

Kaka is the complete package. His vision of the game is unparalleled and his shooting ability strikes fear into opponents. No one in Europe can control the tempo like the Brazilian. He is a consistent assist-man who concludes every season with more than a handful of goals. Kaka’s leadership skills allow him to shoulder any responsibilities that may arise. He’s a man whose football career has been based on his quiet, out-of-the-spotlight life and strong religious convictions.

During his youth team years, Kaka tended to stand out above the rest. Sao Paulo first took notice and by 2001 he had earned a starting spot with the first team, played in 27 matches and scored 12 goals. The following season he knocked in ten goals in 22 matches. After leading Sao Paulo to the Super Campeonato Paulista title in 2002, Kaka debuted with the Brazilian national team. By then, steady European interest in the 21-year old culminated in his signing with AC Milan.

Kaka played in 30 matches and scored ten goals en route to the Scudetto and Italian Super Cup in his first year with Milan. In 2005, the attacking midfielder almost single-handedly carried his team to the Champions League final, which Milan lost in a penalty shootout against Liverpool. In 2007, Kaka became the focal point of Milan’s offense and added Champions League and Club World Cup titles to his trophy case. That same year he went on to win all the top individual accolades, including the Ballon d’Or, FIFA World Player of the Year and FIFPro World Player of the Year.

Kaka made his debut for Brazil in a 2002 friendly against Bolivia. That summer he was a member of the 2002 World Cup-winning squad but received very little playing time. In 2005, Kaka was included in Brazil’s squad for the FIFA Confederations Cup and played all five matches, including a goal-scoring performance in the final, while in 2006 he started in his first World Cup. He has been a Seleção mainstay ever since.

Data

• Place of Birth: Brasilia, Brazil
• Date of Birth: 22/04/1982
• Position: Midfielder
• Weight: 82 kg
• Height: 185.6 cms
• Nationality: Brazilian

Honours

• Torneio Rio-Sao Paulo: 2001
• Super Campeonato Paulista: 2002
• World Cup: 2002
• European Super Cups: 2003, 2007
• Scudetto: 2004
• Supercoppa Italia: 2004
• Confederations Cups: 2005, 2009
• Champions League: 2007
• Club World Cup: 2007
• Copa del Rey: 2011

• Serie A Player of the Year: 2004
• UEFA Champions League Best Midfielder: 2005
• UEFA Champions League Top Scorer: 2007
• UEFA Champions League Best Forward: 2007
• FIFPro World Player of the Year: 2007
• Ballon d'Or: 2007
• FIFA World Player of the Year: 2007
• FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball: 2007
• FIFA Confederations Cup Golden Ball: 2009

Squad: Esteban Granero (11)

Esteban Granero

Esteban Granero's versatility makes him a player that all team's wish to have. He can play as an attacking midfielder or along either flank. An offensive-minded player, Granero is a creative workhorse who has a powerful kick. Granero first suited up for Real Madrid with the Under-10 squad; a division he would score 83 goals in. The years passed by and Granero continued to improve. In 1999 he captained the Under-14 team that won the International Football Seven Tournament in Barcelona. Granero scored the game-winner and was named Best Player of the championship.

At the age of 17, Granero joined Real Madrid C and was soon the center of attention of not just the team, but of Real Madrid Castilla coach Michel, as well. In December of 2005/06 he debuted with the 'B' team against Albacete and finished the match with a goal assist. That same season he went on to win the Under-19 European Championship in Poland.

The 2006/07 season saw Granero really step onto the scene. He had earned the playing time and the opportunity to gain experience in Spain's top flight, both of which were provided by Getafe. It didn't take long for Granero to become the go-to guy on the team, and his arrival coincided with the best run ever by the 'Azulones'.

Data

• Place of Birth: Madrid, Spain
• Date of Birth: 02/07/1987
• Position: Midfielder
• Weight: 76.5 kg
• Height: 179.7 cm
• Nationality: Spanish

Honours

• Copa del Rey: 2011
• Under-19 European Championship: 2006
• Copa del Rey runner-up: 2006/07

Squad: Hamit Altintop (16)

Hamit Altintop

Altintop was born on 8 December 1982 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, but as a Turkish citizen has been capped 64 times and scored six goals for Turkey. He is a versatile midfielder who can play on either end of the pitch as well as on either flank. Altintop spent his early days Schwarz-Weis Gelgenkirchen, Tus Rotthausen and Wattenscheid 09 before spending four seasons at Shalke 04 and later signing for Bayern Munich in 2007.

In 2005/06 he scored his only Champions League goal while on duty with Schalke, and four seasons later with Bayern he was named Man-of-the-Match in the first leg of the quarterfinal tie against Manchester United.

The first time Altintop set foot on the Bernabeu turf was for the 2009/10 Champions League final against Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan. He played in 14 matches and scored two goals for Bayern in the 2010/11 campaign.

Data

• Place of Birth: Gelsenkirchen, Germany


• Date of Birth: 08/12/1982


• Position: Midfielder


• Weight: 83 kg


• Height: 183 cm


• Nationality: Turkish/German

Honours

• Bundesliga: 2008, 2010


• Cup of Germany: 2008, 2010


• German Super Cup: 2010


• German League Cup: 2005, 2007

Squad: Nuri Sahin (5)

Nuri Sahin

Sahin was born on 5 September 1988 in Ludenscheid, Germany. His early football days can be traced back to Meinerzhagen prior to joining Borussia Dortmund's academy in 2001. On 6 August 2005, Sahin set a record by becoming the youngest player to debut in the Bundesliga in a match against Wolfsburg. Three months later (26 November), he also became the youngest player to score in the Bundesliga with a goal against Nuremberg.

His international career has been equally as successful. Sahin played and won the European Championship with Turkey's Under-17 side at the age of 16. He later participated in the Under-17 World Cup, and despite falling to Brazil in the semifinals, Sahin was one of the best players in the championship and finished as the second highest scorer of the competition. He debuted for Turkey in October 2005 against Germany and became the youngest player to ever score for his country.

Data

• Place of Birth: Ludenscheid, Germany


• Date of Birth: 05/09/1988


• Position: Midfielder


• Weight: 65 kg


• Height: 179 cm


• Nationality: Turkish/German

Honours

• KNVB: 2008


• Bundesliga: 2011


• UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship: 2005

Squad: Sami Khedira (24)

Sami Khedira

Defensive midfielder Sami Khedira (Stuttgart, Germany, 1987) had his coming out party during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, during which he was one of the most outstanding players on the German national team. The new Real Madrid signing played seven matches and scored what proved to be the third-place clinching goal against Uruguay. One year earlier, Khedira captained the German Under-21 side to the European Championship title.

Khedira is a dynamic midfielder who can cover a lot of ground and can quickly join in attack after recovering the ball from the opponent. Standing at 189 centimeters, he has flawless aerial technique and a powerful mid-range shot.

Born to a German mother and Tunisian father, Khedira came into this world in Stuttgart, Germany in 1987. After initially playing for TV Oeffingen, he joined the VfB Stuttgart academy at the age of eight. He slowly climbed his way up through the ranks until earning his first team debut on 1 October 2006 against Hertha BSC. A couple weeks later he scored his first two Bundesliga goals against Shalke 04 and Stuttgart would eventually go on to win the league title. Prior to his arrival in the Spanish capital, Khedira scored 14 goals in 98 total matches with the German side.

Sami Khedira has also had a successful run on an international level. In 2009 he captained Germany's Under-21 side to the European Championship titles. He debuted with the senior side two months later and has earned a third-place finish in the World Cup. In less than a year he notched 12 caps for Germany.

Data

• Place of Birth: Stuttgart, Germany
• Date of Birth: 04/04/1987
• Position: Midfielder
• Weight: 81 kg
• Height: 189 cm
• Nationality: German

Honours

• Copa del Rey: 2011
• Bundesliga: 2006/07
• UEFA European Under-21 Championship: 2009

Squad: Xabi Alonso (14)

Xavi Alonso

Born into a family known for its football prowess, Xabi Alonso came into this world on 25 November 1981 in the Basque town of Tolosa. Following in the footsteps of his father, Periko Alonso, Xabi lived in Barcelona until he was six before moving to San Sebastian, where he began his career as a footballer.

Xabi Alonso’s youth career began at Antiguoko, where he quickly stood out for his football prowess. Real Sociedad soon came calling, and his progress through the ranks culminated in his first team debut in Copa del Rey action against Logroñes. He debuted in Spain’s top flight in 1998.

Prior to the 2004/05 season, Alonso completed a switch to Liverpool, where he dazzled Kopites with his incredible vision and knack for the pass. His powerful long-range shot converted him into one of Europe’s best centre midfielders.

Xabi Alonso has featured for Spain since debuting in 2003, but his career highs were no doubt the 2008 Euro and 2010 World Cup won by Spain.

An eye for the pass, speed in distributing, vision for the game, a powerful shot… just some of the attributes of the Basque footballer who is a mainstay in the Real Madrid midfield.

Data

• Place of Birth: Tolosa, Spain


• Date of Birth: 25/11/1981


• Position: Midfielder


• Weight: 79 kg


• Height: 182.7 cm


• Nationality: Spanish

Honours

• Copa del Rey: 2011


• UEFA Champions League: 2005


• European Super Cup: 2005


• FA Cup: 2006


• Community Shield: 2006


• European Championship: 2008


• Bronze Medal, Confederations Cup: 2009


• World Cup: 2010

Squad: Marcelo (12)

Marcelo

Marcelo Vieira da Silva Júnior, or simply Marcelo, was one of the ‘Crown Jewels’ of always-prolific Brazilian football and one of Real Madrid’s swanky winter signings of 2006/07. He arrived in Europe at the age of 18 having already hit the big time with Fluminense and he quickly adapted to Madrid thanks to the other Brazilians on the squad, but especially Roberto Carlos, who took Marcelo under his wing and taught his successor the tricks of the trade.

A pacey and offensive player, the young left-back has worked arduously since landing in Madrid hoping to capitalize on the opportunities given to him by the manager. With nerves of steel and ice running through his veins, Marcelo didn't take long to earn a spot in the starting eleven.

Marcelo’s consistent playing time also rubbed off on Brazilian national team coach Dunga, who gave the youngster his debut against Wales. No one could have written a better script as Marcelo hammered home an impressive crossed shot from outside the box in an all-out display of strength, speed, and ball-handling.

Data

• Place of Birth: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Date of Birth: 12/05/1988
• Position: Defender
• Weight: 73 kg
• Height: 171.9 cm
• Nationality: Brazilian

Honours

• Copa del Rey: 2011
• La Liga: 2006/07, 2007/08
• Spanish Super Cup: 2008
• Olympic Bronze Medal: 2008

Squad: Fabio Coentrao (15)

Fabio Coentrao

Fabio Coentrao is one of the best left backs in the current football scene thanks to his solid game in attack, excellent dribbling skills, powerful shot and varsatility, which allows him to play anywhere down the wings. He is very experienced despite his young age.

The first important team he played for was Rio Ave, with whom he made his First Division debut when he was just 16. His excellent performances caught Benfica's attention, who decided to sign him in 2007 and loaned him out to Nacional, notching 16 appearances and 4 goals. Coentrao returned to Rio Ave after a brief spell with Spanish side Zaragoza. His good run in the 2008/09 campaign secured his return to Benfica, with whom he truly blossomed and won his first titles, such as the 2009/10 edition of the league and the 2010/11 Cup of Portugal.

Coentrao first played for his country on the youth national teams, making his first team debut in 2009 against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Data

• Place of Birth: Vila do Conde, Portugal


• Date of Birth: 11/03/1988


• Position: Defender


• Weight: 72 kg


• Height: 179 cm


• Nationality: Portuguese

Honours

• Portuguese league: 2010


• Cup of Portugal: 2011

Squad: Alvaro Arbeloa (17)

Alvaro Arbeloa

Born in Salamanca and raised in Zaragoza, Alvaro started playing football in his school, joining Zaragoza's youth systejm when he was 12 years old. He stayed at the club until the 2001/02 campaign, during which he was signed by Real Madrid's Under-19 side. His hard work got him promoted to Real Madrid B -now known as Castilla-. He became the team's captain and helped it reach the Second Division at the end of the campaign with team-mates such as De la Red, Javi Garcia, Soldado, and Juanfran. Arbeola made his first team debut on 16 October 2004 against Betis when he replaced Mejia. He played one more game with the first team before rejoining Real Madrid B.

Arbeola made one of his most important decisions in 2006 when he decided to sign for Deportivo La Coruña in order to gain experience and have continuity on a First Division team. In 2007, just six months after the move, he joined Rafa Benitez's Liverpool, making his debut against Newcastle on 10 February and becoming an undisputed starter for the Reds. He didn't win any titles with Liverpool, but he reached the 2006/07 Champions League final. He played 49 Premiership games -scoring two goals-, 20 in the Champions League, 3 in the League Cup and 1 FA Cup match.

Arbeola was an international for Spain on every youth national team before joining the first team, with whom he debuted in March 2008 in a friendly against Italy. He had been called-up for a previous match against France, but an injury to his abdomen prevented him from participating. Alvaro later went on to win the 2008 Euro in Austria and Switzerland, and the World Cup in South Africa 2010.

Data

• Place of Birth: Salamanca, Spain
• Date of Birth: 17/01/1983
• Position: Defender
• Weight: 78.5 kg
• Height: 183.5 cm
• Nationality: Spanish

Honours

• Copa del Rey: 2011
• European Championship: 2008
• World Cup: 2010

Squad: Ricardo Carvalho (2)

Ricardo Carvalho

Ricardo Carvalho is best known for his perfect positioning, his foresight and his ability to advance the ball out of the first third. The Portuguese defender is a regular in Mourinho´s lineups, starting in 46 of his 48 appearances with Real Madrid.

His career began with Leça prior to signing his professional papers with Porto in 1997. He immediately played on loan for what was his first team and continued gaining experience over the next two seasons with Vitoria de Setubal and Alverca before returning to Porto. It was during his second stint with the Portuguese powerhouse that he won the 2002/03 UEFA Cup and the 2003/04 Champions League. Carvalho packed his bags for Chelsea in 2004 and went on to earn three Premier League titles among a host of many others.

In recent years the center-back has played an integral role on the Portuguese national team, with whom he reached the final of the 2004 European Championship and the semis of the 2006 World Cup.

Data

• Place of Birth: Amarante, Portugal
• Date of Birth: 18/05/1978
• Position: Defender
• Weight: 78 kg
• Height: 181 cm
• Nationality: Portuguese

Honours

• Copa del Rey: 2011
• Champions League: 2003/04
• UEFA Cup: 2002/03
• Premier League: 2004/05, 2005/06, 2009/10
• FA Cup: 2006/07, 2008/09, 2009/10
• Community Shield: 2005, 2009
• League Cup: 2004/05, 2006/07
• Portuguese Liga: 1998/99, 2002/03, 2003/04
• Portuguese Cup: 2002/03
• Portuguese Super Cup: 1998, 2001, 2003

Squad: Raul Albiol (18)

Raul Albiol

Albiol was born in Villamarchante, Valencia. Playing football was his favorite pastime as a child and Valencia quickly took notice and enrolled Albiol in their academy. On 24 September 2003, Rafa Benitez gave Albiol the chance to debut with the first team in a UEFA Cup match against AIK Solna.

Although his natural position was as a defensive midfielder, Albiol was changed to a center-back by then Valencia coach Quique Sanchez Flores and the moved suited the player to perfection. Tall, fast and strong, Albiol is really known for is his ability to move the ball forward and to play it safely with the midfielders; a skill he surely acquired during his days as a midfielder. Albiol also dominates the aerial game, making him a potential threat during set-pieces and the perfect player to clear balls crossed into the box.

Raul Albiol’s international debut took place on 13 October 2007 against Denmark. Once June rolled around, the Madridista was called up by the national team coach to participate in the European Championship, which he won alongside Real Madrid teammates Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos. Albiol also made the cut for the 2010 World Cup of South Africa and went on to win the title, making history with the rest of his team-mates.

Data

• Place of Birth: Villamarchante, Valencia
• Date of Birth: 04/09/1985
• Position: Defender
• Weight: 82 kg
• Height: 189.9 cm
• Nationality: Spanish

Honours

• La Liga: 2004
• Copa del Rey: 2008, 2011
• UEFA Cup: 2004
• Under-19 European Championship: 2004
• European Championship: 2008
• Bronze Medal: Confederations Cup 2009
• World Cup: 2010

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Squad: Raphael Varane (19)

Raphael Varane

Raphael Varane earned the admiration of all European football in his first year in the elite when he was just 18 years old. His impressive height allows him to dominate the aerial game; his versatility makes him a solid defender or central midfielder; and his speed, sense of anticipation, dribbling skills and maturity turned him into one of the most important players on his previous side.

Varane was formed at the academy of Lens, one of the most prolific in France in recent years. Hailing by family from Martinique (his father was born in Le Morne-Rouge), the defender played 23 league games with Lens in the 2010/11 season, 22 of them as a starter. Varane made his debut with a 2-0 victory over Montpellier on 6 November 2010. Three weeks later, he earned a starting position under coach Jean-Guy Wallemme and kept it when Laszlo Boloni replaced him.

Raphael Varane made his international debut with France's Under-18s against Denmark, scoring the last goal in a 24 August friendly (2-0). After a second match with the team he was promoted to the Under-21 side.

Data

• Place of Birth: Lille, France


• Date of Birth: 25/04/1993


• Position: Defender


• Weight: 76 kg


• Height: 191 cm


• Nationality: French

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