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Varane shows off his magic touch in France training
The Real Madrid central defender showed off his skills as he prepared for his country's upcoming international friendlies against Germany and England
How’s your touch? Not bad if your name is Raphael Varane.
The Real Madrid defender may still be third choice at his club behind Sergio Ramos and Pepe, but this piece of skill in France training shows it’s not down to a lack of quality.
Flicking his right leg behind his left, he controls the ball beautifully with his heel, before striking the ball sweetly with his left peg.
France are preparing for upcoming friendlies against World Cup winners Germany and England over the next few days ahead of next summer’s European Championships - which they are hosting.
Varane - along with the likes of Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann - will be one of many young Les Bleus players hoping to impress at that tournament.
Watch his lovely first touch in the video below.
The Real Madrid defender may still be third choice at his club behind Sergio Ramos and Pepe, but this piece of skill in France training shows it’s not down to a lack of quality.
Flicking his right leg behind his left, he controls the ball beautifully with his heel, before striking the ball sweetly with his left peg.
France are preparing for upcoming friendlies against World Cup winners Germany and England over the next few days ahead of next summer’s European Championships - which they are hosting.
Varane - along with the likes of Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann - will be one of many young Les Bleus players hoping to impress at that tournament.
Watch his lovely first touch in the video below.
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Ronaldo will end career at Real Madrid - Mendes
The record-breaking forward has been linked with moves to Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United in recent weeks, but Mendes believes he will stay in Spain
Cristiano Ronaldo will stay at Real Madrid until the end of his career, according to his agent Jorge Mendes.
The Portuguese forward's future has been widely discussed in recent weeks, with a move to Paris Saint-Germain or a return to Manchester United rumoured to be on the cards. But Mendes insists his client has no plans to leave the Santiago Bernabeu.
"[Cristiano will] end his career at Real Madrid," Mendes was quoted as saying by Marca.
"He loves Manchester United and Real Madrid, but his career will end in Madrid.
Speaking at the premiere of the 30-year-old's documentary, Mendes added that the film will show a different side to his client.
"The opinion of the people is different from the one of the team. The film will give people the chance to see the true Cristiano," he explained.
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Ronaldo documentary world premiere in London
Watch live from 5.45pm GMT as Cristiano Ronaldo, Jorge Mendes, Rio Ferdinand and more attend the world premiere of a new documentary about Ronaldo's life and career
Cristiano Ronaldo has no regrets after making an intimate documentary about his life and career, he told a press conference in London to mark the film's premiere on Monday.
Made by the team behind award-winning films about Ayrton Senna and Amy Winehouse, Ronaldo charts his life between Real Madrid's European Cuptriumph in 2014 and his third Ballon d'Or crown in January 2015.
The film's revelations include a confession by Ronaldo's mother, Dolores, that she wanted to abort him, while Ronaldo talks openly about his brother and late father's struggles with alcoholism.
He also defends his decision not to disclose the identity of his son Cristiano's mother, but when asked if he felt he had opened up too much, the Madrid superstar replied: "Maybe, but I just had fun.
Ronaldo shows his most personal and familiar facet in the documentary on the life of the three-times Golden Ball winner and Real Madrid's top goal scorer (EPA)
"I don't regret anything. I feel unbelievable. When you do something people will find reason to criticise you, but it's normal.
"Since I was a young boy I always felt special. I saw the people looked at me with different eyes."
The film captures intimate moments at home between Ronaldo and his five-year-old son - who he dubs "my successor" - and shows him relaxing with friends including his agent, Jorge Mendes.
Watch live from the red carpet for the premiere of the documentary, Ronaldo.
- Full name:
- Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro
- Born:
- February 5, 1985
- From:
- Santo António, Portugal
Did you know?
- In 2015 Ronaldo passed the milestone of 500 career goals for club and country. He also joined Raul as Real Madrid’s highest ever scorer
- He hit only five goals for the Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon before Sir Alex Ferguson snapped him up for Manchester United
- At Manchester United he found the net 118 times in 292 appearances
- Ronaldo moved to Madrid in 2009 from Manchester United for a then world record £80 million
- 2013 has been his most prolific year to date, striking 69 times
- The majority of his goals are scored late on – between 76 and 90 minutes
"I don't mind people hating me, because it pushes me. When I go to play away they are always against me, but it's good"
- - Cristiano Ronaldo
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Valdano: "Ronaldo no está a gusto"
Jorge Valdanointervino en 'El Larguero' de la 'Cadena Ser' para analizar el momento de juego que atraviesaCristiano Ronaldo, puesto en duda en las últimas fechas. Para el que fuera entrenador y director deportivo delReal Madrid, el portugués "no está a gusto". "Ronaldo preferiría jugar saliendo por la izquierda, como ha hecho siempre. No se sabe bien si es porque no mete goles o por esta posición, pero no está disfrutando del juego.Juega bajo protesta".
A su vez, Valdano también calificó el juego del conjunto blanco ante el Sevilla. "No me podía imaginar la derrota después de la primera media hora. Se intercambiaron los papeles, sobre todo por lafalta de agresividad. El equipio palideció muchísimo. Es muy difícil ver un Real Madrid sin orgullo", añadió.
Pese a calificar de "influyente" aKeylor Navasen el buen hacer de los blancos, el argentino otorgó más importancia a la "pérdida de disciplina" que ha sufrido el equipo de Benítez. "Keylor influyó notablemente en algunos triunfos, pero recordemos que lo que más le elogiábamos era supresión alta. Ahí recuperaba y se hacía fuerte, pero claro, con Cristiano y con Bale duró mucho menos tiempo. El equipo ha perdido esa disciplina para agredir al contrario en esa misma salida".
En esa misma línea crítica, Jorge Valdano aseguró que ve aDanilo, lateral llegado este verano procedente del Oporto, "tímido": "Le pesa la camiseta del Real Madrid. Le cuesta soltarse".
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REVEALED: Ferguson's promise that clinched Manchester United's move for Ronaldo
Real Madrid's record goalscorer admits a pledge from his former manager influenced his decision to move to Old Trafford in 2003
Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that his move to Manchester United was sealed after Sir Alex Ferguson promised to play him in half of the games during his first season at Old Trafford.
Real Madrid’s record scorer joined United at the age of 18 and went on to win three Premier League titles as well as the Champions League during his time in England.
Ronaldo was also close to joining Arsenal before his move to United but Ronaldo admits it was Ferguson’s pledge that influenced his decision.
"With United I have a great passion," Ronaldo told a press conference in London.
"What Jorge did for me at 18 with the words of Ferguson was a dream. To play in Sporting and move was "wow, what is that?
"When Ferguson wanted me and said I'd play 50 per cent of the games that was unbelievable. I took that decision because Jorge helped me. The last word from Ferguson was key also."
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Ronaldo will make the difference in the Clasico - Casemiro
The Real Madrid player has defended his team-mate following his underwhelming performance against Sevilla, insisting he will put in a great performance against Barcelona
Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro has defended Cristiano Ronaldo against recent criticism and is confident the Portugal star will be in great form for the Clasico with Barcelona on November 21.
Ronaldo has netted eight goals in 11 La Liga appearances so far this term, but failed to find the net in seven of those games.
The 30-year-old put in an underwhelming performance in Sunday's 3-2 loss to Sevilla, yet Casemiro believes there is no reason to worry.
"Cristiano is in very good form," the Brazilian midfielder told the official Madrid website.
"I'm positive that he's going to have an excellent game against Barcelona because he's the best player in the world.
"We're unhappy with the result against Sevilla, but we have to start thinking about the Clasico now.
"There's no better match to that for bouncing back. We're capable of winning.
Ronaldo has netted eight goals in 11 La Liga appearances so far this term, but failed to find the net in seven of those games.
The 30-year-old put in an underwhelming performance in Sunday's 3-2 loss to Sevilla, yet Casemiro believes there is no reason to worry.
"Cristiano is in very good form," the Brazilian midfielder told the official Madrid website.
"I'm positive that he's going to have an excellent game against Barcelona because he's the best player in the world.
"We're unhappy with the result against Sevilla, but we have to start thinking about the Clasico now.
"There's no better match to that for bouncing back. We're capable of winning.
"Cristiano is in very good form," the Brazilian midfielder told the official Madrid website.
"I'm positive that he's going to have an excellent game against Barcelona because he's the best player in the world.
"We're unhappy with the result against Sevilla, but we have to start thinking about the Clasico now.
"There's no better match to that for bouncing back. We're capable of winning.
"I'm positive that he's going to have an excellent game against Barcelona because he's the best player in the world.
"We're unhappy with the result against Sevilla, but we have to start thinking about the Clasico now.
"There's no better match to that for bouncing back. We're capable of winning.
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Real Madrid fans want Messi?!
One supporter produced a daring piece of wishful thinking during Sunday's 3-2 loss to Sevilla, brandishing a shirt with arguably the club's biggest rival brandished across the back
It has been known for players from Barcelona to cross the Clasico divide and head to Real Madrid.
Luis Figo was one who completed the ultimate act of treachery by signing terms at the Santiago Bernabeu, but during Real's 3-2 defeat to Sevilla on Sunday, one Blancos support took things to another extreme...
...brandishing a shirt with Lionel Messi's name and number on the back.
Messi has spent his whole footballing career at the Camp Nou and, while Barca fans were angry enough to throw a pig's head at Luis Figo upon his return in a Clasico, what would come the Argentine's way?
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Benitez: Madrid failed to respond
The 55-year-old blamed his team's inability to halt Sevilla's momentum for their loss, and hopes they learn their lesson by the time Barcelona visit in a fortnight
Rafael Benitez rued Real Madrid's error-riddled second-half performance in their 3-2 loss at Sevilla on Sunday, saying it cost them victory.
Madrid's unbeaten record under Benitez was ended by Unai Emery's men, who scored two goals in the second half to win turn the tie around.
Sergio Ramos' 22nd-minute opener seemingly had Madrid on course for an eighth league victory of the season, but their inability to see out the match saw los Blancos succumb to goals from Ciro Immobile, Ever Banega and Fernando Llorente.
And Benitez was left to lament Madrid's failure to react after a promising start to the match as they surrendered top spot in the table to upcoming opponents Barcelona.
"We played 30 very good minutes, lots of control, in all levels. Then we let them score at dead ball. That changed the game," Benitez told reporters after the match.
"From [the] second goal we started to make mistakes, they took advantage and scored a third. We came back and scored late, but it wasn't enough.
"That was lesson from [the] game, [in the] second half we were not able to manage the situation.
"We lacked know-how. We had the game under control and should killed it, but our mistakes brought them [Sevilla] back in. We couldn't react.
"At 3-1 it's difficult to react, players didn't know how to control the situation when the result was [going] against us."
Madrid's first match after the international break is the eagerly anticipated Clasico at home to Spanish champions Barcelona in a fortnight.
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We can't fear Barcelona, we're Real Madrid - James Rodriguez
The 24-year-old remained defiant about his team's chances in El Clasico despite the loss to Sevilla, while revealing his satisfaction at being back from injury
James Rodriguez insists Real Madrid must put aside their recent 3-2 defeat to Sevilla when facing Barcelonain El Clasico in a fortnight, stating his side have nothing to fear.
Los Blancos saw their unbeaten start to life under Rafael Benitez ended on Sunday at Ramon Sanchez Pijuan, allowing Barcelona to go three points clear at the top of La Liga following their 3-0 win over Villarreal earlier.
However, James - who celebrated his comeback from a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a goal against Sevilla - states his side must simply focus on stating united and bouncing back with victory in the Clasico."It's easy to name names now, but when the team wins, we do it together, and when we lose, we also lose together," he told reporters after the match. "We'll have to see what happens and be ready for our next match.
Los Blancos saw their unbeaten start to life under Rafael Benitez ended on Sunday at Ramon Sanchez Pijuan, allowing Barcelona to go three points clear at the top of La Liga following their 3-0 win over Villarreal earlier.
However, James - who celebrated his comeback from a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a goal against Sevilla - states his side must simply focus on stating united and bouncing back with victory in the Clasico."It's easy to name names now, but when the team wins, we do it together, and when we lose, we also lose together," he told reporters after the match. "We'll have to see what happens and be ready for our next match.
"They're [Barcelona] on form, but we have nothing to fear, we're Real Madrid. It's going to be an interesting match.
"I felt good [coming on against Sevilla]. I hadn't played for 60 days. I want to contribute and help the team win."
Rodriguez has been called up for Colombia's 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Argentina.
And, despite previous disputes between his club and country over his fitness levels, the playmaker has indicated he is ready to play in the upcoming internationals.
"I'll be there with them [Colombia]," the 24-year-old confirmed.
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Cristiano Ronaldo is now third top scorer in history of La Liga
Cristiano Ronaldo continues to climb the all-time list of La Liga goalscorers and is now third. Following his goal against Las Palmas on matchday ten of La Liga, the Portuguese player has equalled the 234 goals achieved by Hugo Sánchez during his periods at Atlético, Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano.
The Madrid forward is in his seventh league season and has a spectacular goalscoring record of 1.1 goals per game. This average is the best among the top five all-time goalscorers, ahead of Messi and Zarra (0.9 per game), Hugo Sánchez (0.6) and Raúl (0.4).
Clean sweep against opponentsIn order to reach this figure the Portuguese star has scored against all of the sides he has faced in La Liga. In total, 30 rivals, and Sevilla are the side Cristiano Ronaldo has socred most against, 19 goals.
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Ronaldo and Bale poor, defence shaky - are Rafa's Real Madrid any better than Ancelotti's?
Benitez suffered his first defeat since taking over as coach of Los Blancos in the summer and his side's dismal display at Sevilla begs the question: has he really improved them?
The honeymoon period is over. If Rafa Benitez thought things had been difficult up until now, he is in for a shock after his Real Madrid side suffered their first defeat in his tenure, losing 3-2 at Sevilla on Sunday. And despite the good work so far, is there really any evidence to suggest this team is better than the one coached by Carlo Ancelotti?
In 14 games prior to this one, Madrid had conceded only four goals. But the warning signs were there for all to see in a fortuitous 1-0 win at home to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday. The trip to Sevilla would present another tough test, but this was one they were unable to pass.
Things started well. Madrid looked energetic enough and took the lead through Sergio Ramos' acrobatic effort from a corner. It was a superb strike but it came at a price: the Madrid captain was injured in the process and couldn't continue.
Now missing their defensive lynchpin and also their in-form goalkeeper Keylor Navas, Real looked very vulnerable all of a sudden and Ciro Immobile levelled from a tight angle after Real's defenders allowed the ball to bounce in the six-yard box from a corner. Benitez will not have been amused.
In the second half, it was the home team with the initiative. With Gareth Bale looking lost on his return to the team as a central striker and Cristiano Ronaldo subdued out wide, Madrid showed they are still missing the influence of Karim Benzema as a focal point in attack and their midfield and defence were overrun by an intense Sevilla side.
Nacho struggled in the absence of the injured Marcelo and on the opposite flank, Danilo was tormented by the excellent Yevhen Konoplyanka. Sevilla threatened every time they went forward and it was no surprise when Ever Banega beat Kiko Casilla to make it 2-1 with little over an hour gone.
That was the first time Madrid had been behind in the Benitez era, which was into its 15th game. So this was a big test of how Real would react. The answer, however, was not well.
Instead, Fernando Llorente headed home from an unmarked position to make it 3-1 and it could have been worse for a Madrid side that looked like conceding every time Sevilla entered their area.
James Rodriguez, who should probably have been on from the outset, pulled one back in added time with a superb strike. But it counted for nothing and Madrid are now three points behind Barcelona after the Catalans beat Villarreal 3-0 at Camp Nou earlier on Sunday.
"We needed more control when the result was against us," Benitez said afterwards.
He was right. Behind in the game, Madrid lost their composure and did not look like a team expected to be able to compete for both La Liga and the Champions League.
The defeat also comes at a delicate time - before an international break and with the Clasico just around the corner on November 21.
"Now we are going to recover our players," Benitez added. "A game like the Clasico is always different and I hope the team reacts after this defeat."
How they do so will have a big bearing on their season because defeat at home to Barca in two weeks will see Madrid six points off the pace in the Primera Division.
If that happens, all of the good work early on in his reign will count for little. And at this point, there is nothing to prove that this team is any upgrade at all on the one coached by Ancelotti last season.
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Sevilla 3-2 Real Madrid: Benitez's men lose ground on Barcelona
Ciro Immobile, Ever Banega and Fernando Llorente all scored to overturn Sergio Ramos' opening goal against his old club and leave Barcelona three points clear at the top of La Liga
Sevilla inflicted a surprise 3-2 defeat on Real Madrid on Sunday night to leave Barcelona three points clear at the top of La Liga.Sergio Ramos opened the scoring for Rafa Benitez's men but was later forced off with an injury, and four minutes after his withdrawal Ciro Immobile grabbed an equaliser.
Second-half goals from Ever Banega and Fernando Llorente sealed an important victory for Unai Emery's team, who have endured a mixed start to the campaign, and ensured James Rodriguez's late strike was a mere consolation.
Real Madrid face Barcelona next on November 21 following the international break.
Karim Benzema was absent from the visitors' squad after being charged with conspiracy to blackmail his France team-mate Mathieu Valbuena, but Gareth Bale returned after a calf injury.
Amid early Madrid pressure, Cristiano Ronaldo saw an effort blocked by Mariano before Nacho rattled the woodwork with an effort from outside the area.
As Sevilla sat deep, the visitors got their breakthrough courtesy of a sublime Ramos finish midway through the half.
Against his former club, he produced a stunning bicycle kick to beat Sergio Rico, but in doing do appeared to hurt his left shoulder.
Sevilla responded well, Ramos required to deny Immobile a clear-cut chance before the Madrid defender was replaced by Raphael Varane.
Four minutes after Ramos' departure, Immobile opened his Sevilla account with an expert finish from a tight angle following a deep corner not dealt with by the visiting defence.
The Borussia Dortmund loanee's first goal since March sent Sevilla in level at half-time, although the Italian came close to a second before the break when he prodded Benoit Tremoulinas' cross wide.
Both sides had chances in an open start to the second half, Yevhen Konoplyanka threatening for the hosts while Toni Kroos sRonaldo too fired wide but Benitez's side looked ponderous in the final third while Sevilla were anything but as they went ahead through a stunning passing move finished off by Banega.
The Argentine benefitted from a quick one-two involving Konoplyanka and Immobile before converting the former's cross to complete the turnaround.
Rodriguez was introduced by Benitez in an attempt to salvage something from the game but Ronaldo's decision to shoot from a tight angle instead of play in Luka Modric somewhat typified Madrid's lacklustre attacking play.
Casemiro's header was well saved by Rico but substitute Llorente sealed the points when he headed home unmarked inside the area 16 minutes from time.
Rodriguez made his case to start when Barca visit for El Clasico after the international break with a goal deep into stoppage time but it mattered little as Madrid remain three points off the leaders.ent an effort wide for Madrid.
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