Tag: Football

Sports

60-Year-Old Superfan Breaks World Record With Massive Liverpool Jersey Collection

Tanisha Cardozo

On August 31, 2025, a football field in the quiet Swiss village of Magglingen transformed into a sea of red, white, and yellow—each jersey representing a chapter in the history of Liverpool Football Club. The reason? A lifelong Liverpool fan, Florian Thürler, chose to celebrate his 60th birthday in the most unforgettable way possible—by unveiling his record-breaking collection of 1,047 Liverpool FC jerseys, earning him a spot in the Guinness World Records.

Florian Thürler’s love for Liverpool spans more than five decades, and this dedication is now enshrined in football history. His collection includes kits dating back to the 1950s, spanning eras from Shankly and Dalglish to Klopp and Salah. Displayed meticulously on the pitch, the jerseys formed a living timeline of the club’s iconic evolution—each one a symbol of moments that defined generations of fans.

A former striker for Swiss club Young Boys, Thürler’s passion for football goes beyond admiration—it’s deeply personal. As reported by Swiss publication 20 Minuten, Thürler views each shirt as more than fabric; to him, every jersey “tells a story”—whether it’s about triumph in the European Cup during the ’70s or the brilliance of Mohamed Salah in recent years. “When you support a club like this, it’s for life,” Thürler told the publication.

The display drew attention from local Swiss media and global football fanatics alike. Social media buzzed with admiration, while Liverpool fans across continents shared photos and memories inspired by Thürler’s effort. For many, this wasn’t just a Guinness World Record—it was a tribute to the kind of love only true fans understand.

While jersey collectors are common in football culture, what sets Thürler apart is the scale and consistency of his devotion to a single club. In a world of shifting loyalties and club-hopping, Florian’s lifelong commitment to Liverpool is both rare and remarkable.

From a pitch in Switzerland to the record books of the world, Florian Thürler has proven that fandom isn’t measured in chants or cheers alone—it can be stitched into every thread of a jersey, worn proudly, and remembered forever.

Sports

Historic Win for FC Siolim in Inaugural Mansion House Football Cup

Tanisha Cardozo

In an unforgettable finale held under the Cuncolim floodlights, FC Siolim emerged as the first-ever champions of the All Goa Mansion House Football Cup 2025 after edging out Curtorim Gymkhana 6-3 in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. The match, played at the Government School Playground, ended 2-2 in regulation time before Siolim sealed the deal in the tiebreaker, writing their names into Goan football folklore.

The high-stakes contest began with Curtorim Gymkhana drawing first blood in the 12th minute, courtesy of a clinical finish by their talisman, Anslem Fernandes. But Siolim were quick to respond. Gaurav Vaigankar restored parity in the 25th minute with a thumping strike that energized the crowd and shifted momentum.

The first half saw near misses from both sides, but it was in the second half where the drama truly unfolded. Just minutes after the restart, Pushparaj Mandrekar gave Siolim the lead in the 45th minute with a sharp finish. However, the resilient Curtorim side came back once again through none other than Anslem Fernandes, who scored his second of the night in the 60th minute to make it 2-2.

With no breakthrough in the dying minutes, the match went to penalties, where Siolim held their nerve. Mayuresh Naik, Gaurav Vaigankar, Pushparaj Mandrekar, and Lavnay Shirodkar all confidently converted their spot-kicks. In contrast, Curtorim Gymkhana faltered under pressure, managing to score only once through Savio Peixoto.

The shootout triumph earned Siolim a winners’ purse of Rs 60,000 and the distinction of becoming the inaugural champions of the Mansion House Football Cup. Curtorim Gymkhana took home Rs 40,000 and the runners-up trophy.

Individual brilliance throughout the tournament was recognized with special honours. Mayuresh Naik of FC Siolim was awarded Best Player, Pushparaj Mandrekar received Best Striker, Videsh Sawant took Best Midfielder, while Curtorim’s Johnson Bhagat and James Fernandes won Best Goalkeeper and Best Defender, respectively.

The grand prize distribution ceremony featured prominent dignitaries including Sports Minister Dr Ramesh Tawadkar, Cuncolim MLA and Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, Tilaknagar Industries State Head Vineet Kumar Bothra, Landry Mascarenhas, Fr Eremito Coutinho, Artemio Da Silva, Lavita Mascarenhas, Siddesh Kurade, Sailesh Vaidya, Angela Dias, and Melvin Costa. The event was compered by Vijay Kumar Kopre Dessai.

The historic evening closed with joyous scenes as Siolim’s players lifted the trophy to thunderous cheers from their traveling supporters. A celebration not just of victory, but of the growing vibrancy of grassroots football in Goa.

Sports

Goan Football Cup 2025 Unites Communities in London, Sets New Records

Tanisha Cardozo

The Goan Football Cup 2025 has emerged as a monumental celebration of sport, culture, and community abroad. Held at Cranford Community College in London on August 23, the tournament drew record participation, with 28 men’s teams and three women’s teams — making it the largest Goan football tournament outside Goa.

The second edition of the event reinforced the Goan community’s love for the game while showcasing its inclusive nature. Players from different communities competed side by side, with Goan teams putting up strong performances against sides featuring seasoned English 5-a-side players.

One of the most inspiring stories of the tournament was the participation of Wilred United Goa, led by manager Joe Vas. The team traveled from Goa to London, making a powerful statement about the global reach of Goan football. Their women’s team, which included former India junior international Anline Fernandes, dominated the competition and won the championship without conceding a single goal. Their victory, achieved in their very first appearance together, stands as a proud moment for Goan women’s football and the diaspora.

Southall Athletic WFC put on a strong performance to finish as runners-up in the women’s tournament after an unbeaten group stage. In the men’s category, it was Daily Ballin who emerged victorious, defeating Filthy Starz in a thrilling finale.

But the event was about much more than just the matches. The Goan Football Cup transformed into a festival, with families and fans enjoying authentic Goan food by Pratos De Goa, Feni cocktails by GoaTails, and vibrant live performances from artists Saneev, Rochus, and singer Braga. The atmosphere was electric, merging sport with cultural pride.

The prize distribution ceremony, led by community leaders Xavier Vas, Jules Alberto Dias, Ruksana Braz, and celebrated singer Mark Revlon, honoured team achievements and individual excellence.

With its growing stature, the Goan Football Cup has now firmly established itself as the flagship Goan sporting event outside India. As the community celebrates this success, one thing is clear — this is just the beginning of a powerful legacy that will continue to unite Goans and amplify their passion for football on a global stage.

Sports

Lionel Messi Set to Play in Kerala This November in FIFA Friendly

Tanisha Cardozo

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – It’s official: football legend Lionel Messi will be returning to India for the first time since 2011, as confirmed by the Argentine Football Association (AFA). The reigning world champions will play a FIFA international friendly in Kerala in November 2025, a momentous occasion for Indian football fans and a massive win for Kerala’s growing sporting ambitions.

The fixture is part of three international matches scheduled during the FIFA window from November 10 to 18, with the other games set to be played in Luanda and Angola. While the opponents are yet to be announced, anticipation is already surging across the country.

The AFA’s official statement reads:

“The Argentine national team, led by Lionel Scaloni, will have two FIFA friendly windows in the remainder of 2025… The second, a FIFA friendlies in November, will be played in Luanda, Angola, and Kerala, India.”

This visit also puts to rest speculation surrounding Argentina’s participation in India. Earlier, the Kerala government faced criticism for reportedly allocating a substantial sum to host Messi and the team, amid rumours of the invitation being declined.

However, Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman reaffirmed that the AFA has committed to the match, adding that his recent visit to Spain was not only to meet AFA officials but also to discuss Kerala’s new stadium project in Thiruvananthapuram with Spain’s Sports Council.

“The AFA has assured that the visit in November will take place with the new sponsor. Necessary security arrangements have already been requested for the team,” said the minister.

Messi’s Return: A Historic Moment

Messi’s last trip to India was in September 2011, when he led Argentina against Venezuela in an international friendly at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata. Now, over a decade later, his return marks a rare and historic moment for Indian football, especially for Kerala, a state deeply passionate about the sport.

The announcement cements Kerala’s place on the international football map and could boost local enthusiasm, tourism, and infrastructure investment.

Sports

Cristiano Ronaldo Could Visit India as Al-Nassr Set to Face FC Goa in the AFC Champions League

allycaralgoa

Indian football fans could witness history as Cristiano Ronaldo’s club, Al-Nassr, prepares to face FC Goa in the AFC Champions League. If the schedule aligns, the Portuguese legend—regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time—may make his first-ever visit to India.

The prospect of Ronaldo stepping onto Indian soil has created a wave of excitement among fans and sports communities alike. The tie would not only put Indian football in the global spotlight but also mark a milestone moment for the country’s sporting culture.

FC Goa, one of the most consistent sides in Indian football, earned their AFC Champions League spot through their performance in the Indian Super League. Facing Al-Nassr—home to global icons like Ronaldo, Sadio Mané, and others—would be the biggest challenge yet for the Goan club.

Experts believe the match could redefine football’s popularity in India, attracting massive international attention and potentially boosting grassroots development.

While the official match dates and venues are yet to be finalized, the possibility of Ronaldo’s arrival is already sparking anticipation across the nation.

For Indian fans, this isn’t just a game—it’s a dream come true.