Guillem Balague

Cristiano Ronaldo on ühteaegu üks kõigi aegade paremaid jalgpallureid ning samas üsna vastuoluline isiksus. Ronaldo paistis oma andekusega silma juba väikesest peale. Ta lahkus 12-aastaselt oma sünnisaarelt Madeiralt, et mandril saada maailma parimaks jalgpalluriks. Peagi üritasid teda värvata maailma parimad klubid ning Alex Ferguson meelitas ta Manchester Unitedisse, kus ta võitis nii Meistrite Liiga kui kolm Inglismaa meistritiitlit. Seejärel siirdus Ronaldo meeletu summa eest Madridi Reali, kus tuli neli korda Meistrite Liiga ja kaks korda Hispaania liiga võitjaks. 2016 tuli Ronaldo koos Portugali koondisega Euroopa meistriks. Ta on seitse korda olnud Meistrite Liigas hooaja parim väravalööja ning pälvinud viis korda FIFA Ballon d'Ori. Juventusesse siirdumine tõi kaks Itaalia meistritiitlit, sellele järgnes põgus naasmine Manchester Unitedisse ning kõmuline üleminek Saudi-Araabia klubisse Al Nassr.Raamat annab seni põhjalikuima ülevaate ühest viimaste aastakümnete suurimast jalgpallitähest, tema taustast, arengust, rekordeid purustavast karjäärist ja ka seda saatnud skandaalidest. Käesolev raamat on 2016 ilmunud eluloo oluliselt täiendatud trükk.Guillem Balague (snd 1968) on tuntud hispaania jalgpalliajakirjanik.

The definitive award-winning biography of Cristiano Ronaldo - fully updated to include the 2022 World Cup, Ronaldo's explosive exit from Manchester United and his record-breaking transfer to Al-NassrAs the Qatar World Cup opened to worldwide jubilation, Cristiano Ronaldo's second spell at Manchester United reached an abrupt conclusion. It was not to be the fairy tale ending to a glittering career. Instead, over the two seasons, it had snowballed into a toxic standoff between himself, the board and newly appointed manager, Erik ten Hag. The Theatre's dream was over. On 22 November 2022, Ronaldo's contract was terminated.In this compelling account, Guillem Balagué draws on impeccable sources, first-hand interviews and unprecedented access, taking us on a journey from Madeira to Manchester, and onto Spain, Italy and Saudi Arabia. From Ronaldo's tutelage under Sir Alex Ferguson to becoming the biggest galáctico of them all at Real Madrid, and captaining Portugal to the first silverware in their history at the UEFA Euro 2016, Guillem chronicles Ronaldo's career in its entirety. This is nothing less than the definitive portrait of a true icon of modern football, who has reached the very heights of the beautiful game and cemented his place as one of the greatest players of all time.

Boka om Cristiano Ronaldo - en av de største fotballspillerne til alle tider - er en fin gavebok og passer for alle som vil lese om hans vei fra beskjedne kår på Madeira til megastjerne på fotballens himmel. Guillem Balagué er en respektert fotballjournalist og ekspert på den spanske ligaen, og forteller den definitive historien om hva som har gjort Ronaldo til spilleren og mannen han er i dag i en oppdatert norsk utgave. Boka vant prisen for Årets Fotballbok av Cross Sports Book Awards i 2016.

Den efterlängtade biografin om världens bästa fotbollsspelare!Vinnare i kategorin Årets fotbollsbok på Cross Sports Book Awards!CRISTIANO RONALDO är känd över hela världen. Han är fotbollsspelaren som är den största stjärnan i spanska storklubben Real Madrid och kapten för det portugisiska landslaget. När Ronaldo flyttade från Manchester United till Real Madrid blev övergången historiens dyraste, med en transfersumma på nästan en miljard kronor.Ronaldo har röstats fram som Premier Leagues bästa spelare någonsin. Han har vunnit Ballon d'Or - som världens bästa fotbollsspelare - 2008, 2013, 2014 och 2016. Han är den enda spelaren i fotbollshistorien som sex säsonger i rad gjort minst 50 mål. Han är den bästa målskytten genom tiderna i Champions League, i Real Madrid och i Portugals landslag. 2016 vann Ronaldo Champions League och klubblags-VM med Real Madrid; EM med Portugals landslag; Ballon d'Or; samt fick en flygplats (på sin barndomsö Madeira) uppkallad efter sig. Han toppade även, som första fotbollsspelare någonsin, Forbes lista över de idrottare som tjänade mest i världen och utnämndes av ESPN till »planetens mest kända idrottsperson«. 2017 försvarade Real Madrid sin Champions League-titel efter att Ronaldo gjort tio mål på turneringens fem sista matcher.Han är med andra ord ett världsfenomen. Ändå är väldigt lite känt om människan Ronaldo. Guillem Balague har skrivit den både insiktsfulla och avslöjande biografin Cristiano Ronaldo.I svensk översättning av Jens Ahlberg.GUILLEM BALAGUE är expert på spansk fotboll för brittiska Sky Sports och skriver regelbundet om internationell fotboll i The Times. Han är också den bästsäljande författaren till de stora biografierna om Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi och Pep Guardiola.»Han är bäst i världen, ja. Det har aldrig funnits en spelare som Ronaldo och kommer troligtvis aldrig någon som Ronaldo igen.« | José Mourinho

Den efterlängtade biografin om världens bästa fotbollsspelare!Vinnare i kategorin Årets fotbollsbok på Cross Sports Book Awards!Cristiano Ronaldo är känd över hela planeten som den portugisiske fotbollsspelaren som är största stjärnan i spanska storklubben Real Madrid och kapten för det portugisiska landslaget. När Ronaldo flyttade från Manchester United till Real Madrid blev övergången historisk som den dyraste någonsin, med en transfersumma på nästan en miljard kronor. Ronaldos kontrakt med Real Madrid gör honom till en av de bäst betalda spelarna i världen.Ronaldo var den förste spelaren att vinna alla de fyra viktigaste utmärkelserna för Årets fotbollsspelare i England och har röstats fram som Premier Leagues bäste spelare någonsin. 2008, 2013 & 2014 vann han Ballon d Or, som världens bäste fotbollsspelare. Han är den ende spelaren i fotbollshistorien som sex säsonger i rad gjort minst 50 mål. I september 2015 blev Ronaldo tidernas främste målskytt i UEFA Champions League och i oktober samma år blev han Real Madrids främste målgörare genom tiderna.Han är med andra ord ett världsfenomen. Ändå är väldigt lite känt om människan Ronaldo. Guillem Balague har skrivit den både insiktsfulla och avslöjande biografin Cristiano Ronaldo.I svensk översättning av Jens Ahlberg.GUILLEM BALAGUE är expert på spansk fotboll för brittiska Sky Sports och skriver regelbundet om internationell fotboll i The Times. Han är också den bästsäljande författaren till de stora biografierna om Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi och Pep Guardiola.»Han är bäst i världen, ja. Det har aldrig funnits en spelare som Ronaldo och kommer troligtvis aldrig någon som Ronaldo igen.« | JOSÉ MOURINHO

The international bestselling biography of Pep Guardiola - fully updated to include his time at Manchester City After a decade-long stint as manager of Manchester City, following trophy-laden spells at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, Pep Guardiola has cemented his reputation as the most successful football manager of all time. Under his management, Manchester City have become a giant of the modern game, dominating in England and on the European stage. Guillem Balagué has followed Pep's career from the very outset and has had direct access to the man, his inner circle, his assistant managers, coaches and players, allowing him to construct an unrivalled biography of the person who has changed football forever. From Pep's playing career and his tutelage under legendary managers Johan Cruyff, Sir Bobby Robson and Louis van Gaal to journeying into the dugout himself, transforming Barcelona into one of the greatest club sides of all time, and continuing his unparalleled success at Bayern Munich and Manchester City, Guillem's biography traces Pep's life in its entirety. Guillem delves into Pep's mind to show how his tactical philosophy has continually evolved to combat those of his greatest rivals, like the counter-attacking system favoured by José Mourinho or the gegenpressing of Jürgen Klopp, ensuring he has remained at the heights of the sport. This is nothing less than the definitive portrait of Pep Guardiola and his relentless pursuit of footballing perfection.

From Johan Cruyff to Lionel Messi, discover the legacy of the world's greatest football club through the players that captained it to glory. Award-winning author Guillem Balagué takes us on a fascinating tour of FC Barcelona, journeying through the storied walls of the Camp Nou and the legacies of Barça's captains to offer a history of the Catalan club. Guillem covers captains from all eras of Barça's past, from historic greats such as Joan Gamper and Johan Cruyff, decorated legends like Carles Puyol and Xavi, to recent captains Alexia Putellas, Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets. In doing so, Balagué crafts a portrait of Barcelona's unique place in football as a sporting, cultural and social institution. Guillem analyses the psychological profiles of Barça's captains, delving into the reasons why they were chosen to wear the armband and the leadership skills necessary to guide a team to victory. Through exclusive interviews with some of the most emblematic captains, including Lionel Messi and Andrés Iniesta, Balagué offers a vision of their commitment, character, dedication and responsibility. We discover how they led Barça to glory, how they maintained focus and discipline on the field, and how they left a lasting legacy on the Catalan club and its fans. In turn, we also witness their most difficult moments and their weaknesses, but it is their ability to overcome them that makes them true giants of football and legendary captains of FC Barcelona. This is the definitive story of FC Barcelona, told through the captains that built it.

Featuring exclusive interviews with Unai Emery, Monchi, Morgan Rogers and more, this is the behind-the-scenes account of Unai Emery's Aston Villa revolution, from the award-winning bestseller Guillem Balagué. In October 2022, Unai Emery was appointed manager of Aston Villa. Despite being one of England's most historic clubs, Emery was taking charge of a team in turmoil and hovering above the relegation zone in the Premier League. But in his very first match, Villa produced a statement victory, deftly beating Manchester United 3-1 at Villa Park. It was a sign of things to come; in his first full season in charge, Emery would lead the club to a top four finish - qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in over four decades. Guillem Balagué has had unparalleled access to Unai Emery, his backroom staff and the Villa squad ever since the Spaniard was appointed manager in 2022. From growing up in the Basque region to becoming one of the most exciting coaches today, Rise of the Villans reveals the inner workings of Emery's psyche. Guillem takes readers inside Bodymoor Heath to show how Unai has transformed Villa into an exciting side renowned for their direct passing, high energy and devastating counter attacks. At the core of the book are Villa's passionate fans, who outline why they believe club and manager are the perfect match. With the Holte End roaring into life as Villa Park welcomed the return of European football, it was clear for all to see: Unai Emery had awoken the sleeping giant.

Featuring exclusive interviews with Unai Emery, Monchi, Ollie Watkins, John McGinn, Pau Torres and more, this is the behind-the-scenes account of Unai Emery's Aston Villa revolution, from the award-winning Sunday Times bestseller Guillem Balagué. In October 2022, Unai Emery was appointed manager of Aston Villa. Despite being one of England's most historic football clubs, Emery was taking charge of a team in turmoil and hovering above the relegation zone in the Premier League. But in his very first match, Villa produced a statement victory, deftly beating Manchester United 3-1 at Villa Park. It was a sign of things to come. Guillem Balagué has had unparalleled access to Unai Emery, his backroom staff and the Aston Villa squad ever since the Spaniard was appointed manager in 2022. From Emery's early years growing up in the Basque region to becoming one of the most exciting coaches managing today, Rise of the Villans reveals the inner workings of Emery's psyche. Featuring exclusive interviews with Emery himself, as well as key players such as Villa captain John McGinn and star striker Ollie Watkins, it charts the journeys of both Emery and Aston Villa over the last three decades, offering a comprehensive and compelling narrative of why they are the perfect match. Exploring Emery's management of the Midlands side, the book outlines how he has transformed them into an exciting side renowned for their direct passing, high energy and devastating counter attacks. After a 7th placed finish in his first season in charge, Emery's Villa continued their fine form in the 2023-24 season, finishing 4th and qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in over four decades. With the Holte End roaring into life as Villa Park welcomed the return of European football's most prestigious club competition, it was clear for all to see: Unai Emery had awoken the sleeping giant.

Featuring exclusive interviews with Unai Emery, Monchi, Ollie Watkins, John McGinn, Pau Torres and more, this is the behind-the-scenes account of Unai Emery's Aston Villa revolution, from the award-winning Sunday Times bestseller Guillem Balague. In October 2022, Unai Emery was appointed manager of Aston Villa. Despite being one of England's most historic football clubs, Emery was taking charge of a team in turmoil and hovering above the relegation zone in the Premier League. But in his very first match, Villa produced a statement victory, deftly beating Manchester United 3-1 at Villa Park. It was a sign of things to come. Guillem Balague has had unparalleled access to Unai Emery, his backroom staff and the Aston Villa squad ever since the Spaniard was appointed manager in 2022. From Emery's early years growing up in the Basque region to becoming one of the most exciting coaches managing today, Rise of the Villans reveals the inner workings of Emery's psyche. Featuring exclusive interviews with Emery himself, as well as key players such as Villa captain John McGinn and star striker Ollie Watkins, it charts the journeys of both Emery and Aston Villa over the last three decades, offering a comprehensive and compelling narrative of why they are the perfect match. Exploring Emery's management of the Midlands side, the book outlines how he has transformed them into an exciting side renowned for their direct passing, high energy and devastating counter attacks. After a 7th placed finish in his first season in charge, Emery's Villa continued their fine form in the 2023-24 season, finishing 4th and qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in over four decades.With the Holte End roaring into life as Villa Park welcomed the return of European football's most prestigious club competition, it was clear for all to see: Unai Emery had awoken the sleeping giant.

'ENTHRALLING' FourFourTwo'STIRRING' Dublin Herald'FASCINATING' Red and White Kop'ASTONISHING' Bleacher ReportThe Sunday Times BestsellerTwentieth anniversary edition, fully updated with a new foreword from Rafael BenitezWhen Rafael Benitez was appointed manager of under-achieving Liverpool at the start of the 2004-05 season, the reaction of many fans was 'Who the **** is Rafael Benitez?'. After a wonderful spell at Valencia, the Spaniard arrived to take over Liverpool's famous Boot Room, determined to change the club's fortunes and win over a disillusioned Kop. In just one season, Benitez's importation of Spanish players, coaching methods and diet led to a revolution, usurping José Mourinho's Chelsea to reach the European Champions League final in Istanbul. It was a match that would go down in history as one of the greatest of all time. At half-time, Liverpool were 3-0 down to Carlo Ancelotti's AC Milan, a team many regarded as the best in the world, filled with stars such as Paolo Maldini, Kaká and Andrea Pirlo. However, against all the odds, Liverpool produced a stunning comeback, with goals from club captain Steven Gerrard, Vladimir Šmicer and Xabi Alonso, before a dramatic penalty shoot-out saw the Reds clinch European glory. Featuring exclusive interviews with Benitez himself, assistant manager Pako Ayestarán and key first-team players, this is the behind-the-scenes story of Rafa's remarkable success with Liverpool.

'I have seen the player who will inherit my place in Argentine football and his name is Messi' Diego MaradonaFULLY UPDATED TO INCLUDE THE 2022 WORLD CUP TRIUMPH & MESSI'S TRANSFER TO INTER MIAMI As Lionel Messi raised the World Cup triumphantly into the air, the world watched on in awe. Messi's final peak conquered; his final dream achieved. It was the fairy tale ending to a glittering career. Yet despite delivering Argentina their third World Cup, Messi's time at Paris Saint-Germain came to a dramatic conclusion, and Miami awaited the Argentinian legend.Guillem Balagué has had unprecedented access to Messi's inner circle including the player himself: his coaches, team-mates and family. From tracing the origins of Messi's precocious talent in Rosario, Argentina, to chronicling his peerless seventeen-season career at Barcelona, and his tumultuous Parisian adventure, Guillem takes us behind-the-scenes of Messi's World Cup triumph and his long-desired move to the MLS. This is an epic, authoritative and compelling account of an enigmatic footballing genius. 'I can tell my grandkids one day that I coached Lionel Messi' Pep Guardiola

MARADONA is the definitive new biography of a true global icon, from world-renowned football writer and journalist Guillem Balagué. Diego Armando Maradona was widely acclaimed as a genius. One of the greatest footballers of all time, he was also one of the most controversial. In an international career with Argentina he earned 91 caps and scored 34 goals and played in four FIFA World Cups. With his unforgettable 'hand of God' goal and unsurpassed second one in the 1986 quarter-final against England, he captained his nation and led them to victory over West Germany in the final in Mexico. His vision, passing, ball control and dribbling skills, and his presence and leadership on the field, often electrified his own team's overall performance.Maradona's club career included dazzling spells in his own country at Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors and Newell's Old Boys, and in Europe with Barcelona, Napoli and Sevilla. Yet his life was one of relentless media attention, including tales of drug abuse and constant health issues.Based on in-depth interviews and first-hand stories, Guillem Balagué's masterly biography represents a psychological and sociological approach to the legend. This journey of exploration takes Guillem to Argentina, Spain, Italy and Dubai. Along the way, he asks what fosters such adulation, and how this adoration engendered a self-destructive personality. Even after his untimely death in 2020, Maradona continues to fascinate: his divine status seemingly preserved for ever.

Maradona. Gutten. Rebellen. Guden. er biografien om verdens største fotball-ikon, skrevet av den prisvinnende journalist og forfatter Guillem Balaqué. Diego Armando Maradona var viden anerkjent for å være et geni. Han var en av tidenes største fotballspillere, men også blant de aller mest kontroversielle. I løpet av sin landslagskarriere for Argentina spilte han 91 kamper, scoret 34 mål og deltok i fire VM-sluttspill. Etter sin uforglemmelige «guds hånd» og sitt uforliknelige andre mål i kvartfinalen mot England, ledet han sitt Argentina til finaleseier mot Vest-Tyskland i Mexico i 1986. Hans overblikk, ballkontroll, dribleferdigheter, nærvær og lederevner på banen hadde en evne til å sette fyr på et hvert lag han spilte på.Ved hjelp av dybdeintervjuer og førstehåndsberetninger gir Guillem Balagués biografi oss et psykologisk og sosiologisk portrett av legenden Maradona. Denne utforskningen sender Guillem på reise til Argentina, Spania, Italia og Dubai. På veien spør han seg hva det var som gjorde at så mange forgudet Maradona, og hvordan denne beundringen ga næring til hans selvdestruktive side. En side som kom sterkere og sterkere til syne, inntil han døde så altfor tidlig i 2020.

Maradona. Gutten. Rebellen. Guden. er biografien om verdens største fotball-ikon, skrevet av den prisvinnende journalist og forfatter Guillem Balaqué. Diego Armando Maradona var viden anerkjent for å være et geni. Han var en av tidenes største fotballspillere, men også blant de aller mest kontroversielle. I løpet av sin landslagskarriere for Argentina spilte han 91 kamper, scoret 34 mål og deltok i fire VM-sluttspill. Etter sin uforglemmelige «guds hånd» og sitt uforliknelige andre mål i kvartfinalen mot England, ledet han sitt Argentina til finaleseier mot Vest-Tyskland i Mexico i 1986. Hans overblikk, ballkontroll, dribleferdigheter, nærvær og lederevner på banen hadde en evne til å sette fyr på et hvert lag han spilte på.Ved hjelp av dybdeintervjuer og førstehåndsberetninger gir Guillem Balagués biografi oss et psykologisk og sosiologisk portrett av legenden Maradona. Denne utforskningen sender Guillem på reise til Argentina, Spania, Italia og Dubai. På veien spør han seg hva det var som gjorde at så mange forgudet Maradona, og hvordan denne beundringen ga næring til hans selvdestruktive side. En side som kom sterkere og sterkere til syne, inntil han døde så altfor tidlig i 2020.

MARADONA is the definitive new biography of a true global icon, from world-renowned football writer and journalist Guillem Balagué. Diego Armando Maradona was widely acclaimed as a genius. One of the greatest footballers of all time, he was also one of the most controversial. In an international career with Argentina he earned 91 caps and scored 34 goals and played in four FIFA World Cups. With his unforgettable 'hand of God' goal and unsurpassed second one in the 1986 quarter-final against England, he captained his nation and led them to victory over West Germany in the final in Mexico. His vision, passing, ball control and dribbling skills, and his presence and leadership on the field, often electrified his own team's overall performance. Maradona's club career included dazzling spells in his own country at Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors and Newell's Old Boys, and in Europe with Barcelona, Napoli and Sevilla. Yet his life was one of relentless media attention, including tales of drug abuse and constant health issues. Based on in-depth interviews and first-hand stories, Guillem Balagué's masterly biography represents a psychological and sociological approach to the legend. This journey of exploration takes Guillem to Argentina, Spain, Italy and Dubai. Along the way, he asks what fosters such adulation, and how this adoration engendered a self-destructive personality. Even after his untimely death in 2020, Maradona continues to fascinate: his divine status seemingly preserved for ever.