Wonderful World Cup
It goes without saying, we are thoroughly enjoying the World Cup.
What’s not to love?!
Four whole weeks of football on the biggest stage – with a record-equalling 16 (okay, now 15) City stars in action, vying for the most prestigious trophy in the sport’s existence, plus with an absolute heap of controversy thrown in, thanks to the introduction of VAR!
From stunning goals to a player being hit in the face with the ball when his own goal celebration backfired, there have already been some unforgettable memories – and this story is a special one...
As Sky Sports report, Colombian fan Jose Richard Gallego grew up watching the beautiful game – but sadly lost his eyesight and hearing after contracting a disease, aged nine.
Thanks to his friend Cesar, however, Jose is still able to experience every kick of the World Cup through sign language and hand gestures Cesar has devised.
On a small-scale pitch, Cesar uses the gestures – including specific ones for major events – to describe the action in real-time to his dear friend.
An incredibly moving feature…
A Colombian man helps his deaf and blind friend experience the joy of their team’s #WorldCup campaign pic.twitter.com/wsZruvjgAR
— Sky News (@SkyNews) June 25, 2018
Feed the Goat
Club legend Shaun Goater is also savouring the action in Russia with its feast of football.
Forever bleeding blue and white, ‘the Goat’ nailed his colours to the mast, showing his support for Sergio Aguero, Nicolas Otamendi and co. as Argentina booked their place in the last 16 in dramatic fashion.
Not sure about the singing though, Shaun? Stick to scoring instead!
#WorldCup2018 @TeamMessi @aguerosergiokun Best teams need to be in the World Cup simple! pic.twitter.com/s23MrpYPAE
— Shaun Goater MBE (@OfficialSGoater) June 26, 2018
Dancing... ducks?
This one, we can’t really explain. In fact, I’m not sure anyone can.
For a reason unbeknown to anyone but the creator, someone decided to soundtrack this uplifting video of a joyous Senegal team dancing away… to the DuckTales theme song.
We really don’t know why, nor can we fathom the thought process behind it… but it’s so good. We can’t stop watching it...
We dare you not to smile!
The Senegal warm-up is even better with Ducktales music. pic.twitter.com/4VvyxeyOC4
— Kristian (@vonstrenginho) June 25, 2018
On yer head!
Another social media football sensation… the ‘Head Bin’ Challenge!
The Belgium squad were the latest side to try their luck, heading the ball between each player before finishing it into a bin(!) and as you can see, they emerged victorious…
It’s Coming Home
Three lions… singing Three Lions. What’s more to say?
Oh yeah, IT’S COMING HOME!
(Very much enjoyed this video of three ‘animoji’ lions, belting out the Lightning Seeds’ iconic anthem!)
Allez les Bleus!
Benjamin Mendy is currently living his dream, competing in his first World Cup with his beloved France.
The personable, fun-loving left-back always hoped to follow in the footsteps of his idols and now, he is doing just that.
He shares the tale of his career path to the top – from the streets of Paris to Premier League glory – with Players’ Tribune.
Take a look…
At ages seven or eight or nine, I was not Benjamin.
— The Players’ Tribune (@PlayersTribune) June 21, 2018
I was Ribéry.
I was Zidane.
I was Henry.@benmendy23 shares his road to the #FRA national team and his love for Les Bleus. #WC32 #WorldCup https://t.co/3R3w9nuEMz
The Nights The Earth Would Shake
Former Blue Aleks Kolarov has also revealed his own personal story – a harrowing tale of his early years, as he grew up in war-torn Serbia.
The defender recollects the nights of fright - and how he coped - along with his path to English football.
He also reflects positively on his time at City, declaring it ‘beautiful’.
Discover his path with his Players’ Tribune piece…
I remember the night that the first bombs fell.
— The Players’ Tribune (@PlayersTribune) June 27, 2018
I was 14.
How growing up in war-torn Serbia shaped Aleksandar Kolarov. #WC32 https://t.co/2jDNikCMrp
Role model
NadimNadia is a true inspiration.
Her story to football stardom is remarkable. Aged 12, she fled her native Afghanistan with her mother and four sisters via cargo truck, after her father was killed by the Taliban, and set up home in Denmark.
There, as her family made a new life for themselves – free from restriction – she discovered her passion for the beautiful game. Close to her refugee camp, a local team trained and she – along with her sisters and friends – would watch the sessions and practice recreationally
With two of her sisters in tow, Nadim eventually asked to join in, sparking a life-changing moment and igniting what would become a truly incredible career.
This week, she visited Jordan to coach a training camp for refugee children and spoke of the importance of the beautiful game as a welcome distraction.
She wrote on her Instagram page: “This is the reason I love football. As soon as these kids are on the field, everything around them disappears. Suddenly, they are Ronaldo, Messi… It’s about starting a spark – a hope.”
Simply wonderful.
A heroic effort
The story of one man’s gruelling journey across America…
This month, City’s Head of Sports Medicine Doctor Max Sala tackled the world’s toughest bicycle race – the Race Across America – to raise awareness and funds for City in the Community’s ‘One City’ disability programme.
Max rode a staggering 2,000 miles, crossing five states, and raised over £80,000 which will go directly to the Club’s foundation.
The final two days of his journey consisted of severe strain on his body. Despite his determination to continue, race officials and Max’s team made the difficult decision to withdraw him from the race.
Everyone at the Club and foundation are extremely proud of Max for this phenomenal achievement and the commitment he has given to this challenge over the past three years.
You can watch the video report from America below to see the scale of Max’s challenge, and can donate here: justgiving.com/fundraising/drmaxraam
Off to a flyer
Across the Atlantic, newly-appointed New York City FC coach Domènec Torrent kicked off his managerial reign with a bang, as NYCFC defeated defending MLS Champions Toronto at the Yankee Stadium.
The hosts had to come from behind in the second half and did so through Jo Inge Berget’s second and third goals for the Club.
The perfect start!
“We are the New York City club - don’t give up.” - Doménec Torrent, half-time.
— New York City FC (@NYCFC) June 25, 2018
🎥 MATCH HIGHLIGHTS ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/zAS8n8Q4KK
Spreading the joy
City share a special and long-standing relationship with Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and in a bid to spread some cheer, the Premier League and Carabao Cup trophies made a visit to the patients.
A small gesture to raise some smiles.
Today we’ve brought the @premierleague trophy & @Carabao_Cup to visit the patients at the @RMCHcharity 🏆💚💙 pic.twitter.com/elfi6tLMN6
— CityintheCommunity (@citctweets) June 27, 2018