Cesc Fàbregas

Page semi-protected
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Cese Fabregas)

Cesc Fàbregas
Fàbregas in 2023
Personal information
Full name Francesc Fàbregas Soler[1]
Date of birth (1987-05-04) 4 May 1987 (age 36)[2]
Place of birth Arenys de Mar, Spain
Height 1.79 m (5 ft 10 in)[3]
Position(s) Central midfielder
Team information
Current team
Como (assistant)
Youth career
1995–1997 Mataró
1997–2003 Barcelona
2003 Arsenal
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2003–2011 Arsenal 212 (35)
2011–2014 Barcelona 96 (28)
2014–2019 Chelsea 138 (15)
2019–2022 Monaco 54 (3)
2022 Monaco B 1 (0)
2022–2023 Como 17 (0)
Total 518 (81)
International career
2002–2003 Spain U16 8 (0)
2003–2004 Spain U17 14 (7)
2005 Spain U20 5 (0)
2004–2005 Spain U21 12 (8)
2006–2016 Spain 110 (15)
Managerial career
2023 Como (caretaker)
2023– Como (assistant)
Medal record
Representing  Spain
FIFA World Cup
Winner 2010 South Africa
UEFA European Championship
Winner 2008 Austria–Switzerland
Winner 2012 Poland–Ukraine
UEFA European Under-17 Championship
Runner-up 2004 France
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Francesc Fàbregas Soler (Catalan pronunciation: [ˈsɛsk ˈfaβɾəɣəs]; Spanish: [ˈfaβɾeɣas]; born 4 May 1987) is a Spanish football manager and former professional footballer who played as a central midfielder. He is the current assistant coach of Como in the Italian Serie B.

Fàbregas came through La Masia, Barcelona's youth academy, leaving at 16 when he was signed by Premier League club Arsenal in September 2003. Following injuries to key midfielders in the early part of the 2004–05 season, he went on establish himself in the team. He broke several of the club's records in the process, earning a reputation as one of the best players in his position, and won the FA Cup in 2005. He was also named in the UEFA Team of the Year twice and the PFA Team of the Year twice.

After a protracted transfer saga, Fàbregas left London in August 2011 to return to Barcelona in a deal worth up to £35 million. During his three-year spell at the Camp Nou, Fàbregas played alongside Xavi and Andrés Iniesta and won a La Liga title, the Copa del Rey, the FIFA Club World Cup, the UEFA Super Cup and two Spanish Super Cups. He returned to London in June 2014 to Arsenal's cross-town rivals Chelsea for a fee of £30 million, and in his first year there he helped to secure League Cup and Premier League triumphs.

Internationally, Fàbregas made his debut for the Spanish national team in March 2006. He represented his country in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro 2008, 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, 2010 World Cup, Euro 2012, 2013 Confederations Cup, the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016. He was a key figure in Spain's European Championship victories in 2008 and 2012 and their 2010 World Cup triumph in which he supplied the pass for Andrés Iniesta's winning goal in the final. On 12 October 2015, Fàbregas earned his 100th cap for Spain.

Early years

Born in Arenys de Mar, Barcelona, Catalonia,[4][5] to Francesc Fàbregas Sr., who runs a property company, and Núria Soler, the owner of a pastry company, Fàbregas has supported FC Barcelona since childhood and went to his first match when he was nine months old with his grandfather.[6] He began his club football career with CE Mataró before being signed for Barcelona's La Masia youth academy aged ten in 1997.[7] His first coach, Señor Blai, reportedly did not select Fàbregas for matches against Barcelona in an attempt to hide him from their scouts.[8] This tactic, however, was unable to withstand Barcelona for long, and Mataró gave in and allowed Fàbregas to train with Barcelona one day per week. Eventually Fàbregas joined Barcelona's academy full-time. His initial training was as a defensive midfielder playing alongside notable names such as Gerard Piqué and Lionel Messi. Although he was a prolific scorer, sometimes scoring even more than 30 goals in a season for the club's youth teams, he did not manage to play a first-team game at the Camp Nou.[9] During his time at Barcelona's youth academy, Fàbregas idolised Barcelona's then-captain and number four Pep Guardiola, who would later give Fàbregas his shirt as consolation when Fàbregas' parents divorced.[10]

Club career

Arsenal

Adapting to England

Sensing that he would have limited opportunities at Barcelona,[11] Fàbregas joined Premier League club Arsenal in their Academy,[12] signing for the London club on 11 September 2003.[5] Initially, he found life difficult in England's capital but soon struck a friendship with Spanish-speaking teammate Philippe Senderos, who helped him settle down.[13] As a 16-year-old, Fàbregas did not contemplate breaking into the first team immediately but looked up to senior players like Patrick Vieira and Gilberto Silva, while concentrating on training and learning the English language.[13] He nevertheless made his debut for Arsenal not long after, on 28 October 2003, in a League Cup tie at home to Rotherham United. In doing so, he became Arsenal's youngest-ever first team player, aged 16 years and 177 days.[14] He then became the youngest goalscorer in Arsenal's history in a later round of the League Cup, scoring in a 5–1 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers.[15] Although Arsenal went on to win the league unbeaten in the 2003–04 season,[16] Fàbregas was not awarded a winner's medal because he did not play a single league game.[17]

It was not until the start of the 2004–05 season that the Spaniard started making first team appearances in matches outside the League Cup. His first match of the season was against Manchester United in the FA Community Shield. Following an injury to Vieira, Fàbregas stepped in and made four consecutive Premier League starts. He was praised for his performances in those games, even claiming a goal against Blackburn Rovers in a 3–0 victory, and becoming Arsenal's youngest-ever goalscorer in a league game.[18][19] With further injuries to Edu and Gilberto Silva, he received more playing time in all competitions.[4][11] He signed his first professional contract with Arsenal in September 2004,[12] which committed his long-term future to the club.[20] In October 2004, Arsenal lost 2–0 to Manchester United, ending their 49-match unbeaten run in the Premier League. The match was dubbed the "Battle of the Buffet" after pizza was thrown at Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson at the end of the match in the players' tunnel by a then-unknown Arsenal player. Speculation that the player was Fàbregas[21][22] was confirmed in November 2011 by former Arsenal player Martin Keown on a phone-in show on BBC Radio 5 Live.[23][24] In the 2004–05 UEFA Champions League, he became the second-youngest goalscorer in the competition's history after scoring the third goal against Rosenborg in a 5–1 win.[25] He concluded his season by winning his first honours with Arsenal when he was in the starting eleven that defeated Manchester United on penalties in the 2005 FA Cup Final.[26]

Making the starting eleven

After The Gunners' move to the Emirates Stadium in summer 2006, Fàbregas was given the number 4 shirt, which had been vacated by Patrick Vieira following his transfer to Juventus the previous year. He featured regularly in the Arsenal central midfield alongside Gilberto Silva. He made 49 appearances in all competitions during the 2005–06 season.[17] Despite his young age, his performances came under greater scrutiny due to his increased involvement in the first team. Further, as Fàbregas possessed a smaller frame and played with less aggression than Vieira, there were initially doubts over his ability to fill in the void left by the Frenchman.[27] Nevertheless, Fàbregas asserted his own style of play and impressed pundits in the Champions League against Real Madrid and Juventus.[28][29][30] In the latter, he scored Arsenal's first goal and set up Thierry Henry for the second,[28] at the same time proving that he could compete against tough, hard-tackling midfielders like Vieira.[30] He then played in the Final against his former club Barcelona, but Arsenal were defeated 2–1,[31] completing a trophyless 2005–06 campaign for Arsenal.

Fàbregas (left) in a game against Sheffield United in September 2006

Fàbregas' increase in exposure drew transfer speculation during the summer; Real Madrid expressed a desire to sign the Spaniard despite his long-term contract with Arsenal,[32] but Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger stated that Arsenal would not listen to any offers.[33] In September 2006, with six years left on his deal, Arsenal offered a new five-year deal (with an option to extend by a further three years) to the midfielder, which he signed on 19 October 2006.[34] While the contract was unusually long, Fàbregas cited Arsenal's playing style and Wenger as reasons for his long-term commitment to the club.[35][36]

Fàbregas playing for Arsenal in August 2007

The 2006–07 season was a learning experience for the young Arsenal squad and Fàbregas. The club again failed to secure any major honours and were defeated by city rivals Chelsea in the League Cup Final.[37] Fàbregas, however, emerged as one of the key creative players for the team, playing in every single league game.[17][38] He kick-started Arsenal's 2006–07 UEFA Champions League campaign when he scored a brace in a 3–0 win over Dinamo Zagreb in a qualifier match.[39] In the Premier League, he notched up 13 assists, which was the second-highest total in the league.[17][38] He ended the season with several individual honours, including the Golden Boy award, presented by the Italian paper TuttoSport, based on a poll of leading writers across Europe.[40] He was also named in the 2006 UEFA Team of the Year,[41] and named FA Premier League Player of the Month for January 2007.[42] Additionally, he was nominated for both PFA Players' Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year, although both awards went to Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo.[43] In June 2007, he was named Arsenal's Player of the Season, taking in 60% of the votes.[44]

Fàbregas before a match against Newcastle United in January 2008

The 2007–08 season began with much uncertainty for Arsenal. First, David Dein, the club's vice-chairman, left amidst allegations of internal strife, followed by the departure of the club's all-time top goalscorer and captain, Thierry Henry, who signed for Barcelona. There was also speculation over Wenger's future with the club.[45] Fàbregas knew that he would become the most important player for Arsenal, but stated he was ready for the challenge.[46] He started the season well, chalking up goals and assists,[17] and website soccernet attributed the early success of Arsenal to the young Spaniard.[47] His start to the season also earned him the O2 Player of the Month award from Arsenal fans for August, September and October,[48] as well as the Premier League Player of the Month for September.[49] With Arsenal leading the league table until March, Fàbregas was equally instrumental in the club's 2007–08 Champions League campaign; in the return leg against Milan, the midfielder scored late in the game to send Arsenal into the quarter-finals.[50] Though Arsenal ended the season trophyless,[51] Fàbregas amassed several personal awards. On 11 April 2008, Fàbregas was nominated for the PFA Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year awards for the second year running;[52] he was later crowned the winner of the latter, and named in the PFA Team of the Year. He was also named the 2007–08 Arsenal.com Player of the Season.[53]

Captaincy

Fàbregas as captain during the 2008–09 Champions League semi-final

On 24 November 2008, 14 league games into the 2008–09 season, Fàbregas was named as the successor to William Gallas as club captain.[54][55] However, just as Arsenal were getting back into the title race after a poor start to the season, the Spaniard was ruled out for four months after sustaining a knee injury against Liverpool.[56] The Gunners eventually finished the season without any silverware, coming in fourth in the league and being knocked out at the semi-finals of the 2008–09 Champions League campaign.[57][58] In tandem with Arsenal's policy to groom its young players, the team that Fàbregas led into the new season consisted mostly of the same young nucleus as before, with the likes of Nicklas Bendtner, Gaël Clichy, Abou Diaby, Denílson, Samir Nasri, Alex Song and Theo Walcott in tow.

Fàbregas in a game against rivals Tottenham in November 2010

In the opening league game of 2009–10 season, Fàbregas scored a brace and managed two assists in Arsenal's 6–1 away win against Everton.[59] Arsenal went on to secure qualification for the 2009–10 Champions League campaign by beating Celtic over two legs, but their early momentum to the season was disrupted by consecutive league game losses to Manchester United and Manchester City. The team bounced back strongly after this setback, and with Fàbregas being prolific in scoring and setting up his teammates, it went unbeaten in the next 13 games. Despite suffering four league losses even before mid-season approached, Arsenal managed to lead the league standings after 22 games. On 31 March 2010, in the Champions League first leg of the quarter-final against Barcelona, Fàbregas suffered a leg fracture before scoring the equalising goal in the game which ended 2–2.[60] Arsenal, who were four points behind league leaders Manchester United, were deprived of their captain for the remaining six league games of the season;[60] they were subsequently eliminated by Barcelona in the Champions League, and fell out of the league title race. Fàbregas was later named to the PFA Team of the Year.[61]

Fàbregas trying to subdue an argument between Sergio Busquets and Robin van Persie.

Before the start of the 2010–11 season, there was once again intense media speculation about the Spaniard's future, and in June 2010, a €35 million bid from Barcelona was rejected.[62][63] The 2010–11 season turned out to be an extremely competitive one in the Premier League; even though Arsenal had lost five games before mid-season, they were jostling for pole position with Manchester United and Manchester City.[64] Going into late February, Arsenal were still in contention for the quadruple, but within a span of two weeks they lost in the League Cup final, were eliminated by Barcelona in the Round of 16 of the Champions League, and defeated in the FA Cup quarter-final.[65] Although Fàbregas did not play in the League Cup Final, it was his misplaced backheel pass during the second leg of the Champions League game against Barcelona that allowed them to level the aggregate score. Arsenal remained in contention for the league title until a series of draws in the final third of the season caused them to fall too far behind league leaders Manchester United; they ended the season fourth. The following season was once again marked by uncertainty. Barcelona made several bids for Fàbregas, while Nasri, Arsenal's star performer the previous campaign, was courted by Manchester City.

Barcelona

2011–12 season

Fàbregas during his presentation at Barcelona in August 2011

On 15 August 2011, Barcelona signed Fàbregas for an initial fee of €29 million with a further €5 million in variables, plus Fàbregas would pay Arsenal €1 million a year from his wage for five years,[66][67] ending one of the most protracted transfer sagas in recent times. Statistics show that in the five years prior to Fàbregas's departure from Arsenal, Fàbregas created 466 goal-scoring chances, made 86 assists and scored 48 goals, all three statistics topping those of new teammates Xavi and Andrés Iniesta, despite both having made more appearances in the same period.[68][69]

Fàbregas joined a team that had won three La Liga titles in a row and two Champions League titles in three years, and one that featured the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi, Andrés Iniesta and David Villa. He made his debut in the second leg of the Supercopa de España, coming on as a substitute against Real Madrid. Fàbregas drew a red card in the 90+4th after being the target of a dangerous challenge from Marcelo. Barcelona won the tie 3–2 and 5–4 on aggregate.[70][71] He scored his first goal in a 2–0 win against Porto as Barcelona won the 2011 UEFA Super Cup,[72] and his first league goal on his league debut, a 5–0 home win over Villarreal.[73] He went on to score three more league goals in the month of September, including a late equaliser in the 2–2 away draw to Valencia.[74]

Fàbregas then spent the majority of October sidelined with a hamstring injury picked up on international duty.[75] He made his return, and scored, in a 4–0 away victory to Viktoria Plzeň in the Champions League.[76] He then made his league return in the 2–2 draw away to Athletic Bilbao, scoring a goal in the same match.[77] Fàbregas then went on to score a brace in a 5–0 home victory against Levante before netting in a 3–1 away victory against Real Madrid.[78][79] Fàbregas later scored against Brazilian club Santos to help Barcelona to a 4–0 victory in the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup final.[80]

Fàbregas got another brace in a 4–0 victory against Osasuna in the Copa del Rey.[81] He also scored in the semi-final of the competition against Valencia to help Barcelona to the final with a 3–1 win on aggregate.[82] He kept a regular run in the Barcelona side for the rest of the season, including appearances in both semi-final legs of the 3–2 aggregate defeat to Chelsea in the Champions League,[83][84] and a substitute appearance in the 3–0 victory against Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final.[85]

Fàbregas ended his first season at Barcelona by winning the 2011–12 Copa del Rey, 2011 Supercopa de España, 2011 UEFA Super Cup and the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup, notching 15 goals and 20 assists in 48 appearances and four best midfielder awards.[86]

2012–13 season

Fàbregas preparing to take a corner kick for Barcelona during a game against Bayer Leverkusen in March 2012

Fàbregas ended his long goal drought for his club when he scored his first league goals of the season with a brace against Sevilla in a 3–2 away victory. He then scored three goals in October, coming in the league, Champions League and the Copa del Rey. He scored again on 25 November in a 4–0 win away to Levante. On 13 January 2013, Fàbregas scored in a 3–1 win away to Málaga. Fàbregas scored his first hat-trick of his career against Mallorca in a 5–0 victory on 6 April 2013. He ended his second season at Barcelona by winning the first league title of his career, with a record 100 points. Barcelona were eliminated, however, in the semi-finals of both the Copa del Rey, to rivals Real Madrid, and the Champions League, to winners Bayern Munich. Fàbregas ended the season with 14 goals and 12 assists in 48 appearances in all competitions.[citation needed]

2013–14 season

Barcelona began the season by winning the Supercopa de España. In the opening game of the league season on 18 August, Fàbregas provided five assists in a 7–0 win over Levante.[87] He scored 8 goals in 36 league matches, including braces in away wins over Granada on 10 November and Getafe on 22 December, the latter including a penalty kick. He also scored the only goal of the game on 1 October as Barcelona won away at Celtic in the group stage of the Champions League, heading in Alexis Sánchez's cross in the 73rd minute.[88]

Chelsea

Fàbregas in action against Karl Henry of Queens Park Rangers in November 2014

On 12 June 2014, Premier League club Chelsea signed Fàbregas on a five-year contract for a fee in the region of €33 million. Following his transfer he took the number 4 shirt, previously worn by David Luiz.[89][90] Fàbregas spoke of his transfer, saying, "I asked Barcelona to find a way for me to leave the club. The president tried to stop the sale, but I already had my mind made up." He went on to say, "If I didn't think that I'd be happy at Chelsea, I would've never made this decision. Above all, I want to be happy both professionally and personally."[91]

2014–15 season

Fàbregas made his competitive debut for Chelsea on 18 August as the team began their league season away to Burnley; he played the full 90 minutes of a 3–1 victory, providing two assists.[92] He was a nominee for the Premier League Player of the Month in August 2014, with the accolade going instead to another new Chelsea signing, Diego Costa.[93] On 13 September 2014, after providing two assists in Chelsea's 4–2 victory over Swansea City, Fàbregas became the first player ever in Premier League history to record at least one assist in six successive games; four under Chelsea and two under Arsenal during the 2010–11 season.[94] Four days later, he scored his first goal for the club, opening a 1–1 draw at home against Schalke 04 in Chelsea's first match of the Champions League group stage.[95]

His first league goal for Chelsea gave them a 2–1 win at Crystal Palace on 18 October, capping off a 19-pass move.[96] Fàbregas also completed 123 passes, the most by any player on either side.[97] On 10 December, with Chelsea already through to the knockout stage as group winners, Fàbregas scored an eighth-minute penalty to open a 3–1 Champions League victory over Sporting CP.[98] Twelve days later he scored a second league goal, set up by Eden Hazard and concluding a 2–0 win away to Stoke.[99]

Fàbregas preparing to take a free kick against Tottenham in January 2015

Fàbregas was fitted with a protective mask after breaking his nose in a collision with Charlie Adam during the reverse fixture on 4 April.[100] Eight days later, he scored the only goal of the game in the 88th minute in a victory over Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road.[101] On 3 May, the day before his 28th birthday, he won his first Premier League title at the ninth attempt, following a 1–0 home win over Crystal Palace. During the penultimate game of the season, away at The Hawthorns against West Bromwich Albion, Fàbregas was shown the red card and booed off by fans for deliberately kicking the ball at Chris Brunt's head while players were speaking to referee Mike Jones.[102] On appeal, the suspension for this red card was cut from three matches to one.[103]

2015–16 season

Fàbregas scored his first goal of the season on 16 September, as Chelsea defeated Maccabi Tel Aviv 4–0 in the Champions League.[104] He, Costa and Oscar were jeered by the crowd in December after the dismissal of Mourinho, with the supporters believing that the trio's conduct and poor performances were more culpable for the team's poor form.[105] His first league goal came in a 3–3 home draw against Everton on 15 January 2016[106] and his second came in a 2–1 away win against Southampton on 27 February 2016.[106] On 19 March 2016, Fàbregas scored a free-kick as well as a penalty in 2–2 home draw against local rivals West Ham United.[107] Fàbregas scored Chelsea's last goal of the season after converting a penalty in the 1–1 draw against new Premier League champions, Leicester City.[108]

2016–17 season

Fàbregas was linked with a move away from London after he was an unused substitution in the 2016–17 Premier League opener against West Ham.[109] On 20 August 2016, Fàbregas once again started on the bench against Watford, entering the match in the second half to replace Nemanja Matić and creating an assist for Diego Costa, who scored the winner in a 2–1 victory.[110] In the post-match press conference, Fàbregas earned the praise of manager, Conte, for his inspiring performance in the comeback win as well as the attitude he shows during training sessions.[111] Fàbregas's first two goals of the season came in an EFL Cup tie against Leicester City on 20 September, both coming within two minutes of each other in extra time to win the game 4–2, the victory moving Chelsea on to the Round of 16.[112]

After a month long absence due to an injury, Fàbregas played a full 90 minute to for Chelsea u23 against Southampton u23 on 21 November 2016. During the match, he provided two assists to fellow first team player, Michy Batshuayi, and helped earn a 3–2 victory.[113] Fàbregas saw his first league action since September in a game against Manchester City on 3 December 2016. Chelsea were trailing 1–0 when Fàbregas picked out Diego Costa with a long ball into the box. Costa brought the ball down and fired it into the net to equalise.[114] Fàbregas came off the bench against West Bromwich Albion on 11 December 2016 and immediately made an impact on the deadlocked match, finding Diego Costa once again with a long ball that led to the winning goal.[115] On 14 December 2016, Fàbregas led Chelsea to their tenth consecutive league victory with his first league goal of the season, scoring in the 40th minute against Sunderland.[116] In his fifth league start of the season, on 31 December 2016, Fàbregas recorded his 100th Premier League assist in his 293rd appearance in Chelsea's 4–2 home victory over Stoke City;[117] he became the fastest player in Premier League history to reach this landmark, taking 74 fewer appearances than Ryan Giggs.[118]

On 4 February 2017, Fàbregas scored against former club Arsenal when he collected goalkeeper Petr Cech's poor clearance and chipped the ball back over him. He did not celebrate the goal out of respect to his former club.[119] On 25 February, Fàbregas marked his 300th Premier League appearances with a goal and an assist as Chelsea defeated Swansea City 3–1.[120] In the same match, he also reached 102 assists in the Premier League, equalling Frank Lampard as the league's second-highest provider of all time.[121]

Subsequent seasons

In the 2017–18 season, Fàbregas made 49 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals in a campaign which saw Chelsea win the FA Cup against Manchester United. He played the entire 90 minutes in the final.

Fàbregas opened his account for the 2018–19 season, scoring the winner against Derby County in the fourth round of the EFL Cup. The Blues triumphed 3–2 at Stamford Bridge.[122]

Monaco

On 11 January 2019, Fàbregas signed for Monaco on a deal until June 2022.[123] On 13 January, Fàbregas made his league debut in a 1–1 draw against Marseille.[124] On 2 February, Fabregas scored his first league goal of the season for Monaco in a 2–1 win against Toulouse.[125] On 20 November 2020, Fàbregas scored the winning goal for Monaco in a 3–2 win over Paris Saint-Germain, which was their first win against PSG since August 2016.[126]

Como and retirement

On 1 August 2022, Fàbregas was unveiled as a new player for Serie B club Como, signing a two-year contract.[127][128] On 1 July 2023, Fàbregas announced his retirement from football.[129]

International career

Youth team

Although he features regularly for the Spain national football team, Fàbregas' international career began at youth level. At the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Championship held in Finland, he finished as top scorer of the tournament despite playing in midfield, and was voted Player of the Tournament.[9] Spain finished runners-up in the tournament to Brazil.[130] Fàbregas was next involved in the 2004 UEFA U-17 European Championship, where Spain also finished runners-up.[131] He was named the Golden Player of the tournament by FIFA.[131]

Senior team

After emerging as one of Arsenal's key players in only his second season at the club, it did not take long for Fàbregas to be called up to the senior squad. Noting his impressive performances in Arsenal's 2006 Champions League campaign, Spain coach Luis Aragonés named the teenager in the team for a friendly against Ivory Coast.[132] In that game, Fàbregas became the youngest player capped for Spain in 70 years, beating Sergio Ramos' record.[4] He received favourable reviews for his début, and was involved in the build-up to Spain's first goal in the 3–2 victory over the Ivorians.[4][133]

2006 World Cup

On 15 May 2006, Fàbregas was selected for the Spanish 2006 FIFA World Cup squad. During the tournament, he came on as a second-half substitute in Spain's first two group matches, contributing an assist to striker Fernando Torres in their 3–1 victory against Tunisia.[134] He then started alongside Spain's reserve players (including then-Arsenal teammate José Antonio Reyes) in Spain's third group match against Saudi Arabia.[135] He earned a starting role in Spain's first knockout-stage match against France, in place of Marcos Senna, but Spain lost 3–1.[136] Fàbregas also became the youngest player in Spanish football history to participate in a World Cup when he came on as a substitute for Luis García after 77 minutes in the 4–0 victory against Ukraine on 13 June 2006; he was then 19 years and 41 days old.[137] He was later nominated for the Gillette Young Player of the World Cup, but Germany's Lukas Podolski won the award.[138]

UEFA Euro 2008

Fàbregas celebrating Spain's Euro 2008 championship

In UEFA Euro 2008, Fàbregas was handed the squad number 10, rather than 18 which he had previously held.[139] Despite featuring mostly as a substitute, the midfielder made a considerable impact in Spain's campaign. He scored his first international goal in that competition in Spain's 4–1 win over Russia and also had an assist in that game.[140] Spain won all three of their group games and met Italy in the quarter-finals. In that match, Fàbregas scored the winning penalty in the penalty shoot-out after the teams remained deadlocked 0–0 after extra time.[141] In the semi-finals, Spain defeated Russia 3–0 with Fàbregas providing two assists.[140] The midfielder made the starting eleven in the Final against Germany where Spain prevailed 1–0; this was Spain's first major title since 1964.[142] For his efforts, Fàbregas was named in the Team of the Tournament, a 23-man squad selected by the UEFA Technical Team.[140]

2009 Confederations Cup

After missing out for several months due to his injury, Fàbregas regained his place as a regular in Vicente del Bosque's squad. In June, he was named in the team for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. He scored his second international goal in a 5–0 win against New Zealand in the competition's group stage.[143] In the semi-finals against the United States (which Fàbregas started), Spain suffered a shock 2–0 loss, and its 15-game winning streak came to an end.[144]

2010 World Cup

Fàbregas was selected as a part of del Bosque's 23-man squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.[145] With del Bosque preferring a starting midfield of Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso, Xavi and Andrés Iniesta, Fàbregas did not start in any of Spain's games in the competition. He featured as a substitute in four of their seven matches, in which Spain lost their opening game before winning the next six en route to the final. In the Final itself, Fàbregas set up the extra-time winner for Iniesta to win Spain the World Cup for the first time in their history.[146]

UEFA Euro 2012

Fàbregas during the UEFA Euro 2012 Final

Fàbregas was selected as a part of del Bosque's 23-man squad for UEFA Euro 2012.[147] Fàbregas started in the centre of the front three of a 4–3–3 formation against Italy in Spain's opening Group C match, essentially acting as a false 9. In the 64th minute he scored the equaliser after Italy had taken the lead in the 61st minute; the game finished in a 1–1 draw.[148] He then scored his second goal of the tournament in the next group stage match against Ireland, which ended in a 4–0 win to Spain.[149] When Spain faced Portugal in the semi-finals and the game remained scoreless at the end of extra time, Fàbregas scored the winning penalty of the shootout as Spain prevailed 4–2.[150] In the final against Italy, Fàbregas started and provided the assist to David Silva for the game's opening goal, en route to a 4–0 Spain victory.[151]

2013 Confederations Cup

Fàbregas was named in the provisional squad in the lead up to the 2013 Confederations Cup by del Bosque.[152] He made two starts in the competition and one substitute appearance, all during the group stage of the competition, and assisting a goal in Spain's opening group match against Uruguay, which Spain won 2–1.[153] Spain won all their group matches, only conceding a goal and scoring 15. Spain advanced to the final of the competition for the first time, after a lengthy and difficult semi-final clash in a re-match against their opponents of the European Championship Final of the previous year, Italy. The match ended 0–0 after extra time and Spain won 7–6 in the resulting penalty shoot-out,[154] but were eventually defeated 3–0 in the final by hosts and defending champions Brazil.[155]

2014 World Cup

Fàbregas was named in Spain's 30-man provisional squad for the World Cup,[156] and was also included in the final list for the tournament.[157] He made his debut in the tournament in the opening 1–5 defeat to the Netherlands, replacing David Silva for the last 12 minutes.[158] With Spain already eliminated, he played 22 minutes of 3–0 win against Australia in the last group game, this time in place of Santi Cazorla.[159]

UEFA Euro 2016

On 31 March 2015, Fàbregas captained Spain for the first time, in their 0–2 friendly defeat to the Netherlands at the Amsterdam Arena.[160] He earned his 100th cap on 12 October 2015, becoming the tenth Spaniard to do so, in a UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying match against Ukraine with Spain already qualified.[161] In his milestone match at the Olympic Stadium in Kyiv, he won a first-half penalty when fouled by Oleksandr Kucher, but his spot kick was saved by Andriy Pyatov.[162] He started all of Spain's matches at the finals, being substituted in each of the three group games and playing the entirety of the defeat by Italy in the Round of 16 which ended their participation.

2018 World Cup

Fàbregas was not selected for the Spain squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup (his Chelsea colleagues Pedro, Álvaro Morata and Marcos Alonso were also overlooked after the club's disappointing season);[163] he instead joined the BBC as a studio analyst for the tournament.[164]

Managerial career

Como

On 1 July 2023, Fàbregas was appointed as head coach of Como U19 and B following his retirement from professional football.[165] He obtained his UEFA A coaching licence in 2023.[166]

On 13 November 2023, following the dismissal of Moreno Longo, Fàbregas was promoted to first-team head coach on an interim basis.[167] As he had no UEFA Pro coaching license by the time of his appointment, Fàbregas was handed a special dispensation to fill in as head coach for one month.[168] On 20 December 2023, Como announced the appointment of Osian Roberts as the new caretaker manager until the end of season, while Fàbregas will stay on as an assistant to the first team coaching staff.[169] Fàbregas's final game in charge of the club was a 3–3 home draw against Palermo on 23 December 2023.[170]

Style of play

Arsenal

Fàbregas and Marouane Chamakh preparing to kick off in 2010. Fàbregas was a regular set-piece taker for Arsenal.

Originally brought to Arsenal as a youth to slowly develop via the League Cup, Fàbregas was unexpectedly deployed as Arsenal's starting central midfielder following a midfield injury crisis during the 2004–05 season. At the time, defensive midfielder Vieira served as his role model and mentor,[171] and he styled his game after his childhood hero and compatriot Pep Guardiola, whose shirt number 4 he would inherit in his subsequent move to Barcelona in 2011.[13] Because he was of a different mould from his Arsenal predecessors who played in the same position,[13][27] this led to criticisms of his lightweight frame and less aggressive style of play, due to his development in the Barcelona Youth Academy,[27][30] with former teammate Ashley Cole criticising the Spaniard as "an unproven featherweight" in his autobiography.[172]

However, it did not take long for Fàbregas to become one of the most coveted and celebrated young talents in the game with his success at Arsenal. Functioning mostly as a playmaker and renowned for his passing range, he was described as the general of Arsenal's first team, bringing vision, creativity, and an innate understanding of timing and space to Arsenal's intricate passing game, displaying maturity that belied his age.[4][5][9][11][173][174] He was the main creative force when he was at Arsenal, as exemplified by his 16 assists in all competitions in the 2006–07 season.[17] Between 2006–07 and 2010–11, Fàbregas created the most chances in the top-division leagues of England, Spain, Italy, Germany and France.[175]

Fàbregas quickly started assuming responsibility for set pieces, taking corners, free kicks and penalties. After the 2007–08 season, Fàbregas began maturing as a goalscorer, scoring 11 goals in his first 16 games, prompting Arsene Wenger to compare the Spaniard to Michel Platini.[176][177] In his later seasons, Fàbregas matured to become an offensive talisman & game-winner for Arsenal, alongside the likes of Robin Van Persie & Samir Nasri.[178] Through his career at Arsenal, Fàbregas played as a central midfielder in a two-man midfield pivot (usually next to a more defensive player like Edu, Vieira, Gilberto Silva, Flamini or Diaby), a box-to-box 'number 8' in a three-man midfield, & later as a 'number 10' in his prime.[44][46]

Barcelona and Spain

Fàbregas playing for Spain at the UEFA Euro 2012

At Barcelona, Fàbregas continued to play a prominent midfield and playmaking role, although he was moved into a less talismanic role than that which he had occupied at Arsenal. His new surroundings at Barcelona were comparable with what he had played with the Spanish national team. In Pep Guardiola's 4–3–3 formation, he was suggested to be a good profile fit for the trademark patient, attacking, "tiki-taka" build-up style of play, also associated in the international setup under Luis Aragonés and Vicente del Bosque. Fàbregas was used in a variety of different roles under Guardiola. Due to the presence of Xavi, Sergio Busquets and Andrés Iniesta in the three-man midfield, as well as the emerging Thiago, Fàbregas was often employed as a supporting forward, or even out of position as a winger under Guardiola. He regularly performed in the role that Lionel Messi had occupied during the previous season, functioning as a false-9 in a 4–6–0 formation (a role which he would also regularly play for Spain at Euro 2012 under Del Bosque),[179] whilst Messi would play as a right winger or second forward.[180] Fàbregas was used in deeper roles on occasion, as an attacking, deep-lying or central playmaking midfielder, in particular under Guardiola's immediate successors, Tito Vilanova and Gerardo Martino. While Fàbregas' time at Barcelona was deemed to be successful, critics argued that there was a sense that he was not used to his maximum ability as at Arsenal & 'shoe-horned' under Guardiola rather than given a consistent midfield berth like Iniesta or Xavi, an admission that Fàbregas himself acknowledged.[181][182][183]

Chelsea

Upon returning to England, Fàbregas moved back to playing a playmaking role in midfield, using his technique, ball control and vision to dictate the tempo of play. He was often supported by defensive midfielders in order to give him more space and time on the ball due to his then-deteriorating lack of pace & athleticism.[184][185] In this deeper creative position,[186] although playing in a significantly less dynamic role than at Arsenal or Barcelona, he still excelled in Mourinho's system,[187] where he proved to be an effective assist-provider.[188][189] In his penultimate seasons at Chelsea, Fàbregas was given a more limited role - often coming off the bench in efforts to wrangle technical control of the midfield or to provide further creative pressure against low blocks.[190][191]

Outside football

Personal life

Fàbregas married his long time Lebanese girlfriend Daniella Semaan in May 2018.[192][193] Together they have three children, daughters Lia (born 2013),[194] Capri (born 2015),[195] and son Leonardo (born 2017).[196] In July 2013, Fàbregas won a court case over the marital home with Semaan's ex-husband.[197]

In July 2019 he was banned from driving in the UK for six months after being caught speeding.[198]

Sponsorship

In 2011, Fàbregas signed a sponsorship deal with German sportswear and equipment supplier, Puma.[199] He appeared in an advert for the new Puma PowerCat 1.12 in September 2011 and was one of the flagship wearers of Puma's PowerCat range of football boots.[200] When the PowerCat was succeeded by the evoPower, again Fàbregas was the forefront of Puma's marketing campaign. In January 2014, the brand launched a C4 evoPower boot,[201] specifically designed for just Fàbregas to wear. In 2012, Fàbregas signed an endorsement deal with Soul Electronics to sport Ludacris' signature line of headphones.[202]

Other projects

Fàbregas starred in his own one-time only television programme, called "The Cesc Fàbregas Show: Nike Live", that aired on 19 May 2008. The programme was sponsored by Nike and was shown on Sky Sports. The show featured Fàbregas in several sketches with then Arsenal teammates like Philippe Senderos and Nicklas Bendtner, as well as coach Arsène Wenger, Fàbregas' parents and Little Britain star Matt Lucas.[203]

Punditry

For the 2018 World Cup, Fàbregas was a pundit for the BBC's coverage. He featured alongside Rio Ferdinand, Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker.[204]

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[17][205][206]
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Europe Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Arsenal 2003–04 Premier League 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 3 1
2004–05 Premier League 33 2 6 0 1 0 5[a] 1 1[b] 0 46 3
2005–06 Premier League 35 3 0 0 1 0 13[a] 1 1[b] 1 50 5
2006–07 Premier League 38 2 2 0 4 0 10[a] 2 54 4
2007–08 Premier League 32 7 1 0 2 0 10[a] 6 45 13
2008–09 Premier League 22 3 1 0 0 0 10[a] 0 33 3
2009–10 Premier League 27 15 1 0 0 0 8[a] 4 36 19
2010–11 Premier League 25 3 3 2 3 1 5[a] 3 36 9
2011–12 Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 212 35 14 2 14 2 61 17 2 1 303 57
Barcelona 2011–12 La Liga 28 9 8 3 9[a] 1 3[c] 2 48 15
2012–13 La Liga 32 11 7 2 8[a] 1 1[d] 0 48 14
2013–14 La Liga 36 8 8 4 9[a] 1 2[d] 0 55 13
Total 96 28 23 9 26 3 6 2 151 42
Chelsea 2014–15 Premier League 34 3 1 0 4 0 8[a] 2 47 5
2015–16 Premier League 37 5 4 0 0 0 7[a] 1 1[b] 0 49 6
2016–17 Premier League 29 5 6 0 2 2 37 7
2017–18 Premier League 32 2 4 0 4 0 8[a] 1 1[b] 0 49 3
2018–19 Premier League 6 0 1 0 3 1 5[e] 0 1[b] 0 16 1
Total 138 15 16 0 13 3 28 4 3 0 198 22
Monaco 2018–19 Ligue 1 13 1 1 0 1 0 15 1
2019–20 Ligue 1 18 0 2 0 2 0 22 0
2020–21 Ligue 1 21 2 5 1 26 3
2021–22 Ligue 1 2 0 0 0 3[f] 0 5 0
Total 54 3 8 1 3 0 3 0 68 4
Monaco B 2021–22 Championnat National 2 1 0 1 0
Como 2022–23 Serie B 17 0 0 0 17 0
Career total 518 81 61 12 30 5 118 24 11 3 738 125
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Appearances in UEFA Champions League
  2. ^ a b c d e Appearance in FA Community Shield
  3. ^ One appearance and one goal in UEFA Super Cup, one appearance in Supercopa de España, one appearance and one goal in FIFA Club World Cup
  4. ^ a b Appearance(s) in Supercopa de España
  5. ^ Appearances in UEFA Europa League
  6. ^ Two appearances in UEFA Champions League, one appearance in UEFA Europa League

International

Appearances and goals by national team and year[207]
National team Year Apps Goals
Spain 2006 14 0
2007 8 0
2008 15 1
2009 10 4
2010 11 1
2011 4 2
2012 13 3
2013 11 2
2014 8 0
2015 7 1
2016 9 1
Total 110 15
Scores and results list Spain's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Fàbregas goal.[206]
List of international goals scored by Cesc Fàbregas
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition
1 10 June 2008 Tivoli-Neu, Innsbruck, Austria 27  Russia 4–1 4–1 UEFA Euro 2008
2 14 June 2009 Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Phokeng, South Africa 39  New Zealand 4–0 5–0 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup
3 9 September 2009 Estadio Romano, Mérida, Spain 44  Estonia 1–0 3–0 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
4 10 October 2009 Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium, Yerevan, Armenia 45  Armenia 1–0 2–1 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
5 18 November 2009 Ernst-Happel-Stadion, Vienna, Austria 47  Austria 1–1 5–1 Friendly
6 8 June 2010 Estadio de La Condomina, Murcia, Spain 50  Poland 4–0 6–0 Friendly
7 2 September 2011 AFG Arena, St. Gallen, Switzerland 59  Chile 2–2 3–2 Friendly
8 3–2
9 10 June 2012 Stadion Energa Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland 64  Italy 1–1 1–1 UEFA Euro 2012
10 14 June 2012 Stadion Energa Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland 65  Republic of Ireland 4–0 4–0 UEFA Euro 2012
11 15 August 2012 Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium, Bayamón, Puerto Rico 70  Puerto Rico 2–0 2–1 Friendly
12 6 February 2013 Khalifa International Stadium, Doha, Qatar 76  Uruguay 1–0 3–1 Friendly
13 8 June 2013 Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, United States 79  Haiti 2–0 2–1 Friendly
14 11 June 2015 Estadio Reino de León, Castile and León, Spain 96  Costa Rica 2–1 2–1 Friendly
15 1 June 2016 Red Bull Arena, Salzburg, Austria 105  South Korea 2–0 6–1 Friendly

Managerial statistics

As of 16 December 2023
Team From To Record
M W D L GF GA GD Win %
Como 13 November 2023 20 December 2023 5 3 1 1 5 4 +1 060.00
Total 5 3 1 1 5 4 +1 060.00

Honours

Fàbregas (centre) in 2011 with Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero (left) and British Prime Minister David Cameron

Arsenal

Barcelona

Chelsea

Monaco

Spain

Individual

Orders

See also

Notes

^ Records began at the start of the 2006–07 season.

References

  1. ^ "Updated squads for 2017/18 Premier League confirmed". Premier League. 2 February 2018. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
  2. ^ "Player Profile: Cesc Fàbregas". FC Barcelona. Archived from the original on 15 January 2013.
  3. ^ "Cesc Fabregas". Chelsea F.C. Archived from the original on 5 October 2018. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  4. ^ a b c d e Francesc Fabregas profile Archived 12 October 2007 at the Wayback Machine, ESPNsoccernet, accessed 27 June 2009.
  5. ^ a b c Cesc Fàbregas profile Archived 17 August 2008 at the Wayback Machine, Arsenal F.C., accessed 27 June 2009.
  6. ^ Francesc Fabregas: Spanish marvel blossoms out of the world of his mentors, The Independent, accessed 31 August 2010.
  7. ^ Cuando todo era un sueño, ELPAÍS.com, accessed 16 May 2006
  8. ^ Cesc Fàbregas faces the Barcelona Dream Team he left behind, The Guardian, 31 March 2010, accessed 18 September 2010.
  9. ^ a b c Cesc Fabregas, UEFA, accessed 23 May 2007.
  10. ^ The one that got away, BBC Sport, accessed 1 June 2010.
  11. ^ a b c The Young Gunner, The Football Association, 19 May 2005, accessed 27 August 2011.
  12. ^ a b Hugman, Barry J. (2005). The PFA Premier & Football League Players' Records 1946–2005. Queen Anne Press. p. 200. ISBN 1-85291-665-6.
  13. ^ a b c d Marcotti, Gabriele and Balague, Guillem, "From Barcelona to Barnet: how a rising star learnt his trade", The Times, 28 February 2007, accessed 23 May 2007.
  14. ^ Cesc Fabregas becomes Arsenal's youngest ever player, Arsenal F.C., 27 January 2006, accessed 22 May 2007.
  15. ^ Arsenal youngsters thump Wolves, BBC Sport, 2 December 2003, accessed 22 May 2007.
  16. ^ Record Scorelines, Arsenal F.C., accessed 23 May 2007.
  17. ^ a b c d e f g Francesc Fabregas history Archived 18 June 2010 at the Wayback Machine, ESPNsoccernet, accessed 18 December 2007.
  18. ^ Hughes, Ian, "Fabregas the fabulous", BBC Sport, 27 August 2004, accessed 22 May 2007.
  19. ^ Arsenal 3–0 Blackburn Archived 14 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine, ESPNsoccernet, 25 August 2004, accessed 23 May 2007.
  20. ^ Fabregas commits to Arsenal, BBC Sport, 17 September 2004, accessed 3 June 2010.
  21. ^ "Who hit Sir Alex with pizza?". standard.co.uk. 27 October 2004. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  22. ^ "Selfish, lazy youngsters cost Arsenal the season – Cole". standard.co.uk. 13 September 2006. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  23. ^ "Fabregas revealed as Gunner who fired pizza at Fergie". The People. 13 November 2011. Archived from the original on 17 December 2011. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  24. ^ "Fabregas confirmed as 'Battle of the Buffet' culprit who threw pizza at Sir Alex Ferguson". Mancunian Matters. 15 November 2011. Archived from the original on 4 August 2019. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  25. ^ Haylett, Trevor, "Awesome Arsenal progress in style, UEFA, 7 December 2004, accessed 22 May 2007.
  26. ^ Arsenal 0–0 Man Utd (aet), BBC Sport, 21 May 2005, accessed 23 May 2007.
  27. ^ a b c Hubbard, Norman, "Arsenal's midfield muddle" Archived 26 October 2012 at the Wayback Machine, ESPNsoccernet, 22 August 2005, accessed 23 May 2007.
  28. ^ a b Arsenal 2–0 Juventus, BBC Sport, 28 March 2006, accessed 23 May 2007.
  29. ^ Sheringham, Sam, "Spain Teenager Fabregas Sparks World Cup Rally, Wows Maradona", Bloomberg, 20 June 2006, accessed 23 May 2007.
  30. ^ a b c Harrold, Michael, "Fabregas plots Arsenal revival", UEFA, 13 April 2007, accessed 23 May 2007. Archived 18 May 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  31. ^ Haslam, Andrew, "Barca comeback denies Arsenal", UEFA, 17 May 2006, accessed 23 May 2007.
  32. ^ Kendall, Mark, "Real confident of securing Cesc's signature", Sky Sports, 4 July 2006, accessed 22 May 2007.
  33. ^ Wenger: Fàbregas is not for sale, he is Arsenal's future, Arsenal F.C., 12 July 2006, accessed 22 May 2007.
  34. ^ Fàbregas signs new Arsenal deal, BBC Sport, 19 October 2006, accessed 22 May 2007.
  35. ^ Harris, Chris, "Fabregas – Our style of play makes me so happy" Archived 4 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine, Arsenal F.C., 22 October 2006, accessed 23 May 2007.
  36. ^ Adams, Tom, "Cesc staying grounded", Sky Sports, 27 October 2006, accessed 24 May 2007.
  37. ^ a b "Chelsea 2–1 Arsenal: Match report". BBC Sport. 25 February 2007. Archived from the original on 7 November 2007.
  38. ^ a b Arsenal are the ultimate 'second half' team, Arsenal F.C., accessed 23 May 2007.
  39. ^ Dinamo Zagreb 0–3 Arsenal, BBC Sport, 8 June 2006, accessed 7 September 2008.
  40. ^ Lipton, Martin, "HE'S FAB IN POLL", Daily Mirror, 2 December 2006, accessed 22 May 2007.
  41. ^ Your Team of 2006 revealed, UEFA, 19 January 2006, accessed 22 May 2007.
  42. ^ Benitez and Fabregas scoop awards, BBC Sport, 9 February 2007, accessed 22 May 2007.
  43. ^ Arsenal 3–1 Man City: Fabregas inspires revival Archived 14 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine, ESPNsoccernet, 17 April 2007, accessed 18 April 2007.
  44. ^ a b 'He showed he is the ultimate midfield player', Arsenal F.C., accessed 28 June 2007.
  45. ^ Wenger signs new three-year Gunners deal Archived 26 October 2012 at the Wayback Machine, ESPNsoccernet, 7 September 2007, accessed 16 September 2007.
  46. ^ a b How Fabregas plans to save Arsenal, The Guardian, 25 August 2007, accessed 17 September 2007.
  47. ^ Burying the ghost of Henry Archived 26 October 2012 at the Wayback Machine. ESPNsoccernet, 15 September 2007, accessed 17 September 2007.
  48. ^ Fabregas scoops O2 Player of the Month award Archived 30 October 2008 at the Wayback Machine, Arsenal F.C., 5 October 2007, accessed 6 October 2007.
  49. ^ GUNNERS DUO CELEBRATE AWARDS DOUBLE Archived 1 December 2008 at the Wayback Machine, Premier League, 19 October 2007, accessed 5 March 2008.
  50. ^ AC Milan 0 – Arsenal 2, BBC Sport, 5 March 2008, accessed 5 March 2008.
  51. ^ Season Review Week: The highlights and the lowlights, Arsenal F.C., accessed 24 May 2008.
  52. ^ Ronaldo heads shortlist for players' awards Archived 26 October 2012 at the Wayback Machine, ESPNsoccernet, 11 April 2008, accessed 12 April 2008.
  53. ^ Fabregas is O2/Arsenal.com Player of the Season, Arsenal F.C., accessed 8 July 2008.
  54. ^ Fabregas replaces Gallas as Arsenal skipper Archived 26 October 2012 at the Wayback Machine, ESPNsoccernet, 24 November 2008, accessed 25 November 2008.
  55. ^ Captain Cesc's appointment is no surprise, The Sport Review, 26 November 2008, accessed 22 May 2009.
  56. ^ Injured Fabregas ruled out for 3–4 months Archived 26 October 2012 at the Wayback Machine, ESPNsoccernet, 23 December 2008, accessed 24 December 2008.
  57. ^ 2008/2009 English Premier League: Statistics Archived 26 October 2012 at the Wayback Machine, ESPNsoccernet, accessed 1 July 2009.
  58. ^ Arsenal 1 – 3 Manchester United, ESPNsoccernet, 29 April 2009, accessed 1 July 2009.
  59. ^ Gunners crush Toffees, ESPNsoccernet, 15 August 2009, accessed 18 August 2009.
  60. ^ a b Fabregas out for six weeks with leg fracture, ESPNsoccernet, 1 April 2010, accessed 2 April 2010.
  61. ^ Rooney scoops PFA Player of the Year Award, ESPNsoccernet, 25 April 2010, accessed 26 April 2010.
  62. ^ Arsenal reject Barcelona's bid for Cesc Fabregas, BBC Sport, 2 June 2010, accessed 15 June 2010.
  63. ^ Laporta: Lines of communication open over Cesc, fcbarcelona.cat, 4 June 2010, accessed 27 June 2010.
  64. ^ Roger, Martins, "EPL midseason surprises and disappointments" Archived 2 January 2011 at the Wayback Machine, Yahoo! Sports, 29 December 2010, accessed 20 January 2011.
  65. ^ Wenger not questioning steel Archived 12 January 2012 at the Wayback Machine, ESPNsoccernet, 14 March 2011, accessed 15 March 2011.
  66. ^ "Bartomeu thanks Cesc for his efforts to come to Barça". FC Barcelona. 15 August 2011. Retrieved 7 August 2012.
  67. ^ "Fabregas arrives for medical". ESPN SOCCERNET. 15 August 2011. Retrieved 13 June 2014.
  68. ^ "OFFICIAL: Fabregas Is Better Than Xavi & Iniesta", Football-Talk, 20 July 2011, accessed 26 July 2012.
  69. ^ "Cesc Fabregas completes move from Arsenal to Barcelona", BBC Sport, 15 August 2011, accessed 15 August 2011.
  70. ^ Sid Lowe (18 August 2011). "Cesc Fábregas starts with a night to remember at Barcelona". The Guardian. Retrieved 18 August 2011.
  71. ^ "Messi wins Super Cup". ESPNsoccernet. 17 August 2011. Archived from the original on 2 November 2012. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
  72. ^ Kevin Ashby (26 August 2011). "Barcelona breeze to fourth UEFA Super Cup". UEFA.com. Retrieved 27 August 2011.
  73. ^ Roger Gonzalez (29 August 2011). "Barcelona 5-0 Villarreal: Messi, Fabregas & Alexis Sanchez all on target as champions cruise to victory". Goal.com. Retrieved 25 January 2018.
  74. ^ "Late goal from Cesc Fábregas earns Barcelona a draw with Valencia". The Guardian. 22 September 2011. Retrieved 1 January 2013.
  75. ^ "Barcelona's Cesc Fábregas out for three weeks with hamstring injury". The Guardian. 1 October 2011. Retrieved 25 January 2018.
  76. ^ Charlie Scott (1 November 2011). "Viktoria Plzen 0-4 Barcelona: Lionel Messi breaks 200-goal barrier with hat-trick as European champions ease into the knockout stages". Goal.com. Retrieved 25 January 2018.
  77. ^ Daniel Quinton-Navarro (6 November 2011). "Athletic Bilbao 2-2 Barcelona: Injury-time Messi strike salvages point for champions at rain-soaked San Mames". Goal.com. Retrieved 25 January 2018.
  78. ^ Graham MacAree (3 December 2011). "Barcelona Vs. Levante, 2011 La Liga: Hosts Crush Levante In 5-0 Rout". SB Nation. Retrieved 25 January 2018.
  79. ^ Sid Lowe (10 December 2011). "Cesc Fàbregas scores in El Clásico as Barcelona beat Real Madrid". The Guardian. Retrieved 25 January 2018.
  80. ^ Telegraph staff and agencies (18 December 2011). "Barcelona 4 Santos 0: match report". The Tepegraph. Archived from the original on 11 January 2022. Retrieved 25 January 2018.
  81. ^ Arron Duckling (5 January 2012). "Copa del Rey: FC Barcelona 4-0 CA Osasuna: Match Review". Barca Blaugranes. Retrieved 25 January 2018.
  82. ^ Sid Lowe (8 February 2012). "Lionel Messi and Xavi see off Valencia to seal Barcelona final place". The Guardian. Retrieved 25 January 2018.
  83. ^ Phil McNulty (18 April 2012). "Chelsea 1-0 Barcelona". BBC Sport. Retrieved 25 January 2018.
  84. ^ Phil Dawkes (24 April 2012). "Barcelona 2-2 Chelsea". BBC Sport. Retrieved 25 January 2018.
  85. ^ "Pep Guardiola's final game: Barcelona win Copa del Rey". BBC Sport. 26 May 2012. Retrieved 25 January 2018.
  86. ^ "Games played by Cesc Fabregas in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Retrieved 25 January 2018.
  87. ^ "Barcelona 7–0 Levante: Stunning debut win for Tata Martino". Goal.com. 18 August 2014. Retrieved 12 June 2014.
  88. ^ Bogunya, Roger. "Barça show they learnt last year's lesson". FC Barcelona. Archived from the original on 29 March 2014. Retrieved 12 June 2014.
  89. ^ "Cesc Fabregas: Chelsea sign ex-Arsenal midfielder from Barcelona". BBC Sport. 12 June 2014. Retrieved 12 June 2014.
  90. ^ "FABREGAS SIGNS FOR CHELSEA". Chelsea FC. 12 June 2014. Archived from the original on 13 June 2014. Retrieved 13 June 2014.
  91. ^ "Cesc Fabregas insists he told Barcelona he wanted to leave". Chelsea FC. 17 June 2014. Retrieved 17 June 2014.
  92. ^ "Burnley 1–3 Chelsea". BBC Sport. 18 August 2014. Retrieved 18 August 2014.
  93. ^ "Diego Costa accepts August accolade". Chelsea F.C. 12 September 2014. Retrieved 12 September 2014.
  94. ^ Crooks, Garth (14 September 2014). "Garth Crooks's team of the week". BBC Sport. Retrieved 17 September 2014.
  95. ^ "Chelsea 1–1 Schalke". BBC Sport. 17 September 2014. Retrieved 17 September 2014.
  96. ^ Fifield, Dominic (18 October 2014). "Chelsea stay top after Cesc Fàbregas nets winner at Crystal Palace". The Guardian. Retrieved 18 October 2014.
  97. ^ "Cesc Fabregas scored his first league goal for Chelsea as the Premier League leaders survived a late Crystal Palace fightback to maintain a five-point advantage over Manchester City". BBC Sport. 18 October 2014. Retrieved 19 October 2014.
  98. ^ Williams, Adam (10 December 2014). "Chelsea 3–1 Sporting". BBC Sport. Retrieved 16 April 2015.
  99. ^ Strickland, Jamie (22 December 2014). "Stoke 0–2 Chelsea". BBC Sport. Retrieved 16 April 2015.
  100. ^ "Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas to wear face mask after breaking nose – report". ESPN. 9 April 2015. Retrieved 16 April 2015.
  101. ^ Moore, Glenn (12 April 2015). "QPR vs Chelsea match report: Man in the mask Cesc Fabregas secures vital win in Premier League title race". The Independent. Retrieved 16 April 2015.
  102. ^ James Whaling (18 May 2015). "Cesc Fabregas sent off for kicking the ball into West Brom player's HEAD after melee". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 18 May 2015.
  103. ^ "Cesc Fabregas: Chelsea player's ban cut from three games to one". BBC Sport. 20 May 2015. Retrieved 21 May 2015.
  104. ^ Cryer, Andy. "Chelsea 4–0 Maccabi Tel Aviv". BBC Sport. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
  105. ^ Osborne, Chris (26 December 2015). "Chelsea 2–2 Watford". BBC Sport. Retrieved 26 December 2015.
  106. ^ a b "Chelsea 3–3 Everton". BBC Sport. 15 January 2016. Retrieved 15 January 2016.
  107. ^ "Chelsea 2–2 West Ham". BBC Sport. 19 March 2016.
  108. ^ "Chelsea 1–1 Leicester City:Leicester City fought back from a goal down to draw at Chelsea, the team they deposed as Premier League champions". BBC Sport. 15 May 2016.
  109. ^ "Chelsea transfer news: Cesc Fabregas 'considers' Chelsea exit after being left on the bench against West Ham". Independent. 16 August 2016.
  110. ^ "Watford 1–2 Chelsea: Diego Costa controversially seals second win". SkySports. 19 August 2016.
  111. ^ "Cesc Fabregas display for Chelsea at Watford delights Antonio Conte". ESPN. 20 August 2016.
  112. ^ "Cesc Fabregas hits two in extra-time as Chelsea advance past Leicester". ESPN FC. 20 September 2016.
  113. ^ "PL2 report: Chelsea 3 Southampton 2". Chelsea F.C. 21 November 2016.
  114. ^ "Manchester City 1 – 3 Chelsea". premierleague.com. 3 December 2016.
  115. ^ "Chelsea 1 – 0 West Bromwich Albion". premierleague.com. 11 December 2016.
  116. ^ "Sunderland 0 – 1 Chelsea". premierleague.com. 14 December 2016.
  117. ^ "Willian double sinks brave Stoke and extends Chelsea run to 13 straight wins". The Guardian. 31 December 2016.
  118. ^ "Cesc Fabregas in Guinness World Records for reaching 100 PL assists". Sky Sports. 17 October 2018. Retrieved 20 October 2018.
  119. ^ "Chelsea 3 Arsenal 1: Eden Hazard emphasises superiority of Antonio Conte's leaders with sensational goal". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 11 January 2022. Retrieved 19 October 2018.
  120. ^ "Chelsea 3 – 1 Swansea City". premierleague.com. 25 February 2017. Retrieved 26 February 2017.
  121. ^ "Premier League Club Records, All-Time Team & Player Stats". www.premierleague.com. Retrieved 26 February 2017.
  122. ^ "REPORT: CHELSEA 3 DERBY COUNTY 2". www.chelseafc.com. Retrieved 1 November 2018.
  123. ^ "Cesc Fabregas à l'AS Monaco". AS Monaco (in French). 11 January 2019. Retrieved 11 January 2019.
  124. ^ "Marseille 1–1 Monaco". BBC Sport. Retrieved 13 January 2019.
  125. ^ "Monaco 2–1 Toulouse". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 February 2019.
  126. ^ "Monaco 3–2 Paris Saint Germain". BBC Sport. 20 November 2020.
  127. ^ "Comunicato Como 1907: Cesc Fabregas e Nuovo Kit". Como 1907 (in Italian). 1 August 2022. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
  128. ^ "Oficial: Cesc Fàbregas ficha por el Como". Mundo Deportivo (in European Spanish). 1 August 2022. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
  129. ^ "Ex-Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Fabregas retires". BBC Sport. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
  130. ^ Brazil roar past brave Spain, Argentina take third Archived 3 August 2008 at the Wayback Machine, FIFA, 30 August 2003, accessed 23 May 2007.
  131. ^ a b Haslam, Andrew, "2004: Cesc Fabregas", UEFA, accessed 9 July 2008. Archived 26 May 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  132. ^ Harris, Chris, "Fabregas – Why I feel part of the Spain 'family'", Arsenal F.C., 28 March 2007, accessed 24 May 2007.
  133. ^ Ivory Coast suffer defeat, BBC Sport, 2 March 2006, accessed 23 May 2007.
  134. ^ Spain 3–1 Tunisia, BBC Sport, 19 June 2006, accessed 23 May 2007.
  135. ^ Saudi Arabia 0–1 Spain, BBC Sport, 23 June 2006, accessed 23 May 2007.
  136. ^ Spain 1–3 France, BBC Sport, 27 June 2006, accessed 23 May 2007.
  137. ^ Spain 4–0 Ukraine, BBC Sport, 14 June 2006, accessed 22 May 2007.
  138. ^ Germany's Podolski named top young player, CBC.ca, 7 July 2006, accessed 22 May 2007.
  139. ^ Veysey, Wayne, "Cesc Fabregas ready to talk tough with Arsenal", The Daily Telegraph, 28 May 2008, accessed 10 June 2008.
  140. ^ a b c Cesc in Euro 2008 Team of the Tournament, Arsenal F.C., accessed 6 August 2008.
  141. ^ Spain beat Italy in penalty shootout Archived 26 June 2008 at the Wayback Machine, ESPNsoccernet, 22 June 2008, accessed 23 June 2008.
  142. ^ Germany 0–1 Spain: Torres ends Spain's pain, ESPNsoccernet, 30 June 2008, accessed 30 June 2008.
  143. ^ Torres stars in Spanish stroll Archived 17 June 2009 at the Wayback Machine, FIFA, accessed 15 June 2009.
  144. ^ Altidore's goal leads U.S. to stunning upset, ESPNsoccernet, 24 June 2009, accessed 26 June 2009.
  145. ^ Spain omit Marcos Senna from 2010 World Cup squad, BBC Sport, 20 May 2010, accessed 22 May 2010.
  146. ^ Iniesta sinks Dutch with late strike, ESPNsoccernet, 11 July 2010, accessed 13 July 2010.
  147. ^ "Spain name Fernando Torres in 23-man squad". BBC Sport. 27 May 2012. Retrieved 11 June 2012.
  148. ^ "Spain 1–1 Italy". BBC Sport. 10 June 2012. Retrieved 11 June 2012.
  149. ^ "Full-time report Spain-Republic of Ireland" (PDF). Union of European Football Associations. 14 June 2012. Retrieved 14 June 2012.
  150. ^ "Euro 2012: Defending champion Spain advances to another final after beating Portugal 4–2 on penalties". Daily News. New York. 27 June 2012. Retrieved 28 June 2012.
  151. ^ McNulty, Phil (1 July 2012). "Spain 4–0 Italy". BBC Sport. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
  152. ^ "Confed Cup:Spain name provisional squad for Nigeria, others". futaa.com. 27 May 2013. Archived from the original on 14 June 2013. Retrieved 16 July 2013.
  153. ^ "2013 FIFA Confederations Cup – Group B – Spain vs. Uruguay: 2–1". Retrieved 16 July 2013.
  154. ^ "Spain edge dramatic shootout to reach Final". FIFA. 27 June 2013. Archived from the original on 18 April 2015. Retrieved 4 May 2015.
  155. ^ Ben Smith (1 July 2013). "Brazil 3–0 Spain". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 September 2017.
  156. ^ "World Cup 2014: Diego Costa and Fernando Torres in Spain squad". BBC Sport. 13 May 2014. Retrieved 5 July 2014.
  157. ^ "World Cup 2014: Spain drop Alvaro Negredo and Jesus Navas". BBC Sport. 31 May 2014. Retrieved 5 July 2014.
  158. ^ "Spain 1–5 Netherlands". BBC Sport. 13 June 2014. Retrieved 5 July 2014.
  159. ^ Chowdhury, Saj (23 June 2014). "Australia 0–3 Spain". BBC Sport. Retrieved 5 July 2014.
  160. ^ "Internationals: Belgium hold on, Fabregas captains Spain". Chelsea F.C. 31 March 2015. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  161. ^ Myson, Chris (12 October 2015). "Fabregas makes 100th Spain appearance". Goal.com. Retrieved 13 October 2015.
  162. ^ "Ukraine 0–1 Spain: Fabregas misses penalty on 100th appearance". Goal. 12 October 2015. Retrieved 13 October 2015.
  163. ^ "Spain World Cup squad: Julen Lopetegui announces 23-man selection for Russia". The Independent. 21 May 2018. Retrieved 15 June 2018.
  164. ^ "World Cup 2018: Cesc Fabregas joins BBC's punditry line-up". BBC Sport. 11 June 2018. Retrieved 15 June 2018.
  165. ^ "Cesc Fabregas: Former Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona midfielder retires from football aged 36". Sky Sports. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
  166. ^ "EXCLUSIVE: Cesc Fabregas' 'unrecognisable' Arsenal claim after visits to see Mikel Arteta's training". Mirror. 14 October 2023. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
  167. ^ "COMUNICATO UFFICIALE DEL CLUB" (in Italian). Como 1907. 13 November 2023. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
  168. ^ "Fabregas non può più essere l'allenatore del Como: da domenica 24 dicembre deve liberare il posto" (in Italian). Fanpage.it. 20 December 2023. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
  169. ^ "COMO 1907 APPOINTS OSIAN ROBERTS AS CARETAKER MANAGER". Como 1907. 20 December 2023. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
  170. ^ "COMO, FABREGAS: "CONTRO IL PALERMO SARÀ 50/50. L'ESPERIENZA DI ROBERTS PORTA MOLTO"" (in Italian). Como 1907. 21 December 2023. Retrieved 23 December 2023.
  171. ^ Townsend, Nick, "Spanish marvel blossoms", The Independent, 2 October 2005, accessed 17 September 2007.[dead link]
  172. ^ Macintosh, Iain, "Completely Fab", The New Paper, 29 September 2007.
  173. ^ Smith, Alan, "Fabregas puts his skates on in chase for perfection", The Daily Telegraph, 20 January 2007, accessed 23 May 2007.
  174. ^ McIlvanney, Hugh, "Fàbregas a leader in waiting", The Times, 26 March 2006, accessed 22 May 2007.
  175. ^ The magic of Cesc Fabregas, BBC Sport, 11 August 2011, accessed 15 August 2011.
  176. ^ Wenger: Fabregas has the vision of Platini, Arsenal F.C., 19 September 2007, accessed 4 January 2008.
  177. ^ Wenger: 'This team is blossoming and growing', Arsenal F.C., 15 September 2007, accessed 17 September 2007.
  178. ^ "'Van Persie and Nasri were the only players on my level' - Fabregas explains decision to leave Arsenal in 2011 | Goal.com". www.goal.com. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  179. ^ "False nine Fabregas shows his importance, and more". 10 June 2012. Retrieved 14 September 2013.
  180. ^ "Guardiola's Barcelona-Reinventing Total Football". Retrieved 14 September 2013.
  181. ^ Cesc Fabregas reveals why he left Arsenal for Barcelona | BBC Sounds, retrieved 13 March 2023
  182. ^ Wilkes, Paul. "Complete Analysis of Cesc Fabregas' Barcelona Role". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  183. ^ "Fabregas' evolution from Barcelona to Chelsea". The False 9. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  184. ^ Palmer, Kevin (15 December 2014). "Cesc Fabregas happy pulling the strings from Chelsea's midfield". ESPN FC. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  185. ^ Hurrey, Adam (8 November 2017). "How slow Cesc Fabregas thrives among midfield pace and athleticism". ESPN FC. Retrieved 30 July 2019.
  186. ^ "Cesc Fabregas Says He is Thriving in Deeper Chelsea Role". International Business Times. 20 October 2014. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  187. ^ "Cesc Fabregas believes Chelsea success down to Jose Mourinho playing him in the right position". The Mirror. 15 December 2014. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  188. ^ "Cesc Fàbregas". ESPN FC. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  189. ^ "Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas: My favourite assists". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 11 January 2022. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  190. ^ "Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas: I am playing the best football of my life". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 11 January 2022. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  191. ^ "Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas: Thierry Henry assist record 'not an obsession'". ESPN FC. 27 January 2015. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
  192. ^ Wright, Chris (16 May 2018). "Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas marries Daniella Semaan before FA Cup final". ESPN.
  193. ^ "Barcelona football star Cesc Fàbregas marries Lebanese girlfriend". Lebanese Examiner. 16 May 2018. Archived from the original on 27 May 2018. Retrieved 2 November 2021.
  194. ^ "They have fame and often fortunes but what of a sportsman's family?". guardian.co.uk. Retrieved 12 May 2013.
  195. ^ Long, Sam (10 July 2015). "Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas becomes a father for the second time". Standard.
  196. ^ "Cesc Fabregas shares picture with his partner and newborn son". Sports Review.
  197. ^ "Cesc Fabregas wins court battle with girlfriend's ex-husband over marital home". The Daily Telegraph. 31 July 2013. Archived from the original on 11 January 2022. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
  198. ^ "Footballer Fabregas banned from driving". BBC News. 25 July 2019.
  199. ^ "Official: Fabregas to wear Puma boots". Football Boots. Retrieved 30 September 2011.
  200. ^ "Yellow Custom PowerCats For Fabregas". FootballBoots.co.uk. Retrieved 30 September 2011.
  201. ^ "PUMA launch special C4 evoPOWER for Fabregas". FootballBoots.co.uk. Retrieved 3 January 2014.
  202. ^ Long, Michael (3 July 2012). "Euro 2012 winner to endorse Soul Electronics". Sports Pro.
  203. ^ NIKELIVE Archived 14 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine, NikeLiveFabregas.com, accessed 19 April 2008.
  204. ^ "Cesc Fabregas joins BBC's punditry line-up". BBC Sport. 11 June 2018. Retrieved 7 January 2020.
  205. ^ "Cesc Fàbregas Premier League Player Profile". Premier League. Archived from the original on 26 May 2016. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  206. ^ a b Cesc Fàbregas at Soccerway
  207. ^ Cesc Fàbregas at National-Football-Teams.com
  208. ^ "Arsenal 0–0 Man Utd (aet)". BBC Sport. 21 May 2005. Retrieved 27 April 2019.
  209. ^ "Arsenal 3–1 Man Utd". BBC Sport. 8 August 2004. Retrieved 27 April 2019.
  210. ^ "Barcelona 2–1 Arsenal". BBC Sport. 17 May 2006. Retrieved 27 April 2019.
  211. ^ "Barcelona 2012–13: Statistics". BDFutbol. Retrieved 9 February 2020.
  212. ^ "Pep Guardiola's final game: Barcelona win Copa del Rey". BBC Sport. 26 May 2012. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  213. ^ FERNÁNDEZ, FELIPE (29 August 2013). "Supercopa de España 2013: El Barça gana la Supercopa gracias al gol de Neymar en la ida". RTVE.es (in Spanish). Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  214. ^ "Barcelona beat Porto for fourth UEFA Super Cup". UEFA. 26 August 2011. Archived from the original on 24 October 2018.
  215. ^ "Barcelona win Fifa Club World Cup". BBC Sport. 18 December 2011. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  216. ^ a b "Cesc Fàbregas: Overview". Premier League. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
  217. ^ McNulty, Phil (19 May 2018). "Chelsea 1–0 Manchester United". BBC Sport. Retrieved 19 May 2018.
  218. ^ McNulty, Phil (27 May 2017). "Arsenal 2–1 Chelsea". BBC Sport. Retrieved 27 April 2019.
  219. ^ McNulty, Phil (1 March 2015). "Chelsea 2–0 Tottenham Hotspur". BBC Sport. Retrieved 27 April 2019.
  220. ^ "Monaco 0–2 Paris Saint Germain: PSG win sixth French Cup in seven years". BBC Sport. 19 May 2021. Retrieved 19 May 2021.
  221. ^ "Netherlands 0–1 Spain: Line-ups". FIFA. Archived from the original on 8 February 2020. Retrieved 9 February 2020.
  222. ^ "Germany 0-1 Spain". 29 June 2008. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  223. ^ "Euro 2012 final: Spain 4-0 Italy". BBC Sport. 1 July 2012. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  224. ^ uefa.com (20 January 2007). "Community - Team of the Year - History". UEFA.com. Retrieved 29 June 2020.[permanent dead link]
  225. ^ uefa.com (21 January 2009). "Community - Team of the Year - History". UEFA.com. Retrieved 29 June 2020.[permanent dead link]
  226. ^ "Arsenal FC Player of the Year Award Winners". MFF. 2021. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
  227. ^ Sutcliffe, Steve (30 April 2008). "2008 PFA Player of the Year Awards". League Football Education (LFE). Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  228. ^ "Ronaldo named player of the year". BBC Sport. 27 April 2008. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
  229. ^ "Rooney is PFA player of the year". BBC Sport. 25 April 2010. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
  230. ^ "Die ESM-Topelf der Saison 2014/15 – ein Deutscher ist dabei". kicker.de (in German). Retrieved 3 August 2015.
  231. ^ Williams, Simon. "Euro 2008: The Official UEFA Squad Of The Tournament". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  232. ^ "UEFA EURO 2012 Team Of The Tournament Was Superb". www.sportbible.com. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  233. ^ "FIFA FIFPro World XI: the reserve teams – FIFPro World Players' Union". FIFPro. 15 January 2015. Archived from the original on 14 April 2019. Retrieved 1 October 2017.
  234. ^ Royal Order of Sporting Merit 2011, mundodeportivo.com, accessed 19 December 2011.

External links