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86 Football Research Lab - 86足球研究室, Kluang (2025)

24/09/2025

Happy Birthday to Rafael Martín Vázquez (born 25 September 1965), Spanish former professional footballer who played primarily as an attacking midfielder. He rose to prominence at Real Madrid, where he was part of the legendary “La Quinta del Buitre” alongside Míchel, Emilio Butragueño, Miguel Pardeza, and Manolo Sanchís. Across two spells with the club, he made 252 La Liga appearances and scored 42 goals, helping Real Madrid win six league titles, two UEFA Cups, two Copa del Rey trophies, and other domestic honors.He also played abroad for Torino, Marseille, Celaya, and Karlsruher SC, though his most successful years remained in Spain. Injuries affected his later career, and he retired in 1998 after brief stints with Deportivo La Coruña and clubs in Mexico and Germany.

Internationally, Martín Vázquez earned 38 caps for Spain between 1987 and 1992, appearing in UEFA Euro 1988 and the 1990 FIFA World Cup, and scoring once for his country.After retirement, he worked as a youth coach at Real Madrid and briefly managed Extremadura in 2018.

24/09/2025

Happy Birthday to Ronnie Whelan (born 25 September 1961), Irish former professional footballer who played as a midfielder and later became a manager and media pundit. He began his career with Home Farm before joining Liverpool in 1979, where he spent 15 years and became a key figure in one of the club’s most successful eras. Whelan won six league titles, three FA Cups, three League Cups, and the 1984 European Cup, scoring vital goals in domestic finals and playing a central role in Liverpool’s dominance throughout the 1980s. He made 493 appearances and scored 73 goals for the club.

Internationally, Whelan earned 53 caps and scored three goals for the Republic of Ireland between 1981 and 1995. He played in UEFA Euro 1988, where he scored a memorable volley against the USSR, and appeared in the 1990 and 1994 FIFA World Cups. His international career was shaped by Jack Charlton’s direct style, which limited his influence despite his technical ability.

After leaving Liverpool, Whelan became player-manager at Southend United and later managed clubs in Greece and Cyprus, including Panionios, Olympiakos Nicosia, and Apollon Limassol. He transitioned into media work and became a regular contributor to RTÉ Sport, covering major tournaments such as the World Cup and European Championships.

24/09/2025

Happy Birthday to Igor Belanov (born 25 September 1960), Soviet and Ukrainian former professional footballer who played as a striker and gained international acclaim in the mid-1980s. He began his career in his hometown of Odesa with SKA Odesa and FC Chornomorets Odesa before joining Dynamo Kyiv in 1985, where he won five major titles including the Soviet Top League and the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup. His standout performances in the 1985–86 season, including a hat-trick against Belgium in the 1986 FIFA World Cup, earned him the Ballon d'Or that year, making him the second Ukrainian to win the award after Oleh Blokhin.

Belanov played 33 matches and scored eight goals for the Soviet Union, participating in the 1986 World Cup and UEFA Euro 1988, where the team finished as runners-up. In 1989, he moved to Germany to play for Borussia Mönchengladbach and later Eintracht Braunschweig, though his time there was less successful. He returned to Ukraine in the mid-1990s and retired after brief spells with Chernomorets and FC Illychivets Mariupol.

Post-retirement, Belanov was involved in football administration and was honored in 2011 as one of the “legends of Ukrainian football.” He remains celebrated for his speed, technical skill, and contributions to Dynamo Kyiv’s golden era.

24/09/2025

Happy Birthday to Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (born 25 September 1955), German former professional footballer and football executive, widely regarded as one of the greatest forwards in the history of the sport. He began his senior career with Bayern Munich in 1974, where he won two European Cups, two Bundesliga titles, two DFB-Pokal trophies, and the Intercontinental Cup. Known for his pace, dribbling, and clinical finishing, he was Bundesliga’s top scorer three times and won the Ballon d'Or in 1980 and 1981.

Rummenigge earned 95 caps and scored 45 goals for West Germany between 1976 and 1986. He won the UEFA European Championship in 1980 and was a runner-up in the 1982 and 1986 FIFA World Cups, captaining the national team in both finals. He also played for Inter Milan and Servette, finishing his career as the Swiss league’s top scorer in 1988–89.

After retiring, Rummenigge became a prominent football executive, serving as vice president and later CEO of Bayern Munich, helping oversee the club’s move to the Allianz Arena and its rise as a European powerhouse. He also chaired the European Club Association and represented it on UEFA’s Executive Committee.

24/09/2025

Clodoaldo (Clodoaldo Tavares de Santana; born 25 September 1949), Brazilian former footballer who played as a defensive midfielder and is best known for his role in Brazil’s 1970 FIFA World Cup-winning team. He spent the majority of his club career at Santos FC, where he won five Campeonato Paulista titles, the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A in 1968, and the Intercontinental Supercup. After suffering a serious knee injury at age 29, he left Santos in 1979 and played for the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the NASL before returning to Brazil with Nacional-AM, where he won the Campeonato Amazonense in 1981.

Internationally, Clodoaldo earned 38 caps for Brazil between 1969 and 1974, scoring one goal. He played a pivotal role in the 1970 World Cup, notably scoring the equalizer in the semifinal against Uruguay and contributing to Carlos Alberto Torres’s iconic goal in the final by dribbling past four Italian players in his own half. After retiring in 1982, he briefly managed Santos and later coached the East Timor national team in 2010.

24/09/2025

Remembering Josef Bican (25 September 1913 – 12 December 2001), Austrian-Czech professional footballer who played as a striker and is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalscorers in football history. Born in Vienna to Czech parents, Bican began his career with Rapid Vienna, where he quickly gained attention for his prolific scoring. After a successful stint with Admira Vienna, he moved to Slavia Prague in 1937, where he became the club’s all-time top scorer, netting 591 goals in 301 official matches. He also played for FC Vítkovice, FC Hradec Králové, and Dynamo Prague, retiring in 1955 as the all-time top scorer in the Czechoslovak First League with 447 goals.

Bican represented three national teams—Austria, Czechoslovakia, and Bohemia and Moravia—scoring 32 goals in 35 international matches. He played for Austria in the 1934 FIFA World Cup, helping them reach the semifinals. A clerical error prevented him from appearing for Czechoslovakia in the 1938 World Cup. Known for his speed, technical skill, and ambidexterity, Bican was capable of running 100 meters in 10.8 seconds and was admired for his ability to score from any position.

After retiring, he managed several clubs and was honored by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) with the Medal of Honour and the Golden Ball for being the most prolific goalscorer of the 20th century. Despite scoring over 950 goals in official matches and more than 1,800 including friendlies, Bican remained modest about his achievements. He passed away in Prague at the age of 88 and was buried at Vyšehrad cemetery, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire football historians and fans.

24/09/2025

Happy Birthday to Ricardo Gardner (born 25 September 1978), Jamaican former professional footballer who played as a left winger, left wing-back, and occasionally in central midfield. He began his career with Harbour View in Jamaica, debuting at just 14 years old, and quickly rose to prominence through his performances in local leagues and for the national team during the 1998 FIFA World Cup. His standout play earned him a transfer to Bolton Wanderers, where he spent 14 years, including 11 seasons in the Premier League, making over 400 appearances and becoming one of the longest-serving foreign players in league history.

Gardner was known for his versatility, pace, and technical ability, contributing key goals including a memorable strike against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Cup. He also had a brief loan spell at Preston North End in 2011 before retiring in 2014 following injury setbacks and a short trial in MLS.

Internationally, Gardner earned 111 caps and scored 9 goals for Jamaica between 1997 and 2012. He played in four CONCACAF Gold Cups and the 1998 World Cup, and captained the national team from 2005 to 2009. After retirement, he transitioned into coaching, leading Jamaica’s U-20 team and managing Harbour View and Portmore United.

24/09/2025

Happy Birthday to Petit (born 25 September 1976), whose full name is Armando Gonçalves Teixeira, Portuguese former professional footballer who played as a defensive midfielder and is currently a football manager. Born in Strasbourg, France, to Portuguese parents, he moved to Portugal at the age of two and earned the nickname Petit due to his small frame. Known for his aggressive style and powerful long-range shots, he was also affectionately called “Pitbull” by fans.
Petit began his professional career with modest clubs before making an impact at Gil Vicente, helping them achieve their best-ever Primeira Liga finish. He then joined Boavista, where he played a key role in their historic 2000–01 league title win and featured in the UEFA Champions League. In 2002, he signed with Benfica, becoming a regular starter and winning the Primeira Liga in 2004–05, along with other domestic honors. He also scored in European competitions and extended his contract until 2010.

In 2008, Petit moved to 1. FC Köln in Germany, where he played regularly until injuries disrupted his final seasons. He retired after the 2011–12 campaign and returned to Boavista to begin his coaching career.

Internationally, Petit earned 57 caps for Portugal between 2001 and 2008, participating in two World Cups and two European Championships, including the team’s fourth-place finish at the 2006 World Cup. Since 2012, Petit has managed several Portuguese top-flight teams, including Boavista, continuing his involvement in football with the same intensity that defined his playing career.

24/09/2025

Happy Birthday to Angelo Palombo (born 25 September 1981), Italian former professional footballer who played as a defensive midfielder and spent the majority of his career at Sampdoria, where he became club captain and a symbol of loyalty. He began his youth career with AS Ferentino and progressed through Urbania Calcio, Fano, and Fiorentina, making his Serie A debut in 2002. After Fiorentina’s bankruptcy, he joined Sampdoria in Serie B and helped them gain promotion, eventually becoming a key figure in their midfield and a fan favorite for his commitment and leadership.

Palombo briefly joined Inter Milan on loan in 2012 but returned to Sampdoria after only three appearances. Despite interest from other clubs, he remained with Sampdoria until his retirement in 2017, amassing 459 appearances over 15 years. Internationally, he earned 22 caps for Italy between 2006 and 2011, participating in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He also won the UEFA European Under-21 Championship and an Olympic bronze medal in 2004.

After retiring, Palombo joined Sampdoria’s coaching staff and earned his coaching license in 2017. Known for his tenacity, stamina, and tactical intelligence, he was a versatile midfielder capable of breaking up play and initiating attacks, and he remains a respected figure in Italian football.

23/09/2025

Happy Birthday to Ally McCoist (born 24 September 1962), Scottish former professional footballer, manager, and television pundit, widely regarded as one of Rangers’ greatest players. He began his senior career with St Johnstone before moving to Sunderland in 1981. In 1983, he joined Rangers, where he became the club’s all-time leading goalscorer with 355 goals in all competitions. During his 15-year spell at Ibrox, McCoist won ten league titles, nine Scottish League Cups, and one Scottish Cup, and was twice Europe’s top goalscorer in 1992 and 1993. He later played for Kilmarnock before retiring in 2001.

Internationally, McCoist earned 61 caps and scored 19 goals for Scotland between 1986 and 1998. He played in the 1990 World Cup and UEFA Euro 1992 and 1996, scoring a memorable goal against Switzerland in the latter tournament. He captained Scotland once and was inducted into the national team’s roll of honour in 1996.

After retiring, McCoist became a popular media personality, serving as a team captain on A Question of Sport and working as a football pundit for BBC, ITV, BT Sport, Sky Sports, and Amazon Prime. He also acted in the film A Shot at Glory and provided commentary for EA Sports’ FIFA video game series.

23/09/2025

Happy Birthday to Marco Tardelli (born 24 September 1954) is an Italian former professional footballer and manager, widely regarded as one of Italy’s greatest midfielders. He began his career with Pisa and later played for Como before joining Juventus in 1975, where he enjoyed a decade of success. With Juventus, he won five Serie A titles, two Coppa Italia trophies, and all three major UEFA club competitions: the UEFA Cup, Cup Winners’ Cup, and European Cup, becoming one of the first players to achieve this feat alongside teammates Antonio Cabrini and Gaetano Scirea. He later played for Internazionale and ended his career with St. Gallen in Switzerland.

Internationally, Tardelli earned 81 caps and scored six goals for Italy between 1976 and 1986. He played in three FIFA World Cups and UEFA Euro 1980, winning the 1982 World Cup. His emotional celebration after scoring in the final against West Germany—known as the “Tardelli cry”—became one of the most iconic moments in World Cup history. He was also named in the Euro 1980 Team of the Tournament.

Renowned for his energy, tackling, and technical skill, Tardelli was a versatile two-way midfielder capable of playing in multiple positions. After retiring, he managed several clubs and national teams, including Italy’s U-21 team, with whom he won the 2000 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. He also served as assistant manager for the Republic of Ireland from 2008 to 2013. Inducted into the Italian Football Hall of Fame in 2015, Tardelli remains a celebrated figure in Italian football history.

23/09/2025

Happy Birthday to John Arne Riise (born 24 September 1980) is a Norwegian former professional footballer and coach who played primarily as a left-back and left winger. Known for his powerful shooting and stamina, he is the most capped player in the history of the Norway national team, earning 110 caps and scoring 16 goals between 2000 and 2013. He was part of the squad for UEFA Euro 2000 but did not feature in any matches.

Riise began his senior career with Aalesund before moving to Monaco, where he won the French Division 1 title in 1999–2000. In 2001, he joined Liverpool and became a fan favorite, scoring memorable goals and helping the club win the UEFA Champions League in 2004–05, the FA Cup in 2005–06, and multiple other honors. After seven seasons at Anfield, he moved to Roma in 2008, where he continued to impress with key goals and performances. He later played for Fulham, APOEL, Delhi Dynamos, Chennaiyin, and briefly returned to Aalesund and Rollon before a final cameo with Avaldsnes in 2023.

Following his retirement, Riise transitioned into coaching and management, serving as sports director at Birkirkara in Malta and managing Flint Tønsberg and Avaldsnes in Norway. His post-playing career also included personal challenges, including financial difficulties and publicized legal disputes.

86 Football Research Lab - 86足球研究室

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