Dani Alves becomes most successful footballer in history as Paris Saint-Germain star claims his 42nd trophy
Dani Alves wrote his name in football's history books on Sunday as Paris Saint-Germain retained their Ligue 1 title.
The Brazilian star became the most successful footballer in history as he claimed a remarkable 42nd career title on the weekend and he did it without even having to kick a ball.
PSG's nearest challengers, Lille, were held to a stalemate with Toulouse, ensuring Thomas Tuchel's side claimed another title with six matches remaining still.
He has 42 trophies at the age of 36 following hugely successful spells at European giants Barcelona, Juventus and now PSG.
The attacking right-back has overtaken Egyptian icon Hossam Hassan in the title charts, after winning 41 trophies thanks to dominating his country's league with Ahly SC and Zamalek.
Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta has won 37 honours in his stellar career, while Maxwell and another Egyptian, Ibrahim Hassan, have also won the same amount.
Alves started off his career at Brazilian outfit Bahia before leaving for La Liga side Sevilla in 2002.
Alves won Serie A and the Coppa Italia with Italian giants Juventus during the 2016-17 season
Following a six year spell at Sevilla, Alves started to claim his honours at a rapid race, winning domestic titles, including league and cup wins, at Barcelona, Juventus and PSG.
The 36-year-old won three Champions League crowns while with Barcelona in 2009, 2011 and 2015.
Alves has also enjoyed a successful career for his country, winning Copa America in 2007 and the Confederations Cup twice in 2009 and 2013.
Ex-Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi to retire at end of season
Former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi will retire at the end of the season, ending an "unforgettable race that has lasted for 21 years".
The 39-year-old, who currently plays for Qatari club Al Sadd SC, won eight La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies while at Barcelona.
The 2010 World Cup-winner will now become a coach, adding he is excited to see "what the future holds".
"What I have achieved in the last two decades has been a privilege," he said.
"Therefore, I believe it is my duty to take the initiative of the field and return through football whenever possible."
In a statement released to Spanish news outlet AS, he added: "My philosophy as a coach reflects the style we developed for many years under the influence of Johan Cruyff and La Masia, and that has its greatest exponent in the way of playing football in Barcelona.
"I love seeing the teams take the initiative in the field, attack football and return to the essence of what we all love from our childhood days: possession football."
The midfielder - who scored 13 goals in 133 appearances for Spain - left Barcelona in 2015 and joined Al Sadd on a three-year contract.
He will continue his work with Generation Amazing, a Qatari programme created "to ensure the 2022 World Cup leaves a human and social legacy".
"During the next four weeks, I will tie my boots to play the last matches of an unforgettable race that has lasted for 21 years and has taken me all over the world," Xavi said.
"It has been a privilege to play football until I was 39 years old."
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Dani Alves becomes most successful footballer in history as Paris Saint-Germain star claims his 42nd trophy
Dani Alves wrote his name in football's history books on Sunday as Paris Saint-Germain retained their Ligue 1 title.
The Brazilian star became the most successful footballer in history as he claimed a remarkable 42nd career title on the weekend and he did it without even having to kick a ball.
PSG's nearest challengers, Lille, were held to a stalemate with Toulouse, ensuring Thomas Tuchel's side claimed another title with six matches remaining still.DANI ALVES' 42 TROPHIES TO DATE
Bahia (2001-02):
Campeonato Baiano - 2001
Copa do Nordeste - 2001, 2002
Sevilla (2002-08):
Copa del Rey — 2006-07
Supercopa de Espana — 2007
UEFA Cup — 2005-06, 2006-07
UEFA Super Cup — 2006
Barcelona (2008-16):
La Liga — 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2015–16
Copa del Rey — 2008–09, 2011–12, 2014–15, 2015–16
Supercopa de Espana — 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013
Champions League — 2008–09, 2010–11, 2014–15
UEFA Super Cup — 2009, 2011, 2015
FIFA Club World Cup — 2009, 2011, 2015
Juventus (2016-17):
Serie A — 2016-17
Coppa Italia — 2016-17
PSG (2017-present):
Trophee des Champions — 2017
Coupe de la Lige — 2017-18
Coupe de France — 2017-18
Ligue 1 — 2017-18, 2018-19
Brazil (2006-present):
Copa America — 2007
Confederations Cup — 2009, 2013
FIFA World Youth Championship - 2003
He has 42 trophies at the age of 36 following hugely successful spells at European giants Barcelona, Juventus and now PSG.
The attacking right-back has overtaken Egyptian icon Hossam Hassan in the title charts, after winning 41 trophies thanks to dominating his country's league with Ahly SC and Zamalek.
Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta has won 37 honours in his stellar career, while Maxwell and another Egyptian, Ibrahim Hassan, have also won the same amount.
Alves started off his career at Brazilian outfit Bahia before leaving for La Liga side Sevilla in 2002.
Following a six year spell at Sevilla, Alves started to claim his honours at a rapid race, winning domestic titles, including league and cup wins, at Barcelona, Juventus and PSG.
The 36-year-old won three Champions League crowns while with Barcelona in 2009, 2011 and 2015.
Alves has also enjoyed a successful career for his country, winning Copa America in 2007 and the Confederations Cup twice in 2009 and 2013.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6946501/Dani-Alves-successful-player-history-Paris-Saint-Germain-star-claims-42nd-trophy.html
Ex-Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi to retire at end of season
Former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi will retire at the end of the season, ending an "unforgettable race that has lasted for 21 years".
The 39-year-old, who currently plays for Qatari club Al Sadd SC, won eight La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies while at Barcelona.
The 2010 World Cup-winner will now become a coach, adding he is excited to see "what the future holds".
"What I have achieved in the last two decades has been a privilege," he said.
"Therefore, I believe it is my duty to take the initiative of the field and return through football whenever possible."
In a statement released to Spanish news outlet AS, he added: "My philosophy as a coach reflects the style we developed for many years under the influence of Johan Cruyff and La Masia, and that has its greatest exponent in the way of playing football in Barcelona.
"I love seeing the teams take the initiative in the field, attack football and return to the essence of what we all love from our childhood days: possession football."
The midfielder - who scored 13 goals in 133 appearances for Spain - left Barcelona in 2015 and joined Al Sadd on a three-year contract.
He will continue his work with Generation Amazing, a Qatari programme created "to ensure the 2022 World Cup leaves a human and social legacy".
"During the next four weeks, I will tie my boots to play the last matches of an unforgettable race that has lasted for 21 years and has taken me all over the world," Xavi said.
"It has been a privilege to play football until I was 39 years old."
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48138914