Zidane was set to play a charity tribute game in Vancouver Saturday, though it seems he will have to sit this one out. He suffered a back injury after picking up his kid as they watched the fireworks display on Canada Day in Vancouver.

Fans from all over the Vancouver area have tickets to see the French living soccer legend, though without Zidane the game must go on.

Zidane was instrumental in bringing France to win the 1998 World Cup and 2000 Euro Cup. He retired after leading France to the 2006 World Cup finals after being sent off by refs when he head-butted Italian player Marco Materazzi. Zidane later said that he insulted him.

Image: Newscom

Cristiano Ronaldo is officially leaving Manchester United after a long year of ‘what ifs’. His new contract with Real Madrid is reportedly worth $153.2 million. That’s allot of money for a young soccer player. So it begs the question, who will replace Cristiano in Manchester U. striker lineup? Well they have found someone already.

Wigan's Antonio Valencia signs new deal with Manchester United worth $32 million.

Reports today are that Antonio Valencia has signed a deal with Manchester United for a reported four year $32.5 million. That’s way less than what it would have cost to keep Cristiano. So the real question right now is whether or not Antonio will be able to par Cristiano’s past performance. Not easy considering he was named best player by FIFA last year winning the golden ball award.

Image: Newscom

Juventus fans will have to sit the next one out for racist remarks. An Italian sports judge upheld a ruling that will make Juventus play their next Series A home game without the normal cheering fans.

Fans are being punished for the onslaught of racist remarks dished out by the Juventus fans to Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli. Balotelli who is an Italian of Ghanaian decent felt bombarded during a game that ended in a 1-1 draw at the Turin Olympic Stadium.

Juventus club managers and players have apologised to Balotelli for the disappointing show of home hospitality.

Image: Newscom

Ronaldo is shooting down rumours that he’s been secretly planning an exodus to the Real Madrid’s. Rumours surfaced that the 23-year-old was tired of playing for Manchester United and that he wanted to fulfill his life long dream of playing for Real Madrid. Though it is true he would love to play for them he denies any secret talks.

Well Manchester isn’t exactly known for their sunny beaches. But hey, getting paid the salary he gets he shouldn’t be complaining.

Read more at TSN.ca

Image TSN

Brazil super star soccer player Ronaldinho celebrated new years in Dubai, UAA. He will be there over the winter months to attend a training session with Italy’s AC Milan. They will be taking part of the Dubai Football Challenge that will also include Germany’s team Hamburg. Training will be held at the Al-Nasr’s club ground in Dubai on January 2, 2008

Also, wanted to give a shout out for the new Ronaldinho baby. May he too grow up to become a soccer legend.

Image: Newscom

With the recent Unites States victory over Canada March 20, many people are wondering if Freddy Adu can bring home the gold. The U.S. under 23 national team will now have to face Honduras to fight for a spot on the Olympic roster.

So, will Freddy Adu have to go in alone? Probably. Good Luck Freddy!

Technorati Tags: freddy adu,united states soccer

There’s a big surprise! it’s like saying that I am the worlds biggest procrastinator, no real shocker there. But you got to give the guy credit cause David

never let’s it go to his head.

Beckham Groupie went on to explain that;

“The survey results show the British public have an eye for who is hot on the soccer pitch and that it’s not just British Premiership players that are catching their eye,” Simon Lassam of The People’s Club said. “They have picked a really multi-cultural mix, perhaps reflecting the amount of influence other countries have on our soccer these days.”

Find out the complete “Top Ten Sexiest Socccer Players” list over at Beckham Groupie.com

Models and soccer stars participated in the revealing of the 2008 England away kit during the UMBRO kit launch at The Grove Hotel on February 4, 2008 in London, England.

Shaun Wright-Phillips, Michael Owen, Fabio Capello, Rio Ferdinand and David Bentley along with some models revealed England new away kit.

See more images after the jump…

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Who are the ladies behind the worlds biggest soccer stars?

I always wondered if after a long game on the pitch they go home and crash on the couch with a beer in hand. Or if they are like the rest of us and have to deal with children not wanting to go to bed; wives telling them not to forget about taking out the trash, etc…

Well unless they are like the Beckhams and are open about their private lives, we will never really know. So all we can do is see pictures of the wives of famous soccer players.

See more soccer stars and their wives after the jump…

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Soccer star Ronaldinho will reportedly be leaving his home team of Barcelona to English club Chelsea for around 116 million dollars. The move is seen as a slap in the face to Barcelona who see themselves as a tight knit team. But hey, it’s $116 million dollars. That would put his salary well past Beckham who makes $30 million. Honour aside, that’s allot of money!