A glittery cavalcade of models, pop stars, and Instagram empresses are set to descend upon Russia with their y-chromosomes in tow.
As the FIFA World Cup kicks off tomorrow many of the top footballers on the planet will be watched from the stands by their wives and girlfriends.
In the old days — before reality TV — footballers’ wives were meek and dowdy matrons who were almost invisible except on the biggest occasions.
But then came Victoria Beckham, Cheryl Cole and Coleen Rooney — wives of England stars David, Ashley and Wayne respectively.
So when the FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 14 the names of the wives and girlfriends (WAGs) of players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Dele Alli trip off the tongue almost as easily as the players themselves.
So to celebrate soccer’s other, better halves, we assembled a not-even-close-to-exhaustive list of the most beautiful WAGs from the 2018 World Cup.
Georgina Rodriguez (girlfriend of Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo)
Ruby Mae (girlfriend of England’s Dele Alli)
Ruby Mae
Sara Salamo (girlfriend of Spain’s Isco)
Sara Salamo
Inna Zhirkova (wife of Russia’s Yuri Zhirkov)
Inna Zhirkova
Bruma Marquezine (girlfriend of Brazil’s Neymar)
Bruma Marquezine
Antonella Roccuzzo (wife of Argentina’s Lionel Messi)
Antonella Roccuzzo
Helga Lovekaty (girlfriend of Colombia’s James Rodriguez)
Helga Lovekaty
One player whose wife you are unlikely to see in a bikini or a low-cut dress is Liverpool’s Egyptian striking sensation Mo Salah.
He married Magi in 2013 — she wore a modest Muslim-style wedding dress — and his daughter Makka (Mecca) is named after the holy city in Saudi Arabia.
With his participation in the World Cup in Russia called into question after a shoulder injury, Egyptian superstar Mo Salah is working hard to be fit to help his team in the opening match against Uruguay on Friday.
Footage by RT’s Ruplty video agency showed Salah training individually with a physical therapist at the stadium in the Chechen capital, Grozny, which the Egyptian national team chose to base its camp during the tournament.
The workout of the 25-year-old striker included exercises with fit ball and rubber bands, as well as other activities.
Salah, who scored 32 goals in 36 appearances for Liverpool and led his team to the Champions League final this season, is considered the main rival for Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the contest for the title of world’s best footballer.
However, his World Cup dreams were nearly crushed after the Egyptian suffered a shoulder injury in that very final, following what many believe was dirty play by Real Madrid’s defender Sergio Ramos.
Despite his physical problems, Salah has been included in Egypt’s lineup for the Mundial, but it’s currently unclear if he’ll be able to appear in his country’s opening march against Uruguay on June 15 or in the crucial second game against host Russia.
The most celebrated players in the world of football will be joined in Russia by some of the biggest stars of today’s international music scene.
As part of another exciting collaboration between FIFA and Sony Music, Will Smith, Nicky Jam and Era Istrefi will perform ‘Live It Up’, the Official Song of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia produced by DJ and songwriter Diplo.
Ahead of the final on 15 July, the music stars will warm up the 80,000 spectators at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium and around one billion people watching on TV just a few minutes before the two finalists come out on to the pitch.
Until then, fans will have enough time to learn the lyrics as “Live It Up” will be released on multiple streaming platforms this Friday, 25 May. The FIFA World Cup Official Music Video will be available as of 7 June.
“It’s an honour to be asked to perform at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. This global event brings people from all over the world together to cheer, laugh and experience magic.
Collaborating with Nicky, Diplo and Era on this track represents harmony, eclectic flavours and genres coming together.
At the end of the day, we just want to see the world dance”, said world-renowned Grammy Award-winning actor, songwriter and artist Will Smith.
“I’ve never made a song this international, so many stars have come together to make a strong vibe”, Diplo added.
“To record the Official Song for the FIFA World Cup is a lifetime achievement. Not many artists have the privilege of being able to say they’ve been part of this.
I’m so proud and happy, I can say to my grandkids ‘I’ve made it’,” commented Nicky Jam, one of Latin music’s most iconic names and a Latin Grammy Award winner.
“Being part of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Official Song has been an incredible and exciting experience so far.
Making the FIFA World Cup Song -Will Smith, Nicky Jam, Diplo & Era Istrefi
Working alongside talented artists like Diplo, Will Smith and Nicky Jam, who I all have huge admiration for, has been amazing and so much fun.
I’m a huge football fan too, so I can’t wait for the World Cup to begin,” noted rising pop sensation Era Istrefi.
The tradition of an Official Song dates back to the 1966 FIFA World Cup in England with a song for the first Official Mascot, “World Cup Willie”.
Since then, the Official Music Programme and the Official Mascot have become a more and more significant component of the event, providing an excellent opportunity for more than just football fans to identify with the world’s biggest single-sport event.
“FIFA and Sony Music have enjoyed a successful cooperation on the Official Music Programme for years now.
The synergy between football and music is striking, both stirring up fans’ emotions across the globe.
This song – with a world -class line-up worthy of the greatest show on Earth – embodies the excitement, the celebration and the unity that people all over the world will share during the 2018 FIFA World Cup,” says Philippe Le Floc’h, FIFA Chief Commercial Officer.
“Sony Music has had a longstanding relationship with FIFA. When discussing the official music for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the objective that both organisations agreed on was a great song supported by an all-star line-up,” added Afo Verde, Chairman & CEO of Sony Music Latin Iberia.
“We are very excited that Will Smith, Nicky Jam, Diplo and Era Istrefi are part of the song and working hand in hand with FIFA and our artist community in providing the soundtrack for the biggest event in the world.”
Official Songs at recent FIFA World Cups have included ‘Un’estate italiana’ by Edoardo Bennato and Gianna Nannini in 1990, ‘Gloryland’ by Daryl Hall with Sounds of Blackness in 1994, and ‘La Copa de la Vida’ by Ricky Martin in 1998.
In 2002, the Official Song was “Boom” by Anastacia, while Vangelis’ vocal official anthem featured typical Korean and Japanese sonic elements.
In 2006, ‘The Time of Our Lives’ by the Il Divo quartet was a resounding success.
Shakira’s ‘Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)’ was the Official Song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and, most recently, ‘We Are One (Ole Ola)’ was the Official Song of the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ in Brazil.
Worldwide known fashion company Louis Vuitton has announced three unique projects to celebrate the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.
The company was commissioned once again to make a special case that will hold the Official FIFA World Cup Trophy.
While it has added two new and exciting projects in anticipation of the world finals in Russia: an official Adidas match ball collection trunk and an official licensed product collection.
Since 2010, Louis Vuitton was commissioned by FIFA to provide a bespoke case to ensure the FIFA World Cup Trophy travelled in safety and in style.
This tradition will continue for Russia 2018. Handmade in Asnieres, France, the case will be revealed on the pitch in Moscow at the Opening Match on 14 June, and at the Final on 15 July.
Louis Vuitton has teamed up with Adidas and FIFA to create an exclusive and truly unique match ball trunk. With only 21 available for purchase worldwide, the trunk will hold 13 re-editions of the Official Match balls used at the World Cup since 1970 and one Louis Vuitton specially-designed football.
In addition to the trunk will be the Louis Vuitton 2018 FIFA World Cup™ Official Licensed Product Collection.
The collection offers a refined yet playful football-inspired style, including exclusive versions of Keepall and Apollo bags along with a selection of smaller leather pieces.
A logo unique to Russia 2018 has also been created for the design with the initials ‘L.V’ used like a team’s crest.
Continuing the company’s long tradition of personalisation, a customisation tool will give fans the chance to create original and unique flag-inspired coloured versions of the collection’s Keepall bags during Russia 2018.
On 14 June, just a few moments before Russia and Saudi Arabia kick off the 2018 FIFA World Cup, three international stars will thrill the fans in Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium.
Global music icon Robbie Williams will entertain the stadium crowd and the millions watching around the world, with celebrated Russian soprano Aida Garifullina joining him during the musical extravaganza.
The football glory that all players will be hoping to achieve on Russian soil will be represented by Brazil’s two-time FIFA World Cup champion Ronaldo.
“I’m so happy and excited to be going back to Russia for such a unique performance. I’ve done a lot in my career, and opening the FIFA World Cup to 80,000 football fans in the stadium and many millions all over the world is a boyhood dream,” says Robbie Williams.
“We’d like to invite football and music fans to party with us in Russia, in the stadium, or to tune in their TVs a little earlier for an unforgettable show.”
The 2018 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony will have a slightly different format compared to previous editions of the tournament.
This time, the ceremony will focus on musical acts and will take place much closer to kick-off, just half an hour before the start of the match, which is scheduled for 18:00 (local time).
One thing will remain the same, however: the underlying theme of celebrating not only football but also the host country, this time with a touching performance by one of Russia’s most acclaimed young voices, Aida Garifullina.
“I never imagined I would be part of this huge celebration, the World Cup, happening in my own country,” says the soloist from the Vienna State Opera.
“And, on 15 July, we will find out for whom this precious dream will come true, back on the same stage, after a month-long festival of football in Russia.”
“The opening match is always a very symbolic one – it is that instant when you realise that the big moment you, as a player or fan, have been waiting for four years has finally arrived.
No one knows what will happen in the four weeks of the tournament, but everyone is sure that it will be memorable,” believes ‘o Fenômeno’ Ronaldo. “Of course it is also an emotional one for the hosts.
After so much hard work, suddenly the whole world is gathered in your backyard to celebrate their love for football.
I felt that in Brazil four years ago and I am now happy to share this excitement with the Russians as well.”
Russia’s Channel One will produce the show, and the creative concept will once again be developed by Felix Mikhailov, who directed the main ceremonies held throughout the entire 2018 FIFA World Cup journey – from the Preliminary Draw in 2015 right up to the closing act ahead of the final on 15 July.
“We are happy to introduce a new format for the FIFA World Cup opening and closing ceremonies, in terms of their duration and start time closer to kick-off,” says Mikhailov.
“At the same time, the action will extend beyond the stadium, encompassing the city and the area around the Luzhniki Stadium.
The co-director of the opening ceremony will be my friend Ilya Averbukh, who has added new colour to the spectacle on the pitch.
And, of course, our show will be about football and love.”
Mbare based Nyau outfit Maramuro aGure will slug it out at the national finals of the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival after winning the Harare heats in Mbare on Saturday.
The regional finals which were held at Pfumojena Beerhall saw 10 groups vying for the sole ticket to represent the province at the national finals to be held in Mutare later this year.
This year’s event saw mainly nyau and chimtali dance groups battling it out but in the end, it was the home crowd favourite and colourfully dressed Maramuro aGure winning.
On top of winning the right to represent the City at the 55th edition, they also walked away with $500, second-placed group was Chisoni group who took $300 whilst third placed Chitukuto pocketed $200.
Maramuro aGure
Speaking after the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival winners’ announcement Maramuro group leader Amos Mukohiwa said he had no words to express his feeling.
“We dedicated a lot of time in rehearsing and i am convinced its the reason why we took the number one spot, said Mukohiwa.
“I am so happy, I didn’t expect that we could reach this far”
The group which also won the same competition in 2016 was formed 3 years has a club membership of 26 members ago promised to take the Cup come the finals in Mutare.
South African based communication agency, Brand Audacity Africa announced a new client, award-winning Zimbabwean dancer and choreographer, John Cole.
The arrangement will see the firm managing Cole’s bookings and public relations in South Africa.
Brand Audacity Founding Director, Honest Masiya said, “We are excited that John Cole is joining our client roster as he is multi-talented, ambitious and hungry to make his mark in Africa.
“With all our clients, we are committed to assisting in brand building and exposing those who we represent to the limitless opportunities that the continent has to offer.”
Cole has over seven years of dance experience and has garnered three awards for his craft including the best choreographer in 2016 as well as a number of collaborative accolades.
In addition, he is the founder of the Zimbabwe Choreographers Dancers Association, the Zimbabwe Dance Industry Awards and has dabbled in television presenting and acting.
Brand Audacity Africa is a communication agency specialising in talent management, strategic online media and public relations solutions for individuals and businesses within two main industries-entertainment and lifestyle.
With a growing portfolio, the company’s mission is to help create accessible, personable and audience-focused brands through digital and traditional media platforms.
Businessman Wicknell Chivayo has gone back to his money-splashing hobbies by transferring R100 000 to Warriors Keeper George Chigova.
The Warriors Cosafa Cup captain is being rewarded for his heroic penalty saves.
Chigova also entered the world record books by becoming the first goalkeeper to save five successive penalties, inspiring the Warriors into the final of the COSAFA Cup.
Said Wicknell in an Instagram post: “You have made us proud and myself, being another record breaker in the area of football sponsorship in Zimbabwe I was moved to make a small token of appreciation since as you know Sir Wicknell and the Warriors are inseparable!
Proof of payment document to Chigova’s account
“This is despite the many keyboard supporters who can’t even raise a cent to help a national cause or even to buy raffle tickets but will always be the first to fill acres of space with hate mail.
“So with my small token of ZAR 100,000 I will continue to silence you and do what I do best.”
