winter break round-up

Happy holidays!  Not much going on with Real Madrid over the Christmas break, during which they have about one week off.  But there have been glimpses here and there, and so these are the things I feel worth mentioning.

The FIFA World Player Gala 2009 – Iker, Cristiano and Kaká were all there.  Kaká sported a questionable turtleneck and a messy combover at the press conference prior to the gala (but still looked more suited to the occasion than the Barça three in their t-shirts and sweatshirts).  Iker sported a questionable striped suit/striped tie combo at the gala.  Cron looked good at both, and showcased a wide range of emotions.

Cristiano in Uzbekistan – I’m only mentioning this for the beautiful robe that they made Cristiano wear.  I’m sure he didn’t mind – he likes shiny, blinged out things.

Especial Alejandro Sanz- Paraísos – we finally got to see what Iker & Alex were up to in this special aired by RTVE on Dec. 22.  The main focus of this special is Alejandro, of course, and we get to hear him talk about his new album, his life and other things, as well as see him perform both old and new songs.  But we get three segments with Iker.  In the first one, Iker talks about his beard (he says it looks good on him).  Alex jokes about “Sanz Iker” and Iker teases Alex by telling him that he already has his new album, that he downloaded it from the Internet because it’s very expensive.  In the second, Alex stops Iker’s penalty shot (he jokes he can see the fear in Iker’s eyes before he shoots), while Iker is unable to stop Alex’s shot.  They end it with a hug.  In the third, they talk about performing before crowds.

Watch it here.

The Champions for Africa charity game – Madrid-related players that took part included Sergio Ramos, Iker, Diarrá, Negredo (who is apparently taking fashion tips from Sergio, and showed up post-game in a red leather jacket), Soldado, Marcelo, Mata, De La Red, Granero, Arbeloa.  The best part, outside of the money raised for charity, was seeing Iker show off his skills as a regular player – he even did some stepovers.  Marcelo looked like he had an excellent time.

Real Madrid’s Christmas greetings pictures & video – so I guess they gathered all the guys who can speak more than one language and had them wish the fans happy holidays in this video.  We also get to see the pictures next to the Christmas tree taken the day of the Christmas luncheon. My selection below, the rest can be found on Madrid’s web site.