the latest in the world of Real Madrid

One. Madridistas left at the World Cup:  the five with Spain, Pipita, Rafa and Kaká.  The bad thing is that the Netherlands and Brazil are playing each other in the quarterfinals.  There’s news that Rafa is involved in a beard growing competition, along with three of his teammates (including Wesley Sneijder).  They’re aiming to grow their beards as long as their country stays in the World Cup.  And here’s Kaká, during a training session yesterday with ex-Madrid player Julio Baptista. Whatever Kaká is about to do, it looks painful, if we’re to judge by the expression on La Bestia’s face as he waits for it.

And to you Cristiano:  now that you’re on vacation, I expect to see a lot of pictures of you in a swimsuit, and little else.  Just don’t get too tan, ok?

Two. José Mourinho has spoken out about Cristiano, saying that he won’t put all the responsibilities of the team on Cris’ shoulders.  He added that on his teams, when they win, everyone wins, but when they lose, only he (TSO) loses.

Three. And oh yes, we signed Angel di María from Benfica for six years.  It cost us €25 million.  He’s currently playing with Pipita and Argentina at the World Cup.

Four. Speaking of Pipita, he’s looking quite adorable with Argentina.

Five. Congratulations to Mamen Sanz, Raúl’s wife, who got her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Camilo José Cela University recently.  Who else is jealous?  She’s smart, hot, married to Raúl and the mother of five adorable kids.  (It also looks like she’s holding a Chanel purse there).  It’s impressive that she was able to have time to study with five kids!  Raúl was not present at the graduation ceremony, as he had to attend a party at the school of one of his kids.

Lots more!

Six. Well, David Silva slipped away from us, but we still have a very tiny chance with Javi Martínez, one of my new favorites (here’s part of the reason why).  It’s being said that FP talked with Athletic’s president Fernando García Macua recently about Javi.  Macua has set a price of €30 million on Javi’s head, which FP says is unacceptable (he’s willing to only pay half of that).  But if there’s any person skilled at negotiating, it’s FP.

Seven. Los Angeles stalkers, take note:  Madrid will play a friendly against the Galaxy on Aug. 7 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.  But more importantly, will Becks be there?  Will he reunite with Iker?

Eight. While that friendly is set, it’s still unknown who will play Madrid in the annual Trofeo Bernabéu on Aug. 24.  The original intent was to bring in Brazilian team Corinthians (current team of ex-Madrid stars Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo), but that club has said that they cannot make it on that day, since they have to compete in Brazil that week.  That means that Roberto Carlos’ tribute will be postponed.  Another option, if Raúl ends up leaving Madrid, is to have the game as a tribute to him, with Madrid playing a team of superstars from the rest of the world.

Nine. Zidane’s on vacation in Ibiza, with his football-loving sons.  The ultimate family man.  I love him.  I guess the World Cup got too boring?  Or else he was just there for France and Algeria and we all know how that ended.  Picture via Bellazon.

Ten. And lastly, today is the one year anniversary of Kaká’s arrival at the Bernabéu and also of this blog!