Zidane Promises a Return to Madrid's Attacking Flare

Zinedine Zidane promises return to Real Madrid's attacking flare. 

MADRID (AP) — Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane says he wants to inspire his team to play with the same attacking flare he displayed as a player.

Zidane says "football with a personal touch, with attacking play, is what I'll aim for."

Zidane was speaking Tuesday at his first news conference, a day after replacing the fired Rafa Benitez.

Earlier, the club said more than 6,000 fans turned out to watch the former France great take charge during Madrid's traditional open-door first practice session of the year.

His first game will be on Saturday at home against Deportivo La Coruna in the Spanish league. Madrid trails leader Atletico Madrid by four points and is two points behind defending champion Barcelona, which has a game in hand. -- HAROLD HECKLE, Associated Press

Cristiano Ronaldo Defends Young Japanese Fan

Cristiano Ronaldo already has a great reputation for showing love for his fans and this video proves no different. When a young Japanese boy tried to speak to Ronaldo in his native language, Portuguese, he fumbled. Watch what happened next.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Best Last Minute Goals (Video)

Cristiano Ronaldo is the only player in the history of football to score 50 or more goals in a season on five consecutive occasions. In September 2015, Ronaldo became the all-time top goalscorer in the UEFA Champions League with 82 goals, and in October 2015 he became Real Madrid's all-time leading goalscorer. Here are some of his best last minute goals. [Source]

Lionel Messi Wins 5th Ballon d'Or

Barcelona and Argentina forward Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d'Or award for the world's best player for the fifth time.

The 28-year-old beat club-mate Neymar of Brazil and Real Madrid's Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

Either Messi or Ronaldo, who became a three-time winner last year, have won the past eight awards. -- Source: BBC

Ballon d'Or 2015: CR7 Still Waiting But Doesn't Think He'll Get It

Cristiano Ronaldo anxiously awaiting Ballon d'Or 2015 announcement. Credit: Twitter

Messi will win top prize says Ronaldo, according to the UK Telegraph. The media outlet failed to quote the footballer's observation, so Cristiano Ronaldo probably didn't just say he'd rather not get the honor.

FIFA Ballon d'Or Ceremony 2016 Time and Date

Are you anxious to find out who will win FIFA's Player of the Year? If so, set your watch to GMT. The ceremony starts around 5:30 p.m. GMT at Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland.