Today, the following football personalities celebrate their birthdays:
Macbeth Sibaya (1977) — former South African midfielder. During his career, he played for clubs such as "Rosenborg", "Rubin", as well as domestic "Jomo Cosmos" and "Moroka Swallows". In his time, he was consistently called up to the South African national team's camp.
Evgeny Pokhlybaev (1971) — Ukrainian midfielder. Throughout his career, he played for "Dnipro" and Kyiv's "Dynamo". In the Ukraine national team, Evgeny played 14 matches, in which he did not score any goals. In 1997, due to health problems, Pokhlybaev ended his playing career.
Xabi Alonso (1981) — former Spanish midfielder, who ended his playing career in the summer of 2017. He played for clubs such as "Real Sociedad", "Liverpool", as well as for Madrid's "Real" and Munich's "Bayern", where he currently plays. Alonso is known for his ability to score goals from long distances. In an FA Cup match against "Luton Town" in January 2006, he scored two long-range goals, one of which was a shot from about 60 meters. In September 2006, Alonso scored another goal from his own half in a Premier League match against "Newcastle United". Two-time European champion (2008, 2012) and world champion (2010). Two-time winner of the Champions League. He currently heads "Bayer".