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If you hadn't heard, there's a new "New Lionel Messi" in town and his name is Takefusa Kubo, who has just signed for Real Madrid.
The 18-year-old prodigy has joined Real's Castilla youth team from FC Tokyo, having previously spent time training in Barcelona's academy ranks earlier in his teens. That ended badly when FIFA ruled that the Spanish club violated international transfer regulations over the signing of young players, forcing the teenager to return home in 2015.
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A diminutive attacking midfielder with quick feet, it should come as little surprise to learn that Kubo has already been dubbed "The Japanese Messi" by those in the know -- which, as comparatively recent history has proved, could turn out to be a blessing or a curse.
Here's a list of but a few of the players to have been saddled with that most weighty of nicknames over the years.
Wedding bells ring for Ramos
Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos has been with partner Pilar Rubio for seven years, they have three children together (Sergio Jr., Marco and Alejandro) and a year ago, the 33-year-old proposed to Pilar. And on this gloriously sunny day in Ramos' hometown of Sevilla, the pair are getting married.
[DIRECTO 🔴] Boda Sergio Ramos y Pilar Rubio: flores negras y chaqué clásico para Sergio Ramos y mantilla y vestido largo para su madre https://t.co/nE2IwL5FSP #Sevillahoy Vídeo: @ManuFerGomezFot pic.twitter.com/Jd7y3KmUs2
— ABC Sevilla DIRECTO (@DirectoABCSev) June 15, 2019
Ramos looks as dapper as ever on this special day, his black windowpane suit perfectly balancing the ornate feel of the occasion while still serving up the Spain international's unmistakable personality, and his hair is arguably more perfectly coiffed than it's ever been. And Rubio's dress features a pattern that neatly recalls the detail of Ramos' threads.
[DIRECTO 🔴] Boda Sergio Ramos y Pilar Rubio: detalles del vestido de la novia https://t.co/nE2IwL5FSP #Sevillahoy Fotos: Juan Flores pic.twitter.com/Jhbzv9Ccql
— ABC Sevilla DIRECTO (@DirectoABCSev) June 15, 2019
It's a beautiful day, in a beautiful locale, celebrating the union of two beautiful people wearing beautiful clothes. It's ... just ... beautiful.
Of course, Ramos being Madrid captain and among the leaders of the Spanish national team, you'd expect a who's who of footballers at his wedding. And you'd be correct.
Luka Modric took time away from fending off Eden Hazard's attempts to snatch the No. 10 shirt from his locker. Julio Baptista followed Ramos from Sevilla to Madrid, hasn't played alongside the groom in more than 11 years, but he's returned to the Andalusian capital for the celebration. David and Victoria Beckham are providing the royal feeling for proceedings. Madrid president Florentino Perez is in attendance, which would've been awkward had Ramos pushed harder for that move to the Chinese Super League earlier this summer. The king of Seville, Joaquin, is taking in the greatest celebration of nuptials his city will see this summer.
Be sure to check back tomorrow as we come back with all the details and photos from the beautiful union of Ramos and Rubio.