A History of Football Winners at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards

In 2013 BBC Sports Personality of the Year will enjoy its 60th annual celebration of sporting achievement in Britain.

To date there have been 26 football winners across all of the individual award categories - Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY), Young Sports Personality of the Year (YSPOTY), Coach of the Year, Overseas Personality, Unsung Hero Award, Helen Rollason Award and Lifetime Achievement Award.

Down the years the winners of these accolades have featured many of British and world football's most famous names, including Bobby Moore, Pele and David Beckham among others.

Ahead of this Sunday's show in Leeds, here's a look at each winner recognised from the sport of football.

1. Bobby Moore (SPOTY, 1966)

In the year that England lifted the World Cup, the winner of Sports Personality of the Year for 1966 could only have been the captain, Bobby Moore, the first footballer to win the award. Pictures of Moore holding the Jules Rimet trophy, while on the shoulders of his teammates remain iconic to this day.

2. Eusebio (Overseas Personality, 1966)

Eusebio shared his Overseas Personality award with West Indian cricketer Garfield Sobers in 1966. The Mozambique-born player was one of Europe's most feared strikers, but really announced himself to the British audience with his achievements at the World Cup in 1966. Eusebio scored 9 goals, including 4 famously against North Korea, to win the Golden Boot.

3. Pele (Overseas Personality, 1970)

In 1970 Pele was the face of Brazil at the World Cup, arguably the best team in the history of football. With the superstar leading the line in Mexico, Brazil won their third World Cup in spectacular fashion. Pele was directly involved in 14 of his country's 19 goals during the tournament.

4. Paul Gascoigne (SPOTY, 1990)

Paul Gascoigne is still one of English football's most celebrated talents, one that most would agree went unfulfilled. His ability and creativity were central to England's run to the World Cup semi finals in 1990, while his famous tears made him a cult hero.

5. Michael Owen (SPOTY, 1998)

Michael Owen burst onto the scene in 1997, finishing his first full season at Liverpool as joint Premier League top scorer. He became England's youngest player when he made his debut against Chile in 1998 and later the same year the teenager's spectacular solo goal against Argentina in the World Cup made him a household name.

6. Alex Ferguson (Coach of the Year, 1999)

In 1999 Alex Ferguson had achieved the unprecedented as manager of Manchester United. Under his guidance the club had pulled off an unforgettable treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League titles in the same season. It is a feat not since matched by any other English team.

7. David Beckham (SPOTY, 2001)

In 2001 David Beckham's performances dragged England to the World Cup in Japan and South Korea. Leading by example throughout the final qualifier against Greece, his stoppage time free kick booked England's automatic place at the finals, avoiding the dreaded playoffs.

8. Sven Goran Eriksson (Coach of the Year, 2001)

England's Swedish coach Sven Goran Eriksson was recognised for his role in masterminding the country's qualification for the 2002 World Cup. Upon taking over from the disaster left behind by Kevin Keegan, Sven set England back to winning ways, including the 5-1 demolition of Germany in Munich.

9. Alex Ferguson (Lifetime Achievement Award, 2001)

After yet more trophies Alex Ferguson was honoured with the lifetime achievement award in 2001. Ferguson had broken the Old Firm dominance with Aberdeen in Scotland before bringing Manchester United's 26 year title drought to an end in 1993. He continued to build United and went on to dominate English football, putting the club firmly back among the best anywhere in the world.

10. Arsene Wenger (Coach of the Year, 2002)

In 2002 Arsene Wenger's Arsenal team completed a league and cup double for the third time in the club's history. Wenger had built a squad combining power and strength with technical quality. The team secured the Premier League title with a win at Old Trafford just days after beating Chelsea in the FA Cup final.

11. Ronaldo (Overseas Personality, 2002)

Ronaldo had overcome career-threatening knee injuries to prove that he was still the best player in the world in 2002. The Brazilian striker walked away from the 2002 World Cup with a winners' medal in one hand and the golden boot in the other, with his reputation very much back intact.

12. Wayne Rooney (YSPOTY, 2002)

In 2002 Wayne Rooney emerged as one of England's most talented ever young players, making his first team debut for Everton in August that year. Rooney went on to score the first goal of his professional career, a stunning winner against Arsenal in October, just days before his 17th birthday.

13. George Best (Lifetime Achievement Award, 2002)

Having been one of British football's finest ever talents, George Best was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement award in 2002. Best died less than three years after receiving the prize due to complications resulting from a liver transplant completed in 2002. The player had lit up English and European football in the 1960s, winning the European Cup with Manchester United in 1968, followed by the Ballon d'Or in the same year.

14. Nobby Woodcock (Unsung Hero, 2003)

Nobby Woodcock was honoured with the inaugural Unsung Hero award in 2003 for his work in grassroots football in his local area. The Newport native started Real Bettws Football Club in 1990 to serve children on his local south Wales estate. Extremely dedicated, Woodcock did everything from coaching, to driving teams to games and washing kits.

15. Arsene Wenger (Coach of the Year, 2004)

Arsene Wenger's second coach of the year award came in 2004 following Arsenal's historic unbeaten season. The Gunners were Premier League champions and had become the first team go through an entire league season without losing a single game since Preston North End in the Football League's inaugural 1888/89 campaign.

16. Abdullah Ben-Kmayal (Unsung Hero Award, 2004)

In 2004 Abdullah Ben-Kmayal was recognised for his work in running Bethwin FC on the North Peckham estate in London. Known to people as Ben, he worked tirelessly to change the lives of young people in an area notorious for gang culture and low socio-economic opportunities.

17. Jose Mourinho (Coach of the Year, 2005)

Jose Mourinho's Chelsea conquered all who stood before them in 2005. The charismatic Portuguese coach captured the imagination of English football and brought the club's first league title in 50 years. A record breaking year, Chelsea had set records for total overall points and fewest goals conceded in a 38 game season.

18. Pele (Lifetime Achievement Award, 2005)

Widely thought of as the world's best ever footballer, it came as little surprise when Pele was presented with the Lifetime Achievement award in 2005. His second BBC award, the Brazilian won three World Cups from the age of 17 and is credited with scoring over 1000 goals during his 22 year career.

19. Geoff Thomas (Helen Rollason Award, 2005)

Given to those who have overcome adversity, the Helen Rollason award was presented to former Crystal Palace player Geoff Thomas in 2005. Thomas had been diagnosed with leukaemia in 2002, but successfully fought the illness. In 2005 he raised £150,000 for the Leukaemia Research Fund by cycling the route of that year's Tour de France - 2,200 miles in 21 days.

20. Theo Walcott (YSPOTY, 2006)

Theo Walcott was a surprise choice for England's World Cup squad in 2006. The teenager didn't make the field in Germany, but his selection was testament to his wonderkid credentials. Walcott had broken into Southampton's first team aged just 16, earning him a move to Arsenal and had become England's youngest ever player aged 17.

21. Bobby Robson (Lifetime Achievement Award, 2007)

Bobby Robson's career in football spanned more than 50 years  and  he was widely regarded as one of English football's best ever managers. He had coached Ipswich Town to a European trophy in 1981 and guided England to the semi finals of the 1990 World Cup. During his career Robson managed some of the best players in the world and was well liked and respected by those who played under him. He died less than two years after receiving his Lifetime Achievement award as a result of terminal lung cancer.

22. Margaret Simons (Unsung Hero Award, 2007)

In 2007, 85 year old Margaret Simons received the Unsung Hero award following her work with Bardwell Football Club. Simons had founded the junior club in 1964, buying kits, balls, refreshments and medical supplies with her own money. In the first year she filled the roles of coach, secretary and treasurer to get the club off the ground.

23. Bobby Charlton (Lifetime Achievement Award, 2008)

Fifty years on from surviving the Munich Air Disaster, Bobby Charlton received the Lifetime Achievement award. Presented with the award by his brother Jack in an emotional ceremony, Charlton was celebrated for his role in Manchester United's rise to European glory as well in England's World Cup winning team. He remains the all time leading goal scorer for both United and England.

24. Ryan Giggs (SPOTY, 2009)

In 2009, following his 12th Premier League title Ryan Giggs had well and truly cemented his place as English football's most decorated player. Having been part of the United first team since 1991, Giggs had become the club's all time leading appearance maker in 2008 after surpassing Bobby Charlton's previous record of 758 games.

25. Fabio Capello (Coach of the Year, 2009)

Fabio Capello guided England through qualification for the 2010 World Cup with enough swagger for many to start believing the team had a chance of victory in South Africa. Honoured as coach of the year in 2009, unfortunately few were thinking the same a year later.

26. David Beckham (Lifetime Achievement Award, 2010)

Recognised for what he had accomplished throughout his career David Beckham was awarded the Lifetime Achievement award in 2010. Beckham had played for some of the world's best clubs, won numerous trophies, captained his country for many years and been an integral part of transforming soccer in America. His involvement in the London 2012 Olympic bid team was also noted.

Pakistan Railways ready to revitalize with China’s help

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Railways would procure 58 locomotives from a Chinese company as part of the plan to improve its overall performance.

Official sources told “Radio Pakistan” that these would be supplied in two years.

In the first batch‚ twenty-three locomotives would be supplied and put on trial. After satisfactory performance of the first batch‚ the remaining locomotives would be acquired.

The sources said as a result of the measures introduced by the government‚ earnings of Pakistan Railways have substantially improved in the first five months of the current financial year.

It generated revenue of over 1339 million rupees from cargo operations alone as against about 507.6 million rupees during same period last year‚ showing 163% increase.

The department is trying to create a balance between passenger and freight operations to generate more revenue and narrow down the gap between earning and expenditure.

Outcry against the ref

Real Madrid left El Sadar stadium greatly angered by the performance of match referee Clos Gómez. The members of the Real Madrid expedition who spoke to the media took full advantage to complain about the referee's performance. "A lot of decisions were made and they were all against us, making the game an uphill struggle", was one of the most repeated sentences.

"They say that one of Ramos' cards wasn't even a foul. Sergio committed two fouls and they weren't particularly harsh. There was contact as both players went for the ball. We're talking about game-changing decisions and this time they all favoured Osasuna," said several Real Madrid players.

Real Madrid's sporting director Miguel Pardeza also spoke about the controversy: "I don't think the first foul was a card. Without it, Sergio Ramos wouldn't have been sent off. I think there was a penalty on Luka Modric which wasn't given and that could have changed the game."

Real Madrid will appeal Sergio Ramos' first yellow card, because in his match notes, Clos Gómez pointed out that he had given it for the foul and not for dissent. The club believes that what happened wasn't a foul and much less a yellow card. Should the appeal be successful, Ramos would be eligible to face Valencia.

Osasuna-Real Madrid Preview: Ronaldo returns for visitors

The Blancos have found life difficult at El Sadar in previous encounters but will be determined to win to keep up the pace with city rivals Atletico and Barcelona at the top

Getty

Real Madrid can continue to mount the pressure on La Liga leaders Barcelona when they travel to face struggling Osasuna on Saturday.
Carlo Ancelotti's men have won their last five league games since losing 2-1 to Barca back in October, and sit only three points adrift of the defending champions in third place.
However, Real have emerged victorious on only one of their last five visits to El Sadar Stadium in Pamplona and are sure to be tested this weekend.

They will be boosted by the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo, who made a goalscoring return to action in their Champions League clash with Copenhagen after missing the previous three games because of a thigh injury.France defender Raphael Varane is still out due to a knee injury, while Fabio Coentrao (thigh) and Sami Khedira (knee) remain on the sidelines.
The hosts have endured a dismal campaign so far and sit only one point above the relegation zone going into this game.
Javi Gracia's men have experienced a minor upturn in form in recent times, winning two of their last seven league meetings, but have already lost 10 games and possess the worst attacking record in the division.
Osasuna have scored a mere 11 times in 15 league games, although Gracia would have been pleased with their offensive performance in their Copa del Rey meeting with Malaga last weekend, which ended in a 3-3 draw.
Still, Gracia will have to cope without key midfielder Patxi Punal, who is suspended after receiving a straight red card in their 3-0 defeat to Valencia earlier this month.
Attacking midfielder Nino (knee) is doubtful, with Miguel Angel de las Cuevas (elbow) and Sisi (knee) both unavailable.

Iran sends second monkey into space: President

An image grab taken from Iran's al Alam TV on January 28, 2013, shows an Iranian scientist at an unknown location holding a live monkey which the Tehran-based Arab-language channel said they sent up into space in a capsule and later retrieved intact. PHOTO: AFP / al Alam TV

TEHRAN: Iran said on Saturday that it had safely returned a monkey to Earth after blasting it into space in the second such launch this year in its controversial ballistic programme.

President Hassan Rouhani congratulated the scientists involved in the mission, in a message carried by Iran’s official IRNA news agency.

In January, Iran said it had successfully brought a live monkey, which it named Pishgam (pioneer), back to Earth from orbit.

But the experiment’s success was disputed, when a different monkey was presented to the media after the landing.

An earlier attempt had failed in September 2011.

Iran’s space programme has prompted concern among Western governments, which fear Tehran is trying to master the technology required to deliver a nuclear warhead.

“By the grace of God and through the efforts of Iranian space scientists, the Pajohesh (research) rocket containing the second live space monkey, named Fargam (Auspicious), was sent into space and brought back to Earth safely,” Rouhani said in his message.

Iran’s space programme was heavily promoted by Rouhani’s controversial predecessor Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who quipped in February that he was “ready to be the first Iranian to be sacrificed by the scientists of my country and go into space, even though I know there are a lot of candidates.”

To the dismay of animal welfare groups, Fargam was following in the footsteps of a menagerie of dogs and monkeys who were among the early stars of the US and Soviet space programmes in the 1960s.

Earlier this year, Iranian space officials raised the prospect of sending a Persian cat into space.

“Iran’s archaic experiment… is a throwback to the primitive techniques of the 1950s,” People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals spokesman Ben Williamson said at the time.

The stated aim of Iran’s programme is a manned launch by 2020.

The programme deeply unsettles Western governments as the technology used in space rockets can also be used in ballistic missiles.

The UN Security Council has imposed an almost total embargo on the export of nuclear and space technology to Iran since 2007.

Tehran denies its space programme has any link with its alleged nuclear ambitions.

China's first lunar rover lands on moon: State TV

This screen grab taken from CCTV live broadcasting footage shows an image (R) of China's first lunar rover transmitted back to the control centre in Beijing after it landed on the moon on December 14, 2013. PHOTO: AFP

BEIJING: A space module carrying China’s first lunar rover landed on the moon Saturday, state television showed, the first soft landing on the moon in nearly four decades and a major step for the emerging superpower’s ambitious space programme.

Scientists burst into applause as a computer generated image representing the spacecraft was seen landing on the moon’s surface via screens at a Beijing control centre, state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) showed, 12 days after Chang’e-3 blasted off on a Long March-3B carrier rocket.

China is set to become just the third country to carry out a moon rover mission, following the United States and former Soviet Union, which also made the last soft landing on the moon 37 years ago.

The probe touched down on an ancient 400-kilometre (250-mile) wide plain known in Latin as Sinus Iridum, or The Bay of Rainbows.

The landing was previously described as the “most difficult” part of the mission by the Chinese Academy of Sciences in a post on Chang’e-3′s microblogging page on Sina Weibo, a Chinese Twitter equivalent.

The probe used sensors and 3D imaging to identify a flat surface. Thrusters were then deployed 100 metres (330 feet) from the lunar surface to gently guide the craft into position.

The landing marks the latest step in an ambitious space programme which is seen as a symbol of China’s rising global stature and technological advancement, as well as the Communist Party’s success in reversing the fortunes of the once impoverished nation.

It comes a decade after the country first sent an astronaut into space, and ahead of plans to establish a permanent space station by 2020 and eventually send a human to the moon

Islamists welcome at peace talks: Syrian rebels

Syrian rebels say they are ready to include Islamist fighters as part of their delegation to the Geneva peace talks aimed at putting an end to Syria's civil war.

Senior rebel official Monzer Akbik told reporters in London that the opposition is "keen to form a delegation that will be as wide as possible" and that the Islamic Front, an umbrella group of Islamist rebels, is welcome to send representatives to the talks.

The Islamic Front, which represents half a dozen of Syria's most powerful rebel brigades, is independent of the Western-backed Free Syrian Army as well as the Nusra Front and Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, both of which are linked to al-Qaeda.

Syria's peace conference is planned for January.