Football is a story that is forever being written, replayed and narrated. There have never been so many expecting eyes on those that gravitate towards the pitch. With the international game the pinnacle we draw the curtains and go beyond the camera flashes to welcome in SoccerBible Magazine Issue 6 and take a look at what it is like on both the stage as well as under the spotlight.
Issue 6 is dedicated to the stage and spotlight that surrounds the world's greatest spectacle and is covered by three different stand-out performers. We sit down with the likes of Raheem Sterling, Mesut Ozil, Gerard Pique, Dele Alli and Gyasi Zardes to strip back the layer of unknown that lives in the head-space of these top flight players.
Raheem Sterling ― Photography by Edd Horder.
A player that perfectly divides opinion. The question is, why? A supreme talent that adds an unpredictable element to any team he plays in, from stepping out of the shadows of Wembley he's dealt with unquestionable attention and still at the age of twenty one.
Paul Pogba ― Photography by Juergen Teller.
One of the most talked about, most sought after and most charismatic leaders on and off the pitch, Paul Pogba has been shot by equally creative pioneer of his own pitch, Juergen Teller. A player relaxed and captured in natural surroundings, it's a collection of images that turns the game on its head.
Mesut Ozil ― Photography by Jordan Curtis-Hughes.
Ruling the park in his own way Mesut Ozil is an enigma. A man who plays the game his own way, carving out opportunity after opportunity with numbers off the chart. He's not interested in numbers though, just as long as they're better than better. Sitting down and getting an idea as to what makes a World Cup winner ahead of another chance to prove himself on the global stage.
Turning attention off the pitch as much as on it, Issue 6 also includes a trip to St. Etienne to take a look at that spot where Michael Owen weaved through the hearts of many to slot that goal into the top corner back in '98 as well as an interview with Michael Regan, the official England photographer as he explains what it is like to get up close ahead of a major tournament.
Layla Anna-Lee gives us a glimpse at life in front of the football inspired lens while further stories come from USMNT Kit Man Jesse Bignami, comeback queen Chelsea Cabarcas, the Nike Academy, a most decorated referee in the shape of Howard Webb and a stylised look at some of the most beautiful garms from the game. Bespoke pull-out design from Vault49, Lola Beltran, ilovedust and Josh Parkin tie this issue together.
'SoccerBible Magazine Issue 6: Stage & Spotlight' is available from today online and in stores worldwide.
