Some of them have been there, a few of them have done it - but do the managers who are guiding 24 national sides at Euro 2016 really know what their players are going through? Here, Sportsmail takes a look at the men in the dugout when they too were idolised as players and the football cards representing them that were swapped and bartered for by children at the time.
Cristiano Ronaldo has backed Manchester United's incoming manager Jose Mourinho to bring the good times back to the club with the Portuguese boss poised to be announced on Thursday. The Red Devils and Mourinho have been locked in negotiations following the sacking of Louis van Gaal but he is now expected to be unveiled as the new man in charge at Old Trafford. And Ronaldo, who spent six years in Manchester, hopes Mourinho can take the club back to the summit of world football and fix the club's underlying problems.
INTERVIEW BY MATT LAWTON: England boss Roy Hodgson will lose two of his key staff members following the conclusion of this summer's European Championship in France.
Is Jose Mourinho the right man to restore Manchester United to former glories? Or will he once again prove an abrasive and divisive character? We asked our reporters for their opinions on his appointment.
EXCLUSIVE: Manchester United are lining up a £54million move for Atletico Madrid's Saul Niguez as part of the new era under Jose Mourinho and are interested in Roma's Kostas Manolas.
CHARLES SALE: There is a possibility Mourinho's initial press conference as United boss will not take place until after Euro 2016, which is also the case with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
The season is over, but the summer transfer hubbub is just beginning. Incoming Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has already set his sights on Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez.
Arsenal face a battle to hold on to Hector Bellerin this summer with Barcelona making the right back their top target to replace Dani Alves, according to reports in Spain on Thursday.
Daniel Sturridge is in danger of missing Euro 2016, with teenage sensation Marcus Rashford ready to seize the opportunity to join England in France this summer.
Former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti's new book on management reveals what it's like to work with Manchester United target Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The enigmatic Swede has also contributed to the book about the managers he has played for.
Six months ago he was head coach at Real Madrid but, from August, Rafa Benitez will be managing in the Championship after committing his immediate future to Newcastle. After a fortnight of deliberations and discussions with high-ranking officials at St James' Park, the Spaniard has opted to stay in the North East, despite seeing the Magpies relegated from the Premier League at the end of last season.
The Belgium international has spoken of his desire to win titles and trophies and is prepared to leave in order to do so. Chelsea and Manchester United have been linked with his signature.
Dani Alves now looks almost certain to join Juventus on a three-year contract with the Brazilian defender bringing to an end a glorious eight year spell at Barcelona.
Bayern Munich have suggested that Mario Gotze's playing future at the club may remain on the bench, even though he showed his desire to earn a starting spot.
Ryan Giggs is quite clearly a Manchester United legend. From youth squad to the first team, player-coach to assistant manager, his 29 years at Old Trafford have been quite a ride. Following the departure of Louis van Gaal this week, Giggs is weighing up his future and could leave upon the arrival of new manager Jose Mourinho. Here, Sportsmail delves deep into the archives to take a look back at his career from the very beginning, sharing a picture from each year of his 29 at Manchester United.
JACK GAUGHAN:Jose Mourinho's move to Manchester United is being dogged by the fact that Chelsea have trademarked his name and still hold the rights. The Portuguese manager's name was registered with the Intellectual Property Office by Chelsea on both occasions he managed at Stamford Bridge.
Jose Mourinho could be announced as Manchester United's new manager on Thursday. United are confident they will be able to announce the deal after concerns about his image rights were ironed out.
Manchester United are understood to have offered Ryan Giggs a role designed to bridge the gap between their first team and Under 21s. His future is uncertain after Louis van Gaal's sacking.
Bastian Schweinsteiger has thanked departing Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal and is looking forward to a 'special season' under his expected successor Jose Mourinho.
With Jose Mourinho expected to be appointed as Manchester United's new manager, his close friendship with Sir Alex Ferguson - whom he calls 'the boss' - is only set to strengthen.
The imminent arrival of Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford has raised fears that United's proud tradition of playing their own could come to an end. But what is the manager's record when it comes to youth?
Australian women soccer team the Matildas have had a shock 7-0 loss to a Newcastle Jets under-15 boys team in Newcastle on Wednesday in a disastrous preparation for the Rio Olympics. Although missing their international stars the Matildas still fielded an experienced team, including co-captains Lisa De Vanna and Claire Polkinghorne alongside of former AFC player of the year Katrina Gorry, Caitlin Foord and Michelle Heyman.
LeBron James scored 23 points then sat the fourth quarter, Kevin Love scored 25, and Cleveland unleashed tenacious defense on Toronto to regain control of the Eastern Conference finals with a 116-78 rout of the Raptors in Game 5 on Wednesday night. On their court in front of 20,000-plus screaming, towel-waving fans following two straight losses in Canada, the Cavaliers opened a 34-point lead in the first half, pushed it to 43 in the second and took a 3-2 series lead. They can clinch their second straight conference title and trip to the NBA Finals with a win in Game 6 on Friday night in Toronto.
Dele Alli is in line for a mega-money adidas boot deal that will send his global profile soaring. It is believed the deal could be worth in excess of £8million to Alli over a minimum of five years.
England plan to fast-track left-sided central defenders into their senior set-up after Euro 2016. Sportsmail understands Middlesbrough's Ben Gibson is one of the players being looked at.
The internet-age equivalent of a message in a bottle, Joey Barton's social media posts have a tendency to wash back ashore at the most inopportune moments.
Trust Sergio Ramos to rise above the routine and the mundane at Real Madrid's media day this week and liken winning the Champions League to making love. He stopped short of going into full Swiss Tony mode ahead of Saturday's showdown, but when he was asked if winning his second European Cup would top the first time he said: 'The first time - it's like when you make love. You always remember it but it's true that you can get better because we are usually a disaster the first time. So the first time is special but I'm ambitious and optimistic and I want to keep topping up my curriculum with more trophies.' Earlier in the day, Ramos's partner in the centre of Real Madrid's defence Pepe had also faced the world's media. Nobody expected him to still be at the top of his profession in 2016. Back in 2013 Jose Mourinho all but consigned him to the scrap heap declaring Raphael Varane the man to take Madrid forward.
Gareth Bale has stoked the flames ahead of the Champions League final in Milan on Saturday, by claiming that no Atletico Madrid player would get into his Real team. The 26-year-old Wales international has enjoyed a prosperous season with Los Blancos, scoring 19 goals in 30 games in all competitions - two more than last term, in 18 fewer matches played.
Manchester United and Chelsea have been linked with moves for Griezmann, who is considering his future after another impressive season with Atletico Madrid.
Cristiano Ronaldo appears to have ended any hopes Manchester United harbour of bringing their former talisman back to Old Trafford by declaring he will end his career at Real Madrid.
Two years on from their defeat by Real Madrid in the Champions League final, Atletico Madrid are back on the same stage and are determined not to be haunted by the memories of Lisbon.
The Real Madrid captain likens winning the European Cup to sex as he prepares to face fierce rivals Atletico Madrid in the Champions League final on Saturday.
PETE JENSON: The brotherhood has always been based on a clear hierarchy with Madrid dominating and Atletico only piping-up to win something every now and then.
Lewis Hamilton signed autographs for his supporters at the Circuit de Monaco on Wednesday, prior to this weekend's Formula One Grand Prix. The Briton goes into the race with form and recent history against him as he bids to close the gap on championship leader, and team-mate, Nico Rosberg; he trails the German by 43 points, five races into the season. Rosberg has won the past three races in Monaco, while things have been more problematic for Hamilton - whose only win in the microstate was while driving for McLaren in 2008.
MIKE DICKSON: Andy Murray was playing inside a packed, sometimes frenzied stadium but there were times when you felt like sending out a search party for him. As the world No 2 admitted after a narrow escape into the French Open third round: 'I lost my way on the court for quite a while.' The question now is how heavy a price he will pay for the seven-and-a-quarter hours he has spent in clay court combat already, against two players with an aggregate ranking of 293.
World champion Hamilton has cleared the air with his Mercedes team-mate Rosberg following their spectacular collision at the Spanish Grand Prix on May 15.
Nate Diaz believes talk of a boxing match between Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather has been created to distract fans from the fact he beat the Irishman in March.
Harlequins second-rower James Horwill has earned a surprise recall to the Australia squad for the series with England. There is also a surprise call-up for Bath back-row forward Leroy Houston
Ayr United turn heads with racy kit launch
The newly-promoted Scottish Championship side continued their annual tradition of showing off their strip
ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC: Only three players can make the difference: Ronaldo, Messi and me
In his new book, Carlo Ancelotti tells all about the enigmatic Swede
Loftus-Cheek double all but puts Young Lions into Toulon final
England U21s made it three wins from three with a resounding 4-0 victory over Paraguay
Hamilton reveals clear the air talks with Rosberg as he shows off customised bike
The world champ has a new set of wheels after setting record straight
Barton: So what if I said I was a Celtic fan?
Joey Barton's social media posts have a tendency to wash back ashore at the most inopportune moments...
Who will win the Champions League final?
Now share your opinion
Leicester players attend Vardy's wedding
Jamie Vardy, who was given permission to miss England's friendly on Friday, tied the knot with Rebekah Nicholson
It's wedding season as Arsenal's Szczesny enjoys lavish ceremony with singer
On-loan Roma goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny's happy day
Nothing much on? McGregor relaxes by the beach with his girlfriend as UFC star awaits news of a rematch with Diaz
Chilling in Los Angeles with time on his hands
Karius is a big-game player, rarely puts a foot wrong and is a social media hit. So will he replace Mignolet?
Jurgen Klopp has got his hands on a new keeper
Mourinho's move to United could be held up by Chelsea's trademark of his name
And rivals are still flogging bargain bin merchandise
Zlatan gears up for Euro 2016 in £661,000 Porsche 918 Spyder
Talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic sped into Sweden's Stockholm base in the swish motor
Coman turns heads as France squad meet up
Didier Deschamps' hosts assembled for the first time... and Kingsley Coman's attire will surely be a hot topic
Alonso, Verstappen and F1 drivers beat Ranieri's All Stars XI
Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen were among those who showed off their skills
Scholes, Redknapp and Schmeichel among the stars of sport lining up at Wentworth alongside golfing greats
At BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am
Strauss and Pietersen bury the hatchet at BMW PGA Celebrity Pro-Am at Wentworth
Feud between pair has gone on for years at top of English cricket
'I've been watching him for a long time': Wenger gets his man as Xhaka completes £35m switch after agreeing £110,000-a-week deal
Done deal
Golden State Warriors on the brink of failing to reach play-offs after defeat by Oklahoma City Thunder leaves them trailing 3-1
More pain for Curry
Sharapova beams despite doping scandal
Two-time French Open winner won't be going anywhere near Roland Garros, so her business interests have taken over
Atletico Madrid limber up for Champions League final
Antoine Griezmann, Fernando Torres and Co prepare for the biggest game of their season
Barton joins Rangers as former England international signs two-year deal
Joey Barton was Burnley's player of the year last season
You staying? Giggs pops into hotel near Old Trafford as he waits to discover what Mourinho will offer in Manchester United revolution
At the Lowry Hotel
Mourinho emerges from London home as his agent Mendes meets Woodward in bid to seal three-year deal at Manchester United
Bags taken from house
History boys! Wales fly off to Portugal to begin their pre-Euro 2016 training camp
Chris Coleman hopes Joe Ledley will be fit for the finals
CANTONA AT 50: How King Eric conquered the Premier League to spark United's golden age of dominance
Premier League superstar
Hummels poses with Bayern shirt after completing £30m move from rivals Dortmund
Germany defender has rejoined the club he left back in 2009
Going somewhere, Jose? Boxes removed from Mourinho's London home as he prepares to replace Louis van Gaal
Ex-Chelsea boss is on his way to Manchester
Fabregas andSilva join Premier League's other Spanish stars as they touch down in Madrid
Vicente del Bosque's men are beginning their Euro 2016 preparations
Brendan's back! Rodgers says Celtic are 'one of the biggest clubs in the world'
Former Liverpool boss was all smiles as he returned to management
On cloud canine! Sanchez jets back to Chile with his pet dogs
The Arsenal star would not leave his pets, Atom and Humber, back in a north London kennel
Blackwell blasts 'disgusting' Chris Eubank Snr for 'grabbing attention' while he lay in a coma
Blackwell labels the Eubanks as 'inhuman'
Stars in stripes: Arsenal unveil new home kit for the 2016-17 campaign
Club reveal Alexis Sanchez will wear the No 7 shirt next season
Sealed with a kiss! Barca break Sevilla hearts in Copa del Rey
A moment of divine intervention from Lionel Messi helped Barcelona complete the double
Terim ticked off after using mobile to moan about Kane's goal
Fatih Terim appeared to complain about a decision with the use of phone footage
Leicester take their South East Asia tour to Shwedagon Pagoda
Claudio Ranieri and his squad took part in a ritual with Buddhist monks in Myanmar
It's the Vardy penalty!
Jamie Vardy may have bagged the winner against Turkey but Ian Wright and Lee Dixon questioned his methods in winning spot-kicks
Oh, what a night!
Manchester United players arrived back at their hotel at 4am after their FA Cup celebrations - and their friends stayed till dawn
Make a wish...
Novak Djokovic was presented with a birthday cake which featured edible tennis balls and a miniature racket... but will he win the French Open?
Guardiola breaks down again during party
Pep Guardiola signed off from his Bayern Munich career with victory in the German Cup... and he got quite emotional
Is it Alan Pardew or David Brent?
Alan Pardew will forever be associated with the FA Cup, and now his dodgy dancing will live long in the memory
FA Cup final pre-show descends into farce as Harding misses cue
It was one of the biggest moments of Karen Harding's life, but she failed to hit the high note
Haye destroys Gjergjaj inside two rounds
The former world champion dispatched his opponent with ease and will now face old warrior Shannon Briggs
Belgium's stars looked in good spirits as they spent some time away from the training ground and enjoyed a team bonding trip. Ahead of Euro 2016, one of the pre-tournament favourites have been busy preparing during a training camp in Switzerland. But manager Marc Wilmots allowed his players some free time as they visited some of the spectacular views on offer.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic looked fully focused on Wednesday as he trained for the first team with Sweden's Euro 2016 squad following his arrival to the camp.
After touching down in Switzerland on Tuesday afternoon, Germany's top stars have begun their preparations for Euro 2016 with a training session in the sunshine. Joachim Low and his reigning world champions are in Ascona, a picturesque town on the banks of Lake Maggiore, ahead of the European Championship in France, where they will ramp up preparations for the tournament.
Gareth Bale believes Wales have a similar team spirit to Premier League champions Leicester - and the star forward is anticipating an emotional affair when his team meet England at Euro 2016.
Eric Dier does not consider himself one of England's main men despite appearing to be a certainty to start in Roy Hodgson's midfield at Euro 2016. Dier has played in England's last five games.
Germany manager Joachim Low says he is unconcerned about the fitness levels of the squad he picked in the build-up to Euro 2016, despite having only 16 players in training on Wednesday.
The 23-year-old Walsall frontman, who made his debut against Ukraine in March, will leave the Welsh base at the Vale do Lobo resort in Portugal on Thursday and is a major doubt for the tournament.
Stephen Quinn, who featured in four of the five away games in the qualifiers, is desperate to make the final 23, but revealed he has been given no indication if he's in the manager's thoughts.
Martin O'Neill will give James McCarthy as long as he dares to prove his fitness before the Republic of Ireland depart for the European Championship on Wednesday week.
Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford looks set to be handed his Euro 2016 audition at the Stadium of Light, after shrugging off injury fears to declare himself fit to face Australia on Friday. Rashford was an doubt for England's penultimate warm-up match before heading to France for the tournament after being withdrawn in the second-half of United's dramatic FA Cup final win over Crystal Palace.
Ireland striker Robbie Keane is already enjoying his time in the Ireland camp as Euro 2016 preparations step up ahead of next month's tournament.
The midfielder and his fiancee were left grieving in December when their daughter was still-born, and the tragedy has given him a perspective on the profession which has helped him to move on.
Every international tournament brings with it iconic moments that stay in the mind of football supporters forever. Those memories are often affected by the coverage surrounding the game.
Managers across Europe are revealing the squads they hope will snatch glory in France this summer. Here Sportsmail lists every player in every squad, at the tournament.
ENGLAND U21 4-0 PARAGUAY U23: Lewis Baker opened the scoring with a beautifully curled finish in the first half before his Chelsea team-mate Loftus-Cheek added a second-half brace. Norwich midfielder Nathan Redmond scored his second stunning goal of the tournament to complete the rout. Gareth Southgate's side still need to play Japan in their final group game, but can afford to rest players as only a defeat by an almost impossible margin and huge victory for Paraguay against Portugal will prevent them from reaching the final.
The kit launches for next season are in full swing - but Scottish side Ayr United have outdone football clubs across the globe with their 2016-17 shirt promotion. The Honest Men won promotion to the Scottish Championship and were understandingly keen on making an impact with their kit launch ahead of the new campaign. And make an impact they did - with topless model Sabine Jemeljanova ditching her clothes to promote Ayr United's kit covered in just body paint.
Andrej Kramaric became the Foxes' record signing in January of last year in a £9.5million deal but he failed to live up to his price tag, scoring just four times. Having enjoyed the Barclays Premier League champions' victory parade earlier this month, despite playing just twice in Leicester's charge for the title, the 24-year-old is now moving on.
Since hanging up his boots three years ago, former Manchester United and Everton defender Phil Neville has gained varied experiences across the game but he will now be leaving Spain.
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers wants to renew his working relationship from his time at the Liberty Stadium and Vicarage Road with Sunderland striker Danny Graham.
Leicester rejected a £5m bid from Arsenal in January and Liverpool may improve their offer for the talented teeanger if their initial approach is rejected by the Premier League champions.
Paris Saint-Germain are continuing their pursuit of Leicester City's N'Golo Kante. The 25-year-old has informed the French champions that he preferred to stay in the Premier League.
Jiangsu Suning are one of three Chinese clubs thought to have targeted Toure, and are prepared to make the Manchester City midfielder one of the highest-paid players in the world.
Former Burnley and Bolton boss Owen Coyle has left his role as Houston Dynamo head coach by mutual consent in order to be closer to his family in England.
Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Switzerland international Granit Xhaka after securing the final details of a £35million deal to bring in the midfielder from Borussia Monchengladbach. Xhaka has put pen to paper on a five-year contract worth £110,000-per-week and has passed a medical ahead of his move going through when the transfer window opens next week. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said: 'Granit Xhaka is an exciting young player, already with good Champions League and Bundesliga experience. We have been watching him for a long time now.'
Jurgen Klopp has got his man. As Liverpool confirmed on Tuesday, German goalkeeper Loris Karius has signed a five-year-deal which sees him move from Mainz to Merseyside. Karius is seen as one of Germany's most talented young keepers, having established himself as an indispensable force at Mainz over the last two years. Sportsmail gives you the full lowdown on the man who is set to take Anfield by storm.
As a youngster at Swindon, Ritchie was never fit enough. There were reasons, most of them in a colourful wrapper, why he never thought of himself as an athletic footballer.
Luis Diego Lopez has emerged as the surprise name on the list for a potential new Leeds boss. Steve Evans remains in charge but Massimo Cellino has been sounding out candidates.
The 53-year-old Dutchman will resist the lure of Everton and commit his future to the Saints. Koeman has broken Southampton's record Premier League points tally twice in two seasons.
Rafa Benitez will consider a move for Fulham striker Ross McCormack once he focuses his attention on rebuilding his squad for their campaign in the Championship.
Aitor Karanka's side beat off stiff competition from Austria's Red Bull Salzburg for the 21-year-old - who will leave for international duty with Denmark after completing the transfer.
Sen pushed Croatian referee Ivan Bebek on the right arm after being shown a second yellow card in stoppage time of Fenerbahce's 4-1 Europa League defeat to Braga back in March.
MIKE DICKSON IN PARIS: Heather Watson was the last British woman standing at the French Open but was bundled out on Wednesday morning when outplayed by former champion Svetlana Kuznetsova. The British No 2 was beaten 6-1 6-3 in 72 minutes by the player who won the title in 2009. The scoreline was slightly harsh on Watson, who pushed her opponent hard in the second set but was ultimately outclassed.
The rain that came at the beginning of the week at Roland Garros has resulted in a host of scheduling difficulties, with first-round matches only completed at 2pm. By that time some players
The Pole is the second seed at Roland Garros, but clay is her least favourite surface and she has only once made the quarter-finals. She will meet Czech Barbora Strycova in the next round.
Keep track of all the latest results from the men's and women's singles from the French Open. Stick with Sportsmail for the best coverage from Roland Garros.
Bristol finally completed their seven-year quest to return to the Premiership, beating Doncaster Knights on aggregate at Ashton Gate. With three previous failures at the final stage of the Championship playoffs etched into their minds, Bristol would not let it be a fourth. The Knights actually won the match in the last minute but it would not matter.
Andrew Strauss and Kevin Pietersen appeared to have put their differences behind them as they shook hands and smiled for the camera at the BMW PGA Celebrity Pro-Am at Wentworth.
Michele Di Rocco insists the hardest part of any fight is already completed as he prepares for his vacant WBA super-lightweight title battle with Ricky Burns. The Coatbridge fighter, 33, bids to become Scotland's first three-weight world champion at Glasgow's SSE Hydro on Saturday night.
LAWRENCE BOOTH AT CHESTER-LE-STREET: Nick Compton has admitted he will be playing for his career when the second Investec Test against Sri Lanka begins on Friday.
Glitz and glamour hits the Formula One calendar this weekend as round six of the championship arrives for the Monaco Grand Prix. Sportsmail gives you all you need to know ahead of the Monte Carlo race
Fast bowler Mitchell Starc expects to need a couple of games to get up to express pace but is looking forward to coming back from injury on Australia's Caribbean tour next month.
Wilder was originally scheduled to fight mandatory challenger Povetkin on May 21. While the WBC investigates, Wilder has approval for a voluntary defense of the belt.
The Japanese Olympic Committee on Wednesday established a team to investigate whether any illegal payments were made during its successful bid for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Exeter are 'disgruntled' that their scrum-half, Will Chudley, had to endure trial by television before being cleared to play in Saturday's Aviva Premiership final against Saracens at Twickenham.
Sportsmail racing expert Robin Goodfellow gives his hottest selections ahead of Thursday's meetings at Sandown, Chelmsford City, Bangor, Haydock and Newcastle.
Frankie Dettori says he has nowhere near the confidence in Investec Derby favourite Wings of Desire as he had in Golden Horn leading up to his 2015 success.
With Premier League clubs up and down the country hoping to strengthen their squad and offload dead wood, Sportsmail has every summer move covered with this handy guide.
Keep track of all the latest new Premier League strips released throughout the summer as Sportsmail brings you all the kits as they released and provides an overall rating too.
As domestic campaigns across Europe prepare to get rolling again with tours and local fixtures across the globe. Here are all the Premier League pre-season fixtures and results.
SHERIDAN BIRD: In polite company most people say they visited Milan to see the 650-year-old cathedral, Scala Opera House and fashion boutiques. Ask again in private and a large percentage will admit they were really desperate to go to the San Siro.
ROB DRAPER'S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE COLUMN: There are some major Premier League clubs which seems to regard qualification for the Champions League as an end in itself.
DOMINIC KING: The dressing room doesn't get fooled. When there is hype around a certain individual, the best gauge will always be found within the inner sanctum as to whether it is merited.
I don't believe there has ever been a better era for British boxing and this weekend Britain has the opportunity to add two more world champions to its stunning roster.
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