name	Tweet
background	solo_singer
birth name	Charlene Keys
birth date	January 21, 1972
birth place	Rochester, New York, United States
instrument	Vocals, guitar
genre	R&B;, soul, neo soul
occupation	Singer-songwriter, guitarist
years active	1994–present
label	The Goldmind, Elektra, Atlantic, Umbrella Recordings, DuBose Music Group
associated acts	Missy Elliott, Timbaland, Aaliyah, Swing Mob, Ms. Jade, The Dresden Soul Symphony, Sugah
website	}}

Tweet (born Charlene Keys, January 21, 1972) is an American R&B; and soul singer-songwriter.

Biography

Early years

The youngest child of Tom and Shirley Keys, Tweet was born in Rochester, New York on January 21, 1972, and grew up singing in the church along with her parents and her four older siblings (three brothers, Tom, Cedric and Lonnie, and one sister, Sundra). Among them, the five children mastered instruments such as the piano, guitar, bass guitar, drums, and many more.

As a young girl, Tweet was inspired not only by her family, but also by larger-than-life divas Janet Jackson, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, and Whitney Houston (whom she later worked with). Tweet's first steps into a career in the music industry first began when she enrolled in Rochester's School of the Arts. In 1990, at the age of nineteen, Tweet gave birth to her daughter, Tashawna. Tashawna can be seen singing on YouTube with Corey Mekell, they refer to each other as big brother/lil sister. Tashawna is also seen on a YouTube clip with her mother.

In the early nineties, Tweet joined the female duo Sugah, leaving her daughter with her parents in Panama City, Florida, while Tweet relocated to many places. Sugah was composed of Tweet, Susan Weems, and Rolita White, and was a part of Devante Swing's Swing Mob collective. While there, she met Timbaland, Magoo, Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott (who at the time was a part of Sista), Playa, Ginuwine, and Renee Anderson who were also all apart of the Swing Mob collective. During her time with Sugah, Tweet formed a close friendship with Elliott.

Around 1999 with Sugah going nowhere, no album to show, and many broken promises, Tweet returned to her parents' home in Panama City penniless and depressed. After Tweet fell into a deeper depression after a string of bad relationships and a number of jobs she had suicidal thoughts, but she received a phone call from Elliott, calling to ask if Tweet would contribute background vocals on her then-latest album ''Miss E… So Addictive''. Tweet felt she could tell Elliott about her situation and what she was going through. To this day she calls Elliott her "Guardian Angel".

In 2000, Tweet began recording vocals for Elliott's album and was also reunited with her old friends from the Swing Mob days, Timbaland, Magoo, Playa, and Ginuwine. She also recorded vocals for Timbaland and Magoo's follow-up to their platinum-selling 1997 debut album, ''Welcome to Our World'', and Timbaland's solo album, ''Tim's Bio: Life from da Bassment''. In 2001, Elliott released her platinum-selling third album, ''Miss E… So Addictive'', with Tweet contributing vocals to five tracks. 2001 also saw the release of Ja Rule's ''Pain Is Love'', Bubba Sparxxx's ''Dark Days, Bright Nights'', Petey Pablo's ''Diary of a Sinner: 1st Entry'', and Timbaland and Magoo's ''Indecent Proposal'', on all of which Tweet contributed vocals.

''Southern Hummingbird'' (2002)

In March 2002, Tweet entered the charts with her debut solo single, "Oops (Oh My)", a risqué song about self-loving and appreciation. The song was produced by Timbaland and featured guest vocals by Missy Elliott. The single hit number one on the Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs and number seven on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, with the help of a remix featuring Fabolous. In April 2002, Tweet released her debut album ''Southern Hummingbird'' to mostly strong reviews. The album featured production by Craig Brockman, Nisan Stewart, guitarist John "Jubu" Smith, Timbaland (who contributed four tracks) and Tweet herself. It also featured guest vocals by Elliott on "Oops (Oh My)", Bilal on "Best Friend", and BeatClub Records' Ms. Jade on "Sexual Healing (Oops Pt. 2)", and included a bonus track performed by Elliott, "Big Spender". The album was filled with soul-stirring vocals and lyrics taken from Tweet's own life experiences. The album spawned another two singles, Timbaland-produced "Call Me", and the radio single "Smoking Cigarettes", which had a video shot and directed by Little X but was never released. The album debuted at number three on the ''Billboard'' 200 chart.

That year Tweet appeared as a guest vocalist on Trina's second single from her hit album ''Diamond Princess''. The song was called "No Panties" and was written and produced by Missy Elliott and Nisan Stewart. Tweet also appeared on Meshell Ndegeocello's ''Cookie: The Anthropological Mixtape'', Karen Clark Sheard's ''2nd Chance'', Ms. Jade's ''Girl Interrupted'', Whitney Houston's ''Just Whitney...'' and Elliott's ''Under Construction''. Tweet appeared on four of the tracks and also made a cameo performance in both videos released from the album, "Work It" and "Gossip Folks". Tweet was nominated for a Soul Train Lady of Soul Award (among others) for Best New Artist but lost to Ashanti. However, that year Tweet was awarded the Key To The City for Rochester, New York. Along with Missy Elliott, Lil' Kim, DMX, Toni Braxton, Queen Latifah, Ananda Lewis, Playa, Jamie Foxx, Lil' Mo, AJ, Free (among others), Tweet appeared in the late Aaliyah's posthumous hit single, "Miss You".

With 2003 came more guest vocals appearances: Madonna's ''American Life The Remixes Single'', Monica's ''After the Storm'', Mark Ronson's ''Here Comes the Fuzz'', and Angie Stone's ''Stone Love'' on the 2004 Grammy Award-nominated song "U-Haul".

Tweet turned to acting, having a cameo appearance in the film ''Honey'', directed by music video director Billie Woodruff and starring Jessica Alba, Mekhi Phifer, Lil' Romeo, Joy Bryant and Missy Elliott. Tweet's other acting credits include an episode of the comedy series ''The Parkers'' in 2002, in which she performed "Oops (Oh My)" and "Smoking Cigarettes". Tweet also appeared on the ''Honey'' soundtrack on the Elliott-produced "Thugman". Tweet also performed "Hypnotic" in the film, but it is not featured on the soundtrack.

''It's Me Again'' (2005)

In 2004, Tweet appeared in another of Elliott's music videos, "I'm Really Hot", off of ''This Is Not a Test!'', but Tweet was absent from the album as a vocalist. Tweet also appeared on the posthumous unreleased Elliott-produced Aaliyah track "Where Could He Be". The song did enjoy slight radio success, but has not yet been released officially. Missy Elliott made her move from Elektra Entertainment Group to Atlantic Records, taking Tweet and The Goldmind Inc. with her.

During 2003 and 2004, Tweet began recording songs for her follow-up to her Gold-certified album ''Southern Hummingbird'' which was supposed to be released in early 2004, but due to the label changes, was pushed back. In late 2004, Tweet joined Cee-Lo Green and Teedra Moses on the 2004 Seagram's Gin Live Tour in promotion of her new single, "Turn da Lights Off" The song was produced by Missy Elliott and Kwamé, featured vocals from Elliott and contained a sample of Marvin Gaye's "If This World Were Mine" and Nat King Cole's "Lost April". While on tour, Tweet performed her old tracks, and premiered her new single and some of her newer tracks, including "My Man" and "Sports, Sex & Food".

On March 22, 2005, Tweet released her second album ''It's Me Again''. The album featured production from Missy Elliott on seven of the tracks, Craig Brockman, Nisan Stewart, brothers Charlie Bereal and Kenny Bereal, Walter Milsap III, Kwamé, The Goldmind Inc.'s Soul Diggaz, Marty Cintron III, Madball Entertainment and, Timbaland and Tweet (who both only contributed producing credits on one track each). The album featured vocals from Tweet's 15-year-old daughter, Tashawna, on "Two of Us", Rell on "Could It Be", and Missy Elliott on "Turn da Lights Off" and "Things I Don't Mean". The album also featured the hidden bonus track "When I Need a Man" (theme song from the USA Network Original Series, Kojak, starring Ving Rhames). The album peaked at #17 on the Billboard album charts and then quickly fell off the charts due to lack of promotion and mis-management from Atlantic Records. There was talk to film a second video for either "Cab Ride" (which sampled the theme song from the TV show "Taxi,") or "Sports, Sex & Food", but this never happened. Tweet then broke away from her manager, Mona Scott, and Violator Management, and signed with Mathew Knowles of Music World, who managed the careers of Destiny's Child, Beyoncé Knowles, Michelle Williams, Kelly Rowland, Solange Knowles, Sunshine Anderson, and Trin-i-tee 5:7. Tweet stills maintains a close friendship with Mona Scott and is still signed to The Goldmind Inc.

Tweet also appeared on Elliott's sixth album release, ''The Cookbook'', contributing vocals to three tracks, including the single, "Teary Eyed".

''Love, Tweet'' (2007–present)

In 2007, Tweet signed to Jheryl Busby and Mike City's new record label Umbrella Recordings, whose acts include Patti LaBelle, Carl Thomas, and a few other well-known R&B; chart climbers. There she began recording material for her third album, ''Love, Tweet''.

The album was rumored to be led by the singles "Anymore", "Real Lady", and "Procrastination", however all singles were canceled due to internet leaks. The album was instead led by "Love Again". Although the album hasn't made an appearances since early 2010, Tweet promises it is coming. The album was planned for a November 8, 2011 release but now it has a new release date of 2012, with a new title. She is now signed to MC Lyte's record label DuBose Music Group.

Other work

Tweet currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia.

On December 2, 2006, two songs, "Whisper" and "See Ya", leaked onto a Tweet Myspace page, but were confirmed by Tweet to be songs rejected from past albums. Another song has been posted on her Myspace page called "Give It To Ya", along with a sneak peek of her next album.

A cover of "Boogie 2nite" (a song from the album Southern Hummingbird) by Booty Luv (vocalists Nadia and Cherise from the British act Big Brovaz) reached number two on the UK Singles Chart on December 10, 2006, after three years of UK club success, but no official single release, of Tweet's original.

Tweet performed with Timbaland at the 4th annual VH1 Hip Hop Honors, which aired on October 8, 2007.

On April 26 and April 27, 2008, Joy Denalane, Bilal, Dwele and Tweet performed with The Dresden Soul Symphony in Dresden, Germany. The musicians reinterpreted soul hits and combined them with classical music. An album ''The Dresden Soul Symphony'' and DVD were later released on October 24, 2008.

Unrelated directly to music, Tweet starred on a MTV FYI type show, informing teenagers about STDs and to practice safe sex.

Discography

Albums

2002: ''Southern Hummingbird''

2005: ''It's Me Again''

2012: ''Tweet''

2012: ''Tashawna's Time"

Solo singles

''Southern Hummingbird''

2002: "Oops (Oh My)" (featuring Missy Elliott) - US #7; UK #5

* 2002: "Call Me" - UK #35

* 2002: "Boogie 2nite" ¹

* 2002: "Smoking Cigarettes" (Promo Only) ¹

''It's Me Again''

* 2004: "Turn da Lights Off" (featuring Missy Elliott) - UK #29

* 2005: "When I Need a Man"

* 2005: "Cab Ride"

* 2005: "We Don't Need No Water" (Japan Promo Only)¹

* 2005: "Steer" (Japan Promo Only)¹ JP #17

''Love, Tweet''

* 2008: "Anymore" ¹

* 2008: "Real Lady" ¹

* 2009: "Procrastination" (featuring Missy Elliott and Timbaland)¹

* 2010: "Love Again"

''Non-Album Singles''

* 2003: "Thugman" (featuring Missy Elliott)

* 2003: "Hypnotic"

Notes: ¹ Denotes canceled single.

Filmography

2002: ''The Parkers: Kim's 21st Birthday'' (TV)

2003: ''Honey''

2008: ''The Dresden Soul Symphony'' (live concert DVD)

2012:''The Game"" (TV)

Endorsements

Verizon Wireless TV & print ads (featured in the "Call Me" music video)

Citizen Watches print ads

2002 Gap Stretch Jeans TV ads directed by Peter Lindbergh, performing "I'll Take You There" together with Taryn Manning

Pantene Pro-Voice TV & print ads (with Mýa, Vanessa Carlton and Lucy Woodward)

References

External links

Category:1971 births Category:African American female singer-songwriters Category:American female guitarists Category:American rhythm and blues guitarists Category:American rhythm and blues singer-songwriters Category:American soul guitarists Category:American soul singers Category:Atlantic Records artists Category:Elektra Records artists Category:English-language singers Category:Living people Category:Musicians from New York Category:Neo soul singers Category:People from Rochester, New York Category:Swing Mob artists

de:Tweet es:Tweet fr:Tweet (chanteuse) it:Tweet nl:Tweet (zangeres) pl:Tweet pt:Tweet fi:Tweet sv:Tweet (artist)

name	Lionel Messi
fullname	Lionel Andrés Messi
birth date	June 24, 1987
birth place	Rosario, Argentina
height
position	Forward
currentclub	Barcelona
clubnumber	10
youthyears1	1995–2000 | youthclubs1 Newell's Old Boys
youthyears2	2000–2003 | youthclubs2 Barcelona
years1	2003–2004 | clubs1 Barcelona C | caps1 8 | goals1 5
years2	2004–2005 | clubs2 Barcelona B | caps2 22 | goals2 6
years3	2004– | clubs3 Barcelona | caps3 212 | goals3 165
nationalyears1	2005 | nationalteam1 Argentina U20 | nationalcaps1 7 | nationalgoals1 6
nationalyears2	2008 | nationalteam2 Argentina U23 | nationalcaps2 5 | nationalgoals2 2
nationalyears3	2005– | nationalteam3 Argentina | nationalcaps3 68 | nationalgoals3 22
medaltemplates	}}

| pcupdate = 22:30, 2 May 2012 (UTC) | ntupdate = 19:30, 24 March 2012 (UTC) }} Lionel Andrés Messi (, born 24 June 1987) is an Argentine footballer who plays in La Liga for FC Barcelona and is the captain of the Argentina national team, mainly as a forward.

By the age of 21, Messi received Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year nominations. The following year he won both the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year in 2009, and won the inaugural FIFA Ballon d'Or in 2010 and 2011. He also won the 2010–11 UEFA Best Player in Europe Award. His playing style and small stature has drawn comparisons to Diego Maradona, who himself declared Messi as his "successor".

Messi has won five La Liga titles and three Champions League titles. After scoring 12 goals in the 2010–11 Champions League, Messi became only the third player (after Gerd Müller and Jean-Pierre Papin) to top-score in three successive European Champion Clubs' Cup campaigns, and the first since the Champions League changed its format in 1992. Messi is the fourth football player to win three Ballons d'Or, after Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini and Marco van Basten and the second player to win three consecutive Ballons d'Or, after Michel Platini (however, two of his Ballons d'Or are FIFA Ballons d'Or, which he won consecutively). In 2012, Messi made UEFA Champions League history by becoming the first player to score five goals in one match, in a 7–1 win against Bayer Leverkusen. With two goals in the next round against A.C. Milan, he matched José Altafini's record of 14 goals in a single UEFA Champions League season. After a further two goals the following week against Real Zaragoza, Messi became the first player since Gerd Müller in the 1972–73 campaign to score 60 goals in a single European season.

Messi was the top scorer of the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship with six goals, including two in the final game. In 2006, he became the youngest Argentine to play in the FIFA World Cup and he won a runners-up medal at the Copa América tournament the following year. In 2008, in Beijing, he won his first international honour, an Olympic gold medal, with the Argentina Olympic football team.

Early life

Messi was born in Rosario, Santa Fe Province, to parents Jorge Horacio Messi, a factory steel worker, and Celia María Cuccittini, a part-time cleaner. His paternal family originates from the Italian city of Ancona, from which his ancestor, Angelo Messi, emigrated to Argentina in 1883. He has two older brothers named Rodrigo and Matías as well as a sister named María Sol. At the age of five, Messi started playing football for Grandoli, a local club coached by his father Jorge. In 1995, Messi switched to Newell's Old Boys who were based in his home city Rosario. At the age of 11, he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. Local powerhouse River Plate showed interest in Messi's progress, but did not have enough money to pay for treatment for his condition, which cost $900 a month. Carles Rexach, the sporting director of FC Barcelona, had been made aware of his talent as Messi had relatives in Lleida, Catalonia, and Messi and his father were able to arrange a trial with the team. Rexach, with no other paper at hand, offered Messi a contract written on a paper napkin. Barcelona offered to pay for Messi's medical bills if he was willing to move to Spain. Messi and his father moved to Barcelona where Messi enrolled in the club's youth academy.

Club career

Barcelona

Messi played in Barcelona's junior Infantil B and Cadete B & A teams from 2000 to 2003 (scoring 37 goals in 30 matches in Cadete A). Season 2003–04 saw him on a record five different teams: He started one match in Juvenil B (one goal) and got promoted to Juvenil A (14 matches, 21 goals). Later he debuted for FC Barcelona C team (Tercera División) on 29 November 2003 and for FC Barcelona B (Segunda División B) on 6 March 2004. He played for both teams during the season (eight matches, five goals and five games, zero goals, respectively). Even before these two debuts, Messi made his official debut for the first-team on 16 November 2003 aged 16 years and 145 days, in a friendly match against Porto.

Less than a year after his start, Frank Rijkaard gave him his league debut against RCD Espanyol on 16 October 2004 (at 17 years and 114 days), becoming the third-youngest player ever to play for Barcelona and youngest club player who played in La Liga, which would be broken by Bojan Krkić in September 2007. When he scored his first senior goal for the club against Albacete Balompié on 1 May 2005, Messi was 17 years, ten months and seven days old, becoming the youngest to ever score in a La Liga game for Barcelona until it was again broken by Bojan Krkić in 2007, scoring from a Messi assist. Messi said about his ex-coach Rijkaard: "I'll never forget the fact that he launched my career, that he had confidence in me while I was only sixteen or seventeen." During the season, Messi played also in Barcelona B (Segunda División B) scoring 6 goals in 17 matches.

2005–06 season

On 16 September, for the second time in three months, Barcelona announced an update to Messi's contract; this time it was improved to pay him as a first team member and extended until June 2014. Messi obtained Spanish citizenship on 26 September 2005 and was finally able to make his debut in the season's Spanish First Division. Messi's first home outing in the Champions League came on 27 September against Italian club Udinese. Fans at Barcelona's stadium, the Camp Nou, gave Messi a standing ovation upon his substitution, as his composure on the ball and passing combinations with Ronaldinho had paid dividends for Barcelona.

Messi netted six goals in 17 league appearances, and scored one Champions League goal in six. His season ended prematurely on 7 March 2006, however, when he suffered a muscle tear in his right thigh during the second leg of the second round Champions League tie against Chelsea. Rijkaard's Barcelona ended the season as champions of Spain and Europe.

2006–07 season

In the 2006–07 season, Messi established himself as a regular first team player, scoring 14 times in 26 matches. On 12 November, in the game against Real Zaragoza, Messi suffered a broken metatarsal, ruling him out for three months. On 11 March, ''El Clásico'' saw Messi in top form, scoring a hat-trick to earn 10-man Barcelona a 3–3 draw, equalising three times, with the final equaliser coming in injury time. In doing so he became the first player since Iván Zamorano (for Real Madrid in the 1994–95 season) to score a hat-trick in ''El Clásico''. Messi is also the youngest player ever to have scored in this fixture. Towards the end of the season he began finding the net more often; 11 of his 14 league goals for the season came from the last 13 games. Messi also proved the "new Maradona" tag was not all hype, by nearly replicating Maradona's most famous goals in the space of the single season. On 18 April 2007, he scored two goals during a Copa del Rey semi-final against Getafe CF, one of which was very similar to Maradona's famous goal against England at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, known as the Goal of the Century. The world's sports press drew comparisons with Maradona, and the Spanish press labelled Messi as "Messidona". He ran about the same distance, , beat the same number of players (six, including the goalkeeper), scored from a very similar position, and ran towards the corner flag just as Maradona did in Mexico 21 years before. In a press conference after the game, Messi's team-mate Deco said: "It was the best goal I have ever seen in my life." Against RCD Espanyol Messi also scored a goal which was remarkably similar to Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal against England in the World Cup quarter-finals. Messi launched himself at the ball and connected with his hand to guide the ball past the goalkeeper Carlos Kameni. Despite protests by Espanyol players and replays showing it was clear handball, the goal stood.

2007–08 season

On 27 February, Messi played in his 100th official match for Barcelona against Valencia.

Messi was nominated for a FIFPro World XI Player Award under the category of Forward. A poll conducted in the online edition of the Spanish newspaper ''Marca'' had him as the best player in the world with 77 percent of the vote. Columnists from Barcelona-based newspapers ''El Mundo Deportivo'' and ''Sport'' stated that the Ballon d'Or should be given to Messi, a view supported by Franz Beckenbauer. Football personalities such as Francesco Totti have declared that they consider Messi to be one of the current best footballers in the world.

Messi was sidelined for six weeks following an injury on 4 March when he suffered a muscle tear in his left thigh during a Champions League match against Celtic. It was the fourth time in three seasons that Messi suffered this type of injury. When the season was over Messi managed to score 16 goals and assisted 13 times in all competition.

2008–09 season

Upon Ronaldinho's departure from the club, Messi inherited his number 10 jersey. During this season he placed second in the 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year awards with 678 points. Messi scored his first hat-trick of 2009 in a Copa del Rey tie against Atlético Madrid which Barcelona won 3–1. Messi scored another important double on 1 February 2009, coming on as a second half substitute to help Barcelona defeat Racing Santander 1–2 after being 1–0 down. The second of the two strikes was Barcelona's 5000th league goal. On 8 April 2009, he scored twice against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, setting a personal record of eight goals in the competition.

As Barcelona's season was drawing to a close, Messi scored twice (his 35th and 36th goals in all competitions) to cap a 6–2 win over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu in what was Real's heaviest defeat since 1930. He won his first Copa del Rey on 13 May, scoring one goal and assisting another two, in a 4–1 victory over Athletic Bilbao. He helped his team win the double by winning La Liga. On 27 May he helped Barcelona win the Champions League by scoring a second goal in the 70th minute giving Barcelona a two goal lead; he also became the top scorer in the Champions League, the youngest in the tournament's history, with nine goals. Messi also won the UEFA Club Forward of the Year: and the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year rounding off a spectacular year in Europe. This victory meant Barcelona had won the Copa del Rey, La Liga and Champions League in the one season, and was the first time a Spanish club had ever won the treble.

2009–10 season

After winning the 2009 UEFA Super Cup, Barcelona manager Josep Guardiola asserted that Messi was probably the best player he had ever seen. On 18 September, Messi signed a new contract with Barcelona, running until 2016 and with a buy-out clause of €250 million included, making Messi, along with Zlatan Ibrahimović, the highest paid players in La Liga, with earnings of around €9.5 million yearly.

Messi was named winner of the 2009 Ballon d'Or on 1 December 2009, beating runner-up Cristiano Ronaldo by largest ever margin of 473 to 233.

On 19 December, Messi scored the winner in the final of the 2009 Club World Cup against Estudiantes in Abu Dhabi, giving the club their sixth title of the year. Two days later, he was given the FIFA World Player of the Year award, bearef> On 10 January 2010, Messi scored his first hat-trick in 2010 and his first hat-trick of the season against CD Tenerife in the 0–5 victory, and on 17 January he scored his 100th goal for the club in the 4–0 victory over Sevilla.

Messi scored a hat-trick against Valencia CF in a 3–0 home win, and finally he scored another hat-trick against Zaragoza in a 4–2 away win, becoming the first Barcelona player to score back-to-back hat-tricks in La Liga. He played his 200th official match for Barcelona against Osasuna on 24 March 2010.

On 6 April 2010, for the first time in Messi's career he scored four goals in a single match, netting the lot in a 4–1 home win over Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-final second leg. This also saw him overtake Rivaldo as Barcelona's all time greatest scorer in the competition. In the final league match of the season against Valladolid, he scored two goals in the second half to tie Ronaldo's club record of 34 goals in a single league season, set in 1996–97, and to finish four goals behind the all-time record held by Telmo Zarra. He was named La Liga player of the year for the second year in a row on 3 June 2010.

2010–11 season

On 21 August 2010, Messi scored a hat-trick in his first start of the season in a 4–0 victory over Sevilla FC in the Supercopa de España, helping Barcelona secure their first trophy of the season after a 1–3 first leg loss.

On 19 September 2010, Messi suffered an ankle injury due to an ill-advised tackle by Atlético Madrid defender Tomáš Ujfaluši in the 92nd minute of their Round 3 match at the Vicente Calderón Stadium. At first sight it was feared that Messi suffered a broken ankle that could have kept the star player away from the pitch for a minimum of six months, but MRI performed the next day in Barcelona showed he suffered a sprain in the internal and external ligaments of his right ankle. Team-mate David Villa stated "the tackle on Messi was brutal" after watching the video of the play and also added that he believed the Atlético defender "didn't go into the tackle to hurt". The incident caused widespread media attention and brought up the debate of equality in protecting all players in the game.

Against Almería Messi scored his second hat-trick of the season in an impressive 8–0 away win, the second of which was his 100th La Liga goal.

Messi won the 2010 FIFA Ballon d'Or, beating his Barcelona teammates Xavi and Iniesta. Messi had been nominated for the awards for the fourth consecutive year. On 5 February, Barcelona broke the record for most consecutive league wins with 16 victories after they defeated Atlético Madrid 3–0 at the Camp Nou. Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick to ensure the victory for his side and after the match he stated, "it's an honor to be able to pass a record set by a great like Di Stéfano" and "if the record has been around for so long is because it's very complicated to achieve and we have reached it by defeating a very difficult team who's going through a bad situation, which makes it even more difficult."

After failing to score for a month he scored a brace against UD Almería; the second goal was his 47th of the season, equalling his club record return of the previous season. He surpassed his record on 12 April 2011 by scoring the winner against Shakhtar Donetsk in a UEFA Champions League game, which put him in the record book as all time top scorer in a single season for Barcelona. He scored his eighth goal on El Clásico on a 1–1 tie at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. On 23 April, Messi scored his 50th goal of the season against CA Osasuna in a 2–0 home victory which he came on as a substitute in the 60th minute.

In the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals, he gave a memorable performance, scoring twice against Real Madrid in a 2–0 win, the second goal (a dribble past several players) being acclaimed as one of the best ever at that stage of the competition. At the Champions League Final at Wembley, Messi scored the eventual game-clinching goal to give Barcelona their third title in six years and fourth overall.

2011–12 season

Messi started the season by lifting the Spanish Supercup with Barcelona, scoring three goals and providing two assists in a 5–4 aggregate win against Real Madrid. His vital interventions continued in the next official match played against FC Porto when he scored again following a weak back pass from Fredy Guarín before setting up Cesc Fàbregas to give Barcelona a 2–0 victory and the UEFA Super Cup, then the only official competition that remained for him to score in.

After scoring his first goal of an eventual hat-trick in an 8–0 rout, Messi produced a special celebration for Soufian, a 10-year-old Moroccan boy with Laurin Sandrow syndrome, a rare medical condition that can eventually lead to the loss of the lower extremities. Whilst Messi usually points to the sky after scoring a goal, Messi slapped his thighs as a dedication to Soufian.

On August, Messi became the second highest goalscorer surpassing László Kubala on 194 goals, being behind only by César Rodríguez on 232 goals in all official competitions.

On 28 September, Messi scored his first two Champions League goals of the season against BATE Borisov, becoming Barcelona's second highest goalscorer in its history, tying László Kubala, at 194 goals in all official competitions. He surpassed that record when he scored two goals against Racing Santander. He became second in Barcelona's La Liga goalscorers list with 132 goals, one more than Kubala. He scored his 200th Barcelona goal and two more as part of a hat-trick in his next game against Viktoria Plzeň in the Champions League.

Messi scored a brace on the Club World Cup Final against Santos FC and was recognized as the man of the match and also awarded the Golden Ball for his performance during the tournament.

Messi won the 2011 UEFA Best Player in Europe Award, beating his FC Barcelona team-mate Xavi Hernández and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi won the 2011 FIFA Ballon d'Or, again beating his team-mate Xavi and Cristiano Ronaldo. By winning the FIFA Ballon d'Or again, Messi become the fourth player to win three Ballon d'Ors, after Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini and Marco Van Basten and the second player to win three consecutive Ballon d'Ors, after Michel Platini (although two of his Ballon d'Ors are FIFA Ballon d'Ors, which he won consecutively).

On 19 February 2012, Messi on his 200th La Liga appearance scored four goals against Valencia CF in a 5–1 win. On 7 March, Messi became the first player to score five goals in a Champions League match, helping the defending champions Barcelona win 7–1 against Bayer Leverkusen.

On 20 March 2012, Messi scored three goals against Granada CF, making him FC Barcelona's leading goalscorer of all time, surpassing club legend César Rodríguez, who had previously held the record with 232.

On 7 April 2012, Messi scored two goals against Real Zaragoza to become the first player since Gerd Müller in the 1972–73 campaign to score 60 goals in a single European season.

On 2 May 2012 Messi scored a hat-trick against Malaga surpassing Gerd Müller's record in one season with 68 goals.

International career

Often referred to as an Argentinian-Spanish player, this crossover was brought into sharp focus when in 2004, Lionel was offered the chance to play for the Spanish national U-20 team. He declined the offer given his Argentinian heritage, and was given the opportunity to play for Argentina's U-20 team in a friendly match against Paraguay in June 2004. In 2005 he was part of a team that won the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship in the Netherlands. There, he won the Golden Ball and the Golden Shoe, scoring in the last four of Argentina's matches and netting a total of six for the tournament.

He made his full international debut on 17 August 2005 against Hungary at the age of 18. He was substituted on during the 63rd minute, but was sent off on the 65th minute because the referee, Markus Merk, found he had headbutted defender Vilmos Vanczák, who was tugging Messi's shirt. The decision was contentious and Maradona even claimed the decision was pre-meditated. Messi returned to the team on 3 September in Argentina's 1–0 World Cup qualifier away defeat to Paraguay. Ahead of the match he had said "This is a re-debut. The first one was a bit short." He then started his first game for Argentina against Peru; after the match Pekerman described Messi as "a jewel".

On 28 March 2009, in a World Cup Qualifier against Venezuela, Messi wore the number 10 jersey for the first time with Argentina. This match was the first official match for Diego Maradona as the Argentina manager. Argentina won the match 4–0 with Messi opening the scoring.

On 17 November 2010, Messi scored a last-minute goal against South American rivals Brazil after an individual effort to help his team to a 1–0 win in the friendly match, which was held in Doha. This was the first time that he had scored against Brazil at senior level. Messi scored another last-minute goal on 9 February 2011 against Portugal in a penalty kick which gave his side a 2–1 victory in the friendly match, which was held in Geneva, Switzerland. His first hat-trick for Albiceleste came against Switzerland, on 29 February, 2012 which the game ended 3-1 for Argentina.

2006 World Cup

The injury that kept Messi from playing for two months at the end of the 2005–06 season jeopardised his presence in the 2006 World Cup. Nevertheless, Messi was selected in the Argentina squad for the tournament on 15 May 2006. He also played in the final match before the World Cup against the Argentine U-20 team for 15 minutes and a friendly match against Angola from the 64th minute. He witnessed Argentina's opening match victory against Ivory Coast from the substitute's bench. In the next match against Serbia and Montenegro, Messi became the youngest player to represent Argentina at a World Cup when he came on as a substitute for Maxi Rodríguez in the 74th minute. He assisted Hernán Crespo's goal within minutes of entering the game and also scored the final goal in the 6–0 victory, making him the youngest scorer in the tournament and the sixth youngest goalscorer in the history of the World Cup. Messi started in Argentina's following 0–0 draw against the Netherlands. In the following game against Mexico, Messi came on as a substitute in the 84th minute, with the score tied at 1–1. He appeared to score a goal, but it was ruled offside with Argentina needing a late goal in extra time to proceed. Coach José Pekerman left Messi on the bench during the quarter-final match against Germany, which they lost 4–2 on a penalty shootout.

2007 Copa América

Messi played his first game in the 2007 Copa América on 29 June 2007, when Argentina defeated United States 4–1 in the first game. In this game, he showed his capabilities as a playmaker. He set up a goal for fellow striker Hernán Crespo and had numerous shots on target. Tevez came on as a substitute for Messi in the 79th minute and scored minutes later.

His second game was against Colombia, in which he won a penalty that Crespo converted to tie the game at 1–1. He also played a part in Argentina's second goal as he was fouled outside the box, which allowed Juan Roman Riquelme to score from a freekick, and increase Argentina's lead to 3–1. The final score of the game was 4–2 in Argentina's favor and guaranteed them a spot in the tournament's quarterfinals.

In the third game, against Paraguay the coach rested Messi having already qualified for the quarter-finals. He came off the bench in place of Esteban Cambiasso in the 64th minute, with the score at 0–0. In the 79th minute, he assisted a goal for Javier Mascherano. In the quarter-finals, as Argentina faced Peru, Messi scored the second goal of the game, from a Riquelme pass in a 4–0 win. During the semi-final match against Mexico, Messi scored a lob over Oswaldo Sánchez to see Argentina through to the final with a 3–0 win. Argentina went on to lose 3–0 to Brazil in the final.

2008 Summer Olympics

Having barred Messi from playing for Argentina in the 2008 Olympics, Barcelona agreed to release him after he held talks with newly appointed coach Josep Guardiola. He joined the Argentina squad and scored the first goal in a 2–1 victory over Ivory Coast. He then scored the opening goal and assisted Ángel di María in the second to help his side to a 2–1 extra-time win against the Netherlands. He also featured in Argentina's match against rivals Brazil, in which Argentina took a 3–0 victory, thus advancing to the final. In the gold medal match, Messi again assisted Di María for the only goal in a 1–0 victory over Nigeria.

2010 World Cup

Messi played the entire game on Argentina's opening match in the 2010 World Cup, the 1–0 victory against Nigeria. He had several opportunities to score but was repeatedly denied by Vincent Enyeama. Messi started in Argentina's following 4–1 win against Korea Republic; he participated in all of the goals of his team and helped Gonzalo Higuaín score a hat-trick. On the third and last group stage match Messi captained during Argentina's 2–0 win over Greece, again being the centrepoint of Argentina's play and was voted man of the match.

At the Round of 16 he assisted Carlos Tévez for the first goal in a 3–1 win against Mexico. The World Cup ended for Argentina with a 4–0 loss against Germany in the quarter-finals.

Messi was nominated in ten player shortlist for Golden Ball award by FIFA Technical Study Group. The group identified Messi with words: "''Outstanding in his pace and creativity for his team, dribbling, shooting, passing – spectacular and efficient''".

2011 Copa América

Messi took part in the Copa América in Argentina, where he failed to score a goal but notched three assists. He was selected man-of-the-match in matches against Bolivia (1–1) and Costa Rica (3–0). Argentina were eliminated in the quarter-finals in a penalty shoot-out against Uruguay (1–1 a.e.t.), with Messi scoring as the first penalty taker.

Outside football

Personal life

Messi was at one stage romantically linked to Macarena Lemos, also from his hometown of Rosario. He is said to have been introduced to her by the girl's father when he returned to Rosario to recover from his injury a few days before the start of the 2006 World Cup. He has in the past also been linked to the Argentine glamour model Luciana Salazar. In January 2009 he told "Hat Trick Barça", a programme on Canal 33: "I have a girlfriend and she is living in Argentina. I am relaxed and happy". He was seen with the girl, Antonella Roccuzzo, at a carnival in Sitges after the Barcelona-Espanyol derby. Roccuzzo is a fellow native of Rosario.

Messi has two cousins also involved in football: Maxi, a winger for Club Olimpia of Paraguay, and Emanuel Biancucchi, who plays as a midfielder for Spain's Girona FC.

Charity

In 2007, Messi established the Leo Messi Foundation, a charity supporting access to education and health care for vulnerable children. In response to Messi’s own childhood medical difficulties, the Leo Messi Foundation has offered Argentine children diagnosed with illnesses treatment in Spain and funds covering the transport, hospital and recuperation costs. Messi’s foundation is supported by his own fundraising activity with additional assistance from Herbalife.

On 11 March 2010 Messi was announced as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF. Messi’s UNICEF ambassador activities are aimed at supporting children’s rights. Messi is supported in this by Barcelona, who also have a strong association with UNICEF.

Wealth

In March 2010, ''France Football'' ranked him at the top of its list of the world's richest footballers, ahead of David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo, with £29.6 million (€33 million) in combined income from salaries, bonuses and off-field earnings.

Media

Messi was featured on the front covers of the video games ''Pro Evolution Soccer 2009'' and ''Pro Evolution Soccer 2011'' and is also involved in promotional campaigns for the games. Messi, along with Fernando Torres, is the face of ''Pro Evolution Soccer 2010'', and was also involved in the motion capturing and the trailer. However, in November 2011 Messi was confirmed as the new face of PES's rival football series FIFA with his debut as a cover star of the series coming in 2012's FIFA Street. Messi is sponsored by the German sportswear company Adidas and features in their television advertisements. In June 2010, Messi also signed a three–year contract with Herbalife which further supports the Leo Messi Foundation.

Messi was named twice in the Time 100, the magazine's annual list of the most influential people in the world, respectively in 2011 and in 2012.

Also in April 2011, Messi launched a Facebook page and within a few hours, his page had attracted more than six million followers. His Facebook page had over 33 million followers in March 2012.

Career statistics

Club

Club	Season	League
!Apps	!Goals
rowspan="1" style="text-align:center;"	Barcelona C	!colspan="2"	8	5
rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;"	Barcelona B	!colspan="2"	5	0
!colspan="2"	2004–05 2ªB	17	6
Total	!30!!11

1 6 14 10 23 34 31 46

Club	Season	!colspan="3"	!colspan="3"	!colspan="3"	!colspan="3"	UEFA Super Cup	!colspan="3"	Total
!Apps	!Goals	!Assists	!Apps	!Goals	!Assists	!Apps	!Goals	!Assists	!Apps	!Goals	!Assists	!Apps	!Goals	!Assists	!Apps	!Goals	!Assists	!Apps	!Goals	!Assists
rowspan="8"	Barcelona		7	|	0	1	0	0	1	0	0	—			—			—			9	1	0
2005–06 FC Barcelona season	2005–06	17	|	3	2	1	0	6	1	1	0	0	0	—			—			25	8	4
2006–07 FC Barcelona season	2006–07	26	|	2	2	2	1	5	1	0	2	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	36	17	3
2007–08 FC Barcelona season	2007–08	28	|	12	3	0	0	9	6	1	—			—			—			40	16	13
2008–09 FC Barcelona season	2008–09	31	|	11	8	6	2	12	9	5	—			—			—			51	38	18
2009–10 FC Barcelona season	2009–10	35	|	10	3	1	0	11	8	0	1	2	0	1	0	1	2	2	0	53	47	11
2010–11 FC Barcelona season	2010–11	33	|	18	7	7	3	13	12	3	2	3	0	—			—			55	53	24
2011–12 FC Barcelona season	2011–12	35	|	15	6	2	4	11	14	5	2	3	2	1	1	1	2	2	1	57	68	28
Total	!212!!165!!71!!32!!19!!10!!68!!51!!15!!7!!8!!2!!3!!1!!2!!4!!4!!1!!326!!248!!101

International

!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals
Argentina national under-20 football team	Argentina U20	2005	16
Total !!16!!11
Argentina national under-23 football team	Argentina U23	2008	5
Total !!5!!2
rowspan=8	Argentina	2005	5
2006	7
2007	14
2008	8
2009	10
2010	10
2011	13
2012	1
Total!!68!!22

International goals

Under–20

:''Scores and results list Argentina's goal tally first.'' 13 January 2005 15 January 2005 15 January 2005 21 January 2005 6 February 2005 14 June 2005 22 June 2005 24 June 2005 28 June 2005 2 July 2005 2 July 2005

!Goal	!Date!!Venue!!Opponent!!Score!!Result!!Competition
1.	|	Estadio Centanario, Armenia, Colombia	Vénézuela	2–0	3–0	2005 South American Youth Championship
2.	|	Estadio Palogrande, Manizales, Ecuador	Bolivia	2–0	4–0	2005 South American Youth Championship
3.	|	Estadio Palogrande, Manizales, Ecuador	Bolivia	3–0	4–0	2005 South American Youth Championship
4.	|	Estadio Palogrande, Manizales, Ecuador	Peru	5–0	6–0	2005 South American Youth Championship
5.	|	Estadio Palogrande, Manizales, Ecuador	Brazil	2–1	2–1	2005 South American Youth Championship
6.	|	De Grolsch Veste>Arke Stadion, Enschede, Netherlands		1–0	2–0	2005 FIFA World Youth Championship>2005 World Youth Championship
7.	|	Univé Stadion, Emmen, Netherlands>Emmen, Netherlands		1–1	2–1	2005 World Youth Championship
8.	|	Arke Stadion, Enschede, Netherlands		3–1	3–1	2005 World Youth Championship
9.	|	Stadion Galgenwaard>Galgenwaard Stadion, Utrecht, Netherlands		1–0	2–1	2005 World Youth Championship
10.	|	Galgenwaard Stadion, Utrecht, Netherlands		1–0	2–1	2005 World Youth Championship
11.	|	Galgenwaard Stadion, Utrecht, Netherlands	Nigeria	2–1	2–1	2005 World Youth Championship

Under–23

7 August 2008 16 August 2008

!Goal	!Date!!Venue!!Opponent!!Score!!Result!!Competition
1.	|	Shanghai Stadium, Shanghai, China		1–0	2–1	Football at the 2008 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament>2008 Summer Olympics
2.	|	Shanghai Stadium, Shanghai, China		1–0	2–1	2008 Summer Olympics

Senior team

1 March 2006 16 June 2006 5 June 2007 5 June 2007 8 July 2007 11 July 2007 16 October 2007 20 November 2007 align=left 4 June 2008 11 October 2008 11 February 2009 28 March 2009 14 November 2009 7 September 2010 17 November 2010 align=left 9 February 2011 align=left 20 June 2011 align=left 7 October 2011 align=left 15 November 2011 align=left 29 February 2012 29 February 2012 29 February 2012

!Goal	!Date!!Venue!!Opponent!!Score!!Result!!Competition
1.	|	St. Jakob-Park, Basel, Switzerland		2–1	2–3	Exhibition game>Friendly
2.	|	Veltins-Arena>WM-Stadion Gelsenkirchen, Gelsenkirchen, Germany		6–0	6–0	2006 FIFA World Cup>2006 World Cup
3.	|	Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain		2–2	4–3	Friendly
4.	|	Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain	Algeria	4–2	4–3	Friendly
5.	|	Estadio Metropolitano de Fútbol de Lara>Metropolitano de Fútbol de Lara, Barquisimeto, Venezuela		2–0	4–0	2007 Copa América
6.	|	Polideportivo Cachamay, Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela		2–0	3–0	2007 Copa América
7.	|	Estadio José Pachencho Romero>José Pachencho Romero, Maracaibo, Venezuela		2–0	2–0	2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL)>2010 World Cup qualification
8.	|	Estadio El Campín, Bogotá, Colombia	Colombia ||	1–0	1–2	2010 World Cup qualification
9.	|	Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, United States	Mexico	2–0	4–1	Friendly
10.	|	Estadio Antonio Vespucio Liberti>Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina		1–0	2–1	2010 World Cup qualification
11.	|	Stade Vélodrome, Marseille, France		2–0	2–0	Friendly
12.	|	Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina	Venezuela	1–0	4–0	2010 World Cup qualification
13.	|	Vicente Calderón Stadium, Madrid, Spain		1–1	1–2	Friendly
14.	|	Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina	Spain	1–0	4–1	Friendly
15.	|	Khalifa International Stadium, Doha, Qatar	Brazil ||	1–0	1–0	Friendly
16.	|	Stade de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland	Portugal ||	2–1	2–1	Friendly
17.	|	Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina	Albania ||	2–0	4–0	Friendly
18.	|	Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina	Chile ||	2–0	4–1	2014 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL)>2014 World Cup qualification
19.	|	Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez, Barranquilla, Colombia	Colombia ||	1–1	2–1	2014 World Cup qualification
20.	|	Stade de Suisse, Wankdorf, Bern, Switzerland		1–0	3–1	Friendly
21.	|	Stade de Suisse, Wankdorf, Bern, Switzerland		2–1	3–1	Friendly
22.	|	Stade de Suisse, Wankdorf, Bern, Switzerland		3–1	3–1	Friendly

Career totals

{|class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;" |- !colspan="5" |Professional career totals |- !Teams !Apps !Goals !Goals per game |- |Clubs |325 |245 | |- |National team |68 |22 | |- |Olympic final |5 |2 | |- |Total |398 |269 | |}

Honours

Barcelona

Winner

La Liga (5): 2004–05, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11

Copa del Rey (1): 2008–09

Supercopa de España (5): 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011

UEFA Champions League (3): 2005–06, 2008–09, 2010–11

UEFA Super Cup (2): 2009, 2011

FIFA Club World Cup (2): 2009, 2011

Runner-Up

La Liga (1): 2006–07

Copa del Rey (1): 2010–11

UEFA Super Cup (1): 2006

Argentina

Winner

FIFA U-20 World Cup (1): 2005

Olympic Gold Medal (1): 2008

Runner-Up

Copa América (1): 2007

Individual

FIFA Ballon d'Or: 2

:: 2010, 2011

Ballon d'Or: 1

:: 2009

FIFA World Player of the Year: 1

:: 2009

World Soccer Player of the Year: 2

:: 2009, 2011

World Soccer Young Player of the Year: 3

:: 2006, 2007, 2008

ESM Team of the Year: 5

:: 2005–06, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11

European Golden Shoe: 1

:: 2010

La Liga top goalscorer: 1

:: 2010

Copa del Rey top goalscorer: 1

:: 2011

La Liga Player of the Year: 3

:: 2009, 2010, 2011

LFP Best Player: 3

:: 2009, 2010, 2011

LFP Best Forward: 3

:: 2009, 2010, 2011

La Liga Foreign Player of the Year: 3

:: 2007, 2009, 2010

La Liga Ibero-American Player of the Year: 4

:: 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011

UEFA Champions League top goalscorer: 3

:: 2009, 2010, 2011

UEFA Best Player in Europe Award: 1

:: 2011

UEFA Club Footballer of the Year: 1

:: 2009

UEFA Champions League Forward of the Year: 1

:: 2009

UEFA Champions League Final Man of the Match: 1

:: 2011

UEFA Team of the Year: 4

:: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

Onze d'Or: 3

:: 2009, 2010, 2011

Bravo Award: 1

:: 2007

Tuttosport Golden Boy: 1

:: 2005

FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball: 2

:: 2009, 2011

FIFA U-20 World Cup Player of the Tournament: 1

:: 2005

FIFA U-20 World Cup top goalscorer: 1

:: 2005

Copa América Young Player of the Tournament: 1

:: 2007

FIFPro World Young Player of the Year: 3

:: 2006, 2007, 2008

FIFA/FIFPro World XI: 5

:: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

Olimpia de Oro: 1

:: 2011

Olimpia de Plata: 6

:: 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

Male Best Athlete in Latin America: 1

:: 2011

Marca Leyenda: 1

:: 2009

L'Équipe Champion of Champions: 1

:: 2011

World's Top Goal Scorer of the Year : 1

:: 2011

Records

Barcelona Record Goalscorer: 241 goals

Barcelona Record Goalscorer in UEFA Champions League: 51 goals

Barcelona Record Goalscorer in European Competitions: 52 goals

Barcelona Record Goalscorer in international Competitions: 56 goals

References

External links

FC Barcelona profile

BDFutbol profile

Transfermarkt profile

Profile at ESPN

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Category:1987 births Category:Living people Category:People from Rosario, Santa Fe Category:Argentine people of Italian descent Category:Naturalised citizens of Spain Category:Argentine footballers Category:Association football forwards Category:La Liga footballers Category:FC Barcelona Atlètic footballers Category:FC Barcelona footballers Category:European Footballer of the Year winners Category:Pichichi Trophy winners Category:Argentina international footballers Category:2006 FIFA World Cup players Category:2007 Copa América players Category:2010 FIFA World Cup players Category:2011 Copa América players Category:Footballers at the 2008 Summer Olympics Category:Olympic footballers of Argentina Category:Olympic medalists in football Category:Olympic gold medalists for Argentina Category:UNICEF people Category:Argentine expatriate footballers Category:Expatriate footballers in Spain Category:Article Feedback 5

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name	Too $hort
background	solo_singer
birth name	Todd Anthony Shaw
birth date	April 28, 1966Los Angeles, California, U.S.}
origin	East Oakland, Oakland, California, U.S.
genre	Hip hop
occupation	Rapper, songwriter, actor, producer
years active	1980-present
label	Jive, Up All Nite
associated acts	Ant Banks, MC Breed, Rappin' 4-Tay, Lil' Jon, E-40, Travis Porter, Git Fresh, Snow, George Clinton, Wiz Khalifa, Jay-Z, Cee Lo Green, 2Pac, The Notorious B.I.G., 50 Cent, Layzie Bone
website	}}

Todd Anthony Shaw (born April 28, 1966), better known by the stage name Too Short (stylized as Too $hort), is an American rapper, producer, and actor who started his career at the age of fourteen in Oakland, California.

Career

In the early 1980s, Shaw produced custom songs (called "special requests") for people with his high school friend, Freddy B. In 1985, Too Short had his first release, ''Don't Stop Rappin''' which, along with the following three releases, featured raw, simple drum beats from a LinnDrum drum machine. In the early 1990s his beats came from mostly a TR-808 and from mid-to-late 2000s, a TR-909 was used. In 2005, Too Short and Freddie B. formed the label Dangerous Music to regionally distribute his music. Dangerous Music became Short Records, and then Up All Nite Records. With his 1989 release, ''Life Is...Too Short'', he began used replayed established funk riffs (rather than samples) with his beats.

Subsequent work was primarily collaborative, including work with Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G., and Scarface. One of his noticeable collaborations during this period was on the track "The World Is Filled..." on the classic Notorious B.I.G. album Life After Death; he comes in on the third verse after Diddy and Biggie. Being featured on the album introduced him to a wider audience as well, due to his typical style contrasting greatly with the Mafioso theme of the album. He also appeared on TWDY's hit single "Player's Holiday" from their 1999 debut album ''Derty Werk'' as well as the Priority Records compilation ''Nuthin but a Gangsta Party''. After these appearances, he began working on his eleventh album, ''Can't Stay Away''. The album included guest appearances by 8Ball & MJG, Jay-Z, Jermaine Dupri, Sean Combs, E-40, Daz Dillinger, Lil' Jon, Soopafly, Scarface and B-Legit. Too Short relocated to Atlanta in 1994, but he did not begin working with a more diverse variety of Southern artists until 2000, when he collaborated with Lil Jon. With the 1999 release of ''Can't Stay Away'', Too Short fully came out of retirement and released a number of new albums within the next few years, most of them taking on a crunk or Dirty South type sound, as he had become involved in the Southern rap scene. However, he didn't totally give up on his trademark funk grooves or sexually explicit style. New albums released 2000-2003 were ''You Nasty'' (2000), ''Chase the Cat'' (2001), ''What's My Favorite Word?'' (2002), and ''Married to the Game'' (2003). These albums all charted fairly well, as they all were in the top 71 of the Billboard 200, but they didn't do quite as well as Too Short's earlier 1990s releases as none of them reached the top 10.

In 2004, his earlier 1990 single "The Ghetto" appeared on popular video game ''Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas'', playing on West Coast hip hop radio station Radio Los Santos. Given that this was an incredibly popular game at the time, the featuring was acclaimed as a success for Too $hort, both in publicity and in the fame generated by the song.

For his next album, 2006's ''Blow the Whistle'', Too Short now took advantage of the new hyphy rap music that was emerging out of his original home base in Oakland. This saw somewhat of a resurgence for Too Short as it peaked at #14 on the Billboard 200, much better than each of his previous three releases. However, his subsequent releases, such as 2007's ''Get Off the Stage'', have not been as successful. On October 7, 2008 Too Short was honored by VH1 at the fifth annual "Hip-Hop Honors" along with Cypress Hill, De La Soul, Slick Rick and Naughty By Nature.

In 2009, Too Short recorded for Daz Dillinger, Lil' Jon, Soopafly, Scarface and B-Legit. In 2011, the rapper was featured on Wiz Khalifa's song "On My Level". He also collaborated in Snoop Dogg's 2011 album, ''Doggumentary'' in the song "Take U Home".

Up All Nite Records

Too Short runs his own record label—Up All Nite Records. Artists on the label include The Pack, Dolla Will, Boo Ski, Eyob Fantay and Li'l J & Boi Payton, FX. In addition to creating Up All Nite Records, Too Short has been a mentor at Youth UpRising, a group serving at-risk youths for several years.

Too Short in film

Too Short played the role of Lew-Loc in the film ''Menace II Society''.

Too Short has also worked in the adult film industry, with the 2003 film Get In Where You Fit In.

Too Short was an interviewee in ''American Pimp.''

Too Short starred in and performed the music for ''America's Sexiest Girls'' 2003.

Too Short has also appeared in an episode of ''The Game''.

Too Short made a cameo appearance in Jay-z's video for the hit single Big Pimpin'.

Too Short was in VH1's Rock Doc, "Planet Rock"

2012 Controversy

On February 10, 2012, a video by Too Short was posted on XXLMag.com, a hip-hop website published by Dennis Page. In the video, Too Short gives "Fatherly Advice" to late middle-school and high-school boys. Specifically, he offers "a couple of tricks" for "when you start feeling a certain way about the girls." The video caused immediate outcry and was soon taken down by XXL, which issued an apology. Too Short also Tweeted statements in response to the criticism.

Discography

; Studio albums

1983: ''Don't Stop Rappin'''

1985: ''Players''

1986: ''Raw, Uncut, and X-Rated''

1987: ''Born to Mack''

1989: ''Life Is... Too Short''

1990: ''Short Dog's in the House''

1992: ''Shorty The Pimp''

1993: ''Get in Where You Fit In''

1995: ''Cocktails''

1996: ''Gettin' It''

1999: ''Can't Stay Away''

2000: ''You Nasty''

2001: ''Chase the Cat''

2002: ''What's My Favorite Word?''

2003: ''Married to the Game''

2006: ''Blow the Whistle''

2007: ''Get off the Stage''

2010: ''Still Blowin'''

2012: ''No Trespassing''

; EPs

2010: ''Respect the Pimpin'''

; Collaboration albums 2012: ''The History Channel'' (with E-40)

References

External links

Too Short interview

Too Short interview with GSlaps.com

Two XXL Staffers Suspended Over Explicit Too $hort Video

Category:1966 births Category:Living people Category:African American rappers Category:Jive Records artists Category:People from Oakland, California Category:Rappers from the San Francisco Bay Area

da:Too $hort de:Too Short es:Too $hort fr:Too $hort ko:투 숏 hr:Too Short it:Too Short pl:Too $hort pt:Too Short fi:Too Short sv:Too Short

alt	A mid-twenties African American man wearing a sequined military jacket and dark sunglasses. He is walking while waving his right hand, which is adorned with a white glove. His left hand is bare.
background	solo_singer
birth name	Michael Joseph Jackson
alias	Michael Joe Jackson, MJ, King of Pop
birth date	August 29, 1958
birth place	Gary, Indiana, U.S.
death date	June 25, 2009
death place	Los Angeles, California, U.S.
instrument	Vocals
genre	R&B;, pop, rock, soul, dance, funk, disco, new jack swing
occupation	Singer-songwriter, musician, composer, dancer, choreographer, record producer, actor, businessman, philanthropist
years active	1964–2009
label	Motown, Epic, Legacy, MJJ Productions
associated acts	The Jackson 5
relatives	Janet Jackson (sister)
website	}}

Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Often referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records. His contribution to music, dance, and fashion, along with a much-publicized personal life, made him a global figure in popular culture for over four decades. The seventh child of the Jackson family, he debuted on the professional music scene along with his brothers as a member of The Jackson 5 in 1964, and began his solo career in 1971.

In the early 1980s, Jackson became a dominant figure in popular music. The music videos for his songs, including those of "Beat It", "Billie Jean", and "Thriller", were credited with transforming the medium into an art form and a promotional tool, and the popularity of these videos helped to bring the relatively new television channel MTV to fame. Videos such as "Black or White" and "Scream" made him a staple on MTV in the 1990s. Through stage performances and music videos, Jackson popularized a number of complicated dance techniques, such as the robot and the moonwalk, to which he gave the name. His distinctive musical sound and vocal style influenced numerous hip hop, post-disco, contemporary R&B;, pop and rock artists.

Jackson's 1982 album ''Thriller'' is the best-selling album of all time. His other records, including ''Off the Wall'' (1979), ''Bad'' (1987), ''Dangerous'' (1991), and ''HIStory'' (1995), also rank among the world's best-selling. Jackson is one of the few artists to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice. He was also inducted into the Dance Hall of Fame as the first (and currently only) dancer from the world of pop and rock 'n' roll. Some of his other achievements include multiple Guinness World Records; 13 Grammy Awards (as well as the Grammy Legend Award and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award); 26 American Music Awards (more than any other artist, including the "Artist of the Century"); 13 number-one singles in the United States in his solo career (more than any other male artist in the Hot 100 era); and the estimated sale of over 750 million records worldwide. Jackson won hundreds of awards, which made him the most-awarded recording artist in the history of popular music.

Aspects of Jackson's personal life, including his changing appearance, personal relationships, and behavior, generated controversy. In 1993, he was accused of child sexual abuse, but the case was settled out of court and no formal charges were brought. In 2005, he was tried and acquitted of further child sexual abuse allegations and several other charges after the jury found him not guilty on all counts. While preparing for his concert series titled ''This Is It'', Jackson died of acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication on June 25, 2009, after suffering from cardiac arrest. The Los Angeles County Coroner ruled his death a homicide, and his personal physician was convicted of involuntary manslaughter. Jackson's death triggered a global outpouring of grief, and as many as one billion people around the world reportedly watched his public memorial service on live television. In March 2010, Sony Music Entertainment signed a $250 million deal with Jackson's estate to retain distribution rights to his recordings until 2017, and to release seven posthumous albums over the decade following his death.

Life and career

Early life and The Jackson 5 (1958–1975)

Michael Jackson was born on August 29, 1958, the eighth of ten children in an African American working-class family who lived in a small 3-room house in Gary, Indiana, an industrial city near Chicago. His mother, Katherine Esther Scruse, was a devout Jehovah's Witness, and his father, Joseph Walter "Joe" Jackson, was a steel mill worker who performed with an R&B; band called The Falcons. Jackson had three sisters: Rebbie, La Toya, and Janet, and five brothers: Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Randy. A sixth brother, Brandon, died shortly after birth.

Jackson had a troubled relationship with his father, Joe.

The group's sales began declining in 1973, and the band members chafed under Motown's strict refusal to allow them creative control or input. Although they scored several top 40 hits, including the top 5 disco single "Dancing Machine" and the top 20 hit "I Am Love", the Jackson 5 left Motown in 1975.

Move to Epic and ''Off the Wall'' (1975–81)

In June 1975, the Jackson 5 signed with Epic Records, a subsidiary of CBS Records and renamed themselves the Jacksons. Younger brother Randy formally joined the band around this time, while Jermaine left to pursue a solo career. In 1980, Jackson won three awards at the American Music Awards for his solo efforts: Favorite Soul/R&B; Album, Favorite Soul/R&B; Male Artist, and Favorite Soul/R&B; Single for "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough". That year, he also won Billboard Year-End for Top Black Artist and Top Black Album and a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B; Vocal Performance, also for "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough". Jackson again won at the American Music Awards in 1981 for Favorite Soul/R&B; Album and Favorite Soul/R&B; Male Artist. Despite its commercial success, Jackson felt ''Off the Wall'' should have made a much bigger impact, and was determined to exceed expectations with his next release. In 1980, he secured the highest royalty rate in the music industry: 37 percent of wholesale album profit.

''Thriller'' and ''Motown 25'' (1982–83)

In 1982, Jackson contributed the song "Someone In the Dark" to the storybook for the film ''E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial''; the record won a Grammy for Best Recording for Children in 1984. In the same year he won another seven Grammys and eight American Music Awards (including the Award of Merit, the youngest artist to win it), making him the most awarded in one night for both award shows. The album topped the ''Billboard'' 200 chart for 37 weeks and was in the top 10 of the 200 for 80 consecutive weeks. It was the first album to have seven ''Billboard'' Hot 100 top 10 singles, including "Billie Jean", "Beat It", and "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'". ''Thriller'' was certified for 29 million shipments by the RIAA, giving it Double Diamond status in the United States. The album won also another Grammy for Best Engineered Recording – Non Classical in 1984, awarding Bruce Swedien for his work. Thanks to the ''Bad'' album, Bruce Swedien and Humberto Gatica won one Grammy in 1988 for Best Engineered Recording – Non Classical and Michael Jackson won one Grammy for Best Music Video, Short Form for "Leave Me Alone" in 1989. ''HIStory'' received a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year. However, the sales for ''Invincible'' were lower than those of his previous releases, due in part to a lack of promotion, no supporting world tour and the label dispute. The album also came out at a bad time for the music industry in general. Jackson rehearsed in Los Angeles in the weeks leading up to the tour under the direction of choreographer Kenny Ortega. Most of these rehearsals took place at the Staples Center, which was owned by AEG. With ''Thriller'', Christopher Connelly of ''Rolling Stone'' commented that Jackson developed his long association with the subliminal theme of paranoia and darker imagery. Allmusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine noted this is evident on the songs "Billie Jean" and "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'". In "Billie Jean", Jackson sings about an obsessive fan who alleges he has fathered a child of hers. In "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" he argues against gossip and the media. "Beat It" decried gang violence in an homage to ''West Side Story'', and was Jackson's first successful rock cross-over piece, according to Huey. He also observed that the title track "Thriller" began Jackson's interest with the theme of the supernatural, a topic he revisited in subsequent years. In 1985, Jackson co-wrote the charity anthem "We Are the World"; humanitarian themes later became a recurring theme in his lyrics and public persona. ;Bibliography

George, Nelson (2004). ''Michael Jackson: The Ultimate Collection'' booklet. Sony BMG.

Further reading

External links

Michael Jackson at MTV

FBI file on Michael Jackson

Category:1958 births Category:2009 deaths Category:African American dancers Category:African American male singers Category:African American record producers Category:African American singer-songwriters

Category:American beatboxers Category:American businesspeople Category:American child singers Category:American choreographers Category:American dance musicians Category:American dancers Category:American disco musicians Category:American boogie musicians Category:American pop singers Category:American rhythm and blues singers Category:American rock singers Category:American soul singers Category:American tenors Category:American vegetarians

Category:Boy sopranos Category:Brit Award winners Category:Burials at Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Glendale) Category:Child pop musicians Category:Drug-related deaths in California Category:Epic Records artists

Category:Former Jehovah's Witnesses Category:Grammy Award winners Category:Grammy Legend Award Michael Jackson Category:Manslaughter victims Category:Motown artists Category:Musicians from Indiana Category:People acquitted of sex crimes Category:People from Gary, Indiana Category:People from Santa Barbara County, California Category:Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Category:Songwriters from Indiana Category:Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees Michael Jackson Category:World Music Awards winners Category:Young Artist Award winners

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name	Salman Khan
birth name	Abdul Rashid Salim Salman Khan
birth place	Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
birth date	December 27, 1965
occupation	Film actor, television presenter and philanthropist
yearsactive	1988–present
residence	Bandra, Mumbai
othername	Sallu
parents	Salim KhanSalma Khan
relatives	Arbaaz Khan (brother)Sohail Khan (brother)Helen Richardson (step-mother) }}

Salman Khan (pronunciation : ; born Abdul Rashid Salim Salman Khan on 27 December 1965) is an Indian film actor. He has starred in more than 80 Hindi films.

Khan, who made his acting debut with a minor role in the drama ''Biwi Ho To Aisi'' (1988), had his first commercial success with the blockbuster ''Maine Pyar Kiya'' (1989), for which he won a Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut. He went on to star in some successful Hindi films of those times, such as ''Saajan'' (1991), ''Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!'' (1994), ''Karan Arjun'' (1995), ''Judwaa'' (1997), ''Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya'' (1998) and ''Biwi No.1'' (1999), having appeared in the highest earning films of seven separate years during his career.

In 1999, Khan won a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for his extended appearance in ''Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'' (1998), and since then has starred in several critical and commercial successes, including ''Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam'' (1999), ''Tere Naam'' (2003), ''Mujhse Shaadi Karogi'' (2004), ''No Entry'' (2005), ''Partner'' (2007), ''Wanted'' (2009), ''Dabangg'' (2010), ''Ready'' (2011) and ''Bodyguard'' (2011), which has become the second highest-grossing Bollywood film of all-time. Khan has thus established himself as one of the most successful actors of Hindi cinema.

Early life

Khan is the eldest son of screenwriter Salim Khan and his first wife Salma (''née'' Sushila Charak). His paternal grandfather was a Muslim from Afghanistan who came to India and settled in Madhya Pradesh, whereas his mother is a Marathi Hindu. Khan himself had once said that he is "half Muslim and half Hindu". His stepmother is Helen, a former actress, who has co-starred with him in a few films. He has two brothers, Arbaaz Khan and Sohail Khan, and two sisters, Alvira and Arpita. Alvira is married to actor/director Atul Agnihotri. Khan finished his schooling through St. Stanislaus High School in Bandra, Mumbai, as did his younger brothers Arbaaz and Sohail. Earlier, he studied at The Scindia School, Gwalior for a few years along with younger brother Arbaaz.

Career

1980s

Salman Khan made his acting debut with a supporting role in the 1988 film ''Biwi Ho To Aisi''. His first leading role in a Bollywood movie was in Sooraj R. Barjatya's romantic family drama ''Maine Pyar Kiya'' (1989), one of India's highest grossing films. It earned him a Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut, as well as his first nomination for a Best Actor at Filmfare.

1990s

1990 saw one film release starring Khan, ''Baaghi: A Rebel for Love''. The film was a box office success, followed by four hit films in 1991, ''Patthar Ke Phool'', ''Sanam Bewafa'', ''Kurbaan'' and ''Saajan''. Despite these early successes, nearly all of his 1992–1993 releases resulted in box office failures. In 1995 he starred in Rakesh Roshan's ''Karan Arjun'' alongside Shahrukh Khan.

In 1996, Khan performed in two movies, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's directional debut ''Khamoshi: The Musical'', a box office failure, but critically acclaimed; and Raj Kanwar's action hit ''Jeet''. He had two releases in 1997: ''Judwaa'' and ''Auzaar''. The former was a comedy directed by David Dhawan where he played a dual role of twins separated at birth.

Khan worked in five different films in 1998, his first release being the comedy ''Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya'' opposite Kajol, one of the biggest commercial successes of that year. This was followed by the moderately successful drama ''Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota Hai''. and ''Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam'', which earned another Best Actor nomination at the Filmfare.

2000s

In 2000, Khan acted in films including ''Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega'' ''. ''Chori Chori Chupke Chupke'' addressed the issue of surrogate childbirth; Khan played the role of a rich industrialist, who hires a surrogate mother after his wife becomes infertile. Critics noted his turn towards a more serious role, which reportedly had more substance in comparison to his previous roles. In 2002 he starred in the delayed release ''Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam''.

For ''Tere Naam'', (2003) Taran Adarsh said of him, "Salman Khan is exceptional in a role that fits him to the T. He breathes fire in sequences that demand uneasiness. But beneath the tough exterior lies a vulnerable person and this facet in particular comes to the fore in the latter reels. His emotional outbursts are splendid..." He subsequently continued his success at the box office, with comedies like ''Mujhse Shaadi Karogi'' (2004) and ''No Entry'' ''(2005)''. He next appeared in the Hollywood movie, ''Marigold: An Adventure in India'' which told the love story of an Indian man and an American woman. Khan starred in three films throughout 2008, all of which underperformed.

Khan hosted the second season of ''10 Ka Dum'' in year 2009 which turned out to be even more successful than his first season as host of the game show in year 2008. The show got very high TRPs for Sony Entertainment Television and according to reports, the show helped Sony TV regain its third position in the Indian television ratings.

Khan's first film of 2009, ''Wanted'' directed by choreographer turned director Prabhu Deva. In the same year, he appeared in two other films, ''Main Aurr Mrs Khanna'' and ''London Dreams''. While ''London Dreams'' doing average business, only due to the uninspiring music, but ''Main Aurr Mrs Khanna'' made 21 crores through DTH Premiere.

2010s

Khan's first release of 2010 was Anil Sharma's commercially and critically unsuccessful film ''Veer''. His next release, ''Dabangg'', was produced by his brother Arbaaz Khan, and released on 10 September 2010. It made a record opening at the box office and Box Office India declared it an all-time blockbuster. For his performance in ''Dabangg'', Khan received a Star Screen Award for Best Actor and a Stardust Award for Star of the Year – Male and was nominated for his sixth Filmfare Award for Best Actor. Anupama Chopra from NDTV wrote about his performance, "It's the role of a lifetime and Salman Khan bites into it like a starving man devours a feast. He inhabits it fully, strutting and swaggering and even, spoofing himself."

Khan's first release of 2011 was ''Ready'' which released on 3 June. The film broke several box office records and is currently the fourth highest-grossing Bollywood film of all time. He next appeared in ''Bodyguard''. Upon release, the film Became a Blockbuster at the box office, with Khan's performance receiving favourable comments from critics and is currently the second highest-grossing Bollywood film of all time.

Personal life

In 2004, he was voted seventh-best-looking man in the world and the best looking man in India by ''People'' magazine, US. Khan has been involved in several charities during his career.

On 11 October 2007, Khan accepted an offer from Madame Tussauds wax museum in London to have a wax replica made of himself. His life-size wax figure was installed there on 15 January 2008, making him the fourth Indian actor to have been replicated as a wax statue in the museum.

Khan has been the subject of several controversies, including certain legal troubles. On 28 September 2002, Khan was arrested for rash and negligent driving. His car had run into a bakery in Mumbai; one person who was sleeping on the pavement outside the bakery died and three others were injured in the mishap. Charges of culpable homicide were laid against him, but later dropped, and he was found not guilty. On 17 February 2006, Khan was sentenced to one year in prison for hunting the Chinkara, an endangered species. The sentence was stayed by a higher court during appeal. On 10 April 2006, he was handed a five year jail term and remanded to Jodhpur jail until 13 April when he was granted bail.

On September 2010, Khan was reported to have claimed during an interview to a Pakistani channel that the 26/11 attacks were hyped because the "elite" were targeted. During the interview the actor had said - "''It was the elite that was targeted this time. Five star hotels and all. So they panicked. Then they got up and spoke about it. My question is why not before. Attacks have happened in trains and small towns too, but no one talked about it so much."'' Khan also said that Pakistan was not to be blamed for it, and that the Indian security forces had failed. Khan's comments had drawn strong reactions from Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Chagan Bhujbal, Shiv Sena, BJP and other political parties. The comments were also condemned by Ujwal Nikam, Special Prosecutor in the 26/11 trial. Khan later apologised for his comments.

His relationship with actress Aishwarya Rai was a well publicised topic in the Indian media. After their break-up in March 2002, Rai accused him of harassing her. She claimed that Khan had not been able to come to terms with their break-up and was hounding her; her parents lodged a complaint against him. In 2005, news outlets released what was said to be an illicit copy of a mobile phone call recorded in 2001 by the Mumbai police. It appeared to be a call in which he threatened Rai, in an effort to force her to appear at social events held by Mumbai crime figures. The call featured boasts of connections to organised crime and derogatory comments about other actors. However, the alleged tape was tested in the government's Forensic lab in Chandigarh, which concluded that it was fake.

After years of speculations, actress Katrina Kaif admitted in an 2011 interview for a magazine that she was in a serious relationship with Salman Khan for several years, which ended in 2010.

In August 2011 he admitted he suffers from trigeminal neuralgia, a facial nerve disorder commonly known as the suicide disease. In an interview he said that he has been quietly suffering it for the past seven years, but now the pain’s become unbearable. It has even affected his voice, making it much harsher.

Non film work

Khan has started an NGO called 'Being Human' which will sell T-shirts and other products online and in stores. A portion of the sales will go to a worthy cause supporting the underprivileged. In April 2012, he became the brand ambassador for the travel website, Yatra.com, which also made him a shareholder..He has also endorsed the History Channel, Suzuki motorcycles, and Mountain Dew with whom he ended the contract in December 2010.

In January 2012, Khan has offered to pay for releasing around 400 prisoners from around 63 prisons in the state of Uttar Pradesh via his NGO. The prisoners had completed their term but due to economical reasons, they were unable to pay a legal fine for their charges.

Awards and nominations

Filmography

Actor

! Year	! Title	! Role	Other notes
1988	''Biwi Ho To Aisi''	Vicky Bhandari
1989	''Maine Pyar Kiya''	Prem Choudhary	Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Actor
1990	''Baaghi: A Rebel for Love''	Saajan Sood
1991	''Sanam Bewafa''	Salman Khan
1991	''Patthar Ke Phool''	Inspector Suraj
1991		Akash Singh
1991		Prithvi
1991	''Saajan''	Akash Varma
1992		Vicky/Suryavanshi Vikram Singh
1992	''Ek Ladka Ek Ladki''	Raja
1992	''Jaagruti''	Jugnu
1992	''Nishchaiy''	Rohan Yadav/Vasudev Gujral
1993	''Chandra Mukhi''	Raja Rai
1993	''Dil Tera Aashiq''	Vijay
1994	''Andaz Apna Apna''	Prem Bhopali
1994	''Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!''	Prem
1994	''Chaand Kaa Tukdaa''	Shyam Malhotra
1994	''Sangdil Sanam''	Kishan
1995	''Karan Arjun''	Karan Singh/Ajay	Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Actor
1995	''Veergati''	Ajay
1996	''Majhdhaar''	Gopal
1996	''Khamoshi: The Musical''	Raj
1996		Raju	Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor
1996	''Dushman Duniya Ka''		Special appearance
1997	''Judwaa''	Raja/Prem Malhotra
1997	''Auzaar''	Inspector Suraj Prakash
1997		Captain Jeet Sharma	Incomplete film
1997	''Deewana Mastana''	Prem Kumar	Special appearance
1998		Suraj Khanna	Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Actor
1998	''Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota Hai''	Suraj Dhanrajgir
1998			Special appearance
1998		Raju
1998	''Kuch Kuch Hota Hai''	Aman Mehra	Extended guest appearanceFilmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor
1999	''Jaanam Samjha Karo''	Rahul
1999	''Biwi No.1''	Prem	Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role
1999	''Sirf Tum''	Prem	Special appearance
1999	''Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam''	Sameer Rafillini	Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Actor
1999		Hero
1999	''Hum Saath-Saath Hain: We Stand United''	Prem
2000	''Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge''	Raja Oberoi
2000	''Chal Mere Bhai''	Prem Oberoi
2000	''Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega''	Raj/Romi
2000	''Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke''		Special appearance
2000		Prem Kapoor
2001	''Chori Chori Chupke Chupke''	Raj Malhotra
2002	''Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge''	Veer Singh Thakur/Ali
2002	''Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam''	Suraj
2002	''Yeh Hai Jalwa''	Raj 'Raju' Saxena/Raj Mittal
2003	''Love at Times Square''		Special appearance
2003			Special appearance
2003	''Tere Naam''	Radhe Mohan	Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Actor
2003		Alok Raj	Special appearanceNominated—Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor
2004	''Garv: Pride and Honour''	Inspector Arjun Ranavat
2004	''Mujhse Shaadi Karogi''	Sameer Malhotra
2004	''Phir Milenge''	Rohit Manchanda	Extended guest appearance
2004	''Dil Ne Jise Apna Kahaa''	Rishabh
2005	''Lucky: No Time for Love''	Aditya
2005	''Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya?''	Dr. Samir Malhotra
2005	''No Entry''	Prem	Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role
2005	''Kyon Ki''	Anand
2006	''Saawan... The Love Season''	Sameer Sam	Extended guest appearance
2006	''Shaadi Karke Phas Gaya Yaar''	Ayaan
2006	''Jaan-E-Mann''	Suhaan Kapoor
2006		Avinash Kapoor
2007	''Salaam-e-Ishq: A Tribute To Love''	Rahul
2007		Prem Love Guru
2007	''Marigold: An Adventure in India''	Prem	English language film
2007	''Om Shanti Om''	Himself	Special appearance in song "Deewangi Deewangi"
2007	''Saawariya''	Imaan	Extended guest appearance
2008	''God Tussi Great Ho''	Arun Prajapati
2008		Chetan Bhagat	Special appearance
2008		Balkar Singh/Jassvinder Singh
2008	''Yuvvraaj''	Deven Yuvvraaj
2009		Radhe/Rajveer Shikhawat
2009	''Main Aurr Mrs Khanna''	Samir Khanna
2009	''London Dreams''	Mannu (Manjit Khosla)
2009	''Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani''	Himself	Special appearance
2010		Veer
2010	''Prem Kaa Game''	The Sutradhaar (Narrator)	Special appearance
2010	''Dabangg''	Inspector Chulbul Pandey(Robinhood Pandey)	Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Actor
2010	''Tees Maar Khan''	Himself	Special appearance in song "Wallah Re Wallah"
2010	''Isi Life Mein''	Himself	Special appearance
2011		Prem Kapoor
2011		Lovely Singh	Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Actor
2011	''Tell Me O Kkhuda''		Cameo
2011	''Do Aur Do Paanch''		Extended guest appearance
2012	''Ek Tha Tiger''		Filming
2012	''Ishkq In Paris''		Special appearance
2012	''Dabangg 2''	Inspector Chulbul Pandey(Robinhood Pandey)	Filming
2013	''Andaz Apna Apna 3D''	Prem (voice)	Animated Film

Television presenter

''10 Ka Dum'' (Seasons 1 & 2)

''Bigg Boss'' (Seasons 4 & 5)

Writer

''Baaghi: A Rebel for Love'' (1990)

''Veer'' (2010)

Producer

''Chillar Party'' (2011)

See also

List of Indian Actors

List of people from Madhya Pradesh

References

Further reading

External links

Category:1965 births Category:Filmfare Awards winners Category:Indian actors Category:Indian film actors Category:Indian television presenters Category:People from Indore Category:Hindi film actors Category:Living people Category:Scindia School alumni Category:Bigg Boss Category:Indian people of Afghan descent

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