Rockne's Roundtable

I'll start with some info. In the last few years the English Premiere league has had the most cash to spend and has attracted many of the top international players along with all the top English players. Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal have been the traditional powers, with Man U and Liverpool having won the most English championships. About 8 years ago, a Russian billionaire bought Chelsea, infused a ton of cash, and has had a great deal of success during that time, battling Man U for the championship most years. Now, Manchester City, backed by some middle eastern oil money has put together an excellent team, and they are leading the English Premiere League, followed closely by Man U and Tottenham. Chelsea has an aging side, and a lousy coach and are struggling this year, as are Arsenal and Liverpool.

The two best club teams however, are from the Spanish League - Barcelona and Real Madrid. Every year, there is a European club championship called the Champions League, where the top 3-4 teams from each league play in a season long tournament. Barcelona has won 2 of the last 3 years, and is favored again along with Real Madrid. Lionel Messi from Argentina plays for Barcelona, and Ronaldo, from portugal, plays for Real Madrid. Most experts consider them the two best players in the world. The Champions League is down to 16 teams at this point, in Mid-March that will be reduced to 8. Semifinals will be in April and the final in early may. Fox Soccer channel covers the Champions League, and if you get that on your cable system it is worth following.

I'm a big soccer fan, NDGuy, but your question is quite vague, so I am not sure what to answer.
Here is my advice to you if you want to get more into soccer. Make sure you get the Fox Soccer channel on cable or DirecTV. Every weekend they broadcast the games from the Premiere League. Start watching those games. Better yet, pick a team to follow and be sure to catch all of their games that are broadcast.
The only other interesting leagues are La Liga in Spain and Serie A in Italy, but right now the best talent, not counting the Barcelona team is centered in the Premier League.

Above all DON'T do any of the following:
Follow Manchester United because that is like coming along and picking the Lakers or Yankees to follow since they are constant front runners. (owned by the Glazers who own the Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Follow Manchester City, despite their perennial underdog status in their own city, they are attempting to buy the league title with Arab money.
Follow Liverpool, because for some reason Fenway Sports group that owns them allowed Lebron James to be a 10% owner. Don't root for anything that Lebron James is part of.
Follow Chelsea because they just suck!

Oh and GO ARSENAL!!

IrishWon