Umberto II of Italy to Sarre, in Aosta Valley, and isolated from the political life of the Royal House. As the Allies freed more and more of Italy from the Salò regime, it became apparent that Victor Emmanuel was too tainted by his previous support of Fascism to have any further role. Accordingly, in April 1944, he transferred most of his powers to Umberto. This status was formalized after Rome was liberated in June, when Victor Emmanuel transferred his remaining constitutional powers to Umberto, naming his son Lieutenant General of the Realm. However, Victor Emmanuel retained the title of King. Umberto earned widespread praise
El País King of European Soccer El País King of European Soccer El País King of European Soccer (alternative: "El País European Player of the Year") was an annual soccer award given by Uruguayan newspaper El País to the best soccer player in Europe. It had been decided by several European sports experts, critics and journalists based on votes. Any player from a European team was eligible, regardless their country of origin. It was first awarded in 1991 with French Jean-Pierre Papin having been the inaugural winner. The last winner was Argentine Lionel Messi in 2012. Lionel Messi and French Zinedine Zidane are the record winners