Ex-Man United star Mata buys stake in San Diego​​

Former Spain international and World Cup winner Juan Mata has joined the ownership group of MLS expansion side San Diego FC, the club announced on Wednesday.

​Former Spain international and World Cup winner Juan Mata has joined the ownership group of MLS expansion side San Diego FC, the club announced on Wednesday. Former Spain international and World Cup winner Juan Mata has joined the ownership group of MLS expansion side San Diego FC, the club announced on Wednesday.   

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Former Spain international and World Cup winner Juan Mata has joined the ownership group of MLS expansion side San Diego FC, the club announced on Wednesday.

New owners seek Klopp’s aid to transform Paris FC​​

The Arnault family, owners of the LVMH luxury empire, plan to draw on Jürgen Klopp’s expertise as part of an ambitious project to transform Paris FC into a force in French soccer.

​The Arnault family, owners of the LVMH luxury empire, plan to draw on Jürgen Klopp’s expertise as part of an ambitious project to transform Paris FC into a force in French soccer. The Arnault family, owners of the LVMH luxury empire, plan to draw on Jürgen Klopp’s expertise as part of an ambitious project to transform Paris FC into a force in French soccer.   

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

The Arnault family, owners of the LVMH luxury empire, plan to draw on Jürgen Klopp’s expertise as part of an ambitious project to transform Paris FC into a force in French soccer.

U.S. to face Japan, Australia in SheBelieves Cup​​

The United States women’s national team will host Japan, Australia and Colombia in the 2025 SheBelieves Cup, the U.S. Soccer Federation said.

​The United States women’s national team will host Japan, Australia and Colombia in the 2025 SheBelieves Cup, the U.S. Soccer Federation said. The United States women’s national team will host Japan, Australia and Colombia in the 2025 SheBelieves Cup, the U.S. Soccer Federation said.   

play

The United States women’s national team will host Japan, Australia and Colombia in the 2025 SheBelieves Cup, the U.S. Soccer Federation said on Wednesday.

The USWNT, currently ranked first in FIFA’s women’s soccer rankings, will open the competition on Feb. 20 against 21st-ranked Colombia at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, Texas.

That will be followed three days later with a match against 15th-ranked Australia at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Feb. 26. The final day of the competition will see the U.S. face seventh-ranked Japan at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, Calif.

This is the 10th edition of the tournament.

“This will be my first SheBelieves Cup, but I’ve followed the tournament, and it always produces close games between top teams,” U.S. head coach Emma Hayes said. “All four of these teams were in the last World Cup and Olympics, and all are in the building process to qualify for the next World Cup, so to get three games against talented teams and players in a format that replicates group play at a world championship is valuable in our process. All the games will be great tests for the teams and fun for all the fans.”

The USWNT has never been beaten by Las Cafeteras, holding an all-time record of 11-0-2. The two teams last met at the W Gold Cup, with the USWNT prevailing 3-0.

The United States women have played the Matildas 35 times, with the USWNT holding a record of 28W-1L-5D. Australia is managed by former U.S. head coach Tom Sermanni. The U.S. and Australia met in the final group match of this summer’s Olympics, a 2-1 U.S. victory that knocked the Matildas out of the tournament.

The U.S.-Japan rivalry dates back to 1986. Starting in 2011, the teams met in three straight world finals, with Japan winning the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup on penalties, while the U.S. won the London 2012 Olympic Games and the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The USWNT holds a 32W-1L-8D all-time record against the Nadeshiko. The most recent meeting between the two teams took place at last summer’s Olympic Games, as the Americans claimed a 1-0 victory in the quarterfinals.

Australia and Colombia will make their first appearances in the SheBelieves Cup, while Japan returns to the field for the third consecutive year and the fifth time overall. The USA has won the last five SheBelieves Cups and has seven titles overall, while France won in 2017, and England took top honors in 2019.

The SheBelieves Cup will be the second event for the USWNT in 2025 as the team will start the new year with a training camp in Los Angeles that will run from Jan. 14-21.

No official matches are associated with that camp, but it will run concurrently with the “Futures Camp” that will feature up-and-coming USWNT prospects.

Rosters for both camps will be announced early next year.

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

The United States women’s national team will host Japan, Australia and Colombia in the 2025 SheBelieves Cup, the U.S. Soccer Federation said.

Predicting Amorim’s first 11 games at Man United — and how he compares to prior coaches​​

Ahead of Rúben Amorim’s first game as manager of Manchester United, ESPN predicts the remaining 11 games in 2024 for the club and how they’ll fare.

​Ahead of Rúben Amorim’s first game as manager of Manchester United, ESPN predicts the remaining 11 games in 2024 for the club and how they’ll fare. Ahead of Rúben Amorim’s first game as manager of Manchester United, ESPN predicts the remaining 11 games in 2024 for the club and how they’ll fare.   

On Sunday, Rúben Amorim begins his highly anticipated tenure as Manchester United manager away to Ipswich Town in the Premier League. The 39-year-old Portuguese manager will introduce himself to a fanbase anxiously hoping for a change of fortune after a dismal start to the campaign.

We’ll have to wait and see what kind of football we get, but it’s safe to say that to coach in the Premier League is one thing, though to do it as United’s manager is an entirely bigger mountain to climb. Why? Because this isn’t just about being 13th in the table, aching to enter the top four again. It’s not even about the shadows of Sir Alex Ferguson’s era continuously clouding the present. This is about a club with a prodigious history and a colossal global brand.

Amorim has 11 matches for the remainder of the calendar year to make an immediate impact, so why not predict their outcomes and compare them to previous Man United managers, including his mentor Jose Mourinho?

Before we begin, I am not using a statistical, data-driven, analytical formula here. This is driven by the ultimate guide that every analyst relies on: gut.

Ipswich Town, Nov. 24 (Premier League, Away)

This is the beginning of Amorim’s era and funnily enough it comes against Kieran McKenna, who was part of Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s coaching staff at Carrington. Due to the international break, Amorim will have only two days of full training sessions with the whole squad, meaning many players will have a limited understanding of his ideas and those on national team duty might not be at 100% fitness.

That’s why Amorim’s main task is to be defensively strong. Don’t concede and everything else will follow. United fans see fragments of his 3-4-3 vision, but it won’t be complete, and that’s OK. The 39-year-old wants to see character that he can build into an identity.

At halftime, it’s a stalemate, but as the game passes the hour mark, Amorim’s tactics come through. Marcus Rashford needs to make an impact for club and country, and Amorim challenges the English attacker, using him more centrally in this matchup.

It’s also an important game for Rasmus Højlund. With only one league goal all season, the Dane knows he needs to impress. Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes pulls all the strings, setting up a goal and scoring another. The new manager bounce pays off and Amorim’s United take the three points back to Manchester.

Predicted score: Ipswich Town 0-2 Man United

Bodo/Glimt, Nov. 28 (Europa League, Home)

For the first time, Old Trafford welcomes Amorim as its manager, which should make for an electric atmosphere. The crowd welcomes him with open arms and there’s a newfound sense of optimism. The charismatic Portuguese coach soaks it all in before kickoff and wants his team to make a statement.

It’s clear that the Premier League remains the biggest priority in his to-do list, but Amorim, who knows how special European nights can be, comes out with an attack-minded lineup. Look out for Alejandro Garnacho: His role under Amorim is intriguing to watch as he is required to cover a lot more ground on the left-hand side.

Man United are currently 15th in Europa League’s phase standings, one point below tonight’s visitors. Amorim won’t like that one bit, and he’ll make sure the squad holds nothing back. The Red Devils demolish the Norwegians, concluding the night with a strong victory and a satisfied Old Trafford.

Predicted score: Man United 4-0 Bodo Glimt

Everton, Dec. 1 (Premier League, H)

With momentum under their wings, Man United are feeling good and seeing as this is Amorim’s first league game at home, the team hope to make it three wins from three. But Sean Dyche aims to counter the Portuguese manager’s tactics with some resilient defending and counterattacking ploys of his own. He also knows that the last time these sides met, his Toffees should have gotten something out of it.

Last March under Erik Ten Hag, United came out victorious with a 2-0 win, but it wasn’t a convincing performance as it required two penalties as well as stout defending against Everton, who took 23 shots. But today is a different story. It’s a physical game and even though the visitors get the opening goal, in the end Man United seal the three points.

One of Amorim’s goals is to ensure his team gives a 90-minute performance and that’s what happens here. Hojlund is now finding his feet and scores twice for United. Amorim promised goals and that’s exactly what United fans are seeing, making it nine goals in three games.

Predicted score: Man United 3-1 Everton

play

Why Mark Ogden believes Ruben Amorim is the ‘real deal’

Mark Odgen praises the appointment of Ruben Amorim by Manchester United and says he’s inheriting a better situation than people think.

Arsenal, Dec. 4 (Premier League, A)

The biggest test of Amorim’s tenure comes only three days after the Everton victory against an Arsenal side desperate for results in order to keep in the title race and the top four. Meanwhile, United are also back in the European race thanks to the impressive start under their new manager.

However, Mikel Arteta’s Gunners have not lost at home all season and this game, which is a midweek affair in the busiest month of the Premier League calendar, is a real test of how Amorim can handle his squad. December is a nightmare because there are matches every three or four days, so a lot depends on the health of the roster. Arsenal are also undefeated against Man United in their past three encounters so they’re not exactly the dream opponent.

Regardless, this is also the type of fixture that Amorim relishes. This is why he took the job at Manchester United. He wants to awaken the giant. It ends as an entertaining affair with Manuel Ugarte, who played for Amorim at Sporting and delivered a man-of-the-match performance in 2023 against Arsenal, shining in this one, too. The Red Devils show more progress and salvage a draw.

Predicted score: Arsenal 2-2 Man United

Fatigued after the battle against Arsenal, Man United encounter an uncomfortable matchup against Amorim’s compatriot Nuno Espírito Santo as Nottingham Forest find themselves in surprising waters, high up the table. But Forest are also tired, having played against Man City in their previous fixture. Forest’s record away from City Ground is remarkable, but November and December are major tests for the Tricky Trees on the road.

This is not a game for aesthetics and quickly becomes a physical back and forth. There might be a red card in this one and Amorim will see how feisty this league can be. But after being part of many tough matchups in the Portuguese league as player and manager, he’s no stranger to a good scrap. Casemiro scores the winner and United see themselves in top-five territory.

Predicted score: Man United 2-1 Nottingham Forest

The matches continue to pile up but this is the last Europa League game of the year for Man United and Amorim wants to finish 2024 in strong fashion. A victory would further cement their place in the top eight, which would secure a Round of 16 spot.

But Czech side Viktoria Plzen are no pushovers, especially in this competition. They are undefeated and despite multiple draws, they beat Real Sociedad in the previous matchday. Ghanaian star Prince Adu is a handful and Man United, feeling the effects of a packed December schedule, find it hard to get much from this game. The home side score first and make it difficult for United to find opportunities, but the perseverance from Amorim’s team rewards them. Rashford finds the back of the net in the second half and the Red Devils earn a valuable point on matchday six.

Predicted score: Man United 1-1 Viktoria Plzen

The biggest game of Amorim’s career as Man United manager is here and if you think Pep Guardiola has forgotten what happened on Nov. 5 when Sporting destroyed Man City 4-1 in the Champions League, then think again.

That victory at José Alvalade Stadium remains a thorn in the Catalan manager’s side and he will want to make sure City respond in this highly-anticipated Manchester derby. Let’s not forget that this season has become one of the most competitive title races in recent history, too. The battle for top spot is tight, while the European places are contested by almost the entire top half of the table.

City need this game, while Amorim knows that a result can propel United’s momentum. They remain undefeated under the Portuguese head coach, but City have finally found form after the international break. Erling Haaland notches first for City, but Fernandes equalizes before the halftime whistle thanks to a penalty. It’s a relentless back and forth as Mateo Kovacic puts Man City ahead once again but Hojlund continues his strong streak and equalizes for the Red Devils.

Then, in the final moments of the game, a Hollywood finale presents itself as Garnacho writes himself in United folklore. Man United take three points and the game goes down as a classic.

Back when Amorim managed Braga, he led them to earn their first away victory at Benfica in 65 years, so nothing is impossible.

Predicted score: Man City 2-3 Man United

play

Bernardo Silva: I don’t wish Rúben Amorim well at Man United

Bernardo Silva speaks ahead of Man City’s clash with Sporting CP in Rúben Amorim’s penultimate game with the club.

United’s euphoria after their victory over Manchester City ends against Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham, who aims for a trophy in his second season as Spurs manager. There’s heavy squad rotation for United, as they have to prepare for a league game against Bournemouth in three days time.

This matchup comes too soon for the Red Devils, especially against an energetic, determined Tottenham who eased past a struggling Southampton side the game before. Spurs are at home and desperate for a trophy and as a result, Amorim suffers his first defeat. In the end, it might prove to be a blessing in disguise as Amorim’s goals for Man United go beyond the League Cup.

Predicted score: Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Man United

Bournemouth, Dec. 22 (Premier League, H)

Andoni Iraola’s Cherries have kept improving week after week and they prove to be a challenging opponent for United. After rotating his team against Tottenham, Amorim brings back his best XI for this one. Ugarte and Luke Shaw deliver strong performances and despite conceding first, the Red Devils earn a victory and are now in top four territory.

By this game, United fans are finally seeing what consistency in the league looks like. There’s a long way to go, but the team is showing signs of a new era. Leny Yoro‘s return is a massive boost this month.

Predicted score: Man United 2-1 Bournemouth

Fixtures on Boxing Day are daunting as the wrath of December takes its toll on Premier League teams. Gary O’Neill’s Wolves are struggling this season but by the end of this month, they have found some momentum. Amorim’s first game at Molineux is a scrappy encounter and surprisingly, it’s his team that concedes first.

United find it hard to get going until the last 15 minutes when the substitutes impact the game. This match, however, turns into an anomaly under Amorim as United, looking tired, leave Wolverhampton with only a point.

Predicted score: Wolves 1-1 Man United

play

No money, no wing-backs: The challenges Amorim already faces at Man United

On “The Football Reporters”, Mark Ogden and Rob Dawson break down the challenges Ruben Amorim will have to overcome to make a fast start at Manchester United.

Historically speaking, this fixture has almost always delivered. Last May at Old Trafford, for example, United won 3-2 thanks to goals from Kobbie Mainoo, Amad and Hojlund to boost their European ambitions. In this encounter, Newcastle arrive at Manchester after a thrilling battle with Aston Villa at St. James’ Park on Boxing Day.

But Newcastle have done reasonably well in December and continue to have European aspirations of their own. So this game is another thriller that ultimately ends in a Manchester United win, thanks to a brace from Fernandes, another one from Rashford and a goal from Yoro, his first for the club.

Predicted score: Man United 4-2 Newcastle

How does Amorim’s predicted first 11 games compare to previous five permanent managers?

Record of Manchester United’s previous five managers in first 11 games (W-D-L):

Erik ten Hag, 2022: 7-0-4Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer (caretaker role), 2018-19: 10-1-0José Mourinho, 2016: 7-1-3Louis van Gaal, 2014: 3-4-5David Moyes, 2013: 6-2-3

LME’s prediction for Rúben Amorim’s record after 11 matches: 7-3-1

After making my predictions for Amorim’s first 11 games, we can see that his win record is the same as Erik ten Hag and Jose Mourinho’s. Only Ole Gunnar Solskajer has a better run after this number of games, and I don’t see any other head coach replicating what he did in that timeframe. It was quite remarkable, hence why Solskajer was offered the permanent job shortly after taking over.

However, I think Amorim’s immediate impact will be more impressive because he will instill identity into the way Man United play and make them a tougher side to win against. Confidence will return to Old Trafford. I think Amorim is the kind of manager that Man United have been waiting for. He is the man to finally help the club move beyond Sir Alex Ferguson’s shadow, and that’s not to say they need to forget what Ferguson brought to the club. This is about the future of Man United and how Amorim can bring in a new era of resilient optimism.

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Ahead of Rúben Amorim’s first game as manager of Manchester United, ESPN predicts the remaining 11 games in 2024 for the club and how they’ll fare.

Emma-Jayne Wilson, known for her regular appearances at Ascot’s Shergar Cup, suffered neck and pelvic fractures when her horse collapsed during a race at Woodbine in Canada in October ​Emma-Jayne Wilson, known for her regular appearances at Ascot’s Shergar Cup,...

Jake Paul has moved to 128th in the world heavyweight rankings after his points win over Mike Tyson - one place ahead of Adam Kownacki, who boasts a win over a former champion ​Jake Paul has moved to 128th in the world heavyweight rankings after his points win over...

Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres has become Europe's hottest transfer property but he is being urged to avoid linking back up with Ruben Amorim at Manchester United ​Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres has become Europe's hottest transfer property but he is being...

Manchester City's new fly-on-the-wall documentary details the behind the scenes moments from Pep Guardiola and his players that drove them to a fourth successive Premier League title ​Manchester City's new fly-on-the-wall documentary details the behind the scenes...

Liam Payne was laid to rest at a private funeral in the Home Counties on Wednesday after his tragic death last month and his friend, Adrian Chiles, was among those in attendance ​Liam Payne was laid to rest at a private funeral in the Home Counties on Wednesday after...

Gareth Southgate's long-time assistant Steve Holland has agreed to take over Yokohama F. Marinos, a Japanese side who are partly owned by the City Football Group ​Gareth Southgate's long-time assistant Steve Holland has agreed to take over Yokohama F. Marinos, a...

Ex-Leeds, Robins and Great Britain ace will take Tigers to Craven Park in Super League opening round after being axed by KR last year ​Ex-Leeds, Robins and Great Britain ace will take Tigers to Craven Park in Super League opening round after being axed by KR last...

Manchester City sent a letter to the other 19 Premier League clubs last week to ask for support in their battle over APT regulations and they have received backing from Aston Villa ​Manchester City sent a letter to the other 19 Premier League clubs last week to ask...

Jason Day has big plans for 2025 with a return to major championship glory and big wins on the PGA Tour on his mind, with the Aussie optimistic after battling injury and health issues ​Jason Day has big plans for 2025 with a return to major championship glory and big...

Marcus Rashford and Casemiro left Manchester United behind to visit the United States during the international break and Gary Neville has challenged the duo's choice of destination ​Marcus Rashford and Casemiro left Manchester United behind to visit the United States...

Amid speculation he might be primed to move elsewhere after this season, Colorado's Deion Sanders said he's got "a kickstand down" and the Buffs "ain't going nowhere." ​ Amid speculation he might be primed to move elsewhere after this season, Colorado's Deion Sanders...

Draymond Green called out Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins for his response to Green's trip of Zach Edey, calling Taylor "too emotional." ​ Draymond Green called out Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins for his response to Green's trip of Zach Edey, calling Taylor...

After Lakers guard Dalton Knecht tied an NBA rookie record with nine 3-pointers en route to 37 points in a 124-118 win over the Jazz on Tuesday, LeBron James wanted to clarify just how Knecht landed in L.A. ​ After Lakers guard Dalton Knecht tied an NBA rookie record...

The Boston Bruins, off to an 8-9-3 start and currently outside of a playoff seed in the clogged Eastern Conference, fired coach Jim Montgomery, the team announced Tuesday, while elevating associate coach Joe Sacco to interim head coach. ​ The Boston Bruins, off to an...

Rafael Nadal's incredible tennis career came to an end Tuesday as Spain lost its Davis Cup quarterfinal against the Netherlands. ​ Rafael Nadal's incredible tennis career came to an end Tuesday as Spain lost its Davis Cup quarterfinal against the Netherlands. Rafael...

Boise State, which pulled away from San Jose State on Saturday, moved ahead of BYU in the rankings released by the College Football Playoff selection committee Tuesday, putting the Broncos in position for a first-round bye ahead of the Big 12 champ. ​ Boise State,...

The Celtics survived a second-half charge from the Cavaliers and rode hot shooting on 3s to a 120-117 win Tuesday. ​ The Celtics survived a second-half charge from the Cavaliers and rode hot shooting on 3s to a 120-117 win Tuesday. The Celtics survived a second-half...

Breaking down which teams have the most to be angry about with this week's CFP rankings. ​ Breaking down which teams have the most to be angry about with this week's CFP rankings. Breaking down which teams have the most to be angry about with this week's CFP...

Insolent and provocative: Dani Olmo’s games are now must-watch affairs​​

Spain and Barcelona star Dani Olmo is in such a rich vein of form that his displays almost border on insolence.

​Spain and Barcelona star Dani Olmo is in such a rich vein of form that his displays almost border on insolence. Spain and Barcelona star Dani Olmo is in such a rich vein of form that his displays almost border on insolence.   

play

It’s time to introduce you to the man with the most insolent and provocative hairstyle in the world of football.

His name is Dani Olmo and he’s a player of devastating, catalytic creative impact for both Barcelona and Spain. I’ll get back to his tonsorial taunting in just a second but, first, the context.

Olmo seems to carry a Bermuda Triangle effect around him on soccer pitches. Every opponent knows he’s the jack-in-the-box creative threat who’ll spring their defensive traps, who’ll open up an apparently opportunity-free midfield and then do rapier damage where others see nothing but dead-ends, impenetrable walls and over-congestion.

Every opposition coach wants his players to shut Olmo down. To mark him more tightly than a mollusc on a rock. Zero creative space. Yet up he pops. Perpetually.

Olmo’s initial task-in-hand, given he possesses vision, daring, fine technique plus laser-guided shooting and passing, is to carve out free space for himself. Given that he’s almost always the opposition team’s “most wanted,” “be-on-the-lookout-for” player that shouldn’t be easy: sometimes not even possible. Yet, I stress … up he pops.

The Bermuda Triangle thing is that he’s gliding along, in plain sight, amidst a clutch of players then, suddenly, it would appear, none of the rival midfielders or defenders can see him at all. He vanishes.

And then he promptly re-appears in a lovely patch of green space — unmarked, unobserved, unmolested.

Seconds later, a teammate will slide a simple pass into Olmo’s territory and, with an agile flip of his body direction, or by letting he ball roll in front of him — without a controlling touch — the 26-year-old Croatia-educated Catalan will unleash a killer-pass or shot.

Just like he did for Spain’s winning goal against Denmark last Friday — the one which guaranteed the Nations League holders will have second-leg home advantage in next March’s playoff to reach the 2025 semis and, potentially, become the first country to retain that trophy.

The haircut? The tonsorial taunting? I’ll explain.

Olmo, just in case you haven’t seen him lately, dyed his hair peroxide blond a few months ago — as if to say to opposition markers on the pitch: ‘Look, look … HERE I AM! Can’t you see me? Really?!?’

From Jean Harlow via Marilyn Monroe or, I feel obliged to mention, Rutger Hauer as the replicant Roy Batty in Blade Runner, the peroxide blonde look across generations has always screamed: ‘LOOK AT ME … notice me! I want your attention!!’

Yet it’s still the case that Olmo’s ingenuity, daring, and relentless pacing around the most dangerous third of the pitch regularly combine to leave him unattended, in big free space and ready to do the most malicious damage to those who are supposed to be extinguishing his threat. It really must drive opposition coaches mad.

I rest my case on the taunting nature of his hair-colour choice and, honestly, you have to love him for his “I’m going to leave clues … catch me if you can!” insolence.

His record, since turning his head into a shimmering warning sign for would-be spoilsport rivals has been pretty sensational.

For Barcelona, he’s scored five times in six matches — a goal every 63 minutes. For Spain, his three goals and three assists in the last six months amount to a goal contribution every 95 minutes: and, I believe, crucially, he did not play in the only matches Spain have lost (Colombia and Scotland) since Luis De la Fuente took over La Roja nearly 30 matches ago.

Within those Spain stats are moments of ecstasy which demonstrate his huge importance.

Olmo was recovering from injury when the European Championship started. But, from his first appearance against Albania, he provided the winning goal assist.

Then, once back in the team following Toni Kroos’ ruinous and vindictive challenge that forced Pedri out of the tournament, Olmo scored the quarterfinal opener against Germany and made the last-minute winner for Mikel Merino.

In the semifinal, defeating France, he was the one who cracked home Spain’s winner — their second goal in four blistering minutes having gone 1-0 down and looked like they were in trouble.

By the final, against England, it was Olmo’s run and dummy that fatally exposed Kyle Walker and allowed Nico Williams to put Spain one-nil up. Then, late on, Olmo was in that perennial Bermuda Triangle of green space he creates, unmarked, to make the pass down the middle towards Mikel Oyarzabal, whose one-two pass with Marc Cucurella led to the winning goal. Olmo to the rescue, always.

There was another key in the final, but because the modern way is to think only about the goals and the creative spectacle many outside Spain and England will already have forgotten it. To explain it properly, it’s worth going back to the fact that Olmo left his native Barcelona to move to Zagreb when he was 16 and underwent a competitive indoctrination: He had it drilled into him that winning is everything. And that to win, you always need to want it more than the enemy. And then you go out and prove that fact.

Back in 2022 when I asked him whether it had taken extraordinary maturity to choose to leave Barcelona’s academy as a teenager and move to Croatia, Olmo told me: “I can imagine that’s what those who don’t know me, or my story, believe.

“But I had clarity. I was certain this would be a good path for me, a one-of-a-kind opportunity, and a project no other team had offered me.”

Then, early at the Euros, he expanded on the appreciation for what life in Croatia (six years at Dinamo Zagreb, nine trophies) imbued in him.

“Something I learned from the Croatian mentality is to never give up and to know that, until the referee blows his whistle, there’s always still a chance to win,” he said.

“It’s in those final minutes of pressure that I believe the most in myself.”

So it was in the 90th minute of that glorious final in Berlin, when Marc Guéhi headed towards what seemed like an open goal for what also seemed sure to be the equaliser, it was Olmo who appeared, as if from nowhere, to leap up and head the ball off the goal-line.

His convulsive, joyous, defiant reaction, immediately after Declan Rice headed the rebound over the bar was probably as ecstatic as any celebration Olmo has given after scoring a goal — that’s how important the moment was.

And he was ready. Again, Olmo’s explained some of these ideas to me in depth. He is a big believer in the power of his mind, and being prepared for any high stress, but high-potential, situation which football might throw at him.

“It always helps to visualise beforehand so that when you’re on the pitch you’re familiar with situations,” he said.

“Because you’ve already lived them, you’ve already seen them before, in your mind’s eye, so when a threat or opportunity actually arrives on the pitch you already know what to do.

“Of course, in the game it’s another world, it’s different, but if you’ve ‘seen’ it before it all helps.”

This guy is so good, so supernatural at finding space, and then so punishing, ruthless and thrilling in what he does with that freedom that I really believe he transcends club or international team loyalties.

Go out of your way to find him. Watch him. Delight in his technique his determination, his perpetual ability to instantly create calm and intelligence out of chaos and madness.

Olmo is on your screens every week — do not, on any account, miss an opportunity to watch him.

Him and his insolent hairstyle.

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Spain and Barcelona star Dani Olmo is in such a rich vein of form that his displays almost border on insolence.

Chelsea condemn anti-gay abuse of Kerr, Mewis​​

Chelsea women’s team manager Sonia Bompastor on Tuesday condemned the anti-gay abuse that striker Sam Kerr and United States midfielder Kristie Mewis faced after they announced they are expecting a baby.

​Chelsea women’s team manager Sonia Bompastor on Tuesday condemned the anti-gay abuse that striker Sam Kerr and United States midfielder Kristie Mewis faced after they announced they are expecting a baby. Chelsea women’s team manager Sonia Bompastor on Tuesday condemned the anti-gay abuse that striker Sam Kerr and United States midfielder Kristie Mewis faced after they announced they are expecting a baby.   

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Chelsea women’s team manager Sonia Bompastor on Tuesday condemned the anti-gay abuse that striker Sam Kerr and United States midfielder Kristie Mewis faced after they announced they are expecting a baby.

Source: Cincy sets MLS transfer record for Denkey​​

FC Cincinnati has completed the signing of Cercle Brugge forward Kévin Denkey for an MLS record transfer fee. a team spokesperson confirmed to ESPN.

​FC Cincinnati has completed the signing of Cercle Brugge forward Kévin Denkey for an MLS record transfer fee. a team spokesperson confirmed to ESPN. FC Cincinnati has completed the signing of Cercle Brugge forward Kévin Denkey for an MLS record transfer fee. a team spokesperson confirmed to ESPN.   

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

FC Cincinnati has completed the signing of Cercle Brugge forward Kévin Denkey for an MLS record transfer fee. a team spokesperson confirmed to ESPN.

Messi sets up Martinez golazo in Argentina win​​

Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez scored in the second half to secure a 1-0 home win against Peru in South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday.

​Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez scored in the second half to secure a 1-0 home win against Peru in South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday. Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez scored in the second half to secure a 1-0 home win against Peru in South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday.   

Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez scored in the second half to secure a 1-0 home win against Peru in South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday.

Martinez scored 10 minutes after the break, capitalising on a fine cross from Lionel Messi to fire home a half-volley into the top-right corner.

The Inter Milan striker’s 32nd international goal moved him level with Diego Maradona in fifth spot in the country’s all-time scoring charts.

“I’m happy because my whole family came and I always want to give my best. This year was very positive and luckily we closed it with a victory,” Martinez told local TV.

Getty Images

“It was a spectacular year in terms of performance, goals, games played. We have to keep playing and improving day by day.

“Everyone wants to beat us. Argentina’s national team are always the main characters. There are things to improve but we have to continue on this path.”

The World Cup holders lead the CONMEBOL standings with 25 points, five clear of Uruguay who play later in the day at Brazil. Peru are bottom of the 10-team table with seven points after 12 games.

The top six qualify automatically for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

“We are Copa America champions, we are first in the qualifiers. We have to be proud,” Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez said.

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez scored in the second half to secure a 1-0 home win against Peru in South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday.

Mexico rally past Honduras to reach NL semifinals​​

Mexico’s national team cruised to a 4-0 victory over Honduras on Tuesday to secure their spot in the Concacaf Nations League final four.

​Mexico’s national team cruised to a 4-0 victory over Honduras on Tuesday to secure their spot in the Concacaf Nations League final four. Mexico’s national team cruised to a 4-0 victory over Honduras on Tuesday to secure their spot in the Concacaf Nations League final four.   

A brace from Club América forward Henry Martín carried Mexico to a comeback 4-2 aggregate victory over Honduras in the knockout round of the Concacaf Nations League.

Initially down 2-0 after last Friday’s away leg, Mexico kicked off Tuesday’s second leg in Toluca with immediate attacking pressure against Honduras’ backline.

In a first half that included 14 shots, El Tri constantly threw numbers forward and regularly tested opposing goalkeeper Edrick Menjivar. Honduras, in response, did well to soak up pressure and gradually tire out the home side, which began to look frustrated.

Then arrived a momentum-changing strike from Raúl Jiménez late into the first half.

Following a deep run from Chivas left-back Jesus Orozco Chiquete that led to a low cross from the central defender, Jimenez rapidly stuck out his boot to meet the ball that ricocheted into Honduras’ net in the 42nd minute.

After the halftime break, El Tri continued to look proactive with their attack-minded approach.

Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images

Mexico further strengthened its frontline with two out-and-out strikers on the pitch thanks to the 66th minute additions of César Huerta, Jorge Sánchez, and Martin off the bench. The gamble paid off for head coach Javier Aguirre, who soon took a 2-0 lead in the second half.

Moments after a cross off a corner from Alexis Vega in the 72nd minute, Jimenez slightly deflected the ball and set up Martin with a close-range shot that doubled El Tri’s lead.

After leveling the quarterfinal series, Mexico’s confidence changed allowing them to add more goals to the scoresheet.

Vega, with plenty of time in the 85th minute to look for options in the final third, lofted a pass to Sanchez, who then powered a shot past Menjivar to make it 3-2.

Then, in the 97th minute, Martin would cement their dominant home performance with a goal off a penalty that secured the 4-2 aggregate scoreline by the final whistle.

With the result in hand, Mexico and Aguirre have moved on to the semifinal round of the Nations League and qualified for 2025’s Concacaf Gold Cup. Honduras will have a second chance to qualify for the Gold Cup through a preliminary competition.

In the quarterfinal first leg last Friday, Aguirre was hit in the head with a beer can at Honduras’ Estadio Francisco Morazan. Concacaf responded to the incident by handing a one-match ban and fine for Honduras, while also opening up a separate investigation regarding the conduct of Mexico’s coach during the game.

Aguirre brushed off the can-throwing incident that left him bleeding profusely from the head.

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Mexico’s national team cruised to a 4-0 victory over Honduras on Tuesday to secure their spot in the Concacaf Nations League final four.

Source: Pep to stay at Man City with new deal​​

Pep Guardiola has agreed to new one-year contract to extend his stay at Manchester City, a source has confirmed to ESPN’s Moises Llorens.

​Pep Guardiola has agreed to new one-year contract to extend his stay at Manchester City, a source has confirmed to ESPN’s Moises Llorens. Pep Guardiola has agreed to new one-year contract to extend his stay at Manchester City, a source has confirmed to ESPN’s Moises Llorens.   

play

Pep Guardiola has agreed to a new one-year contract to extend his stay at Manchester City, a source has confirmed to ESPN’s Moises Llorens.

Guardiola’s current deal runs until the end of the season and the 53-year-old has remained tight-lipped over his plans.

But after positive conversations between Guardiola and club bosses, the former Barcelona manager is set to take charge at the Etihad Stadium for a 10th season.

Guardiola is already the most successful manager in the club’s history, having won 15 major trophies — including six Premier League titles — since arriving from Bayern Munich in 2016.

Sources with knowledge of the situation have previously told ESPN that Guardiola was expected to make up his mind about whether to sign an extension between the November international break and the start of the new year.

His past two extensions — in 2020 and 2022 — were signed in November to avoid speculation surrounding his future spilling over into the second half of the campaign.

City have lost their past four games in all competitions, but still sit second in the Premier League table, five points behind leaders Liverpool.

They’re also set to take part in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off in the United States in June.

Guardiola extending his stay will be a boost to City, who will lose director of football Txiki Begiristain at the end of the season. Begiristain, a close friend and ally of Guardiola, will be replaced by Hugo Viana, who is joining from Sporting CP.

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Pep Guardiola has agreed to new one-year contract to extend his stay at Manchester City, a source has confirmed to ESPN’s Moises Llorens.

Sources: Martino exits Miami for personal reasons​​

Gerardo “Tata” Martino has left his post as head coach of Inter Miami CF, sources tell ESPN, leaving the club for personal reasons despite having a year remaining on his contract.

​Gerardo “Tata” Martino has left his post as head coach of Inter Miami CF, sources tell ESPN, leaving the club for personal reasons despite having a year remaining on his contract. Gerardo “Tata” Martino has left his post as head coach of Inter Miami CF, sources tell ESPN, leaving the club for personal reasons despite having a year remaining on his contract.   

play

Nov 19, 2024, 03:24 PM ET

Gerardo “Tata” Martino has left his post as head coach of Inter Miami CF, sources tell ESPN, leaving the club for personal reasons despite having a year remaining on his contract.

The former Barcelona and Mexico coach will address the media in a final news conference on Friday, Nov. 22, alongside co-owner Jorge Mas and president of football operations Raúl Sanllehi.

Martino is set to depart just weeks after Lionel Messi and Inter Miami were eliminated from the first round of the MLS playoffs after falling to No. 9 seed Atlanta United FC in the best-of-three series.

The Argentine coach joined Inter Miami in June of 2023, taking over for former manager Phil Neville. In just over a year and a half, he led Miami to the 2023 Leagues Cup trophy, the 2024 Supporters’ Shield and set the league record for most points recorded in a single season during the 2024 campaign.

Despite seeing success during the regular season, Inter Miami struggled in the Concacaf Champions Cup, losing to Monterrey in the quarterfinals, and exited the 2024 Leagues Cup in the round of 16.

His hiring was one in a series of major moves for the club — along with the signings of, among others, Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez.

Martino coached Atlanta United to an MLS championship in 2018, winning the league’s coach of the year award that season. This year, even with Messi missing basically half the MLS season because of injuries and commitments to Argentina’s national team, Martino led Inter Miami to a level of regular-season success never seen in the league’s history.

Inter Miami finished with 74 points, one more than New England had in its record-setting season in 2021. At 22-4-8 in league play, Inter Miami finished the season with a .765 winning percentage for another MLS record. Inter Miami also became the eighth team in MLS history to get through a regular season with only four losses, tying another record.

“I want to say to our coach, Tata: thank you very much for an incredible season,” Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham said to Martino in the on-field ceremony after the regular season ended and the Supporters Shield — which was previously clinched — was hoisted again. “Thank you to your staff … gracias.”

The next Inter Miami coach will have a hectic 2025. It’s likely the team will venture out on another international preseason tour, like it did this season. There’s also the 34-match MLS slate and Inter Miami will be one of the teams in the Club World Cup that starts in June as well.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this story.

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Gerardo “Tata” Martino has left his post as head coach of Inter Miami CF, sources tell ESPN, leaving the club for personal reasons despite having a year remaining on his contract.

State of play at Man City: Guardiola’s future, squad uncertainty and exec turnover​​

Four straight defeats and uncertainty around Pep Guardiola’s future suggest that Man City are heading for a period of transition. Where do things stand around the club ahead of some critical games?

​Four straight defeats and uncertainty around Pep Guardiola’s future suggest that Man City are heading for a period of transition. Where do things stand around the club ahead of some critical games? Four straight defeats and uncertainty around Pep Guardiola’s future suggest that Man City are heading for a period of transition. Where do things stand around the club ahead of some critical games?   

(Editor’s Note: This feature has been updated slightly following news that Pep Guardiola is close to signing a new one-year contract as Man City manager.)

Change is coming at Manchester City. The question is how much, and how soon?

Omar Berrada (to Manchester United) has gone, and Txiki Begiristain (stepping down) will do the same at the end of the season. Two of the key architects of an unprecedented era of success at the Etihad Stadium are out, while the futures of two more, Ferran Soriano and Pep Guardiola, are up in the air.

Together, the four of them — Berrada as COO, Begiristain as director of football, Soriano as CEO and Guardiola as head coach — have helped turn City into the predominant force in English football and one of the best club sides in Europe. What happens next is largely down to whether Guardiola decides to follow Begiristain and Berrada in the summer, or opts to extend his stay in Manchester for a little longer.

Guardiola has a contract until the end of the current campaign and has insisted for months that he hadn’t made up his mind about what to do next. “It’s not true, I can promise you that had I made a decision on whether to stay or to leave [City], I would tell you,” he said in October. “I don’t even know. But anything can happen in life.”

On Tuesday, news broke that Man City and Guardiola have worked out the details of a new one-year deal, but the backdrop of uncertainty around Guardiola so far this season has had an impact. With club play set to resume this weekend, Man City have lost four games in a row for the first time since 2006. The Premier League champions in six of the past seven seasons are struggling; it’s the first time Guardiola has lost four consecutive games as a coach.

Injuries have played a part — particularly Rodri‘s season-ending knee surgery — but there is also a growing feeling around City that this is suddenly a club and a team in transition. Where do things stand around Man City right now ahead of a critical run of games?

The uncertainty around Guardiola and his future

City bosses insist Guardiola has been telling the truth about his future and that the 53-year-old former Barcelona boss was genuinely weighing up his options. Until positive conversations with Guardiola during the international break, club bosses Begiristain, Soriano and chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak remained in the dark. They didn’t want to put pressure on Guardiola out of respect for what he has achieved since arriving from Bayern Munich in 2016, but there was also an acceptance that they will need time to plan ahead — particularly if they have to pick a replacement.

Club sources have told ESPN that contingency plans are in place, with due diligence being carried out on a number of potential candidates including Xabi Alonso, who has been on Real Madrid and Liverpool‘s radar after a fantastic season with Bayer Leverkusen in 2023-24.

City, according to one source with familiarity of the situation, had expected Guardiola to let them know his decision between the November international break and January. Tuesday’s news fit that timeline. Guardiola’s past two contract extensions — in 2020 and 2022 — were signed in November, partly to ensure that any uncertainty didn’t drag into the second half of the season.

Overall, City may have avoided a situation post-January where Guardiola’s future overshadows their push for trophies in the final months of the season. Sources close to the club insist Guardiola understood that better than anyone, and that he wouldn’t have wanted his players to have any distractions while they challenge again for the Premier League and Champions League.

Despite the run of poor form, City are still second in the Premier League table, five points behind Liverpool, and 10th in the Champions League group phase table, two points away from the top eight and an automatic bye into the round of 16. Four straight losses in all competitions haven’t prompted any panic, particularly with the next two league games against Tottenham (at home on Saturday) and Liverpool (at Anfield on Dec. 1) offering the opportunity to immediately get the season back on track.

“I will not delay any action knowing that I’m creating a problem for the club,” Guardiola said in October. “If I feel I’m a problem for the club right now I will take a decision as quickly as possible. But I don’t have that feeling. They understand the reasons I have.”

For obvious reasons, City want Guardiola to stay. He has won 15 major trophies in eight seasons, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League. He won a domestic treble in 2019 and matched Manchester United’s continental treble in 2023. This season, City are aiming to become the first English team to win five top-flight titles in a row. Beyond that, there’s nothing left to achieve. Guardiola’s City have already set records that might never be broken and in that respect, he might have to find a different motivation to stay on.

Sources inside the club have told ESPN that club chiefs were hopeful he would sign an extension in 2022 because he hadn’t yet won the Champions League. That has since been ticked off, along with the Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.

Speaking after becoming world champions in Saudi Arabia nearly a year ago, Guardiola said the success had “closed a chapter” for him. Visibly tired and emotional, it sounded to those in the room like a resignation speech without the resignation. Those closest to him thought he appeared exhausted after clinching a record fourth successive title in May, and the prevailing feeling around the club was that he would only stay for one more season.

The same sources have told ESPN that, at that time, there was concern about whether Guardiola would be ready for a longer than usual preseason tour of the United States. But when Guardiola arrived with the team in New York in July, the same sources were pleasantly surprised at how energised he appeared. It prompted a feeling that maybe it wasn’t a foregone conclusion that he would leave in the summer of 2025 and that — potentially — he could sign a new deal.

play

Hislop: Man City a ‘shadow of themselves’ without Rodri

Shaka Hislop tells Sebastian Salazar that Rodri is more important to Manchester City than Erling Haaland.

Begiristain out, Viana in next summer

Losing close friend and ally Begiristain within the executive structure of City Football Group (CFG) is a big blow. Begiristain, who was instrumental in hiring Guardiola at the Etihad, initially signalled he wanted to leave in 2019 when he turned 55 but was convinced to stay on. Guardiola has known about the decision for a while but has admitted it will have an impact. “A part of me is leaving too,” he said.

Guardiola even cited Begiristain’s influence when he extended his contract in 2020.

“One of the reasons I extended my contract two times is because Txiki is here,” he said. “We work together incredibly well. When we win, we try to analyse why. When we lose we try to analyse why. We don’t judge the other one. We both work for the best for this club.”

The practical impact of Begiristain’s departure is being played down by City sources because the 2025 summer transfer window will already be planned out. Begiristain and Guardiola will work together to identify areas of the squad that need to be improved, alongside input from Begiristain’s replacement, Hugo Viana.

Viana won’t officially arrive from Sporting Lisbon until the summer, but he will work with Begiristain during a “transition period.” Once he gets settled in the role, Viana’s job is to keep fine-tuning a squad that’s been among the best in Europe for nearly a decade.

He has the benefit of a core of young players under the age of 25 including Phil Foden, Josko Gvardiol, Jérémy Doku, Savinho, Rico Lewis and Oscar Bobb. However, there are several aging stars who need to be replaced. Kyle Walker, John Stones, Bernardo Silva, Mateo Kovacic and Ilkay Gündogan are all 30 or over. Ederson (31) nearly moved to Saudi Arabia in the summer, while Kevin De Bruyne (33) is out of contract at the end of the season.

There are also doubts about the long-term futures of Erling Haaland and Rodri, two key figures in their primes. Haaland is settled in Manchester and has a contract until 2027, but City staff are well aware of his ambition to one day play in Spain for either Real Madrid or Barcelona. Real Madrid have been linked with a move for Rodri, although some sources have speculated that the Spanish giants have done themselves no favours with the way they handled the City’s midfielder’s Ballon d’Or win.

Having learned that Rodri would beat their winger, Vinícius Júnior, to the top prize, Real Madrid boycotted the ceremony. It was noted by City sources that a year earlier, Haaland, who finished second in the voting, not only attended the event, but also publicly congratulated the winner, Lionel Messi.

What happens next?

Sources with awareness of the discussions have told ESPN that the two most important factors for Guardiola as he decides his future are the opinion of his family, and whether he believes the players are still responding to him after nine years together.

Signing a one-year extension — confirmed on Tuesday as being close to completion — will take him to 10 years at the Etihad, something the club would be keen to celebrate. It would also mean Guardiola could slip away quietly in the summer of 2026 — one dominated by the World Cup in the U.S., Canada and Mexico — instead of having to deal with the inconvenience of the expanded Club World Cup this summer.

Sources close to City have told ESPN that a potential handover between managers would be far easier in 2026 than in a 2025 summer shortened by the tournament in the United States. By then, City are also likely to know the final outcome of the Premier League’s 115 charges.

The club is refusing to comment on what sanctions might come its way, but there’s a sense among those around Guardiola that he might want to stay in the immediate aftermath of the verdict to help the club deal with any potential punishment. City feel indebted to Guardiola, but Guardiola also feels the same about the club for providing the environment to be so successful.

Whatever happens, Guardiola’s reign is coming to an end at the end of the 2025-26 season. City should get one more year before he moves on, potentially into international football, but what comes beyond that is anyone’s guess.

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Four straight defeats and uncertainty around Pep Guardiola’s future suggest that Man City are heading for a period of transition. Where do things stand around the club ahead of some critical games?

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and his side will be keen to get their title challenge back on track when they return to domestic action against Nottingham Forest this weekend ​Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and his side will be keen to get their title challenge back on...

Brazilian winger Antony has been a shadow of his former self since joining Manchester United for £82million but he could have ended up playing for their rivals Liverpool instead ​Brazilian winger Antony has been a shadow of his former self since joining Manchester...

The New York Jets have sacked general manager Joe Douglas after a demoralising loss to the Indianapolis Colts, meaning Aaron Rodgers has lost yet another colleague ​The New York Jets have sacked general manager Joe Douglas after a demoralising loss to the Indianapolis...

Wrexham winger James McClean has received abuse over his anti-poppy stance and the EFL have written to clubs giving him permission to flout one of their rules as a result ​Wrexham winger James McClean has received abuse over his anti-poppy stance and the EFL have...

Liverpool players are starting to arrive back on Merseyside after international duty with the Reds set to resume their Premier League title charge against Southampton this weekend ​Liverpool players are starting to arrive back on Merseyside after international duty...

Edu was linked with a move to join Evangelos Marinakis’ portfolio of clubs following his exit from the Emirates Stadium and could be set to have even more work to do very soon ​Edu was linked with a move to join Evangelos Marinakis’ portfolio of clubs following his...

Ruben Amorim will take charge of his first Manchester United match this weekend, while Arsenal and Manchester City look to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool ​Ruben Amorim will take charge of his first Manchester United match this weekend, while Arsenal...

Aston Villa legend Stiliyan Petrov spoke to Mirror Football about what inspired him to fight and beat leukemia after a devastating diagnosis in 2012 ended his football career ​Aston Villa legend Stiliyan Petrov spoke to Mirror Football about what inspired him to fight...

Gary Lineker will soon depart Match of the Day and that leaves the BBC seeking his replacement with Jeff Stelling tipping Mark Chapman to step in after years with the corporation ​Gary Lineker will soon depart Match of the Day and that leaves the BBC seeking his...

Neymar was never able to match the individual records and accolades of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi - but one former team-mate believes he's better than both men ​Neymar was never able to match the individual records and accolades of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel...

The Mets acquired veteran OF Jose Siri from the Rays in exchange for reliever Eric Orze. ​ The Mets acquired veteran OF Jose Siri from the Rays in exchange for reliever Eric Orze. The Mets acquired veteran OF Jose Siri from the Rays in exchange for reliever Eric...

The Big Ten confirmed Tuesday that the Ducks, in their inaugural season in the conference, have secured a berth in the championship game. ​ The Big Ten confirmed Tuesday that the Ducks, in their inaugural season in the conference, have secured a berth in the...

Topics of the 76ers' team meeting after Monday's loss included Joel Embiid's tardiness, the desire to be coached harder and a call to urgency, sources told ESPN. ​ Topics of the 76ers' team meeting after Monday's loss included Joel Embiid's tardiness, the desire to be...

The Jets have fired general manager Joe Douglas on Tuesday with the team floundering at 3-8. Phil Savage was named interim GM. ​ The Jets have fired general manager Joe Douglas on Tuesday with the team floundering at 3-8. Phil Savage was named interim GM. The Jets...

Vini: ‘I suffered a lot and still suffer’ from racism​​

Brazilian forward Vinícius Júnior says he has “suffered a lot and still suffers” because of the racism he’s been subjected to since arriving in Spain in 2018.

​Brazilian forward Vinícius Júnior says he has “suffered a lot and still suffers” because of the racism he’s been subjected to since arriving in Spain in 2018. Brazilian forward Vinícius Júnior says he has “suffered a lot and still suffers” because of the racism he’s been subjected to since arriving in Spain in 2018.   

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Brazilian forward Vinícius Júnior says he has “suffered a lot and still suffers” because of the racism he’s been subjected to since arriving in Spain in 2018.

Spirit owner Kang pledges $30m to women’s soccer​​

United States Soccer (USSF) has announced that Washington Spirit owner Michele Kang is to donate £30 million to the federation’s women’s and girls’ programs.

​United States Soccer (USSF) has announced that Washington Spirit owner Michele Kang is to donate £30 million to the federation’s women’s and girls’ programs. United States Soccer (USSF) has announced that Washington Spirit owner Michele Kang is to donate £30 million to the federation’s women’s and girls’ programs.   

play

Nov 19, 2024, 09:00 AM ET

Washington Spirit owner Michele Kang will gift $30 million to U.S. Soccer, the federation said Tuesday, the largest donation ever directed for the organization’s girls and women’s programs.

The donation over the next five years will help grow competitive opportunities for girls and professional development for female players, as well as women in coaching and referee roles.

The federation said Kang’s donation was also the largest ever made to U.S. Soccer by a woman.

“Michele Kang’s gift will transform soccer for women and girls in the United States,” U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone said in a statement. “It will impact generations of women and girls in our game.”

The donation comes just months after the United States collected its fifth Olympic gold, a return to form for one of the most dominant teams following their disappointing showing at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

Kang, whose Washington Spirit will compete in the NWSL Championship game against the Orlando Pride this weekend, has emerged as one of the most influential owners in the sport since becoming majority owner of the D.C.-based team in 2022.

Last year she founded the first multi-team women’s football organization that also encompasses French club LyonFeminin and English side London City Lionesses.

Kang said the investment would offer a holistic approach to talent development, doubling the number of national team camps and developing a digital talent identification platform to ensure “no talented player is overlooked.”

She said the U.S. cannot maintain dominance without major changes to their youth system, which she compared unfavorably to those in England and France, even as the sport surges in popularity in the states.

“[NWSL owners] all came in specifically to invest and grow this sport and we have been doing that. So the results are, I have to say, pretty spectacular in terms of just viewership growing, the attendance growing,” she told reporters in New York.

“But this is not going to be permanent unless the entire sort of the pyramid structure and the ecosystem is there.”

Her investment will also go towards developing more licensed female coaches, with the goal to double the number from 40,000 to 80,000 in the United States, and training more female referees.

“Women’s sports have been undervalued and overlooked for far too long,” Kang said.

“I am committed to raising the standard of excellence in women’s soccer — both on and off the pitch — by delivering the resources female athletes need to reach their full potential.”

USWNT head coach Emma Hayes spoke highly of the investment, saying it has the potential to “change the trajectory of the sport.”

In August, Kang announced a $50m global investment in improving the health of elite female athletes with the launch of Kynisca Sports International Ltd, the first organization focused exclusively on women’s soccer across multiple teams.

Information from Reuters contributed to this report.

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

United States Soccer (USSF) has announced that Washington Spirit owner Michele Kang is to donate £30 million to the federation’s women’s and girls’ programs.

Genoa fire Gilardino, reportedly line up Vieira​​

Genoa surprisingly fired coach Alberto Gilardino on Tuesday and reportedly already have Patrick Vieira lined up to replace him — which could have implications for new forward Mario Balotelli.

​Genoa surprisingly fired coach Alberto Gilardino on Tuesday and reportedly already have Patrick Vieira lined up to replace him — which could have implications for new forward Mario Balotelli. Genoa surprisingly fired coach Alberto Gilardino on Tuesday and reportedly already have Patrick Vieira lined up to replace him — which could have implications for new forward Mario Balotelli.   

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Genoa surprisingly fired coach Alberto Gilardino on Tuesday and reportedly already have Patrick Vieira lined up to replace him — which could have implications for new forward Mario Balotelli.

Barça official: French team bid €250m for Yamal​​

Barcelona official Enric Masip has suggested Paris Saint-Germain were the club that bid €250 million for teenage forward Lamine Yamal last summer.

​Barcelona official Enric Masip has suggested Paris Saint-Germain were the club that bid €250 million for teenage forward Lamine Yamal last summer. Barcelona official Enric Masip has suggested Paris Saint-Germain were the club that bid €250 million for teenage forward Lamine Yamal last summer.   

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Barcelona official Enric Masip has suggested Paris Saint-Germain were the club that bid €250 million for teenage forward Lamine Yamal last summer.

Source: Amorim denied Utd Jan. transfer spree​​

Man United have asked Rúben Amorim to get the best of his the squad he has inherited rather than rely on new signings, a source has told ESPN.

​Man United have asked Rúben Amorim to get the best of his the squad he has inherited rather than rely on new signings, a source has told ESPN. Man United have asked Rúben Amorim to get the best of his the squad he has inherited rather than rely on new signings, a source has told ESPN.   

play

Manchester United have asked Rúben Amorim to get the best of his squad he has inherited at Old Trafford rather than rely on a host of new signings, a source has told ESPN.

Amorim has arrived as head coach and is set to take charge of his first game against Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Sunday. The 39-year-old, who has signed a two-and-a-half year contract, has been tasked with getting more out of a team which sits 13th in the Premier League.

A source has told ESPN that financial concerns at the club mean there’s unlikely to be a significant transfer budget available in January to reshape the first team.

Although United’s recruitment operation is now being run by sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox under INEOS’ new structure, Amorim will have a say in incomings and outgoings next summer. However, a source has told ESPN that transfer budgets are set to remain tight moving forward and there is little desire to rip up the current group of senior players.

Amorim’s predecessor, Erik ten Hag, spent heavily in the transfer market, signing 15 first-team players over the course of three summers at a cost of more than £600 million ($757.8m).

A source has told ESPN that the figure is unlikely to be matched over the next three years and Amorim’s task will be to improve performances with the existing squad.

The former Sporting CP boss is set to implement a new tactical style at United, using the 3-4-3 system that proved so successful in Portugal.

He took his first training session at Carrington on Monday with a group of non-international players including Marcus Rashford, Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo. Players who have taken part in the internationals during the break are expected to report back on Wednesday and Thursday.

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Man United have asked Rúben Amorim to get the best of his the squad he has inherited rather than rely on new signings, a source has told ESPN.

From Mbappé to Pulisic, which most expensive U21 signings were hits?​​

Of the 25 most expensive under-21 signings from 1999 to 2002, who met or broke their ceiling? And who failed?

​Of the 25 most expensive under-21 signings from 1999 to 2002, who met or broke their ceiling? And who failed? Of the 25 most expensive under-21 signings from 1999 to 2002, who met or broke their ceiling? And who failed?   

play

As a strategy, it seems to make sense: Secure the budding superstar before he becomes prohibitively expensive. It worked out great for Real Madrid with Vinícius Júnior (acquired for €45m at age 16) and Rodrygo (also €45m at age 17), less so with Reiner (€30m at 18). And, of course, the jury is still out on Endrick, who completed his move to LaLiga this summer.

This past summer, we already saw Endrick, Leny Yoro, Archie Gray, Yankuba Minteh, Ernest Nuamah and Savinho move for €25m or more. What they have in common is that none of them have turned 21, and most of them have a very small body of work: a season, maybe two, as a starter in a top league.

The logic is simple: Get a player like Yoro while he’s young and you’ll get more years out of him, plus he’ll cost you less than three or four years down the line when he’s an established superstar. The counterargument, however, is just as familiar. When dealing with very young players, there are tons of unknowns, tons of things that can go wrong and a limited amount of data on which to base your assessment. It’s a bit like the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft. Yes, you can land a generational talent, or you could end up with Anthony Bennett, Kwame Brown or Michael Olowokandi.

With this in mind, I decided to look at the 25 most expensive transfer of Under-21 players between 1999 and 2022, figuring it was too early to assess those who moved last summer. I adjusted for inflation using this handy tool, and we used figures from Transfermarkt for consistency. Note that these figures aren’t “official” because fees generally aren’t disclosed, but they’re generally reliable estimates. Note too that in some cases — like Vinícius and Rodrygo, who remained in Brazil after Real Madrid announced their arrivals, or Kylian Mbappé, who technically joined PSG initially on loan — we went with the date they were signed rather than when they actually transferred.

Here’s what the numbers say.

1. Kylian Mbappé

Position: ForwardMove: Monaco to Paris Saint-Germain (18 years old in 2017)Fee: €180m (Adjusted for inflation: €210.6m)

The granddaddy of them all, PSG would’ve wanted to keep him rather than losing him as a free agent to Real Madrid, but they got as much as they could out of him when there.

Verdict: Met expectations

2. Ousmane Dembélé

Position: ForwardMove: Borussia Dortmund to Barcelona (20, 2017)Fee: €145m (€169.7m)

Barca obviously overpaid massively to sign him because they were sitting on the Neymar money. Injuries curtailed his contribution (85 LaLiga starts in six years) and they had to let him go for €50m to PSG in 2023.

Verdict: Bust

3. João Félix

Position: ForwardMove: Benfica to Atletico Madrid (19, 2019)Fee: €127.2m (€144m)

His supposedly unlimited upside explains the huge fee, but he never quite went to the next level and has bounced around on loan the past few years instead.

Verdict: Bust

4. Matthijs de Ligt

Position: DefenderMove: Ajax to Juventus (19, 2019)Fee: €85.5m (€96.8m)

The Dutch international faced a steep learning curve at Juve, but he did his part and his club recouped most of the money when they moved him on to Bayern Munich in 2022.

Verdict: Met expectations

5. Raheem Sterling

Position: ForwardMove: Liverpool to Manchester City (20, 2015)Fee: €63.7m (€76m)

A huge part of Pep Guardiola’s early dominant City sides, the club got a big fee for him when he moved to Chelsea in 2022.

Verdict: Surpassed expectations

6. Christian Pulisic

Position: ForwardMove: Borussia Dortmund to Chelsea (20, 2019)Fee: €64m (€72.4m)

Injuries played a part in his struggles as he never established himself as a consistent starter at Stamford Bridge. Moved to Milan for a cut-price €22m and is doing much better now.

Verdict: Bust

7. Anthony Martial

Position: ForwardMove: AS Monaco to Manchester United (19, 2015)Fee: €60m (€71.6m)

Spent nine years at Old Trafford, starting more than half the club’s league games in a season just twice, and leaving as a free agent. Showed glimpses of his quality, but no consistency.

Verdict: Bust

8. Leroy Sané

Position: ForwardMove: Schalke to Manchester City (20, 2016)Fee: €52m (€61.9m)

Three mostly successful years were followed by a serious injury and then, somehow, a move to Bayern that enabled City to recoup their investment. Still, he exited with two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and three League Cups.

Verdict: Met expectations

9. Nicolas Anelka

Position: ForwardMove: Arsenal to Real Madrid (20, 1999)Fee: €35m (€56.2m)

Scored just two league goals and had many arguments with the manager in his one season at the Bernabeu. Despite Champions League play and the fact Madrid recouped a big chunk of his fee, this is still a “miss.”

Verdict: Bust

10. Rafael Leão

Position: ForwardMove: Lille to Milan (20, 2019)Fee: €49.5m (€56m)

Endured a slow start to his Milan career, but has grown steadily since. He’s still waiting to take that leap to the top tier, but so far, so good.

Verdict: Met expectations

11. Javier Saviola

Position: ForwardMove: River Plate to Barcelona (19, 2001)Fee: €35.9m (€55.1m)

His Camp Nou career started strong, but petered out in Year 3, followed by loan spells and free agency.

Verdict: Bust

12. Wayne Rooney

Position: ForwardMove: Everton to Manchester United (18, 2004)Fee: €37m (€53.2m)

Played 13 seasons at Old Trafford, won plenty of trophies and retired as the club’s all-time goalscorer. Enough said.

Verdict: Surpassed expectations

13. Vinicius Jr.

Position: ForwardMove: Flamengo to Real Madrid (16, 2017)Fee: €45m (€52.6m)

Took a while to get going, but the Brazil star has gone from strength to strength over the past three seasons and is very much a leader at the Bernabeu.

Verdict: Surpassed expectations

play

Hofman: Vinícius Júnior needs to act like Brazil’s best player

Gustavo Hofman debates what Brazil’s biggest issue is after their 1-1 draw against Venezuela.

14. Rodrygo

Position: ForwardMove: Santos to Real Madrid (17, 2018)Fee: €45m (€51.7m)

Established himself as a starter at 21 and has only gotten better since.

Verdict: Met expectations

15. Lucas Moura

Position: ForwardMove: Sao Paulo to Paris Saint-Germain (20, 2012)Fee: €40m (€48.6m)

Never quite achieved superstardom, but he was a big part of PSG’s early success under Qatari ownership and they got back most of what they paid for him when he moved on to Tottenham after five years.

Verdict: Met expectations

16. Fábio Silva

Position: ForwardMove: Porto to Wolverhampton Wanderers (18, 2020)Fee: €40m (€44.9m)

Had started one league game for Porto when Wolves picked him up in 2020. Since then, he’s had three loan spells away from the club and caused plenty of head-scratching.

Verdict: Bust

17. Luke Shaw

Position: DefenderMove: Southampton to Manchester United (18, 2014)Fee: €37.5m (€44.8m)

On the one hand, he has had 10 years at United. On the other, it has been one of the worst decades in the club’s history and injuries have limited him to starting less than half their league games since he arrived.

Verdict: Bust

18. Dejan Kulusevski

Position: ForwardMove: Atalanta to Juventus (19, 2019)Fee: €39m (€44.1m)

Very inconsistent at Juventus, the mitigating factor here is that they eventually got most of their fee back when they shifted him to Tottenham.

Verdict: Met expectations

19. Renato Sanches

Position: MidfielderMove: Benfica to Bayern Munich (18, 2016)Fee: €35m (€41.7m)

A move that was too much, too soon for a player who never made the grade, whether at Bayern or elsewhere (Swansea City on loan, Lille, PSG, Roma or Benfica).

Verdict: Bust

20. Nuno Mendes

Position: DefenderMove: Sporting Club to Paris Saint-Germain (19, 2021)Fee: €38m (€41.5m)

Was developing nicely until injury cost him most of last season. Still 22, he’s now on a trajectory to justify his fee.

Verdict: Met expectations

21. Josko Gvardiol

Position: DefenderMove: Dinamo Zagreb to RB Leipzig (18, 2020)Fee: €36.8m (€40.2m)

Has already established as one of the best defenders in the world, and Leipzig made nearly tripled their money in transferring him to Manchester City.

Verdict: Surpassed expectations

22. Jules Koundé

Position: DefenderMove: Bordeaux to Sevilla (19, 2019)Fee: €35m (€39.6m)

Enjoyed three solid seasons at Sevilla and then made a move to Barcelona that enabled his first LaLiga club to make a tidy profit.

Verdict: Surpassed expectations

23. Dominik Szoboszlai

Position: MidfielderMove: FC Salzburg to RB Leipzig (20, 2021)Fee: €36m (€39.3m)

One of those “in-house” moves between Red Bull clubs, so it needs to be taken with a pinch of salt. That said, he made the grade at Leipzig and moved to Liverpool for nearly twice what it cost to get him to the German Bundesliga initially.

Verdict: Surpassed expectations

24. Wesley Fofana

Position: DefenderMove: Saint-Etienne to Leicester City (19, 2020)Fee: €35m (€39.3m)

Enjoyed an excellent debut season at Leicester, followed by a serious injury (which wouldn’t be his last). Transferred to Chelsea for twice what they paid for him, making him a success for Leicester, though his long-term status remains unclear.

Verdict: Surpassed expectations

25. Amadou Onana

Position: MidfielderMove: Lille to Everton (20, 2022)Fee: €35m (€35m)

Had two very good seasons for a struggling club followed by, this summer, a €50m transfer to Aston Villa.

Verdict: Met expectations

You might or might not agree with the ratings, but the thing to remember here is whether the deal worked out for the original club, not whether the player went on to excel elsewhere. In some cases, even after subpar performances, fetching a good transfer fee for the player was enough to salvage the original deal.

What conclusions can we draw? Well, you can leave Mbappe to one side: he’s an outlier. From a pure bean-counting perspective, given how much he cost and the fact he left for nothing in midcareer, you can call it a miss. But given PSG’s financial situation — in other words, the fact they could seemingly spend freely — and the need to get on the map, you can possibly justify it.

Beyond that, it’s telling how many more misses than hits there are in the top 10. The “Dembele folly” — with Barca panicking after Neymar’s departure — is well-chronicled. Joao Felix was a moon shot: he boasted a unique set of skills and probably a higher ceiling than anyone on this list (other than Mbappe), but for that deal to work out, you would have needed him to ascend to GOAT candidate or thereabouts. Meanwhile De Ligt is the only defender in the top 16, which suggests it’s pretty evident clubs feel more confident splashing cash for young attacking prospects.

Once you get under a certain fee — say, €55m — there are more “hits.” Though it’s telling that several (Onana, Fofana, Szoboszlai, Kounde, Gvardiol) resulted in midsized clubs rolling the dice and quickly transferring the player to a bigger club within a couple seasons. That seems to be the sweet spot for that sort of deal.

Another point that jumps out is longevity and how that affects perception. Here, it’s all about Manchester United with Rooney, Shaw and Martial staying for 13, 10 (and counting) and 9 years, respectively.

Rooney was an unqualified success obviously, but to what degree is our perception of the other two negatively affected by longevity? Hindsight is 20/20. If we’d compiled this list in 2020, following a year in which Martial was fit and scored 23 goals, we might rate him higher and suggest he finally turned the corner. In Shaw’s case, we could say that his fee — spread out over 10 years of service — represented value for money. (Though, on the other hand, his injury-record means United had to pay other guys to fill the left-back role during his long injury layoffs too.)

The longevity argument works in reverse too, by the way. Had Leicester hung on to Fofana — given how unlucky he’s been with injuries — you would probably call his move a failure. The same could be said of De Ligt and Kulusevski at Juventus.

The bottom line? You’re rolling the dice when you spend big on young players, simply because they’re more difficult to assess. If you’re a bigger club, it helps to have the patience to bring them along slowly, like Real Madrid did with Vini and Rodrygo or Milan with Leao, but there’s no real formula here. Rarely does it make sense to go really, really big because if you do that, the ceiling needs to be really, really high. Most of the time, it simply isn’t.

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Of the 25 most expensive under-21 signings from 1999 to 2002, who met or broke their ceiling? And who failed?

From Rooney to Bellingham, which most expensive U19 signings were hits?​​

Gab Marcotti looks at the successes, shortcomings and learnings from the most expensive transfers of under-18 players in recent years.

​Gab Marcotti looks at the successes, shortcomings and learnings from the most expensive transfers of under-18 players in recent years. Gab Marcotti looks at the successes, shortcomings and learnings from the most expensive transfers of under-18 players in recent years.   

play

We looked previously at players who move for large sums before their 21st birthday, but what happens when the cohort is even younger? What happens when the players have yet to turn 19 and, in most cases, there is even less of a body of work to go on? A season, maybe two, in the pros — if you’re lucky — though often far less?

So here are the 25 most expensive transfers of Under-19 players between 1999 and 2022 — again, we left out those who moved in the last two seasons, figuring they’d take more time to assess. We also adjusted for inflation using 2022 as a benchmark with this handy tool, and we used figures from Transfermarkt for consistency. Note that these figures aren’t “official” because fees generally aren’t disclosed, though they can be considered reliable estimates.

Note also that some players — Pedri and Tino Livramento are two examples — didn’t make the list because while they ended up costing their acquiring club plenty, (€25m-plus, in both cases) this only happened after they fulfilled various appearances and transfer bonuses, which in a sense meant the downside was limited.

The first nine guys also feature on the other list, and you’re reminded of two things: clubs will break the bank if they think they have a potential generational talent and yeah, the Kylian Mbappé deal was totally out-of-kilter with market rates, especially juxtaposed against his peers. (His deal was worth more in inflation adjusted Euros than the next four guys on the list combined.)

1. Kylian Mbappé

Position: ForwardMove: Monaco to Paris Saint-Germain (18 years old in 2017)Fee: €180m (Adjusted for inflation: €210.6m)

The grand-daddy of them all, PSG would’ve wanted to keep him rather than losing him as a free agent to Real Madrid, but they got as much as they could out of him when there.

Verdict: Met expectations

2. Wayne Rooney

Position: ForwardMove: Everton to Manchester United (18, 2004)Fee: €37m (€53.2m)

Played 13 seasons at Old Trafford, won plenty of trophies and retired as the club’s all-time goalscorer. Enough said.

Verdict: Surpassed expectations

3. Vinícius Júnior

Position: ForwardMove: Flamengo to Real Madrid (16, 2017)Fee: €45m (€52.6m)

Took a while to get going, but the Brazil star has gone from strength to strength over the past three seasons and is very much a leader at the Bernabeu.

Verdict: Surpassed expectations

4. Rodrygo

Position: ForwardMove: Santos to Real Madrid (17, 2018)Fee: €45m (€51.7m)

Established himself as a starter at 21 and has only gotten better since then.

Verdict: Met expectations

5. Antonio Cassano

Position: ForwardMove: Bari to Roma (18, 2001)Fee: €31m (€47.6m)

A tricky one to rate. He had some excellent seasons, but fell out badly with club and ended up leaving for Real Madrid for just €5.5m six months before free agency. That knocks him down.

Verdict: Bust

6. Fábio Silva

Position: ForwardMove: Porto to Wolverhampton Wanderers (18, 2020)Fee: €40m (€44.9m)

Had started one league game for Porto when Wolves picked him up in 2020. Since then, he’s been on three different loan spells and has caused plenty of head-scratching among Wolves fans.

Verdict: Bust

7. Luke Shaw

Position: DefenderMove: Southampton to Manchester United (18, 2014)Fee: €37.5m (€44.8m)

On the one hand, he’s had 10 years at United. On the other, it’s been one of the worst decades in the club’s history and injuries have limited him to starting less than half their league games since he arrived.

Verdict: Bust

8. Renato Sanches

Position: MidfielderMove: Benfica to Bayern Munich (18, 2016)Fee: €35m (€41.7m)

A move that was too much, too soon for a player who never made the grade, whether at Bayern or elsewhere (Swansea City on loan, Lille, PSG, Roma or Benfica).

Verdict: Bust

9. Josko Gvardiol

Position: DefenderMove: Dinamo Zagreb to RB Leipzig (18, 2020)Fee: €36.8m (€40.2m)

Has already established as one of the best defenders in the world, and Leipzig made nearly tripled their money in transferring him to Manchester City.

Verdict: Surpassed expectations

10. Alessandro Bastoni

Position: DefenderMove: Atalanta to Inter (18, 2017)Fee: €31.6m (€37m)

Despite having just three Serie A appearances under his belt when Inter signed him, the gamble proved worthwhile as he’s now one of the top centre backs in Europe.

Verdict: Met expectations

11. William Saliba

Position: DefenderMove: Saint Etienne to Arsenal (18, 2019)Fee: €30m (€34m)

A bit like Bastoni, he was sent on loan to develop for several seasons before breaking into the first team. Today he’s a key starter for the Gunners.

Verdict: Met expectations

12. Eduardo Camavinga

Position: MidfielderMove: Rennes to Real Madrid (18, 2021)Fee: €31m (€33.9m)

A Ligue 1 starter at 16, Camavinga had a significant body of work before he was signed by Madrid. Quickly established himself as part of the midfield rotation.

Verdict: Met expectations

13. Reiner

Position: ForwardMove: Flamengo to Real Madrid (18, 2020)Fee: €30m (€33.7m)

He’s endured three loan stints, at ever-smaller clubs, with a total of just 20 starts in four years. Reinier is the cautionary yang to the yin of Vini and Rodrygo.

Verdict: Bust

14. Alexandre Pato

Position: ForwardMove: Internacional to Milan (17, 2007)Fee: €24m (€32.3m)

An absolute sensation in his first four seasons, a series of bad injuries curtailed his progress after that. Nevertheless, Milan recouped more than half their fee when he left for Corinthians.

Verdict: Met expectations

15. Sergio Aguero

Position: ForwardMove: Independiente to Atletico Madrid (17, 2006)Fee: €23m (€31.7m)

A precocious talent in Argentina for Independente at 16, he quickly established himself as a devastating scorer in LaLiga before moving to Manchester City for a sizable fee.

Verdict: Surpassed expectations

16. Jude Bellingham

Position: MidfielderMove: Birmingham City to Borussia Dortmund (17, 2020)Fee: €27.7m (€31.1m)

The England star took the transition from Championship to Bundesliga in stride, establishing himself as a regular and then fetching a whopping €100m fee when he moved to Madrid.

Verdict: Surpassed expectations

17. Jérémy Doku

Position: ForwardMove: Anderlecht to Rennes (18, 2020)Fee: €26m (€29.2m)

Had his fair share of ups and downs at Rennes in terms of performance, but his skills were evident and the club were able to move him for more than twice what they paid for him less than three years later.

Verdict: Met expectations

18. Stephan El Shaarawy

Position: ForwardMove: Genoa to Milan (18, 2011)Fee: €20.3m (€25.3m)

Had his moments in Milan, including one memorable campaign, but injuries and instability at the club meant he never really made his mark.

Verdict: Bust

19. Pietro Pellegri

Position: ForwardMove: Genoa to AS Monaco (16, 2018)Fee: €20.9m (€24m)

Serie A’s youngest-ever debutant at the time made a huge move to Monaco, but injuries hampered his development and he failed to make a single league start in three-and-a-half seasons.

Verdict: Bust

20. Amad

Position: ForwardMove: Atalanta to Manchester United (18, 2020)Fee: €21.3m (€23.9m)

He may yet come good, but his development at United was slowed by injury and inconsistency and he’s had to go on loan twice. Worth noting too that he’d played just 63 minutes of first-team football when he was signed.

Verdict: Bust

21. Willem Geubbels

Position: ForwardMove: Lyon to AS Monaco (16, 2018)Fee: €20m (€23m)

Made two first team appearances for Lyon before his big move to Monaco, which was marked by a nightmarish series of injuries. Left the club on a free transfer in January 2023.

Verdict: Bust

22. Cristiano Ronaldo

Position: ForwardMove: Sporting to Manchester United (18, 2003)Fee: €15m (€22m)

You probably don’t need me to tell you this one worked out pretty well. He scored tons of goals, won tons of trophies and fetched tons of money when he moved to Real Madrid.

Verdict: Surpassed expectations

play

ESPN FC crew disagree over Ronaldo’s future with Portugal

Herculez Gomez and Alejandro Moreno aren’t on the same page when it comes to Cristiano Ronaldo’s future with the Portuguese national team.

23. Paulinho

Position: ForwardMove: Vasco da Gama to Bayer Leverkusen (17, 2018)Fee: €18.5m (€21.2m)

Struggled to adapt to the Bundesliga and then suffered a cruciate injury that cost him an entire season. Unable to make much of an impact before leaving on a free transfer for Atletico Mineiro.

Verdict: Bust

24. Mathys Tel

Position: ForwardMove: Rennes to Bayern Munich (17, 2022)Fee: €20m (€20m)

It’s still early, but he’s on the right trajectory, having made more than 50 first-team appearances before his 19th birthday.

Verdict: Met expectations

25. Valeri Bojinov

Position: ForwardMove: Lecce to Fiorentina (18, 2005)Fee: €14m (€19.7m)

Made his pro debut in Serie A at 15, reached double digit goals by January at 18 and the latter accomplishment got him his big move. Plagued by inconsistency and injuries, he would go on to move no fewer than 21 times in his career.

Verdict: Bust

There’s a obviously a ton of variance here, as evidenced by the fact that Geubbels and Cristiano sit next to each other on the list. But I was somewhat surprised to see at least six outright hits (Rooney, Ronaldo, Gvardiol, Bellingham, Aguero, Vinícius) to go with the ones who at least met expectations (and could turn into elite players as their career progresses). When you consider that while you may be paying a high to sign an 18-year-old, odds are the initial salary will be far lower than for a guy in mid-career at the same transfer fee, you can understand clubs’ willingness to roll the dice.

Of the guys who came up short, two things stand out. With younger players, you don’t know who is going to be more or less injury prone and injuries at a younger age can be more debilitating. The other is that the extent of a player’s body of work matters. It’s probably not a coincidence that several of those rated as busts (Fabio Silva, Reiner, Diallo) simply had very few senior minutes on the pitch at the time of their move.

Then there’s the obvious wild card: you just don’t know how a player’s personality is going to develop. Cassano was a teenage sensation: could anyone have predicted his future self-destructive behaviour? That’s the million-dollar question.

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Gab Marcotti looks at the successes, shortcomings and learnings from the most expensive transfers of under-18 players in recent years.

Ruben Amorim is set to take charge of his first game as Manchester United boss on Sunday and captain Bruno Fernandes has returned to training after leaving international duty early ​Ruben Amorim is set to take charge of his first game as Manchester United boss on...

Premier League official David Coote was suspended last week after videos leaked online and the PGMOL have now responded to calls from people calling for a policy change ​Premier League official David Coote was suspended last week after videos leaked online and the...

The 31-year-old hasn't fought since dismantling Timo Schwarzkopf last year, but is desperate to make up for lost time ahead of his return to the ring ​The 31-year-old hasn't fought since dismantling Timo Schwarzkopf last year, but is desperate to make up for lost time...

Toni Nadal has hit out at Novak Djokovic yet again, claiming the Serbian has not earned the same level of respect in tennis as his nephew Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer ​Toni Nadal has hit out at Novak Djokovic yet again, claiming the Serbian has not earned the same...

Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has been banned for seven games after making an offensive remark about teammate Son Heung-min and the punishment has highlighted the FA's inconsistency in the fight against racism ​Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has been...

Having saddled Datsalrightgino to victory in the £250,000 race 12 months ago, the Lambourn trainer will try to follow up with Colonel Harry ​Having saddled Datsalrightgino to victory in the £250,000 race 12 months ago, the Lambourn trainer will try to follow up with...

Rory McIlroy has had an eventful year on and off the course and he sent a touching message to his loved ones after finishing the season in perfect style with another Race To Dubai title ​Rory McIlroy has had an eventful year on and off the course and he sent a...

American multi-millionaires Steven Rosen and Helmy Eltoukhy are in talks to buy Sheffield United from Prince Abdullah and now it is revealed who is holding up the deal ​American multi-millionaires Steven Rosen and Helmy Eltoukhy are in talks to buy Sheffield United...

Manchester United legend Wes Brown reckons Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund can show incoming Red Devils boss that they don't need to sign in-demand Sweden forward ​Manchester United legend Wes Brown reckons Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund can show incoming Red Devils boss...

Lionel Messi's MLS team will be looking for a new head coach heading into the 2025 season after his former Barcelona and Argentina manager has surprisingly left after an incredible regular season ​Lionel Messi's MLS team will be looking for a new head coach heading...

Damian Lillard came back after sitting out three games because of a concussion and made a winning layup with 3.9 seconds left in the Bucks' 101-100 win over the Rockets on Monday. ​ Damian Lillard came back after sitting out three games because of a concussion and...

Mauricio Pochettino's United States side rode a barnstorming first half to victory over Jamaica on Monday in St. Louis, earning a spot in the Concacaf Nations League semifinals next year. ​ Mauricio Pochettino's United States side rode a barnstorming first half to...

Washington captain Alex Ovechkin scored twice, taking the overall NHL lead with 15 goals this season, before leaving because of a lower-body injury in the surging Capitals' convincing 6-2 victory over the Utah Hockey Club on Monday night. ​ Washington captain Alex...

49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is dealing with soreness in his right (throwing) shoulder, coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday, and is day-to-day. ​ 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is dealing with soreness in his right (throwing) shoulder, coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday, and...

Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes was named the National League's Rookie of the Year on Monday, beating out a loaded field that included Jackson Merrill and Jackson Chourio, and New York Yankees starter Luis Gil won the the award in the American League. ​ Pittsburgh...

Joe Mixon scored all three of the Texans' offensive touchdowns Monday night against the Cowboys, with both he and coach DeMeco Ryans giving credit to Houston's O-line. "I challenged them to play fast, play aggressive," Ryans said. ​ Joe Mixon scored all three of the...

After watching his team fall to 3-7 with a 34-10 loss to the Texans on Monday, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told reporters that the franchise "didn't anticipate the record," but scoffed at the notion that coach Mike McCarthy has lost the team. ​ After watching his team...

Behind Joe Mixon, Houston was able to snap a two-game losing streak and hand Dallas its fifth straight loss. ​ Behind Joe Mixon, Houston was able to snap a two-game losing streak and hand Dallas its fifth straight loss. Behind Joe Mixon, Houston was able to snap a...

FIFA’s lowest-ranked San Marino promoted in NL​​

World football’s lowest ranked national team San Marino clinched promotion to Nations League C with a 3-1 comeback victory at Group D1 rivals Liechtenstein on Monday.

​World football’s lowest ranked national team San Marino clinched promotion to Nations League C with a 3-1 comeback victory at Group D1 rivals Liechtenstein on Monday. World football’s lowest ranked national team San Marino clinched promotion to Nations League C with a 3-1 comeback victory at Group D1 rivals Liechtenstein on Monday.   

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

World football’s lowest ranked national team San Marino clinched promotion to Nations League C with a 3-1 comeback victory at Group D1 rivals Liechtenstein on Monday.

USMNT schedules January friendly with Venezuela​​

The United States men will face Venezuela in a friendly on Jan. 18 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, the U.S. Soccer Federation announced Monday evening.

​The United States men will face Venezuela in a friendly on Jan. 18 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, the U.S. Soccer Federation announced Monday evening. The United States men will face Venezuela in a friendly on Jan. 18 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, the U.S. Soccer Federation announced Monday evening.   

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

The United States men will face Venezuela in a friendly on Jan. 18 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, the U.S. Soccer Federation announced Monday evening.

Honduras given 1-match ban, Aguirre faces probe​​

Concacaf banned and fined the Honduras Football Federation after the incidents during the Nations League quarterfinal, and a separate investigation has been launched into Mexico coach Javier Aguirre’s conduct.

​Concacaf banned and fined the Honduras Football Federation after the incidents during the Nations League quarterfinal, and a separate investigation has been launched into Mexico coach Javier Aguirre’s conduct. Concacaf banned and fined the Honduras Football Federation after the incidents during the Nations League quarterfinal, and a separate investigation has been launched into Mexico coach Javier Aguirre’s conduct.   

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Concacaf banned and fined the Honduras Football Federation after the incidents during the Nations League quarterfinal, and a separate investigation has been launched into Mexico coach Javier Aguirre’s conduct.

Scaloni: Club minutes rule doesn’t apply to Messi​​

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni usually demands that individuals regularly feature for their club to be considered for the national team, before emphasizing Lionel Messi’s case is “different.”

​Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni usually demands that individuals regularly feature for their club to be considered for the national team, before emphasizing Lionel Messi’s case is “different.” Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni usually demands that individuals regularly feature for their club to be considered for the national team, before emphasizing Lionel Messi’s case is “different.”   

play

Nov 18, 2024, 07:39 PM ET

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni usually demands that individuals regularly feature for their club to be considered for the national team, but he emphasizes that Lionel Messi‘s case is “different.”

Those comments came on Monday, a day ahead of Argentina’s CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier against Peru and four days after Argentina fell 2-1 to Paraguay at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco, just the second loss for Scaloni’s side during the qualification cycle.

“We need them to play,” Scaloni said of players in his squad. “These six games [in qualification] were very close to each other after the Copa América. We opted to continue with the base that gave us the joy of the cup and there was not much time to bring in other players, but from now on we need everyone to play and from there we can decide on the football level of each one. As we have always done except on this occasion.

“In Leo’s case, it’s a quite different case. He always plays, even when he has to rest, but we don’t think beyond that. It’s important that they have continuity.”

Messi entered the November international window after being eliminated from the Major League Soccer playoffs with Inter Miami CF in the first round, where a 3-2 loss to Atlanta United FC in Game 3 ended the Supporters’ Shield winners’ season on Nov. 9.

Messi played a total of 22 matches for Inter Miami in 2024, after suffering several injury spells that saw the captain sidelined at different points in the season. Despite his limited involvement, the forward recorded 21 goals and 11 assists to earn a 2024 MLS MVP nomination and tie for third in the Golden Boot race.

“Leo’s year is the year of a player who has played a lot of games, who has been available a lot, who had a Copa América in between,” Scaloni added. “It’s difficult for him to be 100% and not have had problems, I see that as normal. He suffered an injury, but in general he has always been well with us.”

Messi played a pivotal role in Argentina’s 2024 Copa América triumph, while consistently featuring for La Albiceleste during international breaks. He managed one goal and one assist during the summer tournament and has tallied six goals and two assists during the current World Cup qualifying cycle.

Though the forward must now wait until preseason begins to see time on the pitch again with Inter Miami — the 2025 MLS season begins in late February — he remains active with Argentina.

Argentina host Peru on Tuesday night in the final match of the November window at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires.

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni usually demands that individuals regularly feature for their club to be considered for the national team, before emphasizing Lionel Messi’s case is “different.”

Poch impressed by USMNT’s victory over Jamaica​​

Christian Pulisic scored twice for the United States national team in a 4-2 win over Jamaica on Monday night in their Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal.

​Christian Pulisic scored twice for the United States national team in a 4-2 win over Jamaica on Monday night in their Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal. Christian Pulisic scored twice for the United States national team in a 4-2 win over Jamaica on Monday night in their Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal.   

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Christian Pulisic scored twice for the United States national team in a 4-2 win over Jamaica on Monday night in their Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal.

Liverpool have made an excellent start to the season under new boss Arne Slot and the Reds may look to strengthen their squad in the upcoming January transfer window ​Liverpool have made an excellent start to the season under new boss Arne Slot and the Reds may look...

The New York Jets' 2024-25 campaign hit a new low on Sunday after they suffered a last-minute, 28-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, with Aaron Rodgers' future in the Big Apple looking bleaker by the day ​The New York Jets' 2024-25 campaign hit a new low on Sunday...

Mike Tyson faced Jake Paul in an eight-round boxing match on Saturday, with Evander Holyfield calling for a third fight with his old rival following the contest ​Mike Tyson faced Jake Paul in an eight-round boxing match on Saturday, with Evander Holyfield calling for...

Curtis Jones was outstanding for England in his first two appearances as he carried on where he left off for Liverpool and he wants this to be a big season for him ​Curtis Jones was outstanding for England in his first two appearances as he carried on where he left...

Chelsea want to upgrade on goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and believe that a £35million offer for Caoimhin Kelleher would force Liverpool to sell at the end of the season ​Chelsea want to upgrade on goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and believe that a £35million offer for Caoimhin...

Ruben Amorim is set to take charge of Manchester United against Ipswich Town after being appointed Red Devils boss and has the faith of the club's footballing hierarchy ​Ruben Amorim is set to take charge of Manchester United against Ipswich Town after being appointed...

Gary Neville, the majority owner of Salford City, has had to address claims he told one of his former players they'd never play for his club again after a frank conversation ​Gary Neville, the majority owner of Salford City, has had to address claims he told one of...

Werder Bremen have left X for Bluesky and urged their followers to do the same after growing tired of owner Elon Musk and his "transphobic and anti-Semitic comments" ​Werder Bremen have left X for Bluesky and urged their followers to do the same after growing tired of...

Manchester United are without a host of their international stars but Ruben Amorim was still able to put on an impressive training session with Marcus Rashford impressed ​Manchester United are without a host of their international stars but Ruben Amorim was still able...

Jake Paul outpointed Mike Tyson last weekend on his heavyweight debut - and has now been offered a shot at world champion Daniel Dubois who beat Anthony Joshua two months ago ​Jake Paul outpointed Mike Tyson last weekend on his heavyweight debut - and has now been...

"Inside the NBA," which has won 21 Sports Emmy Awards, will appear on ESPN and ABC starting next season through a partnership with TNT Sports and the NBA. ​ "Inside the NBA," which has won 21 Sports Emmy Awards, will appear on ESPN and ABC starting next season through...

The top 12 teams in the AP Top 25 women's college basketball poll, led by No. 1 South Carolina, stayed put, while TCU entered at No. 19 -- its highest spot since '08. ​ The top 12 teams in the AP Top 25 women's college basketball poll, led by No. 1 South Carolina,...

The Los Angeles Lakers will honor former coach Pat Riley with a statue outside their downtown arena. ​ The Los Angeles Lakers will honor former coach Pat Riley with a statue outside their downtown arena. The Los Angeles Lakers will honor former coach Pat Riley with a...

UMass has fired coach Don Brown, ending his second stint leading the program and the third overall, with two games to play this season. ​ UMass has fired coach Don Brown, ending his second stint leading the program and the third overall, with two games to play this...

Outfielder Ichiro Suzuki and pitcher CC Sabathia are among 14 new candidates on the Hall of Fame ballot released Monday, joining 14 holdovers led by reliever Billy Wagner. ​ Outfielder Ichiro Suzuki and pitcher CC Sabathia are among 14 new candidates on the Hall of...

Kansas added five first-place votes in the AP Top 25 men's basketball poll, strengthening its grip on the No. 1 spot, while Purdue jumped seven spots to No. 6. ​ Kansas added five first-place votes in the AP Top 25 men's basketball poll, strengthening its grip on the...

On Monday, following Baltimore's 18-16 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers the day before, Ravens coach John Harbaugh said there are no plans to bring in competition for veteran kicker Justin Tucker, who missed from 47 and 50 yards in the divisional defeat. ​ On Monday,...

Did Marta, Orlando book the most anticipated NWSL final ever?​​

Marta’s stunning solo effort and goal ensured the two best teams — potentially in NWSL history — will square off in the championship game next week.

​Marta’s stunning solo effort and goal ensured the two best teams — potentially in NWSL history — will square off in the championship game next week. Marta’s stunning solo effort and goal ensured the two best teams — potentially in NWSL history — will square off in the championship game next week.   

play

Nov 17, 2024, 08:56 PM ET

Moments after scoring one of the most iconic goals in NWSL history in her team’s most important game to date, Orlando Pride forward Marta clutched her fist and unleashed a passionate scream before beating her chest and then, with her two thumbs, pointing to the famous No. 10 on the back of her purple jersey.

Even at 38, the six-time world player of the year was still the otherworldly star making defenders helplessly fall to the ground as she figuratively gestured: “Are you not entertained!?”

Marta was celebrating what turned out to be the winning goal of the top-seeded Pride’s 3-2 semifinal victory over the No. 4 seed Kansas City Current on Sunday at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando to punctuate the most captivating semifinal playoff round the NWSL has seen.

Now, the two best teams in the league will square off in the final on Saturday in Kansas City, Missouri, where the Pride will face the No. 2-seeded Washington Spirit. Everything about this NWSL postseason has been entertaining — and deviated from the league’s unpredictable norm.

The higher seed has won every game of the playoffs, an obvious statistic in a vacuum but a shocking fact for a league whose unofficial brand is chaos. When Orlando and Washington meet on Saturday, it will mark the first time since 2019 that the top two seeds reached the final. It’s also the first time the Shield winner has made the final in five years.

Coming off historic parity in 2023 — a season in which first and last place were separated by only 13 points, and the No. 6 seed won the title — this year has been about the stars and the individual and team level. The top four teams were in a class of their own, with the fourth-place Kansas City Current finishing 16 points above the fifth-place North Carolina Courage. Orlando finished 40 points above the last-place Houston Dash.

All four top seeds advanced in the opening round of the playoffs, which led to an incredible semifinal round in which the margins were thin. Washington knocked out NJ/NY Gotham FC on Saturday in a penalty shootout thanks to the triple-save efforts of Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury. Orlando held on to survive a late Kansas City onslaught in 19 minutes of stoppage time.

Each of the weekend’s victors leaned into their strengths to prevail: The Spirit rallied for an equalizer in second-half stoppage time on a combination between two rookies — Makenna Morris and Hal Hershfelt — to claw back into a game late, as they have so many times this year.

play

Aubrey Kingsbury makes three PK saves to send Spirit to NWSL final

Aubrey Kingsbury saves all three shots during penalty kicks to send the Washington Spirit to the NWSL final.

Orlando’s role players put in huge shifts — including unheralded Haley McCutcheon, who scored in her second straight playoff game — as Marta and star striker Barbra Banda scored memorable goals.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s semifinal about what might separate two of the best teams the league has ever seen, Kansas City coach Vlatko Andonovski said the game probably would come down to a moment of brilliance. He was right — although it was moments, plural.

The same can now be said about Saturday’s championship, one that with no hyperbole might be the most anticipated in league history.

Orlando set a league points record (60) and both teams finished the regular season with 18 victories, also a league record. Both squads feature global stars, headlined by U.S. international forward Trinity Rodman for the Spirit, and each team has a ludicrous amount of roster depth.

The midfield battle will be a scrap, with Hershfelt patrolling from a deep area for the Spirit and McCutcheon and Angelina counteracting her for Orlando.

Banda — and, as she reminded the world again Sunday, Marta — can single-handedly change a game, but so too can Rodman, who delivered the winning assist in extra time as a rookie in the 2021 final, when the Spirit won their only trophy to date.

Wide areas could decide the winner Saturday, as they partly did throughout the semifinals. Both goals before the penalty shootout in the Gotham-Spirit semifinal came on the heels of individual brilliance on the flank.

The Pride gave up an early goal to Kansas City on Sunday in a transition moment that ended with Current forward Michelle Cooper getting to the endline on the right flank and crossing the ball to Debinha for the finish. Orlando quickly answered when McCutcheon redirected a cross from winger Ally Watt, who sized up Current rookie defender Ellie Wheeler one-on-one in the right channel.

Expect Saturday’s final to be a chess match between two of the best coaches in the league who each came to this moment on two wildly different roads.

Spirit head coach Jonatan Giráldez left the glory of Barcelona, which he led to the two most recent European crowns, to take on the challenge of the NWSL starting halfway through this season. He has pulled all the right strings even while dealing with mounting injuries, including season-ending issues for three starters.

Pride head coach Seb Hines played for Orlando’s MLS club before becoming an assistant through three different Pride coaching regimes. He took over as interim in 2022 as the Pride were at another low point and turned a hopeless club into a team that was difficult to beat and, for the first time in years, a place players wanted to be. Hines is stoic; Giráldez wears his heart on his sleeve — or at least did in a rowdy, chippy semifinal.

The Pride and Spirit were separated by only four points in the regular season. Orlando clinched the NWSL Shield in October with a 2-0 home victory over a Spirit team depleted by injuries (which were compounded by midfielder and captain Andi Sullivan tearing her ACL in that game). Marta made the difference on that day, too, scoring the winning goal from the penalty spot.

Afterward, she was reduced to tears as she celebrated her first U.S. domestic club trophy since winning the 2011 title in a now defunct league.

“I stayed here because I want to make history with this team,” Marta said after that Shield-clinching victory on Oct. 6. “And then we did tonight, and then we go for more.”

As Hines said after Sunday’s semifinal victory, the Pride and the Spirit were the two best teams this year and they deserve to be in the final. They each proved that again in the semifinals as they came from behind and leveraged every bit of depth and star power on their respective rosters.

On Saturday, they meet again in a heavyweight fight likely to be decided by a few moments of brilliance. If even a modicum of energy from the playoffs thus far is brought to that game, it guarantees to entertain.

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Marta’s stunning solo effort and goal ensured the two best teams — potentially in NWSL history — will square off in the championship game next week.

Gyökeres plays down Utd links: ‘Nothing concrete’​​

Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres has played down speculation that he will leave the Portuguese giants to join Manchester United in the winter transfer window.

​Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres has played down speculation that he will leave the Portuguese giants to join Manchester United in the winter transfer window. Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres has played down speculation that he will leave the Portuguese giants to join Manchester United in the winter transfer window.   

play

Nov 18, 2024, 05:12 AM ET

Sporting CP forward Viktor Gyökeres has played down speculation that he will leave to join Manchester United in the January transfer window.

The Sweden international is a reported target of several top European clubs, including Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and United.

With former Sporting boss Rúben Amorim starting work at Old Trafford following his appointment on Nov. 1, there has been speculation that Gyökeres would soon follow the manager to the Premier League club.

Asked about the potential of a move to United, Gyökeres told Fotbollskanalen: “It’s not something I think about, nor something I care about. These are rumours, nothing concrete. Of course I want to finish the season at Sporting, I enjoy my time there. I don’t feel stressed about making a change in the future. We’ll see when the time comes.”

Gyökeres, 26, is in his second season at Sporting and his contract is set to expire in June 2028.

Amorim, who signed a contract at Old Trafford until June 2027, has indicated that he would not sign any Sporting players in January.

Gyökeres played down reports of an imminent reunion with Amorim.

“He [Amorim] probably already has strikers there,” Gyokeres said.. “It’s very sad that he left [Sporting], but of course we understand the decision. He meant a lot to me, as he gave me an opportunity and helped me evolve a lot.

“Now we are looking forward to working with the new coach [João Pereira].”

Gyokeres scored a league-high 29 goals to help Sporting win the Primeira Liga title last season. The former Coventry City forward has already netted 23 goals in 18 appearances across all competitions for this campaign, including a hat trick in a 4-1 Champions League victory over Manchester City on Nov. 5.

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres has played down speculation that he will leave the Portuguese giants to join Manchester United in the winter transfer window.

Alderweireld: Panic attacks ended Belgium career​​

Former Belgium and Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderweireld has revealed that he decided to end his international career after thinking he was “going to die.”

​Former Belgium and Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderweireld has revealed that he decided to end his international career after thinking he was “going to die.” Former Belgium and Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderweireld has revealed that he decided to end his international career after thinking he was “going to die.”   

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Former Belgium and Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderweireld has revealed that he decided to end his international career after thinking he was “going to die.”

Kane reveals 2030 WC dream at statue unveiling​​

A statue of England captain Harry Kane has been unveiled in London on Monday, several years after being commissioned and completed by the council where he grew up.

​A statue of England captain Harry Kane has been unveiled in London on Monday, several years after being commissioned and completed by the council where he grew up. A statue of England captain Harry Kane has been unveiled in London on Monday, several years after being commissioned and completed by the council where he grew up.   

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

A statue of England captain Harry Kane has been unveiled in London on Monday, several years after being commissioned and completed by the council where he grew up.

Spurs’ Bentancur banned 7 games for Son slur​​

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has been handed a seven-game ban and a £100,000 fine by the English Football Association for using abusive language and bringing the game into disrepute during an interview on Uruguayan TV.

​Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has been handed a seven-game ban and a £100,000 fine by the English Football Association for using abusive language and bringing the game into disrepute during an interview on Uruguayan TV. Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has been handed a seven-game ban and a £100,000 fine by the English Football Association for using abusive language and bringing the game into disrepute during an interview on Uruguayan TV.   

play

Nov 18, 2024, 05:50 AM ET

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has been handed a seven-game ban and a £100,000 fine by the English Football Association (FA) for using abusive language and bringing the game into disrepute during a Spanish-language interview on Uruguayan television in June.

The ban applies only to English club football and not European competition, meaning he can still compete against Roma and Rangers in the Europa League. He will miss Premier League clashes with Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool, as well as a Carabao Cup quarterfinal against Manchester United.

The charge by the FA stemmed from a clip posted on social media after Bentancur was interviewed on Uruguayan Television programme “Por La Camiseta.” Host Rafa Cotelo asked Bentancur for a Spurs player’s shirt, to which he replied, “Sonny’s?” [Son Heung-Min], adding: “It could be Sonny’s cousin too as they all look the same.”

He denied the initial FA charge, according to the statement issued on Monday, and can appeal the ruling.

The FA said: “It was further alleged that this constitutes an ‘aggravated breach’… as it included a reference — whether express or implied — to nationality and/or race and/or ethnic origin.”

In a news conference during the ongoing international break, Bentancur told reporters that he was braced for the punishment. As part of the decision, he also has to attend face-to-face education sessions which have to be completed by March 2025.

The Uruguay international apologised on June 20 in a post on Instagram for the remark that he said was a “very bad joke.” Five days later, Son, Tottenham’s captain, said that he had accepted his teammate’s apology.

“He made a mistake, he knows this and has apologised. Lolo [Bentancur] would not mean to ever intentionally say something offensive. We are brothers and nothing has changed at all,” Son said in a post on social media.

“We’re past this, we’re united, and we will be back together in preseason to fight for our club as one.”

Information from Reuters contributed to this report.

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has been handed a seven-game ban and a £100,000 fine by the English Football Association for using abusive language and bringing the game into disrepute during an interview on Uruguayan TV.

Yohannes in for USWNT, Rodman, Smith left out​​

One week after announcing her intent to represent the United States and not the Netherlands, 17-year-old midfielder Lily Yohannes headlines a 24-player USWNT roster for upcoming road matches against England and the Dutch.

​One week after announcing her intent to represent the United States and not the Netherlands, 17-year-old midfielder Lily Yohannes headlines a 24-player USWNT roster for upcoming road matches against England and the Dutch. One week after announcing her intent to represent the United States and not the Netherlands, 17-year-old midfielder Lily Yohannes headlines a 24-player USWNT roster for upcoming road matches against England and the Dutch.   

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

One week after announcing her intent to represent the United States and not the Netherlands, 17-year-old midfielder Lily Yohannes headlines a 24-player USWNT roster for upcoming road matches against England and the Dutch.

Sources: Pogba eyes top European team after ban​​

Paul Pogba is determined to continue his career in one of Europe’s top five leagues after terminating his contract with Juventus last week, sources have told ESPN.

​Paul Pogba is determined to continue his career in one of Europe’s top five leagues after terminating his contract with Juventus last week, sources have told ESPN. Paul Pogba is determined to continue his career in one of Europe’s top five leagues after terminating his contract with Juventus last week, sources have told ESPN.   

play

Paul Pogba is determined to continue his career in one of Europe’s top five leagues after terminating his contract with Juventus last week, sources have told ESPN.

The 31-year-old can return to training in January next year before his ban for taking a prohibited substance fully expires in March after the Court for Arbitration for Sport (CAS) shortened its length to 18 months from the initial four years.

Sources told ESPN that Pogba would prefer to play in one of his home continent’s established leagues in order to give himself a better chance of reclaiming his place in Didier Deschamps’ France setup.

The sources added that several clubs have been in contact with the players’ entourage over a potential move, though there is nothing concrete yet.

He is training in Miami in the U.S. at the moment to ensure his fitness levels are at the required level by Jan. 1, 2025.

Asked by ESPN last month about his potential next club, the World Cup winner remained tight-lipped, saying: “My main focus right now is just to get myself ready. I keep training and everything. Get ready for being able to join a team in January.”

Pogba has not played since Sept. 3, 2023, after he tested positive for DHEA — a banned substance that raises levels of testosterone — following Juventus’ Serie A game against Udinese in August of that year.

Pogba told ESPN after the CAS judgment that he had considered retiring in the immediate aftermath of the initial four-year punishment.

He was the most expensive football player in history when he joined Manchester United from Juventus for a fee of €105 million ($113 million) in 2016.

Pogba starred in France’s World Cup triumph in 2018 and returned to Juventus as a free agent in 2022, but injuries limited him to just eight Serie A appearances in his second spell at the club before his ban last year.

Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Paul Pogba is determined to continue his career in one of Europe’s top five leagues after terminating his contract with Juventus last week, sources have told ESPN.

USWNT’s Mewis, Kerr announce pregnancy​​

Australia and Chelsea football star Sam Kerr announced on Instagram on Monday that she and fiancee Kristie Mewis, who plays for West Ham United, are expecting a baby.

​Australia and Chelsea football star Sam Kerr announced on Instagram on Monday that she and fiancee Kristie Mewis, who plays for West Ham United, are expecting a baby. Australia and Chelsea football star Sam Kerr announced on Instagram on Monday that she and fiancee Kristie Mewis, who plays for West Ham United, are expecting a baby.   

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Australia and Chelsea football star Sam Kerr announced on Instagram on Monday that she and fiancee Kristie Mewis, who plays for West Ham United, are expecting a baby.

Source: Amorim gets visa, takes Man Utd training​​

Rúben Amorim has taken his first training session as Manchester United head coach following the approval of his visa, a source has told ESPN.

​Rúben Amorim has taken his first training session as Manchester United head coach following the approval of his visa, a source has told ESPN. Rúben Amorim has taken his first training session as Manchester United head coach following the approval of his visa, a source has told ESPN.   

play

Rúben Amorim has taken his first training session as Manchester United head coach following the approval of his visa, a source has told ESPN.

Amorim took charge of a session at Carrington on Monday ahead of his first game against Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Sunday.

United’s non-international players, including Marcus Rashford and Casemiro, have reported back after being given time off following the 3-0 win over Leicester City. The rest of the squad are due back on either Wednesday or Thursday.

Players undergoing rehabilitation programmes, including Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount and Leny Yoro, met Amorim and his staff last week.

According to a source, the 39-year-old coach and the majority of his backroom staff received their work permits last week.

Amorim arrived in Manchester a week ago and has been holding meetings at Carrington. He was given a tour on Old Trafford on Thursday before giving his first interview to the club’s in-house TV channel MUTV.

He’s set to hold his first news conference on either Thursday or Friday before the squad travels to Ipswich on Saturday. Amorim faces a busy schedule to start his reign with nine games in a month before Christmas.

“When Manchester United talked to me, they told me about their plans and you get excited,” Amorim told MUTV.

“It’s a real honour because I was the first choice to start that path. So it’s a great responsibility. But you feel honoured and excited to be part of that.”

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Rúben Amorim has taken his first training session as Manchester United head coach following the approval of his visa, a source has told ESPN.

He's one of the most in-demand strikers in world football after starring for Ruben Amorim at Sporting CP, but Viktor Gyokeres may also have two players in his way at Manchester United ​He's one of the most in-demand strikers in world football after starring for Ruben...

Jon Jones beat Stipe Miocic at the weekend but is reluctant to take on interim champion Aspinall and has threatened to retire instead ​Jon Jones beat Stipe Miocic at the weekend but is reluctant to take on interim champion Aspinall and has threatened to retire...

Talented centre, 24, spent 48 hours in the Dutch capital at the weekend but it wasn't to party - his coach was on board with him ahead of the club's unusual pre-season friendly in January ​Talented centre, 24, spent 48 hours in the Dutch capital at the weekend but it...

The Italian superstar jockey has accepted the mount on the US-trained Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf runner-up May Day Ready in December ​The Italian superstar jockey has accepted the mount on the US-trained Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf runner-up May Day...

Ruben Amorim is ready to introduce his ideas to his new players after international break but the Man Utd manager is waiting for the sixth member of his backroom staff to join ​Ruben Amorim is ready to introduce his ideas to his new players after international break...

The race to be part of Luke Donald's team for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black is heating up, with LIV Golf star Tyrrell Hatton staking his claim for automatic qualification ​The race to be part of Luke Donald's team for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black is...

England have evolved during Nations League campaign and Lee Carsley has laid plenty of groundwork for Thomas Tuchel on the road to winning the World Cup in 2026 ​England have evolved during Nations League campaign and Lee Carsley has laid plenty of groundwork for...

Tyrrell Hatton has been back in DP World Tour action over the past two weeks - and in doing so has helped his chances of making it into the 2025 European Ryder Cup team ​Tyrrell Hatton has been back in DP World Tour action over the past two weeks - and in doing so has...

Paul Pogba is training in Miami as he prepares for a return at end of his 18-month drug ban but free agent is not expected to consider a third spell at Manchester United ​Paul Pogba is training in Miami as he prepares for a return at end of his 18-month drug ban but...

Interim England boss Lee Carsley named eight debutants over the course of his six games in charge, some of whom could become regulars under Thomas Tuchel ​Interim England boss Lee Carsley named eight debutants over the course of his six games in charge, some of whom...

Washington's Alex Ovechkin, 39, recorded his first hat trick of the season, and the 16th of his career on the road, moving closer to Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL goal record along the way, as the Capitals topped the Vegas Golden Knights 5-2 on Sunday. ​ Washington's...

Hornets guard LaMelo Ball said he didn't mean to offend anyone after he was fined $100K for using an anti-gay term in a postgame interview. ​ Hornets guard LaMelo Ball said he didn't mean to offend anyone after he was fined $100K for using an anti-gay term in a...

Bears coach Matt Eberflus defended his decision to not run one final play at the end of Chicago's Week 11 loss to the Green Bay Packers to get kicker Cairo Santos closer to the south end zone at Soldier Field. ​ Bears coach Matt Eberflus defended his decision to not...

LA Clippers star James Harden passed Ray Allen for second on the NBA's all-time 3-pointers list Sunday night during a 116-105 win over the Utah Jazz, and he finished the victory with 20 points, 11 assists and 6 rebounds at Intuit Dome. ​ LA Clippers star James Harden...

The 49ers called their latest loss after a blown lead late "infuriating," as they are left searching for answers with a 5-5 record. ​ The 49ers called their latest loss after a blown lead late "infuriating," as they are left searching for answers with a 5-5...

The Cavaliers beat the Hornets 128-114 on Sunday night to become the fourth team to start 15-0 and tie the second-best start to a season in NBA history. ​ The Cavaliers beat the Hornets 128-114 on Sunday night to become the fourth team to start 15-0 and tie the...

The defense and QB Justin Herbert buoyed the Chargers as they avoided another late-game meltdown to beat the Bengals on Sunday night, a scenario that illustrated how different the team is under coach Jim Harbaugh. ​ The defense and QB Justin Herbert buoyed the...

After winning their first nine games in not-so-dominant fashion, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs ran out of magic Sunday, losing 30-21 to the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park, New York, the club's first defeat since Dec. 25, 2023. ​ After winning...

Four-star RB Anthony Rogers, No. 97 in the ESPN 300, pulled his commitment from Alabama and plans to commit to a new school when the signing period opens Dec. 4. ​ Four-star RB Anthony Rogers, No. 97 in the ESPN 300, pulled his commitment from Alabama and plans to...

Temple has fired coach Stan Drayton, ending his tenure with a 9-25 record in two-plus seasons. The move comes a day after an overtime win over Florida Atlantic. ​ Temple has fired coach Stan Drayton, ending his tenure with a 9-25 record in two-plus seasons. The move...

"Inside the NBA" will appear on ESPN and ABC beginning next season as part of a settlement between Warner Bros. Discovery and the NBA, according to multiple reports. ​ "Inside the NBA" will appear on ESPN and ABC beginning next season as part of a settlement between...

Rafael Campos, who became a new father last week, was emotional after earning his first PGA Tour win at the Bermuda Championship. ​ Rafael Campos, who became a new father last week, was emotional after earning his first PGA Tour win at the Bermuda Championship. Rafael...

The Celtics will be making their trip to the White House to celebrate winning their record-setting 18th NBA championship with President Joe Biden on Thursday. ​ The Celtics will be making their trip to the White House to celebrate winning their record-setting 18th NBA...

Julian Lewis, the No. 2 player and quarterback in the 2025 class, decommitted from USC on Sunday, sources told ESPN. ​ Julian Lewis, the No. 2 player and quarterback in the 2025 class, decommitted from USC on Sunday, sources told ESPN. Julian Lewis, the No. 2 player...

Oregon received all 62 first-place votes to remain atop the AP Top 25 college football poll for the fifth straight week, while Notre Dame and Alabama each rose two spots. ​ Oregon received all 62 first-place votes to remain atop the AP Top 25 college football poll for...

Rabiot leads France past Italy to top of NL group​​

Adrien Rabiot and Lucas Digne combined perfectly to celebrate their 50th international caps to give France a 3-1 away win against Italy in the Nations League Group A2 decider as they finished top of the table on Sunday.

​Adrien Rabiot and Lucas Digne combined perfectly to celebrate their 50th international caps to give France a 3-1 away win against Italy in the Nations League Group A2 decider as they finished top of the table on Sunday. Adrien Rabiot and Lucas Digne combined perfectly to celebrate their 50th international caps to give France a 3-1 away win against Italy in the Nations League Group A2 decider as they finished top of the table on Sunday.   

Adrien Rabiot and Lucas Digne combined perfectly to celebrate their 50th international caps to give France a 3-1 away win against Italy in the Nations League Group A2 decider as they finished top of the table on Sunday.

Rabiot grabbed a brace after being set up twice by Digne, whose screamer of a free kick was deflected into his own goal by Guglielmo Vicario while Italy scored through Andrea Cambiaso.

The result put France on 13 points at the end of the group phase, ahead of Italy on goal difference after the Azzurri had prevailed 3-1 at the Parc des Princes in September.

Israel claimed their only win in the group as they beat Belgium 1-0 in Budapest to finish level on points with the Red Devils, but last due to their worse head-to-head record.

“We had a young squad, I wanted to see a lot of players and winning here against an Italian team who were full of confidence is a great performance,” said coach Didier Deschamps.

Keeper Mike Maignan added: “We wanted to win, we were out for revenge. It was about pride after losing at home against them.”

Getty Images

After a lacklustre goalless draw against Israel at home on Thursday, Deschamps’s side showed their resilience in the absence of captain Kylian Mbappé, who was omitted from the squad.

France got off to a dream start when Rabiot netted his fifth international goal by smashing a header home after two minutes from Digne’s corner.

Italy upped the pace but Digne’s splendid left-footed 27-metre free kick bounced off the bar and onto Vicario’s back for France’s second in the 33rd.

Two minutes later, however, the Azzurri reduced the arrears after pressing hard, with Cambiaso finding the back of the net with a volley from Federico Dimarco‘s cutback.

Christopher Nkunku forced Vicario into a low save in the 59th minute as the visitors pressed for a third at a packed San Siro.

Digne and Rabiot were at it again as the fullback delivered a pinpoint free kick for the former Juventus midfielder to head home again and restore a two-goal lead.

Les Bleus then contained their opponents to ensure they will avoid Portugal, Germany and Spain in the last eight.

“It had been a long time since we had played such a game. Our goal was to win by two goals. The aggressiveness, the team spirit were great,” said Rabiot.

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Adrien Rabiot and Lucas Digne combined perfectly to celebrate their 50th international caps to give France a 3-1 away win against Italy in the Nations League Group A2 decider as they finished top of the table on Sunday.

Kane: England youth give Tuchel incredible options​​

Harry Kane said incoming England coach Thomas Tuchel has been boosted by the emergence of a crop of young players who have shone in the absence of more experienced internationals after a 5-0 Wembley win against the Republic of Ireland.

​Harry Kane said incoming England coach Thomas Tuchel has been boosted by the emergence of a crop of young players who have shone in the absence of more experienced internationals after a 5-0 Wembley win against the Republic of Ireland. Harry Kane said incoming England coach Thomas Tuchel has been boosted by the emergence of a crop of young players who have shone in the absence of more experienced internationals after a 5-0 Wembley win against the Republic of Ireland.   

play

Harry Kane said incoming England coach Thomas Tuchel has been boosted by the emergence of a crop of young players who have shone in the absence of more experienced internationals after a 5-0 Wembley win against the Republic of Ireland sealed a return to the top tier of the UEFA Nations League.

Former Bayern Munich and Chelsea coach Tuchel will officially take charge of England on Jan 1 and he will avoid having to oversee a two-legged Nations League playoff with interim coach Lee Carsley guiding the team to promotion from Nations League B with five wins in six games.

Sunday’s 5-0 win against the Irish, which Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson called “embarrassing,” followed a 3-0 win against Greece in Athens last Thursday.

Having seen nine players withdraw from his squad ahead of the two games, Carsley drafted in several of the Under-21 players, including Liverpool‘s Curtis Jones, Chelsea’s Noni Madueke and Southampton‘s Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who he coached to Euro U21 glory in 2023.

And England captain Kane said Tuchel will reap the benefits of Carsley’s nod towards youth when he takes charge for the World Cup qualification campaign.

“Thomas [Tuchel] has a lot of players to choose from,” Kane told ITV. “A lot of young players that have come in and done well and some more experienced players that are injured and will be looking to come back so there’s a good balance. I’m sure he [Tuchel] will be looking at everyone.

“We spoke about new opportunities for new lads and they’ve shown why they are here and a couple of good finishes and it was nice for Jarrod [Bowen] too to come on and score straight away.”

Kane opened the scoring for England from the penalty in the 53rd minute — his 69th international goal — after Ireland defender Liam Scales was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Jude Bellingham.

Within five minutes, Anthony Gordon and Conor Gallagher made it 3-0 to England, with Bowen and Harwood-Bellis completing the scoring to inflict the Three Lions’ biggest-ever win against Ireland.

“It was a really important win for us,” Kane said. “It has been a really good camp and two tough games. “We got the job done in Greece and again here. It was a tough first-half but we came out with more energy and we finished it off.

“[Lee Carsley] has been top drawer, him and all the staff. After the Euros it was never going to be easy to come and go straight into the Nations League and sometimes the motivation is a bit less. I’m really glad we won today and finish off on a high.”

Interim coach Carsley, who will now return to his role as Under-21 coach, said he will “prepare a document to debrief Thomas [Tuchel]” ahead of start and said it will be a “real challenge” for the German to decide who to select and who to leave out of his first squad.

Meanwhile, Ireland coach Hallgrimsson said he couldn’t explain the performance of his team in the second-half.

“I’m lost for words,” he told reporters. “It was six minutes of a kind of madness. We conceded a penalty and lost a player [to a red card]. We lost our heads and gave up.

“We had a game plan that was working perfectly, but then we conceded three goals in six minutes. It was a shock and we had to limit the damage.

“You cannot explain things like this. It’s a slap in the face when it happens. It’s easy to stand on the sidelines and criticise — we were compact in the first half, but then we conceded three goals so easily. It’s embarrassing to lose 5-0.”

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Harry Kane said incoming England coach Thomas Tuchel has been boosted by the emergence of a crop of young players who have shone in the absence of more experienced internationals after a 5-0 Wembley win against the Republic of Ireland.

Poch: Playing in MLS no barrier to U.S. selection​​

ST. LOUIS — United States manager Mauricio Pochettino said that American players who play in MLS will have the chance to play for him on the USMNT.

​ST. LOUIS — United States manager Mauricio Pochettino said that American players who play in MLS will have the chance to play for him on the USMNT. ST. LOUIS — United States manager Mauricio Pochettino said that American players who play in MLS will have the chance to play for him on the USMNT.   

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

ST. LOUIS — United States manager Mauricio Pochettino said that American players who play in MLS will have the chance to play for him on the USMNT.

Weah ‘moved on’ from red card in Copa elimination​​

United States midfielder Tim Weah said he has “moved on” from the red card he received at Copa America against Panama, though he admitted it “played a pretty negative role on how the rest of the tournament went.”

​United States midfielder Tim Weah said he has “moved on” from the red card he received at Copa America against Panama, though he admitted it “played a pretty negative role on how the rest of the tournament went.” United States midfielder Tim Weah said he has “moved on” from the red card he received at Copa America against Panama, though he admitted it “played a pretty negative role on how the rest of the tournament went.”   

play

ST. LOUIS — United States midfielder Tim Weah said he has “moved on” from the red card he received at Copa América against Panama, though he admitted it “played a pretty negative role on how the rest of the tournament went.”

The U.S. is set to play Jamaica in the second leg of the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals on Monday, with the USMNT holding a 1-0 aggregate lead.

Weah is in line to see his first minutes with the USMNT since that night in Atlanta when a 10-man USMNT fell to Panama 2-1 following the Juventus winger’s red card.

The incident played a significant role in the U.S. failing to navigate past the group stage, as well as the subsequent firing of manager Gregg Berhalter.

“It was hard,” Weah said about the red card during Sunday’s media availability. “It played a pretty negative role on how the rest of the tournament went and obviously no player wants that to happen. No player wants to be the reason why his team gets knocked out. Or not exactly the reason, but it played a huge factor in why we didn’t go on.

“So I mean it was a moment and I think I’ve kind of accepted it and matured in a way that it just never happened again and we just have to move on.”

With no club soccer to immediately go back to, Weah was left to ruminate on what happened, and how to move forward. He said the support of his teammates and family helped him move past what happened.

“Having the summer off kind of just [put] a lot of things in perspective and kind of just focused on all the positives, just being there for the rest of the guys and soaking in all the love that I can from family,” he said.

“Obviously the negative comments on the internet, I really didn’t look at it much, so that kind of helped. But leading to Copa, we had this big dream of doing something amazing and it didn’t happen and that was just the reality of it. And now we can focus on something else, focus on something bigger, and now it’s just time to work on that and be positive and go in that positive direction.”

USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino said that Weah will definitely play against Jamaica and wrote off the young winger’s red card to the kind of mistakes that can happen to up-and-coming players.

“I think tomorrow for sure he is going to have minutes and he’s going to be on the pitch,” Pochettino said. “I think he’s a very good player, very aggressive with the ball, fast, good legs and I think he’s young but it’s normal. He can make a mistake.

“We need to help him, for him to evolve and to learn, but I think he is very clever player, always smiling. He brought very good energy to the group, but the most important matter is the performance and how he’s going to perform tomorrow and hope that he can add his quality and help the team to achieve a very good result.”

While an ankle injury hampered Weah’s season with Juventus for a spell, he has scored four goals in eight Serie A appearances this term and is becoming more of a regular presence in Thiago Motta’s lineup.

Weah’s play has been noticed by international and club teammate Weston McKennie, who described Weah’s form as “flying.” “I’m happy for him as well because last year he was more in a defensive role and I mean it takes a little bit away from his characteristics,” McKennie said of Weah.

“As you guys know, wingers aren’t the ones that are normally used to running so much, but he held up his role last year and then I think this year I think we can see a little bit more of a true Tim in an attacking position, taking players on getting crosses off, scoring goals, getting in the box. So I think it’s amazing for him.”

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

United States midfielder Tim Weah said he has “moved on” from the red card he received at Copa America against Panama, though he admitted it “played a pretty negative role on how the rest of the tournament went.”

Marta nets stellar goal, sends Pride to NWSL final​​

The Orlando Pride advanced to their first NWSL championship with a 3-2 victory over the Kansas City Current in Sunday’s semifinal at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando.

​The Orlando Pride advanced to their first NWSL championship with a 3-2 victory over the Kansas City Current in Sunday’s semifinal at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando. The Orlando Pride advanced to their first NWSL championship with a 3-2 victory over the Kansas City Current in Sunday’s semifinal at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando.   

play

Nov 17, 2024, 05:21 PM ET

The Orlando Pride advanced to their first NWSL championship with a 3-2 victory over the Kansas City Current in Sunday’s semifinal at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando.

Pride forward Barbra Banda scored the equalizer in the 53rd minute before 38-year-old captain Marta scored an iconic game-winning goal, making four Kansas City players fall to the ground as she dribbled through them and tapped the ball into the net.

“It’s just such a Marta goal,” Orlando defender Emily Sams said. “She’s the GOAT [greatest of all-time] and she proved it tonight.”

The top-seeded Pride will face the No. 2-seeded Washington Spirit in the NWSL championship on Saturday at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City.

Orlando’s victory marks the first time since 2019 the Shield winners advanced to the final.

Kansas City forward Debinha opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, redirecting a low cross from Michelle Cooper at the back post. The Current appeared to drop off their defensive pressure after taking the lead — and they quickly paid for it.

Orlando equalized eight minutes later, when forward Ally Watt managed to get isolated one-on-one with Current fullback Ellie Wheeler. Watt hit a low cross toward an unmarked Haley McCutcheon for the finish at the 6-yard box.

Watt’s assist was her third of the playoffs after tallying a pair in the Pride’s 4-1 quarterfinal win over the Chicago Red Stars. She joins 2013 NWSL MVP Lauren Holiday as the only other player with three assists in a single postseason, per ESPN Research.

Current captain Lo’eau LaBonta, who entered the match listed as questionable with a leg injury and wore a sleeve on her right leg, left the game at halftime. She was replaced by forward Nichelle Prince, which pushed Brazilian playmaker Debinha back into the No. 10 role.

“It’s no secret that Lo’eau is the force that drives us not just tactically, but mentally, too,” Kansas City head coach Vlatko Andonovski said.

“I have to be taken off in order to not finish out a game,” LaBonta said. “I wanted to give everything for this team, and I did. I gave my whole right leg and whatever I could do.”

Kansas City played with mid-block pressure once again, just like in the scoreless draw between the teams in Orlando in September, but this time the Pride managed to break down the Current.

Orlando center back Kylie Strom had plenty of time on the ball in the 53rd minute and picked out Banda with a simple entry ball. Banda used her strength and positioning to spin Kansas City defender Kayla Sharples before hammering the ball into the back of the net.

Current goalkeeper Almuth Schult barely moved in reaction to the pace of the shot.

“There’s not many players that can do that,” Orlando head coach Seb Hines said. “She’s worked so hard for this point, and it’s just incredible to see [her] continue to show her class, and quality all this year.”

The Current pushed for an equalizer but got caught in transition late. Banda poked the ball away from Sharples in Kansas City’s defensive half before Marta began her magical dribble.

The Pride captain ran at Current defender Alana Cook and faked a shot that sent both Cook and Sharples to the ground inside Kansas City’s box. Marta then dribbled around Schult and evaded a recovering Hailie Mace to slot the ball into the net, leaving all four players on the ground.

Current midfielder Vanessa DiBernardo converted a penalty kick in the 13th minute of second-half stoppage time after a VAR check led to a handball call in the box. The goal cut the deficit to one and gave the Current hope of forcing extra time.

NWSL Golden Boot winner Temwa Chawinga hustled to poke the ball free in Orlando’s box in the 16th minute of stoppage time and crossed the ball toward Sharples, who had an empty net but was off balance as she stretched to reach the ball that was just beyond her reach.

Sharples’ header went over the bar and Orlando held on after 19 minutes of stoppage time.

The Pride are now in search of its first NWSL Championship title on Saturday in the first final between the top two seeds since 2019. The Shield was the team’s first trophy since the franchise launched in 2016.

Washington defeated defending champions NJ/NY Gotham FC in a penalty shootout on Saturday to advance to the final.

“Honestly, I’m still soaking it in right now, so we’ll probably just enjoy this moment right now and start thinking about Washington [tomorrow],” Hines said. “It’s the top two teams in the league, which doesn’t happen often in the championship game, and I think both teams deserve to be in this championship game because it’s the most consistent teams throughout the season.”

The 2024 final will also be the first time the NWSL championship game is played between two teams that didn’t even make the playoffs in the previous season.

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

The Orlando Pride advanced to their first NWSL championship with a 3-2 victory over the Kansas City Current in Sunday’s semifinal at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando.

Amanda Balionis has been taking a break from her hectic schedule and has been sharing photos of her trip away with her followers on social media ​Amanda Balionis has been taking a break from her hectic schedule and has been sharing photos of her trip away with her...

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is out of contract at the end of the season but the Reds have been told who would be the best fit to replace the Dutch centre-back ​Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is out of contract at the end of the season but the Reds have been...

Laurie Canter was in contention to earn one of the 10 PGA Tour cards on offer at the DP World Tour Championship, but a nightmare finish saw him fall agonisingly short ​Laurie Canter was in contention to earn one of the 10 PGA Tour cards on offer at the DP World Tour...

Joshua Zirkzee has seen his playing time dwindle in the last few games under interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy and he could be leaving Manchester United already - months after he joined - with Juventus interested ​Joshua Zirkzee has seen his playing time dwindle in the...

Arsenal are back in action this weekend as they welcome Nottingham Forest to the Emirates Stadium but the Gunners might have a battle on their hands with other Premier League sides ​Arsenal are back in action this weekend as they welcome Nottingham Forest to the...

Conor Daly, who competes in both NASCAR and IndyCar, has joined the growing list of fighters who have called out Jake Paul in the wake of his win over Mike Tyson ​Conor Daly, who competes in both NASCAR and IndyCar, has joined the growing list of fighters who have...

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim will take charge of his match at the end, but the former Sporting Lisbon boss is already planning ahead to the New Year and beyond ​Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim will take charge of his match at the end, but the...

Much of Arne Slot's squad are currently on international duty but will soon return as the Reds hope to continue their fine form in the Premier League when they face Southampton ​Much of Arne Slot's squad are currently on international duty but will soon return as the...

The Kansas City Chiefs suffered their first loss of the season on Sunday as they were beaten by the Buffalo Bills, meaning they won't go unbeaten like the 1972 Miami Dolphins ​The Kansas City Chiefs suffered their first loss of the season on Sunday as they were beaten...

Northern Ireland need just a point against Luxembourg to top their Nations League group and they have won six and drawn two of their last 10 games ​Northern Ireland need just a point against Luxembourg to top their Nations League group and they have won six and drawn...

Netflix says 60 million households tuned in live to watch Jake Paul's unanimous decision win over Mike Tyson, while 50 million watched Katie Taylor retain her undisputed women's lightweight championship over Amanda Serrano. ​ Netflix says 60 million households tuned...

Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox didn't miss a shot in the first 12 minutes on his way to a 49-point effort during a 121-117 win over the Utah Jazz on Saturday night, which came one game -- and one night -- after he scored 60 points. ​ Sacramento Kings guard...

Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty set the Broncos' single-season rushing record after 159 yards in Saturday's win brought his season total to 1,893. ​ Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty set the Broncos' single-season rushing record after 159 yards in Saturday's win brought his...

Top-ranked Oregon, which trailed heading into the fourth quarter on Saturday night, rallied behind quarterback Dillon Gabriel, and the Heisman Trophy contender helped to deliver a 16-13 victory over Wisconsin at Camp Randall Stadium. ​ Top-ranked Oregon, which trailed...

The Seahawks intended to draft both Deebo Samuel and DK Metcalf in the second round of the 2019 draft, and thought they had a deal in place to do it, sources told ESPN. ​ The Seahawks intended to draft both Deebo Samuel and DK Metcalf in the second round of the 2019...

Bela Karolyi, who became a guiding force in American gymnastics, though not without controversy, died Friday at age 82. ​ Bela Karolyi, who became a guiding force in American gymnastics, though not without controversy, died Friday at age 82. Bela Karolyi, who became a...

Coming off a devastating loss last week, Carson Beck and No. 12 Georgia bounced back and positioned themselves for a likely playoff berth with a 31-17 victory over No. 7 Tennessee on Saturday. ​ Coming off a devastating loss last week, Carson Beck and No. 12 Georgia...

Jon Jones remains atop the MMA world after finishing Stipe Miocic with a spinning back kick to the body to retain his heavyweight title at UFC 309. ​ Jon Jones remains atop the MMA world after finishing Stipe Miocic with a spinning back kick to the body to retain his...

Georgia's win over Tennessee in Week 12 plus, more trends from the weekend. ​ Georgia's win over Tennessee in Week 12 plus, more trends from the weekend. Georgia's win over Tennessee in Week 12 plus, more trends from the weekend.  Georgia entered Week 12 in an unusual...

Transfer rumors, news: LAFC circle as Griezmann eyes Atleti exit​​

Antoine Griezmann has been linked with a move to MLS club LAFC. Transfer Talk has the latest news, gossip and rumors.

​Antoine Griezmann has been linked with a move to MLS club LAFC. Transfer Talk has the latest news, gossip and rumors. Antoine Griezmann has been linked with a move to MLS club LAFC. Transfer Talk has the latest news, gossip and rumors.   

play

Nov 16, 2024, 06:36 PM ET

Antoine Griezmann is considering leaving Atlético Madrid amid interest from LAFC, while Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund have sounded out PSV Eindhoven regarding USMNT forward Ricardo Pepi. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumours, and gossip from around the globe.

Transfers homepage | Done deals | Men’s grades | Women’s grades

TOP STORIES

– Bayern extend Grohs contract after cancer diagnosis– Man Utd confirm Rúben Amorim’s coaching staff– Ronaldo makes retirement hint after record win

TRENDING RUMORS

– Atlético Madrid star Antoine Griezmann is on the radar of LAFC, according to Relevo. The MLS club are believed to have maintained their interest in the 33-year-old amid hopes of pairing him with fellow France international Olivier Giroud. Despite his contract being set to expire in 2026, it is reported that Griezmann is thinking about leaving the Wanda Metropolitano in the summer.

– Juventus have placed Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee on their list of targets, reports Calciomercato. While a central defender is the Serie A side’s priority, Juve will look into a deal for the Netherlands international if the Red Devils make him available for transfer. Zirkzee, 23, has struggled to find his form at Old Trafford after making a move from Bologna in July. His manager at Bologna was Thiago Motta, who also moved on in the summer … to Juventus. Zirkzee has one goal and two assists in17 appearances this season. Juve striker Dusan Vlahovic will be into the final year of his contract next summer and will move on if no extension is agreed; if that does happen, Juve could explore a loan with an obligation to sign permanently for Zirkzee.

– Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund, and Atlético Madrid are keen on PSV Eindhoven forward Ricardo Pepi, reports AS. The clubs are said to have already made enquiries to the Eredivisie side over a potential move for the 21-year-old United States international, and there is belief that they could be willing to part ways with him if a suitable offer arrives. Pepi has scored six goals in 11 league appearances so far this season.

– Napoli are hoping they can persuade Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to extend his contract beyond 2027 and prevent him from moving to Paris Saint-Germain in 2025, according to Calciomercato. Napoli want to keep the 23-year-old and avoid a repeat of the situation that saw Victor Osimhen leave for Galatasaray, but so far the club and player are yet to agree on an extension. PSG, and clubs in England, continue to monitor the situation.

– Optimism is emerging from Barcelona in the race for Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah, writes Sport. The Blaugrana are “gaining ground” in the race for the 28-year-old, who is expected to leave when his contract expires in June. Bayern Munich have been linked but there is also belief that Real Madrid could make an approach when the transfer window opens in January.

– Talks are ongoing between Manchester City and the representatives of striker Erling Haaland over a new contract, reports the Sunday Mirror. Negotiations are continuing over an improved deal worth £500,000-per-week, which would see his salary become the highest in the Premier League. City also want to remove or alter the existing £150 million release clause, and they could be willing to increase it to £200m. Haaland has previously been linked with Real Madrid, though speculation has cooled since their signing of France international Kylian Mbappé.

EXPERT TAKE

ESPN’s Dale Johnson looks into the reasons why Thiago Motta might want to be reunited with Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee at Juventus.

Joshua Zirkzee was a crucial member of the Bologna team which excelled last season, finishing fifth and benefitting from the performance of Italian clubs in Europe to get a place in the Champions League for this season.

The Netherlands international created 11 big chances in his 34 appearances, a tally only bettered by AC Milan’s Rafael Leao (18), Napoli’s Matteo Politano (15), Inter’s Federico Dimarco (14) and Juve’s Federico Chiesa (12).

However, those big chances didn’t really convert into goals — he had just four assists to his name; Leao, in comparison, had a league-leading nine.

Zirkzee attempted 137 take-ons, the fifth-highest in Serie A, but his success rate of 38% did not compare favourably with others at the top of the list. For instance, the impressive Leao was successful with 48.1% of his 160 take-ons.

Zirkzee did, however, score 11 goals under Motta, who will feel he can get more out of the forward now he’s a more mature player.

OTHER RUMORS

– Brazil legend Ronaldo is plotting to become president of the Brazilian FA in 2026, and his first move would be to bring Pep Guardiola with him as coach of the Selecao. (Sport)

– West Ham are planning a move for Manchester City midfielder James McAtee in January. McAtee, 22, had two loan spells with Sheffield United but cannot get in the City team. (The Sun on Sunday)

– A move to Palmeiras for Brazilian striker Neymar appears unlikely after club president Leila stated this weekend that “this club is not a medical department, Neymar will not join Palmeiras.” (Fabrizio Romano)

– Aston Villa are looking into signing centre-back Diego Llorente from Real Betis in January, but a deal will be difficult as the 31-year-old has a deal until 2028. (Football Insider)

– Villa’s interest in young Manchester United defender Henry Amass is likely to be blocked by new boss Ruben Amorim. (Football Insider)

– Argentine side River Plate are considering a €10m move for Newcastle United winger Miguel Almiron. (Ekrem Konur)

– Atletico Madrid have decided not to offer a new contract to Axel Witsel, 35, at the end of this season. (Relevo)

– Out-of-favour Paris Saint-Germain attacker Randal Kolo Muani has no interest in leaving the Ligue 1 leaders in January. (Téléfoot)

– Clubs are looking to take advantage of Lyon’s financial problems with a move for 19-year-old forward Malick Fofana. (Foot Mercato)

– An algorithm says that AC Milan should have Lazio’s Nicolò Rovella, FC Porto midfielder Nicolas Gonzalez, Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika, Angelo Stiller of VfB Stuttgart, Feyenoord midfielder Quinten Timber and Lens’ Andy Diouf on their transfer shortlist as targets who would cost under €20m. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

– Tottenham Hotspur are preparing to activate the one-year extension in the contract of forward Son Heung-Min. The 32-year-old is keen to extend his stay with Spurs, and he will reach a decade at the club next August. The extension in his deal will secure his future in north London until the summer of 2026. (Florian Plettenberg)

– Newcastle United are considering making Alexander Isak available for transfer, believing they can use the funds to sign a high-class replacement, such as Galatasaray loanee Victor Osimhen. (Football Insider)

– Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Milan Skriniar is open to a move to Juventus. The defender has started only three Ligue 1 games for PSG this season. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

– Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid are among the clubs interested in signing winger Takefusa Kubo from Real Sociedad. (Ekrem Konur)

– MLS club San Diego FC are hoping to sign Californian midfielder Luca de la Torre. The 26-year-old is yet to play this season for the Spanish side, and both Celta Vigo and MLS’ newest franchise are keen to conclude a deal in January. (Diario AS)

– Monza, PSV Eindhoven, Real Betis and Villarreal are being linked with a loan move for Chelsea’s Cesare Casadei in January. (Tuttomercatoweb)

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Antoine Griezmann has been linked with a move to MLS club LAFC. Transfer Talk has the latest news, gossip and rumors.

WSL: Everton down L’pool in derby, Man Utd win​​

Everton claimed a famous 1-0 victory in the last ever Women’s Super League (WSL) Merseyside derby to be played at Goodison Park on Sunday, though the three points did not come without controversy.

​Everton claimed a famous 1-0 victory in the last ever Women’s Super League (WSL) Merseyside derby to be played at Goodison Park on Sunday, though the three points did not come without controversy. Everton claimed a famous 1-0 victory in the last ever Women’s Super League (WSL) Merseyside derby to be played at Goodison Park on Sunday, though the three points did not come without controversy.   

play

Nov 17, 2024, 12:04 PM ET

Everton claimed a famous 1-0 victory in the last ever Women’s Super League (WSL) Merseyside derby to be played at Goodison Park on Sunday, though the three points did not come without controversy.

Brian Sørensen’s team had been the better team in the first half without putting Liverpool goalkeeper Teagan Micah under drastic pressure, but that changed when Fuka Nagano tripped Honoka Hayashi on the edge of the area, causing referee Abigail Byrne to point to the spot.

Replays subsequently showed the contact between the players came well outside the box, though there is no video assistant referee in the WSL and Katja Snoeijs slotted the penalty to earn Everton a precious lead which they refused to let slip.

Liverpool huffed and puffed in the second half to no real avail, the best chance coming early in the period when Nagano collected a ball across the box from Olivia Smith and fired goalwards — only to be denied twice by Courtney Brosnan.

Eight minutes of stoppage time brought groans from the Goodison faithful but the blue wall held firm, Brosnan parrying clear from a Gemma Bonner effort after something of a scramble in the area proving to be the only moment of real danger.

Everton move off the bottom of the WSL table and into 9th with the win, their first of the campaign. Liverpool are left meandering in 6th, six points behind the team above them.

Elsewhere, Manchester United held off Leicester City to claim a much-needed three points with a 2-0 win that keeps them in touch with their rivals for UEFA Women’s Champions League qualification.

Though the final margin of victory was not huge, it was a vastly improved performance from Marc Skinner’s team compared to their listless 0-0 draw with Aston Villa last week, with Elisabeth Terland‘s powerful header handing them a 1-0 lead in the first half, before Celin Bizet all but secured the points with a calm finish past Janina Leitzig after capitalising on an errant backpass.

United are now fifth with a game in hand on many of the teams above them, and will be glad to see the back of a run of three straight draws.

Perhaps the game of the day came in the earlier kickoff between Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.

My Cato scored in the 30th minute to give Palace the lead, only for Villa to bounce back through Anna Patten and Rachel Daly to lead at half-time.

Villa couldn’t capitalise on their momentum in the second half and looked like they would be made to pay for their profligacy when Annabel Blanchard levelled proceedings in the 86th minute with a volleyed finish.

However, Villa’s summer signing Ebony Salmon had other ideas. The 23-year-old forward gathered the ball on the edge of Palace’s box in the dying minutes of the game, turned expertly onto her right foot and lashed a powerful strike into the top-right corner to send the Villa Park crowd home happy.

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Everton claimed a famous 1-0 victory in the last ever Women’s Super League (WSL) Merseyside derby to be played at Goodison Park on Sunday, though the three points did not come without controversy.

France boss concerned for players’ mental health​​

France manager Didier Deschamps has expressed concern over the growing mental stresses his players face with the congested football calendar and accentuated exposure via social media.

​France manager Didier Deschamps has expressed concern over the growing mental stresses his players face with the congested football calendar and accentuated exposure via social media. France manager Didier Deschamps has expressed concern over the growing mental stresses his players face with the congested football calendar and accentuated exposure via social media.   

play

Nov 17, 2024, 07:35 AM ET

France manager Didier Deschamps has expressed concern over the growing mental stresses his players face with the congested football calendar and accentuated exposure via social media.

Deschamps has faced regular questions about the mental health of Kylian Mbappé in particular, with the Real Madrid forward having missed the last two international camps amid what the manager described as partly “psychological” worries.

“He is in a complicated situation, yes, but that does not take away from what he has done or mean that he is not able to re-find his previous form, even if he too was less effective in 2024,” Deschamps told Telefoot when asked about Mbappé.

“The environment is different because there is exposure today — the slightest little word, social networks and then the fallout.

“I spoke with some of my players. After a competition like Euro 2024, they have barely three weeks, it is difficult to put the demands back in. They are higher and higher.

“Every time it is: ‘You must, you must, you must’ and then sometimes you can’t respond or you respond less well, and there can be a psychological issue.

“Whether it is going as far as depression I don’t know, but it is a psychological state that is fragile. It is the head that commands the legs.”

Liverpool‘s French defender Ibrahima Konaté also spoke to Telefoot about the reports around Mbappé’s mental state, offering support should the former Paris Saint-Germain forward need it.

“Beyond being a footballer, he is one of my friends and someone that I have a lot of affection for,” he said.

“If Kylian has psychological problems in his life, we’ll always be there to help him. But we know the qualities that Kylian has. He is a formidable player and one of the best in the world.

“Every player in their career has had a little blip so I’m not worried about him. I can’t wait for him to get back to his best level.”

France play Italy in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday in Milan. Both teams have already qualified for the quarterfinals of the tournament.

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

France manager Didier Deschamps has expressed concern over the growing mental stresses his players face with the congested football calendar and accentuated exposure via social media.

Hungary coach thankful for support after collapse​​

Hungary assistant coach Adam Szalai said he was fine after collapsing and being rushed to hospital minutes after the start of his country’s Nations League tie against the Netherlands in Amsterdam on Saturday.

​Hungary assistant coach Adam Szalai said he was fine after collapsing and being rushed to hospital minutes after the start of his country’s Nations League tie against the Netherlands in Amsterdam on Saturday. Hungary assistant coach Adam Szalai said he was fine after collapsing and being rushed to hospital minutes after the start of his country’s Nations League tie against the Netherlands in Amsterdam on Saturday.   

play

Nov 17, 2024, 06:21 AM ET

Hungary assistant coach Adam Szalai said he was fine after collapsing and being rushed to hospital minutes after the start of his country’s Nations League tie against the Netherlands in Amsterdam on Saturday.

Posting on social media, the former Bundesliga striker thanked supporters for their messages of support and said he was fine.

Szalai, 36, collapsed on the bench seven minutes into the match at the Johan Cruyff Stadium.

He could be seen lying on the ground next to the team’s bench with his legs twitching, as staff and substitutes quickly formed a protective barrier around him.

The match was delayed for 13 minutes and Szalai was taken by ambulance to hospital.

“Adam is conscious, can talk and all is in order,” coach Marco Rossi told the post-match news conference. “The referee asked us if we wanted to continue playing and my players said they did.”

Hungary captain Dominik Szoboszlai gathered his players in a discussion on the pitch before they agreed to go on.

Szalai is a former captain of the Hungarian team and was appointed assistant coach earlier this year. He scored 26 goals in 86 international appearances for Hungary and had a lengthy club career in Germany at Mainz, Schalke 04 and Hoffenheim.

The Dutch won the match 4-0 to book a place in next March’s Nations League quarterfinals.

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Hungary assistant coach Adam Szalai said he was fine after collapsing and being rushed to hospital minutes after the start of his country’s Nations League tie against the Netherlands in Amsterdam on Saturday.

What the Premier League Big Six need in January transfer window​​

Could Liverpool go back in for Martin Zubimendi? Might Viktor Gyokeres be available? And what moves might Ruben Amorim make at Man United? We look ahead.

​Could Liverpool go back in for Martin Zubimendi? Might Viktor Gyokeres be available? And what moves might Ruben Amorim make at Man United? We look ahead. Could Liverpool go back in for Martin Zubimendi? Might Viktor Gyokeres be available? And what moves might Ruben Amorim make at Man United? We look ahead.   

The Premier League has paused for the final international break of 2024, but while the leading players are away representing their countries, the recruitment teams at the top clubs are drawing up plans for the January transfer window and plotting the moves that could transform or save their hopes and ambitions for the season.

Some clubs, including Liverpool and Chelsea who sit first and third respectively, are exceeding expectations, while Manchester City and Arsenal (second and fourth) are slightly off the pace in comparison to recent campaigns. Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, meanwhile, are both marooned in midtable, with United firing manager Erik ten Hag last month and hiring Sporting CP coach Rúben Amorim in an attempt to rescue their season.

And while many clubs now view business in January as something to avoid due to a lack of available talent and the risk of a short-term deal becoming an expensive mistake, it remains an opportunity to sign a player who can make a crucial difference. Virgil van Dijk and Luis Suárez (both Liverpool), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal) and Olivier Giroud (Chelsea) have all proved to be big successes after signing for their new clubs in the winter window.

So with January on the horizon, what do the Big Six clubs need to do, and which deals could make all the difference?

Liverpool

Premier League position: 1stSummer spend: £41.5 million (according to Sky Sports)Notable long-term injuries: Alisson Becker (goalkeeper), Federico Chiesa (forward), Harvey Elliott (midfielder)

Liverpool are well ahead of schedule under new coach Arne Slot, who has taken the team to the top of the Premier League and the Champions League tables despite no major additions to the squad he inherited from Jürgen Klopp.

Chiesa has registered just 78 minutes in all competitions since completing a £10m transfer from Juventus at the end of August. The 27-year-old Italy international, who has endured an injury-ravaged past three years, has done little to suggest he can make an impact in the second half of the season.

Liverpool tried and failed to negotiate a deal with Real Sociedad for Spain midfielder Martín Zubimendi, and Slot said at the time that the club would not pursue an alternative simply to make up the numbers, but with Liverpool going strong on all fronts so far, a renewed move for Zubimendi in January cannot be ruled out. Slot remains a big admirer of the 25-year-old, who could add depth and quality to the Anfield squad.

The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the futures of Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who are all out of contract in the summer, might yet prove a distraction in the months ahead, and a resolution to all three situations would be a boost for Slot. However, a new midfielder should be the priority. Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones have done well this season, but now is the time to strengthen a crucial area of the squad.

Ideal January signing: Zubimendi. Liverpool know from the summer that it would be a tough deal to do and that they could face competition from Man City, but Slot’s team would be making a move from a position of strength.

Manchester City

Premier League position: 2ndSummer spend: £33.6m (according to Sky Sports)Notable long-term injuries: Oscar Bobb (forward), Rodri (midfielder)

Man City are in uncharted territory right now, having lost four successive games for the first time since 2006, with Pep Guardiola never before having suffered that losing sequence as a manager. City are five points adrift of Liverpool, and there is uncertainty over Guardiola’s future due to the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach so far choosing not to extend his contract, which expires in the summer.

On the pitch, the loss of defensive midfielder and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri has proved to be a hammer blow. The 28-year-old Spain international is out for the season after suffering an ACL injury in September and, without him, City have suddenly started to look vulnerable.

City’s squad remains strong and deep, albeit with several key players now aged 30 or older, but there can be no escaping the reality that Rodri’s injury has left a huge hole in the team. A move for Zubimendi, Liverpool’s top target, would help solve the problem. Zubimendi is Rodri’s understudy in the Spain team and is regarded as one of the best midfielders in Europe.

City’s off-field battle against the 115 Premier League charges might make it impossible for them to do serious business in January. The reigning Premier League champions could win another stack load of trophies this season, but they could also be hit with a massive fine and points deduction if they lose the legal case — they deny all charges — so signing for City right now would a big risk for any player.

play

Is Man City’s Rodri replacement hiding in their own backline?

Janusz Michallik says Joško Gvardiol has all the attributes to be a success in Rodri’s role with the Ballon d’Or winner out injured.

City have the money to do a deal for Zubimendi, but that might not be enough to make it happen.

Ideal January signing: Zubimendi. However, there might be too many obstacles for City to overcome to clinch a deal for the Real Sociedad midfielder.

Chelsea

Premier League position: 3rdSummer spend: £219.6m (according to Sky Sports)Notable long-term injuries: None

Maybe Chelsea’s £1 billion spending spree wasn’t so ridiculous after all. After two years of throwing money at the best young talent in football, it finally looks like it might have been money well spent. Enzo Maresca’s team are in third place and showing signs of being title challengers. OK, perhaps that’s a little premature — Chelsea are only three points ahead of 10th-place Tottenham — but Maresca has at least found a formula that proved elusive to predecessors Mauricio Pochettino, Frank Lampard and Graham Potter.

The former Leicester City coach has settled on a group of players and made some big calls on high-profile departures, most significantly Raheem Sterling‘s loan to Arsenal, but Chelsea are still troubled by inconsistency. They are riding high, but they have won two and drawn three of their past six league games, so their progress seems to be fragile.

What Chelsea need in January, however, is what Maresca is unlikely to get: experience. With an average age of 23 years, 149 days this season, Chelsea are the youngest team ever to play in the Premier League — Leeds in 1999-2000 are closest at 24 years, 162 days — and Maresca’s side hasn’t used a starter older than 27. The inconsistency behind Chelsea’s pattern of results could be lessened by the addition of one or two senior players to help guide this young team; while it hasn’t been Chelsea’s policy since the club was taken over by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, an old head in the side could make all the difference.

Ideal January signing: Joshua Kimmich. Versatile, hugely experienced, a serial winner and young enough at 29 to provide long-term value. The Germany midfielder is out of contract at Bayern Munich in the summer, so a January deal could suit all parties.

Arsenal

Premier League position: 4thSummer spend: £101.5m (according to Sky Sports)Notable long-term injuries: Kieran Tierney (left-back), Riccardo Calafiori (defender), Takehiro Tomiyasu (defender)

Arsenal are still in the title race, but only just. After getting out of the blocks quickly in the past two seasons, when they finished runners-up to Manchester City on each occasion, the Gunners have made an indifferent start this time around and are already nine points behind leaders Liverpool.

With just 11 games gone, though, Arsenal have time to rediscover their form and get their injured players back to fitness and form. If that happens, Mikel Arteta’s side can still push for the title.

play

Should Arsenal have signed some striker support for Kai Havertz?

Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens debate if Arsenal made a mistake in the transfer window by not signing an alternative option to forward Kai Havertz.

Arsenal’s problem is the same as it has been for the past two years, though, in that they still don’t have a proven goal scorer. Kai Havertz continues to be Arteta’s choice to lead the line, and he is a scorer of important goals. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are also capable of weighing in with big goals, too, but Arsenal are now desperate for a genuine centre-forward.

A move for RB Leipzig‘s Benjamin Sesko was considered last summer before the club chose not to take the plunge. Ivan Toney was another name in the frame before Arteta opted against a move for the England forward, who eventually left Brentford for Saudi club Al Ahli. Arsenal stood aside while Galatasaray sealed a loan deal for Napoli‘s Victor Osimhen.

Havertz can’t carry the goal-scoring burden alone if Arsenal are to challenge for the title, so a move for a centre-forward has now become a must. The issue is that goal scorers don’t come cheap. With a €100m release clause at Sporting, Viktor Gyökeres is a deal that could be done, but that might be too steep for Arsenal.

Ideal January signing: Gyökeres. The 26-year-old Sweden international could be a game changer for Arsenal. He is the hottest striker in Europe right now and perfectly suited to the Premier League.

Tottenham

Premier League position: 10thSummer spend: £133.5m (according to Sky Sports)Notable long-term injuries: Wilson Odobert (midfielder), Richarlison (forward)

These are testing times for Spurs and manager Ange Postecoglou, with last season’s bright start and hints of a title challenge nothing more than a distant memory. The Tottenham picture is confusing, though. They have lost three of their past five games in all competitions, but the two wins during that run were a Carabao Cup victory against Manchester City and a 4-1 hammering of Champions League qualifiers Aston Villa. Spurs also have a 3-0 win at Manchester United on their record this season.

Five wins, five defeats and a draw is the tale of their league campaign so far, and it points directly at the inconsistencies that Postecoglou is attempting to eradicate. Injuries to Micky van de Ven and Richarlison have been significant blows, while James Maddison has struggled to rediscover his form from last season in the No. 10 role. Spurs lack quality in midfield, however, and that is where they need to strengthen in January if they can find the funds.

With a Carabao Cup quarterfinal at home to Man United looming on Dec. 19, the outcome of that game could be decisive in terms of what the club can do, and whom they can attract. If Spurs make it through to the semifinals, they would become a much more attractive proposition to potential signings.

Ideal January signing: Angel Gomes. The England international is out of contract at Ligue 1 side Lille at the end of the season. Having started out at Man United, the 24-year-old is Premier League ready and would add quality to Postecoglou’s midfield.

Manchester United

Premier League position: 13thSummer spend: £205.9m (according to Sky Sports)Notable long-term injuries: Kobbie Mainoo (midfielder), Tyrell Malacia (left-back), Luke Shaw (left-back), Leny Yoro (centre-back)

play

Do Manchester United have the players to make Amorim’s system work?

Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens wonder how Manchester United’s current players fit into Ruben Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formation.

Ten Hag paid the price for United’s worst-ever start to a Premier League season — the second worst was the one he oversaw last season — by losing his job as manager last month. Amorim will take charge of his first game as Ten Hag’s successor against Ipswich Town on Nov. 24 after arriving from Sporting.

Despite their woeful start, which included 3-0 home defeats against Liverpool and Spurs, United are just four points behind fourth-place Arsenal. Amorim inherits an imbalanced squad, but it is still close enough to the top teams for the season to be salvaged.

With Amorim favouring a 3-4-3/3-4-2-1 formation at Sporting, he might encounter early problems in terms of making that system work at United. Quite simply, United lack the players to fit the key areas, most notably the wing-back positions. Amorim will also quickly realise that United’s central midfielders lack the pace and dynamism provided by his Sporting midfield players, so he will have to make a big decision in January as to whether to target a new wing-back or midfielder as the club are unlikely to be able to afford both.

If Shaw can return to fitness and stay fit, then he will solve the left wing-back issue, leaving Amorim to use either Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui on the right. That would then point to a new midfielder being the main objective. Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte are the best options available at Old Trafford, but a key addition would be a box-to-box midfielder with plenty of energy and quality on the ball.

Ideal January signing: Carlos Baleba. The Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder is one of the emerging talents in the Premier League and, at 20, would be regarded as a long-term addition to a United midfield that needs to replace Casemiro and Christian Eriksen.

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Could Liverpool go back in for Martin Zubimendi? Might Viktor Gyokeres be available? And what moves might Ruben Amorim make at Man United? We look ahead.

Former Manchester United and Netherlands goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has taken part in an Ajax legends match just over a year after he spent time in intensive care ​Former Manchester United and Netherlands goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has taken part in an Ajax...

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney is currently in charge of Championship side Plymouth Argyle and he is currently being filmed for a fly-on-the-wall documentary series ​Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney is currently in charge of Championship side Plymouth...

Edu left his role as Arsenal's sporting director earlier this month and his former Gunners teammate Gilberto Silva appears to be open to potentially replacing him ​Edu left his role as Arsenal's sporting director earlier this month and his former Gunners teammate...

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres following Ruben Amorim’s arrival from the Portuguese giants and their hopes of a deal have been handed a boost ​Manchester United have been linked with a move for Sporting...

Newsboy fancies his nap, Rock Opera, to win at Wolverhampton and also hopes Vince Lombardi can score on the same card and complete his Daily Double ​Newsboy fancies his nap, Rock Opera, to win at Wolverhampton and also hopes Vince Lombardi can score on the same card...

Liverpool were fuming after the referee pointed to the spot when Honoka Hayashi was tripped by Fuka Nagano - despite the latter's challenge coming from outside of the area - and it proved crucial as it handed Everton a first win of the Women's Super League season...

The bonanza of rugby league is heading back to Newcastle next year after a brief spell away at Leeds United ​The bonanza of rugby league is heading back to Newcastle next year after a brief spell away at Leeds United The bonanza of rugby league is heading back to...

Donald Trump was in attendance at UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Saturday night, sitting alongside his son, Elon Musk and Saudi chief Yasir Al-Rumayyan ​Donald Trump was in attendance at UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden in New York City on...

Kylian Mbappe was axed from the latest France squad by boss Didier Deschamps and Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate has become one of the teammates to rally around the Real Madrid star ​Kylian Mbappe was axed from the latest France squad by boss Didier Deschamps and...

Jake Paul will have time to decide who he fights next following his victory over Mike Tyson, with world champion Artur Beterbiev responding in the aftermath of the bout ​Jake Paul will have time to decide who he fights next following his victory over Mike Tyson, with...

NWSL playoffs 2024: What next for the eliminated teams?​​

Who had a successful season? Where does each team go from here heading into 2025? ESPN runs the rule over the NWSL’s eliminated teams.

​Who had a successful season? Where does each team go from here heading into 2025? ESPN runs the rule over the NWSL’s eliminated teams. Who had a successful season? Where does each team go from here heading into 2025? ESPN runs the rule over the NWSL’s eliminated teams.   

Call it irony. Call it predictable. Call it justice. Either way, the top four seeds in the 2024 NWSL playoffs — the largest postseason field in league history — all won in the quarterfinals. Then the No. 2 seed Washington Spirit defeated No. 3 NJ/NY Gotham FC in the semifinals, meaning the entirety of the playoffs has been chalk so far.

The NWSL’s defining characteristic has long been its parity from top to bottom, but this year, 16 points separated fourth from fifth place; 40 points was the gulf between top and bottom in the table. The four best teams — Shield winners Orlando Pride, the Washington Spirit, NJ/NY Gotham FC, and the Kansas City Current — were in a league of their own.

So, the expansion of the playoffs to eight teams (in a 14-team league) meant several below-.500 teams made the postseason. All of them are now watching the rest of the playoffs from home, as is Gotham FC.

Did they have successful seasons? Where does each team go from here heading into 2025? We’re putting a bow on all the NWSL’s eliminated teams and will update this as the playoffs roll on.

Playoffs: Eliminated by No. 2 Washington Spirit, 3-0 in penalty shootout (1-1 AET) in semifinals

Looking for flaws in a team that did almost everything right even under extreme travel and load circumstances this year — and after losing a semifinal in a penalty shootout — feels like an exercise in carping.

Yes, this was last season’s champion, and the team widely dubbed (from the outside) as a “super team” after adding four U.S. internationals in free agency, and there’s an argument that the goal was championship or bust. That would be too narrow a view considering the quality of the top four in the NWSL this season, and the argument that the “super team” title might better apply to any of the other top three teams.

If there was a single issue to point out about Gotham from the brief sample size of the 2024 postseason, it was the team’s defending on set pieces. They allowed the Portland Thorns to equalize on a defensive set piece moments after going ahead in their quarterfinal meeting — and in a game Gotham largely controlled from the run of play.

Then Gotham conceded an equalizer in second-half stoppage time to the Spirit in the semifinal, when they were on the verge of returning to the NWSL Championship.

Still, the foundation of the team’s future is there at least in the short-term.

“I’m really proud of players that have been here for years and helped the players that are new coming in,” Gotham defender Tierna Davidson, who signed with the team last offseason, said after the semifinal loss. “I’m proud of the players are new coming in and adapting to different styles of play or different roles that are asked of them. So, I’m really happy with this team. I’m really happy with what everyone has done. And that’s kind of a good way to end the season, in the sense of, like, I feel good about what this team is putting out onto the field.

“Obviously, we wanted to win today, and we wanted to be able to win next weekend, and we fell short of that. But I’m really proud of this team.”

Gotham utilized its depth better than any team in the league this year while playing more games than any other team due to making runs in two other competitions.

The big, noticeable difference between Gotham and the other three semifinalists? Gotham scored 41 goals in the regular season and only really got hot offensively in the final months. Contrast that with Kansas City’s league-record 57 tallies, 51 for Washington and 46 for Orlando. Gotham could stand to be more clinical in front of goal.

Chicago Red Stars (10W-14L-2D, eighth in regular season)

Playoffs: Eliminated by No. 1 seed Orlando Pride, 4-1 in quarterfinals

It isn’t surprising that the lowest-ranked seed in the playoffs put in the worst performance of the quarterfinals. It really isn’t surprising considering the opponent was the top-ranked Orlando Pride team that nearly finished the season unbeaten. But if there were ever a way to underscore the danger of overexpanding the playoffs, it was right there for everyone to see in the curtain raiser to the postseason.

Chicago got throttled by Orlando and looked doomed from the opening minutes. The Pride opened up a 4-0 lead before a self-induced error by Orlando goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse gifted Chicago a consolation goal. The Red Stars would have needed to play a perfect game to even have a shot at what would have been the biggest upset in NWSL history, and they didn’t come close. Orlando owned the midfield, and Chicago left massive gaps for forward Barbra Banda to run into. Banda scored twice, including a third Orlando goal on effectively the final play of the first half.

“We had some plays in the back that were just way out of character,” Chicago head coach Lorne Donaldson said after the loss. “As coach, maybe I should have fixed something back there. It’s not the players, I just got it wrong.”

play

Orlando Pride vs. Chicago Red Stars – Game Highlights

Watch the Game Highlights from Orlando Pride vs. Chicago Red Stars, 11/09/2024

Still, this season is one of marked improvement for Chicago. In 2023, the Red Stars finished in last place during an unnecessarily long ownership transition that left the team in limbo for much of the season. Backed by new majority owner Laura Ricketts and Donaldson as coach, the Red Stars jumped out to a bright start in 2024, defining themselves as a gritty defensive team that was happy to concede possession, frustrate teams, and take their chances on counterattacks. It’s a formula that can work in the NWSL — but it has its limits.

A season-ending injury to defender Sam Staab in July left Chicago thin at the back. Cari Roccaro, usually a holding midfielder, filled in admirably at center-back, but the team’s lack of depth and experience, combined with an in-progress transformation, meant it was nowhere near competing with the league’s best. Chicago failed to secure a single regular-season victory over any team in the top five.

This offseason will be about building depth around star forward Mallory Swanson, who is entering year two of a five-year contract.

“Obviously, we’ll look to get some better players — a few veterans and a few young players,” Donaldson said. “You build a team by getting better players. As I told the team, the unfortunate thing about sports [is] not everybody’s going to be around. There will be changes in our team, just like any other team.”

Bay FC (11W-14L-1D, seventh in regular season)

Playoffs: Eliminated by No. 2 seed Washington Spirit, 2-1 (AET) in quarterfinals

No lower seed entered the playoffs hotter than Bay FC, and the visitors nearly pulled off the upset in Washington, D.C. Forward Asisat Oshoala put Bay FC ahead in the 82nd minute to give the No. 7 seed hope, but Washington defender Tara McKeown called back memories of her forward days with an emphatic equalizer four minutes later in front of a raucous home crowd at Audi Field.

An own goal by Bay FC defender Caprice Dydasco decided the match six minutes into extra time. It was a cruel ending for a team that put in a gritty, defensive performance that was emblematic of the midseason transformation that got them to the playoffs in the first place.

“Who would have thought that six months ago, seven months ago, that we would have been playing the Spirit in the playoffs and we’re taking them into overtime?” Bay FC coach Albertin Montoya said after the quarterfinal loss.

play

Caprice Dydasco’s untimely goal helps send the Spirit to the NWSL semifinals

Caprice Dydasco accidently scores in her own goal to give the Washington Spirit a lead in extra time to help lead them to the NWSL semifinals.

Few people is the likely answer.

Bay FC was just the second NWSL expansion team to make the playoffs in its first season (San Diego Wave FC, 2022), making this campaign a successful launch. The team spent over $1 million on transfers, including a world-record €735,000 transfer fee (about $788,000 at the time, plus the possibility of $75,000 in add-ons) for forward Racheal Kundananji, and it loaded up their attack. They were poor and organized defensively to start the season, however, and they needed recalibrating.

Kiki Pickett took ownership of a holding midfield role after an early-season injury to Alex Loera, and the August arrival of center back Abby Dahlkemper marked a tangible turning point for this team. The 2019 World Cup winner with the United States scored in her first game for Bay FC, and Bay went 5W-3L-1D after she arrived.

Dahlkemper looks like her old self (a USWNT starter and top center back at her best), and Bay looks to have the spine of its team in shape. Kundananji and Oshoala looked well adapted to the league in the second half of the season, too. The foundation is there — if they can keep the group together and build on it.

Portland Thorns FC (10W-12L-4D, sixth in regular season)

Playoffs: Eliminated by NJ/NY Gotham FC, 2-1 in quarterfinals

There were more disappointing NWSL teams this season (San Diego went from Shield winners last year to 10th and could have finished last heading into the final weekend), but Portland’s erratic season was the most concerning among the playoff teams.

The Thorns made a coaching change only four matches into the season after the identity problems of 2023 carried into the new season. Then they won six straight matches, a run that led them to remove the “interim” tag from head coach Rob Gale. A seven-game winless streak after the Olympic break followed that decision.

Portland is a team stacked with individual talent, including star striker Sophia Smith. But too often this season and last, the Thorns relied on the USWNT star to be their lone outlet and source of relief from pressure when their midfield struggled, and their backline (and rotation of goalkeepers) bent and sometimes broke.

play

Temwa Chawinga puts KC up early in the NWSL quarterfinals

Temwa Chawinga’s initial shot gets blocked, but she gathers the rebound and buries a goal for the Current.

Smith could be seen in conversation with her teammates on multiple occasions during the quarterfinal at Red Bull Arena as the Thorns struggled to break Gotham’s waves of early pressure. Worryingly, she limped off the field with assistance in stoppage-time after having her right ankle evaluated. The ankle has bothered her since the Olympics, and Gale said postgame that Smith has “barely been able to train.”

Overall, another offseason of soul-searching awaits in Portland. Forward Christine Sinclair officially played the final match of her two decade-plus career. She spent all 11 years of the NWSL’s existence in Portland, and her retirement leaves a potential leadership gap for the Thorns. Defender Becky Sauerbrunn, another veteran leader, is out of contract.

Defensively, the Thorns need to figure out their preferred unit, including in net. (Bella Bixby, who had been the No. 1, missed the season on maternity leave.) But beyond that, they really need to own an identity beyond counterattacking through Smith. There’s too much talent there — including in midfield — to not dictate games more often. And expectations remain high for the three-time league champions.

This year was one of transition for the Thorns. That comes with its own challenges, but the expectations will be higher come 2025.

“We’re a club that’s building and growing under our new ownership, and there’s lots to look forward to with the new facilities,” Gale said, alluding to the training center new ownership has promised to build. “It’s a young, young squad but to a person they never turned on each other. You saw how much effort they put in as a group.”

Playoffs: Eliminated by the Kansas City Current, 1-0 in quarterfinals

Arguably no team owned and projected a sense of identity more than the North Carolina Courage this season.

Like last year, the Courage kept possession more than any other team in the league, offering a counterpoint to the notion that the NWSL is only about transition. The problem is that the NWSL still is so often about transition, and North Carolina often dominated on-ball stats, losing matches due to momentary errors. It happened in the regular season, and it happened again to a degree in the quarterfinal loss to Kansas City.

play

Rose Lavelle scores go-ahead goal in stoppage time

Rose Lavelle scores Gotham FC’s winning goal against the Portland Thorns in the 97th minute to advance in the NWSL quarterfinals.

For all the beautiful soccer the Courage played this year, they lacked a go-to scorer and too often tried to walk the ball into the net. Their 34 goals scored this season was the least among the top six teams. After the loss to Kansas, Courage head coach Sean Nahas called the team’s struggles to get around goal “the story of our season.”

Nahas also rightfully pointed out that his team has dealt with injuries throughout the year, none more difficult than the absence of 2023 league MVP Kerolin, whose 10 goals last season ranked second best in the NWSL. She tore her ACL on the final weekend of the regular season in 2023.

Insert a healthy Kerolin into this Courage team for the entire season, and perhaps North Carolina is contending for a home playoff game. She played in only four regular-season games this year, and though she started in the quarterfinal, she wasn’t 100% and couldn’t go the full 90.

Nahas called the 16-point gap from fourth to fifth “writer talk, not football talk” ahead of the playoffs. Indeed, the difference between North Carolina and Kansas City on the day was marginal, and the Courage will feel unlucky to have lost.

But a common theme among the top four teams is an MVP-level forward. Another way to look at the difference between the two teams in the quarterfinal is that Kansas City has Temwa Chawinga, who scored the game’s lone goal and buried 20 in the regular season to set a new league record.

That’s the missing piece from an otherwise strong North Carolina team. The answer could be as simple as getting a healthy Kerolin back, but nothing is ever simple: Kerolin is a free agent, and there was wide speculation last winter that she would move abroad. Her stock has risen exponentially since she arrived in North Carolina nearly three years ago and keeping her in Courage country could be difficult.

“I haven’t even thought about it,” Nahas said about next year. “I just know that we have to sort of lock up our players now and figure out what’s their plan, and we go from there. I’m just tired of getting knocked out in the first round, so we have to figure out ways that we can see beyond it, but these are the moments that you relish and you learn from.”

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Who had a successful season? Where does each team go from here heading into 2025? ESPN runs the rule over the NWSL’s eliminated teams.

Man United confirm Amorim’s coaching staff​​

Manchester United have confirmed the arrival of five coaches who are to work as Rúben Amorim’s backroom staff.

​Manchester United have confirmed the arrival of five coaches who are to work as Rúben Amorim’s backroom staff. Manchester United have confirmed the arrival of five coaches who are to work as Rúben Amorim’s backroom staff.   

play

Nov 16, 2024, 01:29 PM ET

Manchester United have confirmed the arrival of five coaches who are to work in Rúben Amorim’s backroom staff.

The former Sporting CP coach has hired several of the team who helped him win two Primeira League titles during his tenure in Portugal.

A club statement confirmed that Carlos Fernandes, Jorge Vital, Adelio Candido, Emanuel Ferro and Paulo Barreira have all joined United as the team looks to rebound from the unsuccessful end to Erik ten Hag’s time in charge.

They will join former United midfielder Darren Fletcher and Andreas Georgson as first-team coaches. The new look bench faces its first test at Portman Road against Ipswich Town on Nov. 24.

Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes will return to Manchester to meet up with his new manager and countryman Amorim despite Portugal having another game against Croatia in the UEFA Nations League on Monday.

Fernandes was released early from the camp after receiving a yellow card during Portugal’s 5-1 win over Poland on Friday that earned him a suspension for the trip to Zagreb.

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Manchester United have confirmed the arrival of five coaches who are to work as Rúben Amorim’s backroom staff.

Hungary coach ‘stable’ after falling ill vs. Dutch​​

Hungary assistant coach Adam Szalai was in “stable” condition after he was evacuated from the Nations League game against the Netherlands, the Hungarian Football Federation said on Saturday.

​Hungary assistant coach Adam Szalai was in “stable” condition after he was evacuated from the Nations League game against the Netherlands, the Hungarian Football Federation said on Saturday. Hungary assistant coach Adam Szalai was in “stable” condition after he was evacuated from the Nations League game against the Netherlands, the Hungarian Football Federation said on Saturday.   

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Hungary assistant coach Adam Szalai was in “stable” condition after he was evacuated from the Nations League game against the Netherlands, the Hungarian Football Federation said on Saturday.

Bayern extend GK contract after cancer diagnosis​​

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Maria Luisa Grohs has been diagnosed with a malignant tumor, she announced on Saturday as the club extended her contract in a sign of support.

​Bayern Munich goalkeeper Maria Luisa Grohs has been diagnosed with a malignant tumor, she announced on Saturday as the club extended her contract in a sign of support. Bayern Munich goalkeeper Maria Luisa Grohs has been diagnosed with a malignant tumor, she announced on Saturday as the club extended her contract in a sign of support.   

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Maria Luisa Grohs has been diagnosed with a malignant tumor, she announced on Saturday as the club extended her contract in a sign of support.

Yohannes faced ‘tough week’ after USWNT choice​​

Ajax coach Hesterine de Reus said midfielder Lily Yohannes had endured a “tough week” with social media reaction to her decision to declare her allegiance to the USWNT rather than the Netherlands.

​Ajax coach Hesterine de Reus said midfielder Lily Yohannes had endured a “tough week” with social media reaction to her decision to declare her allegiance to the USWNT rather than the Netherlands. Ajax coach Hesterine de Reus said midfielder Lily Yohannes had endured a “tough week” with social media reaction to her decision to declare her allegiance to the USWNT rather than the Netherlands.   

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Ajax coach Hesterine de Reus said midfielder Lily Yohannes had endured a “tough week” with social media reaction to her decision to declare her allegiance to the USWNT rather than the Netherlands.

Germany set NL record with 7-0 rout of Bosnia​​

Germany dismantled visitors Bosnia and Herzegovina 7-0 on Saturday with a statement win and two goals apiece from Florian Wirtz and Tim Kleindienst to secure top spot in their Nations League group A3 with a game to spare.

​Germany dismantled visitors Bosnia and Herzegovina 7-0 on Saturday with a statement win and two goals apiece from Florian Wirtz and Tim Kleindienst to secure top spot in their Nations League group A3 with a game to spare. Germany dismantled visitors Bosnia and Herzegovina 7-0 on Saturday with a statement win and two goals apiece from Florian Wirtz and Tim Kleindienst to secure top spot in their Nations League group A3 with a game to spare.   

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Germany dismantled visitors Bosnia and Herzegovina 7-0 on Saturday with a statement win and two goals apiece from Florian Wirtz and Tim Kleindienst to secure top spot in their Nations League group A3 with a game to spare.

Ronaldo makes retirement hint after record win​​

Cristiano Ronaldo discussed the timeline around his potential retirement after setting a new record for most international wins in men’s football on Friday.

​Cristiano Ronaldo discussed the timeline around his potential retirement after setting a new record for most international wins in men’s football on Friday. Cristiano Ronaldo discussed the timeline around his potential retirement after setting a new record for most international wins in men’s football on Friday.   

play

Nov 16, 2024, 07:15 AM ET

Cristiano Ronaldo discussed the timeline around his potential retirement after setting a new record for most international wins in men’s football on Friday.

Portugal thrashed Poland 5-1 with their talisman scoring twice, including an acrobatic bicycle kick, to seal a UEFA Nations League quarterfinals spot for the Iberian nation.

It marked Ronaldo’s 132nd win in internationals, moving him past his former Real Madrid teammate Sergio Ramos, who racked up 131 with Spain.

Speaking to reporters after the game, the 39-year-old Ronaldo insisted his focus remains on enjoying his football despite the looming spectre of retirement.

“I just want to enjoy [myself],” he said. “Plan for retirement? if it has to happen, in one or two years … I don’t know. I’m turning 40 soon.

“I really want to enjoy, as long as I feel motivated I keep going. The day I don’t feel motivated, I will retire.”

Ronaldo added that he has no intention to go into coaching when he does eventually hang up his boots.

“I don’t see myself managing a team; that’s not in my plans,” he said. “My future lies in other areas outside of football, although time will tell what happens.”

Portugal take on Croatia in their final Nations League group game on Monday, though Ronaldo was released from the squad early and will return to Al Nassr.

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Cristiano Ronaldo discussed the timeline around his potential retirement after setting a new record for most international wins in men’s football on Friday.

Ream: ‘Easy’ to have Weah back after Copa red​​

USMNT’s Tim Ream said that it’s easy to have Tim Weah back in the squad and there’s been little discussion in this camp about the red card that Weah received against Panama during the Copa América last July.

​USMNT’s Tim Ream said that it’s easy to have Tim Weah back in the squad and there’s been little discussion in this camp about the red card that Weah received against Panama during the Copa América last July. USMNT’s Tim Ream said that it’s easy to have Tim Weah back in the squad and there’s been little discussion in this camp about the red card that Weah received against Panama during the Copa América last July.   

play

ST. LOUIS — U.S. men’s national team defender Tim Ream said that it’s easy to have Tim Weah back in the squad, and there had been little discussion in this camp about the red card that Weah received against Panama during the Copa América.

The incident, in which Weah struck Panama defender Roderick Miller, played a significant role in the USMNT’s 2-1 defeat to the Canaleros in July, and subsequent group stage elimination in the Copa América. Gregg Berhalter was fired as head coach following the tournament.

Weah received a two-match suspension, the second game of which was served during last Thursday’s 1-0 win over Jamaica in the first leg of the quarterfinals in the Concacaf Nations League. The second leg is set for Monday night in St. Louis, with Weah expected to be back in the starting lineup.

“I don’t think there’s been too much discussion in this camp at all regarding that situation,” Ream said during Saturday’s media availability, in reference to Weah’s red card. “And obviously, emotions run high and situations happen in games. But I think everything that needed to be said was said straight after that Panama game.

“That’s not even dressing him down and yelling at him or telling him that he’s messed up. He knew that himself, and that’s the sign of somebody who understands their role. It’s the sign of a good group of a good team that we didn’t have to.

“You could see it on his face from the minute we walked in inside from that game. So I mean, easy for us to have him back, easy for him to just jump back in and be with the group and be with the guys. It’s probably been harder for him being away from the last two camps than anything.”

As for Ream, the U.S. captain continues to defy the odds, with the 37-year-old still a key figure under new head coach Mauricio Pochettino. Ream moved to MLS side Charlotte FC earlier this year after spending over a decade in England with Bolton Wanderers and Fulham.

He said he still wants to keep playing, and doesn’t feel like age is creeping on him.

“I think it definitely helps coming in next to these guys here who are 24, 25, 26 and listening to them and just having conversations with them,” Ream said, pointing to fellow center back Mark McKenzie, who is 25.

“I still feel young. I feel great, still feel like I can play at least two to three more years, and as long as I continue to be happy and healthy — mentally, physically, emotionally — and still have that desire to go out and train every single day and play every single weekend, I don’t see it stopping anytime soon.”

The U.S. has a one-goal lead but the Reggae Boyz will have little to lose heading into Monday’s second leg. The away goals rule, which sees away goals counting double in the event of a tie on aggregate, will be in force.

The U.S. will also be without midfielders Aidan Morris and Johnny Cardoso. Morris is out with a sprained knee and has traveled to Columbus, Ohio, to continue his rehab before rejoining English club side Middlesbrough. Cardoso suffered a left hamstring strain, and will fly out later on Saturday to return to his club, Real Betis. In addition to Weah’s return, Brenden Aaronson is available after recovering from an illness that kept him out of the first leg.

McKenzie expects Jamaica to make some adjustments heading into the match, but added that it’s up to the U.S. to build on Thursday’s result.

“They’re obviously going to break down film and figure out ways where they can hurt us,” he said. “But at the same time, for us as a team, it’s about continuing to build on the foundations that we’ve already been building on and continue to find those areas, those details where we need to improve.

“And ultimately adjusting because we can do all the Xs and Os and training and the meetings and on the board, but at the end of the day, once we step on the pitch, it’s about solving problems and creating solutions, finding solutions for whatever difficulties or challenges they may throw at us.”

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

USMNT’s Tim Ream said that it’s easy to have Tim Weah back in the squad and there’s been little discussion in this camp about the red card that Weah received against Panama during the Copa América last July.

Kingsbury sends Spirit to final with air of ‘destiny’​​

Washington Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury saved all three penalties she faced as the Spirit defeated reigning champion NJ/NY Gotham FC in a 3-0 penalty shootout on Saturday at Audi Field to advance to next week’s NWSL championship.

​Washington Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury saved all three penalties she faced as the Spirit defeated reigning champion NJ/NY Gotham FC in a 3-0 penalty shootout on Saturday at Audi Field to advance to next week’s NWSL championship. Washington Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury saved all three penalties she faced as the Spirit defeated reigning champion NJ/NY Gotham FC in a 3-0 penalty shootout on Saturday at Audi Field to advance to next week’s NWSL championship.   

play

Nov 16, 2024, 05:00 PM ET

Washington Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury saved all three penalties she faced as the Spirit defeated reigning champion NJ/NY Gotham FC in a 3-0 penalty shootout on Saturday at Audi Field to advance to next week’s NWSL championship.

The two teams played to a 1-1 draw through 120 minutes after the Spirit forced extra time in the final moments of regulation.

Spirit midfielder Hal Hershfelt scored the equalizer for Washington in second-half stoppage time to offset Esther González‘s goal earlier in the period for Gotham, who played the final 19 minutes of extra time down a player. Kingsbury followed with her heroics in the shootout to send a sold-out crowd of over 19,000 fans into a frenzy in the U.S. capital.

“[I] just got a good read,” Kingsbury said after the match. “And I think it’s more just the confidence and having the fans behind me. I was really trying to get them into it because I knew that would give us a great advantage for their penalty takers coming up and trying to make one in front of that wall of fans. Like, I would be scared.”

Washington will play the winner of Sunday’s semifinal, between No. 1 seed Orlando Pride and No. 4 seed Kansas City Current, in the NWSL championship on Nov. 23 at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.

“I think we are here because we deserve it,” Spirit head coach Jonatan Giráldez said. “Nobody gave us anything. We deserved to win last week. We deserve it today because we created more chances than Gotham. But I don’t want to stay here. I want to keep moving forward.”

The No. 2 seed Spirit weathered early pressure from the No. 3 seed Gotham, including González’s shot off the crossbar in the opening minute, before turning up the pressure on the visitors.

But Gotham got on the board first through González, whose goal in the 56th minute was Gotham’s first shot in 47 minutes.

Gotham midfielder Yazmeen Ryan got on the ball on the right flank and played a pass inside to midfielder Rose Lavelle, who dribbled briefly before slotting a no-look pass behind the Spirit’s defense and into the path of Ryan, who had continued her run. Ryan collected the ball on the end line and delivered a cross to the penalty spot, where an unmarked González adjusted her body to head the ball back toward the near post.

Lavelle nearly doubled the lead 13 minutes later when she blocked a slow attempted clearance by Spirit goalkeeper Kingsbury at Washington’s 6-yard box, but the ball deflected just wide of the goal.

Washington, led by United States star and MVP finalist Trinity Rodman, continued its onslaught of pressure throughout the second half and eventually found the equalizer in stoppage time.

Gotham substitute fullback Jenna Nighswonger fouled Washington defender Tara McKeown just outside the box to concede a free kick in a dangerous position. Spirit substitute Makenna Morris pinged a free kick straight to the head of fellow rookie Hershfelt for the equalizer in the third minute of second-half stoppage time.

Three minutes later, Morris stepped up and hit a driven corner kick — an area of struggle throughout the day for the Spirit — to the head of Hershfelt again, but her header went just over the bar.

Gotham played most of the extra time down a player after defender Bruninha, who entered the game in the 65th minute, received a second yellow card and was ejected for a professional foul on Rodman right in front of the Spirit’s bench. Rodman stared down Bruninha and held up her hand to mimic a card being shown before Rodman exchanged words with Gotham defender and USWNT teammate Emily Sonnett. Rodman also received a yellow card.

Gotham head coach Juan Carlos Amorós said he did not want to speak negatively about the referees but pointed out that Bruninha was shown two yellow cards for two fouls. Gotham had already used all available substitutions by the time Bruninha was sent off.

“We had a specific plan,” Amorós said about how the team adjusted. “I think it worked really well, how we wanted to attack, how we wanted to defend. We limited their chances, so maybe they put us under pressure, but we limited the chances. And at the end, we really had two very good chances to win it.”

Each team had a clear opportunity to win the game following Gotham’s reduction to 10 players.

Gotham FC goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger tipped a shot from Spirit forward Ashley Hatch over the bar just before the extra-time break, and Esther nearly headed in a second goal in the 115th minute when she connected with a corner kick delivered by Nighswonger. Kingsbury dove to her right to push the shot wide.

Kingsbury then stepped up and saved all three Gotham attempts in the shootout, first from González, followed by shots from midfielder McCall Zerboni and then Nighswonger. Hatch, Lena Silano and McKeown converted penalties for the Spirit.

“She’s brilliant,” Giráldez said about Kingsbury. “Not because of penalties — because she’s a professional in the way that she faces training sessions every day. It’s crazy. I have never seen that before.”

The penalty shootout was just the second in NWSL playoff history. Washington lost the previous occasion to the Western New York Flash (now the North Carolina Courage after relocation) in the 2016 NWSL championship.

The Spirit are in search of their second NWSL championship after winning the title in 2021, when a then-rookie Rodman delivered an assist to Kelley O’Hara for the trophy-winning goal.

Washington won that trophy while players publicly protested their former owner, Steve Baldwin, for allegedly enabling a toxic culture at the club.

“I have similar feelings, honestly, as ’21 — kind of like that felt like destiny,” Kingsbury said. “And I would say the same thing. Obviously, we don’t have the media circus and all the chaotic energy around us that we did back in ’21, but on the flip side, it’s all the positive stuff.”

​www.espn.com – SOCCER

Washington Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury saved all three penalties she faced as the Spirit defeated reigning champion NJ/NY Gotham FC in a 3-0 penalty shootout on Saturday at Audi Field to advance to next week’s NWSL championship.

LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman has appeared to leak the breakaway league's plans to head to Japan for the first time, as his own future at the helm of the organisation remains in doubt ​LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman has appeared to leak the breakaway league's plans to head to...

The sons of Andrew Flintoff, Michael Vaughan and Michael Atherton are all forging their reputations in cricket and Alex Stewart believes Rocky, Archie and Josh can reach the top ​The sons of Andrew Flintoff, Michael Vaughan and Michael Atherton are all forging their...

Wout Weghorst scored the Netherlands' first goal in their UEFA Nations League win over Hungary but the match was earlier stopped as Hungary coach Adam Szalai was hospitalised ​Wout Weghorst scored the Netherlands' first goal in their UEFA Nations League win over...

Aaron Rodgers' future with the New York Jets appears to be in doubt as the franchise is reportedly considering moving on from the veteran quarterback after two seasons ​Aaron Rodgers' future with the New York Jets appears to be in doubt as the franchise is reportedly...

Mikel Arteta is currently facing something of an injury crisis after a number of concerns in his squad - including Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice - and the Spaniard will hope to welcome them back for their clash against Nottingham Forest ​Mikel Arteta is currently facing...

The two-division champion has been very dismissive of a fight with the interim champion, but has now revealed he's open to a clash with the British star ​The two-division champion has been very dismissive of a fight with the interim champion, but has now revealed he's...

Liverpool have enjoyed an excellent start to life under new head coach Arne Slot, with the Reds currently top of both the Premier League and the Champions League ​Liverpool have enjoyed an excellent start to life under new head coach Arne Slot, with the Reds currently...

Ruben Amorim has arrived at Manchester United, and Erik ten Hag's successor in the dugout is moving ever closer to his first match in charge against Ipswich Town ​Ruben Amorim has arrived at Manchester United, and Erik ten Hag's successor in the dugout is moving ever...