Brazil legend Marta, 38, is set to retire from international football after the 2024 Olympic Games this month, but what legacy has she left on the women’s game? We spoke to those who know her best to tell the story of her incredible career. Information from ESPN Brasil was used in his piece. 1. Long before she became the best women’s soccer player in the world, Marta was seven years…
Angel City defender and New Zealand captain Ali Riley has been withdrawn from the Olympics by head coach Michael Mayne on medical grounds. The 36-year-old was due to play in her fifth Olympic Games in Paris this week. “This decision to medically withdraw Ali has not been easy,” Mayne said in a statement. “She has done everything in her control to get herself ready to compete ahead of what would…
Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Neymar are just some of the names who come up in the debate over the best soccer players in the 21st century. Then there are upcoming stars such as Kylian Mbappé and players of a different era such as Ronaldinho. Where do they stand? The conversation can be a never-ending one. How do you rank legends of the game — some the best…
Euro 2024 and the Copa América might both be done and dusted, but 2024’s grand summer of football continues as the Olympic Games get underway in Paris. Once again, a FIFA-sanctioned football tournament will take place at the Games with both men’s and women’s competitions set to kick off this week — on Wednesday and Thursday respectively. As per competition rules, the men’s tournament is predominantly restricted to under-23 players…
Javier Aguirre has been named head coach of Mexico for a third time and will have former captain Rafael Marquez as his assistant, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) announced on Monday. Aguirre will initially take the head coach job and lead the team for two years through the 2026 World Cup, before leaving Marquez in charge ahead of preparations for 2030. Marquez recently terminated his contract as Barcelona B manager…
It was close to midnight when Canada’s Julia Grosso readied herself to take the 12th kick of the penalty shootout against Sweden in the women’s Olympic soccer final in 2021. After a 1-1 draw at the International Stadium in Yokohama, Japan, the two teams couldn’t be separated after extra time or even after five spot kicks apiece — with both missing three under enormous pressure. But when Sweden’s Jonna Andersson…
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said they are on the front foot in the transfer market thanks to the club’s leadership making quick and decisive moves to secure new players following the signings of Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee. Since British billionaire and INEOS chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe took control of football operations at Old Trafford after acquiring a 25% stake in February, United has not only witnessed a…
On July 7, 2024, Brazil played Uruguay in the Copa América quarterfinals. Brazil’s 17-year-old centre-forward Endrick was playing in the biggest game of his career to date, two weeks before he would officially sign for Real Madrid. Endrick was wearing the Brazil No. 9 shirt once worn by Ronaldo Nazário, Tostão and Adriano. With a place in the Copa América semifinals at stake, it was the perfect opportunity to confirm…
The summer transfer window is open! Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
Rafa Márquez and the Mexican Football Federation are finalising details for the Barcelona B coach to become Javier Aguirre’s assistant with the Mexico national team, sources told ESPN. The 45-year-old would serve as Aguirre’s assistant for the first two years of the contract before succeeding him as head coach after the 2026 World Cup. He had previously been a candidate to become the head coach of the Barcelona first-team prior…