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Barcelona’s summer needs: Will Flick & Co. sign Nico Williams? Which players might leave?

As Barcelona prepare to head to the United States this week for a preseason tour that will see them play Manchester City, Real Madrid and AC Milan, work is ongoing behind the scenes to improve the squad for new coach Hansi Flick after a disappointing 2023-24 campaign that ended with the dismissal of Xavi Hernández. Barça ultimately finished last season in second place in LaLiga behind champions Real Madrid, though…

Superstar, trailblazer, icon: Inside the legacy of Brazil’s Marta

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, NZ defender Riley out of Olympics

Angel City defender and New Zealand captain Ali Riley has been withdrawn from the Olympics by head coach Michael Mayne on medical grounds.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…

Ranking the top 25 men’s soccer players of the 21st century

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…

Overage players at men’s Olympics: Álvarez, Lacazette, more

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…

Aguirre named Mexico coach, Marquez assistant

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…

How Canada have used 2012 bronze to drive Olympic success

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…

Ten Hag hails United bosses after transfer moves

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…

The story of Endrick: Real Madrid’s bright new young talent, and Brazil’s new hope

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…