Sergej Milinković-Savić hit back at detractors of Saudi Arabian football following Al Hilal’s stunning upset against Manchester City in the FIFA Club World Cup by declaring: “Let’s see if they criticize us now.” Milinković-Savić is one of a number of players to leave Europe to move to the Saudi Pro League since it received increased investment from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. Many have been accused of choosing money over…
Former Chelsea wonderkid Charly Musonda has retired at the age of just 28. Musonda, who represented Belgium from Under-15 to Under-21 level, most recently played for Cypriot club Anorthosis from 2023 to 2024. He joined the Chelsea academy from Belgian side Anderlecht in 2012 and was tipped for big things, but despite being contracted to Chelsea for 10 years, he made just seven appearances in all competitions. Speaking on the…
Flamengo coach Filipe Luis said it was a “fact” the football elite remained in Europe after the Brazilian side were beaten 4-2 in a last-16 clash against Bayern Munich at the Club World Cup on Sunday. The Brazilian powerhouse conceded two goals in the opening 10 minutes and although they twice reduced the arrears, Bayern were always in control as they set up a quarterfinal tie with Champions League winners…
Brazil forward Neymar has said he will continue playing football until he can ‘no longer perform’ as he wants to. Neymar, 33, recently signed a contract extension with Santos until the end of the year, with an option to extend it through the 2026 World Cup. During an interview carried out by his family members and friends, Neymar was asked by his wife, Bruna Biancardi, why he continues playing professionally…
CHARLOTTE — A season that has felt like it could go on forever now has a match that almost did. However much Chelsea feared their Club World Cup campaign could turn into a long slog, nothing could have prepared them for this: a game that finished four hours and 38 minutes after it began. Saturday’s — yes, just checking it is still Saturday — 4-1 win over Benfica set up…
ATLANTA — As many predicted, Paris Saint-Germain triumphed over Inter Miami CF in the Club World Cup round of 16 to advance to the quarterfinals, winning 4-0 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday. The reigning champions of Europe showcased the elegant style of football played under manager Luis Enrique, breaking through Miami’s lines with precise passing and perfectly positioned players. It took PSG only three minutes to force Inter goalkeeper Oscar…
Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has criticised the introduction of the expanded Club World Cup format, calling it the worst idea ever implemented in football. In an interview with German newspaper Die Welt published late on Friday Klopp said the tournament would put more strain on an already packed calendar for the players. The expanded format features a 32-team event held every four years during the preseason, in the summers…
PHILADELPHIA — When the goal finally came, after 100 long minutes, it was worth the wait. Palmeiras substitute Paulinho stepped inside, into space, and stroked a low shot through the legs of a defender into the Botafogo net. As he ran off toward the corner flag, he gestured for calm. Behind the goal, thousands of Palmeiras fans — who had never stopped singing all game — ignored him, and celebrated…
Cristiano Ronaldo has said his ambition has “no finish line” after signing a new contract with Al Nassr. The Portugal captain on Thursday put pen to paper on a two-year deal that will see him remain in the Saudi Pro League (SPL) until June 2027. “The ambition I feel has no finish line,” Ronaldo, 40, told Record. “It is consistency, commitment, and collective work that will make us better. And…
Another summer packed full of international tournament action continues with the UEFA Women’s European Championship in Switzerland, which kicks off in July 2. For the third time since the format was expanded, there are 16 competing nations involved across four groups, with reigning champions England out defend the title they won on home soil in 2022’s pandemic-delayed tournament. Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses are once again among the favorites to lift the…