Chelsea have announced a rebrand of their under-21 and under-19 teams, confirming their new name as Cobham Next Gen. The club say the new name, effective from this season, “reflects the age profile of our leading academy side and Chelsea’s long-standing heritage of developing the next generation of players for the senior game.” Chelsea’s U21s competed in Premier League 2 last season but their average age was closer to U18…
FIFA’s removal of the senior official who said Gianni Infantino deceived staff with his World Cup sell-off plan was unacceptable, Norway FA president Lise Klaveness said on Tuesday while urging other leaders at the governing body to resist potentially damaging orders. The firing of FIFA chief operating officer Kevin Lamour late Monday came 17 days after his statement to the Associated Press criticising Infantino’s $20 billion private equity project that…
Marcus Rashford must alter his body language and show that he has the “hunger” to play for Manchester United, Wayne Rooney has said. Rashford is back at United following the conclusion of his loan move to Barcelona last season. He made his first appearance for the Red Devils in almost two years when he came on as a substitute in the 60th minute of United’s preseason defeat to Ruben Amorim’s…
Harry Kane said it would be “amazing” if his stellar form resulted in winning the Ballon d’Or. The most prestigious individual award in football will be handed out on Oct. 26 in London in recognition of the 2025-26 season. Bayern Munich and England striker Kane scored 73 goals last season for club and country. “I am extremely proud to put in the season that I did last year,” Kane said.…
Pep Guardiola revealed he and his wife “lost the passion” in their marriage as he opened up about personal struggles during his final years at Manchester City. The Spaniard, who stepped down as City manager at the end of last season, had 10 highly successful years at the Etihad Stadium but the glory came at a cost. His marriage to Cristina Serra broke down in 2024 and, although he did…
EA Sports have revealed the 27 top-rated men’s and women’s players ahead the much-anticipated release of FC 27 with Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé leading the way. The Real Madrid and Manchester City forwards have both been rated 91 — that’s the same rating Mbappé was given in last year’s game, while Haaland has moved up one from 90. Both players’ ratings will have been boosted by strong showings at…
Pep Guardiola clashed with his captain and almost broke down in tears as he railed at players during his worst run as Manchester City manager. The Spaniard stood down at the end of last season after winning 20 trophies in a glorious 10-year spell at the Etihad Stadium. One of the lowest point of his glittering reign came during a testing run in the autumn of 2024, when City lost…
Kevin Lamour has left his role as FIFA’s chief operating officer weeks after he claimed Gianni Infantino’s controversial World Cup sale plan had “deceived” administration at the governing body. Lamour’s dismissal was confirmed on Monday in the latest domino effect of Infantino’s proposal to sell stakes in a company to run the World Cup to private investors. The plan by the Swiss supremo was rejected by three continental confederations before…
Manchester City midfielder Rodri has arrived in Barcelona ahead of his €76.5 million (£65.3M) move to the Catalan giants. The 30-year-old said it was “a dream come true” to be heading to the Nou Camp, with the deal set to be finalised following a medical on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters at Barcelona’s El Prat airport, Rodri said: “I’m very happy to be here. It’s been an intense few days, but…
Manchester City are closing in on a deal for Morocco and Lille defensive midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi and want it completed this week, sources told ESPN. Sources added that City have already agreed personal terms with Bouaddi on a five-year contract and have acknowledged Lille’s valuation of €100 million (£87.5 million) for one of the revelations of the 2026 World Cup. The two clubs will be discussing bonuses and the structure…