SPORTING

‎Cristiano Ronaldo could take Major League Soccer (MLS) to unprecedented heights, according to 1998 World Cup winner Marcel Desailly. The former French international believes the five-time Ballon d'Or winner has the global appeal and commercial power to eclipse even Lionel Messi’s impact at Inter Miami. ‎ Cristiano Ronaldo could outshine Messi’s MLS impact by boosting global brands, fan culture & 2026 World Cup hype, says World Cup winner Desailly. ‎Getty Images Sport (2) ‎ ‎Speaking to Oddspedia, Desailly explained that Ronaldo’s arrival would go beyond on-field excitement. While Messi has brought significant fan interest and media buzz, Desailly believes Ronaldo could introduce new levels of sponsorship, brand engagement, and global attention to MLS — especially ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. ‎ ‎“I’d like to see Cristiano Ronaldo in America, because of the 2026 World Cup,” Desailly said. “Messi has brought energy, but Cristiano could bring real...

Tottenham Hotspur have officially dismissed Ange Postecoglou following a dramatic season of highs and devastating lows. The hunt for his successor is now underway—with familiar faces, bold prospects, and one emotional homecoming all in the mix. Tottenham sack Postecoglou—Europa League win not enough. Who’s next? Pochettino return, Iraola steal & top Spurs manager options ranked. Getty Images Sport (3) Ange Postecoglou’s reign at Tottenham has come to an abrupt end. While the Australian head coach secured the Europa League title and a Champions League return, a disastrous 17th-placed Premier League finish left club chairman Daniel Levy with little choice. Despite the silverware, Spurs’ domestic collapse made his position untenable. Now, Tottenham must choose a new direction. Will they return to a beloved former boss, gamble on an up-and-comer, or go for a proven Premier League operator? Here are the top contenders to become Tottenham’s next manager—ranked. 8. Kieran McKe...

‎Tottenham Hotspur are expected to part company with head coach Ange Postecoglou despite the Australian leading the club to its first major trophy in 17 years. Spurs lifted the Europa League title with a commanding victory over Manchester United in Bilbao, but that success was overshadowed by a catastrophic Premier League campaign that saw the club finish 17th—its lowest-ever finish in the modern era. ‎ ‎ Tottenham to sack Ange Postecoglou after Europa League win. Spurs finish 17th in Premier League. Thomas Frank emerges as top replacement. ‎Adam Davy/PA Images via Getty Images ‎ ‎Postecoglou, 59, was appointed in July 2023 on a four-year contract following a trophy-laden spell at Celtic. He made an immediate impact in north London, winning eight of his first ten Premier League matches, defeating both Manchester United and Liverpool. His flying start earned him three consecutive Premier League Manager of the Month awards, a first for any incoming manager in the competition....

‎Chelsea have completed the signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town after activating the striker’s £30 million ($40.6 million) release clause. The 22-year-old has signed a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge, committing his future to the club until 2031. ‎ ‎ Chelsea sign Liam Delap from Ipswich for £30m. The 22-year-old striker joins on six-year deal after breakout season. Champions League next. ‎Chelsea ‎ ‎Delap arrives following a standout campaign with Ipswich in the Premier League, where he scored 12 goals across 37 appearances. Despite Ipswich’s relegation to the EFL Championship, Delap’s performances drew interest from several top-flight clubs, including Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Everton. Chelsea moved decisively to secure one of England’s most promising young forwards. ‎ ‎“I understand the stature of this club and can see the trajectory it is on with these players and the head coach,” Delap said after his unveiling. “It’s going to be an incredible pla...

‎Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal has been handed a jaw-dropping valuation of €400 million (£340m/$461m) , according to a report by the CIES Football Observatory, making him the most valuable teenager in football history. The revelation underscores the generational talent that the Catalan giants have on their hands — and the price it would take for any club daring to prise him away. ‎ Barcelona's Lamine Yamal valued at €400M by CIES — a record-breaking transfer fee that eclipses Neymar. Could he be the costliest ever? ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎The valuation, first reported by BBC Sport, would obliterate the previous world-record transfer fee set by Neymar's €222 million move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017. Yamal, still just 17 years old, has taken world football by storm, combining technical brilliance with maturity far beyond his years. ‎ ‎A recent contract extension with Barcelona includes a staggering €1 billion (£842m/$1.1bn) release clause, signali...

‎Manchester City have set their sights on RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons as a potential fallback option if they fail to reach an agreement for Lyon playmaker Rayan Cherki, according to L'Équipe. ‎ ‎ Manchester City eye Xavi Simons as Rayan Cherki backup amid De Bruyne exit. Leipzig star on radar as transfer talks with Lyon continue. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎With Kevin De Bruyne expected to leave the Etihad this summer, City are actively searching for a creative midfield replacement. Cherki, 21, has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Premier League champions, and City are preparing a formal offer close to his £25 million ($34 million) release clause. ‎ ‎Should negotiations with Lyon stall, Simons is next in line. The Dutch midfielder only signed permanently with Leipzig in January, but their failure to qualify for the Champions League could pave the way for his exit. Simons is also attracting interest from Manchester United and Arsenal, making City’s interest part of a b...

‎Manchester City have finalized a €55 million (£46.3m) deal, including add-ons, with AC Milan for the signing of Tijjani Reijnders, marking a significant reinforcement to Pep Guardiola’s midfield following the departure of Kevin De Bruyne. ‎ Manchester City agree €55m deal for Tijjani Reijnders from Milan. Dutch star joins on five-year contract to fill Kevin De Bruyne’s midfield void. ‎Marco Luzzani/Getty Images ‎ ‎The Netherlands international has agreed to a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium, with personal terms already settled. At 26, Reijnders arrives after an outstanding season in Serie A, where he scored 15 goals across all competitions and was crowned Midfielder of the Year. ‎ ‎City initiated contact with Milan earlier in May, as first reported by The Athletic, and talks progressed steadily. Milan had recently extended Reijnders' contract until 2030, but the Premier League champions presented an offer too substantial to decline. ‎ ‎With De Bruyne’s exit an...

‎After more than a week of swirling transfer rumors and intense speculation, FC Barcelona have officially sealed a major summer signing by acquiring highly-rated goalkeeper Joan Garcia from city rivals RCD Espanyol, according to renowned journalist Alex Pintanel. ‎ ‎ FC Barcelona secure signing of Joan Garcia from Espanyol in €25 million move. ‎Getty Images  ‎ ‎The 24-year-old Spanish international, who emerged as one of the best goalkeepers in La Liga during the 2024–25 season, has agreed to personal terms with the La Liga champions. A five-year contract lasting until June 2030 is already in place, and all that remains is for Barcelona to activate Garcia’s €25 million release clause, expected to be completed imminently. ‎ ‎This move marks the first signing under new manager Hansi Flick, and it signals a bold shift in the club's goalkeeping strategy. Garcia is widely expected to compete for the No. 1 jersey, raising immediate questions over the future role of long-time ...

Jadon Sancho will depart Chelsea when his loan deal officially expires on June 30, after the club and player failed to reach an agreement on personal terms that would have made his move from Manchester United permanent. ‎ ‎ Jadon Sancho to leave Chelsea after loan ends. No deal reached on personal terms. £5m penalty paid. Winger now exploring next career move. ‎Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images ‎ ‎Sancho, 25, joined Chelsea last summer in a temporary transfer from Manchester United that included an obligation to buy clause worth up to £25 million ($33.7 million). However, the clause was contingent on personal terms being agreed between Chelsea and the player — an agreement that has now collapsed, paving the way for his exit. ‎ ‎Chelsea will incur a £5 million ($6.75 million) penalty fee for opting out of the purchase, as stipulated in the original loan arrangement with United. Despite the financial setback, the west London club ultimately chose not to pursue t...

Manchester United are preparing to open formal negotiations with Brentford over the potential summer signing of Bryan Mbeumo, after the forward indicated a strong desire to join the Old Trafford side. ‎ ‎ Bryan Mbeumo eyes Man United transfer as Brentford ready for talks; Arsenal, Spurs, and Newcastle also keen on the Cameroon forward. ‎Getty/GOAL ‎ ‎The 25-year-old Cameroon international, who enjoyed a breakout 2024/25 Premier League campaign, is entering the final year of his contract at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium. Although the West London club hold an option to extend his deal by a further 12 months, sources close to the situation suggest Brentford are willing to entertain offers — if their valuation is met. ‎ ‎Brentford head coach Thomas Frank confirmed in May that the club would be “open” to a sale under the right circumstances. “If the right price — and that’s going to be expensive — is coming, then I’m sure the club will be open to it,” Frank said in an inte...

‎Brentford’s faith in Bryan Mbeumo has finally been vindicated on the grandest stage. When the west London club spent a then-record £5.4 million in August 2019 to sign a relatively unknown 19-year-old from France’s Ligue 2, eyebrows were raised. But Brentford — known for their smart, data-driven recruitment strategy — always believed they were getting a future star. ‎ Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo shines with 20 goals in 2024, proving his £5.4m signing a masterstroke. Europe’s top clubs are now circling. ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎That belief was cemented in a private conversation between Pontus Jansson, Brentford’s then-defender, and Rasmus Ankersen, the club’s co-director of football at the time. “We are going to buy a young player from France, and if he is not a world-class player in a couple of years, I’m going to be very disappointed,” Ankersen reportedly said. As Jansson later noted, “He wasn’t wrong.” ‎ ‎Fast forward six years, and Bryan Mbeumo is no longer just a promising talent ...

‎Cristiano Ronaldo—the name alone conjures images of blistering goals, unwavering discipline, and a career steeped in excellence. As one of the most famous athletes in the world, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner has been a subject of global fascination for decades. But beyond the trophies and headlines lies a man with untold stories. ‎ ‎ Discover 7 surprising facts about Cristiano Ronaldo, from his childhood struggles to hidden talents that shaped the global football icon. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Here are seven surprising facts about Cristiano Ronaldo that many fans have never heard. ‎ ‎1. He Was Named After a U.S. President ‎ ‎Few people know that Ronaldo’s full name is Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, with “Ronaldo” inspired by former U.S. President Ronald Reagan. Ronaldo’s father was a fan of Reagan—not for political reasons, but because of Reagan’s acting career. ‎ ‎2. He Underwent Heart Surgery at 15 ‎ ‎At the age of 15, Ronaldo was diagnosed with a racing hear...

Tottenham Hotspur icon Harry Kane has been tipped to receive the ultimate tribute — a statue outside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium — should he decide to return from Bayern Munich in the future. The England captain, Spurs’ all-time leading goalscorer, left the North London club in the summer of 2023 in pursuit of major silverware, and has since cemented his place among Europe’s elite. ‎ Harry Kane told Tottenham statue awaits if he returns from Bayern Munich. A Spurs homecoming could be the "icing on the cake" for club legend. ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎Now, with a Bundesliga title under his belt following Bayern Munich's 2024-25 league triumph, speculation is again swirling around Kane’s potential return to the Premier League — and to the club where he became a legend. ‎ ‎Former Spurs winger Aaron Lennon has publicly called for Kane’s homecoming, stating it would be “the icing on the cake” to an already glittering career. Speaking to Radio Times, Lennon remarked, “He is...

Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho is reportedly keen on securing a transfer to Premier League rivals Chelsea rather than Italian giants Napoli, as the Argentine star faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford. ‎ ‎ Alejandro Garnacho wants Chelsea move over Napoli as Man Utd exit looms, with the winger determined to stay in the Premier League this summer. ‎Getty Images ‎ ‎According to a new report from The Sun, Garnacho has accepted that his time at Manchester United is effectively over following a directive from incoming manager Ruben Amorim, who has made it clear that the 19-year-old is not part of his long-term plans. Despite links to Serie A, the highly rated winger is determined to remain in England and is targeting a switch to Chelsea. ‎ ‎Chelsea have emerged as serious contenders for Garnacho’s signature after his representatives were spotted at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season. The Blues are believed to be monitoring the situation closely as they look t...

‎Manchester United have officially confirmed the £62.5 million signing of Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, in what marks the club’s first major move of the summer transfer window. The Red Devils activated Cunha’s release clause on June 1, the very first day of business, underlining new manager Rúben Amorim’s intent to revitalise a side that limped to an underwhelming finish last season. ‎ ‎ Man Utd confirm £62.5m signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolves. Amorim’s first move in rebuild aims to boost Red Devils' attack. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎The 26-year-old forward joins United following an impressive individual campaign at Wolves, where he notched 15 goals and six assists in all competitions. Despite Wolverhampton’s disappointing 16th-place finish — level on points with United — Cunha was a standout performer, combining flair, physicality and clinical finishing. ‎ ‎ “Manchester United has reached agreement with Wolverhampton Wanderers for the s...

‎As Lionel Messi’s contract with Inter Miami enters its final stages, speculation is intensifying over a potential reunion with long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo — this time in the Saudi Pro League. According to multiple sources, including TEAMtalk, representatives from the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) have reportedly reopened discussions with Messi’s camp about a blockbuster transfer. ‎ Lionel Messi in talks for Saudi Pro League move as Inter Miami deal nears end—could reunite with Cristiano Ronaldo in blockbuster transfer. ‎Getty Images Sport (2) ‎ ‎The Argentine icon turned down a move to the Middle East in 2023 after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, opting instead for a high-profile switch to Major League Soccer with Inter Miami. In an interview with TIME Magazine, Messi admitted he was “thinking a lot” about the Saudi Pro League at the time, praising the country’s rapid football development and his role as a tourism ambassador. ‎ ‎Messi’s current MLS contract...

‎Trent Alexander-Arnold has stirred controversy among Liverpool fans by publicly saluting new Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso just days after completing his high-profile free transfer to the Spanish giants. ‎ ‎ Trent Alexander-Arnold salutes Xabi Alonso after Real Madrid move, changing bio and irking Liverpool fans after controversial free transfer. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎The England international, who signed with Real Madrid earlier this week, commented “El Jefe” — Spanish for “the boss” — on an official Real Madrid Instagram post celebrating both his and Alonso’s arrivals. The tribute was interpreted by many as a symbolic passing of allegiance and has intensified criticism from Liverpool supporters. ‎ ‎Adding to the tension, Alexander-Arnold updated his social media bio to reflect his new allegiance to Real Madrid, removing all references to Liverpool. Many Reds fans view the move as a disrespectful parting shot, particularly given that the full-back allowed his cont...

‎FIFA continues to reshape global football, this time with a bold revamp of the FIFA Club World Cup, transforming it into a 32-team global spectacle beginning in 2025. This expansion marks the tournament’s most significant structural change to date, offering a World Cup-style competition for the world’s elite club teams. ‎ ‎' FIFA Club World Cup 2025. ' ‎FIFA ‎ ‎Here, SPORTING breaks down everything fans need to know about the Club World Cup 2025 qualification system, including which teams have secured their place at the event and how those spots were earned. ‎ ‎The New Club World Cup Format Explained ‎ ‎Starting in June-July 2025, the Club World Cup will feature 32 clubs from six continental confederations. The format mimics the traditional FIFA World Cup, featuring a group stage followed by knockout rounds. FIFA’s new model prioritizes recent performance in each confederation’s top-tier club competitions from the past four seasons. ‎ ‎The qualification system is ...

After a thrilling Champions League campaign featuring 188 matches, 613 goals, and unforgettable drama, the 2025 UEFA Champions League final is set to explode at the Allianz Arena. Two European giants—Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Inter Milan—face off in a mouthwatering clash, with both sides desperate to etch their names in European history. ‎ ‎ PSG vs Inter: Discover 6 key battles, from Martinez vs Marquinhos to Mendes vs Dumfries, that will decide the 2025 Champions League Final. ‎ Getty/GOAL ‎ ‎PSG, chasing their elusive first Champions League title, have hit a rich vein of form under Luis Enrique in the post-Kylian Mbappé era. Meanwhile, Inter return to the final for the second time in three seasons under Simone Inzaghi, having defeated European royalty in Bayern Munich and Barcelona en route. ‎ ‎While the world awaits the final whistle in Munich, the match is likely to be decided by six individual battles across the pitch. Here's where the 2025 Champions League fin...