Sport Archives - Page 10 of 16

Arsenal Sign Chelsea Winger Madueke On Long-Term Deal

July 18, 2025 by admin

Arsenal have officially confirmed the signing of England international Noni Madueke from Chelsea on a long-term contract. The 23-year-old forward, born in north London, becomes the latest addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad as the Gunners strengthen their attacking options. Madueke, who began his youth career at Crystal Palace and Tottenham before a breakout spell at PSV Eindhoven, made 92 appearances for Chelsea after joining them in January 2023. He has also earned seven caps for England, making his debut last September. All these were detailed in a Friday statement obtained from the club’s website. Sporting Director Andrea Berta said: “We’re very pleased to have concluded an excellent deal for a hugely talented young player in Noni Madueke. “Noni is a dynamic, versatile wide forward with strong technical ability who will significantly strengthen our squad. “He already has valuable experience at the top level and we know he will make a big impact at Arsenal.” Manager Mikel Arteta added: “We’re all so happy to welcome Noni Madueke to the team. He is one of the most talented wide forward players in the Premier League. “At just 23, he already brings experience of club and international football, and his arrival will really improve our squad.” Madueke will wear the No. 20 shirt and is set to join the squad in early August after the Club World Cup. “The move is subject to regulatory approval,” the release concluded.

Chelsea Defeats Paris Saint-Germain To Win The Club World Cup

July 13, 2025 by admin

In an outstanding match against Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea secured a decisive 3-0 victory to claim the Club World Cup title. From the first minute to the last at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Enzo Maresca’s team performed flawlessly. PSG, who won the Champions League impressively in May, were overwhelmed by the Blues. The scoring began in the 22nd minute when Cole Palmer, the England international, guided a shot from the edge of the box into the net after being set up by Malo Gusto. Palmer continued to shine; just 8 minutes later, he doubled the lead with a near-identical finish, effortlessly entering the penalty area and finding the far corner again. Before halftime, the Blues added a third goal when Palmer made a clever pass to Joao Pedro, who expertly lifted the ball over Gianluigi Donnarumma. In the second half, goalkeeper Robert Sanchez showcased his talent with two brilliant saves, keeping PSG at bay. Chelsea also created more opportunities, but Donnarumma made excellent stops to deny substitute Liam Delap on two occasions. By that point, the damage had already been done in the opening 45 minutes. PSG struggled to mount a response, and any efforts they made were thwarted by the Blues’ defense. As the final whistle blew, joy erupted among all the Chelsea supporters inside MetLife Stadium. The Blues are world champions once again!

Messi Brace Lifts Inter Miami To 2-1 MLS Win Over New England

July 10, 2025 by admin

Lionel Messi scored twice in the first half of Inter Miami’s 2-1 victory over the New England Revolution on Wednesday, continuing a run of form unprecedented in Major League Soccer. The 38-year-old Argentine star has scored two goals in each of his last four MLS games to become the first MLS player to score multiple goals in four straight games. He launched the streak in late May with two goals in a 4-2 win over Montreal, followed by two in a 5-1 victory over Columbus. Miami then paused their MLS campaign to compete in the Club World Cup — where Messi scored one goal in four matches and Miami were eliminated in the round of 16 by Paris Saint-Germain. Javier Mascherano’s team returned to MLS action on Saturday with a 4-1 victory at Montreal — also fueled by a brace from eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi. In all Messi has 14 goals in 15 MLS games, putting him two behind leading scorer Sam Surridge, who has appeared in six more games for Nashville than Messi has played this season. “Obviously, Leo is a special player,” Mascherano said. “For me he’s the best player that has played this sport in history. It’s unbelievable how he continues doing things that maybe many years ago we thought that we cannot see at this moment.” Messi put Miami up 1-0 in the 27th minute at Gillette Stadium, taking advantage of a Revolution miscue and firing a left-footed shot from the heart of the area. The Argentinian star doubled the score 11 minutes later, charging onto a long through ball from Sergio Busquets and curling a left-footed shot beyond the reach of Slovenian goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic. “They have played for many years so just when they see each other they connect and they know what they think,” Mascherano said of the Busquets-Messi connection. “In the second goal, Busquets understands when and where Leo wants the ball. It’s fantastic for us.” Veteran goalkeeper Oscar Ustari also starred for Miami, coming up with six saves before Spaniard Carles Gil managed to put one by him, picking off Tadeo Allende in the 79th minute and rifling in a shot from outside the box. With the victory Miami climbed from sixth to fifth in the Eastern Conference standings. On 35 points, they are seven points behind leaders FC Cincinnati but with three fewer matches played after their Club World Cup break. Their jam-packed July schedule continues on Saturday against Nashville, one of three matches in the next 10 days. Mascherano said New England’s late goal meant he couldn’t afford to take Messi out. “We know that at some point we have to find the moment to rest him,” he said. AFP

Move To EPL Now Or Regret It, Oliseh Warns Osimhen

July 10, 2025 by admin

Former Super Eagles captain, Sunday Oliseh, has warned Victor Osimhen, urging the Napoli striker to make a swift move to the English Premier League or risk living with regret over a missed opportunity, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. The 1996 Olympic gold medallist took to social media on Wednesday to share his thoughts on the Nigerian forward’s transfer situation, amid ongoing uncertainty over his next destination. “Victor Osimhen is at a very delicate crossroad. “He needs to find his way to the Premier League in a hurry or he risks so much regret! Man. United and Arsenal need this player if only…..” Oliseh wrote on his X handle. Oliseh’s comments come at a time when Osimhen’s expected big-money move to the Premier League appears increasingly unlikely, despite his impressive goal-scoring record and reduced release clause. Napoli have reportedly lowered their asking price for the 26-year-old to €75m, but Premier League clubs are yet to make serious advances. Manchester United, long linked with the striker, are instead pursuing Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, while Arsenal’s interest has cooled amid other priorities. Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reported this week that Galatasaray have now emerged as front-runners for Osimhen’s signature, having tabled a formal offer and agreed personal terms with the player. The Turkish giants are locked in negotiations with Napoli, although the Serie A side are holding out for a full one-time payment of the €75m clause. Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal are also reportedly monitoring the situation and have shown willingness to meet the financial demands, but Osimhen is said to favour staying in Europe. Fabrizio Romano, in a YouTube update, revealed that Manchester United’s chances of signing Osimhen were slim from the outset due to the player’s uncompromising wage demands and his satisfaction with life in Istanbul following a previous loan spell. Punch

JUST IN: Super Eagles Legendary Goalkeeper Peter Rufai Dies At 61

July 3, 2025 by admin

LAGOS – The Super Eagles have paid tribute to former Nigerian goalkeeper and 1994 Africa Cup of Nations champion, Peter Rufai, following news of his death. In a statement released on Thursday via X, the national team described Rufai, fondly known as “Dodo Mayana,” as a towering figure in Nigerian football history whose contributions would never be forgotten. “Forever in our hearts, Dodo Mayana. We mourn the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, a giant of Nigerian football and a 1994 AFCON champion,” the statement read. Related News Six Nigerian topscorers in WAFCON history Osayi-Samuel denies father’s demand in failed Besiktas move Eagles star Chukwueze pledges to assist local talents The statement lauded Rufai’s legacy, particularly his heroics between the posts and his influence beyond the pitch. “Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond. Rest well, Peter Rufai,” it added. Rufai was part of the historic Nigerian squad that won the 1994 AFCON and qualified for the country’s first FIFA World Cup the same year.

Man City Fined £1m After Delayed Premier League Kick-Offs

June 19, 2025 by admin

Manchester City have been fined more than £1 million by the Premier League over delayed kick-offs in nine matches last season. Premier League officials announced on Thursday that Pep Guardiola’s side had breached rules around kick-off and restart times between October and February. The longest delay was two minutes and 24 seconds before the resumption of the Manchester derby at Old Trafford in December. The Premier League said City had accepted the breaches and apologised for the incidents. The fines total £1.08 million ($1.45 million). “Rules relating to kick-offs and restarts help ensure the organisation of the competition is set at the highest possible professional standard and provides certainty to fans and participating clubs,” a Premier League statement said. “It also ensures the broadcast of every Premier League match is kept to schedule.” It is not the first time City have been in trouble for their tardy kick-offs. The club were fined more than £2 million last year for 22 breaches of the kick-off and restart rules. Guardiola’s men finished third in the Premier League last season as their four-year reign as champions came to an end. City, who also suffered a shock FA Cup final defeat against Crystal Palace, are currently playing in the Club World Cup in the United States. AFP

Five Stars Missing At FIFA Club World Cup

June 12, 2025 by admin

FIFA’s inaugural expanded Club World Cup in the United States has one billion dollars of prize money on the line but will be missing some of the game’s star names. AFP Sport highlights five players who will not be lighting up stadiums across the United States once it gets underway this weekend: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) Liverpool finished as English champions, but like Spain’s Barcelona and Italy’s Napoli, will not be at the Club World Cup, because of the convoluted qualification process. That means Egyptian winger Salah, who broke the Premier League record for goal involvements, with 29 strikes and 18 assists, misses out. After a tiring season in which he faded in the latter months Salah might not be too upset about having a summer off. The winger posted a photo of himself sunbathing by the beach on Instagram. However it will be a shame that African football icon Salah, captain Virgil van Dijk and others miss out on the chance of a potential rematch against their Champions League conquerors Paris Saint-Germain. Liverpool transfer target Florian Wirtz will also be absent, as his side Bayer Leverkusen did not qualify. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) No player in world football this season has offered more excitement than Barcelona’s 17-year-old star Lamine Yamal. The Spain winger has been in sensational form for his club this season and is one of the candidates to win the Ballon d’Or. Yamal’s thrilling dribbling and penchant for the spectacular make him one of the biggest draws in world football at the moment. He is often compared to former Barcelona great Lionel Messi, but because of the Spanish champions’ absence, may have missed out on his only chance to face the Argentina star, who will be there with Inter Miami. Barcelona’s Raphinha, midfield maestro Pedri and veteran striker Robert Lewandowski are others who will be missed. Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr) Messi will also not go up against his long-time rival Ronaldo in the US. The Portuguese striker, 40, was reported to be looking for a way to play in the tournament. FIFA president Gianni Infantino had suggested Ronaldo might move from Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr to a team who had reached the event, saying that “discussions” were being held over it. Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo, who won the Nations League with Portugal last weekend, indicated after the game however he was set to stay at Al Nassr. “Some teams reached out to me,” the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star revealed last Saturday on the eve of the Nations League final. “Some made sense and others did not, but you can’t try and do everything. You can’t catch every ball.” Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) Champions League semi-finalists Arsenal are another team to miss out and after finishing the season trophyless, the Club World Cup would have been a chance to win some silverware. England international Saka’s only club trophy, excluding the FA Community Shield, was an FA Cup win with Arsenal in 2020. Mikel Arteta’s side showed this season they have improved to the point where they are in contention for major honours, including knocking out Real Madrid in the Champions League, but came up just short. For a player of his quality, who has spent six seasons playing regularly at the top level, Saka could do with expanding his medal collection. Arsenal will be disappointed to miss out on the prize money too, as they try to overhaul Liverpool and Manchester City, who have dominated the English game in recent seasons. Neymar (Santos) Brazilian icon Neymar struggled with injury at Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia and returned to Santos in January 2025, hoping to get fit and firing ahead of next summer’s World Cup. The 33-year-old forward, despite fading with age, is still one of the biggest names in the game and his absence is also a blow in a commercial sense. “Neymar, what can I say about him? He’s an outstanding player, who, for me, in my football cycle, is in the top three, with Cristiano and Messi,” said Brazil midfielder Casemiro. With organisers struggling to sell tickets, Neymar’s presence would have been a boon. AFP

JUST IN: Osimhen Rejects €75m Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal Move

June 8, 2025 by admin

Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, has rejected a €75m offer to join Saudi Arabia side, Al Hilal. According to a post by Fabrizio Romano on his X account on Sunday, “Despite agreement between club to club with Napoli for €75m fee, Osimhen says no to the Saudi Pro League club. Galatasaray will insist on signing him with the race now open again.” Recall that, throughout his loan spell at Galatasaray, Osimhen has been instrumental in the team’s success, scoring 37 goals in 41 appearances. His impressive performance has made him a fan favorite, and the club is optimistic about retaining him. Al-Hilal were inching towards signing Osimhen after increasing their offer to €75m to meet Napoli’s demands, and are looking to have the player’s medical soon, but with the latest development, Osimhen is yet to decide on his future. More details later….

Man Utd raises profit forecast between £180m, £190m

June 6, 2025 by admin

Manchester United on Friday raised its estimate for annual core profit to between £180 million ($244 million) and £190 million after a run to the final of the Europa League boosted club coffers. The adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation figures, which exclude items such as profits on player sales and finance costs, are up from an earlier projection of between £145 million and £160 million. Ruben Amorim’s side reached the Europa League final, where they lost 1-0 to Tottenham. But United endured their worst top-flight campaign in more than 50 years, finishing an embarrassing 15th in the table. Nevertheless, driven by the Europa League run, United’s total revenue increased 17.4 percent to £160.5 million in the quarter to March 31 from a year previously. Matchday revenue for the third quarter of fiscal 2025 was £44.5 million, an increase of more than 50 percent, due to more home games. Total operating costs were down 20.4 percent, sparked by a reduction in the wage bill due to United’s involvement in the Europa League instead of the Champions League, plus the January loan exits of Marcus Rashford and Antony. A redundancy programme affecting non-playing staff, which began last year under minority owner Jim Ratcliffe, also helped cut costs. Chief executive Omar Berrada said in a statement that there was a “clear expectation of improvement” next season. “We were proud to reach the final of the UEFA Europa League but ultimately we were disappointed to finish as runner-up in Bilbao,” he said. “We had a difficult season in the Premier League, which we all know fell below our standards and we have a clear expectation of improvement next season.” Amorim has started what is expected to be a significant squad rebuild at Old Trafford that will likely involve several high-profile arrivals and the exits of some key players. United have acted quickly during this month’s transfer window. They agreed the £62.5 million signing of Wolves forward Matheus Cunha and are reported to have a firm interest in Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo. Punch

BREAKING: Alexander-Arnold Joins Real Madrid On Six-Year Deal

May 30, 2025 by admin

Real Madrid have officially announced the signing of England international Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool on a six-year contract. The agreement, reached between both clubs, will see the 26-year-old defender remain with the Spanish side from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2031. In an official statement released by the club on Frivia via its site, Real Madrid confirmed, “Real Madrid C.F. and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who will be linked to our club for the next six seasons.” Alexander-Arnold arrives at the Santiago Bernabéu after a highly successful spell with Liverpool, where he won nine major trophies. His honours with the Reds include one UEFA Champions League, one FIFA Club World Cup, one UEFA Super Cup, two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, two EFL Cups, and one FA Community Shield. A product of Liverpool’s academy, Alexander-Arnold has spent his entire professional career at Anfield. He made his senior debut for the England national team in 2018 and has represented the Three Lions at the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups, as well as the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament. On the individual front, he has been recognised globally for his performances. He was named in the FIFA FIFPro World 11 in 2020, included twice in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season (2018/19 and 2021/22), and selected three times in the Premier League Team of the Season (2018/19, 2019/20, and 2021/22). In addition, he was voted the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season for 2019/20. Alexander-Arnold is expected to feature for Real Madrid in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, which will be held in the United States beginning June 14. Punch