Category: FOOTBALL

Juventus appointed Thiago Motta as their new head coach on a four-year deal, replacing the sacked Massimiliano Allegri. Motta previously managed Bologna, guiding them to Champions League qualification. Meanwhile, former Italy defender Alessandro Nesta was named as the new head coach of Monza, replacing Raffaele Palladino. Thiago Motta. Photo: X

Lionel Messi, the Argentine football superstar, expects Inter Miami to be his last club but is not ready to retire yet. Despite having a contract until 2025, the 37-year-old plans to continue playing. Messi became a legend at Barcelona and recently won the World Cup with Argentina. He aims to play in the 2026 World Cup while enjoying his time at Inter Miami, where his presence has significantly raised the profile of MLS.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will remain in charge next season despite the team’s disappointing eighth-place Premier League finish. The club has entered into talks with Ten Hag over a contract extension after an end-of-season review. Although United endured a poor start, their FA Cup triumph over Manchester City influenced the decision to retain Ten Hag, who cited injuries and the development of young players as factors in the team’s struggles during his two-year tenure so far. PHOTO: REUTERS

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Portugal defeated Republic of Ireland 3-0 in their final Euro 2024 warm-up friendly on Tuesday. Joao Felix netted the opener, and Ronaldo added a brace to boost confidence for the tournament in Germany. The 39-year-old Ronaldo will be playing in a record sixth European Championship.  PHOTO: REUTERS

Vinicius Junior welcomed the eight-month jail sentences handed to three Valencia fans for racially abusing him during a La Liga match last year. He called it a historic verdict against racism in Spanish football, while urging continued efforts to combat such incidents. La Liga and FIFA hailed the ruling as a positive step, but Brazil’s football chief deemed the punishment still mild, calling for harsher penalties for racist behavior. Photo: Reuters

Bangladesh are aiming to secure all three points against Lebanon in their final FIFA World Cup Qualifier match today to boost their ranking ahead of the upcoming Asian Cup Qualifiers draw. The match kicks off at 10pm Bangladesh time in Qatar. Though beating the superior Lebanese side will be tough, captain Jamal Bhuiyan believes Bangladesh can capitalize on Lebanon’s recent coaching instability. Coach Javier Cabrera says a good result will improve Bangladesh’s ranking for a better Asian Cup Qualifiers draw. Photo: BFF

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said the club will not participate in FIFA’s revamped 32-team Club World Cup, claiming the compensation offered is too low for a club of Real’s stature. Ancelotti, who has won the tournament three times, said “a single Real Madrid match is worth 20 million and FIFA wants to give us that amount for the whole cup.” He expects other top European clubs to also decline the invitation amid concerns over an overcrowded calendar.

England suffered an embarrassing 1-0 defeat against Iceland in their final Euro 2024 warm-up at Wembley. Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson’s first-half goal spoiled England’s farewell, leading to boos from fans. Manager Gareth Southgate admitted his team didn’t show enough character and called it a “really good focus” ahead of the tournament, insisting they will be better despite the concerning defensive display against the world’s 72nd-ranked team. Photo: Reuters

Bangladesh put up a spirited fight but ultimately lost 0-2 to Australia in their FIFA World Cup qualifier in Dhaka. The hosts resisted the higher-ranked Socceroos for nearly 30 minutes before conceding goals to Ajdin Hrustic and Kusini Yengi. Coach Javier Cabrera was satisfied with the improved performance despite the defeat, while Australian coach Graham Arnold criticized the heavy pitch conditions. With this loss, Bangladesh’s mathematical chances of qualifying for the next round ended.Photo: Firoz Ahmed

Palestine created history by qualifying for the third round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the first time following a goalless draw against Lebanon in Doha. This achievement comes amidst the backdrop of the war in Gaza. Earlier this year, the Palestinian team made their debut appearance in the Asian Cup knockout phase, showcasing their remarkable progress in football despite the challenging circumstances.Photo: Reuters

Jack Grealish, Harry Maguire and James Maddison were surprise omissions from England’s 26-man squad for Euro 2024 announced by Gareth Southgate. Manchester City’s Grealish paid the price for a dip in form, while injuries hampered Maguire and Maddison missed out amid stiff competition. Notable inclusions were teenager Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw despite recent lack of game time, and uncapped Adam Wharton after his impressive form for Crystal Palace. Photos: Reuters

Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri is set to play his final international match against Kuwait in a World Cup qualifier in Kolkata on Thursday. The 39-year-old forward, who has scored 94 goals in 150 appearances for India, is among the world’s all-time leading scorers. His retirement will mark the end of a 20-year international career, during which he became an icon of Indian football and helped the team qualify for the 2011 Asian Cup after a 27-year gap. Photo: X

At 39, Cristiano Ronaldo aims to prove he can still make an impact at Euro 2024 after his move to Saudi Arabia. The Portugal captain, international football’s all-time top scorer with 128 goals, will lead a talented team under Roberto Martinez. Ronaldo has scored in five consecutive Euros and edges closer to 900 career goals. With 10 goals in his last 12 Portugal games, his relentless mentality could propel him to a statement performance in Germany. PHOTO: REUTERS

Real Madrid secured the blockbuster signing of Kylian Mbappé following their 15th Champions League triumph. The French superstar expressed excitement on social media, sharing childhood photos of himself donning a Real Madrid jersey, including one with his idol Cristiano Ronaldo, who left an indelible mark with his trophy-laden stint at the Spanish giants. File Photo: Reuters

Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne has expressed openness to a potential move to the Saudi Pro League as he enters the final year of his contract. The 32-year-old Belgian, with an illustrious career at City, acknowledged considering the lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia, citing family discussions and the need to evaluate options towards the end of his playing days. PHOTO: REUTERS

Australia arrived in Dhaka to play the second leg of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Bangladesh on June 6 at the Bashundhara Kings Arena. In the first leg, the Socceroos crushed Bangladesh 7-0 in Melbourne last November. Despite the previous heavy defeat, Bangladesh are hopeful of avoiding another mauling at home and putting up a better performance, as expressed by midfielder Sohel Rana. Bangladesh will also face Lebanon on June 11 in Qatar after the Australia match. PHOTO: BFF

Kylian Mbappe has signed for Real Madrid, forming a formidable attacking trio with Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham. The French forward joins from Paris Saint-Germain, reuniting with his childhood idol Cristiano Ronaldo’s former club. Mbappe, aged 25, will lead one of the most potent frontlines in world football, alongside the 20-year-old Bellingham and 23-year-old Vinicius. Their blend of skill, speed, and dynamism has drawn comparisons to Real Madrid’s famed ‘BBC’ trio of Ronaldo, Bale, and Benzema, who inspired multiple Champions League triumphs. PHOTO: REUTERS

helsea have appointed Enzo Maresca as their new head coach on a five-year contract. The Italian leaves Leicester City, whom he led to Premier League promotion in his first season. Chelsea’s co-directors praised Maresca’s “exciting and identifiable style” and aligned ambitions. The 44-year-old previously coached Manchester City’s youth team and was Pep Guardiola’s assistant during their treble-winning season. Maresca will be tasked with returning Chelsea to the Champions League after their sixth-place Premier League finish last season. PHOTO: AFP

Jose Mourinho, the two-time Champions League-winning coach, arrived in Istanbul on Sunday ahead of his unveiling as the new manager of Turkish club Fenerbahce. The 61-year-old Portuguese, who won the Champions League with Porto and Inter Milan, hasn’t worked since being sacked by Roma in January. Greeted by Fenerbahce fans at the airport, Mourinho is expected to sign a two-year contract with the Istanbul club, which hasn’t won the domestic league in a decade. PHOTO: AFP

Kylian Mbappe’s much-anticipated move to Real Madrid has been completed, according to reports. The 2023/24 Champions League winners are set to announce the signing of the French superstar soon, possibly on Monday. Mbappe confirmed his departure from Paris Saint-Germain in May after becoming the club’s all-time top scorer. The addition of the 24-year-old striker will bolster Real Madrid’s already formidable squad led by Carlo Ancelotti.

Real Madrid claimed their 15th Champions League title with a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley. Dani Carvajal broke the deadlock with a 74th-minute header before Vinicius Junior sealed the win late on. The Spanish giants withstood a Dortmund barrage to extend their record as the most successful club in Champions League history, winning the competition for the sixth time in 11 seasons. Photo: Reuters

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti warned his players that the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund is the most “dangerous” game, despite being favorites. Ancelotti, aiming for a record fifth Champions League title as a coach, said they need to enjoy the moment but also fear losing the trophy. Captain Nacho admitted to feeling nervous, while Luka Modric said they approach it as a 50-50 contest against a strong opponent. Thibaut Courtois will start in goal for Real Madrid.

Jude Bellingham’s remarkable first season at Real Madrid could culminate in a historic La Liga and Champions League double against his former club Borussia Dortmund in the final. The 20-year-old England midfielder, voted La Liga’s player of the season, has scored 19 league goals and 4 in Europe, making an instant impact at Madrid. Bellingham is relishing the prospect of facing his old team in his first Champions League final, describing it as a “crazy” and “unbelievable” scenario he couldn’t have dreamed better. PHOTO: AFP

Olympiakos became the first Greek club to win a European title, defeating Fiorentina 1-0 in the Europa Conference League final after extra time. Moroccan striker Ayoub El Kaabi scored the winning goal in the 116th minute to make history for the Greek side. Despite Fiorentina’s chances, Olympiakos held on to clinch the victory in the final played at the home of their rivals AEK Athens. PHOTO: AFP

Sabina Khatun of Nasrin Sports Academy etched her name in history by becoming the top-scorer in the UCB Women’s Football League for the third time, while also crossing the 150-goal landmark. The national team captain scored five goals against Dhaka Rangers FC, taking her tally to 15 and surpassing Mosammat Sagorika’s previous record. Sabina called for more competitions and financial benefits to improve the standard of women’s football in Bangladesh. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

Cristiano Ronaldo capped his first full Saudi Pro League season in style, breaking the record for most goals scored in a single campaign. The 39-year-old Portuguese striker scored a brace for Al Nasr against Al Ittihad, taking his tally to 35 goals and surpassing the previous record of 34 held by former Al Nasr forward Abderrazak Hamdallah. Ronaldo, who joined Al Nasr in January 2023 after stints at top European clubs, achieved this feat in his debut season in Saudi Arabia. PHOTO: REUTERS

Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho came out of retirement to play in a charity match at Maracanã Stadium, raising funds for victims of devastating floods in southern Brazil. The 44-year-old scored twice and assisted once in the 5-5 draw, receiving a standing ovation. Other Brazilian stars like Cafu also participated in the match aimed at supporting relief efforts in the flood-hit Rio Grande do Sul state where over 160 people have died. Photo: AFP

Kylian Mbappe bid farewell to Paris Saint-Germain after winning the French Cup final, stating he was proud to leave the club “with his head held high.” The 25-year-old superstar, expected to join Real Madrid, scored 256 goals in 308 appearances for PSG, winning six Ligue 1 titles and four French Cups during his seven-year stint. PHOTO: REUTERS

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone admitted they fell short of their objectives this season, labeling Real Madrid as the “best team in the world.” Despite securing Champions League qualification, Simeone believes they could have done better, citing their Champions League exit to Borussia Dortmund as a missed opportunity. Simeone, in his 12-year tenure with 402 wins in 680 matches, remains excited about the future and acknowledges the need for improvement to close the gap with Real Madrid. Photo: Reuters

Kylian Mbappe will play his final game for Paris Saint-Germain in the French Cup final against Lyon on Saturday. The 25-year-old French captain is expected to leave PSG after the match, likely for Real Madrid. Although he has won numerous domestic titles with PSG, the Champions League has eluded him. Mbappe will aim to sign off with one last trophy before his anticipated departure. However, an in-form Lyon, who have revived their season under Pierre Sage, could spoil Mbappe’s PSG farewell in Lille. Photo: Facebook