Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 110 i Soccer 360 Magazine

We are bombarded with statistics now on ‘expected goals’ (xG), possession, passing completion rates and time spent in the opposition final third, but the only numbers that ultimately matter are in the scoreline. Everything else is just chatter to fill the airwaves or feel better about being on the losing side. The trouble starts when coaches start to believe any of the other facts and figures make a blind bit of difference. Mikel Arteta completely bemused the football world when declaring with zero supporting evidence that “100 per cent there hasn’t been a better team in the Champions League than Arsenal this season.” The fact he said this without a trace of irony or self-awareness after losing both home and away to Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-final really does beggar…

DYBALA DOWNS PORTO The standout encounter of the play-off round saw 2011 winners FC Porto take on Roma, and it didn’t disappoint. After Samu Omorodion’s sublime overhead kick earned Porto a precious draw at the Stadio Olimpico, it was Paulo Dybala who stole the show for Roma in the second leg, with his two goals helping to secure a place in the last 16. EVERGREEN EDIN At 38 years and 333 days old former Manchester City and Inter Milan forward Edin Dzeko scored for Fenerbahçe in a 3-0 knockout play-off win over Anderlecht. That made the Bosnia & Herzegovina legend the oldest goalscorer in the knockout phase of the Europa League in history. BRUNO’S TREBLE A total of 554 goals were scored in the 2024-25 Europa League. However, remarkably there…

Replacing Jurgen Klopp was never meant to be easy. It was supposed to daunting and difficult. Some even suggested it would be impossible. The iconic German is the greatest manager in the recent history of Liverpool Football Club, with his outstanding achievements matched by his boundless personality and charisma. It seemed almost inevitable that there would be a drop-off from the level that made the Reds perennial contenders in the Premier League and in Europe, but instead, Arne Slot waltzed into Anfield and with the most minimal fuss has restored them to their perch as England’s most successful club. Slot isn’t the first coach to lift the Premier League title in his first season, but his success is unique to the ones that have gone before. As the likes of…

“RASHFORD RETURNED TO FORM DURING THE 2022-23 SEASON, SCORING 30 IN ALL COMPETITIONS.” “WITH HIS FUTURE UP IN THE AIR, IT REALLY FEELS LIKE DECISION TIME FOR RASHFORD THIS SUMMER.” “PLAYING A SMALL ROLE FROM THE BENCH, EVEN AT ONE OF THE BIGGER CLUBS IN EUROPE, WOULD NOT SEEM TO BE ENOUGH FOR A PLAYER WHO STILL HAS TO PROVE HIMSELF AGAIN IN THE EYES OF MANY.” There was a time, only a few years ago, when Marcus Rashford could do no wrong in the eyes of most fans. On the field, he was scoring the goals that helped Manchester United win trophies at home and abroad - and his campaigning on social issues even earned him an MBE from Prince William. Then everything changed. He has recently impressed during…

Marc Cucurella’s high-energy style and relentless work rate have made him a standout figure in European football. Known for his fearless tackling, precise crossing, and tireless runs down the left flank, Cucurella thrives in both defensive duels and attacking support. His versatility allows him to play as a left-back, wing-back, or even a left-sided center-back in a back three, making him a valuable asset for any tactical system. With his trademark wild hair and fiery passion, Cucurella embodies the modern full-back’s blend of tenacity and technical skill. ‘I WORKED HARD AND I KNEW IF I KEPT ON WORKING HARD THEN I WOULD BE ABLE TO SHOW THE FANS WHAT I COULD DO. ’ YOUR START AT CHELSEA WAS NOT AN EASY ONE, BUT NOW YOU ARE ONE OF THE MOST…

NICOLO BARELLA - INTERNAZIONALE The skilful all-rounder inspired the Nerazzurri to the brink of title glory. As the motivational heartbeat of a richly talented Inter squad, he was often in dazzling form as the reigning champions narrowly missed out on a championship repeat. ALESSANDRO BASTONI - INTERNAZIONALE The finest defender in the league enhanced his already stellar reputation after another excellent campaign. The backbone of the Nerazzurri rearguard proved once again that he has no equal in Serie A as the defensive star of Simone Inzaghi’s team. DAVID DE GEA - FIORENTINA The former Spanish international enjoyed a career renaissance in Florence. Few expected the 34-yea rold shot-stopper to settle so quickly at the Viola following a season long sabbatical, yet the veteran goalkeeper shone in a memorable first campaign…

ANTONY - REAL BETIS Out in the cold at Manchester United, the Brazilian arrived on loan in January to play an integral part in Betis’ excellent second half of the season. With nine goals and five assists across all competitions, the 25-year-old’s influence helped Betis surge up the table. ANTE BUDIMIR - OSASUNA The Croatian veteran enjoyed a vintage season for Osasuna, his 21 league goals and four assists propelling the Pamplona club to the brink of European football. It was the best scoring season of the 33-year-old’s career, improving on the 17 he managed in 2023-24. JOAN GARCIA - ESPANYOL The young goalkeeper has been a key figure in helping his side avoid relegation back to Segunda Division. Busy throughout the season, his impressive displays have reportedly attracted the…

HOW DO YOU FEEL THIS SEASON HAS GONE AT REAL MADRID? We know the expectation at Madrid. It has been the same for as long as the club has existed, to win trophies. This season we have not been at our best, but next season we will come back fighting. YOU HAVE ALREADY WON SO MUCH AT REAL MADRID, HOW DO YOU KEEP MOTIVATED? For me it is easy, I want to build a legacy here. I have won two Champions League titles, but then I look at players like Luka (Modric) and see him with six Champions League titles. When you are at Real Madrid you get a chance to build a legacy and go down as one of the great players in one of the great teams. You…

JONATHAN BURKARDT - MAINZ In terms of goalscoring exploits, much of the focus has been around the showings of players like Harry Kane, Serhou Guirassy, and Patrik Schick. Well, quietly helping Mainz remain in contention for European football was none other than Jonathan Burkardt. The Darmstadt-born striker’s 18 goals were absolutely vital in Bo Henriksen’s team securing sixth place and a shot at competing in the UEFA Conference League if they can navigate their way through the play-off rounds. SERHOU GUIRASSY - BORUSSIA DORTMUND The French-born Guinean international made himself known to Bundesliga fans following his impressive goalscoring run for Stuttgart during the 2023-24 term. Determined to show he’s no one-season wonder, Guirassy continued in the same form this season. And although it wasn’t enough to beat Harry Kane to…

With a three-nation hosted tournament breaking yet another World Cup barrier in 2026, FIFA have opted to grant automatic places to Mexico, the USA and Canada, as part of the expanded 48-team competition. The increase in entrants has caused years of controversy, but the new format will be persevered with, as FIFA plan to continue on their fresh path. Defending champions Argentina have already flexed in CONMEBOL qualifying with ease to ensure that a place to fight for their crown was wrapped up with four qualifiers still to play. Keeping Lionel Messi fit and firing will be the key task for Argentina in the next year as he looks to repeat the glory of Qatar. As part of the updates to the final tournament, qualification paths have been tweaked across…

AITANA BONMATÍ Spain, Barcelona – $1.1 million ALEXIA PUTELLAS Spain, Barcelona – $800,000 SAM KERR Australia, Chelsea – $565,000 SOPHIA SMITH USA, Portland Thorns – $500,000  KEIRA WALSH England, Barcelona – $473,000 ADA HEGERBERG Norway, Lyon – $425,000 MARTA Brazil, Orlando Pride – $400,000 AMANDINE HENRY France, Angel City FC – $394,000 WENDIE RENARD France, Lyon – $329,000 TRINITY RODMAN USA, Washington Spirit – $281,000 RECORD-BREAKING TRANSFERS IN WOMEN’S SOCCER NAOMI GIRMA TRANSFER: San Diego Wave to Chelsea FEE: $1.1 million Set a new world record for the highest transfer fee in women’s soccer. RACHEAL KUNDANANJI  TRANSFER: Madrid CFF to Bay FC FEE: $862,000 First African player to set a women’s transfer record. BARBRA BANDA TRANSFER: Shanghai Shengli to Orlando Pride FEE: $703,000…

LAST 9 WINNERS: 2022 - ENGLAND 2017 - NETHERLANDS 2013 - GERMANY  2009 - GERMANY 2005 - GERMANY 2001 - GERMANY 1997 - GERMANY  1995 - GERMANY 1993 - NORWAY CHLOE KELLY’S EXTRA-TIME WINNER AT WEMBLEY SEALED ENGLAND’S FIRST-EVER EURO TITLE — AND SPARKED A NATIONAL CELEBRATION. The UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, set to take place in Switzerland from July 2 to July 27, promises to be a landmark event for women’s football. With 16 teams competing, this tournament marks the largest and most competitive Women’s EURO to date, building on the momentum from the 2023 Women’s World Cup and the record-breaking 2022 EURO in England. Switzerland, hosting the tournament for the first time, will provide a stunning backdrop for nearly a month of elite football, with matches taking place…

GERMANY With a record eight titles, Germany remains the most successful team in Women’s EURO history. After falling short in the 2022 final and enduring a rare World Cup group stage exit in 2023, they return with a refreshed squad and renewed motivation to reclaim the crown. HOW THEY QUALIFIED: Won Group A4 with comeback wins in 3 of 5 victories. TOP SCORER: Lea Schüller (6 goals). BEST FINISH: Champions ×8 (most recently in 2013). COACH: Christian Wück – Former U17 men’s coach who led Germany to the 2023 U17 EURO and World Cup titles. Appointed in 2024 to lead the women’s team post-Olympics, bringing a youth-focused, modern approach. KEY PLAYERS: Lea Schüller – Prolific striker and top scorer in qualifying. Klara Bühl – Creative winger with flair and precision. Lena Oberdorf…

JUVE STYLE Juventus have revealed their home jersey for the 2025/26 season, featuring an innovative interpretation of the club’s iconic black and white stripes. The new kit will be worn by Juventus for their 2025/26 Italian Serie A, European, and Coppa Italia campaigns, as well as during the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup this summer. DIGGING THE DIRT John Terry aimed a brutal dig at James Maddison after he was called out following Tottenham’s Europa League triumph over Manchester United. Maddison, who missed the final through injury, was in attendance to provide support to his teammates and in an interview, he referenced Terry, saying he wore his full kit for the trophy presentation like the Chelsea legend back in 2012. The Chelsea legend fired back by joking about Spurs’…

DÉSIRÉ DOUÉ France International PSG Rising Star. Known for his dribbling, speed, and “carefree” style of play, at just 20 years old he’s considered one of the best young players in the world. Becoming the third teenager to score in the Champions League final and the youngest to score two goals in a European Cup final. WORD BANK SEARCH FOR THESE WORDS HORIZONTALLY, VERTICALLY & BACKWARDS France Paris Football National Striker Speed Twenty Goalscorer Treble Youngest Desire Family Uefa One Record Winner Champions League Dribbling Talent Honour History Neymar Midfield…

YOU JOINED PSG MID SEASON BUT HAVE SETTLED SO QUICKLY. HOW HAS THAT BEEN POSSIBLE? It is like a family here, and from the first day I have been welcomed into that family. The coaches, the players, the fans, they have all welcomed me, they have made it so easy for me. HOW DIFFERENT IS WHEN YOU JOIN A NEW TEAM IN THE JANUARY WINDOW? When you join mid season there is no time to adapt, no time to play some friendly games and get to know your team mates. I came into a team that was fighting for trophies in France and of course The Champions League. It was business straight away. TALK TO US ABOUT YOUR NEW COACH LUIS ENRIQUE? He treats each player with so much respect.…

MATHEUS CUNHA - WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS A mercurial talent, Matheus Cunha caught the eye even when Wolves were scraping the barrel in the first half of the season. The Brazilian had his occasional flashpoint, but constantly made things happen, conjuring many moments of inspiration from nowhere on his way to 15 goals and six assists. MORGAN GIBBS-WHITE-NOTTINGHAM FOREST Several members of the Nottingham Forest squad were outstanding during 2024-25, but Morgan Gibbs-White was arguably the pick of the bunch. The skilful playmaker was at the very heart of what made his side so deadly, providing pace and precision on the counterattack and at set-pieces. RYAN GRAVENBERCH - LIVERPOOL The jury was very much out on Ryan Gravenberch after a first season at Liverpool that could best be described as average, but…

1. EARLY BEGINNINGS IN ALELLA: Born on July 22, 1998, in Alella, Catalonia, Cucurella started playing futsal at age four. His father, Oscar, introduced him to the sport, leading to his early development in football. 2. TRANSITION FROM ESPANYOL TO BARCELONA: Cucurella began his youth career at RCD Espanyol before joining FC Barcelona’s academy in 2012 after impressing scouts during a match against CF Damm. 3. PROFESSIONAL DEBUT WITH BARCELONA B: He made his professional debut with Barcelona B, eventually making a single appearance for the senior team in a Copa del Rey match against Real Murcia in 2017. 4. BREAKTHROUGH AT EIBAR AND GETAFE: Cucurella gained significant experience in La Liga with loan spells at Eibar and Getafe, showcasing his abilities and versatility on the field. 5. PREMIER LEAGUE…

Roma: Daniele De Rossi sacked on September 18, 2024. Ivan Jurić appointed on September 18, 2024. Jurić dismissed on November 10, 2024. Claudio Ranieri appointed on November 14, 2024. Lecce: Luca Gotti departed on November 9, 2024. Marco Giampaolo appointed on November 11, 2024. Genoa: Alberto Gilardino dismissed on November 19, 2024. Patrick Vieira appointed on November 20, 2024. Monza: Alessandro Nesta dismissed on December 23, 2024. Salvatore Bocchetti appointed on December 23, 2024. and dismissed on February 10, 2025. Nesta reappointed on February 10, 2025. AC Milan: Paulo Fonseca dismissed on December 30, 2024. Sérgio Conceição appointed on December 30, 2024. Parma: Fabio Pecchia departed on February 17, 2025. Cristian Chivu appointed on February 18, 2025. Juventus: Thiago Motta dismissed on March 23, 2025. Igor Tudor appointed on March…

1. ROY KEANE MANCHESTER UNITED (1997–2005) / IRELAND (1997–2002) Commanded United through their golden era, including the 1999 treble. Fierce, vocal, and unrelenting. 2. PAOLO MALDINI AC MILAN (1997–2009) / ITALY (1994–2002) A model of loyalty and leadership; won five UCL titles and captained Italy at major tournaments. 3. CARLES PUYOL BARCELONA (2004–2014) / SPAIN (2008–2010) Led by example during Barcelona’s golden era and was pivotal in Spain’s 2010 World Cup triumph. 4. FRANZ BECKENBAUER BAYERN MUNICH (1968–1977) / GERMANY (1971–1977) Iconic leader of Bayern and West Germany; redefined defensive leadership. 5. BOBBY CHARLTON MANCHESTER UNITED (1968–1973) / ENGLAND (1966–1970) Captained United to their first European Cup in 1968 and was a key part of England’s 1966 World Cup win. 6. DIDIER DESCHAMPS MARSEILLE (1990–1994) / FRANCE (1994–2000) Lifted the…

Sevilla FC: Xavi García Pimienta was dismissed on April 13, 2025, after four consecutive defeats against Athletic Club, Real Betis, Atlético Madrid, and Valencia. Joaquín Caparrós took over as interim manager, marking his third stint in this role at the club. Valencia CF: Rubén Baraja was relieved of his duties on December 23, 2024, following a series of poor performances. Carlos Corberán was appointed as his successor, aiming to stabilize the team’s form. Deportivo Alavés: Luis García was dismissed on December 2, 2024, due to unsatisfactory results. Eduardo Coudet was brought in to steer the team away from the relegation zone. Real Valladolid CF: Paulo Pezzolano was sacked on December 1, 2024. Álvaro Rubio served as caretaker manager until Diego Cocca was appointed on February 17, 2025. UD Las Palmas:…

MULTILINGUAL ABILITIES He is fluent in both Spanish and English, which aids in his communication on and off the pitch, especially in the diverse environment of international football. CHARITABLE ENDEAVORS Valverde is involved in charitable activities, particularly those focused on supporting underprivileged children in Uruguay. He believes in giving back to the community and uses his platform to make a positive impact. MARRIED LIFE Federico is married to Argentine journalist and TV presenter Mina Bonino. Their relationship began in 2019 after connecting on Instagram, leading to Bonino relocating to Madrid. The couple married on March 1, 2022. FAMILY INSPIRATION They have two sons: Benicio, born on February 20, 2020, and Bautista, born on June 25, 2023. The birth of Benicio was a transformative moment for Valverde, marking a significant shift…

Borussia Dortmund: Nuri Şahin departed on January 22, 2025, after a series of poor results. Mike Tullberg served as interim manager until February 2, 2025. Niko Kovač was appointed on February 2, 2025, leading the team to a 4th-place finish in the Bundesliga. RB Leipzig: Marco Rose was dismissed on March 30, 2025, following inconsistent performances. Zsolt Löw took over as interim manager for the remainder of the season. VfL Wolfsburg Ralph Hasenhüttl was sacked on May 4, 2025, after a downturn in team performance. Daniel Bauer stepped in as caretaker manager for the final matches of the season. FC Union Berlin: Bo Svensson left his position on December 27, 2024. Steffen Baumgart was appointed as the new head coach.…

Despite their two-decade slide on the World Cup stage, Brazil remain the international benchmark, with five titles. The 17-year-old Pele was the story of their first success, in 1958, as arguably the greatest player the game has ever seen announced himself to the world with six goals including two in the 5-2 final win over hosts Sweden. Brazil became only the second side after Italy in 1938 to retain a World Cup - and still the most recent to do so - four years later in Chile. Pele was once again the focus, but his team were forced to do it without him, after an injury in the early rounds. The iconic Garrincha took on the mantle as the creative force as the Samba Boys beat Czechoslovakia 5-2 in the…

When the 2025 Major League Soccer season kicked off, few people were talking about the Vancouver Whitecaps. After all, they had barely made the play-offs in the Western Conference in 2024, finishing eighth and being forced to play the wild card round. While they took care of the Portland Timbers in the Wild Card, they were ousted quickly afterwards by Los Angeles FC. It was the latest in a long line of campaigns where they have rarely distinguished themselves from the rest of MLS, or emerged from the shadow of fellow Canadian franchises Toronto FC and CF Montreal. The Whitecaps were busy making important changes during the off-season though, starting with new head coach Jesper Sørensen. The Danish tactician replaced Vanni Sartini who had been in charge since August 2021.…

#5 CAN THE SPIRIT HOLD IT TOGETHER The Washington Spirit came with a goal of earning their second star in 2024 falling just short against the Orlando Pride (more on them in a minute). Despite that setback they have continued their strong run of form in 2025 fighting for the top spot in the NWSL standings. All of this has been done in spite of a rash of injuries. Their luck seems to be coming around with NWSL Rookie of the Year Croix St. Bethune back and Trinity Rodman continuing to provide a strong attacking presence while coping with back issues. “THEIR LUCK SEEMS TO BE COMING AROUND WITH NWSL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR CROIX ST. BETHUNE” # 4 THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT The 2025 NWSL season is the first…

SWITZERLAND As hosts, Switzerland hopes to follow in the footsteps of the Netherlands and England, who both lifted the trophy on home soil. Backed by an experienced core and legendary coach Pia Sundhage, the Swiss are aiming to make their first deep tournament run. HOW THEY QUALIFIED: Qualified automatically as hosts. Also won Group B1 in Nations League with dominant wins over Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Hungary. TOP SCORER: Viola Calligaris (3 goals). BEST FINISH: Group stage (2017, 2022). COACH: Pia Sundhage – One of the most accomplished coaches in the women’s game, Sundhage has led the U.S. and Sweden to Olympic medals and won the 2022 Copa América with Brazil. Appointed in 2024 to guide Switzerland through their home EURO. KEY PLAYERS: Ramona Bachmann – Veteran forward and creative spark. Ana-Maria Crnogorčević…

FRANCE France continues to chase a long-awaited senior title after years of near-misses. Semi-finalists at EURO 2022 and runners-up in the 2023/24 Nations League, Les Bleues remain among the tournament favorites thanks to their depth, experience, and world-class talent. HOW THEY QUALIFIED: Topped Group A3 with wins over England, Sweden, and Ireland. TOP SCORER: Marie-Antoinette Katoto (3 goals). BEST FINISH: Semi-finals (2022). COACH: Laurent Bonadei – Promoted from assistant after the 2024 Olympics, Bonadei brings continuity and close knowledge of the squad. Formerly worked alongside Hervé Renard with France and Saudi Arabia. KEY PLAYERS: Marie-Antoinette Katoto – Clinical striker and top scorer in qualifying. Wendie Renard – Captain and aerial threat in defense. Selma Bacha – Energetic left-back with pace and delivery. Grace Geyoro – Box-to-box midfield leader. ENGLAND Reigning champions…

EARLY LIFE AND BACKGROUND Born on February 12, 2001, in Tbilisi, Georgia, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is the son of Badri Kvaratskhelia, a former professional footballer who represented Azerbaijan internationally. KHVICHA ONE ON ONE YOUTH CAREER Kvaratskhelia began his football journey with Dinamo Tbilisi’s youth academy in 2012, progressing through the ranks until 2017. PROFESSIONAL DEBUT He made his professional debut with Dinamo Tbilisi in 2017, at the age of 16, before moving to Rustavi and then to Russian clubs Lokomotiv Moscow and Rubin Kazan. BREAKTHROUGH AT NAPOLI In 2022, Kvaratskhelia joined Napoli, where he quickly became a fan favorite, earning the nickname “Kvaradona” due to his dribbling skills reminiscent of Diego Maradona INDIVIDUAL ACCOLADES His stellar performances earned him the Serie A Most Valuable Player award and the UEFA Champions League…

FEBRUARY 2016 Makes Manchester United debut as an 18-year-old and scores two against Midtjylland in the Europa League. He scores his first Premier League goal three days later against Arsenal. MARCH 2016 At 18 years and 141 days, he becomes the youngest player ever to score in the Manchester derby. MAY 2016 Scores on his England debut after just three minutes of a friendly against Australia. Roy Hodgson then names him in the England Euro 2016 squad. 2016-17 In his first full season at Manchester United, he wins both the Europa League and the EFL Cup, scoring important goals throughout. JULY 2018 Scores a penalty against Colombia in World Cup. It was the first time that England had ever won a shootout and it put them in the quarter-finals for…

“CONTE RESTORED CONFIDENCE AND INSTILLED DISCIPLINE AS A RUTHLESS NAPOLI CLIMBED TO THE TOP OF THE TABLE BY THE SEVENTH ROUND OF GAMES” The most compelling Serie A title race in years was decided on the final day of a thrilling campaign as Napoli edged past Internazionale to claim a historic fourth Scudetto. Both the Partenopei and Nerazzurri faltered in the climactic stages of a wildly unpredictable 2024-25 season, yet league winning expert coach Antonio Conte guided the southern club to their second title in three years in the last round of fixtures. Napoli held a slender one-point lead over Inter entering matchday 38 with only a victory required over Cagliari at a packed Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. In a topsy-turvy season of shocks and upsets it looked like Simone…

“BARCELONA COMPLETED A CLEAN SWEEP OF EL CLASICO VICTORIES IN 2024-25 ON THEIR WAY TO THE DOMESTIC TREBLE” What a difference a year in football makes. Real Madrid’s dominant La Liga and Champions League double in 2023-24, coupled with the arrival and guaranteed goals of Kylian Mbappe as well as uncertainty on and off the pitch at Barcelona, meant that all the pre-season predictions in Spain pointed towards Los Blancos comfortably and successfully defending their title. However, German coach Hansi Flick’s arrival in Catalonia instantly inspired and galvanised Barcelona in a way few could have imagined possible beforehand, with the team breaking goalscoring records, their front three of Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha dazzling, and securing a clean sweep of wins over their arch-rivals on their way to a…

“BAYERN MUNICH’S HOLD ON THE BUNDESLIGA TITLE HAS BEEN RESTORED” Another Bundesliga season is done and dusted, with the 2024-25 campaign now consigned to the history books and we are now back to the status quo. Bayern Munich have once again reclaimed their spot at the top of the Bundesliga summit, with their 82 points enough to build a comfortable 13-point margin over the chasing pack. In true Bayern fashion, die Roten clinched the league title with a couple of games to spare, giving new manager Vincent Kompany the second league title of his coaching career - after taking Burnley to the 2022-23 EFL Championship crown - and more importantly, his first ever in the German top-flight. It’s safe to say that Kompany was under quite a bit of pressure…

“HARRY KANE FINALLY, AFTER OVER 10 YEARS OF TRYING, CLAIMED A WINNER’S MEDAL” At long last: Harry Kane finally has a winner’s medal around his neck following Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga triumph. The English international has, of course, won plenty of personal accolades, but his trophy cabinet at club and country level has remained frustratingly empty despite a decade of outstanding consistency and big numbers at the highest level. Kane’s first brush with disappointment came in 2015, when Tottenham were beaten 2-0 by Chelsea in the 2014-15 League Cup final. Two goals from John Terry and Diego Costa on either side of the half-time break were enough to give the Blues their fifth league cup title at the expense of Spurs. The next two seasons saw Tottenham challenge for the Premier…

Record-Breaking Champions League Success Ancelotti holds the record for the most UEFA Champions League titles won by a manager, with five victories—two with AC Milan and three with Real Madrid. Unique Achievement Across Europe’s Top Leagues He is the only manager to have won domestic league titles in all of Europe’s top five leagues: Italy (AC Milan), England (Chelsea), France (Paris Saint-Germain), Germany (Bayern Munich), and Spain (Real Madrid). Transition to International Management In May 2025, Ancelotti was appointed as the head coach of the Brazil national team, becoming the first foreign manager to lead the Seleção in over a century. Most Decorated Manager in Real Madrid’s History During his tenure at Real Madrid, Ancelotti became the club’s most successful manager, securing 15 major trophies, including three Champions League titles…

“LIONEL MESSI’S ARRIVAL IN MIAMI AS A DESIGNATED PLAYER IS MORE THAN A TRANSFER—IT’S A CULTURAL SHIFT. HE’S NOT JUST ELEVATING INTER MIAMI; HE’S REDEFINING WHAT’S POSSIBLE FOR MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER, DRAWING GLOBAL EYES TO A LEAGUE THAT NOW DREAMS BIGGER BECAUSE HE WEARS PINK.” “I’VE SAID IT BEFORE — MY DREAM WAS TO WIN A WORLD CUP WITH ARGENTINA. IT WAS WHAT I WANTED MORE THAN ANYTHING IN MY CAREER.” Big time players show up in big moments. The 2025 Major League Soccer season has certainly proven this adage to be true. Although the season is still in its infancy some of the league’s top players have certainly earned their high paychecks while some continue to struggle. Here’s a look at the big names looking to put their teams…

Frustration has reached a breaking point at the stadium by the lake in Toronto as the Reds continue to reach new lows. Despite having the second highest payroll in all of MLS, Toronto FC find themselves near the basement of the Eastern Conference and eliminated from the Canadian Championship after being knocked out in a penalty-kick shootout by rivals CF Montreal in the opening round. Supporters have made it clear they are not satisfied and have begun protesting. Banners displaying the messages of “This badge don’t belong to you” and “Accept existence or expect resistance” were unveiled in the supporters’ group sections at BMO Field. But at least those fans have been showing up. Tickets against FC Cincinnati on May 14 were going for as low as $5 on secondary…

ERLING HAALAND – Manchester City – €200.00m VINICIUS JUNIOR – Real Madrid – €200.00m LAMINE YAMAL – FC Barcelona – €180.00m JUDE BELLINGHAM – Real Madrid – €180.00m KYLIAN MBAPPÉ – Real Madrid – €170.00m BUKAYO SAKA – Arsenal FC – €150.00m FLORIAN WIRTZ – Bayer 04 Leverkusen – €140.00m JAMAL MUSIALA – Bayern Munich – €140.00m COLE PALMER – Chelsea FC – €130.00m PHIL FODEN – Manchester City – €130.00m FEDERICO VALVERDE – Real Madrid – €130.00m RODRI – Manchester City – €130.00m PEDRI – FC Barcelona – €120.00m DECLAN RICE – Arsenal FC – €110.00m RODRYGO – Real Madrid – €100.00m ALEXANDER ISAK – Newcastle United – €100.00m MARTIN ØDEGAARD – Arsenal FC – €100.00m LAUTARO MARTÍNEZ – Inter Milan – €95.00m JULIÁN ALVAREZ – Atlético de Madrid –…

MIDFIELDER ALLY SENTNOR (UTAH ROYALS FC) After a strong rookie season, Sentnor has rounded into one of the top midfielders in the NWSL in 2025 pulling the Royals into the playoff race. While Sentnor has always been a strong passing midfielder and an ace on the defensive end, she is added an attacking component this season. Her speed and pace on and off of the ball poses major problem for defenders and that Sentnor is now finding her scoring stroke, the sky is the limit. Sentnor’s strong run of form has led to already appearances for the United States Women’s National Team this season and her first two senior national team goals. FORWARD ALLYSA THOMPSON (ANGEL CITY FC) Having already broken her personal record of five goals in a season,…

SPAIN After winning the 2023 World Cup and the inaugural UEFA Women’s Nations League, Spain arrives as one of the tournament favorites. The only major UEFA title still missing from their collection, they aim to become just the second nation ever to win the EURO after lifting the World Cup. HOW THEY QUALIFIED: Won Group A2 with dominant wins over Belgium, Denmark, and Czechia. TOP SCORER: Salma Paralluelo (3 goals each). BEST FINISH: Semi-finals (1997). COACH: Montse Tomé – Former assistant during Spain’s World Cup win and now the first woman to lead the senior team. Already delivered a Nations League title and Olympic semi-final finish. KEY PLAYERS: Aitana Bonmatí – Ballon d’Or winner and midfield general. Alexia Putellas – Two-time Ballon d’Or winner, creative leader. Salma Paralluelo – Versatile young forward…

“We must not forget Griezmann, who reminds us that hard work is a talent. Griezmann is by far the most underrated player in existence. We often talk about Kylian, so much so that I am even in favour of abusing him. But Griezmann… look at his passes and his goals. Tell me who in history could play all four offensive positions like him? There aren’t many. Grizou is one of them.” – Thierry Henry did not hesitate in naming the most “underrated player in existence,” as he explained the reasons behind his choice. “If Cristiano Ronaldo comes within reach, I’ll go to Saudi Arabia and bring him back in my arms.” – Rayo Vallecano president Raul Martin Presa has quipped that he wants Cristiano Ronaldo at his La Liga side…

Mohamed Salah (15 June, 1992) Egypt, Liverpool He is widely regarded as one of the best players of his generation and one of the greatest wingers of all time. Having formed a formidable attacking trio with Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané, Salah went on to be an integral player in Liverpool’s Champions League and Premier League title successes. He has since also won the FA Cup, EFL Cup, FA Community Shield, UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup. In the 2024–25 season, he won a second Premier League title in one of the finest individual seasons in Premier League history. He finished as runner-up in the 2017 and 2021 Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt, and was top scorer during CAF qualification as Egypt qualified for the 2018…