"This most modern and well-honed of footballers will not be able to escape the spotlight in an age of constant scrutiny but looks equipped to handle it The poet Jorge Luis Borges wrote a famous short story about a society that had become so good at making maps, so obsessed with capturing every detail, that its rulers decided the only way to do the job right was to make a lifesize map of its entire empire, which could then be laid out across the actual land from coast to coast."
"Here’s how to follow along with our coverage – the finest writing and up-to-the-minute reports Continue reading..."
"⚽ Friday’s team news, press conferences and analysis ⚽ The Knowledge: when were the first replica kits?"
"France captain also becomes a shareholder in company ‘We have a shared dream, and this is only the beginning’ Kylian Mbappé has ended a 20-year association with Nike to sign a boot deal with the Swiss challenger company On."
"Head coach is keen to focus on positives but Nations League squad hints at desire for greater tactical options Thomas Tuchel should be listening to the 0.1%."
"In Spain, Atlético v Real Madrid will see Diego Simeone and José Mourinho bring the morbo ruckus to the sidelines."
"Tottenham begin Saturday’s action against Aston Villa while at Brighton Arsenal are aiming to keep their 100% winning record Saturday 12.30pm TNT Sports 1 Venue Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Continue reading..."
"‘Campus Collection’ aimed to mark 1893 club founding Range pulled from website two hours after launch Oxford United have abandoned a new range of American style-sportswear after it inadvertently referenced the tragedy of September 11."
"Germany U-21 manager announces the decision 19-year-old had represented only US at youth level The United States’ pursuit of dual-national defender Noahkai Banks appears to be over."
"The Metropolitan police have been granted special powers to tackle violence as the south and east London teams meet again on Saturday after 14 years Absence has not made the heart grow fonder."
"Spurs are getting into attacking areas but failing to make or take openings as Roberto De Zerbi tries to forge a settled side Tottenham have failed to score in their opening four league games for the first time."
"The billionaire’s departure will change little day-to-day but could be significant for club’s stadium plans Not since a doomed foray into the thorny world of the transfer market has Todd Boehly had any real influence over the day-to-day at Chelsea."
"Goalkeeper dropped despite strong start to La Liga season Seven uncapped players called into 26-man Australia squad Maty Ryan’s Socceroos days aren’t done, insists coach Tony Popovoc, despite the decorated captain being left out of his first squad since the World Cup."
"This season has continued the divergence between the clubs’ respective approaches, Brentford’s solidity and continuity contrasting with Chelsea attempting their latest reboot."
"The first goal that AFC Bournemouth ever scored in Europe could be heard out on the Bay of Biscay."
"Floyd Samba lit up this tie with a debut that will have the 17-year-old grinning for a while after a superb goal in each half ensured Manchester City advanced to face Brighton in the last 16 in their defence of the Carabao Cup."
"Letter sent before Fifa council meeting on 15 October Infantino under pressure before presidential election The Football Association’s chair, Debbie Hewitt, has written to Gianni Infantino demanding that Fifa releases all documents relating to his abandoned World Cup sell-off plan and the decision to lift the USA striker Folarin Balogun’s suspension during last summer’s tournament."
"Hull will not be competing with Arsenal and Manchester City come the end of May."
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"It is hard to know whether haters will ever accept manager’s failed tactical shift against Argentina but positive start to preparation for Euros might help Thomas Tuchel has been back around the Premier League grounds this season and it is worth dwelling on one particular interaction he had with a colleague inside a VIP enclosure, which has doubtless been repeated elsewhere."
"Milan’s grand old home turns 100 this weekend, and while it will soon be torn down one of the greatest players to grace it reflects on the noise and power of a unique stadium Alessandro Costacurta lasted 15 minutes of his first game at San Siro."
"With Barcelona racking up seven-goal thrillers, Real Madrid could not afford a collapse."
"Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning , Dan Bardell and Sam Dalling to discuss the Carabao Cup, Sunderland’s triumphant return to Europe and look ahead to the weekend’s major action Continue reading..."
"Former Palace head coach has won a cup final in Norway and says chance to challenge for league title was a pull “When it’s a good day, it’s absolutely stunning, so we’ll take that,” Laura Kaminski says with a laugh about the rainy west coast of Norway."
"In a Frankfurt press conference announcing his first Germany squad, the former Liverpool manager referenced a recent state election win by the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany party."
"Winger was one of the first big-money academy transfers, part of a child labour market that has barely been questioned “What’s your name?” “Raheem.” Continue reading..."
"New play spotlights fans’ tortuous trek from the Goldstone Ground, via Gillingham and an athletics stadium It was the tip-off that changed Ian Hart’s life for ever."
"Cusco is known for tourism."
"Plus: more costly (and beneficial) red cards and attacks with triple half-century of international goals Mail us with your all of your questions and answers “When did fans wearing replica kits become a thing?” asks Alex Ecob."
"Crystal Palace show they are not here to just make up the numbers as they earn a point against Arsenal at the Emirates – but will draws prove costly for Reneé Slegers’ side once again in their quest for the title?"
"Celia Segura (Spain and Barcelona) Segura is no stranger to knockout football, having helped Spain to silver at the Under-17 World Cup two years ago and finishing with the Bronze Ball and Bronze Boot."
"Our cartoonist on the English top-flight leading the way for debatable decisions and performative sadness Buy a cartoon | Some of David’s favourite works And his latest book, Chaos in the Box: get it now Continue reading..."
"On the podcast today: Harry Kane scored his 150th goal for Bayern Munich against Bundesliga newcomers Elversberg, while Ballon d’Or rivals Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé both scored doubles in La Liga."
"And although that, also from Lamine Yamal, was ruled out, he eventually saw Barcelona get four more, presiding over a 5-0 debut defeat."
"Departure of head coach after defeat at Freiburg sums up club that could join other fallen giants in second tier It could not go on."
"Ferran Torres has been brilliant for his new club with most of his new teammates floundering for form By Get French Football News It was just a flicker."
"United face Arsenal next."
"Why fainting fans and perspiring players are a worry for the Asian league seeking to follow Japan and align with Europe South Korean football is trying to find the goldilocks time to play the K-League."
"Some scoffed at £125m price tag, but the Argentinian did the work of two midfielders after Phil Foden’s red card Enzo Maresca does not pay the bills at Manchester City but he is ecstatic that those who do spent £125m for him to be reunited with Enzo Fernández."
"Sporting KC end a long winless run v LAFC Charlotte and Cincy play a six-goal thriller Griezmann on target in Orlando City win Sam Surridge scored an equalizer in the first minute of second-half stoppage time for visiting Nashville SC, who played Inter Miami to a 2-2 draw on Saturday evening."
"The World Cup and its aftermath made clear that Fifa needs independent oversight by governments and NGOs dedicated to preserving the people’s game The 2026 World Cup was a whirling swirl of scintillating soccer that prompted much-needed conversations about the vitality of diaspora, the fortitude of the underdog, the power of sport."
"There was an argument that a lack of ambition after going 1-0 up stopped Arsenal from beating Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final."
"Head coach has harsh spotlight on her as she prepares for Chelsea on Sunday, but she deserves time and investment It was tough watching Manchester United’s players labour ineffectively against the hungry and aggressive press of London City Lionesses in the Women’s Super League’s opening match."
"‘Image and unity’ of game affected, FFF president says It will consult sacked former Fifa official Kevin Lamour The French Football Federation’s president, Philippe Diallo, said Gianni Infantino had “seriously damaged the image and the unity of football” as he announced the end of France’s support for the Fifa president’s re-election."
"The Englishman has gotten no shortage of recognition, but his contributions to the American game deserve an official title Sign up for our free newsletter here Next spring, when the US Soccer Hall of Fame welcomes its newest class, there will be pomp and circumstance."
"After a World Cup campaign with the United States and top jobs with Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain before that, he would have been willing to start a new chapter in the second tier of English football?"
"The Guardian joined Wolves at the start of their first season as a fully professional side, determined to show they’re no pushovers Suddenly the bustling classroom at the back of the Guru Nanak Satsang Sikh Gurdwara falls almost silent and all eyes are on Dan McNamara."
"The order of discovery related to Fifa’s failed plan to sell the World Cup will worry the American president, a situation that tends to end badly for the culprit “Tell Mike it was just business."
"An 18-year-old who has played at two major international tournaments and the division’s top clearance maker from last season also feature A tricky, exciting, quick and versatile midfielder, Azeez has proven himself in the Championship with Millwall over the past two seasons and now deserves a chance to test himself in the top flight."
"They began targeting Morgan Rogers before pivoting to Vinícius Júnior when the England forward went to Chelsea, only to end up disappointed when Vinícius signed a new deal with Real Madrid."
"All the latest Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Ligue 1 and Serie A deals and a club-by-club guide Women’s transfer window interactive guide Continue reading..."
"Every deal in the NWSL, WSL, Liga F, Frauen-Bundesliga, Première Ligue and Serie A Femminile as well as a club-by-club guide Men’s transfer window interactive guide Continue reading..."
"The Frenchman, who has been named the best male footballer in the world by the Guardian, has benefitted from PSG’s focus on the team rather than individuals What makes a good player great, and a great player the best?"
"Ousmane Dembélé becomes our seventh winner as he beats Lamine Yamal into second and Vitinha into third on our list of the best players on the planet Premier League dominates list | How every judge voted | Our methodology | The top 100 female players for 2025 2024 edition | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 Continue reading..."
"Last year the majestic midfielder emulated her Barcelona and Spain teammate Alexia Putellas by winning for a second year running , but the 27-year-old has now gone one better, establishing herself once again at the top of the women’s game."
"Aitana Bonmatí has been voted the best female player on the planet by our panel of 127 experts ahead of Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo 2024 list | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 Meet the judges | See how every judge voted Subscribe to Moving the Goalposts, our free newsletter Continue reading..."
"From PSG’s Ibrahim Mbaye to Brazil’s next hope, we select some of the most talented players born in 2008."
"We pick the best youngsters at each club born between 1 September 2008 and 31 August 2009, an age band known as first-year scholars."
"Our editors’ favourite sporting images from the past week, from the spectacular to the powerful, and with a little bit of fun thrown in Continue reading..."
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