Steven Gerrard was the epitome of a local lad living out the dreams of the supporters watching on.
Across an incredible career atLiverpool, Gerrard became the beating heartbeat of the Reds' side. A box-to-box force of nature, Gerrard led Liverpool to a wealth of major honours, often appearing to singlehandedly drag his boyhood side over the line.
Gerrard was the driving force in Liverpool's 2005Champions League success in Istanbul, when Rafael Benitez's side somehow recovered from three goals down against AC Milan to win. A year later, another defining performance led to FA Cup success and the 'Gerrard Final' was born.
In 2026, he wasvoted as number one in a list of Liverpool's 100 Greatest Players.
For England, Gerrard won 114 caps and scored 21 goals, further cementing himself as one of the finest footballers the country has ever produced.

#reds

Neymar Jr. has found a playmate who isn't shy about posing, and it is none other than his toddler daughter. The Brazilian footballer marked his little girl Mavie's birthday with a set of photos, and the little one clearly joined in the fun. There are pouts, wide eyes, and smiles all around as the father-daughter pair have fun. A heartfelt message came with the pictures, and it shows what being a girl dad means to the star footballer.
Neymar Jr. posted the carousel on Instagram to mark his daughter Mavie's third birthday on 6 October. The first image is a sweet portrait where the toddler crawls on a wooden floor and beams at the camera. She wears a simple black top with white stripes and jeans.
Things get livelier in the second photo. Father and daughter pose in front of an arched mirror at a pink dressing table. Mavie, her hair falling in soft curls, holds a makeup brush while her father takes the mirror selfie. The last two pictures are adorably comic. Mavie and Neymar are in frame in pink and black T-shirts, respectively. In one shot, she and her dad pout in unison, and in the next, both stare wide-eyed with their mouths open, making funny faces together.
The caption was written in Portuguese, and a translation shows how personal it is for the 34-year-old footballer. Neymar credits Mavie for helping him become a better father, not only to her but to her brothers and sisters. He adds that he always wanted a daughter and knew he would love the experience. He goes on to note that her smile, especially in her eyes, brightens his day. Neymar finishes his tribute to his daughter by promising to be her safe haven every day.
Mavie is one of Neymar Jr.'s four children. He has a son, Davi Lucca, with Carolina Dantas, while Mavie and Mel are his daughters with Bruna Biancardi. He also shares his daughter Helena with Amanda Kimberlly. In June, Neymar and Biancardi announced that they were expecting their third daughter together and Neymar's fifth child. The baby, whom they plan to name Mariah, will join Mavie and Mel.

#toddler #girl

FC Barcelona have begun the process of renewing defender Gerard Martín's contract, per multiple reports. The 24-year-old footballer has risen through the ranks and become an important part of manager Hansi Flick's set-up.
Barça are said to be looking to tie him up for longer, with a bigger release clause and a higher salary. There is reportedly no hurry on either side, as he has a contract until 2028. There is a sense of optimism surrounding the negotations, as the team is happy with his performances and the player wants to stay.
Barça reportedly see him continuing to be a key part of the squad and possibly even improving as time goes on. A Barcelona native, Martín was a product of UE Cornellà's academy before going to Barcelona's B team. Reports say he's happy to stay with his hometown club.
So far, there have been no concrete negotiations or even a set date for a meeting on the matter. All that has been reported are preliminary conversations.
A left-back by training, he has broken through as a center-back under Flick. With Ronald Araujo on loan to Liverpool FC, Barça are set to use Martín often this season alongside Pau Cubarsí. There was talk of a potential center-back signing, though none came. Andreas Christensen has split duties as the other center-back to start this season. Barça also has Eric Garcia, though he often plays as a full-back.

#back #Barcelona #part #team

Harvey Elliott went to Valencia in search of calm, minutes and the sort of fresh start that can rescue a career from drift. Instead, as Liverpool.com reports, he has arrived in the middle of turbulence, and for a young footballer trying to rebuild belief, that can be a cruel place to begin again.
The move to Spain felt, on the surface, like a sensible answer to a difficult year. Elliott had returned from an underwhelming loan at Aston Villa, a spell that promised more than it delivered, and came back to Liverpool needing clarity. Under Andoni Iraola, opportunities in pre-season were there in glimpses, but the direction of travel soon became obvious. He was not an obvious fit and early omissions from matchday squads told their own story.
So Valencia offered possibility. A big club, a demanding crowd, a league that can reward intelligence and craft, it seemed a place where Elliott might reconnect with the qualities that once made him such an exciting young midfielder. Yet football has a habit of mocking tidy plans.
IMAGO | Anfield Index
Valencia are bottom of La Liga after five matches, with only one draw to show for them. Supporters are restless, results are poor and the mood has soured quickly. Elliott, still working his way towards full sharpness, has managed only two substitute appearances. That was already a delicate situation. It has now become even more unstable.

#valencia #place #obvious

As summer starts to wane, some football fans might celebrate the re-start of club football. Some might even celebrate the new, elongated international break.
And then there are those who eagerly await the Ballon D'or ceremony.
Gifted to whoever wins the popularity vote is voted the best player over the past season by journalists and footballers alike, the Ballon D'o is a prized award that many dream to win. Among those players is Bayern Munich's #9 , Harry Kane. His extraordinary 73-goal season, along with him winning the DFL Supercup, the German Bundesliga and the DFB Pokal, sees him up there among the top candidates to win the award. This sees England's captain filled with pride:
"I'm proud to be nominated with my team-mates. We won all three **** les in Germany and fell just short in the Champions League," Kane said (as captured by iMiaSanMia). "But it's out of my hands and down to the voters. It was a special season personally, but all I can do is focus on this season now."
The ceremony takes place on Monday, October 26. Let us see if Harry Kane can win the award.

#sees

Bayern Munich and SSV Ulm 1846 are continuing their partnership focused on developing the next generation of footballers.
The two clubs have extended their cooperation agreement for another year, meaning the partnership will now run through June 2027 per iMiaSanMia. Bayern Munich and Ulm have been working together in youth development since the beginning of 2021, with both clubs aiming to create better opportunities and pathways for young players.
The extension is another indication of Bayern Munich's continued focus on building relationships with clubs that can contribute to the development of young talent.
For SSV Ulm 1846, working alongside one of Germany's biggest clubs provides an opportunity to benefit from Bayern Munich's experience and expertise in youth football. For Bayern Munich, partnerships such as this can help strengthen its scouting and development network while identifying players with the potential to progress further.
The relationship has now lasted more than five years, and both clubs clearly see value in continuing it.

#munich #continuing #partnership #Youth

Brooklyn Beckham, widely known as David Beckham's son, has made headlines lately because of his marriage to Nicola Peltz and reported family tension with his mother. Amid all this, the model recently appeared with his wife on the red carpet in a moment caught on camera.
Recently, the power couple attended the Deauville American Film Festival in France on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. However, as always, fans did not focus on their designer outfits this time. Instead, their red carpet moment left fans wondering whether something was going on between Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz.
According to coverage from News.com, everything appeared fine at first, as the model kissed and hugged his wife. However, shortly after, the Foosball star stepped aside so that the Lola actress could enjoy the spotlight on her own. Before leaving Nicola Peltz, Brooklyn Beckham also fixed the back of her gown so that the actress could continue walking the red carpet without any trouble.
However, according to the source, Beckham's move appeared to slightly irritate Peltz. The video clearly showed the 31-year-old staring at David Beckham's son until he had walked away and reached the barrier nearby.
For context, Nicola Peltz attended the Deauville American Film Festival to support her friend and Prime co-star Faye Dunaway, who received the Icon Award that night. Meanwhile, the former footballer's son supported his wife at the event.

#nicola #however

Spectacular goals, peerless technique and a true Nerazzurri heart: born in Belgrade on 11 September 1978, Dejan Stankovic celebrates his 48th birthday today. Deki spent nine years in Nerazzurri colours, from January 2004 to 2013, making 326 appearances, scoring 42 goals and lifting an incredible 15 trophies: one Champions League, one FIFA Club World Cup, five Scudetti, and the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana four times apiece. Those achievements also earned him a place in the Club's Hall of Fame, fitting recognition of his deep bond with the Nerazzurri. To mark his birthday, Internazionale Morning Club looks back on his Inter journey through the story of one unforgettable match: the 4-3 derby victory over AC Milan on 28 October 2006.
Take a moment to picture the goal you would most like to score if you were a footballer. Your first thought is probably the right one: a goal from the halfway line. Perhaps even on the volley. Now imagine not merely dreaming of it, but actually doing it. And then doing it again in a Champions League quarter-final. This is no dream. This is Dejan Stankovic.
And yet, on reflection, perhaps there was no single position in which Dejan Stankovic was irreplaceable. He could play anywhere in a flat 4-4-2 or a midfield diamond. Look at it just as objectively, however, and it becomes impossible to leave the Serbian midfielder out of any all-time Inter XI. Indeed, he is almost always there. He went straight into the Club's Hall of Fame in 2019, receiving more votes than any other midfielder.
It is difficult to name an aspect of the game at which Deki did not excel. We have already mentioned his shooting: there were plenty of goals, and they always seemed to matter. Four came in derbies, for starters. Two arrived during the 2009/10 Champions League campaign, helping Inter emerge unbeaten from testing group-stage encounters away to Rubin Kazan and at home to Dynamo Kyiv - two important steps on the road to Champions League success.
Choosing one defining moment is no easy task. It would be all too obvious to celebrate those two masterpieces from the halfway line - or, in truth, from even farther out. Their time will come. Instead, we have chosen another: a goal scored in a derby that all but confirmed a shift in the balance of power in Milano. After two decades in which the Rossoneri generally held the upper hand, from 1986 to 2006, the 20 years since have largely belonged to the Nerazzurri.

#champions #club

Nico Schlotterbeck and Ramy Bensebaini have resumed team training after their injuries and are available for the match against Paderborn. "They are fit, healthy, and ready to play this weekend. I can count on both of them," said Kovac.
Konstantinos Karetsas will not be involved after having to be substituted in the match against FC Villarreal due to circulatory problems. Sporting director Ole Book had said of him: "He is doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances. Further tests are being carried out, and we want to get to the bottom of it very thoroughly."
Also unavailable are Emre Can (torn ACL), Filippo Mane (muscle injury), Giannis Konstantelias (torn ACL), and Samuele Inacio (suspension following a red card).
Kovac also had words of praise for new signing Ethan Nwaneri, who came on as a substitute last weekend against Hoffenheim and on Tuesday against Villarreal. "He has settled in superbly. He's a great lad, very calm, down-to-earth, friendly, helpful, and a very good footballer," said Kovac. "In those two brief appearances, he showed that he can help us. I'm very satisfied with him." (cr)
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

#match #nico #paderborn

Lazio have officially announced their signing of Portuguese centre-back Diogo Leite on a free transfer following their flying start to the 2026-27 Serie A season, which sees them joint top of the pack after three matches.
The Biancocelesti have confirmed that Leite has joined the club on a free transfer following the expiry of his Union Berlin contract earlier this summer, and that he has put pen to paper on a two-year deal with an option to extend for a further 12 months at the Stadio Olimpico.
BERLIN, GERMANY – MAY 16: Leite Diogo of 1. FC Union Berlin during farewell prior to the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Union Berlin and FC Augsburg at Stadion An der Alten Foersterei on May 16, 2026 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
"S.S. Lazio announces the official signing of the footballer Diogo Filipe Monteiro Pinto Leite following the expiration of his contract with FC Union Berlin on June 30, 2026," a statement on the club website confirmed.
"The player has signed a two-year contract with an option to extend for an additional two seasons."

#union #signing #free

Vincent Kompany and Bayern Munich have received a major injury boost ahead of their opening UEFA Champions League game against Bodø/Glimt on Thursday. Serge Gnabry, who hasn't played since last season's Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid in April, returned to full team training on Monday, according to Bild.
Eager to make up for lost time following his adductor tear, it's quite possible that Gnabry could return to the squad as early as Thursday, which could have consequences for summer signing Ismael Saibari. The duo will compete for the No.10 spot behind Harry Kane, a position that has also been occupied by fellow summer arrival Nathaniel Brown, in the absence of Jamal Musiala.
Kompany, therefore, has plenty of options to keep things interesting. Notably, following Bayern's 0-0 draw against Bundesliga returnees Schalke 04, Didi Hamann criticised Saibari's performance. "Saibari is a wonderful footballer," he told Sky90. "But he's too slow. He's not fast at all, he's like a poor Kane.
"They say Saibari can play four positions. I think the only position Saibari can play is behind Kane, because he's too slow on the wing. Gnabry is a class above him there."
GGFN | Daniel Pinder

#kompany #league #following

When is Ballon d'Or 2026? Date, time of soccer awards ceremony originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Whatever your views on individual awards in a team sport, the Ballon d'Or ceremony has become one of the most significant events on the soccer calendar.
The glitz and glamor of the red-carpet gala brings together some of the finest footballers and other celebrities for an evening in which the best players, teams and coaches of the past season are honored for their achievements.
This year marks something of a departure, with the event relocating from Paris to London in order to mark the 70th anniversary of the very first time the Ballon d'Or was awarded.
Below are the key details on when and where the festivities will take place in 2026.

#ceremony

There's a new Mo Salah on the scene and he is destined to join Liverpool.
It was an eyebrow raising decision not to replace the Egyptian star this summer. Salah's departure has left a void in the squad but looking back it was definitely a necessary move.
Ultimately, Liverpool had moved away from relying on their former talisman. Salah is still a supreme footballer. However, long-term Liverpool need to look ahead to the future.
That future is now represented by Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola alongside a myriad of supporting cast players who are young and hungry and determined to make an impression on the first-team.
It's an exciting direction, especially with Andoni Iraola at the helm.

#florian

The dispute surrounding Ahmed Sayed "Zizo" has moved beyond the football authorities after Zamalek treasurer Hossam El-Mandouh revealed plans to raise questions over player contracts in Parliament.
El-Mandouh, who is also a member of the Egyptian House of Representatives, believes the figures surrounding Zizo's contract warrant further scrutiny and has called for state intervention in reviewing footballers' agreements.
Photo by Stefan Koops/EYE4IMAGES/NurPhoto via Getty Images
El-Mandouh's comments centre on an alleged difference between the amount a player requested from Zamalek and the value of the contract registered with the Egyptian Football **** ociation.
"There was a player who asked us (Zamalek) for 80 million pounds per season, and then we hear that his contract at the Football **** ociation is only 5 million pounds. So is this something logical?"

#zamalek #contract #surrounding #million

The World Cup, the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, Ligue 1: whether with Paris Saint-Germain or with Spain, Fabián Ruiz (30) has won almost everything in recent months. Enough, at any rate, for the midfielder to start dreaming of winning the most prestigious of individual honours. The Ballon d'Or, in short.
"It's a dream for any footballer to be recognised individually for all their hard work this season and in previous ones," Ruiz said in an interview with Téléfoot. "I've been lucky enough to win lots of team ***** les, and a few individual ones too, but why not dream this year of getting as close as possible to lifting that trophy, which is something truly wonderful. It would be an honour for me to be able to lift the Ballon d'Or."
Already regarded as a key part of Luis Enrique's system, the Spaniard has also established himself as a true benchmark in his position across the continent.
"I don't like being in the spotlight or the centre of attention, but I think this year I can allow myself to be, given the season we've had, the work we've put in and the ***** les we've won," he added. "At team level, I've won everything. Individually, on the world stage, the only ***** le I'm missing is the Ballon d'Or – to be recognised by everyone."
Having made 34 appearances in all competitions (24 as a starter) last season, Ruiz once again played a pivotal role in Paris's European triumph. And this despite a season marred by several injuries that kept him sidelined at the start of 2026.

#season #d 'or #i 've

The scene in Bilbao, in 2024, foreshadowed the change that would come. Michele Kang, the owner of OL Lyonnes, strode around the edge of the pitch in the San Mames to greet the travelling supporters of the women's football powerhouse, who were buoyed by her ambition and intent to invest. Barcelona won 2-0 to lift their third Women's Champions League **** le in four years, thanks to goals from their two Ballon d'Or winners Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas. But while Kang, the South Korean-born American billionaire and philanthropist, vowed that Lyonnes would return stronger, her sphere of influence was also primed to have an impact elsewhere.
As well as the French champions, Kang owned two other teams as part of her multi-club Kynisca group, the US side Washington Spirit and the London City Lionesses, based out of Bromley and playing in the second tier of English women's football. Two years on, driven by Kang's vision and fuelled by her deep pockets, London City have secured promotion and undergone a remarkable makeover. From that Champions League final alone, they have signed not just Putellas, making the Spain international and World Cup winner the biggest overseas signing in Women's Super League history, but two of her Barcelona team-mates in Mapi Leon and Jana Fernandez. From sister club Lyonnes, London City have signed two of their starting forwards in Kadidiatou Diani and Delphine Cascarino, as well as midfielder Danielle van de Donk.
Michele Kang celebrates London City's promotion to the Women's Super League in 2025 (Getty)
Within two years, London City have disrupted women's football and have now set their sights on challenging for the WSL **** le. It has not come cheap: Putellas was a free transfer but is one of the highest-paid women's footballers in the world at around £1m per year. Before the new season, London City have also signed former England goalkeeper Mary Earps from Paris Saint-Germain and have built a team set on challenging **** nal and Chelsea's dominance in the capital. In terms of transfer fees within the WSL, only **** nal and Chelsea have come close to matching the £1m London City paid PSG for midfielder Grace Geyoro last summer. Their position is also a unique one. Of the 14 teams in this season's expanded WSL, London City are the only independent outfit with no affiliation to a men's club, yet their spending comfortably exceeds that of Manchester United and Liverpool, despite the riches that flow from the Premier League.
Kang is the driving force. The 67-year-old, who made her fortune through healthcare technology in the US, is an investor in the true sense of the word, believing in the untapped value and potential of women's sports. Her philanthropy has extended to making $30m and $4m donations to US Soccer and USA Rugby respectively, the latter just hours after watching the US women's rugby sevens team win bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympics. London City are likely to make a financial loss in their second season o

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are reportedly set to settle down in Ohio. The couple has purchased a $5.3 million lakefront mansion in Bratenahl, a Cleveland suburb. They reportedly bought their property four months before their big-fat wedding at Madison Square Garden. Swift and Kelce's new home has neighbors nearby, but as per a source, this won't affect their privacy.
According to Page Six's area source, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's privacy won't be invaded at their new house despite neighbors and fans nearby. "They will have privacy," the source said. They added, "[Cleveland Cavaliers mega star] LeBron James lived here in his prime and ******* ody bothered. It's the Cleveland charm." Nevertheless, locals are excited to have the "Bad Blood" hitmaker in the neighborhood.
"Everybody would love their grandkids to spot her at Shoreby Club," the source noted in reference to a nearby yacht club. However, the question is how much time Swift and Kelce will spend at their new place. "People are excited, but they want to know if they will really spend time there," the source stated. The source also wondered if there will be star-studded parties hosted by the Grammy-Award winning singer like her 4th of July bash.
Additionally, many are curious to know what the pair are planning for the property. The source called the mansion a "modest old home" for the upscale area. Moreover, they wondered whether the pop icon and footballer would go for a major renovation to make the house their own, despite the listing calling it "extensive renovation." The lakefront home reportedly has 8 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, and more than 21,000 square feet of living ******* e.
It underwent a yearlong renovation with almost every aspect of it replaced or restored. The transformation includes original door hardware, detailed walnut and oak carvings, cut glass leaded windows, and numerous fireplaces. Moreover, the third floor and lower level boast a game room and home theater in the original ballroom. The lower level also features a poker area, billiards room, temperature-controlled wine cellar and tasting room, bar, fitness center, and sauna. A stone terrace takes one to a bluestone patio and heated pool, facing the lake.

#home #privacy

Enzo Fernandez is a man who costs a pretty penny.
His transfer to Chelsea from Benfica in 2023 was worth £107m, and his impending move to Manchester City is £18m more than that at £125m - a joint-British transfer record.
So, when completed, he will have cost over £230m in his past two moves and will become the first ever footballer to complete two £100m+ moves. That is a decent bit of money.
However, he brings with him a wealth of top-level experience.
At only 25, Fernandez has already racked up 285 league appearances across the Argentinian, Portuguese and English top-flights, as well as playing 49 times so far for his country.

#transfer #city #however

With the NWSL season in full swing, we take a look at several young players who are making their mark on the pitch. From amazing talent with the ball, incredible work-rates, and finishing abilities, these players embody the traits footballers strive for.
As teams try to make their way up the table to secure playoff spots, these players will be instrumental in their teams' success. Here are just six of many great young talents in the NWSL this season.
Melanie Barcenas is THAT player. As a defender, you know what that means. Nothing is more terrifying than being up against her one-on-one. Barcenas' control of the ball when it is at her feet is simply ridiculous. Her goal against Denver earlier this season was absolutely unfair.
One of the young players that has signed with NWSL sides, Barcenas was 15 when she first put pen to paper for San Diego. At 18 now, she is still growing and developing her game. Her talent is off the charts, and she matches it with a fierce energy and the exuberance of youth.
Embed from Getty Images

#nwsl #barcenas #teams #here

Lionel Messi has retired from international football, bringing the curtain down on his Argentina career after falling short in the World Cup final in July.
Perhaps the greatest player of all time, Messi had been hoping to lead his side to back-to-back tournament triumphs but suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain in extra time.
The 39-year-old made 207 appearances for his country, the second most by any men's international footballer, scoring 125 times across a career that spanned more than two decades.
Lionel Messi has called time on his international career (Getty Images)
Messi revealed he decided to retire two days after Argentina's defeat to Spain in the World Cup final on 19 July, but then delayed announcing his decision.

#messi #july

Michael Olise has picked up right where he left off this summer, scoring a cool-as-you-like goal in Bayern Munich's league opener against VfB Stuttgart and having an even slicker finish cancelled by a narrow offside ruling in review.
The Frenchman, who was the subject of some summer transfer rumors, is one of Vincent Kompany's key men in a formidable and multi-faceted attack — and he's well on his way to a third Bundesliga season with outstanding production. But it's too early for talks of an extension, according to Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen in comments captured by Sky Germany journalist Kerry Hau (via iMiaSanMia).
"We're not currently in [contract] talks," Dreesen noted after the match — a runaway 5-1 winner after Olise's second-half goal restored a Bayern lead that had only just slipped away. "He's under contract until 2029, so there's no reason to rush into anything."
Okay…but maybe there is a little bit of a reason?
Olise is 24, turning 25 this season, and flying just about as high as any footballer in the world today after two explosive, breakout seasons at Bayern Munich and a sensational World Cup with France. His value has skyrocketed beyond the €60M fee that brought him to Germany from Crystal Palace and consequently, so too has he outgrown his initial contract. All the biggest clubs in the world should be after him, and any club that can't fit him in at right wing can probably find a place for him in the center, where he may even prefer playing.

#World #contract #right #goal

Bradley Barcola is already under intense pressure at Liverpool - and he hasn't technically joined yet. The Frenchman is set to move to Anfield for £100m.
£100m is an awful lot of money for a footballer. Liverpool had never spent that much on a footballer 18 months ago, typically shopping in at least a bracket below that (and typically two).
Now? Well, they're about to have a third in their attack. Florian Wirtz became the first last year, with Alexander Isak following later in the same window.
And now Bradley Barcola is set to join Liverpool. The Athletic are among those reporting that a £100m deal has been agreed, with potential for £120m. It's a sensational amount, given Barcola is essentially Paris Saint-Germain's second-choice left winger.
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#bradley

Celta Vigo are reportedly "closing in on [a] personal terms agreement" with Stefan Bajcetic.
Fabrizio Romano shared the update on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday morning, with the midfielder looking unlikely to resurrect his Liverpool career.
The Spaniard's current terms are set to expire in the summer of 2027.
(Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
According to recent reports, the footballer is understood to have flown to Finland for fitness checks ahead of a mooted switch to La Liga.

#stefan #wednesday

Manchester City defender Nico O'Reilly succeeded Morgan Rogers to become the 2026 men's Young Player of the Year at the Professional Footballers' ******* ociations awards.
The 21-year-old paid tribute to former boss Pep Guardiola, who gave the youngster his City debut in 2024.
"Pep was a great manager. He put his trust in me, which I can only be grateful for. He helped me so much on the pitch and off the pitch as a person. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be sat in this position right now. Thank you to him," said O'Reilly.
The versatile playmaker contributed eight goal involvements (five goals) and helped secure nine clean sheets in 34 league outings, scoring twice, and was named player of the match as City beat ******* nal in the League Cup final.
"It means a lot obviously to get recognised by the players that you play with and play around," he added. "It is a huge award to win. Obviously, the players that have won it before have gone on to do massive things themselves."

#player #pitch #play

While Adam McCann-Gibbs feels his journey from Gaelic footballer to college athlete has been like something from a film, the County Down teenager still acknowledges it is surreal to have one of the greatest American football coaches of all time play a leading role in his story.
Bill Belichick, who won six Super Bowls as head coach of the New England Patriots and two as an ******* istant with the New York Giants, swapped the NFL for the college game before last season and this weekend brings his North Carolina Tar Heels to Dublin for their season opener against Texas Christian University.
McCann-Gibbs, the team's punter who will be making his debut at this level should he feature at the Aviva Stadium, only took up the sport in recent years and is still learning its nuances. Few, of course, are more detail-orientated than Belichick with the former Down minor keen to soak up whatever he can from the 74-year-old.
"You're blown away whenever he goes up in a team meeting. Everyone shuts up really quickly and you're able to feed off his knowledge of the game," said McCann-Gibbs.
"It's just incredible. I might not understand everything yet but I'm learning from the guy that's at the top of his game."

#mccann #gibbs

Olivia Smith has lived her life under a spotlight since she was 15 - but she had been preparing herself even before she became a professional footballer.
Now 22, Smith became the first £1m women's footballer last year when **** nal signed her in a world record deal from Liverpool.
She had joined Liverpool for a club record of £210,000 just one season earlier, having made a name for herself when she was given her Canada debut aged 15.
Smith became the first woman to score for Liverpool at Anfield in a Women's Super League match in October 2025.
Now, for the second year in a row, she is the first non-English recipient of the PFA Women's Young Player of the Year award.

#smith #Liverpool #footballer #record

Where Unai Emery is concerned, the silent treatment has taken on a new meaning. The Aston Villa manager's pre-match interview at Brighton on Sunday was notable for a one-word answer. "Silence," he said, when asked about Ollie Watkins' whereabouts. The England striker was absent for the 4-0 defeat, Emery hinting he refused to play.
Watkins appears set on joining Al Hilal. A considerable boost to his bank balance would come with a dent to his reputation. For the nice guy, one of football's feel-good stories, it surely wasn't supposed to end like this. When Watkins was playing for Exeter at 21, the riches now offered in Saudi Arabia would have seemed unimaginable. But so, too, would have scoring the winner for England in the semi-final of a major tournament or winning a European trophy. This will be his last big contract – and presumably, much his biggest – but it again invites the question of how much money footballers need.
Ollie Watkins appears set to wave farewell to Aston Villa (Getty)
Six years at Villa Park should not have left him a pauper. Instead, he may leave Villa with Emi Buendia acting as a false nine at Brighton as they made a false start to their campaign.
A tarnished legacy would be a shame because Watkins and Villa have been very good for each other. He had never played in the top flight before he became their club record signing. He became the only player to reach double figures of Premier League goals in each of the last six seasons. His departure may be drawn out, but perhaps Watkins finished in a way with a match-winning brace against Manchester City, his last game at Villa Park, like his third, an evisceration of Liverpool. There were six goals in his last five games for Villa and, in the one where he did not find the net, they won the Europa League.

#villa #aston #ollie #league

Where Unai Emery is concerned, the silent treatment has taken on a new meaning. The Aston Villa manager's pre-match interview at Brighton on Sunday was notable for a one-word answer. "Silence," he said, when asked about Ollie Watkins' whereabouts. The England striker was absent for the 4-0 defeat, Emery hinting he refused to play.
Watkins appears set on joining Al Hilal. A considerable boost to his bank balance would come with a dent to his reputation. For the nice guy, one of football's feel-good stories, it surely wasn't supposed to end like this. When Watkins was playing for Exeter at 21, the riches now offered in Saudi Arabia would have seemed unimaginable. But so, too, would have scoring the winner for England in the semi-final of a major tournament or winning a European trophy. This will be his last big contract – and presumably, much his biggest – but it again invites the question of how much money footballers need.
Ollie Watkins appears set to wave farewell to Aston Villa (Getty)
Six years at Villa Park should not have left him a pauper. Instead, he may leave Villa with Emi Buendia acting as a false nine at Brighton as they made a false start to their campaign.
A tarnished legacy would be a shame because Watkins and Villa have been very good for each other. He had never played in the top flight before he became their club record signing. He became the only player to reach double figures of Premier League goals in each of the last six seasons. His departure may be drawn out, but perhaps Watkins finished in a way with a match-winning brace against Manchester City, his last game at Villa Park, like his third, an evisceration of Liverpool. There were six goals in his last five games for Villa and, in the one where he did not find the net, they won the Europa League.

#villa #brighton #park

Erling Haaland cuts iconic long blond locks in new look, girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen reacts originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Erling Haaland is ready for something new...a new look, that is.
The Norwegian footballer captivated fans during his World Cup debut with his skills on the field, but his long blond locks were a staple in finding him. Now, Haaland has decided to cut off his hair hours before his Manchester City opener on Sunday, Aug. 23.
Haaland shared a couple of photos and even a video on YouTube to show how his new look came about.
The footballer's longtime girlfriend, Isabel Haugseng Johansen, was seen in the video commenting, "I think I will cry" before his hair was cut and then saying "Oh my God" a couple more times.

#johansen

Liverpool's next £100m transfer has just become very obvious.
The price of a decent footballer has quite literally gotten out of hand recently. It seems these days if you are quite good at football, you will probably cost around £100m.
A few years ago that price tag used to be reserved for the very best players on the planet. It would have been unfathomable to see Liverpool breaking the £100m record not just once, but twice in one window.
Well, last summer they did. Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak. Whether they are worth that money, hasn't really been decided.
Even after an entire year at the club, neither has quite justified the lofty price tags on the shoulders, nor the have they truly delivered performances that have met our expectations.

#wirtz #whether