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TOPChiefs rumors: Kansas City’s next priority after Trey Smith signing
Following their Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Kansas City Chiefs have prioritized retaining core players over aggressive external acquisitions this offseason. This approach mirrors their strategy after a 2021 blowout loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which preceded two championships. The team recently secured Pro Bowl right guard Trey Smith with a $94 million contract extension. The Chiefs' next focus is extending All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie, a defensive cornerstone. ESPN's Nate Taylor reported that Kansas City will shift attention to McDuffie following Sauce Gardner's new deal with the New York Jets, suggesting McDuffie has arguably been more productive. The organization aims to finalize an agreement before training camp or the regular season begins. McDuffie's value is immense despite unflashy stats, as Kansas City increasingly relies on defense. His 2023 season featured two interceptions, 13 pass breakups, 45 solo tackles, six tackles for loss, and a forced fumble across 16 games. Pro Football Focus awarded him an 83.1 defensive grade and ranks him among the NFL's top five players under 25, highlighting his multifaceted impact—a quality GM Brett Veach recognizes. The Chiefs have a history of making calculated financial decisions, having traded key contributors like Tyreek Hill and Joe Thuney after championship runs. Management trusts its foundational building process but acknowledges McDuffie's rapid emergence as a franchise pillar. This likely necessitates a significant contract extension to secure his long-term future with the team.
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TOPA Manchester City diamond is attracting interest from other clubs but City mustn’t let him go
Nico O'Reilly emerged as a success story for Manchester City during the latter stages of the 2024/25 season, impressing while playing out of position at left-back and demonstrating clear potential for a long and successful career. His strong form, talent, and potential have now attracted significant interest from multiple clubs in the Premier League and Bundesliga, making it crucial for Manchester City to retain him this summer to avoid losing such a promising young player. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that O'Reilly is drawing strong interest from Bundesliga and Premier League clubs, with several prepared to offer him regular first-team football—a key priority for the young midfielder. Romano did not specify the names of the interested clubs, but the opportunity for consistent playing time is a central factor in the emerging transfer interest. O'Reilly, naturally an attacking midfielder, seized his chance during City's rebuild by making a seamless transition to left-back late last season, showcasing his adaptability and potential to develop into a top player. However, he requires regular playing opportunities to fulfill his potential, and while he might get minutes at left-back next season, his long-term development hinges on moving back to his preferred midfield role to leverage his talent, eye for goal, size, and athleticism. Integrating O'Reilly into Manchester City's crowded midfield presents a challenge, as the squad includes established players like Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, Rayan Cherki, Ilkay Gundogan, Mateo Kovacic, Nico, Rodri, and Tijjani Reijnders. This intense competition for minutes under Pep Guardiola could prompt O'Reilly to seek opportunities elsewhere to secure playing time in midfield. Despite the midfield logjam, Manchester City cannot afford to let O'Reilly leave this summer, given his tantalizing talent and physical attributes. The club has seen other young players depart for more playing time in recent seasons, and retaining O'Reilly is vital to prevent adding him to that list.
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Anonymous Coach Addresses Eagles QB Jalen Hurts
Jalen Hurts, the 26-year-old quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, has secured his first Super Bowl victory and Super Bowl MVP award after leading the team to a win against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. This continues his established pattern of winning throughout his college and professional career. Despite his success, Hurts remains a polarizing figure in NFL quarterback rankings. While some analysts place him as high as No. 1 or 2, most position him around No. 5—behind Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, and Lamar Jackson. Notably, ESPN's rankings placed him significantly lower at No. 9. An AFC defensive coordinator, quoted by Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame, countered criticism by praising Hurts: "Jalen is an elite competitor and a big-time leader. Two necessary and vital attributes in any great quarterback." This endorsement highlights his perceived intangible strengths beyond statistical rankings. The Eagles, described as "loaded" with talent, are considered strong contenders to repeat as champions in the upcoming season. The article emphasizes that regardless of subjective rankings, Philadelphia's championship aspirations hinge fundamentally on Hurts' performance and leadership.
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Former NFL GM Thinks Jalen Hurts, Jordan Love Could Have Better Career Than Ben Roethlisberger
Former NFL GM Mike Tannenbaum sparked debate on ESPN's First Take by claiming he wouldn't select Ben Roethlisberger's career over current quarterbacks Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, Jalen Hurts, and Jordan Love in a hypothetical draft. Despite Roethlisberger's two Super Bowl rings and first-ballot Hall of Fame credentials, Tannenbaum asserted that the 2004 draft class was "top heavy" and stated, "I'm not sure I'm taking Ben over any of those guys." He notably preferred Eli Manning from Roethlisberger's own draft class, contrary to consensus rankings. Tannenbaum faced pushback from analyst Peter Schrager and the article itself, which highlighted Roethlisberger's superior achievements: a top-five peak, longevity, and playoff success unmatched by the current group (only Hurts has a ring, while Herbert/Love have minimal postseason experience). The article disputed Tannenbaum's claim that Burrow could surpass Roethlisberger, noting Burrow's statistical advantages stem from era/scheme differences but emphasizing his deficit in championships and wins compared to Roethlisberger's transformative impact in turning the Steelers into immediate contenders. The piece also contextualized Tannenbaum's take as part of a pattern of inaccurate Roethlisberger critiques, recalling his failed 2021 benching prediction and erroneous 2020 ranking of Roethlisberger as the AFC North's worst QB. It concluded that Tannenbaum's latest hot take overlooks Roethlisberger's legacy and carries little weight given his history of dismissive assessments.
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Copa Airlines Now Opens Reservations for New Routes of Puerto Plata to Santiago, Expanding its Connectivity Between the Dominican Republic, Chile, Caribbean and South America
Copa Airlines has announced plans to significantly expand its network within the Dominican Republic starting in January 2026. This expansion includes launching new non-stop flights to Puerto Plata and reinstating suspended service to Santiago de los Caballeros, strengthening the airline's Caribbean presence. Flights to Puerto Plata's Gregorio Luperón International Airport, Copa's fourth Dominican destination alongside Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, and Santiago, will commence on January 13, 2026. The airline will operate three weekly flights (Tuesdays, Fridays, Sundays) using Boeing 737 aircraft seating approximately 166 passengers. The schedule features flights departing Panama City at 7:55 a.m. and arriving in Puerto Plata at 11:32 a.m. local time, with return flights leaving Puerto Plata at 12:37 p.m. and arriving in Panama City at 2:19 p.m. local time. Simultaneously, on January 15, 2026, Copa Airlines will resume operations to Santiago de los Caballeros, the Dominican Republic's second-largest city and a major commercial and industrial hub. This reinstatement reflects the airline's confidence in Santiago's economic and tourism potential. The airline emphasizes that this strategic expansion aims to tap into tourism and economic development opportunities in the Dominican Republic, particularly the busy north coast. Copa CEO Pedro Heilbron highlighted that the increased connectivity will foster greater cultural connections and economic relationships between Panama, the Dominican Republic, and other interconnected regions. The new routes are expected to bring significant numbers of tourists and business travelers, generating direct economic benefits for local businesses like hotels and restaurants, creating employment opportunities, and promoting regional economic growth. Central to Copa Airlines' Caribbean strategy is its Hub of the Americas at Panama City's Tocumen International Airport (PTY), which facilitates convenient connections across North America, South America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
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Jets star faces make-or-break year with payday on the line
Breece Hall's 2023 season was a breakout success for the New York Jets, as the running back amassed over 1,500 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns, cementing his status as a rising star despite recovering from an ACL tear. Hall's performance significantly regressed in 2024, marked by fewer explosive runs, six fumbles, and a career-low 4.2 yards per carry. He later attributed part of this decline to playing through a serious knee issue, which also led to trade rumors clouding his future with the Jets. A key factor in his 2023 success was creative offensive usage by coaches Nathaniel Hackett and Todd Downing, who moved Hall around the formation to maximize his speed. This approach changed in 2024 as the Jets attempted to shift Hall into a more traditional between-the-tackles runner. Under new coaches Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey, the Jets are expected to transition to a rotational backfield strategy. Offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand, who previously developed Jahmyr Gibbs, aims to utilize Hall similarly as a dual-threat back, aligning with modern NFL trends favoring efficiency and explosion over heavy workloads. Supporting backs Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis provide solid depth, but the most encouraging development for a potential Hall bounce-back is the significantly improved offensive line. The unit, featuring first-round pick Armand Membou alongside Olu Fashanu, John Simpson, Joe Tippmann, and Alijah Vera-Tucker, is now considered one of the league's most athletic and promising, tailored for a versatile back like Hall. Hall faces a crucial contract year in 2024. With the Jets also needing to extend other key 2022 first-round picks like Sauce Gardner, Jermaine Johnson, and the recently extended Garrett Wilson, the improved scheme, offensive line, and supporting cast are in place. The onus is now on Hall to prove he remains a franchise cornerstone worthy of a second contract.
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Premier League Relegation Odds: Latest RelegationOdds Premier League 25/26 Season
The 2025/26 Premier League season commences on August 15, with Liverpool defending their title after securing a record-equalling 20th top-flight championship. The relegation battle is highlighted as a key storyline, where the three teams finishing in the bottom positions (20th to 18th) will be demoted to the Championship. Leicester, Ipswich, and Southampton were relegated in the 2024/25 season, and established Premier League clubs are now less vulnerable due to financial advantages, making promoted teams more likely to drop straight back down—a trend seen in the last two seasons where all three promoted teams were immediately relegated. This page provides up-to-date Premier League relegation odds for the 2025/26 season, sourced from recommended betting sites licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. Odds are regularly updated to reflect events and ensure readers get the best value for wagers. The promoted teams for 2025/26—Leeds United, Burnley, and Sunderland—are the current favorites for relegation. This prediction is based on the widening gap between the Premier League and Championship, which has made it increasingly difficult for newly promoted clubs to survive, as evidenced by recent seasons.
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UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 quarterfinals: Qualified teams and full schedule
Several top teams, including holders England, world champions Spain, heavyweights Germany, and hosts Switzerland, remain contenders as the UEFA Women's Euros enters the high-stakes knockout stages. The tournament has drawn unprecedented attention with nearly half a million fans attending group-stage games. Eight teams are left, with hosts Switzerland reaching the quarterfinals for the first time, Spain living up to their favourites tag, and holders England advancing after an early scare. The quarterfinals commence with Norway facing Italy in Geneva on Wednesday, July 16th. Norway topped Group A with a perfect nine points but showed defensive frailty, conceding five goals. They rely heavily on the experienced attacking duo of Ada Hegerberg and Caroline Graham Hansen. Italy, finishing second in Group B, are in the knockouts for the first time since 2013. Despite a recent barren spell, they believe their best football is ahead after navigating a tricky group stage. Midfielder Annamaria Serturini expressed the team's desire "to continue dreaming." The winner will face either Sweden or England in the semifinals. England meets Sweden in Zurich on Thursday, July 17th. England recovered from an opening defeat to win their next two Group D games emphatically, scoring ten goals combined, showcasing the attacking prowess of Lauren James, Ella Toone, and Georgia Stanway. They face Sweden, whom they defeated 4-0 at the same stage during their Euro 2022 triumph.
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Why 2 Arsenal players didn’t join Spain training camp
Arsenal have returned from a warm-weather training camp in Spain and will spend time at their London Colney base before traveling to Singapore. However, Declan Rice and Fabio Vieira did not participate in the camp, while goalkeeper David Raya joined the sessions late. Rice's absence is attributed to following an individualized training plan, with reports indicating no concern over his non-participation. Meanwhile, Raya's delayed arrival resulted from an extended summer break that included his wedding and honeymoon this month, though he resumed training with the team in Spain over the weekend. Vieira missed the camp due to prior involvement in the Club World Cup with loan club FC Porto, which concluded on June 24th. His mandatory three-week break means he could return as early as July 15th. He is expected to be available for Arsenal's preseason tour of Asia and will train with the squad while his long-term future is resolved.
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Palazzalo Sees Jalen Ramsey As Steelers' Potential Secret Weapon To Slow Lamar Jackson
Analyst Steve Palazzolo suggested the Pittsburgh Steelers could utilize defensive back Jalen Ramsey as a "secret weapon" against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens, specifically proposing a hybrid nickel linebacker role. Palazzolo praised Ramsey's exceptional ability in "away from the ball" play, highlighting his skills in blowing up screens and making impactful plays even when not targeted, citing his statistics of 19 tackles for loss and 50 passes defensed over the past four seasons. The Steelers recognize a significant challenge in facing the Ravens, admitting they had "a Baltimore problem" last year after being dominated, particularly in the playoffs. While historically competitive against Jackson, their effectiveness has diminished. Palazzolo argued that Ramsey's toolkit, especially his tackling ability from the cornerback position – an area where the Steelers could improve – would be extremely valuable in slowing down Jackson and the Ravens' offense. This need is underscored by Jackson's efficient performances against Pittsburgh last season, including throwing five touchdown passes across two games (regular season and playoffs) with minimal pass attempts. However, the Steelers' actual plans for deploying Ramsey remain unclear. It is unknown if they currently have a defined role for him, with the expectation that head coach Mike Tomlin will emphasize flexibility based on Ramsey's play. The article notes that acquiring Ramsey represents an unusual move for the Steelers, driven by the critical need to beat the Ravens to win the AFC North, but also expresses hope that this pressure hasn't led to moves without a clear vision.
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Done Deal – Argentina Star To Join Genoa On Loan From Inter Milan
Attacking midfielder Valentin Carboni will join Genoa on loan from Inter Milan for the upcoming season. The agreement, a dry loan with no purchase option, has been reached between the clubs. Genoa will also receive a bonus payment potentially reaching €1 million, contingent on Carboni's playing time. Carboni, currently part of Inter's senior squad, had his previous loan spell at Marseille cut short last season due to an ACL injury suffered in the autumn. He spent much of the season recovering from that injury. Following his recovery, Carboni traveled with Inter to the Club World Cup this summer, where he featured and notably scored a stoppage-time winner against Urawa Red Diamonds. Inter's priority this summer was finding Carboni a club where he could secure regular playing time. Genoa emerged as the destination, with their coach Patrick Vieira being a strong admirer of the 20-year-old Argentine. Vieira believes Carboni possesses the quality needed to enhance Genoa's attack. Consequently, Genoa pushed for the loan deal, culminating in the agreement with Inter for a season-long dry loan without an option to buy.
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Jalen Hurts ranked as 9th-best quarterback in NFL by executives, coaches and scouts
ESPN conducted a poll surveying NFL executives, scouts, and coaches to rank the top 10 quarterbacks, placing Philadelphia Eagles' Jalen Hurts ninth—an improvement from last year's honorable mention. Some voters ranked him as high as sixth, while others excluded him entirely. The debate centers on whether Hurts can ascend into the top five despite concerns about his pocket-passing abilities, with comparisons drawn to Russell Wilson's career trajectory requiring strong run support. Hurts ranked below Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes (the consensus top four), Jared Goff, Justin Herbert, Matthew Stafford, and rookie Jayden Daniels. Goff and Herbert's higher placements sparked controversy given their playoff struggles, contrasting with Hurts' Super Bowl MVP credentials. Critics argue Hurts benefits from Philadelphia's elite supporting cast, including receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, a top-tier offensive line, and star running back Saquon Barkley—factors potentially limiting his ranking. Despite roster advantages, Hurts demonstrated elite capability in critical 2024 postseason games, delivering career-best performances against the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship and the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl. His regular-season inconsistency—marked by hesitant play and fluctuating passing rhythm—reportedly hindered a higher ranking. Since becoming the Eagles' starter, Hurts maintains a 46-20 record and finished second in 2022 MVP voting behind Mahomes, underscoring his winning impact when performances peak.
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Ex-NFL Vet Picks Side in Viral Jalen Hurts vs Cam Newton Debate
During the NFL offseason, a viral debate has emerged comparing Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and former Carolina Panthers star Cam Newton. Former NFL linebacker Will Compton has publicly favored Newton over Hurts, stating, "I think it's Cam Newton," while acknowledging both players' greatness. Compton emphasized Newton's unique impact, explaining that opposing teams had to build entire game plans around stopping him during his Panthers tenure. Newton combined rare physical attributes—possessing both the speed to evade defenders and the strength of a fullback—while also demonstrating consistent passing ability. Over his first eight seasons, he threw for over 3,000 yards annually, averaged 23 passing touchdowns per season, earned three Pro Bowl selections, and won the 2015 MVP award with 45 total touchdowns. The core of Compton's argument centers on Newton's singular importance to the Panthers, contrasting it with Hurts' situation in Philadelphia: "The entire pulse, the entire game plan was around Cam Newton," Compton noted, suggesting the Eagles have surrounded Hurts with more elite supporting talent than Newton had in Carolina. Despite his preference, Compton clarified he holds no disrespect for Hurts, calling him "a stud" and "great player." Hurts nearly won MVP in 2022 with 22 passing touchdowns, 13 rushing touchdowns, and 760 rushing yards, and ultimately led the Eagles to a Super Bowl victory in 2024, earning Super Bowl MVP honors—an achievement Newton never attained. Compton maintains Newton currently holds the edge in the comparison, though he acknowledged Hurts' championship pedigree and potential to shift opinions with more career longevity.
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Betis make their stance clear on possibility of signing Real Madrid midfielder
Real Betis have established clear conditions for potentially re-signing Dani Ceballos from Real Madrid. According to reports, the La Liga club would only consider the transfer if Real Madrid agrees to release the midfielder on a free transfer. Additionally, Betis would require Ceballos to accept a significant pay cut of nearly 50% to align with their existing wage structure. Ceballos, a product of Betis's youth system, has publicly stated his desire to return to his boyhood club. He has found playing time limited under manager Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid and is eager to revive his career in Seville. However, Betis are determined to avoid creating unrealistic expectations, as they have in past transfer windows, and their board has been direct about not engaging in complex negotiations or making financial sacrifices that could disrupt their plans. Currently, signing Ceballos is not a top priority for Betis. The club's sporting directors are primarily focused on finding replacements for midfielders William Carvalho and Johnny Cardoso, both of whom are expected to depart soon. While these exits will free up squad space and reduce the wage bill, Betis intend to maintain a simple and realistic transfer strategy. Dani Ceballos remains under contract with Real Madrid until 2027. Although he has openly expressed his dream of returning to Betis, the final outcome of any potential move depends on factors beyond his personal wishes, including the agreement between the clubs and the financial terms.
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Mamardashvili outlines mission to follow Alisson and claim No.1 spot
Giorgi Mamardashvili, Liverpool's new goalkeeper signing from Valencia, has declared his ambition to become an iconic goalkeeper at Anfield, not merely make up the numbers. In his first interview via liverpoolfc.com, the 24-year-old acknowledged the club's rich goalkeeping history featuring names like Alisson, Clemence, Lawrence, and Scott, stating he wants to "write my own chapter here." He views this legacy not as pressure but as motivation to work hard and be part of it. Mamardashvili is expected to start as the No. 2 behind Alisson Becker. His signing is part of significant changes in Liverpool's goalkeeping department this summer, following Caoimhin Kelleher's departure to Brentford and Vitezslav Jaros' loan to Ajax. The club also brought in Freddie Woodman and Armin Pecsi, aiming to secure the long-term future behind Alisson, whose contract expires in 2027. Despite Alisson's status, Mamardashvili expressed clear ambitions to compete, stating, "Every player wants to play. I will fight, I will give everything every day in training and be ready when the team needs me." While former keeper Sander Westerveld backs Alisson to retain the No. 1 spot, he acknowledged Mamardashvili must earn his place. The Georgian keeper, who played 37 La Liga matches last season and brings Champions League experience, arrived on Merseyside on July 2nd. His official announcement was delayed by events at the club, but he has already made his first appearance against Preston. His desire to follow Anfield greats is seen as an encouraging sign as Liverpool builds on their Premier League-winning season under Arne Slot.
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Lawrence Raves About Swinney
Trevor Lawrence, entering his fifth season with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025 under his third head coach (Liam Coen), recently reflected on his college coach, Clemson's Dabo Swinney, during an interview on "Pardon My Take." Lawrence played for Swinney from 2018 to 2020, winning three ACC Championships, making three College Football Playoff appearances, and securing the 2018 national title. Lawrence expressed deep admiration for Swinney, describing him as authentic and unfazed by criticism. He emphasized Swinney's genuine personality, stating, "He doesn’t put on a fake personality," and recalled how Swinney remained honest in the media despite backlash. Lawrence highlighted Swinney’s motivational skills over technical expertise, noting that lengthy team meetings held players' attention because Swinney instilled unwavering confidence, making the team believe "we’re gonna kill these dudes" regardless of opponents. Lawrence also praised Swinney’s recruiting prowess, attributing it to his ability to sell Clemson’s family atmosphere—a promise Lawrence confirmed was fulfilled. He called Swinney "a stud" and maintains monthly contact with him. Under Swinney, Lawrence became Clemson’s winningest quarterback (34-2 record), a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2020, and set program records for career winning percentage (.944), pass efficiency rating (164.3), yards per passing attempt (8.87), and wins against Top 25 teams (nine).
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Cristiano Ronaldo posts instant reaction to Jorge Jesus' appointment as Al-Nassr's new manager
Cristiano Ronaldo has publicly reacted to Jorge Jesus being appointed as the new manager of Al-Nassr, welcoming another Portuguese coach to the Saudi Pro League club. Ronaldo previously worked with compatriot Luis Castro, who managed the team for over a year in the 2023-24 season, following Italian manager Stefano Pioli's departure after a trophy-less spell. Ronaldo's time at Al-Nassr has yielded only one major title so far, the Arab Champions Cup, despite his high-profile move. He recently committed to a new two-year contract with the club, ending speculation about his future, and is determined to pursue more trophies in the 2025-26 season. His social media welcome to Jesus reflects this ambition. Jesus brings experience from Saudi Arabia, having previously managed rivals Al-Hilal to league titles, King's Cup success, and two Saudi Super Cup victories. The 70-year-old signed a one-year deal with Al-Nassr, acknowledging that Ronaldo's personal invitation played a key role in his decision to join the club. In his comments, Jesus emphasized his motivation to help Al-Nassr win titles, stating that without Ronaldo's invitation, he wouldn't have taken the role. He noted that Ronaldo, despite his illustrious career, has yet to win silverware in Saudi Arabia and expressed a desire to assist him in achieving that goal. Ronaldo's new contract will extend beyond his 42nd birthday, and he continues to perform at a high level, securing back-to-back Golden Boots in the Saudi Pro League. However, the news highlights that he requires additional support both on and off the field to satisfy his pursuit of more trophies.
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Erling Haaland and girlfriend attend star-studded Dolce & Gabbana show
Manchester City forward Erling Haaland attended the Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda fashion show at Foro Romano in Rome on Monday with his girlfriend, Isabel Haugseng Johansen. Haaland wore a tailored white two-piece suit layered over a crisp white shirt, paired with brown suede loafers and black sunglasses. Johansen wore a nude sheer wrap dress layered over gold shorts and a matching bra. The couple arrived hand in hand at the event, where Haaland was seen raising his left hand in greeting. Actor Christian Bale was also in attendance. Haaland, who has been a Dolce & Gabbana ambassador since 2023 under an endorsement deal reportedly worth up to £2 million, attended the show during his summer break, days after being pictured on holiday with Johansen in Ibiza.
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PSG's Dembélé is the front-runner to win the Ballon d'Or -- but who actually deserves it?
Don Hutchison expresses skepticism that Chelsea's Club World Cup victory will translate into Premier League success. Meanwhile, Ousmane Dembélé is presented as the overwhelming favorite to win the Ballon d'Or. His case is built on strong individual statistics (21 goals, 6 assists in Ligue 1; 8 goals, 6 assists in the Champions League) and team success, with PSG winning Ligue 1 by 19 points and the Champions League. A key narrative is PSG's transformation into the world's best team aligning directly with Dembélé's move to center forward and exceptional performances in 2025. While Chelsea's 3-0 win over PSG in the Club World Cup final is noted, it's suggested this result is unlikely to sway voters significantly away from Dembélé towards someone like Cole Palmer, despite Palmer's quality exceeding past Ballon d'Or finalists Jorginho and Dani Carvajal. Dembélé remains the major favorite. The article then shifts to the question of who *should* win based on the best performance over the official Ballon d'Or judgment period (August 2024 to July 2025). It highlights PSG's dramatic turnaround in the Champions League after a poor start (only 1 win in their first 5 games). From December 1st onwards, PSG won 10 of 12 European games, scoring 35 goals. This run included a pivotal round of 16 tie against Liverpool. The second leg at Anfield, a tense 1-0 win for PSG decided by a penalty shootout, is identified as the crucial turning point for Dembélé's Ballon d'Or narrative. The article argues that had Jarell Quansah's header gone in for Liverpool, or had the shootout gone differently, PSG would have been eliminated, there would be no Dembélé redemption story, and no PSG player would be considered a serious contender. It emphasizes that Dembélé's Ballon d'Or buzz only began after this match. Finally, the article proposes the European Sports Media (ESM) Team of the Month, voted on by journalists across Europe since 1995, as a more reliable indicator of consistent season-long performance than the often trophy-skewed Ballon d'Or vote. It cites Lionel Messi's 88 appearances on the ESM team and Cristiano Ronaldo's 51 as examples of its historical record.
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Real Madrid star’s 250-day metamorphosis: is he now the team’s MVP?
In just 250 days, Aurélien Tchouaméni has undergone a remarkable transformation from a jeered player to a vital tactical piece for Xabi Alonso. On November 5, 2024, he endured a nightmare performance for Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu, being booed off the pitch at halftime after costly mistakes against Milan. This marked a low point, with intense criticism following him for weeks. The turning point arrived on January 16 in a Copa del Rey match against Celta. Despite whistles when his name was announced, Tchouaméni delivered an outstanding performance, signaling the start of his resurgence. His recovery began step by step from this point onward. Today, Tchouaméni is indispensable in Xabi Alonso's system. He operates as a pivot and a third center-back alongside Huijsen, a complex and demanding role that allows Alonso to implement a three-center-back formation. Tchouaméni has excelled, becoming a "compass" for the team and consistently performing well, even standing out during difficult team performances like the loss to PSG, where he led in passes completed (36) and was second in ball recoveries (5). His pass accuracy in this role is nearly 98%. Within the club, Tchouaméni is now viewed as irreplaceable due to a lack of natural backup. Güler is learning the number 6 role, Valverde has filled in unconvincingly, and Camavinga appears better suited to an interior position than Tchouaméni's specific pivot/third center-back role. The club's failure to sign Zubimendi further underscores Tchouaméni's essential status. This dramatic shift, from being a targeted player seemingly at rock bottom 250 days ago to becoming an undisputed starter and tactical cornerstone, highlights his extraordinary turnaround.
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Revealed: How much Bayern and Borussia Dortmund earned at the Club World Cup
The FIFA Club World Cup concluded with Chelsea defeating Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the final. Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, both representing Germany, reached the tournament's quarter-finals. Financial figures released by Swiss Ramble reveal Bayern Munich earned €50 million for its participation, ranking as the fifth-highest earning club. The clubs earning more than Bayern were Fluminense, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea. Borussia Dortmund earned €45 million from the tournament, placing it sixth overall in earnings, just behind Bayern Munich.
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Bayern Munich look to raid Arsenal for Luis Diaz alternative as new Harry Kane partner
Bayern Munich are targeting Liverpool winger Luis Diaz as their top transfer priority to strengthen their left wing, but face significant obstacles as Liverpool have firmly indicated he is not for sale and will not entertain negotiations. Should they fail to acquire Diaz, Bayern have identified Arsenal forward Leandro Trossard as an alternative candidate, according to reports from BILD. Trossard's recent switch to German agent Dirk Hebel in July is viewed as a potential advantage in facilitating any move. Trossard, primarily a left winger, demonstrated versatility at Arsenal last season by frequently leading the attack, contributing 10 goals and 10 assists across 56 appearances in all competitions. Notably, 19 of these appearances were as a substitute. With Trossard's contract expiring in June 2025, Arsenal may consider selling him now to avoid losing him at a reduced fee in January or for free next summer. The 30-year-old joined Arsenal from Brighton in January 2023 and made an immediate impact, providing 10 assists in his first six months despite scoring just once.
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49ers RB Christian McCaffrey Welcomes First Child With Former Miss Universe, Olivia Culpo
San Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey and model Olivia Culpo announced the birth of their first child, a daughter named Colette Annalise McCaffrey, in a joint Instagram post on Sunday. The announcement comes a week before McCaffrey reports to training camp and eight weeks before the NFL season starts. The couple, who married in 2024, shared a photo introducing their daughter to the football community. They had previously announced in March that Culpo, a former Miss Universe, was expecting, with Culpo stating "Next chapter: motherhood" at the time. In her social media posts on Sunday, Culpo shared hospital photos with McCaffrey. She expressed that Colette is "so lucky to have the best daddy in the world" and described motherhood as "the scariest and most rewarding experience," noting she felt "complete peace" when McCaffrey entered the room. The news comes as McCaffrey, 29, is recovering from a PCL tear suffered early in the 2024 season, which limited him. Despite injury concerns, he remains a top-ranked running back and recently signed a two-year, $38 million extension with the 49ers, keeping him with the team through the 2027 season.
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Wolves eye 'remarkable' £10m Premier League winger as potential Matheus Cunha replacement
Wolverhampton Wanderers have made only one signing so far in the transfer window, Fer Lopez from Celta Vigo for £19.5 million. This lack of further new players is causing slight concern among fans, especially as pre-season has started and potential recruits are missing valuable preparation time. Despite acknowledging the need for a summer rebuild, the club's level of incoming activity has been disappointing thus far. However, there is a report suggesting Wolves are closing in on a couple of deals, offering hope for imminent good news. Wolves are reportedly showing interest in Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi as a potential new signing. The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at Sheffield United, scoring seven goals in 35 appearances. He is said to be on Wolves' shortlist to replace Matheus Cunha, who joined Manchester United at the start of the window. Rak-Sakyi is reportedly available for £10 million, with Rangers also interested but potentially deterred by the price. Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has previously praised Rak-Sakyi's maturity and believes he has a big future. While Rak-Sakyi is considered an exciting talent and an England U21 international, the report cautions that he should not be viewed as a direct replacement for Cunha. Cunha was a proven performer who regularly contributed goals and assists. His replacement, it is argued, should ideally be of a similar age and level of experience, rather than a 22-year-old with limited Premier League minutes (212 minutes).
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Alejandro Garnacho rejects chance to join Cristiano Ronaldo at Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr - Paper Talk
Alejandro Garnacho has turned down a potential transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, rejecting the opportunity to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. Bayern Munich are targeting Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard as they look to bolster their attacking options during the summer transfer window. Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic is set to reject a move to Manchester United and instead favours joining AC Milan. Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has stated his determination not to let speculation surrounding his future at the club become a distraction. Bournemouth are attempting to offload Brazilian goalkeeper Neto but face difficulties due to his high salary demands. West Ham United hold an interest in signing Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott.
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Former NFL Star Makes Unexpected Decision After Viral Clip
Former Washington Commanders running back Adrian Peterson is officially set to participate in a celebrity boxing match against Joe Castaneda, the same individual he was involved in a physical altercation with at a Houston poker game back in May. The initial fight, captured on video, went viral after Peterson was identified. According to TMZ Sports, Peterson has signed on for the boxing bout and is reportedly "taking it seriously," with Castaneda also agreeing to compete. The report clarifies that while both men are serious about the fight, it is purely a competition and there is no lingering animosity between them following the resolution of their issues from the poker game incident. Peterson, 40, retired from the NFL not long after his time with Washington. Following his stint with Washington, he played 16 games for the Detroit Lions in 2020, rushing for over 600 yards on 156 carries. His final NFL season in 2021 saw brief appearances with the Tennessee Titans (3 games, 27 carries) and the Seattle Seahawks. Before joining Washington in 2018, Peterson's career appeared to be declining. After rushing for 1,485 yards with the Minnesota Vikings in 2015, a knee injury limited him to just 3 games and 72 yards in 2016. In 2017, he played four games for the New Orleans Saints before being traded to the Arizona Cardinals, where he rushed for 448 yards and two touchdowns over six games. Signing with Washington in 2018 revitalized Peterson. He rushed for 1,042 yards and seven touchdowns in 16 games that season. He re-signed in 2019, appearing in 15 games and producing 898 yards with five touchdowns. Although his time with Washington was relatively short, it was impactful. He retired with nearly 15,000 career rushing yards and exactly 120 touchdowns. Peterson is now focusing on this upcoming boxing match. It remains unclear if he will pursue more fights after this, but he is reportedly looking forward to competing again.
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Has run to Club World Cup final been worth it for Chelsea?
Chelsea will receive over 10% of the $1 billion Club World Cup prize fund regardless of the final result against Paris St-Germain, a significant financial boost after their summer spending. The tournament offers more than just money for manager Enzo Maresca's team. It represents a chance to win a second trophy following their June Conference League victory, potentially silencing critics of the club's strategy of signing young players on long contracts. It also provides an opportunity to claim the title of world champions until the next tournament in 2029. Reaching the final involved significant effort amidst challenges. Chelsea had a shorter pre-season before the Premier League begins on August 16th and had to contend with potential injuries. Their non-international players had a 10-day break after the Conference League final, while others joined the squad just a week after international duty. Extensive travel across the United States was required: training at Cobham, a match in Atlanta, basing in Philadelphia for the group stage, moving to Miami, and finally settling in New York for the semi-final and final. The intense heat encountered everywhere impacted their training capabilities. Managing player happiness presented another challenge. Manager Maresca afforded players significant freedom to enjoy downtime in US cities while demanding professionalism. Crucially, players were allowed to meet friends and family, especially from the knockout stages, which helped maintain morale. The club also brought in Football Association staff to organize the camps, including arranging entertainment and accommodation for players' families.
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