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Liverpool is considering Federico Chiesa as a potential striker option for the upcoming season, despite his limited impact following his move from Juventus last summer. Chiesa featured in only two competitive matches, primarily playing on the wing, but was deployed centrally in one game against Brighton. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, manager Arne Slot wants "two strong options in each position," and while Liverpool has depth on the flanks, they lack an established first-choice central striker. Chiesa is now viewed as a possible solution in that role amid uncertainty over Darwin Nunez's future. Reports of Nunez's potential transfer to Napoli collapsed due to a significant valuation gap, with Liverpool demanding around $70 million and Napoli unwilling to meet that price. Liverpool also rejected a January bid of $87 million from Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, explicitly stating Nunez was not for sale at any price during that window. However, the club has now reversed this stance and is actively seeking to sell Nunez as they pursue Newcastle's Alexander Isak as his replacement.
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Liverpool are considering a move for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford during the current summer transfer window. The club has also identified a shortlist of striker targets and made enquiries regarding Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, Brentford's Yoane Wissa, Napoli's Victor Osimhen, and Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike. Additionally, Liverpool are reportedly aware of the possibility that Real Madrid might sell winger Rodrygo this summer and are monitoring the situation. Separately, Aston Villa are keeping an eye on the situation of Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho, indicating potential interest in the player.
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The 2025 men's EAFF E-1 Football Championship final will be contested between South Korea and Japan on Tuesday, July 15th. South Korea aims to reclaim the title they lost to Japan in 2022 and secure a record sixth championship, while Japan seeks consecutive titles for the first time. The decisive match, referred to as the 'Han-Il Jeon', takes place at Yongin Mireu Stadium in Yongin, kicking off at 7:24 PM KST. This is the first competitive meeting between the rivals since the 2022 final. As hosts, South Korea faces pressure but may have a psychological edge following their 3-0 victory over Japan in 2022 and strong performances in their opening matches. South Korea enters the final in impressive form, having not conceded a single goal in the tournament. They secured a 3-0 win against China and followed it with a 2-0 victory over Hong Kong, despite fielding a heavily rotated starting lineup.
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Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus has officially signed a one-year contract to manage Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr. This move marks his return to Riyadh, coming two months after he left rival club Al-Hilal. Jesus replaces Stefano Pioli as Al-Nassr's coach. His previous season with Al-Hilal was highly successful, resulting in a domestic treble and a run to the AFC Champions League semi-finals, where they were defeated by Al-Ahli before his May departure. Al-Nassr announced the signing on X (formerly Twitter), stating the appointment aims to revitalize their coaching staff. The club, reigning nine-time Saudi champions, also recently extended Cristiano Ronaldo's contract.
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A record 197 nominees have been announced for the 2025 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®, marking the highest number in the award's 34-year history. The honor recognizes college football student-athletes and head coaches across all levels for their commitment to community service and leadership beyond the sport. Sam Acho, an ESPN analyst, former NFL player, and 2010 Good Works Team member, praised the nominees, stating they are "standing out" and creating lasting change through their commitment to service, inspiring the next generation. This year's nominees are tackling diverse community issues, including youth mentorship, mental wellness, homelessness, and health care access. Allstate is partnering with the Wuerffel Foundation for the second year to align the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team with the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy. This collaboration recognizes student-athletes who demonstrate excellence in community service, academics, and athletics. Danny Wuerffel, the namesake of the Wuerffel Trophy, highlighted the impact, noting that the service of nearly 200 young athletes creates a "ripple effect far beyond the game" and their community leadership is as worthy of recognition as their athletic performance. The final roster of 23 award recipients will be announced in September. It will consist of 11 players from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), 11 players from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), Divisions II, III, and the NAIA, plus one head coach. A voting panel of former Good Works Team members, head coaches, and journalists will select the team based on outstanding leadership on and off the field. The article concludes by stating the full list of 2025 nominees is available, starting alphabetically by college with the Football Bowl Subdivision (D-1).
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Three notable underdog schools in NCAA basketball history—Saint Peter's, Fairleigh Dickinson, and Maryland-Baltimore County (UMBC)—have declined to participate in college sports' new revenue-sharing model stemming from the House settlement. While all members of the Power Five conferences (ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, SEC) and many other Division I schools opted in by the June 30 deadline, these schools chose not to. Saint Peter's, which reached the 2022 men's Elite Eight as a No. 15 seed, opted out. Fellow Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference members Iona and Manhattan also did not opt in. Similarly, UMBC and Fairleigh Dickinson, the only two men's basketball teams to achieve a 16-over-1 tournament upset, opted out. The entire Northeast Conference (FDU's league), except for Long Island University, opted out. Multiple reasons were cited for opting out. Idaho's athletic director explicitly stated the high cost was prohibitive, leading Idaho and several other Big Sky Conference schools to decline. Additional concerns include Title IX implications, scholarship limitations, and roster restrictions, with Central Arkansas' athletic director highlighting roster limits as a primary factor in their decision. Despite the opt-outs, participation is widespread. All Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) leagues have full participation, except the military academies (Navy, Air Force, Army), which are prevented by military rules from compensating athletes via NIL. Furthermore, several other conferences saw all their full members opt in, including the Atlantic 10, Big East, Coastal Athletic, Horizon, Missouri Valley, Southwestern Athletic, Western Athletic, and West Coast. The Big West had full participation except for Cal Poly and UC Davis, whose football teams play in the Big Sky.
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Contrary to expectations of a collapse following their heavy 4-0 loss to PSG in the Club World Cup round of 16, Inter Miami has rebounded strongly. Despite appearing exhausted and picking up injuries during the CWC, which highlighted MLS's struggles internationally, the narrative of an impending difficult period disintegrated within two weeks. Instead of collapsing, Miami has performed excellently, reinvigorated by becoming the first MLS club to beat a European team in competitive competition. Lionel Messi has been central to this resurgence, scoring twice in each of his last five league appearances, tying an MLS record for consecutive multi-goal games. He has the opportunity to break the record by scoring twice in the next match against Cincinnati. Beyond Messi, Miami has improved as a whole team, becoming better balanced, more structured, and defensively steadier. This overall strength, combined with Messi's form, makes them difficult to beat. Manager Javier Mascherano is credited for implementing tactical tweaks that have successfully prevented a post-Club World Cup hangover.
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Kalvin Phillips' permanent departure from Manchester City is delayed until he recovers from an Achilles injury sustained during surgery at the end of May, with his return not expected until August. His exit, however, is considered a near certainty in the coming weeks. Phillips has struggled to establish himself at City since joining from Leeds United in 2022, failing to secure consistent playing time amid strong competition, notably from Rodri, compounded by injuries and form issues. Loan spells at West Ham United in the latter part of the 2023/24 season and more recently at Ipswich Town failed to reignite his best form or suggest a future at City. With Manchester City's squad evolving and new midfield additions arriving this summer, Phillips' pathway to the first team has further narrowed. The player himself is understood to be pushing for a permanent move away, and the club will not stand in his way following his underwhelming loan spells. Several Premier League clubs, particularly those lower down the table or newly promoted, are expected to be interested, valuing his experience, ball-winning ability, leadership, and proven quality from his time at Leeds. For Manchester City, a permanent sale would represent a clean break, facilitate squad adjustment by opening opportunities for emerging talents, and clear significant salary space.
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Everton and Accrington Stanley (ASFC) played a pre-season friendly. Everton started with: J. Pickford; A. Young, J. O'Brien, M. Keane, V. Mykolenko; J. Garner, I. Gueye; J. Harrison, C. Alcaraz, I. Ndiaye; Beto. During the match, Everton made substitutions: O'Brien, Tamen, and Beto came on for Branthwaite, Mykolenko, and Garner. Accrington Stanley made multiple changes: Kelly, Sass, Coyle, Papoola, Brown, Walton, Smith, and Tunstall replaced Wright, Grant, Rawson, Whalley, Sinclair, Caton, Martin, and J. Woods. The home side (Accrington Stanley) started stronger with an unconverted early chance. As the first half progressed, the visitors (Everton) created clearer opportunities but lacked effectiveness, resulting in a dull first half. The Accrington Stanley goalkeeper made several good saves during the match. Beto scored an equalizer for Everton ("the Toffees"). Live updates and pre-match analysis were provided by Gianluca Pantano on VAVEL.
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Manchester United and manager Ruben Amorim face missing out on striker target Viktor Gyokeres, with reports indicating the Swedish international is now expected to join Arsenal. Gyokeres, 27, desires to leave Sporting CP this summer, attracting interest from both United and Arsenal. He has an £85m (€100m) release clause at Sporting, but Arsenal are reportedly close to securing a deal worth around £63.5m (€73.5m). Consequently, Manchester United must pursue alternative options. One such alternative is Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, 25, who has also been linked with AC Milan. Vlahovic's contract with Juventus expires in 2026, and the club is reportedly keen to sell him this summer. He scored 17 goals and provided 5 assists in 44 appearances last season, with Juventus open to offers as low as £20m; however, Vlahovic is reportedly negotiating for a compensation fee. United have suffered a "significant setback" in their pursuit of Vlahovic. According to reports, the Serbian striker is set to reject a move to Old Trafford and instead join AC Milan, reuniting with his former Juventus manager, Massimiliano Allegri.
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Buffalo Bills quarterback and NFL MVP Josh Allen has partnered with supplements brand Natrol to promote their Sleep & Restore line of products, including calming drink mixes, gummies, and capsules designed to improve sleep. Allen stars in a new commercial illustrating how restorative sleep enables peak performance in demanding situations. Allen personally tested Natrol's melatonin gummies during a flight with his now-wife Hailee Steinfeld. Skeptical of partnerships but struggling to sleep on planes due to his height, he tried the product and slept soundly for approximately 10 hours, leading him to enthusiastically endorse the brand. He called his agent immediately after the flight to initiate the partnership. Allen states this partnership has made him prioritize sleep as a key component of his preparation for the upcoming season, believing it will unlock the next level in his game. He contrasts this focus on a "sleep journey" with last year's emphasis on diet, aiming to wake up feeling refreshed and restored for optimal performance. Allen emphasizes his genuine belief in Natrol, contrasting it with brands he rejects despite lucrative offers. He connects better sleep directly to on-field performance and leadership, explaining that taking the supplements helps him wake up refreshed without excessive caffeine, puts him in a better mood, and makes him genuinely excited to interact with teammates and practice, especially important for morning training camp sessions. Beyond supplements, Allen shared his sleep must-haves: an extremely cold room (he turns dorm AC units as low as possible during training camp), a softer pillow, and an additional pillow to hug as a side sleeper to prevent his shoulders from collapsing.
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Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz during the upcoming summer transfer window. According to Football Insider, Manchester United will face competition for the Brazilian international from Premier League rivals Everton. However, Everton's approach differs as they are seeking to secure the player on a loan deal and are not prepared to commit to a permanent transfer.
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Ethan Nwaneri has decided to reject interest from other clubs, including Borussia Dortmund, and is set to sign a new contract with Arsenal. This comes after weeks of speculation about his future, with only one year left on his previous deal and reported hesitation due to concerns over securing sufficient first-team playing time. Borussia Dortmund had specifically targeted Nwaneri, offering a long-term midfield prospect role and a tailored development plan similar to the one that helped Jude Bellingham succeed. Their model promised significant game time and a central role, an offer many young talents would find hard to refuse. Despite this enticing alternative and the recent arrivals strengthening Arsenal's attack (like Noni Madueke and the potential signing of Eberechi Eze), Nwaneri has chosen to stay at his boyhood club. His decision signals a strong belief in his ability to earn a long-term role and compete for a starting spot within Mikel Arteta's squad. The 18-year-old forward already has significant experience for his age, making 26 Premier League appearances (4 goals, 2 assists) and featuring in 7 Champions League matches (2 goals). His new contract represents the next step in his development at Arsenal, where he could potentially become a deputy for Martin Ødegaard.
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The Athletic's Full Time newsletter provides a recap of recent women's soccer tournaments. Key events include the conclusion of group stages for the UEFA Women's Euros and the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, which have now determined their quarterfinal matchups. Additionally, the Copa América Femenina has commenced, highlighted by Uruguayan player Belén Aquino scoring the tournament's first goal for her team. Brazilian legend Marta featured in a recent match but was substituted in the 74th minute for 20-year-old Dudinha, signaling a potential generational shift. Marta acknowledged she is weighing her career continuation against a "very strong desire to become a mother," which may prevent her participation in the 2027 World Cup in Brazil when she would be 41. While calling the decision premature, she emphasized her current focus on leading Brazil to another Copa América title. The newsletter also notes that Delphine Cascarino's standout performance for France was unsurprising to viewers familiar with her recent form in the NWSL, particularly with the San Diego Wave.
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Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho, with Aston Villa and Bayern Munich also keen on the Argentine. Additionally, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are monitoring the situation of Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, who is also a target for Barcelona. Should Liverpool sell Luis Díaz, they are claimed to be preparing a €130 million bid for Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior. Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović would reportedly prefer a move to AC Milan to reunite with former manager Massimiliano Allegri over Manchester United if he leaves Turin. Liverpool officials have met with Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta over a potential transfer, with Manchester United also chasing the Frenchman. Bayern Munich are reportedly ready to pay €100 million to sign Chelsea duo Christopher Nkunku and Malo Gusto. Brentford are unlikely to sell both Bryan Mbeumo (a Manchester United target) and Yoane Wissa (of interest to Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, and Tottenham) this summer. Arsenal will not entertain a departure for Jakub Kiwior despite signing Cristhian Mosquera. Nottingham Forest are working hard to convince Manchester City midfielder James McAtee to join them amidst Bundesliga interest; Everton, Fulham, and West Ham are also interested. Real Madrid have been tracking Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer, but Chelsea are not prepared to discuss his departure. AC Milan, having bid farewell to Theo Hernández, are chasing Real Madrid left-back Fran García, valued at around €18 million. Chelsea reportedly offered Barcelona a swap deal involving Christopher Nkunku and Fermín López, but Hansi Flick rejected it, although Barcelona may still consider Nkunku an option. Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman is reportedly interested in joining Barcelona, with Arsenal, Atlético Madrid, and Napoli also keen on the Nigerian. Giovanni Reyna is expected to leave Borussia Dortmund this summer, with a likely move to Major League Soccer and Los Angeles FC as the leading contender.
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Jurgen Klopp, the former Liverpool manager, has expressed his support for Liverpool's signing of German star Florian Wirtz but emphasized that the player's success hinges on resolving one major uncertainty. Klopp stated that Wirtz's time at the club will be defined by the answer to the question of where he will fit into the team's system. Wirtz completed a £100 million transfer from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool in June, signing a five-year contract that could potentially rise to £116 million with add-ons. Despite other new signings featuring in Liverpool's first pre-season match against Preston, a 3-1 win, Wirtz was excluded from the squad. This omission was confirmed as part of a deliberate fitness management strategy. The core issue, as highlighted by Klopp, revolves around where manager Arne Slot intends to deploy Wirtz. Klopp explicitly questioned, "where will Wirtz fit in?" and noted, "Yes (he will establish himself), although of course I don't know exactly which position Arne has in mind for Florian." Slot faces a decision on Wirtz's role, with multiple tactical options available including playing him as an attacking midfielder, a false nine, a winger, or in a deeper midfield position.
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Newcastle United's Women's Super League 2 (WSL 2) team has signed midfielder Jordan Nobbs, the record holder for the most appearances in the Women's Super League. Nobbs brings extensive experience from the top tier of English women's football, having played 15 seasons and accumulated 208 WSL appearances during her time at Arsenal and Aston Villa. Upon joining Newcastle, Nobbs expressed her motivation, stating the club's ambition aligns with her own: she sees Newcastle as a "very ambitious club" aiming for promotion and to advance women's football in the north east. Nobbs emphasized her "winning mentality," noting the team shares this approach, treating every game "like a cup final," and she desires to be part of a "successful club that push[es] to the next level." Her career includes 13 years at Arsenal, where she won 12 trophies, including three WSL titles and four FA Cups, before moving to Aston Villa in January 2023. Nobbs also has significant international experience, earning 71 caps for England, with her latest call-up occurring in 2023. Newcastle United Women finished fifth in WSL 2 during the 2024-25 season, following their promotion from the third tier.
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Juventus announced the appointment of François Modesto as the club's new Technical Director, effective Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Modesto will report directly to General Manager Damien Comolli. Born in Bastia and turning 47 in August 2025, Modesto transitioned to management after a nearly 20-year playing career (1997-2016). He has held senior roles in Greece, England, and Italy, gaining significant experience in Italian football both on and off the pitch. His management career began in 2016 as Sporting Director and Head of Scouting at Olympiacos, where he won three league titles and a national cup. He then served as Director of Football at Nottingham Forest from 2019, achieving promotion to the Premier League after 23 years. Most recently, he was Technical Director at Monza in Serie A from summer 2022 until the end of 2024. Juventus highlighted his experience, vision, and versatility as fundamental added value for the club. General Manager Damien Comolli welcomed Modesto, stating his role will be central in coordinating the Technical Area (Match Analysis, Medical Department, Performance and Psychology) and Igor Tudor's staff to strengthen the club's sporting identity. Comolli emphasized that Modesto's diverse experience in competitive environments and knowledge of Italian football were key reasons for his appointment, believing it will contribute significantly to Juventus' growth. François Modesto expressed that joining Juventus is both an honour and a great responsibility, citing the club's extraordinary history and winning culture. He stated his eagerness to work closely with Comolli, Coach Igor Tudor, and the entire staff to build an ambitious, modern, and successful project, dedicating his experience and commitment to contributing to Juventus' success in Italy and Europe.
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Liverpool won the Premier League title in the previous season, achieving domestic success in Arne Slot's first campaign as manager. However, the club was impacted by the tragic death of Portugal international Diogo Jota in a car accident in Spain in early July. Slot delayed the squad's return to training following the incident. When preseason preparations resumed, the opening friendly against Preston North End on July 13 was an emotional occasion, with Liverpool paying tribute to Jota during the match, which they won 3-1. The preseason schedule includes a tour of Asia, featuring fixtures against AC Milan at Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong on July 26 at 12:30 PM BST, and against Yokohama FM at Nissan Stadium in Japan on July 30 at 11:30 AM BST. Upon returning, Liverpool will play two games against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield on August 4, kicking off at 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM BST.
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Chelsea have won the Club World Cup, concluding a demanding season. The players are set for a break before returning for another significant campaign, with expectations now heightened for Enzo Maresca's team to challenge for the Premier League title. Chelsea have already made several top signings this summer, including Joao Pedro who has proven important. The Club World Cup victory provides additional funds, and further signings are anticipated. However, several players could leave Chelsea. Liverpool are reportedly interested in one such player, Christopher Nkunku, as per L'Equipe. Chelsea would demand around £35 million for the French forward. Nkunku has struggled to settle since joining Chelsea from RB Leipzig for approximately £52 million in 2023, despite contributing positively in the recent Club World Cup win. His quality is not in doubt. Liverpool are not alone in monitoring Nkunku; other top clubs like Manchester United and Bayern Munich are also believed to be interested in the French international. While Chelsea seem willing to sell for significantly less than their original investment, the level of clubs interested suggests they shouldn't have difficulty attracting offers around the £35 million figure. The future for Nkunku appears likely to be away from Stamford Bridge, though it remains uncertain.
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A new six-part docuseries, "Copa América 2024: El Legado," is now available on Disney+ for subscribers in Latin America. The release coincides with the one-year anniversary of the Copa América final held in Miami. The series documents the tournament hosted in the U.S., culminating in Argentina's victory secured by Lautaro Martínez's winning goal against Colombia. It provides behind-the-scenes access, featuring players, coaching staff, and fans in locations like buses, hallways, and locker rooms. It highlights Lionel Messi's pivotal role as Argentina's leader and key plays by goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. The docuseries also explores the farewell of a "golden generation" of players, including Ángel Di María's final Argentina match, Neymar's absence from Brazil (but presence in the stands), James Rodríguez leading Colombia, and Luis Suárez's farewell for Uruguay under Marcelo Bielsa. Tournament highlights revisited include Costa Rica's draw with Brazil, Uruguay's performance against Brazil with ten players, Ecuador's last-minute goal against Argentina, and James Rodríguez's "resurrection" at age 33. The series also features Argentine icons like Martínez, Di María, and Javier Zanetti reflecting on key moments, including a dramatic triple substitution during the final. The series is produced by Offline Sports, founded by Diego Piasek and Gonzalo Arias, in collaboration with CONMEBOL, the South American soccer confederation. Offline Sports co-founders Arias and Piasek expressed gratitude to CONMEBOL and stated that premiering the series on Disney+ one year later brings the journey "full circle."
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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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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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Cole Palmer concluded the season as one of football's elite players, though talkSPORT host Darren Bent questioned his inclusion in the global top ten. Palmer's decisive performances in the Conference League and Club World Cup finals—particularly his two-goal display in Chelsea's 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain—propelled him to third in 2025 Ballon d'Or odds, trailing Ousmane Dembele and Lamine Yamal. Bent criticized the Ballon d'Or ranking as "reactionary," arguing Palmer's overall season fell short of his prior campaign. While acknowledging Palmer's "decent" 16 goals and 12 assists, Bent contrasted it with his "scary" previous tally of 25 goals and 15 assists, noting a dip in form with just one goal in 14 games before the Club World Cup final. Despite his critique, Bent conceded Palmer borders on his personal top ten, praising his "top top quality." He highlighted Palmer's composure in chaos, creative passing, clinical finishing, and status as Chelsea's key big-game player—essential for any future trophies. However, Bent firmly concluded: "He's not in my top ten."
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Inter Miami climbs to the top spot in the ESPN MLS Power Rankings after Lionel Messi scored both goals in a 2-1 win against Nashville SC. This marks Messi's fifth consecutive MLS game with a brace, setting a new league record. Miami is on a five-game winning streak and has three games in hand. Philadelphia Union moves up to second place. They solidified their position at the top of the Eastern Conference and Supporters' Shield standings by easily defeating the eighth-place New York Red Bulls 2-0. Nashville SC drops to third after their 15-game unbeaten run ended with the 2-1 loss to Inter Miami. While Messi's performance was key, a second-half gaffe by goalkeeper Joe Willis, passing directly to Messi, led to Miami's winning goal. San Diego FC rises to fourth following a 2-1 victory over Chicago Fire, powered by a brace from Anders Dreyer. Dreyer now leads the league in combined goals and assists (11 goals, 13 assists) and trails only Messi in goals and assists per 90 minutes, making him a strong MVP contender. Columbus Crew jumps to fifth after a remarkable comeback in the Hell is Real derby against FC Cincinnati. Despite falling behind 2-0 within the first five minutes, goals from Diego Rossi and Max Arfsten leveled the score by halftime. The Crew then scored twice more in the second half to win 4-2. FC Cincinnati falls to sixth after their derby collapse against Columbus. Despite scoring twice in the opening five minutes, they conceded four goals (including a Miles Robinson own goal) to lose 4-2. Despite the humbling loss, they remain third in the Supporters' Shield standings.
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Pete Carroll's arrival in Las Vegas has instilled a sense of genuine hope around the Raiders for the first time in years. He brings the approach that brought him success in Seattle, including his former quarterback Geno Smith and a key defensive piece: third-round rookie cornerback Darien Porter, who fits Carroll's ideal archetype for the position. Carroll is attempting to recreate the success of Seattle's famed "Legion of Boom" secondary, known for big, fast cornerbacks like Richard Sherman. Porter, standing 6-foot-3 and running a 4.3-second 40-yard dash, is physically similar to Sherman. However, he is still developing the necessary instincts after only recently switching from playing wide receiver. There are significant questions about whether the Raiders are relying too heavily on the inexperienced Porter. Following the departures of Nate Hobbs and Jack Jones, the team has done little to address the outside cornerback position beyond Porter and Eric Stokes, a speedy but inconsistent addition from Green Bay. Both are expected to start, meaning Porter faces a trial by fire where NFL offenses will likely target him if he struggles. Despite the pressure, Porter has strong support from Carroll, who has experience developing similar players, and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, whose unit performed well last season despite injuries. If Porter can quickly adapt to the NFL level, he has the potential to become a star defender. His development will face an early test against Washington Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin in Week 3, and his performance could be crucial if the Raiders hope to make a surprise playoff run.
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The most valuable starting lineup in world soccer is currently valued at over $1.46 billion, heavily featuring Spanish players and LaLiga representation according to Transfermarkt. Four Spanish players are included, and LaLiga contributes seven players overall, split between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. Leading the team is 17-year-old FC Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal, valued at $215 million, making him the world's most valuable player. He is joined in attack by Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior ($183 million) and Kylian Mbappé ($194 million), forming an exceptionally expensive and talented forward trio. The midfield showcases a strong Spanish influence. Real Madrid's English midfielder Jude Bellingham ($194 million) plays alongside FC Barcelona's Spanish midfielder Pedri ($151 million) and Real Madrid's Uruguayan midfielder Fede Valverde ($140 million). The defense is less LaLiga-centric but includes FC Barcelona's Spanish defender Pau Cubarsí ($86 million). He is joined by Manchester City's Josko Gvardiol ($81 million), Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni ($86 million), and PSG's Achraf Hakimi ($86 million). Arsenal's Spanish goalkeeper David Raya ($43 million) completes the lineup. Raya is the fourth Spaniard in the team and shares his valuation with goalkeepers Diogo Costa, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Gregor Kobel. Real Madrid provides four players (Vinicius, Mbappé, Bellingham, Valverde) and FC Barcelona provides three (Yamal, Pedri, Cubarsí), meaning seven of the world's most valuable players are in LaLiga, highlighting the league's role in developing elite young talent and its market power.
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