Category: Soccer

In the build-up to Saturday’s UEFA Champions League final, one prediction seems almost certain: Paris Saint-Germain will dominate possession against Inter Milan. PSG have averaged 60.1% possession across 16 matches this season — higher than any team except Manchester City and Bayern Munich. Inter, by contrast, have controlled just 47% of the ball, ranking below 22 of the 36 teams in the competition’s league phase. However, as history shows, possession doesn’t guarantee victory. Manchester City’s Champions League campaigns in previous years serve as a reminder, and the 2022 final — when Liverpool, favourites over Real Madrid, lost despite dominating the ball — is a cautionary tale. The odds at ESPN BET give PSG a 60% chance of lifting their first European Cup, while Inter have a 40% chance of claiming a fourth title. Inter’s strategy will likely mirror Madrid’s in 2022: sit deep, absorb pressure, and rely on key moments of brilliance to decide the match. PSG will keep the ball, but Inter’s counter-attacking prowess could prove decisive. As the football world counts down to the final in Istanbul, attention turns to the stars who could define the night. In that spirit, we’ll rank the 30 best players set to shape this season’s Champions League final — a showcase of talent, strategy, and the fine margins that separate triumph from heartbreak.

The Flying Eagles, Nigeria’s U-20 national football team, are gearing up for a challenging group stage at the upcoming 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. The tournament’s group-stage draw, recently announced by FIFA, has placed Nigeria in Group F alongside Norway, Colombia, and Saudi Arabia, promising a thrilling set of fixtures for the West African giants. With a reputation as a powerhouse in youth football, the Flying Eagles have consistently been a key talent pipeline for Nigeria’s senior national team, the Super Eagles. The squad will be aiming to build on their proud history and deliver a strong performance on the global stage. The 24-team competition will showcase the best of young football talent, and the Flying Eagles are determined to make their mark and push for a deep run in the tournament. Fans across Nigeria will be hoping the team can replicate the feats of past generations and bring glory home once again.

Real Madrid’s decision to pay approximately €10 million (£8.4 million) to secure Trent Alexander-Arnold’s early release from Liverpool—just a month before his contract was set to expire—is a rare and strategic move in modern football. Typically, clubs allow players with expiring contracts to leave on a free transfer, especially when the remaining time is minimal. However, Real Madrid’s urgency stemmed from their desire to have Alexander-Arnold available for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, which commences on June 18, 2025. His Liverpool contract was due to end on June 30, making him ineligible for the tournament unless an early agreement was reached This proactive approach is unprecedented, particularly for a player who was on the verge of free agency. It underscores Real Madrid’s commitment to fielding a competitive squad for the Club World Cup, a tournament offering significant financial incentives, with potential earnings up to €100 million for the winners Moreover, the move highlights Real Madrid’s long-term planning. With veteran right-back Dani Carvajal facing injuries and advancing in age, securing Alexander-Arnold not only addresses immediate concerns but also ensures a seamless transition for the future. The club’s willingness to invest in an early transfer, despite the player’s impending free-agent status, reflects a strategic blend of short-term necessity and long-term vision

Liverpool have confirmed the signing of Dutch defender Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, after triggering his €35m (£29.5m) release clause. The 24-year-old right-back, who can also operate as a winger, will join Liverpool on a six-year contract, with the fee to be paid in three instalments. The deal will be officially completed when the summer transfer window opens on Sunday. Frimpong, a key figure in Leverkusen’s 2023/24 German domestic double-winning campaign, scored five goals and provided 12 assists in 48 appearances last season. He previously contributed 14 goals and 12 assists across all competitions in the 2022/23 season, underlining his attacking impact from the right flank. Liverpool’s new manager, Arne Slot, is understood to be a strong admirer of Frimpong’s versatility, work rate, and offensive capabilities, viewing him as a crucial addition to the squad. Frimpong’s arrival will bolster Liverpool’s options at right-back and on the wings ahead of the new season. Frimpong’s transfer will also see his former club, Celtic, benefit from a sell-on clause potentially worth £5m. The Scottish side had sold him to Leverkusen for up to £11.5m in January 2021, having initially signed him from Manchester City’s academy in 2019.