Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Cristiano Ronaldo a ‘proud’ dad after son gets international call-up to Portugal U15s squad to face England

      by

      THE son of Cristiano Ronaldo has been called up to Portugal Under-15s ahead of an upcoming match against England.Ronaldo posted confirmation of the international call-up on his Instagram.Cristiano Ronaldo Jr has been called up to Portugal U15sCredit: Instagram @cristianojr.xCristiano Jr will play against Japan, Greece and England later this monthCredit: AFPCristiano Jr is following in his dad’s footstepsCredit: AFPHe used a fire emoji against his son’s name which was first on the list of squad members.The 40-year-old also wrote: “Proud of you, son.”Ronaldo Jr currently plays in Al-Nassr’s academy having followed his dad to Saudi Arabia over two years ago.The 14-year-old has also represented youth teams at Juventus and Mancheter United so far in his career.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut now he will get his first taste of international football.Ronaldo Jr will be in the Portugal U15s squad to face Japan, Greece and England later this month.Back in 2022, five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo revealed that his son was determined to play alongside him one day.He said: “My son tells me: dad, hold on a few more years, I want to play with you!”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS’Proud’ Ronaldo congratulated his son on his Instagram storyCredit: Instagram: CristianoHowever, the Real Madrid legend claims he will never pressure his first born to succeed.He continued: “I will never pressure him. He will do what he wants. Cristiano Ronaldo appears to argue with himself as he fights back tears after Al-Nassr cup KO”Also what I want the most for Cristianito and everyone else is that they’re happy and that they choose what they want.”I will support in any way.” More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Freak moment ball ‘magically’ spins away from goal as Real Madrid survive scare in win over Celta Vigo

      by

      REAL MADRID were the beneficiaries of some serious good fortune after an extraordinary incident in their game against Celta Vigo.Los Blancos defeated Celta 3-2 in a tight affair at the Bernabeu on Sunday to keep the pressure on league leaders Barcelona. Courtois watches on in horror as the ball squirms beyond him, but then spins back into his pathMbappe was on the scoresheet as Madrid kept themselves in title contentionCredit: GettyReal trail Barca by four points in the La Liga title race with three games to play. Arda Guler and Kylian Mbappe’s double had Carlo Ancelotti’s side 3-0 up and cruising inside 48 minutes, but Javi Rodriguez and Williot Svandberg struck for Celta to set up a grandstand finale. In the 79th minute, it was the visitors pushing hard for an equaliser that would have completed a superb comeback, as they look to bag a Europa League spot.Iago Aspas, the former Liverpool forward, slid an incisive ball through for Pablo Duran to chase, with the Spaniard clean through on goal. READ MORE REAL MADRID NEWSHe bore down on Real ‘keeper Thibaut Courtois, with Madrid’s makeshift centre-half Aurelien Tchouameni in tow. Duran’s effort seemed to squeeze through the Belgian shot-stopper, heading over the line.But the spin on the ball meant that it changed direction and nestled into Courtois’ grateful clasp.The Madrid goalkeeper looked mightily relieved to jump onto the loose ball, and Madrid survived an incredibly close shave. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFans on social media called the incident “black magic”, while another said that “the entire Bernabeu was blowing at once” in an attempt to keep the ball out of the home net. Earlier in the game, Guler curled home a stunner in the 33rd minute to open the scoring, before Mbappe doubled the advantage just six minutes later. ‘Absolute cinema’ – Kate Abdo dubbed ‘real talent’ after showing off incredible Spanish in Lamine Yamal interviewThe Frenchman rifled an effort from outside the box into the far corner, beyond the desperate reach of visiting ‘keeper Vicente Guaita.Mbappe raced onto Federico Valverde’s defence-splitting pass to make it three with the second half just three minutes old, confidently finishing into the corner with his left foot to score his 24th league goal of his debut season. Rodriguez benefited from a penalty box melee with 21 minutes to play, as he scrambled in Vigo’s first. Svandberg latched onto a sensational reverse pass from Aspas to ghost in behind the Madrid backline and slot beyond Courtois to haul the away side right back into contention. However, they would leave the capital frustrated, with Duran’s extraordinary chance one to rue. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      PSG vs Arsenal referee served six-month ban for match-fixing after accepting bribe and was blasted by Bellingham

      by

      THE REFEREE taking charge of Arsenal’s Champions League showdown with Paris Saint-Germain previously served a six-month ban for match fixing.Felix Zwayer, 43, has been tasked with officiating Wednesday night’s semi-final second leg clash at the Parc des Princes.Arsenal’s referee against PSG previously served a six-month ban for match fixingCredit: RexThe German is one of Uefa’s top-ranked referees and took charge of England’s semi-final win over the Netherlands at last summer’s Euros.Zwayer now faces another major night as Arsenal look to come back from their 1-0 loss to PSG in the first leg.The two sides are set to go hammer and tongs in search of a place in the final against either Barcelona or Inter Milan.But ahead of kick-off, Zwayer’s chequered past has now come to light.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn 2005, he was punished for accepting a bribe from fellow ref Robert Hoyzer.Zwayer was a linesman at the time and took £250 to fix a second division match in Germany.An investigation revealed that Hoyzer had been accepting money from a Croatian gambling syndicate connected to an organised crime group.He was banned from football for life while also receiving a prison sentence of two years and five months.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAs for Zwayer, he was suspended from football for six months before returning to eventually become a Bundesliga ref in 2009.His bribery scandal has not gone unnoticed by players though, with Jude Bellingham referencing it while blasting Zwayer for a controversial penalty decision against former club Borussia Dortmund.Arsenal tipped to finish FOURTH by Jamie Carragher as he predicts race for Champions League placesZwayer was blasted by Jude Bellingham during the ace’s Borussia Dortmund daysCredit: GettySpeaking after a defeat to rivals Bayern Munich three years ago, Bellingham said: “For me it wasn’t a penalty. You can look at a lot of the other decisions in the game.“You give a referee that has, you know, match fixed before, the biggest game in Germany – what do you expect?” More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Leroy Sane could be set for Premier League return as Arsenal and Chelsea target is given ’10-day Bayern ultimatum’

      by

      LEROY SANE has been given a sensational ultimatum by Bayern Munich as the winger decides his future.Sane’s contract at the Allianz Arena expires at the end of the current season. Leroy Sane has been in and out of the Bayern team this termCredit: ReutersSane has played his part in delivering the first trophy of Harry Kane’s careerCredit: GettyThe newly-crowned Bundesliga champions have tabled a new contract offer to the former Manchester City forward. However, the German international has stalled negotiations, putting Premier League clubs on red alert. Bild reports that Bayern have given Sane, 29, a “10-day ultimatum” to take their offer of a new deal or decide to leave the club on a free transfer.The German outlet claims that Bayern will not negotiate any further on the terms of the deal. Read more FootballAs such, Premier League sides Arsenal and Chelsea’s ears have pricked up, with both London clubs in the market for a new wide man this summer. Sane has recently switched agents as he assesses hisnext steps.Bayern manager Vincent Kompany, a former team-mate of Sane’s at City, said in April that Sane and his advisors had to “sit down with the club and make a joint decision”. However, that mutual agreement has still not happened. Most read in BundesligaBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThis season, Sane has played 28 times in the Bundesliga, scoring 11 goals.He has 69 international caps for Germany. Leroy Sane shoves Marc Cucurella in Euros clash More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Jermaine Jenas was ‘prepared to be unhappy for the rest of his life’ to stay with wife before she divorced him

      by

      JERMAINE JENAS has admitted that he would have been willing to be “unhappy for the rest of his life” in order to stay with wife Ellie Penfold.Ellie announced her split with former Tottenham and England star Jenas in March.Jermaine Jenas and wife Ellie split up in MarchCredit: GettyJenas, 42, opened up on his break-up during a podcast appearanceCredit: YouTube/FILTHYFELLASTheir break-up came six months after Jenas was axed by the BBC following a sexting scandal.The 42-year-old was relieved of his services by the Beeb after being accused of sending X-rated texts to two female colleagues.Jenas, who has four children with Ellie, went on to admit to sending the messages, but stressed that the texts were consensual and that he had not broken the law.The former One Show host told The Sun that Ellie was “raging” following the allegations – but that he hoped to work through their issues.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn March, however, Ellie took to Instagram to reveal that their marriage was over after 14 years.Jenas, who returned to punditry work with talkSPORT in February, has now opened up on his marriage ending during an appearance on the Filthy Fellas podcast.Speaking candidly about his break-up, Jenas said: “It was her decision and one that I had to accept.”If it was up to me – and I think a lot of men are like this – I’d probably be prepared to be unhappy for the rest of my life if [it meant] I had my kids in it. If I have my kids, I’m quite happy to sacrifice.”Most read in FootballThe former couple have four children togetherCredit: InstagramJenas then went on to add: “It’s a man thing. Relationships are what they are – they have highs, they have lows and people cheat – some people do, some people don’t, but you figure a lot of things out.”The reality is we both were in a position where we were like ‘are we really happy?’Jermaine Jenas says he’s ‘coming back a better person’ as he returns to talkSPORT after ‘inappropriate’ texts”From her side of things, she’d ran the course more than probably me. But I was much more happy to go ‘I’ll be unhappy if I can stay in this house with you and these kids’.”It wasn’t to be for her, so we went our separate ways and that is that.”Speaking frankly about the situation, Jenas said of why he and Ellie broke up: “The reality is, me and my wife haven’t split up because I sent some text messages to some people at work.”We had issues for a period of time, it all comes to a head and you eventually make a decision to say, as adults, we will be better parents for our children if we just remain friends and that’s it.’DRAGGED ME OUT THE GUTTER'”We had 16 amazing years together, me and my wife, how many people last that long? Sixteen years. Ups and downs. She caught the wrong end of my [playing] career, bless her.”She was the one that dragged me out of the gutter when my knee was hanging off, career done. She’s the one that picked me back up and gave me the belief and the strength to go ‘get yourself back out there, I believe in you’.”Upon his return to talkSPORT in February, Jenas vowed to learn from his mistakes.’WORK ON YOURSELF’The former Match of the Day pundit said: “The biggest thing in this whole situation is about taking responsibility and that has been at the forefront of my mind…”There’s a reason why you’re in this position and there’s a reason why this has happened.”Once you accept those things, then you can work on yourself and you can work on the other things and you can work on your family and work towards a brighter future.”Confirming their split a month later, Ellie wrote on Instagram: “I never imagined I would have to share something so personal with the public, but given the situation, I feel it’s necessary.Read More on The Sun”After 16 years together and 4 wonderful children, Jermaine and I have decided to part ways. We will remain friends and continue to co-parent.”We kindly ask that you respect our children’s privacy during this challenging time. Thank you, Ellie.”Jermaine and Ellie are hoping to remain friendsCredit: AlamyEllie confirmed their break-up on Instagram in MarchCredit: Instagram @elliejenas More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Arsenal record signing, 29, ‘could make shock return to Premier League as Everton and Wolves circle for transfer’

      by

      ARSENAL biggest-ever flop signing could be given another chance to shine in the Premier League.The Gunners smashed their transfer record when they paid an astonishing £72million for Nicolas Pepe’s services from Lille in 2019.Nicolas Pepe failed to truly convince in an Arsenal shirtCredit: ReutersPepe’s form had picked up for Villarreal this seasonCredit: AlamyPepe, now 29, failed to justify that massive fee – which has since been topped by the £100m arrival of Declan Rice in 2023 – in four years at the Emirates.He made 112 appearances for Arsenal in total, scoring 27 goals.His most prolific campaign came during the Covid-hit 2020/21 season, where he hit 10 goals in 29 Premier League appearances, adding an assist for good measure. But his game time began to rapidly decrease in the following seasons, after Pepe scored just one goal and made two assists in the 21/22 campaign.Read more footballHe was shipped out on loan to Nice and Trabzonspor in 22/23 and 23/24, before he found a permanent home at Villarreal.This term, the forward has played 23 La Liga games, scoring twice, and adding four assists. Now, Foot Mercato reports that Everton and Wolves are interested in the Ivorian. David Moyes’ Toffees are set for a serious squad reshuffle this summer as the Scot looks to stamp his authority on the side after he returned to Merseyside for a second spell. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKCurrently, Everton’s options out wide include Dwight McNeil, who can play on either flank, Iliman Ndiaye, and loanees Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom.The Toffees are yet to make a decision to sign Harrison and Lindstrom, brought in from Leeds United and Napoli respectively, permanently. Arsenal tipped to finish FOURTH by Jamie Carragher as he predicts race for Champions League placesAs for Wolves, Vitor Pereira has a plethora of names to pick from to play in his two number 10 positions behind lone striker Jorgen Strand Larsen. Talisman Matheus Cunha is the first name on the teamsheet, although his future is up in the air amid interest from Manchester United. Marshall Munetsi often completes the attacking trident, although he is rivalled by Hwang Hee-Chan and Pablo Sarabia. Goncalo Guedes and Carlos Forbs, natural wingers, have struggled for game time this term, while Jean-Ricner Bellegarde has also filled in further forward. Pepe and Villarreal are currently on-course for a top-five finish in the Spanish top flight this year, which would see them qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 2021/22.They reached the semi-finals, but were beaten by Liverpool 5-2 on aggregate. Read More on The SunPreviously, Unai Emery had masterminded their 2020/21 Europa League triumph, which included a penalty shoot-out victory over Manchester United in the final. Incidentally, they defeated Arsenal in the last four, beating the Gunners 2-1 across two legs. More

    • 150 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal consider cut-price transfer for PSG midfielder, 24, following Champions League semi-final

      by

      ARSENAL are considering another move for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Lee Kang-In.Mikel Arteta was interested in the South Korean in January, and new Gunners sporting director Andrea Berta will encourage him to make room in his squad for the 24-year-old.Arsenal are considering a move for Lee Kang-InCredit: GettyBerta was the driving force behind a failed bid from Atletico Madrid for Lee in 2023 when he left La Liga outfit Mallorca for the Parc des Princes.But it has not worked out for him in Paris as he remains a fringe member of Luis Enrique’s squad after almost two seasons at the club.The former Valencia playmaker has started 18 league games this season, the same number as in his first season at the club, but doubled his 2023-24 goal tally by registering six times in Ligue 1.Last week, L’Equipe named Lee on a list of players the French champions will look to offload this summer.READ MORE ON ARSENALPSG want to recoup their £18.7m outlay and will not listen to any offers below £17m.The French sports daily reported that Lee is dissatisfied with his playing time, and indicated that he will seek a new team this summer.He was an unused substitute for PSG in their 1-0 Champions League semi-final first-leg win at the Emirates.He started their Ligue 1 match against Strasbourg on Saturday but left the 2-1 defeat at half-time because of a shin injury that looks set to keep him out of the return leg.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesEnrique has deployed Lee as a winger, central midfielder and false nine, viewing the Korean as a player with the tactical awareness to switch positions seamlessly.A move for Lee could be completed relatively quickly because of PSG’s desire to sell and that could mean the Korean is on board the plane when Arsenal jet out to the Far East for their pre-season matches in Singapore and Hong Kong.How PSG tricked Arsenal to gain Champions League semi-final advantage More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Watford SACK Tom Cleverley as manager in controversial move as sporting director says ‘the time has come for a change’

      by

      TOM CLEVERLEY has controversially been sacked by Watford.The former Manchester United midfielder, 35, took over at Vicarage Road in March 2024, replacing Valerien Ismael initially as interim boss.Tom Cleverley was sacked as Watford boss on TuesdayCredit: RexHe took the head coach role on a permanent basis the following month, making him the 21st Hornets manager since Gino Pozzo took over the club in 2012.Watford were in contention for a Championship play-off spot heading into the second half of the season.But just five wins in 2025 but pay to those promotion dreams.They finished the 2024-25 season 14th in the Championship on Saturday, concluding with a 1-1 home draw against Sheffield Wednesday.That meant Cleverley was the club’s longest-serving manager since Javi Gracia – and the first to last more than a season since the Spaniard’s sacking in 2019.But this year’s drop off was enough for the trigger-happy Hornets to dismiss their former midfielder in their latest controversial managerial axing – four months after having to release a statement to confirm he was still in the dugout.The decision did not go down well with Watford supporters while a disappointed Cleverley took to Instagram with a classy statement.He said: “After nine-and-a-half years of my life – as a loanee, player, captain, academy coach and head coach – my time at the club has come to an end.Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”After the sadness wears off, I will forever have a feeling of gratitude and happiness towards the club and the place and people of Watford.”Football and football clubs are special. They make you feel truly part of something. I wasn’t born in Watford or raised in Watford but this honestly feels like home.”To the club, I’m grateful for the opportunity, the player for their efforts and the supporters myself and my family will forever appreciate the love and support you have given me on this journey.”I repeat I will be sad that it’s over but full of happiness that it ever happened. And I hope it’s not the final time out paths cross. You ‘Orns.”Sporting director Gian Luca Nani added: “We thank Tom for his service – not just in his role as Head Coach but for everything he has given Watford as a player and member of staff.“But the time has come for a change and to build on what we believe is a young and talented squad that will have benefited from the experience of the Championship this season.“It has been a privilege to work closely with Tom; to understand how he sees the game and his enthusiasm for everything here. “He deserves to be recognised for this and I’m sure he will have a bright future in the game.“Tom will always be part of Watford in recognition of all that he has achieved over so many years.”Cleverley came through the youth system at Old Trafford and made 79 first-team appearances for the Red Devils, winning the Premier League in 2012-13 under Sir Alex Ferguson. He had various loan spells – including at Watford – before joining Everton in 2015.Just 18 months later, the 13-cap England international was on the move again as he headed to Watford again, initially on loan before making the switch permanent for the 2017-18 season. He was relegated in 2020 but helped the Hornets straight back up again before retiring in 2023 to step into coaching. Cleverley departs Vicarage Road with a record of 20 wins, 14 draws and 25 defeats from his 59 games in charge – with a win rate of 34 per cent. Read More on The SunAlberto Garrido is the early 4-1 favourite to become the next Watford manager, according to talkSPORT Bet.Gary O’Neil (5-1), Sean Dyche (6-1) and Rob Page (6-1) are also in contention with Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard both at 16-1. More