Carlo Ancelotti and Emma Hayes have won the inaugural Johan Cruyff Awards, given to the best coaches in the men’s and women’s games at the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony. Ancelotti guided Real Madrid to a record-extending 15th Champions League crown – the fifth of his managerial career – last season as well as the La…
Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati has won the women’s Ballon d’Or for the second year in a row. Bonmati won every possible trophy at club level last season as Barcelona secured a historic quadruple – winning Liga F, the Champions League, Supercopa and Copa de la Reina. The 26-year-old scored a career-best tally of…
Manchester United are in talks about appointing Sporting manager Ruben Amorim as Erik ten Hag’s replacement. Dutchman Ten Hag was sacked on Monday following the side’s poor start to the season. Amorim, 39, is a highly regarded coach who has won two Portuguese league titles with Sporting – including their first in 19 years –…
Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri has won the men’s Ballon d’Or – awarded to the best footballer of the year – for the first time. The 28-year-old, who lost just one game last season for club and country, was awarded the prize in Paris after helping Spain win Euro 2024 in July. He also…
Bayern Munich returned to the top of the Bundesliga in style with a resounding victory over bottom side Bochum. Michael Olise opened the scoring with a 20-yard free-kick over the wall after 15 minutes, becoming the second player after Harry Kane to score as many as five goals in his first five Bundesliga away appearances…
Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba said he is “not a cheater” but accepted responsibility for the failed doping test that led to a ban. Pogba’s four-year ban was reduced to 18 months earlier this month after the Court of Arbitration for Sport accepted his ingestion of a banned substance “was not intentional”. The 31-year-old was suspended…
Former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has been named as the new England manager. The 51-year-old German, who has signed an 18-month contract, becomes the third non-British permanent manager of the men’s team after Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello. Tuchel whose contract begins in January 1 2025 will replace Gareth Southgate Gareth Southgate resigned in July…
Daniel Maldini became the third generation of his family to play for Italy as he made his debut in their Nations League win over Israel. Father Paolo, who was in Udine watching the game, won 126 caps – and grandfather Cesare played 14 times for his country. The 23-year-old Monza attacking midfielder also played for…
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has opened an investigation into the Super Eagles ordeal in Libya and has threatened to sanction those found violating its statutes and regulations. “The matter has been referred to the CAF Disciplinary Board for investigation and appropriate action will be taken against those who violated the CAF Statutes and…
Deniz Undav scored twice as Germany beat Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Nations League. The Stuttgart striker gave Germany the lead with a fine first-time finish from Florian Wirtz’s lay-off. Moments later, debutant Tim Kleindienst had a goal ruled out for offside. Bosnia had a huge chance to level but Ermedin Demirovic crashed his shot off the…
