Expert Sports News & Commentary

Iliman Ndiayes breakthrough season at Everton has placed him among the most coveted attacking talents in the Premier League, with Manchester United emerging as the frontrunners in a growing queue of elite suitors monitoring the Senegal internationals situation. The 25-year-old, who returned from the Africa Cup of Nations with a winners medal earlier this year, has been instrumental for the Toffees, his performances drawing admiring glances from across the division. Despite mounting speculation linking him with a move away from Goodison Park, Ndiaye insists his immediate focus remains firmly on delivering for his current employers. Speaking exclusively to The Times, the forward addressed the transfer talk surrounding his future: If clubs are interested in me, it means Im doing my job well. But as long as Im playing for Everton, Ill give everything for the club and I want to achieve great things, especially reaching Europe this season. Those comments underline a determination to help Everton secure continental qualification, a target that would cap a remarkable campaign for both player and club. With several months of the season remaining, Ndiayes commitment could prove pivotal as Everton chase a coveted European berth. Manchester Uniteds interest, while prominent, is unlikely to distract a player whose priority is to maximise his impact in royal blue before entertaining any thoughts of a potential transfer. For now, Everton supporters can expect the dazzling dribbles and decisive contributions that have become Ndiayes trademark to continue at Goodison Park.

Celtic are poised to add a major Premier League pedigree to their squad, with the club expected to finalise the signing of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The 29-year-old, whose career has taken him from Arsenal to Liverpool, is now on the brink of a fresh start in Glasgow, and the move has already drawn a ringing endorsement from the manager who handed him his professional debut. The former Southampton boss—who first unleashed Oxlade-Chamberlain on the English top flight as a raw teenager—has predicted the midfielder will prove a “huge hit” at Parkhead, citing his blend of experience, athleticism and big-match temperament. While financial details have not been disclosed, sources close to negotiations say personal terms are all but agreed and a medical is scheduled for later this week. Oxlade-Chamberlain’s arrival would mark a significant statement for Celtic as they prepare for another assault on domestic silverware and European competition. Having lifted the Champions League trophy with Liverpool in 2019, the England international brings a winning mentality that manager Brendan Rodgers hopes will permeate the squad. Supporters will hope the switch can reignite a career stalled by injuries in recent seasons, and the early confidence from the man who first spotted his potential suggests the stage is set for a renaissance in green and white.

Arsenal Women and Manchester City Women meet at the Emirates this evening in a Barclays Women’s Super League showdown that, while unlikely to decide the title race, could still shape the final complexion of the top three and provide an early-season litmus test for both squads. City arrive in north London on a 13-match winning streak and holding an 11-point cushion at the summit after last weekend’s statement 5-1 dismantling of reigning champions Chelsea. A 14th consecutive victory would edge Gareth Taylor’s side ever closer to a second WSL crown, their first having been secured a decade ago. Yet Arsenal, buoyed by their dramatic FIFA Women’s Champions Cup triumph on the same pitch just seven days ago, have their own momentum to maintain. Jonas Eidevall’s team also defeated Chelsea in their most recent league outing and will view tonight as an opportunity to underline their resurgence following an indifferent start to the campaign. The reverse fixture in early October delivered a five-goal thriller settled by a late winner for the visitors; another tight contest is anticipated with both outfits in scintillating form. Broadcast options are straightforward for domestic and international audiences. Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch live on Sky Sports Mix or stream via the Sky Sports app and website, while fans in the United States can follow the action on ESPN Select. Kick-off times have not been specified in listings released by the league’s broadcast partners. Supporters travelling abroad can still access their usual services through a reputable VPN, assuming such use complies with the relevant terms and conditions. TechRadar’s current recommendation is NordVPN, which unblocks Sky Sports and is regarded as secure and user-friendly. Inside the stadium, Arsenal have enhanced the matchday experience for Club Level ticketholders, offering padded seating, lounge access two-and-a-half hours before kick-off, complimentary refreshments, a half-time drink, a £5 merchandise voucher and a free Museum Tour. With European silverware already secured and continental qualification spots far from settled, the Emirates fixture offers more than simple bragging rights: it is a chance for Arsenal to stall City’s procession or for the league leaders to edge ever closer to an historic anniversary title. Sky Sports subscribers should check local listings for repeat broadcasts and highlights packages, while short-form clips will appear across the broadcaster’s digital channels shortly after the final whistle.

Burnley chairman Alan Pace was the featured guest on the BBC’s Football Focus programme on Saturday lunchtime, speaking live on air ahead of the Clarets’ Premier League fixture against West Ham. Pace, who oversees day-to-day operations at Turf Moor, used the platform to address supporters and outline the club’s outlook as the team prepared for the weekend clash. While the full transcript of his remarks was not released, his appearance marked a rare public intervention from the American businessman, offering fans a direct insight into the boardroom mindset before a pivotal matchday. The interview, broadcast nationally, is expected to be referenced throughout the afternoon’s coverage as pundits analyse Burnley’s strategy both on and off the pitch.

The men’s Twenty20 World Cup was meant to showcase cricket at its most exuberant: three matches a day, boundary-clearing power, and the old rivalries that turn every delivery into national theatre. Instead, the tournament has begun under the cloud of a geopolitical storm that has already removed one full member nation and threatens to erase the sport’s most lucrative contest. Bangladesh, the world’s eighth-most populous country and a fixture in every recent global event, withdrew at the eleventh hour after the Bangladesh Cricket Board cited “growing concerns regarding the safety and security of the Bangladesh contingent in India.” The International Cricket Council investigated and concluded “there was no credible or verifiable security threat,” but Bangladesh refused to travel. Scotland replaced them, forcing a hasty redraw of the group phase. Within days, Pakistan announced it would boycott its scheduled February 15 clash against India in Colombo, a fixture the Times of India values at US $250 million in broadcast and commercial revenue. Every Pakistan game had already been relocated to Sri Lanka because the team will not enter India; now the marquee encounter will not take place at all. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif framed the decision as “a clear stand” of solidarity with Bangladesh, adding: “There should be no politics in sport.” Yet politics has been inseparable from sub-continental cricket since the partition of British India in 1947. India and Pakistan have fought multiple wars and a fresh four-day military engagement erupted in April 2025 after a militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir killed 26 civilians. Bilateral cricket has been frozen since 2013; India has not toured Pakistan since 2008. When Pakistan staged the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, India’s matches were shifted to Dubai. Now the reverse has occurred: Pakistan will not set foot in India, and the World Cup forfeits its showpiece. The Bangladesh impasse is rooted in more recent upheaval. After Sheikh Hasina—long an Indian ally—was ousted in 2024 and fled to Delhi, relations between Dhaka and New Delhi soured. Reports of attacks on Hindu minorities inside Bangladesh, including the mob lynching of garment worker Dipu Chandra Das in December, intensified diplomatic friction. Cricket became collateral damage: Bangladesh’s only IPL representative, pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman, was released by Kolkata Knight Riders last month “on instruction of the Board of Control for Cricket in India,” according to the franchise. Bangladesh’s interim government retaliated by ordering domestic broadcasters to black out the forthcoming IPL season. Pakistani players, already frozen out of the IPL since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, remain barred. The economic stakes are immense. India generates an estimated 80 per cent of cricket’s global income and receives nearly 40 per cent of ICC distributions, a model that concentrates power inside the BCCI. With JioStar, India’s rights holder, already seeking to renegotiate its US $3 billion ICC deal after financial losses, the absence of an India-Pakistan encounter could not come at a worse moment for the governing body. The 2019 World Cup meeting between the neighbours drew 273 million television viewers and another 50 million digitally; broadcasters had banked on a repeat. History shows the ICC has previously tolerated political boycotts: Australia and West Indies forfeited 1996 World Cup games in Sri Lanka, and England refused to play Zimbabwe in 2003. Yet those precedents offer little comfort to tournament organisers now scrambling to preserve credibility. An automatic group-stage win for India via forfeit may aid their title hopes, but it hollows out the competition’s integrity. As 20 teams compete in the sport’s most profitable format, the narrative should have been about emerging talents and fearless stroke-play. Instead, the early headlines belong to cancelled flights, cancelled fixtures and the unmistakable sense that, on the Indian sub-continent, cricket can no longer escape the politics that surrounds it.

With the La Liga title race tighter than at any point this season, Real Madrid’s visit to Valencia on Sunday night carries title-level stakes. Los Blancos sit just one point behind leaders Barcelona and have not dropped a single league point since early December, a run that began after a 2-0 loss to Celta Vigo. That six-match winning streak has set up a pivotal clash at Estadio Mestalla, where Valencia will attempt to stall Madrid’s momentum and shake up the table. Kickoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. local time in Spain on Sunday, February 8. U.S.-based viewers can follow the action live on ESPN 2 (English) and ESPN Deportes (Spanish). Both broadcasts are mirrored on the streaming side through ESPN Select, the dedicated La Liga platform that carries every match of the Spanish top flight this season. Fans who prefer an alternative streaming option can also find the game on Fubo, which is currently offering a free-trial window for new users and includes ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and more than 100 additional live-TV channels. Whether tuning in on television or via streaming, viewers will get a front-row seat to a fixture that could determine whether Madrid keeps the pressure on Barcelona or sees its championship hopes dented on the Mediterranean coast.

Anfield stages the latest installment of English football’s most consequential modern rivalry on Sunday, February 8, when Liverpool welcome Manchester City in a fixture that could shape the destiny of the 2025-26 Premier League title. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. GMT (11:30 a.m. ET / 8:30 a.m. PT), and viewers in the United States can follow every minute exclusively on Peacock. The matchup pits the clubs that have claimed the past eight league championships between them, yet both arrive at this junction searching for momentum after seasons of transition. Defending champions Liverpool sit six points adrift of leaders Arsenal with 14 games remaining, meaning dropped points at home would hand further initiative to the Gunners. City, meanwhile, have already surrendered ground at the summit and know another slip on Merseyside—where they have recorded just one victory since 2003—would deepen their uphill chase. Each side navigated a winter overhaul that has produced uneven domestic returns, though midweek successes offered encouragement: City advanced to the Carabao Cup final, while both clubs secured direct passage to the UEFA Champions League round of 16. Those continental respites aside, Sunday represents the moment to reassert domestic authority. For American audiences, Peacock holds the keys to the encounter. NBC’s streaming platform will carry the contest live, with no additional television window. Subscriptions start at $10.99 per month and can be canceled at any time. Beyond the Premier League, Peacock’s sports portfolio includes NFL Sunday Night Football, NBA coverage, Big Ten and Notre Dame football, PGA Tour action, and every event of the upcoming 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics. Liverpool vs. Manchester City, Anfield, Sunday, 4:30 p.m. local—stream it exclusively on Peacock.

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has underlined his belief in teenage academy product Tommy Marques after granting the 19-year-old his senior debut in Saturday’s victory over Real Mallorca. Introduced for the final ten minutes, Marques became the latest La Masia graduate to step onto the top-flight stage under Flick’s watch, and the German tactician moved quickly to outline what the versatile youngster can bring to the first-team environment. “He can play in different positions, as a defensive midfielder and at right-back,” Flick told reporters after the match. “His body language is top-notch; he plays with his head up, looking for teammates in better positions, and he makes good decisions. He’s very mature for his 19 years.” The coach went further, drawing a direct comparison to one of the club’s established stars: “He’s similar to Frenkie de Jong; he could be his little brother!” Flick’s praise was accompanied by a clear pathway forward. Emphasizing development over short-term hype, the Barcelona boss said: “I want Tommy to continue training with us to keep developing and getting playing time, and we’ll see what happens next season.” Marques will now aim to use the remaining fixtures to push for additional minutes, safe in the knowledge that his debut has left a positive impression and that his progress is central to Flick’s planning ahead of the next campaign.

Barcelona breathed a collective sigh of relief on Wednesday when Diario AS reported that Frenkie de Jong is expected to recover in time for next week’s Copa del Rey semifinal first leg against Atlético Madrid. The Dutch midfielder, who captains the side in the continued absence of several senior players, was an unused substitute in Tuesday night’s La Liga victory over Mallorca after reporting minor pubic-area discomfort that has lingered for several days. Coach Hansi Flick confirmed the decision was precautionary. “Frenkie de Jong is not at 100%, and that’s why he’s on the bench and isn’t playing today,” Flick told reporters ahead of kick-off at Spotify Camp Nou. The club’s medical staff opted to spare the 27-year-old any unnecessary risk, mindful of the condensed schedule and the looming cup tie. With more than 72 hours separating the final whistle against Mallorca and the trip to the Metropolitano, Barcelona’s staff are confident the rest period will allow De Jong to complete a full recovery. Should he receive final medical clearance, the former Ajax standout is poised to start in midfield alongside Fermín López and Dani Olmo, a trio that has shown encouraging chemistry in recent outings. De Jong’s availability would be especially welcome given Pedri’s confirmed absence for the first leg. The Canary Islander remains sidelined, placing additional creative responsibility on the Dutchman’s shoulders. So far this season De Jong has registered 17 appearances—14 of them starts—in La Liga, registering four assists while completing 95 percent of his passes and averaging over 75 touches per match. His composure in possession and ability to break opposition lines will be central to Barcelona’s hopes of securing a positive result in the Spanish capital.

San Francisco—The bronze bust of yet another Cincinnati-bred football legend is headed to Canton. Luke Kuechly, the former Carolina Panthers linebacker and 2009 graduate of St. Xavier High School, was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Thursday night during the NFL Honors show at the Palace of Fine Arts. Kuechly headlines the 2026 Modern-Era class that also includes quarterback Drew Brees, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, and kicker Adam Vinatieri; running back Roger Craig was chosen in the seniors category. The five-man class will be formally inducted on Aug. 8 at the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. “It’s surreal,” said Steve Specht, Kuechly’s head coach at St. Xavier. “I still see the high-school kid in Luke. Good guys don’t always finish last—sometimes they become Hall of Famers.” Kuechly’s journey began in the Evandale neighborhood and blossomed on the Bombers’ practice fields. In 2007 he helped lead St. Xavier to a 15-0 record and the Division I state championship, piling up 277 tackles, seven sacks, five forced fumbles, five recoveries, three interceptions, and a touchdown over his final two seasons. He earned induction into the LaRosa’s High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2021. At Boston College he became the first player to lead the nation in tackles in back-to-back seasons (183 as a sophomore, 191 as a junior) while sweeping the Butkus, Lombardi, Lott IMPACT, and Bronko Nagurski awards in 2011. The Panthers selected him ninth overall in the 2012 NFL Draft, and Kuechly wasted no time making an impact: NFL Rookie of the Year in 2012, NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2013—the youngest ever to win the award—and a seven-time Pro Bowler and five-time first-team All-Pro. In 2016 Kuechly anchored a Panthers defense that reached the franchise’s second Super Bowl, and in 2020 he was named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team. He retired after the 2019 season at age 28, his legacy already secure. “Being recognized as one of the best at your respective career speaks volumes,” Specht said. “Luke is worthy, and this simply adds another accolade to an already tremendous career.” Athletic director Tim Banker echoed the sentiment: “It’s amazing how far he’s come—and he’s stayed humble. He gives hope to all our student-athletes: work hard and it can pay off.” Kuechly becomes only the third Greater Cincinnati high-school product to reach the Hall of Fame, joining 1960 Purcell graduate Roger Staubach and 1984 Middletown graduate Cris Carter. Surrounded by family at Thursday’s announcement, Kuechly reflected on the arc of his career. “That’s where it all started—Cincinnati, Ohio, and Evandale,” he said. “I just think of how fortunate my football journey has been.” From the Bombers’ weight room to football’s ultimate shrine, Luke Kuechly’s path now ends under the eternal lights of Canton, a testament to relentless preparation and Midwestern grit.

Chennai, India — Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan called correctly at the coin flip and wasted no time in choosing to bat first against New Zealand in Sunday’s T20 World Cup Group D clash at Chepauk, a decision he hopes will allow his spinners to exploit a wearing surface later in the evening. The fixture is the first meeting between the sides since Afghanistan’s shock 84-run triumph over the Black Caps at the 2024 tournament in Guyana, and it arrives inside a section already labelled the competition’s “group of death.” Alongside Afghanistan and New Zealand, Group D houses last edition’s finalist South Africa as well as associate nations Canada and the United Arab Emirates, with only two quarter-final berths on offer. New Zealand, in India for the past month, has been forced to shuffle its pack after a spate of injuries and illnesses struck the squad. In contrast, Afghanistan fields a full-strength XI and enters the contest as favourite. Rashid, who needs four more wickets to become the first bowler in history to reach 700 T20 scalps, underscored the value of experience at the toss. “We have a good bowling lineup and I hope it’ll help spin later on,” he said. “We’ve played a lot of ICC events and it’s just about playing smart cricket and using experience.” New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner, leading a side featuring three specialist seamers in Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson and Jacob Duffy, believes the grassy sheen on the pitch could aid his quicks during the day game. The tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, began on Saturday with wins for Pakistan, India and the West Indies. Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (captain), Fazalhaq Farooqi, Ziaur Rahman, Mujeeb Ur Rahman New Zealand: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (captain), James Neesham, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy

Liverpool’s pursuit of defensive reinforcements has received a timely shot in the arm after fresh developments in Italy suggested that long-time target Denzel Dumfries could be on the move this summer. Calcio Mercato reports that relations between the Netherlands international and Inter Milan are “nearing its end,” clearing a path for the Premier League giants to reignite their interest when the window reopens. The Merseysiders explored multiple right-back options in the final days of the January window, with both Dumfries and Feyenoord’s Lutsharel Geertruida floated as potential solutions. Neither deal materialised, leaving Arne Slot to assess his squad ahead of the next recruitment cycle. Yet the landscape has shifted dramatically: Dumfries has appointed new representation and, according to the Italian outlet, harbours a “well-known desire” to test himself in English football. While Liverpool’s recent transfer policy has skewed toward emerging talents—exemplified by links to Hugo Ekitike and Milos Kerkez—club chiefs are understood to value the balance that seasoned campaigners provide. At 29, Dumfries bucks the youthful trend, but his 41 senior international caps and extensive Champions League experience could complement a dressing-room core already rich in Dutch influence. Integrating the PSV Eindhoven graduate alongside fellow Oranje internationals would ease his adaptation and, crucially, accelerate the development of younger full-backs such as Conor Bradley and rumoured target Jeremie Frimpong. Financially, the deal appears palatable. Dumfries’ contract at the Giuseppe Meazza expires in 2028, placing Inter under pressure to cash in before his value depreciates. A modest fee, coupled with manageable wage demands, aligns with the club’s fiscally prudent approach under the new sporting hierarchy. Calcio Mercato stresses that the player’s revamped agency team must still formally revive Liverpool’s interest, yet with the defender pushing for an exit, the Reds have been handed what sources describe as a “massive boost” in the looming tug of war. Months remain before the market swings open, but Anfield insiders anticipate another summer of strategic turnover as Slot continues to shape a squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts.

Madrid – Real Madrid will take on Valencia tonight with Kylian Mbappé as their lone elite forward, an injury-and-suspension crisis that has sharpened focus on a decision made only weeks ago: the loan exit of 18-year-old striker Endrick to Lyon. The Brazilian prodigy was allowed to leave the Spanish capital last month after coaching staff, then led by Xabi Alonso, concluded he would struggle for minutes. Negotiations with the French club were fast-tracked, the deal sealed with Alonso’s consent, and Endrick departed before the international break. Within days, Real Madrid and Alonso parted ways, leaving the hierarchy to reassess a choice that now looks ill-timed. According to a report in Diario AS, internal regret has set in. Club sources acknowledge that Endrick’s potential was well known and that greater patience could have integrated him into the first-team picture at a moment when attacking depth is suddenly non-existent. Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo Goes and Jude Bellingham are all unavailable against Valencia, spotlighting the teenager’s absence. Since arriving in Ligue 1, Endrick has scored five goals and supplied two assists in rapid succession, underlining the immediacy of his impact. His momentum was stalled this weekend when he received a red card, triggering a suspension, yet Lyon expect him to return with the same vigor that has marked his early weeks in France. Real Madrid retain Endrick’s rights and expect him back for the 2025-26 campaign, but officials now view the remainder of this season as a missed opportunity born of short-term planning. With only Mbappé left to shoulder the goal-scoring burden, the club must navigate the spring without a player they now believe could have contributed when needed most. Keywords:

VOORHEES TOWNSHIP — A blistering 16-0 run powered the Voorhees High School girls basketball team to a commanding victory over Delaware Valley on Monday night, sending the Vikings into the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament semifinals. The surge, which spanned the late stages of the second quarter and stretched deep into the third, turned a competitive opening into a one-sided affair and sealed the Terriers’ fate. With the win, Voorhees advances to the next round of the H/W/S bracket while Del Val’s postseason run comes to an end. The Vikings’ defense fueled the decisive stretch, forcing turnovers that translated into transition points and open looks from beyond the arc. Each possession seemed to widen the gap as the home crowd sensed the momentum swing irreversibly in Voorhees’ favor. The victory keeps the Vikings’ championship hopes alive and sets up a semifinal matchup that promises to test their recent hot streak.

Southern Nevada’s winter postseason is officially underway, with a slate of high-stakes basketball and flag football games tipping off this week at campus sites and neutral venues across the valley. All basketball contests will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the higher seed unless otherwise noted. League designations are abbreviated as follows: D (Desert), L (Lake), M (Mountain), S (Sky). Opening-round highlights include No. 4 Desert-side Faith Lutheran traveling to face top-seeded Lake power Las Vegas High in Game 7, while No. 5 Pahrump Valley visits No. 4 GV Christian at 6 p.m. and No. 6 Moapa Valley treks to No. 3 Boulder City, also at 6 p.m. Later brackets will be filled by winners of earlier games; for instance, Game 13 will pit the victors of Games 9 and 10, with tip time to be determined, and the championship finale, Game 15, is slated for either noon or 2 p.m. Flag football action follows a similar format. Centennial, seeded seventh, meets second-seeded Democracy Prep at Doolittle Community Center, while fourth-seeded Mountain-side Spring Valley heads to top Sky seed Foothill for a 5 p.m. kickoff. Additional first-round matchups include No. 5 Moapa Valley at No. 4 Pahrump Valley and No. 6 The Meadows at No. 3 Boulder City, both at 6 p.m., and No. 5 American Heritage visiting No. 4 GV Christian at 5:30 p.m. Several small-school contests are scheduled as well. In 1A/2A brackets, No. 4 Indian Springs opens against No. 1 Tonopah at 4:40 p.m., and No. 3 Round Mountain faces No. 2 Spring Mountain at 8 p.m. Semifinal and title games will follow the noon-or-2 p.m. windows once earlier rounds conclude. Fans are advised to confirm times and locations, as a handful of games—such as No. 2 Lake-side Las Vegas High versus No. 1 Sky-side SLAM! Nevada at Russell Road Park—have been moved to 5 p.m. for logistical reasons.

Glendale, Ariz. – Super Bowl 60 will not be a nostalgia trip to Super Bowl 49. Eleven years after Malcolm Butler’s goal-line interception sealed a Patriots triumph, the franchises arrive here as radically different constructions, a collision of philosophies, résumés and timelines that has little to do with 2015. Start with the sidelines. New England’s Mike Vrabel, 50, already owns three Lombardi Trophies as a player and can join Ditka, Dungy, Flores and Pederson as men who have both played for and coached a champion. Across the field, Seattle’s 38-year-old Mike Macdonald is calling a Super Bowl defense in his second season, overseeing a unit that allowed a league-low 17.2 points per game and finished among the top seven in sacks and interceptions. The quarterback divide is equally stark. Patriots passer Drake Maye, dazzling in Year 2, completed a record 72 percent of his throws for 4,394 yards and 31 touchdowns against eight picks, finishing runner-up in MVP voting. He has already toppled three top-five defenses this postseason—No. 5 Los Angeles, No. 1 Houston and No. 2 Denver—and now stares at a Seahawks group ranked sixth. A victory would make Maye the fifth quarterback to win a title in his first or second season, alongside Brady, Roethlisberger, Warner and Wilson. Seattle counters with a renaissance story. Sam Darnold, once labeled a bust, authored a Pro Bowl season while leading the NFL in turnovers. Yet January has revealed a steadier hand: nursing an oblique injury, he dissected the NFC’s best in the title game, completing 25 of 36 passes for 346 yards and three scores without a giveaway. The rosters amplify the contrast. New England’s defense, coordinated by a staff steeped in championship pedigree, finished top 10 in total yards, rush yards, pass yards and points, surrendering only two touchdowns this postseason. The Seahawks counter with offensive balance—fifth in scoring—powered by league receiving leader Jaxon Smith-Njigba, resurgent veteran Cooper Kupp and a motivated Kenneth Walker III, who may be playing his final game in Seattle blue. Even the kicking game tilts opposites. Patriots returner Marcus Jones ripped off punt returns of 94 and 87 yards this season; rookie kicker Anthony Borregales drilled all four of his 50-plus-yard attempts. Seattle answered with five special-teams touchdowns, four on returns, since Week 1, and Jason Myers set an NFL record with 171 kicking points. Coaching attrition adds another layer. While Vrabel leans on offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels—present for all six Patriots titles—Seattle’s Klint Kubiak is expected to depart for the Raiders’ head post once the clock hits zero. Sunday’s outcome will hinge on which contradiction prevails: New England’s Cinderella surge, galvanized by a coach who understands the weight of the moment, or Seattle’s self-styled “Dark Side” defense, eager to cement its place as the finest in franchise history. Either way, this is no rematch. It is a study in opposites, and only one can finish on top.

Super Bowl Sunday has arrived, and Canadian football fans can catch every snap of the highly anticipated showdown between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m. ET. The game, a rematch of the 2015 championship, will be broadcast live on NBC with Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth handling play-by-play duties. Cord-cutters can stream the contest in real time via Peacock, NBC’s dedicated platform that also carries NFL Sunday Night Football, NBA action, Olympic coverage, Premier League soccer and more. Kickoff is set for Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Radio listeners across Canada can tune in to SiriusXM. Channel 225 will carry the Patriots broadcast, while Channel 226 will feature the Seahawks call. New SiriusXM subscribers receive their first month free, gaining access to live NFL, college football, MLB, NBA, NHL and NASCAR coverage plus 24/7 news and analysis on SiriusXM NFL Radio. Super Bowl 60 marks Seattle’s first return to the title game since 2015 and caps a remarkable turnaround for quarterback Sam Darnold, whose lone standout season prompted critics when the Seahawks signed him. On the opposite sideline, New England’s resurgence follows four consecutive losing seasons from 2020-2024, a hiring of former Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel as head coach, and the drafting of North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye.

Emirates Stadium, London – Sunderland’s promotion bandwagon hit a speed bump on Sunday evening as Arsenal’s relentless march toward a potential quadruple continued with a 3-0 victory that left the Black Cats reflecting on fine margins rather than a lack of effort. Head coach Stewart voiced pride in his side’s application, insisting the visitors produced “our absolute best effort” against a side he labelled “the best team walking the planet right now.” Despite matching Arsenal for long spells and enjoying more possession than many anticipated, Sunderland were undone by clinical finishing and, in their view, a string of officiating decisions that went against them. Brian Brobbey emerged as the game’s focal point, tormenting the league leaders with his blend of power and movement. The Dutch striker, who earlier in the campaign outmuscled Gabriel to earn a point at the Stadium of Light, appeared even sharper this time around. “I can bet that Gabriel and William Saliba haven’t faced anything as difficult as Brian Brobbey this season,” Stewart said, nominating the forward as his man of the match. Brobbey’s early chance, dragged wide under pressure, was the clearest opening Sunderland mustered. Arsenal’s opener arrived when Leandro Trossard was granted space to curl a precise shot inside the far post, a concession Stewart attributed to lax closing down. The second, a sweeping move finished off by Bukayo Saka, and a late third from substitute Kai Havertz, sealed a scoreline the visitors felt was harsh. “It was only the third goal that really killed us off,” Stewart maintained, arguing the contest remained in the balance until the closing stages. Officiating dominated the post-match discourse. Stewart criticised referee Samuel Barrott for failing to dismiss Saliba for persistent fouls, ignoring penalty appeals after Martin Zubimendi appeared to fell Dan Ballard, and repeatedly waving away Brobbey’s tussles with Arsenal’s centre-backs. “I’m getting sick of whingeing about the officials,” he admitted, “but it would be neglect if I didn’t raise the issue of Brobbey and Ballard being treated differently because they’re physical.” The result extends Sunderland’s winless away run since October’s memorable triumph at Stamford Bridge, though draws at Tottenham, Liverpool and Brighton have kept their season on track. With home form compensating for travel sickness, Stewart’s side remain well placed in the table ahead of a midweek reunion with Liverpool on Wearside. Fitness concerns linger over versatile defender Mohamed Sadiki, withdrawn as a precaution, while new signing Habib Diarra offered a brief glimpse of his pace during a late cameo. Omar Alderete, otherwise lauded for a superb campaign, survived a nervy spell in which he twice surrendered possession cheaply. Stewart refused to dwell on negativity, instead framing the night as evidence of progress. “We came up via the playoffs and just competed at the home of the champions-in-waiting,” he said. “That can’t be written off as anything less than good progress.” Arsenal leave with three more points and another statement victory; Sunderland leave with pride intact and a reminder that, against the elite, even the smallest lapse can prove costly.

Wrexham, Wales — In a rare public declaration of managerial security, Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have told The Athletic that Phil Parkinson will remain in charge of Wrexham “for life,” regardless of results. The pledge comes on the heels of Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat to Millwall, only the second time in 18 months the Red Dragons have been shut out at the SToK Cae Ras. The loss leaves Wrexham fifth in the Championship, still inside the play-off places and on course for a potential fourth consecutive promotion — a feat never achieved in English football. Speaking ahead of the Millwall match, McElhenney traced the genesis of the club’s modern era to a single phone call in the summer of 2021, when he persuaded Parkinson to leave League One Sunderland for the fifth-tier National League club. “For him to take that risk and to come on that journey with us — no, create that journey and the blueprint — has been… critical is not the word… essential is not the word,” McElhenney said. “I don’t know I have the words to fully describe how integral Phil has been to the story and success of Wrexham.” Parkinson, 58, initially balked at the approach, twice rejecting Wrexham before McElhenney’s pitch convinced him to drop three divisions. The manager’s first words to the actor-creator were prophetic: “One thing I know for sure is you will fire me one day.” McElhenney’s response now forms the bedrock of the club’s culture: “I just don’t see a scenario where Phil Parkinson gets fired… he’s got the job for life.” Reynolds, nursing a knee injury while watching from the directors’ box on Saturday, echoed the sentiment, likening Parkinson’s locker-room standards to those on a film set. “Culture starts at the top down,” Reynolds said. “If ‘Mr Bigshot Movie Star Guy’ shows up late to set, and is rude and entitled… it works its way down. Phil has made this all about the locker room.” Since his appointment on July 1, 2021, Parkinson has overseen 256 competitive matches, winning 149 and guiding Wrexham up 74 places in the pyramid. The club have scored 500 goals under his watch and risen from National League anonymity to the cusp of the Premier League. Only six managers across the top four divisions — including Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta — have held their posts longer. Reynolds and McElhenney insist they leave football decisions to the staff they have empowered, including former EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey and chief executive Michael Williamson. During the recent transfer window, Reynolds spoke with Parkinson daily yet never questioned the manager’s veto on targets. “I’m thinking, ‘Why aren’t we going for this player? He wants to come’. But Phil doesn’t have to explain himself. He just has to say it’s not right. That’s it. No follow-up question,” Reynolds said. McElhenney argues that lifetime security sharpens rather than softens competitive edge. “He’s not one to rest on his laurels,” McElhenney said. “I just don’t feel that when anyone feels they are on the ‘hot seat’, they do their best work.” Saturday’s defeat, in which Millwall scored twice despite only one shot on target, was an anomaly — an own goal by Max Cleworth and a late breakaway. It does little to dim the owners’ conviction that the architect of Wrexham’s rise will remain at the helm for as long as he chooses. “Unless he finds another job he wants to go off and do, he’s our coach. He’s our manager. He’s our guy,” McElhenney said. Part two of The Athletic’s exclusive interview with Reynolds and McElhenney will be published Monday.

Santa Clara, Calif. — When the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks break for halftime of Super Bowl 60, the global spotlight will pivot from the gridiron to a single stage at Levi’s Stadium, where Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny will become the first Latino and first Spanish-speaking artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show as a solo act. The Grammy-winning rapper-singer, officially announced by the NFL and Apple Music in September 2025, has not revealed any guest performers, leaving open the possibility of a surprise appearance similar to last year, when Kendrick Lamar welcomed SZA to the stage. While the complete stage design remains under wraps, Apple Music teased elements of the production in a trailer released in January, heightening anticipation for what has evolved into one of television’s most-watched musical spectacles. Organizers note that millions of viewers tune in exclusively for the halftime performance, a cultural moment that now rivals the game itself. Details regarding additional performers, set list, and stage mechanics will be updated as they are confirmed by the league and its production partners.

By Jay Harris Manchester – When Cristian Romero trudged off the Old Trafford pitch in the 29th minute on Saturday, the armband felt heavier than ever. A wild swipe at Casemiro’s ankle had earned Tottenham’s captain a sixth red card since his arrival in north London in August 2021 – the most of any Premier League player in that span – and left head coach Thomas Frank to re-organise with ten men in a contest that ended a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United. The dismissal was the third suspension already this campaign for the 27-year-old Argentine, who had earlier missed the Fulham loss through accumulation and was sent off in stoppage time against Liverpool for kicking Ibrahima Konate. Premier League data analysts add that he could easily have walked in both meetings with Brentford for fouls on Igor Thiago. Romero’s latest indiscretion rules him out of four upcoming fixtures, including the north London derby against Arsenal on 22 February, at a moment when Spurs are winless in the league since December and sit only six points above the relegation zone. Nobody disputes the defender’s talent. His sweeping passes launched countless attacks last season on the way to Europa League success, and he twice rescued points this term with stoppage-time goals against Newcastle and Burnley. Yet the margins between hero and villain have never been thinner. Attempting a back-heel turn under pressure from Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha on Saturday, Romero created the very danger he then tried to extinguish, a sequence Frank’s staff view as emblematic of their captain’s high-wire approach. Privately, senior figures question whether the club should have entrusted the armband to a player whose emotional thermostat is so unreliable. Teammates admire his commitment but wince at the frequency with which he abandons positional shape to atone for mistakes, a habit that undermined Spurs’ promising start at Old Trafford where Pape Matar Sarr and Xavi Simons found pockets of space and Dominic Solanke dragged Harry Maguire out of position. Supporters remain split. Chants of “Romero is right, the board is s***e” echoed around the away end, reflecting admiration for his outspoken stance towards club leadership. Yet the numbers are stark: six dismissals in three-and-a-half seasons, 15 competitive matches spent suspended, and a defensive unit now so depleted that Destiny Udogie pulled up with a hamstring issue on Saturday, leaving Micky van de Ven – himself only recently recovered from a groin complaint – as the solitary fit first-choice defender. Frank, appointed last summer after Ange Postecoglou’s departure, inherited a leadership vacuum when club-record scorer Son Heung-min joined Los Angeles FC. With few obvious candidates, the Dane handed the armband to Romero and sanctioned a new long-term deal to fend off Atlético Madrid. The manager has since spent successive press conferences defending the centre-back’s conduct, culminating in Friday’s surprisingly candid admission that he “had no idea” whether Romero would still be at the club next season – a remark that contrasts with his previous determination to retain key players during six successful years at Brentford. Insiders say the squad still respects Romero’s willingness to apologise in the dressing-room, but patience is wearing thin. Archie Gray, 19, offered a study in composure while marking Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, highlighting what Tottenham could gain from cooler heads. Frank refuses to strip the captaincy mid-season, yet the club’s recruitment staff have been asked to reassess defensive targets ahead of the summer window. A sale, possibly recouping a sizeable portion of the £42 million fee paid to Atalanta in 2022, would allow reinvestment in a more reliable organiser. Until then, Tottenham must navigate a mounting injury list and a fixture calendar that offers little respite. Tuesday’s visit of Newcastle already looked daunting; without their suspended captain, and potentially without Udogie, the pressure intensifies on a side that has suffered ten league defeats and not tasted victory since a 2-1 success at Coventry in the FA Cup on 11 January. Romero will sit out matches against Newcastle, Arsenal, an as-yet unspecified opponent, and the subsequent trip to Liverpool on 16 March. By then, Spurs hope Van de Ven will still be upright, Udogie will have returned, and the club will have a clearer picture of whether their combustible captain remains part of long-term plans. For the moment, the uncomfortable truth lingers: the same fire that propels Cristian Romero to World Cup and Copa América glory is threatening to burn Tottenham’s season to the ground.

Emirates Stadium, Sunday evening: the clock read 66 minutes and the scoreboard 1-0 when Viktor Gyokeres peeled away from his marker, took a clever pass from Kai Havertz and steered a low shot beyond the Sunderland goalkeeper. Six minutes earlier the Swede had been sitting beside the advertising hoardings, waiting for the fourth official’s board to flip; now he was sprinting toward the Arsenal fans, arms outstretched, the stadium roaring in collective relief. By the 82nd minute he had added a second, converting a Gabriel Martinelli cut-back to seal a 3-0 win that lifts Arsenal level on points with the league leaders and, perhaps more importantly, lifts the €63.5 million striker to a level he has been chasing since last summer. The brace took Gyokeres to six goals since the turn of the year—no Premier League player has more—and eight goal contributions in as many matches across all competitions. Yet the numbers only hint at the narrative arc. After five goals, only two from open play, in his first 20 appearances, the 27-year-old was beginning to look like an expensive misfit. A muscular injury on matchday 10 interrupted a run of seven full 90-minute shifts in the opening nine league fixtures, and when Mikel Merino was pushed forward in his absence, questions grew louder: was the former Sporting CP sharpshooter suited to the physical and tactical demands of English football? Arsenal’s recent form suggests the answer is an emphatic yes. Seven goals without reply in back-to-back league games against Leeds United and Sunderland have arrived at the precise moment last season’s runners-up needed to reassert title credentials. Gyokeres scored in both fixtures—starting at Elland Road and finishing from the bench on Sunday—yet the contrast in settings underlines the adaptability Arteta is coaxing from his record signing. Against Leeds it was Gabriel Jesus who drifted wide and dragged centre-backs with him, creating the lane for Gyokeres to attack. Against Sunderland the gamestate was different: a single-goal cushion, a deep block, and the requirement for a finisher capable of finding half-chances in compressed space. Havertz’s ghosting movement between the lines offered the “company” Arteta referenced afterwards, while Martinelli’s directness from the right, deputising for the injured Bukayo Saka, provided the cut-back for the clincher. Arteta, speaking pitch-side, pinpointed the intangible element now fuelling the turnaround. “That’s the magic word—confidence,” he said. “When you feel confident, when you feel important, when you feel at your best, that’s when you can really take your game to the highest level.” The Spaniard revealed that Gyokeres has begun “to speak up and demand the kind of movement, the kind of balls and deliveries that he wants,” a sign that the striker is no longer merely acclimatising but dictating. The manager’s trust in his bench has become a defining feature of the campaign. Arsenal top the Premier League for goal contributions by substitutes with 16; Noni Madueke’s goal and assist in last week’s win at Leeds came after a late reshuffle forced by Saka’s hip issue, and Gyokeres’ double maintains the theme. “When he got the line-up and he wasn’t in, everybody reacts in such a way because we experience every three days how important the finishers are,” Arteta added. “The impact they are having on the team, results and where we are, so I’m very happy.” Sunday’s victory also nudged Arsenal toward a more comfortable match profile. On 30 December they led by a solitary goal entering the final 15 minutes in a league-high eight fixtures, a recipe for late anxiety. They still hold that tally, but the number of two-goal advantages has risen from six to nine—second only to Manchester City—after Gyokeres’ 66th-minute strike effectively removed tension from the closing stages. The striker’s own trajectory mirrors the collective. His first touch on Sunday was heavy; his second, a cushioned lay-off under pressure, was immaculate. The confidence gleaned from that moment settled him, and within 60 seconds he had scored. By full-time he had completed 94 percent of his passes, won three aerial duels and, crucially, taken care of possession in areas where earlier in the season he might have been dispossessed. Arteta will hope the upward curve is only beginning. With Havertz back, Jesus fit again and Martinelli deputising ably for Saka, Arsenal finally possess the attacking depth required for a sustained title push. The manager’s challenge now is to keep Gyokeres believing—whether he starts or arrives with the game in the balance—that his next touch will be decisive. On this evidence, the confidence is flowing both ways.

Bayern Munich have slapped a nine-figure price tag on teenage winger Lennart Karl and told every suitor—including persistent admirers Real Madrid—that even €100 million may not be enough to secure the Germany youth international. The Bavarians are determined to make Karl, who turns 20 on 22 February, the face of their next decade. His current deal will automatically roll over until 2029 on that birthday, and sporting directors Max Eberl and Christoph Freund are already working with agent Michael Ballack on an extension through 2031, a move designed to be completed before this winter’s World Cup kicks off. “Bayern won’t sell this player. They don’t want to sell this player,” a senior club source told Bavarian Podcast Works. “He’s German, he’s from the campus, and he’s a central part of Vincent Kompany’s rebuild. Even if the new contract talks hit a snag, the answer in January will still be no.” Real Madrid, long-time collectors of Europe’s elite talents, have monitored Karl since he broke into the first-team squad last autumn. Yet sources inside the Allianz Arena insist the European champions would have to start any conversation at “well over €100 m” and then hope Bayern even agree to sit at the table. For context, Bayern paid €70 m last summer for 29-year-old Luis Díaz, a purchase now regarded as a bargain after the Colombian’s blistering start—10 goals and nine assists in 19 Bundesliga matches that have catapulted him to the top of SciSports’ global player index. Karl’s statistical output has been more modest while he juggles league, cup and Championsliga minutes, but coaches value his direct dribbling, defensive work-rate and marketing appeal as a home-grown star. Despite a minor media stir caused by recent interview comments in which he admitted “every kid dreams of Madrid,” Karl remains popular with supporters and, crucially, indispensable to Kompany’s tactical blueprint. Elsewhere on Säbener Straße, deadline-day whispers that Arsenal tabled a late offer for Leon Goretzka were confirmed genuine. The 29-year-old midfielder, however, elected to honour an earlier pledge to stay through the winter window, rebuffing the Gunners and long-time admirers Atlético Madrid in the process. Goretzka’s representatives continue to field enquiries from Juventus, Milan, Napoli and Premier League clubs, leaving the door ajar for a summer exit. Bayern’s focus now returns to retaining their brightest prospect. Unless a bidder is prepared to smash the Bundesliga transfer record—and potentially the €150 m mark—Lennart Karl will be wearing red and white well into the next decade.

Mumbai, 22 June – United States Ambassador to India Sergio Gor hailed the International Cricket Council and its chairman Jay Shah for “an incredible evening of Cricket” after witnessing India’s 29-run victory over the USA in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at a vibrant Wankhede Stadium on Saturday night. Gor, attending his first World Cup fixture in India, used social media to signal a new era for the sport back home. “Thank you @ICC and @JayShah for an incredible evening of Cricket at the #T20WorldCup! I predict Cricket has a very bright future ahead in the United States, including at the upcoming Olympics,” he posted on X. During the match the Ambassador met Shah and discussed the accelerating expansion of cricket across the United States, citing world-class infrastructure, emerging star talent and an increasingly passionate fan base as key growth drivers. “We discussed the exponential growth of cricket in the United States with our world-class infrastructure, star talent, and incredible fans,” Gor wrote in a follow-up message. After the final ball the diplomat joined the American squad for a photograph alongside Shah, captioning the image: “Proud of our American Cricket team! An incredibly exciting game tonight in Mumbai.” Away from the boundary rope Gor also held brief discussions with Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani and Reliance Foundation founder-chairperson Nita Ambani, underscoring the cross-sector interest in cricket’s globalisation. On the field India, asked to bat first, posted 161 for nine in their 20 overs. Suryakumar Yadav anchored the innings with an unbeaten 84 off 49 deliveries, striking 10 fours and four sixes. Ishan Kishan contributed a brisk 20 and Tilak Varma added 25. USA’s Shadley van Schalkwyk finished with four for 29, while Harmeet Singh claimed two for 26. In reply the United States fought hard but were restricted to 132 for eight. Milind Kumar top-scored with 34, Sanjay Krishnamurthi hit 37 and Shubham Ranjane smashed 37 off 22 balls. India’s Mohammed Siraj led the bowling with three for 29, supported by Axar Patel (two for 24) and Arshdeep Singh (two for 18). The result gives India their first points of the tournament and leaves the USA searching for a maiden victory, yet the night’s broader narrative centred on cricket’s widening footprint, with American officials now openly championing the game’s Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028.

Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski once again underlined his prolific touch on Saturday, scoring in a commanding 3-0 La Liga victory over Real Mallorca at Spotify Camp Nou to keep the Catalans firmly atop the table and edge ever closer to another slice of club history. The 23rd matchday triumph lifted Barcelona to 58 points, four clear of second-placed Real Madrid, who still have a fixture to play in the round. Yet the spotlight belonged to the Polish striker, whose 114 goals for the Blaugrana have come in fewer than four seasons and now leave him just three shy of equaling club icon Hristo Stoichkov on the all-time scoring chart. Spanish daily AS notes that Lewandowski is only six goals away from breaking into Barcelona’s top-ten scorers list, a testament to the immediate impact he has made since arriving in Catalonia. With each decisive finish, the 35-year-old continues his relentless climb among the legends of the storied club.

Anfield will provide the stage for one of the standout fixtures of the 2025-26 Premier League season when Liverpool welcome Manchester City on Matchday 25. The historic ground, which holds just over 62,000 spectators, will host the 200th competitive meeting between the two clubs, underscoring a rivalry that has become one of English football’s most enduring. With 24 rounds completed, the stakes could hardly be higher. Manchester City arrive on Merseyside in second place, having accumulated 47 points from 14 wins, five draws and five defeats. Liverpool, meanwhile, sit sixth with 39 points, built on 11 victories, six draws and seven losses. Both clubs view the contest as pivotal in the battle for top-four positions and, potentially, the title itself. The fixture is part of a long-standing and increasingly intense rivalry that has placed City among Liverpool’s most frequent opponents, alongside neighbours Everton and Premier League heavyweights Arsenal. The occasion will be broadcast across a range of international platforms, ensuring a global audience for the latest chapter in this modern classic.

The Bundesliga’s reputation as Europe’s finishing school shows no sign of fading. With the 2026 summer window approaching, Premier League giants and continental heavyweights are already queuing for Germany’s next wave of prodigies. From flying wingers to ball-playing centre-backs, these ten under-23 talents are primed for high-profile moves when June arrives. Yan Diomande headlines the class. The Bayern Munich winger has scorched full-backs this season with a cocktail of raw pace and fearless dribbling, and Manchester United and Tottenham are among the clubs monitoring his development. Sources expect a bidding war for a player labelled “legitimate world-class potential” by talent scouts. While Diomande dominates headlines on the flank, Luka Vuskovic has been the story at the other end of the pitch. The 19-year-old Croatian centre-back has been the Bundesliga’s standout defender outside Munich, marrying aerial dominance with eye-catching goals. Tottenham are desperate to retain his registration, but Bayern’s repeated public praise suggests a formal offer is inevitable. Hoffenheim supply two electrifying wide options. Bazoumana Touré’s direct running and one-v-one mastery have marked him as the league’s most progressive winger, while Antonio Nusa—despite flashes of brilliance for Norway—has grown frustrated behind RB Leipzig’s stacked attacking queue. Premier League mid-table clubs view Nusa as a potential secret superstar. Leipzig’s conveyor belt of centre-backs continues with Castello Lukeba. The 23-year-old left-footed defender mirrors the paths of Upamecano, Gvardiol and Konaté, and Real Madrid are contemplating a swoop that could see Lukeba paired with the Liverpool defender should Konaté leave on a free. Union Berlin’s Leopold Querfeld has stepped from the shadows into the spotlight. At 22, the Austrian’s progressive passing, long-range shooting and defensive IQ have reportedly caught Liverpool’s attention, while Daniel Svensson’s tireless work on Borussia Dortmund’s left has made him a target for Leeds and other Premier League sides seeking reliability over flash. In the final third, Fisnik Asllani edges team-mate Said El Mala as the Köln striker ready for a top-tier leap. Bayern and several English clubs rate the Hoffenheim loanee’s finishing and link-up play highly, though another year in the Bundesliga could further polish his game. Full-back Nathaniel Brown offers a rare blend of recovery pace and attacking thrust. The left-back’s raw tools have piqued Liverpool’s interest, while Serie A clubs believe his skill set would flourish in Italy’s expansive systems. Finally, Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Rocco Reitz has emerged as the league’s hidden midfield gem; rugged in the tackle and poised in possession, the German international would reportedly upgrade most Premier League midfields today. With Europe’s powerhouses ready to open their coffers, the summer of 2026 could see the Bundesliga’s brightest prospects reshape the continent’s competitive landscape.

Barcelona, Spain – Tommy Marques stepped onto the Camp Nou grass on Saturday night and into the pages of the club’s storied history, becoming the newest La Masia product to debut for the first team during a commanding 3-0 victory over Real Mallorca. The 19-year-old winger, who has trained with the senior squad for several weeks, entered the match in the second half after the hosts had built an unassailable lead. The moment, he said afterward, still felt surreal. “It’s indescribable, what I’m feeling is incredible,” Marques told reporters, a wide smile barely leaving his face. “I was talking about it with my teammates, it’s spectacular. It’s a dream come true.” Marques revealed that manager Hansi Flick offered a simple but powerful message before waving him on: “Enjoy it, live in the moment, and do what you have to do.” The teenager admitted the instruction barely had time to register. “It’s hard to get on the pitch because the score has to be comfortable. When they scored the third, Flick called me over and I didn’t even have time to think. My day has arrived.” Born and raised within the club’s famed academy system, Marques has spent years visualizing the roar of nearly 100,000 spectators. Reality, he confessed, exceeded every childhood daydream. “The Camp Nou is incredible because you watch it from home from a young age, you go to the games… It’s a big shock, it’s spectacular,” he said. “I’ve gone through many stages to get here. I’m very proud of what it means.” Marques emphasized gratitude over celebration, noting the encouragement he has received from teammates and idols alike. “Everyone I’ve met has congratulated me. It’s a dream to be congratulated by your idol.” While the debut marks a milestone, the forward’s immediate focus returns to development. He is expected to rejoin Barcelona Atletic on Sunday and could feature in their upcoming clash against Barbastro. For now, though, Marques is allowing himself a brief moment to savor the achievement. “It’s time to keep working. I’m very grateful for the opportunity and for all these weeks I’ve spent with them. Every day with them is spectacular.”

Molineux, Saturday — Before the half-time whistle had sounded, Chelsea’s 23-year-old forward Cole Palmer had already settled the contest against Wolverhampton Wanderers, dispatching two penalties and capping a sweeping team move to register his fourth hat-trick for the club. The treble propelled him to 51 Chelsea goals in just 114 appearances and etched his name deeper into the club’s record books. With all four of his hat-tricks coming in Premier League fixtures, Palmer has surpassed Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, each of whom managed three league trebles for the Blues. Three of Palmer’s four have been completed before the interval, making him the first player in Premier League history to score three first-half hat-tricks. Palmer’s haul draws him level with Drogba’s overall Chelsea hat-trick tally; only Lampard, Peter Osgood, Bobby Tambling (eight), Kerry Dixon (eight), George Hilsdon (nine) and Jimmy Greaves (13) remain ahead of him in the club’s all-time rankings. The achievement arrives amid a campaign disrupted by injury. Palmer admitted the lay-offs have been unfamiliar territory. “I’ve never been injured before in my career. This is something new to me, and I’m still finding out how to deal with it,” he said. “I don’t feel like I’ve played a game this season fully fit. I’ve been going into games thinking, ‘Can I do certain things? Can I not?’ Overthinking it. The staff have been really good. I’ll get through it.” Palmer’s latest milestone is the 162nd hat-trick in Chelsea’s history, scored by 80 different players, and the 20th since 2016. Noni Madueke’s treble in the corresponding fixture last season began the recent sequence; Palmer’s February 2026 effort against Wolves continues it, underlining his status as the club’s foremost modern-day marksmen from three-goal performances. Chelsea will hope the forward’s return to full fitness accompanies a second-half surge, beginning with the momentum gleaned from a match that was effectively over inside 45 minutes. SEO keywords:

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – The first flash of Lionel Messi’s familiar brilliance in 2026 arrived on cue Sunday night, as the Argentine maestro curled home a solo effort and set up German Berterame to help Inter Miami claw out a 2-2 preseason friendly draw against Ecuadorian side Barcelona SC. Messi’s 34th-minute masterpiece began inside the center circle, where he collected possession, ghosted past a lunging defender and accelerated toward the top of the box before dispatching a low, left-footed finish beyond goalkeeper Jose Contreras. The strike, his first of the new campaign, electrified the crowd and underlined why the Herons remain the team to beat after December’s historic first MLS Cup triumph. The 38-year-old was not done. Ten minutes after the restart he slipped a precise pass between two center-backs for offseason acquisition Berterame, who slotted confidently to level the score at 2-2 and offer an early glimpse of a partnership Miami hopes will flourish across multiple competitions this year. Fresh off a second straight MLS MVP award, Messi finished 2025 with 29 goals and 19 assists—48 total goal contributions, the second-highest single-season tally in league history—and became only the second player ever to lead MLS in both goals and assists in the same campaign, matching Sebastian Giovinco’s 2015 feat. With Miami set to christen the 25,000-seat Miami Freedom Park in April, expectations are soaring. The club will juggle MLS, Leagues Cup and Concacaf Champions Cup fixtures, beginning the regular season Feb. 21 away to Los Angeles FC and South Korean star Heung-min Son. If Sunday’s friendly is any indication, Messi’s legs—and imagination—remain more than capable of tormenting backlines from Florida to California and, this summer, across North America at the 2026 World Cup.