‘A sad day’ – Real Madrid presidential hopeful demands change after historic World Cup squad snubThe growing tension around Real Madrid ahead of the presidential elections has now intensified even further after presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme reacted strongly to Spain’s latest World Cup squad announcement.For the first time in 16 World Cups, no Real Madrid player was included in the Spain national football team squad.Speaking in a recent public appearance, Riquelme made it clear that he sees the situation as deeply damaging for the club’s image and sporting direction.A worrying sign for Real MadridAddressing the absence of Real Madrid players in the national setup, the businessman did not hide his disappointment. He described the moment as one that should concern everyone connected to the club.Enrique Riquelme has expressed his frustration. (Picture credit: Instagram/@enriqueriquelmev)“It’s a rather sad day for Real Madrid, which has had no players called up for the first time in 16 World Cups. “It’s a worrying situation that we hope will never happen again,” he said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.About the electionsRiquelme also used the opportunity to speak about the upcoming elections and the importance of opening the club to wider discussion. According to him, too few voices have had the opportunity to challenge the current leadership structure over the past two decades.View this post on InstagramA post shared by Enrique Riquelme (@enriqueriquelmev)“Unfortunately, those who want to can’t, and those who can haven’t wanted to. “For the first time in 20 years, both conditions have come together after all the requirements have been met,” he added.The presidential candidate also stressed that he views the current election process as something extremely important for the future of the institution.“Now we are calling for a debate so that members can hear each of the proposals, what the Madrid of the future looks like, and for that, a debate is needed,” he concluded.

A TV screen shows a reporting of North Korea's unidentified projectile with file footage during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, May 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)2026-05-26T04:14:28Z SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea launched a close-range ballistic missile and other weapons toward the sea on Tuesday, South Korea’s military said, the latest in a series of weapons demonstrations by North Korea this year. The missile fired from Jongju, a city near the North’s west coast, flew about 80 kilometers (50 miles), South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said. North Korea launched other kinds of projectiles, it said, but didn’t elaborate.South Korea’s military, under a solid alliance with the U.S., maintains a readiness to repel any provocations by North Korea, the Joint Chiefs of Staff said. South Korea’s military has bolstered a surveillance posture, it said.It was North Korea’s first weapons launch event since April 19, when the country fired multiple short-range missiles in what state-media described as a demonstration of cluster bomb warheads. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has focused on expanding his nuclear and missile arsenals since his nuclear diplomacy with U.S. President Donald Trump collapsed in 2019. Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to resume talks with Kim, but Pyongyang has so far ignored the overtures and urged Washington to drop demands for the North’s nuclear disarmament as a precondition for talks. Kim has taken an increasingly hard-line stance toward South Korea, calling it his country’s permanent and most hostile enemy and taking steps to terminate all ties with its neighbor. Read More During a Cabinet meeting earlier Tuesday, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called for stronger efforts to advance the country’s military. He emphasized artificial intelligence and drone capabilities, and the potential acquisition of a nuclear-powered submarine, an issue that has been part of his diplomacy with Washington.Lee, a liberal who espouses improved ties with North Korea, didn’t specifically comment on the threats posed by the North. But he stressed the importance of South Korea demonstrating the “resolve to take responsibility for and protect our own security ourselves,” saying such a posture would also strengthen the country’s alliance with the United States. HYUNG-JIN KIM Kim is an Associated Press reporter in Seoul, South Korea. He reports on security, political and other general news on the Korean Peninsula. twitter mailto KIM TONG-HYUNG Kim has been covering the Koreas for the AP since 2014. He has published widely read stories on North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, the dark side of South Korea’s economic rise and international adoptions of Korean children. twitter mailto

[Getty Images][BBC]Now the curtain has come down on the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, here is my end-of-season review - with a look back to what I predicted in August.Prediction: 16thThere is not enough humble pie to go around here and a slice should be aiming in this direction. It was real shame that Brentford missed out on Europe, but they can take huge credit from this season.Keith Andrews' appointment in succession to the beloved Thomas Frank was regarded as a high-risk promotion from within, yet he has done a superb and seamless job, even after losing key strikers Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa to Manchester United and Newcastle United respectively.Igor Thiago has been one of the Premier League players of the season. Jordan Henderson has brought experience and guidance in midfield. And Caoimhin Kelleher has shown, as he did at Liverpool, that he is a quality goalkeeper.What I said in August: "For the first time in a long time, I genuinely fear for Brentford."Check out the rest of my review here

[Getty Images]Now the curtain has come down on the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, here is my end-of-season review - with a look back to what I predicted in August.Prediction:ChampionsWhere do you even start? This was a desperate campaign after strolling to the title last season in Arne Slot's first campaign in succession to Jurgen Klopp.The context should be provided by the tragedy of beloved forward Diogo Jota's death in July. Perfectly understandably, only those inside Anfield will feel and know its full impact.No-one, however, expected the season to end with Liverpool fans turning on Slot.Liverpool splashed out £450m last summer to make the team worse, while few could have predicted Mohamed Salah's form falling off a cliff and into public acrimony with Slot.So will Slot be around to oversee a recovery? Many Liverpool fans do not want him to be, but owner FSG is - currently - standing firm.A truly rotten campaign.What I said in August: "It's hard to see past Liverpool as this season's Premier League champions. This is a prediction made with complete confidence."Check out the rest of my review here

[Getty Images][BBC]Now the curtain has come down on the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, here is my end-of-season review - with a look back to what I predicted in August.Prediction: 5thWhat more can be said about Unai Emery's work at Aston Villa? Back to the Champions League and the club's first trophy since 1996 with his fifth Europa League win.Emery's perfectionist streak makes his management of Villa a work of art, with work-rate, organisation and talent making for a top-class team.Morgan Rogers is the centrepiece, but the key to it all is Emery and a team and club built in his own image and likeness. He is on course to go down in history as a Villa legend.What I said in August: "I fully expect them to be at the sharp end of the Premier League once more under the outstanding guidance of Emery."Check out the rest of my review here

[Getty Images][BBC]Now the curtain has come down on the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, here is my end-of-season review - with a look back to what I predicted in August.Prediction: 3rdPep Guardiola's final season in charge of Manchester City ended with the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, but this time they were outlasted by Arsenal in the Premier League title race.The best pure football team in the country maybe, but the history books will not say that - only that Arsenal were champions, and rightly so.City simply had too many days - too many draws - where they could not complete the job, and it cost them.Guardiola, however, leaves behind a rebuilt team with a glittering future. He will not be back at the heart of next season's title race. City will be.What I said in August: "I fully expect City to win a trophy and challenge for the title - but do not think they will reclaim their old crown."Check out the rest of my review here

The French Open continues with first round play on Tuesday, May 26.Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka will have her first match on the clay court when she faces Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. Naomi Osaka, who is ranked No. 15, will take one Lauran Siegemund to open her run in the competition.Several American women have their first matches on Tuesday, including No. 19 Madison Keys, No. 5 Jessica Pegula and No. 4 Coco Gauff.The men's No.1 player, Jannik Sinner, will take on Clement Tabur for his first match of the 2026 French Open. Carlos Alcaraz is not playing to defend his title, which he won last year against Sinner in five sets. He is dealing with a wrist injury.The day prior, Stan Wawrinka and Gaël Monfils each lost their first-round matches. It was their final time playing at the French Open because both announced last year that this is their farewell season before retirement. Monfils' loss was especially emotional because it is his home tournament. He was given a plaque with a slab of the clay from the court where he reunited with France's "Four Musketeers:" Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Richard Gasquet and Gilles Simon. His wife, tennis player Elina Svitolina, was in tears as she watched from the stands.Here is what May 26 holds at Roland-Garros:2026 French Open singles schedule for Tuesday, May 26Men's Singles5 a.m. ETNo. 29 Tallon Griekspoor (Netherlands) vs. Matteo Arnaldi (Italy)Adam Walton (Australia) vs. No. 6 Daniil Medvedev (Russia)Alexei Popyrin (Australia) vs. Zachary Svajda (U.S.)Marin Čilić (Croatia) vs. Moise Kouame (France)Alejandro Tabilo (Chile) vs. Kamil Majchrzak (Poland)6 a.m. ETFacundo Diaz Acosta (Argentina) vs. Zhizhen Zhang (China)6:30 a.m. ETMartin Landaluce (Spain) vs. Juan Carlos Prado Angelo (Bolivia)Thomas Faurel (France) vs. No. 16 Valentin Vacherot (Monaco)7 a.m. ETVítek Kopřiva (Czechia) vs. No. 30 Corentin Moutet (France)No. 20 Cameron Norrie (U.K.) vs. Adolfo Daniel Vallejo (Paraguay)7:30 a.m. ETAlexandre Müller (France) vs. Stefanos Tsitsipas (Greece)8 a.m. ETCristian Garin (Chile) vs. No. 18 Learner Tien (U.S.)Sebastian Baez (Argentina) vs. Roman Andres Burruchaga (Argentina)8:30 a.m. ETNo. 9 Alexander Bublik (Kazakhstan) vs. Jan-Lennard Struff (Germany)10 a.m. ETEthan Quinn (U.S.) vs. Francisco Comesana (Argentina)Sebastian Ofner (Austria) vs. No. 14 Luciano Darderi (Italy)Jacob Fearnley (U.K.) vs. Juan Manuel Cerundolo (Argentina)Jaime Faria (Portugal) vs. Denis Shapovalov (Canada)No. 4 Felix Auger-Aliassime (Canada) vs. Daniel Altmaier (Germany)2:15 p.m. ETNo. 1 Jannik Sinner (Italy) vs. Clement Tabur (France)Women's Singles5 a.m. ETNo. 17 Iva Jovic (U.S.) vs. Alexandra Eala (Philippines)Emma Navarro (U.S.) vs. Janice Tjen (Indonesia)Donna Vekic (Croatia) vs. Alice Tubello (France)Claire Liu (U.S.) vs. Moyuka Uchijima (Japan)6 a.m. ETNo. 1. Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus) vs. Jessica Bouzas Maneiro (Spain)6:30 a.m. ETNo. 12 Linda Noskova (Czechia) vs. Maria Sakkari (Greece)No. 30 Ann Li (U.S.) vs. Shuai Zhang (China)7 a.m. ETLinda Fruhvirtova (Czechia) vs. Elsa Jacquemot (France)Laura Siegemund (Germany) vs. No. 16 Naomi Osaka (Japan)8 a.m. ETDalma Galfi (Hungary) vs. Mayar Sherif (Egypt)8:30 a.m. ETAntonia Ruzic (Croatia) vs. Ashlyn Krueger (U.S.)No. 22 Anna Kalinskaya (Russia) vs. Lois Boisson (France)Anhelina Kalinina (Ukraine) vs. Diane Parry (France)Hanne Vandewinkel (Belgium) vs. No. 19 Madison Keys (U.S.)Alina Korneeva (Russia) vs. Elisabetta Cocciaretto (Italy)9:30 a.m. ETNo. 4 Coco Gauff (U.S.) vs. Taylor Townsend (U.S.)10 a.m. ETElena Pridankina (Russia) vs. Oleksandra Oliynykova (Ukraine)10:30 a.m. ETSimona Waltert (Switzerland) vs. Katerina Siniakova (Czechia)No. 9 Victoria Mboko (Canada) vs. Nikola Bartunkova (Czechia)Kimberly Birrell (Australia) vs. No. 5 Jessica Pegula (U.S.)See the full French Open draw here.How to watch the 2026 French OpenDates: Through Sunday, June 7Where: Stade Roland Garros, ParisTV: TNT, TBS, truTVStream: Sling TV, YouTubeTV, HBO MaxThis article originally appeared on USA TODAY: French Open first round schedule for May 26

Christian Eriksen: Former Man United star suffers major career setbackFormer Manchester United star Christian Eriksen has suffered a career setback.United careerThe Danish star joined Manchester United in the summer of 2022 on a free contract.The former Tottenham Hotspur and Inter Milan player was crucial in his first season at Old Trafford but picked up a bad injury in the winter.Eriksen played 107 times for the club in three seasons.He scored eight goals, including a penalty on his last ever appearance in front of the Stretford End against Aston Villa.Post-United careerEriksen decided to leave the club last summer and, after numerous rumours, he chose to join VfL Wolfsburg in Germany.Unfortunately, the season has not gone particularly well for anyone involved at the club, as they have been relegated from the Bundesliga.He played 34 times for the club this season, scoring three goals in all competitions.Eriksen has impressed on a personal level, grabbing ten assists and even captaining the side on occasion.Wolfsburg, who finished 16th in the table, took on Paderborn in the relegation playoffs, who emerged victorious with a 2-1 win after extra time to secure their place in the German top flight.It is the first time in 29 years that Eriksen’s new club will not be in the first division in Germany.Eriksen has a contract until 2027, so he is likely to remain at the club as they aim to fight their way back into the top league next season.Former Red Devils Donny van de Beek and Daley Blind suffered the same fate as their club Girona was relegated from Spain’s La Liga at the weekend.Christian Eriksen Wolfsburg stats 25/26Source: transfermarkt.comFeatured image Alex Livesey via Getty Imagesonline pollsThe Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

📲 16 days until the World Cup, time to test yourself with our quizCLICK HERE TO ACCESS TODAY’S QUIZJust over two weeks remain until the ball starts rolling at the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.That’s why we want to test how much you know about the biggest tournament in football, and we can already tell you that today’s one is for true experts in the subject.Are you aiming for a 10? Then put yourself to the test with our quiz and see how much you know about the World Cup.There’s very little left until the big moment begins — we want to know your score in the comments, GOOD LUCK!This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

[Getty Images][BBC]Now the curtain has come down on the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, here is my end-of-season review - with a look back to what I predicted in August.Prediction: 18thGrim. Grim. Grim.Wolves were another side effectively going out of the Premier League from the early weeks of the season. Their fate was sealed once they lost the real class of Matheus Cunha to Manchester United and Rayan Ait-Nouri to Manchester City.Vitor Pereira was sacked after failing to win any of the first 10 league games and, while successor Rob Edwards occasionally hinted at better things to come and some optimism next season, this was a miserable campaign.Teenager Mateus Mane looks a player, but will he stay?What I said in August: "This prediction is made with a heavy heart, but there have been some damaging departures and not enough quality incomings."Check out the rest of my review here

[Getty Images][BBC]Now the curtain has come down on the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, here is my end-of-season review - with a look back to what I predicted in August.Prediction: 8thAs big a shambles as it is possible to imagine - on and off the field. Reduced to celebrating Premier League survival on the season's final day with victory over Everton.The job proved too much for Thomas Frank, who found the expectations and dysfunction of Tottenham a sharp contrast to the stability of Brentford.Just when you thought it could not get worse, matters hit a new low with the bizarre appointment of Igor Tudor, an arrival that posed serious questions of CEO Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange.Tudor lost five of his seven games before he left after 44 days, to be replaced by Roberto de Zerbi.Spurs escaped at the 11th hour, but it was a reprieve borne of luck more than judgement.What I said in August: "It could not get worse than last season - or Spurs would find themselves in the Championship."Check out the rest of my review here

[Getty Images][BBC]Now the curtain has come down on the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, here is my end-of-season review - with a look back to what I predicted in August.Prediction: 9thThis has been a strange season for Crystal Palace and manager Oliver Glasner - going from the sale of star players to unrest and then on to potential glory.A mid-season slump meant the holders suffered a humiliating FA Cup third-round loss to non-league Macclesfield, Marc Guehi left for Manchester City, then Glasner announced he was leaving at the end of the season.However, Palace remained a side with class in all departments, and now they have the chance of adding another major trophy when they face Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final on Wednesday.It would be the perfect ending.What I said in August: "Palace's fortunes, and consequently their league placing, will inevitably be shaped by the fortunes of two of their most influential figures, Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi."Check out the rest of my review here

2026-05-26T07:14:13Z BEIRUT (AP) — An Israeli airstrike on a village in eastern Lebanon killed 12 people, the country’s state-run National News Agency said Tuesday.The strike late Monday in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley area came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he had authorized more intensive strikes targeting the Hezbollah militant group across Lebanon. The Israeli military did not comment on this particular strike, but said Monday that it was targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in eastern Lebanon.Rescue workers say that a dozen bodies were pulled out of the rubble following an intense wave of overnight strikes targeting swaths of southern and eastern Lebanon.The intensified attacks come three days before Lebanese and Israeli military delegations are set to meet in Washington for direct talks.Hezbollah is attacking Israeli troops in southern Lebanon and northern Israeli towns, and has vowed to continue fighting until Israel stops its daily airstrikes and withdraws its troops from the country.The Lebanese government hopes that the direct talks with Israel, opposed by Hezbollah, will lead to a ceasefire.Over one million people in Lebanon have been displaced in the war, which was sparked by Hezbollah firing rockets into northern Israel on March 2 in solidarity with Iran.

Dodgers-Orioles trade pitch sends $28M former Reliever of the Year to LA to pair with Edwin Diaz originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Los Angeles Dodgers have already reached 34 wins and are beginning to find their rhythm again. The biggest challenge for Los Angeles this season has been keeping its pitching staff healthy, as multiple starters and bullpen arms have dealt with injuries.The Dodgers are aiming to win their third consecutive World Series, which still looks very possible. One of the first major losses in the bullpen this season was Edwin Díaz.“Díaz is scheduled for surgery at Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic on Wednesday to remove the loose bodies from his elbow. Díaz was placed on the injured list and Roberts was reluctant to speculate on a timetable for his return at this point,” MLB.com’s Owen Perkins wrote.Los Angeles still possesses one of the best offenses in Major League Baseball, but that only goes so far if the pitching staff cannot stay healthy. With bullpen injuries continuing to pile up, a trade for Ryan Helsley of the Baltimore Orioles would make a lot of sense.“The two-time defending World Series champions will be in read-and-react mode at this year's deadline. If injuries strike any position in particular, they'll make sure they stabilize. Pitching seems like a logical target here as well, but right now, the bullpen's needs outweigh the rotation's,” SI’s Jackson Roberts wrote.Helsley is a two-time All-Star and former Reliever of the Year, proving his dominance out of the bullpen. However, he has been sidelined since early May because of elbow inflammation.“The Baltimore Orioles put Ryan Helsley on the 15-day injured list Friday because of right elbow inflammation and are optimistic their closer will not miss significant time,” ESPN wrote. “Albernaz said testing came back clean and Helsley is taking anti-inflammatory medication. Helsley is the 12th player to go on the injured list for the Orioles.”Acquiring Helsley would be a major power move for the Dodgers. Pairing him with Díaz would give Los Angeles an elite late-inning duo once everyone is healthy. Meanwhile, Tanner Scott could handle seventh-inning duties, giving the Dodgers a terrifying three-headed bullpen monster.Helsley is currently on a $28 million deal with Baltimore, but that is well within the Dodgers’ financial range. A bullpen featuring Díaz and Helsley would be nightmarish for opposing hitters, as both relievers can overwhelm teams with elite velocity and dominant fastballs.More MLB news:Braves-Giants trade pitch sends $115M Cy Young arm to Atlanta to join Chris Sale, Spencer StriderBlue Jays predicted to sign $13M flamethrower, World Series champion to save injured pitching staffDodgers' $4.5M fan-favorite versatile defender nearing return after battling offseason injuryAtlanta Braves just did something the organization hasn't done since 2003 with win over Marlins

Canada coach Jesse Marsch gives update on Alphonso Davies ahead of World CupAfter suffering a muscle injury earlier this month, Alphonso Davies is in a race against time to be fit for the World Cup with Canada.Canada head coach Jesse Marsch has now provided an update on the Bayern Munich star, saying he expects Davies to feature at the tournament, but that he's unlikely to be ready for Canada’s opening match against Bosnia & Herzegovina on June 12."Yes, I think Alphonso will play in the World Cup," Marsch said, according to ESPN. “No, I don't think he'll be ready quite on June 12. But we'll see,” he added.Marsch also revealed that Davies will remain in Germany until the end of the month to continue his rehabilitation with Bayern Munich before linking up with the national team."Bayern has put him through certain protocols that they can do in Germany that they can't do in North America. So that's one of the reasons why he stayed in Germany, because we think they have some advanced techniques in terms of the treatments that he can get, so we think that that's been good," Marsch said. "They also are very supportive, and they want to see him play in the World Cup. I think that they understand that supporting their players for both club and country is important.“Alfonso will be here on the 31st in Edmonton. So we spoke with Bayern and thought that the best thing for him was to continue his initial recovery treatment until the 28th, then we're giving him a few days to get away, and then he'll be joining us the 31st and we'll pick up his rehab from there, and try to put him in a position to physically succeed and to be part of our team.,” he added.

Despite significant change at Manchester City the goal remains the sameYesterday, Manchester City celebrated their success across all levels for the 2025-26 season with a parade through Manchester and a superb after-party at Co-op Live. Yesterday’s events also marked Pep Guardiola’s farewell to the club, as well as Bernardo Silva’s and John Stones’s. City is now entering a new era. As Erling Haaland explained during yesterday’s festivities, there may be change at Manchester City, but the goal remains the same.Erling Haaland expects that there is more to come from Manchester City despite saying goodbye to three club legends.In quotes on mancity.com, Erling Haaland spoke about Manchester City’s parade. He said he was happy for City fans to have the chance to celebrate the club’s achievements and farewell club icons. Ominously for Manchester City’s rivals, Haaland said that there is more to come from City despite Pep Guardiola stepping down as manager and club legends John Stones and Bernardo Silva departing. Haaland explained: “It’s amazing – the weather’s on our side as well. I’m just happy for the Manchester City fans.”“I got the feeling we could’ve done more this season but there’s more to come. I’m enjoying the parade now but I think there’ll be an even better one in the future.”Haaland also revealed that he is proud to have played with John Stones and Bernardo Silva. The Premier League’s Golden Boot winner for the 2025-26 season said the longevity of their City careers and the amount of trophies they won speak for themselves. He added: “Bernardo and John have been here for nine or ten years and won six Premier Leagues each which speaks for itself. Two legends of the club who are amazing on and off the pitch. They’ve been amazing for City and I am so proud to have played with them.”The standard at City won’t be allowed to drop despite significant changes unfolding at the club.There will be a completely different look to Manchester City next season. Bernardo Silva and John Stones will no longer be part of Manchester City’s squad. Pep Guardiola will not be there to drive standards, and his presence and genius as a manager will be sorely missed. However, despite the significant amount of change occurring at City, standards will remain at the club.Erling Haaland knows that City must be competing for honors next season. That is the minimum standard at a club that has dominated the landscape for the past decade. Haaland is also confident in Manchester City’s future, and there is no reason for him not to be. The City squad is in good shape, and if Hugo Viana can get the summer transfer window right, anything is possible for City next season.Erling Haaland believes there is more to come from Manchester City next season. Despite significant changes underway at the club, the goal remains the same. Haaland said as much yesterday, and the club itself is set up to carry on Pep Guardiola’s legacy even though Guardiola is no longer manager.

Stats show underlying De Zerbi impact that sparked Tottenham Premier League survivalTottenham Hotspur have avoided relegation from the Premier League by the skin of their teeth, and they have Roberto De Zerbi to thank for the narrow escape.Spurs retained their top-flight status with a 1-0 win over Everton in their final fixture, with Joao Palhinha scoring the all-important goal.Tottenham went into the final fixture needing only a point to stay up. But Spurs left nothing to chance, rendering West Ham United’s 3-0 win over Leeds United inconsequential.Staying up may not match the ambitions Spurs had at the beginning of the 2025/26 season, but surviving after such a difficult campaign feels like a major success.Much of the credit belongs to De Zerbi, who was always confident in his ability to steer Spurs away from danger.When asked whether he can keep Spurs in the Premier League, De Zerbi said (via Football.London): “Yes, yes. I knew before to work with them. I understood that they are good guys.“The fans have to be happy, because all players are good guys. They are suffering for this difficult situation. I want to see (what they are like) in the game, because during the week it’s easier.“But I think the voice inside of the pitch has changed. I observed them at the beginning of my time last week, and now I’m more positive for sure.”De Zerbi’s belief was backed up by a clear improvement in Tottenham’s performances, especially in defence. Before De Zerbi’s arrival, Spurs looked disorganised and vulnerable at the back.In the seven league games before he became manager, Tottenham allowed 41 shots on target, the highest total in the league during that period.The difference after his appointment was dramatic. Across De Zerbi’s seven matches in charge, Spurs faced only 17 shots on target, the fewest in the Premier League.That huge improvement highlights how quickly he was able to turn things around, restoring structure, discipline, and confidence within the team.

Barcelona can now afford to spend more than €100 million this summerAfter several difficult transfer windows filled with financial restrictions and registration problems, Barcelona are finally preparing to operate with far greater freedom in the market once again.According to reports from AS, the Catalan giants now believe they will have the ability to invest slightly more than €100 million on reinforcements this summer if the right opportunity appears. Within the club, there is growing optimism that the club is close to fully returning to La Liga’s 1:1 financial rule, a situation that could completely transform their transfer strategy.For sporting director Deco and the rest of the club’s hierarchy, the objective is to sign a world-class centre-forward, and this fund can be invested for that.Preparing major investment after financial reliefBarcelona can spend more than €100 million this summer. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)In recent years, Barcelona have repeatedly been forced to work under strict financial limitations. Player registrations became difficult, salary margins were reduced, and almost every transfer operation required complicated negotiations or player departures first.This summer, however, the situation appears very different.One of the biggest reasons behind the improvement is the departure of Robert Lewandowski, which reportedly frees up around €40 million from the wage structure. That financial relief, combined with progress towards the 1:1 rule, has placed Barcelona in a significantly stronger position ahead of the market.Julian Alvarez is Barcelona’s priority target. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)The club is still expected to remain careful financially, but there is now a belief that Barcelona can once again compete for top-level signings instead of searching only for low-cost solutions.So what now?Reports suggest the majority of the available budget will be directed towards signing a top striker. The club’s sporting management fully understands how limited the market is for elite forwards, especially with prices continuing to rise rapidly across Europe.Hence, instead of spreading resources across several positions, the intention is to prioritise one major attacking addition, with players such as Julian Alvarez and Joao Pedro being monitored.

Why did Arshdeep Singh delete Instagram posts? PBKS pacer removes 200-plus posts on social media originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.KEY TAKEAWAYS:Arshdeep Singh faced flak from fans during PBKS'IPL 2026 campaign.The pace bowler also faced criticism over alleged racial remarks directed at Tilak Varma.Arshdeep deleted 200-plus Instagram posts after PBKS's exit from IPL 2026 league stage.Why did Arshdeep Singh delete Instagram posts? PBKS pacer removes 200-plus postsPunjab Kings and Indian cricket team fast bowler Arshdeep Singh faced immense criticism throughout the IPL 2026 campaign for his hyperactive social media activities, which often invited controversy.From posting a controversial video, where he can be heard casually racially attacking Tilak Varma, to sharing a video of team-mate Yuzvendra Chahal allegedly vaping, Singh's social media posts have constantly brought negative attention to PBKS and the player.After PBKS exited the IPL 2026 season from the league stage, Singh's Instagram page underwent major changes, which include the deletion of more than 200 posts. Singh, who has 6.2 million followers on his Instagram page, now only has 44 posts and the previous posts of Varma and Chahal have all been removed.The exact reason for the deletion of the posts remains unknown, however, fans believe that the pacer did it to reduce the negativity around him and the PBKS franchise. Arshdeep Singh's Instagram page. MORE: Virat Kohli IPL playoff record and statsArshdeep Singh's off-field controversies during IPL 2026 seasonArshdeep Singh found himself at the centre of multiple controversies during the IPL 2026 campaign due to his off-field behaviour, which was considered by many as inappropriate. From mocking a fan's financial condition to allegedly racially attacking Mumbai Indians and India's star batter Tilak Varma, Singh constantly faced flak from fans and experts. Singh's performance for PBKS also came under the scanner as he was only a shadow of himself during the IPL 2026 campaign and even faced fitness-related issues. MORE: IPL 2026 playoffs: SRH might just be peaking at the perfect timeThe Cricket News Opinion: Arshdeep Singh should focus on cricketArshdeep Singh has faced his fair share of criticism from fans and experts for the off-field actions during the IPL 2026 campaign, which affected his game during the competition.Singh must realise that he is a senior cricketer now and an important asset for both the Indian team and PBKS and must conduct himself accordingly on the pitch. Most importantly, he must focus on his game and stay consistent, with the ODI World Cup soon approaching. To keep up to date with all the latest cricket news and share your opinion on the biggest topics visit our Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter) pages.

Every year, top-level college sports departments in premier conferences change their sports apparel sponsors. This year's highest profile change (and the most expensive) will be Penn State after the Nittany Lions inked a deal with Adidas reportedly worth $300 million over 10 years. That deal is notable not only for its scale, but because it marks the end of a 33-year sponsorship with Nike that was the first of its kind in an industry that has grown exponentially over the last three decades.But that growth has always been limited to the blue bloods. Colleges outside of the Power 4 conferences, and even a few inside that walled garden, have almost never seen that type of windfall. Even recognizable school brands are often left with deals that essentially amount to discounts on equipment and apparel. And for smaller colleges, the margins can be even less favorable. Two hundred sixteen miles away from Penn State's transformational deal in state college, New Jersey's Fairleigh Dickinson University has found another way."First and foremost, we signed with Under Armour in 2019. It was our athletic department's first all-department apparel deal," Jason Young, deputy athletic director at FDU, said. "At that point, we were 240 athletes. Today, we are up to 400 athletes. So we have grown immensely over those seven years, and one of the things we were looking for in this process was someone who matched our value, if you will, on the growth side. We didn't just want to stay the same and repeat the contract again. So that was really important to us. As we went through the process, it just became apparent that for us to find the value, we might need to look elsewhere."Currently, there are only four athletic apparel brands competing in the collegiate apparel space at the Division I level. The space is overwhelmingly dominated by the big three of Adidas, Nike and Under Armour. New Balance has recently made inroads but is still mostly limited to sponsoring colleges in the New England region. Three of those four are American companies, although the massive United States operation of Germany-based Adidas is essentially autonomous.Not satisfied with those limited options that form a quasi-monopoly, Young and FDU ambitiously aimed for another option. They found one overseas amidst one of the most innovative design hubs on the planet in Italy with Bologna-based Macron. The brand is most recognizable for Americans as the apparel sponsor of Wrexham AFC. The Macron Hero is a ubiquitous part of the uniform, adorned parallel to the club's crest. Although still a niche brand, Macron (pronounced MAC-ron) is a staple for European soccer as the kit sponsor for Premier League side and 2025 FA Cup winner Crystal Palace as well as recent Copa Del Rey winner Real Sociedad. As they further move into the American market, they'll also be expanding into new sports as a uniform manufacturer. But one notable absence from their product line is actually a benefit in the modern era of college athletics."They don't make shoes," Young said. "And that was actually one of the selling points for us—is it allows our athletes more freedom which, in the age of NIL, is so important."Both FDU and Macron are entering unchartered territory with the partnership. But with the new levers of college athletics, it might be the perfect partnership at the perfect time for two growing entities in the world of sports. And if it is successful, it could profound rewrite the blueprint for many more smaller colleges that are competing for relevance in a vastly changed landscape of sports. "There's trust on both sides. They're taking a shot on us as much as we're taking a shot on them because for both of us, this can't flop," Young said. "If you're the first school and this is a major brand coming into America trying to break in, it's gotta work. Otherwise, it won't grow and expand to where they need it to be. And for us, I have 400 athletes, 75 coaches and staff who are relying on me to get uniforms and apparel and everything to them. That's also pressure."With that much pressure, both Macron and FDU are hoping they've found a diamond in the rough. More: NCAA Tournament expansion? Former MAAC commissioner has mixed feelings'Trying to be a trailblazer'It's only appropriate that the most unique brand partnership in college athletics began with one of the most unorthodox NCAA sports: fencing."USA Fencing introduced me to Macron," Young said. "I know about Macron through my love of Wrexham AFC, so I knew about the brand going back five years. But I didn't really know they had a U.S. office in Bridgeport, Connecticut."Fairleigh Dickinson is one of just 28 NCAA fencing programs in Division I and Macron has a robust presence in a range of Olympic sports in addition to being the official sponsor of USA Fencing. That versatile background made the company a great candidate to enter the college sports industry and will allow Macron to experiment with more new sports. And with Macron's first U.S. office being based in the New York Tri-state area, Young connected with Macron US Director of Sales Alan Elgart and the ball started rolling."That was the kind of the origin of it," Young said. "It was thinking outside the box. It was trying to be a trailblazer. We continue to identify unique ways to differentiate our department ever since that Purdue game."That singular game referenced by Young might be as big of a turning point as any moment for a college sports department. It's been three years since FDU pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the history of college basketball when the 16-seed Knights toppled top-seed Purdue in the 2023 NCAA Tournament. It's the type of signature accomplishment that isn't so different from the meteoric rise of Wrexham AFC, chronicled in the popular docuseries Welcome to Wrexham with owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny. As Young is taking the reins as athletic director this fall at FDU, he is very aware of the opportunities and challenges his school faces in the new world of college athletics. Although exact financial details of the private university's deal were not available, Young explained some of the streamlined efficiencies of the new partnership compared to standardized deals with one of the big three apparel companies and their affiliate suppliers."There are several companies that control the distribution of Nike, Adidas, Under Armour to let's call it 85 percent of the schools in the country," Young said. "If you are in the top 10 to 15 percent, you're probably direct with those apparel companies whereas everyone else has to go through a distributor like BSN, Game One, Destination Athlete, all these other suppliers. When you bring in other suppliers, it increases your prices."Not only does FDU get the benefits that come with a direct partnership with Macron as the first American college, also working with the brand on research and development for new sports that the company is now entering, but it makes more economic sense because of the better margins. "When we analyze the numbers, our CFO uses the quote, spreadsheets don't have emotions. And when we looked at the spreadsheet, that was one of the things we were looking at—forecasting prices down the road," Young said. "Could we get more or better value out of a contract going this route? And the answer was yes. So we're going to continue to analyze it. Because it's one thing to forecast, it's another for the numbers to actually hit."The next phase for the basketball program is not just leveraging iconic moments like the upset of Purdue as visibility moments for partnered brands like Macron, it's also the synergy that comes with parlaying that partnership into a potentially unique advantage in recruiting."We see it in pro sports all the time. NBA doesn't have a shoe deal. Major League Baseball doesn't have a shoe deal. It's all ankles up. In Europe, it's all ankles up," Young said. "College is the only space, and maybe high school is a little bit, where shoes factor in and we've removed that choice from people. But we know feet are just so different for everyone and having the ability for our athletes to choose is just a win-win across the board. And I can't tell you the number of kids who come in my office as recruits and I'm like, hey you're gonna be able to wear whatever you want. And they just light up."'The coolest in the country'With individual NIL sponsorships, FDU may have a distinctive singular advantage over any other university. For example, NBA star Cooper Flagg has been sponsored by New Balance since high school but wore Nike in college at Duke in accordance with the school's deal. With FDU, there would be no such restrictions during a highly marketable time in an athlete's career. Furthermore, there are several prominent basketball sneaker brands with no presence in college athletics. Puma, Skechers and Reebok are all notable examples, and those companies are increasingly sponsoring athletes in high school. Undoubtedly, there's a benefit in having the product represented on the court at a program like FDU. "Let's say a Skechers were to come in, they're heavily focused on women's basketball right now. They just signed a WNBA deal," Young said. "Well, why can't they do an NIL deal with four of our women's basketball players and our four women's basketball players are wearing Skechers on the floor. I don't see that as a problem, I see that as an opportunity. If it comes to fruition, time will tell. But we'll continue to play those angles and I'm not shy about it."Besides the upside with NIL flexibility, there's also just the matter of preference. This is especially relevant with FDU's strong men's soccer program that has reached the NCAA Tournament 20 times, including in 2025. Players can be very particular about the touch and feel of a particular soccer boot, but often are limited by the options within a school's apparel. That won't be the case for the Knights moving forward. Aside from the flexibility and appeal in recruiting, FDU's partnership with Macron is also a chance to create a more personalized identity for the school and its sports teams. Lower tier deals with Adidas, Nike and Under Armour come with supplier limitations and limited template options for uniforms. With Macron, there is a collaborative design process unique to the university and its teams. Young led a contingent of FDU representatives that met with Macron at the company's headquarters in Bologna and saw a broad range of fabric and design options for multiple different sports. True to the Italian heritage, it is literally tailored to the needs of the Knights. "We're sitting there with the designers who design their lines, and we're going through different fabrics on what a baseball and softball uniform need to get to. And they're now working on that and will get us prototypes over the next few weeks," Young said. "And we literally come up with a brand new baseball uniform that is a little bit more Americanized for our climate in the Northeast. We need thicker, heavier uniforms because we play in 35, 40-degree weather sometimes in February. So going through that process was really cool."While that's breaking ground on an entirely new project and sport for Macron, there's also been the ability to customize existing uniforms to better fit FDU's needs. Macron makes basketball uniforms and sponsors the Italian national team, but FIBA rules allow less contact than in the NCAA, so FDU was able to collaborate on a more durable uniform that can withstand the rigors of the college game. "It is very energizing. And then for us, the customization, it's still one of the coolest things," Young said. "We just didn't have access to that before. You are given a template, you have to stay within the template. If you wanna go outside of it, tough luck. With this, we're not able to customize the whole thing. Our soccer uniforms might be the coolest in the country when they drop in July. Basketball we're really excited about because it was able to incorporate some of our patterns and different things."Ultimately, it's partnership between two sporting entities eager to take on the major players and make a name for themselves. "To come into the US, they're now a challenger brand again," Young said. "It plays perfectly with out underdog, chip-on-the-shoulder mentality that we have here in our department. We do go into these games and these arenas with a chip on our shoulder, that underdog mentality. These stories do align perfectly."'We look for beauty. We look for quality.'For all of Macron's differentiating features as an apparel sponsor, their aversion to the spotlight might be the most unique dichotomy. Despite being a rising brand for two decades that is now the third-biggest apparel sponsor in European soccer after Adidas and Nike, Macron only recently began creating their public relations team in 2023. It's a testament to the brand's dedication to craftsmanship and relationships over perception. Situated in Bologna in a region known as "Motor Valley" because of the presence Ducati, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati all within 50 square kilometers, Macron's local business peers have shaped the brand's focus on quality and innovative design.Macron public relations manager Alessandro Ginelli has been with the company since March 2025, joining after a six-year stint at Ducati. Macron has partnerships with the iconic motorcycle manufacturer and Lamborghini, a testament to the company's fidelity to its three-decade rise out of Bologna. But as Ginelli explained, the company under the direction of CEO Gianluca Pavanello has always prioritized substance over outside perception."We consider ourselves a premium brand at all levels," Ginelli said. "We look for beauty. We look for quality."Macron's origin story is surprisingly similar to that of behemoth Nike. Around the same time Nike's name change and rebranding in 1972, the company began as a distributor of American sportswear in Italy in 1971. In 1994, the company relocated to the Crespellano area of Bologna. Macron expanded into sports apparel sponsorships in 2001 with historic Italian soccer club Bologna FC. And under the direction of Pavanello since 2004, the company has expanded globally in soccer and rugby while adding more sports to the brand's portfolio."The name Macron derives from the Greek macro which means large, great," Ginelli said. "We like to say that our promise of growth is embedded in our names. So we are always seeking new opportunities to expand to build in a sustainable way a great Italian sports company. And I think matching this attitude with the opportunity on the market in the USA, it was most feasible to take our business model and say, adapt it to the market."Naturally, every company wants have a narrative around growth and partnerships. Macron is primarily a business-to-business operator with the consumer side only recently rising with team sponsorships and the brand's new high fashion line Macron O.N.E. (Own Nothing Else). But the company's history is a testament to the brand's authenticity. Macron sponsored Wrexham AFC before Reynolds and McElhenney were owners and the hit television show took off. The club went on to be promoted from English football's fifth division to the second tier EFL Championship. Wrexham subsequently had the opportunity to sign a bigger sponsorship deal, but stayed true to the partnership with Macron. Now as Macron enters the American college sports market, they bring a fresh approach that is a welcome change to an industry that has become frustratingly impersonal for the vast majority of collegiate athletics programs."There is a huge sports culture (in America) and huge amount of possibilities of organizations and teams that need to dress up their athletes. And we are more than ready to provide them with the top quality Italian apparel also with a specific unique touch," Ginelli said. "It's one of our values, and we always want to represent the needs of all the people that we partner with."'I don't think we'll be the last'While the vision is clear for the partnership between Fairleigh Dickinson and Macron, the validity of the novel approach to college sports apparel will be in the results on fields and courts. But whether or not FDU sees a meteoric rise like Wrexham AFC or is just a historic first domino to fall in a new trend for athletics, it's refreshing to see a department try to forge a new path outside of the slog of the current options.There's certainly no guarantee that the Knights will have another opportunity for an iconic moment like the men's basketball team's upset of Purdue in 2023, but they will be in a prime position to do something similar this fall when that team hits the court on the road in Champaign, Illinois. No matter what, history will be made when the Knights step onto the hardwood with Macron uniforms."You're gonna feel them on a deeper level than any apparel provider before at FDU. So I think all that energy is gonna come," Young said. "And then once hoops opens up at Illinois, it's going to be a Final Four banner raising night for Illinois. It's going to be Nike versus Macron. I think it's kind of cool, and I look forward to being there for that first game for them on the stage."It's only appropriate that the first big moment for the Macron partnership will be in Illinois against a Big Ten opponent. It was an apparel snafu involving the other Power 4 program in Illinois that incidentally put the Knights on their newly forged path."We tried doing customization jerseys with Under Armour for example, because Northwestern got these city connect style uniforms," Young said. "We're like, hey can we do something like that? And the answer was straight up, no."That type of interaction is one that is common for mid-major programs, and many of them thought there was no recourse. Even in the ultimate results-based business, success in this aspect doesn't have to be a zero-sum game. Penn State was the first to bring sports apparel partnerships into the world of college athletics more than three decades ago, and now Fairleigh Dickinson will be the first college to truly break that mold."Being able to have the same access that those clubs have, it's really cool. I think it goes back to the respect they have for us and vice versa for them. The story is lining up," Young said. "To be the first—I don't think we'll be the last. And it'll be great to see how they grow here in the us. And we'll be part of that story. We'll forever be the first."This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: NJ college FDU, Italy's Macron athletics apparel deal tailored for new era

Real Madrid told to pay €75 million for priority defensive target – reportReal Madrid are continuing to push for major defensive reinforcements ahead of next season, but one of their priority targets could prove extremely difficult to sign financially.According to Ok Diario, Inter Milan are demanding €75 million to part ways with Alessandro Bastoni this summer, a figure currently seen as the biggest obstacle preventing the transfer from advancing further.Despite the financial complications, though, there is certain confidence around the player’s willingness to join Los Blancos, especially after direct conversations with incoming Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho.Mourinho has convinced BastoniReal Madrid’s defensive situation has become one of the club’s biggest priorities heading into the summer transfer window.Real Madrid are interested in Alessandro Bastoni. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)The departure of David Alaba, the uncertainty surrounding Antonio Rudiger and the long-term injury problems suffered by Eder Militao have significantly reduced the reliable options available at centre-back.Because of that, Real Madrid are now planning to sign two new defenders, and among the names being considered, Bastoni has emerged as one of the favourites. As reported before, Mourinho has already held conversations with Bastoni regarding the role he would play in the new Real Madrid project and those talks are believed to have had a major impact on the defender’s thinking.The Italian centre-back left the discussions convinced by Mourinho’s ideas and excited about the possibility of becoming part of a new era at the Santiago Bernabeu.Inter refusing to lower financial demandsEven though Bastoni is open to leaving Inter Milan this summer, the Serie A champions have no intention of making negotiations easy.Bastoni would cost as much as €75 million. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)The Italian club fully understand the value of the defender and view him as one of the pillars of their squad moving forward. As a result, they are refusing to entertain offers below €75 million despite the player’s desire to explore a new challenge.That price creates a difficult balancing act for Real Madrid, as the club is already expected to invest heavily in several areas of the squad. Hence, spending such a large amount on one defender could affect other planned operations during the window.

NEW DELHI: Former India and CSK batter Subramaniam Badrinath has revealed his best IPL 2026 playing XII for the league stage, and the biggest talking point was the exclusion of superstars Virat Kohli and KL Rahul. Instead, Badrinath, revealing the lineup in a video on his YouTube channel, chose young opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi alongside Shubman Gill at the top of the order.His team was largely built around players from the top four sides that qualified for the playoffs, with nine of the 12 selections coming from those teams. Badrinath preferred an Indian-heavy batting lineup and relied on overseas stars mainly in the bowling department, which mirrors how many IPL franchises are usually structured.At number three, he selected Sai Sudharsan, while Heinrich Klaasen was picked as the middle-order powerhouse. Rajat Patidar also made the side as the finisher due to his impressive strike rate and ability to accelerate in pressure situations, even though he was not among the tournament’s top run-getters.Badrinath’s lineup leaned heavily towards bowlers and all-rounders in the lower order. He picked spin all-rounders Krunal Pandya and Sunil Narine for their wicket-taking ability and economical spells during the season.One surprise omission was Rashid Khan, despite his strong wicket tally. Badrinath appeared to value economy rate and control over just wicket numbers.The pace attack included the tournament’s leading wicket-takers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jofra Archer, and Kagiso Rabada. He also added either Prince Yadav or Kartik Tyagi as an extra pace option, while Akeal Hosein was chosen as the Impact Player.Subramaniam Badrinath IPL 2026 XII: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Heinrich Klaasen, Rajat Patidar, Krunal Pandya, Sunil Narine, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jofra Archer, Kagiso Rabada, Prince Yadav/Kartik Tyagi

What are Liverpool doing? Ridiculous asking price set to sell first-team starLiverpool are gearing up to sell a first-team star. The price they've set is absolutely ridiculous.It's a summer of farewells at Anfield. Liverpool said goodbye to two legends on Sunday as Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson played their final games but we don't expect things to stop there.Alisson Becker, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez are all heavily linked with moves away. Konate, in particular, looks near-certain to leave as his contract expires shortly.And then there's Curtis Jones. Jones, someone many expected to remain at Liverpool for life, nearly left the club in January as Inter tried to snap him up.As we head into the summer transfer window, a transfer looks near-certain. The Scouser has one year left on his deal, is completely out of favour as a midfielder, and the club is gearing up to sell.The Times reports that Liverpool would accept £35m for Jones this summer. That, quite honestly, is an absolutely ridiculous price for a midfielder who has consistently delivered at the top level.Compare that to the £115m asking price that Nottingham Forest have put on Elliot Anderson (the Telegraph). The fact that Liverpool would rather sell on the cheap than get Jones a new contract is simply incredible and it now appears they'll lose a player for a fraction of his real-world value.But this is far from the first time. Caoimhin Kelleher, Jarell Quansah and Tyler Morton all left for relatively small fees in 2025. One year on, the trio are worth far, far more than what they went for.Liverpool are preparing to repeat that with Jones. We're not sure when this happened, but the club has become rotten at selling homegrown talents - but this next one might be the worst yet.Curtis Jones: Situation SummaryLiverpool Campaign Finale and StatsAs of 25 May 2026, Curtis Jones has concluded his domestic campaign under Arne Slot on a high note. The 25-year-old midfielder started and played the full 90 minutes in yesterday's final Premier League fixture, scoring a 58th-minute opener from a Mohamed Salah cross in a 1–1 draw against Brentford at Anfield. The result successfully confirmed a top-five finish and Champions League qualification for Liverpool.Transfer Speculation and FrictionDespite his final-day goal, Jones' long-term future at Anfield remains highly uncertain as he enters the final year of his contract. Following reports that he interacted supportively with Salah’s social media outburst against Slot, trust has deteriorated. Fabrizio Romano confirmed Inter Milan are actively pursuing the midfielder, who collapsed a move to San Siro in January. Italian reports indicate Jones has prioritised joining the Serie A champions over interest from Aston Villa and Newcastle United.

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, listens to State Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, during a campaign event in Lubbock, Texas, Tuesday, May 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)2026-05-26T04:02:12Z PLANO, Texas (AP) — Texans are choosing a Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in Tuesday’s runoff election, bringing to a close the extended, bitter and expensive primary where President Donald Trump weighed in late to tip the race in another effort to rid the GOP of leaders less devoted to him.Trump’s endorsement of state Attorney General Ken Paxton over four-term Sen. John Cornyn gives the challenger a late boost and puts Cornyn at risk of becoming the first Republican senator in Texas history to seek the party’s nod and lose. That’s despite Cornyn’s campaign and allied groups spending roughly $90 million in advertising since last year, the vast majority of it attacking Paxton. It’s the latest GOP contest where Trump has sought to punish a Republican he sees as insufficiently loyal. This month, he has successfully backed challengers to incumbents in Louisiana, Kentucky and Indiana, a sign of his enduring influence among primary voters. Paxton’s campaign and a pro-Paxton super PAC began airing ads promoting the endorsement within 24 hours of Trump’s announcement. Cornyn acknowledged Trump’s move would have an impact but said he wasn’t giving up. “I know who gets to choose our senators, and it’s the people of Texas,” he said hours after the endorsement.The winner will run in November against Democratic state Rep. James Talarico. Tuesday’s runoffs also will decide Democratic U.S. House nominees for districts in Dallas and Houston that overwhelmingly support Democrats, and a San Antonio-area seat the party hopes to flip. Read More The primary has been long, bitter and costlyCornyn led Paxton in the March primary but failed to win a majority in the three-way contest that also included U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt, who finished in a distant third.That was after Cornyn’s campaign and allied groups waged a monthslong ad campaign, mostly attacking Paxton for ethical and personal questions. The two-term attorney general was acquitted in a 2023 impeachment trial when allegations of extramarital affairs surfaced. Last year, Paxton’s wife filed for divorce, citing “biblical grounds.” The alliance of pro-Cornyn groups have continued its attack, outspending Paxton’s campaign and two allied super PACs $16.5 million to $5.9 million since March 3, according to the ad-tracking firm AdImpact. Trump promised to endorse immediately after the primary, asking the unchosen candidate to withdraw. But he didn’t act until after early voting began on May 18. “Ken Paxton has gone through a lot, in many cases, very unfairly, but he is a Fighter, and knows how to win,” Trump wrote in a social media post endorsing him. “Our Country needs Fighters, and also Loyalty to the Cause of Greatness.” Pro-Cornyn groups lately have been airing ads criticizing the attorney general office’s handling of a Waco sex abuse case. Pro-Paxton groups had seized on Cornyn’s awkward relationship with Trump. Trump snubs Cornyn amid retribution campaignThe negative tenor could diminish turnout in an election already complicated by coming a day after Memorial Day, Texas Republican strategist Tyler Norris said. About 2 million of Texas’ 18.7 million voters participated in the GOP primary.The dynamic could favor Paxton, whose support draws from more of the most loyal Trump base in Texas, said Norris, who isn’t affiliated with either campaign.“The defining battle lines are based around hyper-negative messaging, which dampens turnout to begin with,” he said. “So who is going to show up is the hardest of the hard core.”Trump in his endorsement also poked at Cornyn, as he has done with other Republicans who are not in lockstep with the president. He blasted Republican Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy as “a Disloyal Disaster” on May 16, before Cassidy lost a GOP primary for the office he has held since 2015. The two-term senator had voted to convict Trump after his 2021 impeachment trial over the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Trump backed U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow, who advanced to a runoff with John Fleming, the state treasurer. Cassidy finished well behind them. Last week, Trump celebrated as Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie, a critic of the Trump administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, lost his primary to Ed Gallrein. Trump called Massie “the worst congressman in the history of our country.” In endorsing Paxton, Trump said Cornyn “was not supportive of me when times were tough” and that “John was very late in backing me.” Cornyn suggested in 2023 that Trump could not win the presidency again in 2024 and that his “time has passed him by.” He also was an early critic of Trump’s plan for a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico — a project he now supports. Senate GOP leaders backed Cornyn, saying he would be stronger in the general election. Some GOP strategists have argued a Paxton nomination would cost millions of dollars more to promote in the fall, when money could be spent defending Republican seats in more competitive states. Democrats need to gain a net of four seats to take the majority. Democrats also will choose US House nominees Newly elected Rep. Christian Menefee and veteran Rep. Al Green are vying for the party nod in Texas’ 18th District, which the Republican-led Texas Legislature redrew last year to help the GOP. The new map led to a contest between incumbents and marks the end of a dizzying series of elections in the Houston area. Menefee was elected in a special runoff in January to the seat that had been held by the late Rep. Sylvester Turner, who died in March 2025. Menefee finished narrowly ahead of Green in the March 3 primary but didn’t win a majority to avoid the runoff. Former Rep. Colin Allred and U.S. Rep. Julie Johnson are competing in the Dallas-area 33rd District. Johnson was elected to the seat in 2024, the year Allred lost his U.S. Senate challenge to Republican Sen. Ted Cruz. Allred was running for Senate again this cycle but dropped his bid and instead is looking to return to the House. Near San Antonio, Democratic leaders are trying to prevent Maureen Galindo, who has expressed antisemitic views, from winning the party’s runoff with Johnny Garcia. While Texas lawmakers redrew the 35th District to help Republicans, Democrats view it as within reach and don’t want Galindo’s past comments to impede them. ___Bedayn reported from Austin, Texas. THOMAS BEAUMONT Beaumont covers national politics for The Associated Press. He is based in Des Moines, Iowa. twitter mailto JESSE BEDAYN Bedayn is a national politics reporter based in Austin, Texas. mailto

A person stands in front of an electronic stock board showing Japan's Nikkei index, seen through the glass wall of an office building Monday, May 25, 2026, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)2026-05-26T04:34:51Z Shares were mixed Tuesday in Asia after the U.S. military said it carried out what it called “self-defense” strikes in southern Iran, including on missile launch sites and boats placing mines. The attacks came even as President Donald Trump said on social media that negotiations on ending the war were “proceeding nicely.” U.S. futures jumped. Oil prices were mixed, with Brent crude rising but still trading below $100 a barrel while U.S. benchmark crude oil fell.The U.S. military said the strikes Monday were done “to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces.” It said it used restraint due to the ceasefire with Iran, which gave no official response. Further details were not immediately available, including more specifics on threats from Iran and what this means for negotiations. With the status of peace talks with Iran unclear, markets have been swayed by various developments and comments by Trump. “Markets are behaving as though a full Iran breakthrough already exists, even though the hardest parts of the negotiation remain unresolved,” Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management wrote in a commentary. “Washington continues to signal optimism, while Tehran insists no agreement is imminent.” Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 lost 0.3% to 64,996.09, falling back from an all-time high close on Monday. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng index gained 0.4% to 25,700.33, while the Shanghai Composite index shed 0.2% to 4,143.14. Read More South Korea’s Kospi jumped 2.6% to 8,047.51, catching up after markets were closed Monday for a holiday. The S&P/ASX 200 in Australia lost 0.4% to 8,657.80.The future for the S&P 500 was up 0.6%, while that for the Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 0.7% early Tuesday. Benchmark U.S. crude oil declined $4.65 to $91.95 a barrel. Brent crude, the international standard, gained $2.05 to $95.47 a barrel after falling nearly $5 on Monday. U.S. markets were closed on Monday for the Memorial Day holiday, while European shares advanced. The gains followed signals of progress toward a peace deal. Regional officials said Sunday that the United States was close to reaching an agreement with Iran to end the war, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and see Iran give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, Reopening the Strait of Hormuz will help decide the direction of oil prices. Its closure due to the war has prevented oil tankers from exiting the Persian Gulf and delivering crude to customers worldwide. Japan, for instance, imports almost all its oil, most of it through the strait. On Friday, the S&P 500 added 0.4% and the Dow industrials climbed 0.6%. The Nasdaq composite gained 0.2%.In other dealings early Tuesday, the U.S. dollar rose to 159.09 Japanese yen from 158.91 yen. The euro cost $1.1636, down from $1.1645. ELAINE KURTENBACH Based in Bangkok, Kurtenbach is the AP’s business editor for Asia, helping to improve and expand our coverage of regional economies, climate change and the transition toward carbon-free energy. She has been covering economic, social, environmental and political trends in China, Japan and Southeast Asia throughout her career. twitter mailto

This grab from video shows smoke rising over Khartoum, Sudan, Sept. 26, 2024, after Sudan's military started an operation to take areas of the capital from its rival, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. (AP Photo/Rashed Ahmed, File)2026-05-26T02:03:21Z CAIRO (AP) — The United Arab Emirates trained Colombian mercenaries before sending them to fight alongside a notorious paramilitary group in Sudan’s devastating war, Human Rights Watch said Tuesday.Its new report is the latest by an international rights group accusing the wealthy Gulf monarchy of financially and militarily aiding the Rapid Support Forces that have been widely accused of committing atrocities amounting to war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.The United Arab Emirates denied the latest accusations in response to questions from The Associated Press. Report adds to a ‘growing body of evidence’“The recruitment of Colombian private military contractors adds to a growing body of evidence that the UAE provides military support to the Rapid Support Forces, which have repeatedly carried out heinous atrocities in Sudan,” said Mausi Segun, executive director of HRW’s Africa Division.Sudan’s war broke out on April 15, 2023, when a power struggle between the military and RSF exploded into fighting in the capital, Khartoum, and elsewhere in the sprawling northeastern African country.The RSF was born out of feared Arab Janjaweed militias that were notorious for atrocities in the early 2000s against people identifying as East or Central African in Sudan’s western region of Darfur. In the new report, Human Rights Watch said hundreds of Colombian mercenaries were trained by Emirati nationals at a military base in Al Dhafra region, about 250 kilometers (155 miles) west of the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi, and at another facility in Abu Dhabi, before being deployed to Sudan to fight alongside the RSF. Read More The rights group quoted an unnamed Colombian mercenary as saying he trained RSF recruits at camps around Nyala, the provincial capital of South Darfur, in April last year.Many recruits were “young children,” the mercenary was quoted as saying. The rights group said it interviewed another Colombian mercenary and other sources, including former Colombian military officers. A United Nations panel of experts in a report to the U.N. Security Council in September said Colombian mercenaries fought in multiple areas across Sudan, including in Khartoum, its sister city of Omdurman and the regions of Darfur and Kordofan, among other areas. The experts said the mercenaries’ combat roles included the operation of RSF drones, artillery and armored vehicles, as well as participation in direct attacks.RSF commander Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo acknowledged in video comments in February that Colombian mercenaries have aided his group to operate drones.Report urges countries to press the UAE to end RSF supportThe mercenaries were hired by Abu Dhabi-based Global Security Services Group, a private security firm, Human Rights Watch said. According to the U.N. experts, the firm was chaired by Mohammed Hamdan Al-Zaabi, an Emirati national.Human Rights Watch said Emirati authorities and the firm didn’t respond to its requests for comment. The UAE’s Foreign Ministry, however, denied the allegations in an email to the AP.“The UAE does not permit its territory to be used for the recruitment, training, financing or transit of foreign fighters to any conflict, including Sudan,” the ministry said. It said any private individual or entity, Emirati or foreign, that provides support to non-state armed groups “would be doing so without state authorization, in violation of Emirati law, and would be subject to criminal investigation and prosecution.”Human Rights Watch said it verified videos showing mercenaries, apparently Colombian, fighting alongside the RSF when it captured the Darfur city of el-Fasher in October in an offensive the U.N.-commissioned experts said bore “ the hallmarks of genocide. ” At least 6,000 people were killed in three days, according to the U.N.The rights group called for the international community, including the European Union, to press the UAE to end its support to the RSF though suspending military cooperation and arms sales.“Other countries need to stop accepting the UAE’s blanket denials of support to the RSF which fly in the face of the facts, and should put an end to its impunity for war crimes and crimes against humanity,” Segun said. The U.S. has imposed sanctions on many people and firms based in Colombia’s capital, Bogota, over allegedly recruiting and deploying Colombian mercenaries to fight with the RSF. But it hasn’t addressed reports of the UAE’s alleged support to RSF which it accused of repeatedly carrying out “summary executions, ethnically motivated attacks, sexual and gender-based violence, and torture throughout areas under its control” during the war.At least 59,000 people have been killed over the three years, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, known as ACLED. The U.S.-based tracking group, however, said its toll was almost certainly an underestimate given the difficulty in reporting. SAMY MAGDY Magdy is a Middle East reporter for The Associated Press, based in Cairo. He focuses on conflict, migration and human rights abuses. twitter facebook mailto

Anna Gomez, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission, testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Jan. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)2026-05-26T04:02:10Z WASHINGTON (AP) — Anna Gomez wakes up every morning and checks her phone to see if President Donald Trump has fired her yet.For now, she remains the sole Democrat on the Federal Communications Commission, where she’s on an increasingly urgent mission to press media companies to more forcefully combat an administration she says is cracking down on free speech.Her immediate focus is Disney, the parent of ABC. It is the subject of investigations launched by the FCC under Chairman Brendan Carr, a Trump ally.In an extraordinary four-page letter earlier this month to Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro, Gomez outlined what she described as the FCC’s “sustained, coordinated campaign of censorship and control” against the company. She noted probes touching on everything from diversity practices to ABC’s moderation of a 2024 presidential debate and the guests booked on “The View” along with the administration’s calls for late-night host Jimmy Kimmel to be fired. She’s particularly worried that the FCC’s move for early reviews of ABC’s broadcast licenses in the markets where it owns local stations is an effort to intimidate the network. She called it “the most egregious assault on the First Amendment this FCC has taken to date.” Her message was simple: Fight back. She argued that Disney’s controversial decision to pay a $15 million defamation settlement shortly before Trump returned to office did the company little good and set a bad precedent for the rest of the industry Read More “That settlement did not buy you peace,” she wrote in the letter, which she also posted to social media. “It only bought you time.” D’Amaro hasn’t publicly responded to Gomez. But he has signaled a new approach in a filing this month, accusing the FCC of taking actions that could “chill critical protected speech.”In an interview from her Washington office, Gomez said she was heartened by Disney’s response and encouraged other broadcasters to prepare for similar fights. She’s an exceedingly rare figure in the nation’s capital, one of just a few Democrats who have held onto their seats at federal agencies after Trump fired most of them in a bid to bend the bureaucracy to his will. The Supreme Court is considering the constitutionality of Trump’s moves and could issue a decision in the coming weeks.While that plays out, Gomez’s term is slated to end June 30. But unless Trump fires her, she’s likely to remain at the agency, where her presence allows for a quorum that gives Carr the opportunity to keep enacting his agenda. Given the Senate’s narrow divide and dwindling calendar ahead of the midterms, it would be hard for Trump to muscle through a replacement.Here are highlights of the interview, edited for length and clarity.A letter to Disney ... and a warningAP: What prompted you to write the letter to Disney?GOMEZ: At the beginning of this administration, I was growing increasingly alarmed by what I saw as this administration’s campaign to control and censor speech. And so I embarked on a tour across the country where I was talking to journalists, local broadcasters, legal scholars, press freedom advocates. And what I came back with was more of a conviction that we really needed to do something. Then I started watching the capitulation. We saw CBS settle its lawsuit with the president and then agree to terms that basically require an ombudsperson to oversee the content of the network in order to get its transaction approved by the FCC. We saw ABC, of course, settle its lawsuit and I grew more and more and more concerned about the fact that this capitulation breeds capitulation.And so I wrote the letter and the letter had two goals in mind. One was to basically put on the record and call out everything that this FCC has done to try to bring Disney to heel but also to encourage it and other broadcasters to stiffen their spine. We know, based on the record of this administration, every time it gets taken to court for these violations of the First Amendment and against the freedom of the press, it loses.AP: Is your ultimate goal to get a court to rule against the FCC?GOMEZ: In the end, what I want is for companies to push back because if this gets to court, any entity that challenges what this FCC is doing is going to win. Regulation in a changing media environmentAP: The media landscape has changed so dramatically from when the FCC was founded. What is the government’s role in this space now?GOMEZ: Traditionally, the FCC has licensed the local broadcast stations, and what we license is actually their spectrum, their airwaves over which they broadcast their television, their radio. And it has done so with three basic principles in mind. Competition, because competition’s always good for consumers and for viewers and for the market. Localism, which really means serving your local market, whether that means actually airing 24 hours a day the content, but truly local content. And finally, viewpoint diversity. We want to encourage more voices, not fewer. And that is, I think, the right role for the FCC. Being a censor is not the right role for the FCC. Life as the FCC’s sole Democrat AP: You’ve been in and out of the FCC for decades. You’re a lawyer, some might even say a technocrat. When you look back at your career, did you think you would take such a vocal stand against the actions of the agency and ultimately an administration?GOMEZ: No, never in my entire career did I think that I would be having to speak up this strongly for the First Amendment in our Constitution and our democracy.As you said, I’m a bit of a technocrat. I’m used to talking about the airwaves and I’m used to talking about broadband and how important it is for everyone to have access to broadband. I’m used to talking about really boring things like how to attach to light poles. But media wasn’t something that I particularly thought I would have to really delve into. But, like I said, this administration has just been alarming me so much and so I’ve had to pivot.AP: You and Chairman Carr have a cordial relationship even though you disagree quite intensely. Is there a secret you want to share with the rest of Washington on how to do that? GOMEZ: You know, we do have a collegial relationship and we do work well together. He has been in my position and he understands my need to speak out and I do so freely, knowing that some day I may face the consequences for it. But we do work at maintaining a cordial relationship.AP: You’re talking about the potential of being fired by the president?GOMEZ: Yes, especially when I saw last year when the administration was firing all the Democratic members of different independent commissions and bodies. I just checked my email every day. Literally every day I pick up my phone and I say, “Am I going to work today?” And so far, so good.AP: Your term lasts through June 30 and you’re needed for a quorum. Absent an email that you wake up to in the morning, what are your plans?GOMEZ: I can continue serving for another year and a half-ish after my term expires as long as no one else is nominated and confirmed for my particular slot. So I intend to continue working and to continue speaking out as long as I can. STEVEN SLOAN Sloan is the Washington correspondent at The Associated Press. He managed the AP’s coverage of the 2020 and 2024 presidential campaigns. twitter

Optimism for a resolution to the conflict and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz was checked after the United States said it had carried out strikes on missile launch sites in Iran.

Steve Monks didn't prioritize winning when he coached. He wasn't motivated by securing a big catch while hunting or fishing.Those pursuits instead revolved around sharing time with those he cared about, from family and friends to students to those who called him coach in the Horseheads Central School District.Monks cultivated a wide social circle that benefited from his optimism, his zeal for life, and his desire to share those qualities with those around him."He's probably one of the most caring individuals I know," said Matt Gill, who played lacrosse for Monks and later became family. "That's what made him a good coach and what made him a great person as well."Retired Horseheads coach Jeff Limoncelli said of Monks, "He was always compassionate for kids more than his passion for winning."Monks died May 16 at age 65 from an aggressive form of brain cancer.He retired as boys varsity basketball coach at Horseheads in 2013 and four years later bid farewell to teaching physical education after 33 years in the district. But Monks remained heavily involved in the community and classrooms until the time of his death."He had a great personality, kids loved him," Limoncelli said."This is a tough one. He’ll be missed very much by so many people because he touched so many lives. Young lives and adult lives. A very, very big void, especially with me, and I know many people."Limoncelli followed Monks as varsity boys basketball coach at Horseheads after working alongside him as JV coach. He is now a Mansfield University assistant baseball coach after guiding Horseheads to a second state title in baseball last year.Survivors include Steve's wife, Deborah, along with his siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He comes from a family of six children and when circumstances dictated, he became a father figure to younger siblings Troy and Tracy."I wouldn’t have accomplished what I have in life without him," Troy said. "He was not just a brother, he was a dad, he was my best friend. He basically raised Tracy and I while finishing college and going out and getting his first job and meeting his wife."He was definitely our rock. Not only emotionally and psychologically, but he also helped us out financially when we needed it. He was our dad."Troy, retired as a teacher from the Elmira City School District, is varsity wrestling head coach at Horseheads and was an NCAA Division III national champion at SUNY Cortland, which is also Steve's alma mater.Among the coaching lessons he took from Steve was lack of preparation leads to poor performance for both coaches and athletes."There’s been some great coaches in the area, but no one in my mind – and I’m biased – was as good as Steve Monks," Troy said.More: Obituary for Steve MonksCoaching success went deeper than winsTo borrow a word Steve Monks liked to use with gusto, his coaching record at Horseheads was "outstanding."The Odessa-Montour graduate is the winningest coach in Horseheads boys hoops history with 248 over 24 seasons, a run that included 11 division championships and eight sectional finals.Monks' tenure was highlighted by the 2000 team that won the Section 4 title before losing to a Mount Vernon team led by future NBA player Ben Gordon. That Blue Raiders group finished 22-2.When he retired as hoops coach, Monks mentioned pridefully he never received a technical foul, though he added there were times he probably deserved one."I find that very hard to believe, but he knew how to treat officials," Troy Monks said. "Most of the time he put them in his back pocket, he buttered them up, he told them how great they were. If they made a bad call he might jump on them a little bit, but pat them on the butt as they went by."In December of 2009, Steve had surgery to remove a tumor on his pituitary gland and it was discovered he had two blocked arteries. He had his first of four stents installed to open the arteries. There were other health challenges."He stressed that to his athletes, to us as siblings, never be content and enjoy life," Troy said. "He had a rough life, but he enjoyed life."Steve coached lacrosse at Horseheads for more years than hoops, and he had six seasons coaching varsity and JV football. Before coming to Horseheads, he coached JV basketball at Odessa-Montour for a season.Monks became an assistant coach for Elmira College's men's basketball team after retiring as Horseheads' coach.In an era when Sullivan Trail Conference rivalries were intense, Monks joined Elmira Free Academy coach Roger Hover in guiding the Central Region to a gold medal at the Empire State Games in 1993.Limoncelli said Monks cultivated a family atmosphere among his programs that he learned from, including end-of-season dinners for the coaches."I’ve always appreciated the fact that he helped me to calm down a little bit, so to speak, which was very difficult," Limoncelli said. "I learned so much about the game of basketball and how to coach and how to treat kids and treat people."Monks and his wife have been strong supporters of the Josh Palmer Fund, including its basketball tournament that has grown into one of the biggest nationally, with 32 varsity teams competing over four days each Christmas season. The fund helps area patients with costs related to cancer treatment."Obviously they won the first championship we ever had with the basketball tournament 27 years ago," Palmer said of Monks' team. "Then this past year he was still sitting at the JV games doing the scoreboard for us and keeping the book."The Monks family couldn’t have been a bigger supporter and we are beyond proud to call them friends."Andy Scott went over 400 wins as Horseheads' girls basketball coach this past season. Monks is a strong influence."I think that was one of the best things I liked about him is when I first started coaching he had a work ethic that was pretty much unmatched by anybody around here," said Scott, who added Monks did everything the proper way."He showed me how to run a program the right way. Go to the camps in the summer, run the open gyms, make sure you’re the first one there, always 15 minutes ahead, and the last one to leave."Scott joined Steve and his wife, Deborah, on a trip to Indiana for a coaching clinic of the legendary Bobby Knight."Every single time he was around, you were just a happy person," Scott said of Monks."He always found positives in every situation. He sort of brightened up the room whenever he walked in. He always had stories to tell you and if you wanted to listen he’d talk to you all day about them."More: Monks was added to Horseheads Athletic Hall of Fame in 2023Cherished time spent outdoorsHunting and fishing was a passion Steve shared with Troy. They made annual trips to the Chateauguay River in northern New York for fly fishing, with their most recent excursion coming early last fall. They invited family and friends to join them.About 20 years ago, Steve and Troy joined Ed Kowalski for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Alaska. They enjoyed five straight days of guided tours on rivers. Troy recalled one day they caught so many fish all three came back exhausted, taking immediate 2-hour naps."It was priceless, absolutely priceless," Troy said of his bond with Steve."After every fishing trip, after every hunting trip, he would thank me for being there with him. ... He wasn’t a very good fisherman, but he tried like hell and it was more about spending the time with whoever he was doing it with."Matt Gill played modified lacrosse for Monks at Horseheads and participated in basketball camps Monks ran. He became family when Troy married Matt's mom, Terri. Steve got a license so he could officiate their wedding.Matt, who lives in Baltimore, regularly joined Steve for hunting and said he was one of the best story tellers he has been around."I always looked forward to seeing that burgundy Frontier pull down the driveway and him get out and waddle on over and give you a big bear hug and ask, 'How are you doing? What's going on? Where do you want to sit?' " Matt said."He had the biggest smile on his face and he always had a good short story or one-liner, something that would make you smile and wake you up before you go out on the early morning hunt."Matt said Monks had a high standard for himself and his players, adding Monks did a very good job of holding all players to that standard. Steve also showed compassion, giving one of his players in need a place to live for a period of time."I think that’s one of the things that made him an unbelievable coach is the fact that whether you were the guy that was averaging 5 points a game or you were the third-string guy who played in the fifth quarter back when they used to do fifth quarter in modified days, he treated everybody the same," Gill said.Monks carried his commitment to the classroom.In her second year of teaching, Terri Monks recalled Steve coming into her kindergarten class when he was an administrative assistant at Gardner Road Elementary in Horseheads. She told him the class was studying Native Americans and they had made a paper vest for him and built a teepee. Before the kids arrived, Steve put on the vest, hustled to the library and got a book to read to the them."If that doesn't inspire you as a teacher to want to be the best that you can be, I don't know what does," Terri said.Steve was a member of the Catharine Creek chapter of Trout Unlimited and introduced into seven area schools a Trout in the Classroom program. Steve would drop off brown trout eggs for students' 55-gallon tanks, setting up classrooms to supervise hatching before he would release the fish into waterways in the spring.Steve was able to release only one set of fish before his passing. Troy will take over the remaining six.Troy said Steve was big on protecting the environment and emphasized the three R's: reduce, reuse, and recycle.Mr. and Mrs. MonksSteve routinely introduced Deborah as Mrs. Monks, a chivalrous nod that reflected how thankful he was to call her his wife."He always talked about Mrs. Monks and how much he loved her and cherished her, and he tried to make her feel really special," Scott said.Troy said he wanted his marriage to Terri to be just like the partnership Steve and Deb had."They did everything together except hunt and fish," Troy said. "That was me."Limoncelli said Steve loved the Blue Raiders. Monks was routinely at other events at Horseheads, including operating the clock for football games. Limoncelli recalled one time when he took his kids to a play at the school and Steve was there with Deb.People were thrilled to see Monks wherever he showed up."He was always focused on being the best version of himself every single day and I thought that was fantastic," Scott said. "I think he's a fantastic person and a great human being and we're going to miss him a lot. I loved that guy."Asked about his brother's legacy, Troy responded, with an assist from his wife, "Love life, live it to the fullest, appreciate the little things, love people with everything you have."When Steve retired as basketball coach, he talked about how lucky he was to have had the opportunity to coach the program for so long."I have enjoyed every single minute of it and love every kid I've ever coached," he said. "I had a great time doing what I did."Celebration of lifeA celebration of life will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 30 at Horseheads Elk Lodge 2297, 6 Prospect Hill Road. A tribute service with an Elks ritual will take place at 4.Follow Andrew Legare on X: @SGAndrewLegare. You can also reach him at alegare@gannett.com. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account todayThis article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: Longtime Horseheads coach and teacher Steve Monks dies at 65

Arteta knew from pre-season that Arsenal could be champions this seasonMikel Arteta has revealed that he believed Arsenal could win the Premier League title from the moment the squad came together during pre-season preparations.The Gunners began the campaign strongly and quickly established themselves as one of the best teams in Europe. Their consistency throughout the season reinforced the growing belief that they were finally ready to end their long wait for another league crown.Arsenal had also impressed during the previous three seasons, although they finished second in the standings each time. That history created pressure during several difficult moments this term, particularly when Manchester City threatened to overtake them in the title race once again.Arteta’s Early Confidence in His SquadDespite the challenges, Arsenal maintained their focus and delivered the performances required to secure the Premier League title. The club could still add another major honour to their campaign if they win the Champions League final later this summer.Arteta has consistently spoken about his belief in the project at Arsenal, and he has now explained that his confidence in the squad was already clear before the season officially began.As quoted by Football365, Arteta said:“The very first one probably came when we all came together in pre-season, the week before we played Manchester United.“I got all the players together and asked them what they were happy to do for the team. They were happy to do anything for the team and I knew we had a big chance to compete in every competition because we had the depth and the quality to challenge.“Their response was immediate and incredible, and they weren’t just words – it’s easy to say it in a meeting, but then you need to produce it throughout a ten-month season.”Arsenal’s Mentality Behind the Title WinArteta believed early on that the players possessed the mentality and quality required to compete at the highest level.The response from the squad during pre-season appears to have laid the foundation for Arsenal’s success, with the team maintaining belief and consistency across a demanding season.Their title triumph now represents the reward for several years of development under Arteta, who has gradually transformed Arsenal back into champions._____________________________________________________________________________________________ADMIN COMMENTSo here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…More Stories / Latest NewsArteta knew from pre-season that Arsenal could be champions this season 26 May 2026, 9:00Arteta given recognition as celebrations continue at Arsenal 25 May 2026, 23:00Arsenal confirm loaned out player has left on a permanent move 25 May 2026, 22:00

Key reason why Hansi Flick wants Marcus Rashford to stay at Barcelona – reportWhen Marcus Rashford arrived at Barcelona on loan from Manchester United FC, there were doubts surrounding whether the English forward could truly rediscover his best version away from the Premier League.Months later, those doubts appear to have completely disappeared.In fact, according to recent reports from SPORT, it appears that one of the biggest reasons why Hansi Flick is now pushing strongly for Rashford’s continuity is not because of his performances, but because of the remarkable way he has adapted within the Barcelona dressing room.The outlet mentions that the English international has become one of the most appreciated figures within the squad during his short spell in Catalonia.Rashford’s dressing room integrationView this post on InstagramA post shared by MR14 (@marcusrashford)From a footballing perspective, Rashford’s numbers already speak for themselves, with the forward ending the campaign with 14 goals and 14 assists.However, the outlet mentions that his influence extends far beyond statistics.Despite this being his first experience outside England, Rashford settled into the squad almost immediately. In fact, the language barrier never became a problem, and sources close to the dressing room suggest the attacker built strong relationships across the team very quickly.Rashford’s closest peopleOne of his closest bonds has been with Roony Bardghji, who became a major support figure for him both on and off the pitch. Rashford wants to continue at Barcelona. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)Furthermore, the forward is also said to have developed a strong relationship with players such as Ronald Araujo and Lamine Yamal, as well as several younger members of the squad.Within the dressing room, Rashford has earned praise for the positive atmosphere he creates. Even though he naturally carries a more reserved personality, teammates are said to appreciate his relaxed attitude and the way he handles jokes and team dynamics.At Barcelona, Rashford appears to have found the stability that has played a major role in helping him recover confidence and consistency after difficult periods in England.

Wolfsburg face major overhaul after first-ever Bundesliga relegationAfter 29 consecutive seasons in the Bundesliga, VfL Wolfsburg suffered their first-ever relegation from Germany’s top flight on Monday night, falling to a 2-1 extra-time playoff defeat to SC Paderborn.With the worst-case scenario now a reality for the Volkswagen-owned club, the consequences will surely be significant.Back in March, Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume already announced that, in light of VfL Wolfsburg’s poor season and the financially difficult situation of the car manufacturer, the company’s involvement in the project would be “put under review”.A thorough analysis of both the past season and the upcoming campaign in the 2. Bundesliga is now set to follow, but decision-makers cannot afford to take too much time, with numerous questions to answer and a busy transfer window ahead.The squad is expected to undergo a complete overhaul. Although most contracts remain valid in the 2. Bundesliga and relegation clauses will reduce many players’ salaries by 35 percent, many will still be too expensive to retain for second-tier football – even if they wanted to stay.Mohamed Amoura, Konstantinos Koulierakis, Kamil Grabara, Patrick Wimmer, and Christian Eriksen are among those who will almost certainly leave, with the squad budget reportedly set to be reduced from €80 million to €55 million.There is also uncertainty surrounding the coaching position and the sporting managing director role. Dieter Hecking took over as interim coach in March, and it's currently unclear if he'll continue.“We will certainly get together over the next day or two to first analyse the ten weeks I was in charge. I need to let it all sink in first," Hecking told Sky after Monday's defeat to Paderborn.It has been suggested that Hecking could step into the role as sporting managing director – a position that has been vacant since Peter Christiansen was sacked in March – but whether that could still happen after Monday's relegation is uncertain.In any case, VfL Wolfsburg are facing a busy and uncertain summer following Monday’s painful setback.

Chicago Cubs (29-25, third in the NL Central) vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (28-26, fifth in the NL Central)Pittsburgh; Tuesday, 6:40 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Cubs: Jordan Wicks (0-0); Pirates: Braxton Ashcraft (3-2, 2.89 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 65 strikeouts)LINE: Pirates -130, Cubs +109; over/under is 8 runsBOTTOM LINE: The Chicago Cubs look to stop their nine-game skid with a win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.Pittsburgh has gone 14-13 in home games and 28-26 overall. The Pirates have the fifth-best team on-base percentage in the majors at .331.Chicago has an 11-14 record on the road and a 29-25 record overall. The Cubs have gone 22-7 in games when they record eight or more hits.The teams meet Tuesday for the fifth time this season. The Pirates are up 3-1 in the season series.TOP PERFORMERS: Brandon Lowe leads the Pirates with 26 extra base hits (12 doubles, a triple and 13 home runs). Ryan O'Hearn is 8 for 28 with a double, two home runs and four RBIs over the past 10 games.Dansby Swanson has four doubles, a triple, seven home runs and 27 RBIs for the Cubs. Michael Busch is 8 for 35 with three doubles and three home runs over the last 10 games.LAST 10 GAMES: Pirates: 4-6, .245 batting average, 4.15 ERA, outscored by nine runsCubs: 1-9, .203 batting average, 5.52 ERA, outscored by 24 runsINJURIES: Pirates: Jared Jones: 60-Day IL (elbow), Chris Devenski: 15-Day IL (illness), Joey Bart: 10-Day IL (foot infection), Ryan O'Hearn: 10-Day IL (quadricep)Cubs: Edward Cabrera: 15-Day IL (finger), Justin Steele: 60-Day IL (elbow), Christopher Austin: 60-Day IL (knee), Matt Shaw: 10-Day IL (back), Hunter Harvey: 60-Day IL (tricep), Matthew Boyd: 15-Day IL (knee), Riley Martin: 15-Day IL (elbow), Porter Hodge: 60-Day IL (elbow), Shelby Miller: 60-Day IL (elbow), Cade Horton: 60-Day IL (forearm)___The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

TimesofIndia.com in Dharamsala: Flat pitches, towering sixes and relentless run-scoring have defined IPL 2026 so far. But when Gujarat Titans (GT) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clash in Qualifier 1 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium on Tuesday, the contest could ultimately hinge on the bowlers.The HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala is unforgiving for bowlers because of its short boundaries. Over the last couple of days, the way Gujarat Titans' Jos Buttler and Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Tim David were emptying the ball box by launching monstrous sixes into the stands and even out of the stadium offered a teaser of what could unfold in Qualifier 1.There is little doubt that it could be another high-scoring contest. In the three matches played here this year, teams crossed the 200-run mark five times. The only innings that fell short ended at 199/8. Across those three games, 74 sixes have been hit, averaging nearly 25 maximums per match.The batters will be salivating at the prospect of another run-fest.It will also be another chapter in the battle between the 'King' - Virat Kohli - and the 'Prince' - Shubman Gill - who many see as the heir to Indian cricket's batting legacy. The duo looked in pristine touch during their hour-long net sessions. With 616 runs in 13 matches, Gill sits second in the Orange Cap race behind opening partner Sai Sudharsan. Kohli, after a brief slump in the middle of the tournament, has rediscovered form with a sparkling century and now has 557 runs this season.But amid all the noise around the batting firepower, it may well be the bowlers who determine which way the contest swings.GT assistant coach Vijay Dahiya believes the contest is evenly poised because of the quality bowling attacks both teams possess."In cricket, it is always about putting runs on the board. But in the end, you have to have a solid bowling unit and that's what is there. The other important thing is consistency. If you look at both sides, the bowling units have been very consistent."And that self-belief in the bowlers, along with the confidence shown in them by the captain and management, means you hardly see any changes in either side. I think that's what pays off," Dahiya told reporters.With 24 wickets in 14 matches, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Kagiso Rabada are the joint-highest wicket-takers among the two sides, with the Indian veteran edging the South African on economy rate. Not far behind is Mohammed Siraj with 17 wickets. With Josh Hazlewood (12), Jason Holder (13), Prasidh Krishna (14) and Rasikh Salam Dar (14) also in the mix, it could turn into an even contest. Add spinners Rashid Khan (19) and Krunal Pandya (11) to the equation, and the battle only gets more intriguing.Dahiya admitted that negotiating Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the powerplay will be crucial, but he also warned RCB that GT possess equal firepower with Siraj and Rabada in their ranks."As far as the challenge [Bhuvneshwar Kumar] is concerned, I think the same can be said for our opposition as well. If you talk about the powerplay, our numbers are among the best in this tournament. So if the conditions are favourable, it works for both teams," said Dahiya.RCB captain Rajat Patidar echoed the sentiment, stressing how crucial Bhuvneshwar Kumar's role could be when he takes on Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill, the two highest run-scorers of the season."Our strength is bowling. The way we bowl in the powerplay will be very crucial. We'll look for early wickets and that is what we have done throughout the tournament. Repeating the same process again and again can make the difference. That is what Bhuvi has done, and we hope to continue in the same way," said Patidar. 131322536In a season dominated by batting headlines and soaring totals, Qualifier 1 may ultimately come down to which bowling attack can hold its nerve for a few crucial overs. On a ground built for big hits, the team whose bowlers blink last could well seal a direct spot in the IPL final.

Amorim signing forces Man Utd to change transfer plans as new profile targetedManchester United have reportedly shifted their focus from signing a winger to a left-back due to Patrick Dorgu and his exploits in attack.When the Dane first rose through the ranks of Lecce, he was considered one of the best rising full-backs in Italian football.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYBut when the youngster was promoted to the first team, he was often used as an inverted right-winger in a 4-3-3 system. After joining Man Utd in January 2025, he was naturally played as a wing-back in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation, but Michael Carrick’s switch to a four-man backline reignited the debate over his best playing position.Carrick convinved Patrick Dorgu can be a solution on the left wingWhen Carrick replaced Amorim in January, he immediately decided to field Dorgu as a left winger in his 4-2-3-1 formation, in a move that raised eyebrows, first because it came at Matheus Cunha’s expense, and second because deploying classic wingers has become a rarity in the age of inverted wingers.Nevertheless, the 44-year-old won the bet, with Dorgu scoring in the first two matches of his tenure, helping United beat their crosstown rivals Manchester City 2-0, and eventual league winners Arsenal 3-2. The Dane even won the Goal of the Year Award for his superb strike against the Gunners.Sadly for Dorgu, he sustained an injury during the win in North London, so he spent more than three months on the sidelines. He finally returned to the starting lineup on the final day of the season, and he put on a brilliant display in the resounding 3-0 victory over Brighton.The former Lecce man headed home the opener that allowed Bruno Fernandes to break the Premier League’s assist record in a season, and then set up the third goal for his captain.Want more Stretty News coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trustAccording to the Manchester Evening News correspondent Steven Railston, Man Utd are increasingly convinced by Dorgu’s exploits in attack that they might decide to drop their plans to sign a new left winger.The Red Devils were linked with the likes of Yan Diomande and Morgan Rogers, but they’re unlikely to splash a large transfer fee on a winger this summer, as their priority is to revamp the midfield with two or three new recruits.Moreover, with Dorgu delivering the goods, Carrick and his staff are leaning towards confirming the 21-year-old and Cunha as his two main left-winger options for next season.Man United must add left-back options behind Luke ShawWith Dorgu switching to a more attacking role, any funds previously allocated for a new left winger could be shifted to the full-back department, as Man Utd cannot enter the next campaign with Luke Shaw as the only natural left-back in the squad.The England international impressively started all 38 Premier League matches this term, but this feat cannot be replicated next season with the return of Champions League football.The MEN didn’t mention any possible targets, but United have reportedly been tracking Newcastle’s Lewis Hall and Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly, among others.MUFC could also bolster their first-team options by promoting one of their youngsters. Harry Amass, who already played with the seniors under Amorim, will return from an injury-riddled loan stint at Norwich.The highly-regarded Diego Leon will be hoping to get the opportunity to impress in pre-season, as will Godwill Kukonki, who is considered one of the most promising teenagers at Carrington.

Carolina Hurricanes (53-22-7, in the Metropolitan Division) vs. Montreal Canadiens (48-24-10, in the Atlantic Division)Montreal, Quebec; Wednesday, 8 p.m. EDTLINE: Hurricanes -141, Canadiens +118; over/under is 5.5STANLEY CUP SEMIFINALS: Hurricanes lead series 2-1BOTTOM LINE: The Carolina Hurricanes visit the Montreal Canadiens in the third round of the NHL Playoffs with a 2-1 lead in the series. The teams meet Monday for the seventh time this season. The Hurricanes won 3-2 in overtime in the last matchup.Montreal has a 48-24-10 record overall and a 26-18-4 record on its home ice. The Canadiens are fifth in the league serving 10.4 penalty minutes per game.Carolina has a 53-22-7 record overall and a 29-12-5 record on the road. The Hurricanes rank second in NHL play with 291 total goals (averaging 3.6 per game).TOP PERFORMERS: Cole Caufield has 51 goals and 37 assists for the Canadiens. Alexander Newhook has six goals and two assists over the last 10 games.Seth Jarvis has 32 goals and 34 assists for the Hurricanes. Logan Stankoven has six goals over the last 10 games.LAST 10 GAMES: Canadiens: 5-3-2, averaging 3.7 goals, 6.3 assists, 5.3 penalties and 17.4 penalty minutes while giving up three goals per game.Hurricanes: 9-1-0, averaging three goals, 5.7 assists, 5.9 penalties and 13.4 penalty minutes while giving up 1.9 goals per game.INJURIES: Canadiens: Patrik Laine: out (abdomen).Hurricanes: None listed.___The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

🚨 Florentino Pérez has set date and time for candidacy launchFlorentino Pérez will present his candidacy for the Real Madrid presidency tomorrow, Wednesday, March 27.The current president will unveil his electoral program on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at the Meliá Castilla Hotel (Madrid).Florentino Pérez is running under the slogan "much history still to be made" in elections that will be held at least 15 days after the candidacies are validated. Most likely, on Sunday, June 7.This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

Fabregas warns Real Madrid: Como want Nico Paz ‘to stay’Cesc Fabregas confirms he’s already preparing for next season’s Champions League campaign with Como and hopes Nico Paz will stay at the Stadio Sinigaglia.Como have qualified for the Champions League and Fabregas is not going to leave the club in the summer.Fabregas committed to Como for 2026-27“We’ve had a long meeting with the President and the director; we are creating a mentality. From now on, we start preparing for a new, tough and different season,” Fabregas told Sky Sport.Fabregas gave his interview during Como’s open-top bus parade, celebrating a historic top-four finish with their fans.It was a largely unexpected feat for the Azzurri, who were among the highest spenders in Serie A but had only the 11th-largest wage bill in the league.CREMONA, ITALY – MAY 24: Como 1907 players celebrate after getting a Champions League slot for next season after the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Como 1907 at Stadio Giovanni Zini on May 24, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)“I’m very happy here, you know that. I’m missing one or two steps more, and I’m learning so much,” Fabgregas continued.“The growth of this club has been too fast; we’ve been pushing expectations for two and a half years. We are aware of who we are, and we have a clear vision. The demands of the Champions League are high. If you are not prepared, you concede six goals in certain stadiums.”Como formally own Nico Paz, but Real Madrid have an option to re-sign the Argentine until June 2027.“He’s a very important player for our growth,” Fabregas said.COMO, ITALY – JANUARY 24: Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas issues instructions to his player Nico Paz of Como 1907 during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Torino FC at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on January 24, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)“We’ve grown with him, and he’s grown with us. It’s an important match, let’s see what happens, but we want him to stay.”Nico Paz has just completed his second season at Como and has been voted as the best midfielder in the league during the 2025-26 campaign.Inter are long-time admirers of the 21-year-old, but Fabregas said a few weeks ago that Paz will either play for Como or Real Madrid in 2026-27.

In this release Metta Tham Rescue Kalasin, rescuers work to reach seven people who have been trapped in a cave in Xaisomboun province, Laos, Monday, May 25, 2026. (Metta Tham Rescue Kalasin via AP)2026-05-26T07:53:24Z BANGKOK (AP) — A search operation for seven villagers trapped inside a flooded cave in central Laos entered its seventh day on Tuesday, as rescuers encountered difficult terrain and weather as they are trying to reach the group whose condition remains unknown. The villagers entered the cave in Xaisomboun province on May 19, but heavy rain triggered flash flooding that blocked the exit, according to Lao and Thai rescue teams involved in the operation.The Lao organization Rescue Volunteer for People, which is working closely with the local authorities, posted on its Facebook page that Tuesday’s operation plan includes exploring air shafts above the cave in hopes of identifying possible access points. and locating the trapped people.Rescuers from neighboring Thailand also arrived at the site over the weekend to assist the operation. Challenging conditions hamper rescue effortsAccording to rescuers, divers have navigated about 100 meters into the flooded, narrow cave. They believe the villagers may be trapped about 30 meters beyond the furthest point currently accessible. They are working to pump water out of the cave to aid the search efforts.The site is in a remote area in Xaisomboun province’s Longcheng district, which is about 120 kilometers (75 miles) north of the capital, Vientiane. Rescuers at the scene have detailed on social media the challenging mountainous terrain and heavy rain that is hampering the operation.Videos shared online by Thai rescuers showed that reaching the cave’s entrance requires a steep hike on foot of roughly 4 kilometers (2.5 miles). The entrance is also steep and rocky, and barely wide enough for a single person to climb through at a time.Inside, rescuers must go through muddy passageways, flooded sections and narrow tunnels that forced them to crawl forward. Villagers were reportedly miningThere has been no official confirmation on why the villagers went into the cave, although the rescuers involved said that they went in to look for gold deposits.Bounkham Luanglath of the Lao rescue group has told The Associated Press that the cave was frequented by local residents looking for gold, although authorities had repeatedly warned them against entering the cave out of safety concerns.The average per capita income in Laos of about $2,000-2,500 is among the lowest in Southeast Asia, and it is less still in underdeveloped rural areas. Read More Laos is not known as a major gold producer, but its mining industry is sizable considering the country’s developing economy. The mining sector is fueled by foreign direct investment, largely from neighboring Thailand and China. Copper is a major export, and mining for rare earth elements, needed for most modern technologies, has become more common in Laos recently.The Laos Foreign Ministry on Tuesday said it has no official information to share with the media. The Southeast Asian nation is a one-party communist state with no organized opposition and the government keeps a tight lid on information. Cave rescues are risky businessThe news quickly drew headlines in Thailand because of its resemblance to the dramatic 2018 cave rescue in northern Thailand, where 12 boys and their soccer coach were trapped for more than two weeks before being safely rescued in an operation that became a global sensation. A former Thai navy SEAL diver was killed during the search and rescue effort.A new tragedy occurred earlier this month, with five Italian divers found dead after they went missing while diving into a cave in the Maldives. A Maldivian military diver who was part of the recovery team was killed during the high-risk operation to retrieve their bodies.A major health risk of being trapped in a cave is cold conditions quickly leading to hypothermia. The body can cope for weeks without food, but clean water is necessary to prevent dehydration. A contaminated water supply could cause diarrhea, hastening dehydration. Declining oxygen levels cause symptoms similar to altitude sickness and in the long run can damage the lungs and other organs, while carbon dioxide buildup causes exhaustion and eventual unconsciousness. Constant darkness disrupts time perception and the body’s circadian rhythms. It also causes extreme sensitivity when the eyes have to adjust again to light.——Associated Press journalists Grant Peck, Anton L. Delgado and Haruka Nuga contributed to this report.

Fabrizio Romano confirms renewed Tottenham interest in Manchester City forward surplus to requirementsSavinho was close to joining Tottenham from Man City last summer Brazilian was open north London move but stayed to sign a new contract till 2031Winger will be allowed to leave this summer after disappointing 2025-26 campaignTottenham have re-opened discussions with Manchester City over a summer transfer for Savinho, as per several reports.The north Londoners escaped relegation on the final day of the Premier League season, bringing the curtain down on a hugely disappointing campaign that will prompt major changes on and off the pitch.Spurs were interested in signing Savinho from Manchester City last summer and were understood to have made an offer worth £70 million for the Brazilian winger.Manchester City put €50-60M valuation on first-team forward surplus to requirementsHowever, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and chief executive Ferran Soriano were against the move as Savinho stayed put and renewed his contract at the Etihad Stadium till 2031.Reports: Tottenham rekindle Savinho interestMail Sport reported on Monday that Tottenham are re-exploring their interest in Savinho, who struggled for minutes at the Etihad Stadium in the recent season and could be heading for the exit door.Fabrizio Romano has since confirmed that Tottenham are once again exploring a deal for the attacker, with negotiations underway and Savinho – who is also attracting interest from Newcastle United – is open to the move down south.It is expected to be a busy summer for City director of football Hugo Viana, who is understood to have held early-stage discussions with incoming head coach Enzo Maresca over the club’s transfer activity ahead of the 2026-27 season.Spurs are understood to be willing to pay £60 million for Savinho, who is understood to have been deemed surplus to requirements by the Manchester City hierarchy after a sub-par season.Will Man City sell Savinho?All signs point to an amicable parting of ways between Savinho and the Blues, who are highly likely to have included a release clause in the winger’s contract when they tied him to the Etihad Stadium till 2031 last summer.Tottenham move touted for Manchester City’s Savinho after failed 2025 transferAt 22, Savinho will himself want to avoid another year on the bench and explore the challenge of taking Tottenham from a 17th place Premier League finish to qualifying for Europe and competing for major trophies under Roberto de Zerbi.City will allow a sale if their transfer valuation is met, though £60 million is a very good fee for a fringe player who barely played this season and has his best years ahead of him.

Jeff Stelling implores newly-promoted club to get ‘on the phone’ to Liverpool legend ASAPJeff Stelling has advised one newly-promoted club to take advantage of their return to the Premier League by making a move for the now-free agent Andy Robertson.In a neat moment of symmetry, the Scottish left-back left Hull City after their relegation nine years ago to join Liverpool, for whom he made his final appearance on the same weekend that the Tigers returned to the top flight.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL EMPIRE OF THE KOP APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYThe 32-year-old could still be playing in the Premier League next season after his departure from Anfield, with Ben Jacobs reporting that the defender has an ‘agreement in principle‘ to join Tottenham Hotspur.Stelling: Hull should get ‘on the phone’ to RobertsonHowever, Stelling claimed that Hull should seek to bring Robertson back to the MKM Stadium now that they’ve returned to the top flight, following their Championship play-off final win over Middlesbrough last Saturday.Speaking on talkSPORT, the former Soccer Saturday presenter said: “Andy Robertson’s been absolutely brilliant for Liverpool over the years, no question. If I’m Hull City, I’m on the phone to him saying, ‘Why don’t you come back now we’re in the Premier League?'”Want more Empire of the Kop coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trustWill Hull heed Stelling’s advice?If the Tigers were to take Stelling’s advice and re-sign the Scotland captain, it could continue an emerging theme of promoted clubs snapping up ex-Liverpool players, following recent reports that Coventry are eyeing a potential move for Gini Wijnaldum.Robertson’s preference would reportedly be to join Spurs (The Telegraph), so it may be difficult for Hull to entice him back to east Yorkshire, especially with the defender earning wages of £160,000 per week in the final year of his Anfield contract (Capology).However, Sergej Jakirovic’s side might look at what 2025 play-off winners Sunderland did in last summer’s transfer window and strive to follow suit, with astute signings such as Granit Xhaka helping the Black Cats to an expectation-defying Europa League finish upon their top-flight return.If the 32-year-old were to join another club in the Premier League – be it Hull, Spurs or whoever else – it’d facilitate a return to Anfield whenever his new side face Liverpool next season, which’d bring with a reception every bit as warm as what Jordan Henderson and Caoimhin Kelleher were granted on Sunday.Stelling’s advice to the Tigers’ hierarchy makes perfect sense, though it remains to be seen whether the follow through on it. Either way, it’ll be compelling to see where the legendary Robertson ends up next.

It is the ultimate list of footballing greats, based solely on their displays in the most prestigious tournament on the planet. Star players the world over can perform for their club – but who are those who have shone brightest for their nation in the history of the men’s Fifa World Cup?Just two weeks out from the 23rd World Cup starting in North America on 11 June, we’re counting down our best of all time. From Pele and Messi to Maradona and Beckenbauer, with a sprinkling of Zidane, Mbappe and Ronaldo in the mix, these are the players who have lit up the “greatest show on earth” over the past 96 years. Using a specific formula and points system, The Independent’s team of sports reporters have ranked the top-50 players in World Cup history, from the first tournament in Uruguay in 1930 all the way to the first-ever winter event in Qatar in 2022. And to stress: this is all about performances in World Cups, not simply the best-ever players who have featured in a World Cup. As such, one player who does not make the top-50 is Cristiano Ronaldo: the Portugal captain is set to take part in his sixth World Cup this summer, but Senior Football Correspondent Richard Jolly explains here why one of football’s greatest-ever players is not amongst the pantheon of World Cup greats. So, who has made the list? Here are the World Cup’s greatest players, with an initial list from 50-31. Join us throughout the week as we reveal the best-ever World Cup players. 50. Fritz Walter (West Germany)World Cups played: 1954, 1958World Cup record: Winner 1954Games: 11 Goals: 3Best moment: Lifting the World Cup no one expected West Germany to winFootball saved Fritz Walter from the Soviet gulag in World War II, with the aid of a Hungarian prison guard who recognised a top player. Walter certainly found a way of repaying Hungarian football. The greatest shock in World Cup final history came in 1954; the all-conquering Hungary were beaten by West Germany, who had been banned from the 1950 tournament and had lost 8-3 to Hungary in the 1954 group stages. Walter was the architect and inspiration of “The Miracle of Bern’. He was involved in two goals in the final and he, and brother Ottmar, are one of only two pairs of brothers to win the World Cup – along with the Charltons.Richard JollyFritz Walter (centre) was the inspiration behind West Germany’s “Miracle of Bern” (ullstein bild via Getty Images)49. Vava (Brazil) World Cups played: 1958, 1962World Cup record: Winner 1958, 1962Games: 9Goals: 7Best moment: Brace in 1958 final, to bring Brazil from 1-0 down to 2-1 up en route to victory over SwedenOne of just four players who have played in only two World Cups and won them both. You might associate the Brazilians with flair but sometimes you need something less flashy, and Vava’s close-range finishes were as clinical as they were crucial in the 1958 final; Brazil were 1-0 down to Sweden early, before Vava turned things around with a brace – his second of the tournament. He also scored twice in the 1962 semi-final win over Chile, before netting again in the final. And he’d previously scored in the 1958 semi-finals. A big-moment player.Alex Pattle Vava (left) had an impeccable World Cup record for Brazil (Getty Images)48. Leonidas (Brazil) World Cups played: 1934, 1938World Cup record: Third place 1938Games: 5Goals: 8Bestmoment: Two extra-time goals completed a hat-trick in Brazil’s 6-5 win over Poland in the round of 16He may not share the famous reputation of other great Brazilians on this list, but Leonidas was an icon of the 1930s.The forward known as “Black Diamond” won the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball in 1938, despite Brazil losing to eventual champions Italy in the semi-finals. Lawrence Ostlere Leonidas (centre) won both the prize for best player and top goalscorer in 1938 (AFP via Getty Images)47. Didier Deschamps (France) World Cups played: 1998World Cup record: Winner 1998Games: 6Clean sheets: 5Best moment: Lifting the trophy as captain at his sole World CupThat moment above sums it up: Deschamps was clinical as a World Cup player – one tournament, one trophyThe stats bolster this claim, too: the defensive midfielder helped his side to five clean sheets in the six games he played (including a 3-0 shutdown of a great Brazil side in the final), and France conceded in the sole match he missed. Furthermore, Deschamps did all of this as captain. Of course, he would lead Les Bleus again as a coach (winning the World Cup in 2018 and losing the 2022 final), but we haven’t even factored that into his inclusion here.Alex PattleDidier Deschamps led France to World Cup glory on home soil in 1998 (AFP via Getty Images)46. Daniel Passarella (Argentina) World Cups played: 1978, 1982, 1986World Cup record: Winner 1978, 1986Games: 12Goals: 3Best moment: Lifting the World Cup on home soil in 1978, becoming the youngest captain to do so at the age of just 25Passarella captained Argentina to their first-ever World Cup win in 1978, with the tough-tackling, fierce defender (who had a remarkable eye for goal) proving a steely counterpart to the mercurial talents of teammate Mario Kempes. He went to further tournaments in 1982 and 1986, and remains the only Argentine to win two World Cups (despite losing his place in the first team due to enterocolitis as Diego Maradona and co. triumphed in Mexico). Chris Wilson Daniel Passarella won two World Cups with Argentina (Getty Images)45. Rudi Voller (Germany) World Cups played: 1986, 1990, 1994World Cup record: Winner 1990, runner-up 1986Games: 15Goals: 8Best moment: After being confined to the bench in the 1994 group stage, his last-16 start yielded a crucial brace in a 3-2 win over BelgiumVoller has a varied history at the World Cup. He scored a fair few goals, even scored in a final but lost it, won it another time, was sent off on one occasion and was hooked early on another.While Voller’s late equaliser wasn’t enough for West Germany to overcome Argentina in the 1986 final, it was a triumphant personal moment, as was his statement brace in the afore-mentioned 1994 clash with Belgium. Between those competitions, he blotted his 1990 tournament copybook with a red card – but returned in time to start in Germany’s victorious final.Alex Pattle Rudi Voller won the 1990 World Cup and was a finalist in 1986 (Hulton Archive)44. Antoine Griezmann (France)World Cup played: 2014, 2018, 2022World Cup record: Winner 2018, runner-up 2022Games: 19Goals: 4Best moment: He was man of the match as France eventually ran riot against Croatia with a 4-2 win in the 2018 final, scoring a penalty for good measureGriezmann won recognition on the pitch for his persona as much as his quality with the ball, and it shone brightly in the 2018 quarter-finals when his goal came through a Fernando Muslera mistake. With a Uruguayan mentor growing up, in addition to his compassion for Muslera after a dreadful lowlight to the goalkeeper’s career, Griezmann was subdued with his celebration.One of the great French players in their second golden era, Griezmann was vital for this team throughout. He has won one World Cup, been a finalist in another and has a fourth World Cup appearance to come, before a swansong in the MLS. Griezmann has been allowed to flourish a little more under Didier Deschamps than he does for his club, with Diego Simeone and Atletico Madrid. A selfless player, able to knit the attack together, take a set-piece and hold his nerve in the final third, he was unlucky to only finish third behind Luka Modric and Eden Hazard in the voting for 2018’s Golden Ball.Jack Rathborn Antoine Griezmann was one of France’s star players in their 2018 triumph (Getty)43. Martin Peters (England) World Cups played: 1966, 1970World Cup record: Winner 1966Games: 9Goals: 2Best moment: Scoring England’s second goal in the 1966 World Cup finalA player ahead of his time, the injection of Peters into England’s 1966 starting side proved the catalyst that took the “wingless wonders” to World Cup glory. Marrying a tireless work ethic with an intuitive attacking brain, it was Peters who set up the winner for clubmate Geoff Hurst against Argentina, and he might have gone down in folklore as the final match-winner if not for West Germany’s equaliser in the last moments of normal time. It mattered not, of course. Could there have been more success in 1970? The substitution of Peters and Bobby Charlton by Alf Ramsey, with England 2-1 up in the last eight against those same West Germans, was a major misstep.Harry Latham-Coyle Martin Peters (centre) holds the trophy aloft after England's 1966 victory (Getty)42. Ronaldinho (Brazil) World Cups played: 2002, 2006World Cup record: Winner 2002Games: 10Goals: 2Best moment: Lobbing David Seaman in the 2002 quarter-final against EnglandHe may have been the least heralded of the “Three Rs” in 2002, but his performance when knocking England out in the last eight was astonishing.Trailing to Michael Owen’s poached opener, Ronaldinho embarked on a run from halfway to tee up Rivaldo for the leveller, sending Ashley Cole to the floor following a stepover. Then came his moment of ingenuity and the moment David Seaman will never forget. Re-watching the footage of that exquisite lob, what stands out most is how perfectly the ball nestled in the left corner.That he was shown a red card seven minutes later for planting his studs on Danny Mills’ ankle is almost forgotten and, either way, he returned for the final that offered the Selecao redemption for 1998, before his club career soon became stratospheric.Alan SmithRonaldinho was central to Brazil knocking out England in 2002 (Getty Images)41. Didi (Brazil) World Cups played: 1954, 1958, 1962World Cup record: Winner 1958, 1962Games: 15 Goals: 3Best moment: Didi is attributed with nine assists on football’s biggest stage, one behind teammate Pele (10) in the all-time ranking, but it was his control in the 1958 semi-final against France that won him admirers, allowing Pele to thrive, though he also managed to impose himself on the game with the iconic folha seca (dry leaf) free-kick.Often forgotten behind some dazzling teammates, and maybe underappreciated in his time, today’s game would recognise Didi as the orchestrator in one of the best teams of all time. Able to dictate the tempo of the game, the grace of Didi allowed Pele, Garrincha and others to prove decisive in the final third. Also an innovator with his technique and the folha seca (dry leaf) shot, which saw the ball dip viciously. His goal and two assists in the 1958 semi-final against France might rank among the all-time greatest single-game performances.Jack RathbornBrazil midfielder Didi was a showman and an orchestrator (Getty Images)40. Roberto Carlos (Brazil) World Cups played: 1998, 2002, 2006World Cup record: Winner 2002, runner-up 1998Games: 17Goals: 1Clean sheets: 7Best moment: The only World Cup goal he ever scored, in the 2002 group stage contest with China. A free-kick outside the penalty area on the right with a perfect angle for his rocket of a left foot. Blasted past the wall and swerved away from the goalkeeper into the far side-netting. A beauty.Like most football fans, I have several England shirts collected over more than two decades, and, in that time, I have only ever bought one different national team jersey. That was the shirt of the 2002 World Cup champions Brazil. Ignore Ronaldo; I loved Roberto Carlos.There is an argument as to whether the great defender redefined what it was to play full-back (yes), but what isn’t up for debate is that he perfected his role at left wing-back. Blistering pace, overlapping runs, indefatigable energy, curling crosses and a set-piece specialist. Like Beckham, but Brazilian and better.Michael Jones Roberto Carlos scored a rasping free-kick against China in 2002 (Getty)39. Roger Milla (Cameroon) World Cups played: 1982, 1990, 1994World Cup record: Quarter-finalist 1990Games: 10Goals: 5Best moment: Scoring twice against Romania in 1990 to announce himself on the global stage aged 38The poster boy of all veteran players and, for many, Africa’s first global star. Having featured in 1982, when Cameroon fell at the first hurdle, Milla had to be coaxed out of retirement for Italia ‘90. His impact as a substitute, aged 38, was transformative. Sprung off the bench in the second group game against Romania, he scored twice in a 2-1 win to ultimately seal their progress. In the round of 16, versus Colombia, he was brought on with the match scoreless and nabbed another brace in extra-time to lead the Indomitable Lions towards a stage no African nation had been before – the quarter-finals. And he celebrated with his iconic corner-flag jig. Milla contributed two assists against England as Cameroon led 2-1, only for it to end in extra-time heartbreak.Four years later, he became the oldest outfield player to feature in a World Cup, aged 42, coming on as a substitute in defeats to Brazil and Russia, scoring in the latter despite a 6-1 loss.Alan Smith Cameroon’s Roger Milla was a star of Italia ‘90 (Getty Images)38. Jurgen Klinsmann (Germany) World Cups played: 1990, 1994, 1998World Cup record: Winner 1990Games: 17Goals: 11Best moment: Lifting the trophy on his tournament debut, after playing every game and scoring three goals along the wayKlinsmann’s World Cup legacy is as interesting as it is impressive. See the moment above for a summary of his tournament debut, and although his sophomore effort brought a slightly premature exit, Klinsmann racked up a further five goals. Then, his last tournament in 1998 brought another quarter-final defeat but three more goals – and with Klinsmann as captain. Of 1990, he told me in 2021: “[As a young player], you really have difficulty comprehending what’s happened. You just join the group, party, and think: ‘This is the coolest. I scored a couple of goals, how cool.’”Alex PattleJurgen Klinsmann scored an impressive 11 World Cup goals (Getty Images)37. Gordon Banks (England)World Cups played: 1966, 1970World Cup record: Winner 1966Games: 9Clean sheets: 6 Best moment: His “save of the century” from Pele in 1970It says a lot that Banks’s greatest moment is not from 1966, when he kept four clean sheets in England’s winning run. He went untroubled until Eusebio’s late penalty in the semi-finals, the first goal he conceded in 721 minutes of international football. Beaten twice in the final, ultimately, it did not matter. Fast-forward four years and Banks enjoyed and endured a dramatic tournament in Mexico. A day after being informed he’d been awarded an OBE, he made that astonishing save from Pele, clawing the Brazil legend’s powerful header away from goal as he stretched desperately behind him. It’s said that Pele remarked: “I thought that was a goal.” Banks replied: “You and me both.” More drama was to come, though. England made it to the quarter-finals, but Banks missed the defeat to West Germany after suffering an upset stomach. While he blamed a dodgy bottle of beer, there are conspiracy theories to this day that the CIA poisoned him, in order to obstruct joint-favourites England’s progress and make Brazil’s path to glory easier for geo-political reasons.Kieran Jackson Gordon Banks (far-left) kept four clean sheets in England's run to World Cup glory in 1966 (Getty Images)Pelé x Gordon Banks. pic.twitter.com/21BnsxiHox— Curiosidades Brasil (@CuriosidadesBRL) January 9, 202636. Philipp Lahm (Germany)World Cups played: 2006, 2010, 2014World Cup record: Winner 2014Games: 20Clean sheets: 10 Best moment: Captaining Germany to a World Cup trophy in 2014Lahm was undoubtedly one of Germany’s greatest ever players, captaining them at two World Cups. In a modern era of inverting full-backs and position-less football, Lahm was one of the first players to ever be trusted to play in midfield despite being a traditional full-back by trade. He was technically excellent, as well as someone who would cover every blade of grass in each game. With the crowning moment of his international career leading Germany to a World Cup triumph in 2014, Lahm cemented his place amongst the nation’s greats.Archie Corbett Philipp Lahm captained Germany to the 2014 World Cup (Getty)35. Ferenc Puskas (Hungary/Spain) World Cups played: 1954, 1962World Cup record: Runner-up 1954Games: 6Goals: 4 Best moment: Scoring the opening goal in the 1954 World Cup final even if the day ended in Hungary, the “Golden Team”, suffering a defeat that would leave a mark over the country that it has never recovered fromOnly one question follows the “Magical Magyars” now. Led by Puskas, the left-footed wonder, Hungary were the world’s best team and went unbeaten between 1950 and 1954. Then, in their second game of the 1954 World Cup, Puskas suffered an ankle injury as a result of a crunching tackle during Hungary’s 8-3 victory over West Germany. Clearly unfit, Puskas only returned in time for the final, where West Germany beat Hungary 3-2 in the “Miracle of Bern”. So, what if Puskas didn’t get injured earlier in the tournament, and what if his late equaliser was not disallowed for a disputed offside? Jamie BraidwoodFerenc Puskas was the star player of the famous 1954 Hungary team (Getty Images)34. Sandor Kocsis (Hungary) World Cups played: 1954World Cup record: Runner-up 1954Games: 5Goals: 11 Best moment: Four goals during an 8-3, group-stage pummelling of West Germany in the 1954 World Cup. Deadly throughout that game, Germany would get their revenge in the final, but Kocsis actually delivered more than his more illustrious teammate PuskasCombined with Puskas to revolutionise European football, but Kocsis was actually the superior player on the biggest stage of them all. He proved prolific and his deadly run in 1954 saw him score four goals in one World Cup game against Germany, helping him to the Golden Boot that year and becoming the first player to score two hat-tricks in one tournament.Jack Rathborn Sandor Kocsis became the first player to score two hat-tricks at a World Cup (Getty)33. Rivaldo (Brazil) World Cups played: 1998, 2002 World Cup record: Winner 2002, runner-up 1998Games: 14Goals: 8Best moment: Though a superb volley against Belgium in the round of 16 in 2002 stands out on a personal level, lifting the World Cup as joint-top scorer at the end of the tournament was the highlight of a glittering careerRivaldo was a key part of the Brazil team that lost the final to France in 1998, and by 2002 he had picked up a Ballon d’Or as he emerged as a leader in a side that also contained Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. He scored five goals across seven matches in Japan and South Korea – including in every game up to the semi-finals – and his sublime dummy set up Ronaldo’s second in the final to wrap up his side’s fifth World Cup trophy. The less said about the pathetic play-acting when the ball gently hit him near the corner flag against Turkey in 2002, the better.Chris WilsonRivaldo starred in Brazil's 2002 triumph (Getty)32. Lev Yashin (USSR)World Cups played: 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970World Cup record: Semi-finals 1966Games: 12Clean sheets: 4Best moment: Facing a Pele-inspired Brazil in the 1958 World Cup, he single-handedly stopped the game becoming a rout, making a number of brilliant saves in a respectable 2-0 defeat for the USSR.The greatest goalkeeper in the history of the sport – Lev Yashin’s athleticism, acrobatic saves and imposing presence made ‘the Black Spider’ an icon and he remains the only goalkeeper to win the Ballon d’Or (in 1963). He allegedly saved over 150 penalties in his career and revolutionised the position by coming out to claim crosses, closing down attackers and yelling instructions at his defenders. Making four World Cup squads, Yashin was named as the goalkeeper in the all-time Fifa World Cup Dream Team in 2002 and helped the USSR to the semi-finals in 1966. He took a very 1960s approach to fitness, saying that his secret was “having a smoke to calm your nerves, then tossing back a strong drink to tone your muscles.”Luke Baker Lev Yashin was one of football's great goalkeepers (Getty)31. Thomas Muller (Germany) World Cups played: 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 World Cup record: Winner 2014Games: 18Goals: 10Best moment: Hat-trick in 2014 group-stage against PortugalGolden Boot winner in 2010 and Silver Boot winner four years later, Muller was a player who thrived on the world stage. From scoring his first international goal in his first World Cup appearance against Australia in 2010 and his brace against England in the last 16, to his hat-trick to open up proceedings in 2014 and his volley which set Germany on their way to their iconic 7-1 triumph versus Brazil, Muller’s early World Cup record was simply outstanding. Thomas Muller won the 2014 World Cup with Germany (Getty Images)Perhaps his only personal blot was his needless yellow card against Argentina in 2010, which meant he missed the semi-final defeat to Spain. A tireless worker, brilliant finisher and competitive animal, Muller’s absence this summer will feel somewhat peculiar. Kieran Jackson Join us on Wednesday to find out the players ranked 11-30, as we build towards our top-10 reveal on Thursday.

Goal-hero Marcus Fraser says "it's absolutely massive" for St Mirren to have retained their Premiership status. "What we've built in the last three or four seasons, we didn't want to just throw away," said the wing-back, who scored the only goal in the second leg of the play-off final against Partick Thistle."I thought we were going to win 2-0, but it was only 1-0 and I got the goal. So, as players, you always write these wee stories in your head. Thankfully, I got the winning goal and it came up trumps."Fraser's second-half goal, which he describes as "being up there" as one of the biggest in his career, came after nerves settled for the Paisley club in a tense affair. "Probably both games, there wasn't much quality," he added. "Obviously, there were a few nervy bits, but we got there in the end."I wanted to win so much, obviously to stay in the league, but just not for that. We didn't want the League Cup win to get forgotten about because it quite easily could have."We can look back on the season now as probably a positive one with a League Cup in the bag and staying in the league as well."Interim boss Craig McLeish has made it clear he wants the position on a permanent basis and Fraser thinks the 36-year-old coach merits being given a chance."His ideas and what he's brought to the table has been really, really good," he said. "I think you can see that in our performances and what he's doing."He's been really positive and picked the group up and fair play to him for that."

Help decide which performance was the best in Delaware high school sports during Week 9 of the spring sports season. Vote for the Delaware Online High School Sports Athlete of the Week, presented by Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists.Nominations for Athlete of the Week and Team of the Week can be sent to high school sports reporter Brandon Holveck at bholveck@delawareonline.com. Please send the name of the team or athlete you would like to nominate and a brief summary of their accomplishments in the past week.Polls are open to the public with unlimited voting from Monday through Thursday. Winners are announced Friday. Here are this week's nominees: Alex Jankiewicz, Salesianum boys volleyball: Jankiewicz helped lead Salesianum to a 3-2 win over Cape Henlopen in the boys volleyball state championship game.Claudia Koch, Archmere girls lacrosse: Koch scored four goals in Archmere's 10-7 quarterfinal win over Tatnall.Mikey Sebastian, Smyrna boys lacrosse: Sebastian scored three goals and had an assist in Smyrna's 7-5 quarterfinal win over Wilmington Friends. Kylie VanHorn, Polytech softball: VanHorn had four hits in Polytech's 10-0 second-round win over Delaware Military Academy.Makayla Wilkins, Odessa girls track and field: Wilkins ran on the winning girls 4x200 in Division I at the state meet and placed fifth in the girls 100 at the Meet of Champions.Brandon Holveck reports on high school sports for The News Journal. Contact him at bholveck@delawareonline.com.This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Vote for Week 9 Delaware High School Athlete of the Week

AS Roma emerge as contenders for Mason Greenwood’s signatureAS Roma has emerged as a potential destination for Olympique de Marseille forward Mason Greenwood (24), according to a report from La Gazzetta dello Sport. The Englishman, despite announcing a desire to remain with OM earlier this month, is expected to leave the club in the coming weeks.It is the club’s perilous financial situation that is pushing Greenwood towards the exit. The club invested heavily last summer, only to then miss out on UEFA Champions League qualification. Sales are needed before the end of June and so all of the club’s most bankable assets are available for a price. No OM player would fetch a higher fee than Greenwood. La Gazzetta dello Sportunderstands that the former Manchester United forward has many suitors, however, he has given his preference to a move to Serie A side AS Roma. Talks between the Italian side and the player’s father are already underway. Marseille are demanding a fee of around €60m for the forward. The relationship between OM and Roma is strong following Robinio Vaz’s move in January.GFFN | Luke Entwistle

TimesofIndia.com in Dharamsala: For a long time, Rajat Patidar's career seemed defined by one phrase: "so near, yet so far."The swashbuckling batter was scoring heaps of runs in domestic cricket with little recognition. After a poor IPL in 2021, he was even released by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and who would have thought that four years later, he would lead them to a title, ending an 18-year drought.In IPL 2022, when RCB came calling, they reached out to him as a mid-season replacement for the injured Luvnith Sisodia. Patidar, who was playing division cricket in Indore, was not convinced because his marriage date had been fixed and he was not too sure whether he would get a chance to play or not. Luckily for him, he was counselled well by former Madhya Pradesh captain Shubham Sharma, who has been friends with Patidar for close to two decades."I begged him, 'bhai tu ja 100 pratishat khilayenge (Please go, hundred percent you will play),'" says Sharma.Patidar ended IPL 2022 with 333 runs from eight innings at an impressive strike rate of 152.50. Among his standout performances was a breathtaking 112 off 54 balls against Lucknow Super Giants in the Eliminator. Though RCB's campaign ended in the very next game, he carried his rich vein of form with a fluent 58 in Qualifier 2 against Rajasthan Royals. A few weeks later, he capped off his dream run by smashing a match-winning century for Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy final.IPL 2022 turned out to be a game-changer for Patidar. He made his ODI debut, and the next year he received his maiden Test call-up against England. He played three Test matches without much success before an Achilles injury ruled him out. He also missed IPL 2023 because of the injury.Talking about Rajat Patidar's journey, former India cricketer Amay Khurasia, who is also the mentor of the 32-year-old, says, "Kai baar pankh aur hausle dono hote hain magar udne ke liye aasman nahi hota (Sometimes you have the wings and courage but you don't have the sky to fly)."Despite poor returns at the international level, Patidar has found his wings and spread them in his own sky.Ahead of IPL 2025, Rajat Patidar's appointment as RCB captain raised a few eyebrows. But he stuck to his business, scored impactful runs with the bat and, with his tactical acumen, helped RCB win the trophy, something even the likes of Anil Kumble, Daniel Vettori, Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis failed to do."To be honest, I don't need to do anything extra," Patidar said while answering what has changed in his captaincy since last year's triumph in Ahmedabad."Our management, coaching staff and senior players have a lot of experience and that is helping me a lot as a leader. I get so many ideas from VK (Virat Kohli) bhai, Devdutt (Padikkal), Jitesh (Sharma), (Josh) Hazlewood and Tim David. I think their ideas and experience are helping me a lot."I don't need to do anything separately. I am not as expressive as I am individually. But with game awareness, I understand situations well. I communicate as much as I can so that I can get more ideas about what we can do better. Overall, I don't need to change anything. My strength, my calmness, and the way I back my instincts, that is what I am doing."Even though Patidar may not agree, much has changed. Not only have his locks grown longer, but his confidence has also soared. On the eve of the IPL 2025 final, when most questions were directed towards Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer, Patidar was asked about Virat Kohli and the expectations from the fans.If last year Patidar was still learning the ropes, he now seems to have mastered the art of handling questions with assurance and aplomb. 131322528"From the very start of the season, our focus has simply been on winning every game. If we win here, the team will get a good break before the final, which is important, and I think everyone is looking forward to that," he said.MS Dhoni (2010, 2011) and Rohit Sharma (2019, 2020) remain the only captains to lead their teams to back-to-back IPL titles. Now, Rajat Patidar stands two wins away from adding his name to that exclusive club.

Mohamed Ouahbi (L) replaced Walid Regragui as Morocco coach in March (Oscar DEL POZO)Morocco produced a historic best performance for an African and Arab nation at the 2022 World Cup, but their hopes of another run to the latter stages this time may not have been helped by a turbulent few months.The Atlas Lions reached the semi-finals in Qatar, eliminating Spain on penalties in the last 16 and knocking out Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal in the quarter-finals.Their remarkable run ended in defeat to France, before they lost the third-place play-off against Croatia.Morocco were a surprise package then, having only previously made the knockout stage of a World Cup once, when they reached the last 16 in Mexico in 1986.This time is different: they are ranked eighth in the world, in between the Netherlands and Belgium, and two places above Germany.At home, supporters want to see their side play more expansive football than the largely defensive style which proved so effective in 2022.Walid Regragui was the mastermind of Morocco's run in Qatar, but he left the coaching job in March, six weeks after his side lost a chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final to Senegal.With home advantage, Morocco were favourites to win that competition but appeared to blow it when Brahim Diaz -- their outstanding performer -- failed to score a penalty deep in injury time in the final in Rabat.Senegal were so furious at the decision to give the spot-kick that most of their players stormed off the pitch.They eventually came back on, an unsettled Diaz had his kick saved, and Morocco lost 1-0 in extra time.Having faced criticism from a demanding public and media, Regragui departed to be replaced by Mohamed Ouahbi.Born and raised in Brussels, Ouahbi was promoted to the top coaching role after overseeing Morocco's triumph at the Under-20 World Cup last October.Days after his appointment, the Confederation of African Football stripped Senegal of the AFCON crown as a punishment for their walk-off protest, and handed the title to Morocco.An outraged Senegal are challenging that decision in the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and the whole affair casts a cloud over both teams as they head to the United States.They might not face each other at the World Cup, although curiously they will be based just a short distance apart in New Jersey.- 'Go all the way' -But Ouahbi and his team –- led by Paris Saint-Germain's brilliant right-back Achraf Hakimi, the reigning African player of the year -- must try to focus solely on the challenge in store at the World Cup.They begin with a mouth-watering clash against Brazil, before also facing Scotland and Haiti in the group phase."The Atlas Lions have a real and serious chance at this World Cup. The current team is more experienced and more talented than four years ago," insists Oussama Berraoui, a Moroccan football pundit.Morocco's transformation into a serious player on the international stage has been achieved thanks to two main pillars.They have a successful youth programme at the Mohammed VI academy, the national training centre just outside the capital Rabat. And they have tapped into the rich seam of talented players born in Europe with Moroccan heritage.Hakimi is one of them. Diaz is another, and there are also Noussair Mazraoui, Bilal El Khannouss and Neil El Aynaoui.The latest is Ayoub Bouaddi, the Lille midfielder and France Under-21 captain who has just chosen to represent his parents' country at senior level."When you look at the image Morocco has around the world and the players we have, we can dream," Ouahbi, the new coach, said in an interview with Moroccan channel Arryadia."This is football so we could also go out in the first round. But believe me, I think we can go all the way and win a World Cup."Morocco are already building towards the next World Cup in 2030, which the country will co-host with Spain and Portugal.They want to host the final in four years' time, in a new 115,000-seat mega-stadium under construction near Casablanca.So they will want to feature in that final too, but they head to the United States with big ambitions despite the drama of recent months.as-lh/gj

Blue Jays reportedly attempting to outbid Dodgers, Padres for $32M Cy Young winner at deadline originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Toronto Blue Jays were just a win away from winning the World Series last October. Now, they find themselves in a clear World Series hangover, sitting under .500 as June approaches.The injury bug has been anything but kind to Toronto. Over the weekend, both Dylan Cease and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. suffered injuries.“First it was Dylan Cease, who left the game with mild left hamstring discomfort in the top of the fifth. Then, in the bottom half of the inning, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. took a fastball off the inside of his right elbow and left immediately. The early diagnosis for Guerrero is a right elbow contusion and initial X-rays have come back negative for a fracture,” MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson wrote.Injuries have piled up across the pitching staff, both in the rotation and the bullpen. Recently, the bullpen has taken the brunt of the damage.“Things don't appear to be getting any easier for an over-taxed Toronto Blue Jays bullpen. The team announced on Tuesday that veteran left-hander Joe Mantiply was being placed on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to May 18, with left knee inflammation. This comes two days after Tommy Nance hit the IL with right forearm discomfort, the same day that Eric Lauer was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers,” SI’s Ben Fisher wrote.It appears the Blue Jays believe that acquiring a true frontline starter could help stabilize the season. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale recently reported that Toronto is expected to pursue Tarik Skubal at the trade deadline.“Now that it’s becoming inevitable that the free-falling Detroit Tigers may have no choice but to trade two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal at the deadline, rival executives believe the bidding will come down to four finalists that not only can afford the remainder of his $32 million contract, but will also be willing to give up prized prospects: The Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays and San Diego Padres,” Nightengale wrote.Toronto clearly needs a player capable of changing the direction of its season, and Skubal fits that description. However, acquiring him would require a significant prospect package.Competing with big-market teams at the deadline is never easy, but the Blue Jays are motivated to return to the World Series. A healthy pitching staff anchored by Skubal would be an ideal scenario heading into October.More MLB news:Mets' Carlos Mendoza officially presses the panic button after blowout loss to the RedsDodgers-Orioles trade pitch sends $28M former Reliever of the Year to LA to pair with Edwin DiazBraves-Giants trade pitch sends $115M Cy Young arm to Atlanta to join Chris Sale, Spencer StriderBlue Jays predicted to sign $13M flamethrower, World Series champion to save injured pitching staff

The Sky Bet World Cup offer gives new customers £30 in World Cup free bets after depositing £5 and placing a bet of just 5p on any market. We’ve detailed all you need to know about the Sky Bet World Cup betting offer, how it compares to World Cup promos on other betting sites and Sky Bet offers for existing customers during the event. Sky Bet World Cup offer: Get £30 free bets from any 5p+ betThe Sky Bet World Cup offer gives new customers the chance to claim £30 in free bets after placing a bet on any market, with a minimum bet of just 5p.To qualify for this World Cup sign up offer, new users must sign up to Sky Bet via one of the links in the article then make a £5 deposit using an eligible payment method before placing a bet for as little as 5p on any sportsbook market with odds of evens or greater.This Sky Bet World Cup offer can only be claimed once per customer. Once the qualifying bet has been settled, bettors will receive £30 in World Cup free bets paid out in 3 x £10 bet tokens.Claim the Sky Bet World Cup offer by following these simple steps.Step 1: Sign up for a Sky Bet account using one of our links and opt in to the promotion. Step 2: Deposit using an eligible payment method (Pay By Bank, debit card, Apple Pay).Step 3: Stake £0.05 on any sportsbook market with odds of evens (1/1) or greater. Step 4: Once your bet is settled, you’ll receive £30 in free bets, in the form of 3 x £10 free bet tokens. Users must place the qualifying bet within 30 days of opening an account. Deposits using Neteller or Skrill will not qualify. Free bets are non-withdrawable and free bet stakes are not included in any returns, and they expire seven days after crediting. Free bets can be redeemed against any single or each-way market and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Free bets cannot be used on virtuals either.How does the Sky Bet betting sign up offer compare with other World Cup offers?There are plenty of World Cup free bets available in the lead up to and during the event, and the comparison table below shows how the Sky Bet World Cup free bet promo stacks up against competing offers from other World Cup betting sites.Betting siteOffer typeMin. BetFree bet valueBest forBetfredBet & Get£10£50Best overall World Cup valueCoralBet & Get£5£30Lowest qualifying stakeBet365Bet & Get£10£30In-play free bet tokensPaddy PowerBet & Get£5£30World Cup novelty offersBetMGMBet & Get£10£40Football acca free betsSky Bet World Cup offers & featuresSky Bet will have a range of offers available during the World Cup. Punters can expect to find the following promos running: Acca Freeze: Freeze a leg of your acca to keep the result, while the rest of your bet plays out. Bet and get: Punters can unlock between £2 and £20 in free bets by wagering a specific amount on a certain event or bet type.Odds boosts: Sky Bet boosts the price on a range of markets so we can expect World Cup price boosts aplenty. Indeed, you can already back Erling Haaland for the golden boot at 16/1 (from 14/1).World Cup specials: Punters can expect to find a range of Sky Bet World Cup specials available during the 2026 event under the World Cup odds section. Live streaming: Some World Cup warm-up matches can be watched via Sky Bet’s live streaming service. Responsible gamblingBettors should always gamble responsibly online. Always remain within a budget and never exceed it. Never chase your losses. Anyone can lose a bet even if they know a lot about football. It is easy to get carried away with the World Cup, so remain in control of your time and betting when claiming Sky Bet free bets or any other World Cup betting offers. Bettors can use responsible gambling tools provided by all regulated gambling sites such as deposit limits, loss limits and self-exclusion among others.These should be available on all regulated casino sites, slot sites and poker sites too. Should you wish to seek help for gambling-related issues, there are several charities, organisations and healthcare providers who offer support and information:NHS HelpGambleAwareGamblers AnonymousGAMSTOPWe may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.World Cup betting offer reviewsBetfred World Cup offerBet365 World Cup offerCoral World Cup offerWilliam Hill World Cup offerBetMGM World Cup offerLadbrokes World Cup offerBetfair World Cup offerOther World Cup betting guidesBest World Cup betting exchange sitesWorld Cup enhanced odds offersBest World Cup bet builder sites