Latest news with #GoldenBall
The Irish Sun
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Rio Ferdinand interrupts foreign Champions League broadcast for selfie with legend in last ever TNT Sports appearance
RIO FERDINAND interrupted a foreign Champions League broadcast to take a selfie with his "hero". The football icon 2 Rio Ferdinand interrupted a Champions League broadcast to meet Romario Romario was covering Paris Saint-Germain's Brazil 's TNT coverage. While Ferdinand was working at his last event for the UK side of TNT Sports, after announcing his decision to quit during the week. Before kick-off, a suited and booted Ferdinand popped up behind the South-American channels live broadcast. While cutting into the conversation, the former READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS Romario, of course, shook Ferdinand's hand before agreeing to the quick snap in the middle of the pitch. Ferdinand added: "This is my guy. This is my guy. I'm serious. Thank you." Ferdinand was 16 years old and coming through at striker Romario won the 1994 World Cup with Brazil. Romario is considered one of the greatest players of all time, scoring more than 800 goals for club and country. Most read in Football CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS He won the Golden Ball as player of the tournament in Brazil's World Cup heroics, while playing for Barcelona at the time. Some, including England football legend Rio Ferdinand and wife Kate plot move to relocate to Dubai as they eye properties and school for kids In Europe, he's fondly remembered by PSV fans where he boasted a record of 128 goals in 149 matches. The 59-year-old is currently a senator in Rio de Janeiro and the president of football club America-RJ. Meanwhile, The ex-defender decided not to renew his punditry and commentary contract, instead focusing on different projects. 2 Romario is considered one of the greatest players of all time
Mint
3 days ago
- Sport
- Mint
Dramatic twist in Diego Maradona death case! Argentine court declares ‘mistrial', orders fresh proceeding
An Argentine court on Thursday declared a mistrial in the high-profile case involving seven health professionals accused of negligence in the death of football legend Diego Maradona. The trial, which has captivated Argentina and the global football community for over two months, now faces a complete reset following a controversial judicial development. Diego Maradona, who famously led Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986, passed away on 25 November 2020 at the age of 60. His death occurred just days after undergoing surgery to remove a subdural haematoma—a blood clot between his brain and skull—at a hospital near Buenos Aires. The medical team responsible for Diego Maradona's care has since been under scrutiny, accused of failing to provide adequate treatment during his final days. The latest twist arose when one of the three judges presiding over the trial, Julieta Makintach, resigned amid controversy. Her departure followed criticism over her involvement in an upcoming documentary titled Divine Justice, which explores the aftermath of Diego Maradona's death and prominently features Makintach herself. The prosecutor's decision to screen a teaser trailer of the film during court proceedings intensified concerns over impartiality. Faced with Julieta Makintach's withdrawal, the Argentine court was compelled to either appoint a replacement judge or restart the entire trial. On Thursday, the judges opted for the latter, effectively annulling all previous proceedings and ordering a new trial. However, no date has yet been set for the retrial. Julieta Makintach stated she had 'no choice' but to step down after the prosecutor's actions raised questions about the fairness of the trial. This unprecedented development has added further complexity to a case already mired in public interest and legal challenges. Diego Armando Maradona (30 October 1960 – 25 November 2020) was an Argentine professional footballer and manager, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Nicknamed El Pibe de Oro ('The Golden Boy'), Maradona was renowned for his extraordinary dribbling, vision, and ball control, combined with his low centre of gravity that allowed him to manoeuvre past opponents with ease. Over a 21-year professional career, he played for clubs including Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli, Sevilla, and Newell's Old Boys. Maradona's international career with Argentina was equally illustrious, earning 91 caps and scoring 34 goals. His crowning achievement came in the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, where he captained Argentina to victory and won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player. The tournament featured his famous 'Hand of God' goal and the 'Goal of the Century' against England in the quarter-finals, moments etched in football history. Beyond his playing career, Maradona also managed several teams, including the Argentine national side at the 2010 World Cup.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bayern Munich win $2.5M prize at inaugural World Sevens Football, defeating Manchester United
LISBON—Bayern Munich have won the inaugural World Sevens Football tournament in Estoril, Lisbon, having beaten Manchester United 2-1 in the final. Simi Awujo, who won the tournament's breakout star award, put United ahead in the 14th minute with a sublime top corner finish. However, Momoko Tanikawa levelled the score in the second half before Sarah Zadrazil doubled Bayern's lead with four minutes to go. Tanikawa took home the tournament's Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards for most goals and most valuable player of the tournament. Advertisement In the semi-finals Bayern hammered Paris Saint-Germain 5-0, while United secured a commanding 2-0 win over rivals Manchester City. The three-day seven-a-side tournament's format consisted of two 15-minute halves on a field half the size of an 11-a-side pitch with rolling substitutions and no offsides. It involved eight of the biggest European clubs with a $5m (£3.7m) prize pot. As champions, Bayern take home $2.5million (£1.9m, €2.2m) in prize money, which is split 60-40 to the club and players, while runners-up Manchester United earned $1m. The winners' cheque is roughly six times more than what the UEFA Champions League winners will earn $398,000, (€350,000, £294,000) on Saturday. Such prize money will transform a club's transfer window budget. For context, United's total expenditure was $12m (£9m, €10.7m) for the 2023-2024 season. Advertisement 'For any team who wins, it would do a lot,' said United head coach Marc Skinner earlier this week. 'First and foremost, the players are enjoying it and having a good time. If we then get to the point where we can win the prize money, then of course that can be huge for us as well. But more importantly, the players have to enjoy it and that's exactly why we are here.' United marked their on-pitch arrival with a human pyramid. Throughout their week, they have done the limbo, cartwheels and sporting charades while Munich pulled off a ten-pin bowling stunt. 'It's like when we were kids again,' said United captain Maya Le Tissier after their penalty shootout win against Paris Saint-Germain. 'There's no pressure, everyone is just laughing, having fun. I love to play it every day. These tournaments are sick.' Advertisement W7F is backed by co-founder Jennifer Mackesy, who is a minority owner of Gotham FC in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and is also part of Todd Boehly's Chelsea ownership group. The Mackesys have confirmed $100million of investment over five years. Plans are underway for an edition in North America in the November or December period. Co-founder Justin Fishkin described the U.S. market as 'super important' and said 'teams from Brazil, Mexico and the United States are ready to participate'. This article originally appeared in The Athletic. US Women's national team, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Soccer, NWSL, UK Women's Football 2025 The Athletic Media Company
Business Upturn
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Business Upturn
Ballon d'Or 2025: Official Date, Venue announced; Top contenders revealed
The football world now has a date to mark on its calendar. The 69th edition of the Ballon d'Or ceremony is officially set to take place on September 22, 2025, at the iconic Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. As announced by renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the gala event will once again celebrate the best footballing talent across the globe for their performances throughout the 2024/25 season. Who Will Take Home the Golden Ball? The 2024/25 season has produced some electrifying individual performances, setting the stage for a tightly contested race for the most prestigious individual award in football. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) The Spanish man have been instrumental in Barcelona's domestic treble, securing the La Liga title, Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. Yamal, still only a teenager, dazzled fans with his flair and goal contributions. Raphinha (Barcelona) Raphinha's consistent attacking returns kept Barcelona's front line ticking. With he having impressive goal tallies, he is firmly in the Ballon d'Or conversation. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) Despite scoring a sensational 41 goals in his debut season for Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappé might fall short in the Ballon d'Or race due to the lack of silverware. While his individual brilliance is unquestionable, the absence of major trophies may hurt his chances. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) Salah has once again proven why he's considered one of the most consistent forwards in the world. The Egyptian winger is currently the Premier League's top scorer and played a pivotal role in Liverpool's title-winning campaign. With a domestic league trophy in his cabinet, Salah is expected to receive serious consideration. Ousmane Dembélé (PSG) Dembélé has been the standout performer for Paris Saint-Germain, ending the Ligue 1 season as the club's top scorer and leading them to the league title. His impact doesn't stop there – PSG have also reached the UEFA Champions League final, and a UCL win would significantly boost his Ballon d'Or credentials. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) It's been a dream debut season in Germany for Harry Kane. The English striker not only topped the Bundesliga goal-scoring charts but also guided Bayern Munich to the league title. With strong individual numbers and a major trophy, Kane is among the top contenders heading into the awards night.
Daily Mirror
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Ex-Liverpool star calls Alexander-Arnold's Ballon d'Or dream 'almost impossible'
Trent Alexander-Arnold has made it known that he wants to win the Ballon d'Or but he's been warned that his ambition is near impossible ahead of his Real Madrid switch Trent Alexander-Arnold has been told it is "almost impossible" for him to claim the Ballon d'Or at Real Madrid - despite confessing his desire to win the Golden Ball during his career. The Liverpool star will call time on his stint at Anfield this summer, leaving the only club he's ever played for, with Los Blancos expected to be his destination. He will become the latest English star to head to the Spanish capital joining Jude Bellingham. Alexander-Arnold, regarded as a generational talent, has made it clear he wants to win individual accolades and will move to the team who have the most Ballon d'Or winners in history. The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Luke Modric and Karim Benzema have all won the award in the white of Real. However not since Fabio Cannavaro in 2006 has a defender won the award and Fernando Morientes, who played for Liverpool and Real, cannot see that changing. He confessed that Alexander-Arnold's dream is achievable, but claimed that his exploits will only help the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jnr score more goals, improving their chances of claiming the Ballon d'Or ahead of him. Morientes told CasinoHawks: 'Using what I know historically about the Ballon d'Or, I see that as very complicated. If Trent Alexander Arnold has an exceptional season in every sense, it means he's attacking a lot, that he'll score a lot of goals. But if he scores a lot of goals, then Kylian Mbappe will score a lot of goals, Jude Bellingham will score a lot of goals, Vinicius will score a lot of goals. 'It seems to me that this Ballon d'Or is designed for midfielders and attackers. Very rarely do we see defenders or goalkeepers. In fact, Fabio Cannavaro comes to mind in our time and little else, and everything else is scoring midfielders and forwards or exceptional players. 'Can Alexander Arnold win the Ballon d'Or at Real Madrid? Yes. Is it very difficult? It is very difficult. I see it as almost impossible, but it's good that he comes with those expectations. This means he has very high ambitions.' Jamie Carragher admitted that Alexander-Arnold's Ballon d'Or confession was the first clear sign he wanted to head to Real. The defender said he wanted to win it ahead of another Champions League with the Sky Sports pundit raising it as an early red flag. The only Ballon d'Or winner in Liverpool's' history was Michael Owen, who claimed the gong back in 2001. Over the past two decades only four times has the Golden Ball gone to a player NOT representing Real or Barcelona.
