Latest news with #JohnnyCardoso
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
La Liga 2025-26 season — Start date, leading scorers, table, more
The 2025-26 La Liga season is fast-approaching, as Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are fighting to retake the division crown from Barcelona. Hansi Flick's Barca won La Liga with two matches to spare, retaking the crown on May 14 via a 2-0 win over Catalan rivals Espanyol for a 28th Spanish top-flight title. MORE — La Liga's 2024-25 season hub: Table, leading scorers Of course, Real is bidding to increase their record haul of domestic triumphs, and Atleti hope to enter the throne room for the first time since 2020-21. Below is everything you need to prepare for the 2025-26 La Liga season. When does the 2025-26 La Liga season begin? When is the next El Clasico? Matchday 1 will occur over four days: August 15-19. Girona vs Rayo Vallecano is the first game at 1pm on Aug. 15. The 38-game season runs through May 24, 2026. Barcelona and Real Madrid's two meetings are set as well. The first El Clasico is October 26 at the Bernabeu, and the return leg in Barcelona comes on May 10. Who will win the 2025-26 La Liga title? It all starts with Barcelona and Real Madrid, as usual. Barca won the 2024-25 title and have traded the honors with Real Madrid since Atletico Madrid won in 2020-21. Atletico Madrid are next and then everyone else is a significant long shot. Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao will also carry interest, as will Conference League finalists Real Betis. Who were relegated and promoted last season? Leganes, Las Palmas, and Valladolid went relegated to the Segunda Divsion last season. Taking their places are Levante, Elche, and Real Oviedo. What have been the big La Liga transfers this summer? Marcus Rashford's loan move to Barcelona has won a lot of headlines but it's likely to be far from the most substantial transfer this summer in La Liga. Espanyol sold goalkeeper Joan Garcia to Barca in another move for the champions. Atletico Madrid have splashed big cash to bring Alex Baena from Villarreal, while David Hancko, Johnny Cardoso, and Thiago Almada were also big buys for Diego Simeone. Arsenal pried Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad and Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia. Real brought in Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Alvaro Carreras. Villarreal's bought Alberto Moleiro from Las Palmas. Villarreal sold Thierno Barry in addition to Baena. Fer Lopez and Jorgen Strand Larsen made permanent moves to Wolves from Celta Vigo. Are there any American players in La Liga? USMNT star Johnny Cardoso has made the move from Celta Vigo to Atletico Madrid. It will be intriguing to see how often he features for Diego Simeone. Diego Kochen is training with Barcelona's first team for preseason. The 19-year-old has been on the first team's bench dozens of times but is yet to make his senior debut. Barca's goalkeeping corps is headlined by injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen while the club has brought in Joan Garcia from Espanyol and still has Inaki Pena and Wojciech. Szczesny on the books. Pena has been rumored for sale. La Liga goals leaders — Who will win the Pichichi Trophy? Kylian Mbappe was the Trofeo Pichichi victor as he led La Liga in scoring in his first season in Spain's top-flight. Who will win it this season? Mbappe will be the favorite to repeat the trick, and may even be expected to improve on his 31 goals given he'll be settled in Spain. Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha were Barcelona's top dogs last season, but Lamine Yamal is a bit older now. Osasuna veteran Ante Budemir finished third last season, while Atletico Madrid's Alexander Sorloth his the 20-goal mark and teammate Julain Alvarez was not far behind. La Liga table - Standings for the 2025-26 season Alaves Athletic Bilbao Atletico Madrid Barcelona Celta Vigo Eibar Espanyol Getafe Girona Levante Mallorca Osasuna Oviedo Rayo Vallecano Real Betis Real Madrid Real Sociedad Sevilla Valencia Villarreal
NBC Sports
2 days ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
La Liga 2025-26 season — Start date, leading scorers, table, more
The 2025-26 La Liga season is fast-approaching, as Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are fighting to retake the division crown from Barcelona. Hansi Flick's Barca won La Liga with two matches to spare, retaking the crown on May 14 via a 2-0 win over Catalan rivals Espanyol for a 28th Spanish top-flight title. MORE — La Liga's 2024-25 season hub: Table, leading scorers Of course, Real is bidding to increase their record haul of domestic triumphs, and Atleti hope to enter the throne room for the first time since 2020-21. Below is everything you need to prepare for the 2025-26 La Liga season. When does the 2025-26 La Liga season begin? When is the next El Clasico? Matchday 1 will occur over four days: August 15-19. Girona vs Rayo Vallecano is the first game at 1pm on Aug. 15. The 38-game season runs through May 24, 2026. Barcelona and Real Madrid's two meetings are set as well. The first El Clasico is October 26 at the Bernabeu, and the return leg in Barcelona comes on May 10. Who will win the 2025-26 La Liga title? It all starts with Barcelona and Real Madrid, as usual. Barca won the 2024-25 title and have traded the honors with Real Madrid since Atletico Madrid won in 2020-21. Atletico Madrid are next and then everyone else is a significant long shot. Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao will also carry interest, as will Conference League finalists Real Betis. Who were relegated and promoted last season? Leganes, Las Palmas, and Valladolid went relegated to the Segunda Divsion last season. Taking their places are Levante, Elche, and Real Oviedo. What have been the big La Liga transfers this summer? Marcus Rashford's loan move to Barcelona has won a lot of headlines but it's likely to be far from the most substantial transfer this summer in La Liga. Espanyol sold goalkeeper Joan Garcia to Barca in another move for the champions. Atletico Madrid have splashed big cash to bring Alex Baena from Villarreal, while David Hancko, Johnny Cardoso, and Thiago Almada were also big buys for Diego Simeone. Arsenal pried Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad and Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia. Real brought in Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Alvaro Carreras. Villarreal's bought Alberto Moleiro from Las Palmas. Villarreal sold Thierno Barry in addition to Baena. Fer Lopez and Jorgen Strand Larsen made permanent moves to Wolves from Celta Vigo. Are there any American players in La Liga? USMNT star Johnny Cardoso has made the move from Celta Vigo to Atletico Madrid. It will be intriguing to see how often he features for Diego Simeone. Diego Kochen is training with Barcelona's first team for preseason. The 19-year-old has been on the first team's bench dozens of times but is yet to make his senior debut. Barca's goalkeeping corps is headlined by injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen while the club has brought in Joan Garcia from Espanyol and still has Inaki Pena and Wojciech. Szczesny on the books. Pena has been rumored for sale. Johnny 🤩 La Liga goals leaders — Who will win the Pichichi Trophy? Kylian Mbappe was the Trofeo Pichichi victor as he led La Liga in scoring in his first season in Spain's top-flight. Who will win it this season? Mbappe will be the favorite to repeat the trick, and may even be expected to improve on his 31 goals given he'll be settled in Spain. Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha were Barcelona's top dogs last season, but Lamine Yamal is a bit older now. Osasuna veteran Ante Budemir finished third last season, while Atletico Madrid's Alexander Sorloth his the 20-goal mark and teammate Julain Alvarez was not far behind. La Liga table - Standings for the 2025-26 season Alaves Athletic Bilbao Atletico Madrid Barcelona Celta Vigo Eibar Espanyol Getafe Girona Levante Mallorca Osasuna Oviedo Rayo Vallecano Real Betis Real Madrid Real Sociedad Sevilla Valencia Villarreal
Al-Ahram Weekly
6 days ago
- Sport
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Cardoso hoping to make history as first US player at Atletico - World
New Atletico Madrid signing Johnny Cardoso said Thursday he wants to "make history" as the first player from the United States at the club. The American midfielder joined the Rojiblancos from Real Betis last week for an estimated 25 million euros ($29 million). "All of this is very special and I hope to make history here as the first American to play at this club," Cardoso told Atletico's club media. The 23-year-old made his international debut in 2020 and has 22 international caps. Diego Simeone's side have rebuilt this summer after letting Saul Niguez, Axel Witsel, Angel Correa, Cesar Azpilicueta and others depart. Cardoso joined along with Alex Baena from Villarreal, Thiago Almada, Marc Pubill and Matteo Ruggeri. The midfielder highlighted some of Atletico's players he was excited to play with. "Koke is a player who I learn a lot from watching him play, (Antoine) Griezmann and Julian (Alvarez) are phenomenon. "We have a lot of players here who I will enjoy being with every day and I am sure I will evolve with them." Cardoso said he was looking forward to working with Simeone. "It's very special and a unique opportunity to be coached by him," he added. "His professionalism is an example, so to be able to share, learn and have all his advice will be very special." (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cardoso hoping to make history as first US player at Atletico
New Atletico Madrid signing Johnny Cardoso said Thursday he wants to "make history" as the first player from the United States at the club. The American midfielder joined the Rojiblancos from Real Betis last week for an estimated 25 million euros ($29 million). "All of this is very special and I hope to make history here as the first American to play at this club," Cardoso told Atletico's club media. The 23-year-old made his international debut in 2020 and has 22 international caps. Diego Simeone's side have rebuilt this summer after letting Saul Niguez, Axel Witsel, Angel Correa, Cesar Azpilicueta and others depart. Cardoso joined along with Alex Baena from Villarreal, Thiago Almada, Marc Pubill and Matteo Ruggeri. The midfielder highlighted some of Atletico's players he was excited to play with. "Koke is a player who I learn a lot from watching him play, (Antoine) Griezmann and Julian (Alvarez) are phenomenons. "We have a lot of players here who I will enjoy being with every day and I am sure I will evolve with them." Cardoso said he was looking forward to working with Simeone. "It's very special and a unique opportunity to be coached by him," he added. "His professionalism is an example, so to be able to share, learn and have all his advice will be very special." rbs/nf
New York Times
17-07-2025
- Business
- New York Times
USMNT's most expensive transfers, and how Tillman, Johnny fit a recent trend
Even in this worldwide boom of inflation, some of this summer's transfer fees are truly difficult to contextualize at a glance. In the week-plus following the U.S. men's national team's runner-up finish at the Concacaf Gold Cup, two members of Mauricio Pochettino's squad have switched European clubs at an eight-figure valuation. Malik Tillman and Johnny Cardoso have joined Bayer Leverkusen and Atlético Madrid, respectively, for fees combining over $75 million. Tack on Patrick Agyemang leaving Charlotte FC for Derby County this week on an $8 million fee — among the highest returns for a player selected in the MLS SuperDraft — and it's been an opulent summer for players aiming to be on the squad for the 2026 World Cup co-hosts. Advertisement The market wasn't always so warm to USMNT-eligible players. Even into the early 2010s, many Americans were either acquired at a bargain valuation or on free transfers after trial periods. In January 2007, Clint Dempsey broke MLS records when Fulham signed him from the New England Revolution for just $4 million. The program's joint-record scorer (tied with Landon Donovan on 57 goals) again made history in August 2012 when Tottenham brought him across town from Craven Cottage for $9.5 million. Put another way, Dempsey — then a proven Premier League forward who helped Fulham reach a Europa League final — went for as much money as West Brom paid Orlando City for Daryl Dike three years ago. How the transfer market has changed. Some of this was inevitable given the increased finances in soccer. To condense an entire seminar's worth of backstory, most of the sport's history saw ticket sales, prize money and sponsorship agreements serve as the chief driver of revenue for clubs. There was an urgent need to ensure staunch gate receipts, to design shirts that would fly off the shelves and to have a proud host of companies lining the pitch on ad boards. On top of this, success on the field was a self-fulfilling path to retain a strong squad as winnings could be reinvested in higher wages and transfer fee expenditure. The 21st century has seen numerous innovations and advancements in how the sport's power brokers generate revenue, and with far greater returns than the previous paths could offer. It starts with viewers who weren't occupying seats at grounds. Broadcast rights have become league-altering bidding wars for the sport's top circuits, with the rise of streaming platforms only further increasing the options. Major leagues have become more accessible to a global audience, with fans able to foster stronger bonds from abroad with their teams possibly visiting on an occasional preseason tour. Advertisement None of this is under-reported, nor is it unique to soccer. It is, however, undeniably relevant to this surge in player valuations. In the past, the world's highest-caliber of clubs dominated and operated at the richest bracket of the transfer market. In something of a trickle-down economy, they would pluck the top talents from their less wealthy rivals, who could then reinvest those sums in hopes of finding its next wave of stars. The fees weren't astronomical by today's standards: Barcelona bought Ronaldinho from PSG for just under $35 million in 2003 and Thierry Henry from Arsenal for $28 million in 2007, for example. A simple inflation calculator puts those price tags at in $61 million and $43.4 million, respectively, in today's money. These days, clubs like AFC Bournemouth and Leeds United spend over $20 million with increasing regularity. All of which brings us back to Johnny, Tillman and the recent high sums for Americans abroad. Each of the dozen-plus highest fees for U.S. players have come in the past decade and involve players under 25, led by Christian Pulisic's $74.1 million move from Borussia Dortmund to Chelsea in January 2019. All fees in the table below have been directly reported over the years by The Athletic, with the exception of John Brooks' figure being on U.S. Soccer's official website. There is compelling context for these moves beyond teams having more money to spend than they used to. Pulisic's breakout with Borussia Dortmund was a bellringer of the rising standard of young stateside talent. After over six years in FC Dallas' setup, Weston McKennie joined Schalke's academy in 2016 and debuted in the Bundesliga a year later. When Pulisic left for Chelsea, Dortmund already had its next American talent in the wings: Giovanni Reyna, who arrived from New York City FC's academy. Youth movement doesn't garner nearly as significant fees as moves for senior players, but it isn't a surprise that McKennie was involved in a lucrative transfer following years of productivity in Germany. In a trend identified long before the Club World Cup, yet validated this summer, many of Europe's top teams operate more systematically, recruiting with data at the heart of the operation and coaches instructing players from positional play models that give strict responsibility guidance for each member of the squad. Roles have crystalized considerably; player recruitment more closely mirrors the corporate hiring process of a specialist position than it used to, and it's easier to project a tactical fit as a team's utilization of a player is easier to quantify. Advertisement This also helps erase longstanding stigmas tied to the nationality of the player. For every overpayment to obtain any young Brazilian playmaker with a bag of tricks, there were a dozen bargain bin signings from less sexy nations like those in Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia and North America (among other regions). Those biases have gradually been worn away with more clubs have sophisticated scouting operations, but having successes like Pulisic and McKennie only accelerates that process. Atléti wasn't assessing Johnny as 'an American midfielder,' which used to mean he would bust his tail every game but struggled technically; it was signing a player who proved himself in La Liga after Betis vetted his readiness and signed him from Brazil. The changing model of club ownership also plays a role. For generations, most owners were local stewards who saw their club as a local institution, even if it meant some lean years if revenue wasn't sustainable. Now, the sport is its own machine of profit-generation. Americans weren't previously dropping billions to helm Champions League contenders. Multi-club models were a twinkle in the Abu Dhabi royal family's collective eye, and loan deals were dependent on an outside entity wanted to temporarily house a player. Agreements between clubs make those processes easier, meaning more players can be signed and stashed in case they develop to a first-team standard — or can be sold for a profit. Just like Chelsea has Caleb Wiley and Gabriel Slonina on its books now, it took a flier on a 21-year-old Matt Miazga in January 2016. Manchester City has taken chances on Erik Palmer-Brown and Zack Steffen. Bayern Munich has tried matching Dortmund's success in the American market to varying degrees of success via Tillman, Chris Richards and Justin Che. None of this diminishes the major steps being taken by Tillman, Johnny and even Agyemang. Each is testing himself in a different setting, and each will almost certainly be a part of his new club's rotation from jump due to the amount invested by club ownership (though Derby indicated Agyemang's debut would be delayed due to hernia surgery). This list could be reshuffled some by summer's end, too, as more movement for USMNT regulars is reportedly in the offing. Yunus Musah could leave Milan after two difficult years, while Juventus apparently has suitors for both McKennie and Tim Weah. Josh Sargent, meanwhile, may be on the outs from Norwich City after years chasing promotion in vain. This may not yet be the USMNT's 'golden generation' in terms of on-field standard. In terms of the transfer market's valuation of U.S. talent, however, players of this nationality have never been assessed at a higher rate.
