Latest news with #MARCA
Metro
a day ago
- Sport
- Metro
De la Fuente reveals why he took off Lamine Yamal in Spain's defeat to Portugal
Luis de la Fuente says he brought off a 'tired' Lamine Yamal in Spain's Nations League final defeat to Portugal as he needed to inject some 'energy' into his side. Sunday night's showpiece had been widely billed as a meeting between five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo and 17-year-old Barcelona sensation Yamal – one of the frontrunners for this year's prize. And it was Ronaldo's Portugal who eventually prevailed, but it took extra-time and penalties to decide the victors after an absorbing contest at Munich's Allianz Arena. Nuno Mendes cancelled out Martin Zubimendi's opener with a superb low strike beyond Unai Simon in the 26th minute, only for Mikel Oyarzabal to restor Spain's advantage at the end of a frantic first half. But Ronaldo outmuscled Marc Cucurella to find an equaliser for the Portuguese just past the hour mark before Roberto Martinez's men came out on top via a nerve-shredding shootout. An emotional Ronaldo was pictured in floods of tears as Portugal secured the title for a second time, six years after winning the inaugural tournament in 2019. Meanwhile, Yamal and Co were lift to lick their wounds, with the teenager clearly less than impressed to be taken off for Yeremy Pino midway through extra-time in Germany. 'We wanted to give the game a bit more energy,' De la Fuente told reporters at his post-match press conference when quizzed on the decision. 'The introduction of Yeremy Pino and Alex Baena gave us that energy, that control of the game that we had lost, as well as our finishing and shooting.' De la Fuente believes Yamal was showing signs of fatigue after a long and gruelling season, in which the youngster had made 62 appearances in all competitions for club and country. 'He is tired because he has been competing since Thursday, there has been little rest. He has had a very difficult year,' the Spanish head coach added. 'He is 17 years old and we have to behave accordingly. 'Today, we understood that it was time to replace him to give another player the opportunity to come in, so that he brings a little more energy.' LAMINE YAMAL EXPLODES AFTER BEING SUBBED OFF!😡🚨This was the Spanish player's reaction after being taken out by Luis de la Fuente—he threw his bottle and clearly showed his frustration with the decision!❌What could've happened if he had stayed on the pitch?🤔#LamineYamal — MARCA in English 🇺🇸 (@MARCAinENGLISH) June 8, 2025 Ronaldo urged fans to give Yamal the time and space he needs to develop at his own pace prior to the clash. Speaking in the mixed zone after Portugal's victory, he repeated the sentiment, while backing the winger to enjoy a 'very long career' at the top. 'He's going to win a lot of titles, both collective and individual,' the 40-year-old Portuguese captain told Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo. 'He's only 17 years old… I repeat: he's a kid with a lot of room for improvement. 'He's a phenomenon, but we have to leave him alone, that's what I ask. 'He has a very long career ahead of him and will surely win the Nations League many times.' More Trending On De la Fuente's decision to bring Yamal off, Ronaldo replied: 'Your coach is a phenomenon. 'He knows better than I do what the team needs… I'm not a coach. 'He's already won several titles with Spain. What more do you want me to say? 'If the coach made the decision, it was because he thought it was the best thing to improve his team.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Football fan dies after falling from stand during Portugal v Spain final MORE: Portugal vs Spain TV channel and live stream: How to watch Nations League final in the UK tonight MORE: Franck Ribery hits back at Cristiano Ronaldo over Ballon d'Or claim
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Former La Masia midfielder forced to retire at 23 due to heart condition
Former La Masia midfielder forced to retire at 23 due to heart condition Joan Gonzalez, once regarded as one of La Masia's most promising young midfielders, has been forced to retire from professional football at just 23 years of age, reports MARCA. The decision comes after doctors at Italian club Lecce discovered a congenital heart condition during routine preseason medical checks ahead of the 2024/25 season. Advertisement Sadly, the nature of the condition makes it impossible for Gonzalez to continue playing at the highest level. Since the diagnosis, Gonzalez has not played a single minute this season. Despite undergoing a year's worth of examinations and specialised tests, the outlook has not changed. Lecce president Saverio Sticchi Damiani confirmed the unfortunate news in a public statement, stating, 'We called him back after a year for a new check-up, which took place a few days ago, and the situation remains the same. 'So, with great regret, I must tell you that he will not receive a definitive medical clearance and will no longer be able to play football at a professional level.' A career filled with promise and passion Joan Gonzalez has been forced into retirement. (Photo by) Born in Barcelona and trained at clubs like Cornella, FC Barcelona, and Lecce's youth academy, Gonzalez made a name for himself as a physically strong and technically gifted pivot. Advertisement After switching from La Masia to Lecce in 2021, he steadily worked his way into the Italian side's first team. In Serie A, Gonzalez made 44 appearances. During this time, he scored two goals and assisted four more, establishing himself as a reliable and talented midfield option for Lecce. Although his career has been cut short far too early, Gonzalez leaves the game with his head held high. He overcame countless challenges to reach the top, and even though his professional journey ends here, his story will remain one of inspiration and perseverance for future young players coming through La Masia and beyond.
USA Today
27-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Cristiano Ronaldo seemingly splits with Al Nassr ahead of odd future
Cristiano Ronaldo seemingly splits with Al Nassr ahead of odd future Not long after he scored for the final time in Monday's Saudi Pro League finale, Cristiano Ronaldo made his intentions for his future glaringly obvious. The Portuegese soccer legend seemingly intends to leave his incumbent club, Al Nassr, ahead of a key summer in his illustrious career. Ronaldo hinted at this plan as much with an unsubtle social media post on Monday detailing this "chapter" being over before his contract officially expires at the end of next month. In the last two seasons (105 matches) with Al Nassr, the 40-year-old Ronaldo scored 99 goals. He finished this past season as the Saudi Pro League's top scorer. Ronaldo remains men's soccer's all-time leading scorer with 937 goals. It'd be really hard to see this below message as anything but a goodbye, but I recognize there can always be other possibilities: Ronaldo's apparent departure from the Saudi Pro League does have potentially imminent consequences on another major soccer tournament: the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. According to a MARCA report from earlier this month, an unnamed Brazilian club has already given Ronaldo an offer to play for their team during the Club World Cup starting in mid-June. Botafogo coach Renato Paiva, who coaches one of the four Brazilian teams Ronaldo could theoretically join for the tournament, couldn't hide his enthusiasm at the mere chance Ronaldo might play for his club. More from ESPN: "Christmas is only in December ... But if he came, you can't say no to a star like that. I don't know anything. I'm just answering the question. But, as I said, coaches always want the best. Ronaldo, even at his age, is still a goal-scoring machine. In a team that creates chance after chance, he would be good." Whatever the immediate future holds for Ronaldo, it sure does not seem like it'll be short on complications and potential twists and turns.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
👔Xabi Alonso unveiled as new Real Madrid manager
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here. The one from Tolosa is already acting as the coach of the white team in a presentation event at the Sports City. First day of Xabi Alonso's life at the helm of Real Madrid. Accompanied by Florentino Pérez and his family, the new coach of the white team made his official appearance before the media. 🤳 ¡El primer mensaje de @XabiAlonso como nuestro nuevo entrenador!🆕 #WelcomeXabi — Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) May 26, 2025 Visibly moved, Xabi's first words were of gratitude, acknowledging that the bond with the club has always been there. Estas han sido las primeras palabras de Xabi Alonso como entrenador del Real Madrid... — MARCA (@marca) May 26, 2025 It's the beginning of a new era, Xabi acknowledged, thanking the President for his confidence in his project. He also wanted to remember Ancelotti, a coach who influenced him and thanks to whom he is now coaching the team. Xabi Alonso: "No quiero dejar de hablar de la etapa que se ha cerrado, del relevo que tomo de Carlo Ancelotti. Carlo fue mi entrenador, una gran persona, un entrenador que me marcó, y probablemente sin su maestría y el aprendizaje que tuve de él no estaría aquí. Recojo el legado… — Mario Cortegana (@MarioCortegana) May 26, 2025 He speaks of a new era, a team with a good present and future. Reasons to arrive with joy and excitement and with the goal of continuing to win titles. 🤍 Xabi Alonso: "Tenemos un equipo con un potencial inmenso. Queremos trasmitir alegría" — MARCA (@marca) May 26, 2025 Now Xabi begins his work to ensure the team is as well-prepared as possible for a Club World Cup, where he hopes to recover certain injured players and perhaps introduce a few new faces.
Daily Mirror
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Ilia Topuria makes SHOCK decision just weeks before Charles Oliveira title fight
The former featherweight champion will be looking to become a two-division title-holder next month, but has made a stunning change ahead of the clash with the Brazilian Former UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has parted ways with his lifelong coaches ahead of his eagerly anticipated clash against Charles Oliveira. Earlier this year, Topuria surprised many by announcing his decision to vacate the featherweight title. The Spanish-Georgian fighter claimed the 145lb belt after a brutal knockout of Alexander Volkanovski last year and successfully defended it against Max Holloway in October. Following the back-to-back finishes, Topuria has decided to move up to lightweight and has been immediately granted a title shot after Islam Makhachev opted to vacate the belt to move up to welterweight and face the newly-crowned champion, Jack Della Maddalena. Topuria's high-profile clash with Oliveira is set to headline UFC 317 in Las Vegas on June 28. With just over a month until the two square off in the octagon, reports have emerged that Topuria has split from his coaches, Agustin and Jorge Climent. This news comes as a real shock, given that the 28-year-old is deep into his training camp. The Climent brothers run the Climent Club in Alicante, Spain, where 'El Matador' and his brother Aleksandre Topuria have trained since the start of their MMA careers. After winning the featherweight title last year, Topuria decided to relocate from Alicante to Madrid. The shift appears to have caused a divide in his training. "Both sides live in different cities, and their multiple professional projects prevent them from collaborating as they once did," according to a report from MARCA. Topuria expressed gratitude towards his lifelong coaches, stating: "We thank them for all these years of mutual learning and growth, and they wholeheartedly wish them all the best in all their projects." The Spaniard-Georgian's team is now expected to consist of his brother, Aleksandre, Jesus Gallo, Javi Climent - who is not related to the Climent brothers - Mani Tavanaei and Mathias Ribeiro. It seems as if Topuria and Makhachev hope to one day settle the score after the pair traded barbs online. Eager to take a swipe at the former featherweight star, Makhachev posted: "Difference between me and you, that I cleaned top list in my division, moved to next, but you ran away from two contenders who had consecutive 5-9 wins in FW division. You are nobody in LW division, just a big mouth from Spain with nice haircut. Go get one W, and we can talk boy." Unable to sit back and take the stick, Topuria fired back: "The difference between you and me is that I am a man and you are a coward. I speak and fight. you talk and hide. Run away far, leaving no trace." After his bout with Oliveira was confirmed, Topuria quickly voiced his enthusiasm and pledged to emerge victorious as he aims to become a two-division champion. On X - previously known as Twitter - he posted: "On June 28, another dream will come true. I'll be the champion of the lightweight division. Charles, my apologies in advance... I'm just fighting for my dreams. It's unfortunate that Makhachev ran away. 17-0."
