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20Jan By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

NEWS

Neymar trying to leave Al Hilal, rejoin Santos

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - MAY 24: Neymar of Al Hilal celebrates during the Saudi Pro League Trophy presentation at Kingdom Arena on May 24, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images) Brazil international Neymar is reportedly working on a deal to rejoin Santos, returning to his boyhood club more than a decade after his multimillion-dollar transfer to Barcelona. Though a deal is not final yet, Neymar is attempting to terminate his current contract with Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal and join Santos on a six-month deal, per Globo. Though Al Hilal seem willing to part with the star, opting not to register him for the second half of the season, the parties still need to come to a financial agreement before he leaves. Neymar's current deal would see him earn ...

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17Jan By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

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Neymar : Mbappe was jealous of Messi at PSG

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - JANUARY 13: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF looks on during a training session at Florida Blue Training Center on January 13, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) Striker Neymar says his former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappe became "a little jealous" after superstar Lionel Messi joined the French club in August 2021 in a free transfer. Speaking in a podcast hosted by World Cup winner Romário released Thursday, the 32-year-old Brazilian who plays for Saudi club Al-Hilal added big egos had affected the performances of PSG in big matches.Neymar made his comments after Romário asked whether Mbappé, who joined Real Madrid this season, "is annoying." "No, he is not. I have my things with him, we had a little fig...

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8Jan By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Didier Deschamps set to leave France

Lyon , France - September 9: head coach Didier Deschamps of France gestures during the UEFA Nations League 2024/2025 League A - Group 2 match between France and Belgium at Groupama-Stadion on September 9, 2024 in Lyon , France. (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images) Didier Deschamps, France's longest serving national team coach, will not seek to renew his contract which expires in 2026, the French soccer federation (FFF) told Reuters. Deschamps' deal runs until after the next World Cup, for which Les Bleus have yet to qualify. The 56-year-old took over from fellow 1998 World Cup winner Laurent Blanc in 2012 and led Les Bleus to the World Cup title in 2018, two years after reaching the European Championship final on home soil. The former France captain, one of only three p...

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17Dec By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Lookman crowned 2024 CAF Player of the Year

Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC in action during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 second leg football match between Atalanta BC and Sporting CP. Atalanta BC won 2-1 over Sporting CP. Ademola Lookman has been crowned the 2024 CAF African Player of the Year. The 27-year-old Atalanta forward becomes the seventh Nigerian player to win this prestigious award, succeeding his compatriot Victor Osimhen. Lookman’s incredible year included 22 goals, notably a hat trick in the Europa League final that secured Atalanta’s first-ever continental title. He also played a key role in Nigeria’s journey to the AFCON final. His impressive form has continued into the current season, with eight league goals propelling Atalanta to the top of Serie A. This award is a well-deserved recognition of Lookman’s outs...

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13Dec By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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England draw Serbia in 2026 World Cup qualifier

Thomas Tuchel poses for a photo alongside John McDermott, FA Technical Director, as he is announced as the new England manager at Wembley Stadium on October 16, 2024 in London, England. Thomas Tuchel's first official duty as England coach was to see his new team drawn in a 2026 World Cup qualifying group with Serbia, Albania, Latvia and Andorra. Tuchel starts work in January as the first German coach of the 1966 World Cup winners but was at FIFA headquarters on Friday to see the 54 European teams drawn into 12 qualifying groups. Games start in March for groups with five teams, but groups with four teams — like England's — will begin in September. Europe will send 16 teams to the first 48-team World Cup, being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The 12 group winners next No...

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11Dec By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Aston Villa confirm departure of manager Robert de Pauw

Robert de Pauw, Head Coach of Aston Villa talks to Kenza Dali during the Women's League Cup match between Tottenham Hotspur Women and Aston Villa Women at Brisbane Road on November 23, 2024 in London, England. Aston Villa have confirmed the departure of manager Robert de Pauw after less than six months in charge of the club. The 43-year-old took charge of the Midlands club over the summer following a spell in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen. He replaced Carla Ward, who vacated her position at the end of the 2023/24 campaign in order to prioritise her family. Villa have won just one of their nine Women’s Super League (WSL) games this season, drawn three and lost five. They sit ninth in the standings on six points, just one clear of Leicester City and Crystal Palace. A statement released by...

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8Dec By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Osimhen advises Gift Orban to join him at Galatasaray

ISTANBUL, TURKEY - DECEMBER 1: Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray reacts during the Turkish Super League match between Galatasaray and Eyuspor at Rams Park Stadium on December 1, 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Seskim Photo/MB Media/Getty Images) Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has advised compatriot Gift Orban to leave Lyon and join him at Turkish Super Lig club Galatasaray, Soccernet.ng reports. Orban has struggled badly at Lyon since his transfer from Gent in January. The Nigeran striker has registered just five goals in 21 appearances. This season, he has even missed out on the match day squad on different occasions. Due to his struggles, there have been talks that the 22-year-old will leave Lyon for another club in order to get more game time. The talks have been further fueled b...

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28Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Hummels nets late equaliser in Europa clash against Spurs

Mats Hummels redeemed himself after conceding a first-half penalty by scoring a last-gasp equaliser in an eventful 2-2 draw between Tottenham and Roma in the Europa League. LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 28: Matias Soule, Gianluca Mancini and Mats Hummels of AS Roma celebrate equaizing goal during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Tottenham Hotspur and AS Roma at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on November 28, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images) Fraser Forster kept his spot in the Europa League starting XI and will be Ange Postecoglou’s first-choice goalkeeper moving forward after an ankle injury ruled out Guglielmo Vicario for several months. Postecoglou put out a strong starting XI after Saturday’s shock 4-0 d...

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28Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Europa League predictions: Thursday’s Matchday 5 fixtures

General view inside the stadium, as the UEFA Europa League logo, can be seen prior to the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between FC Dynamo Kyiv and Ferencvarosi TC at Volksparkstadion on November 07, 2024 in Hamburg, Germany. The calendar year's penultimate round of Europa League fixtures take place on Thursday as former European royalty compete for safe passage to the knockout rounds. Half of the reformatted league phase matches have already occurred, with the likes of Manchester United, Roma and Porto having drifted into mid-table obscurity after underwhelming starts. Seven still await their first victory in the competition's league phase, while eight are yet to taste defeat as the 36-team table begins to take shape. Here are footballflame's score predictions for M...

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22Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Ireland to face Bulgaria in Uefa Nations League relegation play-off

The Ireland players applaud the fans at the end of the match during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League B Group B2 match between England and Republic of Ireland at Wembley Stadium on November 17, 2024 in London, England. Ireland have been drawn against Bulgaria in their promotion/relegation play-off in the Nations League. The Nations League has now expanded so that teams finishing third in their group must play-off across two legs against a runner-up from the league below to secure their status. Having finished third in their League B group, Ireland must now beat Bulgaria over two legs next year to secure their status. The sides last met in the 2020 Nations League campaign: the teams drew 1-1 in Sofia before drawing 0-0 in Dublin. Bulgaria finished second behind Northern Ireland ...

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20Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Lazio lose Nuno Tavares and Pedro after injury updates

Nuno Tavares of SS Lazio during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between SS Lazio and FC Porto at Stadio Olimpico on November 07, 2024 in Rome, Italy. Lazio confirm the extent of the injury Nuno Tavares sustained on international duty with Portugal, as Pedro is also likely to miss out against Bologna. The Aquile are back in action this weekend when hosting Bologna at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday evening. Nuno Tavares will not be part of coach Marco Baroni’s squad that day, because the full-back picked up a muscular problem while on international duty for Portugal. A statement from the club this afternoon confirmed that he has been diagnosed with a low-grade lesion to the semi-membrane in the left thigh. Nuno Tavares has already started treatment and is expected to...

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20Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Gerson stunner gives Brazil 1-1 draw with Uruguay in World Cup qualifier

Marcelo Saracchi of Uruguay challenges for the ball with Gerson of Brazil during the South American FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Brazil and Uruguay at Arena Fonte Nova on November 19, 2024 in Salvador, Brazil. Brazil drew 1-1 with Uruguay in South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday after Gerson’s brilliant strike cancelled out Federico Valverde’s opener for the visitors. Five-time World Cup winners Brazil are fifth in the CONMEBOL standings on 18 points, one point behind Colombia and Ecuador, after picking up their second straight draw. Uruguay are second on 20 points, five behind leaders Argentina. The top six will automatically qualify for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. After a tight first half, Real Madrid midfielder Valverde o...

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20Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Superb Martinez strike gives Argentina 1-0 home win over Peru

Lautaro Martinez of Argentina battles for possession with Carlos Zambrano of Peru during the South American FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Argentina and Peru at Estadio Alberto J. Armando on November 19, 2024 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez scored in the second half to secure a 1-0 home win against Peru in South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday. Martinez scored 10 minutes after the break, capitalising on a fine cross from Lionel Messi to fire home a half-volley into the top-right corner. The Inter Milan striker’s 32nd international goal moved him level with Diego Maradona in fifth spot in the country’s all-time scoring charts. The World Cup holders lead the CONMEBOL standings with 25 points, five clear of Uruguay who play ...

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19Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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US blitz Jamaica in Nations League

Demarai Gray #10 of Jamaica is marked by Alex Zendejas #7 of United States during the Quarterfinals - Leg Two - 2024 Concacaf Nations League match between Jamaica and United States at Citypark on November 18, 2024 in St Louis, Missouri. Striker Demarai Gray bagged a brace as Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz bowed out of the CONCACAF Nations League last night, after being torn apart by the United States inside St. Louis’ CityPark. US manager Mauricio Pochettino made it back to wins with a 4-2 thrashing second leg quarter-final to inflict just the second defeat on Jamaica coach Steve McClaren. Christian Pulisic broke the deadlock, Di’Shon Bernard scored an own goal and Ricardo Pepi snatched a goal before the turnaround to effectively end the contest. With the tie over by half-time, the US 3-0 ahead...

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19Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Gernot Rohr’s Benin and Sudan latest to book places at Afcon finals

Gernot Rohr, former Manager of Nigeria gestures during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group D match between Nigeria and Argentina at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 26, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Benin and Sudan qualified for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) with 0-0 draws on Monday, while heavyweights Ghana, Nigeria and Tunisia suffered embarrassing home defeats on the penultimate day of preliminaries for the finals in Morocco. Benin, coached by Former Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr, were in a three-way tussle for second place in Group D with opponents Libya and Rwanda, who were away at already-qualified Nigeria. Benin saw off the threat of Libya with a stalemate in Tripoli and pipped Rwanda on their head-to-head record. Rwanda pulled off a shock 2-1 away win against Nigeria ...

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19Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Spain Clinch Dramatic 93rd Minute Win Over Switzerland In UEFA Nations League

Bryan Zaragoza won and converted a late penalty to help Euro 2024 winners Spain beat Switzerland 3-2 in a Nations League dead rubber on Monday. SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 18: Vincent Sierro of Switzerland clashes with Bryan Zaragoza of Spain in the penalty box leading to a penalty being awarded during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A4 match between Spain and Switzerland at El Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez stadium on November 18, 2024 in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) The Nations League holders, already guaranteed top spot in Group A4, twice took the lead but were pegged back by the already-relegated Swiss in Tenerife. It was the first Spain match on the island in 28 years and fans were able to celebrate a win after ...

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18Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Luka Modric: “There is no greater honour than wearing the Croatia jersey”

Luka Modric of Croatia gestures during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A1 match between Scotland and Croatia at Hampden Park on November 15, 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland. Real Madrid’s Luka Modric sees no greater honour than to wear his country’s colours on the pitch as Croatia faces Portugal on Monday. A draw in that game would guarantee Croatia's qualification for the Nations League, and Modric has been an integral part of their success in the competition so far, even at the age of 39. When asked about the Croatian jersey, he said: “I always say that playing for the national team is a great honor and something special. Every match is something sublime for me and I always give 100%. “You have to give your maximum. It has always been my guiding principle. You can’t help but ...

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18Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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England Secure Nations League Promotion, France Beat Italy

Harry Kane of England celebrates scoring his sides first goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League B Group B2 match between England and Republic of Ireland at Wembley Stadium on November 17, 2024 in London, England. England blew away 10-man Republic of Ireland 5-0 to wrap up promotion to the Nations League top flight as four players netted their first international goals on Sunday, while Adrien Rabiot scored twice as France beat Italy. Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick to help Norway also top their group in League B. Euro 2024 runners-up England secured top spot in Group B2 in interim boss Lee Carsley's final game in charge before the arrival of Thomas Tuchel as manager. "I wanted the England team to be exciting to watch and be attacking," Carsley told ITV...

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17Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Newcastle United star in line for Wembley chance as England confirm injury

Lewis Hall of England trains with teammates during a training session at Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on November 16, 2024 in Enfield, England. Newcastle United's Lewis Hall has taken a step closer to make his first start for England with the news that Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa has withdrawn from the Three Lions squad. Hall was a half-time replacement for Konsa in England's 3-0 win over Greece on Thursday night, winning his first senior cap for his country after an excellent season so far for Eddie Howe's Magpies. Lee Carsley's side take on Ireland at Wembley tonight in their final Nations League game, with the interim boss then handing the reigns over to Thomas Tuchel, someone Hall knows well from their time at Chelsea. While Konsa is a centre-back, Hall was brought on as pa...

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17Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Germany beat Bosnia 7-0 as revival continues under Julian Nagelsmann

Jamal Musiala of Germany is challenged by Armin Gigovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A3 match between Germany and Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Europa-Park Stadion on November 16, 2024 in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. Germany has won its UEFA Nations League group thanks to a 7-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in front of a sell-out crowd at the Europa-Park Stadion in Freiburg. Die Nationalmannschaft was dominant throughout winning the game thanks to goals by Jamal Musiala (4’), Tim Kleindienst (23’ & 78’), Kai Havertz (37’), Florian Wirtz (50’ & 57’) and Leroy Sané (66’). “We played with a lot of desire both offensively and defensively,” Nagelsmann said after the game. “It was almost perfect. Even after the substitutions, there was n...

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