Cristiano Ronaldo has said he chose not to attend the funeral of Portugal teammate Diogo Jota to avoid turning the ceremony into “a circus,” following the Liverpool forward’s death in a car accident in July. Jota, 27, and his brother André Silva died in a collision in northern Portugal, prompting tributes from across the football world. Several of…

Jude Bellingham is expected to return to the England squad when manager Thomas Tuchel announces his final selection of the year on Friday, sources confirmed to ESPN. The 22-year-old midfielder, who missed last month’s fixtures, is set to be recalled for World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania following a strong run of form for Real Madrid.…

Maccabi Tel Aviv manager Zarko Lazetic expressed frustration after his team were instructed to arrive at Villa Park five hours before kick-off for their Europa League fixture against Aston Villa, which the hosts won 2-0 on Thursday night. The Group Stage match was played under heavy security restrictions, with Maccabi’s travelling supporters…

Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon is a doubt for England’s upcoming international fixtures after suffering a recurrence of a hip injury during Wednesday’s 2-0 Champions League victory over Athletic Club. The 23-year-old was withdrawn in the 41st minute after appearing to aggravate a problem that had troubled him during Newcastle’s 3-1 defeat…

Victor Osimhen struck a stunning hat trick to guide Galatasaray to a 3-0 victory over Ajax on Wednesday, sending the Turkish champions’ record signing to the top of the UEFA Champions League scoring chart with six goals this season. The 26-year-old Nigeria international, who joined Galatasaray permanently from Napoli in the summer for a Turkish…

FIFA will inaugurate a new annual honor, the FIFA Peace Prize, during the draw for the 2026 World Cup on December 5 in Washington, the global football body announced Wednesday. The award is designed to “recognize exceptional actions for peace,” FIFA said in a statement. President Gianni Infantino confirmed that he will present the inaugural prize…

Lionel Messi received the key to the city of Miami from Mayor Francis Suarez on Wednesday evening, recognizing the Argentine star’s transformative impact on the city, Major League Soccer, and the global football landscape. The ceremony followed Messi’s appearance at the America Business Forum held at the Kaseya Center. “I have had the wish to give…

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick reaffirmed his commitment to the club’s attacking philosophy after Wednesday’s 3-3 draw against Club Brugge in the Champions League, dismissing calls to adopt a more conservative approach despite another shaky defensive display. The Catalan side trailed three times at the Jan Breydel Stadium, with all of Brugge’s goals…

Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal dismissed reports about his recent injury troubles as “lies” after inspiring his team’s 3–3 draw with Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday. The 18-year-old, who missed seven games earlier this season due to pubalgia, returned to form with a goal and an assist as Barcelona came from behind three times…

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca defended his decision to rotate his squad after the Premier League side were held to a 2-2 draw by Qarabag in the Champions League on Wednesday. Maresca made seven changes from the team that defeated Tottenham last weekend, resting key midfielders Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo following a demanding travel schedule…