Sports

Vinicius: Flamengo Only Team That Could Lure Him From Madrid

Vinicius: Flamengo Only Team That Could Lure Him From Madrid

September 24, 2025 3:02 am

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr has reaffirmed that Flamengo is the only club he would consider joining should he ever leave the Spanish giants, as speculation grows over his place in Xabi Alonso’s starting plans.

The 24-year-old Brazilian international was left on the bench for Madrid’s Champions League opener against Marseille on Tuesday, raising questions about his long-term role under the club’s new manager. Alonso opted to start Rodrygo, Arda Güler and teenage sensation Franco Mastantuono in attack, alongside marquee summer signing Kylian Mbappé.

Madrid secured a 2-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu thanks to two second-half penalties from Mbappé. …

Nine Legends Share Rare WC-UCL-Ballon d’Or Hat-Trick

Nine Legends Share Rare WC-UCL-Ballon d’Or Hat-Trick

September 23, 2025 9:35 am

There are now nine players in the history of football who have achieved one of the sport’s rarest and most prestigious combinations: winning the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA Champions League (or European Cup), and the Ballon d’Or. With Ousmane Dembélé’s victory in the 2025 Ballon d’Or, following his Champions League triumph with Paris Saint-Germain and his 2018 World Cup medal with France, he becomes part of a very exclusive club.

The list begins with England’s Sir Bobby Charlton, who lifted the World Cup in 1966, went on to win the European Cup with Manchester United in 1968, and also …

Neymar Slams Raphinha’s Ballon D’Or Placement As “Big Joke”

Neymar Slams Raphinha’s Ballon D’Or Placement As “Big Joke”

September 23, 2025 8:26 am

Brazilian superstar Neymar has openly criticized Raphinha’s fifth-place finish in the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings, calling it “a big joke” in a post on his Instagram account. The comment comes as reactions flood in from fans, pundits, and players alike, many of whom believe the Barcelona forward had a season worthy of a higher standing. 

Official results show that Raphinha finished 5th in the 2025 Ballon d’Or, behind Ousmane Dembélé, Lamine Yamal, Vitinha, and Mohamed Salah. Neymar’s outburst reflects a sense of injustice shared by a portion of the football community, who believe Raphinha’s performances—across goals, assists, and decisive contributions—were …

Real Madrid Boycotted Ballon D’Or Ceremony, Club Says

Real Madrid Boycotted Ballon D’Or Ceremony, Club Says

September 22, 2025 9:24 am

For the second consecutive year, Real Madrid has elected not to attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris—a decision rooted in what the club describes as a profound sense of disrespect following the outcome of the 2024 award. The club’s boycott, confirmed ahead of the ceremony, centers on the belief that Vinícius Júnior was unfairly overlooked despite being widely considered a frontrunner and having played a key role in Real Madrid’s successful La Liga and Champions League campaign. 

Real Madrid publicly questioned the criteria used by France Football and UEFA, particularly given Vinícius’s performances across all competitions, and argued that …

Ronaldinho To Present Ballon D’Or As Yamal, Dembélé Lead

Ronaldinho To Present Ballon D’Or As Yamal, Dembélé Lead

September 22, 2025 9:10 am

The stage is set in Paris for football’s most prestigious individual honor, the Ballon d’Or, and this year’s ceremony will have an added touch of Brazilian flair. Legendary playmaker Ronaldinho Gaúcho, a former winner himself, has been chosen to present the award tonight. The news adds yet another layer of excitement to an evening already charged with anticipation.

Ronaldinho, who claimed the Ballon d’Or in 2005 after dazzling the world with his artistry at Barcelona, remains one of the most beloved figures in football. His presence on stage is certain to evoke nostalgia for fans who remember his smile, tricks, …

Lamine Yamal Plans Private Paris Party For Ballon d’Or

Lamine Yamal Plans Private Paris Party For Ballon d’Or

September 22, 2025 8:16 am

Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s teenage sensation, is preparing for what could be the most memorable night of his young career. According to Mundo Deportivo, the 17-year-old winger has made plans to host a private party in Paris on Ballon d’Or night if he is crowned the world’s best player.

The rising star has reportedly arranged for 20 family members and close friends to travel with him to the French capital, ensuring that his inner circle is by his side for the occasion. For Yamal, this is more than a football award; it is a chance to celebrate with the people who …

Ballon d’Or Winner To Stay Secret Until Ceremony Night

Ballon d’Or Winner To Stay Secret Until Ceremony Night

September 22, 2025 7:42 am

The Ballon d’Or, football’s most prestigious individual honor, will once again carry an air of suspense right up until the envelope is opened. Organizers have confirmed that the winner of the 2025 edition will not be notified in advance, continuing a rule introduced last year to heighten anticipation and protect the secrecy of the award.

For decades, speculation around the Ballon d’Or often came with leaks or early confirmations that dulled the sense of occasion. Traditionally, journalists, insiders, and even players themselves would hear whispers of the outcome well before the official ceremony. That practice has now been firmly stamped …

Sergio Busquets Set To Confirm Retirement By November

Sergio Busquets Set To Confirm Retirement By November

September 22, 2025 7:27 am

Sergio Busquets, one of the most decorated midfielders of his generation, is preparing to call time on a glittering career. Reports suggest the Spanish legend will confirm his retirement in the coming weeks, with his final appearances expected to take place between now and November.

For over a decade, Busquets has been the heartbeat of every team he has represented, from Barcelona’s iconic era under Pep Guardiola to Spain’s golden generation that conquered world football. Renowned for his positional awareness, composure under pressure, and unparalleled ability to control the tempo of a match, Busquets has redefined the defensive midfield role.…

Maresca: I’d Rather Trail Early Than Lose A Man To Red

Maresca: I’d Rather Trail Early Than Lose A Man To Red

September 21, 2025 8:27 am

Enzo Maresca has made it clear how he views the balance between tactical adversity and numerical disadvantage, telling reporters that he would always prefer to see his side go a goal down early in a match than have to cope with a red card. The Chelsea manager, who has often been praised for his pragmatic but possession-oriented approach, underlined how being reduced to ten men can derail a game plan more severely than conceding in the opening moments.

Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures, Maresca explained: “I prefer to be one goal down after five minutes than one player down. …

Gavi Faces Possible Surgery After Mixed Knee Injury Signs

Gavi Faces Possible Surgery After Mixed Knee Injury Signs

September 21, 2025 8:17 am

Barcelona are set to decide early next week whether midfielder Gavi will undergo surgery for a troublesome knee issue, with the club’s medical team torn between cautious optimism and the risk of further damage to a knee already repaired in the past. The decision could sideline the 21-year-old for up to five to six weeks if surgery becomes necessary. 

Gavi has been out of action since late August due to discomfort in his right knee, an injury affecting the same knee that underwent major surgery in 2023. Initial assessments led Barça to pursue conservative treatment—rest, anti-inflammatories, rehabilitation exercises—in hopes of …

Ronaldo Becomes 7th All-Time Top Scorer In Saudi League

Ronaldo Becomes 7th All-Time Top Scorer In Saudi League

September 21, 2025 7:36 am

Cristiano Ronaldo has added yet another chapter to his storied career by becoming the 7th all-time top scorer in the Roshn Saudi League. The Portuguese superstar reached the milestone with his 77th goal, remarkably achieved in just 80 appearances for Al Nassr.

Since his arrival in Saudi Arabia in late 2022, Ronaldo has not only transformed Al Nassr but also redefined expectations of the league itself. Initially, some critics argued his move away from Europe marked the winding down of his career. Yet, with an astonishing scoring ratio of nearly a goal per game, the 39-year-old continues to silence doubters …

Arteta Certain Man City Remain Firm Contenders For Title

Arteta Certain Man City Remain Firm Contenders For Title

September 21, 2025 7:19 am

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has no doubts that Manchester City remain firmly in the Premier League title race, despite a challenging start to the campaign. Speaking to reporters, the Spaniard expressed his belief that Pep Guardiola’s side have the quality, mentality, and squad depth to mount another strong push for the crown.

“Without a doubt,” Arteta said when asked whether City were still contenders. “Knowing Pep really, and the demands he puts on his players, the mentality they have in the football club, the squad and the players that they have, I think so for sure.”

Arteta, who worked alongside …

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𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬, 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐫𝐤, is a nonpartisan online news portal founded on the truth to provide you with weekly, insightful articles written with precision and current updates on current events from Africa in particular and the rest of the world in general. All of our reports undergo extensive fact-checking to ensure their veracity, and we adhere strictly to the facts, no matter whose ox is gored.

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