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Sergio Busquets Announces He Is Set To Retire From Football At The End Of MLS Season

Spanish football legend Sergio Busquets has announced that he will retire from professional football at the end of the MLS season in October.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano first revealed the news on Friday, writing on 𝕏: “Sergio Busquets RETIRES from professional football at the end of the MLS season! Decision made by Spanish midfielder… who’s leaving Inter Miami and professional football in October. Legend and icon of the game.”

Shortly after, the 36-year-old midfielder confirmed it himself with a heartfelt video on Instagram, where he wrote: “A heartfelt thank you to everyone, and to football, for everything. You will always be a part of this beautiful story.”

Busquets joined Inter Miami last year to reunite with former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi. Known for his sharp intelligence, flawless positioning, and unshakeable composure under pressure, he has often been described as the “midfield anchor” who allowed others to shine.

His legacy, however, was cemented long before his time in America.

At Barcelona, he lifted numerous La Liga titles and three UEFA Champions League trophies, forming the spine of Pep Guardiola’s iconic tiki-taka era.

On the international stage, he played a central role in Spain’s golden generation, helping La Roja to the 2010 FIFA World Cup and back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012.

Busquets will now step away from the pitch as one of the most influential midfielders of his generation.

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My Children Are Young, One Day, They’re Going To Read This – PSG Defender, Hakimi Breaks Silence On R@pe Allegations

Paris Saint-Germain defender, Achraf Hakimi, has spoken out for the first time regarding the r@pe allegations against him.

Hakimi insists the allegations are all lies, noting that they are affecting his young family and have tarnished his name.

The Morocco international has faced r@pe allegations since 2023, after a 24-year-old woman accused him of sexual assault at his Boulogne-Billancourt residence.

In an interview with Canal+, Hakimi said: “I have never been subjected to such harm.

“For me, it was difficult and it continues to be. Because when you write lie after lie, it hurts, especially for my family.

“My children are still young. They don’t know the internet and they can’t read. But one day, they’re going to read this kind of thing.

“And for me, seeing that these lies have been written about their father is not pleasant. And I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”

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Nigeria’s Efe Ajagba Enters Boxing Top 10 As Anthony Joshua Drops Out

The heavyweight division is once again making headlines as The Ring magazine, a leading authority in boxing rankings, has released its latest list, revealing significant changes at the top.

At the summit remains Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning champion, whose clinical skills and historic victories have cemented his place as the man to beat.

Right behind him is Tyson Fury at No. 1, still considered the biggest threat to Usyk after their unforgettable clash.

Joseph Parker continues his resurgence by climbing to No. 2, while Germany’s Agit Kabayel breaks into the top three, shaking up the traditional order. Daniel Dubois and Filip Hrgovic, both hungry young lions, take the fourth and fifth spots, proving the next generation of heavyweights is coming on strong.

Further down the list, Britain’s Fabio Wardley holds steady at No. 6, followed by the dangerous Chinese powerhouse Zhilei Zhang at No. 7. Congo’s Martin Bakole comes in at No. 8, with teenage sensation Moses Itauma breaking into the top ten at No. 9, showing that youth is beginning to shape the future of the division.

But perhaps the biggest talking point is Nigeria’s own Efe Ajagba, who re-enters the rankings at No. 10. Known for his devastating knockout power, Ajagba has battled his way back into contention, and his presence signals that African boxing still has a strong voice in the heavyweight picture.

In a surprising twist, Anthony Joshua drops out of the rankings altogether. Once a dominant force and global superstar, Joshua has been inactive for over a year, and inactivity has cost him his place in the top ten.

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I Don’t Hate Ronaldo, But Messi Is A Better Player – Wayne Rooney Says

Former England striker Wayne Rooney has insisted that he holds no ill feelings toward Al Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

Speaking on Rio Ferdinand’s podcast, he insisted that Lionel Messi is a better footballer.

Rooney and Ronaldo were at United together between 2004 and 2009, winning three Premier League titles and a Champions League.

“I absolutely love Messi, love watching him play and that was the only reason because I think Messi had a little bit more in terms of how he played and taking players on and whatever,” Rooney said.

“Ronaldo’s a killer and people think because I’ve said Messi is better than Ronaldo, I don’t like him or speak down on him.”

Rooney played in the United team that lost two Champions League finals against Messi’s Barcelona in 2009 and 2011.

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Ballon d’Or 2025: LaLiga Explains Why Lamine Yamal Was Denied Award

LaLiga president, Javier Tebas, has claimed that Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal was denied the 2025 Ballon d’Or because of his age.

Tebas has however expressed his optimism that Yamal will soon win the award.

Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint-Germain finished top in the Ballon d’Or voting this year, with 18-year-old Yamal as runner-up.

Yamal however went home with the Kopa Trophy for best young player, a prize he has now won back-to-back.

“If he had been older than 23, he would have won it, too, I’m sure, but since he was younger, they gave him the other one [Kopa trophy],” Tebas said.

But unlike Tebas, Barcelona President Joan Laporta had admitted that Dembele won the prize because PSG lifted the Champions League trophy.

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Chelsea stage Carabao Cup comeback against Lincoln as Jorgensen endures night to forget

Chelsea narrowly avoided a Carabao Cup upset on Tuesday night as they came from behind to beat Lincoln City 2-1 in the third round.

Tyrique George delivered a goal and an assist to spare the Blues’ blushes, while goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen endured a torrid evening in Robert Sanchez’s absence.

 

The Club World Cup holders were rattled for large parts of the tie and looked in danger of being dumped out by League One opposition before turning the game around early in the second half.

 

Lincoln strike first

Chelsea carried a hangover from their weekend defeat to Manchester United, with Lincoln starting the brighter side.

Lewis Montsma struck the post before Rob Street capitalised on poor defending to fire the visitors ahead in the 42nd minute.

The west Londoners looked flat and disjointed at the break, offering little threat in attack while looking shaky at the back.

 

George inspires fightback

 

Things shifted just after the restart when George lashed in a powerful strike from the edge of the area to make it 1-1.

Moments later, Facundo Buonanotte danced through the defence to slot home the winner in the 50th minute.

Despite the quick turnaround, Chelsea never looked entirely comfortable. Jorgensen, deputising in goal, produced an error-strewn performance that kept Lincoln interested until the final whistle.

Nervous progress

Maresca’s side clung on to book their place in the next round, but the display will raise fresh concerns.

While George’s influence was a major positive, Chelsea’s defensive woes and Jorgensen’s struggles leave plenty for the Enzo Maresca to address going forward.

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Dembele hails ‘wonderful’ Yamal, insists ‘he’ll win several Ballon d’Or awards’

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele has hailed Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal after edging him to the 2025 Ballon d’Or on Monday night in Paris.

Dembele, who spearheaded PSG’s historic treble-winning campaign last season, claimed football’s top individual prize ahead of Yamal and Vitinha.

Dembele’s treble-winning campaign

The Frenchman registered 37 goals and 16 assists across all competitions as PSG secured their maiden Champions League title alongside Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France.

His heroics left voters with little doubt as he clinched the Golden Ball at the Théâtre du Châtelet.

Barcelona also enjoyed a stellar year under Yamal’s influence, lifting La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup.

However, their Champions League semi-final exit tilted the balance in Dembele’s favour.

Classy words for Yamal

In his emotional acceptance speech, Dembele lauded his teenage rival: “Lamine Yamal is an exceptional young man. A wonderful player with great maturity. I believe he will win several Ballon d’Or awards.”

Tribute to family

The PSG star also fought back tears as he thanked those closest to him. “To my mother, I want to thank you. You have always been there for me, mama,” he said.

“To my family, we have experienced so much together. We have been through it all. We will always be together.”

Future battle for football’s biggest prize

Dembele’s prediction for Yamal may not be far-fetched. At just 18, the Spaniard has already carved his name into football’s elite, recording five goal contributions in his first three games of the new campaign before picking up an injury.

Dembele himself has also been nursing a knock but is expected to feature when PSG host Auxerre in Ligue 1 next weekend.

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Ballon d’Or: Nigerian Goalkeeper Ranked 4th Best in The World

Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie has been ranked the fourth best goalkeeper in the World.
This is according to the latest Ballon d’Or ranking released on Monday.
The annual Women Yashin Trophy was presented in Paris on Monday with Chelsea’s England international Hannah Hampton claiming the top spot,
Chiamaka, who mans the goal of Brighton & Hove Albion in England finished fourth in the final ranking.
The Yashin Trophy is part of the Ballon d’Or given to the world’s best female goalkeeper.
Ann-Katrin Berger, who plays her football with Gotham FC picked the second spot while Barça goalkeeper Cata Coll is the third best.
Arsenal goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar completed the top five.
Super Falcons star, Nnadozie has been outstanding for both club and country.
She helped her national team claim victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco.
She won the 2024 UNFP Goalkeeper of the Season with French top side, Paris FC. Also won the Coupe de France Féminine.
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BREAKING: Ousmane Dembélé beats Yamal to 2025 Ballon d’Or

Ousmane Dembélé has officially been crowned the winner of the 2025 Ballon d’Or, capping off an extraordinary year in which he inspired Paris Saint-Germain to a historic treble.

The Frenchman beat competition from Barcelona’s teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal and fellow PSG teammate Vitinha to claim football’s most prestigious individual honour at the glittering ceremony in Paris, France.

PSG’s treble hero rewarded

Dembélé’s Ballon d’Or triumph comes after a season where he played a decisive role in PSG’s Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Champions League victories.

His pace, creativity and consistency finally earned him global recognition, securing his place among the game’s elite.

Lamine Yamal makes history

While Dembélé claimed the main prize, 18-year-old Lamine Yamal cemented his own piece of history by winning the 2025 Kopa Trophy as the best young player in the world.

The Barcelona sensation becomes the first ever player to win the award back-to-back, making him one of football’s brightest talents.

Other Major winners on the night

Portuguese striker Viktor Gyökeres was handed the Gerd Müller Trophy after finishing as Europe’s top scorer, while PSG manager Luis Enrique was named Best Men’s Manager, recognised for masterminding the club’s treble success.

Meanwhile, former PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma picked up the Best Goalkeeper Award. The title follows his incredible performance while with the Ligue 1 side.

PSG was also named best team in Europe in 2025, after their strong showing across all competitions.

A Frenchman on top again

Dembélé becomes the first French player since Karim Benzema in 2022 to lift the Golden Ball, marking a remarkable chapter in his career.

From battling injuries earlier in his journey to conquering the world stage, the 28-year-old has now etched his name into football’s history books.

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How much money does the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner actually earn?

The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony is just around the corner, with the football world waiting to see who will be crowned the best of the season.

On the men’s side, frontrunners include PSG star Ousmane Dembélé and Barcelona duo Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.

 

But while many assume the award carries a huge cash prize, the truth is that the Ballon d’Or itself does not come with direct financial compensation.

 

No cash prize, just the trophy

The winner receives only the Ballon d’Or trophy, organized by France Football and UEFA, which is valued at about $3,500. It is not made of solid gold despite its appearance.

Bonuses and endorsements fill the gap

What the Ballon d’Or lacks in prize money, it makes up for in career impact.

Players who win often trigger lucrative bonuses in their club contracts, while endorsement deals with global brands can run into the tens of millions.

 

The award also boosts a player’s transfer value and global visibility overnight.

 

Beyond men’s football

This year’s gala, as is usually the case, will also celebrate women’s football, with Real Madrid and Colombian star Linda Caicedo among the nominees in the young player category.

Additional honours will go to the best coach and best club of the season, ensuring recognition across the sport.

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