Flamengo have shockingly sacked head coach Filipe Luis despite the club icon leading his side to a staggering 8-0 victory over Madureira just hours earlier. While the optics of firing a manager following an 11-0 aggregate semi-final triumph seemed inexplicable to outsiders, sensational new details have emerged suggesting a deep-seated betrayal behind the scenes. It has been revealed that a breakdown in trust occurred after the club hierarchy discovered Luis had been engaging in clandestine talks with the ownership group of his former club, Chelsea.
Inter Miami are chasing a “dream” that would allow Lionel Messi to enjoy a career first, with talks being opened regarding involvement in the 2026 Copa Libertadores. The Argentine GOAT has never graced the most prestigious club competition in South America, but he has become an MLS Cup winner in the United States and could see the Herons handed a special invite.
New Year's Eve is almost upon us, meaning 2025 is about to be consigned to the past - but how will it be remembered by the football world? It was certainly an unforgettable year for some players, coaches and clubs. Paris Saint-Germain, for example, finally got their hands on the trophy they craved above all others, the Champions League, thus vindicating a sensible change in recruitment strategy by the club's owners, who went from signing superstars to investing millions in youth.
Marco Verratti could be set for a stunning reunion with former Paris Saint-Germain teammates Edinson Cavani, Ander Herrera and Leandro Paredes, with Boca Juniors exploring an ambitious move for the Italian midfielder. With the 33-year-old looking to leave Al Duhail and Boca preparing for a high-profile Libertadores return in 2026, president Juan Roman Riquelme has quietly opened the door to a sensational transfer.
Orlando City and Louisville City share the record for the most USL Championship titles, each winning the championship two times. Orlando City won in 2011 and 2013, while Louisville City won in 2017 and 2018.
How many teams are in the USL?
The 2024 season of USL will see 24 teams compete for the league. When the league was founded in 2011 as USL Pro, only 12 teams contested. That number rose to 14 in 2014, 24 in 2015, 30 in 2017, 36 in 2019, and now back at 24.
Who has made the most USL appearances ever?
Jamaican midfielder Kenardo Forbes is the player with the most appearances in USL history, having featured in 303 games.
Who is the all-time top scorer of the USL?
With 105 goals (and counting) in 249 games, Jamaican forward Dane Kelly is USL's leading goalscorer of all-time.
Who is the youngest player ever in the USL and how old was he?
Axel Kei, a centre-forward, holds the record as the youngest-ever player in USL Championship history. He made his debut in 2021 at the remarkable age of 13 years and 282 days.
Which famous players have played in the USL?
Jamie Vardy, Gareth Bale, James Maddison, John Stones, and Darren Bent are some of the most iconic players to have played in the Championship.
Which famous managers have managed in the USL?
Alen Marcina, Mark Briggs, Trevor James, and Noah Delgado are among the most popular coaches in USL history.
What is the biggest stadium in the USL?
Protective Stadium, which is where Birmingham Legion FC play their home games, is the biggest stadium in the USL with a capacity of 47,000.
Who is the most expensive player in the history of the USL?
Fanendo Ali is the most expensive player in USL history, being bought for $1 million (allocation money) by FC Cincinnati in a trade with Portland Timbers.