Dari Alaska hingga Austin, para bintang MLS berbagi kisah tentang pengalaman tak terbayangkan saat bertransformasi dari penggemar sejak kecil menjadi lawan di lapangan bagi Lionel Messi dan "kuartet Barcelona" dari Inter Miami. Penyerang Tim Nasional AS, Brandon Vazquez, dan Obed Vargas dari Atlético Madrid menceritakan bagaimana berhadapan dengan idola mereka terasa seperti "mimpi bermain FIFA di konsol" yang menjadi kenyataan—serta bagaimana mereka harus mengatasi perasaan "seolah-olah berada di luar tubuh" untuk benar-benar mengalahkan mereka.
Bintang muda Barcelona, Lamine Yamal, telah diberi tahu apa saja yang harus dilakukannya agar bisa menjadi salah satu kandidat peraih Ballon d’Or pada tahun 2026, sementara Ruud Gullit menjelaskan kepada GOAL mengapa kemenangan kesembilan bagi Lionel Messi, sang legenda Argentina, tidak bisa dikesampingkan. Gelar pemain terbaik di dunia kemungkinan besar akan diraih oleh seorang bintang yang tampil gemilang di Piala Dunia musim panas ini.
GOAL menyoroti para bintang terkemuka di MLS yang patut diperhatikan di Piala Dunia musim panas ini, dan daftar tersebut mencakup jauh lebih banyak nama daripada hanya pemenang MVP saat ini
Cristiano Ronaldo dan Lionel Messi akan menjadi “pasangan yang sangat serasi” dalam satu tim, kata Rene Meulensteen kepada GOAL, dengan CR7 dikabarkan akan pindah ke juara MLS Cup, Inter Miami, jika ia berhasil meraih gelar Liga Pro Arab Saudi bersama Al-Nassr. Legenda sepak bola Portugal ini semakin mendekati gelar juara lainnya di Timur Tengah, yang mungkin membuatnya mempertimbangkan opsi-opsi karier di tempat lain.
Obed Vargas telah menceritakan pengalamannya saat berhadapan dengan Lionel Messi di lapangan, dan mengakui bahwa ia merasa terkejut karena harus berhadapan langsung dengan idola masa kecilnya. Mantan gelandang Seattle Sounders itu menjelaskan bahwa tawanya saat pertandingan Leagues Cup 2025 itu lebih disebabkan oleh rasa tak percaya, bukan karena kurangnya rasa hormat.
Sir David Beckham telah mencatatkan sejarah dengan menjadi atlet miliarder pertama di Inggris setelah dirilisnya daftar Sunday Times Rich List 2026. Bersama istrinya, Victoria, legenda Manchester United ini telah melihat kekayaan bersihnya melonjak ke level rekor, didorong oleh kesepakatan endorsement merek yang menguntungkan serta kepemilikan sahamnya yang sukses di klub MLS Inter Miami.
Manchester United, often simply referred to as "United," are one of the most iconic and successful football clubs in the world, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, England. The club was founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878 by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway depot at Newton Heath. The team changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to its current home, Old Trafford, in 1910.
Famous players
Manchester United have been home to some of the greatest footballers in history. Sir Bobby Charlton, a World Cup winner with England in 1966, is arguably the most iconic figure in the club's history. Other legendary players include George Best, known for his flair and skill, and Eric Cantona, who brought a winning mentality to the club during the 1990s. More recent stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, and Paul Scholes have also contributed significantly to the club's success.
Honours
Manchester United are one of the most decorated clubs in English football, having won a record 20 Premier League titles (formerly the First Division). They have also lifted the FA Cup 12 times, the League Cup five times, and the UEFA Champions League three times. The club's dominance in English football was particularly evident during the 1990s and early 2000s under manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Managers
Sir Alex Ferguson is undoubtedly the most successful manager in Manchester United's history. He spent 26 years at the club, leading them to an unprecedented era of success. Before Ferguson, managers like Matt Busby and Wilf McGuinness played crucial roles in shaping the club's identity. More recent managers, including David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, and José Mourinho, have faced the challenge of maintaining the club's high standards.
Stadium
Old Trafford, often referred to as the "Theatre of Dreams," is one of the most famous stadiums in the world. With a capacity of roughly 75,000, it is among the largest football stadiums in the United Kingdom. The stadium has hosted numerous major matches, including UEFA Champions League finals and FIFA World Cup matches.
Location
Manchester United are based in the city of Manchester, which is located in the northwest of England. The club's home ground, Old Trafford, is situated in the Trafford borough. Manchester is a major industrial city with a rich footballing heritage.
Owners
In February 2024, British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe's company, INEOS, acquired a significant 25% stake in Manchester United. This acquisition granted Ratcliffe sporting control over the club, placing him in a position to influence key decisions related to its operations.
Ratcliffe has already made a substantial financial commitment to Manchester United. His large investments demonstrate his dedication to the club's success and his willingness to provide the necessary resources for its growth.
Frequently asked questions
When were Ipswich Town founded?
Ipswich Town were originally founded as Ipswich A.F.C. in 1878. It wasn't until 1888 that they became Ipswich Town Football Club, after merging with Ipswich Rugby Club. The Tractor Boys, though, turned professional in 1936.
Who are the owners of Ipswich Town?
Bright Path Sports Partners own a majority 44% stake in the club. Gamechanger 20 Ltd. also own a majority stake in the club, while artist Ed Sheeran owns 1.4% stake. Moreover, American investors Brett Johnson, Berke Bekay, and Mark Detmer, through their Three Lions fund, have a 5% stake. Marcus Evans also owns a 5% stake.
What is Ipswich Town's stadium called?
Ipswich Town have been playing all their home games at the Portman Road since 1884. In the 1990s, the club converted all the four stands into all-seaters.
What is Portman Road's capacity?
Portman Road has a total capacity of 30,000 seats. Upon their promotion to the Premier League ahead of the 2024-25 season, new floodlight systems, changing rooms, media facilities and zones, and executive boxes.
How many trophies have Ipswich Town won?
Ipswich Town have bagged three titles throughout their history - the English top-flight in 1961-62, the FA Cup in 1978, and the UEFA Cup in 1981.
How many Premier League (top flight) titles have Ipswich Town won?
Ipswich Town have won the top flight in England just once in their history. Their solitary league title triumph came at the end of the 1961-62 season.
Who has made the most appearances for Ipswich Town?
With 741 appearances to his name between 1966 and 1982, former English full-back Mick Mills is Ipswich Town's record holder for appearances made. Mills captained England at the 1982 World Cup and was a part of the 1978 FA Cup and 1981 UEFA Cup-winning teams with the Tractor Boys.
Who is Ipswich Town's all-time top goalscorer?
Former England international Ray Crawford is Ipswich Town's leading goalscorer of all-time, finding the back of the net 218 times in 354 appearances across two separate stints.
Which famous players have played for Ipswich Town?
Mick Mitch, Ray Crawford, Ted Phillips, Allan Hunter, Arnold Muhren, and Hermann Hreidarsson are among Ipswich Town's most recognised players ever.
Which famous managers have been in charge of Ipswich Town?
Sir Bobby Robson, Roy Keane, Alf Ramsey, and Scott Duncan are among the most acclaimed Ipswich Town managers ever.
What is Ipswich Town's nickname?
Ipswich Town are nicknamed The Tractor Boys. In the 2000-01 season, after beating Leeds United, the Leeds supporters chanted, "We are being beaten by a bunch of tractor drivers," which was a derogatory chant mocking Ipswich's agricultural heritage. However, the Ipswich Town fans adopted the nickname with pride, and hence, the nickname The Tractor Boys was born.