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Newcastle United v Liverpool - Premier League

Ex-England star Shelvey retires & immediately takes first head coaching role

Jonjo Shelvey is calling time on his distinguished playing career to immediately transition into management with UAE third-tier outfit Arabian Falcons FC. The former Liverpool and England playmaker is stepping into the dugout to lead a promotion charge, marking a swift end to his playing days in the Middle East alongside Ravel Morrison.

Lionel Messi pitch invader Inter Miami Independiente del Valle 2026

📽️ | Messi tackled by pitch invader during chaotic friendly

Lionel Messi was tackled to the turf by a pitch-invading fan during Inter Miami’s chaotic friendly clash with Independiente del Valle. The MLS Cup winners had been due to face Ecuadorian opponents on February 13, but the contest had to be rearranged. It eventually took place in Puerto Rico on February 26, with Argentine GOAT Messi among the stars on show.

Fenerbahce-vs-Aston-Villa-UEFA-Europa-League-2025-26-MD7

Duran booked five minutes into Zenit debut

Jhon Duran’s career continues to be a whirlwind of goals and controversy, with his latest chapter in Russia starting in explosive fashion. The former Aston Villa striker, who recently completed a loan move to Zenit St Petersburg, found himself in the referee's notebook just five minutes into his debut for the club. It was a baptism of fire for the Colombian international, whose reputation for high-intensity play and occasional loss of discipline preceded him to his new surroundings. The 22-year-old was named in the starting XI for a pre-season friendly against Shanghai Port, a match intended to integrate him into the squad. However, the "friendly" nature of the contest was quickly forgotten when Duran became embroiled in a physical altercation with an opposition defender while chasing a long ball. The forward appeared to lose his composure during a battle for possession, leading to a confrontation that left spectators and officials stunned by its intensity so early in the game.

Lionel Messi Inter Miami Barcelona SC 2026

📽️ | Messi turns the clock back with stunning solo goal

Lionel Messi turned the clock back when scoring a stunning solo goal for Inter Miami in their latest pre-season friendly. The Argentine GOAT found himself lining up against Barcelona. He was not reunited with former employers from Camp Nou, but was in action on Ecuadorian soil. The all-time great gave those in the stands what they came for when dancing past defenders and hitting the back of the net.

📽️ | Messi recreates iconic scorpion kick with keeping icon

Lionel Messi recreated an iconic scorpion kick with legendary goalkeeper Rene Higuita ahead of Inter Miami’s latest friendly outing. The Herons, fresh from their historic MLS Cup triumph in 2025, are readying themselves for the start of a new campaign. Javier Mascherano’s side are working their way through a pre-season programme in South America.

Suárez scores as Miami edge Atlético Nacional in Berterame’s debut

Inter Miami claimed a dramatic 2-1 friendly win over Atlético Nacional in Medellín, with Luis Suárez on the scoresheet and Germán Berterame making his first appearance for the club. Lionel Messi played 76 minutes, while a late own goal sealed Miami’s first preseason victory after a tough loss in Peru.

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	+/-	PTS	Form
1	Bayern München	32	26	5	1	116	35	81	83	D W W W W
2	Borussia Dortmund	32	20	7	5	65	32	33	67	L W L L W
3	RB Leipzig	32	19	5	8	63	42	21	62	L W W W W
4	Bayer Leverkusen	32	17	7	8	66	43	23	58	W W L W W
5	VfB Stuttgart	32	17	7	8	66	46	20	58	D D L W L

Pos

Team

+/-

PTS

Form

Bayern München

116

D
W
W
W
W

Borussia Dortmund

L
W
L
L
W

RB Leipzig

L
W
W
W
W

Bayer Leverkusen

W
W
L
W
W

VfB Stuttgart

D
D
L
W
L

Frequently asked questions

Who has won the most Championship titles?

Leicester City, with eight second tier league titles to their name, are the most successful Championship side in history. Their most recent triumph came at the end of the 2023-24 camapign, while their first-ever title came in the 1924-25 season.

How many teams are in the Championship?

The Championship is the second division of the English football system and is currently contested by 24 teams. The second tier began with 12 teams in 1892, before expanding to 16 in 1894, 20 in 1905, and 24 in 1988.

Who has made the most Championship appearances ever?

With 526 appearances while representing six different clubs, Ghanaian winger Albert Adomah is Championship's record holder for most appearances.

Who is the all-time top scorer of the Championship?

English striker Billy Sharp is the leading goalscorer of all-time in the Championship, finding the back of the net 130 times in 410 appearances. Sharp played for Hull City, Sheffield United, Leeds United, Doncaster Rovers, Reading, Nottingham Forest, and Southampton.

Who is the youngest player ever in the Championship and how old was he?

English-born Grenadian winger Reuben Noble-Lazarus is the youngest player ever to feature in a Championship game. Noble-Lazarus was just 15 years and 45 days old when he made his debut for Barnsley away at Ipswich Town in 2008.

Which famous players have played in the Championship?

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 Championship?

Marcelo Bielsa, Rafa Benitez and Neil Warnock are among the Championship's most famous managers.

What is the biggest stadium in the Championship?

The Stadium of Light, which is Sunderland's stadium, is the biggest Championship stadium with a capacity of almost 49,000.

Who is the most expensive player in the history of the Championship?

Belgian footballer Mike Tresor is the most expensive player in Championship history. Burnley bought him from Genk for £16 million in 2024.