Shakhtar Donetsk

Shakhtar Donetsk news

Crystal Palace FC v AZ Alkmaar - UEFA Conference League 2025/26 League Phase MD3

Turan tips Real Madrid and Barca target Smit for greatness

Shakhtar Donetsk head coach Arda Turan has heaped praise on AZ Alkmaar sensation Kees Smit, labelling the midfielder a "special" talent destined for the very top of the game. Despite his side securing a 3-0 victory in the Conference League quarter-finals, the Turkish manager was left awestruck by the youngster's ability to dictate the tempo of the match against his team.

FBL-WC-2026-TUR-ROU-QUALIFIERS

Football legend Lucescu dies aged 80

The football world is mourning the loss of Mircea Lucescu, one of the most decorated managers in history, who has died at the age of 80. The iconic Romanian coach passed away after suffering severe medical complications, leaving behind a monumental six-decade legacy. He won an astonishing 35 major trophies during a legendary career across Europe's top clubs and international football.

Wolverhampton Wanderers FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League

Mudryk's former club back Chelsea star despite doping ban

Mykhailo Mudryk’s career has been thrown into turmoil, but his old club Shakhtar Donetsk have come out swinging in his defence. The Ukrainian winger, slapped with a provisional suspension in December 2024 after testing positive for meldonium, now faces an official doping charge from The FA. Despite the storm, Shakhtar’s sporting director Dario Srna insists the 24-year-old is “completely innocent” and deserves full support.

Frequently asked questions

The origins of Newcastle United can be traced all the way back to 1881, when Stanley Cricket Club of Byker took interest in the formation of a football club. Over the years, several name changes and mergers took place. Finally, on December 9, 1892, the name Newcastle United Football Club was decided upon. Other name suggestions included Newcastle F.C, Newcastle Rangers, Newcastle City, and City of Newcastle.

Newcastle United is co-owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), who hold an 85% stake, and the UK-based RB Sports & Media, who hold the remaining 15% stake. The takeover was completed in 2021.

Newcastle United play their home games at the iconic St. James' Park, located in Newcastle upon Tyne. St. James' Park has been the club's go-to home venue since 1892.

St. James' Park has a seating capacity of about 52,000, with Newcastle United currently planning an overhaul which will see the capacity rise to 65,000.

Newcastle United have won 11 titles, including four top flight titles and six FA Cups.

Newcastle United have won four first division titles in their history, with the most recent win coming almost a century ago, all the way back in 1926-27.

Jimmy Lawrence has made the most appearances ever for Newcastle United, donning the jersey on 496 appearances to hold off fellow goalkeeper Shay Given among others.

Newcastle United will forever revere perhaps their most iconic player ever, the legendary Alan Shearer, who scored a club record 206 goals in a little over 400 appearances.

Shola Amoebi, Andy Cole, Shay Given, Bobby Mitchell, Alan Shearer, Hatem Ben Arfa, Andy Carroll, James Milner, Kevin Keegan, Paul Gasciogne, and Malcolm Macdonald are some of the most acclaimed footballers to have played for Newcastle United.

Joe Harvey, Kenny Dalglish, Kevin Keegan, Steve Bruce, Rafael Benitez, and Ruud Gullit are some of the most famous managers to have been in charge of Newcastle United.

Newcastle United are nicknamed The Magpies, because the black and white colour scheme on their jerseys is reminiscent of the actual magpie bird.