As Mzansi's focus turns to the upcoming global showpiece, coach Hugo Broos is a man that is expected to be under an enormous spotlight. This is because the tactician will name his squad, and as usual, the fans and pundits alike will debate who should have been picked and who should not. But the Belgian is a bold tactician who is never afraid of antagonising people regardless of what they say about his selection.
Will the Portuguese star leave through the front door?
The question echoes around the stadium and beyond. Cristiano Ronaldo’s potential departure from Manchester United is the talking point of the football world. Having arrived in 2003 as a raw teenager with a mohawk and departed a decade later as a Ballon d’Or winner, he returned in 2021 eager to add more silverware to his collection. Yet here we are, less than two years on, with rumours swirling that he could once again walk out of Old Trafford.
So what does it mean to “leave through the front door”? In football parlance, it is a phrase that suggests departing on good terms, head held high, reputation intact. It implies gratitude for the memories, respect for the club and its supporters, and a clear path to the next challenge. For a player of Ronaldo’s stature, it also means acknowledging his own legacy while leaving room for the next generation to flourish.
The alternative—slinking out the back way—is unthinkable for a man who has b
Recent World Cup ticket buyers have raised concerns that they were misled by seating maps that suggested better placement than what they ultimately received, according to a report by The Athletic. Category 1 purchasers have been at the center of the complaints, with some saying they were assigned seats in lower-tier sections. FIFA, meanwhile, has said the maps were intended as guidance rather than exact seat locations.
Manuel Neuer remains the world's best after a vintage display in Bayern’s 2-1 win over Real Madrid. While experts demand his World Cup return, it has been claimed Julian Nagelsmann is blocking the legend's international comeback. Despite the pressure, the coach's stance prevents Neuer from reversing his retirement for the tournament.
Gabriele Gravina may be on his way out as president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), but he is refusing to go quietly after Italy's latest World Cup qualification disaster. Following his resignation last week, the outgoing chief has published a scathing 11-page manifesto detailing the "structural deficiencies" that have left the Azzurri in the wilderness.
Mic'd Up: The USMNT are coming off a duo of friendly losses, but Maurice Edu, who was a USMNT regular in his playing days, asserts that hope remains for the World Cup
The US President is seeking to strengthen his influence in the world of football.
This strategic push, though light on specifics so far, is being watched closely by stakeholders across the sport. From domestic leagues to international governing bodies, officials are weighing how the White House might leverage diplomatic, economic, and cultural levers to expand American interests on and off the pitch.
In recent years, football—or soccer, as it is known in the United States—has emerged as a powerful soft-power tool for nations seeking to project influence, attract investment, and build global partnerships. The world’s most popular sport commands billions of fans, making it an attractive arena for political leaders aiming to amplify their messages and forge new alliances.
While the details of the President’s plan remain unclear, several potential avenues are under consideration. These include hosting high-profile tournaments, investing in youth development programs, and using the sport as
The Masandawana star's career has seen an incredible rebirth despite initial struggle. His contribution to the team has been highlighted, and why he stands out among the rest is explained. Many also expect him to be part of the Bafana Bafana squad that will take part in the World Cup finals.
Doubts surround the Iranian national team ahead of the World Cup. As the final whistle approaches for football’s showpiece event, observers in Tehran and beyond sense a palpable unease about the team’s readiness. Concerns range from the squad’s defensive fragility to the lingering effects of domestic political pressures that have shadowed its preparations. Analysts point out that the side has struggled to find consistency in high-profile friendlies, and the coaching staff’s public silence only amplifies the uncertainty. Fans, who have seen their team qualify for a record sixth consecutive tournament, now wonder whether the squad can silence the sceptics when the first match kicks off.
The Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture has reignited his public feud with Mzansi super fan Joy Chauke by revealing the staggering cost of her previous international travels. The minister disclosed that the taxpayer-funded trip to the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France cost R700,000, contradicting claims that funds from the President of South Africa were used.
South Africa's Sports Minister dropped a bombshell on Wednesday when he mentioned that a sports super fan had R700,000 spent on her on one trip to France by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture. It is a revelation that appears to have angered fans amid the superfan's demand to have the government sponsor her trip to North America.
Arsenal’s victory over Sporting CP on Tuesday night was overshadowed by a fresh injury concern for captain Martin Odegaard. The Norwegian playmaker was forced off in the second half of the Champions League quarter-final first leg clash, leaving fans and pundits alike sweating over his fitness at a critical juncture of the season.
In the Champions League match against Real Madrid, Manuel Neuer proved to be the match-winner for FC Bayern Munich with a series of brilliant saves. Afterwards, the 40-year-old skilfully deflected questions about a return to the German national team.
The Glamour Boys have initially missed out on some top players who ended up joining their rivals in the South African Premier Soccer League. One has risen to the highest level, playing in the CAF Champions League, and is set to make the Bafana Bafana squad that will compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the next two months.
FIFA has officially opened disciplinary proceedings against the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) following a wave of anti-Muslim chants during last Tuesday's international friendly against Egypt. The match, held at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona, was marred by offensive chanting that has sparked national outrage and a police investigation.
Jonathan Rowe is quickly becoming the leading man at Bologna, but the London-born forward has his sights set on even loftier goals as the 2026 World Cup approaches. After finding his feet in Serie A under Vincenzo Italiano, the former Norwich City starlet is ready to use the European stage to prove he belongs in Thomas Tuchel’s England plans.
The former Orlando Pirates winger turned up for Al-Ettifaq training with an Amakhosi jersey, something that raised eyebrows owing to the rivalry between the two Soweto giants in South Africa. The Bafana Bafana international shone for the Buccaneers for a season before the Saudi Arabian Pro League outfit signed him at the beginning of the season.
U.S. men's national team striker Patrick Agyemang will miss the World Cup after suffering an Achilles injury, Derby County confirmed. The injury occurred on Monday when the forward was stretchered off against Stoke City.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has surprisingly stated he would allow Antonio Conte to take charge of the Italy national team if requested. However, the Napoli owner paired that admission with a scathing critique of the current state of Italian football governance.
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