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Ronaldinho Ronaldo 2022 World Cup

The new Ronaldo, Ronaldinho & Romario? Brazil star compares Vini Jr & Co to legends

Brazil fans have grown increasingly frustrated with the national team’s attacking output following a 2-1 friendly defeat to France, even resorting to chanting Neymar's name in the absence of the Santos star. However, Joao Pedro believes the talent currently at Carlo Ancelotti's disposal, including Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Barcelona’s Raphinha, matches the individual quality of the iconic trios that defined previous golden eras.

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Liverpool & Chelsea join race for Lacroix

Crystal Palace are bracing for a surge of interest in Maxence Lacroix after the defender made his senior international debut for France. Liverpool, Chelsea, and Aston Villa are all reportedly monitoring the 25-year-old, who has established himself as the fastest centre-back in the Premier League this season. With no release clause in his current deal, the Eagles face a major battle to retain their defensive lynchpin this summer.

Leicester City v Manchester United: Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final

Lineker names World Cup favourites - and it's not England

Gary Lineker has identified the two nations he believes are ahead of England in the pecking order to win the upcoming World Cup. Despite the optimism surrounding Thomas Tuchel’s appointment, the legendary striker insists that the Three Lions remain behind the world's elite in terms of tournament readiness. While England boast a star-studded squad, Lineker suggests that historical consistency and tactical maturity give their rivals a significant edge.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw - Red Carpet Arrivals

'Checks I've never seen!' - Deschamps fumes at US security

France head coach Didier Deschamps has expressed his frustration with the logistical challenges and "unprecedented" security measures encountered during Les Bleus' tour of the United States. Speaking ahead of Sunday's friendly against Colombia, the World Cup-winner highlighted the difficulties facing international teams as they navigate American infrastructure.

Fenerbahce SK v Gaziantep FK - Trendyol Süper Lig

Kante reveals Ligue 1 transfer talks

N'Golo Kante has revealed that a move to Ligue 1 side Paris FC was a genuine possibility during the previous summer transfer window. Despite being 34 years old, the tireless midfielder remains a high-value target for clubs across Europe and beyond. While he ultimately stayed in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ittihad for the first half of the season before joining Fenerbahce in February, he has suggested he could still return to his homeland.

Brazil v France - International Friendly

Mbappe labelled France's 'greatest' ever

Kylian Mbappe has been hailed as the greatest striker in the history of the French national team by legendary forward Jean-Pierre Papin. The Real Madrid superstar is currently closing in on the all-time scoring record for Les Bleus as he continues to cement his legacy on the international stage.

Liverpool FC v Galatasaray SK - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg

Ekitike revels in Mbappe-Dembele partnership ahead of World Cup

Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike has hailed his first season in England as a "pivotal year" following a standout performance in France’s 2-1 friendly win over Brazil. The 23-year-old, who moved to Anfield from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer, is rapidly cementing his place in Didier Deschamps' plans. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Ekitike is relishing the freedom of playing alongside world-class talents in the French attack.

Brazil v France - International Friendly

Tchouameni reveals Tom Brady message ahead of France's Brazil clash

Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni revealed he reached out to NFL icon Tom Brady before France’s 2-1 friendly victory over Brazil. Playing at Gillette Stadium, the legendary home of the New England Patriots, Les Bleus secured their first win over the Selecao since 2011. Despite being reduced to 10 men, the French side channelled a "clutch" mentality in front of a heavily pro-Brazilian crowd in Foxborough.

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Brazil's main men flop in dire friendly loss to ten-man France

Brazil's main men fell flat as the Selecao turned in an underwhelming performance against France in a forgettable 2-1 loss. The Selecao were poor at both ends of the pitch, and languid in between, and only really showed attacking intent when it was too late. A late goal from Bremer was rather flattering as Carlo Ancelotti's men were easily dealt with by Les Bleus, who played most of the second half with ten men.

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Mbappe makes big Neymar World Cup claim

Kylian Mbappe has joined the growing debate surrounding Neymar’s international future, insisting that he cannot imagine a World Cup without the Brazilian superstar. As pressure mounts on Selecao boss Carlo Ancelotti to recall the veteran forward, Mbappe has backed his former team-mate to prove his fitness in time for the 2026 tournament.

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Is Neymar's World Cup dream already over?

Neymar found himself back in headlines across Europe last week after he was brought up as a topic of debate on The Overlap. Gary Neville introduced a new 'Unpopular Opinions' segment, and kicked it off with the following statement: "No Premier League player in history is better than a prime Neymar."

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Mbappe denies Madrid misdiagnosed knee injury

Kylian Mbappe has moved to silence the storm surrounding his fitness, categorically denying sensational claims that Real Madrid medical staff examined the wrong knee. The France captain addressed the media ahead of Les Bleus' friendly against Brazil, insisting that his relationship with the Spanish giants remains transparent despite a wave of reports alleging a "monumental mistake" in his diagnosis.

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Mbappe set for Nike split as Adidas and others eye deal

Kylian Mbappe’s long-standing relationship with Nike appears to be reaching its conclusion just as the forward prepares for the biggest summer of his career. The Real Madrid superstar, who has been the face of the American brand’s football division for years, is nearing the end of his current deal with a seismic shift in the sponsorship market looming.

Frequently asked questions

Fifteen players from the Aston Villa Wesleyan Chapel cricket team formed the Aston Villa Football Club in the 1870s.

Aston Villa are owned by V Sports, a joint venture between billionaires Nassef Sawiris and Wesley Edens. Atairos, an investment company based in the UK, became a minority partner of V Sports in April 2024.

Aston Villa play all their home games at the Villa Park since 1897.

Villa Park has a capacity of over 42,000 and has hosted more FA Cup semi-final games than any other stadium in history.

Aston Villa have won 22 titles throughout their history, including seven English top-flight titles, one European Cup (now known as the Champions League), and seven FA Cups.

Aston Villa have won seven top-flight titles, but have failed to clinch a league trophy in the Premier League era. They last won the first division in the 1980-81 season.

Former Scottish left-back Charlie Aitken has made the most appearances for Aston Villa, featuring in 660 games for the club from 1961 to 1975.

One of the greatest players to ever play for Aston Villa, Billy Walker is the club's record goalscorer of all-time with 244 goals to his name.

Jack Grealish, Dwight Yorke, Emiliano Martinez, Gordon Cowans, and Gareth Barry are among the most respectable players in Aston Villa history, with the club also luring legends like Peter Schmeichel and Paul McGrath.

Steven Gerrard, Steve Bruce, Gerard Houllier and Unai Emery are among the big names to have led Aston Villa during its illustrious history.

Aston Villa are famously known as The Villans. The name 'Villa' is derived from the Villa Cross Wesleyan Church, whose former cricket club passed on the name to the club.