Nicolas Pepe rolled back the years with a magnificent individual performance to fire Ivory Coast into the World Cup knockout stage. The experienced attacker netted a historic brace against Curacao to ensure the Elephants progressed beyond the tournament's group stage for the first time in their footballing history.
Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is set to become a free agent this summer after Villarreal decided against extending his contract. The Liga club have opted not to trigger the 12-month extension clause in his deal. The Ghana international, currently facing trial in the UK over serious allegations, will now be forced to search for a new team ahead of next season.
Atletico Madrid captain Koke has delivered a scathing assessment of the club's Liga season following a humiliating 5-1 final-day defeat to Villarreal. The veteran midfielder pulled no punches after Los Colchoneros missed out on a third-place finish, concluding a campaign that has left the dressing room in a state of shock.
Manchester City star Rayan Cherki has received the ultimate praise from a peer, with Villarreal forward Georges Mikautadze claiming the Frenchman is a superior talent to Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal. The bold comparison comes as Cherki continues to cement his reputation as one of the most exciting creative forces in world football.
Pape Gueye has hit back at Confederation of African Football (CAF) following the governing body's decision to strip Senegal of their Africa Cup of Nations title. The midfielder insists the squad have no intention of returning their winners' medals while the case is appealed.
FK Qabala U19
