football

Kick around about all things soccer; explore football's storied history, current events in the soccer sphere, the intricacies of the game and more.

Real Madrid: The Kings of European Football
When you hear the name Real Madrid, certain images immediately come to mind: the iconic white jersey, the roar of the Santiago Bernabéu, and a long line of football legends who have graced the pitch. To many fans, Real Madrid isn’t just a football club—it’s a symbol of excellence, dominance, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
By Fazal Ur Rahman5 months ago in Cleats
Mbappe’s Penalty Secures Real Madrid’s 1-0 Win Over Osasuna in La Liga Opener
Real Madrid have begun a fresh chapter following a title-less season, entering the new La Liga campaign under the guidance of new head coach Xabi Alonso and bolstered by several new signings. Their start has been promising, even if the opening match against Osasuna required a penalty from star forward Kylian Mbappe to secure a 1-0 victory. Despite dominating possession and creating multiple chances, Los Blancos relied on Mbappe’s spot-kick to break the deadlock and claim all three points at the Santiago Bernabeu.
By laradecruz5 months ago in Cleats
PFA Player of the Year 2024/25: Mohamed Salah and Mariona Caldentey Claim Top Honors
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Arsenal’s Mariona Caldentey headline the PFA Player of the Year 2024/25 roll of honour after a standout season across English football. The PFA Player of the Year 2024/25 awards recognise elite performances in the Premier League and WSL, with further accolades across the EFL and a special Merit Award. On a landmark night, the PFA Player of the Year 2024/25 for men went to Salah, while Caldentey collected the women’s crown for Arsenal’s European champions. From record goal contributions to breakthrough stars, the PFA Player of the Year 2024/25 ceremony underlined the game’s biggest storylines.
By Sneaha Zynii5 months ago in Cleats
Top 10 Youngest Premier League Debutants in History
The Premier League has seen some exceptional talent emerge at a very young age. While most players make their senior debut after turning 18, a handful of prodigies broke into first teams much earlier. These players, now professionals or retired, began their careers as Youngest Premier League Debutants, leaving a mark on English football history.
By Sports Record and Stats 5 months ago in Cleats
Leeds United Seal Premier League Return with Controversial Late Penalty Against Everton
The Premier League returned with intensity and drama as Leeds United marked their top-flight comeback with a narrow 1-0 win against Everton. A late penalty from debutant Lukas Nmecha proved to be the decisive moment at Elland Road, but the decision sparked debate among players, managers, and pundits. The controversial handball call against James Tarkowski overshadowed what was otherwise a gritty performance by Leeds United. Below are the 10 main takeaways from the clash, including reactions from both sides and the wider refereeing debate.
By Sneaha Zynii5 months ago in Cleats
Okay at Old Trafford!
1-0 to The Arsenal. A scoreline that brings great relief across the fanbase, but the performance itself is giving some concerns. However, a win is a win and at Old Trafford no less, so that is the most important takeaway from this engagement.
By Ethan 5 months ago in Cleats
Top 10 Champions League Hatrick Scorers in 2024-2025 Season
The 2024/25 season delivered a surge of elite finishing, and nothing captured that drama better than the Champions League Hatrick. Across the league phase, forwards and wide attackers turned tight games into statement wins, while tactics from high pressing to rapid vertical transitions created the perfect storm for a Champions League Hatrick. This roundup organizes every featured performance by earliest date, then counts down from 10 to 1 so readers can relive the season’s biggest individual goal-scoring explosions in order. From precision poaching to breakneck counterattacks, each Champions League Hatrick reflects a different pathway to dominance: clever movement between the lines, ruthless back-post runs, or one-v-one brilliance in space.
By Sneaha Zynii5 months ago in Cleats
Red Cards Haunt Mallorca as Barcelona Secure Dominant 3-0 Victory
Defending La Liga champions Barcelona began their 2025-26 season with a convincing display that highlighted both their attacking firepower and Mallorca’s disciplinary collapse. Hansi Flick’s men secured a commanding 3-0 victory, with goals from Raphinha, Ferran Torres, and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, while Mallorca were reduced to nine men after two red cards in the first half. The match at Mallorca’s home ground quickly turned into a one-sided contest, as Barcelona dominated possession, created chance after chance, and capitalized on their opponent’s mistakes to make a strong opening statement in their title defense campaign.
By laradecruz5 months ago in Cleats
Neymar Set to Return to Brazil National Team After 22 Months
Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr., one of the most talented and recognizable footballers in the world, has finally been cleared to return to the Brazil national team after a long hiatus of 22 months. Neymar suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in a World Cup qualifier against Argentina in October 2023, which forced him to step away from international duty. Since that injury, he has been diligently working on his recovery and regaining full fitness. Although he was initially expected to return during the June FIFA window, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti opted not to include him in the squad at that time, stating that Neymar was still not fully ready to compete at the highest level. Now, after nearly two years away from the Selecao, Neymar is set to make his much-anticipated comeback, much to the excitement of fans and teammates alike.
By laradecruz5 months ago in Cleats
Liverpool Beat Bournemouth 4-2 in Emotional Premier League Opener Remembering Jota
The 2025-26 Premier League season kicked off in an emotional and thrilling fashion at Anfield on Friday night, as Liverpool welcomed Bournemouth for the season opener. From the very start to the final whistle, the match was filled with highs and lows, excitement, and moments of reflection. The occasion was heavy with emotion, as the entire stadium paid tribute to the late Liverpool star Diego Jota, who tragically died in a car accident in Spain along with his younger brother just a month ago. Fans, players, and coaching staff all paused to honor his memory, ensuring that his presence was felt throughout the match. The tribute set the tone for an intense evening that would see Liverpool showcase their attacking prowess while navigating moments of controversy and challenges from a determined Bournemouth side.
By laradecruz5 months ago in Cleats
Premier League Predictions 25/26
As we gear up for another season of highs and lows, thrills and spills and everything in between. Every team will be aiming high, but some have to fall below expectations to keep the balance. The Premier League season kicks off today with Liverpool hosting Bournemouth at 8pm GMT. In this post I'm going to take a look at where I think every team will finish from 20th to 1st. I'll also give a reason why, who their standout player will be and one position that needs investing in the most. Without further ado, let's begin at 20.
By Ethan 5 months ago in Cleats
Liverpool vs. Bournemouth: Champions Begin Title Defence Under the Anfield Lights
The Premier League returns this evening with an electrifying fixture as reigning champions Liverpool kick off their title defence against a resilient AFC Bournemouth. After a dominant campaign last season, in which the Reds secured the title by a 10-point margin, Arne Slot’s men will be eager to lay down an early marker at Anfield.
By FT Sports5 months ago in Cleats