Soccer 360 Magazine Fall 2023 Issue 101

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2023 MLS SEASON PREVIEW!

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CHASERS!

INSIGNE TO INSPIRE! NEW BOYS ST.LOUIS! L.A. CONTINUES STRONG!

ONE ON ONE

WITH RISING STARS VINI JR. AND DONNARUMMA

VICTOR OSIMHEN TAKES CHARGE AND LEADS THE WAY!

COPA AMERICA BACK IN NORTH AMERICA

EURO 2024 GETTING READY

CANADA, USA, MEXICO GET READY TO CLASH WITH TITANS

GERMNAY SET TO HOST, ITALY LOOK TO REPEAT, ENGLAND LOOKS TO REDEEM

Y C A G E L S ’ E PEL I S S E M C I ICON

TRIBUTE TO THE GREAT PELE. MESSI’S 1ST.

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SPRING 2023 | ISSUE 101

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EDITOR Stephen Donovan

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Rob Paton ASSISTANT EDITOR Nick Calabretta ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Bill Asaro GRAPHIC DESIGN Gary Robinson Nick Libertucci SUBSCRIPTION COORDINATOR Tamara Hausner WEB MASTER Nick Libertucci CONTRIBUTERS Mike Barnes, Susy Campanale, Luca Cetta, Oli Coates, Sean Duffy, Thomas Unsworth, Stephen Donovan, Bradley King, Les Jones, Antonio Labbate, Alasadair Mackenzie, Lauren Maharaj, Alex Mott, Luca Persico, Sean Maslin, George Rinaldi, Terrance Ross, Aman Sehdev, Andrew Tuft, Cronan Yu, Diego Jokas, Andrea Tallarita, Marco D’Onofrio, Gaby McKay, Livio Caferoglu, Michael Rice

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54 INSIGNE TO INSPIRE? 58 MLS SEASON PREVIEW

24 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 48 TOP TRANSFERS 74 EURO 2024

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Dale Evans SUBSCRIPTIONS 1.877.710.4858 info@soccer360magazine.com

EXTRAS

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE

04 FIRST WORD 06 FINALLY MESSI 12 WORLD CUP TOP MOMENTS 18 PELE LEGACY 30 ONE ON ONE: VINI JR. 80 ONE ON ONE: DONNARUMMA 82 COPA AMERICA 2024 86 NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE 96 LAST WORD

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VICTOR OSIMHEN TAKES CHARGE AND LEADS THE WAY!

COPA AMERICA BACK IN NORTH AMERICA

EURO 2024 GETTING READY

CANADA, USA, MEXICO GET READY TO CLASH WITH TITANS

GERMNAY SET TO HOST, ITALY LOOK TO REPEAT, ENGLAND LOOKS TO REDEEM

PELE’S LEGACY ICONIC MESSI

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FIRST WORD

LIFE, DEATH, AND FOOTBALL

Even Antonio Conte acknowledged that football is not the be all and end all

IT’S THE GREATEST GAME ON THE PLANET AND ONE THAT UNITES THE WORLD, BUT FOOTBALL CAN BE DIVISIVE TOO, WARNS GABY MCKAY. Shankly famously said football was “much more important” than life and death

‘THE PASSION THAT GOES WITH FOOTBALL IS WHAT MAKES IT THE GREATEST SPORT ON EARTH’ A general view of the statue of Bill Shankly which is placed outside KOP stand at Liverpool FC stadium at Anfield

The World Cup reminded us of both the good and the bad of football

T

he legendary Liverpool manager Bill Shankly produced perhaps the most re-produced quote about the beautiful game: “Football is not a matter of life and death - it’s much, much more important than that”.

It is, as with many of Shankly’s, a brilliant line. It is also, as events continue to remind us, not true.

The Liverpool icon was being tongue-in-cheek, of course. Raised one of nine children in a poor family, Shankly grew up in the mining village of Glenbuck in Ayrshire, Scotland, a desolate and unforgiving place where the wind rips down off the hills and would have chilled the bones of the Shankly family in the days before central heating or even running water. Bill, like his father and brothers, was employed in the local coal mines and was just 18 when the last one closed in 1931.

That closure turned Glenbuck into a ghost town, which today contains little but a monument to Shankly’s achievements. A proud socialist, who formed the most intimate of bonds with the working class city of Liverpool, he clearly knew there was more to life than football - it’s something the rest of us would do well to remember at times, too. With social media and 24-hour rolling sports news, football has arguably never been a more constant presence in our lives. In many ways that’s a good thing. More content means more choice,

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wider and more diverse views, something for everyone and expertise in just about every league you could possibly be interested in. Thanks to social media I can tell you detailed statistics about the most obscure players, and results from leagues and competitions from all corners of the world which have a very limited local audience.

However, there is another side of the coin.

Journalists, players, other fans copping abuse of the worst kind from anonymous and untraceable social media accounts, hooliganism amped up by the ease of arranging sparring matches via WhatsApp, viral video clips leading not just to kids trying to emulate great goals but idiots trying to one-up acts of idiocy.

In Scotland the term ’90-minute bigot’ is often used to describe fans - usually of Rangers or Celtic who dish out sectarian abuse for the duration of a match while being otherwise perfectly functioning members of society for the rest of the week, and a similar dynamic applies to the vile army of trolls who appear whenever an opinion or story comes out that they don’t like - or just anything written by a woman.

Even the most passionate characters in the game realise it’s not the be-all and end-all. Antonio Conte has suffered more than most on a personal level this season, with the loss of close friends Giampiero Ventrone, Sinisa Mihajlovic and Gianluca Vialli

before his own hospitalisation for gall bladder surgery. The man so committed to winning he named his daughter Vittoria said in January: “When you work and the work is at the top of your mind and in your head, maybe we forget to stay with the family and friends. This is our passion and for the passion we lost a lot of things. But when this situation happens, you start to think that maybe it is good to give more time to your family and friends, and also to yourself. The work is not everything in life.” To see him on the touchline, you’d think it was, but the Italian retains a sense of perspective. Whether it’s the war in Ukraine, which has seen Shakhtar Donetsk uprooted from their hometown for nearly a decade and other clubs forced to play in Poland and elsewhere since last year, the workers who died on construction projects for the 2022 World Cup or the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria in February there are plenty of reminders of how small the beautiful game can seem in comparison.

It can, too, be a release and an escape from those things - it’s one of the great things about football.

The passion that goes along with football is what makes it the greatest sport on earth, the people’s game, a worldwide religion. Let’s just remember to show that passion in the right way, and remember that even Shankly didn’t believe his famous quote.

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FINALLY Finally MESSI

LIONEL MESSI FINALLY WON THE WORLD CUP TO PUT THE CROWN ON ONE OF FOOTBALL’S GREATEST EVER CAREERS, AFTER MANY YEARS OF TRYING. IAN WATERHOUSE NOW LOOKS BACK ON HIS HIGHS AND LOWS WITH THE ARGENTINA NATIONAL TEAM.

First World Cup

2022

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12 Goals In World Cups

Scored

92 Career Hat-Tricks

T

he Greatest of All Time. If you said that to Luis Lionel Andrés Messi directly, he’d probably curl up in embarrassment such appears to be the humility of the man who has won the lot, literally. However, it is a statement; not a fact, mere opinion, but seemingly the echoed thoughts of millions around the world. Such a vast quantity of people cannot all be wrong, can they? Millions also say Pele, or Maradona, or Ronaldo is the G.O.A.T. and all like Messi have statistics to back up their supporters’ claims. On December 18, 2022 things changed for many people.

At his fifth time of trying, Messi finally landed the big one. The World Cup. It was the last gap in the capacious trophy cabinet of Argentina’s demi-god and boy did he deliver. A total of seven goals along with the Golden Ball award for being the best player of the tournament no doubt paled into insignificance for the enviously talented Argentine in order to get his hands on the FIFA World Cup trophy, to which he did, to much fanfare from the sport’s hierarchy.

However, it could all have been so different for Messi, and predictably, it all began in Spain just as he became a teenager.

Much has been made of his passage to the Iberian Peninsula at the age of 13 thanks to the deep pockets of Barcelona, however what is significant is the youngster had dual nationality - meaning he could opt to play for either Spain or Argentina.

Of course, we know how things turned out and two years later he guided Argentina to victory at the FIFA World Youth Championship. How different things may have been if Messi had chosen Spain instead. He could have joined dominating the international scene alongside Barca teammates including Xavi and Andres Iniesta. But now, after this fairytale ending, who really cares? There was never any possibility of it happening either, with the man himself admitting he never intended to play for Spain and was always going to represent the nation of his birth Argentina.

‘The 2022 World Cup was Messi’s last chance to claim the biggest prize of all and he was sensational’

Finally MESSI

Lionel Messi was given his senior international debut in 2006

Messi had the option of playing for either Spain or Argentina

Disastrous Debut Again though, it could have all been so different. After catching the eye of senior national coach Jose Pekerman in 2005 during the Youth Championships the now current Venezuela manager gave the then 18-year-old his international debut coming on as a 65th minute substitute for Lisandro Lopez against Hungary in a friendly in Budapest. He lasted just 44 seconds. Picking up the ball for the first time in the match, Messi dribbled past Hungarian full back Vilmos Vanczak who grabbed the Argentine’s baggy shirt. In an attempt to free himself from Vanczak’s grasp, Messi swung an arm which caught his rival in the throat, leaving referee Markus Merk reaching for the red card.

Disaster had struck and the soon-to-be golden boy was left in an empty dressing room in the Ferenc Puskas Stadium to ponder on what his future may hold.

to forget. Not only did he not get on the pitch, but Argentina was dumped out of the World Cup 4-2 on penalties. It would not be his last disappointment in the white and blue of Argentina.

2010 World Cup Eager to put the disappointment of Germany and the 2007 Copa America behind them and similar to four years prior, things got off to a bright start.

Messi, now a Ballon D’Or winner and very much the team’s star name, played every minute of his side’s first four games as Argentina - now coached

by Diego Maradona himself - again made the quarter-finals. As fate would have it, they would meet Germany again. Surely revenge would be a dish best served cold. Until everything imploded.

2006 World Cup Excitement was building about Messi’s potential ahead of the 2006 World Cup in Germany and Pekerman named him in his squad of 23, making up part of what was arguably the best footballing side in that tournament. His World Cup debut had to wait as he was an unused sub against the Ivory Coast in Argentina’s opening group game, but he got his chance in the next match against Serbia & Montenegro. Messi came on to replace Maxi Rodriguez to make his bow on the biggest stage and fired home in the 88th minute to cap a remarkable 6-0 victory and ensure progression to the last 16. He then started the goalless draw with the Netherlands in the final group match.

Eventually they came up against hosts Germany in the last eight and for Messi, it was a night

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Argentinian players Carlos Tevez (l) and Lionel Messi during a press conference

Messi won the Golden Ball at the 2014 World Cup, but his side were beaten in the final

‘Messi won the Golden Ball at the 2014 World Cup, and would do so again in 2022’ A Miroslav Klose brace helped Germany humiliate Messi and co. 4-0 and that was that. Four years would have to go by before another crack at the big one, but not before the Copa America in 2011. As hosts, they were beaten on penalties by eventual winners Uruguay in the quarter-finals, and shootouts would become their arch nemesis in the years to come.

2014 World Cup Hosted in neighbouring Brazil, Argentina were desperate to make amends for their lengthening list of international disappointments, and all eyes were on Messi; now making his third World Cup finals appearance. Bosina and Herzegovina, Iran, and Nigeria were taken care of quickly in the group

Cristiano Ronaldo has not won a World Cup in his Career

RONALDO THE REBEL DESPITE CLAIMING ANOTHER RECORD, CRISTIANO RONALDO DIDN’T LEAVE THE IMPACT HE WANTED ON THE 2022 WORLD CUP, WHICH COINCIDED WITH HIS STORMY EXIT FROM MANCHESTER UNITED. IAN WATERHOUSE LOOKS AT THE CURRENT SITUATION FOR CRISTIANO RONALDO. Lionel Messi’s World Cup journey may well be one of the greatest success stories of modern football but for his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo it is one that has ultimately ended with dust forever collecting where the trophy could have stood. It is not all doom and gloom for Ronaldo at international level; the men’s international goalscoring record and finding the net at an unrivalled five World Cups, and of course victory at the 2016 European Championships held in France has etched Ronaldo’s name in the international history books forever - despite coming off injured early in the final. However, the one everyone wants will no elude him forever.

Like Messi, Qatar 2022 marked the last chance saloon for the Portuguese great to lift the World Cup, but it felt like his side wasn’t quite fully equipped to go all the way. Wins over Ghana and Uruguay were impressive but defeat to South Korea was perhaps more due to a lack of pressure, but it was significant as CR7 reacted angrily to being substituted against the Taeguk Warriors. That led to head coach Fernando Santos benching Ronaldo in the 6-1 victory over Switzerland in which young replacement Goncalo Ramos netted a hat-trick. Things lurched from bad to worse and what on paper looked a comfortable passage to the semi-finals was anything but as Morocco continued to surprise the world by holding on to a 1-0 win. There was nothing Ronaldo could do, and the dream was over.

The winter of discontent was compounded heading into the World Cup with Ronaldo’s problems at Manchester United. Ronaldo wanted out of the Red Devils and a no holds barred interview with broadcaster Piers Morgan in which he heavily criticised the club was what eventually forced a move away from Manchester.

The love affair was over, but the football is not finished. A move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr in what feels like an exhibition move will no doubt prop up the bank account but do little for his legacy. However, like Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo is a man who has nothing left to prove and like his rival, will forever sit side by side with the pantheons of the game, past, present, and future.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi (C) and teammates celebrate ater their team won the penalty shoot-out of the FIFA World Cup 2014 semi final match between the Netherlands and Argentina

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Finally MESSI

TAKING THE MANTLE

AS MESSI AND RONALDO APPROACH THE END OF THEIR CAREERS, IAN WATERHOUSE ASSESSES THE LANDSCAPE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF FOOTBALLING SUPERSTARS.

Argentina finally ended their - and Messi’s wait for a senior international trophy at the 2021 Copa America

stages with Messi netting four match-winning goals in those three games. Switzerland and Belgium were narrowly dispatched in the last sixteen and quarterfinals respectively and suddenly Messi found himself in uncharted territory, a World Cup semi-final. A tense 4-2 penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands with Messi netting the first for Argentina sent them to the World Cup final where they would meet… Yep, you guessed it, Germany.

For a third World Cup running, Argentina would return home disappointed. Mario Gotze would steal in during extra time to seal the 1-0 win and for the third World Cup running send Messi home disappointed, although he did leave the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.

Copa America Heartbreak and Retirement Despite World Cup misery, Messi had two Copa America tournaments coming up in 2015 and 2016

The legendary Diego Maradona was coach of Argentina at the 2010 World Cup

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to break his international title drought. However, sport can be cruel, and Messi and Argentina dealt themselves back-to-back blows which rocked an entire footballing nation. Despite reaching the final in both editions, Chile were the nemesis this time defeating La Albiceleste on penalties on each occasion with Messi missing one in the 2016 edition. It was too much for Lionel Messi to take and in June 2016 at the age of 29, Messi announced his retirement from international football.

Messi 2.0 Retirement from Argentina wasn’t for Messi though, and a few short months later the draw of competitive international football and the love of his nation was too much to resist.

Thank goodness he came back. Although the World Cup in Russia in 2018 created more heartache losing to France in the last sixteen amid chaos involving coach Jorge Sampaoli, Messi would continue with the national side and was finally rewarded in 2021. After years of disappointment, years of being questioned as to why Argentina have not performed better at major tournaments, collectively they got over the line and won the 2021 Copa America beating Brazil in the final. Although Messi didn’t score in the final, he was the catalyst throughout the tournament and banished his international demons.

A year and-a-half later and we all know the story.

He already had the most caps and most goals for his country, but the 2022 World Cup was Messi’s last chance to claim the biggest prize of all and he was sensational. In a side that often relied on the quality of individuals, he was the main man, producing moments such as his crucial opener against Mexico in the second group match as their hopes at the tournament hung by a thread, and the amazing surge away from Croatia’s outstanding defender Josko Gvardiol in the semi-final.

Then came the final. Messi vs Mbappe was the story of the game and France’s fightback was immense, coming as Argentina seemingly cruised towards victory. And so, the final went to penalties with momentum looking like it had shifted in France’s favour. However, cool Argentinian heads secured the day in a tense penalty shootout and Messi’s legacy was secured with the World Cup raised into the Lusail sky.

If it is possible to complete the game of football, then surely only one man has done it. Lionel Messi.

Every generation will say theirs was better than everyone else’s but when it comes to football, have we ever really had two superpowers going toe to toe for such a consistent period of time? Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have entertained, amazed, and shocked us since the mid-noughties but they have not been the only ones in the last twenty years.

Neymar Jr - although a little younger - burst onto the scene in 2009 and looked every bit like turning the duo of excellence into a trio.

It may be argued that the Brazilian never quite hit the lofty standards of Ronaldo and Messi but there is no doubting his excellence.

Neymar was Brazil’s next great hope. The man to guide the Selecao to continuous World Cup success over the next decade or so. It didn’t materialise and Brazil are still waiting for their first World Cup glory since 2002.

It may not be over for Neymar yet. At 31, he still has a chance of heading to the United States in 2026 but he will be 35 by then and did hint at retirement after losing to Croatia in the quarterfinals in Qatar.

But as three superstars depart, one cemented his claim as the next poster boy for the men’s game. Kylian Mbappe is already a World Cup winner playing a big part in France’s successes in Russia and although just missing out in 2022, few can argue the Qatar edition - certainly the final - was the Messi and Mbappe show. The ever revolving door of football has once again churned out another global icon who will surely rewrite the script once again. The changing of the guard is now complete and like it was twenty years ago, football is in safe hands.

Messi’s international career was finally crowned by winning the 2022 World Cup

WORLD CUP TOP 22 MOMENTS

THE 2022 WORLD CUP WAS A UNIQUE EVENT IN MANY WAYS AND MADE FOR GRIPPING VIEWING THROUGHOUT AS ARGENTINA WERE CROWNED CHAMPIONS FOR THE THIRD TIME. HERE, STEPHEN DONOVAN PICKS OUT THE 22 MOST MEMORABLE, DRAMATIC, OR ICONIC MOMENTS OF AN ENTHRALLING TOURNAMENT.

THE TOP TWENTY-TWO THE OPENING GAME

It was a World Cup like no other, so nobody knew quite what to expect as hosts Qatar took on Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium. After a buildup dominated by controversy, the football began in one-sided fashion as Ecuador cruised to victory with a brace from the impressive Enner Valencia. Qatar would go on to suffer the ignominy of becoming the first team to be knocked out.

SAUDI ARABIA SHOCK THE WORLD

Argentina hadn’t lost for 31 games under coach Lionel Scaloni and as one of the tournament favourites, were expected to make short work of outsiders Saudi Arabia. All looked to be going to script when Lionel Messi scored an early penalty, but after seeing three further goals disallowed before half-time, they were floored by two stunning finishes by Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari early in the second half. Saudi Arabia then heroically held on to produce one of the most seismic shocks in World Cup history.

GERMANY MAKE A STAND

After FIFA threatened on-field sanctions for teams if they chose to wear OneLove armbands in support of LGBTQIA+ rights in Qatar, ahead of their opening game Germany’s players staged a powerful gesture of protest by placing their hands over their mouths for the team photo. On the field, Die Mannschaft were beaten 2-1 by Japan in another eyecatching result.

Ecuador got the 2022 World Cup underway by beating hosts Qatar

RECORD-BREAKING RONALDO

As always, all eyes were on Cristiano Ronaldo as Portugal got their competition underway against Ghana. In the wake of his stormy exit from Manchester United, he had the chance to claim another international record by scoring in an unprecedented fifth World Cup. The opportunity came in the second half as he won a disputed penalty, and he slotted home to make more history in his astonishing career.

Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player ever to score at five World Cups

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“SAUDI ARABIA PRODUCED ONE OF THE MOST SEISMIC SHOCKS IN WORLD CUP HISTORY” Germany’s players put their hand over their mouths in protest before their game against Japan

THE HONOUR ROLL

STEPHEN DONOVAN CASTS AN EYE OVER THE WINNERS OF THE INDIVIDUAL AWARDS AT THE 2022 WORLD CUP.

GOLDEN BALL - LIONEL MESSI

It was all or nothing for Lionel Messi heading into the 2022 World Cup, faced with surely his last chance to crown his career with the biggest prize of all, and he was truly exceptional in rising to the occasion. At the age of 35, he provided magic throughout the competition and often at the most crucial moments, becoming the first player to score in every knockout round and leaving the whole world standing to acclaim.

Richarlison’s leadership and talent fuelled Brazil

RICHARLISON RULES

The first sight of Brazil at the 2022 World Cup was hotly anticipated as they took on Serbia in their opening Group G encounter, and in the second half they gave a glimpse of their credentials. While there was considerable attention on Neymar and Vinicius Junior, it was Richarlison who stole the show with both goals in their 2-0 win, including a magical bicycle kick.

MESSI KEEPS ARGENTINA ALIVE

Argentina were faced with the unthinkable but very real possibility of going out in the group stage when they faced Mexico in their second match, and for so long they struggled to make a breakthrough as the tension gradually built. But inevitably, up stepped Lionel Messi; the maestro placing a shot perfectly into the bottom corner to keep his and his country’s hopes alive.

LECKIE DOWNS DENMARK

Australia were rank outsiders heading into the World Cup, so their achievement of reaching the last 16 was nothing short of phenomenal. A squad containing barely any players from the world’s top leagues sealed their passage from Group D when Matthew Leckie finished off a memorable counterattack to score the winner against Denmark, who by contrast completely failed to justify their status as pre-tournament dark horses.

LUKAKU FAILS TO SAVE BELGIUM

This was billed as the last chance for Belgium’s golden generation to win a major tournament, but instead the side second in the world rankings were a massive letdown and became the biggest casualties of the group stage. Needing a win over Croatia to progress, Romelu Lukaku was brought on after missing the opening two games through injury, only to waste several golden chances as the match ended goalless, sealing his team’s fate.

HISTORIC MOMENT Alphonso Davies became the first player to score for Canada at a FIFA Men’s World Cup. His history-making goal came after just 67 seconds of Canada’s Group F game against Croatia at Khalifa International Stadium. The 22-yearold found the net with a powerful header after making a surging run from a deep position to meet a cross by Tajon Buchanan.

GOLDEN BOOT KYLIAN MBAPPE

To score a hat-trick in the World Cup final and end up on the losing side is a terribly cruel fate, but Kylian Mbappe couldn’t have done anymore to help France in their bid to defend their title. Mbappe was electric in Qatar, scoring three times in the group stage before his superb brace against Poland in the last 16.

In the final he was outstanding under pressure and took his tally to eight goals, the highest total in a World Cup since Ronaldo in 2002.

YOUNG PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT ENZO FERNANDEZ

Enzo Fernandez didn’t begin the World Cup as first choice in the Argentina midfield, but he never looked back after coming off the bench to score a beauty against Mexico in their second group match. From there the 21-year-old was indispensable, showing quality on the ball as well as a fierce competitive edge to help his side go all the way.

GOLDEN GLOVE EMILIANO MARTINEZ

This was a World Cup where many of the goalkeepers excelled, but Emiliano Martinez was a massive reason why Argentina won the competition for the third time. The Aston Villa stopper was a commanding presence and with the help of some gamesmanship, was immense in two penalty shootouts including in the final itself. His save from Randal Kolo Muani can’t be forgotten either.

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WORLD CUP TOP 22 MOMENTS

FIRST FEMALE REFEREE

History had already been made in Qatar as it was the first men’s World Cup to feature female officials, but the biggest landmark moment arrived when France’s Stephanie Frappart was selected to referee the match between Costa Rica and Germany. She was joined by assistants Neuza Back and Karen Diaz, making it the first all-female refereeing trio in the competition’s history.

Stephanie Frappart was the first female referee to officiate at a men’s World Cup

Kylian Mbappe scored eight goals to win the Golden Boot

OVER THE LINE? Morocco made history by reaching the World Cup semifinals

On the most dramatic night in Group E, Japan secured top spot by coming from behind to beat Spain, with the help of the most talked about VAR decision of the tournament. Ao Tanaka’s winning goal was initially ruled out after the ball looked - to the naked eye at least - to have crossed the byline in the build-up, but after a long check it was allowed to stand. It meant another famous win for the Blue Samurai, and also sent Germany crashing out.

URUGUAY FURY

“KYLIAN MBAPPE TOOK HIS GAME TO THE NEXT LEVEL ONCE FRANCE REACHED THE KNOCKOUT STAGE”

Despite seeing off Ghana in their final Group H encounter, it wasn’t enough for Uruguay to reach the last 16 as South Korea snatched second place with an amazing added time winner against Portugal. Stunned by the late twist and the reality of being knocked out, the red mist descended upon La Celeste and ugly scenes at the end saw several players manhandle the officials, while Luis Suarez was left in tears.

ABOUBAKAR’S DELIGHT

An unforgettable final round of group matches at the 2022 World Cup was completed when Vincent Aboubakar headed in to clinch a brilliant victory for Cameroon over Brazil. The powerful striker, who scored with an outrageous chip in the previous match against Serbia, was so carried away in the moment that he picked up a second yellow card for taking his shirt off in celebration. It wasn’t enough to send Cameroon through, but it was a moment to savour nonetheless.

MBAPPE MAGIC

Kylian Mbappe impressed as holders France battled through the group stage, but when the knockout phase arrived he went through the gears and found another level which opponents couldn’t handle.

Two fantastic strikes in the last 16 clash with Poland demonstrated that, and he made both of them look frightfully easy.

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“BRAZIL LOOKED LIKE THE TEAM TO BEAT BEFORE BEING STUNNED BY CROATIA” Croatia earned another penalty shootout success to stun favourites Brazil

BRAZIL TURN ON THE STYLE

As last 16 opponents South Korea adopted an adventurous approach, Brazil took advantage with a scintillating attacking performance in the first half, with Richarlison scoring the pick of their four goals when finishing off a mesmeric passing move.

The team danced in celebration, and even coach Tite decided to join in.

SPAIN’S PENALTY PAIN

Prior to the start of the World Cup, Spain coach Luis Enrique wasn’t shy of talking up his team’s chances, and he also claimed that every member of the squad practiced 1,000 penalties before arriving in Qatar. His words backfired spectacularly as they fell to surprise packages Morocco in the last 16, first failing to penetrate an organised defence and then remarkably missing all three of their penalties in the shootout.

RAMOS REPLACES RONALDO

Portugal coach Fernando Santos made the huge decision to drop Cristiano Ronaldo for the last 16 meeting with Switzerland and replace him with Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos, who had only made his senior international weeks earlier in a World Cup warm-up match. It was high-risk, but it paid off in stunning fashion as Ramos blew an illness-hit Swiss side away with a magnificent hat-trick.

Goncalo Ramos scored a hat-trick for Portugal after being selected ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo

CROATIA CONQUER BRAZIL

The momentum was with Brazil as they headed into an awkward looking quarter-final against Croatia, looking like the team to beat in Qatar. But it all came crashing down. After Neymar looked to have won it in extra time, Croatia battled back to force penalties and they proved the shootout kings once again, scoring all four of their kicks while Marquinhos struck the post to confirm Brazil’s heartbreak.

THE HONOUR ROLL CONTINUED.

COACH OF THE TOURNAMENT WALID REGRAGUI

Appointed just two months before the start of the tournament, Walid Regragui sensationally guided Morocco to the semi-finals as they became the first African team to reach that stage of the competition. His tactics worked to perfection as the hardworking Atlas Lions combined quality on the ball with an excellent defensive setup that saw them only concede once on their way to their eventual defeat to France, overcoming heavyweights Belgium, Spain, and Portugal in the process.

GOAL OF THE TOURNAMENT RICHARLISON (BRAZIL VS SERBIA)

This was a World Cup surprisingly short on great goals and strikes from outside the box, but Brazil star Richarlison took the FIFA award for his acrobatic effort against Serbia in their opening game. Vinicius Junior stabbed in a cross for the Tottenham forward who flicked the ball into the air with his first touch before slamming a brilliant bicycle kick past goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic.

DUTCH INNOVATION

The Netherlands resorted to direct tactics to successfully force extra time in a thrilling quarterfinal with Argentina as substitute Wout Weghorst dramatically scored twice, with his second coming from a remarkable free-kick routine. Instead of shooting for goal from the edge of the box, Teun Koopmeiners caught everyone by surprise with a pass to Weghorst, who finished on the turn. However, it ultimately counted for little as Argentina recovered to win on penalties.

MOROCCO MAKE HISTORY

No African team had ever made the semi-finals of the World Cup, but that all changed in Qatar as Morocco defied all expectations to make the last four. Backed by some of the most vocal fans at the tournament, they had already stunned Belgium and Spain with their disciplined approach and outstanding team performances. Faced with Portugal in the quarter-finals, Youssef En-Nesyri’s header ensured that history was made.

SAVE OF THE TOURNAMENT WOJCIECH SZCZESNY (POLAND VS SAUDI ARABIA)

Wojciech Szczesny made two penalty saves in the group stage to help Poland into the last 16 for the first time since 1986, including one from Lionel Messi. The first of them was against Saudi Arabia as he denied Salem AlDawsari, before showing breathtaking reflexes to somehow tip Mohammed Al Burayk’s rebound over the crossbar.

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WORLD CUP TOP 22 MOMENTS

MAKING THEIR MARK

EVERY WORLD CUP SERVES UP A NUMBER OF PREVIOUSLY UNHERALDED PLAYERS WHO ANNOUNCE THEMSELVES WITH OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES ON THE BIGGEST STAGE. STEPHEN DONOVAN SELECTS THE TOP FIVE BREAKOUT STARS FROM QATAR 2022.

ENZO FERNANDEZ - ARGENTINA

Winner of the Young Player of the Tournament award, Enzo Fernandez only made his international debut in September but emerged as a fantastic all-round midfielder as Argentina went all the way. His rise has been truly miraculous, with his performances in Qatar earning him a staggering €120m move to Chelsea in January, just six months after joining Benfica.

CODY GAKPO - NETHERLANDS

There was excitement around Cody Gakpo ahead of the World Cup after numerous goals and assists for PSV Eindhoven and a strong start to his international career with the Netherlands. He lived up to that promise by scoring in all three group stage games including a decisive late goal against Senegal and an unstoppable strike against Ecuador.

After the tournament, he soon made a £45m move to Liverpool.

KANE’S PENALTY MISS

The 2022 World Cup brought penalty heartbreak yet again for England, but on this occasion in regular time. Harry Kane had already equalised once from the spot in their gripping quarter-final with France, and you would’ve put everything on him doing so again when the Three Lions were awarded a second penalty. Up against his Tottenham teammate Hugo Lloris, this time Kane blazed over the bar and it consigned England to an unlucky defeat.

Argentina won the World Cup for the third time

MESSI VERSUS GVARDIOL

Josko Gvardiol was clearly one of the outstanding players of the tournament with his commanding and confident defensive displays to help Croatia to another semi-final, but even he was to come out second best against Lionel Messi. In a thrilling passage of play, Messi drew Gvardiol in before finding an incredible turn of pace to leave him trailing in his wake to set up Julian Alvarez to confirm Argentina’s place in the final.

THE GREATEST FINAL EVER? It promised to be something special. Messi versus Mbappe. Argentina looking to win their first World Cup since 1986 against the holders who aimed to become only the third nation to successfully defend their crown. The irony is that for so long, Argentina seemed to be cruising to victory with remarkable ease, leading 2-0 with yet another Messi penalty and a sensational counter-attack finished off by the inspired Angel Di Maria. If anything, it was disappointingly low-key, but then everything changed. France won a penalty of their own, converted by Mbappe, and within seconds their star striker volleyed them level. From there it transformed into one of the most pulsating matches in living memory and became endto-end; with chance after chance. Messi put Argentina back in front in extra time only for Mbappe to score another spot-kick to make it 3-3, and both teams had glorious chances to win it before the end. In the penalty shootout Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made all the difference, leaving Gonzalo Montiel to make La Albiceleste champions of the world for the third time. That finally gave Messi the moment he and everyone else had been waiting for, as he lifted the trophy

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Harry Kane’s penalty miss sent England crashing out in the quarter-finals

JOSKO GVARDIOL - CROATIA

It was already clear that Josko Gvardiol was one of the most promising young defenders in world football, and he proved it with a succession of towering performances to help Croatia to a superb third placed finish.

Unmistakable in his mask, he may have come out second best to Lionel Messi but otherwise his defensive quality and confidence on the ball set him apart.

MOHAMMED KUDUS - GHANA

Despite Ghana’s group stage exit, as the lowest ranked team in the competition their performances were better than expected, and much of that was down to Mohammed Kudus. He’s shown glimpses of ability for Ajax, but here he proved that he has an exciting career ahead of him by showing real flair and end product, offering a constant threat to opposing defences.

AZZEDINE OUNAHI - MOROCCO The entire Morocco team can be considered stars for their efforts in Qatar, but Azzedine Ounahi of Ligue 1 side Angers captured everyone’s attention for his dynamic performances in midfield. He was hardly on anybody’s radar before the tournament yet showcased creativity, technique, and composure on the ball as he grew in stature during their run to the semi-finals. He left Angers for fellow French club Marseille in January.

‘THE WORLD CUP FINAL WAS TRANSFORMED INTO ONE OF THE MOST PULSATING MATCHES IN LIVING MEMORY’

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LEGACY of PELE

PELE’S LEGACY 1940-2022 PELE, FOOTBALL’S MOST LEGENDARY PLAYER AND REVERED FIGURE, PASSED AWAY IN DECEMBER. STEPHEN KASIEWICZ REFLECTS ON HIS COUNTLESS ACHIEVEMENTS AND HOW HE TRANSCENDED THE SPORT DURING HIS EXTRAORDINARY LIFETIME.

Birth Date:

OCTOBER 23, 1940

Death Date:

DECEMBER 29, 2022

Birth Place:

TRÊS CORAÇÕES, BRAZIL

Birth Name:

EDSON ARANTES DO NASCIMENTO

Father:

JOÃO RAMOS DO NASCIMENTO, KNOWN AS “DONDINHO,” FOOTBALL PLAYER

Mother:

CELESTE ARANTES DO NASCIMENTO

1,281 Goals 1,363 Games Won 1st World Cup at Age 17

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12 Goals In World Cups

Scored

P 3 Time World Cup Champion 1958, 1962, 1970

92 Career Hat-Tricks

elé. A mononym known across the world for elevating the beautiful game to an art form.

Winner of three World Cups and universally regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, the legendary Brazilian passed away in late December last year at the age of 82.

His outstanding achievements on the field and ambassadorial work away from it led to an outpouring of tributes from world leaders, leading sportsmen and celebrities from all corners of the globe.

An incomparable amalgam of unmatchable speed, phenomenal technique, unlimited vision and wondrous skill, the man born Edson Arantes do Nascimento in October 1940 rose from an impoverished background to become one of the most recognisable sportspeople on the planet.

Even those with the most rudimentary knowledge of football were aware of the great Brazilian who became known as O Rei - The King.

Despite his unparalleled ascent from a poor favela to the apex of the world game, he remained a humble, inspirational figure.

Often defined by the colour of his skin or in much quoted statistics - he scored 1,281 goals in 1,363 games in an outstanding career - he left a legacy which resonated on a multitude of different levels.

1956 -1974 Playing Career

Football offered a sanctuary from the harsh destitution of life in the state of São Paulo for a youngster who didn’t have enough money to own a proper football growing up.

His talent as a teenage prodigy was immediately apparent and he was signed by Santos at 15 in 1956. It took less than a year for the forward to be called up to the Brazilian national team.

Despite his inexperience and being troubled by a knee injury, Pelé made an extraordinary impact at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden.

The competition would never be the same again as the 17-year-old attained instant stardom as his illuminating performances lifted the Selecao to an unforgettable victory. It was the first to be broadcast internationally and the worldwide exposure gained from the World Cup win catapulted the teenager to idol status.

Exhibiting a previously unseen flair and panache, Pelé showed admirable courage despite being endlessly hacked by opponents to achieve the impossible.

A blur of ambidextrous speed, flawless balance and impeccable timing; he netted a superb winner as Brazil overcame Wales in the quarter-finals and a hat-trick in the semis as the South Americans thrashed France 5-2.

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PELE Pele was the biggest star in what is widely regarded as the greatest international side in history

‘Although he rarely turned down commercial opportunities, Pelé raised millions for charities across the world’

Marriages:

MARCIA CIBELE AOKI (20162022), ASSÍRIA LEMOS (19942010, DIVORCED), ROSEMERI CHOLBI (1966-1978, DIVORCED)

Children:

WITH ROSEMERI CHOLBI: KELY, EDSON AND JENNIFER; WITH ANISIA MACHADO: SANDRA (DIED OF CANCER IN 2006); WITH LENITA KURTZ: FLÁVIA CHRISTINA; WITH ASSÍRIA LEMOS: JOSHUA AND CELESTE

September 7, 1956:

SCORES HIS FIRST PROFESSIONAL GOAL IN HIS LEAGUE DEBUT, DURING A MATCH BETWEEN SANTOS FC AND CORINTHIANS FOOTBALL CLUB.

1967:

THE TWO SIDES INVOLVED IN THE NIGERIAN CIVIL WAR CALL A CEASE-FIRE TO WATCH PELÉ AND THE SANTOS TEAM PLAY AN EXHIBITION GAME IN LAGOS.

1974:

ANNOUNCES HIS RETIREMENT.

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In the final he scored one of the best ever World Cup goals against hosts Sweden in Stockholm. The black and white images of the sublime strike still make for compelling viewing. It was a combination of phenomenal talent and bravery: the chest control and improvised flick, the strength to survive a crude challenge and the controlled volley low into the net. A goal replayed countless times as Brazil coasted to another 5-2 victory, Pelé adding another with a measured header to take his tournament total to six.

Hoisted in the air on the shoulders of his teammates, he openly wept in the celebrations, endearing himself further to the millions that became instant fans of the youngest player to ever feature in a World Cup final.

Domestic success inevitably followed as the brilliant forward claimed six Brazilian Serie A titles with Santos from 1961 to 1968 and two Copa Libertadores victories in 1962 and 1963. The Peixe were also crowned unofficial world champions as they defeated Benfica in 1962 and then Milan the following year to lift the Intercontinental Cup. Yet his legend was formed on the grandest of stages in front of captivated global audiences.

The versatile attacker was the number one attraction at the 1962 World Cup in Chile and

In 2000 he was jointly named as the player of the century by world football governing body FIFA alongside Argentinian great Diego Maradona

Pele spent three years with New York Cosmos between 1974 and 1977

‘In 1974, an intervention from US Secretary of State persuaded Pele to join the New York Cosmos’

scored a brilliant individual goal in the Selecao’s opening game as they defeated Mexico by two goals. However an injury sustained in Brazil’s second group match against Czechoslovakia meant he had to watch from the stands as the South American giants eventually won the tournament.

Four years later and now a bona fide superstar he was literally kicked out of the competition despite becoming the first player to score in three consecutive World Cups. He sealed the record with a powerful free-kick against Bulgaria yet was on the receiving end of numerous brutal fouls and failed to properly recover as Brazil limped out at the group stage in England.

Such was his anger and frustration that he publicly declared that the 1966 World Cup would be his last.

He reversed the decision and at the age of 29 cemented his legacy as part of a stellar line-up which included Rivelino, Tostao, Jairzinho and Carlos Alberto at Mexico 1970. And in what many regard as the greatest ever international side Pelé shone brightest as the Selecao triumphed for the third time.

In a memorable highlights reel he constantly strove for perfection: a daring shot from inside his own half which narrowly missed against Czechoslovakia and a perfectly timed dummy and shot that

After finishing his career, Pele was football’s leading ambassador

completely bamboozled the Uruguay goalkeeper Ladislao Mazurkiewicz yet sailed wide.

The final was a Brazil masterclass as Italy were humbled 4-1. Pelé claimed his fourth goal of the tournament with a powerful back post header and celebrated on the shoulders of Jairzinho. The joyous moment was immortalised as a picture for the ages. While his patient assist for Carlos Alberto’s wonderful fourth goal epitomized an allrounder who sparkled on the big occasion.

It was his final World Cup appearance but not his last as a footballer.

Deemed a national treasure by the Brazilian government due to his immense popularity he was barred from leaving Santos and was forced to turn down lucrative offers from Spanish, Italian, and German clubs.

Instead he toured extensively with his club side, as they crisscrossed the world like the Harlem Globetrotters of football. A barely believable story credits Pelé as temporarily halting the Nigerian civil war in 1969 as the opposing sides stopped to watch an exhibition game in Lagos.

One of the few places that the football superstar wasn’t quite a household name was the United States. He showed Johnny Carson how to bicycle kick on his famous talk show in 1973 but had yet to

ALWAYS IN OUR MEMORY

THE ENTIRE WORLD - LET ALONE THE FOOTBALLING WORLD - WAS AFFECTED BY PELE’S PASSING. STEPHEN KASIEWICZ LOOKS AT SOME OF THE TRIBUTES TO THE BRAZILIAN.

It was a measure of Pelé’s status and universal appeal that high profile figures from the worlds of football, politics and entertainment joined to pay homage to the Brazilian legend after his passing.

Current Selecao number 10 Neymar - who equalled Pelé’s record of 77 goals for Brazil at the World Cup in Qatar, made a heartfelt tribute on social media.

He stated: “I would say before Pelé football was just a sport.

“Pelé has changed it all. He turned football into art, into entertainment.

“Soccer and Brazil have raised their status thanks to the King! He’s gone but his magic remains.”

Modern day great Cristiano Ronaldo wrote on social media that Pelé inspired millions and would never be forgotten by those that love the beautiful game.

Manchester City and Norway forward Erling Haaland posted on Twitter: “Everything you see any player doing, Pelé did it first.”

Actor Sylvester Stallone, who starred alongside the three-time World Cup winner in the 1981 film Escape to Victory, and Academy Award winner Will Smith hailed the man that changed the game in social media testimonials. Actress and model Naomi Campbell wrote on Instagram: “Pelé, you were a symbol for us, and you let us see dreams can become a reality. You were and will always be one of a kind.”

American Presidents past and present acknowledged the impact Pelé made on and off the field.

Current President Joe Biden said: “For a sport that brings the world together like no other, Pelé’s rise from humble beginnings to soccer legend is a story of what is possible.”

Former President Barack Obama stated: “Pelé was one of the greatest to ever play the beautiful game. And as one of the most recognisable athletes in the world, he understood the power of sports to bring people together.”

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PELE

PELE IN THE NASL

HE MAY HAVE BEEN KNOWN FOR HIS MANY YEARS AT SANTOS, BUT PELE ALSO SPENT TIME IN THE UNITED STATES WITH NEW YORK COSMOS. STEPHEN KASIEWICZ ASSESSES HIS IMPACT ON NORTH AMERICAN SOCCER.

Current Brazil no.10 Neymar led the tributes to Pele following his death

conquer a nation preoccupied with other sports.

He retired after 19 seasons with Santos in 1974 but an intervention from US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger persuaded the forward to join the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League (NASL) just a year later.

Although not in his prime the 34-year-old drew huge crowds to Giants Stadium as the great and the good turned out to watch soccer’s finest exponent. A host of stars, including Franz Beckenbauer and Johan Cruyff, joined him as the league flourished in tandem with the popularity of the sport. Pelé was the league’s Most Valuable Player in 1976 and won the NASL championship a year later before bringing a glittering playing career to an end. His fame opened up a wealth of opportunities after football.

He starred in the 1981 film Escape to Victory alongside Sylvester Stallone and was the subject of various movies and documentaries.

Although he rarely turned down commercial opportunities, Pelé raised millions for charities across the world and even auctioned off his three World Cup medals for good causes.

He served as a sports minister for the Brazilian government and performed various duties for the United Nations in an ambassadorial role. Yet he will

Pele attained worldwide stardom at the 1958 World Cup

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SOCCER360 MAGAZINE

be forever known for his football accomplishments.

In 2000 he was jointly named as the player of the century by world football governing body FIFA alongside Argentinian great Diego Maradona. It was a fitting honour for a genius who revolutionized the modern game and used his exalted standing to help millions less fortunate than himself.

Pele’s famous celebration.

It’s no exaggeration to say that Major League Soccer owes its existence to the transformative influence of Pelé.

When he arrived at the New York Cosmos in June 1975 he irreversibly altered perceptions about a sport routinely dismissed by the American public.

The Brazilian legend came out of retirement after 19 seasons at Santos to join the North American Soccer League (NASL). It had struggled against preconceived prejudice and the dominance of the big four sports of American football, baseball, basketball and ice hockey.

Pelé was already a three time World Cup winner and global icon when he landed in America’s biggest city.

At Santos he was an untouchable asset prevented from moving abroad by the Brazilian government. It took the intervention of US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger to persuade Pelé to put on his boots again at the age of 34.

Cosmos splashed out $2.8million to make him the highest paid athlete in the world.

He had nothing to prove yet broke records and garnered huge media coverage in three thrilling years in New York. Pelé scored 37 times in 64 games, was voted the league’s Most Valuable Player in 1976, and won the NASL title in 1977.

In his first game an unprecedented 10 million viewers watched on national television when the Cosmos played Dallas Tornado. Thousands, including many celebrities, flocked to Giants Stadium to watch the world’s greatest player, while Franz Beckenbauer, Carlos Alberto and Giorgio Chinaglia followed him to play in New York.

Soccer’s profile exponentially rose and the league’s average attendance doubled to nearly 14,000.

In his final season a record crowd of 77,691 attended the Cosmos home championship quarter-final first leg against Fort Lauderdale Strikers.

He departed with a title win, yet more importantly left a legacy that ensured soccer thrived long after the NASL folded in 1984.

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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

CITY’S MISSING PIECE

PEP GUARDIOLA HAS LIFTED PLENTY OF TROPHIES IN HIS CAREER - AND MANY OF THEM WITH MANCHESTER CITY. DAN ROBERTS LOOKS INTO WHETHER HE WILL FINALLY GUIDE THEM TO THE MOST COVETED ONE OF ALL THIS YEAR.

2022 / 23

A

DATES TO KNOW

lthough Manchester City, at times, have struggled to keep pace with a resurgent Arsenal in the English Premier League this season, it is the Champions League trophy that the club’s owners really want.

Season after season has ended in continental despair, as Pep Guardiola’s team have faltered in the attempt to land the biggest prize of all. But could this year be different? It took four years for Man City to win the Premier League after the takeover by Sheikh Mansour in 2008. After a long history of being the brunt of jokes from their city neighbours and having to climb back up into the top-flight after dropping down to League One in the late 1990s, the sky blue half of Manchester was able to celebrate a league title. The rest, as they say, is history. City have won a further 12 major domestic trophies and are considered the team to beat in England, as four league titles in the past five years illustrate. However, European success has always eluded them.

As with even the best teams, it took a while for Manchester City to get accustomed to Champions League football. Group stage and round of 16 exits were the norm in the first few years under previous coaches Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini, but reaching the later rounds has been more common since Pep Guardiola was brought in to deliver the most prestigious trophy in Europe. There is still a concern, though, that there is almost a mental block that means that the biggest success of all continues to evade City. The bookmakers, however, believe that is all set to end this season.

After three successive quarter-final exits, Man City have made it to the last four in the last two seasons.

Defeat in the final to fellow EPL side Chelsea was a crushing disappointment in 2021, before arguably an even more agonising loss in extra time to Real Madrid last year saw City get knocked out in the

ROUND OF 16 SECOND LEG March 7 - 15 QUARTER FINALS FIRST LEG April 11 - 12 QUARTER FINALS SECOND LEG April 18 - 19 SEMI FINALS FIRST LEG May 9 - 10 SEMI FINALS SECOND LEG May 16 - 17 FINALS June 10, 2023 Ataturk Olympic Stadium, Istanbul

‘CITY HAVE WON 12 MAJOR DOMESTIC TROPHIES’ Haaland could be the reason why City win the Champions League this season

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola (L) speaks with Manchester City’s Rico Lewis

2022 / 23

A FINAL FOR THE AGES

CLUB WORLD CUP

REAL MADRID TAKE FIVE After defeating Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal 5-3, Los Blancos have won The Club World Cup competition for the fifth time in their history.

WITH THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL DUE TO BE HOSTED IN ISTANBUL, DAN ROBERTS LOOKS BACK AT THE LAST TIME THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL WAS HOSTED IN TURKEY’S BIGGEST CITY.

Ataturk Olympic Stadium, Istanbul Guardiola has won a lot of trophies – but not the Champions League with City

The FIFA Club World Cup trophy was brought back to Spain by Real Madrid, and not for the first time. After qualifying for this tournament courtesy of their Champions League success last season, Carlo Ancelotti’s squad travelled to Morocco and defeated Egyptian outfit Al Ahly 4-1 in the semi-finals and Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal 5-3 in the final.

This is the fifth time that Real Madrid have won this tournament since it replaced the Intercontinental Cup and the eighth time that Los Blancos have become world champions in total, when including their Intercontinental Cup titles.

Given that FC Barcelona have also claimed the Club World Cup three times, this means that the tournament has been won by a LaLiga club in eight of the 19 editions, which is 42 percent of the time.

That’s more than all other European leagues combined, as this world title has been won three times by Premier League clubs, two times by Bundesliga sides and two times by Serie A teams, as well as four victories by Brazilian clubs.

Not only did Real Madrid bring back the trophy as the winning team, but there were also a couple of individual prizes on the plane. Vini Jr. was awarded the Golden Ball as the best player of the competition, having netted three goals, provided one assist and won one penalty over his two appearances. His teammate Fede Valverde, meanwhile, took the Silver Ball as the second-best player of the tournament, while former LaLiga forward Luciano Vietto, currently of Al Hilal, won the Bronze Ball.

semi-finals in remarkable circumstances. The scars of that match at the Bernabeu, when they led by two goals on aggregate with only minutes to go before somehow losing in extra time may only make them more determined, and group stage performances this season suggest that City could go all the way.

One of the main reasons for that triumphant thinking is the addition of Erling Haaland. The big Norwegian has been a sensation in the English game since arriving from Borussia Dortmund last summer. He has added a vital extra component to the City attack that gives them far more options up front and a deadly clinical presence. Whereas it was previously common to see the City players play around the ball with ease until being able to unlock opposing defences, now a through ball to the incredibly powerful Haaland can finish off a team in an instant.

City came through the group stage of this season’s competition relatively unscathed. What initially looked like a potentially tricky draw was swept away in just three games. A thrashing of Sevilla away from home was followed by a hard-fought victory over Borussia Dortmund at the Etihad Stadium, before another thumping - this time of FC Copenhagen. The second half of the group stage proved a little more difficult although the job was more or less done, as they drew with the Danish club and then with Dortmund away. But they rounded off with a win over Sevilla at home, having already sealed top spot and with Haaland out injured.

Even before Man City took on RB Leipzig in the first knockout round, the sight of European heavyweights Juventus and Barcelona being demoted to the Europa League means that the competition has already started to thin out, which is more reason for them to be confident looking ahead to the final stages. Although Premier League performances this term have occasionally been patchy and led to points uncharacteristically being dropped, they are always capable of going on a run of form where they are simply too strong for anyone and blow the competition away.

Meanwhile, players that have clashed with

T

he Atatürk Stadium in Istanbul has been waiting patiently for the return of Europe’s blue riband event. UEFA awarded the stadium the Champions League showpiece event for the 2020 final. But that - and the following final - were both relocated because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now the big game will return to Turkey’s capital in May. But will this year’s final have any chance of living up to the drama of the last time it was held here?

That year Liverpool pulled off the greatest escape in European football history, eventually beating Milan on penalties after falling 3-0 down by half time. The Serie A side were the overwhelming favourites to win the cup and went ahead in under a minute thanks to their talismanic captain Paolo Maldini from a wide free-kick. Hernán Crespo, who had been playing for Inter just a couple of years earlier, added two more just before the break - and it seemed as though the biggest game on the continent was over already.

But Liverpool, who had struggled domestically in Rafael Benitez’s first season in charge, were not done. Three goals in six minutes at the beginning of the second half turned the tie on its head completely. Steven Gerrard, Vladimir Šmicer and Xabi Alonso gave Liverpool a lifeline and put doubt in Milan minds. The game stayed level throughout the rest of the 90 minutes and extra time before Jerzy Dudek did his job in the Liverpool goal, as Milan missed their first two penalties in the shootout. Liverpool could even afford for John Arne Riise to have his penalty saved as Andriy Shevchenko saw his decisive spot-kick tipped away by Dudek. It was surely the greatest comeback ever and Liverpool raised the trophy aloft for the fifth time in their history.

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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Players of Barcelona celebrate (0-1) during the UEFA Champions League group C soccer match between Viktoria Plzen and Barcelona FC

Benfica’s Rafa Silva (R) in action against Juventus’ Federico Gatti during the UEFA Champions League group H soccer match

‘GROUP STAGE PERFORMANCES THIS YEAR SUGGEST THAT THIS TIME, CITY COULD GO ALL THE WAY’

Guardiola has not been afraid to bring in younger players like Rico Lewis.

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Guardiola have been let go for the greater good.

Defender João Cancelo has been loaned out to Bayern Munich - who City could face later in the competition - after taking being dropped badly, showing that Guardiola has his eyes firmly on the prize and will not allow any distractions towards that end.

There will be a strong belief at City that they can overcome anyone else left in the tournament, whoever they go on to face. If, as expected they complete the task against Leipzig, they would relish the potential opportunity of taking revenge on Real Madrid or Chelsea for those past defeats. In the past two years, the lack of a striker of Haaland’s ilk has often been cited as a crucial factor in deciding their European fate.

By the time the quarter-finals come round, Guardiola will know that some of the biggest threats to a possible Champions League triumph will have already departed the competition. City may have received a relatively favourable round of 16 draw but the meeting between Liverpool and Real Madrid, and Paris Saint. Germain having taken on Bayern Munich have also helped to split the tournament wide open. With two of those European giants out of the way, the remaining clubs will feel as though this could be their year.

Manchester City’s Rico Lewis celebrates with teammates after scoring the 1-1 during the UEFA Champions League group G soccer match between Manchester City and Sevilla FC

Guardiola will know that he shouldn’t become complacent, however. Previous to the last two seasons, Manchester City have been knocked out by the likes of Lyon and Monaco, as well as being thrashed by Barcelona and Liverpool. Although Guardiola is credited with possessing one of the brightest football minds on the planet, his tactics in the big games have been criticised. Accusations of over-thinking opponents have followed some strange team selections and formations for some very important Champions League ties. That would now seem to be the biggest obstacle to City winning the trophy this year.

Their opponents in the later rounds of this year’s competition will look to play on those mental fears in order to progress. But with Erling Haaland and his record-breaking exploits, Pep Guardiola now has an extra weapon in his arsenal. He has already shown that the best defenders on the continent cannot stop him when he is on his game - and that has tended to be most of the time since his arrival in Manchester.

Haaland had already scored over 30 goals this season by the time the round of 16 came around and he could conceivably end up with more than 50, but he has been helped by a squad full of incredible talent. Guardiola has also brought in

‘THERE WILL BE A STRONG BELIEF AT CITY THAT THEY CAN OVERCOME ANYONE ELSE LEFT IN THE TOURNAMENT’

EUROPA LEAGUE HOPEFULS

THE 23 CLUB David Alaba become the latest player to win the Champions League with two different clubs – an achievement only 22 other players can boast, for now.

WITH SOME EUROPEAN BIG BOYS SET TO COMPETE IN THE LATER ROUNDS OF THE EUROPA LEAGUE, THE RACE WILL BE ON TO CLAIM THE CONTINENT’S SECOND-TIER TROPHY. DAN ROBERTS RUNS HIS EYES OVER THE FAVOURITES TO LIFT THE CUP.

David Alaba

Liverpool staged an incredible comeback the last time the final was played in Istanbul

TONI KROOS Bayern Munich (2013), Real Madrid (2016, 2017, 2018, 2022) CRISTIANO RONALDO Manchester United (2008), Real Madrid (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018) MATEO KOVACIC Real Madrid (2016, 2017, 2018), Chelsea (2021) GERARD PIQUE Manchester United (2008), Barcelona (2009, 2011, 2015) CLARENCE SEEDORF Ajax (1995), Real Madrid (1998), AC Milan (2003, 2007) DAVID ALABA Bayern Munich (2013, 2020), Real Madrid (2022) SAMUEL ETO’O Barcelona (2006, 2009), Inter (2010) FERNANDO REDONDO Real Madrid (1998, 2000), AC Milan (2003) XHERDAN SHAQIRI Bayern Munich (2013), Liverpool (2019)

Arsenal are one of the favourites to win the Europa League

young players like Rico Lewis to great effect. The Premier League race is far from over but even the wealthy owners at City would probably accept an Arsenal title if it meant that they would finally be crowned the best team in the whole of Europe.

Nothing can be guaranteed when it comes to the Champions League, but the best teams usually make it deep into the competition, if not the final itself. Everything seems to be fitting into place for Manchester City and Pep Guardiola this season and it does look rather like the bookmakers have made the right choice in installing the English champions as favourites to lift the famous Champions League trophy as well. Indeed, the biggest threat to their hopes is arguably themselves.

Liverpool FC team captain Steven Gerrard (front) kisses the Champion Club’s Cup trophy

B

arcelona and Juventus were just two of the clubs parachuted in from the Champions League for the knock out stages of this season’s Europa League. When you consider that Manchester United, Ajax, Sporting and firm friends of the competition, Sevilla, were also among the sides who had to come through a twolegged play-off to even reach the last 16, that goes to show how fiercely contested the Europa League will be this year - and some of them didn’t even make it. The ones that did will all feel they are in with a chance of claiming the title Eintracht Frankfurt won in 2022.

Arsenal are the current favourites to lift the trophy at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest in May but the level of opposition makes that far from guaranteed. The Gunners have arguably their best chance in almost 20 years of winning the Premier League and Mikel Arteta may feel that his squad will not be able to sustain title-winning campaigns on two fronts, and his priority will no doubt lie in the domestic competition.

Juventus will have something to prove and have an enormous incentive to win the Europa League after a points deduction has ended any hopes of a Scudetto this year, and quite possibly a top four finish. For them, it will be all or nothing.

Two other sides who are causing surprises in their respective leagues could be considered dark horses here too. Real Sociedad have been the best of the rest behind Barcelona and Real Madrid in La Liga for much of this season, while Freiburg were unbeaten in the group stage alongside their strong performances in the Bundesliga, so both may be dreaming of a European success to cap it all off.

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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

RISING STAR

THE

Khvicha 23 KVARATSKHELIA CLUB Continued.

#4 Russia’s war on Ukraine actually expedited his move to Europe’s top five leagues. After FIFA announced that players playing for Russian clubs could suspend their contracts until June 30, Kvaratskhelia joined Dinamo Batumi in Georgia and scored eight goals in 11 league appearances. Napoli would sign him on July 1 for what is now a bargain €10 million fee.

#5 At the time of writing, Kvaratskhelia has scored nine league goals in 18 appearances and 11 in 23 overall for Napoli this season. ​​They currently hold a comfortable lead over second-placed Inter Milan and have suffered just one defeat in 22 league games this season. He also helped Napoli top their Champions League group which featured Liverpool, Ajax, and Rangers, with five wins in six games.

#6 Kvaratskhelia has already become a beloved figure in Naples with fans giving him the nickname “Kvaradona” - a nod to the legendary Diego Maradona who helped Napoli win their last Serie A title back in 1990. He even commented on the comparisons: “I don’t think about it and I don’t even want to think about it. It’s not possible: Maradona is too big. My name is fine: Kvara.” #7 According to Georgian journalist Edo

U

nless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard the name of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia this season. Born on January 13, 1999, in Tbilisi, Georgia, the 24-year-old forward started his professional football career with Dinamo Tbilisi in 2016. After quickly establishing himself as one of the most talented young players in Georgia, he was soon signed by FC Rubin Kazan in 2019.

Eventually, he would join Napoli in the summer of 2022 and has set Europe alight with his performances since, helping the Partenopei take a commanding lead atop Serie A as they look for their first league title since 1990.

HERE ARE TEN THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT KHVICHA KVARATSKHELIA:

#1 Kvaratskhelia began playing football at a young age, joining the Dinamo Tbilisi youth academy when he was just nine years old. #2 He has two brothers, one of whom also plays football. Their father is former footballer Badri Kvaratskhelia who notably featured for the Azerbaijan national team. #3 Before signing with Rubin Kazan, Kvaratskhelia

ABOVE: Napoli’s midfielder Khvicha Kvaratskhelia jubilates after scoring during the Champions League group A soccer match between Napoli and Ajax

LOWER RIGHT: Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in action during the Italian Serie A soccer match between SSC Napoli and Bologna FC

Badalashvili, the Georgian population in Naples is receiving free pizza because “in Maradona’s city, everyone loves Kvara. They wear his jerseys.”

#8 Kvaratskhelia made his debut for the Georgia national team as an 18-year-old in 2019. He already has 10 goals in 19 caps, with five goals in seven caps in 2022.

#9 Is Napoli a stepping stone for Kvaratskhelia though? In an interview before signing with Napoli, the Georgian star revealed that he was a Real Madrid fan since childhood. He also revealed his biggest dream: “My biggest dream is to win the Champions League with Real Madrid. I’ve been a Real Madrid fan since I was a child. With my brothers, we were always watching their games.” #10 Kvaratskhelia has also stated that Cristiano Ronaldo was a role model of his as was Guti: “Cristiano Ronaldo [role model]. Even though my first love was Guti from Real Madrid. When I played with friends in Tbilisi, my city, we wore white shirts.

I wrote his name on the back.”

DANIEL STURRIDGE Chelsea (2012), Liverpool (2019) THIAGO ALCANTARA Barcelona (2011), Bayern Munich (2020) THIAGO MOTTA Barcelona (2006), Inter (2010) XABI ALONSO Liverpool (2005), Real Madrid (2014) DECO Porto (2004), Barcelona (2006) JOSE BOSINGWA Porto (2004), Chelsea (2012) PAULO FERREIRA Porto (2004), Chelsea (2012) OWEN HARGREAVES Bayern Munich (2001), Manchester United (2008 PAULO SOUSA Juventus (1996), Borussia Dortmund (1997) EDWIN VAN DER SAR Ajax (1995), Manchester United (2008) CHRISTIAN PANUCCI Milan (1994), Real Madrid (1998) MARCEL DESAILLY Marseille (1993), Milan (1994) DIDIER DESCHAMPS Marseille (1993), Juventus (1996)

had a loan spell with fellow Russian team Lokomotiv Moscow. He scored one goal in seven league appearances and helped them win the Russian Cup that season. That was enough to catch the eye of Rubin Kazan who went on to sign him soon after.

Didier Deschamps

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One on One VINICIUS JUNIOR

VINICIUS JUNIOR ONE ON ONE

BY D.S. JOKAS

WINNING THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL LAST SEASON MUST HAVE BEEN A PRETTY SPECIAL MOMENT FOR YOU? To win The Champions League at 22 years old was a big moment for me and to score in the final was special. Everybody knows what the competition means to Real Madrid and how important it is to win it for them so to now be part of that history is a big thing. I have many more Champions League seasons ahead of me I hope.

CAN YOU TRY AND PUT INTO WORDS WHAT THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MEANS FOR REAL MADRID AND THEIR FANS? There is always the expectation for Madrid to win The Champions League - we are the most successful club in the history of the competition and because of that the expectation is always there. I look at players like Benzema, Modric and Marcelo who have won The Champions League 5 times with Madrid and that is also my dream.

KARIM BENZEMA IS OFFICIALLY NOW THE BEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD. WHAT HAS IT BEEN LIKE TRAINING AND PLAYING WITH HIM? He really deserved the award - not only is he a brilliant player he also has so much dedication to the game. Last season the whole of Europe saw that he was the best in the world. Then this season he had an injury - but now we are seeing him back to his best which is so important for Madrid.

IS IT THE AMBITION TO BE THE GREATEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD? At the moment I just want to be the best version of myself I can be and help Madrid be as successful as possible. If in the future I can be the best player in the world then that will be another dream come true - but for now I am just going to keep working hard and I am sure that all my dreams will follow.

AS A BRAZILIAN YOU HAVE SO MANY OPTIONS WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR FOOTBALLING IDOL BUT WHO IS YOURS? Neymar was a player that I grew up idolising - so to get to play with the my idol for my country is

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something I could not have imagined. Then it is impossible to not speak about Cristiano Ronaldo.

The goals he has scored for Real Madrid the trophies he has won there - that is something to aspire to.

YOU HAVE BECOME ONE OF THE WORLD’S GREAT YOUNG PLAYERS OVER THE LAST YEAR HOW PLEASED ARE YOU WITH THE WAY THINGS HAVE GONE? I am pleased because I believe I have improved and I believe that improvement has helped the team to be successful. I am still young though and I know I can improve more. I am at the right place where there are so many players I can learn off and also a great coach.

ON THE SUBJECT OF YOUR COACH JUST WHAT IS IT LIKE TO WORK UNDER A COACH AS SUCCESSFUL AS CARLO ANCELOTTI? He is one of the great coaches in the world you just need to look at all the trophies he has won in his career to see that. He likes young players and I know when he started to give us younger players a chance it really gave us confidence that he believed in us.

ARGUABLY REAL MADRID IS THE CLUB SIDE WITH THE MOST PRESSURE TO WIN AND BRAZIL IS THE NATIONAL SIDE WITH THE MOST PRESSURE TO WIN. HOW HAVE YOU COPED WITH THAT? Pressure has always been something that is easy for me. I enjoy to play the game and I know that

if I am enjoying myself I will be able to help the team. Also I think you have to be humble enough to learn as well - when you are playing with players like Karim and Neymar you try to learn and absorb from them.

WHO IS THE TOUGHEST OPPONENT SO FAR OF YOUR CAREER? There are so many good players I have played against - but it is two players from The Premier League that stand out for me. Reece James and Kyle Walker are very tough to play against - but those are the battles I enjoy the ones that test you.

WOULD YOU CONSIDER PLAYING IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE? It is a league that is very exciting and I like to watch - but it has always been my dream to play for Real Madrid and I would like to spend my career here. I want to win lots mote trophies here and help the team be as successful as possible.

‘I have many more Champions League seasons ahead of me’

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2023 TITLE RACES

A CHANGING OF THE GUARD WHILE THERE IS A SCATTERING OF FAMILIAR SUSPECTS, THIS SEASON’S TITLE RACES HAVE SEEN SOME UNEXPECTED NAMES EMERGE AS CONTENDERS AND OTHERS ENJOY A RENAISSANCE AFTER MANY YEARS OF HURT. FEARGAL BRENNAN EXAMINES THE PICTURE IN EACH OF EUROPE’S TOP LEAGUES.

‘THERE IS A VERY REALISTIC CHANCE OF AT LEAST SOME OF THE REIGNING CHAMPIONS IN EUROPE’S TOP LEAGUES FALLING SHORT THIS SEASON’

The Bundesliga has crowned Bayern Munich as champions for the last 10 successive seasons, with eight of those titles coming by a minimum of a 10-point margin

T

itle races have developed an unhealthy habit of consistency across the last decade in European football as monopolisation has largely dominated.

Two horse races have become the only possibility for excitement in the majority of title bouts, but in reality, it has been thoroughbred racehorses up against the occasional plucky stallion. In England, Spain, Germany, Italy and France the chances of a bolt from the blue have become rarer and rarer with simple one club states in certain leagues. The German Bundesliga has crowned Bayern Munich as champions for the last 10 successive seasons, with eight of those titles coming by a minimum of a 10-point margin, as Paris Saint-Germain have won eight from 10 since 2013 following their mega-rich takeover by Qatar Sports Investments. Juventus’ Serie A stranglehold was finally broken by Inter in 2021, Milan in 2022, but they still managed nine in a row before then, with only England and Spain representing a slight uptick in variety. Five Premier League teams have

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Milan players celebrate with the trophy after winning the Italian Serie A championship’s titlelast season.

lifted the biggest trophy in English football since 2012-13 including Leicester City’s miracle in 2016, although Manchester City have claimed four of the past five. Meanwhile, Spain’s big three of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have all won at least two La Liga titles in that period. Each league finds itself at a differing point heading into the final weeks of the 2022-23 campaign with the chances of one of the above swatting aside a newcomer at the top table appearing unlikely. Of those sides to have acted as the dominant force in their domestic competition in recent years, only PSG look confident of easing away from the chasing pack, with Bayern’s crown being tested in Germany, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal turning the tables on Man City, Barcelona back to the fore and the incredible rise of Napoli in Italy.

There is a very realistic chance of at least some of the reigning champions in Europe’s top leagues falling short this season, as attention turns to a possible changing of the guard, or a blip for the superpowers.

DREAMING OF DENNIS AND DIEGO FEARGAL BRENNAN LOOKS BACK TO THE LAST TIME ARSENAL AND NAPOLI MANAGED TO WIN THEIR RESPECTIVE LEAGUES, AND HOW THEY COMPARE WITH THEIR TITLE CHALLENGES IN 2023.

ENGLAND

PREMIER LEAGUE Mikel Arteta’s quest to secure a first Premier League title for Arsenal since the famous Invincibles of 2004 has reinvigorated even the most cynical of fans. Gunners supporters have been fed on a diet of history and frustration across the last two decades as they battled to stay relevant against the might of Man City and the resurgence of Liverpool.

The celebrated team that achieved so much under Arsene Wenger is steeped in Premier League grandeur, but as the seasons have ticked by, their place among the elite has come under a neverending threat. From the difficulty of Wenger’s final days at the club, through the ill-fitting tenure of Unai Emery, Arteta’s boldness has changed the narrative at the Emirates Stadium at the most critical of points.

Following Emery’s exit in November 2019, Arsenal looked listless, and further away than ever, in their battle for major honours as they struggled to two successive eighth placed finishes, but Arteta has gradually changed that by instilling a winning mentality in his talented squad. An ideal blend of innovation in coaching, personal self-belief and a traditionalist in standards and mentality, the

ABOVE: Diego Maradona was the undisputed star of Napoli’s last title triumph in 1990 BELOW: Mikel Arteta has turned Arsenal into title contenders again

‘MIKEL ARTETA HAS GRADUALLY CHANGED ARSENAL

BY INSTILLING A WINNING MENTALITY IN HIS TALENTED SQUAD’

Thierry Henry led the way for Arsenal the last time the Gunners hoisted the EPL trophy

All eyes will be on Arsenal and Napoli in the Premier League and Serie A respectively over the remaining weeks of the season, with both clubs in positions to come under real pressure from their chasing packs. Both Mikel Arteta and Luciano Spalletti have the nous and strength of character to weather all incoming storms, but the sharp edge of an end of season run in can cause cracks for squads in unfamiliar territory.

Diego Maradona was the leading light for Napoli in 1990, and while it was the outrageous exploits of Thierry Henry that caught most of the headlines for Arsenal back in 2003-04, it was the calm brilliance of Dennis Bergkamp that regularly tipped the balance.

Maradona represented the enduring ability of a maverick genius capable of dragging a good team to glory whereas Arsenal’s 2004 team was based on unrivalled pace, goals and swaggering excellence. Arsene Wenger’s side from almost two decades ago will forever be remembered as the Invincibles; a team that went through an entire season in the toughest league in the world undefeated.

Football has changed significantly since both of those eras, with transformations in what is required to win a league title, and what managers will allow. Despite the sense of Arteta and Spalletti - and their squads - seizing a perfect moment to strike, there cannot be an underselling of the revolutions at both clubs, which will ultimately decide their chance to dominate for years to come.

Arsenal and Napoli are reflections of Arteta and Spalletti in 2023; calm faith in a structured plan and a boldness to back themselves when the chips are down. Will that be enough to end so many years of frustration and near misses? Surely at least one of Naples and North London will be partying in May, but will it be a double celebration?

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2023 TITLE RACES - EPL

Bukayo Saka

PLAYERS ON THE RADAR

PREMIER LEAGUE

Erling Haaland

Basque coach has put Arsenal in territory not seen for almost two decades. The media obsession over his previous links with Man City, where he was previously assistant to Pep Guardiola, have been calmly pushed to one side by Arteta and his resilience means Guardiola’s mind games have failed to land on their target.

Arteta has utilised the best of what he learnt at the Etihad Stadium, repurposed it to full effect at Arsenal, and City, even with Erling Haaland threatening to break all manner of goalscoring records, are struggling match the consistency of the North London side. Clever acquisitions in the January window, including crucial experience in Jorginho, shows Arteta is not leaving anything to chance in the run in.

Each week, each potential dropped point will refocus the magnifying glass on Arteta, as he is forced to answer age-old questions on Arsenal’s grit and steel under pressure, but his young side have bounded most of the hurdles that have been placed in their path so far. Man City may still come out on top, but with their fierce intensity and the stunning form of star players such as Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and the unleashed Granit Xhaka, the Gunners have played the best football and have put themselves in a position to go all the way.

Declan Rice

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ERLING HAALAND There was so much excitement when Erling Haaland confirmed he would be leaving Borussia Dortmund to join his father’s former team, Manchester City. The Norweigan striker has been in incredible scoring form ever since he arrived at Red Bull Salzburg in 2019 where he scored 29 goals in 27 games for the Austrian side. He earned a move to Borussia Dortmund where he then scored 86 goals and assisted 23 in just 89 games for the German outfit.

Haaland arrived at Manchester City in the summer of 2022 and has again carried on scoring at a terrifying rate. Supposedly the best league in the world, Haaland scored 31 and assisted four goals in his first 29 games for the blue half of Manchester.

At just 22 years of age Haaland already holds the records for First Player in UEFA Champions League history to score six goals in his first three games and the First Player in Bundesliga history to score five goals in his first two games.

He is a powerful and physical presence in the box and with the quality around him at Manchester City, he is always a danger on the pitch. Defenders are unsure how to contain the six-foot four-inch striker who is able to move so quickly around the box and across the pitch.

William Saliba

Born in England he has chosen to represent familial country of Norway internationally and has 21 goals in 23 caps so far. He will no doubt go on to break all sorts of records and is carving out a future of being considered one of the greatest strikers to ever play the game.

BUKAYO SAKA After breaking through to the first team from the academy at Arsenal, Saka started to be used across the pitch in a number of positions. This season he has cemented his role as a right winger in a formidable attack and helped Arsenal to lead the Premier League at the half-way point.

Just 21-years-old he is an England regular with 24 caps and seven goals. He is a key player at Arsenal where after 21 games this season, he has assisted the most goals of any Arsenal player with eight, and even added seven goals himself. Cutting in from the right wing onto his left foot has caused problems for opposing left backs all season long.

DECLAN RICE The England midfielder has played every minute for West Ham United this season in the heart of the midfield. He continues to show his importance on the team and the nation in the defensive midfield

Phil Foden

EPL - DID YOU KNOW? Marcus Rashford has tied Wayne Rooney’s consecutive goal record

Moises Caicedo has been great for his country and his club

role. Protecting the defence and starting attacks, Rice has become one of the most in demand midfielders amongst the game’s top sides.

At 24 years of age, he is one of the first names on the team sheet with England and the captain of West Ham. His fitness and competitiveness really shine on the field as he covers every blade of grass, working as hard as he can for his team and the supporters.

MOISES CAICEDO When still playing in Ecuador for Independiente Del Valle, Caicedo had a number of suitors but chose Brighton and Hove Albion to make his first step into Europe. He spent his first few months on loan in Belgium preparing for the 2021/22 season.

Since then he has continued to put in performances which make all the top sides in the EPL wish they’d paid the $5 million Brighton had.

An impressive World Cup with Ecuador meant he almost left the club this January but remains with Brighton for the rest of 2022/23. His dominance in the midfield, protecting the defence and link up play on the ball will mean he will no doubt fetch a huge fee in the summer transfer window.

WILLIAM SALIBA The French international had a tough start to his Arsenal career and ended up being sent on loan to St-Etienne, Nice and Marseille for a season each.

Now, in the 2022/23 season, Saliba has cemented a role alongside centre back partner Gabriel Magalhães which has seen Arsenal rise to the top of the league at the half-way point of the season.

He has come back with calmness and composure in and out of possession. He is a tall and strong defender who is also quick and can defend well on the ground and in the air. His passing out from the back has been top quality while also being a threat in the opposition’s penalty area from set-pieces.

PHIL FODEN One of England most technically gifted players, the boy from Stockport came up through the ranks at Manchester City to become a fan favourite amongst some of the most expensive players in the world. Manchester City have the finances to buy almost anyone, but you’d be hard pushed to find a player who can do what Foden does for his club and the England national team.

Short and slim, Foden may look lightweight, but he protects the ball superbly, his movement to find space or to escape pressure is second to none and he continues to improve his goal scoring year on year. Foden is a homemade superstar playing amongst some of the best players in the world.

BY THEERS NUMB

WOLVES HAVE WON MORE OF THEIR SIX PREMIER LEAGUE GAMES UNDER JULEN LOPETEGUI (3) THAN THEY HAD IN THEIR FIRST 15 LEAGUE MATCHES OF 2022-23 UNDER BRUNO LAGE AND STEVE DAVIS COMBINED (2).

Pep Guardiola has won 184 of his 250 matches in the Premier League, the most wins by any manager after 250 games in charge in the competition.

Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho has been directly involved in four goals as a substitute this season in the Premier League (2 goals, 2 assists), the most of any player.

Ivan Toney won 12 of his 13 aerial duels against Arsenal (92%); the most won by a player in a Premier League match this season.

Miguel Almiron has scored 10 goals in 22 Premier League games in 202223, one more than he scored in 110 appearances in his first four seasons in the competition combined (9 goals).

Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Brentford was the first time Arsenal failed to win a Premier League home game in which they scored first since January 2022 (1-2 v Man City). They’d won 10 in a row at the Emirates when opening the scoring before the Brentford match.

Both Scott McKenna and Willy Boly were substituted in the 7th minute for Nottingham Forest in their 2-0 defeat to Fulham. This is the earliest any side has ever subbed off two starters in a Premier League game.

There were no shots on target in the second half between West Ham and Chelsea; just the second Premier League match with none after half time this season, after Southampton v Nottingham Forest in January.

Emerson is the first player to score his first Premier League goal for a club against Chelsea having previously appeared for the Blues in the competition since Frank Lampard for Man City in September 2014.

Chelsea named seven starters below the age of 24 against West Ham (Madueke, Badiashile, Fernandez, Mudryk, James, Felix, Havertz) - their most ever in a starting XI for a Premier League game.

Julien Lopetegui

Marcus Rashford is the first Manchester United player to score in six consecutive appearances at Old Trafford in the Premier League since Wayne Rooney in April 2012.

Manchester City have lost all five of their matches against Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, failing to score a single goal despite having 84 shot attempts.

By Michael Rice

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2023 TITLE RACES - SERIE A

I T A LY

SERIE A ABOVE: Victor Osimhen’s goals have helped Napoli lead the way in Serie A BELOW: Napoli celebrating one of their many wins this season

A Napoli title push does fit the fairytale criteria of history and nostalgia, as well as being the most exciting Italian side in over a decade. After 33 years of frustration, it could all come to an emotional end in May as Luciano Spalletti looks to ensure that Napoli sprint over the line as their rivals fade away into the distance. The pressure of replicating the Diego Maradona inspired success of 1990 has proven to be too much for decades of players and managers in Naples, but in Spalletti and his impressive side, Napoli have found the ideal formula. Juventus’ continued inconsistency and subsequent 15-point deduction, alongside the

Milanese duo failing to really build on their progress of the past few years, has left the door wide open for Napoli to step through it and take Serie A by storm with the help of a spectacular summer of shrewd recruitment. Spalletti has created a solid base within his squad, with experience and positivity both core aspects of their play. Piotr Zielinski and Hirving Lozano remain key to their attacking setup, but in Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, he possesses two stars ready to make the step-up to becoming renowned world class operators in the coming years.

Napoli don’t have a talismanic leader as they did

ABOVE: AC Milan’s Brahim Diaz (L) celebrates with his teammate Theo Hernandez

‘THE DOOR HAS BEEN LEFT WIDE OPEN FOR NAPOLI TO STEP THROUGH IT AND TAKE SERIE A BY STORM’

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SERIE A - DID YOU KNOW? Destiny Udogie scored just after 25 seconds

Only Inter in 2006/07 (60) and Juventus in 2018/19 (60) have collected more points than Napoli 22/23 in the first 22 games of a Serie A campaign (59).

Among the players in their debut season, Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is the only player in the Big-5 European Leagues 22/23 to score at least 9 goals and to provide at least 9 assists. with Maradona in 1990 but Spalletti shoulders the burden of pressure to allow his players to flourish.

Removing the weight of history - and every year being framed as a Maradona-themed failure Spalletti has unleashed the potential of his players in both Serie A and Champions League action this season. It would take quite a collapse for them not to win the title after blowing the rest of Serie A away for so much of this season, with none of their rivals showing the same relentless consistency.

But Napoli fans have been stung before, and the fireworks will be on hold until the last ball is kicked.

ABOVE: Can Lukaku lead Inter to another Scudetto?

BELOW: Star-studded Juventus look to get back ontop

No Juventus players has scored more goals at home then Adrien Rabiot in the season 2022/23 (all competitions): six goals scored for him (6 also Dusan Vlahovic).

Destiny Udogie’s goal after 25 seconds against Sassuolo is the fastest scored by Udinese in the Serie A since the one by Roberto Pereyra against Atalanta on January 20th, 2021 (24 seconds).

Recording 13 saves during Lazio vs Atalanta, no match in Serie A this season had more: eight Ivan Provedel, five Juan Musso.

With Davide Zappacosta’s goal, Atalanta scored 101 goals by defenders in the Gasperini era – since the coach arrival (2016/17) they are the team with the most goals by defenders in the Big-5 European Leagues.

Davide Zappacosta for Atalanta

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2023 TITLE RACES - SERIE A Rafael Leao

Victor Osimhen

PLAYERS ON THE RADAR

SERIE A

VICTOR OSIMHEN Napoli are flying and their attack has been terrifying defences in Serie A. Osimhen has been a driving force with his all-round centre forward play.

He is a poacher in the box, drops deep to link play, can finish inside and outside the box and presses hard out of possession.

The Ngerian striker has 15 goals in 23 games for his country and has been clinical in Serie A this season too. With 17 goals and four assists in his first 18 games, Osimhen leads the league goalscoring charts by five goals.

His ability to affect the game in so many different ways has established him as the leading scorer in Serie A as well as being considered one of the best strikers in world football. Having been signed by Napoli for around $70 million from Lille in France after one full season as their striker Napoli knew they were getting a special striker. He has since been involved in 59 goals, scoring 46 and assisting 13 in his first 84 games for the Italian side.

With the turnover in players departing including Lorenzo Insigne and Drees Mertens, Osimhen has been a leader in the team and taken them to new

Sandro Tonali

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heights as a force in the Italian topflight and in the UEFA Champions League.

Napoli know that now is their chance to win the Serie A title that has eluded them since 1989/90.

Osimhen will have many suitors this summer and Napoli will do all they can to keep him.

RAFAEL LEÃO Like Kvaratskhelia, Raphael Leão is also a left winger who has become one of the best players in Serie A since his arrival in 2019.

Leão came up through the Sporting Lisbon academy before a move to Lille in France on a free transfer. After one season in France, AC Milan saw his potential and signed him for around $30 million.

He is a threat in possession with excellent skill and playmaking abilities as well as being a dangerous goal threat. Now in his fourth season in Milan, he has scored 36 and assisted 30 goals across 145 appearances and become a key part of the future for the Portugal national team.

Alessandro Bastoni

DUSAN VLAHOVIC Scandal is circulating Juventus with off the pitch issues and financial irregularities. On the field though they have one of the best young strikers in Europe. Dusan Vlahović arrived from Fiorentina last season for a deal worth around $80 million.

The Serbian International has 10 goals in 19 games for his country, while also registering eight and two assists for Juventus in his first 13 games of the season. Since arriving in Italy, he has managed almost a goal every other game, playing 126 times in the league and scoring 59 goals.

The tall forward is not just a target man, he is strong on the ball, links up play well and his movement is hard to deal with for opposing defenders.

SANDRO TONALI Having risen through the ranks at Brescia, Tonali made a permanent move to AC Milan for the 2012/22 season. This year he has continued his development and once again been a key figure in the Milan midfield.

He protects the defence and helps dominate the game in the midfield. He reads the opposition so Teun Koopmeiners

Duslan Vlahovic

SERIE A - DID YOU KNOW? AC Milan’s Olivier Giroud

Lecce have gained nine points at home against teams currently in the top half of the table in Serie A this season, only five teams have done better (Juve, Napoli, Milan, Inter and Lazio).

Courtesy of Nicolo Cambiaghi’s goal, Empoli have three goalscorers born in 2000’s to have scored 2+ goals so far, a joint-high in Serie A this term. well he can intercept or pressure players when the time is right. He carries the ball well and has a great range of passing.

Tonali has become an elite box-to-box midfielder, full of energy and talent who has become a key part of the Italian national team with 12 caps so far.

ALESSANDRO BASTONI Italy has a history of developing elite level defenders and Inter Milan have another star in the squad. Alessandro Bastoni is the latest young defender who is proving to be a leader at Inter Milan and a reliable defender in the Italian national team. He has made 17 appearances for Italy and joined Inter Milan in 2017 for a huge deal worth over $31 million at the age of 18. He has gone on to be a regular in the heart of the defence of the Milan side constantly fighting for league titles.

He has now made more than 130 appearances in Serie A and been a calm presence in the defence and a future star in the national team. Not only a strong defender he is good on the ball and able to build attacks out from the back and delivering crosses from deep.

TEUN KOOPMEINERS Atalanta have become an exciting side in Italy over the years with their fast, high pressing style and counter attacking football. One of their most important players is the anchor to the midfield, Teun Koopmeiners.

The Dutch International who has 15 caps and a goal to his name at international level is a vital part of Atalanta’s style of play. He protects the defence while also acting as the metronome for much of Atalanta’s movement in and out of possession.

Koopmeiners dictates the play from his midfield role, progressing attacks quickly while also intercepting and pressing opposing players quickly to regain possession and transition into attack quickly. He is a star midfielder in the league who will have scouts watching him regularly from the so called bigger sides around Europe.

BY THEERS NUMB

CRISTIANA GIRELLI IS THE FIRST JUVENTUS PLAYER TO SCORE 100 GOALS IN ALL COMPETITIONS: 70 IN SERIE A, 13 IN COPPA ITALIA, 3 IN THE ITALIAN SUPER CUP AND 14 IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (INCLUDING QUALIFYING).

Daniele Verde scored his first brace in Serie A in Spezia’s 2-2 draw with Empoli, becoming the fifth Spezia player to score multiple goals in a single game in the competition.

Cristiana Girelli is the first Juventus player to score 100 goals in all competitions: 70 in Serie A, 13 in Coppa Italia, 3 in the Italian Super Cup and 14 in the Champions League (including qualifying).

AC Milan’s Olivier Giroud has scored more than five league goals at home in a single season for his first time since the 2015/16 campaign (seven goals for Arsenal in that case).

AC Milan played the 3000th match in their Serie A history when they played Torino this season. The Rossoneri will be the fourth team to reach this milestone, after Inter, Roma and Juventus.

As of February 13, Monza are the only Serie A team to not lose a game in 2023. They won three and drew four of their first seven league matches this year.

Considering all competitions, AC Milan have lost four games in a row for the first time since the period between January and February 2017 under Vincenzo Montella after their derby loss to Inter Milan.

Lautaro Martinez has scored seven goals against AC Milan, becoming the 2nd highest scorer with Inter in the Milan derby, only fewer than Stefano Nyers (11).

Lautaro Martinez

By Michael Rice

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2023 TITLE RACES - LA LIGA

SPAIN

LA LIGA ABOVE: Real Madrid is the team to beat after winning the Club World Cup BELOW: Barcelona have reemerged to threaten Real Madrid’s bid for another La Liga title

Despite an impressive effort from Real Sociedad, the chances of a genuine wildcard charge appear unlikely in Spain but a first title for Xavi’s Barcelona would prove their ability to check Real Madrid’s dominance. Four years is nothing in comparison to Arsenal or Napoli’s long wait for a league title but patience is a rare commodity in Catalonia with fans clear on their objectives each season.

A slide behind Real Madrid, and intermittently Atletico Madrid, has seen a string of managers shown the Camp Nou exit door within an ongoing financial implosion. With the club still aiming to balance a farcical situation off the pitch, with every

cent now being scrutinised by Joan Laporta, club legend Xavi has looked to protect his squad from the swirling negativity.

The story of Barcelona’s title tilt will not be lost on the romantics, as Xavi’s heralded return has been mirrored by the strongest line of young talent emerging through their ranks, since his own days as a La Masia scholar. Rather than a shock rise from obscurity, a Barcelona title win allows them to revive the El Clasico rivalry across competitions, and prevent Carlo Ancelotti from powering on unchallenged. The interesting battle on the horizon will be on the respective youth focused policies,

ABOVE: Real Sociedad’ Alexander Sorloth (C) celebrates with teammates

‘THE STORY OF BARCELONA’S TITLE TILT WILL NOT BE LOST ON THE ROMANTICS, AS XAVI’S HERALDED RETURN HAS BEEN MIRRORED

BY THE STRONGEST LINE OF YOUNG TALENT EMERGING THROUGH THEIR RANKS’

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LA LIGA - DID YOU KNOW? Pedri using his signature celebration

Sergio Canales has scored and assisted in the same LaLiga match with the Real Betis on six occasions, the second player from the Betis team to have achieved it the most times in the 21st century after Ruben Castro (11).

No player has won more points for his team with his goals than Pedri Gonzalez in LaLiga this season (10 points with 6 goals, level with Borja Iglesias, 10 points with 9 goals).

based on very different procurement methods.

Gavi, Pedri, Ansu Fati and Alejandro Balde show Barcelona’s undiluted ability to produce or sign the best Spanish talent, while Real Madrid’s signings of Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and Endrick shows their ruthlessness to buy the best, to be the best.

It looks like a straight battle between these rivals to win La Liga this season, and contrary to pre-season predictions Barcelona are showing every sign that they could come out on top. The run in will be truly fascinating.

Barcelona have recorded seven wins by 1-0 in 21 games in LaLiga 2022/23, equaling their highest total in a full season in the history of the competition (7 in 44 games in 1986/87 and 7 also in 42 games in 1995/96 and 1996/97).

ABOVE: Barcelona’s forward Raphinha Dias (R) celebrates with Ansu Fati (L) BELOW: Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde with coach Carlo Ancelotti

Only Jude Bellingham (10) has scored more goals than Pedri Gonzalez (7) this season in all competitions among all midfielders from the top five European leagues under the age of 21.

Atletico de Madrid’s Memphis Depay has scored in three different LaLiga games against a same opponent, v Celta de Vigo, for the first time in the competition (three goals on aggregate).

Jose Gaya became the 22th player to make 250 appearances with Valencia in La Liga. Only two players provided more assists than him (26) in the competition for the club from Mestalla: Dani Parejo (35) and Rodrigo Moreno (27).

Borja Iglesias is the first Real Betis player to hit woodwork twice in a single LaLiga game since September 2021 (also Borja vs Getafe) – the previous different player to do so with Verdiblancos was Jorge Molina on December 2013 (vs Real Sociedad).

Memphis Depay

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2023 TITLE RACES - LA LIGA Gavi

Vinicius Junior

PLAYERS ON THE RADAR

LA LIGA

VINÍCIUS JÚNIOR We are now getting used to La Liga without Leonel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. New superstars are transforming the league and Real Madrid once again have one of the greats of the league.

Vinícius Júnior has become a key piece in the Real Madrid side since his move from Flamengo in Brazil in 2018. He arrived for around $35 million and has started to become a key figure in the goalscoring charts. A right-footed winger who operates on the left, he will cut inside and cause chaos in defences across La Liga and in the Champions League.

2021/22 was a real breakout year with 17 goals and 13 assists in 35 La Liga games and he has again managed to be effective in and around the box, scoring seven and assisting three in 20 games in La Liga so far this season.

Just 22 years old, he is a key figure in the Brazilian national team and the heir to Neymar as the leader in the attack for the South American giants. He has the traditional Brazilian flair on the ball, incredibly quick feet which keeps defenders guessing which way he is going to go. His pace and acceleration allow him to either get in behind the defence or

Niko Williams

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travel with the ball dangerously.Real Madrid have a history of being one of the biggest teams in world football and have, in Vinícius Júnior, a player who can keep them dominating for domestic and European titles for years to come.

GAVI The Barcelon academy graduate has embarked on a rapid rise in his short career to date. After just turning 17 he made his Barcelona debut, and in a season and a half of senior football he has already racked up 78 appearances for Barcelona, scoring four and assisting 11, as well as 17 caps for Spain where he has scored three goals.

Though young and small in stature he shows no fear on the pitch, snapping into tackles and putting players of much bigger builds under immense pressure. He matches this with the Barcelona way of being quick footed, creative on the ball and able to carry it forward with menace.

Pedri

YUNUS MUSAH Things haven’t been going smoothly at Valencia this season as they find themselves a relegation battle going into the second half of the 2022/23 La Liga season.

One bright spark though has been Yunus Musa. The American international who arrived from Arsenal back in 2019 has become a key part of the midfield at Valencia as well as for the United States Men’s National Team.

He is a composed and assured on the ball for a player so young and distributes it nicely. He has plenty of energy too which helps him get around the pitch, putting out fires and protecting the defence.

NIKO WILLIAMS The younger of the Williams brothers, Niko is a wide player with bags of pace and skill.

The 20-year-old committed to Spain for his international football while older brother Iñaki decided to represent Ghana.

Having both come through the ranks at Athletic Bilbao, Nico has become a key figure on the wing

Takefusa Kubo

Yunus Musah

LA LIGA - DID YOU KNOW? Jordi Alba has been breaking personal records

Theo Bongonda recorded two assists in a LaLiga match for the first time in his career during Cadiz’s 2-0 win against Girona this season.

and one of La Liga’s most promising young stars.

He is in his second full season as a started and is gradually becoming more of a goal threat in the final third. After not scoring or registering an assist in La Liga in 2021/22 he has four goals and five assists in 21 games this season.

His form has earnt him call ups to the national team where he has represented Spain seven times, scoring once so far.

PEDRI Barcelona were forced into playing their youth when financial issues hit, but luckily for them, they had plenty of quality to step up. Pedri has been one of the best to come through the ranks since the days of Xavi and Iniesta.

Pedri is just 20 years old but already is a mainstay in the Barcelona and Spain teams. One of the first names on the team sheet for both due to his ability to perform all the roles of a central midfielder to elite level ability.

Though he spent most of his youth career at Las Palmas he still graduated La Masia and entered the Barcelona senior side primed and ready to be a star for years to come.

TAKEFUSA KUBO Having not been able to secure much game time at Real Madrid, Kubo moved to Real Sociedad on a permanent deal at the start if the season. The Japanese winger has gone on to have one of the most impressive seasons amongst other wingers across the league.

He managed four goals and four assists in his first 18 games and has been one of the best dribblers in the league. Kubo has the qualities to become an elite level playmaker in La Liga now that he has found a permanent home.

A key player for his country at just 21 years of age, he still has the chance to become a dominant wide player in La Liga who full backs fear coming up against.

Rayo Vallecano have collected 32 points after 20 games of LaLiga 2022/23 (W9 D5 L6), being only the second time in their history that they have collected at least 32 points at this stage of the competition (34 in 19977/78).

BY THEERS NUMB

VINICIUS JUNIOR HAS BEEN FOULED 79 TIMES IN LALIGA 2022/23, THE MOST BY A PLAYER IN EUROPE’S BIG FIVE LEAGUES AND THE MOST

BY A REAL MADRID PLAYER AFTER THE FIRST 20 GAMES OF THE LEAGUE SEASON SINCE LUÍS FIGO IN 2003/04 (96).

It took only 19 seconds for Alvaro García to score for Rayo Vallecano after coming off the bench against Almeria. This is the fastest goal scored by a substitute in LaLiga since February 2020 (Lucas Perez - 13 seconds).

Oihan Sancet scored the first LaLiga Santander hattrick of 2022/23, doing so in Athletic Club’s resounding 4-1 win over Cadiz CF. Sancet scored a brace in the first half and added a third after the interval.

Jordi Alba assisted a goal and scored one himself in Barcelona’s 3-0 home win against Sevilla this season. Alba has now scored and assisted in the same La Liga match four times in his career. He did it three times as a Barcelona player and once as a Valencia player.

Against Mallorca, Real Madrid only had one shot on target and that was from a penalty, the first time they failed to register a shot on target in a LaLiga game (excluding penalties) since March 2008 against Deportivo La Coruña under Bernd Schuster.

Cyle Larin has become the first player to score in each of his first two games for Real Valladolid in LaLiga in the 21st century, scoring more goals (2) than in his nine games for Brugge in the Jupiler Pro League this season (1).

Cyle Larin has been impressing at Real Valladolid

By Michael Rice

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2023 TITLE RACES - BUNDESLIGA

GERMANY

BUNDESLIGA ABOVE: Karim Adeyemi (R) of Dortmund celebrates with teammates BELOW: Union’s players celebrates after scoring the winning goal during the German Bundesliga soccer match between RB Leipzig and FC Union Berln

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No side has dominated a major European domestic league with the same regularity as Bayern Munich since 2012. Their progress has been unchecked by impressive Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Schalke 04 sides as the Bavarians have simply strong armed their way to title after title. Any challenge has simply melted away in the crunch point of the season, with Bayern relishing the chance to end their challengers’ chances. Games billed as title deciders have become an opportunity for Bayern to flex and send a reminder of their place as top dogs. While 2022-23 does have the potential to be different, fans of the other

Bundesliga teams have been here before and seen their hopes of a shock ruthlessly ended.

Dortmund and Leipzig will put up their traditional challenge, but players and fans are scarred by Bayern toying with them in the past, before promise turns into inevitable defeat. Potentially the most likely route to ending Bayern’s monopoly is a genuine outsider, freed from the shackles of previous title failures at the hands of FC Hollywood, enter Union Berlin.

Urs Fischer’s side are the arguably the biggest shock across the major European leagues this season, as they look prepared to push Bayern all

ABOVE: Bayern Munich are expected to claim their 11th successive Bundesliga crown BELOW: Timo Werner reacts during the German Bundesliga soccer match between RB Leipzig and FC Union Berln

BUNDESLIGA - DID YOU KNOW? Vincenzo Grifo

Union Berlin have won nine points from losing positions in the Bundesliga in 2023, the most by any team in Europe’s top five leagues.

Union Berlin won five matches in a row for the first time in their history.

They reached the landmark by beating RB Leipzig away from home earlier this season. the way, on the back of years in the wilderness.

Scepticism over their ability to maintain form and keep all the variables on side remains uncertain, but they have nothing to lose, with no psychological hangover from previous Bayern battles. Eintracht Frankfurt, powered by the goals of France striker Randal Kolo-Muani, are also making waves.

No European league is in greater need of some form of realistic challenge than the German Bundesliga, and the question of longevity remains, but someone has to push Bayern, as the window of opportunity won’t be open for long.

Freiburg forward Vincenzo Grifo scored his second brace of penalties of the Bundesliga season against Stuttgart – in this century, only Arjen Robben in 2011/12 also scored two penalty braces in a single Bundesliga season.

ABOVE: Urs Fischer has guided surprise package Union Berlin towards the top of the Bundesliga BELOW: Schalke’s Soichiro Kozuki (C) celebrates with Schalke’s Michael Frey

Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Bynoe-Gittens scored BVB’s 15th goal by a teenager in the Bundesliga this season (excl. own goals) - as many as all other teams combined.

Moussa Diaby and Jeremy Frimpong have assisted each other for six goals in this season’s Bundesliga, a joint-league high by any pair, with Alassane Plea and Marcus Thuram of Gladbach.

Schalke is the third club in the Bundesliga after 1. FC Koln (95/96) and Dusseldorf (76/77) to begin the second half of the season with three scoreless draws; three scoreless draws in a row is a shared Bundesliga record (previously last reached by Düsseldorf in 2012).

Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani has had the most touches in the oppositions box in the Bundesliga so far this season (130), followed by fellow Frenchman Marcus Thuram (114).

Moussa Diaby

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2023 TITLE RACES - BUNDESLIGA Jude Bellingham

Jamal Musiala

PLAYERS ON THE RADAR

BUNDESLIGA JAMAL MUSIALA After spells and Southampton and Chelsea’s academy systems, Musiala moved to Bayern Munich U17 side in 2019. Born in Germany he decided to return to finish his academy level development and in a short period of time has become incredibly valuable both to Bayern Munich as well as the German national team.

Before turning 20 he has already racked up 20 international caps and one goal. He has appeared in European Championships and a World Cup as a starter for a nation which has such a successful history in the game.

Musiala has grabbed the attention of the world with his mazy dribbling and direct attacking style. He has become a regular starter since making his first start in the Bundesliga back in the 2020/21 season.

After 19 games of the 2022/23 season, he had already contributed to 18 goals, scoring 10 and assisting eight. This has been his breakout season after his previous two saw him score just 11 combined.

Operating out of the number 10 spot or further out wide, Musiala has an incredible positional

Randal Kolo Muani

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understanding and can receive the ball and turn in tight areas while combining with players brilliantly with excellent technique. His game-changing ability, pace and skill have made him one of Europes greatest young talents, if not the worlds.

At Bayern he continues his development competing for domestic titles as well as for Champions League honours. At just 19-years-old he is a regular in the most high-profile matches in soccer proving to be a game winner for the German side.

JUDE BELLINGHAM Another player to have left the English academy system and develop in the Bundesliga. Bellingham left Birmingham City after becoming their youngest ever player at 16 years and 38 days old, and their youngest ever goal scorer at 16 years and 63 days.

He moved to Borussia Dortmund for a teenage record fee of £25 million and instantly become a key figure in the team that looks to push Bayern Munich each year for the title.

Youssoufa Moukoko

Bellingham has also become a key part of the England national team with Gareth Southgate seeing the box-to-box midfielder as the future of the midfield alongside Declan Rice.

JOSKO GVARDIOL Now in his second season with RB Leipzig, Gvardiol is standing out as a young centre back at the top of his game. The Croatian international was a star in the Qatar 2022 Word Cup and at just 21-years-old has been a regular in the centre of the RB Leipzig defence since arriving from Dinamo Zagreb.

The left-footed centre back is a strong and calm presence in the back and has excellent passing range to start attacks from deep, especially in transition.RB Leipzig have tied him down to a contract that expires at the end of the 2026/27 season knowing there are many suitors for the defender who could be on the verge of a bigmoney move this summer.

Markus Thuram

Josko Gvardiol

BUNDESLIGA - DID YOU KNOW?

Kingsley Coman against Wolfsburg

RANDAL KOLO MUANI The French forward has been a hugely surprising revelation this season considering he arrived on a free transfer from FC Nantes in July 2022.

He had a strong final season in Ligue 1 with Nantes, scoring 12 and assisting five in 36 games. Coming to Eintracht Frankfurt he has hit the ground running and in his first 19 league games for the side he has scored nine and assisted 12 – that’s 21 goal contributions in 19 games.

He has explosive pace which can help him beat a defender or make runs in behind the defence which he times incredibly well and even got a call up to the France national team side at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

YOUSSOUFA MOUKOKO Moukoko has been a revelation throughout his time in the Borrussia Drotmund academy. Playing for the U-17s at the age of twelve, he scored 90 goals and added 16 assists in just 56 games. Between that and his time with the U-19s, Moukoko managed an astounding 157 goals in just 97 games. At just 18 years of age the striker has amassed more than 60 first team appearances and in his first 18 games in 2022/23 he had scored six and assisted four. This January Dortmund managed to tie him down to a longer contract and will get to keep their prize asset from leaving on a free transfer this summer.

He had been a solid replacement while Sebastian Haller was unavailable and even was part of the German national team at the 2022 World Cup. MARKUS THURAM Son of the great French defender Lillian Thuram, Markus plays his football at the other end of the field from his dad. A pacy winger with a lot of skill but also the physical presence that his father used so well in defence. Thuram is now 25 years old and this season he has really broken out as one of the Bundesliga’s top forwards. Able to play wide or in a central role, Thuram managed 10 goals in his first 19 games this season, matching his highest total for a season with plenty of time to go to beat it.

Borussia Monchengladbach will be prepared for bids this summer for the in-demand forward.

With two goals inside 14 minutes against Wolfsburg, Kingsley Coman scored the earliest brace in a game by a Bayern player in the Bundesliga since September 2001, when Giovane Elber scored two goals after 13 minutes against Stuttgart.

BY THEERS NUMB

THOMAS MULLER WON THE 53RD POKAL CUP MATCH IN HIS CAREER WHEN BAYERN MUNICH BEAT MAINZ 4-0 IN THE POKAL CUP. NO OTHER PLAYER HAS WON MORE GAMES IN THE HISTORY OF THE COMPETITION.

FC Barcelona, Union Berlin, and Borussia Dortmund are the only teams across top five European leagues to have won all of their first five matches in 2023.

FC Bayern’s Jamal Musiala has been directly involved in 23 goals in his 27 competitive games this season (14 goals, 9 assists) - no Bundesliga player has more goal contributions (Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani also has 23).

Thomas Muller made his 427th appearance for Bayern Munich when the Bavarians played Wolfsburg this season. In doing so, he equaled Gerd Muller’s record of making the highest number of appearances for Bayern Munich.

Sebastien Haller scored his first Bundesliga goal in 1358 days when he hit the target against SC Freiburg. The Borussia Dortmund star has recently beaten cancer to get back on the pitch.

Christopher Antwi-Adjei became the first Bochum player since detailed data collection to register three assists in a Bundesliga match during Bochum’s 5-2 triumph over Hoffenheim. The last Bundesliga player with three assists in a first half was Gladbach’s Raffael in September 2015 against Augsburg.

Mergim Berish was involved in six successive home goals in the Bundesliga (4 goals, 2 assists) this season, the longest run of goal involvements by an Augsburg player on home soil in the Bundesliga.

Sebastien Haller scored his first goal in 1358 days

By Michael Rice

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TRANSFERS SPOTLIGHT

THE RACE FOR JUDE

SHOWING A MATURITY THAT BELIES HIS YOUNG YEARS, JUDE BELLINGHAM IS UNIVERSALLY RECOGNISED AS ONE OF THE BEST YOUNG PLAYERS IN THE WORLD HAVING CONSISTENTLY IMPRESSED FOR BORUSSIA DORTMUND AND ENGLAND. AHEAD OF WHAT IS SURE TO BE A RACE FOR HIS SIGNATURE IN THE SUMMER, MICHELLE OSEI BONSU ASKS WHERE THE 19-YEAR-OLD’S FUTURE MIGHT LIE.

Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham celebrates after scoring the 2-0 lead during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund

‘BELLINGHAM’S MATURE DEMEANOUR HAS SEEN HIM EARMARKED BY MANY AS A FUTURE ENGLAND CAPTAIN’

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J

ude Bellingham announcing himself on the world’s biggest footballing stage was bound to happen at some point, and very well likely sooner rather than later. Every four years, fans are treated to the opportunity to watch the FIFA World Cup, a competition which for many young players represents a great chance to put themselves in the shop windows for a move to a bigger club. In the case of Bellingham, he headed to Qatar to join England on their World Cup journey not as an unknown young aspirant featuring for a small team in one of Europe’s less prestigious leagues, but rather as an alreadyestablished starlet playing for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga.

There is truly something special about the World Cup. Something about having the opportunity

to feature in a tournament that takes place once every four years seems to galvanise players - both debutants and veterans alike. For Bellingham, he’d already made a name for himself at a major tournament by featuring for England at Euro 2020. When making a substitute appearance in their opening game against Croatia he was 17 years and 349 days old, making him not only the youngest English international to feature in a major competition, but also the youngest of any nationality - until it was broken six days later - to be involved in a men’s European Championships.

Then at the World Cup 17 months later, the Stourbridge-born midfielder starred for the Three Lions, and opened his own account at senior level, by capping an outstanding individual performance with the opening goal in their opening 6-2 rout

ON THE MOVE?

Jude Bellingham (C) of England in action against Aurelien Tchouameni (down) of France during the FIFA World Cup 2022 quarter final soccer match

WHILE MUCH OF THIS SUMMER’S TRANSFER MARKET NEWS WILL CERTAINLY BE DOMINATED BY THE JUDE BELLINGHAM SAGA, MICHELLE OSEI BONSU LOOKS AT FIVE OTHER YOUNG STARS FROM EUROPE’S TOP LEAGUES WHO COULD ALSO BE ON THE MOVE.

DUSAN VLAHOVIC The Serbian international burst onto the scene thanks to his excellent form for Fiorentina, which saw him score 21 goals during the 2020-21 season and be mentioned in the same sentence as Cristiano Ronaldo after netting his 33rd Serie A goal of 2021 in December of that year. Not surprisingly, he was linked with moves to the Premier League, with Arsenal in particular touted as a potential destination. However, Juventus pounced quickly to snap him up, beating the Gunners to the chase by paying €70m plus add-ons. Yet with the Bianconeri now facing a slew of troubles, including a massive 15-point deduction - and possibly more - meaning that they are not likely to qualify for the Champions League, Vlahović has been linked with a move away from Italy. over Iran. In doing so, he became the secondyoungest England international to score at a World Cup after Michael Owen, who was just 18 when he netted for the Three Lions against Romania during the 1998 World Cup. Yet arguably, his best showing in Qatar didn’t even see him get onto the scoresheet. During the round of 16, England were pitted against newly-crowned AFCON champions Senegal, where Gareth Southgate’s men cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win. Despite not scoring himself, Bellingham received rave reviews from analysts and even his own teammates after a fine all-round display that saw him directly involved in the first two goals, with fellow youngster Phil Foden describing his colleague as “one of the most gifted players I have ever seen” when interviewed by reporters following the victory.

Of course, for Borussia Dortmund and Bundesliga fans, Bellingham’s performance at the World Cup was no surprise. By the time Bellingham had joined his teammates in Qatar, he’d already made over a century of appearances for die Schwarzgelben across all competitions and had even been given the opportunity to wear the captain’s armband

ERLING HAALAND While not likely, stranger things have happened. Like Vlahović’s Juventus, Haaland’s current club Manchester City are facing major troubles of their own, with some reports even claiming that the Citizens could be facing an exodus this summer. Real Madrid have long been keen on the Norwegian striker, and rumors in some quarters are rife that Haaland’s entourage could be trying to find a way away from the Etihad Stadium one year prior to his release clause, which kicks in in 2024. Haaland has enjoyed a very impressive debut season so far in the Premier League, but there are also whispers that he and Pep Guardiola don’t exactly see eye to eye. Could this result in a departure this summer? Perhaps.

KAI HAVERTZ Two years ago, the German international became a Chelsea hero after scoring the only goal during the Blues’ Champions League final win over Manchester City. Havertz also scored the winning penalty during the Club World Cup some months later, which helped to establish him as a player who pops up with clutch goals at key moments. However, the former Leverkusen man, who created a great deal of buzz during his time in Germany, has largely failed to live up to his huge price tag and has struggled to achieve any form of consistency. Often deployed as a centre-forward to limited success, the player has cut a frustrated figure on the pitch and has been on the receiving end of criticism from fans and pundits alike. With Chelsea having spent big to bring in other options, and more expected to come this summer, Havertz could find himself having to look for a new club this summer as the Blues will want to balance the books.

Bellingham’s brilliant showings for England at the World Cup have only caused his stock to rise even further, meaning that Dortmund will be able to play hardball with numerous clubs that are circling

RAFAEL LEÃO The speedy Leão was absolutely brilliant for Milan last season, hitting double figures in both goals and assists as the Rossoneri battled to their first Scudetto since 2011. The Portuguese international followed that up with an excellent showing for his national side at last December’s World Cup, scoring two goals. His current employers are hoping to successfully tie him down to a new contract as they are well aware of interest from other clubs, and while some reports claim that talks are progressing well, it remains to be seen as to whether the Rossoneri will be able to keep him at the San Siro for too much longer.

From Top To Bottom, Above: Dusan Vlahovic Erling Haaland Kai Havertz Rafael Leao Declan Rice

DECLAN RICE Despite West Ham’s best intentions, surely the Hammers know Rice will leave at some point. Even if they avoid relegation, it certainly will not be enough to keep the 24-year-old put at the club where he has featured since his teenage years, especially as it is hard to see West Ham qualifying for European competition for the 2023-24 season. Manchester United have been linked with an outrageous offer for the midfielder, while Rice himself has not been shy about hoping to feature for another team once the next campaign kicks off.

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‘DORTMUND HAVE SLAPPED A PRICE TAG OF UPWARDS OF £100M ON BELLINHAM’’ A big part of Bellingham’s success certainly has to do with his maturity beyond his years, which has seen him even wear the captain’s armband at just 19 years of age

in October 2022 against Koln. It has indeed been a sensational rise, even for those who knew Bellingham before he became a household name.

After taking his first footballing steps at local club Stourbridge, he was signed by Birmingham City in 2010 and promptly joined their under eight squad.

It wasn’t long before he quickly was promoted to higher age groups, first featuring as a 14-year-old for their U18 team before getting his debut at just 15 years old in an U23 match in October 2018. In the latter, Bellingham came on as a late sub and made an impact by netting the game’s only goal with just minutes remaining in regulation time.

Less than a year later, he made club history less than two months after his 16th birthday. In August 2019, Bellingham was part of Birmingham’s starting XI during an EFL Cup first round match against Portsmouth. While his side lost 3-0, he caught the eye during that record-breaking debut, which made him the club’s youngest debutant since Trevor Francis appeared in 1970.

Despite his young age, it became readily apparent to many at Birmingham that the club simply wasn’t big enough for such a burgeoning talent, and while

they were able to turn down a reported £20m offer from Manchester United, they weren’t able to resist when Borussia Dortmund came calling.

Die Schwarzgelben paid an estimated £25m - plus other incentives - for Bellingham in July 2020, which made him the most expensive 17-year-old ever signed in footballing history.

Since arriving at Signal Iduna Park, Bellingham’s stock has simply continued to rise. During his first season, he played in all six of Dortmund’s DFB Pokal matches, during which he scored two goals, including a record-setting one in his team’s 5-0 thrashing of MSV Duisburg in September 2020.

While that achievement has now been broken by another youngster, Youssoufa Moukoko, when the teenager scored against Union Berlin, Bellingham can still claim to have become the youngest player at any German club to reach 75 senior appearances and Dortmund’s youngest to feature in at least 100 games. Off the pitch, Bellingham has been praised for his generally mild-mannered and mature demeanor, showing a level-headedness and perspective beyond his years. This has seen him earmarked by many as a future England captain,

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is thought to be planning a move for Bellingham in the summer

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with the only controversy being a €40,000 fine for comments he made about Bundesliga referee Felix Zwayer after a loss to Bayern Munich in December.

Just as has been the case of other previous young talents at Signal Iduna Park, including the likes of Christian Pulisic, Jadon Sancho, and Erling Haaland, Bellingham’s progress has been closely tracked by several of Europe’s biggest clubs and it’s safe to say that Bellingham very likely will be on the move this summer. The race to sign him not only promises to be fiercely competitive, but it could be the one transfer story that dominates the headlines in the months to come. As it stands a return to the Premier League looks to be the most likely destination with Manchester United - who missed out on him back in 2020 - and Liverpool heavily linked, although Manchester City could also come into the running. However, they will face competition from none other than Real Madrid, who are always sniffing around to try to recruit all the game’s hottest prospects.

Undoubtedly any deal for Bellingham will be worth very big money indeed. Knowing the extent of the interest in their latest prized asset, Dortmund have

Erling Haaland is the most recent in a long line of Borussia Dortmund stars to leave the club

SIGNAL IDUNA EXODUS

slapped a price tag of upwards of £100m on their player. Many reports have him “leaning” towards returning to his native England after several years abroad, which would theoretically put Real Madrid out of the running.

But then again, there’s hardly a proposal more tempting in football than a move to the Bernabeu, so they shouldn’t be ruled out completely. In addition, Los Blancos are quite persistent when they want a player, and it remains to be seen whether Florentino Perez will succeed in making Bellingham his latest Galatico or if the player feels that there’s truly no place like home and opts to try his luck in the Premier League, where any of England’s biggest clubs surely will be eager to add him to their rosters.

The place where he’s arguably most coveted is at Liverpool, where the need for a major rebuild in the midfield area has become increasingly urgent over the course of a difficult season. Jurgen Klopp is known to be a serious admirer of Bellingham and everything points to him being the prime transfer target in the summer as the Reds aim to get themselves back on track. Should Bellingham wind up at Anfield, his energy and on-field leadership will surely offer renewed impetus to a side that’s lost some of its intensity this term.

Manchester United are expected to battle their bitter rivals all the way to sign him, however.

Manager Erik ten Hag has already strengthened the midfield he inherited upon his arrival in 2022, but Bellingham may give them an even better balance. Alongside Casemiro, he could have a similar on-field relationship with the Brazilian as he enjoys with Declan Rice in an England shirt, while there would also be a hope that he can turn out to be something similar to what Paul Pogba was expected to be at Old Trafford.

The option to join Manchester City and link up with England teammate and fellow rising young star Foden, may arise too. Of course, the blue half of Manchester are perhaps the most capable of meeting Dortmund’s valuation, although on that basis Chelsea shouldn’t be ruled out either given their extravagant spending over the past two transfer windows.

Bellingham is unquestionably one of the best young players in the world and has proved that time and again by showing just about the full range of attributes anyone could ask for from a midfielder. He’s in demand and Borussia Dortmund seem unlikely to be able to keep him. In the long-term he could go on to achieve amazing things in his career, but the question of what his next step will be and which club’s colours he’ll be representing in 2023-24 remains endlessly fascinating.

SHOULD JUDE BELLINGHAM INDEED LEAVE DORTMUND, HE WILL BE FAR FROM THE FIRST STAR PLAYER TO MOVE AWAY FROM SIGNAL IDUNA PARK, AND HE CERTAINLY WILL NOT BE THE LAST. MICHELLE OSEI BONSU LISTS FIVE NOTABLE PLAYERS WHO HAVE DEPARTED SINCE THE 2017-18 CAMPAIGN

ERLING HAALAND Given his excellent start to life in the Premier League and that Manchester City were able to snap up Haaland for “just” €60 million, one could certainly argue that Dortmund, despite being an overall shrewd negotiator, may have got the short end of the deal. Suffice it to say, Haaland has been a great success since leaving Germany, scoring goals at a nearly unprecedented rate in English football’s top flight. It is no surprise then, that there are some quarters of City’s supporters who will be concerned about rumours that Haaland may be looking already to continue playing his football elsewhere.

JADON SANCHO Sancho set multiple records during his time at Dortmund, further enhancing the German outfit’s reputation as getting the best out of young players. The English international first arrived at Signal Iduna Park in August 2017 and was quickly integrated into the first-team squad. By the time Manchester United splashed an estimated £72.9 million on him in July 2021, he had racked up a very impressive 38 goals and 45 assists in just 104 appearances for die Schwarzgelben. Since returning to his native England, he has found it difficult to replicate the same form but has shown flashes of the brilliance that helped him to become a breakout player for his former side.

CHRISTIAN PULISIC In January 2019, Chelsea paid approximately £57.6 million to sign Pulisic from Dortmund, making the American international the most expensive North American signing of all time. During his first two seasons Pulisic set several notable milestones, including becoming the youngest Chelsea player to score a hat-trick, the youngest to score in a Champions League semi-final - and first American - and the first USMNT player to feature in a UCL final as the Blues won 1-0 against Manchester City. Injuries, however, have hampered his progress at Stamford Bridge as of late, which has seen him spend considerable time on the sidelines but one could argue that overall, he has been a pretty consistent and solid performer since making his move to the English capital nearly four years ago.

OUSMANE DEMBÉLÉ Barcelona paid a whopping €145 million including add-ons to sign Dembélé from Dortmund in 2017. At the time, the French international had played just one season for die Schwarzgelben, where he had scored ten goals in nearly 50 appearances across all competitions. But clearly, he had done enough for the Blaugrana to come calling, and Dortmund, knowing this, were able to make a massive profit off his sale. Dembélé’s time at the Camp Nou hasn’t been without its share of ups, downs, and controversy, and the jury is still out as to whether Barcelona, who decided to extend his contract until 2024 last May, have got their full money’s worth.

Kai Havertz could be among the players on the move this summer

PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAYMEYANG Initially forced to play in an unfamiliar position to accommodate Robert Lewandowski, Aubameyang finally got his chance once Lewandowski left and quickly became a fan favorite at the Signal Iduna Park. In 2017, he became the first African international to win the Torjägerkanone since Ghanaian Anthony Yeboah did so with Eintracht Frankfurt in 1993, and less than six months later, secured a then club-record transfer to Arsenal for an estimated £56 million in January 2018. While his tenure at the Emirates Stadium started off brightly, things soon turned sour as off the pitch issues and conflict with his manager saw him depart for Barcelona, where he spent a brief stint before being signed by Chelsea in September 2022.

From Top To Bottom, Above: Erling Haaland Jadon Sancho Christian Pulisic Ousmane Dembele Pierre-Emerick Aubaymeyang

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WINTER BIG TRANSFERS

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I

t is safe to say that the Premier League clubs have outshone the rest of the European market when it comes to transfers. Here’s the list highest spenders of this ongoing season.

ENZO FERNANDEZ Benfica to Chelsea – £106.8m MYKHAYLO MUDRYK Shakhtar Donetsk to Chelsea – £62m ANTHONY GORDON Everton to Newcastle – £40m CODY GAKPO PSV to Liverpool – £37.2m Mykhaylo Mudryk

Cody Gakpo

BENOIT BADIASHILE Monaco to Chelsea – £33m

Georginio Rutter

NONI MADUEKE PSV Eindhoven to Chelsea – £30.7m VITINHA Braga to Marseille – £28.3m MALO GUSTO Lyon to Chelsea – £26.3m GEORGINIO RUTTER Hoffenheim to Leeds – £24.8m KAMALDEEN SULEMANA Rennes to Southampton – £22m LEANDRO TROSSARD Brighton to Arsenal – £21m ILYA ZABARNYI Dynamo Kyiv to Bournemouth – £20.1m DANGO OUATTARA Lorient to Bournemouth – £20m

Andrey Santos

ANDREY SANTOS Vasco Da Gama to Chelsea – £18m Vitinha

DANILO Palmeiras to Nottingham Forest – £17.8m GERSON Marseille to Flamengo – £17.6m JAKUB KIWIOR Spezia to Arsenal – £17.5m PAUL ONUACHU Genk to Southampton – £15.9m HARRY SOUTTAR Stoke to Leicester – £15m JOAO GOMES Flamengo to Wolves – £15m Paul Onuachu

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2023 MLS SEASON PREVIEW

INSIGNE TO INSPIRE? AS LORENZO INSIGNE BEGINS HIS FIRST FULL MLS SEASON WITH TORONTO FC, MARCO D’ONOFRIO TAKES A DEEP DIVE INTO THE IMPACT THE ITALIAN WILL HAVE AS THE REDS TARGET A RETURN TO THE TOP.

The Euro 2020 winner will have high expectations to deliver in Toronto this season.

FANS OF HIS NEW TEAM ARE DREAMING THAT INSIGNE WILL FINALLY BE ABLE TO LIFT HIS FIRST LEAGUE TROPHY IN TORONTO.

A

fter the astronomic heights that Sebastian Giovinco was able to reach with Toronto FC, fans across the city couldn’t help but dream big when the Reds announced the acquisition of former Napoli captain and Euro 2020 winner, Lorenzo Insigne.

“This is a historic and exciting day for our club,” said Toronto FC president Bill Manning in January 2022 when the club announced they had agreed terms with the Italian star. “Lorenzo is a world class attacking player in the prime of his career. He was a European champion with Italy and has performed on the biggest stages during his club career with Napoli. Lorenzo has the talent to change games.

He plays the game with joy and passion, and our supporters are going to love watching him as a member of our team.”

However, Insigne didn’t touch down in Toronto until the summer of last year as he waited for his

contract with the Partenopei to expire before making his move to Canada as a free agent.

Unfortunately for Insigne and TFC fans, the club was sitting at the bottom of the table at the time of his arrival and would need a minor miracle to sneak into the playoffs. Despite making an immediate impact with six goals and two assists in 11 MLS games for Toronto, it wasn’t enough to get the club back into the postseason.

Now the aim is to help restore Toronto to the top after their indifferent 2022 and Insigne will be expected to showcase his explosive talent consistently to fulfil the club’s lofty ambitions.

Until then, the question remains as to whether the 31-year-old will be able to emulate Giovinco, who led the Reds to their first ever MLS playoff appearance, MLS Cup final, MLS Cup triumph and even a CONCACAF Champions League final in 2018. Giovinco was also able to take home the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award and MLS Golden

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DID YOU KNOW? 8 - NUMBER OF CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS WON BY TORONTO FC, THE MOST IN THE COMPETITION’S HISTORY.

North American football fans are used to looking in strange spots to watch their favorite teams play. This season though may take the cake or perhaps the apple.

Starting with the 2023 season, all regular season Major League Soccer coverage will be moving to Apple Plus as part of the digital streaming partners multi-million dollar streaming rights deal. While the deal seems to be fruitful for the league, many supporters feel that it is a bit rotten.

Throughout its history, Major League

Soccer has had a checkered past with television rights. In both the United States and Canada the league has struggled to find its footing with both television partners and in the ratings.

At both the regional and national level, games have been shuttered to tiny television channels with tape delays or games being shown on the league website as being the lone options.

Even the ‘National Games of the Week’ lacked structure and organization. With

Insigne’s arrival to TFC helped the MLS grow even more

THE TREBLE IN TORONTO IT IS NOW SIX YEARS SINCE TORONTO FC’S HISTORIC TREBLE WINNING CAMPAIGN. MARCO D’ONOFRIO LOOKS BACK AT THAT MOMENTOUS ACHIEVEMENT IN 2017.

The Atomic Ant led the Reds to their first ever MLS Cup in 2017 and now fans of the club are hoping another Italian can do the same.

DID YOU KNOW?

ESPN NO MORE!

2023 WILL BE THE FIRST SEASON IN THE LEAGUE’S HISTORY THAT NO MATCHES WILL BE PLAYED IN NORTH AMERICA ON ESPN. SINCE THE LEAGUE’S INCEPTION THE WORLDWIDE LEADER IN SPORTS HAS SHOWN GAMES ON ITS VARIETY OF NETWORKS. BUT WITH THE LEAGUE’S DEAL WITH APPLE AND FOX SHOWING THE REMAINING NATIONAL GAMES, ESPN HAS BEEN LEFT OUT IN THE COLD.

no exact time and channel to tune into, supporters often tuned out matches.

Enter Apple. The technology giant has just started dipping its toes into sports, first with the dynamic Ted Lasso but also with Major League Baseball. But the MLS agreement is a bit of a different animal with the platform taking over all non-national MLS games for both English and Spanish as well as additional digital content. The ten year deal worth $2.5 billion dollars presents clubs with

Boot during his first season in the league in 2015.

While Insigne knows he has a lot of expectations to live up to, he certainly seems up for the task.

“I had some proposals in Italy, but as I always said, I am Neapolitan and a Napoli supporter, so I would only wear that jersey in Serie A,” he said in an interview with Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport. “There were offers abroad too, but I wasn’t really impressed with their projects, unlike with Toronto. It wasn’t easy, because I’ve never been so far from home, but I am living this experience to the full. “Now I just want to enjoy myself and try to win with this team.”

The Reds are doing everything in their power to match the success of the past by spending big and bringing in star players that they believe will help compliment Insigne. They also made a big investment in signing fellow Euro 2020 winner Federico Bernardeschi, by giving him a Designated Player contract worth $6.25m per season. While

the opportunity with a partner that will actually promote their product and enhance the television experience. In other words, no more tape delays and wondering where their games will be at.

There are other benefits to this deal for both supporters and the league as well. Perhaps the biggest is the end of blackouts. In previous streaming deals, the league was hamstrung with regional television partners who held the rights to show matches live but would put

After a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss on home soil in the 2016 MLS Cup to the Seattle Sounders, many Toronto FC fans were left wondering if they would ever see their club lift the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy.

After all, they had finally made it the MLS showpiece and were favourites in front of their own fans at BMO Field before that utter disappointment.

However, 2016 would prove to be just the warm-up act for the incredible highs that the 2017 campaign would produce. Toronto FC set an MLS single-season record at the time for the most points with 69, bringing home the Supporters’ Shield for the first time in franchise history. As a result, TFC earned the right to play on home soil again if they were able to make it back to the MLS Cup final.

They would first meet the New York Red Bulls in the Eastern Conference semi-finals, narrowly advancing on away goals after the teams finished level on aggregate 2-2. Next up for the Reds was the Columbus Crew who TFC knocked out by winning 1-0 over the two legs. Rarely in life do you get the opportunity to make up for past mistakes, but that’s exactly the chance that presented itself to Toronto when they met Seattle for the second consecutive year in the MLS Cup final at BMO Field. This time though, the Reds would emerge victorious on the cold evening at the stadium-by-lake, winning 2-0 thanks to goals from Jozy Altidore and Victor Vazquez.

Toronto became the first team in MLS history to pull off a historic treble by winning the Canadian Championship, Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup all in the same season. Fans can only hope that the club will once again be able to achieve such unbelievable success.

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2023 MLS SEASON PREVIEW Fellow Italian Federico Bernadeschi joins Insigne as a designated player at Toronto FC

‘THE REDS ARE NOT SHYING AWAY FROM OBJECTIVES BEING SET OF THEM, FULLY EMBRACING THEIR ROLE AS ONE OF THE FAVOURITES TO LIFT MLS CUP IN 2023.’

Insigne is the highest paid player in the entire league with annual earnings of $14 million, Bernardeschi - with the fourth most expensive contract - is not far behind.

“I think MLS has a great future, I think they have very big projects, not only here in Toronto as they’re showing, but for the entire league,” Bernardeschi said in September.

“This is good for all football worldwide but especially for football and sport in North America.

It is beautiful to see and for sure it’s beautiful to be a part of.”

Toronto also went out and acquired another experienced Neapolitan in Domenico Criscito.

Although Criscito’s time in Toronto would be shortlived as he eventually returned to Genoa at the conclusion of the 2022 MLS campaign, the club did replace him with 25-year-old Italian left-back Raoul Petretta from Kasimpasa of the Turkish Super Lig for the 2023 campaign.

“Raoul is an experienced young left-back who established himself in a strong European club and has gained experience playing at a high level in European competitions with FC Basel,” said Toronto FC Head Coach and Sporting Director Bob Bradley.“He is a smart passer, disciplined defender, and has the work rate to get up and down the left flank consistently. We are excited to have him join Toronto FC and strengthen our backline.”

While the acquisitions of Insigne, Bernardeschi and even Petretta are massive additions to a rebuilding team looking to be the standard of the league again, the club’s management understands that their signings alone aren’t enough to get the team

to where they need to be.

When Toronto FC won the league’s most prestigious prize in 2017, the Reds had their superstars in Giovinco, Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley but they were surrounded by important veterans in the starting line-up like Victor Vazquez, Justin Morrow and Drew Moor. The club is now looking to do the same with their current crop of stars which is why they opted to acquire American international goalkeeper Sean Johnson. The 33-year-old helped New York City FC win their first ever MLS Cup in 2021 and the Reds are hoping his experience between the posts will be crucial come playoff time.

“Sean has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in MLS, given his club and international career,” said Bradley in Toronto FC’s press release announcing the deal. “Sean continues to demonstrate his elite shot-stopping ability, athleticism, and decision-making in important moments and the biggest games.”

Having an experienced goalkeeper is crucial after the club allowed former number one Alex Bono to sign with D.C. United as a free agent during the offseason. Bono had been with the club since they drafted him sixth overall in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft. While Bono played a crucial role in TFC’s 2017 MLS Cup run by keeping a clean sheet in the final, he hasn’t looked nearly as convincing ever since that momentous occasion.

Possessing superstars like Insigne and Bernardeschi are a big reason TFC were able to attract such important players during the offseason, with other MLS stars eager to play alongside them. With these

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Toronto FC Head coach Bob Bradley has high hopes for the season ahead

them on their second or third channels that no one had and would withhold the regional streaming rights from being shown nationally. With no regional television deals that means no issues streaming the games for all fans.

Apple also seems to be interested in showing not just the games but the league as a whole. Included in the deal is coverage of the Leagues Cup, MLSNextPro, and MLS Next giving the league unprecedented support of all of their different events.

There are some catches though. The first is the sticker price. While $99 for a full season doesn’t sound that terribly high in the grand scheme of streaming, it is still a high price. The league has made some concessions with season ticket holders getting a free account with their ticket purchases. But the question is: how will they bring in the fair weather fan, the person that just wants to watch a game on a Saturday night? That has yet to be answered.

5 TO KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Toronto FC signed American international goalkeeper Sean Johnson as a free agent during the offseason as they aim to get back to the glory days.

MARCO D’ONOFRIO DISCUSSES FIVE DESIGNATED PLAYERS IN MLS WORTH KEEPING AN EYE ON IN 2023.

CUCHO HERNANDEZ – COLUMBUS CREW Signed for a club record $10m in June 2022 after an impressive breakthrough season in the Premier League with Watford, the 23-year-old Colombian made a fantastic start to life in MLS by scoring eight goals in his first eight games. His technical ability, and occasional habit for producing moments of magic could lift Columbus Crew towards a playoff berth.

big names arriving at the club, it will surely enable the entire squad to raise its game and become a much more formidable outfit again in 2023, with a tougher mentality.

While Insigne was never able to lead Napoli to the much-coveted Scudetto, he did win the Coppa Italia twice with his hometown club and was the captain during their triumph in 2020 over rivals Juventus. Fans of his new team are dreaming that the Italian superstar will finally be able to lift his first league trophy in Toronto.

The Reds are not shying away from objectives being set of them either, fully embracing their role as one of the favourites to lift the MLS Cup in 2023.

“We’re going to be a good team,” head coach Bob Bradley told reporters during the offseason. “We’re going to be able to compete with the best teams.”

“With the [personnel] discussions we’re having and some of the moves that have been made and some of the foundation that got laid last year, yes, I think the goal is to be a really good team this year,” he continued. Toronto will also be aiming to reclaim the Canadian Championship, having finished as runners-up in the last two years. Winning the competition would allow them back into the CONCACAF Champions League, enabling the likes of Insigne and Bernardeschi to compete against the best North America has to offer. The CONCACAF Champions League remains the one major trophy that still eludes the Reds, with the Seattle Sounders the only MLS team to win the tournament under its current format. If Insigne is able to help lead the club back to the glory days, his legacy will be cemented in Toronto much like it was in Italy after that historic win over England at Wembley Stadium.

Who will be covering the games is also a big question mark. Apple has announced that it will be doing a more nationallyfocused coverage plan with games (think the NFL on Sundays) with fixed announcing teams. But for a league that has struggled to gain a footprint in some of their cities losing another voice will make selling the league more difficult.

Across the board, media companies are cutting their MLS coverage so fans are losing another voice, many of

whom have covered the league since its inception.

There is a lot to like about the Apple deal and after years of getting scraps few can blame MLS taking a big bite of the Apple pie at $2.5 billion. But it is a gamble and for a league that hasn’t always landed the big gamble it may be too much for some fans to stomach.

EVANDER – PORTLAND TIMBERS The Brazilian midfielder inked a deal through 2026 with a club option for 2027 to ply his trade in Portland. The Timbers spent a reported $10 million for the 24-year-old, making him the most expensive purchase in franchise history and within the top 10 of most expensive incoming transfers in league history.

MARTIN OJEDA – ORLANDO CITY SC The Lions had been interested in the Argentinian winger for quite some time, but were finally able to pull the trigger on a deal in January. His ability to create up top will be a threat to any opposing defenders as he looks to partner alongside fellow DPs Facundo Torres and Ercan Kara.

FEDERICO BERNARDESCHI – TORONTO FC Much like teammate Lorenzo Insigne, Bernardeschi arrived midway through the 2022 season when it was too late to salvage TFC’s abysmal campaign. After an impressive start to his MLS career scoring eight goals and providing three assists in 13 games, there will be a lot of expectations set on the Euro 2020 champion.

Square Images above, from Top to Bottom: Cucho Hernandez Evander Martin Ojeda Federico Bernardeschi

CHRISTIAN BENTEKE – D.C. UNITED The experienced Belgian international arrived in D.C. in August to much fanfare and hype.

The former Liverpool striker is hoping to make a big impact in his first full season with his new team and will be looking to do better than just the one goal he scored in seven games last year.

Right: Christian Benteke

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2023 MLS SEASON PREVIEW

All statistics are from the 2022 season unless otherwise noted.

2023 MLS SEASON PREVIEW THE 2023 MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER SEASON IS UNDERWAY! TO CELEBRATE THE UPCOMING SEASON, SOCCER 360 MAGAZINE’S SEAN MASLIN HAS A TEAM-BY-TEAM BREAKDOWN OF EACH SIDE AS THEY ENTER THE 2023 CAMPAIGN!

EASTERN CONFERENCE ATLANTA UNITED FC 2022 RECORD: 10-14-10, 40 points (Did Not Make The Playoffs)

HEAD COACH: Gonzalo Pineda KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: MID Thiago Almada (6 goals, 12 assists), MID Andrew Gutman (79% passing accuracy), and FWD Luiz Arajuo (4 goals, 6 assists) KEY ADDITION: MID Derrick Etienne

OUTLOOK: With the departure of their leading all-time scorer (Martinez) as well as two of their biggest signings in club history (Moreno and Franco) it appears that Atlanta may be in the middle of a rebuild. Almada and Arajuo may have something to say about that; but the sides depth certainly leaves a lot to be desired.

(Columbus Crew SC)

KEY DEPARTURES: FWD Josef Martinez (Inter Miami CF), MID Marcelino Moreno (Loan-Cortiba), and DEF Alan Franco (Sao Paulo) Thiago Almada

CF MONTREAL 2022 RECORD: 20-9-5, 65 points (Second Place, Eastern Conference Semifinalist)

HEAD COACH: Hernan Losada KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: FWD Romell Quioto (15 goals), MID Victor Wanyama (30 starts), and DEF Kamal Miller (26 starts) KEY ADDITION: DEF Aaron Herrera (Real Salt Lake)

KEY DEPARTURES: MID Djordje Mihailovic (AZ Alkmaar), DEF Alistair Johnston (Celtic), DEF Ismael Kone (Watford), & FWD Kei Kamara (Released)

DID YOU KNOW?

FOR YEARS, ONE OF THE BIGGEST COMPLAINTS FROM FANS WAS THE SCHEDULE. GAMES WERE SCHEDULED ALL DAYS AND TIMES OF THE WEEK WITH LITTLE CAUSE OR REASON. FOR 2023, ALL GAMES WILL BE EITHER ON WEDNESDAYS OR SATURDAYS. ALL GAMES WILL ALSO START AT 7:30 PM LOCALLY DEPENDING UPON THE TIMEZONE.

CHARLOTTE FC 2022 RECORD: 13-18-3, 42 points (Did Not Make The Playoffs)

HEAD COACH: Christian Lattanzio KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: FWD Karol Swiderski (10 goals, 6 assists), GK Kristian Kahlina (31 appearances, 98 saves) KEY ADDITION: FWD Enzo Copetti (Racing)

KEY DEPARTURES: DEF Christian Fuchs (Retired), FWD Daniel Rios (Chivas de Guadalajara)

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OUTLOOK: Another strange offseason for Montreal. After a superb regular season run and very nearly making the Eastern Conference Finals…Montreal management fired their head coach Wilfried Nancy and sold off their top two attackers (Mihailovic and Kamara) and top two defenders (Johnston and Kone). They still have their workhorse in Wanyama and an excellent goalscorer in Quioto.But their depth took a real hit and in a strong Eastern Conference that is not enough.

Romell Quioto

WHILE MLS MAY HAVE FINALLY BESTED THEIR MEXICAN COMPETITION IN 2022 IN THE CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WITH THE SEATTLE SOUNDERS TAKING TOP HONORS, THEY STILL HAVE YET TO BREAK THROUGH IN THE LEAGUES CUP. IN THE TWO PREVIOUS EDITIONS OF THE TOURNAMENT, MLS FAILED TO WIN IT ALL AND HAS ONLY HAD ONE SIDE MAKE THE FINALS (SEA. IN 2021).

OUTLOOK: The expectation from Charlotte last year was that they would be at the bottom of the standings.

But the side was very competitive last year, just narrowly missing out on the playoffs. Losing Rios certainly hurts, but the addition of Copetti (who scored 10 goals in the Argentina Primera last year) should help.

Karol Swiderski

2023 KEY DATES FEB 25: MLS Regular Season Begins MAR 7: CONCACAF Champions League Begins MAR 21: US Open Cup Begins EARLY APR: MLSNext Pro Season Begins APR 1-9: Generation Adidas Cup APR 18: Canadian Championship Begins APR 24: Primary Transfer Window Closes MAY 12-16: MLSNext Fest (U15-U19)

2023 MLS SEASON PREVIEW

MAY 31: CONCACAF Champions League Final, First Leg JUN 4: CONCACAF Champions League Final, Second Leg JUN 6-8: Canadian Championship Final JUN 17-25: MLSNext Cup Playoffs and Showcase JUL 5: Secondary Transfer Window Opens JUL 19: MLS All-Star Game in Washington D.C. JUL 21: Leagues Cup Competition With LigaMX begins.

Regular Season Stops

CHICAGO FIRE FC 2022 RECORD: 10-15-9, 39 points (Did Not Make The Playoffs)

HEAD COACH: Ezra Hendrickson KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: MID Xherdan Shaqiri (7 goals, 11 assists), MID Kacper Przybylko (5 goals, 1 assist), DEF Rafael Czichos (26 starts) KEY ADDITION: MID Maren Haile Selassie (Lugano-Loan) KEY DEPARTURES: GK Gabriel Slonina (Chelsea) and FWD Jhon Duran (Aston

AUG 2: Secondary Transfer Window Closes AUG 19: Leagues Cup Final AUG 20: MLS Regular Season Resumes LATE AUG/EARLY SEPT: US Open Cup Final SEPT 13: Roster Freeze OCT 21: MLS Regular Season Ends OCT 28: MLS Cup Playoffs Begin LATE NOV/EARLY DEC: MLS Cup Final

OUTLOOK: The Fire are in an interesting spot. While on the one hand the big time departures of Slonina and Duran have highlighted the strengths of their scouting and Academy system they haven’t really replaced either player. It is a very young side and with Shaqiri and Pzybylko they do have some veteran leadership. But the question is when all of the pieces can click together.

Villa) Xherdan Shaqiri

FC CINCINNATI 2022 RECORD: 12-9-13, 49 points (Fifth Place, Conference Semifinalist)

HEAD COACH: Pat Noonan KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: MID Luciano Acosta (MLS Best XI), FWD Brenner (18 goals), FWD Brandon Vazquez (18 goals, 8 assists) KEY ADDITION: DEF Isaiah Foster

OUTLOOK: After years in the basement, FC Cincinnati finally broke through in 2022 making the playoffs. Noonan has brought back the three-headed monster in Acosta, Brenner, and Vazquez. If they can get more consistency out of their defense they may finally get to add some silverware.

(Colorado Switchbacks)

KEY DEPARTURES: DEF Ronald Matarrita (Option Declined) and DEF Geoff Cameron (Option Declined) Luciano Acosta

COLUMBUS CREW 2022 RECORD: 10-8-16, 46 points (Did Not Make The Playoffs)

HEAD COACH: Wilfried Nancy KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: MID Lucas Zelaryan (10 goals, 12 assists), FWD Cucho Hernandez (9 goals, 6 assists), DEF Milos Degenek (24 starts) KEY ADDITION: FWD Christian Ramirez (Aberdeen)

OUTLOOK: A bad mixture of injuries and lack of scoring ended the Crew’s 2022 season and ultimately led to the firing of Porter. Nancy undertook a similar reboot effort with CF Montreal and led the side back to the MLS Playoffs quickly. Adding in Ramirez, who scored 10 goals for Aberdeen last season, to help support Zelaryan and Cucho should be enough to get this side back into the playoffs.

KEY DEPARTURES: HC Caleb Porter (Fired) and MID Derrick Etienne (Atlanta United FC) Lucas Zelaryan

Taxi Fountas

D.C. UNITED 2022 RECORD: 7-21-6, 27 points (Did Not Make The Playoffs)

HEAD COACH: Wayne Rooney KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: FWD Taxi Fountas (10 goals), DEF Steve Birnbaum (32 starts), FWD Christian Benteke (1 goal) KEY ADDITIONS: GK Tyler Miller (Minnesota United FC), MID Mateusz Klich (Leeds United), and DEF Ruan (Orlando City SC)

KEY DEPARTURES: GK Bill Hamid (Out of Contract), GK David Ochoa (Atletico San Luis), and FWD Ola Kamara (Out of Contract)

OUTLOOK: Ater earning the wooden spoon for the league’s worst record one certainly expected United to clean house. Although that meant saying goodbye to Hamid, a multiple time MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, it also means fresh faces. Klich was already playing at a high level for Leeds and is expected to give United’s midfield some balance. If Benteke can start firing then they may get out of the basement.

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PRE DICT IONS

1ST PLACE

2ND PLACE

3RD PLACE

4TH PLACE

TOP 7 MAKE THE PLAYOFFS

INTER MIAMI CF 2022 RECORD: 14-14-6, 48 points (Sixth Place, Eastern Conference First Round)

HEAD COACH: Federico Higuain KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: FWD Leonardo Campana (11 goals), MID Jean Mota (33 starts), and DEF Deandre Yedlin KEY ADDITIONS: FWD Josef Martinez (2018 MLS MVP) and DEF Sergi Kryvstov (Shaktar Donetsk)

KEY DEPARTURES: FWD Gonzalo Higuain (Retired) and MID Alejandro Pozuelo (Free Transfer)

NASHVILLE SC 2022 RECORD: 13-10-11, 50 points (5th Place, Western Conference First Round)

HEAD COACH: Gary Smith KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: FWD Hany Mukhtar (MLS MVP, MLS Best XI, 23 goals), DEF Walker Zimmerman (MLS Best XI), and MID Alex Muyl (22 starts) KEY ADDITIONS: FWD Fafa Picault (Houston Dynamo) and FWD Jacob Shaffelburg (Toronto FC) KEY DEPARTURE: DEF Dave Romney (New England Revolution)

OUTLOOK: Miami finally found its footing last season, with a late season surge to earn a playoff spot. While they didn’t address their real need for help on the defense (56 goals allowed), they did sign Campana, who had a strong campaign last year while on loan from Wolves. Losing Gonzalo Higuain will certainly hurt, but Josef Martinez is one of the top goalscorers in league history and has a real axe to grind after leaving Atlanta under difficult circumstances.

Jean Mota

OUTLOOK: It is now or never for Nashville SC. After three strong seasons, the veteran-heavy side is finally looking to breakthrough and make it to MLS Cup. They certainly have the talent with last year’s Golden Boot winner Mukhtar, MLS Best XI defender Zimmerman, and Muyl leading the midfield. The hope is that either Picault (seven goals in 2022 for the Dynamo) or Shafflenburg (two goals last season for Nashville while on loan from Toronto) can be that second option to alleviate some of the pressure Mukhtar will undoubtedly encounter.

Walker Zimmerman

NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION 2022 RECORD: 10-12-12, 42 points (Did Not Make The Playoffs)

HEAD COACH: Bruce Arena KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: FWD Gustavo Bou (8 goals), FWD Adam Buksa (7 goals), and DEF Dejuan Jones (31 starts) KEY ADDITIONS: MID Latif Blessing (LAFC) and DEF Dave Romney (Nashville SC)

KEY DEPARTURE: GK Brad Knighton (Retired) and MID Ismael Tajouri Shradi (Omonia)

OUTLOOK: Was 2022 a fluke for the Revolution? Expectations were high for Arena’s side after their 2022 Supporters Shield run and the club simply did not deliver. Their gamble on replacing Matt Turner and Tajon Buchanan with veteran players played off poorly and the club tanked. Having a fully healthy Buksa should help them some and adding a speedster in Blessing will undoubtedly give their creaky attack a spark. But this seems like a side ready to win the 2013 MLS Cup, not the 2023 edition.

Adam Buska

NEW YORK CITY FC 2022 RECORD: 14-11-9, 51 points (Third Place, Eastern Conference Finalist)

HEAD COACH: Nick Cushing KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: FWD Talles Magno (7 goals) and MID Gabriel Pereira (24 starts)

KEY ADDITION: MID Mitja Ilenic (NK Domzale)

KEY DEPARTURES: MID Maxi Moralez (Racing Club), FWD Valentin Castellanos (Girona), and DEF Anton Tinnerholm

OUTLOOK: After losing their top goalscorer in Castellanos and their top midfielder Moralez NYCFC appears to be heading into rebuilding mode. Magno had a strong second season in the Big Apple and Pereira provided some muchneeded stability in the midfield. But with both being much-younger players the question is when will City Football Group move them up the global pyramid.

(Malmo) Talles Magno

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2023 MLS SEASON PREVIEW

5TH PLACE

6TH PLACE

7TH PLACE

NEW YORK RED BULLS 2022 RECORD: 15-11-8, 53 points (Fourth Place, Eastern Conference First Round)

HEAD COACH: Gerhard Struber KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: MID Lewis Morgan (14 goals), MID Luquinhas (7 goals), and MID Cristian Casseres (26 starts)

8TH: COLUMBUS CREW 9TH: CHARLOTTE FC 10TH: NEW ENGLAND REVOLTUION 11TH: CF MONTREAL 12TH: ATLANTA UNITED FC 13TH: NEW YORK RED BULLS 14TH: CHICAGO FIRE 15TH: D.C. UNITED

OUTLOOK: The Red Bulls largely stood firm in the offseason, despite losing a starter in Long and a youngster with high potential in Clark to greater Red Bull. Struber still has a strong midfield contingent with Morgan, Luquinhas, and Casseres. But he needs Manoel (2 goals last season while on loan with New York).

Lewis Morgan

OUTLOOK: Orlando finally earned their first piece of silverware in MLS, putting in a scoring clinic en route to winning the Open Cup. Their fierce attacking style seemed to translate to league play as well where Torres and Kara tore up league defenses. But the Purple Lions big problem was on defense where they allowed 53 goals last season. Adding in two rock solid defensive midfielders in Martins and Cartagena should help in plugging the gaps.

Facundo Torres

OUTLOOK: The Union came within a whisker of capturing their first MLS Cup title, losing in penalties to LAFC. They bring back pretty much the same eighteen man roster with the major departure being Aaronson. His pace on the outside will be difficult to replace but Perea played a similar role with Orlando and was the catalyst for their attack. Keep an eye on midfielder Quinn Sullivan, who at 18 is one of the most highly rated prospects in the league.

Andre Blake

KEY ADDITION: FWD Elias Manoel (Gremio)

KEY DEPARTURES: DEF Aaron Long (LAFC), MID Caden Clark (Red Bull Leipzig), and FWD Patryk Klimala (Hapoel Be’er Sheva)

ORLANDO CITY SC 2022 RECORD: 14-14-6, 48 points (U.S. Open Cup Champion, Fifth Place, Eastern Conference First Round)

HEAD COACH: Oscar Pareja KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: FWD Facundo Torres (9 goals, 10 assists), FWD Ercan Kara (11 goals, 3 assists), and MID Mauricio Preyera (31 starts) KEY ADDITIONS: MID Felipe Martins (Austin FC), MID Wilder Cartagena (Ittihad Kalba FC), and FWD Martin Ojeda (Godoy Cruz)

KEY DEPARTURES: MID Alexandre Pato (Contract Expired), MID Junior Urso

PHILADELPHIA UNION 2022 RECORD: 19-5-10, 67 points (First Place, MLS Cup Finalist)

HEAD COACH: Jim Curtin KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: GK Andre Blake (MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, MLS Best XI), DEF Jakob Glesnes (MLS Defender of the Year), DEF Kai Wagner (MLS Best XI), and MID Daniel Gazdag (MLS Best XI) KEY ADDITION: MID Andres Perea (Orlando City SC)

KEY DEPARTURES: MID Paxten Aaronson (Eintracht Frankfurt) and FWD Corey Burke (New York Red Bulls)

TORONTO FC 2022 RECORD: 9-18-7, 34 points (Did Not Make The Playoffs)

HEAD COACH: Bob Bradley KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: MID Jonathan Osorio (8 goals), FWD Jesus Jimenez (9 goals), FWD Lorenzo Insigne (6 goals in 11 games)

KEY ADDITIONS: GK Tomas Romero (LAFC), MID Victor Vazquez (LA Galaxy), DEF Matt Hedges (FC Dallas), GK Sean Johnson (NYCFC), and DEF Raoul Pettreta (Kasimpasa) KEY DEPARTURE: GK Alex Bono (D.C. United) and DEF Luca Petrasso (Orlando City

OUTLOOK: The Reds defensive struggles tanked their 2022 season, sending them into defensive rebuild mode during the offseason. Hedges, who was the captain for the Dallas defense for years, will provide instant leadership and stability. Bringing back Vazquez, who led the side to the MLS Cup, is also a low risk/high reward for Bradley. A full season of Insigne, the highest paid player in the league, also doesn’t hurt.

Jonathan Osorio

SC)

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2023 MLS SEASON PREVIEW

PRE DICT IONS WESTERN CONFERENCE 1ST PLACE

2ND PLACE

3RD PLACE

4TH PLACE

TOP 7 MAKE THE PLAYOFFS

AUSTIN FC

2022 RECORD: 16-10-8, 56 points (Second Place, Western Conference Finalist)

HEAD COACH: Josh Wolff KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: MID Sebastian Driussi (22 goals), MID Diego Fagundez (15 assists), GK Brad Stuver (8 clean sheets)

KEY ADDITIONS: FWD Gyasi Zardes (Colorado Rapids) and DEF Leo Valsanen (IF Elfsborg)

KEY DEPARTURE: DEF Ruben Gabrielsen (Lillestrom SK)

COLORADO RAPIDS 2022 RECORD: 11-13-10, 43 points (Did Not Make The Playoffs)

HEAD COACH: Robin Fraser KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: FWD Diego Rubio (16 goals, 7 assists), DEF Jonathan Lewis (25 starts) KEY ADDITIONS: FWD Kevin Cabral (Los Angeles Galaxy), DEF Andreas Maxso (Brondby), and DEF Alex Gersbach (Grenoble Foot 38)

KEY DEPARTURE: FWD Gyasi Zardes

OUTLOOK: Austin was one of the major surprises of last season, rising to the top of the Western Conference standings in just their second season. The addition of Zardes should give them some added attacking punch, while Valsanen is a polished center-back with the FInnish national team. The big question is how much of a distraction will General Manager Claudio Reyna be for the young side?

Gyasi Zardes

OUTLOOK: The Rapids very nearly pulled off a late season playoff spot, getting points in five of their last six matches. Diego Rubio was a scoring machine for the Rapids and has quietly become one of the top goalscorers in the league. But their defensive work last season left a lot to be desired (57 goals allowed). If Jonathan Lewis can take the next step and become a leader along the backline, they might get back into the playoffs.

(Austin FC) Diego Rubio

FC DALLAS 2022 RECORD: 14-9-11, 48 points (Third Place, Western Conference Semifinalist)

HEAD COACH: Nico Estevez KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: MID Paxten Pomykal (30 starts, 84.4 % pass accuracy percentage), FWD Jesus Ferreira (MLS Best XI), MID/FWD Paul Arriola (10 goals, 7 assists)

KEY ADDITIONS: FWD Jose Mulato (Deportivo Cali) and DEF Geovane Jesus

OUTLOOK: The Hoops rebounded nicely in 2022, making it back into the MLS Cup Playoffs and making a deep run in the Western Conference. Having a healthy Pomykal to set up Arriola and Ferreria certainly helped their efforts. Dallas has a nice blend of youth (including Jesus, who was a regular starter for Cruzeiro in Serie B in Brazil) and experience to make a serious run at the Cup.

(Cruzeiro)

KEY DEPARTURE: FWD Franco Jara (Club Atletico Belgrano) and DEF Matt Hedges (Toronto FC)

Paul Arriola

Corey Baird

HOUSTON DYNAMO FC 2022 RECORD: 10-18-6, 36 points (Did Not Make The Playoffs)

HEAD COACH: Ben Olsen KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: FWD Sebastian Ferreira (13 goals, 3 assists), DEF Corey Baird (17 starts), MID Hector Herrera (Mexican National Team) KEY ADDITIONS: MID Artur (Columbus Crew) and FWD Ivan Franco (LoanLibertad)

KEY DEPARTURE: FWD Fafa Picault (Nashville SC) and FWD Darwin Quinteiro (America de Cali)

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OUTLOOK: The Dynamo are in full rebuild mode with new owner Ted Segal and new coach Ben Olsen. Olsen is used to building competitive teams with minimal experience and resources.

Houston has a strong forward in Ferreira and one of the top midfielders in the league in Herrera to build around. The key word there is build as their depth outside of the two is woefully thin.

2023 MLS SEASON PREVIEW 8TH: SPORTING KANSAS 9TH: COLORADO RAPIDS 10TH: PORTLAND TIMBERS 11TH: SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES 12TH: VANCOUVER WHITECAPS 13TH: HOUSTON DYNAMO 14TH: ST. LOUIS SC

5TH PLACE

6TH PLACE

7TH PLACE

LOS ANGELES FC 2022 RECORD: 21-9-4, 67 points (Supporters Shield, MLS Cup Champions)

HEAD COACH: Steve Cherundolo Key Returning Players: FWD Cristian Arango (16 goals, 5 assists), FWD Carlos Vela (MLS Best XI), and MID Kellyn Acosta (28 starts)

KEY ADDITIONS: GK Eldin Jakupovic (Everton), DEF Aaron Long (New York Red Bulls), and FWD Stipe Biuk (Hajduk Split) KEY DEPARTURES: FWD Gareth Bale (Retired), MID Latif Blessing (New England Revolution), and DEF Franco Escobar (Houston Dynamo)

LOS ANGELES GALAXY 2022 RECORD: 14-12-8, 50 points(Fourth Place, Western Conference Semifinalist)

HEAD COACH: Greg Vanney KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: FWD Chicharito (18 goals), MID Dejan Joveljic (11 goals, 3 assists), and MID Douglas Costa (16 starts)

KEY ADDITION: MID Memo Rodriguez (Houston Dynamo)

KEY DEPARTURES: FWD Kevin Cabral (Colorado Rapids) and MID Sacha Kljestan

OUTLOOK: LAFC finally made it to the mountain top in 2022, winning not just the Supporters Shield but also MLS Cup. The question is now: Can they do it again? Bale’s retirement certainly made waves but the loss of Blessing and the injury to Goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau (33 starts) are the real sources of concern.

Goalkeeper John McCarthy, who was the MLS Cup MVP after stepping in for Crepeau, will get the chance to show what he can do in goal. Meanwhile,Biuk is Croatian U20 international and that LAFC signed in a bidding war with several major European clubs.

OUTLOOK: This is a big season for the Galaxy. With Chicharito finally firing on the attack and forming a strong partnership with Joveljic, Douglas Costa (84% accurate pass percentage), and Efrain Alvarez (6 assists), Head Coach Greg Vanney’s side appears to be primed for a big playoff run. But their defense has to improve-the 51 goals they allowed last season were the second most among all playoff teams.

Carlos Vela

Douglas Costa

(Retired)

MINNESOTA UNITED FC 2022 RECORD: 14-14-6, 48 points (Sixth Place, Western Conference First Round)

HEAD COACH: Adrian Heath KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: FWD Emanuel Reynoso (10 goals, 11 assists), FWD Luis Amarilla (9 goals, 5 assists), and GK Dayne St. Claire (32 starts) KEY ADDITIONS: MID Joseph Rosales (Independiente) and DEF Doneil Henry

OUTLOOK: The Loons had a relatively quiet offseason, with the major addition Rosales aimed at getting better service into Reynoso and Amarilla. The hope is that Claire can make the next step in his growth as the starting goalkeeper and leader of their defense. If he can, then they can start the climb up the Western Conference.

(Toronto FC)

KEY DEPARTURE: GK Tyler Miller (D.C. United)

Emanuel Reynoso

PORTLAND TIMBERS 2022 RECORD: 11-10-13, 46 points (Did Not Make The Playoffs)

HEAD COACH: Giovanni Savarese KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: FWD Dairon Asprilla (10 goals, 2 assists), MID Sebastian Blanco (7 goals, 8, assists), and DEF Yimmi Chara (33 starts, 2778 minutes) KEY ADDITION: MID Evander (FC Midtyjland)

KEY DEPARTURE: DEF Josecarlos Van Rankin (Option Declined)

OUTLOOK: It has been offseason to be a Timbers fan, with the club dealing with multiple investigations into their handling of sexual harassment and domestic violence accusations. New General Manager and Technical Director Ned Grabavoy has a huge task on his hands rebuilding the culture within the club and restoring the fans’ trust. On the field, the side should rebound after a middling 2022 season that saw them miss the playoffs for the first time since 2016. But off of the field is an entirely different matter and will require a lot of work.

Yimmi Chara

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2023 MLS SEASON PREVIEW REAL SALT LAKE

OUTLOOK: RSL didn’t quite have the same Cinderella run that they had in 2021 where they made the Western Conference Finals, but they still had a solid campaign against some tough competition in the West. They didn’t make many waves during the offseason, perhaps hoping that Kreilach can return to his excellent 2021 form after missing most of the season with injury.

Not having Cordova, who the club was unable to re-sign, certainly hurts their chances of making another playoff run.

But this is a young side with plenty of upside that plays hard for their coach.

2022 RECORD: 12-11-11, 47 points (Seventh Place, Western Conference First Round)

HEAD COACH: Pablo Mastroeni KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: FWD Jefferson Savarino (7 goals, 6 assists), DEF Justin Glad (26 starts, 2305 minutes), and MID Damir Kreilach (16 goals in 2021) KEY ADDITION: FWD Carlos Andres Gomez (Millionarios) KEY DEPARTURE: FWD Sergio Cordova (FC Augsburg)

DID YOU KNOW?

WHILE THE GALAXY MAY HAVE THE LEAD IN MLS CUPS, THEY ARE TIED WITH UNITED FOR FOUR SUPPORTERS SHIELDS APIECE, THE AWARD GIVEN TO THE TEAM WITH THE BEST RECORD AT THE END OF THE REGULAR SEASON. KEEP AN EYE ON LAFC, WHO HAVE WON THE AWARD TWICE IN THE LAST FOUR SEASONS (2019 AND 2022).

THE LOS ANGELES GALAXY STAND AS THE TOP CLUB IN MLS HISTORY, HAVING WON FIVE MLS CUPS. THEY ARE FOLLOWED BY D.C. UNITED WHO HAS FOUR CUP TITLES. IN 2022, PHILADELPHIA UNION GOALKEEPER ANDRE BLAKE CEMENTED HIS STATUS AS ONE OF THE TOP GOALKEEPERS IN MLS HISTORY, EARNING AN UNPRECEDENTED THIRD GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR AWARD. Justin Glad

Cade Cowell

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES 2022 RECORD: 8-15-11, 35 points (Did Not Make The Playoffs)

HEAD COACH: Luchi Gonzalez KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: FWD Jeremy Ebobisse (17 goals, 3 assists), FWD Cade Cowell (15 starts at age 19), and MID Jamiro Monteiro (31 starts) KEY ADDITIONS: GK Daniel (Internacional) and MID Carlos Gruzeo (FC Augsburg)

KEY DEPARTURE: MID Shea Salinas (Retired)

SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC 2022 RECORD: 12-17-5, 41 points (CONCACAF Champions League Champion, Did Not Make The Playoffs)

HEAD COACH: Brian Schmetzer KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: FWD Raul Ruidiaz (9 goals), MID Nico Lodeiro (7 goals, 11 assists), and MID Christian Roldan (23 starts)

KEY ADDITION: FWD Heber (NYCFC) KEY DEPARTURE: None

OUTLOOK: Despite finishing with the league’s third-worst record last season, things are looking up for the Earthquakes.

General Manager Chris Leitch has placed a heavy emphasis on giving opportunities to players from their vaunted MLSNext Academy system, spearheaded by Cowell, a regular member of the United States under-20 national team. The additions of Ebobisse and Monteiro last season have helped provide stability for the young side.

Adding in Gonzalez, who was the brainchild of FC Dallas’ youth academy, is a strong move for both the present and the future.

OUTLOOK: 2022 was a strange season for the Sounders. The Cascadian side became the first team to win the CONCACAF Champions League but they ended on a sour note missing out on the MLS Cup playoffs for the first time ever.

The extra rest should help the veteranheavy lineup, giving the likes of Lodeiro and Ruidiaz the chance to recharge and hopefully get in better form.

Nico Lodeiro

Daniel Salloi

SPORTING KANSAS CITY 2022 RECORD: 11-16-7, 40 points (Did Not Make The Playoffs)

HEAD COACH: Peter Vermes KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: FWD William Agada (8 goals in 12 matches), FWD Daniel Salloi (7 goals), and MID Johnny Russell (7 goals) KEY ADDITIONS: DEF Nemanja Radoja (Levante) and Tim Leibold (SV Hamburger) KEY DEPARTURE: None

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OUTLOOK: Sporting very nearly had the pickup of the summer by picking up Cristiano Ronaldo. But even without him, they have had a strong offseason shoring the backline by signing two European veterans in Radoja and Liebold. Up top, Agada was a revelation last season, giving Salloi and Russell a third option to work with. Vermes has built a culture and even without Ronaldo they are a tough side to beat.

2023 MLS SEASON PREVIEW ST. LOUIS CITY SC 2022 RECORD: N/A HEAD COACH: Bradley Carnell KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: N/A KEY ADDITIONS: MID Eduard Lowen (Hertha BSC), FWD Klauss (Hoffenheim), DEF Tim Parker (Houston Dynamo) KEY DEPARTURE: N/A

VANCOUVER WHITECAPS 2022 RECORD: 12-15-7, 43 points (Did Not Make The Playoffs)

HEAD COACH: Vanni Sartini KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: MID Lucas Cavallini (9 goals, two assists), MID Ryan Gauld (8 goals, 9 assists), and DEF Julian Gressel (2 goals, 2 assists) KEY ADDITION: DEF Mathias Laborda

OUTLOOK: St. Louis will undoubtedly bring plenty of excitement to the league with season ticket membership having been sold out months in advance. On the field though it is going to be a challenge.

While many of their players should have some chemistry with one another having played in MLSNext Pro last season, the lack of depth will be a major worry all season. Expect many roster changes throughout the season.

Eduard Lowen

OUTLOOK: Having a full season of Gressel is perhaps the best addition that the Whitecaps could have made. The wingback sparked the Whitecaps attack during the stretch last season, pushing the side to just within the last playoff spot. With a fully healthy Cavallini and Gauld in prime form this should be a big season for Vancouver.

Lucas Cavallini

(Nacional)

KEY DEPARTURE: DEF Derek Cornelius (Malmo)

AWARD PREDICTIONS SUPPORTERS SHEILD

WOODEN SPOON

VS

VS

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

VS Mukhtar

MLS CUP FINALS NASHVILLE WINS 2-1

GOLDEN BOOT

Andre Blake

GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR

Mukhtar

MLS MVP

MLS BEST XI

CONCACAF CHMPS LGUE

LEAGUES CUP

U.S. OPEN CUP Raul Ruidaz

GOALKEEPER: BLAKE (Philadelphia Union); DEFENDERS: WALKER ZIMMERMAN (Nashville SC), KAI WAGNER (Philadelphia Union), AARON LONG (LAFC); MIDFIELDERS: MUKHTAR (Nashville SC), LUCIANO ACOSTA (FC Cincinnati), CARLOS VELA (LAFC), LUCAS ZELARYAN (Columbus Crew SC); FORWARDS: RAUL RUIDIAZ (Seattle Sounders FC), KAROL SWIDERSKI (Charlotte FC), BRANDON VAZQUEZ (FC Cincinnatti)

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WOMENS SOCCER

CHAMPIONS READY

WHEN IT COMES TO THE WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE, THE WORD THAT COMES TO MIND IS ‘EXCITMENT’ SEAN MASLIN EXPLAINS WHY.

Chelsea’s Pernille Harder leads the way

I

Chelsea player Millie Bright scoring in this year’s Champions League Group Stage

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f the 2022-2023 UEFA Women’s Champions League has proven anything it is that there is certainly plenty of drama to come. After a group stage which saw many close battles and some pretty incredible individual efforts, excitement seems to be at an all-time high for an incredible knockout stage. While there were a few upsets, there are also plenty of title contenders still in the fight.

In just the second year of the sixteen team group stage, UEFA has already proven that the gamble on the level of competition was worth it. Although there were certainly some strong results from the usual powers there were also a couple of surprises and one or two very close calls from some sides who have ambitions for top honors.

Nowhere was the growth and development more apparent than in Group A where both Chelsea (5-1-0, 16 points) and Paris St.-Germain (3-1-2, 10 points) squeaked past one of the rising clubs in world football: Real Madrid (2-2-2, 8 points). Las Blancas have had a professional program for just eight years yet they have made an abundance of progress, highlighted by a narrow 2-1 loss to PSG in Paris and a 0-0 draw at home against the two-time Champions League Finalists.

While PSG struggled, Chelsea thrived in Group A demolishing the second place finishers twice (3-0 and 1-0) while getting a bit of luck in the form of

‘LAS BLANCAS HAVE HAD A PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM FOR JUST EIGHT YEARS YET THEY HAVE MADE AN ABUNDANCE OF PROGRESS’

Paris St. Germain squeaked past Real Madrid during the Group Stage

DID YOU KNOW? LYON HAS WON THE UEFA WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 6 TIMES IN THE LAST 7 YEARS. WILL ANYONE PLAY SPOILER?

Group A proved to be this year’s group of death

2022 / 23

DATES TO KNOW

QUARTER FINALS FIRST LEG March 21-22 QUARTER FINALS SECOND LEG March 29-30

DEFENSIVE WIZARDRY HAS ALSO BEEN ON DISPLAY IN GROUP B WHERE BOTH VFL WOLFSBURG (4-2-0, 14 POINTS) AND AS ROMA (41-1, 13 POINTS) ADVANCED COMFORTABLY ONTO THE QUARTERFINALS’

SEMI FINALS FIRST LEG April 22-23 SEMI FINALS SECOND LEG April 29-30 FINALS June 3-4, 2023 Philips Stadion, Eindhoven

Vivienne Miedema celebrating after scoring during a Champions League Group Stage Match

‘MIEDEMA SCORED TWO CRUCIAL GOALS TO ADVANCE THE GUNNERS’

Wolfsburg proved to be the team to beat in Group B

an own goal against Madrid to go level 1-1. Forward Sam Kerr, the reigning FA Women’s Super League Golden Boot winner, has continued her prodigious scoring form, notching five goals for The Blues.

Meanwhile, their backline led by Millie Bright and Magdalena Eriksson has conceded just a single goal in six matches.

Defensive wizardry has also been on display in Group B where both VFL Wolfsburg (4-2-0, 14 points) and AS Roma (4-1-1, 13 points) advanced comfortably onto the Quarterfinals. Their headto-head battles proved to be the difference as to who would win the group. In their first match, Wolfsburg’s talisman forward Awa Pajor scored the equalizer in their 1-1 draw at Roma. She wasn’t done as in the next match at home the Polish international netted a key brace to give her side the 4-2 result. Through the group stage, she is the leading goalscorer with seven goals.

There were also plenty of goals in Group C, where Arsenal (4-1-1, 13 points) and Lyon (3-2-1, 11 points) scored a combined 29 goals to advance. That isn’t to say that their pathway was easy as they had to get past a very strong Juventus side (2-3-1, 9 points). The Gunners very narrowly eeked out four points against Le Bianconere, with Vivienne Miedema scoring the equalizer in the first match (11) and the go-ahead goal in the second (1-0).

Things were much more difficult for Lyon against their Italian counterparts. In their first match in Turin, Lindsay Horan hit a brilliant strike to take the advantage early. But an own goal from forward Melvine Mallard brough the game level late. That, coupled with the Juve attack getting space to shoot on Christiane Endler, emboldened the upstarts in their second match against the eight-time UEFA Champions League winners. In

the final day of group play, Juve threw everything they could at the Lyon defense but ultimately Les Lyonnaises held firm.

Group D did not have the sizzle of Group C, but it certainly had the steak of FC Barcelona (5-0-1, 15 points) and Bayern Munich (5-0-1, 15 points). The two title contenders did not disappoint in Group Play with both qualifying for the Quarterfinals with exceptional play on the field. Their attack-minded play yielded a staggering 43 goals during group play including two six goal efforts in their headto-head matches (3-0 for Bayern at home and 3-0 for Barca at the Camp Nou). But Barcelona’s three headed monster of Atiana Bomanti (5 goals), Mariana Caldenty (4 goals), and Geyse (4 goals) proved to be the difference powering the Catalonian side over their German counterparts +23 to +7 in Goal Difference.

With their first place finishes Chelsea, VFL Wolfsburg, Arsenal, and FC Barcelona should be very pleased with their efforts so far. But things only get more difficult from here. The sides that they will be paired against in the Quarterfinals (Paris Saint-Germain, AS Roma, Lyon, and Bayern Munich) have all either won the Champions League before or made very deep runs at it.

There is also the outside importance of this year’s tournament. With additional television coverage across the world and ahead of the biggest Women’s World Cup on record in Australia, the women’s game has never been played in front of a bigger audience. For all eight sides remaining the chance to win top honors at the biggest club football competition in the world could set the tone for growing their audience over the next decade and beyond.

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WOMENS SOCCER

The Top Six NWSL Teams Will Make The Playoffs

GOING FOR GLORY THE NATIONAL WOMEN’S SOCCER LEAGUE IS ALMOST HERE! BEFORE THE 2023 CAMPAIGN KICKS OFF, SOCCER 360 WOMEN’S SOCCER REPORTER SEAN MASLIN HAS ALL THE DETAILS FOR EACH OF THE TEAM’S VYING FOR TOP HONORS!

ANGEL CITY FC 2022 RECORD: 8-9-5, 29 points (Did Not Make The Playoffs)

KEY PLAYERS: DEF Ali Riley and MID Savannah McCaskill OUTLOOK: Angel City had a strong showing in 2022, placing eighth despite the team coming together at the last minute. With the addition of Thompson they should have a strong spine to move up the standings.

Ali Riley

CHICAGO RED STARS 2022 RECORD: 9-7-6, 33 points (Sixth Place, First Round)

KEY PLAYERS: FWD Mallory Swanson, DEF Tierna Davidson, GK Alyssa Naerher (US National Team members)

OUTLOOK: The Red Stars were hit with major injuries last season and tons of issues off the field that nearly wiped out their 2023 season. Under new ownership and new head coach Chris Petrucelli the hope is that the focus can come back to the field (the side had previously made back-to-back NWSL Championships in 2019 and 2021)

Tierra Davidson

TM

HOUSTON DASH 2022 RECORD: 10-6-6, 36 points (Fourth Place, First Round)

KEY PLAYERS: DEF Allysha Chapman and MID Sophia Schmidt (Canadian National Team members)

OUTLOOK: The Dash made a surprising back into the NWSL Playoffs for the first time in the club’s history. Now the question is: Can they expand upon it? Their spine of Chapman, Schmidt, and Goalkeeper Jane Campbell will go a long way towards building that. So too will forward Ebony Salmon (9 goals in 2022).

Allysha Chapman

DID YOU KNOW?

CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL ALLYSHA CHAPMAN HAS PLAYED IN SWEDEN, NORTHAMERICA, AND MORE ALL OVER THE WORLD. SHE’S HAS PLAYED FOR HOUSTON TWICE, AND IS NOW IN HER SECOND STINT WITH THE TEAM.

BRAZIL INTERNATIONAL DEBINHA HAS PLAYED 130 GAMES WITH BRAZIL U20, AND HAS SCORED AN OUTSTANDING 58 GOALS FOR HER COUNTRY. SHE IS CLOSE TO AVERAGING 0.5 GOALS A GAME.

KANSAS CITY CURRENT 2022 RECORD: 10-6-6, 36 points (Fourth Place, NWSL Championship Finalist, NWSL Challenge Cup Winner)

KEY PLAYERS: MID Debinha (NWSL Best XI, Brazil National Team) OUTLOOK: The Current had a strong second season in the NWSL, winning the Challenge Cup and coming within minutes of winning the Championship. The side bolstered their attacking by drafting Herman Award winner Michelle Cooper, one of the top goal scorers in college last season and picking up Debinha from the Courage.

Losing Sam Mewis for the season with a knee injury will certainly hurt but this is a very deep side that will at least soften the blow.

Debinha

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NWSL SEASON PREVIEW

NY/NJ GOTHAM FC 2022 RECORD: 4-17-1, 13 points (Did Not Make The Playoffs)

KEY PLAYERS: DEF Kelley O’Hara and MID Midge Purce (U.S. Women’s National Team members)

OUTLOOK: Gotham made a complete overhaul in the offseason, bringing in O’Hara to help shore up the defense as well as forward Lynn Williams (49 appearances with the USWNT). That should help relieve some of the pressure off of Purce and Ali Krieger.

The gamble is though that the World Cup will hit this side massively so their depth will be tested.

Midge Purce

NORTH CAROLINA COURAGE 2022 RECORD: 9-8-5, 32 points (Did Not Make The Playoffs)

KEY PLAYERS: MID Brianna Pinto and DEF Emily Fox (U.S. Women’s National Team members)

OUTLOOK: After a turbulent 2022 season, the Courage in the offseason went through a hard reboot, dropping longtime players in Debinha, Abby Erceg, and Carson Pickett.

They do have some strong younger players, including Pinto, who is one of the top young American midfielders, and Emily Fox, who made 12 appearances for the USWNT last year.

Brianna Pinto

DID YOU KNOW?

MUCH IS KNOWN ABOUT MEGAN RAPINOE, ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS FEMALE FOOTBALLERS IN THE WORLD. SHE WON THE BALLON D’OR FÉMININ IN 2019 AND WAS NAMED THE BEST FIFA WOMEN’S PLAYER IN THE SAME YEAR. HER ACCOLADES INCLUDE AN OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL FROM LONDON 2012 AND TWO WORLD CUP TITLES IN 2015 AND

2019. RAPINOE IS ALSO KNOWN FOR HER SOCIAL ACTIVISM. SHE IS AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE LGBT+ COMMUNITY, HAS BEEN A PROMINENT PART IN THE BATTLE FOR EQUAL PAY, AND BECAME THE FIRST WHITE AMERICAN ATHLETE TO TAKE THE KNEE AGAINST RACIAL INJUSTICE BACK IN 2016.

OL REIGN 2022 RECORD: 11-4-7, 40 points (NWSL Shield, Semifinalist)

KEY PLAYERS: MID Megan Rapinoe and MID Rose Lavelle (US Women’s National Team Members)

OUTLOOK: The Reign dominated league play last season, in part to their stifling defense (19 goals allowed, lowest in the NWSL). Captain Lauren Barnes has led a very tactically disciplined side to making very few mistakes on the ball and being proficient in possession. But they need more up top and Rapinoe and LaVelle have to produce to make a deeper run in the playoffs.

Megan Rapinoe

ORLANDO PRIDE 2022 RECORD: 5-10-7, 22 points (Did Not Make The Playoffs)

KEY PLAYERS: FWD Marta and FWD Adriana (Brazil National Team members) OUTLOOK: The Pride really seem to be treading water which wouldn’t be a terrible thing if they had more than five games last season. Marta is still very much in form, having scored four goals last season. But with this being her last possible chance at Women’s World Cup glory one has to wonder if the Pride will be a priority for her this season?

Marta

PORTLAND THORNS 2022 RECORD: 10-3-9, 39 points (NWSL Champions)

KEY PLAYERS: FWD Christine Sinclair (Canadian Women’s National Team), FWD Sophia Smith, and DEF Becky Sauerbrunn (U.S. Women’s National Team members) OUTLOOK: The Thorns are looking to make it two in a row in 2023, bringing back a veteran-heavy roster spearheaded by Sinclair (three-time NWSL Champion) and Sauerbrunn (four-time NWSL Defender of the Year). But Smith is the catalyst for the side, having scored 14 goals last season for the Thorns and earned MVP honors.

They have the depth and the talent but can they repeat with a side that will lose a significant chunk of players due to the World Cup.

Christine Sinclair

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WOMENS SOCCER

The Top Six NWSL Teams Will Make The Playoffs

RACING LOUISVILLE FC 2022 RECORD: 5-9-8, 23 points (Did Not Make The Playoffs)

KEY PLAYERS: MID Jaelin Howell (US National Team) and FWD Nadia Nadim (Denmark National Team)

OUTLOOK: Racing brought in two solid veterans in Abby Erceg (2018 NWSL Defender of the Year) and DEF Carson Pickett (2022 NWSL Best XI) to help shore up a defense that allowed 35 goals last season. Howell and Nadim already had a nice partnership up top so the hope is that the four can create a solid spine that Louisville can build off of.

Jaelin Howell

DID YOU KNOW?

ALONG WITH THE FACT THAT ALEX MORGAN IS A BEST SELLING AUTHOR, SHE ALSO HAS MADE A HUGE IMPACT IN THE FIGHT FOR WAGE GAP INEQUALITIES, ESPECIALLY WITHIN WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL SPORTS

HER BOOK, THE KICKS, IS ABOUT TWELVE-YEAROLD DEVIN WHO LOVES TO PLAY SOCCER. WHEN DEVIN SHOWS UP FOR TRYOUTS, SHE DISCOVERS THAT THE KENTVILLE KANGAROOS—OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE KICKS—ARE AN ABSOLUTE MESS.

SAN DIEGO WAVE 2022 RECORD: 10-6-6, 36 points (Third Place, Semifinalist)

KEY PLAYERS: FWD Alex Morgan, DEF Abby Dahlkemper and DEF Naomi Girma (US National Team members) and GK Kailen Sheridan (Canadian National Team) OUTLOOK: The Wave made an immediate impact in their first season, riding their strong backline to the top of the NWSL Standings. Girma had a fantastic rookie season and alongside Dahlkemper and Sheridan built a strong back line. If Morgan can continue her strong scoring form the Wave will make it far in the playoffs.

Alex Morgan

WASHINGTON SPIRIT 2022 RECORD: 3-9-10, 19 points (Did Not Make The Playoffs)

KEY PLAYERS: MID Andi Sullivan and Trinity Rodman (US National Team) OUTLOOK: The Spirit definitely experienced a championship hangover, following up their NWSL title run in 2021 with a ninth place finish in 2022. Injuries and losing key players to international duty certainly paid its toll. Although they lost Emily Sonnett and Kelley O’Hara they’ve added a number of veterans, including defender Gabby Carle who has been capped 35 times for Canada.

Trinity Rodman

LEADING INTO THE 2023 SEASON, HERE’S A LOOK AT THE TOP FINISHERS OF 2022

2022 FINAL TABLE 2022 GOAL SCORERS TEAM

W

D

L

PTS

PLAYER

OL REIGN

11

7

4

40

ALEX MORGAN

15

PORTLAND THORNS FC

10

9

3

39

SOPHIA SMITH

14

GOALS

SAN DIEGO WAVE FC

10

6

6

36

DEBINHA

12

HOUSTON DASH

10

6

6

36

DIANA ORDONEZ

11

KANSAS CITY CURRENT

10

6

6

36

MALLORY PUGH

11

CHICAGO RED STARS

9

6

7

33

ASHLEY HATCH

9

NORTH CAROLINA COURAGE

9

5

8

32

EBONY SALMON

9

ANGEL CITY FC

8

5

9

29

BETHANY BALCER

7

RACING LOUISVILLE FC

5

8

9

23

CECE KIZER

7

ORLANDO PRIDE

5

7

10

22

LO’EAU LABONTA

7

WASHINGTON SPIRIT

3

10

9

19

SAVANNAH MCCASKILL

7

NJ/NY GOTHAM FC

4

1

17

13

MEGAN RAPINOE

7

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Sophia Smith

NWSL SEASON PREVIEW

THE WATCHLIST

THE FUTURE IS NOW FOR THE NATIONAL WOMEN’S SOCCER LEAGUE. THE LEAGUE STARTED OUT AS LARGELY A PLACE FOR ESTABLISHED VETERANS TO PLAY AND HAS INCREASINGLY BECOME A SPOT FOR YOUNG PLAYERS TO SHOW WHAT THEY CAN DO. SOCCER 360 MAGAZINE’S SEAN MASLIN HAS A LIST OF THE TOP TEN UNDER-23 PLAYERS HEADING INTO THE 2023 SEASON.

DEF/MID - REYNA REYES (22, PORTLAND THORNS FC)

FWD/MID - ELYSE BENNETT (22, KANSAS CITY CURRENT)

Reyes was selected with the fifth overall pick in this year’s NWSL Draft after an excellent four years at the University of Alabama. The El Tri international can play both in the defensive midfield and along the backline, a huge asset for the Thorns whose depth at times has been lacking. She has already made four appearances for the Mexican National Team.

Bennett made an immediate impact with her previous side OL Reign last year, tallying four assists during the NWSL Challenge Cup. She is a very pacer attacker that likes to open up defenses through the counter-attack. With the Current she should get more playing time to show what she can do up top.

EBONY SALMON (22, HOUSTON DASH)

OLIVIA MOULTRIE (16, PORTLAND THORNS)

In her second NWSL season, Salmon raced out to a Nine goal performance that helped push the Dash into fourth place in the league standings. She has an excellent nose for goal and creates her own chances as well as sets her teammates up.

The English born defender may have European suitors calling if she can pull off another strong performance.

Moultrie just started to show what she can do with the Thorns, scoring three goals and earning four assists in 15 appearances. She still is very, very young but will likely earn more playing time, especially around the Women’s World Cup with most of the squad gone.

FWD - MICHELLE COOPER (20, KANSAS CITY CURRENT) Cooper won the Hermann Award for top female college soccer player last season, capstoning a four year career at Duke that saw her score 31 goals.

The Current scored just 29 last season so look for Cooper to play an immediate role in their attack.

DID YOU KNOW?

THE CO-OWNER OF THE KANSAS CITY CURRENT, IS WIFE OF SUPER BOWL CHAMPION PATRICK MAHOMES, BRITTANY MAHOMES.

DEF - NAOMI GIRMA (22, SAN DIEGO WAVE) Girma had a breakout season for the Wave last season, earning 21 appearances and becoming a key contributor to one of the top defensive units in the NWSL. For her efforts, she was named the NWSL Rookie of the Year and Defender of the Year.

FWD - SOPHIA SMITH (21, PORTLAND THORNS FC) Smith really came into her own for club and country in 2022, scoring 18 goals across all competitions for the Thorns and 11 for the USWNT. Her ability to constantly apply pressure to the defense while creating chances for her teammates has made her into an immediate starter for both sides.

‘OLIVIA MOULTRIE HAS SCORED 3 GOALS AND 4 ASSISTS IN 15 PROFESSIONAL APPEARENCES. SHE’S 16.’

MID - BRIANNA PINTO (22, NORTH CAROLINA COURAGE) Pinto was the centerpiece of the Courage’s youth movement last season, leading the Courage midfield with 17 starts. She has excellent vision and can find teammates in open space with superbly timed passes.

FWD - ALYSSA THOMPSON (18, ANGEL CUTY FC) Thompson was the number one overall pick in this year’s NWSL Draft and will be coming into the league at just 18 years old. She possesses break neck speed (she ran track and field in California and ran the 100m dash 11.68 seconds) and can move effortlessly through defenders. Thompson has already earned two caps with the USWNT and may very well book a spot in the World Cup if she can get minutes with Angel City.

FWD - TRINITY RODMAN (21, WASHINGTON SPIRIT) Rodman is one of the top forwards in women’s soccer and what is scary is that she is just 20 years old. She possesses an excellent first touch and can whip shots from both short and long distance. The Spirit have had a bit of a reboot in the offseason and are hoping that Rodman can be the centerpiece for their second NWSL title in three years.

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IN FOCUS: WOMEN’S WORLD CUP

SAVE THE DATES USA looks to repeat their 2019 glory.

2023 WORLD CUP

DATES TO KNOW GROUP STAGE July 20 to Aug. 3 ROUND OF 16 Aug. 5 to 8 QUARTERFINALS Aug. 11 to 12

Legendary Marta will be playing in what will most likely be her final World Cup

T

he 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup is set to take place from July 20 to Aug. 20, 2023, with the final match being held at the Accor Stadium in Sydney, Australia.

This year’s tournament is the ninth edition and the first-ever co-hosted FIFA Women’s World Cup, with Australia and New Zealand sharing hosting duties.

The defending champions for the tournament are the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT), who won the previous tournament in France in 2019.

The tournament will feature 32 teams from around the world — all competing for the ultimate prize in women’s football. The teams will be placed in groups and play against each other once, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the tournament’s knockout stage The 2023 Women’s World Cup schedule will have staggered kickoff times across the group stage to accommodate multiple time zones.

SEMIFINALS Aug. 15 to 16 THIRDPLACE PLAYOFF TOURNAMENT Aug. 19 FINAL Aug. 20

Co-hosts Australia looking to stand their ground on home soil

GROUP A

GROUP B

GROUP C

GROUP D

NEW ZEALAND NORWAY PHILIPPINES SWITZERLAND

AUSTRALIA REPUBLIC OF IRELAND NIGERIA CANADA

SPAIN COSTA RICA ZAMBIA JAPAN

ENGLAND PLAYOFF WINNER GROUP B*

DENMARK CHINA *Senegal, Haiti, or Chile

GROUP E

GROUP F

GROUP G

GROUP H

USA VIETNAM NETHERLANDS

FRANCE JAMAICA BRAZIL

PLAYOFF WINNER GROUP A*

PLAYOFF WINNER GROUP C*

SWEDEN SOUTH AFRICA ITALY ARGENTINA

GERMANY MOROCCO COLOMBIA KOREA REPUBLIC

*Cameroon, Thailand, or Portugal

*Chinese Taipei, Paraguay, Papua New Guinea, or Panama

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EURO 2024 LEFT: Holders Italy will be hoping to make the final tournament after missing the World Cup.

BY THE

NUMBERS

10 EURO 2024 WILL BE HELD IN 10 DIFFERENT CITIES ACROSS GERMANY, INCLUDING BERLIN, DORTMUND, AND HAMBURG.

14TH “REIGNING CHAMPIONS ITALY KICK OFF THEIR GROUP C QUALIFIERS AGAINST ENGLAND IN A REPEAT OF THE EURO 2020 FINAL’

THE 2024 EURO COMPETITION WILL BE FROM JUNE 14TH - JULY 14TH

14TH GERMANY WILL QUALIFY FOR IT’S 14TH STRAIGHT EURO TOURNAMENT

THE ROAD TO GERMANY AS THE QUALIFICATION PROCESS FOR EURO 2024 BEGINS IN THE SPRING, CIRO DI BRITA PINPOINTS THE BIGGEST STORIES AND MOST INTRIGUING MATCH-UPS IN THE RACE TO MAKE IT TO GERMANY.

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JUNE 14 - JULY 14

Harry Kane will look to redeem his country after losing the Euro 2020 final

G

ermany will host the 2024 edition of the European Championships for the first time since 1988 and will be keen to produce a memorable and thrilling tournament, but before that, there is the excitement and occasional complexities of qualifying to capture our attention. Across the 10 groups and 53 teams taking part, there are heavyweight contests right from the outset and some fascinating narratives to be drawn, as it begins barely three months after the World Cup. Reigning champions Italy kick off their Group C qualifiers against England in a repeat of the Euro 2020 final at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Naples in March before travelling to Malta three days later, and just as they did at the beginning of their ultimately successful previous Euros campaign, they have a point to prove and a record to set straight following their latest footballing catastrophe.

Despite their brilliance at Euro 2020, and breaking the longest unbeaten record in international football by going 37 games without a defeat, the Azzurri failed to qualify for the World Cup for a second time in a row. Losing 1-0 at home to North Macedonia in the playoffs could have spelt the end for coach Roberto Mancini but he just about had enough credit in the bank to keep his job after that disastrous campaign and will need to revitalise his squad as he sets his sights on Euro 2024. A decent showing in the Nations League may also have saved Mancini from the chopping block, topping a group that contained England, Germany, and Hungary to set up a semi-final showdown with Spain in June, which will be hosted in the Netherlands.

England also kept with manager Gareth Southgate despite some sections of their fanbase calling for his head. By and large their performances and results in Qatar were than satisfactory and they were widely considered unlucky to lose to France in the last 16, however there have long been complaints in certain quarters over Southgate’s cautious tactical approach and in-game management.

The Three Lions were relegated from their Nations

Above: Federico Chiesa (C) of Italy in action against Harry Kane (R) and Luke Shaw of England during the UEFA EURO 2020 final

DID YOU KNOW?

Berlin’s Olympiastadion will stage the final on Sunday 14 July 2024

The Henri Delaunay Trophy is awarded to the winning team, in honor of the first General Secretary of UEFA who came up with the European Championship but died five years after the first tournament.

League group after failing to win any of their six matches, with the nadir being a disastrous 4-0 home defeat to Hungary last June. They have been placed in one of the trickiest qualifying groups of all and Southgate could be under pressure if England struggle against Italy, and in the following game at home to Ukraine in March. Even with the top two qualifying automatically, there could be little margin for error for the more fancied sides in Group C. Roberto Martinez stepped down as Belgium coach after their poor showing in Qatar and was quickly installed as Portugal manager, replacing Fernando Santos - who himself left his post with A Selecao after their defeat to Morocco in the World Cup quarter-finals. Martinez has been accused of failing upwards after his six years leading Belgium’s golden generation amounted to a failure to lift any silverware as performances at major tournaments gradually declined.

Portugal could now benefit from a loosening of reins; under Santos they were expected to play in a more rigid and defensive manner. The arrival of the former Everton manager could mean more freedom for their young attacking talents, such as Joao Felix, Rafael Leao, and Diogo Jota - although a question mark will hang over the availability and use of 38-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo. Qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Luxembourg in March could help Martinez find his feet in his new job.

Belgium appointed former RB Leipzig boss Domenico Tedesco as their new head coach, tasking him with the job of revitalising an ageing squad that has been around the block a few too many times. Eden Hazard announced his retirement from international football and there is the possibility that others might follow suit. Tedesco, whose Leipzig side reached the semi-finals of 2021-22 Europa League, has a preference to set his teams up to play three at the back - continuing the formation the Red Devils employed under Martinez.

A trip to Sweden - who have also struggled for form in recent months - kicks off their qualifying campaign.

Ronald Koeman returns to the Netherlands bench after his first spell in charge of the Oranje ended

EURO 2024

DATES TO KNOW

GROUP STAGE June 14 - June 26 REST DAYS June 27 - 28 ROUND OF 16 June 29 - July 2 REST DAYS July 3 - 4 QUARTER FINALS July 5 - 6 REST DAYS July 7 - 8 SEMI FINALS July 9 - 10 REST DAYS July 11 - 13 FINALS July 14

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“ROBERTO MARTINEZ STEPPED DOWN AS BELGIUM COACH AFTER THEIR POOR SHOWING IN QATAR AND WAS QUICKLY INSTALLED AS PORTUGAL MANAGER.”

Above: Belgium’s head coach Roberto Martinez (C) gives instructions to Youri Tielemans (L) during the FIFA World Cup 2022 Below: Portugal announces Roberto Martinez as new national football coach Below Right: Martinez has swapped Belgium for Portugal.

in 2020 when he quit to take the Barcelona job, where he lasted a little over one season in the Camp Nou dugout despite winning the Copa del Rey. Koeman was previously in charge of qualifying for Euro 2020 where they only lost once, a 3-2 home defeat to old rivals Germany, to whom they finished runners-up in the group. This time they have France to contend with, in what promise to be two fascinating and highly anticipated tactical battles ahead.

The Netherlands have been tough to beat over the past few years; it took a penalty shootout loss to eventual winners Argentina in the World Cup quarter-finals to halt their run in Qatar. They kick off their Euro 2024 qualifiers with a trip to Paris to take on France three days before welcoming minnows Gibraltar to Rotterdam.

A Kylian Mbappe inspired France were just a couple

DID YOU KNOW?

The 1992 Euro tournament was the first major tournament to have the players’ names printed on their backs.

Italy will look to be the first team since Spain (2008 & 2012) to win the tournament back to back

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of penalty kicks away from lifting their second World Cup trophy in a row after a thrilling end to normal time saw Les Bleus fight back from two goals down and after equalising again in extra time, come sensationally close to winning at the end through Randal Kolo Muani. The outstanding Mbappe’s exploits and hat-trick made their lacklustre performance of the first 80 minutes a distant memory and so nearly saw the national team and coach Didier Deschamps make history, but ultimately it was heartbreak.

Since then, captain Hugo Lloris, Raphael Varane, and Karim Benzema have announced their retirements from the French national team. A double header against the Dutch and a tie with the Republic of Ireland in Dublin will show us what shape the French are in mentally and physically as they begin the campaign to win the Euros for the

A SECOND CHANCE “RONALD KOEMAN RETURNS TO THE HOLLAND BENCH AFTER HIS FIRST SPELL IN CHARGE OF THE ORANJE ENDED IN 2020 WHEN HE QUIT TO TAKE THE BARCELONA JOB.”

first time since 2000.Luis Enrique resigned as Spain coach after their penalty shootout elimination by Morocco in the last 16 of the World Cup and was replaced by Luis de la Fuente. The 61-year-old has been working with the Spain underage sides since 2013, winning the U19 European Championship in 2015 and the U21 Euros in 2019. La Furia Roja have two testing qualifiers to begin, hosting Norway and then travelling to Glasgow to take on Scotland.

De la Fuente could continue on where Enrique left off by maintaining a possession-based style built around the likes of Pedri, Gavi, and Sergio Busquets, however, he will have to develop a more clinical cutting edge up front - as Spain found it difficult to make meaningful chances and score goals when it mattered.

A World Cup semi-final defeat to eventual winners Argentina ended yet another memorable

CIRO DI BRITA ATTEMPTS TO EXPLAIN THE CONVOLUTED MANNER IN WHICH THE NATIONS LEAGUE IS USED IN DETERMINING THE QUALIFICATION FOR EURO 2024.

Koeman returns to the Dutch bench for a second spell.

Spain’s Alvaro Morata celebrates with team mate Nico Williams (L) after scoring the 1-0 lead during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Portugal and Spain

The Nations League could definitely be seen as a success, replacing the need for pointless and unnecessary friendlies during a busy season that neither the watching public nor clubs really wanted, for massive showdowns with old rivals or Europe’s best teams.

Despite that, the use of the competition

by UEFA to help decide the rankings and seedings for playoffs has been described by some as puzzling at best. Three spots are up for grabs after the 2024 qualifiers come to an end and they will be decided by playoffs based on where countries finished in the 2022-23 edition of the Nations League.

With the top two in each of the 10 Euro 2024 qualification groups automatically joining hosts Germany in next summer’s tournament, 12 teams will fight it out in three different brackets containing four teams each for the remaining three spots.

The first bracket will contain any country that failed to qualify for Euro 2024 that competed in Nations League A, and if there are fewer than four teams that meet this criteria, then the spot opens up to the team that finished highest in the ranking of League B. The second bracket will focus on countries from League B and the third League C, with the understanding that any free spots be taken by the highest-ranked team available.

The 12 winners of each Nations League group in Leagues A, B, and C are assured of a playoff spot and if they failed to qualify directly from the qualifying campaign they will head into a bracket to face the next available unqualified sides according to the ranking. The outcome will only become clear in November, once the final round of qualifiers have taken place.

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EURO 2024

ONES TO WATCH AS A NUMBER OF DARK HORSES EMERGE ACROSS EUROPE, CIRO DI BRITA LOOKS AT SOME OF THE LESS FANCIED TEAMS THAT COULD IMPRESS DURING EURO 2024 QUALIFYING.

“CROATIA ARE EXPECTED TO UNLEASH THEIR NEW GENERATION OF TALENT DURING THESE QUALIFIERS”

Above: Luka Modric (C) of Croatia and teammates celebrate after winning the FIFA World Cup 2022 third place soccer match Below: Mislav Orsic (L) of Croatia celebrates with teammate Josip Sutalo

tournament for Croatia. A third-place playoff win over Morocco put them on the podium for the second World Cup running and cemented their status as one of the shrewdest outfits in international football. Topping their Nations League group which also contained France, Denmark, and Austria set up a semi-final clash with The Netherlands in June and the chance to finally lift some silverware.

For Croatia, the road to Germany 2024 roars into life with a home tie with Wales before they travel to Bursa to take on Turkey in March. Coach Zlatko Dalic will need to introduce some new blood into his squad as nine of their 26-man panel for the World Cup were aged 30 or over, while captain Luka Modric will turn 38 next September, so it’ll be interesting to see how their side evolves.

Elsewhere, Fernando Santos has resurfaced again as the new coach of Poland, who are in arguably the weakest group of all. Euro 2020 semi-finalists Denmark were one of the biggest World Cup flops and are aiming to bounce back, while despite qualifying for three of the past four World Cups Serbia have never made it to a men’s European Championships, so will be aiming to put that right.

The group stage of qualifying process will last until November before the play-offs in early 2024, and there will surely be many standout moments along the way.

NORWAY The Lions haven’t qualified for a tournament since Euro 2000 and will be hoping to end their years in the international wilderness.

With Erling Haaland and a supporting cast that features Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, Leo Ostigard, and Alexander Sorloth, the Norwegians will cause problems for any side.

GEORGIA Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has lit up Serie A and the Champions League since he joined Napoli last summer. The brilliant winger’s five goals in six games helped his country to win promotion to Nations League B, and he will be integral to their hopes of reaching a first ever major tournament.

GREECE The Euro 2004 winners have found life very difficult in the decade since their most recent major tournament appearance, but good form in the Nations League suggests they are gradually making a comeback. It also means they are guaranteed a play-off spot, which is likely to be helpful given they are alongside France and The Netherlands in Group B. HUNGARY The Magyars will be hoping to qualify for their third European Championship in a row after impressing in the latest instalment of the Nations League, where they beat England home and away. Marco Rossi’s men have benefitted from their Nations League ranking to be made top seeds of their Euro 2024 qualifying group which contains, Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, and Lithuania.

NORTHERN IRELAND Michael O’Neil has returned to the Windsor Park bench after leaving the role to take over the Stoke City job. O’Neill led Northern Ireland to their first tournament since 1986 by guiding them to Euro 2016 and will hope to repeat the feat. Competing in a group containing Denmark, Finland, Slovenia, Kazakhstan, and San Marino there is a good opportunity here for them to fight it out for second place.

Circle Imagery, Top to Bottom: Leo Ostigard, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Greece celebrating during the Nations League, Marco Rossi, Michael O’Neil

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A VOLKSWAGEN ICON, REINVENTED FOR THE FUTURE. THE ID BUZZ

Id Buzz

Volkswagen Unionville 4088 Hwy 7 E . Unionville, Ontario L3R 1L5 volkswagenunionville.ca

One on One GIANLUIGI DONNARUMMA

GIANLUIGI DONNARUMMA ONE ON ONE

BY THOMAS UNSWORTH

‘The day I fell in love with football was the day I first played as a goalkeeper.’

Donnaruma and teammate Messi showing off their hardware from the 2021 season.

PSG ARE NOW ONE OF THE BEST TEAMS IN EUROPE - WHAT IS THE AMBITION WITH THEM? The ambition is simple to win as many trophies as possible. With PSG and and of course with Italy as well. The feeling of winning the league with PSG last year and of course The European Championships with Italy as made me so much hungry for more. That is the thing with winning you get a taste for it and you want more.

THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MUST BE NEAR THE TOP OF THAT LIST? Of course - at club level I think that The Champions League is the pinnacle for a player. The club made it very clear when I signed that it was a trophy they wanted to win and this season we hope can be our season. It is always going to be a hard trophy to win - but we have great team spirit and also the belief. We have players in the team that have won the trophy multiple times in the past so also I think that experience helps.

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BUFFON WHO YOU STATE AS YOUR IDOL PLAYED FOR PSG - DID HE INFLUENCE YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE CLUB? He told me about the project of the club, about the history of the club, and also how amazing Paris was as a city. Once I heard all of that it was an easy decision to make.

BUFFON OFTEN TALKED ABOUT HAVING TO BE A BIT A BIT “CRAZY” TO BE A GOALKEEPER TO COPE WITH ALL THE PRESSURE? (Laughs) Without doubt that is true - we are all a bit crazy. We are the last line of defence - there is nothing behind us to correct our mistakes the only thing behind us is an empty net. You have to be fearless to be a goalkeeper - that is why in a game I don’t let anything or anybody influence me - my total focus is on the game.

FACTFILE ‘I always say that my favourite save is the next one I make. I don’t look back - only forward.’

Gianluigi Donnarumma was only 17 years 189 days when he debuted for the Italian national team. He is the youngest goalkeeper to ever represent the Azzurri.

Donnarumma was named the Player of the Tournament in EURO 2020. He is the first goalkeeper in the history of the European championships to win the award.

Donnarumma has won the Yashin Trophy, which was presented in 2022 at the Ballon d’Or event in Paris to the world’s greatest goalkeeper. He, however, became only the second goalkeeper to win the Yashin Trophy, following Liverpool’s Alisson Becker, who won the inaugural Yashin Trophy in 2019. When the Ballon d’Or honors were canceled due to the epidemic in 2020, there was no winner.

MOST KIDS GROW UP WANTED TO BE STRIKERS - WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BE A GOALKEEPER? The day I fell in love with football was the day I first played as a goalkeeper. My uncle just started taking shots at me and I knew that I was meant to be a goalkeeper. It is not the easiest position when you you are young - but I had a real passion for it.

DOES THAT WORLD CUP WIN IN QATAR MAKE MESSI THE BEST EVER? I don’t think Messi needed to win The World Cup to be considered the best ever - but now there can be no doubt. Look at all he has done and look at all he is still doing. He is not only the best in the world but also a really good guy who is still so hungry for success even after everything he has won.

HOW TOUGH DID THE KIDS FIND IT TO SCORE AGAINST YOU AT SCHOOL? I don’t think they found it easy. Most kids didn’t want to go back to school but I couldn’t wait to go back to school so I could start training again. When the weather was bad and training was maybe cancelled I used to go home and cry - that is how passionate I was and still am.

IS KYLIAN MBAPPE THE NATURAL SUCCESSOR FOR THE BEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD? He has to be look at all that he is doing. He is an incredible player and when he made the decision to stay with us at PSG it was huge news for us.

Already he is at a level where he is elite - and I know that he is as hungry as everybody else to win more trophies.

AS A GOALKEEPER TRAINING AGAINST MESSI, MBAPPE AND NEYMAR MUST BE SOME EXPERIENCE? The first time I trained against them it left an impression that is for sure. In training it is my job to try and stop them from scoring - and they have made me a better player that is for sure. You want to test yourself against top players in games - but also to train with players like that everyday has made me a better player.

YOU ARE ONE OF THE BEST PENALTY SAVERS IN THE WORLD - WHAT IS YOUR SECRET? The secret is hard work. Of course, with penalties you have to say there is always a little bit of luck - but more than anything it is hard work and preparation. Taking time to study the opposition and their penalty takers - where they put the ball and things like that. I don’t save every penalty but every time a player steps up to take a penalty against me, I always feel prepared.

YOU HAVE MADE SO MANY WORLD CLASS SAVES - BUT IS THERE A FAVOURITE OF YOURS THAT STANDS OUT? I always say that my favourite save is the next one I make. I don’t look back - only forward.

According to Tranfermarkt, Gianluigi Donnarumma’s transfer to Paris SaintGermain from AC Milan is the most profitable free transfer of all time. Transfermarkt valued the goalkeeper at €60 million, when he joined the Parisians in 2021 after running out his contract at AC Milan.

Donnarumma kept 9 cleansheets for PSG in his first season at PSG in 24 appearances.

Conceded his first away goal in 539 minutes when Lorient’s Terem Moffi scored against the Parisians on November 8, 2022. It’s the longest period a PSG goalkeeper went without conceding outside Les Parc des Princes.

He played in 987 minutes of Italy’s record 1168 minutes of not conceding a goal in international football. Donnurumma’s resolve was finally broken at the Wembley Stadium when Italy took on Austria in the Euro 2020 round-of-16. However, Donnurumma won’t be too sad about the goal he conceded as Italy ended up winning the game 2-1.

Donarumma wanted to wear the number 99 shirt at PSG, but Ligue 1 did not allow him to do so. According to French football regulations, the goalkeepers are only allowed to wear the numbers 1, 16, and 30. Since all three of those numbers were taken, the Ligue de Football Professionnel offered the number 40 or 50 shirts to Donarumma. The shotstopper chose to wear number 50. right now.

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COPA AMERICA 2024

RETURN OF THE COPA

BY: SEAN MASLIN

T

he Copa America is coming back to North America! CONMEBOL, the regional governing body of South America, announced in January that the 2024 edition of their top competition, the Copa America, will be returning to North America!

This decision came after negotiations between CONMEBOL and CONCACAF, the regional football governing body for North and Central America, had begun during the 2022 Men’s World Cup in Qatar.

In addition to the Copa America announcement, it was also announced that the 2024 CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup will for the first time ever feature four teams from CONMEBOL. The two sides are also co-organizing a club competition in 2024 that will feature two of the top club teams from each confederation.

The 2024 Copa America tournament is the second time that the Copa America has been played in North America. In 2016, the Copa America Centenario was hosted in the United States with 16 teams from CONCACAF and CONMEBOL competing. The tournament was a major success with 1.5 million fans attending games across the United States and the event bringing in an estimated $85 million. This edition will be a bit different. Rather than just being selected for the

Sanchez with the 2016 Copa America Trophy This was the only other time Copa America was held in North America

‘THE 2024 COPA AMERICA TOURNAMENT IS THE SECOND TIME THAT THE COPA AMERICA HAS BEEN PLAYED IN NORTH AMERICA’ Lionel Messi and Argentina are the last to hoist the Copa America Trophy

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Yunus Musah and Christian Pulisic (L) of USA have a chance to win the South American Continental Trophy

competition, the six sides from CONCACAF that will be joining their South American neighbors will be selected from the CONCACAF Nations League, which is slated to begin again in March. This added bit of incentive will give a bit of spark to that competition, which has struggled to gain traction in North America (although it should be noted the positive influence it has had in Central America and the Carribbean).

The timing of this announcement is simple for both sides. For CONCACAF, it gives their top three sides (Canada, Mexico, and United States) additional games of consequence heading into World Cup 2026. That three other sides will also qualify should them boost their preparation efforts as well. For CONMEBOL it is additional exposure into the North American market and the money that comes with it. Football federations in South America are still reeling from the negative impacts of the pandemic and the economic consequences that it had on their bottom line. That the revenue generated from the tournament will be going to CONCACAF and CONMEBOL and not U.S. Soccer, as had happened with the Copa America Centernario, is also very interesting.

DID YOU KNOW? ARGENTINA CAN BE THE FIRST TEAM SINCE CHILE (2015, 2016) TO WIN THE COPA AMERICA BACK TO BACK

What’s also worth paying from this announcement are the two other sub-announcements. CONMEBOL finally seems to understand that the development of the women’s game is incredibly important to their brand and their pocketbooks. For years, Brazil has dominated the women’s game but struggled to keep up globally due to a lack of competition on the continent. Getting the chance to play against the United States and Canada, will undoubtedly benefit both continents and again hopefully another opportunity for women’s soccer to sell their product to a larger audience.

The club competition part may perhaps be the dark horse part of this deal. CONMEBOL has wanted to develop an intercontinental club competition dating back to the 1990s. It never really stuck partially due to the travel, but also due to the level of play quite not being up to par in the United States (Mexican sides up until 2016 traditionally played in the Copa Libertadores, the top club competition in South America). But with the rise in Major League Soccer and FIFA wanting to expand the Club World Cup there has been more interest in figuring out how to deliver a North/Central America vs South America club competition. This 2024 tournament seems to be just the beginning.

Above: Alphonso Davies and Team Canada will have a chance at International redemption even before World Cup 2026 Below: Brazil will look to secure international glory at Copa America 2024

‘THE SIX SIDES FROM CONCACAF THAT WILL BE JOINING THEIR SOUTH AMERICAN NEIGHBORS WILL BE SELECTED FROM THE CONCACAF NATIONS LEAGUE’ For CONCACAF, it gives their top three sides (Canada, Mexico, and United States) additional games of consequence heading into World Cup 2026

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COPA AMERICA 2024

BY: SEAN MASLIN

FLASH FORWARD W

ith the 2022 World Cup in the rearview window, all eyes are now on to the 2026 World Cup. For the United States Men’s National Team that means hosting and advancing. While many have fallen in love with the 2022 roster, odds are that the team will look a little different when play kicks off in June 2026. So who are some of the names to watch that could crack the eighteen? Soccer 360 Magazine’s Sean Maslin has his thoughts on eleven players to get to know

Goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina looks to crack the USMNT for the 2026 World Cup

WINGER CADEN CLARK (RED BULL LEIPZIG) Clark is still trying to get his footing at Leipzig but in his time with both Red Bull and with the USMNT he has consistently proven himself to be a solid attacking piece. But he needs to get more playing time and a move away from the Red Bull system might be beneficial in the long-term.

Center Attacking Midfielder Alan Sonora (Independiente)- Sonora is already 24 but he has played superbly for Independiente for years in Argentina. The son of MLS legend Diego Sonora, he is a quick, speedy midfielder that can either play in the center or as an attacking midfielder.

GOALKEEPER GABRIEL SLONINA (CHELSEA) Slonina was one of Chelsea’s big signings in the offseason, making the jump at just 18 from Chicago Fire. His excellent mechanics and physical strength make him a solid candidate for one of the top three positions.

RIGHT-BACK JUSTIN CHE (BAYERN MUNICH) Che is an expert marker that can make the decisive, professional tackle to end attacking chances. He is currently on loan at Hoffenheim where at 19 he has already started to crack the eight-man lineup.

CENTER-BACK JALEN NEAL (LA GALAXY) Neal started in the USMNT’s 2-1 loss to Serbia during the January window. Despite the loss, he played fairly well, limiting Serbia’s influence in front of goal. He will feature prominently for the USMNT U-20s at the under-20 World Cup and given some of the age along the center-back line, may start earning minutes for the senior team.

Keyrol Figueroa has had success at Liverpool

CENTER-BACK BRANDAN CRAIG (PHI. UNION) Craig switches between center-back and the defensive midfield but seems to be moving permanently towards the latter as his career progress. He is a strong, powerful defender that can box out attackers with relative ease. He has earned significant playing time with the Union’s MLS NextPro team and it only seems like a matter of time before he cracks the senior roster.

LEFT- BACK JONATHAN GOMEZ (REAL SOCIEDAD B) Gomez has been vacillating between the US and Mexico for years but seems to finally settle on the U.S. He is an interesting case in that he actually started playing not in Major League Soccer or Liga MX, but in the USL with Louisville City. He has been receiving significant minutes with Real Sociedad and with the US needing Left-Backs his time might be now.

WINGER PAXTEN AARONSON (FRANKFURT) Aaronson, like his brother, is primed not just to make the USMNT roster but be a consistent starter. He recently signed with Eintracht Frankfurt after a stellar season with the Union and with the U.S. under-20 National Team (he was named to the CONCACAF U-20 Championships Best XI and was the recipient of the Golden Ball and Golden Boot award).

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Caden Clark

Jonathan Gomez signing for Real Sociedad

ATTACKING MIDFIELDER KEYROL FIGUEROA (LIVERPOOL) Figueroa has been tearing it up in the Liverpool academy and for the United States at the under-17 level. He is very fast and possesses a superb first touch. He is the son of Honduran World Cup veteran Maynor Figueroa so he will likely soon start receiving overtures from the Catrachos. But he has consistently accepted callups to the USMNT so for now, he is locked in.

FORWARD KEVIN PAREDES (VFL WOLFSBURG) Paredes very nearly made the 2022 World Cup roster after impressing during the 2022 Winter Camp. But a series of hamstring injuries hampered his chances. It turned out to be the best thing for the young forward from Potomac, Maryland because he had the chance to grind it out at Wolfsburg. It paid off with Paredes scoring his first Bundesliga goal in January.

FORWARD FOLARIN BALOGUN (ARSENAL) Balogun is the big fish that the United States are looking to pick up. He is currently on loan at Reims where he is at the top of the Ligue 1 goal scoring standings but Arsenal are trying to move him. Meanwhile, there is a three-way battle for his international services between the US, England, and Nigeria.

Folarin Balogun

THE OFFICIAL GOAL OF SOCCER

90TH MINUTE

WHO SAID WHAT

“Oh, he never trained! He was the laziest footballer I've ever seen in my life! But come the weekend he produced. He was the Man of the Match.” – John Obi Mikel says former

250 The 2-0 Merseyside derby win at Anfield was Jurgen Klopp's 250th win as Liverpool manager in all competitions. It was his 414th game in charge of the Reds, reaching the milestone win quicker than any of the previous three managers to do so for the club (Paisley 448, Shankly 472 and Watson 539.

Chelsea teammate Eden Hazard was the 'laziest footballer he's ever seen' before describing what he was like in training.

KISS & MAKE UP Napoli extended their lead at the top of Serie A in a Valentine's Daythemed kit that has left fans very divided. Luciano Spalletti's side demolished Cremonese 3-0 thanks to goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Victor Osimhen and Eljif Elmas.

But it was the kit rather than the team now being 16 points clear in the race for the Scudetto that has got everyone talking. Despite playing at home, Napoli didn't wear their famous blue strip, instead opting for a white shirt with red trim. And most eye catching of all, the top had huge lips planted on the bottom to represent a kiss. While some found the new look refreshing, others did not hold back to express their disapproval of the bold design.

WINGER CHUNG The Seattle Sounders have dropped a special edition Bruce Lee kit to celebrate his life and legacy on the 50th anniversary of his death. The martial arts legend has a strong connection with Seattle, as he spent his early years in the city and was buried in Seattle after his death at the age of 32. The new kit is red and black with a yellow trim and a dragon design. Lee's signature is also stamped on the bottom of the shirt with a dragon symbol.

“You have to also understand that he’s come here at a time when we’re not in the best of form and he will need time to settle in too. I think he’s done well in the games he’s featured in so far. I hope that with time I’ll develop a great understanding and then go on to bring some joy to the Liverpool fans.”

– Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez explains why Cody Gakpo has not hit the ground running.

“When you look at the amount of money that’s being spent in the [men’s] transfer window, and then women’s games are being called off for no undersoil heating, that’s abhorrent.”

– Arsenal hero Ian Wright has slammed the “embarrassing” and “disgusting” money spent on transfer windows for men’s football compared with the lack of funding for women’s football.

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PURPLE MESSAGE The Canadian women's soccer team arrived at Exploria Stadium wearing purple, a color associated with gender equality, for its opening game against the U.S. at the SheBelieves Cup in Orlando. Forward Jordyn Huitema led the team in with all the players wearing the same purple T-shirt. The women, currently embroiled in a labor dispute with their governing body, taped over the Canada Soccer logo on their backpacks. They walked out before the game wearing purple T-shirts etched with the words "Enough is Enough" and kept them on for the anthems, maintaining the purple theme during the game via tape on their wrists.

3 Against Iran, Wales’ Wayne Hennessey was just third goalkeeper to be sent off at the World Cup, after Gianluca Pagliuca for Italy against Norway in 1994 and Itumeleng Khune for South Africa against Uruguay in 2010.

A TOUCH OF RED The Vancouver Whitecaps sported a new look and a new sponsor when they opened the Major League Soccer season in late February. The team unveiled its 2023 “Bloodlines” jersey ahead of the new MLS season, supporting Canadian Blood Services and featuring the name of its new premier partner Telus. The Vancouver-based telecommunications company replaces Bell, which had been the Whitecaps’ main corporate sponsor since the team’s inaugural season in 2009. Vancouver’s new jersey features a touch of red that the club says symbolizes both its Canadian pride and origins, with the original 1974 red logo featured as a jock tag.

DID YOU KNOW? •

With their 2-0 loss to Ecuador, Qatar became the first host nation to lose their opening game of the World Cup.

•

Enner Valencia’s opener for Ecuador was the first time in World Cup history that the opening goal at a single edition of the tournament was scored from the penalty spot.

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At the age of 18 years and 110 days against Costa Rica, Spain’s Gavi (right) was the youngest player to score at the World Cup since Pelé for Brazil against Sweden in the 1958 final (17y 249d).

GOOD JOB The Canada men’s soccer team head coach, John Herdman, has confirmed that he will stay on as the team’s head coach after guiding them through the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The English coach aspires to take the Canadian side to the 2026 World Cup and has even rejected offers from other national sides to stay on. The 47-year-old Englishman helped the Canada Men’s Soccer Team qualify for their first FIFA World Cup since the 1986 edition in the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Canada might not have won a game in the competition, but produced some encouraging performances and almost even pull off an upset against Belgium in the first game.

BRAVE MAN?

WHERE WAS MESSI? Saudi Arabia managed to pull off one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history as they beat fan favourites and third-ranked Argentina 2-1 in the opening Group C match on Nov 22. Given that the Argentines came into the game with an impressive 36-match winning streak, many expected an easy win for them over 51st-ranked Saudi Arabia.

The Falcon’s unexpected victory understandably left the Saudis in a state of euphoria. However, one fan perhaps got a little too excited following the win, as he walked into a live South Korean news broadcast to ask: “Where is Messi?” As he humorously searched his surroundings to ‘look’ for the Argentine forward, the South Korean presenter could not help but laugh along with some onlooking Saudi fans in spite of the interruption of the broadcast.

14 Saudi Arabia received 14 yellow cards in the 2022 World Cup group stage, a new record for a team in a single group stage in World Cup history.

Getafe midfielder Jakub Jankto took the brave decision to declare his homosexuality on social media. The player, who is currently on loan at Sparta Prague from the LaLiga side Getafe, published the news on his Instagram account. Jankto now becomes the third openly gay professional footballer currently playing, after Josh Cavallo in Australia and Jake Daniels of Blackpool made public their sexuality last year.

DAVE THE CAT The Three Lions didn't roar to World Cup victory, but a new member of the squad came home with them. Fleet-footed Dave the Cat will be swapping Qatari warmth for English chill - and just in time for the January transfer window. The cat used to hang around the England national team in the hotel and soon many Three Lions stars became fond of their new feline friend.

DID YOU KNOW? •

England’s 6-2 win against Iran was their biggest ever victory in their opening match at a major tournament (World Cup/ European Championships). It was also Gareth Southgate’s ninth major tournament win, more than any other England manager.

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Tunisia’s Wahbi Khazri (right) became the first African player in World Cup history to score in three consecutive starts – he netted against both Belgium and Panama in 2018, before scoring the winner against France in his only start of the 2022 edition.

GIUSEPPE BACK SPAL officially announced the arrival of former Villarreal and Fiorentina striker Giuseppe Rossi on six-month contract. The 36-year-old New Jersey born striker most recently played for the Ferrara based outfit, for the 2021-22 season, and has been out of work since the end of that season. Earlier in his career, Rossi had a positive six-year spell with Villarreal, where he scored 82 goals and provided 25 assists across 192 games. He’ll wear the number 49 shirt, a number he’s worn on a number of occasions before including at Genoa and Fiorentina.

Despite his positive spell in Spain, Rossi was often unable to show his best in Italy and only scored 26 goals across 62 appearances for Fiorentina, Genoa and Parma. The Italian-American also made 30 caps for the Azzurri, scoring seven goals in friendlies, Euro qualifiers and the Confederations Cup.

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90TH MINUTE

I SPY.....ALCOHOL

WHO SAID WHAT

A fan was stopped entering a stadium with a pair of binoculars after security spotted alcohol concealed inside them. In an audacious attempt to sneak the alcoholic beverage into the stadium, the fan was busted just before he made his way into the ground for Mexico’s clash with Poland. In a video clip, the fan wearing a Mexico shirt is put through a thorough search by security guards who were alerted to the pair of binoculars, which is not usually an item spectator’s pack for a day out at the football. The suspicions from the security team were validated when one of the guards unscrewed the eye lenses to reveal a tube that liquid can be sucked out of.

11 “Man, Casemiro is a player that I always talk about to my friends and family. He’s a player that I’d particularly like to have on my team.” – Raphinha named the one

Arsenal have lost their last 11 Premier League games against Manchester City; their longest losing run against an opponent in their league history.

Manchester United player he wants Barcelona to sign, ahead of the two clubs’ Europa League play-off

"SORRY" Paris Saint-Germain defender Presnel Kimpembe apologized to the team's travelling fans after their disappointing 3-1 defeat to Monaco– and he did so by using a megaphone. PSG were without Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Marco Verratti for the Ligue 1 clash.

Using a megaphone he said: "On the ground, it's nonsense, we know. The only thing I can say is thank you for coming. Now, don't let us go, we still need you."

encounter.

65 YEAR OLD SEATS FOR SALE Barcelona's financial troubles aren't showing signs of slowing down, with the club said to be 'considering selling chairs of the Camp Nou' as they look to generate additional income. Barcelona are set to undergo further financial loss next season, with the La Liga outfit set to play their home games at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys whilst the Camp Nou undergoes a long overdue redevelopment. But in order to subsidise some of the loss, the club are thought to be considering selling seats from the iconic stadium, which has been the home of FC Barcelona since 1957. It is not yet known how much the club plan on charging fans in order to purchase their beloved seats, but, after charging fans €300 each for a 60-minute kick about on the pitch last summer, they are unlikely to come cheap.

“It still makes me angry to listen to the Champions League anthem from home. For history and greatness, we should be there.”

– Barcelona manager Xavi has revealed that he hates listening to the Champions League anthem, with his team not in the competition.

DID YOU KNOW? •

Manchester City’s 3-1 away win over Arsenal was only the third time in Premier League history that 2nd place beat 1st place in a match to overtake them in the table at least half-way into a season, after Chelsea v Man Utd (Apr 2010) & Man City v Man Utd (Apr 2012) - both of whom went on to win the title.

•

Manchester City had just 36% possession in their win at the Emirates; the lowest in a league game for a team managed by Pep Guardiola in his top-flight managerial career.

•

Brahim Diaz (23 years and 195 days) (right) is the youngest player to score for AC Milan in a Champions League KO game since Kaka in March 2004, with a brace against Deportivo de La Coruna in quarterfinals (21y 336d).

“I’m careful not to get into a discussion with the media through the media. Of course I get angry.

I’m a human being just like you.

It’s just that I choose to conduct myself the way that I think is the right way to conduct myself on the side.”

– Chelsea manager Graham Potter responds to critics who accuse him of not showing Ianaggression.

Waterhouse

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UNLIKE...QUICK

SOCCER NOT FUN

Mykhailo Mudryk appeared to like an Instagram post slamming Chelsea teammate Marc Cucurella after the 1-1 draw against West Ham. Spaniard Cucurella came off to a chorus of boos from the travelling Chelsea fans as he was replaced by Ben Chilwell in the 67th minute. Fans accused the fullback of not picking up Mudryk’s runs throughout the match and waste promising attacking buildups. According to The Sun, the Ukrainian later unliked the post.

Chelsea legend Petr Cech claims playing ice hockey is "more fun" than the Champions League as he revealed he is fulfilling a childhood dream. Cech won the richest prize in European club football in 2012 with Chelsea as they beat Bayern Munich on penalties and also lifted four Premier League titles at Stamford Bridge. He is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in history but the former Czech Republic international has admitted he is finding more enjoyment in his current venture in another sport.

DID YOU KNOW? •

Karim Benzema (right) attempted 10 shots against Elche, his most in a single LaLiga game (428 appearances).

•

Only Bayern (5) have more different players to reach 10+ goals than Real Madrid (4) this season in all competitions among all clubs from the top five European leagues.

MESSI, PIQUE ...DISCONNECTED Gerard Pique has finally broken his silence over whether or not he texted former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi over his World Cup triumph with Argentina and admitted that he did not congratulate Messi after the final. Pique and Messi played together at the Camp Nou, but the pair’s close relationship has reportedly fractured over the Argentine’s shock exit from Barcelona. Speaking to TikToker John Nellis, Pique was asked if he had been in contact with Barcelona legend Messi since Argentina captured their first World Cup star since 1986. Pique’s response hinted at a continued rift with Messi as the former Barcelona defender claimed he has been ‘disconnected’ from football.

172 There were 172 goals scored at the 2022 World Cup, a new all-time competition record, surpassing the 171 scored in both 1998 and 2014.

QUESTION TIME Southampton star James Ward-Prowse has divided fans on social media after his controversial picks in a ‘this or that challenge’ on football questions. Ranging from Eden Hazard vs Gareth Bale to Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi, Ward-Prowse drifted right or left to reveal his verdict on hotly debated comparisons. A handful of past and present Liverpool players featured in questions as well, including Steven Gerrard vs Frank Lampard and Virgil van Dijk vs Vincent Kompany. Fans found Ward-Prowse leaning towards Liverpool on more than one occasion, including picking ex-Reds star Xabi Alonso over Manchester United legend Paul Scholes. His answers infuriated some fans online and many accused the England international of having ‘’zero ball knowledge.’’

G7 DOESN’T COOK Georgina Rodriguez has candidly opened up on an intimate detail about living with Cristiano Ronaldo and one of the things he does not do at home. Speaking to Sportweek (via Marca), Rodriguez called Ronaldo a “super dad” and insisted that he is the “best husband I could dream of.” However, the Spanish model claimed that Ronaldo doesn’t cook when he is at home and said he deserves to find a “nice hot plate of food after training.”

They have a chef, but Rodriguez revealed she sometimes cooks for the family as well.

DO NOT TOUCH !

Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has only played a handful of games for his new club, so he might just get away with breaking one of Jurgen Klopp's 'golden rules' ahead of the Merseyside derby. In an episode of Inside Anfield on Liverpool's YouTube channel, the Netherlands international unintentionally performed a ritual that is technically offlimits. Before entering the Anfield tunnel, Gakpo touched the famous 'This is Anfield' sign above. In his early days as Liverpool manager, Klopp said: "I've told my players not to touch the 'This Is Anfield' sign until they win something. It's a sign of respect."

Back in 2020, Liverpool midfielder Thiago revealed that club legend Fernando Torres told him the importance of not touching the 'This Is Anfield' sign upon his arrival. He said: "As I heard once from Fernando Torres, this remains heavily the place we passed by for a couple of years, four more years," Thiago said while looking up at the sign.

OH DEAR, NEVER MIND Kylian Mbappe's reaction after Harry Kane missed an 85th-minute penalty in the World Cup quarter-final between France and England broke the internet. Seven minutes after Giroud put France ahead, Theo Hernandez clumsily barged into Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount and England were given a chance to make the score 2-2 from the penalty spot. England's joint-record goalscorer Kane would step up to take the spot-kick but uncharacteristically ballooned his effort over the bar. Moments later and cameras panned towards an unsympathetic Kylian Mbappe, who reacted by brutally laughing at the missed penalty.

LOST AND FOUND Paul Pogba has been something of a phantasm for Juventus this season but soon could become a tangible part of Massimiliano Allegri’s squad in Turin. The French midfielder signed a lucrative fouryear contract with the Old Lady last summer after leaving Manchester United on a free transfer, but his return to the club did not start as planned. Pogba suffered a knee injury during the pre-season tour in the United States and his decision to undergo a conservative treatment plan to avoid surgery did not pay off, worsening his injury and forcing him to undergo an operation in early September regardless. Pogba is showing some positive signs on the training ground and carried out first team sessions with his Juventus teammates, suggesting that a return to action is not far away now.

Allegri suggested that Pogba would still need playing time to reach his infamous form for the bianconeri.

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90TH MINUTE

MOU ON THE MOVE

SOCIAL MEDIA ROUND-UP

Ian Waterhouse

Instagram MESSI HOLIDAY SNAPS Lionel Messi has shared some holiday photos with his fans after taking a trip to the Alps with his family. Messi, wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three children all feature in the collection of snaps that the Paris Saint-Germain forward uploaded to Instagram.

Paris Saint-Germain have opened talks with Jose Mourinho as they consider possible replacements for Christophe Galtier. French journalist Santi Auona details how a round of talks recently took place between PSG advisor Luis Campos and the Roma coach, who has seemingly started to grow a little frustrated with things in the Italian capital. The Ligue 1 giants have regularly been linked with a move for Mourinho, but now things could finally be different as Luis Campos and PSG look to find a proven coach who can lead a dressing room full of stars. The Portuguese coach fits this bill, even if the Qatari-backed side’s dream choice is Zinedine Zidane.

Also helping proceedings is the former Chelsea manager’s positive relationship with Luis Campos. Mourinho is known to be a huge fan of PSG star Kylian Mbappe and he’d also find a close collaborator of his in the French capital, with his former Tottenham assistant coach João Sacramento part of Galtier’s staff in Paris. Things are still at the early stages and no agreement has been reached yet between PSG and Roma, although their positive relationship would likely make negotiations go smoothly. The Portuguese coach is contracted to the Giallorossi until June 2024 and was reportedly linked with both the Brazil and Portugal jobs before he publicly ruled out the idea of international management.

DID YOU KNOW? •

Japan had just 18% possession against Spain, the lowest share of the ball for a winning team in a World Cup match on record (since 1966).

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Courtesy of Weverton’s substitute appearance against Korea Republic, Brazil used all 26 members of their squad at the 2022 World Cup, becoming the first nation to field that many different players at a single edition.

Instagram

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Cristiano Ronaldo turned 38 on Feb. 5 and celebrated his birthday with family and close friends in an intimate gathering in Saudi Arabia. His longtime partner Georgina Rodriguez and oldest son Cristiano Jr. were also present for the celebrations.

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Florian Wirtz (right) is the first player of Bayer 04 Leverkusen to be involved in at least one goal in four consecutive appearances in the UEFA Europa League (2 goals and 4 assists; since the Europa League foundation 2008-09).

LENS WIPE USA midfielder Weston McKennie left a photographer looking rather baffled as he wiped his hands on his bib during the USA vs. England match. The Juventus star was preparing for a throw-in during the 38th minute of his country’s World Cup clash with England, but must have been struggling with grip on a wet matchball. McKennie then dropped the ball, and turned to the hoardings for a towel, but ended up using a photographer’s bib. The gentleman in question looked rather surprised, but soon gave McKennie a smile as he realized what was happening.

IT’S NOT A HOLIDAY Instagram

FORGET-ME- NOTS Juventus star Federico Chiesa did not forget to get his girlfriend Lucia Bramani flowers on Valentine’s Day. The couple publicly announced their relationship in May 2022.

Instagram

BACK AT IT Vinicius Jr. has been one of Real Madrid’s best players this season. But there is no room for complacency! The Brazil international shares a snap where he is seen working out in the gym.

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German football chiefs have blamed the ‘holiday feeling’ around their ‘secluded’ resort in Qatar for their World Cup elimination.

Germany was defeated by Japan in their opening group game, putting them in an uphill battle to reach the last 16. This was the second world cup in a row that they have been eliminated in the group stages.

In 2018, they were in a group that consisted of South Korea, Sweden, and Mexico and they ended up finishing fourth in the group, bowing out as reigning champions. The wives, girlfriends, children, and families of the players were mentioned during discussions, with suggestions that their presence apparently made some players feel ‘uncomfortable.’

5 Union Berlin have not conceded a single goal in their last five Europa League games, no team ever had a longer such streak in the competition.

Further, Union is the first German team to reach this milestone.

birthday wishes Ivan Rakitic (March 10) 35th Birthday Sevilla, Croatia.

He made his debut for the Croatia national team in 2007 and has since represented the country at UEFA Euro 2008, 2012 and 2016, and the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cup, reaching the final of the latter. He retired from international duty in September 2020, having made 106 appearances. At the time of his retirement, he was the fourth most capped player in the history of Croatia.

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Nikita Parris (March 10) 29th Birthday Manchester United, England.

With Manchester City, she won the 2016 league title, the 2016 and 2018–19 Women's Super League Cup as well as the 2016–17 and 2018–19 Women's FA Cup. For England, Parris helped the national team reach the semi-finals of the Euro 2017 and a fourth place finish at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. Her six goals during qualification ranked first within UEFA nations and secured England's place at the top tournament.

2023 BRONCO SPORT

Didier Drogba (March 11) 44th Birthday Chelsea, Ivory Coast.

Didier Drogba is the all-time top scorer and former captain of the Ivory Coast national team.

He is best known for his career at Chelsea, for whom he has scored more goals than any other foreign player and is currently the club's fourth highest goal scorer of all time. The striker is also famous for his philanthropic activities.

Jessie Fleming (March 11), 25th Birthday Chelsea, Canada.

Jessie Alexandra Fleming is a Canadian professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder for FA Women's Super League club Chelsea and was a member of Canada's gold medal-winning side at the 2020 Summer Olympics, where she scored the team's only regular time goal in the final on a penalty kick, as well as the first goal in the penalty shoot-out.

2023 MACH-E

Edgar Davids (March 13) 50th Birthday Ajax Amsterdam, Juventus, The Netherlands.

One of the greatest and most recognizable players of his generation, Edgar Davids often stood out on the football field due to his dreadlocked hair and the protective goggles he wore due to glaucoma. Davids was nicknamed "The Pitbull" by Louis van Gaal because of his hard tackling style of play. In 2004, he was one of the players chosen by Pele to feature in the FIFA 100, his list of the world's greatest living footballers.

2023 BRONCO

Paul Pogba (March 15), 30th Birthday Juventus, France.

In 2016 he won the League Cup and the Europa League for Man. Utd. And in the 2018–19 season, he was named in the PFA Team of the Year.

He later represented his nation at UEFA Euro 2016, where he finished as a runner-up, before winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup, scoring in the final.

Ashley Sanchez (March 16), 24th Birthday Washington Spirit, USA. Ashley Nicole Sanchez is a forward for the Washington Spirit and the US national team. She captained the US at the 2016 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup and played at the 2016 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup and the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup. In 2016, Sanchez became the first player in United States history to play in multiple world cups in the same year.

2023 F-150

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90TH MINUTE

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON WHO SAID WHAT

The son of the legendary Ronaldinho Gaucho, Joao Mendes (Joao de Assis Moreira), has been on trial with Barcelona's youth team since the beginning of January and has now signed for the club according to his father.

The 17-year-old, who recently terminated his contract with Brazilian club Cruzeiro, plays as a striker, has a Spanish passport and, like his father, is represented by his uncle, Roberto de Assis. In an interview with RAC-1, Ronaldinho virtually guaranteed the fact that the Catalan giants are going to sign his son.

21 Lionel Messi has been directly involved in 21 goals at the World Cup for Argentina (13 goals, eight assists), the outright most of any player for any nation at the finals on record (since 1966).

GIVEN THEM THE BOOT

“I think we will see the Super League. And I believe so for several reasons. The idea of the Super League has changed and deserves to be heard. If you look carefully from both angles, you will see that UEFA is by no means a great Samaritan for football fans and that the Super League does not have the idea, at least in the second attempt, to exclude any team, because there will be no permanent founding members. It is a sports competition, open, but managed by the clubs and not by UEFA, because these clubs believe that they do not need UEFA for that. I think this deserves at least a chance…” – Real Madrid midfielder

Patrick Kluivert (right), icon of Barcelona in the 1990s; Samuel Eto'o, star of the successful team of the early 2000s, two-time UEFA Champions League winner; and Luis Suarez, the team's man-goal between 2014 and 2020 and third-top scorer in the club's history. The boots of one of these three legendary strikers will soon be incorporated into the Barcelona Museum along with the rest of the objects collected throughout the club's centenary history. The fans will be in charge of choosing which one by voting through Socios.com, the official provider of the $BAR Fan Token.

METRO GUY IS TIKTOK PHENOM Abubakr Abbas, a 23-year-old Kenyan citizen working as a World Cup employee, rose to fame after charming thousands of fans in Doha by performing his duties as an usher and chanting the word “Metro”. His seemingly mundane job of directing fans to the Souq Wafiq Metro Station was captured the attention of many due to his enthusiasm, which earned him a great deal of internet fame as well, with close to 35 million views on TikTok under the hashtag #metroguy. The FIFA World Cup committee also recognised the 23-year-old’s positive influence on the tournament and awarded him with an opportunity to watch the groupstage clash between England and the United States. To the amusement of many fans, he even got the chance to stand in front of the nearly packed Al Bayt Stadium and chant “Metro!” before the game.

Toni Kroos believes the European Super League will come into place eventually.

Real Madrid are one of three clubs that remain at least publicly committed to the Super League, but face plenty of skepticism on both their motives and the concept itself.

SAMURAI POWER Antonio Rudiger was criticised for ‘mocking’ Japan’s Takuma Asano during Germany’s World Cup loss. With the fourtime world champions 1-0 up in their first group game, the Real Madrid defender was forced to defend a ball over the top.

Rudiger pulled out a bizarre running style, seemingly over exaggerating his movements as he shepherded the ball out of play. That over-zealousness came back to haunt them as disaster struck for Germany as they conceded two late goals in the space of eight minutes to lose 2-1.

13 “He looks good to me, I don’t know if he will stay or not. He may or may not stay, I don’t know, I don’t care much. We have a very important challenge this season.

The important thing is that he is contributing, like last year. Let him continue like this, and the club will make the most appropriate decision.”

– Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti does not want to worry too much about Marcus Asensio’s future at the club, but wants to get the best out him at the moment.

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England scored 13 goals at the 2022 World Cup, the highest number of goals they’ve ever scored in a single edition of a major tournament (World Cup and European Championship).

SHIRTY NO MORE Alphonso Davies finally got his hands on a Lionel Messi shirt after Bayern Munich's Champions League win over PSG, two-and-a-half years after the Argentine was "too upset" to swap jerseys. The Canadian full-back was denied Messi's shirt back in August 2020, when Bayern knocked eight goals past Barcelona in a memorable Champions League quarter-final. After that game at the Camp Nou, Davies failed in his pursuit of the ultimate souvenir. "I asked for it but I think he was a little bit upset," the left-back told BT Sport. "It's OK, next time hopefully." But over 900 days later and the 22-year-old eventually managed to get the shirt he has always dreamed of when PSG met Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League round-of-16 clash.

birthday wishes Theo Walcott (March 16) 34th Birthday Southampton, England.

Walcott started his career with Southampton before joining Arsenal for £5 million in 2006. He has been a striker since the 2012–13 season when he was Arsenal's top scorer. On 6 September 2008, he made his first competitive start in a World Cup qualifier against Andorra, and in the following match against Croatia became the youngest player in history to score a hat-trick for England. He represented England at the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2012 and has 47 caps, scoring eight goals.

Edin Dzeko (March 17), 37th Birthday Inter Milan, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Edin Dzeko made a name for himself while playing for German club VfL Wolfsburg, with whom he won the Bundesliga in the 2008–09 season. During the 2011–12 Premier League season, Dzeko scored four goals in one game for Manchester City against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.

Shinji Kagawa (March 17), 34th Birthday Borussia Dortmund, Japan.

Shinji Kagawa is widely regarded as one of the best Japanese players of all time. After two years with Dortmund, Kagawa signed for Man.United.

Two years later, he returned to Dortmund. He holds the records for most appearances and goals by a Japanese player in UEFA club competitions. Since making his senior international debut in May 2008, he has won over 90 caps and scored over 30 goals.

Alessandro Nesta (March 19), 47th Birthday AC Milan, Italy.

He made over 400 Serie A appearances in a 20year career spread between Lazio and AC Milan In 2004, he was named as one of the Top 100 greatest living footballers. He competed at the 1996 Olympics, three UEFA European Championships, and three FIFA World Cups. Nesta was a member of the Italian team that won the 2006 World Cup, and in 2021, was inducted into the Italian Football Hall of Fame.

Kolo Toure (March 19), 42nd Birthday Arsenal, Manchester City, Ivory Coast.

Toure moved to English team Arsenal in 2002, where he made 326 appearances. In 2009, he moved to Manchester City helping City earn their first league title in 44 years. In 2013, Toure signed for Liverpool. He is one of the eight players who have won the Premier League with two clubs, having won it with Arsenal and City. He also won the Scottish Premiership and Scottish League Cup with Celtic. He remains to date the African player with the most Premier League appearances (353).

Boys

Everything

Antoine Griezmann (March 21), 32nd Birthday Atletico Madrid, France.

Antoine Griezmann joined Atletico Madrid in 2021 becoming the club's all-time third-highest goalscorer. He was Player of the Tournament as France finished runners-up at UEFA Euro 2016, and was the second highest goalscorer as France won the 2018 FIFA World Cup. In the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he was used in a central midfield role as the team finished runners-up.

Ronaldinho (March 21) 43rd Birthday Barcelona, Brazil.

Ronaldinho won two FIFA World Player of the Year awards and a Ballon d'Or. In his international career with Brazil, Ronaldinho earned 97 caps and scored 33 goals and represented his country in two FIFA World Cups and in the 2002 FIFA World Cup-winning team, played alongside Ronaldo and Rivaldo in an attacking trio, and was named in the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team. As captain, he led his team to the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup title and was named man of the match in the final.

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ALEX THE GROUPER

SOCIAL MEDIA ROUND-UP

Real Sociedad striker Alexander Sorloth was presented with a large fish after winning the club's Player of the Month award for January. The 27-year-old Norway international, who is currently on loan at Sociedad from Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig, scored three goals in seven games in January as Imanol Alguacil's side climbed up to third in La Liga. Sorloth, who was also named La Liga's Player of the Month for January, looked more than happy to pose with the fish.

Ian Waterhouse

WAGS NO SHOW

Instagram

England footballers’ wives and girlfriends were approached to star in a Netflix documentary to be filmed leading up to and during the World Cup. Optomen TV asked several Wags to take part in the show during the build-up to the tournament. The ladies included Jack Grealish’s girlfriend Sasha Attwood (top), Jarrod Bowen’s girlfriend Dani Dyer (bottom) and a slew of other notables. Cameras would have followed them as they go about their everyday lives, juggling family, work commitments and their partner’s needs. TV producers where hoping for a repeat of the real-life drama at the World Cup in 2006, when the high-profile partners were centre stage in Baden-Baden, Germany. The proposed docu-series would have shown off the luxury lifestyle these women lead as they support their other halves during the World Cup lead up. There was a wish-list in place of the women they wanted and very substantial fees were being offered. However, it’s certain that Gareth Southgate strongly disapproved of any wives or girlfriends signing up to it, as it would have been a major distraction to him and the players.

Maybe!

HOOPLA TIME Kylian MBappe shares a photo of himself with basketball legend Lebron James. MBappe is a big fan of James, who has recently broken the NBA’s all-time scoring record. Arguably, James is the greatest player in basketball history. Some fans might disagree, but MBappe’s caption says what his stance on the debate is.

TikTok

GOAL-DEN MEMORIES Kyle Walker joined Chunkz, Ben Foster, and Kieran Brown to recreate some classic Arsenal and Manchester City goals.

TikTok

NO SWEAT Zlatan Ibrahimovic shows that he is still in top physical shape by doing push-ups without breaking a sweat.

DID YOU KNOW? •

Costa Rica didn’t have a single shot against Spain, just the second time on record (since 1966) of a team failing to have a shot in a World Cup match, after Costa Rica themselves against Brazil in 1990.

•

Kingsley Coman (right) netted the winner for Bayern Munich against Paris Saint Germain in his 50th UEFA Champions League appearance. It's the 39th time he's ended on the winning side, the most wins by a player in their first 50 appearances in the competition's history.

NO COINCIDENCE Instagram

IN THE LAB Federico Chiesa announces the arrival of his Amazon Prime documentary ‘’Federico Chiesa: Back On Track.’’The documentary is s the first original production of Juventus Creator Lab, which is the club’s dedicated digital media production section.

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Anna Modler, the ex-girlfriend of former Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez, has confirmed her engagement to Tottenham Hotspur’s Eric Dier. The model was spotted watching her partner in several Tottenham matches this season. After announcing her engagement Anna showed off her bling on an Instagram post, in which she is seen standing next to Dier, and wrote, “I said ja.” Fans were quick to point out the coincidence that Dier decided to pop the question the same week he knocked his fiancee’s ex-boyfriend out of the Champions League.

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Todd Boehly

TODD BOEHLY’S WILD SPENDING AND JUVENTUS’ 15-POINT PENALTY IN SERIE A SHOW FOOTBALL NEEDS TO ENACT REFORMS BEFORE THE BUBBLE BURSTS, WRITES SUSY CAMPANALE.

T

he transfer market has exhibited the worst sides of the sport for some time now and it’s only getting more and more extreme. Chelsea alone managed to out-spend all the clubs in Italy, Spain, France and Germany during the January window, as new owner Todd Boehly somehow manages to make Roman Abramovich seem tightfisted in comparison.

This bull in a china shop approach to the world of football has been outright embarrassing. Even the Chelsea fans feel awkward about cheering on this latest incarnation of their club, especially as the results on the field have hardly reflected value for money so far. Now they are stuck with a squad so big that we will see the tipping point when strength in depth becomes an ugly, crowded mess.

It’s not just Chelsea, of course. While most clubs tighten their belts to get through the postpandemic period and deal with rising costs, the Premier League continues to shatter transfer records and act like there’s no tomorrow. Who needs the European Super League when the Premier League is already doing it? When a relegation-threatened side like Bournemouth can easily offer more money to Nicolò Zaniolo than the reigning champions of Italy, Milan, that says something about the economic disparity that has developed in the game. This isn’t just about some clubs pumping cash into the system, it’s one League completely skewing the market and inflating prices to ridiculous levels that nobody else can compete with.

The Premier League feels increasingly like an insulated bubble that has to burst and the rest of the sport is just bracing for what happens when it does. I recall when Serie A was the dominant market force in the 1990s, with all the best stars and therefore the top trophies, because they had more money. It all crumbled when someone took a good look at the finances and realised it was a house of cards.

How can clubs continue to pay €100-150m for players who are still relatively young and new to the scene and expect it to just carry on with that trajectory? If Mykhailo Mudryk is worth about €100m, then what price would Paris Saint-Germain place on Kylian Mbappé? At what point does it become unsustainable when one player is worth more than three squads put together?

Serie A saw their bubble burst and may well be about to start the process elsewhere too with the investigation into Juventus. The Bianconeri were docked 15 points for artificially inflating transfer fees and therefore boosting capital gains, allowing them to balance the books. Essentially, they are accused of pretending certain players were worth

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“THE PREMIER LEAGUE FEELS INCREASINGLY LIKE AN INSULATED BUBBLE THAT HAS TO BURST AND THE REST OF THE SPORT IS JUST BRACING FOR WHAT HAPPENS WHEN IT DOES”

more than in reality, so it looked as if they were moving around valuable assets. Now, this is a very slippery slope to begin on, because these are for the most part accounting tricks that a lot of clubs in Europe appear to use. It is also safe to say that there is little logic when only one club can be penalised for a system that has to involve deals agreed with other teams. This investigation, and that penalty, has to be only the beginning of a larger reckoning around Italy and the whole sport.

The problem thus far had been trying to prove that transfer fees were inflated. After all, who can say what a player is truly worth other than the figure two clubs agree to? Once we break that barrier and insist players do have an independently verifiable value, what happens to the market? Again, the sport cannot simply continue along this path forever and expect everyone to keep up, because we will lose so many along the way.

Rather than Financial Fair Play or whatever the latest UEFA iteration is, I would like to see club football go back to basics. Limit the transfers allowed in one session per club, ensure the starting XI has to include a certain number of academygrown players and above all those local to the country to help improve national teams too. Rather than tie expenditure to revenue, which gives the Premier League sides a ridiculous advantage just because they can divvy up the best television rights deal in the world, introduce a salary cap that

Chelsea spent more on the January transfer market than all the clubs in Italy, Spain, France and Germany put together

is the same for everyone. Much like transfer fees, the market simply cannot be trusted to keep these situations under control. Perhaps a little imposed restraint might force them to be more inventive with their team-building.

The Bosman Ruling was another turning point, because players and their agents can now drag contract negotiations out to force clubs into shelling out massive salaries or risk losing these precious assets for free. There have to be more protections for clubs who put in the work to develop these talents and a salary cap can also help limit some of the poaching techniques.

Even the use of release clauses isn’t deterring the extreme spending of these clubs, as seen

by Chelsea paying the full €121m to get Enzo Fernandez from Benfica. This is a 22-year-old who cost the Portuguese side only €44m seven months ago and did win the World Cup with Argentina, but has only 10 senior caps to his name. So how much is a player worth? However much a Premier League club is prepared to pay, is the answer to that question. There’s no independently verifying that when the sport is treated like a plaything for the whims of the super-rich.

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