Wednesday, 2 September 2026
RECORD TRANSFER FEE FIR ENZO FERNANDEZ
The joint-British record transfer fee! 💰
Man City have agreed a deal with Chelsea for Enzo Fernandez worth £125m 🇦🇷🤝
Tuesday, 1 September 2026
HANSI FLICK EQUALS BARCELONA RECORD LONG HELD BY LEGENDARY JOHAN CRYFF
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| Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images |
Barcelona’s 5-2 win over Rayo Vallecano on Monday evening was another statement from Hansi Flick’s side as they continue to set the pace in La Liga.
It was a special victory for Flick as well, as it saw him equal a record that has stood for decades at Camp Nou.
Indeed, Flick has now matched one of the greatest managers in Barcelona’s history.
Flick matches Cruyff’s record
As reported by Mundo Deportivo, Flick has now accumulated 59 league matchdays as the leader of La Liga, equalling the legendary Johan Cruyff’s tally during his time on the Barcelona bench.
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| Flick’s Barcelona continue their domination. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images) |
What makes the achievement even more remarkable is the speed at which Flick has reached the milestone.
The German has managed just 79 league games in charge to get there, while Cruyff needed 300 matches to reach the same figure during his far longer tenure.
That means 74.7 percent of the league matchdays Flick has overseen as Barcelona coach have ended with the club sitting top of the table.
Among managers who have completed at least one full season in La Liga, nobody comes close. The second on the list is Pep Guardiola, who managed 57.2 percent.
A legendary start
Currently in his third season, Flick has done wonders at Barcelona.
In his first two seasons on the bench, the German has guided Barcelona to back-to-back league titles and built a side that plays with a clear identity and an attacking verve that has captivated supporters.
Now into his third campaign, Flick’s Barcelona show no sign of slowing down. With three wins from their opening three matches this season, the Catalans are once again setting the standard in Spanish football.
Cruyff remains one of the most iconic figures in Barcelona’s history, and being mentioned in the same breath as the Dutchman is a testament to Flick’s impact.
Should the German continue at this rate, surpassing the record entirely is only a matter of time, further cementing his place among the finest coaches to ever grace the Camp Nou touchline.
- Connell Edgar-Jones
SEBASTIAN VETTEL TO MAKE FERRARI F1 RETURN IN MICHAEL SCHUMACHER MONZA CELEBRATION
The four-time champion will return to the Formula 1 track this weekend in Ferrari colours.
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| Vettel in conversation with Ferrari drivers Hamilton and Leclerc |
Sebastian Vettel is set to return to the track this weekend as Ferrari celebrates Michael Schumacher's legacy at the Italian Grand Prix.
Four-time champion Vettel has taken to the track in historic machinery on a number of occasions since retiring from Formula 1, most notably driving Nigel Mansell's 1992 Williams at Silverstone and Ayrton Senna's 1993 McLaren at the 2024 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
He will add to this experience on Sunday ahead of the 53-lap Monza race, when he gets behind the wheel of seven-time champion Schumacher's dominant Ferrari F2002.
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| The F2002 is one of Ferrari's most iconic F1 cars |
Across that season, the legendary German finished outside the top two just once, a third-place result in Malaysia, and scored 11 wins from 17 races. Of the races not won by Schumacher, four were scored by team-mate Rubens Barrichello, with Williams and McLaren each achieving success once.
Schumacher's lasting impact on F1 is being honoured at Monza this weekend, with Ferrari revealing special race suits late last week, and a special livery based on the 1996 Ferrari that 91-time grands prix winner took to victory on Ferrari's home soil.
Vettel, who has always held Schumacher up as his idol, will complete a single lap in the 900bhp Ferrari V10, which is capable of screaming to 19,000rpm.
On his previous demonstration laps, Vettel has used sustainable fuels, and this will be no different. The demonstration will be run via Ferrari's F1 Clienti department, and the manufacturer has confirmed the F2002 will use an “advanced sustainable fuel developed specifically by Shell, drawing on the know-how acquired this season to create the fuel being used in 2026.”
Fans only attending on Saturday will also get a chance to hear the now 24-year-old car scream through the park, with Barrichello getting reacquainted with the F2002 ahead of qualifying.
As well as the 2002 car, Schumacher's first and last Ferrari F1 cars will be on display - these are the 1996 F310 and the 2006 248.
- Sam Hall
MASAI RUSSELL SETS WOMEN'S 100M HURDLES WORLD RECORD
Masai Russell 🇺🇸 storms to a world record of 12.09s (0.0) in the women’s 100m hurdles at the #ZurichDL! 🤯
She breaks the Tobi Amusan 🇳🇬 WR by 0.03 seconds.
Tobi Amusan 🇳🇬 finished second in 12.23s, while Nadine Visser 🇳🇱 took third in 12.34s.
Can she go sub- 12 seconds soon? 👀
VENUS WILLIAMS REFLECTS ON 'INSANE EVENING' AT U.S. OPEN
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| August 31, 2026; New York, United States; Venus Williams of the U.S. acknowledges the crowd after losing her first round match against Sofia Kenin of the U.S. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images |
At age 46, Venus Williams was not ready to contemplate her future following a "completely insane evening" at the U.S. Open.
She could be forgiven for being too tired to have such a conversation after losing a hard-fought battle with Sofia Kenin in a first-round match that didn't begin until 12:13 a.m. ET on Monday -- the latest start in tournament history.
It was the sixth consecutive first-round singles exit at the U.S. Open for Williams, who said she was not ready to look beyond this tournament.
"I don't think I should have to," said Williams, who will partner with sister Serena Williams in doubles later this week. "My mind is fully focused on that: how I recover from this completely insane evening and get ready for the next one."
Only a few reporters were still hanging around at Arthur Ashe Stadium when Kenin completed her 6-2, 7-6 (7) victory after 2 a.m.
"It's not ideal," Williams said. "I would have preferred something else, definitely. It wasn't great for either of us, so I think we both tried our best."
Williams was playing in her record-extending 26th main draw at the U.S. Open, where she won back-to-back titles in 2000 and 2001.
The match with fellow wild-card entry Kenin was delayed by Novak Djokovic's 4-hour, 36-minute loss against Mariano Navone. The previous record for the latest start was 12:07 a.m. for a round of 32 match in 2024 between Ekaterina Alexandrova and Aryna Sabalenka, per ESPN.
After losing the first set in 32 minutes, Williams overcame a 4-2 deficit in the second set to force a tiebreak. She built a 6-2 lead in the tiebreak only to see Kenin save four set points.
"I had a lot of great moments," Williams said. "As the match progressed, I just kept pushing myself to try to find my best tennis and to find my rhythm. It's not easy to do in the first round. It's not easy to do at 1 or 2 a.m. in the morning to try to find your rhythm and play your best, but I tried my best."
Kenin converted her first match point to finish in 1 hour and 48 minutes, advancing to face No. 3 seed Jessica Pegula.
"Venus, obviously, was playing some amazing tennis," Kenin said. "I just tried to keep fighting. I didn't feel 100% game-wise, some nerves, but I tried to do the best to stay strong in those moments."
Williams said she attempted to enjoy the experience despite the unusual circumstances.
"I always try to appreciate it, but it is definitely all business and there's no room for error," she said. "Try to soak it in, and soaking it in is more fun when the ball's going in."
--Field Level Media
Monday, 31 August 2026
LIONEL MESSI RETIRES FROM ARGENTINA NATIONAL TEAM
Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team on Monday, officially ending one of the greatest international careers of all time.
Inter Miami CF's legendary No. 10 confirmed the news on his social media account, calling it a "decision that hurt, and still hurts deep down, but I understand that the time has come.
"I swear to you that I always gave it my all: not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football."
Argentina icon
Messi retires from international duty as a national team hero, rivalled only by the late Diego Armando Maradona.
His 125 goals, 68 assists and 207 appearances are all Argentina records, while he ranks top-four all-time in caps, top-two in goals and No. 1 in assists across international soccer.
The 39-year-old reached his greatest heights with La Albiceleste at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, leading the country to its third title with 7g/3a over the course of a memorable tournament that culminated with a legendary final win over France.
Messi also won two Copa Américas (2021, '24) with Argentina, and reached the 2014 and 2026 World Cup finals. He is the only player in history to win two World Cup Golden Ball awards (2014, '22) and the only player to start three World Cup finals (2014, '22, '26).
Thank you for giving us the most beautiful journey of our lives. Your legacy and professionalism will remain forever etched in our hearts.
Thank you, Captain. We love you 🩵 pic.twitter.com/ARfgguHjxd
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) August 31, 2026
Emotional end
Monday's announcement capped an emotional summer for Messi, who guided Argentina to their second straight World Cup final with 8g/4a in eight games, before falling to Spain, 1-0, in the 2026 title match.
That turned out to be his last appearance with La Albiceleste. It also came a few weeks before the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner mourned the passing of his father, Jorge Messi.
"I wrote these words on July 21st, two days after the final," Messi concluded in his statement.
"Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before."
🚨🚨 LEO MESSI ON IG 🥹🎥 pic.twitter.com/8xO5lcfI2e
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) August 31, 2026
Statement in full
Messi, the most decorated soccer player in history, addressed his millions of followers on Monday to officially announce the end of his remarkable 21-year run with Argentina:
"After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the National Team.
"It was a decision that hurt, and still hurts deep down, but I understand that the time has come. I swear to you that I always gave it my all: not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.
"Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the National Team. I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here.
"Thank you for all the affection over these past 20 years. I will miss hearing you from the pitch so much. Now I’ll be just one of you, cheering and supporting from the outside (through the good times and the bad, especially the bad).
"Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this journey, so beautiful, yet so difficult. Thank you to every coach, teammate, and official I’ve shared this path with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.
"I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you, alongside my teammates, moments we once only dreamed of. It was an incredible experience to live this with you all. I love you!
"Thank you, God, for making me Argentine.
"Let's go, Argentina!
"I wrote these words on July 21st, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before."
Jaime Uribarri
EVERTON MAKE BID FOR MONACO STRIKER BALOGUN
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| Balogun joined AS Monaco from Arsenal in 2023 |
Everton have made an offer for Monaco forward Folarin Balogun - who is valued at £40m by the French club.
The Toffees want to strengthen their forward line before Tuesday's transfer deadline, with Balogun and Tottenham attacker Richarlison among their targets.
Richarlison is believed to have reservations about returning to Everton, the club he left to join Spurs in 2022.
But Everton are pressing ahead with their interest in United States striker Balogun and have made a bid for the 25-year-old.
Whether the offer is enough for Monaco to part with Balogun remains to be seen.
But the former Arsenal player has emerged as a key target for Everton ahead of the deadline.
Balogun was at the centre of a major controversy during this summer's World Cup.
He was dismissed for serious foul play against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the last 32 match and should have received an automatic suspension.
However, Fifa's disciplinary committee suspended his ban for a year - a decision that prompted widespread condemnation, particularly when it emerged US President Donald Trump and White House officials had lobbied football's world governing body about the American's sanction, external.
Balogun, who scored three goals at the World Cup, was able to start the USA's last-16 defeat by Belgium - a decision European football's governing body Uefa called "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable".
The head of Fifa's disciplinary committee refused to answer BBC questions about the decision-making process which led to Balogun avoiding a ban.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino denied having influence over disciplinary decisions.
England's Jarell Quansah was similarly shown a red card in England's 3-2 win over Mexico following a high challenge on Jesus Gallardo, and the same committee ruled he should serve a two-match ban.
It was classed as serious foul play, meaning the Bayer Leverkusen player was handed an extra match on top of the automatic one-game suspension by Fifa.
- Sami Mokbel
GABRIEL JESUS' FIRST WORDS AFTER ARRIVING IN BARCELONA AHEAD OF €10 MOVE: 'EAGER TO SCORE GOALS'
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| Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images |
Barcelona are moving a step closer to completing the signing of Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal.
The Brazilian forward is set to join the club on a €10 million contract, with an additional €4 million in add-ons and Arsenal retaining a 20% sell-on fee clause.
Gabriel is slated for a medical today in Barcelona and ahead of that medical, the player appears to have already arrived in the city.
Gabriel reacts after arriving at Barcelona
Spanish journalist Victor Navarro has captured videos of Gabriel Jesus arriving in the Barcelona city this afternoon, ahead of his medical.
The forward can be seen waving the fans and even reacting to his Barcelona move for the first time after the speculations broke.
“I am eager to score many goals at Barça!” said the Arsenal forward, who is being signed as a momentary alternative to Julian Alvarez.
The Argentine was Barcelona’s top target this summer but Atletico Madrid were able to keep hold of the striker, prompting the club to sign Gabriel as an alternative.
The former Man City starlet, who was targeted by Barça way back in 2016, will be expected to operate as a number nine whenever required.
Gabriel arrives fully fit
Apart from waving at fans and showing his eagerness to getting things started at Barcelona, Gabriel Jesus offered a critical update no his fitness as well.
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| Gabriel Jesus is soon expected to complete his move to Barcelona. (Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images) |
When asked about his injury situation, the forward replied, “My injury? My knee it’s perfect!”
This will serve as a massive relief for Barcelona fans who were worried about Gabriel’s recent issues with injury, which had drastically reduced his game-time.
With Gabriel now back to full fitness, it will be interesting to see whether or not the Brazilian international can rekindle his old form and make a big difference at Barcelona.
The forward’s past experience, coupled with his versatility in the final third should make quite the asset for Hansi Flick, but only if he can perform up to his level this season.
- Connell Edgar-Jones
LIONEL MESSI RETIRES FROM INTERNATIONAL DUTY
Lionel Messi has RETIRED from the Argentinian national team 🥺🇦🇷
👕 207 games
⚽️ 125 goals
🅰️ 68 assists
🏆 World Cup
🏆🏆 Copa América
🏆 Finalissima
A true great on the international stage who delivered two of the greatest World Cup performances in 2022 and 2026 🙌🐐
- OneFootball
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