Monday, 27 July 2026
SON OF KANSAS CITY CHIEFS' ERIC BIENIEMY CHARGED WITH SHOOTING OF MOTHER
Elijah Bieniemy, the son of Kansas City Chiefs assistant Eric Bieniemy, was arrested and charged with shooting his mother in Ashburn, Va., court records show.
The Chiefs said Monday that Mia Bieniemy, who was shot Sunday night at her home, is in stable condition.
Loudoun juvenile and domestic relations district court records show that Elijah Bieniemy, apprehended Monday, faces felony charges of malicious wounding, use of a firearm in a felony and discharge of a firearm inside of a dwelling, stemming from a Sunday incident.
"Out of respect for their privacy, we won't have a comment at this time," the Chiefs said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with them."
The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office said in a news release that it is investigating a shooting that occurred Sunday on the 20000 block of Northpark Drive in Ashburn, where Bieniemy owns a home.
Officers responded to a report of a shooting there about 7:32 p.m. EDT Sunday and found a female with multiple gunshot wounds.
Elijah Bieniemy, 27, is being held without bond in the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid also addressed the incident Monday at training camp. He said he found out about it Sunday night. Bieniemy is entering his 12th season working on a staff led by Reid. He served as Chiefs offensive coordinator for a combined six previous season under the veteran head coach.
"Our hearts go out to Eric Bieniemy and his family," Reid told reporters. "Thoughts and prayers are with them. I can't get into details on it. But things happen sometimes. Eric will work through it. He's got a great support group here as with his family, as needed. And then we'll just let time take care of it from there.
"Mia is stable, which is a plus, and so is Eric Jr., and that's all important."
Reid did not provide a timeline for Bieniemy's potential return. He cited pass game coordinator Joe Bleymaier and offensive line coach Andy Heck as being more "involved" amid Bieniemy's time away.
Bieniemy had attended Chiefs practice Sunday in St. Joseph, Mo.
- Alex Butler
SLOVENIA'S POGACAR WINS TOUR DE FRANCE FOR RECORD-TYING FIFTH TIME
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| Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogacar celebrates on the podium after winning the 113th edition of the Tour de France in Paris, France, July 26, 2026. /VCG |
Tadej Pogacar claimed a record-tying fifth Tour de France title, while Mathieu van der Poel won a sensational 21st and final stage around Paris to close out the 113th edition of the race on Sunday.
Two-time world champion Pogacar joined Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain as the most successful riders in the history of cycling's most famous event.
The Slovenian had all but secured his historic title during the previous two mountain stages that finished on the iconic Alpe d'Huez.
Pogacar, who won five stages, had held the overall leader's yellow jersey since topping the sixth stage in the Pyrenees during the race's first week. With 26 stage victories in his career, he now ranks fourth on the all-time list behind Mark Cavendish (35), Merckx (34) and Hinault (28).
The 27-year-old also surpassed both Indurain and Chris Froome for total days spent in the yellow jersey with 70, and now trails only Hinault (75) and Merckx (96).
Pogacar is the youngest rider to win five Tours, and is more than a year younger than Merckx was when he achieved the same feat. He is also the first competitor to finish on the podium seven times in a row.
His ninth consecutive Grand Tour podium marked another historic first.
The UAE Team Emirates XRG cyclist appeared to relish his part in a stunning final stage, which was shortened to 88.7 kilometers due to wildfires in southwest France.
Van der Poel and Pogacar pulled away together on the final climb up Montmartre with 10 kilometers remaining, before fighting to the finish with a group of chasing sprinters closing in.
As Pogacar's strength sapped in the last 700 meters, and with the pack just seconds behind, Dutch rider Van der Poel went at it alone.
The cobbled classics specialist held on to win by a length of just half-a-wheel, in a photo finish alongside Alpecin Premier Tech teammate Jasper Philipsen of Belgium, while Denmark's Mads Pedersen took third place.
Source(s): AFP
- CGTN
OKC FORCE NUGGETS INTO MAJOR FINANCIAL TROUBLE
The Thunder forced Denver into a major financial bind by making the Nuggets match Spencer Jones' two-year, $12 million offer sheet, increasing their luxury-tax bill by $32 million and pushing them into the second apron.
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| Credit AP-SCANPIX |
The Oklahoma City Thunder have pushed the Denver Nuggets into a significantly more expensive financial position despite failing to acquire Spencer Jones.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Denver matched Oklahoma City's two-year, $12 million offer sheet for Jones, retaining the restricted free-agent forward before Sunday night’s deadline.
The decision increases the Nuggets’ projected luxury-tax payment by approximately $32 million, from $36 million to $68 million, while pushing them into the NBA’s second apron. Denver are currently the league’s only team operating above that threshold.
Oklahoma City makes Denver pay to retain Jones
Although the Thunder did not land Jones, their offer sheet forced the Nuggets to make an expensive decision regarding one of their most valuable homegrown players.
Denver originally signed Jones after he went undrafted out of Stanford in 2024. He began his professional career on a two-way contract before earning a standard NBA deal in February following his emergence as a reliable rotation option.
Jones appeared in 64 games last season, including 37 starts, and averaged 5.5 points and 3.3 rebounds in 22.1 minutes. He shot 50.4% from the field and 39.6% from three-point range.
The 25-year-old also played an increased role during the playoffs, averaging 6.5 points in 24.2 minutes across six appearances while converting 69.2% of his three-point attempts.
Denver ultimately decided that retaining a young player developed within its system was worth the additional cost.
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| Credit Rio Giancarlo/ |
Nuggets become NBA's only second-apron team
Matching the offer sheet carries consequences beyond Jones’ $6 million annual salary.
Denver’s luxury-tax bill is projected to rise from approximately $36 million to $68 million, with the franchise also crossing into the second apron and triggering further roster-building restrictions.
The Nuggets could attempt to reduce their bill through trades during the season, but any salary-cutting move could require them to sacrifice depth or attach draft compensation.
Oklahoma City, meanwhile, created a difficult decision for a Western Conference rival without taking on any long-term financial commitment of its own after Denver matched the contract.
Peyton Watson becomes Denver's next challenge
The Nuggets must now resolve the future of another restricted free-agent forward, Peyton Watson.
According to Charania, the Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers are all pursuing Watson, placing additional pressure on Denver after its expensive decision to retain Jones.
Keeping Watson could push the Nuggets even deeper into the tax, while allowing him to leave would cost them another important member of their wing rotation.
- BasketNews
REAL MADRID SET TO SIGN ONE OF THE WORLD'S HOTTEST TALENT AFTER $195M BID
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| Photo: Getty Images |
Real Madrid look set to sign RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande after Paris Saint-Germain withdrew from negotiations, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.
Diomande is one of the hottest properties in this transfer window, having starred for Ivory Coast at the World Cup, following a breakout season where he scored 12 goals and provided nine assists in the Bundesliga.
Ornstein reports that Los Blancos had a bid rejected by Leipzig ‘around 10 days ago’ and returned with a new offer ‘worth €120million (A$195m, which includes a €100m (A$163m) fixed fee.’
The German outfit are reportedly yet to respond to that proposal, which is ‘expected to be turned down’, but the two clubs expect a deal will eventually be reached.
Meanwhile, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reports that a deal has been reached for a fee ‘in excess of €100m’.
He reports that Diomande will fly to Madrid this week for medical tests and to sign a five-year deal.
Real Madrid expected to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig. 1st bid rejected ~10 days ago, 2nd (€100m fixed, €120m package) set to be rejected but agreement likely soon. #PSG out; 19yo returns to #RBLeipzig on Mon with wish to join #RMFC @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/xc6EPzjCdr — David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 26, 2026
PSG were right in the mix to sign Diomande, who was said to be keen on joining the reigning Champions League winners, but were put off by the asking price and have now turned their attention to other options, amid reports Bradley Barcola is set to leave the club.
The Athletic report that Leipzig are ‘holding out for a fee closer to €130m (A$212m).
Should they achieve that, Diomande would become the eight most expensive player in football history, behind Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Alexander Isak, Morgan Rogers, Elliott Anderson and Philippe Coutinho, per Transfermarkt.
That would be quite extraordinary when you consider where the 19-year-old was just a few years ago.
It was barely 18 months ago that Diamonde was playing for DME Sports Academy in Florida, before joining LaLiga side Leganes, where he made three reserve team appearances before being called up to the first team.
Leipzig paid his €20m release clause to bring him to the Bundesliga, where he exploded immediately. They look set to make a huge profit on the winger.
He could become the most expensive Real Madrid player ever, surpassing the fee the Spanish giants paid to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund in 2023, with the club set for an enormous transfer window having brought Jose Mourinho back as head coach.
They’ve already signed Marc Cucurella, Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate and Bernardo Silva, while reports suggest Madrid are also working on a deal to sign World Cup-winning Spain captain Rodri from Manchester City.
- JAKE ROSENGARTEN
LEWIS HAMILTON OPENS UP ON THE CRUCIAL MISTAKE BEHIND VERSTAPPEN'S STUNNING OVERTAKE
Lewis Hamilton has admitted that he did not see Max Verstappen coming, after the Dutchman produced an overtake of the season contender on the Ferrari driver at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
The seven-time world champion pushed Verstappen closely during the opening stint of the race, before undercutting the Red Bull driver during the pitstops.
Hamilton was simply expected to pull away from Verstappen and close up on the two leading McLarens, so would have been very surprised to see his old rival divebomb him into Turn 1, just after the pair lapped the Racing Bull of Liam Lawson.
Looking back at his start to the race and Max's overtake on him, Hamilton said: "I had a good start, relatively decent start. Gaining position and then had really good pace in that first stint of the race just can't overtake here unfortunately.
"Then undercut Max which is a positive. When we were passing one of the backmarkers I didn't see Max coming unfortunately. Max came past me and that kind of went downhill from there.
Giving his overall verdict on the day he added: "It was pretty bad, pretty frustrating. It is what it is and there's lots of positives to take from this first half of the season."
Hamilton was still on to finish ahead of Verstappen after undercutting him during the second stops. The Ferrari driver ultimately finished down in fifth though and blamed the unnecessary late pit stop for his penalty for speeding in the pitlane.
Lawson reacts to Verstappen move
Racing Bulls driver Lawson had the best seat in the house, as Verstappen lapped him before instantly divebombing Hamilton into the first corner.
Speaking after the race, he said: "Yeah, I was just trying not to get in the way and be too much involved. I wasn't getting lapped, so I didn't have to let him go, but yeah, it's I didn't expect them to go by. Obviously, I saw the late lunge, it ended up costing me so much time behind them, which at the time was a bit stressful, but it was a good move. It was very Max."
- Kieran Lynch
LEWIS HAMILTON F1 SPEEDING PENALTY MARTIN BRUNDLE DUBBED AS 'HARSH' QUESTIONED
The pit lane speeding penalty issued to Lewis Hamilton in Hungary has been questioned.
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| Hamilton was hit with yet another penalty in Hungary |
Sky Sports F1 pundit Anthony Davidson has questioned the five-second time penalty issued to Lewis Hamilton for pit-lane speeding at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Seven-time world champion Hamilton was hit with his second penalty in two days - and fourth in the past three race weekends - after the stewards found he had exceeded the 80km/h pit lane speed limit by just 0.1km/h during Sunday’s race at the Hungaroring.
Hamilton finished fourth on the road but the penalty dropped him to fifth behind Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc once it was applied after he crossed the line.
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| Hamilton picked up another penalty in Hungary |
Analysing the incident on the SkyPad, former F1 driver Davidson said he could not see what Hamilton did wrong.
“I’ve looked at this so many times and I can’t work out why he gets a penalty,” Davidson said during Sky Sports F1’s coverage of the Hungarian Grand Prix.
“For me, he slows down sufficiently well. We’ve got this marker board on the left-hand side that stipulates the 80km /h speed limit. I don’t see that [speeding].
“Let’s have a look at the exit. Obviously knew he was under time pressure to get out in that race with Antonelli. Again, for me, it sounds like he releases the pit lane button on the line itself.
“This guy knows what he’s doing when it comes to white lines and when to press the button. Maybe there was just an error when he was a bit too close to the line on the actual speed of the car and they were just pinged by that. Who knows.
“Strange that it only happened that one time. I don’t have enough data here and I can only go by the sound of when he’s pressing that button. For me, it looked totally fine on the way in, and on the way out.”
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| Hamilton finished fourth on the road but was demoted to P5 |
Fellow ex-grand prix driver turned Sky Sports F1 analyst Martin Brundle described the penalty as “harsh”, but acknowledged the rules have to be black-and-white.
“It’s like being a quarter of a kilo underweight. You’re going to feel aggrieved, but the rules are the rules in that respect,” Brundle said.
“Where my alarm bells are going off is in Monaco, where a lot of drivers there were getting this 0.1 [over the speed limit], and then of course we had all the shenanigans after the race.
“They set their pit limiters throughout the weekend, they aim at 59 and a bit if its a 60kp/h limit, or 79 and a bit. They really fine-tune it. We see a lot of penalties on a Friday, a few hungered euros for going over the pit lane speed limit.
“But it’s perceived as a competitive advantage, and when you see how close those lines are with Antonelli for example, if somebody goes ‘0.1’s alright, so 0.3’s alright’ then suddenly you get ahead.
“So there has to be a cut-off point. Whether it’s the width of the car, the weight of the car, the speed of the car in the pit lane.
“It’s painful and it’s harsh but it’s the rules, as long as he was actually doing that speed, which they weren’t in Monaco.”
- Lewis Larkam
Sunday, 26 July 2026
CASEMIRO INTER MIAMI DEBUT SPOILED BY HORROR INJURY AS AMBULANCE RUSHHES ON TO PITCH
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Casemiro made his debut for Inter Miami overnight as they edged past Montreal 1-0 in the MLS. Yet the former Manchester United midfielder's first appearance in the United States was marred by a serious injury his new team-mate German Berterame suffered, which required an ambulance to come on to the pitch. The Brazil international declared his desire to depart United at the beginning of the year, with his deal set to run out in the summer.
Despite wishes from sections of the supporters that Casemiro would change his mind, the 34-year-old featured for the final time for the Red Devils against Nottingham Forest in May. At the end of the season, Casemiro flew to America for the World Cup. His tournament concluded at the round of 16 stage as Brazil fell 2-1 to Norway.
After a brief holiday, the midfielder accepted a one-year contract with the David Beckham-owned outfit this week, with an option to prolong his stint until 2029. Shortly after the signing was confirmed, the MLS revealed they were investigating the transfer.
The probe focuses on the 'discovery rights' of Casemiro. MLS sides are permitted to list up to five players on their 'discovery list'
If a player on their list subsequently joins another MLS team, the purchasing club must negotiate a fee to acquire the 'discovery rights'.
LA Galaxy possessed the 'discovery rights' for Casemiro and Inter Miami announced they had struck an agreement to secure them. However, the MLS are probing 'tampering allegations' against The Herons.
"The league is gathering all relevant information and will refrain from further comment until the review is complete," the MLS added.
"While Inter Miami CF and the LA Galaxy have reached a settlement for the discovery priority [first rights] to sign Casemiro, the terms will be released upon conclusion of the tampering investigation."
Casemiro was able to take to the pitch for his new side overnight. The midfielder featured for the entire 90 minutes as Miami secured a 1-0 victory. Former Liverpool and Barcelona forward Luis Suarez netted the decisive goal from the penalty spot following a collision between Berterame and Montreal defender Efrain Morales.
The match was suspended for 11 minutes while Berterame received medical attention and an ambulance entered the pitch to transport the striker to hospital. Following the final whistle, Inter Miami's interim head coach Guillermo Hoyos said: "Thank God he's [Berterame] recovering.
"He's okay and conscious. His family has been informed of everything. We didn't know what to do. It was a very desperate situation."
Casemiro is set to make his home bow for Inter Miami next weekend when they face Columbus.
- Jack Flintham
POGACAR HONOURED WITH SPECIAL KIT AND BIKE FOR RECORD EQUALLING FIFTH TOUR WIN
Tadej Pogacar fifth Tour de France triumph is celebrated with more than another yellow jersey in Paris. UAE Team Emirates-XRG marked the historic victory with a special team look and a collection of custom Colnago bikes designed exclusively for the riders who helped deliver the win.
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| Colnago |
Kit supplier Pissei has designed a one off jersey for the Tour’s final stage in Paris. The hand drawn design centres on the number five, topped with a gold crown to symbolise PogaΔar’s five overall victories.
The years of each Tour triumph, 2020, 2021, 2024, 2025 and 2026, are incorporated into the design.
Pissei first revealed the kit on social media ahead of the final stage, describing the occasion as the team’s “last dance in Paris”.
The brand presented the design with the words: “Cinq. In yellow. Crowned in gold.”
A special edition Colnago for Pogacar and teammates
Bike supplier Colnago marked Tadej PogaΔar’s fifth Tour de France victory with a specially designed Y1Rs for the final stage into Paris.
The Italian manufacturer produced eight custom bikes for UAE Team Emirates-XRG, one for each rider selected for the Tour, including Brandon McNulty, who was forced to abandon the race due to illness. Seven were painted yellow, while one received a white finish in reference to Isaac del Toro’s victory in the youth classification.
Several details on the bike refer directly to the team’s three weeks in France. The profile of the full Tour route is included on the rear stays, tracing the race from Barcelona to Paris. The names of all eight riders appear on the top tube, while each frame also carries the national flag of its rider.
PogaΔar’s bike features a number of additional details. Rainbow accents refer to his world champion’s jersey, while five small references on the frame mark his Tour victories in 2020, 2021, 2024, 2025 and 2026.
The bike continues a tradition for Colnago, which has previously created special designs to mark major victories. This edition, however, places the full story of PogaΔar’s fifth Tour win directly onto the frame.
- MICHIEL VAN LOOIJENGOED
GIANNI INFANTINO'S OUTRAGEOUS CLAIM IN 'LEAKED' LETTER TO ARGENTINA AFTER WORLD CUP DISGRACE
FIFA president Gianni Infantino wrote a letter to the president of the Argentinian Football Association praising their "professionalism" after the World Cup final, despite the violent scenes which followed Spain's 1-0 victory
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| Gianni Infantino penned a letter to Argentina(Image: MB Media, Getty Images) |
Gianni Infantino wrote a gushing letter to the president of the Argentinian Football Association lauding their 'professionalism' despite their thuggish behaviour following defeat in the World Cup final.
The FIFA president has done himself no favours this tournament with his public image nearing an all-time low, and his leaked correspondence has been exposed in Argentina. FIFA launched a probe into the violent chaos that erupted after Spain's 1-0 triumph over the South Americans and for a provocative political banner incorrectly claiming the Falkland Islands following semi-final victory over England.
The footballing world was left disgusted when Leandro Parades, Nahuel Molina and even Argentinian assistant coach Roberto Ayala punched and attacked Spain players while they attempted to celebrate winning the country's second World Cup.
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| Argentina FA President Claudio Tapia received a gushing letter from the FIFA boss(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista, Getty Images) |
FIFA released a statement confirming they were examining "offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play" by the Argentines.
Despite this, Infantino wrote a letter to Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentina FA, gushing over the "professionalism" of the South Americans.
The letter read: "Dear Mr. President, Yesterday, Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the magnificent New York New Jersey Stadium, Argentina won the silver medal of the FIFA World Cup 2026, after an exciting final against Spain. I would like to reiterate my most sincere congratulations for this important new result for Argentine soccer.
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| Leandro Paredes picked a fight with Gavi, one of Spain's smallest players |
"The FIFA World Cup 2026 will remain in memory as an unforgettable celebration of football, marked by spectacular matches, the irruption of new promises, the presence of the great figures of the sport and the extraordinary atmosphere lived in stadiums full of fans.
"The magnificent performance of the Albiceleste also contributed decisively to making this edition an exceptional event that captivated millions of football enthusiasts around the world.
"Please send my sincere congratulations to all who have contributed to this magnificent result: to the players, to coach Lionel Scaloni, as well as to the coaching and medical staff and, of course, to the many fans who have accompanied and encouraged the team throughout the competition.
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| Argentina players celebrated with the banner following the win over England. (Image: MB Media, Getty Images) |
"These victories are always the fruit of constant work, professionalism and attention to detail, but also of passion, commitment and love for this wonderful sport. All this augurs a very promising future and, without a doubt, will pave the way for new and great successes for Argentine football.
"I wish you, dear Mr. President, all the best for the next competitions and I hope to see you again very soon. With all my friendship, Gianni Infantino."
FIFA have yet to determine whether Argentina's players will be hit with punishments over the post-match altercation. In a statement issued shortly after the final whistle, FIFA declared: "Following an assessment of the relevant match reports for the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, and in line with article 36 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC), the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the FDC with regard to the post-match incidents.
"Further details will be communicated by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee once the prosecutor's report has been completed."
- Patrick Austen-Hardy and Cameron Winstanley
LEE KANG-IN JOINS ATLΓTICO MADRID ON FIVE-YEAR DEAL
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| Lee Kang-in wears his Atletico Madrid uniform, in a picture posted on Atletico Madrid's Instagram page. (Atletico Madrid |
South Korea international Lee Kang-in has completed a transfer from Paris Saint-Germain to Atletico Madrid, the Spanish club announced on Friday.
Atletico Madrid confirmed the signing through its official website and social media channels. Lee has signed a five-year contract that runs through June 30, 2031.
"The club has reached an agreement with Paris Saint-Germain for the transfer of South Korea international Lee Kang-in," Atletico said in a statement.
The club described Lee as a midfielder for the South Korean national team who played at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and was part of PSG's UEFA Champions League-winning squads in the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons.
Lee will wear the No. 7 shirt at Atletico.
The move marks Lee's return to Spain's La Liga three years after leaving Mallorca for PSG in July 2023.
According to local media reports, Atletico Madrid will pay PSG a transfer fee of 35 million euros ($40 million), with an additional 5 million euros in performance-based bonuses.
Atletico Madrid is one of Spain's most successful clubs, having won 11 La Liga titles. During his five seasons in Spain before joining PSG, Lee made 135 official appearances, scoring 10 goals, including nine goals in 110 La Liga matches.
(This article was produced with the assistance of AI. — Ed.)
- Korea Herald
ARSENAL EXPLORING 'JAW DROPPING ' DEAL FOR REAL MADRID'S BRAZILIAN SUPERSTAR VINICIUS JR
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| Vinicius Junior. Photo: Getty Images |
Sky Sports and The Athletic are reporting that Arsenal are exploring how they can lure Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior to the Premier League.
The reigning champions want to make one blockbuster signing, but after Julian Alvarez, Yan Diomande and Bradley Barcola have all been linked, the talk about the Brazilian star is another level. Diomande is another player in high demand, with Liverpool interested, and links with PSG, Manchester City as well as Arsenal. Real Madrid have reportedly bid £85m for the RB Leipzig winger.
Sky report “no club-to-club contact” has been made between Arsenal and Madrid but “the interest is real”, while The Athletic suggest the club are monitoring if the 26-year-old will extend his contract in Madrid, which has not been happened so far, and “ the idea has approval at all levels within Arsenal”.
For Madrid, who have not made any strides reportedly in Vinicius’ extension after eight seasons in the Spanish capital, they need to be very wary of losing the talisman for free at the end of his contract and so if talks hit an impasse, Sky report that “the club could look to selling, rather than losing him for free”.
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| Vinicius Junior. Photo: Getty Images |
Arsenal are eyeing another key player down the left in attack; not just because of Leandro Trossad’s exit but murmurs that they’d be open to Gabriel Martinelli moving on. Christis Tzolis has arrived from Club Brugge as their first attacking reinforcement.
Jose Mourinho’s arrival at the Bernabeu means there are a lot of unknowns. It has been reported that the pair have patched up their differences after Vinicius was abused by Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni last season, where Mourinho was coaching the Portuguese club.
According to Sky, the LaLiga contract discussion is currently stuck at wage demands, with the star reportedly wanting 30m Euros a year net. He is currently on half that, Sky report, with Madrid currently negotiating at 20m.
“It’s well known Arsenal are aiming to strengthen their left-wing options this summer – but a deal for Brazil ace Vinicius Junior would be a jaw-dropping addition,” said Sky Sports reporter Peter Smith.
Vinicius Jr has been at the club since 2018, joining from Flamengo, and scored 22 goals last term where Madrid went without a trophy.
- FOOTBALL360.COM.AU
Saturday, 25 July 2026
SHA'CARRI RICHARDSON IS THE USA CHAMPION FOR THE THIRD TIME
USA Champion for the THIRD time. πΊπΈ
#TheHomeofChampions #shacarri #athletics # trackandfield
49ERS HEAD COACH KYLE SHANAHAN INVILVED IN CAR CRASH, SUFFERES SEVERAL INJURIES
None of the injuries Shanahan suffered are life-threatening and his duties will be limited during training camp
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| San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was involved in a two-car collision on July 14, suffering several injuries, none of which are life-threatening. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) (Dylan Buell via Getty Images) |
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was involved in a car accident last week in which he suffered several injuries, none of which are life-threatening, the team announced on Saturday.
Shanahan, 46, sustained a broken nose, three broken ribs and a broken hand. He also required over 40 stitches in his face and suffered a severe concussion, according to ESPN.
General manager John Lynch will meet with reporters on Saturday afternoon to discuss the developments.
In a statement, the 49ers announced that assistant head coach Chris Foerster would handle Shanahan's head-coaching duties while Shanahan recovers, along with several coordinators on the staff.
Statement from the San Francisco 49ers. pic.twitter.com/13ugQr94bQ
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) July 25, 2026
"San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was involved in a car accident last week where he suffered non-life-threatening injuries," the statement read. "Coach Shanahan will participate in team activities on a limited basis at the start of training camp while he recovers. Coach Shanahan and the 49ers organization would like to sincerely thank all first responders involved for their efforts and care.
"Assistant head coach Chris Foerster, along with team coordinators, will handle head coach responsibilities during this period."
The accident occurred on July 14, ESPN's Adam Schefter and Nick Wagoner report. Shanahan's vehicle collided with an SUV near his home in northern California. He was taken by paramedics to a local hospital and spent most of the day there until he was released.
The other driver involved in the accident was not injured, according to Palo Alto police. Drugs and alcohol were not involved, both drivers were cooperative with law enforcement and no one was cited in the collision.
"Consistent with our standard release of information procedures in such cases, we do not release information regarding the cause of the collision, or which party may have been at fault," said Palo Alto lieutenant Nicholas Martinez, via ESPN.
Shanahan reportedly informed the 49ers assistant coaches of the accident on Tuesday. He has been recovering at home and is apparently recuperating well, but doctors will not clear him to participate in training camp activities until he is free of concussion symptoms. The 49ers open training camp on Sunday.
Foerster, 64, is in his second stint with the 49ers, joining Shanahan's staff in 2019 as a game-planning assistant before being promoted to offensive line coach. He added run coordinator duties in 2022 and three seasons later was moved up to assistant head coach.
Shanahan is going into his 10th season as 49ers head coach and has compiled an 82-67 regular-season record. He is 11 victories away from overtaking Bill Walsh for second on the team’s all-time list and 17 away from most in franchise history.
- Ian Casselberry
WHY ZIMBABWE AND INDIA CRICKETERS ARE WEARING BLACK ARMBANDS FOR THE SECOND T20I
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| India and Zimbabwe players were seen wearing black armbands during the second T20I in Harare on Saturday - here’s why. |
The two teams took on each other in the second game of the three-match T20I series on Saturday (July 25). At the toss, which was won by Zimbabwe, both skippers, Shreyas Iyer and Sikandar Raza, were seen wearing black armbands, the reason for which was later confirmed by the BCCI.
Why are India and Zimbabwe wearing black armbands for the 2nd T20I?
According to a statement by the Indian cricket board, both Team India and Zimbabwe players are paying their respects to the Zimbabwe Cricket vice-chairman Sylvester Matshaka, who passed away last night.
Zimbabwe Cricket mourned the loss of Matshaka, 76, who passed away following a short illness on Friday. He joined the ZC board in 2006 and served as the vice-chairman since 2015. He was also part of the leadership that oversaw Zimbabwe’s return to Test cricket in 2011, after a six-year absence.
Zimbabwe Cricket’s chairman, Tavengwa Mukuhlani, paid tribute to Matshaka: “Mr Matshaka was a steady hand during some of the most defining moments in our history and his wisdom, sound judgement and quiet strength helped shape the organisation we are today, while his passion for growing the game touched countless lives across Zimbabwe.”
India make one change, Ashok Sharma dropped
India made one change to their XI, bringing in debutant Yash Thakur for Ashok Sharma for the game. Ashok, who had also made his debut in the last game, conceded 0-29 in four overs on Thursday. Zimbabwe were unchanged, hoping to draw level in the series after India clinched the first game by seven wickets.
The third T20I will be played tomorrow, Sunday, July 26
- Wisden
THE 'REAL REASON' LEBRON JAMES JOINED THE PHILADELPHIA 76ERS HAS BEEN REVEALED
NBA superstar LeBron James turned down four other teams before opting to join the Philadelphia 76ers for a record-extending 24th career season in the league - and the 'real reason' behind his decision has emerged.
From the moment the news broke on Friday, James made one thing abundantly clear in the fourth move of his NBA career. His switch to the 76ers was not about securing one final lucrative payday.
This was proven when details of his new salary were confirmed, with the 41-year-old set to earn far less than he did last season with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Four Teams LeBron Rejected Before Signing With the 76ers
The 76ers beat out competition from the Miami Heat to land James, with many viewing a return to the franchise where he won his first two championships as a fairytale ending. Potential switches to the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves and a third spell with the Cleveland Cavaliers were also firmly on the table.
Despite these four sides emerging as genuine contenders for James' signature, Philadelphia’s new-found championship credentials ultimately proved impossible to ignore for LBJ. The four-time NBA champion is prioritising one thing above all else: placing himself in the strongest possible position to compete for his fifth chip.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, that mindset ultimately separated the 76ers from a host of rival suitors. Speaking on ESPN’s SportsCenter, Charania explained James' pursuit of another ring and why it came before any financial consideration.
"LeBron James put his money where his mouth is because, from the outset of this process, he felt like he wanted happiness," Charania said.
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| Jayne Kamin-Oncea via Imagn Images |
"So what did happiness justify for him? It meant going out somewhere where he can compete for a championship, be a part of a culture and an environment where he feels like he can stay competitive."
Charania added that after weighing up his options, Philadelphia offered the strongest championship chances.
"He felt out of the Cavs, the Heat, the Warriors, the Sixers had the best roster to win a championship, his potential fit championship," Charania said.
Why the 76ers Won the LeBron James Lottery
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| LeBron James via REUTERS/Amr Alfiky |
"I still want to sacrifice," James said as he broke the news on his X account. "I still want to work. I still want to grind. I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship."
Several key moments over the past few weeks ultimately led James to swap the Lakers for the 76ers.
The first came away from the court. 76ers president Mike Gansey played a pivotal role in negotiations. Gansey has known the 41-year-old since his high school days, giving Philadelphia an invaluable connection.
Both Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey also spoke to James during his free agency, playing agent for their side.
And Nick Nurse was the only head coach James held discussions with during his free agency, further underlining Philadelphia as his ideal destination.
"The only coach that LeBron James spoke to during this process over the last three and a half weeks, that's Nick Nurse with the Sixers," Charania said.
Yet despite all these factors, Jaylen Brown's trade to the 76ers proved the most decisive of them all.
His blockbuster move from rivals Boston Celtics, in what has become one of the most controversial trades of the 21st century, has transformed the 76ers from a seventh-seeded side into a genuine NBA Championship contender heading into the 2026/27 season.
James' arrival has only strengthened those credentials, with Philadelphia now boasting one of the most star-studded rosters in the NBA.
"The moment he got traded to the Sixers from Boston, a couple days into free agency, the Sixers came onto LeBron James' radar, came on the map," Charania said.
Brown's arrival in Philadelphia has made the 76ers one of the teams with the strongest cores in the league.
Faced with the choice of returning to Cleveland, reuniting with Miami alongside Giannis, linking up with Stephen Curry in Golden State or joining Anthony Edwards in Minnesota, James' decision may have come from left field, but it could also provide him with the strongest opportunity to end his career on the highest possible note by winning a fifth NBA championship.
- Joseph Ryan
YAN DIOMANDE MAKES FINAL TRANSFER DECISION AS REAL MADRID JOIN ARSENAL AND LIVERPOOL FOR £100M RB LEIPZIG STAR
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| Getty Images |
RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande has outlined his transfer preference amid mounting interest from Real Madrid, PSG, Arsenal, and Liverpool. The £100m-rated Ivory Coast international impressed during a breakout season in Germany and at the 2026 World Cup, leaving him keen on a summer departure despite Leipzig's public stance that he is not for sale.
Diomande signals summer exit
Leipzig winger Diomande has reportedly made his final decision regarding his next destination amid a fierce transfer battle involving PSG, Liverpool, Arsenal and Madrid. According to The Athletic, Los Blancos have even opened direct negotiations with Leipzig to sign the £100 million-rated winger after he registered 12 goals and eight assists in the Bundesliga and impressed in leading Ivory Coast to the last 32 of the 2026 World Cup. Despite Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schafer insisting the player is going nowhere, Diomande remains hopeful of finalising a move this summer.
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| Getty Images |
Winger outlines transfer stance
Asked about the speculation surrounding interest from Europe's elite during the World Cup, the young Ivorian star openly confirmed his expectation to leave Leipzig while leaving negotiations in his agent's hands.
Speaking to reporters, he stated: "First of all I think, like I said, my dream is playing for my country, and to make history with my country. I don't have Instagram anymore. I don't have TikTok as well, so I can't see anything! But I expect to leave, of course. And I have an agent, he's going to manage the rest. But for me, the most important thing right now is the focus on the World Cup with my country."
Meanwhile, regarding his boyhood club, Diomande previously told French media: "Paris Saint-Germain is a team I've loved since I was little. I think my father was a PSG supporter. It's a team I admire as a football fan."
Mourinho enters transfer race
A separate report from TEAMtalkclaims that Diomande's primary preference remains a move to PSG, though the winger is open to joining Madrid if the French giants fail to agree a fee with Leipzig. The race has intensified further after the Spanish giants, now led by new manager Jose Mourinho, entered the frame for the attacker as part of their squad overhaul. Elsewhere, Arsenal have also joined the pursuit after their attempt to sign Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa ended in failure.
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| Getty Images |
Leipzig demand premium fee
Diomande has now returned to pre-season training with Leipzig following his post-World Cup break. PSG are expected to submit a formal offer swiftly to prevent Madrid or the Premier League duo from hijacking the deal for their top target. Leipzig hold a strong negotiating position and are adamant they will only part ways with their prized asset if a suitor meets his valuation.
- Adhe Makayasa
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