Showing posts with label History. Show all posts
Showing posts with label History. Show all posts
Monday, 13 July 2026
Monday, 6 July 2026
Wednesday, 1 July 2026
MBAPPÉ BREAKS RONALDO'S RECORDS, REWRITES WORLD CUP HISTORY
Kylian Mbappé has once again proven why he is regarded as the defining footballer of his generation after smashing a string of records once held by his childhood idol, Cristiano Ronaldo, while simultaneously rewriting FIFA World Cup history.
The France captain delivered another breathtaking performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring twice in Les Bleus' commanding 3-0 victory over Sweden in the Round of 32 to become the greatest goalscorer in World Cup knockout-stage history.
His latest double took his tally to 10 goals in World Cup knockout matches, eclipsing the long-standing record of nine and moving him clear of Brazilian legends Ronaldo Nazário and Leônidas, who had each scored eight in the competition's elimination rounds.
The achievement further cements Mbappé's growing reputation as football's ultimate big-game player. Reports also noted that his overall World Cup tally had risen to 18 goals, leaving him within touching distance of the all-time tournament scoring record.
The performance against Sweden was not just another victory for France. It marked yet another milestone in a career already overflowing with silverware, individual honours and records that many believed would stand for decades.
Away from international football, Mbappé has also been rewriting the history books at Real Madrid.
In his first full calendar year with the Spanish giants, the French forward broke Cristiano Ronaldo's iconic club record by scoring 59 goals in a single calendar year, surpassing the Portuguese legend's mark set in 2013.
The symbolic moment came on his 27th birthday when Mbappé converted a late penalty against Sevilla to draw level with Ronaldo before later moving ahead, celebrating with Ronaldo's famous "Siuuu" celebration—a heartfelt tribute to the player he has long described as his inspiration.
The remarkable scoring spree has underlined just how seamlessly Mbappé has adapted to life in Madrid following his highly anticipated move from Paris Saint-Germain.
His record-breaking campaign has not been limited to domestic football.
Earlier in the season, Mbappé also surpassed another Ronaldo benchmark in the UEFA Champions League by scoring 13 goals in a single group-stage campaign, breaking Ronaldo's previous record of 11 set during the 2015–16 season.
It is another indication that the French superstar is steadily dismantling records previously considered untouchable.
For years, comparisons between Mbappé, Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have dominated football debates.
Now, rather than merely being compared with the game's greatest icons, Mbappé is beginning to replace them at the top of the record books.
Still only 27 years old, the French captain continues to add to a career that already includes a FIFA World Cup title, a World Cup Golden Boot, multiple domestic league crowns and European honours.
France's progress at the ongoing World Cup also means more records could soon fall.
With the tournament entering its decisive stages, Mbappé remains one of the favourites for the Golden Boot, while France are among the strongest contenders to lift another world title.
Should Les Bleus continue their march, the man who once idolised Cristiano Ronaldo may soon own even more of the records that made the Portuguese legend one of football's immortals.
- TONY MBALLA
Monday, 29 June 2026
SOUTH AFRICA: GOVERNMENT COMMENDS BAFANA BAFANA FOR A HISTORIC FIFA WORLD CUP CAMPAIGN
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| Getty |
Government has commended Bafana Bafana for an outstanding and historic FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign following their encounter against Canada.
The match resulted in a 0 - 1 win for Canada.
In a statement after the game on Sunday night, government expressed "immense pride" in what Bafana Bafana has achieved in the duration of the World Cup.
"For the first time in South Africa's history, Bafana Bafana reached the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup, inspiring millions of South Africans and making the Southern African region proud.
"Throughout the tournament, the players, coaches and technical team displayed courage, resilience, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to representing the country with honour and distinction. Their performances demonstrated that South African football can compete confidently on the biggest stage in world football."
Government also thanked all South Africans who united behind the national team throughout the tournament.
"The overwhelming support shown by citizens across the country reflected the spirit of unity, patriotism, and hope inspired by Bafana Bafana.
"Although this marks the end of South Africa's FIFA World Cup 2026 journey, Bafana Bafana has left an enduring legacy and laid a strong foundation for the future of South African football. The nation celebrates this historic achievement and looks forward with confidence to even greater success in the years ahead.
"Thank you, Bafana Bafana. You made South Africa proud!"
- All Africa
Tuesday, 23 June 2026
Wednesday, 17 June 2026
Thursday, 11 June 2026
Tuesday, 19 May 2026
EVERY CLUB TO HAVE PLAYED IN THE BUNDESLIGA
A new name on the list as SV 07 Elversberg become the 59th side in #Bundesliga history! 👋
- Bundesliga
VICTOR WEMBANYAMA MAKES NBA HISTORY AGAIN! 👏
Dylan Harper: 24 PTS, 11 REB (playoff career-high), 6 AST (playoff career-high), 7 STL (playoff career-high)
Stephon Castle: 17 PTS, 6 REB, 11 AST
Alex Caruso: 31 PTS (playoff career-high), 8 3PM
NBA Conference Finals presented by Google
- NBA
Thursday, 14 May 2026
Monday, 11 May 2026
JOAO CANCELO BECOMES FIRST FOOTBALLER EVER TO ACHIEVE INCREDIBLE FEAT AFTER BARCELONA'S LA LIGA TITLE SUCCESS
Joao Cancelo has written his name into the history books following Barcelona’s clinical 2-0 victory over Real Madrid to secure the La Liga title. While the Blaugrana celebrated domestic dominance at the Camp Nou, the Portuguese defender reached a milestone that has eluded the greatest icons of the game.
A historic Clasico triumph
The Blaugrana secured the Spanish top-flight crown after a win against their bitter rivals in Sunday night's El Clasico at the Camp Nou. In doing so, they have achieved a historic first by winning La Liga as a result of a direct match against Los Blancos. Barcelona only needed to avoid defeat against Alvaro Arbeloa's side, as they led Real by 11 points going into the 35th game of the campaign.
Hansi Flick’s men delivered the goods in style, recording their 11th successive league victory on a night of double celebration. A stunning free-kick from Marcus Rashford - the first such goal in a Clasico since Lionel Messi in 2012 - was followed by a Ferran Torres strike to confirm Barca's 29th league crown and leave their rivals in turmoil.
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| Getty Images Sport |
Cancelo stands alone in the history books
For ex-Manchester City defender Cancelo, who won six major honours under Pep Guardiola, he has now finally won the league title that evaded him during his previous loan spell at Barca in the 2023-24 season. Brought back on loan from Saudi side Al Hilal in January, Cancelo, who appeared as a starter in last night's match, has been key in the club's stunning form in 2026, chipping in with one goal and three assists from 13 La Liga matches.
Deployed on both sides of defence, the 31-year-old has now become the first footballer to win league titles in four of Europe's 'Top Five' divisions. Having won the Primeira Liga with Benfica in 2014, the Serie A title with Juventus was the Portugal international's first 'Top Five' league championship. He then scooped three Premier League crowns while at the Etihad Stadium, before lifting the Bundesliga title while on loan at Bayern Munich. Now, with a La Liga medal secured, only France's Ligue 1 remains for him to complete the set.
Outperforming the legends
A host of legendary players have won league championships in three of the 'Top Five' leagues, but none could reach the fourth. David Beckham had the opportunity to become the first person to achieve the incredible feat; he was successful in England, Spain and France, but failed to win the Serie A title across two loan spells at AC Milan. Similarly, Cristiano Ronaldo triumphed in England, Spain and Italy, but never added a fourth major league to his haul.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic also came up trumps in Spain, Italy and France, and had the chance to create history when he joined Manchester United in 2016. However, he finished sixth in his only full season in the Premier League, though he did win the Europa League, League Cup and Community Shield. Other notable players to win titles in three major countries include Thierry Henry, Kingsley Coman, Dani Alves, Arturo Vidal, Maxwell, Sami Khedira and Claude Makelele.
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| Getty Images Sport |
What lies ahead for the history-maker?
Despite his loan deal from Al Hilal proving incredibly successful, questions remain regarding Cancelo's long-term future. It remains to be seen what the future holds for Cancelo come the summer, and whether Barcelona press ahead with another loan deal, look to turn his temporary stay into a permanent switch or if he returns to the Middle East.
There is, of course, the tantalising prospect of completing the "Top Five" set. With titles in England, Spain, Italy, and Germany secured, only France's Ligue 1 remains. Should Cancelo decide to leave the Camp Nou this summer, a move to a French powerhouse could provide the platform for the ultimate clean sweep of Europe's major championships.
- Donny Afroni
Sunday, 3 May 2026
KIMI ANTONELLI MAKES HISTORY AT MIAMI GRAND PRIX 2I26
Kimi Antonelli becomes the 23rd driver in F1 history to win three straight Grands Prix!
20 on that list have gone on to become World Champion.
Thursday, 30 April 2026
MARATHON RECORD-BREAKER SEBASTIAN SAWE GIFTED A CAR BY KENYAN PRESIDENT AS HE RETURNS HOME TO HERO'S WELCOME
Sabastian Sawe has returned to Kenya following his historic run at the London Marathon
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| President William Ruto with record breaking marathoner Sebastian Sawe in State House, Nairobi on April 30, 2026. |
Sabastian Sawe, the first athlete to officially break the two-hour barrier in a marathon, has been welcomed home to Kenya with a hero’s reception, including a water cannon salute for his arriving aircraft.
The record-breaker was subsequently awarded $61,000 (£45,000) and a new car by the president.
Mr Sawe’s return on Wednesday saw him greeted by his parents and Sports Minister Salim Mvurya, who lauded the runner’s achievement at the London Marathon as "a win for Kenya."
On Thursday, President William Ruto hosted a formal ceremony, describing Mr Sawe’s victory as "a defining moment in the history of human endurance."
During the event, Mr Sawe presented President Ruto with an autographed Adidas Adizero shoe, worn during Sunday’s race, along with a signed photograph commemorating his world record moment.
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| Sawe was given a hero's welcome (Getty) |
Mr Sawe made history on Sunday by completing the marathon in an astonishing 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 30 seconds, shaving 65 seconds off the previous men’s world record.
Upon his arrival at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, he expressed his pride at having "made a great achievement in life" and vowed to "try and lower the record further."
The athlete was adorned with a traditional wreath of twigs, symbolising victory, as traditional dancers celebrated his return. He was then escorted into a luxury government vehicle, part of the "heroic welcome" orchestrated by the sports minister.
His parents shared their long-held belief in their son’s destiny for greatness. His mother, Emily Sawe, recalled his childhood speed: "He would run too fast. So, I would say to myself, this boy will shine for me one day."
His father, Simion Kiplagat Sawe, recounted the tension of watching Sunday’s race due to a poor television signal.
"The moment my son pulled in front, I walked out and didn’t see him finish the race. I watched the replay afterwards. I was so happy, extremely happy. We screamed so much that now it is hard to swallow anything," he said.
Sawe’s introduction to professional running came through his uncle, Abraham Chepkirwok, an 800-metre Olympian for Uganda at the 2008 Beijing Games.
Having won the Valencia Marathon in 2024 with a time of 2:02:05, Sawe entered Sunday’s London race as the defending champion.
His father affirmed his son’s unwavering determination, stating: "Even now, he still says that record was not enough; he wants to lower it further."
- Evelyne Musambi
Tuesday, 28 April 2026
Sunday, 26 April 2026
Monday, 13 April 2026
SCOTTIE SCHAEFFER MAKES MASTERS HISTORY DESPITE FALLING SHORT TO RORY MCILROY
Scottie Schaeffer came up just short of another green jacket, but his performance at Augusta National still etched his name into Masters history.
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| Andrew Redington/Getty |
The world No. 1 finished one shot behind Rory McIlroy at 12 under, settling for runner-up in the 2026 Masters. While McIlroy claimed the spotlight with his second straight win, Scheffler’s historic weekend and late surge told a story that will likely get overlooked.
After sitting 12 shots off the lead at the halfway point, Scheffler mounted a stunning comeback. He carded a 7 under round on Saturday and followed it with a 4 under 68 on Sunday, putting serious pressure on McIlroy down the stretch.
More impressively, Scheffler did not record a single bogey over the final 36 holes. According to PGA TOUR Communications, he became the first player in 82 years to play the third and final rounds bogey-free at the Masters.
The last time that happened was in 1942.
Historic Masters Weekend Puts Scheffler in Rare Company
Scheffler’s weekend was extremely impressive.
Across the final two rounds, he recorded nine birdies and an eagle while avoiding any mistakes on the scorecard.
His 133 weekend total also stood as a personal best at the Masters.
Even more remarkable, Scheffler nearly completed a full tournament without a bogey, something not seen in over eight decades. His precision and consistency allowed him to erase a massive deficit and nearly force a playoff.
He had just five bogeys all tournament, with four coming on Friday.
He pointed toward his Friday struggles as the reason he wasn’t able to win a third green jacket.
“I’d say Friday probably hurt the most in terms of my chances of winning,” Scheffler said. “I didn’t see many birdies out there Thursday afternoon, so going out on Friday, whatever they did to the greens to soften them up, they did some stuff. And I just wasn’t able to take advantage of that going out early on Friday.”
Despite the loss, this performance also extended his incredible run at Augusta. Scheffler has now finished inside the top five in five straight Masters appearances, reinforcing his dominance at the sport’s most prestigious event.
Scottie Scheffler Reflects on 2026 Masters
Speaking after his round, Scheffler reflected on where things slipped away.
“Overall I’m not going to hold too many regrets, but yeah, definitely a little disappointed now,” Scheffler said. “But like I said, I started the weekend 12 shots back and ended up only one shot back. If I am going to blame anything, I should probably blame the first two rounds before I start looking at stuff from my last couple.”
He also pointed to a few key moments late in Sunday’s round that could have changed everything.
“Disappointing par on 13, and wasn’t able to get it in the fairway on 14, that was a shot I’d like to have back,” Scheffler said. “But then good birdies on 15 and 16, and really great stuff on 17. I hit two really good shots into 18 and the second shot just came up short.”
Scheffler hit a perfect putt on 17 that came within inches of dropping. Had it fallen, it likely would have forced a playoff with McIlroy, setting up a head-to-head battle between the two best players in the world for the green jacket. While it was a bummer for fans that it didn’t happen, Scheffler still etched his name into Masters history despite the loss.
- Dylan Tracy-Lindenbaum
Sunday, 12 April 2026
UNION BERLIN MAKE HISTORY AS MARIE-LOUISE ETA BECOMES FIRST WOMAN TO LEAD BUNDESLIGA MEN'S TEAM
She becomes the first woman to take charge of a men’s team across the top divisions of Europe’s “big five” football leagues.
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| STRONG UNION: Union Berlin have appointed Marie-Louise Eta as the first female head coach in the men’s Bundesliga as they bid to ensure its league survival. Pic: Christof Koepsel/Getty Images for DFB |
Union Berlin have appointed Marie-Louise Eta as the first female head coach in the men’s Bundesliga as they bid to ensure its league survival.
She becomes the first woman to take charge of a men’s team across the top divisions of Europe’s “big five” football leagues.
The 34-year-old Eta takes over from Steffen Baumgart, who was fired late Saturday with his assistants Danilo de Souza and Kevin McKenna after the team’s 3-1 loss at last-place Heidenheim, Union announced just before midnight.
Eta, who was coaching Union’s Under-19 men’s team and agreed earlier this month to take over as coach of Union’s women’s team next season, has five games to secure the Köpenick-based club’s Bundesliga survival.
“Staying in the Bundesliga is not yet guaranteed given the point-differences in the lower half of the table. I’m happy that the club entrusts me with this challenging task,” Eta told the club website.
”One of Union’s strengths has always been our ability to pull together in such situations. And of course I’m convinced that we’ll get the decisive points with the team.”
Eta already made history with Union in 2023 as the first female assistant coach in the Bundesliga and across the top divisions of the “big five” leagues. She had to step in for media duties for head coach Nenad Bjelica when he was suspended for three games in 2024.
“I’m delighted that Marie Louise Eta has agreed to take on this role on an interim basis before she becomes head coach of the women’s first team as planned in the summer,” Union sporting director Horst Heldt said in a statement.
Baumgart, a former Union player, was appointed during the 2024-25 winter break but Heldt said recent results prompted the club to take drastic action.
“We’ve had a completely disappointing second half of the season so far and we’re not letting the table fool us — our situation remains precarious and we desperately need points to secure our place in the league.”
Defeat in Heidenheim left Union in 11th place in the 18-team division, just seven points clear of St. Pauli in the relegation zone with five rounds remaining.
“Two wins out of 14 games since the winter break and the performances shown in recent weeks do not give us the confidence that we can turn things around with the current setup. We have therefore decided to make a fresh start,” Heldt said.
Union next hosts Wolfsburg, which is also fighting for survival, next weekend.
- AP NEWS
Saturday, 4 April 2026
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