RIO NGUMOHA
Club: Liverpool
Age: 17
Position: Left winger
Country of origin: England

Liverpool teenage sensation Rio Ngumoha is a highly promising talent and one of the top prospects in English football. Ngumoha’s rapid rise through the ranks at Liverpool has been nothing short of remarkable. He has already made significant strides in his professional career, having broken into the Reds’ senior team this season. The 17-year-old made history by becoming Liverpool’s youngest ever goalscorer, and his explosive pace, technical skill, composure in front of goal, and impact on the field, suggest he could potentially become a world-class talent.

IBRAHIM RABBAJ
Club: Chelsea
Age: 16
Position: Attacking midfielder
Country of origin: Morocco

Ibrahim Rabbaj has quickly risen through the ranks at Chelsea and is one of their most exciting prospects. The 16-year-old has already earned comparisons to Lionel Messi due to his exceptional dribbling, quick feet, creativity, and versatility as an attacking midfielder or winger, making him one of the top prospects to watch in the future. Although he has not yet made his senior debut for Chelsea, Rabbaj has the potential to make a difference in the Blues squad if he continues his development.

CLAUDIO ECHEVERRI
Club: Bayer Leverkusen (on loan from Manchester City)
Age: 19
Position: Attacking midfielder
Country of origin: Argentina

Claudio Echeverri is regarded as one of South America’s brightest young playmakers, which secured him a move to Manchester City, but he was loaned out to Bayer Leverkusen to further his development. Echeverri made a name for himself following his impressive performances for River Plate and the Argentina youth team during the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup, in which he won the Bronze Boot. Like Ibrahim Rabbaj, Echeverri has also drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi thanks to his close control and strong dribbling ability, vision, and playmaking skill, and his keen eye for goal, which earned him the nickname “El Diablito”.

FRANCESCO CAMARDA
Club: Lecce (on loan from AC Milan)
Age: 17
Position: Centre-forward
Country of origin: Italy

Francesco Camarda has been considered the new golden boy of Italian football and has been compared to legends such as Michael Owen and Filippo Inzaghi. The Italian has already written his name in football’s history books after he became the youngest debutant in Serie A history at 15 years and 260 days and the youngest Italian debutant in the UEFA Champions League. Camarda has already shown glimpses of what he is capable of. He has racked up a reputation for his deadly goal-scoring ability with both feet, his physical presence and aerial threat, and his exceptional ball control.

GEOVANY QUENDA
Club: Sporting CP
Age: 18
Position: Right winger
Country of origin: Portugal

After rising through the ranks at Sporting CP, Geovany Quenda has been labelled as one of Portugal’s best young players. Quenda already has elite dribbling ability, exceptional pace, high football IQ, and versatility to play on the wing and at wing-back, which earned him the crown as the Best Young Player of the 24/25 Portuguese League season The 18-year-old has the potential to become a world-class player, and he will continue his development at Chelsea next season after securing a £40 million move to the Blues.

RODRIGO MORA
Club: FC Porto
Age: 18
Position: Attacking midfield
Country of origin: Portugal

Rodrigo Mora is one of the brightest young talents to come through FC Porto’s academy ranks and is considered a big talent for the future of Portuguese football. The 18-year-old has already broken into the first team but is yet to cement a regular starting berth. Mora has been praised for his overall gameplay, vision, and maturity, and has been compared to Barcelona star Lamine Yamal for his goal-scoring and playmaking abilities. However, he has room to grow and improve in the hopes of becoming the next best player for his country.

SVERRE NYPAN
Club: Middlesbrough (on loan from Manchester City)
Age: 18
Position: Central midfield
Country of origin: Norway

Sverre Nypan is considered one of Norway’s top prospects and has been labelled as the ‘next Martin Odegaard’. The 18-year-old completed his move to Manchester City from Rosenborg BK for a deal worth £12.5m, but he was subsequently loaned out to Middlesbrough. The Norwegian already has an exceptional football IQ, likes to dribble with the ball, is known for his technical ability, and is versatile enough to play anywhere in the midfield, whether as an attacking midfielder, central midfielder, or false nine. Nypan has the potential to become one of the top midfielders in Europe, having already shown glimpses of elite-level football.

AYYOUB BOUADDI
Club: Lille
Age: 18
Position: Central midfield
Country of origin: France

Ayyoub Bouaddi is one of Europe’s top young talents and has been lighting up the stage in Ligue 1 with Lille. The 18-year-old has been described as the club’s most exciting talent to come through the ranks at Lille since Eden Hazard. Bouaddi made history by becoming the youngest player in Ligue 1 since 1981 and the youngest Lille player to debut in a European club competition. His incredible potential is limitless, and it will be hard for the French outfit to keep their hands on him.

JULIEN DURANVILLE
Club: Borussia Dortmund
Age: 19
Position: Left winger
Country of origin: Belgium

Julien Duranville is one of the most highly rated young players to come out of Belgian football in years. The 19-year-old is already considered a potential contender for future Ballon d’Or awards. Despite several injuries during his time at Borussia Dortmund, Duranville has already proven himself to be a top talent. He has made a number of appearances for Dortmund’s senior team and earned call-ups to the Belgian national team. While Duranville is still in the development stage of his career, he has shown his electric pace, good close control, and tricky dribbling ability with a strong work rate.

FRANCO MASTANTUONO
Club: Real Madrid
Age: 18
Position: Right winger
Country of origin: Argentina

Argentine prodigy Franco Mastantuono has established himself as one of the world’s brightest young talents. The 18-year-old secured a move to Real Madrid during the offseason and has already secured his place in the senior team with some impressive performances for Xabi Alonso’s side. Mastantuono has been described as Argentina’s future. He has already played for the senior national team, where he was given the iconic No.10 jersey, previously worn by Lionel Messi. The Argentine could potentially become one of the world’s best, with his masterful dribbling ability, vision, set-piece ability, and versatility in playing free in an attacking role.

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READ: “It’s going to be an incredibly tough match” – Yildiz

Man City are scheduled to face Juventus in their final Group G encounter, which takes place at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.

Pep Guardiola’s side will come into this fixture high in confidence following their 6-0 victory over Al Ain in their last match.

The Cityzens will be hungry for the win, as it would see them finish at the summit of the Group F standings.

The Spaniard was out of action for several months after suffering a serious ACL injury during Man City’s clash with Arsenal on 22 September 2024.

“It’s been a tough season not only for the team, also for me, because I sometimes saw them suffering. I think we have shown in the last two games that Man City have another face and we are working to once again be the team we were not so long ago,” he added.

“There have been a lot of changes with the staff, and also new players coming in. But now we’re focused on this tournament, because it is an opportunity to win and redeem a not-so-good season. The team fought until the end and got to qualify for the Champions League, which was not easy.

“We are improving. The new arrivals are settling in and when we are all together we will continue to grow as a team.”

Looking ahead to the group deciding clash with Juve, Rodri knows just how stern a challenge the Italian giants will present.

“It is going to be very competitive, they play one-against-one, across the whole pitch, so it will be very physically demanding,” he added.

“We know that, if we want to top the group, we have to beat them. My feeling is that, having seen the last two games, they are raising their level with young players so it’s going to be a good test.”

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READ:“It’s going to be very physically demanding game” – Rodri

The Italian side are set to go head-to-head in what is expected to be an entertaining final Group G encounter at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.

Juve will go into this match sitting at the top of Group G, level on six points with second-placed Man City.

The Turkish starlet, who has scored three goals and grabbed one assist in the competition, admits he is expecting a tough showing against Pep Guardiola’s side.

“We played really well in our opening two matches, but now we need to turn our focus to the next game,” Yildiz said.

“It’s going to be an incredibly tough match, so we need to be fully focused on the task at hand.

“We’ve been training hard and putting a real shift in since Tudor took over and mentally, we’re in a good place.”

Juventus against Manchester City is scheduled to kick-off at 9pm.

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After his contract expired at Manchester United last season, the defender joined Como in Serie A this summer.

He signed a two-year contract but suffered a catastrophic knee injury 23 minutes into his Coppa Italia debut against Sampdoria.

The France international was withdrawn from the club’s league squad list in August, and the injury has forced him to retire.

In 14 years, he made 480 club matches, won four Champions League titles with Real, earned 93 caps for France, and won the 2018 World Cup.

After joining from Lens as an 18-year-old in 2011, he was a key defender as Real dominated Europe’s top competition, featuring in three of the four finals the team won between 2014 and 2018.

After several poor seasons, his summer 2021 move to United was expected to re-energise the Old Trafford team, but the Red Devils finished sixth, third, and ninth during his three-year spell and failed to advance in the Champions League.

He helped the club win the 2024 FA Cup by defeating Manchester City 2-1 at Wembley in his final act. Previous season, the team won the Carabao Cup.

To @RaphaelVarane,

You represented our colours with great distinction during your three seasons at Old Trafford.

We thank you for your humility, leadership and commitment. May these qualities serve you well in your next venture.

Once a Red, always a Red.

Yours,@ManUtd ❤️ pic.twitter.com/rEjeNHNF7Z

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 25, 2024

His best year was 2018 when he featured in all seven matches as France won the World Cup for a second time, scoring against Uruguay in the quarterfinals and beating Croatia 4-2 in the final in Moscow.

Varane has since penned a heartfelt message confirming his retirement, which reads:

They say all good things must come to an end.

In my career I have taken on many challenges, rose to occasion after occasion, almost all of it was supposed to be impossible. Incredible emotions, special moments and memories that will last a lifetime. Reflecting on these moments, it is with immense pride and a feeling of fulfillment that I am announcing my retirement from the game that we all love.

I hold myself to the highest standard, I want to go out strong, not just holding on to the game. It takes a big dose of courage to listen to your heart and your instinct. Desire and needs are two different things. I have fallen and risen a thousand times, and this time, it’s the moment to stop and hang my boots up with my final game winning a trophy at Wembley.

I have loved fighting for myself, my clubs, my country, my teammates and the supporters of every team I have played for. From Lens to Madrid to Manchester, and playing for our national team. I have defended every badge with everything I have, and loved every minute of the journey. The game at the highest level is a thrilling experience. It tests every level of your body and your mind. The emotions we experience you cannot find anywhere else. As athletes, we are never satisfied, never accepting of success. It is our nature and what fuels us.

I have no regrets, I wouldn’t change a thing. I have won more than I could have even dreamed of, but beyond the accolades and trophies, I am proud that no matter what, I have stuck to my principles of being sincere and have tried to leave everywhere better than I found it. I hope I have made you all proud.

And so, a new life begins off the pitch. I will remain with Como. Just without using my boots and shin pads. Something I am looking forward to sharing more about soon.

For now, to the supporters of every club I played for, to my teammates, coaches and staff… from the bottom of my heart, thank you for making this journey more special than my wildest dreams could ever foresee.

Thank you, football.

With love, Rapha

"They say all good things must come to an end.

In my career I have taken on many challenges, rose to occasion after occasion, almost all of it was supposed to be impossible. Incredible emotions, special moments and memories that will last a lifetime. Reflecting on these… pic.twitter.com/xkX9A4ezdy

— Como1907 (@Como_1907) September 25, 2024

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Zirkzee signed a five-year contract with the Premier League team, with an option for an additional 12 months.

✍️🇳🇱 #MUFC pic.twitter.com/TAOLvfJYtR

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 14, 2024

United apparently chose to pay slightly more than Zirkzee’s £33.6 million release clause in order to stretch the money over three years and comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules.

The 23-year-old shot to attention in Serie A last season, helping Bologna surprise qualify for the Champions League.

He scored 12 goals in 37 games for Bologna last season and was also a member of the Netherlands squad that advanced to the Euro 2024 semi-finals before losing to England.

Erik ten Hag, United’s Dutch manager, spoke with Zirkzee to persuade his countrymen to transfer to Old Trafford.

“I am a player who has always dedicated everything to winning; I’m ready for this next challenge, to go to another level in my career and win more trophies,” said Zirkzee, who started his senior career with Bayern Munich and had loan spells with Parma and Anderlecht prior to joining Bologna.

“Having had discussions with the manager and the leaders of the club I know how exciting the future is going to be here and I cannot wait to play my part in achieving success for Manchester United.

“It is a privilege to join such an iconic club. I have to take a short break now after being with the national team, but I’ll be coming back ready to make an impact straight away.”

A message from our first signing of the summer 😁👋#MUFC pic.twitter.com/nW1d6Qra34

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 14, 2024

Zirkzee will battle alongside Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Antony for a spot in United’s attack this season.

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From the home of timeless fashion, nothing says football heritage like the red and black stripes of AC Milan, synonymous with success, passion, and style – from the turf to the streets since 1899.

Where red meets black, football meets family, with the classic colours portraying a visual representation of the human genome – the essence of the Milanismo. It represents the passion that flows like blood through the veins of fans, a tradition passed on through generations, and donned by some of the greatest to ever play the game.

The classic style of the new jersey, with its red and black stripes and white details, is a nod to the 125 years of history of the club, also celebrated through a dedicated patch on the back of the jersey – which will be present in all PUMA kits this season.

PUMA’s design ethos contained in this kit embodies a fusion of heritage and modernity, creating a kit that is iconic and a testament to AC Milan’s enduring legacy. A defining feature of the kit is the inscription “Social Club Institution” on the inner collar, symbolizing the club’s steadfast dedication to social issues and underscoring AC Milan’s role as a social and cultural institution committed to fostering positive societal change.

Maikel Oettle, Chief Commercial Officer of AC Milan, said: “AC Milan’s new Home kit is a testament to our rich heritage and the enduring legacy of Milanismo, which brings together over 500 million fans across the globe. This jersey embodies the spirit of passion, dedication, and innovation that defines our club. We are proud to unveil this special kit, which symbolises our commitment to football excellence and our role as a social and cultural institution.”

Marco Mueller, PUMA’s Senior Director of Product Line Management Teamsport Apparel, added: “AC Milan is more than a club – it’s a symbol of performance at the highest level which we want to combine with performance innovation, design, and technology. With classic colours and a visual representation of the human genome, it celebrates how love for AC Milan has been passed on through generations, Made with Milanismo, from Milan to the world.”

Marco continued: “From the start of the 2024/25 season our Club Replica jerseys are made using our RE:FIBRE initiative, this will feature 35 clubs and more than three million garments made from RE:FIBRE creating a more circular and sustainable way of producing football jerseys.”

The RE:FIBRE process focuses on textile waste as the primary source of material to create new textiles. The recycled material can be used for recycling again and again without losing quality – making RE:FIBRE a more long-term solution for recycling polyester textile waste.

Designed for the fans, the Replica jersey pairs that same match-worn look with dry-CELL sweat-wicking technology designed to keep those in the stands dry and comfortable, even on the most tense of matchdays. Ideal for both game day and everyday wear, the Replica jersey is made from PUMA’s innovative RE:FIBRE recycling technology and contains at least 95% recycled textile waste. The jersey is as much a fashion statement as it is a symbol of sporting excellence and sustainability– all of significant importance to the Milan faithful.

Maikel Oettle, Chief Commercial Officer of AC Milan said of the RE:FIBRE initiative: “By embracing RE:FIBRE, AC Milan strives to build a brighter future for the next generation of football fans, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and our values on a global stage.”

The Authentic jersey, to be worn by the players on the pitch of the San Siro, and by fans around the world, is made with PUMA’s ULTRAWEAVE fabric, which reduces weight and friction, and features an athletic fit for elite-level performance.

The new 2024/25 AC Milan Home kit will make its debut on the pitch during the final Home match of the season against Salernitana and will be worn by the men’s first team during their friendly game against AS Roma in Perth, Australia on 31 May.

The 2024/25 AC Milan Home kit will be available from 23 May at PUMA retail stores, PUMA.com, Sportsmans Warehouse, Totalsports and Studio 88. Price R1399 adult sizes and R1199 for junior.

The post PUMA & AC Milan Home kit celebrates Rossoneri legacy appeared first on SportsClub.

According to Roma, Mourinho and his technical staff would depart the club “with immediate effect” after his contract, which was set to expire in June, expired.

“We would like to thank Jose on behalf of all of us at AS Roma for his passion and efforts since his arrival at the club,” said owners Dan and Ryan Friedkin.

“We will always have great memories of his tenure at Roma, but we believe that an immediate change is in the best interests of the club.

“We wish Jose and his assistants all the best in their future endeavours.”

After taking over in 2021, the 60-year-old Portuguese managed Roma to both the Europa League final of the previous season and the first Europa Conference League trophy in 2022.

Nevertheless, Roma has had a difficult season and is currently five points out of the Champions League spots in ninth place in Serie A following their convincing 3-1 loss to AC Milan on Sunday.

According to Italian media, Mourinho’s successor as coach could be former Roma captain and 2006 World Cup winner Daniele De Rossi.

Photo by EPA/ETTORE FERRARI

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Pogba tested positive for testosterone after Juve’s 3-0 win over Udinese on August 20, according to Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal (Nado).

Pogba, 30, of France, was an unused substitute but was chosen at random for post-match drug testing.

If found guilty of doping, he could face a two- to four-year ban.

“Juventus Football Club announces that today, 11 September 2023, the footballer Paul Labile Pogba received a precautionary suspension order from the National Anti-Doping Tribunal following the results of tests conducted on 20 August 2023,” the club said in a statement.

“The club reserves the right to consider the next procedural steps.”

When they discovered the prohibited substance “non-endogenous testosterone metabolites” and the results were “consistent with the exogenous origin of the target compounds,” Nado said Pogba had violated anti-doping rules.

Testosterone is a hormone that improves athletes’ endurance.

Pogba has three days to provide Nado with a counter-analysis of the result.

Pogba was re-signed by Juventus on a four-year contract in July 2022 after his contract at Manchester United expired and he became a free agent.

However, Pogba’s return to Turin has been marred by ongoing injury issues, which forced him to miss last year’s World Cup in Qatar.

Pogba has played 51 minutes as a substitute this season in games against Bologna and Empoli.

He played 108 minutes in six Serie A games last season, three brief appearances and one assist in the Europa League, and 11 minutes in the Coppa Italia for a total of 162 minutes and no goals.

Pogba’s injury woes resurfaced recently, with Juventus manager Massimo Allegri claiming the player suffered a minor back injury during his appearance against Empoli.

Photo by EPA/ALESSANDRO DI MARCO

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Last year, Amrabat was a big reason why Morocco made it to the semi-finals of the World Cup. He joins from Fiorentina for a loan fee of reportedly 10 million euros ($11 million, £8.6 million).

Then, United has the option to buy the 27-year-old player for an extra 25 million euros the following year.

“I’ve had to be patient for this moment but I’m someone who always listens to my heart and now I am representing the club of my dreams,” said Amrabat in a United statement.

“I am a passionate player; I want to bring that energy to the squad, and I will put everything into every action I take for the team.”

Amrabat worked for United manager Erik ten Hag at Utrecht. He gives the Red Devils’ midfield some much-needed bite.

“His committed, high-energy approach to the game fits perfectly with the group that we are building here,” said United’s football director John Murtough.

“We know that Sofyan’s mentality, dynamism and technical qualities will help the squad as we look to achieve success in all competitions this season.”

Bayindir came to United from Fenerbahce in a deal that was said to be worth £4 million. He will back up United’s first-choice custodian, Andre Onana. This week, Dean Henderson left United for Crystal Palace.

When Bayindir plays for United for the first time, he will be the first Turk to do so.

“It is a huge honour to join Manchester United and become the first Turkish player to represent this incredible club,” Bayindir said.

“I have a passion for success, and I will give everything to help this special group of players to achieve our ambitions.”

With Bayindir’s arrival, all of United’s goalkeepers have changed since the end of the last season.

David de Gea played for United for 12 years and 545 games, but he left the team because he and the club couldn’t agree on a new contract.

Onana came from Inter Milan for £47 million and joined Ten Hag, who coached the Cameroonian at both Ajax and Inter Milan.

“Now we have the keeper group fully there,” said Ten Hag. “I think we have a very good keeper group with the arrival of Altay.”

Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are both injured and can’t play left back, so the signing of Reguilon from Tottenham is a last-minute solution.

The Spanish international player moved to Tottenham from Real Madrid in 2020, but he wasn’t as important there, so he spent last season on loan at Atletico Madrid.

“He’s a very experienced player, played for big clubs, played already a lot of games in La Liga, Premier League, so, yes, I think very good background,” said Ten Hag on Reguilon, who could be thrown in for his debut away to Arsenal on Sunday.

Jonny Evans, a centre back, has also signed a one-year deal with United.

The Northern Irish player signed a short-term deal to go back to Old Trafford, where he started his career.

“I am delighted to be back where it all began as part of this talented squad,” said Evans.

Photo by EPA/Georgi Licovski

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The bespoke design represents a groundbreaking celebration of inclusivity, aiming to unite the unique and diverse generation of Rossoneri fans across the globe.

The kit color combination celebrates the culture of inclusivity and diversity that has been at the heart of AC Milan since day one.

A long-standing commitment to inclusivity that is encapsulated in the Club’s RespAct manifesto, which aims to promote the values of equality, diversity, inclusion and consists of a series of initiatives that implement the Club’s commitment to fight against all forms of prejudice and discrimination.

The new Third kit features a unique ravish, fizzy lime, white, royal sapphire and majestic purple color combination and is beautifully complemented with a sleek monochrome rendition of the iconic club badge, a nod to AC Milan’s illustrious heritage.

“The shared rich history between PUMA and AC Milan is embodied in the spirit of football”, said Marco Mueller, PUMA Senior Head of Product Line Management Teamsport Apparel.

“Our latest kit pays tribute to the fans – a unifying symbol that encapsulates not just their unwavering devotion to the club, but also their love for the unique and unconventional. This jersey is a testament to the power of sport in bridging cultural divides.”

Casper Stylsvig, Chief Revenue Officer of AC Milan, commented, “This Third kit is more than just a football jersey. It truly stands as a symbol of inclusion, celebrating the power of diversity with its unique design and colors. We are proud to launch this kit with our long-standing partner PUMA and to provide our fans with a fantastic looking jersey, which does not just allow them to show support for their favorite team, but also to make them feel proud of their identity.”

The new Authentic jersey features cutting-edge technology to provide optimal performance and comfort on the pitch.

Engineered with ULTRAWEAVE fabric, the kit boasts a structured, 4-way stretch design that reduces weight and friction, allowing players to move freely and comfortably. The dryCELL technology integrated into the fabric is designed to keep your body free from sweat.

The Replica version is made with 100% recycled polyester and equipped with dryCELL sweat-wicking technology to keep you dry and comfortable throughout the 90 minutes and beyond – no matter the time, pitch, or place.

Both jerseys are made with 100% recycled materials, excluding the trims and decorations as a step toward a better future.

To celebrate the launch of the new AC Milan Third kit, custom Octane and Fennec decals based on the AC Milan Third kit design, PUMA themed wheels and a PUMA player banner will be available in the popular sports action game Rocket League from 24 August through to 5 September.

The new Third kit will debut on the weekend of 24 September when AC Milan take on Hellas Verona at the San Siro in the second Home game of the season.

Celebrate inclusivity and passion for the unconventional with the 2023/24 AC Milan Third kit available from 25 August at PUMA Retail stores, PUMA.com and Totalsports.

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