Across the men’s World Cup’s 96-year history, only nine players aged 40 or older have taken the field—and two of them have done so at this year’s tournament. Egypt’s Essam El Hadary remains the oldest player ever to appear in a World Cup match, at 45 years and 161 days. He set the mark with...

In June 2024, Jude Bellingham saved England’s Euros campaign with a stunning 95th-minute overhead kick against Slovakia. In the chaos that followed, he roared into the ecstatic crowd: “Who else?” After England’s 2-0 victory over Panama, the 22-year-old delivered a performance with a similar aura. Tuchel has insisted his system would remain largely consistent throughout...

He’s long been intrigued by that kind of future—one not unlike David Beckham’s. Like Bale, Beckham was the face of his national team and could have chosen any post-playing path before becoming a co-owner of MLS side Inter Miami among other ventures. Did that influence him? “I think so,” Bale says. He followed how many...

After making 55 appearances for Newcastle United in all competitions, Anderson debuted in a January 2021 FA Cup loss to Arsenal before heading to Bristol Rovers on loan a year later. That spell proved a pivotal stage in his development—and included what may still be the most memorable match of his career. Glenn Whelan, the...

His journey is steeped in Dutch influence. Jacco Bos grew up a Feyenoord supporter before moving to Australia after a 1997 backpacking trip, where he met Jordan’s mother, Sandra. A childhood photo of Jordan in Feyenoord’s iconic red-and-white shirt has become a favourite among fans. Years later, he is fulfilling the dream his father once...

Across 72 international appearances, the Napoli star has 15 goals and two assists, figures that don’t fully capture his influence. He repeatedly rises to the occasion: his first international goal was a 2021 winner against Israel; he famously hit a brace to topple Spain at Hampden; and then there was that memorable night against Denmark....

Inside three minutes, Ecuador’s Enner Valencia burst clear on Curacao’s goal and a finish felt inevitable. Ten yards out with only the keeper to beat, he looked certain to score. That would have left Curacao with a steep climb and, as in the 7-1 loss to Germany in their World Cup opener, might have set...

England forward Aggie Beever-Jones is set to remain with Chelsea this summer. The 22-year-old’s contract was due to expire, but with a one-year option available, she is understood to have agreed fresh terms committing her future to the club. A graduate of Chelsea’s academy, Beever-Jones has established herself as a regular Women’s Super League goalscorer...

At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Harry Kane needed four matches and 269 minutes before he even registered a shot on target. He looked fatigued early on, and I thought he could have used a rest after England’s first two games. This time it’s completely different—after scoring twice in the 4-2 win over Croatia,...

Ultimately, it’s his decision, and I understand why. We didn’t perform to our expectations, and some of the over-the-top reaction back home hasn’t helped, but the choice rests with Steve. We should be proud of the journey that brought us here and incredibly proud of our supporters. Tens of thousands have travelled and lit up...