David Beckham, Ronaldo and Batistuta link up for star-studded padel match in Qatar during World Cup

In the US, soccer used to be a bit of a second-class sport. But enter David Beckham to the scene. Although there may be other contributing factors, soccer certainly became more popular when Mr Beckham entered the scene, particularly when he joined the MLS and became a big name for LA Galaxy. Since then, Major League Soccer (MLS) has seen a massive…

It's one of the biggest gambles in sporting history, for both sides of the deal. Inter Miami and the American Major Soccer League have agreed to spend hundreds of millions of dollars over the next few years to lure a 36-year-old to a competition that struggles to break into nightly news bulletins across the US. Granted, the man they've been chasing…

I'll never forget that luxuriant poof of hair. There it was: that same ball of curly, blond coils I'd seen on World Cup broadcasts in 1994 now flopping around on a Major League Soccer pitch. Carlos Valderrama had arrived. Maybe a similar awe arose for others upon seeing Thierry Henry, Wayne Rooney, or Didier Drogba on North American soil. For a…

In the world of soccer, there are few players who can match the longevity and sustained excellence exhibited by Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar has defied the odds and remained at the pinnacle of the sport for over a decade and a half. The word "longevity" has become synonymous with Ronaldo's illustrious career, as he continues to amaze…

Yearend 2022. In a couple of days, the year will come to a close. It has been an engaging year for football, which has witnessed numerous top moments, along with some lowes. Here, we sum up the sport this year. By Philem Dipak Singh Pele's demise just two days before the world prepared to welcome the new year and Lionel Messi-led Argentina lifting…

Yeardender 2022 Football: Pele's demise just two days before the world prepared to welcome the new year and Lionel Messi-led Argentina lifting… Yeardender 2022 Football: Pele's demise just two days before the world prepared to welcome the new year and Lionel Messi-led Argentina lifting the World Cup trophy were undoubtedly the two epochal moments,…

Against the odds, Qatar pulled off one of the greatest FIFA World Cup tournaments the world has ever seen. Sixty-four matches were played, 32 nations competed over 29 days but there could only be one winner - Argentina. It was just the fairy tale ending one of the icons of the modern-day game dreamt of and perhaps it was written in the stars a…

CHRISTIAN PULISIC is attracting attention from Newcastle United and Arsenal, according to reports. The USMNT star impressed at the World Cup and has been out of favour at Stamford Bridge in recent years. Therefore, he could be set for an exit as early as January and Premier League giants Newcastle and Arsenal are interested in a move. Chelsea could…

Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United last month after a controversial interview in which he said he had no respect for manager Erik ten Hag. With the January transfer window close, what is his next move? Former Real Madrid and Juventus forward Ronaldo said ex-United manager Alex Ferguson persuaded him to rejoin the club for a…

TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD has been given special advice from David Beckham on how to help keep his crossing and free-kicks consistent. Former England captain Becks visited the Three Lions camp ahead of the crunch quarter-final clash against reigning champions France. And he was on hand to give some special tips to Liverpool's Alexander-Arnold. The…

England captain Harry Kane is set to lead the Three Lions out against defending champions France in a World Cup quarter-final at Al Bayt Stadium on Saturday night England beat Senegal to set up World Cup quarter-final against holders France Harry Kane honed his craft at Larkswood Primary Academy and the Chingford Foundation School - also attended…

CRISTIANO RONALDO is to become the world's highest paid athlete after reportedly agreeing a deal with Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr. Ronaldo will make £173m-a-year, according to Marca, and that would put him on a wage that is double of rival Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, United are still said to be interested in PSV star Cody Gakpo, who is in fine form at…

CRISTIANO RONALDO could become the world's highest paid athlete after reportedly being offered a deal with Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr. Ronaldo would make £173m-a-year, according to Marca, and that would put him on a wage that is double of rival Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, United are still said to be interested in PSV star Cody Gakpo, who is in fine…

Ronaldo has left Man Utd a week after his controversial interview with Piers Morgan aired on TalkTV During the interview Ronaldo launched a scathing attack on his Manchester United manager Ten Hag and admitted that he has no respect for him. The Portuguese star also hit out at the ownership model at the club and claimed that Manchester United had…

For the second time in his career, Cristiano Ronaldo has left Manchester United. The first, in 2009, was for a record-breaking £80m to Real Madrid, having won the Ballon d'Or six months earlier. This time he has left for nothing. In a recent interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo slated Manchester United's current and former managers, his teammates,…

Retired Liverpool and England midfielder Steven Gerrard is partnering with Asian gaming platform M88 ahead of the Qatar World Cup, which starts in six days. "I am delighted to join M88 Mansion as their Brand Ambassador for the World Cup," said Gerrard. "I couldn't be more excited to share my experiences from my time on the field, especially my…

The World Cup kicks off in Qatar on Sunday - and it's set to be the most controversial in the tournament's history. Concerns about corruption, migrant worker deaths and the country's attitude towards LGBT+ fans have dogged the event before a ball has even been kicked. And the timing of the tournament - with the final taking place a week before…

David Beckham's feel-good docu-series coaching under-14s in East London is at odds with his big money deal as ambassador for Qatar It's a game of two halves for David Beckham this winter. First, there's Save Our Squad with David Beckham on Disney+. The four-part feel-good documentary series sees the former England captain return to the grassroots…

THE BBC have confirmed their star-studded line up of pundits for the 2022 World Cup. Gary Lineker will lead the TV team broadcasting the action from Qatar, alongside fellow presenter Gabby Logan. And they have drafted in some Premier League legends to make up their squad. Regular Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer will offer his expertise in the…

We've ranked 35 of the greatest Serie A players ever from'legend' to'The Godfather'. The Italian top-flight has played host to countless world class footballers throughout its illustrious history. Diego Maradona, Cristiano Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane and Marco van Basten are just a few household names that have graced the iconic league. And that's…

In the latest instalment of our World Cup blog, we look back at some of the times when players were given marching orders whilst playing for their countries. Those moments of madness when tempers get the better of players, and they react with petulant kicks, terrible tackles and even headbutts! Being sent off is the ultimate punishment in football.…

It's beginning to get ridiculous. What more does David Beckham have to do to secure himself a knighthood? The decorated ex-footballer was spotted at the weekend, flat-capped and head down, waiting in line to see the Queen's coffin. Reports suggest Beckham was offered the chance to use a special access queue, but declined (wary, perhaps, of…

In the last few years, sports have been at the centre of Spanish identity at the global level. Spain has positioned itself uniquely in sports like football, cycling, and tennis, and has made itself a powerhouse of sports in the world. Spain is world-renowned for its love of football and has some of the best soccer teams in the world, with the…