Author: Timi-Zacchaeus Oluwaferanmi

Football’s capacity for fairytale endings was on full display at the Vitality Stadium as Antoine Semenyo enjoyed a dream farewell to Bournemouth, scoring a dramatic late winner against Tottenham that may prove to be his final act for the club. With a move to Manchester City imminent, Semenyo delivered a moment supporters will cherish long after his departure. His goal, struck in the closing minutes, ended Bournemouth’s 11-match wait for a Premier League victory and came on his 26th birthday, adding another layer of romance to an already unforgettable night. It was the forward’s 10th league goal of the season…

The football world has been shaken by the news that Kevin Keegan, former England striker and manager, has been diagnosed with cancer. The 74-year-old, whose career spanned decades of remarkable achievements, will now undergo treatment following recent hospital evaluations. His family released a statement, confirming the diagnosis and requesting privacy during this challenging time. “Kevin was recently admitted to hospital for further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms,” the family said. “These investigations have revealed a diagnosis of cancer, for which Kevin will undergo treatment. Kevin is grateful to the medical team for their intervention and ongoing care. During this difficult…

World number one Aryna Sabalenka has issued a stark warning to tennis authorities, accusing them of failing to protect players as concerns grow over an increasingly punishing global schedule. Speaking after her straight-sets win over Sorana Cirstea at the Brisbane International, the Belarusian said governing bodies were “following their interests” rather than prioritising player welfare. Her comments add weight to a debate that has been simmering across the sport, with leading stars warning that the calendar is stretching athletes to breaking point. Sabalenka, the defending champion in Brisbane and a four-time Grand Slam singles winner, highlighted the relentless demands placed…

Tottenham Hotspur’s turbulent season took another dramatic turn on Thursday night as captain Cristian Romero appeared to publicly criticise the club’s hierarchy, laying bare the growing unrest behind the scenes at north London. In the immediate aftermath of Spurs’ damaging 3-2 defeat away at Bournemouth, Romero posted a strongly worded message on Instagram suggesting that senior figures at the club were avoiding accountability during difficult moments. Although the Argentina defender later edited the post, removing a reference to “telling lies”, the substance of his message remained a clear challenge to those above him at Tottenham. Spurs have now won just…

Barcelona delivered a ruthless reminder of their pedigree as they swept aside Athletic Club 5-0 to book their place in the Spanish Super Cup final, producing a blistering first-half display that left their opponents stunned in Saudi Arabia. The holders, and record 15-time winners of the competition, struck four times in just 16 minutes before the break, effectively ending the contest long before half-time. In doing so, Barcelona became the first team in history to score four first-half goals in a Spanish Super Cup semi-final, underlining their dominance on the night. Hansi Flick’s side had looked sharp from the opening…

Brazilian star Neymar has extended his contract with Santos until the end of 2026 in a bid to secure a place in the national squad for the upcoming World Cup. The 33-year-old, who returned to his boyhood club in January 2025, has not played for Brazil since 2023 due to a combination of injuries and rehabilitation setbacks, but he is determined to put himself in contention for coach Carlo Ancelotti’s plans this summer. Neymar’s return to Santos marked a homecoming for the forward who first made his name in professional football at the club. His impact was immediate, as he…

Lionel Messi has revealed that he has no plans to pursue coaching after retiring from football, instead expressing a strong interest in football club ownership and the business side of the sport. The Inter Miami star spoke candidly at the American Business Forum this week, outlining his ambitions to follow in the footsteps of fellow football legend and Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham. “I like to start looking at what could come next. I like the business world; I want to keep learning. I’m just getting started with it,” Messi said. His comments indicate a growing curiosity among elite players…

Gary O’Neil has been appointed manager of Strasbourg following Liam Rosenior’s departure to Chelsea, marking a fresh chapter in the Englishman’s coaching career and underlining the growing influence of the BlueCo multi-club model in European football. The 42-year-old has been out of management since being sacked by Wolves in December 2024 but now returns to the dugout with a Ligue 1 side pushing for European qualification. Strasbourg currently sit seventh in the table and acted quickly to secure O’Neil’s services after Rosenior accepted a six-and-a-half-year deal at Stamford Bridge earlier this week. O’Neil said he was “proud” to join a…

Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have emerged as the leading candidates to take charge of Manchester United on a caretaker basis until the end of the season, following the club’s decision to sack Ruben Amorim after a turbulent 14 months in charge. The two former United midfielders, both popular figures at Old Trafford, are expected to hold face-to-face talks with the club’s leadership as United weigh up their short-term options. It is even possible the pair could work together, given Carrick was a key member of Solskjaer’s coaching staff during the Norwegian’s previous spell as manager. For now, Darren…

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has admitted the club would be prepared to sell captain Marc Guehi in the January transfer window if their valuation is met, acknowledging the growing financial and sporting pressures surrounding the England defender’s future. Guehi, 25, is out of contract in the summer and has yet to agree an extension at Selhurst Park. With Manchester City now emerging as serious contenders for his signature, Palace face a familiar dilemma: cash in now or risk losing one of their most valuable assets for nothing at the end of the season. City’s interest has accelerated following defensive…