Off the Pitch

Neymar says only his boyhood club Santos can provide him what he needs for future

Brazil forward Neymar will return to his boyhood club Santos from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, he posted on social media on Thursday.

Neymar, 32, joined Al-Hilal from Paris St Germain for a reported $93.8 million in 2023 but he managed only seven appearances for them after suffering a serious knee injury.

Neymar Santos transfer

From rivals to teammates: Christian Pulisic’s new strike partner is Mexico’s Santi Giménez

United States men’s national team fans and Mexico supporters must learn to get along as the biggest star from each of their respective teams are set to become partners. A Santiago Giménez AC Milan transfer will see the Mexico striker join forces with Christian Pulisic.

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the El Tri forward will join the Rossoneri from Dutch side Feyenoord on a roughly $36 million transfer.

Santi Giménez AC Milan transfer

Champions League playoff draw pits Manchester City against reigning champs Real Madrid

Defending champions Real Madrid will renew their Champions League rivalry with 2023 winners Manchester City in a blockbuster knockout phase playoff tie after the two teams were pitted against each other in the draw held in Nyon on Friday.

Both Real and City failed to advance automatically to the last 16 as one of the top eight sides after they finished 11th and 22nd, respectively, in the new league-phase format.

Teams that finished ninth to 24th will compete in a two-legged playoff to advance to the last 16.

UCL playoff draw

Club América set to host Real Madrid in friendly at Estadio Azteca’s grand reopening in late 2025

It couldn't get better than this, América fans.

Club América is reportedly planning to stage a highly anticipated friendly against Real Madrid at the newly renovated Estadio Azteca in October 2025, according to ESPN. The match, scheduled to coincide with the club’s 109th anniversary on October 12, would see Mexican fans’ return to the stadium for the first time in over 18 months since winning their 15th league title in May, 2024.

New York City FC wins "Tifo of the Year" for "Don't Be Plastic!" directed at Inter Miami and Lionel Messi fans

Inter Miami and Messi fans won't like this one.

New York City FC's supporters group, Third Rail, received the prestigious "Best Tifo of the Year" award from the Independent Supporters Council (ISC) for their "Don't Be Plastic!" Barbie-themed tifo, unveiled during the club's 2024 MLS Season home match against Inter Miami.

NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman hints at more expansion teams in future

Ahead of the expected announcement of Denver becoming the 16th team in the National Women's Soccer League, commissioner Jessica Berman maintained that the circuit will continue to grow.

Berman said Thursday, according to ESPN, "Obviously, there's been a lot of rumors circulating, but we will have an announcement (regarding the 16th team) next week, so more to come in the not-too-distant future. We know that our expansion is not done.

Watch: Ligue 1 side Brest surprise Micah Richards with hilarious custom jersey

A custom Micah Richards Brest jersey went viral during CBS’ Champions League broadcast on Wednesday as the French club surprised two of the pundits with kits.

If you’ve been watching CBS’ Champions League coverage this season then you know all too well about Kate Scott, Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Richards’ favorite joke this season. The crew can hardly keep a straight face whenever the French side “Brest” are brought up.

Greenland to have official talks in February about joining Concacaf

Greenland's Football Association will send a delegation to the United States next month to begin talks on entering North American soccer body CONCACAF, hoping it will boost national pride at a time of global attention.

The football-crazy Arctic island, which U.S. President Donald Trump said he wants to make part of the United States, has never played competitive international football.

Yet in May last year, it applied for membership of CONCACAF, the governing body for soccer in North and Central America and the Caribbean.

Naomi Girma’s $1.1 million move to Chelsea sets record for most expensive women’s transfer

United States women’s national team star defender Naomi Girma looks set to become the most expensive women’s player in history. Women’s Super League giants Chelsea are closing in on the most expensive women’s transfer ever and pay San Diego Wave FC $1.1 million, per The Athletic.

Girma, 24, will surpass Bay FC’s Racheal Kundananji who previously held the highest transfer fee in women’s soccer with a $787,600 move from Madrid CFF.

Charlotte FC sign former Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha on loan for 2025 season

Charlotte FC acquired veteran forward Wilfried Zaha on loan from Turkish powerhouse Galatasary on Wednesday.

The 32-year-old Ivory Coast international joins the MLS club through January 2026 with an option to extend the loan to June of that year.

Zaha will occupy a Designated Player spot on the Charlotte roster alongside forwards Liel Abada and Karol Swiderski.

Wilfried Zaha Charlotte FC transfer

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