When most people think of FC Barcelona, they think of titles and success across Europe. One thing nobody likely associates with them is relegation. Indeed, they have never been relegated from the Spanish top flight. However, that almost changed back in 2002-03 when Louis van Gaal led them towards La Liga relegation.
Just seven years ago, the Belgian national team was ranked 66th in the FIFA World Rankings. This was their lowest position since the system's inception. With such a shocking statistic staring the country in the face, you could forgive them for being slightly pessimistic. However, in the cloud of uncertainty that surrounded them there was hope — the potential beginnings of a new golden generation.
Raul Jimenez looks like he's finally realizing the potential everyone knew he had. The Mexico and Benfica striker has entered the 2016-2017 season guns blazing, with two goals in two Premeira Liga appearances. That's good enough to make Jimenez Benfica's leading scorer (although the season is young).
Jimenez's latest came in stoppage time against CD Nacional de Madeira Saturday.
We're always on the hunt for the next big thing in football. Whether it's on the basis of some short clip highlighting an up-and-coming 13-year-old or two or three good league games, we're quick to declare a player the next big thing. However, these three individuals, all age 21 or younger, have been consistently performing for a while now. There skills are undoubted and they've got the quality to become the next great players in world football.
England will face Slovakia in a World Cup qualifier on Sept. 4 in a game that doubles as Big Sam Allardyce's debut as England manager. Let's take a look at the 23 players Allardyce has picked for his squad.
It’s the kind of scoreline out of France that we’d forgotten was even possible: Paris Saint-Germain, winners of Ligue 1 for four consecutive years now, were comprehensively beaten 3-1 by AS Monaco. It’s only the third match of the French league season, and it was Paris’ first loss, but the manner in which they succumbed to defeat was frighteningly sluggish.
Once again, Edinson Cavani struggled to impress in the limelight. Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s departure to Manchester United has put Cavani in the position of having to effectively replace the Swede. It's not going well.
We’re three weeks into the Premier League season and a quick glance at the table confirms some of the more common preseason predictions. Manchester United appear to be a much stronger club, Chelsea have returned to winning ways and Manchester City are likely the title favorites.
The Champions League groups were drawn in Mónaco on Thursday but the big news was the unveiling of the official match ball for the competition. The ball keeps the traditional star figures, this time in green, but it’s the writing in the stars that’s sure to capture the attention.
The stars have characterized the official Champions League ball in recent years, of course, accompanied by the logo of this UEFA tournament.
Celtic fans with scarves have been in the news a lot lately, but we're here to talk about a Celtic fan waving something that isn't a scarf and definitely doesn't have anything to do with certain idealistic conflicts in the Middle East.
It has to do with a child.
We interrupt your reading of Christian Pulisic transfer rumors to bring you another Christian Pulisic transfer rumor.
This one brought to you courtesy of Liverpool, who are coached by former Borussia Dortmund manager (who was manager when Dortmund signed Pulisic) Jurgen Klopp.