The Champions League last-16 draw threw up some mouth-watering matches with holders Real Madrid playing local rivals Atletico Madrid while Bayern Munich were drawn against Bundesliga title challengers Bayer Leverkusen on Friday.
Champions League draw bracket
Let’s not forget Neymar was close to joining MLS this year…
Neymar Jr.’s highly-anticipated return to Brazil has already wrapped the 32-year-old into controversy, with the former Paris Saint-Germain attacker leading the charge among Brazilian Série A players opposing the use of artificial turf for league matches, demanding natural grass instead.
Neymar turf protest: demands natural grass stadiums in Brazil
Watch out, Super Bowl...
In a major development that could revolutionize European soccer's global reach, UEFA and the European Club Association (ECA) have reportedly entered into negotiations with Relevent Sports, an American-based sports agency, to secure global commercial rights for Europe’s top men's club competitions for the coming years, according to The Independent.
In a surprising move, FIFA has significantly slashed ticket prices for this summer’s inaugural 2025 Club World Cup in the United States.
2025 Club World Cup ticket price drop: FIFA 'panicking' amid low fan interest
Reports from Mail Sport indicate that the cost of the cheapest seats for matches at the last-16 stage and beyond has been reduced by as much as $385, with some tickets for the semi-finals plummeting from an eye-watering $526 to just $140.
Neymar made his grand return to his boyhood club Santos on Wednesday playing his first game in three months after injuries ended his time with Al Hilal. Neymar came on in the second half for Santos and was immediately greeted by taking a ball to the nether regions.
Wednesday’s Paulistão match was also Neymar’s 33rd birthday. He received a standing ovation from the home fans in the Vila Belmiro when he was brought into the game.
Neymar was then rocked in the peanuts just seconds later.
Neymar hit in balls 1 minute into Santos return
Welcome to this week’s edition of USMNT Abroad, where we bring you the latest updates on American soccer players making waves across Europe.
From standout performances to key transfers, rumors and injury reports, The18 has got you covered with all the action involving U.S. men’s national team players in Europe’s top leagues.
C’mon, you yanks!
USMNT Abroad this weekend: The latest on American players in Europe
Antonee Robinson (Fulham)
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
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
United States men’s national team fans received devastating news on Thursday as Dutch outlet Eindhovens Dagblad reported that star U.S. and PSV striker Ricardo Pepi is out indefinitely with a knee injury.
El Tren just ran over Liverpool.
U.S. men's national team's Ricardo Pepi started for PSV Eindhoven in their final UEFA Champions League league phase bout against none other than tournament-leaders Liverpool, with the American striker coming up huge for the Dutch club with a crucial turnaround goal.
The 22-year-old attacker found a perfect cross to first post, slightly deflecting the ball into the back of the net to make it 3-2 and seal the Eredivisie club's victory.
Ricardo Pepi goal vs. Liverpool