Soccer

CRISTÓBAL ORTEGA, A LEGEND THAT LIVES ON IN THE HEART OF AMÉRICA 💙💛 Today, Cristóbal Ortega, the legendary “Siete Pulmones” of Águilas del América, leaves us at the age of 68, but his legacy will forever endure in the history of Mexican football. ⚽️🇲🇽 For many, the ultimate reference of Club América, a hero who not only won titles but also represented the values and identity of one of the biggest clubs in Mexico. 🏆💙💛 Even though I never saw Cristóbal Ortega in action on the field, his name was always present in conversations with the older generations. My father, grandfather, and uncles used to talk about him as if he were part of their own story. “El Siete Pulmones” was and still is synonymous with commitment, teamwork, and passion for the América colors. 👏🔥 🏆 THE MOST SUCCESSFUL PLAYER IN AMÉRICA 🦅 Cristóbal Ortega was not only an exceptional player but the most successful in Club América’s history, with 14 titlesthat included 6 Leagues, 3 Campeón de Campeones, 2 Interamerican Cups, and 3 Concachampions. 🔥🦅 These stats speak for themselves about his impact and dedication to the team. Also, with 711 games played, he is the player with the most appearances in the bluecrema history. 🏅 What strikes me as an América fan is how the fans gave him the title of legend with great sincerity. Cristóbal Ortegawas not just a player, but a symbol of pure Americanism. For many, his name is among the top three in the club’s history, alongside figures like Cuauhtémoc Blanco and Fernando Tena. 🔝💙💛 💔 A LEGEND THAT LEAVES A VOID IN MEXICAN FOOTBALL 🏁 Throughout his career, Ortega was also part of the Mexican national team, participating in two World Cups (1978 and 1986), which added even more value to his legacy, not only with América but also with Mexico. 🌍🇲🇽 His consistency and quality on the field were admired by everyone, and his contribution was crucial for América’s first three-peat in the years 1983-1984, 1984-1985, and Prode 86. 🏆 🦅 AN INCREDIBLE LEGACY IN THE EAGLES’ HISTORY Although Club América paid tribute to him posthumously through a message on their social media, it’s impossible to capture in words the magnitude of his absence. “We join the pain of his family and friends in this difficult time,” said the club. 😔💙💛 It is undeniable that Cristóbal Ortega left a void in Mexican football. This legendary player not only shone with his skill on the field, but his commitment and passion for Club América remain the cornerstone of Americanism. And as a fan, today I feel like a fundamental piece of national football history is gone. 🙌⚽️ ⚽️ FOOTBALL AS A PASSION THAT DOES NOT DIE 🔥 In recent days, it had been reported that Cristóbal Ortega was facing health issues that required expensive treatments, which sparked a wave of support from the fans and the media. Despite the difficult situation, his legacy will always be remembered as one of the greatest in Mexican football. 🙏💙💛 🏆 HIS UNMATCHABLE CONTRIBUTION TO CLUB AMÉRICA AND BEYOND 🦅 Some of the titles that Cristóbal Ortega won include: 6 Leagues (1975-76, 1983-84, 1984-85, Prode 1985, 1987-88, 1988-89) 3 Campeón de Campeones (1975-76, 1987-88, 1988-89) 2 Interamerican Cups (1978, 1991) 3 Concachampions (1978, 1987, 1990) 🏅💙💛 At the end of his career, Cristóbal dedicated himself to being part of the administrative and technical structure of several teams, including León, Tecos, Real San Luis, and of course, América, where he always left his mark. 👔📝 Today, Club América and its fans mourn the departure of a hero, but we also celebrate his immortality in the club’s history. Cristóbal Ortega will never be forgotten, and his name will live forever in the hearts of all Americanistas. 🦅💙💛 Q.E.P.D. CRISTÓBAL, AN UNMATCHABLE LEGEND 🙏🏆

The Globe Soccer Awards, described as “more honest” than the Ballon d’Or by Cristiano Ronaldo, awarded the best of the year, with Real Madrid taking home seven prestigious trophies. The Globe Soccer Awards gala, held in Dubai, sparked plenty of discussion. Among the most significant awards, Vinícius Jr. won Best Player, Aitana Bonmat was named Best Female Player, and Cristiano Ronaldo received the Historic Top Scorer Award. Ronaldo praised the integrity of these awards and suggested that Vinícius should have won the Ballon d’Or instead. A Very Madrid-Centric Ceremony The ceremony was also notable for the sheer number of awards won by Real Madrid, with accolades spanning from players to the club president. In total, the Merengues took home seven awards. Vinícius was named Best Male Player and Best Forward, Jude Bellingham was recognized as Best Midfielder, Carlo Ancelotti was named Best Manager, Florentino Pérez received the Best President award, Thibaut Courtois was honored for his Outstanding Active Career, and finally, Real Madrid was awarded Best Male Club. In addition to these winners, Lamine Yamal was named Best Emerging Player, Neymar received the same award as Courtois, and FC Barcelona Femeni was named the Best Female Club. Ronaldo’s Bold Statements In a moment that sparked debate, Cristiano Ronaldo not only received his Historic Top Scorer Award but also the Best Player in the Middle East Award. During his speech, the “Bicho” shared his opinion that Rodri’s Ballon d’Or should have gone to Vinícius, indirectly questioning the legitimacy of other awards by stating that he prefers the Globe Soccer Awards because they are “more honest.” Ronaldo also hinted that, in the future, he may look to own a major football club. While he doesn’t see himself as a coach, he envisions a role as a club president. Regarding his compatriot Rubén Amorim, the new manager of Manchester United, Ronaldo suggested that the problems at the club go beyond just the manager. He went on to say that, if he were the owner of Manchester United, he would completely overhaul the club.

Liverpool concluded the year as undisputed leaders by thrashing West Ham. Mohamed Salah also claimed the top spot as both the league’s leading scorer and assist provider in this first half of the season. Liverpool wrapped up 2024 in emphatic fashion, delivering a 5-0 victory over West Ham at the London Stadium. With this triumph, the Reds finished the first half of the Premier League season as absolute leaders, amassing 45 points in 18 matches. They also have a game in hand against Everton, putting them eight points clear of the temporary second-place team, Nottingham Forest. An Unstoppable Liverpool The match at the London Stadium began brightly for the visitors. After a few early attacks, Luis Díaz found the back of the net in the 30th minute. Following an attempted pass into the box, a deflection by a defender brought the ball back to Díaz, who seized the opportunity to fire past the goalkeeper for the opener. Liverpool’s relentless offense struck again ten minutes later. In the 40th minute, a long ball from Mac Allister reached Díaz, who set up Mohamed Salah in the area. Amid defensive confusion and a misstep by the goalkeeper, Salah managed to poke the ball to Cody Gakpo, who easily slotted it home for a 0-2 lead. By the 44th minute, Salah added his name to the scoresheet. After receiving an assist from Curtis Jones, the Egyptian positioned himself just outside the penalty area and fired a shot to the near post. The goalkeeper got a hand on the ball but couldn’t prevent it from finding the back of the net, making it 0-3 before halftime. In the second half, Trent Alexander-Arnold took charge in the 54th minute, unleashing a strike from outside the box. The ball took a slight deflection off a defender’s head, altering its trajectory just enough to leave the goalkeeper rooted as the score extended to 0-4. The final blow came in the 84th minute. Salah orchestrated a counterattack from midfield, providing a perfect assist to Diogo Jota, who blasted the ball into the net to secure the definitive 0-5 victory. Salah: The Premier League’s Best Player Liverpool can now ring in the New Year with confidence, knowing their top spot is secure as they claim the title of Winter Champions. Moreover, the Reds boast the league’s standout player, Mohamed Salah, who is delivering a masterclass this season. Salah finished the first half as the Premier League’s leading scorer with 17 goals and assist leader with 14, all achieved in just 18 games.

Inter achieved an important victory yesterday against Cagliari, as with their 3-0 win, they managed to get just one point behind the Serie A leaders, with a game in hand. After the games of Atalanta and Napoli, these two teams share the lead with 41 points and 18 games played, being Atalanta first by goal difference. While Inter is third with 40 points and 17 games played, so, if they keep a steady pace, and if either of these two teams drop points, Inter could move up to first place. In the game at the Arena Sardinia, the goals were scored by Alessandro Bastoni at 53′, Lautaro Martinez at 71′, and Hakan Calhanoglu from the penalty spot at 78 minutes. Cover image: X (@Inter)

In the final Premier League matchday of 2024, Liverpool looks to solidify their lead at the top of the table as they face West Ham, a team eager to climb the standings. West Ham Eyeing a Rise in the Table At the London Olympic Stadium, the home side, West Ham, will host an intriguing clash against the league leaders. Currently sitting 13th in the table with 23 points, West Ham hopes to improve their position. A win could potentially lift them to 10th, provided favorable results in matches involving Tottenham, Brentford, and Brighton, the team currently occupying that spot. Liverpool Aiming to Stay Comfortable at the Summit Liverpool, on the other hand, is determined to secure their 14th victory of the season and end the first half of the 2024-25 campaign with 45 points. The Reds have had an impressive run, suffering only one defeat and three draws. Although Liverpool has already guaranteed their position as league leaders heading into 2025, a loss could shrink their 6-point cushion over second-placed Arsenal. While it wouldn’t cost them the top spot, in a league as competitive as the Premier League, dropping points can have significant long-term consequences. The match is set to kick off today at 11:15 a.m. CST at the London Olympic Stadium. Liverpool aims to maintain their dominance, while West Ham seeks to end the year on a high note in front of their home fans.

Arsenal suffered more than they should have to get the victory against Ipswich, the newly promoted team, as they could only win by a score of 1-0. Even so, this victory, thanks to a goal by Kai Havertz at 23′, was very important for the “Gunners”, as it meant that they could climb to second place in the Premier League, reaching 36 points and overtaking Chelsea, who, with their defeat against Fulham, were left with 35 points. Thus, they were 6 points away from being able to reach the first place, Liverpool, where it looks difficult to be reached, but in soccer anything can happen and that is why Arsenal must continue to add points in search of the fight for the title. You may be interested in: Liverpool Extends Lead at the Top to 7 Points Cover image: X (@Arsenal)

With five players from Real Madrid included, the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) has announced its Men’s World Best XI for 2024. The lineup features the winner of The Best Goalkeeper award, The Best Men’s Player, and the Ballon d’Or winner. As the year draws to a close, football bids farewell to the highlights and top performers of 2024, with due recognition. The IFFHS unveiled its ideal XI for the year, showcasing a roster that includes five players from Real Madrid in the men’s category. Real Madrid Dominates the Best XI Using a 4-3-3 formation, the goalkeeper spot is held by Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez, the Argentine shot-stopper who retains his position after also being recognized in The Best awards. The defense includes two Real Madrid players: Antonio Rüdiger as center-back and Dani Carvajal as right-back. Completing the backline are Rúben Dias at center-back and Alphonso Davies at left-back. In midfield, two more Real Madrid players take the spotlight: Toni Kroos, who retired mid-year after Euro 2024 and was still granted a spot as a central midfielder, and Jude Bellingham, one of the top midfielders in recent years. Joining them is Rodri, the Ballon d’Or winner and another standout midfielder in recent times. Finally, the 2024 attacking trio is led by the final Madridista in the lineup, Vinícius Jr., winner of the 2024 The Best Men’s Player award and now recognized by the IFFHS. Flanking him on the right is young sensation Lamine Yamal, one of 2024’s brightest stars, who at just 17 years old also won the Kopa Trophy for the best player under 21. Leading the line as the center-forward is Norwegian goal machine Erling Haaland, ensuring that goals are a certainty in this formidable lineup.