Soccer

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.

In Matchweek 18 of the Premier League, the Wolves scored an Olympic goal against United. Just a week earlier, Tottenham had achieved the same feat in the Carabao Cup. Football is full of rare and extraordinary moments, and one of the most memorable is an Olympic goal—a strike directly from a corner kick. Unfortunately for Manchester United, they’ve had the misfortune of conceding two Olympic goals in the span of just one week. Wolves’ Olympic Goal Against United In their Premier League clash against Wolverhampton, United conceded another stunning corner-kick goal. After multiple Wolves attacks and a disallowed goal for offside, Matheus Cunha stepped up to take a corner kick in the 58th minute. From the right corner, he delivered a tight, curling ball that soared over Onana and into the net. The goal put Wolves ahead, and they ultimately sealed a 2-0 victory. Tottenham’s Olympic Goal Against United This followed the Olympic goal United conceded on December 19th in the Carabao Cup quarterfinals against Tottenham. In that match, Son Heung-min delivered a brilliant corner kick in the 88th minute, scoring directly from the set piece. The goal was one of four in a thrilling 4-3 defeat for the Red Devils, which saw them eliminated from the competition. A Moment That Will Be Hard to Forget While an Olympic goal is always memorable, Manchester United will find themselves on the wrong side of history as the team that conceded two such goals in just one week. It’s a rare and unfortunate distinction that is sure to stick in the minds of football fans. Manchester United’s Struggles Continue The loss to Tottenham knocked United out of the Carabao Cup, while the defeat to Wolves further deepened their struggles in the Premier League. With just 22 points, the Red Devils sit in 14th place on the table, only four spots above the relegation zone. Their form continues to raise serious questions about their ability to turn the season around.

Liverpool came from behind to defeat Leicester 3-1 at Anfield with goals from Gakpo, Jones, and Salah. The victory keeps them atop the Premier League with 42 points, extending their lead over second-place Chelsea. Liverpool continues its dominant form in the Premier League. This time, they overturned a 0-1 deficit to secure a 3-1 victory against Leicester City, widening their gap to seven points over the second-place team, with a game in hand. Leicester Shocks Liverpool Early The match at Anfield began with a surprise, as the visiting side struck first. Just six minutes into the game, amidst a foggy pitch, Stephy Mavididi delivered a low cross from the left. Jordan Ayew, with his back to goal, controlled the ball, turned, and fired a brilliant strike into the net. Liverpool’s Response Arrives Liverpool pushed forward, searching for an equalizer, but an effort off the left post and another off the crossbar kept them at bay. However, their persistence paid off in stoppage time of the first half. At 45+1’, Cody Gakpo received a pass from Mac Allister, cut inside to position himself at the edge of the box, and unleashed a precise, curling shot that found the back of the net—a stunning goal to level the score. In the second half, Liverpool wasted no time taking control. At the 49th minute, the “Reds” orchestrated a beautiful team play, stringing together a series of quick passes in the box. The sequence ended with another assist from Mac Allister, who laid the ball back for Curtis Jones to calmly finish, putting Liverpool ahead 2-1. Salah Seals the Victory As the match neared its conclusion, Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s standout performer of the season, added the final touch. At the 82nd minute, Gakpo lofted a pass to the Egyptian, who controlled it near the edge of the box. Salah cut inside onto his left foot and placed a perfectly executed shot into the far corner, securing the win for Liverpool. With this triumph, Liverpool solidified its position at the top of the Premier League with 42 points. Chelsea, following their loss to Fulham, sits in second with 35 points. At this stage, Liverpool remains the undisputed leader of English football.

We are barely halfway through the European leagues and rumors of possible signings for the upcoming season, the 2025-26, have already begun to emerge. Such is the case of Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah, who, according to Fabrizio Romano, would be the first reinforcement of Barcelona. The Germany international defender’s contract with his current club expires this season, so talks are already at an advanced stage for the player to arrive as a free agent in July 2025 to the team led by his compatriot Hansi Flick. Cover image: X (@bayer04fussball)