Author name: Omar Rodríguez

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)

Liverpool will face Leicester City in a match to maintain their relatively comfortable lead in the Premier League standings, with the goal of closing the year as league leaders. One of the most traditional days in English football is here: Boxing Day in the Premier League. It’s a day full of matches that serves as the perfect excuse to continue the holiday festivities and reminds us that this season is about sharing joy with everyone. With matches scheduled every December 26 since 1860, the tradition of sharing football gives us a game that, on paper, looks highly enticing: Liverpool vs. Leicester City. The current Premier League leaders are focused on retaining their spot at the top of the table to end the year in first place. This time, the “Reds” will host the “Foxes” in a match that, at first glance, favors the home team. Liverpool is currently one of the best teams in Europe and undoubtedly the best in England at the moment. With one of the league’s strongest offenses, goals are almost guaranteed at Anfield. However, it’s worth noting that Arne Slot’s squad also boasts one of the two best defenses this season, which will surely pose a tough challenge for the visitors. On Leicester’s side, the newly promoted team hasn’t enjoyed a triumphant return to England’s top tier. In stark contrast to their opponents, they have one of the league’s weakest defenses and offenses and sit just above the relegation zone.   The match is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Central Mexico time.