Kylian Mbappe received the European Golden Shoe award on Friday after he scored 31 league goals in just 34 games during his debut season at Real Madrid in 2024-25. Club president Florentino Perez demanded further glory from the Frenchman, who expressed his gratitude to everyone and admitted that he dreams of winning more titles and defending the individual award next year as well.

Mbappe presented with the European Golden Shoe

Mbappe received the European Golden Shoe award on Friday in the presidential box at the Santiago Bernabeu, with all Real Madrid players and coaching staff in attendance – except for the injured Dani Carvajal. The French forward earned the honour after scoring 31 La Liga goals last season.

In his debut campaign with Madrid, Mbappe netted an impressive 44 goals in 59 matches across all competitions. Although Arsenal frontman Viktor Gyokeres scored 39 goals in Liga Portugal with Sporting CP last season, he finished second in the Golden Shoe standings due to the league’s lower coefficient of 1.5 points per goal. Among players from Europe’s top five leagues, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah came closest to challenging Mbappe, with 29 goals that helped propel the Reds to the Premier League title.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportPerez makes his demands clear to Mbappe

Madrid president Perez congratulated Mbappe for his achievement and urged the forward to continue on the same path. “Today we are very happy because an award as prestigious as the Golden Boot is given to one of the best players in the world," began Perez. 

"Dear Kylian, congratulations. This is the fruit of your labour, and I want you to know that I, as president of Real Madrid, am very proud to have a player like you. You perfectly represent the values of this club, which is the most decorated club in the world. You will always remember this day. It is your first Golden Boot, but from here you are building your own history. The fans adore you and will always be by your side.

"Last season you won the European Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup. You scored 31 goals in La Liga, 44 in all competitions. At Real Madrid, we've had three Golden Boots: Hugo Sanchez, Ronaldo Nazario (who won at Barcelona), and Cristiano [Ronaldo]. In your time here, you've experienced the demands of this badge. Only constant improvement and camaraderie will do. This Golden Boot helps you further enhance the history of Real Madrid. Congratulations to you and your entire family."

Mbappe eyes successive European Golden Shoe wins

During his acceptance speech, the 26-year-old expressed his gratitude to his Real Madrid team-mates and also shared his goals with the team. “It’s a pleasure to receive the Golden Boot! Thank you all so much. This is an important moment for me," said the Madrid No.10. 

"It’s the first time I’ve won it. It means a lot. I have to thank my teammates, who have come here and helped me in every way, to find the best version of Kylian. We have an incredible group and we hope to win many titles this season.

“It’s a tremendous pleasure to play for Real Madrid. Everyone knows it was my childhood dream, and now I’m here. I hope to be here for many years to come. To bring joy to the Madrid fans, who have shown me affection since the first day I arrived, and even before. Today is a great day. I hope we continue like this, because the most important thing is the collective. Without all the people here, it would be impossible to win this award. Thank you to the entire club: doctors, staff, and everyone who helps me on and off the pitch… Without them, you can’t win something like this. I’m very happy and I want to keep making history. It was 31 goals… and I’ve started this year very well, so… Of course I want to win it again next season!”

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GettyMbappe aiming for Ronaldo's milestone this season?

Mbappe has begun the 2025-26 season in breathtaking form, scoring 16 goals in 13 games. He has failed to find the back of the net twice: against Mallorca in La Liga and Juventus in the Champions League. With 11 goals in the league already, he will once again be among the frontrunners to lift the European Golden Shoe next season.

What's more, he could also become the first Real Madrid player since his idol Ronaldo to score 50 goals in a season. The Portuguese legend scored 51 goals in the 2015-16 season, which was also his sixth consecutive season reaching a half-century of goals at club level. Mbappe has never scored 50 goals in a single season, with his tally of 44 being his best-ever tally across a season. However, at this pace, he could comfortably reach the milestone by the end of the season, possibly even aiming for 60 goals. 

Ange Postecoglou said something curious before Mr Marinakis dismissed him from his short-lived Nottingham Forest post. The former Tottenham Hotspur boss ruefully spoke of Harry Kane, and how he wished to have enjoyed the England captain’s services for at least one year.

Kane left for Bayern Munich in 2023, ending his Spurs career just months after writing his name into the history books as the club’s all-time record scorer.

Tottenham’s All-time Record Scorers

Player

Apps

Goals

Harry Kane

435

280

Jimmy Greaves

376

266

Bobby Smith

316

211

Heung-min Son

454

173

Martin Chivers

350

167

Data via Transfermarkt

Over two years later, it would take a bold argument to claim that the Londoners have effectively replaced their former talisman, with Dominic Solanke plagued by injuries since arriving in 2024 and Richarlison, injury-prone himself, too inconsistent in front of goal.

Richarlison's season in numbers

Thomas Frank is implementing a new playing style at Tottenham, and it’s been a solid start for the former Brentford boss, with his Spurs side trailing second-place Manchester City by just two points in the Premier League.

However, his declaration at the start of the campaign that Richarlison would be his starting number nine didn’t stay true for that long, with the Brazilian having started from the bench on each of Tottenham’s past two league matches.

He might have scored a brace on the opening day of the term, against Burnley, but the 28-year-old has since netted just once across 11 matches in all competitions, with the ever-outspoken Gabby Agbonlahor claiming Spurs have a problem in the dynamic forward, who will enjoy a purple patch and then “give absolutely zero” across the next several weeks.

We know there has been recent curiosity from the Saudi Pro League regarding Richarlison’s signature, and Everton were linked with their old forward this summer too.

He’s never quite lived up to the price tag at Tottenham, and it would hardly come as a shock if he were sold in 2026. For a big price tag and proven success beforehand, it’s not unreasonable that the club might have hoped for more at this stage, and it may even be that the new version has been signed this summer.

Spurs' new version of Richarlison

Tottenham showed their ambition this summer, and the £51m signing of Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig was the showpiece signing.

The 22-year-old had been chased by Chelsea all summer, but Spurs prevailed in August and landed the “superstar” of a talent, which was exactly what journalist Graeme Bailey confirmed the north London bosses felt they had secured.

So far, we haven’t seen that world-class talent, with Simons having assisted one goal and gone without a strike for himself across eight appearances in all competitions.

Bundles of talent, a hefty price tag and concerns about consistency – might Simons be the next version of Richarlison?

When plying his trade for PSV Eindhoven, for example, the Dutchman enjoyed an exceptional performance against Arsenal in the Europa League, and so clearly has the skillset to thrive against the Premier League’s finest.

And, moreover, he shares with Richarlison a willingness to get stuck in and contribute defensively. His physicality could do with some work, sure, but the 5 foot 6 talent has the right profile.

However, he’s yet to showcase his prolific quality under Frank’s wing, and if a certain patchiness on the output front becomes a marker of Simons’ time at Spurs, he could very much end up leaving with a reputation similar to that of Richarlison: talented and tenacious, but lacking consistency.

Having arrived at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for a big fee and with a weight of expectation, there are parallels between Tottenham’s signing of Simons and that former deal for Richarlison.

There is, of course, plenty of time for Simons to get himself up to speed, but with injured pair James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski waiting in the wings, there’s little question that he needs to start proving his worth and helping steer Tottenham toward success at the start of this new chapter.

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair Oct 20, 2025

Celtic’s miserable season continues. On Sunday, Brendan Rodgers’ side suffered their first Premiership defeat of the campaign, losing 2-0 at Dens Park against Dundee, both goals coming in the first half, the second of which was an unfortunate Cameron Carter-Vickers own goal.

This was the Hoops’ first defeat at Dens since 1988, leaving them five points adrift league leaders Hearts, who they face at Tynecastle in a mouthwatering contest next Sunday.

Before then, the Celts are under pressure to get off the mark in the Europa League too, having yielded just one point from their first two matches, welcoming Austrian champions Sturm Graz to Parkhead on Thursday.

Ahead of these two massive fixtures, which Celtic summer signing should be concerned about losing his place in the starting lineup? Well, Yang is certainly one of them.

Why Yang was hooked at half time at Dundee

Among many players who offered very little on Sunday was Yang Hyun-Jun.

With Daizen Maeda sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Yang came into attack, chosen over James Forrest and summer signing Michel-Ange Balikwisha.

Well, the Korea Republic international touched the ball 25 times in the first half, attempting zero dribbles, so Chris Sutton, speaking during Sky Sports’ coverage at half time, asserted “just get him off”, adding that he’d offered absolutely nothing.

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Well, Rodgers must’ve been listening, because Forrest replaced Yang during the interval, bringing to an end his first Premiership start since 23 August.

Meantime, at the other end of the pitch, Liam Scales endured a nightmare afternoon, turned inside and out by Dundee forwards Simon Murray, Cameron Congreve and Joe Westley, who caused the Celtic back-line problems all afternoon.

However, it is neither Scales nor Yang who should be most worried about their starting spot following this catastrophic defeat to Steven Pressley’s side who, lest we forget, were pre-season favourites for relegation.

Celtic star Rodgers must drop

As has been well documented, at the moment the transfer window slammed shut, Celtic did not have a senior centre-forward in their squad, following the sale of Adam Idah to Swansea City.

Thus, Kelechi Iheanacho arrived as a free agent, making a decent start to life in Glasgow in fairness to him, converting penalties against both Kilmarnock and Motherwell, as well as netting against Crvena zvezda in the Europa League.

However, as the table below documents, the Nigerian was completely anonymous in Dundee on Sunday.

Shots on target

1

1st

Shots off target

3

1st

Big chances missed

1

1st

Hit woodwork

1

1st

Big chances created

1

4th

Key passes

1

8th

Duels won

1

25th

Touches

20

23rd

Iheanacho did rank highly for shots, mustering four in total, the most of any player, but this didn’t yield anything, thwacking the woodwork once as well as missing one Opta-defined big chance.

He also won only 50% of his duels while, most concerningly, he touched the ball just 20 times, the same number as Balikwisha, who was introduced in the 64th minute and 15 fewer than ‘keeper Kasper Schmeichel.

Considering Iheanacho played only around 1,300 minutes last season for Middlesbrough and Sevilla, he was always going to need time to get up to speed, and that was certainly apparent at the weekend.

Had Maeda been fit, he would surely have dropped out of the team on Thursday, although youngster Johnny Kenny, who came on at half-time, is talented enough to displace Iheanacho, so may feel he deserves an opportunity.

Thus, with huge games against Sturm Graz, Hearts, Midtjylland and Rangers to come in the next fortnight, the Celts’ may stand a better chance of winning these matches with the Nigerian left in reserve, utilised as an option off the bench.

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1 ByBen Gray Oct 19, 2025

Wolves have endured a tough start to the campaign, losing five of their opening six Premier League games.

A 1-1 draw with Spurs on Saturday offered some encouragement, though it was bittersweet given they led until a 94th-minute equaliser from Joao Palhinha.

The result still leaves them bottom of the table with a goal difference of -9. Cup competitions have provided some relief.

They beat Everton in the Carabao Cup third round and now face Chelsea at home for a chance to reach the quarter-finals.

But the domestic reality is clear: Wolves desperately need to rediscover consistency and firepower. Their attack has been blunt, generating the fourth-worst xG in the division – ahead of only Newcastle, Aston Villa and Burnley.

This summer also brought significant upheaval. Wolves sold Matheus Cunha to Arsenal for £62.5m and their dynamic left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri to Manchester City for £36m.

While those exits weakened the squad, they managed to keep Jørgen Strand Larsen, responsible for 22% of Wolves’ goals last season.

Newcastle had multiple bids rejected, including one worth £55m, before the Norwegian signed a new deal until 2030.

Alongside Larsen, Wolves added Tolu Arokodare, Ladislav Krejci, and John Arias.

Yet one of their most important figures this season could be found at left-back – a position vacated by Ait-Nouri.

The blow of losing Rayan Ait-Nouri

Ait-Nouri had become a fan favourite at Molineux since his arrival from Angers in 2021.

Over three seasons, he made 157 appearances, contributing 12 goals and 19 assists.

Renowned for his energy and ability to carry the ball upfield, he was as dangerous in attack as he was valuable in defence.

At just 24 years old, Ait-Nouri had already developed into one of the most exciting left-backs in the Premier League.

His progress earned him a £36m move to Manchester City in the summer, though an ankle injury has sidelined him until mid-October.

Internationally, he represented France at youth level before committing to Algeria, making 18 senior appearances since 2023.

Statistically, Ait-Nouri offered a strong all-round package.

Last season, he averaged 2.58 tackles per 90, 1.22 blocks per 90, and 2.63 shot-creating actions per 90.

Those numbers highlighted his mix of defensive solidity and attacking thrust.

Wolves’ challenge was always going to be finding someone capable of stepping into his shoes – a daunting task given his influence at both ends of the pitch.

How Wolves have found the new Ait-Nouri

Enter Hugo Bueno.

Signed from a Spanish youth side for just £3k, he now finds himself valued at £7m, as per Transfermarkt —a staggering rise of around 233,000%.

At 23 years old, Bueno has been gradually integrated into the Wolves first team, making 57 appearances to date, including six Premier League starts this season and two Carabao Cup outings.

A Spanish youth international, Bueno made his U21 debut in September 2023.

He also gained valuable experience on loan at Feyenoord, where he featured in the Champions League.

His rapid development has been crucial for Wolves this season, especially after Ait-Nouri’s departure.

On the pitch, this “exciting” talent, as described by Matt Hobbs, has shown he is more than capable of filling the void, with the pair noted as statistically similar players among those in their position in Europe, as per FBref.

The stats underline his progress.

Matches Played

20

Minutes

1,197

Tackles

9

Blocks

11

Interceptions

11

Last campaign, Bueno registered three goal involvements compared to Ait-Nouri’s 11.

Where he really stands out is in ball progression: he averages 4.59 progressive carries per 90 (to Ait-Nouri’s 2.58) and 3.61 progressive passes per 90 (versus 3.13).

His 85.7% pass completion rate also edges Ait-Nouri’s 84.2%. Defensively, Bueno is still finding his feet.

He averages 1.35 tackles per 90 compared to Ait-Nouri’s 2.58, and his 0.83 blocks per 90 are also slightly lower. But his attacking profile makes him a dynamic presence.

He creates 2.56 shot-creating actions per 90, almost on par with Ait-Nouri’s 2.63, showing his ability to contribute in the final third.

Wolves’ season will depend on more than just their left-back, but the emergence of Bueno has softened the blow of losing Ait-Nouri.

For a player signed for a nominal fee, he represents one of the best bargains in the Premier League – a reminder that sometimes the best solutions can come from within.

If Wolves are to climb off the bottom and restore their competitive edge, Hugo Bueno may just be the man to help lead them forward.

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In stark contrast to this time last month, the mood around Chelsea at the moment is a good one.

Enzo Maresca has overseen three wins on the bounce, including an incredible result at home to defending Premier League champions Liverpool.

However, while the team has generally been performing well, there are a few players who continue to underwhelm.

One of those is undoubtedly Alejandro Garnacho, and therefore he should be dropped for someone previously compared to a young Callum Hudson Odoi.

Garnacho's slow start to life at Chelsea

It would be fair to say that the signing of Garnacho was not universally welcomed by the Chelsea support.

After all, while he’s an undeniably talented footballer, he doesn’t have the best of reputations and left Manchester United on poor terms.

Unfortunately, while there have been glimpses of the talent who racked up 21 goal involvements for a terrible Red Devils side last season, they have been nothing more than that, glimpses.

Appearances

58

Minutes

3568′

Goals

11

Assists

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.36

Minutes per Goal Involvements

169.90′

Overall, the Argentine international has been somewhat disappointing, as in his six appearances thus far, totalling 273 minutes, he has produced a grand total of zero goals and zero assists.

Worse yet, while some of the games have been against top opposition, he also failed to turn up in the EFL Cup game against Lincoln City and offered very little against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

In fact, he was so underwhelming against the Tricky Trees, that he was taken off at half-time with a combined expected goal and assist figure of just 0.01, no key passes, just seven accurate passes, zero shots and a match rating of 3/10 from the Standard’s Dom Smith, who wrote that he ‘ran down blind alleys and failed to produce anything dangerous.

In short, Garnacho is showing no sign of improving, and therefore, Maresca should take him out of the team for the game against Ajax.

The player who should replace Garnacho

Two names might stand out as potential replacements for Garancho against Ajax: Jamie Gittens and Estevao.

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However, the former has arguably been just as disappointing so far this season, and the latter is primarily a right-sided player and deserves another start in his favoured position.

Therefore, Maresca should do what he did against Benfica and bring Tyrique George in from the start, but instead of playing him up top, put him out on the left.

Now, it would be fair to say that the young Englishman hasn’t exactly blown anyone away this year, but it’s equally true that he has shown more in his limited minutes than the former United star.

For example, he was the one who saved the club from a massively embarrassing defeat to Lincoln by scoring and assisting a goal.

On top of that, he has also simply looked more engaged and threatening in games, which could be down to him being an academy graduate or him having a better attitude.

Moreover, despite being just 18 years old at the start of last season, the academy gem, who respected analyst Ben Mattinson once described as a “young Hudson-Odoi,” was able to amass a tally of three goal involvements in 12 Conference League appearances.

Finally, while Ajax are not going to be pushovers, they are also going to be one of the easier Champions League opponents the West Londoners face this season, so it makes sense to give youth players a run-out in these fixtures.

Ultimately, George might not end up being a better player than Garnacho, but at the moment, he is offering far more, and therefore, MarEsca should start him against the Dutch giants.

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أدلى المدير الفني لفريق مانشستر سيتي، بيب جوارديولا، بتصريحات عقب فوزهم المثير في مباراة اليوم ضد ليفربول، في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، موسم 2025/26.

واستضاف ملعب “الاتحاد” قمة منافسات الجولة الحادية عشر من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي، حيث حقق مانشستر سيتي فوزًا بثلاثة أهداف دون رد.

وقال جوارديولا، في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “بي بي سي” العالمية: “كان الشوط الأول رائعًا وضغطوا علينا أكثر في الثاني، نسينا اللعب بعض الشئ، خاصة في أول خمس إلى عشر دقائق، فقدنا الكرات ومنحناهم الزخم، ثم سنحت لهم فرصة أو اثنتين”.

وأضاف: “لم يعجبني الشوط الثاني ضد ليفربول، لكننا قدمنا ​​أسبوعًا رائعًا بالنسبة لنا، نيكو أوريلي؟ كان مذهلًا، بشكل عام كان الجميع استثنائيين، هو يستطيع اللعب في ذلك المركز، حضوره في الكرات الثابتة والطويلة سريع، إنه ذكي ويلعب بشكل رائع”.

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وواصل: “أعتقد أنه كان جيدًا جدًا، لقد كان يُقدم أداءً رائعًا، كان محمد صلاح كابوسًا لنا على مدار سنوات عديدة، لطالما عاقبنا بسرعة، قلت لـ أرويلي (عليك أن تكون شرسًا)، وأن تتلقى المساعدة كلما امتلك صلاح الكرة، لاعبان أو ثلاثة قريبون منه، كان دوكو وبرناردو سيلفا وفودين قريبون منه لعدم تركه في موقف واحد أمام واحد”.

واسترسل: “لقد كانت معركة جماعية مذهلة، كان دفاعه دفاعيًا ممتازًا، خاصة في الشوط الأول. لكن نيكو ارتقى بمستواه خطوة للأمام، عليك أن تثبت أمام أفضل الأجنحة كيف تتصرف وتؤدي، وليس هناك مثال أفضل من مواجهة صلاح، والتعامل معه ببراعة!”.

وفيما يخص أداء جيريمي دوكو، قال: “اسمعوا، أعلم أنني جيد لكن لا تبالغوا في تقديري، اللاعبون هم من يقومون بذلك بأنفسهم، علينا أن نحاول منحهم زخمًا جيدًا وتواصلًا جيدًا، هل تعتقد أنني أعلمه كيفية مراوغة الفرص؟ إنها موهبة طبيعية، قدم مباراة رائعة ضد أحد أفضل المدافعين في الدوري الإنجليزي”.

Xabi Alonso addressed the latest injury to Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal, with the setback set to rule the full-back out for the rest of the year. The Madrid head coach stated that "it was a surprise to receive that call from the doctor" the morning after he oversaw his side's dramatic 2-1 win over arch-rivals El Clasico. This is already the second time Carvajal has suffered an injury this season.

• Carvajal suffers another injury

  Carvajal marked his return to the field during the 2-1 win over arch-rivals Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday, coming on as a substitute for the final 20 minutes of the encounter. While he helped Real Madrid maintain their slender one-goal lead over the defending La Liga champions, his display will be remembered for his verbal exchange with fellow Spain team-mate and Barca teenage superstar Lamine Yamal. 

  On Monday, the night after Madrid broke their four-game losing streak against the Catalans, the club posted a shocking medical statement regarding Carvajal after reports that he felt discomfort following the Clasico. “Following tests carried out on our captain Dani Carvajal by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a loose joint in his right knee. Carvajal will undergo arthroscopy," the statement read. 

  The captain underwent successful arthroscopic surgery but has been ruled out of action until January 2026. It will be another test of mental endurance for Carvajal, who spent the majority of the 2024-25 action on the sidelines after suffering an anterior cruciate injury. The Clasico also marked his first appearance since the muscle injury he suffered during the derby against Atletico Madrid in September, which saw him miss five games. 

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• Getty Images
  

  Alonso waiting for Carvajal for the second half of the season

  Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Alonso said: "Carva played 20 minutes, he did very well, he competed… and on Monday morning it was a surprise to receive that call from the doctor. We'll definitely miss him. And since it seemed we'd be counting on him… We think [he will be sidelined for] seven or eight weeks. We're waiting for him."

• Trent Alexander-Arnold's return couldn't have come at a better time

  Alonso will be concerned about not having the services of Carvajal. The 33-year-old is a serial winner and a true leader, a player who brings valuable experience as well as defensive solidity to the table. His absence will surely hamper the head coach's plans to an extent, as he was believed to be counting on Carvajal for the big occasions. 

  He will, however, be relieved about Trent Alexander-Arnold making a faster recovery than expected initially. The English international suffered an unfortunate hamstring injury on his Champions League debut for Madrid against Marseille in September, needing to be taken off within the first five minutes of the game. Since then, he has missed seven games due to the setback and remained an unused substitute in the defeat of Barca last weekend – his first call-up to the matchday squad since recovering.

  The upcoming fixtures also offer a prime opportunity for the 27-year-old right-back to cement his place as a regular in Alonso’s starting lineup. He is expected to feature against Valencia at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, and if all goes well, Alexander-Arnold could earn a starting spot against his former club Liverpool when Los Blancos visit Anfield in the Champions League next week. The England international has made just five appearances this season, totalling only 151 minutes. A consistent run in the starting XI could help him rediscover his form and build valuable momentum heading into the second half of the 2025–26 campaign.

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  Alonso dealing with other injury issues

  Alonso’s project in the Spanish capital has got off to a flying start. Barring the 5-2 derby blemish against city rivals Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano, Real Madrid have been nearly flawless. The team has shown renewed defensive solidity, while the attack, spearheaded by the unstoppable Kylian Mbappe, is clicking well and delivering in key moments, even if it hasn’t yet reached full throttle. Madrid have won 12 of their 13 matches this season, with their triumph over Barcelona finally breaking the club free from its big-game curse.

  However, injuries remain an uncontrollable factor, and one that could define how far Madrid go this season. They are currently missing the services of centre-back duo Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba, who are set to be unavailable for at least another month. The injury to Carvajal was also the 47th such instance of a defender getting injured in the past two seasons. 

  Fede Valverde has chipped in as a makeshift right-back in the absence of both Carvajal and Alexander-Arnold, and he has stepped up admirably. He, too, seemed to have been exhausted by the end of the Clasico, asking to be subbed off due to fatigue. The Uruguayan, one of the Madrid's cornerstones, hasn't been afforded enough rest. If he gets injured, the depth in midfield will be too thin. Even though rotation has been the name of the game for Alonso and his coaching staff, they will have to be extra careful in the coming weeks. The fitness condition key personnel could make or break Madrid's season.

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Os bastidores do Palmeiras seguem em ebulição, principalmente após a entrevista coletiva de Leila Pereira, na quarta-feira (11). Quem se manifestou nesta quinta (12) foi o ex-presidente Paulo Nobre, que escreveu, para o Uol, uma carta aberta dedicada à mandatária atual do clube. E o ex-dirigente não poupou palavras para expressar sua indignação. Ele, inclusive, colocou em dúvida o conhecimento e o amor de sua desafeta sobre a história do Verdão.

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Durante a conversa com jornalistas na Academia de Futebol, Leila deu inúmeros recados para seus adversários e críticos, sendo um deles Paulo Nobre. Segundo a presidente, antes de ela chegar como patrocinadora, o Alviverde vivia brigando contra o rebaixamento, e em 2014 não teve méritos ao fugir da zona degola, já que teria conseguido a façanha devido a uma vitória do Santos. O ex-mandatário respondeu firme.

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– Sua arrogância e soberba culminaram na tentativa de reescrever os fatos, falando que só não fomos rebaixados em 2014 por ajuda de outro clube. Não me surpreende esta sua fala, já que a senhora não conhece mesmo quase nada das nossas dores e glórias, uma vez que descobriu que o Palmeiras existe há menos de dez anos.

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+ OLHAR DO PORCO: Leila Pereira precisa aprender a respeitar a história do Palmeiras

Paulo Nobre presidiu o Palmeiras entre 2013 e 2016, sendo com ele que a parceria com a Crefisa foi firmada, em 2015. No entanto, a relação foi rompida, inclusive com seu antigo aliado, Maurício Galiotte, que o sucedeu na presidência. Dessa forma, desiludido com a vida política do clube, Nobre renunciou ao cargo de conselheiro vitalício do clube em 2018 e nunca mais participou dos bastidores. Ele expressou seu sentimento ao ver a entrevista de Leila.

– Ao ver sua infeliz entrevista coletiva, Senhora Presidente, vossa senhoria me fez chorar. De indignação, de nojo e de raiva, por ver o Palestra ser humilhado em rede nacional por uma dirigente sem noção que não tem ideia do que é ser palmeirense – diz a carta.

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Confira abaixo a carta de Paulo Nobre na íntegra:

“Senhora Presidente,

Vossa Senhoria e todos os palmeirenses sabem que me recolhi ao papel de simples torcedor depois de renunciar ao cargo de conselheiro vitalício da Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras, em 2018, para não ter que conviver mais com pessoas como a senhora e sua turma.

Em silêncio, nestes seis anos e meio desde que deixei o cargo de presidente, a maior honraria e o maior desafio da minha vida, verti lágrimas de alegria e sofrimento com os títulos conquistados e as duras derrotas em campo.

Mas ontem, ao ver sua infeliz entrevista coletiva, Senhora Presidente, vossa senhoria me fez chorar. De indignação, de nojo e de raiva, por ver o Palestra ser humilhado em rede nacional por uma dirigente sem noção que não tem ideia do que é ser palmeirense.

Ontem, o Palmeiras sofreu um enorme ataque de quem tem o dever, moral e de ofício, de defendê-lo. Não sei se a senhora alcança isso. Provavelmente não!

Sua arrogância e soberba culminaram na tentativa de reescrever os fatos, falando que só não fomos rebaixados em 2014 por ajuda de outro clube.

Não me surpreende esta sua fala, já que a senhora não conhece mesmo quase nada das nossas dores e glórias, uma vez que descobriu que o Palmeiras existe há menos de dez anos.

Em vários outros momentos de sua ainda inexpressiva gestão como presidente, o sentimento que a senhora gerou em mim e na família palmeirenses foi apenas o de vergonha alheia.

Como por exemplo quando simulou estar ensinando jogadores a bater pênaltis ou quando serviu água ao elenco, como aeromoça, no seu caríssimo avião. Isso para não falar de suas aparições histéricas, pulando e simulando uma alegria falsa em vitórias do Palmeiras.

Em outras oportunidades, a senhora apenas gerou desconfiança sobre sua capacidade de liderar, com seu habitual silêncio nas eliminações de competições importantes ou quando proibiu todo o elenco de dar entrevistas sem nenhum motivo plausível.

Mas ontem a senhora passou de todos os limites, senhora Presidente. E tenho certeza de que o sentimento que gerou, em mim e em milhões de pessoas, foi de asco e revolta mesmo.

O Palmeiras não foi fundado em 2015. Dizer que, antes da senhora e das suas empresas aqui chegarem, vivíamos apenas de sofrimento fala muito mais sobre sua ignorância rotineira do que sobre nossa trajetória.

Ao contrário do que a senhora quer fazer crer, a história de luta e conquistas desta família não começou quando as suas empresas passaram a ser patrocinadora da paixão de milhões de pessoas, coletividade da qual a senhora não faz parte. O seu dinheiro pode comprar muita coisa, mas a senhora nunca será uma de nós de verdade.

Me permita, senhora presidente, contar um pouco da história do clube que vossa senhoria preside. Sem a Crefisa na camisa, já éramos o maior campeão do Brasil. Havíamos pintado a América de verde e branco. Nos vingamos do Maracanazzo e nos tornamos o primeiro campeão mundial de clubes, em 1951. Representamos a Seleção brasileira em 1965, entre tantos outros feitos que a senhora demonstra desconhecer. Sofremos várias vezes, sim. Mas sempre demos a volta por cima com altivez. E sua petulante praga de que voltaremos à segunda divisão quando a senhora pegar suas bolsas caríssimas e sair do cargo de presidente, ah essa praga não vai pegar!

Apesar de não conhecer quase nada da nossa história, a senhora já deve ter ouvido que explicar a emoção de ser palmeirense a um palmeirense é totalmente desnecessário. E explicar essa emoção para a senhora, que não nasceu Palestra, é simplesmente impossível. O orgulho de SER PALMEIRENSE SEMPRE E EM QUALQUER SITUAÇÃO precede a emoção de ser campeão! Difícil para senhora entender, não é?!

Tenha o mínimo de decoro e decência, senhora presidente. Respeite a Sociedade Esportiva que lhe tirou do anonimato. Honre e respeite o privilégio de ter em suas mãos o poder de representar este clube centenário, que é a razão de viver de milhões de pessoas.

De tanto ser chamada de “dona” Leila Pereira, a senhora deve ter achado, em seus devaneios, que é agora dona.. do Palmeiras. Algo que não é e, se Deus quiser, jamais será.

Em sua memória seletiva como dirigente/patrocinadora, que não consegue enxergar conflito de interesses por estar com dois chapéus ao mesmo tempo, a senhora se esqueceu de dizer que por quase oito anos usufruiu sem nenhum escrúpulo do apoio da uniformizada que que agora passou a atacar. Os iludiu com falsas promessas e não aceitou ser cobrada posteriormente.

Curioso notar que não foi a dor do palmeirense com a eliminação da Libertadores em casa, há uma semana, que lhe fez vociferar. Foram pichações às lojas da sua empresa que te tiraram do costumeiro e cômodo sumiço em tempos de derrotas. O que mexeu com seus brios foi a ameaça à sua verdadeira e maior paixão, a Sociedade Anônima Crefisa.

Senhora presidente, vossa excelência é muito vivida e deve saber que, mesmo sendo muito rica, não conseguirá comprar a admiração dos palmeirenses. Isso se conquista. Dinheiro, mesmo em enorme quantidade, também não compra berço. Não compra educação. Não compra postura. Não compra idolatria. E, principalmente, não comprará o nosso respeito.

Como me aposentei da política do clube e não tenho nenhum objetivo que não seja desejar o melhor para o meu time de coração, seguirei aqui torcendo para que sua gestão enfim encontre um rumo e devolva a alegria e o orgulho aos palmeirenses.

O que me consola hoje é saber que nada é para sempre e que, cedo ou tarde, voltaremos a ter um palmeirense de verdade neste cargo tão importante. Depois da senhora, e apesar da senhora, o Palmeiras continuará sendo o Palmeiras.

“Hoje você é quem manda
“Falou, ‘tá falado
Não tem discussão, não
A minha gente hoje anda falando de lado
E olhando pro chão, viu”

Apesar de você, amanhã há de ser outro dia.

Avanti Palestra, sempre!

Paulo Nobre, ex-presidente da Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras”

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Leila PereiraPalmeirasPaulo Nobre

Brathwaite scored just 0 and 7 in Grenada following 4 and 4 in Barbados with Sammy acknowledging a discussion would be had about his spot for Jamaica

Alex Malcolm07-Jul-2025

West Indies coach Daren Sammy says there will be a serious discussion around Kraigg Brathwaite’s position ahead of the Jamaica Test, while remaining hopeful that his struggling batting group can find a way to back up the performances of the fast bowlers following a series-conceding defeat to Australia in Grenada.West Indies were bundled for 143 in the fourth innings, chasing 277 to win, on the fourth day with the margin of victory flattered slightly by Shamar Joseph’s late-innings hitting in the same manner it was in the first Test in Barbados.The hosts’ top order was against steamrolled by Australia’s relentless fast-bowling cartel, slumping to 33 for 4 at lunch on the fourth day. But while West Indies’ top-order struggles have mirrored Australia’s, the middle and lower-order were unable to rescue them as Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood ripped the game away in a six-over burst in the middle session to leave West Indies 99 for 7 and without a recognised batter left.Related

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Sammy acknowledged that there was pressure on former captain Brathwaite, who is the only West Indies batter not to reach double-figures in the series to date. His 100th Test was a forgettable one, with scores of just 0 and 7 following 4 and 4 in Barbados. Brathwaite averages 18.68 in his last 35 Test innings with just three half-centuries.”He hasn’t looked good this series, and in a team where you are searching for performances, you get very close to say ‘okay, do we give somebody else a chance?'” Sammy said after the loss in Grenada. “But we will really have a good discussion, myself, the selection group, and the captain himself, about that particular situation.”Sammy conceded that it was a tough ask for his batting line-up to handle Australia’s attack on the two pitches that have been presented in the series so far and noted that most of the new-look line-up were at the start of a journey to becoming a more reliable Test batting unit. But he cited the example of Steven Smith in terms of how to make technical adaptations on a difficult surface to have success.1:08

Starc stars from around the wicket

“But I do understand the journey that I took on, and Rome is not going to be built in a day. So a little bit of patience, a little bit of reality as to where we are at is something that we are aware of, and then continue to put in the work.”The way the guys have bought into what we’re trying to do, yes, the results have not shown, but some of the attitudes that are changing and understanding what we’re trying to do, it gives me hope.”Sammy said there was a need for first-class pitches in the Caribbean to be better so that West Indies could produce some stronger batting stocks for Test cricket.”It’s hard to produce the quality of batters that we want to compete,” Sammy said. “When you look at the surfaces that we play on, it’s hard. If you look at all the averages, we barely have guys averaging 40-plus in [first-class] cricket. Those type of pitches, it doesn’t allow you to come up technically sound, because you’re really unsure. There’s always doubt. And in an ideal world, you want to see our guys perform because of, not in spite of.”It’s something myself, the director of cricket, the franchise system, we’ve looked at very, very closely in trying to change that, trying to send the head groundsmen all over, trying to get the sort of wickets that allow batters to trust their techniques and stuff like that. And we also have some probably technical deficiencies that carry on from the Under-19, the youth level up to the national team.”In spite of all of that, we still find ourselves in positions to win and compete, and that’s where you will need more of the mental toughness of the game to restrict you from getting too ahead of your stroke-play and show a little bit more fight and understand that we are playing against the No. 1 team, and be a little tighter, and when opportunities present to score then we do that.”1:36

Cummins heaps praise on ‘warrior’ Starc and ‘prolific’ Carey

Sammy was delighted with his team’s bowling performance overall after they bowled Australia out for 286 and 243 in Grenada to give themselves a chance at victory, although he was hopeful they could tighten the screws against the visitors’ middle order, having twice let Australia off the hook following early breakthroughs.”For some reason, after lunch, that session, whether we bat or bowl, we’ve been really poor,” Sammy said. “If you put our bowling between yesterday’s last 12 overs and this morning’s session, however many we bowled, this is a level of consistency we look at.”Our bowling, we can’t fault them, they’ve gotten 40 wickets. I don’t know when last we got 40 wickets against a top-three team in two Test matches. So the bowlers are doing the job.”Like Australia, Sammy said his side had yet to procure any pink Dukes balls ahead of the day-night pink-ball Test in Jamaica. But despite some concerns surrounding the preparation of the ground at Sabina Park, Sammy said it would be a historic event and was confident the match would be played under lights as planned.

Sanju Samson’s controversial omission from last season’s Vijay Hazare Trophy has had no impact on his standing within the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) or the state’s cricketing circles. On Saturday, the India and Rajasthan Royals batter reaffirmed his popularity by becoming the most expensive signing at the Kerala Cricket League (KCL) auction. He was picked up by Kochi Blue Tigers for a record INR 26.60 lakh.This will mark Samson’s first competitive appearance since the conclusion of IPL 2025, where he played nine matches for Rajasthan Royals. The team endured a disappointing campaign, finishing ninth with just four wins and ten losses. Samson missed a significant portion of the season’s middle phase due to a side strain.The KCL will also mark Samson’s first appearance under the KCA’s ambit since his omission from the Vijay Hazare squad. At the time, Samson had been left out for not attending a preparatory camp in the lead-up to the tournament. While the KCA stated they wanted to set a precedent, the India batter claimed he had written to the association seeking permission to miss the camp.Named brand ambassador of the league, Samson had missed the inaugural edition of the KCL to prioritise international commitments. He was subsequently given a break, and his name was withdrawn from the auctions. Since then, Samson has strengthened his position as a regular T20I opener for India, most notably hitting three centuries against Bangladesh and South Africa.Vishnu Vinod, the wicketkeeper-batter who was part of Mumbai Indians, was the second-costliest pick at INR 13.8 lakh, while allrounder Jalaj Saxena was picked for INR 12.6 lakh.The inaugural edition of the KCL was sharply in focus during the IPL this year after teenage left-arm wrist spinner Vignesh Puthur was signed by Mumbai Indians for INR 30 lakh after impressing in the trials. He was also taken to South Africa, where he served as a net bowler for MI Cape Town.Signed for INR 3.75 lakh during the inaugural edition, Puthur was retained by Alleppey Ripples for the second edition. This will be his first competitive outing since being injured midway through IPL 2025, where he picked up six wicket in five matches for MI.