Nigerian legend and king of the showboat, Jay-Jay Okocha, has explained why he favours Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo in football’s GOAT debate.

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Argentine superstar the choice of manyOthers favour Portuguese iconLegendary playmaker a fan of bothWHAT HAPPENED?

The iconic playmaker – who starred for Paris Saint-Germain and Bolton in his playing days, while earning 73 caps for his country – was famed for his ability to get fans off their seats. In more recent times, Ronaldo and Messi have been doing likewise.

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They have rewritten the record books between them – earning 12 Ballons d’Or – and are assured of standings towards the top of any all-time great list. Okocha is an admirer of both, but admits that they bring different qualities to the table.

WHAT THEY SAID

Okocha has told when asked for his take on one of the longest-running debates in sport: “I think both of them rightly deserve to be GOATs but I prefer Messi. As for me…I mean…Cristiano Ronaldo is typical of what you can achieve with hard work, but for Messi everything comes naturally…and he works hard as well.”

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GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Messi has rediscovered his spark after leaving PSG for MLS outfit Inter Miami, with 11 goals recorded through 10 appearances while also winning the 44th trophy of his remarkable career. Ronaldo is also going strong at 38 years of age, with the Portuguese netting 12 times through 11 outings for Al-Nassr this season – with those efforts taking him to 850 in total.

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Celebrating 20 wonderful years at the Etihad

Celebrating to 20th anniversary of the club's historic move to the Etihad Stadium, PUMA unveils an incredibly Sky Blue Man City 2023-24 home kit. Paying homage to the iconic features of the stadium, the kit comes inspired by the jersey worn during the first season at the new ground.

Man City F.C.

The move of 2003 marked the start of a new era for the club – defined by new records, new legends, and moments of greatness. Man City's 2023-24 home kit is a testament to this legacy, celebrating the Etihad Stadium and all those who call it home.

Man City F.C.

The kit itself comes in the classic Man City Sky Blue we all know and love. The details coming in through the front of the jersey are inspired by the unique architecture of the stadium –  in particular, the four giant turrets visible from the outside of the stadium that form tonal stripes on the jersey.

Man City F.C.

On the back of the neck, the postcode of the stadium features, and the front of the jersey gets an updated V-neck collar, inspired by the first kit worn in the new stadium – the Man City 2003-04 home kit.

Man City F.C.

Man City 2023-24 home kit price & how to buy

The Manchester City 2023-24 home kit is available to buy right now from PUMA and the official Man City Store. Here's a closer look at some of the items available:

• Shop: Man City 2023-24 home kit

  Man City 2023-24 Men's Replica Home kit

  PUMA£75.00 at PUMA

  Available in XS, S, M, L , XL and 2XL.

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• Man City 2023-24 Men's Long-Sleeve Home Kit

  PUMA£80.00 at PUMA

  Available in XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL and 3XL.

• Man City 2023-24 Men's Authentic Home kit

  PUMA$140.00 at PUMA

  Available in XS, S, M, L , XL and 2XL.

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• Man City 2023-24 Women's Replica Home kit

  PUMA£75.00 at PUMA

  Available in XS, S, M, L , XL and 2XL.

MatériaMais Notícias

Após o empate em 1 a 1 contra o Red Bull Bragantino, neste domingo (09), pela primeira rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro, na Vila Belmiro, os atletas do Santos se reapresentaram nesta segunda-feira (10) no CT Rei Pelé.

Os titulares contra o Massa Bruta fizeram apenas um trabalho regenerativo, que contou com a presença do atacante Marinho. O autor do único gol do Peixe contra o Braga saiu de campo de maca nos minutos finais da partida, foi reavaliado e não constatou problemas físicos.

RelacionadasSantosÍdolo do Santos, Pepe expande a sua marca e ‘abandona’ apelido de Canhão; entendaSantos10/08/2020SantosMarinho se isola na artilharia do Santos em 2020, sai de maca, mas não preocupaSantos09/08/2020SantosKaio Jorge avalia postura do Santos no comando de Cuca: ‘Um pouco diferente’Santos09/08/2020

Entre os reservas e não relacionados contra o time do interior paulista, o atacante Raniel fez parte de um treinamento no gramado do Centro de Treinamentos. O jogador sofreu um trauma no joelho no empate em 1 a 1 contra o Santo André, pela 11ª rodada do Campeonato Paulista, na Vila Belmiro, no dia 22 de julho, ficando de fora dos dois jogos seguintes, se submentendo a um cronograma especial para a sua recuperação. O camisa 12 treinava com bola desde a última terça-feira (04), mas não foi convocado para o duelo deste fim de semana.

Antes das atividades, todos os jogadores e comissão técnica foram submetidos e novos testes de Covid-19, os resultados serão divulgados pelo clube apenas na quinta-feira (14), quando o Alvinegro Praiano visita o Internacional, em Porto Alegre, pela segunda rodada do Brasileirão.

The Young Lions progressed to the knockout stages of the European Under-21 Championship courtesy of a comfortable win on Sunday

Anthony Gordon and Emile Smith Rowe were the scorers as England beat Israel 2-0 to secure their place in the Under 21 European Championship quarter-finals on Sunday.

The Young Lions were dominant throughout the Group C encounter, but had a difficult time converting it into dangerous chances.

Morgan Gibbs-White was the architect of the victory, setting up Gordon with a fine cross early on and then putting it on a platter for Smith Rowe to secure the victory in the second period with his second of the competition.

GOAL rates England's players from Stadion Ramaz Shengelia…

• Goalkeeper & Defence

  James Trafford (6/10):

  Got down low to keep out a promising free kick but otherwise did not have a great deal to do.

  James Garner (7/10):

  A solid performance at right-back, did well to contain the threat from Israel and support the attack.

  Levi Colwill (7/10):

  Had a sound game in the heart of the back line.

  Taylor Harwood-Bellis (6/10):

  Looked comfortable in the centre of defence against an Israel side that struggled to threaten.

  Ben Johnson (5/10):

  Had a shaky performance, got booked and gave away a dangerous free kick at the end of the first half.

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• Midfield

  Emile Smith Rowe (7/10):

  Grew into the game and fired in the decisive second goal just as Israel seemed to be gaining in confidence and bravery.

  Curtis Jones (6/10):

  Did well to win the ball in midfield and play some simple passes to keep the ball in circulation.

  Angel Gomes (7/10):

  A solid display deep in the England midfield with some smart moves.

  Morgan Gibbs White (8/10):

  Put in a lovely cross for Gordon to nod in the opener and then teed up Smith Rowe for the second. A lively threat throughout and the Young Lions' best player.

• Attack

  Anthony Gordon (7/10):

  After having a goal disallowed, he netted the opener after 15 minutes with a fine header beyond the goalkeeper.

  Noni Madueke (5/10):

  Had a quiet game as he found it difficult to influence England's attack as forward partner Gordon looked more dangerous. Squandered a great opportunity early in the second half.

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  Subs & Manager

  Cole Palmer (5/10):

  Replaced the struggling Madueke but did not fare much better himself in an underwhelming display.

  Cameron Archer (6/10):

  Was sent through for a great opportunity but failed to capitalise on it.

  Harvey Elliott (6/10):

  Set up Archer for a chance with a nice through pass shortly after coming on.

  Oliver Skipp (5/10):

  Did not make much of an impact after replacing Gomes.

  Jacob Ramsey (5/10):

  On for the last 10 minutes but the game was winding down by then.

  Lee Carsley (7/10):

  His team were on top throughout but the coach would have expected more opportunities than they created.

The England midfielder scored one and provided a superb assist for another as Carlo Ancelotti's side won 3-0

Real Madrid made an early statement in the La Liga title race, resoundingly beating surprise leaders Girona, 3-0 on Saturday. Jude Bellingham was, once again, at the heart of Madrid's win, assisting the first and scoring the crucial third as he returned to the line-up.

Girona caused problems for Madrid early as Yangel Herrera and Viktor Tsygankov both missed clear headers within the first five minutes. Carlo Ancelotti's side struggled going the other way, too, as Joselu and Vinicius Jr failed to assert themselves on the game, and were admittedly loose in the final third.

But not for the first time this season, Bellingham changed things. The England midfielder picked up the ball in space, and provided a trivela pass to the advancing Joselu, who couldn't miss from close range. Los Blancos added a second soon after, as a defensive lapse from a corner allowed Aurelien Tchouameni a free header to power home his first goal for the club.

Girona worked their way back into the contest after the break, forcing an athletic stop from Kepa Arrizabalaga, before missing a duo of chances from corners. Madrid should have put the game away at the other end, but Bellingham fluffed his lines under pressure.

He made no mistake at the second time of asking, though, latching onto a rebound and finding the bottom corner to seal yet another win in his burgeoning Madrid career. The match ended in controversy, meanwhile, as Madrid captain Nacho was sent off for a horrendous challenge in stoppage-time.

GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from Montilivi…

Goalkeeper & Defence

Kepa Arrizabalaga (7/10):

Made an excellent save early in the second half. Will be happy with the clean sheet.

Dani Carvajal (5/10):

Given problems by the in-form Savinho early on. Really vulnerable when the ball was in the air, too.

Antonio Rudiger (7/10):

Won a few headers, composed on the ball. Could've linked up with Madrid's midfielders more effectively, though.

Nacho (3/10):

Lacking in legs, but was bailed out by his centre-back partner. Sent off for a horrific challenge in stoppage time.

Eduardo Camavinga (7/10):

Back at left-back, which says a lot about where Ancelotti stands on Fran Garcia. Turned in a classy performance.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield

Aurelien Tchouameni (7/10):

Solid at the base of midfield once again. Took his goal well, too.

Federico Valverde (7/10):

Full of legs as usual. A vital shift in the middle of the park.

Toni Kroos (7/10):

As reliable as ever in his passing, and more impactful defensively than in prior weeks. Looked tired midway through the second half, though.

Jude Bellingham (8/10):

A lovely trivela pass helped give Madrid the lead. Should have made it 3-0 early in the second half. Made no mistake when given an opportunity with 20 minutes to go.

Getty ImagesAttack

Joselu (6/10):

A surprise inclusion over Rodrygo. Scored the opener after turning in a poor opening 15 minutes. Might lose his spot, but he's done his part.

Vinicius Jr (6/10):

Lacking in sharpness after spending nearly a month on the sidelines. Removed in the second half. He will need more minutes.

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Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Rodrygo (6/10):

Covered for the tired Vinicius and didn't offer much.

Dani Ceballos (7/10):

Gave Madrid vital midfield control late on. He's been impressive in two cameos so far.

Lucas Vazquez (N/A):

No time to make an impact

Brahim Diaz (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Carlo Ancelotti (7/10):

Made the bold call to start Joselu over Rodrygo, and moved Camavinga to left-back. Madrid were shaky in the opening minutes, but grabbed control of the game after. Will be concerned by a potential suspension for Nacho given his lack of fit defenders, though.

Timothy Weah was one of Juventus' more dangerous players, but the Italian giants were unable to overcome Bologna on Sunday.

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• Weah creates danger
• McKennie comes off bench
• Juve settle for 1-1 draw

It wasn't the best day for Juventus, who saw their first home game of the Serie A season spoiled by a determined Bologna. After going down a goal in the first half, Juve were able to battle back with a goal of their own, having seen one chalked off earlier for offside. However, they couldn't quite find the second goal required to earn all three points.

Weah was key for Juve, providing a very good 82 minutes before being substituted, while his U.S. men's national team teammate, Weston McKennie, once again replaced him off the bench after being named as a substitute.

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Bologna jumped into a first half lead thanks to a goal from Lewis Ferguson, and you can't say they didn't deserve it. It was a relatively flat first half from Juve, who went into the dressing room deservedly trailing.

  The hosts seemingly equalized early in the second half as Dusan Vlahovic was able to find the back of the net, but the goal was called back after Adrien Rabiot was deemed to have interfered in the play from an offside position.

  Vlahovic, though, wasn't to be denied, as the Serbian headed home from a magnificent Samuel Illing-Junior cross to earn Juventus a point in their first home match.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Weah put in a solid shift, but it seems clear that he's still very much in the adjustment phase at Juventus.

  The American never really took any early opportunities to beat a man off the dribble, instead generally taking the safer options. The willingness to go at players comes with confidence, and Weah will need to build his in his new surroundings at Juve.

  He's clearly on the right track, though, as he looked like an entirely different player as the game wore on. He had a dangerous second half, creating two chances and forcing a good save as Juve chased a goal. He likely deserved a goal or assist given his efforts on the day.

  One thing to watch, though, is Weah's tendency to drift inside. He played centrally for large stretches of the match, moving into the middle of the field to receive the ball. That may have been a function of Massimiliano Allegri's tactics for the day, but it's also something to watch from a player that is generally known as a speedster able to get to the end line.

  As for Weston McKennie, it appears that, at the moment, he's a backup. Juve started with Rabiot, Manuel Locatelli and Nicolo Fagioli in midfield, with Paul Pogba coming off the bench in the second half. McKennie has spelled Weah at wingback, definitely not his natural position, but he faces a real fight to get into that midfield.

• Getty
  

  USMNT IMPACT

  Weah looks set to be an important player for Juventus this season, having now started each of the club's first two matches. He clearly has already earned the coaching staff's trust, which is great news for the USMNT.

  Heading into the upcoming international break, Weah will have every reason to be flying fairly high, having played himself into a consistent role with his club. He's never quite been a lockdown starter anywhere he's been, so it would be great for him to be exactly that at Juve.

  For the U.S., it'll be interesting to watch how Weah switches from wingback to winger and vice-versa but, overall, as long as Weah's playing, the USMNT will be thrilled.

  As for McKennie, we'll have to see how he fares in the coming days ahead of the end of the transfer window. He clearly has some part to play for Juve, but is that part big enough for a player expected to be a key starter for the USMNT? That remains to be seen.

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• GOAL'S RATING

  Tim Weah (7/10):

  Pretty dangerous throughout, although far from perfect. Was definitely one of Juve's best players on the field as they struggled to breakdown Bologna for large stretches.

  Weston McKennie (N/A):

  Came on fairly late with the game level. Had one solid sequence in the 86th minute, but wasn't quite able to create the danger needed to unlock Bologna.

Xavi has been given the dreaded vote of confidence at Barcelona, with sporting director Deco saying the under-fire coach has “200%” backing.

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Argentine icon departed in 2021Domestic dominance restored last seasonSearching for consistency in 2023-24WHAT HAPPENED?

The legendary La Masia academy graduate, who captained the Catalan giants to domestic and continental honours during his playing days, returned to Camp Nou in a coaching capacity back in November 2021. He took over with the Blaugrana sat ninth in the table, and guided them to La Liga title glory in 2022-23.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT THEY SAID

That success was achieved despite “best player ever” Lionel Messi leaving a few months prior to his arrival, while other established stars headed for the exits over the summer – making it difficult for certain standards to be maintained. With that in mind, Deco has told : “We won the league after a period in which people said it would take years for Barca to win La Liga again. Do not forget, we also lost the best player ever. Leo is not here anymore and we thought it would be a big drama until we returned to winning [trophies]. A generation of players have left Barca, players like [Sergio Busquets]. I'd like to have another Busi. We had Jordi Alba, [Gerard] Pique, emblematic players…This whole process, for a coach, is difficult to manage. Xavi has achieved it. We have renewed his contract. The confidence in him is 100%, 200%.

“Now, do we want to improve? Do we want to play better? Of course. We can't hide that, we can't say that's not the case, that we don't want a more attractive team. It's another thing to know why we are not hitting that level. We know we've not had all the players [available]; little by little we have been getting them back. We speak every day. Xavi, more than anyone, wants to play better. We know the areas we have to improve, but we can't forget the good things, either, or who we are. That is important.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Defending champions Barca have already dropped points this season against Getafe, Mallorca and Granada, while defeats against Real Madrid and Shakhtar Donetsk in the club’s last four games have piled pressure on Xavi. Deco added to on having the right man for the job in place: “I have no doubt that Xavi is the best manager for Barca. He accepted the challenge of taking over at a difficult moment and he's the perfect coach to carry out the reconstruction we are undergoing.”

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

Xavi is working on a contract through to the summer of 2025, but he has Barca sat third in the Liga table at present – four points adrift of surprise leaders Girona – while there is still work to be done in order to secure progress into the last-16 of the Champions League.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti complained that referees do not understand coaches after a tense meeting at the Spanish Football Association (RFEF).

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Ancelotti attended meeting at RFEF officesReal Madrid boss left the discussion angryCoach says referees 'don't understand' coachesWHAT HAPPENED?

Ancelotti and his Barcelona counterpart Xavi, along with several other La Liga coaches, were present at a meeting at the RFEF's headquarters. The gathering was held to discuss refereeing and other issues in Spanish football – most notably a lack of severance pay received by coached when they're sacked.

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Ancelotti has previously complained that the referees in La Liga do not show enough respect to coaches, while Xavi has reportedly proposed a joint-press conference so that managers can express their grievances.

WHAT CARLO ANCELOTTI SAID

The meeting at the RFEF headquarters seems to have done very little to resolve the tension between referees, coaches and the RFEF in general, as Ancelotti voiced his anger afterwards. Asked by a journalist how the meeting went, Ancelotti said it was "a mess", adding: "They don't understand us coaches".

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR ANCELOTTI?

The Italian left RFEF's headquarters early so that he could lead Madrid's training session on Tuesday. Their next game is against Cadiz on November 26.

Wrexham assistant manager Steve Parkin believes Ryan Reynolds will have “enjoyed” a winning return to Wales and is backing Paul Mullin to get goals.

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• Hollywood star back at SToK Racecourse
• Witnessed another welcome win
• Star striker waiting on first goal of 2023-24

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  One of the Dragons’ famous co-owners was at SToK Racecourse on Saturday for a 3-0 victory over Grimsby. Reynolds, along with fellow Hollywood star Rob McElhenney, is a regular visitor to British shores, but saw Wrexham come unstuck against MK Dons when making their long-awaited return to the Football League back in August.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Parkin is pleased to have given Reynolds something to smile about this time around, despite placing little emphasis on his presence, saying of a fourth successive win for the Dragons across all competitions, via : “To be honest we don't pay much attention to that. We are comfortable with the cameras around the place now, we are used to the people here and we trust them. We just get on with our job. It is always nice to put a good display on when the owners are here and I am sure Ryan enjoyed it. But it is about just making sure you get those three points in the bag and keep climbing the table.”

• WHAT THEY SAID

  Paul Mullin, last season’s 47-goal top scorer, made his first start of the season against Grimsby after recovering from a punctured lung. He is yet to open his account for 2023-24, but Parkin believes that is a matter of time. He added: “When Paul first came back he was off the pace but he had a really good week training. For him to play the way he played, alright he has not scored but he got in tremendously good areas. We got some really good balls down the side to him and he was a real threat all day. The Grimsby centre-backs know they have been in a real game so we are delighted with his display. He is a confident lad in front of goal, he missed a couple but that won’t affect him, it never has done before. We are glad we have got him back and we are glad with the performance and the contribution from the whole squad which was really important.”

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  WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

  Wrexham will be back in action on Saturday when taking in a trip to Stockport, with Phil Parkinson’s side up to fourth in the League Two table after taking 15 points from their eight games so far.

Manchester City defender Rico Lewis posted a brilliant photo of himself as a toddler wearing an England kit after making his Three Lions debut.

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Lewis makes England debutSays it's an honour to play for Three LionsImpresses in North Macedonia drawWHAT HAPPENED?

Gareth Southgate handed Lewis his senior England debut on Monday against North Macedonia and saw the 19-year-old go on to pick up the player of the match award. Lewis has now reflected on his maiden bow on social media with an epic photograph showing him in full Three Lions kit as a very young child.

"Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey so far. It is an honor of a lifetime to represent England," he posted alongside the picture on Instagram.

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Lewis certainly impressed his manager against North Macedonia. Southgate said after the 1-1 draw that he felt the Manchester City youngster was "excellent" and the decision to award a penalty against him was "very, very harsh." Lewis will be hoping he can now make a late push for England's Euro 2024 squad and his versatility will make him an attractive option. The youngster can play in both full-back positions as well as in midfield.

DID YOU KNOW?

Rico Lewis has become the second-youngest Manchester City player to feature for England (18 years, 364 days), behind only Micah Richards in 2006 (18 years, 144 days).

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR RICO LEWIS?

Lewis will now return to City and will be aiming for more Premier League starts in a bid to boost his international hopes. The teenager has made five appearances in the top flight so far this season but only two of those outings have been as a starter. The Cityzens return to action on Saturday in a top-of-the-table clash with Liverpool.