Sports

Sports

Cristiano Ronaldo 1,000th Goal Targeted for Kuwait

Wayne Rooney has attacked Cristiano Ronaldo for his decision to leave the Portugal national team camp, saying his path was “wrong” and the forward had “poisoned” his coach, teammates and the Portuguese Football Federation. The former Manchester United striker gave his opinions after Ronaldo reportedly had a row with Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus during the international break last week. The dispute was over form, with Ronaldo said to be leaving the national team camp because he was not in the starting XI. Later, Ronaldo posted a tweet on social media and apologised to his teammates, but accused Jesus of failing to keep his word. The Portuguese skipper also said that he was referring to football legends Pele and Diego Maradona when he was defending himself in the game. Rooney wondered why Ronaldo did not respond at the right time or in the right way on The United Stand. He noted that the event had fallen on the eve of Lionel Messi’s retirement from Argentina’s national team, adding that it was not easy to have Ronaldo’s public comment. Rooney said a player should not “dictate” what a manager must say in public and that it could have a negative impact on the relationship within Portugal. He also shared the view of a former teammate and manager as to the situation.   Sir Alex Ferguson’s criticism is all the more impressive given the fact that Rooney and Ronaldo were at Manchester United together for five seasons (2004-09). They won three Premier League titles and UEFA Champions League during that time. Rooney’s comments come at a significant time as Ronaldo faces another challenging period in his international career, given their joint history. 

Oct 15, 2026 • 7

Sports

Lamine Yamal Inspires Barcelona’s Stunning Comeback Win

Lamine Yamal inspires Barcelona to a commanding 4-1 victory over Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, producing a decisive second-half performance that helped the Spanish side recover from an early setback and secure their second consecutive win. Barcelona failed to find a tempo in the first few minutes, but Galatasaray were able to score in the 27th minute. It was a counter and a back-and-forth game which found its conclusion in a shot by Aleksei Batrakov which deflected off Joao Cancelo and into the net to give the hosts the lead. The visitors got their revenge after half-time with Cancelo’s pass from Dani Olmo finding his target. The game was levelled by the equaliser and Barcelona got the impetus they wanted going into the half-time break. Lamine Yamal was then the star of the attacking resurgence at Barcelona. The teenager headed home a perfect cross for Fermin in the 50th minute – the turnaround finished and the visitors moved ahead.   It was another brilliant moment from Yamal after just three minutes when he drilled a pass under Eren Elmali and found Anthony Gordon to keep Barcelona in possession. His creative touch was further highlighted in the 65th minute when another pass found Karim Adeyemi in front to find the fourth opportunity. Yamal didn’t score the goal but his play was crucial in breaking Galatasaray’s defence.   Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick described the teenager as a “player who has a very strong effect on the team” after the game, noting his “goal conversion” skills. “Josie, it’s amazing to have players like that. “He has turned the game around to us.” The German coach also said that the creativity of Yamal during training sessions often takes the form of competition. The young captain was then handed the armband by his teammates when Pedri was substituted, making him even more prominent in the team.

Oct 15, 2026 • 46

Sports

After 27 titles in 23 years at Real Madrid, Carvajal joins Getafe

Former Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal has joined Getafe on a free transfer. The Madrid-born right-back has been without a club since his contract at the Bernabeu expired in June. The 34-year-old spent 23 years with Real Madrid and is one of the most decorated players in the game's history, with 27 titles to his name - including six Champions League wins. He has signed a deal until June next year with Getafe, who sit 11th in La Liga and are based in the south of Spain's capital city. Carvajal made 51 appearances for Spain including the Nations League win in 2023 and the European Championships triumph in 2024. But he has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, suffering a cruciate ligament tear in October 2024 then another serious knee injury a year later. Injuries and the arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold last summer limited his appearances in his last season at Real Madrid but Getafe said they welcomed his "experience and leadership". 'An intriguing twist' By Elizabeth Conway Spanish football reporter Dani Carvajal's decision to remain in the Spanish capital and join Getafe across the city adds an intriguing twist to the season. It is a significant change of scenery for a player who became one of the most decorated defenders in Real Madrid history as he made 451 appearances for the club. But rather than heading abroad or stepping away from the top level, Carvajal has chosen a fresh challenge little more than 10 miles south of the Bernabeu. The move makes sense from a personal and sporting perspective. Carvajal has faced injury setbacks in recent seasons and needs regular football to prove he can still perform at the highest level. Staying in Madrid also allows the defender to remain close to home. For a player so closely associated with Real Madrid, it will be unusual to see him on the opposite side of the city's second derby, but it gives Carvajal the chance to keep playing football, take on a new challenge and show that his career at the top level is not over just yet.

Oct 14, 2026 • 11

Sports

Real Madrid's rival: Carvajal settles his move to a new club

A different challenge in La Liga Getafe are busy rebuilding in October, raiding the free agent market to hand Jose Bordalas more options after a shaky start to the season. According to Spanish newspaper "Marca", Dani Carvajal has already struck an agreement with Getafe. The official announcement now hinges on both parties putting pen to paper on documents that have already been delivered. The right-back had agreed all the details with the club several days ago, passed his medical and was due to sign a contract until the end of the season. Then came the snag. Getafe tried to register him with the Spanish league and found no space under the salary cap, blocking the move. Angel Torres solved it by handing the Spanish league a financial guarantee, creating the margin the club needed to get deals over the line this window. Carvajal will be unveiled after the trip to Universitatea Craiova next Thursday in the UEFA Conference League. Parejo enters the picture With Carvajal all but done, Getafe have turned to Dani Parejo. The 37-year-old midfielder from Coslada is without a club after finishing last season at Villarreal, and contacts between the two sides have already begun. Parejo is one of the grand old names of Spanish football, a veteran of hundreds of top-flight outings with Real Madrid, Valencia and Villarreal. He also wore the Getafe shirt between 2009 and 2011. That was 15 years ago. Beyond Carvajal and Parejo, the club's recruitment staff are still combing the free agent market for one more arrival. Bordalas wants more firepower up front for a season in which Getafe are juggling three demanding competitions.

Oct 12, 2026 • 9

Sports

Carrick Demands Swift End to City Case

Manchester City charges have left Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick wishing the dispute could be resolved as quickly as possible – and the former midfielder has said the lengthy saga has had an impact on him personally as well as the Premier League. At a Friday press conference, Carrick said that the trial was generating “a lot of questions” some of which were not yet answered. He emphasised the need for clarity in a story that’s garnered plenty of interest throughout English football. “It’s hard to say in many respects,” Carrick responded to the question of charges. It has raised a lot of questions, to which some answers have been provided, others not.   Manchester City were brought in to face charges in February 2023 for the four years from the 2009-10 season after a four-year investigation into alleged financial rule breaches. An independent commission previously ruled the club guilty of all the charges for breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules last month. The league said the commission determined that City had entered into “sham” contracts that deceptively pitched deals with commercial partners and had engaged in similar practices to overstate its revenue and to artificially affect its costs.   The commission also discovered some sponsors paid only half of the fees they agreed to and the other half came from the club’s owners, Abu Dhabi United Group Investment & Development Ltd. The case is ongoing as City have denied wrongdoing and filed a formal appeal against the decision. Some context is added to Carrick’s words, due to his long tenure with Manchester United. He played 12 seasons at Old Trafford from 2006 to 2018, including 5 Premier League championships and a Champions League. The former midfielder has had to settle for runner-up finishes at City twice during his playing days, one of which was the dramatic 2011-12 title race, where United finished runners-up on goal difference.

Oct 12, 2026 • 6

Sports

‘We must stick together’ — Haaland after Man City’s win amid financial charges

Erling Haaland said Manchester City’s 3-0 win at 10-man Liverpool showed they will “stick together” after the club was found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules. Haaland put City ahead at Anfield on Sunday before Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki netted to silence Anfield after Liverpool fans barraged them with taunts about the guilty verdict. Enzo Maresca’s side showed no signs of being fazed by the abuse in their first match since the club discovered an independent commission had found them guilty of breaking over 100 financial regulations. City, who are appealing against the decision, could face a massive points deduction that would likely lead to relegation or even be stripped of their titles. But for now Norway striker Haaland insisted their defiant performance at old rivals Liverpool proved they are still committed to the City cause. “Every single person that is part of Man City, and every fan, this is a lovely moment that will stay with us for a long time,” he said. “It was hard, but we showed amazing character from back to front. So proud of everyone. It’s always tough to come here. “Important to stay strong mentally, stick together and do what you can do something about and the thing we can do something about is to play good football and fight together. That’s the only thing we can do.” City were helped by Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch’s red card for two bookings just prior to Haaland’s opener. They ran riot after that to move three points clear at the top of the Premier League. Whether they are able to maintain a title challenge with a potential punishment looming remains to be seen. Haaland said City’s players can only concentrate on their performances while the club’s Abu Dhabi-based owners deal with the legal ramifications of the verdict. “You want to win games, it’s as simple as that. Perform well, play good football and win games. This was a mental battle,” he said. “Proud that we managed to stick together, we are mentally strong. Plenty of games coming up so time to recover and go again.” City midfielder Elliot Anderson delivered a composed display in his first taste of the rivalry with Liverpool after his close-season move from Nottingham Forest. The England international echoed Haaland’s assessment of his side’s spirit, saying: “Togetherness, fight, a tough place to come and we stuck together and fought for each other. We’ve showed courage. “The atmosphere was more than normal, arriving into Anfield and the first 10 minutes of the game. “We did well to quieten the crowd. Struggled first half but second we were better and then the goals came.”

Oct 12, 2026 • 38

Sports

The Wait is Over: Premier League Returns with a Bang After International Break

The international break has concluded, and the Premier League returns this weekend with a highly anticipated slate of fixtures. After a two-week hiatus filled with national team duties, domestic football resumes today with a schedule that promises immediate drama, tactical battles, and significant implications for the league standings early in the 2026-27 campaign. The Early Kick-Off: Arsenal vs. Leeds United The weekend’s action begins at the Emirates Stadium, where Arsenal hosts Leeds United. Mikel Arteta’s side will be eager to establish dominance and set the tone for the weekend following a mixed bag of results prior to the break. The Gunners have been formidable at home, and a victory in the 12:30 BST kick-off would send a strong message to their title rivals. Leeds United, however, will not be straightforward opponents. Known for their high-energy pressing and quick transitions, Leeds will look to exploit any signs of lethargy from Arsenal players returning from extended travel. This fixture has historically produced high-scoring affairs, making it an ideal curtain-raiser for the weekend. The 15:00 Block: Battles Across the Table The traditional 15:00 BST slot features four crucial matches that span the length of the Premier League table. At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea welcomes Bournemouth. Chelsea will be looking to capitalize on home advantage to build momentum, while Bournemouth faces a stern test of their defensive organization against a technically gifted London side. Meanwhile, Aston Villa takes on Brentford at Villa Park in what promises to be a tightly contested tactical duel. Both sides share ambitions of securing European football, and early-season points in these direct encounters often prove vital in May. Newly promoted Ipswich Town will host Fulham at Portman Road. For Ipswich, making their home stadium a fortress is critical to their survival hopes, and they will view this match as a prime opportunity to secure three points. In the northeast, Sunderland faces Brighton & Hove Albion at the Stadium of Light. Brighton’s fluid, possession-based system will clash with Sunderland’s organized defensive setup, creating a fascinating contrast in playing styles. The Evening Showdown: Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur The marquee matchup of the day takes place at 17:30 BST as Manchester United face Tottenham Hotspur. Matches between these two heavyweights are rarely short on entertainment, and this evening clash is expected to be no different. Both clubs are navigating high expectations and intense scrutiny, making a positive result essential for their respective managers. Manchester United will rely on the electric atmosphere of their home support to push them forward, aiming to control the midfield and unleash their attacking pace. Tottenham, conversely, will bring their aggressive, front-foot approach, looking to dictate the tempo and test United’s defensive resolve from the opening whistle. The tactical battle in the center of the pitch, combined with the sheer individual quality on both sides, makes this an unmissable conclusion to Saturday’s Premier League return. With vital points on the line and squads reassembled from across the globe, the Premier League is officially back.

Oct 10, 2026 • 51

Sports

World Grand Prix Darts: Luke Humphries says reaching final 'doesn't mean anything' without beating Gerwyn Price to title

Luke Humphries and Gerwyn Price will meet in Sunday’s World Grand Prix final; Humphries beat Price to the 2023 title but has been runner-up in the last two years at the Mattioli Arena; watch live from 8pm on Sky Sports Main Event Luke Humphries insists reaching a record-breaking fourth consecutive World Grand Prix final will count for nothing if he doesn’t beat Gerwyn Price to the title in Leicester. Humphries made history by becoming the first player to reach the final in four consecutive years at the double-in event, defeating James Wade 5-3 to book his place in Sunday's showpiece at the Mattioli Arena.   'Cool Hand' was runner-up to Luke Littler after a 6-1 thrashing last year and suffered a shock 6-4 loss to Mike de Decker in 2024, with Humphries now hoping for a repeat of his 2023 victory over Price when the two former world champions meet again at the final. It has been one of those journeys this year that hasn't been playing sailing," Humphries told Sky Sports. "A few of the years before have felt a lot easier than it has done this year. "To make four Grand Prix finals on the trot is super special. It's history for myself and I'm proud of that but, unless I pick that trophy up, unfortunately that history doesn't mean anything. Humphries has had a string of runner-up finishes in TV finals since winning the Premier League in May 2025, including the European Championship and Grand Slam of Darts in 2025 and this year's Premier League final, but is determined to end that record. "The way I haven't been playing hasn't been the best, but the way I've bounced back and performed in that way is great," Humphries added. "I've got to do it again tomorrow because there's so many major finals I've let slip. I don't think I was far from my best. The scoring was pretty decent and the doubling in was good. I felt like that was the most controlled consisted performance I've put in for a long time. "The last time I felt like that was maybe the Premier League final against Luke [Littler]. It's been a long time since I've felt that control and not like I was going to flounder a little bit. Gezzy [Price] is playing well but if I play like that again, it's going to be a cracking game and I hope it is. I'm going to come back tomorrow [Sunday] fresh and believe I can do that again and play even better." 2020 champion Price is through to his fourth World Grand Prix final and first since losing to Humphries in 2023, with the Welshman frustrated by Nathan Aspinall during his 5-2 victory in the opening semi-final. Nathan [Aspinall] was complaining about the crowd but they were on his side," Price told Sky Sports. "I'm 3-0 up and I go back and say to Nathan 'they're on your side bud, come on. Stop performing on the board and just play darts'. "I was a little bit upset with him. As good as the crowd is for me, they were all for him. He's performing a little bit on stage and I told him I wasn't happy. I'm great friends with Nathan but sometimes you've just got to let your darts go - when you're losing you're losing." Price added: "I was frustrated 90 per cent of that game and it's not good. I think it was a bit of a poor game, it was up and down. In patches, I'm playing well. When my game is there, I'm playing some of the best stuff in the world. "I'm here to win trophies and money, but I'm into another final, third one on the bounce - happy days!" Mardle expects 'brilliant final' between two past champions Sky Sports Darts' Wayne Mardle: "He [Humphries] feels that that was somewhere near his best and that's confidence. I don't think Gezzy [Price] was at all impressive tonight. I know he won, I just feel that Luke going into that final now will obviously fancy it. "I think it's really impressive the way that he [Humphries] has actually had to play better and did play better in the two games he's had to do it - putting those bad performances behind him and not worrying about them is growth. "It's easy to look back and think that Luke's been inconsistent, but so has Gezzy, to a point. Who was the star of the opening round? It was Price. He played fantasticly but, since then, he hasn't reached those heights - it doesn't mean that he can't again. "What we both want, what we all want, is for the pair of them to come out guns blazing. Then, then we could have a brilliant final on our hands - I just hope it works out that way."

Oct 8, 2026 • 60

Sports

Lineker Wants Ronaldo Farewell Like Messi

Former England striker Gary Lineker believes Cristiano Ronaldo deserves a Ronaldo farewell worthy of his extraordinary international career, saying the Portugal captain should receive a send-off similar to Lionel Messi’s emotional finale with Argentina. The remarks are made as Portugal’s new head coach Jorge Jesus rubs shoulders with Ronaldo in his UEFA Nations League campaign. Ronaldo recently gave a lengthy statement to explain his version of events concerning talks with the manager. Ronaldo said that they had agreed to play 30 minutes v Norway. Jesus wanted him to take part in the match against Wales on September 24, but stay out of the games against Norway and Denmark, before coming back in the game against Norway on October 4, he said.   Ronaldo also maintained that he had wanted to go with the team to the games he wasn’t expected to take part in, but the coach thought he should stay away from the team. The experienced striker added that he had to complete his duty as a captain and be a role model for his teammates. Lineker told the Leaders Week sports industry conference at Stamford Bridge it was a pity that Ronaldo had played such an important part in Portugal and world football. Lineker cited Messi’s Argentina retirement as “the best way to end a star’s career,” and he believes Ronaldo deserves to be given a comparable send-off from his international career. Ronaldo and Messi have been the stars of football conversation for the last few decades and have won between themselves, 13 Ballon d’Or trophies. Messi has won the prestigious prize 8 times while Ronaldo has done so 5 times. But as Ronaldo’s international career has now reached its twilight years, Lineker thinks the emphasis should be on his exceptional talents and not on the feuds over his last few games for the national team.

Oct 7, 2026 • 18