Chelsea have built a team full of brilliant game-changers over the last few years, but it’s still clear who their most important player is: Cole Palmer.

The Englishman joined the club from Manchester City just two years ago and is already considered by many to be one of the best players in the Premier League, and it’s not hard to see why.

In 98 appearances, the 23-year-old has scored 43 goals and provided 29 assists, resulting in a goal involvement every 1.36 games.

However, as with every club, Chelsea have also let a number of sensational talents leave too early, including one who’s even better than Palmer.

Chelsea's biggest transfer regrets

It would be fair to say that Chelsea have made their fair share of regrettable sales over the years, with Kevin De Bruyne being one of the most notable examples.

The Belgian joined the club in January 2012 for a fee of around £7m, but remained with Genk for the rest of that season and then joined Werder Bremen on loan the following year.

Unfortunately for the Blues, then manager José Mourinho didn’t take to the future icon, and after just nine competitive appearances for the club, he was sold to Wolfsburg for £18m in January 2014, where he would go on to produce 57 goal involvements in 73 games, win the DFB Pokal and secure a big money move to Manchester City in August 2015.

We all know what happened next, as the world-class midfielder went on to make 422 appearances for the Sky Blues, scoring 108 goals, providing 177 assists, and winning everything there was to win, including six league titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups, and the Champions League.

While not as successful, another player the Blues surely wish they never sold is the man of the moment, Marc Guehi.

The combative centre-back left the West Londoners for Crystal Palace in the summer of 2021, and did so for only £18m.

Since then, he’s made 161 appearances for the South Londoners, in which he’s scored nine goals, provided four assists and most crucially, led them to a historic FA Cup triumph.

His impressive development at Selhurst Park has also seen him brought into the national team setup and now, with 24 caps to his name, is arguably England’s best centre-back.

Yet, while Chelsea surely regret selling both of these players, there is another international superstar, someone who is better than Palmer, that may be their biggest regret.

The former Chelsea star better than Palmer

With Palmer being one of the best attackers in the Premier League, the player in question has to be truly exceptional to be in with a shout of being better than him, and Mohamed Salah is undoubtedly that.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

Expand Collapse

The Egyptian legend joined the West Londoners in a £11m move from Basel in January 2014, going on to make his debut for the club in a game against Newcastle United the following month.

However, after just 19 appearances over the following year, he moved to Fiorentina on loan in January 2015, where he produced 13 goal involvements in 26 games and caught the eye of AS Roma.

The Italian giants signed the future legend on a season-long loan with an option to buy that summer, an option that was activated for just £12m the following year.

During his time in Rome, the Nagrig-born game-changer racked up a brilliant tally of 34 goals and 21 assists in 83 appearances, totalling 6588, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.50 games, or every 119.78 minutes.

Unsurprisingly, such an incredible run of form started to turn heads back in the Premier League, and in June 2017, two and a half years after he left England, Liverpool spent around £34m to bring him back to these shores.

To say he’s been worth that outlay would be a monstrous understatement.

In the seven years since, he has racked up an astronomical haul of 246 goals and 114 assists in 405 games and played a pivotal role in two Premier League winning campaigns, a Champions League triumph, and the winning of several domestic cups.

How did he stack up to Palmer last season, though?

Palmer vs Salah in 24/25

Players

Palmer

Salah

Appearances

52

52

Minutes

4247′

4501′

Goals

18

34

Assists

14

23

Goal Involvements per Match

0.61

1.09

Minutes per Goal Involvement

132.71′

78.96′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Well, the Englishman scored 18 goals and provided 14 assists in 52 appearances, totalling 4247 minutes, which comes out to a goal involvement every 1.62 games, or every 132.71 minutes.

In contrast, the “world-class” Reds star, as dubbed by Roy Keane, scored 34 goals and provided 23 assists in 52 appearances, totalling 4501 minutes.

In other words, he averaged 1.09 goal involvements per match, or one every 78.96 minutes – a mind-blowing rate of return.

Ultimately, Chelsea have a brilliant squad and in Palmer a genuine world-beater, but it would be fair to say selling Salah was one of the club’s biggest mistakes.

Related The Chelsea academy star turning Maresca's head after Nicolas Jackson praise

Chelsea’s manager is keeping a close eye on him.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Sep 11, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur continued their impressive start to life under Thomas Frank with a 3-0 win over West Ham United at the London Stadium on Saturday.

Pape Matar Sarr, Lucas Bergval, and Micky van de Ven scored the goals for the Lilywhites to claim all three points against their London rivals, taking them to three wins from four matches.

One thing Spurs have not had so far this season, though, is an academy graduate playing any minutes in the Premier League, as they are still looking for their next Harry Kane.

Why Spurs need to find their next Harry Kane

Not every supporter will feel this way, or as strongly as others do, but it can be a source of pride to have a player from the team’s academy shining week-in-week-out. One of their own.

Kane was the ultimate version of that. He burst through the academy and loan systems to emerge as an incredible performer, moving on from North London in 2023 with a club-record 280 goals in all competitions, per Transfermarkt.

As well as being one of their own, England’s all-time top scorer was also the king of derby day for Tottenham with an impressive goalscoring record against Arsenal.

Kane achieved all of this, though, after he scored two goals for Leicester City, five goals for Leyton Orient, nine goals for Millwall, and no goals for Norwich City on loan before his first-team breakthrough, per Transfermarkt.

With this in mind, Spurs may be brewing their next version of Kane in one of their current young talents who are struggling out on loan at the moment, Mikey Moore.

Why Mikey Moore is the next Harry Kane in the making for Spurs

The 18-year-old winger was sent out on loan to Glasgow Rangers during the summer transfer window, but has not had the best start to life north of the border.

In five appearances in all competitions for the Scottish giants, Moore has yet to find the back of the net and his only assist came against Alloa Athletic, a lower league outfit in the League Cup, per Transfermarkt.

The England youth international has not hit the ground running for Russell Martin’s team at Ibrox, particularly in the Scottish Premiership, since completing his first loan move away from Spurs.

Appearances

3

Starts

2

Shots on target

0

Goals

0

Key passes

1

Big chances created

0

Assists

0

Dribble success rate

17%

As you can see in the table above, Moore has struggled in his first three league outings for Rangers, with no shots on target and no ‘big chances’ created for his team.

The 18-year-old talent is still finding his way at first-team level, though, and these are negative experiences that will provide the harsh lessons that he will need to learn from to kick on and progress, as Kane did after struggling in his loan spells away from Tottenham.

Moore, who analyst Ben Mattinson claimed has “superstar potential”, caught the eye at academy level for Spurs with a return of 19 goals and 13 assists in 24 matches for the U19s, per Transfermarkt.

These statistics show that the English youngster has the potential to deliver goals and assists on a regular basis, but it is down to him to start to show that in the first-team when he returns from Rangers next summer.

Spurs will be hoping that Moore, who has scored one goal for Tottenham’s first-team, uses the 2025/26 campaign as a big learning experience to teach him what to and what not to do at senior level as a regular starter.

Kane used his time at Millwall, Norwich, Leyton Orient, and Leicester to propel him to glory in the first-team, and Moore may well be on his way to following the England captain’s footsteps.

He'll be Frank's own Bale: Spurs have hit gold on "phenomenal" £20m star

Tottenham Hotspur have unearthed themselves a new gem over the last couple of months.

ByEthan Lamb Sep 12, 2025

At the age of 18, the winger has so much time left ahead of him to grow and develop. Hopefully, he will eventually be able to star for Spurs as their first-choice left winger in the future.

DC are unbeaten in IPL 2025, and while RCB have won the same number of games – three – the only one they have lost was at home

Shashank Kishore09-Apr-20252:15

Is 2025 finally going to be RCB’s year?

Big picture: DC’s spinner vs RCB’s middle-order batters the big contestIn three seasons since IPL 2020, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have won at least three of their first four games. Only once, in 2021, they came close to challenging for a top-two berth, but lost out to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on net run-rate despite winning nine out of their 14 games. None of those wins were at home, though – they didn’t play there because of Covid restrictions.RCB have long grappled with the home-advantage question long before it became a raging debate among teams in IPL 2025. The pitch, the altitude, the short boundaries – of which enough and more has been said over the years – make the M Chinnaswamy Stadium a bowlers’ nightmare. And RCB hadn’t really got their bowling right in all those years. They have this season.Which is why their return to the Chinnaswamy for their second home game of the season, against Delhi Capitals (DC) – they lost the first against Gujarat Titans (GT) – coupled with an excellent start is being met with optimism by fans, who haven’t forgotten the remarkable run of late results that took them into the playoffs.Related

Hazlewood eyes the dots as RCB reach unforgiving Chinnaswamy

Mott on Axar the captain: 'He's not taking it all on himself'

Rahul: 'Enjoying my cricket, not thinking about taking it deep'

Rayudu backs Patidar's RCB to make it 18th time lucky

RCB's winning formula comes with a distinct Indian flavour

DC schedule has been less hectic, with at least four days off between matches, allowing players as much time on the driving range as they have had at training. There’s a relaxed vibe around the group that stems from being the only unbeaten team in the competition.In Faf du Plessis and KL Rahul, they have two first-XI batters who know the ground inside out. Not to forget reserve batter Karun Nair.They look well-rounded. They are playing as a team – no batter has scored more than 92 (Rahul), when the season’s best at the moment is 288 and the bowlers, led by Mitchell Starc, have almost all chipped in. At this stage, DC look like the team to beat.For RCB, their partnerships for the third to seventh wickets have turned their batting efforts around. Against GT here last week, for example, their Nos, 5-8 were largely responsible for ensuring they recovered from 42 for 4 to 169 for 8, 120 of which came in the last 12 overs.This has largely been down to their handling of spin in the middle overs. RCB have three of the seven middle-order batters in this IPL who average over 40 while striking at more than 150: Rajat Patidar, Jitesh Sharma and Tim David.This facet could be challenged by DC – Kuldeep Yadav taken six wickets at an economy rate of 6.00, while they also have Axar Patel and Vipraj Nigam to lend depth to their spin department.Form guideRCB WLW
DC WWWNew loyaltyDu Plessis, who became an RCB hero after leading them to two playoffs in three seasons (2022 and 2024), is now with DC. He was RCB’s top run-getter in two consecutive seasons (2022 and 2023).Team news and likely XIIsThe Impact Sub is likely to be RCB’s only selection dilemma. Rasikh Salam, picked ahead of legspinner Suyash Sharma, struggled in their previous home game against GT, conceding 35 in three wicketless overs.Royal Challengers Bengaluru (probable XII): 1 Virat Kohli, 2 Phil Salt, 3 Devdutt Padikkal, 4 Rajat Patidar (capt), 5 Liam Livingstone, 6 Jitesh Sharma (wk), 7 Tim David, 8 Krunal Pandya, 9 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10 Josh Hazlewood, 11 Yash Dayal, 12 Suyash Sharma/Swapnil Singh/Rasikh SalamFaf du Plessis missed DC’s previous game due to a niggle•BCCI

Faf du Plessis, who missed the previous game, is being assessed for a groin strain, but DC assistant coach Matthew Mott said “he certainly looks like he’s moving around a lot better from the naked eye without having to look at him.” If he is fit to return, he will slot back in at the top with Jake Fraser-McGurk. This means Sameer Rizvi could miss out. Left-arm quick T Natarajan is nearing full fitness from a shoulder injury. If fit, he could come in for Mohit Sharma.Delhi Capitals (probably XII): 1 Faf du Plessis/Sameer Rivzi, 2 Jake Fraser McGurk, 3 Abishek Porel, 4 KL Rahul (wk), 5 Tristan Stubbs, 6 Axar Patel (capt), 7 Vipraj Nigam, 8 Mitchell Starc, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Mukesh Kumar, 11 Mohit Sharma/T Natarajan, 12 Ashutosh SharmaThe big questionRCB have the second-lowest win percentage (50) at home in the IPL. Since last year, they have won four of their eight games at the Chinnaswamy. All their three wins so far this season have come away. Do they have the squad to win more than they lose at home?In the spotlight: Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell StarcJosh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc will be featuring in the WTC final for Australia in June, but for now, they are on opposite sides. This face-off forms a nice subplot.Hazlewood has the best dot-ball percentage (72.92) among bowlers who have delivered multiple overs in powerplays so far this season. His partnership with Bhuvneshwar Kumar – they are both in the top three for powerplay economy rates – has gone a long way in RCB’s success with the ball. Across eight overs, Hazlewood has picked up four wickets while conceding just 4.6 per over. His most expensive outing so far was at home against GT, when he conceded 1 for 43 off four overs. He’ll hope for better returns on Thursday.Starc has been equally effective, picking up nine wickets at an economy of 8.9. His strike rate of 7.8 is the joint-second-best so far at IPL 2025. Starc is no stranger to the Chinnaswamy, having previously played for RCB in 2014 and 2015. The other player key to DC’s fortunes against a marauding RCB middle order is Kuldeep, whose economy of 6.00 is the best among spinners who have bowled at least five overs in IPL 2025. He has also been in wicket-taking form.Stats and trivia Virat Kohli is going harder in the powerplay than ever before. Since IPL 2024, he’s striking at 162 in his first ten balls, as against 122 in the two seasons prior to that. Kohli has a favourable match-up against Starc, having hit him for 40 runs off just 19 deliveries without being dismissed in the IPL. Bhuvneshwar’s 73 wickets are the most in the IPL during the powerplay. Trent Boult comes second with 64 wickets. Among those who have made at least 200 runs, Fraser-McGurk’s strike rate of 205 is the highest in the powerplay since IPL 2025. Axar versus RCB’s middle order promises to be a good contest. He has dismissed Jitesh twice in three innings, and Tim David twice in eight T20s. Their strikes rates against Axar are just 87 and 81 against Axar, respectively.Quotes”He doesn’t come across as being the only voice. He wants to leverage off others and make sure he’s getting the best out of the people around him.”

The four-match suspension previously imposed on Jamaica Scorpions captain John Campbell has been officially withdrawn following a recent meeting of the disciplinary committee on Friday, the Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced on Saturday. Campbell was handed a ban in December last year for not turning up for the toss against Barbados Pride, resulting in the Super50 final being forfeited for 2024-25.The rain-hit Super50 final was forfeited under extraordinary circumstances. The umpires had deemed conditions to be fit for a 20-overs-a-side match. But with neither captain making an appearance, no trophy was awarded for the 2024-25 edition. The fate of Barbados captain Raymon Reifer, who also faced the same charges, was not decided by the disciplinary committee in December.The CWI release stated that the committee took the view that “the procedure of bringing the charge was flawed and the matter therefore could not be heard” adding that the issues raised during Reifer’s hearing informed the body’s decision to withdraw the charges against Campbell. “It is important to note, the view is not pertaining to the merit of the charge but rather the process of the charge being laid.”Related

• Campbell handed four-match ban for part in Super50 final no-show

• No Super50 Cup winners after finalists forfeit rain-affected title contest

Miles Bascombe, CWI director of cricket, stated in a release: “We acknowledge the Tribunal’s observations and respect their role in ensuring procedural fairness. While Mr. Campbell’s expression of remorse and admission has been accepted, we recognize the concerns raised during Reifer’s hearing regarding the overall process and have decided to withdraw the suspension.”That said, this does not absolve individuals of responsibility where there have been serious breaches. No ruling has been made to declare a winner or overturn any match outcome–this is purely a matter of addressing procedural fairness. Neither has anyone been found guilty or innocent of charges. Our commitment to discipline, professionalism, and the integrity of the game remains unwavering.”Earlier, the board had confirmed that no match fees would be distributed for the final and neither would prize money meant for the tournament’s winners and runners-up be awarded. The committee also did not issue any ruling on the matter of prize money or match fees arising from the final.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras viajou para Porto Alegre sem Rony e Dudu, mas terá uma novidade para enfrentar o Internacional, neste domingo, às 18h30, pelo Brasileirão. Trata-se de Kevin, destaque do sub-20 que foi relacionado por Abel Ferreira e deve ser opção no banco de reservas no Beira-Rio. Promovido recentemente ao profissional, ele já fez gol pela equipe principal, tem sido alvo constante da Europa e é bicampeão da Copinha pelo clube.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasPalmeiras investiu quase R$ 200 milhões em reforços durante a ‘Era Leila Pereira’; relembre quais foramPalmeiras16/07/2023PalmeirasPalmeiras reencontra Luiz Adriano pela primeira vez desde a passagem do atacante pelo VerdãoPalmeiras16/07/2023PalmeirasPalmeiras viaja para Porto Alegre sem dois titulares, e Cria da Academia ganha oportunidadePalmeiras16/07/2023

+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Após representar a Seleção Brasileira no Mundial sub-20, que aconteceu entre maio e junho, na Argentina, Kevin já estava nos planos da comissão técnica para ganhar espaço no grupo principal. Pouco tempo depois da competição de base, Giovani, seu companheiro de Verdão e de Amarelinha, foi vendido para o futebol do Qatar, o que acelerou seu processo de ida para ficar em definitivo na Academia de Futebol.

O comunicado ao jogador aconteceu no início da semana, após a eliminação do Palmeiras na disputa da Libertadores sub-20, pois o garoto estava no Chile buscando o título inédito para o Alviverde. Sem reforços para o ataque em vista, Kevin foi a solução ideal encontrada pelo clube, ou seja, valoriza a base, “engorda” o elenco e ainda ocupa a vaga de um atleta que também era uma Cria da Academia.

continua após a publicidade

+ Palmeiras renova com joia da base e busca se blindar de assédio europeu

No entanto, para quem não sabe, Kevin já tem a sua história no elenco profissional. No fim de 2021, após a conquista do título da Libertadores, o grupo principal ganhou folga e o sub-20 foi convocado para disputar as últimas rodadas do Brasileirão daquele ano. Entre os nomes que tiveram a missão de representar o clube estava Kevin, que atuou em dois jogos e marcou um gol, que foi da vitória por 1 a 0 sobre o Ceará.

Kevin tinha 18 anos naquela época e estava a poucos dias de fazer história pelo Verdão. Isso porque, em janeiro de 2022, ele fez parte do grupo que venceu a tão sonhada Copinha, conquista inédita para o clube. O garoto não era titular, mas atuou em oito dos nove jogos daquela edição e ainda marcou um gol.

continua após a publicidade

No ano seguinte, Kevin voltou a disputar a Copinha pelo Palmeiras, mas dessa vez como destaque do time, uma vez que a grande maioria dos companheiros de 2022, como Endrick, Jhon Jhon e Giovani, já haviam deixado o sub-20. E ele não decepcionou. Com cinco gols e cinco assistências em oito jogos, ele foi eleito o craque da competição que foi conquistada novamente pelo Verdão.

+ Adeus, base! Kevin é integrado ao profissonal do Palmeiras em definitivo

O protagonismo foi apenas mais um elemento para que os clubes europeus crescessem os olhos para cima da Cria da Academia. O Shakhtar Donetsk-UCR chegou a oferecer 10 milhões de euros (R$ 56,4 milhões na cotação da época) depois de ter duas propostas recusadas pelo Alviverde. No entanto, os valores não convenceram os dirigentes palmeirenses, que creem que o garoto vale mais do que isso.

A questão é que o Palmeiras tem apenas 50% dos direitos do jogador, e os outros 50% pertencem aos Desportivo Brasil, que faz jogo duro diante da busca alviverde por comprar mais 20% do atleta. Enquanto não conseguir essa fatia maior, a diretoria não pensa em fazer negócio e ao mesmo tempo busca se blindar do assédio europeu, que recentemente sinalizou com interesses ingleses e franceses.

Em meados de junho deste ano, Kevin assinou a renovação de seu vínculo com o Verdão até dezembro de 2026. O anterior era válido até junho da mesma temporada e o atual ganhou uma valorização salarial.A intenção do clube é dar um plano de carreira ao atleta, que deve ganhar mais chances a partir deste jogo contra o Internacional. Vale lembrar que ele já havia sido relacionado por Abel para o duelo com o Bolívar, em La Paz-BOL, pela primeira rodada da fase de grupos da Libertadores, mas não saiu do banco na derrota por 3 a 1.

+ Internacional x Palmeiras: onde assistir, escalações e desfalques do jogo pelo Brasileirão

Ficha técnica (dados publicados pelo clube):

Nome: Kevin Santos Lopes de Macedo
Idade: 20 anos (4/1/2003)
Local de Nascimento: São Paulo-SP
Altura: 1,76m
Pé dominante: direito
Chegada ao Palmeiras: 2020
Palmeiras sub-20 2023: 22 Jogos / 9 Gols
Palmeiras sub-20 2022: 44 Jogos / 12 Gols
Palmeiras Principal 2021: 2 Jogos / 1 Gols
Palmeiras sub-20 2021: 34 Jogos / 6 Gols
Títulos: Campeão da Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior (2022 e 2023), do Campeonato Brasileiro sub-20 (2022), da Copa do Brasil sub-20 (2022) e do Paulista sub-20 (2020 e 2021)

Kylian Mbappe was left raving about Achraf Hakimi’s performance for Paris Saint-Germain in the French side’s Champions League victory over Barcelona, with the Real Madrid superstar admitting that his close friend is “too much” to handle when performing at the peak of his powers. The buccaneering full-back put in another classy display as the reigning kings of European football claimed another notable scalp in Catalunya.

Kings of Europe: PSG claimed dramatic win over Barcelona

La Liga giants Barca headed into said contest full of confidence after hitting the summit of their domestic division. They had teenage wonderkid Lamine Yamal at their disposal, with the 18-year-old lining up on the opposite side of the field to Hakimi. Marcus Rashford was initially charged with the task of trying to get the better of PSG’s Morocco international right-back.

The Manchester United loanee did that when teeing up Ferran Torres for the opening goal of the game, but PSG fought back from there to claim a dramatic winner in the 90th minute through Portuguese striker Goncalo Ramos. Hakimi starred when keeping Yamal and Co at bay, allowing Luis Enrique’s side to play their way into the game and ultimately emerge victorious.

AdvertisementMbappe watched PSG after netting Real Madrid hat-trick

Former PSG forward Mbappe was among those watching on from afar. He had enjoyed a productive Champions League outing of his own 24 hours earlier, with a hat-trick being recorded for Real Madrid in their 5-0 demolition of Kazakh side Kairat. He made a point of tuning in for PSG’s highly-anticipated clash with Barca.

He was given plenty to get excited about, as Clasico rivals came unstuck on home soil. PSG’s all-time leading scorer was particularly pleased to see Hakimi thrive on the grandest of stages – with the 26-year-old showing once again that he is one of the best in the business when it comes to the art of defending and providing a threat heading in the opposite direction.

Hakimi posted several images on social media that were packaged as “Champions League night”. He ended that reel with a shot of Jamie Foxx portraying former boxing world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in a biopic miniseries. Mbappe responded to those pictures by saying: “You there, that’s too much, huh.”

Hakimi happy with his standing in Ballon d'Or vote

Hakimi recently finished sixth in the 2025 Ballon d’Or vote, with club colleague Ousmane Dembele walking off with the Golden Ball. He said of that recognition: “I don't think it's a disappointment for me. It's nice to be in the list of the 30 best players in the world. Sixth is something I've never thought about in my life. I think about team trophies first, not individual trophies. I want to perform well with my team and give everyone pleasure. Then you're the ones who talk about individual trophies. I'm proud of this sixth place and I want to keep working to, why not, move up a little in the rankings.”

Hakimi also told of his relationship with Mbappe – who left Parc des Princes in 2024: “As soon as I arrived in Paris, he helped me. I didn't speak French and he spoke a little Spanish. The friendship was formed from the start. He supported me in times when I needed it. I also supported him when he needed it. It's a natural friendship. We're friends beyond football. We don't have any problems between us. If there's something, we talk about it. It's a real friendship and we will continue to be friends.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyChampions League or World Cup: Will Mbappe & Hakimi meet again?

Mbappe and Hakimi were denied an on-field reunion last season when Real suffered a Champions League quarter-final defeat to Arsenal. PSG went on to see off the Gunners, paving the way for them to demolish Inter in the final and land a historic continental crown. The pair did, however, cross paths at the FIFA Club World Cup.

It could be that they meet again in 2025-26, with two European heavyweights setting their sights on ultimate glory once again. PSG and the Blancos have made faultless starts to the league phase, picking up six points from two games so far. Hakimi and Mbappe could also meet at next summer’s World Cup, with Morocco already booking their tickets to that event while France sit top of their group in the UEFA section of qualification.

أعلن الدنماركي ييس توروب، المدير الفني للنادي الأهلي، تشكيل الفريق الرسمي، لخوض مواجهة إيجل نوار البوروندي، اليوم السبت، في افتتاح مشواره الإفريقي، بدوري أبطال إفريقيا.

ويلتقي الأهلي مع إيجل نوار، في بوروندي، ضمن منافسات الذهاب لمواجهات لدور الـ 32 من عمر بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا للموسم الحالي 2025-2026.

طالع | موعد والقناة الناقلة لمباراة الأهلي وإيجل نوار اليوم في دوري أبطال إفريقيا

وتعد المباراة الظهور الأول، للمدرب ييس توروب، في القيادة الفنية للنادي الأهلي، بعد تعيينه خلفًا للإسباني خوسيه ريبيرو.

ويشهد تشكيل الأهلي، تواجد الرباعي أحمد سيد زيزو مع محمود حسن تريزيجيه وأشرف بن شرقي ويقود الهجوم محمد شريف. تشكيل الأهلي اليوم أمام إيجل نوار في دوري أبطال إفريقيا

حراسة المرمي: محمد الشناوي.

خط الدفاع: محمد هاني، ياسر إبراهيم، ياسين مرعي وأحمد نبيل كوكا.

خط الوسط: محمد علي بن رمضان، مروان عطية ومحمود حسن تريزيجيه.

خط الهجوم: أحمد سيد زيزو، أشرف بن شرقي ومحمد شريف.

يذكر، أن مباراة الإياب التي تجمع الأهلي وإيجل نوار البوروندي، في القاهرة، تقام في الثامنة مساء يوم السبت المقبل 25 أكتوبر، على ستاد القاهرة الدولي.

RCB had slipped to 42 for 4 in the seventh over, before the middle order smashed 64 runs in the last five overs

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Apr-2025Mohammed Siraj has done his siuuu celebration a number of times at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in the last seven years. Most times, it has been met with a roaring response. On Wednesday, he went on his celebratory run twice in the powerplay to pindrop silence.Having not been retained by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ahead of IPL 2025, Siraj had a point to prove. And he did it in some style by picking 3 for 19 off his four overs for Gujarat Titans (GT). But despite his economical show, RCB finished with 169 for 8 in their 20 overs, thanks largely to Liam Livingstone’s 40-ball 54, and Tim David and Jitesh Sharma’s cameos.Shubman Gill had no hesitation in fielding first, and his decision was vindicated with both Siraj and Arshad Khan working up good speeds. Siraj was driven for a four by Virat Kohli through covers, but Arshad soon snared him as Kohli helped a nonchalant back-of-a-length ball to deep-backward square leg.Siraj, meanwhile, was finding his lengths perfectly, and was targeting the stumps as he castled Devdutt Padikkal, who was looking to go over mid-off. Phil Salt had his moments when he was dropped by Jos Buttler, and then had a run-out chance missed by Siraj, but his luck soon ran out. Salt tonked a 95-metre six over deep midwicket, but the very next ball, had his off pole flattened by a 145.9kph Siraj thunderbolt.Rajat Patidar was caught plumb in front by Ishant Sharma as RCB slipped to 42 for 4 in 6.2 overs. Livingstone and Jitesh had a crucial 52-run stand off just 38 balls for the fifth wicket, with the latter being the aggressor.R Sai Kishore then got rid of Jitesh and Krunal Pandya in quick succession to silence the home crowd again. Livingstone then took on Rashid Khan, thrashing him for three sixes in an over to provide RCB the much-needed impetus. RCB smashed 64 runs in their last five overs, with David doing the bulk of the scoring as he fell off the final ball for an 18-ball 32.

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has lifted the lid on his relationship with girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen. The couple have been dating since Haaland was at former club Borussia Dortmund and welcomed their first child together at the end of 2024. Haaland has revealed the couple enjoy playing video games together and also share a passion for kebabs.

• Haaland opens up on his private life

  Haaland has offered some rare insight into his private life as part of an 'A-team' series for Norwegian broadcaster NRK. The Manchester City goal machine has been quizzed on his relationship with girlfriend Haugsung Johansen and has offered some glimpses of their life together. Haugsung Johansen is also a footballer, and played for Bryne in Norway, which helped bring the two together. The Manchester City goal machine admits it was Haugsung Johansen who made the first move which led to the two coupling up. He said: "She sent me a message. She played in the same club as me, Bryne. She was the one who checked me out. I wasn't the one who checked her out."

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Man City ace reveals his perfect night in

  Haaland also went on to speak about how the couple like to spend their time away from the football pitch. He added: "I cook. This will probably sound a bit embarrassing to her, but she likes to play [games]. So we play Minecraft together. We build houses and all that. Or we go home to Bryne and order kebabs."

  The Manchester City has previously revealed he's an avid fan of Minecraft. He let slip he was playing the game on social media after previously being rather coy on his favourite video games. After breaking the Premier League record for most goals in a season, he told Sky Sports: "I will go home now and play some video games and then speak – I cannot say which games – it’s too embarrassing."

  It's also not the first time that Haaland has revealed his weakness for kebabs. The Norway star has made no secure of his favourite foods but has admitted it's hard to indulge as an elite footballer. He told Sky Sports in 2022: "I absolutely love it, I have to say. It's one of the best things, but I can never eat it. Sometimes I sit at home and I'm like: 'Oh, that would be so good'. But then I go to the fridge and make something else."

• Haaland growing up after becoming a dad

  Haaland and Haugsung Johansen welcomed their first baby together in December, with the Manchester City goal machine admitting he is "starting to grow up now." News of the birth was inadvertently broken by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola after seeing the striker score in a win over Leicester in the Premier League. Guardiola told reporters after the match: "Sometimes Erling has been judged badly but it's part of football. He's tired, he's played a lot of minutes. He's become a father for the first time in the last few days, a lot of emotions and an exciting few days for him."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Couple enjoy time out in Italy

  After becoming parents for the first time, Haaland and Haugsung Johansen were spotted enjoying some time out in Italy during the summer. The couple were spotted out together on a romantic break in Rome and also took in a Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda fashion show. The trip prompted Haaland to profess his love for Italy on social media: "Rome is without doubt one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever been to! And the food? Omg. Incredible. I’m enjoying the summer! Thanks D&G and the city of Rome for making the time here smooth. I love Italy!"

  Perhaps unsurprisingly, Italian fans were quick to respond to his post by urging the goal machine to leave Manchester City and try to secure a move to Serie A.

Newcastle United lost to Liverpool at St. James’ Park 3-2, but if ever there was a match which typified the spirit, togetherness and talent of Eddie Howe’s side, this was it.

With Alexander Isak still on strike, looking to join Monday night’s opponents before the looming crescendo to the summer transfer window, Howe was forced to field Anthony Gordon as a makeshift centre-forward once again.

However, in a moment of complete madness, the Three Lions star got himself sent off before half-time after a rash challenge on Virgil van Dijk, with the hosts 1-0 down in spite of a breathtaking and dominant display.

The Magpies rallied, restoring parity from two goals and a man down, but 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha struck an agonising blow at St. James’ Park at the eleventh hour.

But there was so much to like for the home side, and while Isak was absent (again), substitute William Osula proved he has a part to play at number nine this season. Could he be Newcastle’s next Isak? Time will tell.

William Osula shows his quality

In August 2024, Newcastle signed Osula from Sheffield United for a £15m fee. He has always been regarded as a top talent, but Howe and Co view the Frenchman as a work in progress.

Last year, the young attacker only featured 14 times in the Premier League, having not been handed a single start, scoring only once off the bench in a 3-0 win over Ipswich Town.

Had circumstances been different, it’s not unfair to suggest the 22-year-old Dane would have drifted through the clash against the Premier League champions as an unused substitute, but Isak wasn’t there, and Gordon was sent off in the first half, and so Howe threw him into the fray.

His influence was game-changing, scoring a vital second half equaliser.

Osula might come to replace or rival Isak in terms of positional value, but another talisman stepped up on Monday night.

Indeed, Bruno Guimaraes proved once again why he is Newcastle’s defining superstar.

Newcastle's next Isak-esque superstar

Guimaraes has now played 156 times for Newcastle, one of the first to christen this exciting new era and steadfast throughout, hailed by his teammate Dan Burn as being a truly “world-class” player.

His technical quality and iron-willed passion were on full show against Arne Slot’s side, and though it didn’t prove enough on the night, the goalscoring 27-year-old proved himself to be Newcastle’s true talisman as talk around Isak’s future drones on.

Chronicle Live’s Lee Ryder remarked in his post-match comments that the Brazil international ‘played his heart out’ against the Reds, and awarded him an 8/10 rating for his tireless efforts.

Isak should take a leaf from his book. Guimaraes is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, and clubs like Arsenal and Manchester City have shown a vested interest this year, but the passion he exudes when performing in black and white is a thing to behold.

Minutes played

90′

Goals

1

Assists

0

Touches

49

Shots (on target)

1 (1)

Accurate passes

19/26 (73%)

Dribbles

1/6

Tackles

3

Duels won

7/20

Praised by Arsenal-focused content creator Alex Moneypenny as being a “ridiculous footballer”, Guimaraes is bound to play a focal role in the year ahead.

His leadership and quality are sure to drive this football team on and toward greener pastures, building on last year’s trophy-winning campaign and ensuring that it proves a springboard for a sustained period of success.

Isak, who? The Brazilian is Howe’s true superstar.

Huge upgrade on Strand Larsen: Newcastle in talks to sign "special" £50m CF

Yoane Wissa isn’t the only forward Newcastle are trying to sign before the closure of the transfer market.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 25, 2025