Entertainment

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

FC Barcelona has initiated an investigation into the alleged racist abuse directed at Real Madrid’s Brazilian winger, Vinicius Junior, during the recently played El-Clasico.

The incident occurred during the match held at Barcelona’s temporary Olympic Stadium, where a video published by Spanish media outlets seemed to capture a home supporter hurling racial slurs at Vinicius Junior. 

The video footage, widely circulated on social media, depicted a spectator in the stands allegedly referring to Vinicius Junior as a “monkey.”

Additionally, another disturbing incident occurred when what appeared to be a banana skin was thrown from another section of the stadium. 

Expressing their commitment to upholding the fundamental values of football, including respect for opponents, FC Barcelona released an official statement via their social media platforms, stating, “FC Barcelona will always defend the values of football and sport such as respect for the opponent, and we will investigate any racist insult that may have occurred this afternoon during the match against Real Madrid.” 

Throughout the match, Vinicius Junior faced jeers and derogatory chants from some Barcelona supporters.

Tensions escalated when the 23-year-old winger was substituted late in the game, following Jude Bellingham’s dramatic stoppage-time goal that secured Madrid’s victory.

Despite the hostile reception, Vinicius attempted to celebrate the win, pumping his fists towards the stands. Real Madrid’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti, intervened, guiding Vinicius Junior off the pitch while attempting to shield him from further provocation. 

The incident has reignited discussions about racism in football and the urgent need for decisive action to eradicate such behaviour from the sport.

FC Barcelona’s investigation aims to identify the individuals responsible for the abusive behaviour, underscoring the club’s dedication to promoting respect, tolerance, and inclusivity within the football community.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

A recent Forbes report shows that Cristiano Ronaldo is the world’s highest-earning footballer, courtesy of his staggering £164 million annual contract with Al-Nassr and £49 million from sponsorships.

This places him leagues ahead of rivals like Messi and Neymar.

Notably, Ronaldo’s sponsorships alone surpass the combined earnings of Premier League stars Haaland, Salah, De Bruyne, and Kane. 

Adding to his triumphs, Ronaldo extended his international goal record to 125 during Portugal’s 3-2 victory over Slovakia in Euro 2024 qualifying.

Ronaldo’s dominance, both in the game and the financial arena, solidifies his status as an unparalleled icon in the world of football.

By Aliyu Yakubu Yusuf

I first took note of Eden Hazard’s mercurial talents way back around 2008 when he burst onto the scene for Lille in Ligue 1. Even in the team that boosted the likes of Johan Cabaye, Matthieu Debuchy, Adil Rami, Mousa Sow and Gervinho, Eden Hazard was the pick of the bunch. Hazard would lead that Lille side to the Ligue 1 crown in 2010/2011 ahead of the more fancied Marseille and Lyon.

When Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United for Real Madrid in 2009, I hoped and prayed that Fergie sign up Hazard as the Portuguese’s replacement. I consider Hazard as the only player that could replicate Ronaldo’s exploits for Manchester United. It wasn’t meant to be. Instead of donning United’s red shirt, Hazard would pitch in at Chelsea, where he terrorised EPL defenders week-in, week-out for a decade, winning every single club trophy along the way.

If Hazard’s EPL career will be indelible in the minds of the footballing world, his stint at Real Madrid in La Liga is a story to forget. A combination of injuries, poor form and lack of sheer willpower has left Hazard as merely a footnote in the history of the greatest football club in the world. The fact that Hazard spent three seasons in Madrid but played a grand total of zero minutes in 10 El Clasicos against Barcelona summed up how his stock dramatically fell in Spain.

Apart from Neymar, Hazard was the closest player to Lionel Messi in terms of pure talent and magical dribbles. In fact, when push comes to shove, I would pick a fitter and more focused Hazard ahead of flashy and wayward Neymar. Hazard is a player I so much enjoyed watching. His career may have ended with a whimper, but that shouldn’t take away anything from the fact that he’s one of the greatest players of this generation.

Adieu Eden. Football will never be the same without you.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Arsenal emerged victorious in a historic match against reigning champions Manchester City, ending their eight-year wait for a Premier League win over the Citizens.

The decisive moment came in the dying minutes of the game when Gabriel Martinelli’s shot, deflected off City defender Nathan Ake, found the back of the net, securing a dramatic 1-0 win for the Gunners. 

This long-awaited triumph sparked wild celebrations among Arsenal fans, marking a moment of sweet redemption after enduring 12 successive league defeats against Pep Guardiola’s men.

Arsenal’s victory, coming just four minutes from the final whistle, lifted them two points above third-placed City into second position, trailing behind leaders Tottenham on goals scored. 

This win holds significant weight for Arsenal, as it signifies their first top-flight success against the treble winners since December 2015.

Although Arsenal had previously defeated City in the Community Shield in August, this victory holds greater importance, positioning them as serious contenders in the title race. 

Manchester City, on the other hand, faced their second consecutive league defeat following their 2-1 loss against Wolves the previous weekend.

Coupled with a League Cup defeat against Newcastle, City have suffered three defeats in their last four games, raising concerns about their form and stability.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) players Randal Kolo Muani, Ousmane Dembele, Achraf Hakimi, and Layvin Kurzawa have been handed one-match suspensions by the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) for their involvement in anti-gay chants after last month’s clash against Marseille. 

The LFP swiftly confirmed the disciplinary action, noting their commitment to combating discriminatory behaviour in football.

The derogatory chants, originating from a section of PSG supporters, led to an immediate investigation by the LFP, resulting in the sanctions against the players. 

In an official statement, the LFP condemned the players’ actions and reiterated their dedication to promoting inclusivity and respect within the sport.

Emphasising a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination, the LFP noted the importance of creating a football environment where individuals, regardless of sexual orientation, can enjoy the game without prejudice. 

The suspensions highlight the serious consequences of such behaviour in professional football, leaving PSG with a gap in their lineup for the upcoming match.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need to eradicate discrimination in sports and ensure a welcoming atmosphere for all.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Napoli, the renowned Italian football club, vehemently denied reports circulating in the Italian media regarding the release of a children’s toy named ‘Cicciobello Bomber,’ inspired by Napoli striker Victor Osimhen wearing the club’s shirt. 

The club’s spokesperson stated, “We’re denying any report on the Italian media about releasing kids toy ‘Cicciobello Bomber’ inspired by Victor Osimhen in Napoli shirt.” 

The statement continued with a firm assertion that the said product was not authorised by the club. “That product was not authorized by the club — we will settle this issue in court,” added the spokesperson, underscoring Napoli’s determination to resolve the matter through legal channels. 

This announcement comes as a response to recent media speculation, which suggested the launch of a toy featuring Osimhen, a key player for Napoli, in the team’s attire.

Napoli has made it clear that they have no connection to, nor have they endorsed such a product.

The club’s decision to pursue legal action notes their commitment to protecting their brand and ensuring that unauthorised merchandise is not associated with their esteemed name. 

As the club prepares to address this matter in court, Napoli fans and the public await further developments regarding the unauthorised toy release.

Napoli remains focused on their upcoming matches, striving for success on the field while simultaneously safeguarding their reputation.

By Muhammadu Sabiu

Cristiano Ronaldo, the iconic Portuguese footballer, is set to sue Juventus Football Club for an alleged non-payment of €19.9 million, according to reports from Gazzetta dello Sport. 

The legal action comes as a response to the financial difficulties faced by Juventus during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Ronaldo, who previously played for Juventus from 2018 to 2021, has reportedly taken his grievances to the Turin Prosecutor’s Office. 

His decision to pursue legal action follows unsuccessful attempts to resolve the matter through negotiations with the club. 

As of now, Juventus has not issued an official statement regarding the lawsuit, and the football world eagerly awaits further developments in this high-profile dispute.

By Muhammadu Sabiu

Nigerian football star Victor Osimhen has been nominated for the prestigious FIFA Best Player award, just days after his Ballon d’Or nomination for 2023.

This nomination places Osimhen in the elite company of football’s finest talents.

The list of nominees in the men’s category is nothing short of star-studded, featuring Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, the prolific Erling Haaland, the maestro Kevin De Bruyne, and the electric Kylian Mbappe.

Osimhen’s inclusion in this group is a testament to his remarkable skills and achievements in the world of football.

What sets Osimhen’s nomination apart is that he is the first Nigerian player to be listed for the FIFA Best Footballer Award since its inception, a milestone that reflects the growing influence of African football on the global stage.

This award, first won by Cristiano Ronaldo in 2016, has now opened its doors to the Nigerian talent.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

The Portuguese prodigy, João Félix, is on the verge of turning his childhood dream into reality as he prepares to join FC Barcelona on a loan deal from Atlético Madrid. 

The football world is abuzz with excitement as Félix, who touched down in Barcelona today, is poised to put pen to paper on the contract later this evening, with medical examinations already in the pipeline. 

Anticipation is reaching a fever pitch at Camp Nou as fans eagerly anticipate the introduction of this young talent, set to dazzle in the iconic Barcelona colours. 

In an exclusive interview on July 18, Félix candidly shared, “I’ve always wanted to join Barça; it’s been my dream since I was a kid.” 

This remarkable transfer arrangement will temporarily see the 23-year-old forward bid adieu to his former club, Atlético Madrid, to proudly don the Barcelona jersey in the upcoming season. 

With Félix’s extraordinary skills and versatility, he is poised to be a prized addition to Barcelona’s squad, and his presence is expected to infuse renewed vigour into the team’s attacking prowess.  

By Muhammadu SabiuErling Haaland emerged victorious as he secured the coveted UEFA Player of the Year award.

The award, presented on Thursday, came as a resounding recognition of Haaland’s exceptional performance during the 2022/23 season.

This achievement saw him surpass renowned contenders Kevin de Bruyne and Lionel Messi, making his mark on the European football stage.

The UEFA Player of the Year award stands as a testament to the dedication and prowess exhibited by players in the previous season of European football.

Honoring remarkable achievements and contributions to the sport, this prestigious accolade holds a special place in the hearts of both players and fans alike.

The rigorous selection process involved a panel of esteemed judges, comprised of respected coaches and journalists meticulously chosen by the European Sports Media.

Through careful consideration, this jury methodically identified the standout performers from the 2022/23 season, eventually narrowing down the selection to the top three players.

Erling Haaland’s triumph in claiming the UEFA Player of the Year award is a reflection of his consistent excellence on the field.

His exceptional skill, strategic prowess, and remarkable sportsmanship have not only impressed fans and peers but have also earned him this remarkable distinction.