Entertainment

By Ibrahim Suleiman Ibrahim

On 9th July 2006, legendary footballer, Zinedine Zidane, was sent off the pitch in the 110th minute of a fierce World Cup final match in Berlin, Germany, after he infamously headbutted Italy’s Marco Materazzi.

Zizou, as he’s fondly called, was very phenomenal during his time and is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time. He was renowned for his unique playmaking and elegance. His exploits at the 1998 world cup and other competitive tournaments a few years after cannot be overemphasized. It’s just sad he ended his football career in such an infamous way.

During the world cup final match, France was on the advantaged side, with a higher tendency to win the game. Zidane, who was the French captain, had earlier netted a penalty against legendary Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon in an audacious ‘panenka’ style to give France the lead. The Italian team later equalized through a header from Materazzi during a corner kick.

Thereafter, there was a fierce battle, and both teams were on the offensive until the match went to extra time. All eyes were on Zidane to see the French team regain the lead, but Zidane couldn’t control his temper against provocative Materazzi during the 110th minute of the game, hence the costly mistake of headbutting Materazzi.

He was sent off by the referee after some reviews, and the game did not remain the same after that. Italy went on to win the game with 5-3 on penalties after the end of the extra time.

Although Materazzi was reported to have trash-talked Zidane’s family during a supposed harmless encounter, which was what triggered the physical assault from Zidane, such a reaction, if necessary, was ill-timed, owing to the importance of the game to his football career.

That violent reaction not only cost him the opportunity to win what would have been his second world cup trophy but was also popularly believed to have thwarted his chances of winning what would have been his second Balon D’or award in 2006.

Some emotional speculators, however, hailed Zidane for standing up for his family, but many others, like myself, saw it as a costly overreaction from his side. 

And that was the last time we would ever see Zidane play football.

Meanwhile, Zidane didn’t let that unforgettable event weigh him down, as he went ahead to become one of the most successful managers in history. He won 3 consecutive champions league titles in his first stint as Read Madrid’s Manager.

Nonetheless, despite the huge successes both as a player and as a manager, you can’t mention Zidane’s name today without picturing the infamous moment at the 2006 World Cup final. That is how injurious reactions triggered by uncontrolled anger can be.

___________

Morals: “Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured”. –Mark Twain

By Muhammadu Sabiu
 
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) President Nasser Al Khelaifi has once again expressed his firm stance on the future of star player Kylian Mbappé, stating that the young forward must make his decision within the next week or two. 
 
In an interview with Le Parisien, Al Khelaifi emphasised that this deadline marks the limit for Mbappé to make his final decision regarding a new contract with the club.
 
Al Khelaifi made it clear that if Mbappé does not wish to sign a new deal, the door is open for a potential departure. 
 
The PSG president asserted that no individual, not even a player of Mbappé’s stature, is bigger than the club itself, highlighting the importance of the collective over any individual.
 
The PSG president expressed his disappointment and shock at the situation, revealing that there had been a verbal agreement between the club and Mbappé. Al Khelaifi stated that Mbappé had confirmed this agreement, which is why the recent turn of events has left him disillusioned.

By Muhammadu Sabiu
 
English midfielder James Maddison has successfully undergone medical examinations and officially signed with Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.
 
The highly anticipated move, valued at £40 million, has delighted fans and pundits alike. 
 
Fabrizio Romano, a football journalist, wrote via his Facebook handle: “James Maddison completed medicals and signed as new Tottenham player!”
 
The signing reflects Tottenham’s ambition to bolster their squad ahead of the upcoming season. Fans eagerly await the impact Maddison will make in his new white and blue jersey.
 
Maddison’s creative playmaking abilities are expected to strengthen Tottenham’s midfield and provide a potent attacking threat. 

By Muhammadu Sabiu
 
Ángel Di Maria, the Argentine winger, is set to join Benfica in a verbal agreement.
 
According to a renowned football journalist, Fabrizio Romano, “Ángel Di Maria will become new Benfica player next week, verbal agreement sealed”.
 
He added that the deal will be valid until June 2024.
 
Di Maria’s arrival is expected to boost Benfica’s attacking prowess, and the signing is being hailed as an impressive move.
 
Fans eagerly await the official announcement and anticipate the impact the talented winger will have on the team’s success.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

Moroccan midfielder Hakim Ziyech has reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Al Nassr, marking a significant transfer deal. 

Personal terms have been settled, and Ziyech is expected to sign a contract until June 2026. 

An agreement has also been reached with his current club, Chelsea, with contract finalization pending. 

The move signifies the advancing partnership between Chelsea and Saudi Arabian football. 

More details to follow as the deal progresses.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 
 
In a significant transfer development, N’Golo Kanté, the revered French midfielder and a longstanding figure at Chelsea FC, has officially signed a four-year contract with Al Ittihad, a Saudi Arabian football team.
 
The transfer marks the end of an era for Kanté, who has become an emblematic player for Chelsea and an integral part of their success in recent years.
 
Reports suggest that the financial terms of the transfer are substantial. Kanté’s total salary over the duration of the contract amounts to a staggering €100 million. 
 
Kanté’s departure from Chelsea evokes a sense of nostalgia among fans and the football community as a whole. 
 
The diminutive midfielder, known for his tireless work rate, exceptional ball-winning ability, and precise distribution, has etched his name into the club’s history. 
 
His contributions were instrumental in Chelsea’s success, including two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and a UEFA Champions League.
 
During his time at Chelsea, Kanté has established himself as one of the world’s premier midfielders, earning plaudits for his consistent performances and humility both on and off the field. 
 

By Muhammadu Sabiu
 
In a stunning turn of events, Kylian Mbappé, the star forward for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), has issued an official statement through the AFP agency confirming that he will not be signing a new contract with the club.
 
The announcement comes as a shock to fans and the football world alike, as negotiations had been ongoing for some time.
 
Mbappé’s statement unequivocally states, “I have NEVER discussed any contract renewal with PSG.” 
 
This statement contradicts the narrative that had been portrayed in recent months, suggesting that talks were underway regarding a potential extension of his contract.

By Muhammadu Sabiu
 
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior will henceforth be wearing the number 7 jersey, shortly after the departure of Eden Hazard, whose jersey used to carry the number.
 
Before now, the Brazilian international’s jersey was number 20.
 
In a Facebook post via its official handle, Real Madrid uploaded a picture of the player wearing the number 7 jersey, attaching the post with an inscription signifying a change from “20 to 7”.
 
Recall that Eden Hazard had, in the last two seasons, had difficult and bad moments as his fame and performance were below average, leading Carlo Ancelotti, the Real Madrid manager, to bench him almost throughout the season.
 
Apart from Hazard, Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio also left for Al-Ittihad and Paris Saint-Germain, respectively.
 
However, in another development, the club has been able to complete a deal with Borussia Dortmund to bring in Jude Bellingham.
 
Also, Madrid’s loanee at Inter Milan, Brahimi Diaz, has been brought back by the Spanish giants.

By Muhammadu Sabiu  

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has joined an American side, Inter Miami, after parting ways with the French club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). 

According to Fabrizio Romano, Messi will make an announcement about the new club he has joined in a few hours. 

Reporting on his official Facebook page today, Romano wrote, “Lionel Messi to Inter Miami, here we go! The decision has been made and it will be announced by Leo in the next hours. 

“Messi will play in MLS next season. No more chances for Barcelona despite trying to make it happen.” 

Recall that before this year’s Ligue 1 campaign came to an end, it was already announced that Messi would not continue at PSG. 

There were speculations that the 7-time Ballon d’Or winner would return to his former side, Barca, but the deal wasn’t sealed by the two parties.

By Muhammadu Sabiu
 
Iconic Swedish international Zlatan Ibrahimovic announced his retirement from football after a very long career.
 
He started his senior career at Malmo FF in 1999 after subsequently going to Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan, PSG, and others.
 
Fabrizio Romano, via his social media handle, said, “Zlatan Ibrahimović has now decided to retire from professional football with immediate effect”.
 
Zlatan finally retired at AC Milan in the midst of the club’s fans waving good-bye at him.