Lyon (AFP) – For just the second time in the history of the women's World Cup, there will be female coaches on both benches for the final as Sarina Wiegman's Netherlands take on holders the United States, coached by Jill Ellis, on Sunday. Only nine of the 24 teams present at this year's tournament were […]

Belo Horizonte (Brazil) (AFP) – At 36 years young, Brazil captain Dani Alves could be forgiven if he was thinking of hanging up his boots and admiring his bursting trophy cabinet. Instead, Alves is preparing to play a key role when Brazil take on Peru in Sunday's Copa America final at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana […]

Cairo (AFP) – Marco Ilaimaharitra of fairytale Africa Cup of Nations last-16 qualifiers Madagascar will miss the match against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Egypt on Sunday because of a suspension. The midfielder, who played the full 90 minutes in wins over Burundi and Nigeria and a draw with Guinea, was yellow-carded in two […]

Rio de Janeiro (AFP) – Brazil revelation Everton said his life has changed since his performances at the Copa America brought him global attention amidst rumors of an imminent big-money move to Europe. And he is set to be given another opportunity to put himself in the shop window when hosts Brazil take on surprise-packages […]

London (AFP) – Spanish international midfielder Rodri said the chance to learn from Pep Guardiola was vital to making his club-record move to Manchester City from Atletico Madrid. The Premier League champions announced the signing of the 23-year-old on a five-year deal on Thursday, a day after Atletico announced the 70-million-euro ($79 million £63 million) […]

Paris (AFP) – Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera has joined Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer after leaving Manchester United, the French champions announced on Thursday. The 29-year-old has signed a five-year contract which will keep him at the club until June 2024. "I really wanted to join Paris and wear these colours," said Herrera, who […]

The Hague (AFP) – Dutch winger Arjen Robben has announced he is ending his playing career at the age of 35 after a 10-year spell with German giants Bayern Munich. "It is without a doubt the most difficult decision I have had to make in my career, my heart says yes, my body says no," […]

London (AFP) – Frank Lampard promised to keep Chelsea competitive at the top of the Premier League after his return to the club as manager on a three-year deal was confirmed on Thursday. Lampard won 13 trophies in 13 years and became Chelsea's all-time leading marksmen with 211 goals from midfield during a decorated playing […]

London (AFP) – Frank Lampard believes he faces the biggest challenge of his career after signing a three-year deal to return to Chelsea as the club's new manager on Thursday. Lampard earned legendary status at Stamford Bridge during a 13-year playing career in which he won 13 trophies and became the club's leading goalscorer with […]

Rome (AFP) – Ex-Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has returned to Juventus on a one-year contract after a season spent at Paris Saint-Germain. The 41-year-old, who will be number two to Polish 'keeper Wojciech Szczesny, previously spent 17 season with the Turin club, winning nine Serie A titles and playing three Champions League finals. "Welcome home, […]

Cairo (AFP) – Morocco boss Herve Renard singled out neighbours Algeria as the most impressive team at the Africa Cup of Nations heading into the knockout stages that begin on Friday in Egypt. Both countries qualified for the last 16 after three wins from three group games, but it was the nature of Algeria's 1-0 […]

London (AFP) – Leicester on Thursday completed the signing of Ayoze Perez from fellow Premier League side Newcastle for a reported fee of £30 million ($38 million). The Spanish forward has signed a four-year contract at the King Power Stadium to become Brendan Rodgers' second summer capture. Rodgers had been looking for a versatile forward […]

London (AFP) – Premier League champions Manchester City on Thursday announced the signing of Spain midfielder Rodri on a five-year deal from Atletico Madrid for a club record fee. Rodri, 23, officially became a City player a day after the La Liga club revealed the 70-million-euro (£63 million) release clause in his contract had been […]

Cairo (AFP) – Hakim Ziyech dazzled as Ajax embarked on an unforgettable European run while scooping a league and cup double, but the Morocco star has yet to cast his magic over the Africa Cup of Nations ahead of Friday's last-16 tie with Benin. His main contribution to a flawless group campaign in Egypt was […]

London (AFP) – Frank Lampard has accepted the challenge of taking over Chelsea just one year into his managerial career as the return of the club's record goalscorer to Stamford Bridge was confirmed on Thursday. Chelsea's latest managerial search following Maurizio Sarri's move to Juventus has seen a change of tack, with sentiment backed over […]