The 24-year-old had a mild start to his maiden campaign in Turin. But after sustaining an injury, Andrea Cambiaso switched to the right wingback role. Weah never had another consistent run in the starting lineup under Max Allegri. Therefore, few would have been shocked had the Bianconeri decided to part ways with the American last summer.

New season, new Weah

Nevertheless, Weah immediately found a new lease on life following Thiago Motta’s arrival, especially with the new Juventus manager deploying him in his seemingly favorite role as an advanced winger in a 4-2-3-1 tactical system.

On the back of an encouraging pre-season, the New York native got the nod on the season’s opening day. Although he only lasted for 45 minutes before succumbing to injury, he still managed to deliver his most memorable display since joining the club, providing his young teammate Samuel Mbangula with an assist, before scoring a splendid strike himself to finally open his Serie A account.

The challengers arrive

However, Weah’s recurring injury problems came at the worst possible moment. Not only did they halt his momentum. The knocks rendered him an afterthought in Turin. They concurred with the arrival of not one, but two top-notch wingers who prefer to play on the right wing.

Nowadays, Juventus fans have been busy arguing about who should be the first choice on the right flank. Nico Gonzalez boasts comprehensive Serie A experience under the belt. Young dribbling demon Francisco Conceicao provides a more exciting look.

Sadly, for Weah, he hardly has a place in this debate. The USMNT star is versatile enough to cover several spots on the pitch. Yet, he seems most comfortable playing as a right winger. His appearance as a False 9 was forgettable, to say the least.

To carve himself a role in Motta’s rotation plans, he must deliver the sort of enlightening displays that “force” the manager to find another role for at least one between Conceicao and Gonzalez (probably the latter), and g. That would give Weah some breathing room.

Golden chance against Lazio for Weah at Juventus

Thankfully for the American, this weekend could present him with a rare opportunity, as his two direct challengers for the right-wing role are both unavailable, with the Argentine struggling with a muscle injury and the young Portuguese serving a one-match ban.

Nevertheless, Weah still has his issues to overcome, as he’s been out with an ankle sprain which forced him to remain in Italy during the international break.

However, after resuming full training, Weah will be part of the matchday squad for Juventus against Lazio. Several top sources in the Italian press are expecting him to start, especially amid the lack of alternatives.

The showdown against the in-form Biancocelesti won’t be easy for Motta’s men. Weah must somehow make his impact felt, whether he starts the game or comes off the bench. An underwhelming display would confirm his low position in the pecking order, and perhaps hamper his future in Turin.

PHOTOS: IMAGO.

For Ronaldo, netting 133 times in international fixtures was not terrifying enough. This figure remains a work in progress, as the Al-Nassr superstar insists on remaining active for his country. Despite his age, his recent appearance against Poland in the UEFA Nations League shows his tenacity. He scored yet again for his country, thus extending his stupendous record.

In September 2021, the Portuguese forward overtook Ali Daei’s record by scoring a late goal against the Republic of Ireland. Some may have thought he would finally take his foot off the pedal after completing this historic achievement. He was already 36 at the time. However, a swift denial came seven minutes later. The iconic star bagged yet another, signaling his insatiable appetite for goals.

Ageless Athlete

While the current version of CR7 might be a far cry from the GOAT contender who terrorized the best defenses in Europe back in his heyday, Ronaldo might just be the most physically fit 39-year-old athlete you can find on the planet, continuing to defy Father Time as only he can, while brushing away all retirement talk.

Therefore, it’s not that hard to imagine the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward reaching 150 goals for Portugal before he calls it a day, especially if he takes part in next season’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers, which features a few encounters against lowly European nations who only serve as star-struck whipping boys for the big nations.

So, the question that poses itself: Will there ever be another phenomenal striker who manages to put Ronaldo’s record under threat?

Before even trying to answer this question, we must first emphasize the qualities that render the Portuguese veteran so unique on the worldwide stage.

Looking back at Ronaldo setting his goal-scoring record

The Madeira native’s archives include more than 900 career goals, identifying him as one of the greatest goal-scorers of all time, if not the absolute greatest.

Ronaldo cemented himself as the most menacing scorer of his generation thanks to an almost-perfect skillset that includes a devastating finish, neat technique, and incredible dribbling, in addition to an imposing physique and superb pace. And on top of it all, an unparalleled longevity and dedication.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner can net them all: From freekicks and long-range screamers to spot-kicks and tap-ins and everything in between. We are talking about a once-in-a-lifetime talent who possesses an elusive skillset that rendered him an absolute goal-machine.

Hence, the odds suggest fans are unlikely to see another player with these attributes combined anytime soon. But what about the current crop? Is there anyone who could pose a threat to Ronaldo’s record among active players? Here are four active players to usurp the Portuguese sensation’s crown.

Lionel Messi

We naturally begin with Ronaldo’s eternal rival. Like the Portuguese superstar, the Argentine legend is also refusing to rest on his laurels, as he remains active on the international level, albeit less committed than CR7.

With 112 goals to his name, the 37-year-old is not too far behind his great nemesis, and being two years younger could prove to be a significant advantage in his favor.

Nevertheless, the World Cup qualifiers in South America are seldom a walk in the park, so cutting the deficit with Ronaldo will not be an easy mission if the latter remains active until 2026.

Kylian Mbappé

The Real Madrid superstar’s relationship with the French public might be at an all-time low now. A few brilliant performances should be enough to repair the bond.

The 25-year-old is only two strikes shy from the 50-goal landmark. The challenge is emulating the longevity of his idol, Ronaldo. Likewise, he must maintain his world-class form until the age of 35 and beyond. If those can happen, the Frenchman will stand a genuine chance of setting a record.

Harry Kane

The England captain has recently celebrated a century of international caps that saw him register 69 goals.

At the age of 31, Kane still has ample good years in the tank, but just how many remains the most elemental question.

The Bayern Munich star will be hoping to avoid injuries and remain active for as long as possible, but catching up with Ronaldo remains a tall order.

Erling Haaland

The Manchester City marksman is simply the most devastating striker of his current generation. He does not possess Ronaldo’s elegant touch and dribbles. However, he makes up for it with his sheer physical strength and unstoppable pace.

Haaland has already registered 34 goals in 37 caps. If he can maintain this rate, he might be the one to smash the Portuguese’s record. Yet, further success requires Norway to provide him with the same top-notch teammates he has at Manchester City.

PHOTOS: IMAGO.

The Spaniard spent 12 years serving Manchester United, but the club allowed his contract to expire in June 2023, as Erik ten Hag was seeking a more “modern” goalkeeper, one who could help in the build-up play.

So, while the Dutch manager was preparing to reunite with his old Ajax pupil Andre Onana, De Gea was forced to clear his locker at Carrington, putting an end to a lengthy spell filled with joy, agony and unforgettable memories.

But while the custodian’s backdoor exit wasn’t exactly shocking itself – at least for those of us familiar with the current state of football – his disappearance from the scene truly caught us all unaware.

Vanished from the Scene

Yes, many had already felt that De Gea’s form was on the slide, but surely, he was still good enough to earn himself a contract with a renowned European side. And if it was a big paycheck that he was seeking, the Saudi Pro League had cash in abundance. Its extravagant spending reached its climax in the summer of 2023, right when the goalkeeper needed a club.

And yet, it never happened for the Spanish International who left observers confused by rejecting all proposals. Astonishingly, De Gea preferred to sit at home for an entire year rather than join a project that failed to convince him. That means missing out on hefty wages.

So, when Fiorentina signed the 33-year-old David de Gea in August, many eyebrows were raised. After all, a year on the sidelines had turned one of the most prominent goalkeepers of his generation into a hidden package.

Fiorentina is the perfect spot for De Gea

For a top star who spent a dozen seasons at Old Trafford, a half-empty under-renovation Artemio Franchi Stadium is hardly the sort of “Theatre of Dreams” fitting for this long-anticipated return to action, but it still served the cause.

In fact, one could argue that the Tuscan side is the ideal club to bring the Spaniard back to relevance. After all, we’re talking about a prestigious and ambitious team. Fiorentina regularly hosts top-class stars. For example, Gabriel Batistuta, Rui Costa and Mo Salah have all represented Fiorentina. The Serie A side offers De Gea the chance to feature in one of Europe’s biggest leagues. At the same time, it is a club that does not compete for the highest honor. Nor does the club possess a top-notch goalkeeper, all due respect to Pietro Terracciano.

In his first two appearances for the Viola, the returning shot-stopper helped the Italians qualify for the UEFA Conference League. Fiorentina has lost each of the last two Europa Conference League Finals. Perhaps it will be the third time lucky for the Serie A club.

Nevertheless, De Gea’s “true” return to prominence may have ensued last Sunday. He led Fiorentina to a famous victory over AC Milan. His counterpart, Mike Maignan, drew first blood by denying Moise Kean from the spot. Then, the Spanish star outdid him by pulling off two fabulous penalty saves against Theo Hernandez and Tammy Abraham. He then palmed away a late effort from Samuel Chukwueze to preserve the victory.

What the Future Holds for De Gea

We have rarely seen a footballer taking such a long voluntary hiatus and picking up from where he had left. Still, the early evidence suggests the Man United legend could be one of the few exceptions. Granted, it helps that he is a goalkeeper. It would be more challenging to imagine such a comeback for an outfield player at a similar age, physically speaking.

Moreover, Father Time can be much more merciful with goalkeepers. At the age of 33, De Gea arguably has many good years left in the tank. This is especially true if he maintains his work ethic which proved effective.

And who knows? Perhaps Fiorentina will end up serving as a mere stepping stone in the comeback of David de Gea.

PHOTOS: IMAGO

The American’s unusual story with the Old Lady dates back to the agonizing COVID-19 period. The Bundesliga was the first top European league to resume action on the pitch. Then-Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici had little to do at the time but scout interesting talent in the German top flight. A young Schalke midfielder caught his attention.

A few months later, the kid from Texas suddenly found himself in the same team room as Cristiano Ronaldo. Legendary Italian defenders Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci were now his teammates, and the iconic Andrea Pirlo was his head coach.

From Schalke to Juventus to Leeds

At the age of 21, this was arguably a jubilant but equally terrifying change for McKennie. Nevertheless, the midfielder still produced the goods at first, before losing some of the early momentum as the season progressed, similar to Juve’s declining form under Pirlo.

Over the next two years, the midfielder kept blowing hot and cold, scoring goals and delivering solid displays now and then, while appearing lost on other occasions. This period also saw the player encountering trouble off the pitch, like breaching COVID-19 restrictions by hosting a poker party that included Paulo Dybala and Arthur Melo or getting kicked out from the national team’s camp for some ill-advised behavior.

Two and half seasons into his time in Turin, it appeared that McKennie’s time at Juventus had finally drawn to an end when the midfielder signed for Leeds United on loan with an option and obligation to buy in January 2023.

However, the American’s stint at Elland Road turned out to be both brief and miserable, culminating in the club’s relegation to the Championship. After failing to avoid the drop, the Whites had no intention to keep McKennie who failed to endear himself to the fanbase.

So, following his return from his English misadventure, Juventus was already working to find the USMNT a new home. After all, a player who proved incapable of adding quality to a faltering Leeds side is unlikely to warrant himself a place at Italy’s most successful club.

The First Revival

Perhaps the writing was on the wall for the USMNT star, but he simply refused to read it. Hence, despite being initially ousted from Max Allegri’s pre-season squad, the Texas native swiftly gained his way back. Not only did he earn reinstatement. McKennie produced his finest campaign to date, as evidenced by his 10 assists in all competitions.

And yet, Juve’s managerial change threw another hurdle in the midfielder’s path. At least that was the initial perception. Thiago Motta’s arrival in Turin instigated a major overhaul, and McKennie was among the names on the chopping board.

Nevertheless, the American stubbornly rejected offers from Turkiye and other destinations. Many feared he would remain an exile at Motta’s court for the duration of the season.

But in a sudden twist, Juventus announced McKennie has extended his contract until 2026. Next, the midfielder was – once again – reinstated to the squad, showcasing an incredible resilience. Not only did McKennie return to the fold. He has also regained his best physical condition. That swiftly assimilated him to the new manager’s philosophy. Now, the American is a regular feature in the starting lineup. That comes at the expense of summer signings Douglas Luiz and Khephren Thuram. Those two midfielders came at the combined cost of $82 million.

Weston McKennie breaks the mold at Juventus

In his early years at the Allianz Stadium, McKennie was at times deemed too loud and too brash. Many thought he was simply too colorful for a club worshipping black and white.

A host of stars who supposedly fit “Lo Stile Juventus” (the Juventus Style) have come and gone. Meanwhile, the fun-loving Texan has, against all odds, established himself as a stalwart at the club.

PHOTOS: IMAGO

The drums of war have been beating for months. The military conflict in Lebanon has finally reached its ugly climax at the end of September.

In truth, the Eastern suburbs of Beirut have been a relatively safe zone. Some of the neighboring regions have it far worse. Yet, one can still feel the shockwaves and hear the terrifying sounds of the nearby blasts.

On a warm September night, these events were enough to draw me out to the balcony in an ill-advised reaction that will surely sound perplexing to the rest of the world, yet completely normal to my fellow Lebanese.

Aside from the sounds of fighting aircraft, I could hear shouts down the valley: “Shoot,” “Stand your ground,” “Fight!”

Nevertheless, those weren’t the war cries of the combatants who are taking part in the ongoing (never-ending) conflict, but the sounds of amateur soccer players engaging in their own little “battle” on the green turf (pictured below), paying little heed to the actual military conflict and the airstrikes raining just dozens of kilometers away.

While this scene may sound surreal at first glimpse, it represents a perfect depiction of such an imperfect country.

Beirut, where Heaven meets Hell 

Welcome to Lebanon, where the fine line between heaven and hell is ever so blurring.

Sadly, this beautiful country has been dealt with continuous blows throughout its existence. This is particularly true over the past five years or so. It started with one of the biggest economic crises in human history. Then, it was the most devastating non-nuclear explosion the world has ever witnessed. Now, there is another destructive war. It feels as if the Lebanese people are continuously invited to push the envelope.

Therefore, dark jokes, silly memes, patriotic themes and the like have almost become an inadvertent resistance plan against a somber reality; a symbol of a people that enjoys laughing in the face of hardships as a sign of defiance.

After shedding some light on the mentality of the average Lebanese citizen, perhaps it becomes slightly easier to understand how one part of the nation is still occupying itself in playing and passionately following soccer. Meanwhile, their fellow Lebanese are being killed, wounded, and displaced.

Lebanon passion for soccer prevails over war

Despite what this bemusing behavior might suggest, the Lebanese people remain united and incredibly compassionate towards one another, especially in times of crisis, when all political affiliations are put aside.

Therefore, playing and watching soccer in these times is not insolence toward the misery of others. Rather, it is a mere rebellious act against a merciless fate. One that has been vigorously pushing us down the abyss.

On the wounded streets of Beirut, the Beautiful Game has become a beacon in a dark, ugly world.

PHOTOS: IMAGO.

After all, the American’s vast talent was never in doubt. Instead, his ability to fulfill the early promise showcased during this time at Dortmund raised question marks.

Moreover, many wondered where he would fit in Stefano Pioli’s tactical setup. In the age of inverted wingers, most would argue that Pulisic had one ideal role. The right-footed Pulisic could play on the left flank. Yet, the one-and-only Rafael Leao had occupied this spot for years in the Milan squad. The new kid in town had to stay out of the way of the former Serie A MVP.

Milan shifts Pulisic to the right side to accommodate Leao

In the end, the USMNT star beat off competition from fellow newcomer Samuel Chukwueze. Pulisic earned a regular spot as a starter on the right side for Stefano Pioli.

Despite playing in a somewhat outdated role as a classic winger, Pulisic still managed to make the most out of it. He rapidly established himself as a pillar in Pioli’s attacking plans. He finished his first season in Italian football with 12 goals and six assists in 36 Serie A appearances. In doing so, it was the most prolific campaign in the Hershey, PA, native’s young career thus far.

And yet, based on the early signs, Pulisic is on track to outdo himself this term. His importance to the Rossoneri cause is growing by the day. The American has been in scintillating form since the start of the campaign. With Paulo Fonseca at the helm, the American has scored five goals and provided a further two assists in seven outings across all competitions. That includes the opener in Milan’s memorable victory over arch-rivals Inter in the Derby della Madonnina. Pulisic also scored the first goal against Premier League giant Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League.

Pulisic registering incredible stats this season

The key to the player’s success in Milanello is knowing his role in the tactical system and adjusting to it. Starting from the right could impede his chances to rack goals. Cutting to the middle to find a suitable shooting angle isn’t a viable option. Rather, the Milan star has been relying on sheer pace and trickery to forge direct runs to the box. His finishing allows him to pick the bottom corner with his increasingly clinical touch. That goal against Liverpool indicates as much, and it is the epitome of what a right-footed right winger can do.

Moreover, playing on the right wing allows the Pennsylvania native to improve his assist stats, as he often finds himself in an inviting position to deliver exquisite crosses to the box. Last season, he played provider for Olivier Giroud on several occasions. He’s currently forging a bond with his new companions Alvaro Morata and Tammy Abraham.

Nevertheless, the most elemental aspect of the American’s success in Italian football might arguably be the sheer determination and the great tenacity he shows every time he takes the field donning the famous black-and-red jersey. 

After all, Pulisic does not boast Leao’s out-of-this-world talent and his seamless ability to mock the opposition with his dazzling dribbling. But while the Portuguese superstar often gets under the skin of the Rossoneri fanbase for his flamboyant antics and chilled attitude, not a single fan or observer has ever accused the American international of a lack of effort.

So, it’s this aspect in particular that sets Pulisic aside and endeared him to the fanbase, while Leao’s popularity has been on a steep decline.

What the future holds for Pulisic

If history has taught us anything, the players who work hard enough are the ones who enjoy longevity at the highest levels, while mercurial talents who fail to maintain their focus would only find limited success before fading into obscurity.

Hence, Pulisic is slowly but surely earning the plaudits he undoubtedly deserves. As long as he keeps his head down, it is only a matter of time before he hits stardom. That can be at Milan or perhaps at another European giant, like Liverpool. The English side is reportedly on his heels as a replacement for Mohamed Salah.

PHOTOS: IMAGO

But with the once-almighty Old Lady suffering a steep fall, the crown has been repeatedly passed from one head to another over the past four years.

Whether this should be deemed a positive indicator of the quality of the competition or a concerning sign for Italian football is a debate for another day. Still, it certainly made for a fertile field of compelling storylines.

From Antonio Conte ending Juve’s winning dynasty he helped usher in 2021 to AC Milan prevailing in a title race for the ages in 2022, who could forget about Napoli’s historic triumph in 2023 or Inter Milan winning the title on the back of a Derby della Madonnina victory?

But while the previous four champions have all endured ill-fated title defenses, could Simone Inzaghi’s men finally break the curse and kickstart a genuine winning dynasty, or will they suffer the same fate as their predecessors?

Let’s analyze the Nerazzurri’s chances of clinching their second title in a row while identifying their most threatening rivals in the battle for the Scudetto.

The Defending Champions Inter Milan

When looking back on the previous four doomed title defenses, there do appear to be several common aspects between them.

Of course, aside from the result.

For instance, three of them started with a managerial change in the summer. Juventus ill-advisedly replaced the experienced Maurizio Sacchi with a rookie Andrea Pirlo, while Conte opted to leave Inter on a high note in 2021.

This was followed by the influential departures of key stars Romelu Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi.

Finally, one cannot overstate the impact of the blow Napoli sustained when Luciano Spalletti resigned from his post.

On the other hand, Milan was the exception, as their collaboration with Pioli continued following their Scudetto triumph in 2022. With all due respect to the Rossoneri, they were widely considered overachievers who weren’t truly tipped to replicate their feat.

So, while the previous four champions were somewhat impeded by the circumstances following their respective triumphs, this is hardly the case for Inzaghi’s Inter.

The Beneamata have prolonged their fruitful partnership with their manager while maintaining their core intact. Inter has even strengthened their squad by adding quality depth in the shape of Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi, Polish midfielder Piotr Zielinski and Spanish goalkeeper Josep Martinez.

Therefore, Inter has all the requirements to win a second league title in a row, but could anyone rise to the occasion and give the Nerazzurri a run for their money?

The Potential Challengers

Last season, Inter marched towards the finish almost uncontested. Juventus initially emerged as a genuine challenger, but a mid-season collapse put a premature ending to all hopes of a thrilling title race. Therefore, the Old Lady and the rest of the field have been tirelessly working on bridging the gap with the reigning champions.

Juventus had enough of Massimiliano Allegri’s rigid style of play and decided to put their fate in the hands of Bologna’s miracle-maker Thiago Motta. The Italo-Brazilian will bring his “high risk, high reward” mentality to Turin, and will be looking to implement the sort of compelling football that the Bianconeri faithful have been yearning for.

The Juventus management is also doing its bit by providing the young tactician with a host of new signings, including the likes of Douglas Luiz and Khephren Thuram. However, the main challenge for Motta will be delivering immediate results. After all, in the Old Lady’s book, settling for second best is never an option.

Threat posed by Milan

Not too dissimilar to the Bianconeri, Milan has also decided to part ways with a manager who delivered fabulous results in the past before descending to mediocrity. So with Paulo Fonseca replacing Stefano Pioli, the Rossoneri are aiming for a breath of fresh air within a club that became stagnant over the past two years.

The Diavolo have already made some interesting signings like Alvaro Morata and Strahinja Pavlovic, but perhaps these additions remain insufficient to trouble their neighbors with a serious Scudetto charge.

Based on their shockingly contrasting results from the previous two campaigns, how will Napoli fare this season is anyone’s guess. But if there’s one manager who can squeeze the best out of last season’s biggest underachievers, it has to be Antonio Conte. 

With four Scudetto triumphs from his last five Serie A seasons, the former Chelsea manager might just be the biggest game-changer in the league this term. The Napoli management have also duly signed defenders capable of interpreting Conte’s three-man backline system, but it remains to be seen if the team will gel in due time.

Roma’s surprise package

Finally, Roma could be the surprise package of the season. Daniele De Rossi already displayed encouraging signs on the sidelines after replacing Jose Mourinho in the second half of the previous campaign.

So with a full pre-season under the belt and exciting new additions to the squad like Matias Soulé and Artem Dovbyk, the Giallorossi might pose a challenge for the traditional Northern superpowers. However, they must prove they have the right mentality to go all the way rather than pressing the auto-destruction button when the going gets tough.

Conclusion

Despite the challengers’ best attempts to catch up with the reigning champions, it must be said that Inter remain in prime position to successfully defend their Serie A crown. 

Juventus, Milan, Napoli, and Roma have all made admirable attempts to close the gap, and we could even witness an interesting battle for the top spot.

Yet, the Nerazzurri boasts all the right tools required to emerge victorious once again. This includes top-notch players across the field, quality depth, vast experience, a competent manager, and most importantly, a consistent project architected by arguably the best club director in the business, Giuseppe Marotta.

That being said, Inter might not have the same comfortable cushion they enjoyed last season. Hence, Inzaghi’s most challenging task this term might well be injecting motivation into his players’ veins and preventing them from resting on their laurels, as a few setbacks along the way could provide a hungry contender with a golden opportunity to dethrone the reigning champions for the fifth year in a row.

Photo credit: IMAGO / Nicolo Campo