<p>A new chapter in soccer history is closing, and it belongs to one of the finest left-backs of his generation.&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/jordi-alba/">Jordi Alba</a></strong>, a name synonymous with speed, precision, and success, has officially announced his retirement from professional soccer. The&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/inter-miami/">Inter Miami</a></strong>&nbsp;defender, who became a legend at<strong> Barcelona</strong>&nbsp;and a pillar for&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/spain/">Spain</a>’s national team</strong>, confirmed his decision in an emotional farewell shared on social media.</p>



<p>The announcement comes just weeks after&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/sergio-busquets/">Sergio Busquets</a></strong>&nbsp;revealed that he too would retire at the end of the MLS season — marking a double goodbye for two of Barcelona’s most iconic players of the modern era. While many anticipated that both would eventually hang up their boots alongside their long-time teammate&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/">Lionel Messi</a></strong>, the timing still hit hard among fans who grew up watching the trio dominate European soccer.</p>



<p>At 36, Jordi Alba feels the time is right to bow out. In a heartfelt video message, the Spanish full-back shared his reflections on nearly two decades at the top of world soccer. <em>“The moment has come to close a crucial chapter of my life,”</em>&nbsp;Alba said. It was a message filled with gratitude, directed not just at fans, but also at the many clubs that shaped his journey — from his early days at&nbsp;<strong>Atletico Centro Hospitalense</strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>Cornella</strong>, to&nbsp;<strong>Valencia</strong>, and finally to&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/">Barcelona</a></strong>, the club where he became a global star.</p>



<p>A product of&nbsp;<strong>La Masia</strong>, his story is one of resilience. After leaving the Blaugrana’s youth system at 16, he rebuilt his career at Valencia, where his performances earned him a return to the Camp Nou in 2012. From there, his career skyrocketed.</p>



<div class="ck-instagram"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPgu3KYDMx3/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background:#FFF;border:0;border-radius:3px;margin: 1px;max-width:540px;min-width:326px;padding:0;width:99.375%;width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px);width:calc(100% - 2px)"><div style="padding:16px"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPgu3KYDMx3/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="background:#FFFFFF;line-height:0;padding:0 0;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;width:100%" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style="flex-direction: row;align-items: center"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;flex-grow: 0;height: 40px;margin-right: 14px;width: 40px"></div> <div style="flex-direction: column;flex-grow: 1;justify-content: center"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;margin-bottom: 6px;width: 100px"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;width: 60px"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0"></div> <div style="height:50px;margin:0 auto 12px;width:50px"></div><div style="padding-top: 8px"> <div style="color:#3897f0;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-weight:550;line-height:18px">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0"></div> <div style="flex-direction: row;margin-bottom: 14px;align-items: center"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px;flex-grow: 0;margin-right: 14px;margin-left: 2px"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;flex-grow: 0;height: 20px;width: 20px"></div> <div style="width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 2px solid transparent;border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4;border-bottom: 2px solid transparent"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto"> <div style="width: 0px;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-right: 8px solid transparent"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;flex-grow: 0;height: 12px;width: 16px"></div> <div style="width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-left: 8px solid transparent"></div></div></div> <div style="flex-direction: column;flex-grow: 1;justify-content: center;margin-bottom: 24px"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;margin-bottom: 6px;width: 224px"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;width: 144px"></div></div></a><p style="color:#c9c8cd;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;line-height:17px;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:8px;overflow:hidden;padding:8px 0 7px;text-align:center"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPgu3KYDMx3/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="color:#c9c8cd;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;line-height:17px;text-decoration:none" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jordi Alba (@jordialbaoficial)</a></p></div></blockquote></div>



<p>For 11 seasons, he was one of the defining figures of the&nbsp;<strong>Barca dynasty</strong>&nbsp;— a key part of the teams led by&nbsp;<strong>Pep Guardiola</strong>,&nbsp;<strong>Luis Enrique</strong>, and&nbsp;<strong>Ernesto Valverde</strong>. His partnership with&nbsp;<strong>Lionel Messi</strong>&nbsp;on the left flank became soccer folklore. The two shared a telepathic understanding that produced countless goals, most famously Alba’s cutbacks to Messi at full speed — a move that became Barcelona’s trademark.</p>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/how-many-trophies-has-sergio-busquets-won-complete-trophy-list-with-barcelona-inter-miami-and-spain/"></div>


<h2>How many trophies does Jordi Alba have?</h2>



<p>Now, for those wondering —&nbsp;<strong>how many trophies has Jordi Alba won?</strong>&nbsp;The answer cements his place among soccer’s elite. Over his glittering career,&nbsp;<strong>Alba lifted 22 trophies</strong>&nbsp;across club and international soccer. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Jordi Alba - TRIBUTE VIDEO 💙❤️" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z_HY5eE3Q5g?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<p>Here is the complete list of his silverware:</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><thead><tr><th>Competition</th><th>Titles</th><th>Seasons Won</th><th>Team</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>European Championship</td><td>1</td><td>2012</td><td>Spain</td></tr><tr><td>Champions League</td><td>1</td><td>2014/15</td><td>Barcelona</td></tr><tr><td>FIFA Club World Cup</td><td>1</td><td>2016</td><td>Barcelona</td></tr><tr><td>La Liga</td><td>6</td><td>2012/13, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2017/18, 2018/19, 2022/23</td><td>Barcelona</td></tr><tr><td>UEFA Nations League</td><td>1</td><td>2023</td><td>Spain</td></tr><tr><td>UEFA Super Cup</td><td>1</td><td>2015/16</td><td>Barcelona</td></tr><tr><td>Supporters’ Shield</td><td>1</td><td>2023/24</td><td>Inter Miami</td></tr><tr><td>Leagues Cup</td><td>1</td><td>2023</td><td>Inter Miami</td></tr><tr><td>Copa del Rey</td><td>5</td><td>2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18, 2020/21</td><td>Barcelona</td></tr><tr><td>Spanish Super Cup</td><td>4</td><td>2013/14, 2016/17, 2018/19, 2022/23</td><td>Barcelona</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

How many trophies has Jordi Alba won? Complete trophy list with Barcelona, Inter Miami, and Spain

How many trophies has Jordi Alba won? Complete trophy list with Barcelona, Inter Miami, and Spain - World Soccer Talk

destacadas

<p>It is the end of an era.<strong> Inter Miami’s Spanish midfielder <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/sergio-busquets/">Sergio Busquets</a> has officially announced that he will retire from professional soccer at the close of the 2025 MLS season.</strong> At 37, the Catalan-born player steps away from the sport after nearly two decades at the highest level, leaving behind a legacy that intertwines with the story of the modern game itself. The question many fans immediately ask is:&nbsp;<em>How many trophies has Sergio Busquets won in his career?</em> The answer is as staggering as his impact on the pitch.</p>



<p>Busquets’ story began in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/">Barcelona</a>’s legendary La Masia academy before Pep Guardiola gave him his senior debut in 2008. Within a year, he was anchoring a midfield that redefined soccer, alongside <strong>Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta, with Lionel Messi dazzling further forward.</strong></p>



<p>From that moment on, Busquets became a permanent fixture. His composure, positional intelligence, and ability to dictate the tempo made him indispensable. By the time he left Camp Nou in 2023, he had made&nbsp;<strong>722 appearances</strong>, the third-most in the club’s history.</p>



<p>His dominance extended far beyond Catalonia. With&nbsp;<strong>143 caps</strong>, he became one of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/spain">Spain</a>’s most consistent performers, anchoring the midfield during the nation’s golden generation. His crowning moment came at the&nbsp;<strong>2010 World Cup</strong>, where La Roja lifted the trophy for the first time in its history. Two years later, he was once again at the heart of the team that conquered Europe at&nbsp;<strong>Euro 2012</strong>.</p>



<div class="ck-instagram"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPDFIEGjKAO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background:#FFF;border:0;border-radius:3px;margin: 1px;max-width:540px;min-width:326px;padding:0;width:99.375%;width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px);width:calc(100% - 2px)"><div style="padding:16px"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPDFIEGjKAO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="background:#FFFFFF;line-height:0;padding:0 0;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;width:100%" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <div style="flex-direction: row;align-items: center"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;flex-grow: 0;height: 40px;margin-right: 14px;width: 40px"></div> <div style="flex-direction: column;flex-grow: 1;justify-content: center"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;margin-bottom: 6px;width: 100px"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;width: 60px"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0"></div> <div style="height:50px;margin:0 auto 12px;width:50px"></div><div style="padding-top: 8px"> <div style="color:#3897f0;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-weight:550;line-height:18px">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0"></div> <div style="flex-direction: row;margin-bottom: 14px;align-items: center"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px;flex-grow: 0;margin-right: 14px;margin-left: 2px"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 50%;flex-grow: 0;height: 20px;width: 20px"></div> <div style="width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 2px solid transparent;border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4;border-bottom: 2px solid transparent"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto"> <div style="width: 0px;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-right: 8px solid transparent"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;flex-grow: 0;height: 12px;width: 16px"></div> <div style="width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-left: 8px solid transparent"></div></div></div> <div style="flex-direction: column;flex-grow: 1;justify-content: center;margin-bottom: 24px"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;margin-bottom: 6px;width: 224px"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;width: 144px"></div></div></a><p style="color:#c9c8cd;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;line-height:17px;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:8px;overflow:hidden;padding:8px 0 7px;text-align:center"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPDFIEGjKAO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="color:#c9c8cd;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;line-height:17px;text-decoration:none" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Sergio Busquets (@5sergiob)</a></p></div></blockquote></div>




<p>In 2023, the midfield maestro swapped the Camp Nou for Miami, reuniting with former teammates Messi, Jordi Alba, and, later, Luis Suarez. His impact was immediate. With the Herons, he helped the club capture its first silverware, cementing his influence even in the twilight of his career.</p>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/barcelona-champions-league-winner-and-lionel-messis-inter-miami-teammate-sergio-busquets-reveals-final-decision-on-future-with-10-word-announcement/"></div>


<h2>How many trophies does Sergio Busquets have?</h2>



<p>So, how many trophies has Sergio Busquets won? Across his career with Barcelona, Spain, and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/inter-miami/">Inter Miami</a>, the legendary midfielder has amassed&nbsp;<strong>36 major titles</strong>, placing him among the most decorated players of all time.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="FC Barcelona - All Sergio Busquets’ goals" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-m7kGoswJU0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<p>Here is the complete list of his silverware:</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><thead><tr><th>Competition</th><th>Titles</th><th>Seasons Won</th><th>Team</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>World Cup</td><td>1</td><td>2010</td><td>Spain</td></tr><tr><td>European Championship</td><td>1</td><td>2012</td><td>Spain</td></tr><tr><td>Champions League</td><td>3</td><td>2008/09, 2010/11, 2014/15</td><td>Barcelona</td></tr><tr><td>FIFA Club World Cup</td><td>3</td><td>2010, 2012, 2016</td><td>Barcelona</td></tr><tr><td>La Liga</td><td>9</td><td>2008/09, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2012/13, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2017/18, 2018/19, 2022/23</td><td>Barcelona</td></tr><tr><td>UEFA Super Cup</td><td>3</td><td>2009/10, 2011/12, 2015/16</td><td>Barcelona</td></tr><tr><td>Copa del Rey</td><td>7</td><td>2008/09, 2011/12, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18, 2020/21</td><td>Barcelona</td></tr><tr><td>Spanish Super Cup</td><td>7</td><td>2009/10, 2010/11, 2011/12, 2013/14, 2016/17, 2018/19, 2022/23</td><td>Barcelona</td></tr><tr><td>Leagues Cup</td><td>1</td><td>2023</td><td>Inter Miami</td></tr><tr><td>Supporters’ Shield</td><td>1</td><td>2024</td><td>Inter Miami</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>


        <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/rival-with-real-madrid-in-el-clasico-but-teammate-with-spain-monterreys-sergio-ramos-bids-heartfelt-goodbye-to-sergio-busquets-with-touching-10-word-tribute/"></div>

How many trophies has Sergio Busquets won? Complete trophy list with Barcelona, Inter Miami, and Spain

How many trophies has Sergio Busquets won? Complete trophy list with Barcelona, Inter Miami, and Spain - World Soccer Talk

<p>Soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly set to be honored in his homeland in a truly unique way. According to <a href="https://www.insideworldfootball.com/2024/09/19/minted-portugal-issue-e7-ronaldo-coin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>, Portugal is willing to create a new €7 coin dedicated to the superstar. Becoming the face of a coin is typically reserved for heads of state or royal family members in many nations. Nevertheless, the new coin will feature Ronaldo’s likeness. </p>



<p>Although he has not retired, Ronaldo will likely go down as Portugal’s greatest-ever athlete. After all, the forward has experienced an incredible career since becoming a professional in 2002. He recently reached 900 total career goals between club and country earlier in September. </p>



<p>At the club level, Ronaldo has played for some of the greatest teams in the sport. This includes beginning his career with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/sporting-cp-tv-schedule-for-united-states-viewers/">Sporting</a>, then continuing with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and back to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-united-tv-schedule/">United</a>. He currently plays for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.</p>



<p>Ronaldo has also excelled at the international level as well. No other player in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/portugal-national-team-tv-schedule/">Portugal</a> national team’s history has played more matches or scored more goals than the superstar. Despite all of the goals and club success, perhaps the proudest moment of his entire career came when he guided Portugal to triumph at Euro 2016.</p>



<h2>Ronaldo coin will explode in value due to various factors</h2>



<p>While the upcoming coin will be worth €7 (roughly $7.80), experts believe its value could soon skyrocket. This is partially due to Ronaldo’s immense popularity, but also because it will reportedly be a limited-edition coin. It remains unclear just how many Ronaldo coins are in production, but it will likely not be a massive allotment.</p>



<p>The coins also apparently contain some gold. Precious metals expert Dan Barrett has claimed that the coins could be worth up to $150,000 someday.</p>



<p>“With Cristiano Ronaldo’s status as one of the most recognizable athletes in the world, the CR7 Euro coin is expected to draw tremendous interest from both collectors and fans alike,” said Barrett. “Given the coin’s gold content and Ronaldo’s worldwide following, we could see this coin selling up to $150,000 on the collector’s market.”</p>



<p>“The combination of a limited edition, gold content, and Ronaldo’s brand will ensure this coin’s value appreciates rapidly, especially once it hits the secondary market. Collectors will see it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”</p>



<h2>Ronaldo recently surpassed one billion followers on social media</h2>



<p>Ronaldo’s popularity across the globe was recently on display when he decided to create his own <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@cristiano" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YouTube channel</a>. The decision essentially <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/cristiano-ronaldos-next-goal-is-beating-the-king-of-youtube/">created a frenzy</a> with the video app. For instance, Ronaldo became the fastest person to reach 100,000, one million, 10 million, and 50 million YouTube subscribers in the history of the company. </p>



<p>At the moment, the Al Nassr star has 62.2 million followers on the platform. However, he recently became the first person to officially surpass one billion followers across all social media platforms. Ronaldo also currently has the most followers of any person on Instagram with 639 million.</p>



<p>While an incredible feat, Ronaldo does not want to stop gaining supporters anytime soon. In fact, he recently claimed that he wanted to overtake MrBeast’s subscriber count on YouTube. The popular personality currently has 316 million followers on the video platform.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em></p>

Ronaldo Euro coin could be worth $150,000 to collectors

Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly set to be honored with a €7 coin featuring his likeness. Experts claim that the coin's value will skyrocket.

<p>There are often important players on national teams that make or break their performance at big events. When the chips are down, these players step up and put on shows that are nothing short of amazing.</p>



<p>Fans get excited when they’re in the stands witnessing these kinds of major tournaments. Imagine taking in the mood and seeing people perform at peak levels that could change the result of games entirely. The best parts of watching sports at great venues are the times like these.</p>



<p>The excitement for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/uefa-european-championship-tv-schedule/">Euro 2024</a> is growing as the big event draws nearer. It will be a memorable event in Europe to see their favorite national teams play against others.</p>



<p>The event in Germany may be among the best with the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/uefa-euro/euro-2024-playoffs-conclude-as-ukraine-and-poland-advance/">full complement of 24 teams</a> securing spots for the tournament. The top five teams in the Euro 2024 betting odds are England, France, Germany, Portugal and hosts Germany.</p>



<h2>The best players in action at Euro 2024</h2>



<h5>Kylian Mbappe</h5>



<p>People already think that <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/kylian-mbappe/euro-or-olympics-madrid-set-to-dash-mbappes-summer-plans/">Kylian Mbappe</a> is one of the best players in the world. No one doubted that he would become a world great after making his senior appearance for his country when he was 18 years old.</p>



<p>He made a hat-trick in the 2022 final and was a big reason France won the World Cup in 2018. He is now 25 years old. But he hasn’t won the European Championship yet. He missed a penalty when France lost to Switzerland in the shock semifinals three years ago.</p>



<p>His luck was even worse because he didn’t score in the last event either. Nevertheless, this summer gives him the chance to solidify his place in sports history. If he does well, especially since he is expected to move to Real Madrid, it will be interesting to see if they let him play in the Olympics that follow.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="How to watch EURO 2024 on TV &amp; Streaming 🏆" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n0Q39wz9ojA?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<h5>Lamine Yamal</h5>



<p>Barcelona have a way of nurturing talented young players, and their winger will be 17 years old when Euro 2024 starts. Since this is the case, Lamine Yamal is now one of the tournament’s most intriguing foreign possibilities.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240327_WST_497615_Lamine-Yamal-Spain-1200x670_b0de4ba0.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-497670" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Lamine-Yamal-Spain-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Lamine-Yamal-Spain-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Lamine-Yamal-Spain-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Lamine-Yamal-Spain.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<p>Because of his daring dribbling and excellent passing skills, Yamal can play in the midfield or out wide on the attack. It would be the most incredible present if Yamal helped Spain reach the Euro 2024 final on his 17th birthday.</p>



<p>It will be interesting to watch the Spaniard to see whether he can continue his club’s impressive international performance.</p>



<h5>Jude Bellingham</h5>



<p>Given the exceptional quality of his exploits for both club and nation, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/haaland-mbappe-bellingham-who-is-the-most-valuable-player-20240114-WST-483408.html">Bellingham</a> does not need any introduction. Having joined Real Madrid last summer, the 20-year-old has been fantastic. Thus, England will be hoping that his incredible form carries over until Euro 2024.</p>



<p>Bellingham is an integral part of the squad while not on the ball because of his extraordinary vision and abundant self-assurance. He will, without a doubt, be an essential component in the Three Lions’ quest to win the championship in Germany.</p>



<p>Thanks to his exceptional performance, he’s become one of the key players to watch in this year’s European Championship. This is due to his role as a crucial midfielder, pivotal for England’s journey through the tough group stage and beyond.</p>



<h5>Cristiano Ronaldo</h5>



<p>His reputation for playing elite soccer has not diminished even though he is 39 years old. Even after his much-publicized move to Al-Nassr, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/cristiano-ronaldo-hits-back-at-critics-claiming-his-career-is-over-20230924-WST-458289.html">Ronaldo</a> has not wavered in his devotion to the Portugal national team.</p>



<p>While he will be entering his fifth decade soon, the legendary ace views age as nothing more than a number. It doesn’t change the fact that he is a person who expects nothing less than perfection from himself and everyone around him; he will be laser-focused on scoring goals to propel Portugal to defeat.</p>



<p>For the Selecao, his presence and expertise as a central attacker will be pivotal in what may be his last game at the European Championship. Also, keep an eye on Ronaldo throughout this tournament since he has made a career out of playing clutch situations.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240327_WST_497615_De-Bruyne-Belgium-1200x670_ee2bb6e3.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-497672" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/De-Bruyne-Belgium-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/De-Bruyne-Belgium-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/De-Bruyne-Belgium-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/De-Bruyne-Belgium.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h5>Kevin De Bruyne</h5>



<p>Vast members of Belgium’s once-proud ‘Golden Generation’ have begun to fade away. Star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is among the best players who may not play in Euro 2024 due to his latest knee injury.</p>



<p>Yet, De Bruyne is still available to the Red Devils and is just as good as he was in the past. Following his early 2024 comeback from injury, the playmaker has made 12 appearances, assisting on 13 goals.</p>



<p>With his sights set on being an international centurion, he will certainly keep driving and inspiring Belgium’s squad. That is a lethal mix, especially with Romelu Lukaku providing the goods—he is still very productive for his country.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em></p>

Top 5 best star players to watch at Euro 2024

There is a growing sense of anticipation for the UEFA Euro 2024 as the big tournament with the best players draws near.


<p>UEFA is reportedly ready to introduce VAR to the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/cbs-sports-is-exclusive-home-of-uefa-euro-u-21-championship-20230621-WST-438811.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2023 U-21 Euros</a> currently underway. The European governing body of the sport is deciding after a massive refereeing mistake during a match on Thursday. However, while the tournament just began, reports claim integrating the technology will take time.</p>



<p>According to <a href="https://football-italia.net/u21-euro-uefa-to-introduce-var-and-goal-line-technology-after-italy-scandal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Italian sources</a>, UEFA has made the decision to introduce VAR at the quarterfinal stage of the competition. The competition only just started on Wednesday. If these reports are true, the technology comes in Saturday, July 1.</p>



<h2>UEFA U-21 Euros needs VAR after costly mistakes</h2>



<p>Thursday’s matchup in the tournament between Italy and France ended in controversy after a clear goal was not given. Italy trailed France 2-1 in the latter stages of the group stage game. Raoul Bellanova seemingly leveled the scoreline in added time to help give Italy one point in the group. However, match officials failed to see the ball cross the goal line and the fixture ended with a France victory.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Highlights: Francia-Italia 2-1 | U21 EURO 2023" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YYrG6BlIRr4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<p>Along with the disallowed goal, Italy disagreed with two other significant decisions as well. The Italians felt France’s game-winning goal should not have counted because of a foul moments before the shot. There was also supposedly a missed handball by French defender Pierre Kalulu inside the box.</p>



<p>After the match, Italy U-21 coach Paolo Nicolato fumed at the refereeing decisions.  “I don’t expect the referee to apologize,” <a href="https://sport.sky.it/calcio/europei/2023/06/23/italia-svizzera-under-21-nicolato-conferenza" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">claimed</a> the coach. “He too won’t be satisfied with himself. The impression is that the referees are used to using VAR. Without it, they no longer know how to make decisions quickly.”</p>



<h5>Group stage games remain before quarters begin</h5>



<p>The quarterfinals begin the knockout round of the tournament. Romania and Georgia are the hosts. There are 16 teams taking part in the competition, with half of them moving on to the quarterfinals.</p>



<p>Following Thursday’s defeat, Italy sit bottom of Group D of the 2023 U-21 Euros. The Italians next face group leaders Switzerland on Sunday in a crucial match. Another loss could very well end their tournament prematurely. </p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Anca Tapei</em></p>


UEFA is reportedly set to introduce VAR to the 2023 U-21 Euros tournament after a massive refereeing mistake in a game on Thursday.

UEFA set to add VAR to U21 Euros after blunder


<p>England beat Malta 4-0 away from home on Friday evening to keep their lead atop Group C of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/uefa-european-championship-tv-schedule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Euro 2024</a> qualifying. The fixture is a David versus Goliath type of matchup. After all, Malta had lost its last 11 total Euro qualifiers. It is currently ranked No. 172 by FIFA, the fourth-lowest in Europe. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/england-national-team-tv-schedule/">England</a>, on the other hand, claim victories in 19 of its last 20 Euro qualifiers under Gareth Southgate.</p>



<h5>Alexander-Arnold runs the show from midfield</h5>



<p>The Three Lions grabbed the first goal of the game after just eight minutes on the clock. Trent Alexander-Arnold, playing with the number 10 jersey in midfield, sent a gorgeous ball over the top to Bukayo Saka. The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/arsenal-tv-schedule/">Arsenal</a> winger then squared a pass toward Harry Kane inside the box. Although it seemed as if the striker put the ball into the net, it was eventually given as an own goal by Ferdinando Apap.</p>



<p>Alexander-Arnold then doubled his team’s lead in the 28th minute with an absolute stunner from long-range. The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool</a> star collected a loose ball outside of the box and struck a curling effort into the back of the net. Alexander-Arnold wrapped his foot around the ball to place it just out of the reach of the diving goalkeeper.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">THUNDERBOLT ⚡️<br><br>Trent Alexander-Arnold extends the lead for <a href="https://twitter.com/England?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@England</a> 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 <a href="https://t.co/AhtQt0f5XB">pic.twitter.com/AhtQt0f5XB</a></p>— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1669786916168802320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>England earned a penalty kick just two minutes later after Harry Kane was brought down inside the area. The Maltese keeper made the initial save from another shot outside of the box, but the ball fell straight to the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tottenham-tv-schedule/">Spurs</a> striker. However, the star didn’t have a chance to play the ball, as he was fouled prior to taking the shot. Kane stepped up to take the spot kick and calmly buried the shot right down the middle.</p>



<h5>Visitors coast to victory in second half</h5>



<p>After going into the halftime break with a 3-0 lead, England appeared content with the advantage. The Three Lions had 70% possession and all seven shots in the match up to that point. With the game under control, the visitors wouldn’t push for an additional goal early in the second half.</p>



<p>Nevertheless, England were given another penalty in the 82nd minute, this time for a handball. The call was not initially given on the pitch, but VAR intervened to help make the decision. With Kane not on the field anymore, Callum Wilson took the spot kick. The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/newcastle-united-tv-schedule/">Newcastle</a> striker eventually sent the keeper the wrong way to score just his <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1669805279058317313" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">second goal</a> for his country. England maintains its spot atop Group C in Euro 2024 qualifying, while Malta remains bottom.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Pro Sports Images</em></p>


England dominated Malta away from home to keep its lead atop Group C in 2024 Euro qualifying. Harry Kane scored again for the Three Lions.

England routs Malta to stay atop Euro qualifying group

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