Youth Development

Ghana FA president Kurt Okraku has visited the Black Maidens to motivate the team ahead of their second leg clash against Togo in the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.His visit comes after Ghana secured a 2-0 away victory in the first leg at the Stade de Kegue, with Priscilla Mensah scoring both goals to put the Maidens in a strong position. Big Boost! 🤩Our Prez @kurtokraku visited to motivate us ahead of the second leg vs Togo U17.Thank you Mr President and with this visit, we’re Focus and determined to get the job done. ⁰#BlackMaidens, Win! 🇬🇭#ShineBlackMaidens✨#FIFAU17WCQ pic.twitter.com/G21f2F0mDk— Ghana Women National Teams 🇬🇭 (@GhanaWNT) April 15, 2026Ghana delivered a composed performance, taking the lead in the 16th minute through Mensah after a well-worked move. The team maintained control for much of the match, limiting Togo’s attacking threat and dictating the tempo.Okraku used the visit to encourage the players to remain focused and complete the job in the return leg.The second leg is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Accra Sports Stadium, with kickoff set for 3:30pm.The Black Maidens will be aiming to build on their first-leg...

The league’s emphasis on youth development has seen its place in the careers of US national team players shift dramatically Sign up for the World Behind The Cup newsletter When the United States men’s national team traveled to France for the 1998 World Cup, they did so with 16 Major League Soccer players on their 22-man roster. This was very much by design. MLS had kicked off in 1996 as a fulfilled promise made to Fifa by US Soccer for the right to host the 1994 World Cup. The new league then set about hoarding as many national team players as it could. In a winless and mirthless tournament in 1998, fraught by a fractious camp, the Americans started an MLS player 21 times in their three group-stage matches, for an average of seven per starting lineup. That number has trended down ever since. In the 2002 run to the World Cup quarter-finals, setting the program’s modern high-water mark, an average of 5.4 MLS players made a start in the USA’s five matches. In 2006, it was 3.33. By 2010, that number had sunk to two; and in 2022, it was only one. In Qatar, the USMNT’s final group stage match against Iran was, in fact, the first time the team had started no MLS players at all at a World Cup since the league’s founding.

By: Oliver Fisher AC Milan are one of the clubs keeping an eye on Issa Doumbia, who is continuing to make a name for himself at Venezia. Calciomercato.com write that in Venezia’s long pursuit of a return to Serie A, there’s one player whose performances are giving Giovanni Stroppa a huge boost. That player is Doumbia, who operates […] The post CM: Milan among clubs keen on Venezia sensation labelled the ‘Italian Pogba’ appeared first on SempreMilan.

Yesterday it was reported by ESPN Brasil that Manchester City were leading the race to sign young Brazilian starlet Eduardo Conceição from Palmeiras. The ESPN Brasil report stated that City were eager to get to the front of the queue to sign one of Brazil’s brightest young prospects. It is easy to see why City, […] The post A Manchester City move for a Brazilian starlet seems to be gathering pace appeared first on Esteemed Kompany.

Eredivisie side FC Twente are reportedly interested in signing Dutch-born Ghanaian winger Emmanuel Poku from Almere City FC ahead of the summer transfer window.According to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, the Enschede-based club have identified the highly rated youngster as a key target, especially if Almere City fail to secure promotion to the Dutch top flight.Poku has enjoyed a strong campaign with Almere City, earning attention for his pace, versatility and attacking output. The winger has featured in 41 matches across all competitions this season, scoring 10 goals and providing nine assists.His current contract runs until June 2027, meaning interested clubs will need to meet Almere City’s valuation to secure his signature.The 20-year-old is regarded as one of the promising talents in the Eerste Divisie and is expected to attract further interest from clubs in the Eredivisie.Poku remains eligible to represent Ghana at international level, along with his brother Ernest Poku of Bayer Leverkusen, as both players continue to keep their options open regarding national team allegiance.

'It's about learning the game when you're young & it's about fully understanding it when you step into the men's game!' Republic of Ireland international & QPR star Harvey Vale with some fascinating insight into the transition between academy football from his time at Chelsea to now playing week in, week out in The Championship. | ☘️⚽️🌟 Off The Ball Breakfast LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am ⏰ #QPR #IrelandFootball Viagra Connect 50mg film-coated tablets. Contains sildenafil. For adult men with erectile dysfunction. Subject to suitability. Maximum dosage one 50mg tablet per day. Always read the label. To become a member and access our exclusive content simply click: here:http://offtheball.com/join All the perks right here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfGDs3EEl0RHUwgdEGeCL_A/join Have you downloaded the Off The Ball app? - Search for Off The Ball app in the Google Play store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/de... - Search for Off The Ball app in the app store if you're on iOs: https://apps.apple.com/ie/app/otb-spo... SUBSCRIBE to the Off The Ball channels: - YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/offtheball... - TWITTER | https://www.facebook.com/offtheball... - INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/offtheball... - FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/offtheball... - WEBSITE | https://www.otbsports.com/radio... - We are live on the Off The Ball app 24/7 - or if you don't have the app listen on desktop: https://www.otbsports.com/radio... PODCAST the show too - we'll timestamp it for you as well - iTunes: search for Off The Ball Breakfast in your app! - Spotify: search for Off The Ball Breakfast in your app! - We are wherever you get your podcast GET IN TOUCH WITH OFF THE BALL - WhatsApp: get in touch on 0879180180 - Snapchat: add us and message the show @offtheball1 - Twitter: follow and tweet us @offtheball and @offtheballam

On a street in a suburb of Port-au-Prince, a dozen teenagers using stones for goalposts are immersed in a Sunday game of football as traffic winds around them. Haiti has many problems, including political instability, poverty and crime. But through it all, the heart of the nation beats for football. Haiti’s qualification for this summer’s […] The post World Cup 2026: Haiti, a ravaged nation whose heart beats for soccer appeared first on Soccer America.

According to Daily Mail, Manchester United have sent their scouts down to the South Coast to monitor Bournemouth duo Junior Kroupi and Marcos Senesi. If the rumours hold weight, United could be plotting a massive double raid on the Vitality Stadium. The Red Devils are expected to be active in the summer transfer window and […] The post Man United closely monitor attacking and defensive duo from Premier League club appeared first on CaughtOffside.

SEATTLE — U.S. women’s national team head coach Emma Hayes put out a younger and less experienced lineup in her team’s second test against Japan, and it was reflected in the 0-1 loss. Japan scored first in the 27th minute when Maika Hamano found lots of space on the right side inside the box, then […]

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the GP Soccer Podcast! (S14 E6) Proud member of the Sports History Network and endorsed by the National Soccer Coaches Association of Canada. Host Giovanni Pacini welcomes ...

Manchester City could be set for a midfield revamp this summer, with Bernardo Silva set to leave and uncertainty surrounding Rodri’s future. City are exploring the market for several midfield targets and have now been linked with Bayer Leverkusen’s Ibrahim Maza and Hertha Berlin’s Kennet Eichhorn. According to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, City are […]

A glimpse into the next generation already making noise at Inter Miami Leer

Un altro talento italiano "emigrato" in Bundesliga è vicino al debutto nel calcio dei grandi

Guide, don’t dictate. The new episode is live. Nil Congost gives a simple standard for coaching. Show players' options. Build the situation. Let them learn inside the reality of football. The full podcast is live on the channel now. #youthsoccer #SoccerCoaching #CoachEducation

Ruud Nijstad is already being linked with a move to the Premier League, and Chelsea are keen on signing him. The 18-year-old defender has impressed with FC Twente, and the Blues are interested in securing his signature. It remains to be seen whether they decide to make a concrete move for him at the end […] The post “Chelsea is interested…”: Journalist confirms Blues interest in 18-year-old Barcelona target appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Frank Lampard is keen to bring Chelsea forward Jesse Derry to Coventry next season, talkSPORT understands. The Sky Blues boss and Stamford Bridge legend is eyeing up a loan swoop for 18-year-old De…

After shining strongly with Como 1907 in Serie A, Cesc Fabregas has emerged as one of the leading candidates to manage Italy national team amid their rebuild. However, the Spaniard coach has publicly rejected this opportunity, keeping his focus elsewhere. Despite not being a coach with extensive experience, Cesc Fabregas is thriving in Serie A, leading Como 1907 into one of the most exciting teams in the league. Without signing world-class stars, he has managed to build a highly competitive squad, developing young players along the way. Given his strong impact, the Spaniard was linked as a potential candidate to become Italy’s head coach, but he firmly turned down the opportunity. “Being the head coach of a national team (Italy), I think that right now for me it would be a bit… I wouldn’t say boring, but there is quite a lot of free time between international breaks… I understand the criticism as well, also because it comes at a moment where, due to many circumstances, Italy have failed to qualify for the World Cup three times. So that probably has a stronger influence,” Cesc Fabregas said, via EFE. At just 38 years old, Cesc is already one of the most promising coaches. Not only does he implement an attractive style of play, but he also promotes young talent. With Italy seeking a generational overhaul, Fabregas emerged as the strongest option, as he knows Italian soccer very well, which would represent a major boost for young talents like Francesco Camarda and could even help convince Nicolò Tresoldi, who currently plays for Germany’s youth setup. Far from pursuing a similar profile to Fàbregas, the Italian Soccer Federation (FIGC) reportedly continues to prioritize Massimiliano Allegri, Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte. While they are world-class coaches, they tend not to favor young players, but rather experienced veterans. As a result, Italy may face challenges in achieving a generational transition—something they urgently need after failing to qualify for the World Cup for three consecutive tournaments. Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas reacts salutes the fans at the end of the Serie A match. Cesc Fàbregas set to stay at Como 1907, complicating Arsenal Cesc Fàbregas has managed to push Como 1907 into contention for a place in European competitions. In addition, he is a shareholder in the club, which means he maintains a very close connection to the project. Amid uncertainty surrounding Mikel Arteta, Arsenal had reportedly set their sights on him as a potential replacement. However, the 38-year-old coach has admitted that he is very happy at the Italian side. “I see it as difficult, honestly. I repeat, you never know in soccer. I’m very happy at Como, I hope to stay at Como, and I’ve lived soccer life as a player. When you start thinking too much about tomorrow, something is not right… I’m very attached to this project, to this city, to everything we are building… So, absolute calm, I’m very happy,” Fàbregas said, via EFE. Looking ahead to the 2026–27 season, Cesc could face a major challenge, as Real Madrid are reportedly aiming to bring back Nico Paz, the cornerstone of Como 1907. As a result, they may need to reshape their squad, seeking greater impact for the following season in European competitions. However, the Italian side appears well positioned to retain the Spanish coach, their greatest asset.

Malmo FF have completed the signing of Ghanaian winger Isaac Assibu from WAFA Academy, continuing their recent recruitment from the West African development side.The 18-year-old joins the Swedish club ahead of the new phase of his career and will initially be integrated into the club’s P19 squad as he adapts to his new environment.Assibu, born on 14 January 2008, is regarded as a pacey and dynamic wide player capable of operating on both flanks.He is expected to bring directness and counter-attacking threat to Malmö FF’s youth setup, with club scouts previously highlighting his speed, mobility and ability to stretch opposition defences.His arrival follows Malmö FF’s earlier signing of striker Yassin Mohammed from the same WAFA Academy last year.The winger will compete for minutes in the P19 team alongside Emilijan Andersson, Alexander Ingi Arnarsson and Elliot Uddenäs.Despite his young age, Assibu is already eligible to feature at that level and is expected to be gradually introduced into competitive action as part of his development plan.Football director Daniel Andersson said the club had tracked Assibu for an extended period and credited the strong relationship with WAFA Academy for facilitating the transfer.“We have followed Isaac...

Warren Zaire-Emery promises to be one of the standout young players at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Esterno d'attacco classe 2003, è il nuovo talento del calcio spagnolo e può finire al centro del mercato

Bazoumana Toure has been linked with a move away from Hoffenheim at the end of the season, and Liverpool is keen on him. According to Sky Germany, Liverpool have become the first Premier League club to express interest in the 20-year-old, and it remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done. The […] The post Liverpool lead race for 14-G/A forward who “delivers week after week”, face club-record transfer hurdle appeared first on CaughtOffside.

By: Oliver Fisher Yahya Idrissi-Regragui has shed some light on the decision to leave Chelsea in order to move to AC Milan in the winter window. In the past 18 months, the Milan management have showed a commitment to investing in players for the future, with over €35m spent on teenagers. The investments range from David Odogu and […] The post Idrissi-Regragui sheds light on swapping Chelsea for Milan: “I’ve always had a connection” appeared first on SempreMilan.

Johan Martinez has agreed to sign for Newcastle United. The club making an announcement on Tuesday afternoon. The official confirmation declaring: ‘Newcastle United have completed a deal to sign highly-rated... You can click here to read the full article.

Whether we all like it or not, football is in the midst of an efficiency revolution. See it in the sudden uptick in tactical directness, as teams toss control to the side in favor of getting the ball to goal as quickly as possible; see it in the emphasis on set plays, as juggernauts like… The post Football’s Young Unicorns: The Uncategorizable first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

How RB Leipzig’s 19-year-old sensation went from DME Academy to becoming one of Europe’s most explosive wingers When Yan Diomande scored three goals in 18 second-half minutes against Eintracht Frankfurt on December 6, 2025, he didn’t just dismantle one of Germany’s better sides. He became the second-youngest player in Bundesliga history to score a… The post From Florida High School to Bundesliga Wunderkid: The Tactical Profile of Yan Diomande first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

Las charlas contaron con aproximadamente 300 participantes pertenecientes a las selecciones que disputan el torneo. El objetivo principal es brindar información sobre los riesgos que implica el dopaje en su salud. En el marco de la Fase Final de la CONMEBOL Sub17, la Unidad Antidopaje llevó adelante el Programa Educativo Antidopaje, dirigido a jugadores y personal de apoyo de las selecciones participantes. Las charlas contaron con la participación de aproximadamente 300 integrantes de las 10 delegaciones participantes, con el objetivo de brindar información clave sobre los riesgos del dopaje en la salud y promover valores vinculados al juego limpio Las jornadas, desarrolladas de manera presencial en los hoteles de las delegaciones y también en formato online, estuvieron a cargo de especialistas de la Unidad Antidopaje y oficiales médicos designados. Dirigido a: • Jugadores profesionales. • Jugadores de alta competencia – Selecciones Nacionales. • Jugadores en formación. • Jugadores de iniciación. • Jugadores recreativos. • Entrenadores. • Personal de apoyo. • Dirigentes. • Padres. Disertantes / Encargados: • Dr. Osni Jaco (BRA) – Oficial Médico. • Dr. Osvaldo Villanueva (PAR) – Oficial Médico. • Dr. Luis Williman (VEN) – Oficial Médico. • Dr. Eduardo Cedeño (ECU) – Oficial Médico. • Gabriela Gossen – Coordinadora de la Unidad Antidopaje. • Elías Paredes – Responsable de la Unidad Antidopaje. Temas desarrollados: • Lista de Sustancias y Métodos Prohibidos. • Riesgos que suponen los suplementos nutricionales y la contaminación de productos alimenticios. • Infracciones de las Normas Antidopaje. • Consecuencias del dopaje: sanciones, perjuicios para la salud y sociales. • Procedimientos de Control del Dopaje. • Derechos y responsabilidades de los jugadores y de su personal de apoyo y casos de menores de edad. • Autorizaciones para Uso Terapéutico. • El agravio que supone el dopaje para el espíritu deportivo. • Requisitos aplicables en materia de localización/paradero de los jugadores. Impulsada por el Dr. Osvaldo Pangrazio, Director de la Unidad Antidopaje de la CONMEBOL, esta iniciativa reafirma el compromiso institucional con la prevención, la educación y la protección de la salud de los futbolistas, fortaleciendo la cultura de juego limpio en el fútbol sudamericano. CONMEBOL.com

The top comment on the YouTube video: “19-Year Old Justin Janssen Bossing The Midfield!” reads: “It’s amazing to see your grandson playing football like Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona!! Grandpa and Grandma are incredibly proud!!” To Mr. and Mrs. Janssen, we could not agree more. Justin Janssen plays like an inconsiderate tarot reader. This… The post Justin Janssen Doesn’t See You Coming, By Choice first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

As we are all aware, an absolute mess was left behind by Mike Ashley, for the current Newcastle United owners to inherit. Mike Ashley over a near decade and a... You can click here to read the full article.

The Napoli owner invited The Athletic to his Hollywood home to discuss ways of hooking a new generation on the beautiful game

Pour ce deuxième épisode nous sommes partis à la rencontre du lauréat 2025 Toutes Foot en Moselle. Une section féminine dédiée, des challenges, des journées portes ouvertes, pleins de petites actions qui ont permis au club d’atteindre aujourd’hui plus de 130 joueuses, éducatrices et dirigeantes ! Découvrez comment l’US Thionville forme les citoyennes de demain à travers le foot en mettant l’accent sur la fidélisation de ses joueuses. En savoir plus sur Toutes Foot : https://www.fff.fr/699-toutes-foot.html -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FFF : https://www.fff.fr Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/fff Twitter : https://www.twitter.com/FFF App mobile myFFF : https://l-fff.co/TVmyFFF EQUIPES DE FRANCE : https://www.fff.fr/equipes-de-france Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/equipedefrance Snapchat : http://po.st/SnapchatEdF Twitter : https://www.twitter.com/equipedefrance Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/equipedefrance App mobile Équipes de France : https://l-fff.co/TVEDF Coupe de France Crédit-Agricole : https://www.fff.fr/coupes Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/coupedefrancedefootball/?locale=fr_FR Twitter : https://www.twitter.com/coupedefranceCA L'Epopée d'Iso : https://www.youtube.com/@L%C3%89pop%C3%A9edIso CHAMPIONNAT NATIONAL : http://po.st/yTSGBt Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/nationalFFF CNF CLAIREFONTAINE : http://www.cnf-clairefontaine.com Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/fff Twitter : https://www.twitter.com/FFF -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- La Fédération Française de Football (FFF) est une association loi de 1901 qui a pour mission: - d'organiser la pratique du football, sous toutes ses formes; - d’établir les règles techniques; - de délivrer les titres et gérer les sélections nationales; - de procéder à la délivrance des licences; - de définir et de mettre en œuvre un projet global de formation; - de défendre les intérêts du football français.

Barcelona’s teenage winger Lamine Yamal said Monday he was taking inspiration from basketball great LeBron James and Brazilian footballer Neymar to try and inspire a Champions League comeback against Atletico Madrid. The Catalan giants fell 2-0 last week in the quarter-final first leg at home but are aiming to reach the final four for a […] The post Star names inspiring Barca teen Yamal for Atletico comeback appeared first on Soccer America.

Agyemang’s pain may be someone else’s gain. On Unfiltered Soccer with Landon Donovan and Tim Howard, we're sharing our thoughts on the unfortunate news of Patrick Agyemang’s season ending Achilles injury and how it could potentially impact the USMNT’s roster for the World Cup. Will strikers like Josh Sargent or Brian White get a look? Could a wildcard like Zavier Gozo break through? Is Diego Luna’s spot now set in stone? Tim and Landon break it all down. Plus, we may be less than 10 matches into MLS’ season, but that’s not too soon for Montreal to make a move at coach. Was Marco Donadel really the problem or do the club’s issues run deeper than that? And what’s to be made of Son Heung-min's quiet goalscoring season? While some may be scratching their heads, Landon explains why it’s a whole lot of nothing! Finally, in the AT&T Mailbag, we're talking Lincoln City’s guaranteed promotion, Tottenham’s potential relegation and the U.S. Men’s “A squad” vs the U.S. Men’s “B squad.” New episodes of Unfiltered Soccer with Landon and Tim drop every Tuesday. Subscribe to the show on YouTube and follow on all your favorite podcast platforms. For bonus content, follow on all social media platforms @UnfilteredSoccer. Send your mailbag questions to [email protected] (https://www.unfilteredsoccer.com). Unfiltered Soccer with Landon Donovan and Tim Howard is presented by Volkswagen. Learn more at https://bit.ly/4g8bZG3. Thank you to our additional sponsors: AT&T. Connecting Changes Everything. Visit https://att.com/guarantee to learn more. Coca-Cola and Carnival Cruise Line. Hot Takes, Cold Coke, Open Seas – your Carnival cruise is waiting! Visit Carnival.com/unfiltered and stay tuned for more information on how you could win a Carnival cruise! Coors Light. Choose Chill. Get Coors Light delivered. Go to CoorsLight.com/USLNT FanDuel. Secure your chance to score $100 BUCKS in bonus bets today. Download the FanDuel App to check out today's Soccer Daily Specials betting odds. Walmart. Walmart plays on Saturdays. Who knew? Visit walmart.com/MLS This episode of Unfiltered Soccer with Landon Donovan and Tim Howard was edited and mastered by Collin Kushner, Andrew Hartley and Jeremy Steinkamp, with engineering support from Eric Newell. Our producers are Andrew Gundling and Jordan Rizzieri. Our social media lead is Dan Armelli and our social editors are Kyle Curley and Finley Skelton. YouTube Chapters 00:00 Intro 2:38 Patrick Agyemang's injury 13:28 Balogun stays in form 19:03 Montréal fire head coach 26:43 Red Bulls' youth development 28:46 Vancouver to lose Berhalter? 32:41 Arsenal and Tottenham bottling 41:11 Fan Connection Unfiltered Soccer 👉 https://unfilteredsoccer.com/ Instagram 👉 https://www.instagram.com/unfilteredsoccer/ Twitter/X 👉 https://twitter.com/unfilteredsoccr TikTok 👉 https://www.tiktok.com/@unfilteredsoccer Facebook 👉 https://www.facebook.com/UnfilteredSoccer/ OTHER PODCASTS YOU MAY LIKE Triple Option - http://tripleoptionshow.com Throwbacks - http://ThrowbacksShow.com Post Moves - http://PostMovesShow.com Cousins - http://vinceandtmac.com

Register for Girlazo SoccerFest by April 20th for a chance to WIN a Wave FC gameday experience ⚽✨ 7 teams will be selected for July 11 rivalry match: • Walk out with Wave FC players at kickoff • Watch warmups from the sidelines • Postgame photos + autographs Not selected to be on field? You'll still get discounted tickets for the ultimate team bonding night in the stands 🙌 Win-Win Don’t miss this opportunity for girls U8-U19. Hit the link in bio to register your team! 🔗

Yamal channels LeBron and Neymar as Barcelona chase a Champions League miracle Leer

Ghana’s passionate football fanbase etched their name in history with a remarkable show of support in Lomé, as the Ghana Supporters Union stormed Togo in their numbers to cheer on the Black Maidens during their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier at the Stade de Kégué on Sunday April 12, 2026. Traveling from across the [...] The post Ghana Supporters Union makes history in Togo with massive turnout for Black Maidens clash first appeared on Sahara Football.

As his side look to overturn a two-goal quarter-final deficit against Atlético Madrid, the teenager is ready to give his all No pressure, kid. Lamine Yamal took the stage here and, he hoped, not for the last time. The 18-year-old, wearing glasses, sat in the press conference room at the Metropolitano where he said he would take inspiration from the basketball legend LeBron James and from Neymar on Wednesday night. He insisted that he welcomes the weight of expectation that has been loaded upon him from the beginning as he tries to lead Barcelona back from a 2-0 first-leg defeat against Atlético Madrid and into the semi-finals of the Champions League. When Barcelona were knocked out by Inter in last season’s semi-finals, Lamine Yamal promised that he would take them back. A year on, scorer of five goals and provider of four assists in Europe, described by Hansi Flick as “the best in the world one on one”, he is their great hope as they seek to return and try again, his appearance in front of the media a prelude to him leading on the pitch. “Ever since I was little I have had the fortune to have to take on more responsibility than I should,” the teenager said. “I am used to it. All I think about is enjoying it, not taking it as a problem but a virtue. I’m grateful for everything.”

While hoping for his presence in the 2026 World Cup, Lamine Yamal addressed Neymar's influence on Barcelona's preparation for the comeback in the UEFA Champions League against Atletico Madrid. Lamine Yamal has been the loudest voice coming out of FC Barcelona over the past week as the club gears up for a potential historic comeback against Atletico Madrid in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. With the second leg just one day away, the 18-year-old star drew on the influence of Neymar as a source of inspiration and made a heartfelt plea for the Brazilian to be at the World Cup. Before nodding to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2016 comeback, another landmark reversal closer to Barcelona’s own history was the one engineered by Neymar against PSG in the 2016-17 season. By scoring a brace and delivering the winning assist for Sergi Roberto, the Blaugrana completed one of the most iconic comebacks in sports history, and the scenario Barcelona now face against Atletico carries a strikingly similar feel. At Monday’s press conference, Yamal was asked whether he had revisited that iconic Neymar performance for inspiration, and the young star was effusive in his praise for his idol: “I have seen it many times; I have seen it live as well. Neymar is a player who defined my entire childhood—he is my idol—and I will always be grateful for what he has given to football.“ Yamal then went a step further, expressing his hope that Neymar would be part of the 2026 World Cup. “I believe he inspires us all. He is the kind of player you pay for a ticket to see; three days would pass after a match, and you’d watch it again just to see his plays. I want to thank him for what he has given to the game, and I hope he can be at the World Cup,” he concluded. Lionel Messi and Neymar of Barcelona celebrate against PSG in 2017. Despite frequently drawing comparisons to Lionel Messi due to his playing style, Yamal has consistently been eager to highlight Neymar’s influence on his development. The Spanish teenager had the chance to meet his idol in person back in June 2025, just before the start of the current season. Although Yamal was Barcelona‘s brightest spark in the first leg, Atletico stayed compact and goalkeeper Juan Musso produced a series of outstanding saves to keep him off the scoresheet. Now heading to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, the Blaugrana must wipe out a two-goal deficit from the opening whistle, a challenge Yamal is embracing with the same belief that has fueled some of the great comebacks in the club’s history. Yamal eager to make his mark in the second leg Despite being reduced to ten men for the entire second half of the first leg, Barcelona still dominated possession and created chances, with Yamal often at the center of their most dangerous moments. Far from feeling weighed down by the pressure of being the team’s go-to player, the teenager sees it as fuel. Yamal shared his mindset heading into the match and made clear just how much he is relishing the moment: “I’m very excited. I’ve always said that at the start of the season, my level was questioned a lot because of my pubalgia, and I like it when these moments arrive because this is when the real players show up. I’m really looking forward to tomorrow.“ Yamal has already proven he can deliver on the biggest stages, scoring against France and setting up the winner against England in Spain’s triumphant Euro 2024 campaign, and leading Barcelona’s attack in last season’s Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan despite the eventual defeat. With the weight of the occasion on his shoulders at just 18 years old, Yamal appears ready to rise to it once more.

Shebahn Aherne is joined by Burnley goalkeeper, Eva Spencer, in the studio to highlight the lack of English keepers coming through pathways and in the WSL. PLUS former England winger, Jess Clarke, looks ahead to England v Spain. AND fashion stylist and Arsenal fan, Emily Regan, and Peterborough forward Tara Mae Kirk unpack Arsenal’s new collab with Good Squish. Subscribe to talkSPORT Women's Football: https://www.youtube.com/@talkSPORTWomensFootball ?sub_confirmation=1 🖥️ talkSPORT's Website: https://talksport.com/ 📲 talkSPORT's X/Twitter: https://x.com/talkSPORT 📷 talkSPORT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talksport/?hl=en 👤 talkSPORT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talkSPORT/ 📱 talkSPORT's Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talksport? 🔴 Download the talkSPORT app HERE! - https://talksport.com/apps/ #talkSPORT #WSL #womensfootball #goalkeeper #burnley #arsenal #arsenalfc #arsenalwomen #fashion #tarakirk #peterborough #england #lionesses

Goalkeeper Belinda Maku Aklie announced her arrival on the international stage in style, keeping a clean sheet on her debut as Ghana’s Black Maidens secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Togo in the first leg of their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier. The encounter, played on Sunday, April 12 at the Stade de Kégué, [...] The post Belinda Aklie shines on Black Maidens debut with clean sheet in Ghana’s win over Togo first appeared on Sahara Football.

Shebahn Aherne is joined by Burnley goalkeeper, Eva Spencer, in the studio to highlight the lack of English keepers coming through pathways and in the WSL 👀 PLUS former England winger, Jess Clarke, looks ahead to England v Spain 🔥 AND fashion stylist and Arsenal fan, Emily Regan, and Peterborough forward Tara Mae Kirk unpack Arsenal’s new collab with Good Squish 🎀 EPISODE LIVE AT 7PM ON YOUTUBE 📺 Subscribe to talkSPORT Women's Football: https://www.youtube.com/@talkSPORTWomensFootball ?sub_confirmation=1 🖥️ talkSPORT's Website: https://talksport.com/ 📲 talkSPORT's X/Twitter: https://x.com/talkSPORT 📷 talkSPORT's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talksport/?hl=en 👤 talkSPORT's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talkSPORT/ 📱 talkSPORT's Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talksport? 🔴 Download the talkSPORT app HERE! - https://talksport.com/apps/ #talkSPORT #WSL #womensfootball #arsenal #goalkeeper #lionesses

Manchester United have received a boost in their pursuit of Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers, who is open to joining, provided the right circumstances. The Red Devils are planning to make at least one addition to their attacking ranks in the summer. The priority is to sign a player who would seamlessly fit on the […] The post Sky Sports: £80m ‘nightmare’ ready to join Man Utd on one condition appeared first on Stretty News.

In our weekly series, the Mirror's Chief Football Writer John Cross gives his England player ratings as young stars and one Premier League captain give Thomas Tuchel much to ponder

The modern footballing machine is manufacturing efficiency at the cost of the soul. We are witnessing the death of the “unique being”—the player whose individuality is not a flaw to be coached out, but how the game turns. From the underproducing academies of “advanced” nations to the viral robot drills on social media (imagine a… The post Italy’s missing the World Cup is the Fault of Modern Football first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

Shumaira Zion “Shim” Mheuka is an 18-year-old forward who is establishing himself as a prospect to watch at Chelsea. He is a striker and a step up as captain for the U21s, and an all-around elite goal scorer. He has the technical ability, physicality, and mature mentality that are often lacking at the youth football… The post Shim Mheuka: Chelsea’s Newest Homegrown Hope first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

Greg Garza stops by to break down mentoring and its challenges for the "Friday Free Kick" We go from the value of learning a name to being a parent and trying to be there in more ways than one for those around you...

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has reportedly called up Lisandro Martinez and Shea Lacey for the clash against Leeds United. The club’s supporters have been eagerly anticipating the team’s return to action after 24 days of inactivity due to the international break and the early FA Cup elimination. DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP […] The post Insider: Man Utd ‘Cult’ hero & fearless ‘teenager’ join Carrick’s squad for Leeds clash appeared first on Stretty News.

Liverpool spent over £440m to improve their squad last summer, but it's taken a 17-year-old academy graduate to spark life into their dwindling season. But is Liverpool's teenage star now the key to a famous Anfield Champions League comeback against Paris Saint-Germain?

El cierre de la Fase de Grupos marcó el rumbo hacia las Semifinales, que se disputarán el próximo 16 de abril. Argentina, Brasil, Colombia y Ecuador competirán por un lugar en la gran final y el título de la CONMEBOL Sub17 2026. La Fase de Grupos de la CONMEBOL Sub17 2026 culminó este domingo 12 de abril, tras la disputa de la quinta fecha en las ciudades de Ypané y Villeta, sedes del torneo continental que se desarrolla en Paraguay. Ver esta publicación en Instagram Una publicación compartida de CONMEBOLtorneos (@conmeboltorneos) En el Grupo B, Argentina igualó 1-1 ante Bolivia, mientras que Brasil ganó 1-0 a Venezuela. El empate le alcanzó a la Albiceleste para asegurar su clasificación a la Copa Mundial Sub17 de la FIFA Catar 2026™ y mantenerse en la lucha por el título. Por su parte, la Canarinha —que ya había sellado su clasificación en la fecha anterior— finalizó como líder del grupo con puntaje perfecto. Ver esta publicación en Instagram Una publicación compartida de CONMEBOLtorneos (@conmeboltorneos) En el Grupo A, Ecuador derrotó 3-1 a Chile y Colombia venció 2-0 a Paraguay. Con estos resultados, ambas selecciones aseguraron su lugar tanto en la Copa del Mundo como en las semifinales del certamen. Ver esta publicación en Instagram Una publicación compartida de CONMEBOLtorneos (@conmeboltorneos) La Fase Final de la CONMEBOL Sub17 se disputará desde el miércoles 15 de abril, en los mismos escenarios que albergaron la fase inicial. Grupo A – Chile 0-2 Ecuador – Ver esta publicación en Instagram Una publicación compartida de CONMEBOLtorneos (@conmeboltorneos) Ecuador confirmó su clasificación a la Copa Mundial Sub17 que se disputará en Catar y avanzó a las Semifinales del torneo, tras vencer 3-1 a Chile en el Estadio Ameliano, en Villeta - Paraguay, por el Grupo A de la CONMEBOL Sub17. El conjunto ecuatoriano abrió el marcador a los 8' minutos por intermedio de Johan Martínez, y amplió la ventaja a los 20’ con un tanto de Edwin Quintero, mostrando eficacia desde el inicio del encuentro. En la segunda mitad, Luis Fragozo convirtió el tercer gol a los 74’, consolidando la victoria de la Tri. Chile logró descontar en tiempo de adición, a los 90+2’, con gol de Renato Guerra. Con este resultado, Ecuador se aseguró un lugar tanto en el Mundial de la categoría como en las Semifinales del torneo, donde enfrentará a Argentina en busca de un lugar en la Final. Por su parte, Chile continuará en competencia en la Fase Final, donde se medirá ante Bolivia en la lucha por uno de los cupos restantes al Mundial. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1W-_aKGTLmk – Números del partido – Ecuador le ganó a Chile por segunda vez consecutiva, ya que venía de un 3 a 0 en la edición 2023 del CONMEBOL Sub17. La Tri ganó cuatro de los últimos nueve partidos ante La Roja (1E 4D) y siempre que se llevó el triunfo lo hizo marcando tres o más goles. Ecuador tuvo ante Chile su partido con más goles (3), más remates (15), más remates al arco (8), más goles esperados (1.7 xG) y mayor efectividad de pase en el último tercio (81%) en la fase de grupos de este CONMEBOL Sub17. Los siete goles de Ecuador en la fase de grupos del CONMEBOL Sub17 fueron marcados por siete jugadores diferentes. Seis de esos tantos tuvieron un pase previo y también las seis asistencias correspondieron a seis futbolistas diferentes. – Paraguay 0-2 Colombia – Ver esta publicación en Instagram Una publicación compartida de CONMEBOLtorneos (@conmeboltorneos) Colombia superó a Paraguay por 2-0 en el estadio Carfem de Ypané, para cerrar la última fecha de Fase de Grupos, y obtuvo la clasificación a: las semifinales del torneo y a la Copa Mundial Sub17 de la FIFA Catar 2026™. Matías Caicedo abrió el marcador a los 28’ del primer tiempo. A los 81’ de la segunda etapa, el colombiano Adrián Mosquera sumó un tanto más para el triunfo a los 81’. Próximamente, la selección colombiana se medirá ante Brasil, por un lugar en la gran final. https://youtu.be/1KP1SYWpPfI?si=6Gw3q7yZTb4lO0PD – Números del partido – Colombia cortó una racha de dos derrotas y dos partidos sin poder anotar ante Paraguay en la CONMEBOL Sub17. Esta es la segunda victoria colombiana en los últimos siete enfrentamientos ante la Albirroja (2E 3D). Paraguay cierra su participación en la CONMEBOL Sub17 como el equipo que más remates (83) y, junto a Brasil, la selección que más remates pegó en los palos (3). Colombia tuvo más del 52% de posesión ante Paraguay y cierra la fase de grupos con un promedio de 63%, el registro más alto de la actual CONMEBOL Sub17. Grupo B – Brasil 1-0 Venezuela – La selección de Brasil venció 1-0 a Venezuela en el Estadio Ameliano de Villeta, Paraguay, bajo una intensa lluvia, en el cierre del Grupo B de la CONMEBOL Sub17. El único gol del encuentro llegó a los 39' minutos del primer tiempo, cuando Eduardo Pape convirtió desde el punto penal para darle la victoria a la ‘Canarinha’. Con este resultado, Brasil ratificó su gran presente en el torneo, donde ya había asegurado su clasificación tanto a las semifinales como a la Copa Mundial Sub17 que se disputará en Catar. Por su parte, Venezuela se enfrentará a Uruguay en la Fase Final por uno de los cupos mundialistas, en un torneo que otorga siete plazas para la cita global. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DlNkcNGmec – Números del partido – Brasil acumula cinco victorias ante Venezuela en la CONMEBOL Sub17 desde 2017. Además, en las última ocho presentaciones ante la Vinotinto en la competencia, Brasil perdió una sola (6V 1E). Brasil es el equipo más goleador de la actual CONMEBOL Sub17 con 13 tantos tras cuatro partidos disputados. Además, superó la marca de 10 que convirtió la edición pasada de la competición (en 6PJ). El arquero venezolano Sebastián Angulo tuvo cinco atajadas ante Brasil, igualando lo hecho en el partido ante Argentina en la jornada 3 del CONMEBOL Sub17. Es la mayor cantidad de salvadas para un arquero de Venezuela en las últimas tres ediciones de la competición desde las siete de Jorge Sánchez ante Argentina en 2023. – Argentina 1-1 Bolivia – Ver esta publicación en Instagram Una publicación compartida de CONMEBOLtorneos (@conmeboltorneos) La Albiceleste y la Verde empataron por la mínima en la última fecha de Fase de Grupos de la CONMEBOL Sub17 2026, encuentro que se disputó en el estadio Carfem de Ypané. Con el resultado, Argentina sacó boleto para la Copa Mundial Sub17 de la FIFA Catar 2026™ y avanzó a las semifinales del torneo. Facundo Salinas anotó el tanto para los argentinos. Para Bolivia, el gol del empate lo protagonizó el capitán Nabil Nacif a los 86’. Nacif se destaca en el torneo con cuatro goles en la Fase de Grupos. Argentina enfrentará a Ecuador buscando avanzar a la última instancia, mientras que Bolivia se medirá ante Chile por un cupo al mundial. https://youtu.be/MfQ7HUS4stA?si=cLdBSO4YFdHhZCfg – Números del partido – Bolivia cortó una racha de cuatro derrotas y puntuó por primera vez ante Argentina en la CONMEBOL Sub17, al menos, desde 2009. Además, la última vez que la Verde había conseguido marcarle un tanto en un encuentro a la Albiceleste fue en 2015, en la derrota por 4-1. Bolivia lleva tres partidos invicto (1V 2E) por primera vez en las últimas nueve ediciones de la CONMEBOL Sub17. Nabil Nacif (Bolivia) hasta el momento es el goleador de la actual CONMEBOL Sub17 con cuatro tantos en cuatro partidos. – Tabla de Posiciones – Ver esta publicación en Instagram Una publicación compartida de CONMEBOLtorneos (@conmeboltorneos) – Rumbo a la Final – Ver esta publicación en Instagram Una publicación compartida de CONMEBOLtorneos (@conmeboltorneos) CONMEBOL.com / OPTA

Once he turns 18, Cavan Sullivan will head to Man City, but that alone isn't buying him the same chances his peers in MLS are enjoying

Juventus could part ways with Edon Zhegrova after one disappointing campaign, and they might have an internal replacement in… The post Juventus have ready-made replacement for Zhegrova as teenager shines for Next Gen appeared first on Juvefc.com.