Bruna Reis

Manchester United have missed out on an estimated £13 million payment after Real Betis rejected a €50 million bid for Antony. United sold the Brazilian to Betis for €25 million with a 50% net sell-on clause, but Betis chose to retain him after his strong first season and Champions League qualification. The decision also reflects concerns about replacing Antony despite the proposed fee. United are continuing an expensive squad rebuild, with Carlos Baleba expected to join alongside recent arrivals Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, while the club also seeks a left-back and considers player departures.

Paul Scholes has urged Manchester United to hijack Atlético Madrid's expected move for Tottenham captain Cristian Romero, valuing the World Cup-winning defender at roughly £30–40 million. Scholes praised Romero's ability and maverick character while acknowledging his disciplinary issues, suggesting Michael Carrick could help steady him and form a partnership with young defender Ayden Heaven. Tottenham are reportedly willing to let Romero leave, while United are also considering Bologna's Jhon Lucumí as another defensive option.

Former Manchester United captain Ashley Young says he needs hip replacement surgery after a career-long hip problem worsened during training. Initially told he could wait around 10 years, he was later given a two-year timeframe for the operation. Young retired in April after 22 years and 766 professional appearances, including spells with Watford, Aston Villa, Manchester United, Inter Milan, Everton and Ipswich Town. He won the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and Community Shield with Manchester United and earned 39 England caps.

Celtic have reportedly submitted an £8 million bid for Real Oviedo winger Haissem Hassan, a move that could make Marseille more willing to negotiate with Leeds United over Igor Paixao. Marseille are under financial pressure to sell players while remaining compliant with Ligue 1 regulations, potentially easing Leeds’ pursuit of the Brazilian, whose valuation has been reported at between £30 million and £42.5 million. Leeds manager Daniel Farke says the club remains active in the transfer market, while Paixao has previously described playing in the Premier League as a career ambition.

Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt said he was banned from his local recycling centre after staff refused entry to his Range Rover, which they considered a commercial vehicle and suspected of carrying improper waste. Butt described driving into the facility and arguing with an employee who chased him with a walkie-talkie. Recycle for Greater Manchester said he remains welcome at any of its 19 centres. The story also notes Butt's Manchester United career, later spell at Newcastle, and post-playing roles at United and Salford City.

Manchester United have completed the signing of 18-year-old Colombian midfielder Cristian Orozco from Fortaleza CEIF. Orozco, who previously developed at Rojo FC and has represented Colombia at Under-17 level, made his debut appearance for United in a pre-season friendly against Altrincham. The club plans to integrate him gradually through the Academy while he adapts to English football and club expectations, with Spanish-speaking players including Diego Leon helping him communicate. His arrival is United's sixth recently announced signing, and manager Michael Carrick's emphasis on youth development could provide Orozco with future opportunities.

Leandro Paredes has faced renewed criticism after video appeared to show him kicking the ball at an opponent during Boca Juniors' match against Central Córdoba. The incident follows a confrontation with Spain players after Argentina's World Cup final defeat, for which FIFA has confirmed that Paredes was charged and could face a ban. Fans are divided over whether the latest kick was deliberate or simply an attempt to clear the ball before the referee's whistle.

The International Olympic Committee’s Ethics Commission rejected a FairSquare complaint against FIFA President Gianni Infantino, ruling that allegations concerning FIFA governance, relations with governments and sports-rule enforcement fall outside its jurisdiction. FairSquare had accused Infantino of repeatedly breaching political neutrality through support for Donald Trump, including during the World Cup. The article also reports that Trump and White House World Cup task-force executive director Andrew Giuliani contacted Infantino over Folarin Balogun’s red-card suspension, which was deferred, although FIFA maintains Infantino did not influence the decision.

Tyson Fury says 2026 will be the final year of his boxing career and that he intends to remain active. He is scheduled to fight Mariusz Wach in Thailand, while Anthony Joshua is due to face Kristian Prenga, with the British heavyweights expected to meet later in the year. Details of the proposed Fury-Joshua fight, including its venue, remain unconfirmed, although Netflix is expected to broadcast it and Wembley Stadium is Turki Al-Sheikh’s preferred location.

Jo Wilson describes the distress of receiving an incorrect cancer recurrence diagnosis after previous treatment for stage‑three cervical cancer. After months of further tests, specialists determined the suspected lymph‑node issue was a benign neuroma, bringing relief but leaving significant emotional strain. She shares her experience to highlight the lasting fear of recurrence, the limits of social media portrayals, and the importance of kindness. Wilson also stresses the need for women to attend cervical smear tests, reflecting on her earlier diagnosis, treatment challenges, and advocacy efforts.

Family members of Argentina’s players were reportedly detained after clashes in the stands during the World Cup final in the United States, following violent on‑pitch incidents involving several Argentina players. Police intervened in the relatives’ section, delaying Argentina’s attendance at the medal ceremony. Authorities have not confirmed arrests, and the Argentine Football Association has not commented. Spain secured the title with a 106th‑minute goal by Ferran Torres amid criticism of Argentina’s conduct throughout the match.

Authorities intervened in disturbances involving families of Argentina players following their World Cup final defeat to Spain, with reports of multiple detentions at MetLife Stadium. Argentina’s players delayed the medal ceremony to check on the situation amid ongoing tensions after several on‑pitch altercations, including red cards issued to Leandro Paredes and Enzo Fernandez. American authorities and the Argentine Football Association have not commented publicly, while criticism mounted over Argentina’s conduct during and after the match.

Lionel Messi hinted he may retire from international football by referring to Argentina’s World Cup final against Spain as the “last tango.” His Instagram posts, featuring Adidas’s commemorative “El Ultimo Tango” boots, fueled speculation that the match could mark the end of his national-team career. Messi enters the final after an exceptional tournament, while Kylian Mbappe leads him narrowly in the Golden Boot race. Argentina faces Spain in New York after beating England in the semifinals.

England defeated France 6-4 to secure the World Cup bronze medal, with Bukayo Saka scoring a first-half hat-trick. A touching moment occurred when teammates ensured Jason Steele received his medal after initially being overlooked. Saka walked out of a BBC interview after a comment about the bronze medal. Jude Bellingham shared a handwritten team poem and vowed future success. Assistant manager Anthony Barry gave an emotional halftime interview, praising the squad for performing despite heartbreak from their semi-final loss to Argentina.

The Football Association issued a cease‑and‑desist order to supermarket chain Iceland after the retailer temporarily rebranded three stores as “England” ahead of the World Cup match against Argentina, citing concerns that customers might assume an unauthorized commercial partnership. Iceland criticised the timing and intent of the action, insisting the stunt was simply to support the national team and not imply sponsorship. The FA required the removal of all related materials by 17 July, which could have forced Iceland to dismantle displays before a potential England World Cup final. The situation unfolded as England prepared for the third‑place play‑off against France in Miami.

Gary Neville defended his criticism of Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez after Romero called him “stupid,” reiterating that the pair have conceded several goals during Argentina’s World Cup knockout matches and rely heavily on Lionel Messi. Romero responded after Argentina’s comeback win over England, stressing players do their best for their national teams. Neville countered by highlighting Tottenham’s poor defensive record last season and maintaining that despite their talent, both defenders make frequent errors. Argentina now prepare for the World Cup final against Spain while England face France in the third‑place play‑off.

Messi approaches a World Cup semi‑final against England amid speculation he will retire from international football after the tournament, with Chris Waddle suggesting he is unlikely to feature in 2030. Argentina pursue consecutive titles as Messi competes closely with Mbappe in the Golden Boot race, while England challenge with strong performances from Kane and Bellingham. FIFA’s top four‑ranked teams have advanced to the semi‑finals for the first time under a redesigned draw structure.

A lip reader interpreted Thomas Tuchel’s heated instructions to England players during a World Cup quarter-final hydration break, where he urged greater intensity and tactical discipline as the team struggled early against Norway. England rebounded with two goals from Jude Bellingham to secure a 2-1 extra‑time win despite defensive errors and periods of poor play. Tuchel later stressed pride in the team’s resilience while maintaining that their performance needed improvement, while Bellingham offered a more understanding view of the challenges on the pitch. England advance to face Argentina in the semi-finals.

Norwegian players voiced frustration over several refereeing decisions during their World Cup quarter‑final loss to England, highlighting disputes over Jude Bellingham’s equaliser and a disallowed goal involving Erling Haaland and Torbjorn Heggem. Martin Odegaard and Andreas Schjelderup emphasised that key calls went against them, while manager Stale Solbakken noted that earlier good fortune against Brazil did not carry over. England advance to face Argentina for a spot in the final.

England’s upcoming World Cup quarter-final against Norway in Miami is expected to be played in extreme heat and humidity, with experts warning that players could lose up to eight pints of sweat during a match that goes to extra time. Dr Foster of King’s College London explains that high temperatures and humidity sharply increase fatigue, heart rate and dehydration, impairing performance and elevating physiological strain. Additional challenges include Saharan dust in the region and the need for hydration breaks and cooling strategies. The match is scheduled for 10 p.m. UK time, with England set to wear their traditional all‑white kit.

Felix Auger-Aliassime and Jiri Lehecka announced the end of long-term coaching relationships ahead of the Wimbledon final. Auger-Aliassime thanked Frederic Fontang for nearly a decade of mentorship, while Lehecka expressed gratitude to Michal Navratil for eight years of guidance. Both players reflected on their development and future ambitions. Wimbledon’s upcoming final will feature Jannik Sinner facing Alexander Zverev.

Tiger Woods shared an update on the Legacy Course, a new oceanfront golf project in Mexico designed with Diamante Cabo San Lucas and led by Ken Jowdy. Expected to open in 2027, the course is presented as a high‑end, strategy‑focused layout with limited membership and premium fees. Woods posted early photos and expressed enthusiasm for the design. The article also recounts his recent legal issues, rehabilitation, and absence from major tournaments while continuing to prioritize his health and personal commitments.

Croatia’s stoppage‑time equaliser against Portugal in the World Cup was ruled out after VAR determined Igor Matanovic made slight contact with the ball, triggering an offside. FIFA confirmed the decision using data from the Adidas Trionda ball’s sensor technology. Croatian players and manager Zlatko Dalic criticised the refereeing and VAR, while Portugal coach Roberto Martinez defended the technology and the call. Portugal won 2–1 to advance to the last 16, where they will face Spain.