Charlotte Edwards has been appointed England Women’s head coach. Edwards, the former England captain who represented her country over 300 times, takes over from Jon Lewis, who was sacked following England’s 16-0 thrashing at the hands of Australia in the Women’s Ashes in January.”I am so delighted to once again be part of the leadership of the England Women’s cricket team, and I cannot wait to take this team forward and drive us to success,” Edwards said in a statement released by the ECB on Tuesday. “It means the world to me to have the three lions on my chest once again. Leading England as captain was my life for 10 years and I will forever be passionate about this team and our legacy. We have such a talented group of players, and I am excited about working with them and improving them both as individuals and as a team.”During her 20-year playing career, Edwards won two World Cups and the Ashes five times. Since retiring in 2017, she has enjoyed a decorated coaching career, including two titles in three seasons with Mumbai Indians in the WPL and five titles with Southern Vipers, including two in the Charlotte Edwards Cup, the domestic T20 competition named in her honour.She has also coached Southern Brave to three Women’s Hundred finals, winning the competition in 2023, and led Sydney Sixers to the WBBL final in her first season in charge in 2022-23. Edwards will now leave her role with Sixers.Related

• Charlie Dean: 'Whether I'm ready for leadership, I'm not sure'

• Kate Cross: Cultural change required as England women seek to rise from Ashes

• How 'Happy Hampshire' came to be part of a multi-million dollar international cricket franchise

• Where it went wrong for Jon Lewis and where to now for England Women

• Heather Knight's captaincy ends but her work as a leader goes on

Her first competitive task with England Women will be a home series against West Indies in May followed by India, ahead of the World Cup in India later this year and a home T20 World Cup in 2026.Before that, she must repair team morale after not only the Ashes whitewashing but a surprise group-stage exit at the T20 World Cup in the UAE last October. Speaking last month, Kate Cross, the senior England seam bowler who was part of the Ashes touring party but didn’t play due to a back injury, said the team had work to do to make cultural changes after their humbling in Australia.The Ashes defeat was the final straw that prompted an ECB review, announced by Clare Connor, the ECB’s deputy CEO and managing director of England Women’s cricket, in the immediate aftermath of that tour result, which also cost Heather Knight her job as England captain.Connor described Edwards as a “proven winner”.”She has the experience, passion and expertise to lead this team to success,” Connor said. “The results she has achieved as a head coach in multiple environments, since retiring as one of the greatest ever England players, is testament to her relentless drive and the standards she sets for those around her. She possesses a deep knowledge of the game, both in England and across the world, and she understands the importance of creating an environment that is both challenging and supportive.”ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Edwards’ appointment means she will leave her post as Hampshire Women’s head coach ahead of the start of the season, the first under the ECB’s new three-tier structure for women’s cricket.Edwards moved to Hampshire in 2017 having previously played for Kent, and became director of women’s cricket at the club in 2018 before taking over as Southern Vipers’ head coach in 2020.”I’ve had an amazing eight years at the club and am so grateful for the support I have received from the players, staff and supporters,” Edwards said. “It has been a truly special time, and it will be very difficult to leave the place that has become my home. I’m sure that Hampshire will continue to enjoy success on and off the field and look forward to returning to Utilita Bowl with the England team.”Knight will continue to play for England, while her successor as captain is yet to be announced.Nat Sciver-Brunt, whose wife Katherine has just given birth to their first child, a son named Theodore Michael, is favourite to be promoted from her role as vice-captain.Edwards and Connor will address the media at Lord’s on Wednesday, where their plans for taking the England team forward will be discussed.Fielding proved key to England’s downfall at the T20 World Cup, where a rash of errors compounded the loss of Knight to injury while batting during their decisive defeat to West Indies.England’s fitness levels were called into question following that loss, with former spinner turned commentator Alex Hartley suggesting that a handful of players were “letting the team down” in that respect. The issue reared its head again in Australia when the hosts proved superior in all departments during the multi-format Ashes, winning three white-ball games by more than 50 runs and the Test by an innings.

Liverpool and Newcastle United have been at loggerheads for months, but a timeline for an agreement between the two clubs over the transfer of the summer may be fast approaching.

Alexander Isak's latest situation amid heavy Liverpool speculation

In a story that has twisted, turned and left everyone on the edge of their seats, Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak’s desire to join Liverpool and subsequent standoff with the Magpies has left Premier League fans desperate for a conclusion.

Earlier on Saturday, Jan Age Fjortoft sent supporters of the Reds into overdrive, offering a revealing statement on X that the Sweden international is now set to sign on at Anfield for a fee in the region of £130 million.

He stated: “Re: Alexander Isak Understand Isak – deal is done! Newcastle away at Leeds tonight, so nothing expected before that I am told. Fee expected to be around £130m Isak to Liverpool likely to happen very soon.”

However, there is always a twist in the tale somewhere, something that Mailsport’s Dominic King provided around half an hour after Fjortoft’s update on Isak’s situation.

The reporter contradicted claims that Isak is set for Liverpool, instead telling his followers that there is a chance Liverpool may not sign anyone else by Monday’s deadline.

Arne Slot’s men have always maintained hope they can land the Magpies striker, and that doesn’t look likely to change soon, even if some reports diverge from others on the current state of play.

With two extremes mentioned earlier, could the truth behind Isak’s proposed move to Merseyside from Newcastle be somewhere in the middle?

Tavolieri: Liverpool in advanced talks to land Alexander Isak

Once again by virtue of social media platform X, reputable journalist Sacha Tavolieri has claimed that Isak is now in advanced talks to join Liverpool and a full agreement should be found by Sunday.

Tavolieri stated: “NUFC and LFC now in advanced talks for Alexander Isak! As explained from Friday night to Saturday, the Reds have made an offer likely to convince the Magpies management. Sunday expected to be the day of the announcement of a full agreement. Matter of time.”

Shades of Coutinho: Liverpool confident of signing “special” big-money star

Liverpool are ready to close a few deals before the end of the summer transfer window.

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 29, 2025

Both Liverpool and Newcastle fans will be well-versed with his capabilities, which saw the Solna-born man register 27 goals and six assists inside 42 appearances last season.

Linking the play between Eddie Howe’s midfield and attack, Isak also managed to fashion 42 chances for his teammates on Premier League duty, albeit it doesn’t look like he will be continuing in the North East for much longer.

After months of speculation surrounding his future, Liverpool could now be about to make one of the biggest signings in recent English football memory should all go to plan.

Tottenham Hotspur’s hunt for a new attacking midfielder has been unsuccessful to date, with Thomas Frank unable to land any of his transfer targets in such a position.

The need for a new attacking option in the role was evident before the Dane’s arrival, but after injuries to James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, such a need has grown tenfold.

Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze have been the new manager’s main targets throughout this summer, but the former agreed a new deal at Nottingham Forest, whilst the latter joined North London rivals, Arsenal.

With less than a week remaining in the transfer window, owner Daniel Levy desperately needs to hand the manager the tools and money he needs to land the player he desires.

As a result of missing out on the aforementioned duo, the boss has turned his attention to various other targets, but the Lilywhites face a race against time to complete a deal for their signatures.

Spurs’ hunt for a new attacking midfielder this summer

Over recent days, Spurs have made their move to land Como star Nico Paz, stumping up a £61m offer to land the Argentine before the September 1st transfer deadline.

However, the offer was swiftly rejected by the Serie A outfit, with the player now expected to remain with his current employers for at least the 2025/26 campaign.

The youngster isn’t the only player currently in their sights, with West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta another target they’re eyeing, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The journalist confirmed that the Lilywhites have reached out to the Hammers to discuss a possible transfer, with talks seemingly heading in the right direction for the 27-year-old.

It has previously been reported that the Brazilian could be available for as little as £40m before the transfer deadline, potentially seeing Frank’s side land themselves a bargain transfer.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be perfect for Kudus

Despite failing to land a new attacking midfielder in recent weeks, Spurs have already conducted shrewd business in the transfer market to date – completing a deal for Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United.

The hierarchy forked out £55m for the Ghanaian’s signature earlier this window, with such a figure seeming to be a bargain given his early-season form in North London.

He’s yet to find the back of the net for the Lilywhites, but has already racked up two assists in his first two league outings – with both coming in the 3-0 triumph over Burnley on the opening day.

However, he could also be aided in his attempts at the club if the hierarchy back manager Frank in the market, potentially landing a number ten who could provide Kudus with needed opportunities in front of goal.

A deal for Paqueta could see a reunion between the pair, after they operated together in the Hammers first team for two years – before Kudus joined Spurs this summer.

Any move could hand the new addition the platform for added success in North London, with the Brazilian’s figures from the 2024/25 season showcasing the creative threat he possesses.

Paqueta, who’s been labelled “one of the best 10s in the world” by one data analyst, ranked in the 94th percentile for through balls completed per 90 (0.7), whilst also ranking in the 81st percentile for passes into the final third (5.1).

Games played

33

Goals & assists

4

Pass accuracy

78%

Progressive passes

5.9

Passes into final third

5.1

Key passes made

1.4

Through balls completed

0.7

Take-on success

45%

Goals per shot on target

0.7

Both tallies highlight his desire to break the lines and thread balls into dangerous areas, which could massively aid Kudus in trying to build on his impressive start to life under Frank.

He also achieved a pass accuracy rate of 78%, with 5.8 of his passes per 90 being described as progressive – further showcasing his ability to cause the opposition havoc at any given opportunity.

Paqueta has shown evidence that he’s capable of finding the back of the net himself, posting a goal-per-shot-on-target rate of 0.7 – which saw him rank in the top 6% of all players in England’s top-flight last season.

Kudus’ assist tally already this campaign could allow the big-money addition to return the favour to his former teammate in forward areas, should the Lilywhites hierarchy land the Brazilian.

The prospect of the pair linking up once again is certainly something for the Spurs fans to get excited about, with their partnership potentially playing a huge role in their potential success in 2025/26.

£40m would be a bargain transfer fee for Paqueta, subsequently landing a player with top-flight experience which could prove vital in any chances of Premier League title glory in the years ahead.

Their own Rice: Spurs begin talks to force through "world-class" signing

Tottenham Hotspur have made their move to land a top-level European talent in recent days.

4 ByEthan Lamb Aug 27, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

O Botafogovolta suas atenções para comunicar de maneira mais ampla com a sua torcida. Na tarde desta terça-feira (18), o Glorioso anunciou a reestruturação de sua área de licenciamento e terá o atacante Tiquinho Soares como seu garoto-propaganda.

O camisa 9, artilheiro do Campeonato Brasileiro, se tornará tema de uma coleção de produtos temáticos voltados para a torcida alvinegra.

O planejamento tenta explorar a imagem do atacante, que também é muito querido pelo público infantil. O intuito do Botafogo é ampliar o alcance da marca junto aos mais variados nichos. Para isso, o Botafogo firmou uma parceria com uma empresa de camisetas que confeccionará materiais especiais do artilheiro.

Atualmente, estão disponíveis camisetas casuais masculinas, femininas e infantis. Além disso, há casaco moletom com diferentes estampas e cores para homenagear o centroavante. Os botafoguenses podem adquirir a sua peça favorita exclusivamente neste link (clique aqui).

Head de Branding do Botafogo, Gabriel Assis destacou a parceria.

– Esse projeto simboliza uma nova oportunidade para nós. Teremos liberdade de criação e agilidade junto à Reserva INK, o que amplia o nosso repertório e valoriza nossas campanhas. A linha do Tiquinho abre portas para futuras novas coleções que estão dentro do planejamento estratégico do nosso programa de licenciamento – disse.

O clube reformulou o departamento de branding, local no qual está o licenciamento de produtos, contratando profissionais com experiência no mercado para encorpar áreas gráficas. O objetivo é aumentar os valores e propósitos do Botafogo.

Diretor de comunicação do Alvinegro, Júlio Gracco exaltou.

– John Textor e Thairo Arruda nos deram a missão de dar uma nova roupagem à área de licenciamento, investindo na produção de itens que estejam no dia a dia do torcedor e que representem uma importante linha de receitas. A equipe está sendo desafiada a buscar produtos criativos que falem a linguagem do torcedor e faça com que a paixão pelo Botafogo se converta em muitas compras – afirmou.

Benjamin Cremaschi wasted no time stamping his authority on the U20 World Cup opener in Chile, as the U.S. routed New Caledonia 9-1 on Monday. The Parma midfielder struck twice inside the opening minutes to put Marko Mitrović’s team firmly in control, later completing a hat-trick. Niko Tsakiris opened up the scoring in the seventh minute for the U.S.

• @USMNT
  

  A dream debut

  Cremaschi became just the third American to score a hat-trick at the U20 World Cup. Nolan Norris added a brace, while Tsakiris, Frankie Westfield, Taha Habroune, and Cole Campbell rounded out the scoring.

  The victory reinforced the U.S. team's reputation as a youth powerhouse, with the squad aiming to extend their streak of six straight tournament appearances and four consecutive quarterfinal runs.

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• @USYNT
  

  Mitrović’s team shakes off pressure

  By the 10th minute, the game was already decided, allowing Mitrović’s squad to shake off the pressure of a World Cup debut. Next up, they will face France, which defeated South Africa.

  The winner of that clash will all but secure a place in the next round – a true test for the Americans in this tournament.

• @USYNT
  

  A historic debut

  The United States surpassed the biggest win at a U20 World Cup, eclipsing Germany’s 8-1 victory over Fiji in the 2015 tournament.

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• @USYNT
  

  Tying another milestone

  This is the second time the USA had goals from six different players in a U20 World Cup match. The other was a 6-0 win over New Zealand in 2017.

Celtic did not have a perfect summer transfer window, as they failed to land any strikers on deadline day, but they did do some good business on the whole.

Bringing Kieran Tierney back to the club on a free transfer from Arsenal was arguably the highlight of the window on paper, six years on from his £25m move to Arsenal in the summer of 2019.

The Scotland international was the first signing of the window and the highest-profile addition to the squad to replace Greg Taylor for Brendan Rodgers.

How Kieran Tierney has performed for Celtic

Expectations were, understandably, high for the left-footed star after what he achieved during his first spell at the club, and the fact that he has played in the Premier League and LaLiga over the past six years.

The 28-year-old full-back has not had a perfect start, losing 100% of his ground duels in the second leg against Kairat for example, but that should have been expected given his injury issues in recent years.

Tierney missed 45 matches through injuries in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 campaigns combined, per Transfermarkt, but he has still shown glimpses of the quality that he can provide, with an excellent assist against Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership.

Whilst it has been exciting to see such a high-profile player return to Celtic this season, Tierney is not the most valuable full-back in the squad – Alistair Johnston is.

Celtic have hit the jackpot with Alistair Johnston

Ange Postecoglou signed the Canada international from Montreal for a reported fee of £3.5m in January 2023, and the Australian head coach hit the jackpot for the club with that move.

The impressive right-back, whose work rate was hailed as “phenomenal” by Rodgers, has gone on to play 115 times for the Scottish giants in all competitions, per Transfermarkt, and registered 22 assists.

Johnston did not have a Transfermarkt market value at the time of Tierney’s £25m move to Arsenal in 2019. Now, six years later, the Canadian star is worth even more than the Scotland international.

August 2019

£25m move to Arsenal

N/A

July 2020

£24m

£43k

May 2021

£28m

£2m

May 2022

£28m

£2.5m

June 2023

£21m

£6m

March 2024

£10m

£7m

October 2024

£9m

£8m

June 2025

£8m

£9m

As you can see in the table above, the 26-year-old star is worth more than the Scottish defender for the first time in their respective careers, which speaks to his rise and the fall of the left-back.

This also shows that the Hoops hit the jackpot with the right-back because his value has soared from £3.5m to £9m in less than three years, making him a far more valuable asset than he was when they signed him from the MLS.

Johnston, who is currently out injured, has proven himself to be a huge attacking threat from right-back for Celtic, creating 15 ‘big chances’ in 30 league starts last term, per Sofascore.

His superb performances on the pitch for the Scottish giants have led to his market value soaring to the point that he is now worth even more than Tierney, who was once a £25m-rated player.

Sold by Rodgers, now worth £22m more: Celtic messed up with prolific star

Celtic must regret selling this star who is now worth over £20m more than the fee they received for him.

1 ByDan Emery Sep 4, 2025

Overall, Postecoglou hit the jackpot for Celtic by signing him from Montreal and the club will be hoping that he can continue to deliver on the pitch to increase his value by even more.

The performance of new-ball bowlers could have a big say in which direction this game goes

Ekanth11-Apr-20252:04

Battle of the two best top orders?

Big picture: a top-order collisionTwenty five games into IPL 2025, the top four run-scorers are from Gujarat Titans (GT) and Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) top order. If that wasn’t unexpected enough, Shubman Gill isn’t on that list. It has allowed both teams to work around vulnerabilities in their batting.In a season where teams are looking to maximise their scoring throughout the innings despite the situation, GT follow an old-school T20 template. B Sai Sudharsan, who was the player of the match for his 82 in GT’s win over Rajasthan Royals (RR), said, “we try and keep a lot of wickets in hand and go full-on in the last five overs.”Their middle order has remained unburdened as at least one of Gill, Sai Sudharsan or Jos Buttler have scored a fifty in each of their five games so far. Not that that’s made them formulaic. In fact, after the last game GT’s assistant coach Parthiv Patel said, “there are no specific roles as such. As a team, we have a top three, but we keep shuffling the batting order. We react based on conditions and the situation.”Related

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That flexibility was on demonstrated by Washington Sundar being promoted to No. 4 in their win against Sunrisers Hyderabad – he made 49 off 29 balls – but then he was replaced with Shahrukh Khan, whose 20-ball 36 built on a well-set platform against RR.For LSG, the chance pairing of Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh clicking has bolstered the impact of Nicholas Pooran’s onslaughts and nullified Rishabh Pant’s lack of runs.Form guideLucknow Super Giants WWL ()
Gujarat Titans WWW3:13

Will LSG’s explosive top order face their toughest test yet?

Team news and likely XIIsParthiv had said GT played four seamers against Royals because of the conditions in Ahmedabad. Lucknow is unlikely to be as seamer-friendly and Washington is likely to replace one of the quicks.Gujarat Titans (probable XII): 1 Shubman Gill (capt), 2 B Sai Sudharsan, 3 Jos Buttler (wk), 4 Sherfane Rutherford, 5 Shahrukh Khan, 6 Rahul Tewatia, 7 Washington Sundar, 8 Rashid Khan, 9 R Sai Kishore, 10 Mohammed Siraj, 11 Prasidh Krishna, 12 Arshad Khan/Kulwant KhejroliyaLucknow Super Giants are unlikely to change their XII from the last game. They have the option of bringing in left-arm spinner Manimaran Siddharth to challenge the two right-handers in GT’s top order.Lucknow Super Giants (probable XII): 1 Aiden Markram, 2 Mitchell Marsh, 3 Nicholas Pooran, 4 Rishabh Pant (capt, wk), 5 Ayush Badoni, 6 David Miller, 7 Abdul Samad, 8 Shardul Thakur, 9 Avesh Khan, 10 Akash Deep, 11 Digvesh Rathi, 12 Ravi BishnoiThe big questionRashid has bowled only one over in the powerplay so far this season. Marsh, Markram and Pooran have sub-120 strike rates against him, Pooran has even been dismissed twice in 66 balls. Rashid has only started to rediscover his form after a poor start to this season, but should he be brought on to bowl earlier given the strength of LSG’s top order?In the spotlight – Digvesh Rathi and Prasidh KrishnaFive of Digvesh Rathi’s seven T20s have come in IPL 2025. His celebrations might have landed him in hot waters but his impact cannot be written off. His economy rate of 7.75 is easily the best of all of LSG’s bowlers so far this season. In LSG’s last game, against Kolkata Knight Riders where 472 runs runs were scored, his economy was 8.25. While Ravi Bishnoi remains the primary legspinner in the side, Rathi’s position is only rising.Digvesh Rathi celebrated in a new way – by writing on the ground•Associated PressPrasidh Krishna’s pace and height have offered Titans a unique advantage in the middle overs. He has been able to hit the middle of the pitch and get extra bounce to challenge batters on the back foot. He is coming off five wickets in the last games and is a threat to LSG’s middle order.Pitch and conditionsThere are slight chances of rain in the evening but a large stoppage is unlikely. In terms of the pitch, 15 wickets have been taken by pacers so far in Lucknow and spinners only six. Lucknow did roll out a black-soil surface after Pant and LSG mentor Zaheer Khan had expressed disappointment over the lack of assistance for the spinners during their loss to Punjab Kings. But the spinners took only two of the ten wickets to fall in the 472-run game. They might have a better outing this time considering this is a day game.Stats and Trivia LSG and GT are also the only teams to have scored more than 500 runs in the middle-overs this season GT, in this phase have lost only 8 wickets, the joint-least with Delhi Capitals Rashid has dismissed Pant three times and conceded 114 runs in 103 balls across 15 innings. He has a great record against David Miller too, whom he has dismissed 4 times in 59 balls while conceding only 67 runsQuotes”The games that we have won, we’ve kind of found ways to win, been under pressure with our bowling and batting at certain stages and getting through that and still winning, so for me that’s the encouraging part for the team.”
“Ashish Nehra is a very compassionate about the players, and that’s why it seems like [he is animated] from the outside. He cares a lot for people around him. It is good to see the combination of Ashish Nehra and Shubman Gill – they work very well and it’s like hand in glove.”

أعلن الاتحاد الأفريقي لكرة القدم منذ قليل، عن قائمة المرشحين للفوز بجائزة أفضل لاعب في إفريقيا، والتي يتم منحها عن عام 2025 الحالي، حيث يتواجد عشرة لاعبين مرشحين للحصول عليها.

وكان الحاصل على جائزة أفضل لاعب في إفريقيا العام الماضي هو أديمولا لوكمان، نجم نادي أتالانتا، لكنه غاب عن قائمة المرشحين خلال هذا العام.

وجاء على رأس قائمة المرشحين للحصول على جائزة أفضل لاعب في إفريقيا نجم نادي ليفربول ومنتخب مصر، محمد صلاح، والذي قدم موسمًا رائعًا مع الريدز.

وقاد محمد صلاح ليفربول إلى الفوز بلقب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز الموسم الماضي للمرة الـ20 في تاريخه، وحصل على جائزة هداف البطولة أيضًا.

اقرأ أيضًا.. قائمة المرشحين لجائزة أفضل لاعب داخل إفريقيا 2025.. نجم الأهلي ورباعي بيراميدز

كما حجز فيستون مايلي، نجم بيراميدز، موقعه ضمن المرشحين لأفضل لاعب في إفريقيا، بعدما قاد فريقه للفوز بدوري أبطال إفريقيا، للمرة الأولى في تاريخ النادي السماوي.

واستبعد بشكل مفاجئ عمر مرموش، نجم مانشستر سيتي من قائمة المرشحين، بالرغم من المستوى الرائع الذي قدمه خلال الموسم الماضي مع أينتراخت فرانكفورت، ثم مانشستر سيتي.

وتواجد أشرف حكيمي مدافع باريس سان جيرمان، ضمن قائمة المرشحين، بعد مستواه الاستثنائي مع النادي الفرنسي خلال الموسم الماضي وتحقيقه لثلاثية تاريخية مع نادي العاصمة الفرنسية والتتويج بدوري أبطال أوروبا. المرشحين لجائزة أفضل لاعب في إفريقيا 2025 

محمد صلاح – ليفربول (مصر).

فرانك أنجيسا – نابولي (الكاميرون).

فيستون ماييلي – بيراميدز (الكونغو الديموقراطية).

أشرف حكيمي – باريس سان جيرمان (المغرب).

دينيس بوانجا – لوس أنجلوس (الجابون).

سيرهو جيراسي – بوروسيا دورتموند (غينيا).

ندياي – إيفرتون ( السنغال).

باب ماتار سار – توتنهام هوتسبير (السنغال).

فيكتور أوسيمين – جالطة سراي (نيجيريا).

أسامة المليوي – نهضة بركان (المغرب).

Lamine Yamal’s father has come to spotlight once again after appearing in a lighthearted cooking video where he joked he will “live off” his son. Mounir Nasraoui, often outspoken on social media, defended the Barcelona starlet while brushing off critics. The remarks came just days after Yamal’s decisive return for Barca ahead of a huge Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

'I’ll live off you' says Yamal's father

Barca sensation Yamal’s father, Nasraoui, has once again grabbed headlines with his latest appearance on social media. In an Instagram livestream, filmed while he was cooking chicken nuggets, Nasraoui responded to critics who regularly question his lifestyle. In a mix of humour and defiance, he admitted he no longer plans to work, saying: "Thank you, son, I’ll live off you."

Nasraoui captioned the video "Nuggets Hustle Hard".

AdvertisementIMAGO / HMB-MediaNasraoui defends his son

Nasraoui pushed back against comments questioning his son’s footballing status, insisting his remarks at the Ballon d’Or were taken out of context. “I didn’t say anything stupid. I just said my son is the best in the world, that’s all. Let them keep talking,” he explained. He doubled down on his critics, adding: “There are many people out there who talk nonsense. Why don't I go to work, that I live off my son… Well yes, gentlemen. Thank you, son, I will always be grateful. I will live off you."

A father who courts attention

This is not the first time Nasraoui has made headlines. At the Ballon d’Or gala, he broke the silence inside Paris’s Theatre du Chatelet with passionate shouts in support of Yamal, later insisting: “Next year is ours.” More recently, fans noticed a mannequin dressed in Barcelona colours in his home during another live broadcast, highlighting how deeply Yamal’s image features in his family’s daily life.

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Getty Images SportYamal makes his mark on return but big test awaits for Barca

The video was posted in the wake of Yamal’s return from injury. Coming off the bench against Real Sociedad, the 17-year-old needed just one minute to provide the decisive assist for Robert Lewandowski in a 2-1 La Liga win. While Barca welcomed his impact, the club continues to carefully manage his recovery from a pubic bone injury, with medical staff eager not to overload him ahead of a packed schedule. 

Barcelona face a huge test in midweek as they welcome reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain to the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys. Hansi Flick’s side are in strong domestic form, leading La Liga after seven games, while Yamal is expected to return to the starting XI. With Luis Enrique’s PSG arriving with fresh injury concerns, the teenager could play a decisive role in one of Barca’s biggest games of the season.

His 107 and sixth-wicket stand of 148 with Luis Reece puts Derbyshire firmily in control against Middlesex

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay26-Apr-2025

Martin Andersson gave his former team-mates a big reminder of his qualities with a career-best century to put Derbyshire firmly in control of the Rothesay County Championship Division Two match against Middlesex at Derby.The ex-Middlesex allrounder scored 107 and shared a county record sixth-wicket stand of 148 with Luis Reece, who made 60, to lift Derbyshire to 472 all out.Andersson’s memorable day continued when he took a catch and then had Stephen Eskinaz caught behind before Blair Tickner claimed his second wicket to leave the visitors on 101 for 3, 371 runs behind.Middlesex’s hopes of early wickets slowly evaporated in the hazy sunshine although Andersson looked fortunate to survive an lbw shout when he was beaten by Toby Roland-Jones.The Middlesex skipper and Dane Paterson both found some swing and seam movement to trouble Andersson and Reece but the pair batted with patience and discipline to frustrate the visitors.Andersson was made to wait for his 50, facing 12 dot balls on 49, before a thickish outside edge off Ryan Higgins flew to the vacant third boundary.Reece had combined watchful defence with calculated aggression and he brought up the 100 stand in style by coming down the pitch to launch Zahar Gohar over long on for six.He reached his first 50 of the season in the last over of the morning which had emphatically belonged to the hosts with 102 runs coming from 30 overs.The pair went on after lunch and eclipsed the previous Derbyshire sixth-wicket record stand against Middlesex of 130 by Michael Di Venuto and Graeme Welch at Lord’s in 2002 before they were finally parted.Reece came a long way down the pitch before he was sent back and wicketkeeper Jack Davies scored a direct hit at the bowler’s end to run him out.Alex Thomson was caught behind playing back to Gohar but Andersson reached an excellent hundred when he cut Nathan Fernandes for his 15th four.He was warmly applauded by his former team-mates who recognised how well he had played when the game was in the balance.Andersson missed a sweep at Fernandes before both Zak Chappell and Blair Tickner fell to catches in the deep leaving Middlesex to score 323 to avoid the follow-on.By now, the clouds had rolled in and Reece found some swing to take Eskinazi’s outside edge but the ball dropped just in front of first slip.Tickner made the breakthrough when Fernandes failed to get over a drive and sliced to gully where Andersson made no mistake and the allrounder then had Eskinazi caught down the legside off a glove with the total on 57.Middlesex lost the in-form Max Holden when Tickner got one to straighten and there was more concern for the visitors before the close.Former Derbyshire batter Leus Du Plooy had been struggling after he was struck a painful blow on the right foot by a Reece yorker and had to retire hurt on 10 towards the end of a day which belonged to Derbyshire and Andersson.