Ballon d'Or 2025 official rankings: Ousmane Dembele beats Lamine Yamal and Vitinha to Golden Ball thanks to sensational goalscoring exploits in Paris Saint-Germain's treble triumph

The Ballon d'Or. Love it or loathe it, it's the award every footballer in the world dreams of one day winning. And now, after a memorable 2024-25 campaign, the winner of the 2025 Golden Ball has been announced: Ousmane Dembele.

The France international was widely regarded as the best player on the best team in Europe last season, with Dembele scoring 35 times during Paris Saint-Germain's historic treble triumph.

Dembele finished just ahead of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who continues to wow the world with his wondrous performances on the wing for both Barcelona and Spain, while another PSG player, Vitinha, capped a remarkable rise to prominence by taking the final spot on the podium.

That trio were up at the very top of the rankings for 2025, but how did the rest of the 30-man shortlist shake out when all the votes were counted? Check out the official rankings below:

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    30Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)

    Olise slotted straight in at Bayern after his summer switch from Crystal Palace. Those who had watched him at Selhurst Park were familiar with his twinkling feet and sparkling dribbling, but very few pundits predicted 43 goal involvements in his first season at the Allianz Arena. Only right, then, that such a fantastic campaign earned Ballon d'Or recognition.

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    29Florian Wirtz (Liverpool)

    Liverpool's big-money signing of the summer enjoyed a brilliant final year with Bayer Leverkusen, contributing 16 goals and 15 assists as the club finished second in the Bundesliga. He was injured when Bayern Munich knocked them out of the Champions League, and that feels like no coincidence.

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    28Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

    The 34-year-old shows no signs of slowing down at Liverpool. He has signed a new contract, will be staying at Anfield for the foreseeable future, and played every game but one as the Reds lifted the Premier League trophy. Still a truly excellent defender. 

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    27Declan Rice (Arsenal)

    Rice appears to be back to his very best at Arsenal. The England international stunned supporters with an incredible brace of free-kicks in the Champions League thumping of Real Madrid, but the Gunners endured disappointment in both Europe and the Premier League, ultimately ending the season trophy-less. Rice, though, can hold his head up high after an excellent campaign. 

Rangers could seal bigger coup than Miovski with late move for £10m star

Glasgow Rangers have officially confirmed that centre-forward Hamza Igamane has moved on from Ibrox to complete a permanent transfer to Ligue 1 side Lille.

The Morocco international has left the club after 12 months in Scotland and put pen to paper on a long-term deal in France, days after Russell Martin revealed that the attacker claimed he was too injured to come off the bench against St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership.

Igamane produced some brilliant moments on the pitch in his first, and what turned out to be only, season at Ibrox, as he showcased his ability to be a real difference-maker for the side.

The 22-year-old star ended the season with 12 goals in the Premiership and four goals in the Europa League for the Light Blues, per Sofascore, including a stunning winner against Celtic.

This means that the Gers are going to need to find other sources of goals to replace what he provided at the top end of the pitch, and they appear to have made great progress with that.

Bojan Miovski has officially signed for the Scottish giants on a permanent deal from Girona, and will be hoping to replicate the performances he produced with Aberdeen.

What Bojan Miovski can offer to Rangers

The Macedonia international is a pure goalscorer. Supporters should not expect him to be incredibly physical with defenders or creative for his teammates, although there may be elements of both of those things.

What Rangers fans can expect from Miovski, though, is goals. His record speaks for itself: 32 goals in two seasons in the Premiership with the Dons in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 campaigns.

xG

15.60

17.08

xG on target

18.36

17.60

Goals

16

16

Shots on target

36

44

Chances created

27

23

Assists

2

2

As you can see in the table above, the left-footed marksman is an efficient finisher who wants to take shots and hit the target with plenty of efforts on goal.

However, you can also see that Miovski is not particularly creative, with just two assists in each season, which places an emphasis on the creativity mainly coming from the midfield and wide positions.

Therefore, overall, Rangers fans should expect plenty of shots and plenty of goals from the former Aberdeen and Girona man, but they should not expect him to be a complete centre-forward who will provide quality in all phases of play.

That does not mean that he will not be a terrific signing for Martin’s side, though, because goals win games at the end of the day, and Miovski is a player who has the quality to score buckets full of goals.

Whilst the 26-year-old star, who is in the prime of years of his career, appears to be a big coup for the Gers, the club could land an even bigger coup by signing one of their targets from earlier in the window.

Rangers were reportedly in talks with Crystal Palace to sign Jesurun-Rak-Sakyi earlier this summer, but they have not since signed another winger with a similar profile to his.

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Oliver Antman, a right-footed right-sided playmaker, came through the door, but Rak-Sakyi is a left-footed right-sided goalscoring threat, which means that there is still space for that kind of player to join the squad.

Now, with a few days left before the end of the summer transfer window, the Scottish giants should push to sign the English star, who was valued at £10m by the Eagles.

Why Rangers should sign Jesurun Rak-Sakyi

The Gers must swoop to sign the Palace youngster before the end of the summer transfer window on Monday because he would be a much-needed alternative to Antman on the right.

The Finland international, who signed from Go Ahead Eagles, has looked a little bit too one-dimensional as a right-footed player on the right wing against low blocks, with zero goals, one completed dribble, and zero ‘big chances’ created in two league games, per Sofascore.

Rak-Sakyi, as a left-footed player, could provide more incision for Rangers in league games when they are tasked with breaking down a low block, which is the majority of them, because he can comfortably drift infield to make things happen centrally or go down the line and test his full-back that way.

That is why a lot of managers tend to lean towards ‘inverted’ wingers, who cut inside onto their favoured foot, because it adds more dynamism and versatility to the way that you can attack.

The left-footed star could be a bigger coup for Rangers than Miovski because of his ability to impact games as both a scorer and a creator of goals, rather than just as a scorer.

Appearances

43

34

Starts

40

22

Goals

15

7

Minutes per goal

233

248

Big chances created

5

3

Key passes per game

1.3

0.9

Assists

8

2

As you can see in the table above, Rak-Sakyi has provided ten assists to go along with 22 goals in his two full senior seasons, starting 62 matches in that time.

These statistics show that he is a young talent who has the potential to deliver goals and assists on a fairly regular basis if given the opportunity to start week-in-week-out in a dominant Rangers team that is looking to win consistently.

This means that the Eagles winger, who was described as “devastating” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, could provide a more varied threat in front of goal than Miovski, scoring when he is not at his best creatively, or creating when he is not at his best as a scorer.

Whereas, if the opposition find a way to prevent Miovski from getting shots away, there is not much else that he offers to the team, unlike Rak-Sakyi.

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At the age of 22, Rak-Sakyi is also four years younger than Miovski and, therefore, has more potential to grow and develop with more experience under his belt, which is yet another reason why he would be a bigger coup than the Macedonia international.

سميح ساويرس: الزمالك يتطور إداريًا.. وإمكانياته لا تُقارن بـ الأهلي

تحدث المهندس سميح ساويرس، مؤسس نادي الجونة، عن وضع نادي الزمالك في الفترة الحالية، مؤكدًا أن النادي يشهد تحسنًا إداريًا ملحوظًا، لكنه ما زال يعاني من ضعف الإمكانيات المالية مقارنة بالنادي الأهلي.

وقال ساويرس في تصريحات لبرنامج “الصورة” على قناة النهار: “الزمالك بدأ يتحسن بالفعل في الفترة الأخيرة بفضل الإدارة الجديدة، لكن إمكانياته المالية لا تُقارن بالأهلي، على سبيل المثال، النادي كان يواجه أزمة في تمويل مشروع أرض 6 أكتوبر الخاصة به، وكاد يفقدها بسبب نقص الموارد”.

وعن إمكانية دعمه للنادي الأبيض ماديًا، أوضح ساويرس: “في الفترة الماضية لم يكن الوقت مناسبًا لأي دعم، لأن الأوضاع داخل الزمالك كانت مضطربة، سواء على مستوى الإدارة أو حتى بسبب ظروف الدولة في تلك المرحلة، أنا من الأشخاص الذين لا يندفعون، بل أفضل الانتظار حتى تتضح الصورة”.

طالع أيضًا | أحمد سليمان: الزمالك لن يموت.. والطموح أجبرنا على صفقة بيزيرا “الضخمة”

وتابع حول انتقال أحمد سيد زيزو إلى الأهلي: “بصراحة، حزنت للزمالك لأنه لم يمتلك القدرة المالية الكافية للحفاظ على لاعبه، لكن بالنسبة لي، لا يمكن أن أشارك في أي دعم إلا عندما أرى منظومة متكاملة وسليمة، فيها إدارة واضحة ورقابة ومحاسبة”.

وختم ساويرس حديثه مؤكدًا: “مجلس إدارة الزمالك الحالي لم يُكمل عامين بعد، ويحتاج بعض الوقت لإثبات الاستقرار، أي مؤسسة يجب أن يكون لديها نظام ممتد من القمة إلى القاعدة، وليس مجرد أشخاص مميزين في مواقع معينة، بل منظومة كاملة تعمل بتناغم”.

Int'l break injury news on £40k-p/w Leeds star Farke called "unbelievable"

Leeds United have now been provided with an injury update on a key player, who manager Daniel Farke has previously described as “unbelievable”.

Leeds already struggling on the injury front

With three games played of the new Premier League season, Leeds are likely to be happy with the start they’ve made, having collected four points and kept clean sheets in both of their games at Elland Road.

That is despite the fact two first-team players have already suffered injury setbacks, namely Ao Tanaka and Ethan Ampadu, who are set to spend a little while longer on the treatment table due to MCL issues.

Losing Tanaka will be particularly frustrating for the manager, as the midfielder made a fantastic start to the campaign, being voted Player of the Match for his performance in the 1-0 victory against Everton.

With the international break now upon us, the most important thing for Farke will be all his players returning to Elland Road unscathed, but there has already been a cause for concern.

As reported by the BBC’s Adam Pope, Joe Rodon has withdrawn from the Wales squad ahead of their matches against Kazakhstan and Canada, but thankfully it is not thought to be a major issue.

Leeds United's JoeRodonreacts

Pope added: “I’m told it’s not serious & he should be ok to face Fulham.”

It has since been widely reported that concussion protocols meant Rodon couldn’t be called up for his national side, which will no doubt be frustrating for the 54-time international, but it is a boost for Leeds that he should be fit for the trip to Fulham on September 13th.

"Unbelievable" Rodon has made impressive start to the campaign

Getting a positive result at the Emirates Stadium was always going to be a tall order, and the Whites struggled as expected, but otherwise they have made a promising start to the new campaign, and the Welsh defender has looked impressive.

The 27-year-old has started all three games, most recently putting in a solid display to keep Newcastle United at bay, with a point against a Champions League side certainly not to be sniffed at.

Statistic

Number completed

Duels won

4

Clearances

3

Interceptions

2

Passes completed

44/49 (90%)

Farke has also made it clear just how highly he rates the defender, who is widely reported to pocket £40k-a-week, saying: “He has unbelievable pace and it is good when we have to defend that high in the field, it helps.

“He brings also aerial threat into our game, we have many smaller, not the tallest players, (it’s) also important for us in terms of set-pieces he is strong in duals and build up passes in his technique.”

As such, the Leeds boss will be grateful Rodon’s injury is likely nothing to be worried about, ahead of their trip to Craven Cottage in just over one week.

Birmingham City in "talks" to sign" 23 y/o attacker in "permanent" transfer

Birmingham City suffered a shock defeat to Port Vale in the League Cup on Tuesday night. The Valiants are currently sitting 41 places below Birmingham in the league pyramid, and post-match, Chris Davies tried to explain the result, via the club’s official channels.

“I think overall, we just didn’t find our normal rhythm to our game that we are so used to seeing – especially at home. Ultimately, we’ve gone behind to a set-piece, which can happen, but we just couldn’t find enough of our normal fluidity to create pressure and chances.”

The Birmingham boss thought that his side’s lack of attacking threat was a bigger concern than the goal they conceded: “Our connections, our passes, we weren’t as quick onto the ball as we normally are. A little bit of our intensity wasn’t there; they broke away a few times and got up the pitch. We just couldn’t find those chances.”

The Blues only managed an xG of 0.33 and didn’t register a shot on goal despite having 70% possession. Following the defeat, Birmingham have entered the race for an attacking talent who may help them avoid a repeat of their League Cup embarrassment in the Championship.

Birmingham turn to Celtic for new forward

Birmingham City are the latest club to enter the race for Yang Hyunjun as they “approach” Celtic to discuss a permanent deal, via Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph. The 23-year-old currently has three years left on their contract.

The Scottish champions have received a number of inquiries about the South Korean so far this window from clubs including Legia Warsaw, Gent and Norwich City, and when Norwich came in for the winger, it was reported that he indicated to Celtic his desire to explore a move away from the club

Warsaw inquired about Yang in early July, and they have since signed Sparta Prague winger Ermal Krasniqi on loan. Sky Sports have also reported that Gent are out of the race for Yang. Like Warsaw, Norwich have also signed an alternate winger since their Celtic inquiry with Senegal’s Papa Amadou Diallo.

This indicates that Birmingham’s rivals for Yang may be out of the race, allowing them a free run at the forward.

Suitors moved away from Yang, but that shouldn't dissuade Birmingham

While the Huddersfield game has illustrated Birmingham’s need to sign another attacker, the fact that numerous teams have inquired about Yang and gone in a different direction may raise concerns for some Birmingham fans.

Sky Sports went into detail about Gent’s decision not to sign Yang, saying: “The Belgian club’s head of recruitment and director of football both wanted to sign the South Korea international. However, it’s understood the manager, Ivan Leko, ultimately blocked the move as he wanted a left-footer with a better goals and assists record.”

Last season, Yang got 11 goal involvements in 34 appearances, which, while a decent return, isn’t an exceptional feat. What makes Yang’s record more impressive is that in the league, his 23 appearances lasted an average of 42 minutes, which indicates that when given the chance to play, he makes the most of it.

Despite his limited opportunities, Yang’s work ethic has been praised by Celtic’s Arne Engels, who, when asked about him, described Yang as “unbelievable”.

This indicates that Yang has the positive attitude and work ethic that will help in Birmingham’s promotion push, and his goal involvement will likely increase when he is given more opportunities to play.

24 y/o Rangers "fighter" now "desperately wants" to leave Ibrox

A Glasgow Rangers player who has been hailed as a “fighter” now “desperately wants” to secure a move away from Ibrox before the summer transfer window closes.

Meghoma completes Rangers move

The Gers haven’t made the most convincing of starts to the Scottish Premiership season, drawing their opening two matches in the competition, with Russell Martin already under an element of pressure.

The Rangers manager will be buoyed by the arrival of Jayden Meghoma from Brentford, however, with the left-back arriving on a season-long loan deal from the Premier League club, speaking of his excitement to get started at his new club.

“I am very excited to be here, it is a fantastic club, and I know a lot about the rich history of Rangers. The main thing for me is getting results, Rangers is a big club, I am ready, I am hungry and I am excited to get going. I know Russell from my time at Southampton, and I think he is a fantastic coach, and I know how he likes to play, so I think it will be quite quick for me to integrate into the team.

“He gave me my debut in the Carabao Cup, and I felt comfortable straight away. The way he plays is a lot of possession-based football and that is something I really enjoy. It makes me feel more at ease as I know how he plays. He is a manager I am familiar with, so I can use the learnings from the past. I still remember what he taught me, so I understand how to play his style of football.”

Rangers star Yilmaz desperate for summer exit

Now, according to journalist Serkan Morova on X [via Ibrox News], Rangers left-back Ridvan Yilmaz “desperately wants” to leave the club and seal a return to Besiktas this summer.

The arrival of Meghoma will surely aid the Turk in his efforts to leave the Gers before the transfer window closes, having been pushing for an exit all summer.

Yilmaz hasn’t been a part of Martin’s plan at all yet, and he only made 11 starts in the league last season, even though Philippe Clement did praise him during their time working together.

“He has made a really big evolution – Ridvan is a fighter and we need fighters.”

There was always a risk if Rangers selling Yilmaz without bringing in a tailor-made replacement, but with Meghoma’s signature now secured for the rest of the 2025/26 season, it paves the way for the 24-year-old to depart.

Rangers can forget about Mendy with swoop for "very offensive" £13m star

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It that does happen, he will leave as a slight disappointment overall, making 77 appearances but struggling to convince for consistent periods of time, despite moments of quality being thrown in, including two goals and six assists.

Weakened Australia look for Champions Trophy answers

Four players originally selected are absent meaning there is uncertainty for the ODI World Cup champions as they prepare to head to Pakistan

Andrew McGlashan11-Feb-2025Big Picture: Australia hit by injury, retirement; SL not at the partyAustralia’s four-day victory in Galle gave them an extra 24 hours before flicking into one-day mode as they enter a brief period of preparation for the Champions Trophy 2025. Originally there was just going to be a single ODI in Colombo but a second was squeezed in which will basically be the team’s warm-ups before heading to Pakistan.Injuries to Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh along with the surprise retirement of Marcus Stoinis means there is a bit of a patched-up feel to the Australia squad although a familiar core of the 2023 World Cup-winning team remains with the likes of Travis Head, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell and Adam Zampa around.Related

Stoinis makes shock decision to retire from ODIs, out of Champions Trophy

Cummins and Hazlewood ruled out of Champions Trophy

Sri Lanka leave out Chamindu Wickramasinghe for two-ODI series against Australia

Six players have been added to the originally selected group: Jake-Fraser McGurk, Cooper Connolly, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Spencer Johnson and Tanveer Sangha. It is likely they will all get at least one of the two matches in Sri Lanka as some of those who played both Tests are given a short break. Smith appears set to take the captaincy.It appears likely that Head and Matt Short will form the first-choice opening partnership although Fraser-McGurk could make a late entry. He and Short struggled in the home series against Pakistan in November. Another point of interest is whether Alex Carey finds himself a place in the middle order.Sri Lanka missed out on the Champions Trophy due to their poor ODI World Cup so these matches have little immediate context although they can have half an eye on the road to 2027. They have, however, played the most matches in the format since the previous World Cup (21), notching 13 wins in that time including five series victories. Ironically, they are probably as attuned to the one-day format as anyone.Form guideSri Lanka WLLWW
Australia LLWWLAustralia’s depth will be tested due to injury•Associated PressIn the spotlight: Dunith Wellalage and Matt ShortIt was during Australia’s previous visit to Sri Lanka in 2022 that Dunith Wellalage burst onto the international scene with nine wickets in five matches. He only played a bit-part role in the 2023 World Cup but either side of that tournament claimed five-wicket hauls against India in the Asia Cup and last year’s ODI series. He has also shown his prowess with the bat with a top score of 67 not out in a tied match against India. Clearly a key part of Sri Lanka’s future.Matt Short couldn’t quite take his opportunity at the top of the order against Pakistan but the absence of Mitchell Marsh means he’s likely to find a spot in the first choice XI. His 109 off 54 balls for Adelaide Strikers against Brisbane Heat in the BBL was a reminder of what he can bring against the white ball. His offspin is another handy string to his bow and he’s an excellent fielder.Mitchell Starc could be rested for the ODIs•Getty ImagesTeam news: Starc likely to restGiven the odd nature of this series and the short turnaround, it’s tricky to know what each side will do. It was announced on Wednesday that Mitchell Starc had withdrawn from the Champions Trophy and was also unavailable for these two ODIs.Australia squad: Travis Head, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Glenn Maxwell, Cooper Connolly, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson, Tanveer SanghaSri Lanka squad: Charith Asalanka, Nishan Madushka, Nuwanidu Fernando, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Eshan Malinga, Mohamed Shiraz, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dunith WellalagePitch and conditionsThe R Premadasa Stadium has not staged a day ODI since 2014 so statistics are not that relevant although in recent times, matches at the venue have been on the lower-scoring side. The forecast is for warm and sunny days.Stats and trivia Glenn Maxwell needs 50 runs for 4000 in ODIs and Alex Carey needs 22 for 2000
Wanindu Hasaranga needs five wickets for 100 in ODIs
Overall, Sri Lanka have a 35-64 win/loss record against Australia

'I'm not concerned' – Ruben Amorim reacts to sack talk after Man Utd slip to another dismal defeat against Brentford

Ruben Amorim has once again dismissed suggestions that he is facing the sack at Old Trafford after Manchester United fell to yet another defeat in a woeful performance away at Brentford. The Portuguese coach has picked up this season where he left last campaign as the Red Devils continue to look bereft of ideas. With the club still yet to reach ten league wins under Amorim, time is running out.

Feeble United remain unable to string wins together

Not only have United won just nine of Amorim's 33 Premier League games in charge, the Red Devils have yet to win more than one game on the bounce. It has become commonplace in Amorim's tenure to follow up an impressive victory, like last week's against Chelsea, with an equally spectacular defeat, akin to Saturday's 3-1 loss to Brentford. The United fans and board could be forgiven for beginning to feel frustration at their side's inconsistency and may be growing tired of seeing the Portuguese coach's insistence at playing his 3-4-3 system – a formation that has produced little success at Old Trafford.

Brentford raced into an early 2-0 lead, Igor Thiago scoring a brace within the opening 20 minutes, before United attempted to mount a comeback. Amorim will be pleased that Benjamin Sesko, his big summer signing, finally got off the mark after finishing a chaotic move with an emphatic finish from close range. When Bryan Mbeumo was hauled down in the box by Nathan Collins, the Red Devils looked set to tie up the game, but Bruno Fernandes has his effort saved by Caoimhin Kelleher in the Bees goal. Mathias Jensen then scored a third and put the game, and any hope of salvaging a point, beyond the hopes of United and the under-fire Amorim, who remains defiant.

AdvertisementAFPAmorim backs himself to turn United around

Speaking after the game, via the , Amorim said: "I am always comfortable with the job. I am not concerned, it is not my decision. I will do the best I can every minute I am here. I am never concerned about my job, I am not that kind of guy.

"I'm always doing my job. If I win, I'm in a different state of mind. That is normal, but I'm always confident because I know what to do. I've always taken a lot of responsibility on your own shoulders. We can play better and we need to play better. It's like ups and downs. When you win, you feel that everything, the momentum is here. When you lose, you go back to the same place and you fight again for one win that can help you to create the momentum.

"I cannot tell you more than I say every time I lose the game. Sometimes you see one team that performs really well and you see improvements. And then sometimes you have some games that you don't see that improvement. That gives you the confidence to say that Manchester United is going to get back. So it's always the same conversation. It depends on the next game. So let's try to win the next game and to improve certain things."

Disappointment shrouds United

Following another defeat, the United players are also beginning to feel the pressure of their poor performances. New signing Matheus Cunha is yet to find the back of the net in a Manchester United shirt and admitted that the atmosphere in the dressing room is not in a good place. "[The mood] is horrible. Honestly, horrible. I always say the same, we know how important it is to play for a club like this one and we go for every game to win," he said. "For it not to end like that, it is a horrible feeling. Everyone wanted to do more, everyone needs to do more. Of course, we need to go again, that's only the way."

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Getty Images/GOALMore difficulty lies on the horizon at Old Trafford

United’s next challenge comes in the form of Sunderland, who travel to Old Trafford with confidence after their strong start to life back in the Premier League. Amorim goes into the game knowing that anything other than victory could prove catastrophic. The international break follows next week’s fixture and may prove a good opportunity for the United board to consider alternative options for their dugout. Should Amorim remain in charge over the break, he will have to face a trip to Anfield to take on league leaders Liverpool – a fixture United have a poor recent record in.

Maxwell's World Cup double is history for Afghanistan

Fresh off toppling England again, Afghanistan face Australia with a semi-final place at stake

Andrew McGlashan27-Feb-20251:44

Shahidi: We have planned for the entire Australia team

The last time Afghanistan faced Australia in an ODI, Glenn Maxwell produced arguably the greatest innings the format has ever seen with his unforgettable double century to secure a remarkable chase in Mumbai.It ripped away a game that appeared a certain Afghanistan victory when Australia were 91 for 7 chasing 292, but they have insisted there is no extra focus purely on Maxwell ahead of a winner-takes-all clash in Lahore with a semi-final spot on the line.Related

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A significant reason for that is Afghanistan know they beat Australia: last year at the T20 World Cup they prevailed by 21 runs despite Maxwell’s 59 off 41 balls. His dismissal to Gulbadin Naib was the defining moment of the game”You think we will come only to play with Maxwell?” Hashmatullah Shahidi said when asked about the 2023 World Cup meeting. “We have planning for all Australian team. I know that he played really well in 2023 World Cup, but that’s part of the history.”After that, we beat them in [the] T20 World Cup. We think about all [the] opposition team, we are not coming to the ground to plan on [an] individual player. We will try our best to come with the planning and we are not playing only Maxwell – we are playing Australia.”Afghanistan were the winners of this fixture at last year’s T20 World Cup in West Indies•ICC/Getty Images

A second consecutive ICC tournament semi-final beckons if Afghanistan prevail on Friday, but they insist their minds won’t wander that far. “We will try to play positive game – just like we defeated England today, we hope to beat Australia as well,” Shahidi said. “We won’t put that pressure on ourselves by thinking too much about the semi-final qualification.”Afghanistan will enter the match less than 48 hours after the eight-run victory over England highlighted by Ibrahim Zadran’s magnificent 177. He also has good memories of facing Australia having scored 129 in that Mumbai match then 51 off 48 balls in the T20 World Cup victory in St Vincent.”It’s never easy for a player to return from injury and make such a strong comeback in a high-stakes match,” Shahidi said. “I am extremely happy for him because he is a very talented and hardworking player. When players like him perform well, as a leader, it makes me very happy and hopeful for the future. Ibrahim played a brilliant innings, and I pray that he continues to perform like this always.”The two matches so far in Lahore have seen all four innings pass 300 with Australia chasing down 352 against England in their opening match. Pace bowler Azmatullah Omarzai was Afghanistan’s match-winner yesterday with 5 for 58, but there was enough assistance for the spinners to provide encouragement. Noor Ahmad conceded just 51 from his 10 overs.”There was support,” Shahidi said. “I think the spinners bowled also really well. In this kind of condition our spinners are very good, and if they have a little bit help, I know they will do it for the team.”

Com volta de Felipe Alves, disputa pelo posto de reserva do gol no São Paulo fica acirrada

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Felipe Alves, que havia sido afastado na semana retrasada, por causa de atitudes interpretadas como indisciplina, foi reintegrado ao elenco do São Paulo e vem treinando normalmente com o restante do elenco, após uma reunião em que teria pedido desculpas ao técnico Dorival Júnior e aos colegas. O goleiro deu justificativas para os atos e os tratou como falha de comunicação. Com sua reintegração, a situação da reserva de Rafael no gol tricolor volta a ser uma incógnita.

A titularidade do camisa 23, que vive grande fase, não parece correr o risco de ser questionada tão cedo, mas quem ficará como seu reserva no banco já não é tão claro assim. Leandro Mathias tinha ascendido à posição, graças à lesão de Jandrei, ao afastamento de Felipe e ao impasse na renovação de contrato de Young, mas os dois últimos voltaram ao cenário, e Leandro já não foi relacionado no jogo o contra o Goiás.

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Quem ficou no banco na ocasião foi Young, cujo contrato, vencendo em agosto, ainda não foi renovado. Essa possibilidade vinha sendo encarada com mais otimismo internamente, depois de ser praticamente descartada. No entanto, se Felipe voltar a ser o reserva nas partidas, isso poderá mudar novamente, já que um dos motivos do impasse anterior seria justamente a falta de chances para o goleiro de 21 anos.

Ainda não se sabe como Jandrei se encaixará nessa história depois que se recuperar de uma fratura no quinto dedo da mão esquerda. A princípio, quando for liberado pelo departamento médico, ele não precisará de um período tão longo para readquirir a forma física, pois ele não está com as mesmas restrições de outros jogadores afastados por lesão: o goleiro não chegou a ficar totalmente parado, tendo feito vários exercícios físicos no gramado, com a única limitação de não ter impacto na mão esquerda. Por causa disso, ele só não pode ter contato e vem trabalhando com a equipe de preparadores físicos.

Assim como Felipe, seu contrato termina no fim do ano. Parece difícil que a diretoria renove com ambos. E, caso Young estenda seu vínculo atual, não pode ser ignorada a possibilidade de nenhum dos dois veteranos ficar. Se isso acontecer, o Tricolor terá um goleiro experiente como titular e um reserva inexperiente, como já havia acontecido entre 2020 e 2021 (com Tiago Volpi e Lucas Perri) e num período de cerca de três meses no ano passado (com Jandrei e Thiago Couto).

Por falar em Couto, seu empréstimo ao Juventude se encerrará no fim do ano, e ele também poderá entrar na concorrência
para a reserva em 2024.

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