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Lionel Messi has been named in the Argentina squad for their November World Cup qualifiers ahead of Inter Miami's MLS playoffs decider.

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• Messi named in Argentina squad
• Inter Miami take on Atlanta on Saturday in MLS Playoffs decider
• Argentina face Peru & Paraguay in World Cup qualifiers

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Lionel Scaloni named 28 players in his squad that will face Paraguay and Peru later this month in their 2026 CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying games. Messi will represent Inter Miami in a crucial MLS Playoffs decider against Atlanta United on Saturday. If they manage to win the clash, Miami will qualify for the Eastern Conference semi-finals, which start on November 23. In between, the Argentina skipper will represent his national team.

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  The reigning world champions are set to face Peru first on November 14 followed by the clash against Paraguay which is scheduled for November 19. This means that Messi will potentially get only four days of rest before playing for Inter Miami again. The tight schedule after Argentina's second qualifying game could affect the 37-year-old's training and playing time in the next stage of the MLS Playoffs – if Miami get past Atlanta.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Messi displayed scintillating form the last time he wore the national team shirt as he scored a hat-trick in their 6-0 win over Bolivia. Argentina are currently at the top of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table with 22 points from 10 matches.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI?

  If Miami manage to beat Atlanta in this weekend's huge game 3 clash they will face either Orlando City or Charlotte FC in the Eastern Conference semi-finals.

Many players have graced the European Championship since its first edition in 1960. However, it wasn’t until 1996 that UEFA decided to officially commemorate the efforts of the very best by creating an award for the best player.

Following each tournament, UEFA’s team of Technical Observers, made up of former footballers from across the continent, decides who to name as the tournament’s star man.

Given it has only existed for less than 30 years, there have only been seven winners to date, meaning the likes of Michel Platini and Marco van Basten do not appear on this list.

But who has had the honour of being named as the tournament’s best player? Football FanCast has the rundown of the previous winners.

UEFA EURO Player of the Tournament winners
Year	Player	Nation
1996	Matthias Sammer	Germany
2000	Zinedine Zidane	France
2004	Theodoros Zagorakis	Greece
2008	Xavi	Spain
2012	Andres Iniesta	Spain
2016	Antoine Griezmann	France
2020	Gianluigi Donnarumma	Italy
2024	Rodri	Spain

Euro 2024 tournament guide: Teams, matches, dates, TV channels, odds & more

Football FanCast has put together a guide for all things Euro 2024, with venues, fixtures, tables, stadiums and more all covered here.

By
Stephan Georgiou

Jun 11, 2024

1996 – Matthias Sammer

Germany

Matthias Sammer Germany record (1990-1997)
International caps	51
International goals	8
International honours	Euro 1996

Matthias Sammer was part of the Germany side that became European champions at Euro 1996 in England. Die Mannschaft saw off the hosts on penalties as well as finalists Czech Republic with a golden goal winner to secure their first major title as a reunified nation.

With Sammer helping to keep goals out at one end – Germany conceded just twice all tournament – he also contributed at the other with two of his own, including the eventual winner in the quarter-final against Croatia.

Along with being named in the Team of the Tournament, Sammer became the inaugural winner of the individual award, which he followed up with a Ballon d’Or later that year.

Matthias Sammer at Euro 1996
Match	Result	Mins played	Goals
Group stage	Germany 2-0 Czech Republic	90	0
Group stage	Russia 0-3 Germany	90	1
Group stage	Italy 0-0 Germany	90	0
Quarter-final	Germany 2-1 Croatia	90	1
Semi-final	Germany 1-1 England (6-5 pens)	120	0
Final	Czech Republic 1-2 Germany (aet)	95	0

2000 – Zinedine Zidane

France

Zinedine Zidane France record (1994-2006)
International caps	108
International goals	31
International honours	1998 World Cup, Euro 2000

It is difficult to imagine France becoming world and European champions at the turn of the century without Zinedine Zidane. The Frenchman’s brace in the World Cup final two years prior to the Euro 2000 finals had already announced his prowess on the international stage, but he was arguably more instrumental as he helped guide France to a second successive international honour.

He may only have got on the scoresheet twice throughout the tournament – which included a superb free kick against Spain in the last eight, as well as an extra-time golden goal penalty in the semis against Portugal – but Zidane’s influence on the team was unmatched, even with stars like Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet alongside him.

A master of individual brilliance, there were plenty at the time calling Zizou the best player in the world, and UEFA certainly agreed on this occasion.

Zinedine Zidane at Euro 2000
Match	Result	Mins played	Goals
Group stage	France 3-0 Denmark	90	0
Group stage	Czech Republic 1-2 France	90	0
Group stage	France 2-3 Netherlands	0	0
Quarter-final	Spain 1-2 France	90	1
Semi-final	France 2-1 Portugal (aet)	117	1
Final	France 2-1 Italy	103	0

2004 – Theodoros Zagorakis

Greece

Theodoros Zagorakis Greece record (1994-2007)
International caps	120
International goals	3
International honours	Euro 2004

Once of Leicester City, Greek midfielder Theodoros Zagorakis led his nation to one of the most unlikely of international triumphs as Greece went all the way at Euro 2004.

Rank outsiders heading into the tournament, players like Zagorakis came to the fore in Portugal as the Greeks saw holders France and host nation Portugal – twice – to record one of the tournament’s biggest shocks.

Not only was Zagorakis a captain marvel, but he was tenacious at the back, foiling attacks as part of a stout defensive rearguard that recorded three successive 1-0 victories in the knockout stages to secure a first-ever international honour for Greece.

Zagorakis’ crowning moment perhaps came in the quarter-final against France, when his cross was converted by Angelos Charisteas as Greece showed Europe they were not just there to make up the numbers. He would lift the trophy in Lisbon ten days later having kept the likes of Thierry Henry and Luis Figo at bay.

Theodoros Zagorakis at Euro 2004
Match	Result	Mins played	Goals
Group stage	Portugal 1-2 Greece	90	0
Group stage	Greece 1-1 Spain	90	0
Group stage	Russia 2-1 Greece	90	0
Quarter-final	France 0-1 Greece	90	0
Semi-final	Greece 1-0 Czech Republic (aet)	105	0
Final	Portugal 0-1 Greece	90	0

Ranking the ten biggest upsets at the European Championships

With Euro 2024 fast approaching, Football FanCast has created a list of the biggest upsets in the tournament’s history…

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jun 14, 2024

2008 – Xavi

Spain

Xavi Spain record (2000-2014)
International caps	133
International goals	12
International honours	Euro 2008, 2010 World Cup, Euro 2012

During Spain’s period of unrivalled dominance in European football, there will have been plenty of candidates who could have claimed to be their best player.

Indeed, nine of their playing squad made the Team of the Tournament at Euro 2008, which included top scorer David Villa and scorer of the winning goal in the final, Fernando Torres. UEFA’s Technical Team decided to hand Xavi the ultimate gong, saying he “epitomises the Spanish style of play”.

Xavi’s only goal at the tournament came in the semi-final win over Russia, showing that his game was more about the passing brilliance that we would all become accustomed to in the years that followed.

Xavi at Euro 2008
Match	Result	Mins played	Goals
Group stage	Spain 4-1 Russia	90	0
Group stage	Sweden 1-2 Spain	59	0
Group stage	Greece 1-2 Spain	0	0
Quarter-final	Spain 0-0 Italy (4-2 pens)	60	0
Semi-final	Russia 0-3 Spain	69	1
Final	Germany 0-1 Spain	90	0

2012 – Andres Iniesta

Spain

Andres Iniesta Spain record (2006-2018)
International caps	131
International goals	14
International honours	Euro 2008, 2010 World Cup, Euro 2012

Not only did Spain make it back-to-back European Championships in 2012, but another Barcelona midfielder picked up the tournament’s best player award.

This time it was Xavi’s teammate, Andres Iniesta, who had almost effortlessly guided his side to more international glory two years after scoring the winner in the World Cup final.

Iniesta scooped up three Man of the Match awards during the tournament – a feat only matched by Andrea Pirlo, who may well have been named as the best player but for Spain ripping through the Italians in the final, during which the Spaniard starred, with his incisive through-pass getting the ball rolling as Cesc Fabregas laid it on a plate for David Silva’s opener.

Part of a Spanish forcefield that only conceded once throughout the tournament, Iniesta was a key part of their exceptional defence of the title.

Andres Iniesta at Euro 2012
Round	Opposition	Mins played	Goals
Group stage	Spain 1-1 Italy	90	0
Group stage	Spain 4-0 Republic of Ireland	78	0
Group stage	Croatia 0-1 Spain	90	0
Quarter-final	Spain 2-0 France	84	0
Semi-final	Portugal 0-0 Spain (4-2 pens)	120	0
Final	Spain 4-0 Italy	86	0

2016 – Antoine Griezmann

France

Antoine Griezmann France record (2014-present)
International caps	129
International goals	44
International honours	2018 World Cup, 2021 Nations League

He may have ended up on the losing side in the final, but France’s Antoine Griezmann truly made a name for himself at his home European Championship.

Scoring six goals (double anyone else’s tally) and taking home the Golden Boot in the process, there is little debate over which standout player deserved the accolade more.

An underwhelming group stage meant Les Bleus had to look for individual quality at times, at that’s exactly what Griezmann did when scoring a late clincher against Albania when the game looked destined for a draw.

He then came to life in the knockout stages, with a brace against the Republic of Ireland before getting in on the act as France trounced Iceland in the quarters.

But it was perhaps his match-winning double against then-world champions Germany that really set him apart from the rest, taking responsibility from the spot before impudently prodding home and celebrating in true Griezmann style.

Antoine Griezmann at Euro 2016
Match	Result	Mins played	Goals
Group stage	France 2-1 Romania	66	0
Group stage	France 2-0 Albania	22	1
Group stage	Switzerland 0-0 France	77	0
Round of 16	France 2-1 Republic of Ireland	90	2
Quarter-final	France 5-2 Iceland	90	1
Semi-final	Germany 0-2 France	90	2
Final	Portugal 1-0 France	120	0

2020 – Gianluigi Donnarumma

Italy

Gianluigi Donnarumma Italy record (2016-present)
International caps	62
International clean sheets	49
International honours	Euro 2020

Italy have had some fine goalkeepers over the years, but none could say they had conquered Europe since the team of 1968.

And while the Azzurri only won one of their knockout games at Euro 2020 in normal time, there was no disputing that their progression through the tournament – and indeed, winning two penalty shootouts – was down to their man between the sticks.

Donnarumma, just 22 at the time, was crucial as Roberto Mancini’s men needed spot kicks to eliminate Spain and England, both times under the Wembley arch.

His save from Alvaro Morata in the semi-final handed Jorginho the chance to send Italy to the final, and while the midfielder couldn’t repeat the trick just a few days later, Donnarumma’s saves from Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka showed how key he was as Italy remain the reigning champions heading into 2024.

Gianluigi Donnarumma at Euro 2020
Match	Result	Mins played	Clean sheets
Group stage	Turkey 0-3 Italy	90	1
Group stage	Italy 3-0 Switzerland	90	1
Group stage	Italy 1-0 Wales	89	1
Round of 16	Italy 2-1 Austria (aet)	120	0
Quarter-final	Belgium 1-2 Italy	90	0
Semi-final	Italy 1-1 Spain (4-2 pens)	120	0
Final	Italy 1-1 England (3-2 pens)	120	0

2024 – Rodri

Spain

Rodri Spain record (2018-present)
International caps	56
International goals	4
International honours	2023 Nations League, Euro 2024

Despite being taken off at half-time in the final, Rodri played a key role as Spain went on to win for a seventh consecutive finals match – the first team to do so since the expansion of the tournament in 2016.

More known for doing the dirty work in the middle of the park, the Manchester City midfielder also popped up at crucial moments for his side, scoring the equaliser in the round of 16 after Georgia had taken a shock lead.

It has become customary for a player with a winners' medal to take home the best player gong, but Rodri's influence on the pitch was clear for all to see – and at 28, he could well remain a key part of their title defence in four years' time.

Rodri at Euro 2024
Match	Result	Mins played	Goals
Group stage	Spain 3-0 Croatia	86	0
Group stage	Spain 1-0 Italy	90	0
Group stage	Albania 0-1 Spain	0	0
Round of 16	Spain 4-1 Georgia	90	1
Quarter-final	Spain 2-1 Germany	120	0
Semi-final	Spain 2-1 France	90	0
Final	Spain 2-1 England	90	0

The top 12 European Championship goalscorers of all time

With the Euros now upon us, here’s who leads the way as the tournament’s all-time top scorer.

By
Brogan Clasper

Jun 11, 2024

AC Milan could consider bringing back fan favourite Brahim Diaz to Italy amid his struggle for minutes at Santiago Bernabeu.

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• Milan eyeing move Diaz
• Struggling for minutes under Ancelotti
• Serie A side face Juventus on Saturday

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  After spending three memorable seasons on loan at San Siro, Diaz headed back to Real Madrid in the summer of 2023. Upon his return to Santiago Bernabeu, the Spaniard had a successful campaign in the 2023-24 season having recorded 12 goals and nine assists in 44 appearances as Los Blancos bagged Champions League and La Liga titles. However, in the 2024-25 campaign, Diaz has struggled for minutes and has started in just two La Liga matches.

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  Per , Milan are monitoring Diaz's situation at the Spanish capital and might consider bringing their ex-player back to the club. The Rossoneri, however, are in no hurry to complete a transfer for the 25-year-old. Under Paulo Fonseca's tutelage, Milan's attack of Rafael Leao, Christian Pulisic and Samuel Chukwueze has performed consistently in the current season, although, they might consider bringing in a cover for the trio.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  In the three years he spent in Milan, Diaz appeared in 124 matches across all competitions for the club where he scored 18 times and was integral part of the team that lifted Serie A title in the 2021-22 season.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR AC MILAN?

  Fonseca's side will be back in action after the international break on Saturday as they take on Juventus in a mega Serie A clash at San Siro.

Leeds United are on the verge of losing a member of their squad this summer as he closes in on a move away from the club for the upcoming campaign.

Leeds gearing up for another Championship season

Daniel Farke's preparation for the new season has been difficult thanks to the amount of squad change expected at Elland Road this summer after it was confirmed that they would be playing Championship football once more in 2024/25. Archie Gray and Glen Kamara have already left the club, while a host of returning loanees have complicated issues in Yorkshire.

Leeds could lose star player who's worth more than Summerville & Rutter

Leeds United fans will fear this star could head for the exit door soon like Glen Kamara.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jul 19, 2024

All the while, they are still braced to lose star may Crysencio Summerville amid widespread interest in the Championship Player of the Season, all with the first game of the season just three weeks away when they welcome Portsmouth to Elland Road.

Defender on verge of departure

Now, it has emerged that defender Rasmus Kristensen is closing in on a move away from the club for the upcoming campaign, after a season in Serie A. The 27-year-old joined Roma last season on loan, appearing 29 times.

During his time in Italy's capital, he was singled out for praise by legendary manager Jose Mourinho, who described his "incredible" performance after one win against Cremonense.

“For me Kristensen gave an incredible performance,” said the former Chelsea boss. “I am referring to his level of focus and that he played in a position he wasn’t familiar with. For me he did very well. He helped the team react and limit the counter-attacks of Cremonese who are a difficult team to face."

But Roma opted not to make the move permanent this summer, leaving the fullback at Elland Road for pre-season and with three years left to run on his £40,000 per week deal in Yorkshire.

Rasmus Kristensen in 2023/24
Appearances	29
Starts	19
Goals	1
Assists	2
Yellow Cards	5

He was never likely to stay and be part of Daniel Farke's squad for the upcoming campaign, as shown by Leeds' determination to sign a new right back this summer despite his return. Now, his departure is once again on the cards, with the defender on the verge of joining 2022 Europa League champions Eintracht Frankfurt for the upcoming campaign.

As per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Danish defender is making the switch on a season long loan, with Frankfurt having an option to buy the defender for £15m at the end of the campaign should he impress.

He will undergo his medical on Friday ahead of completing a move, where Leeds will hope that he does enough to warrant a permanent purchase. However, were Frankfurt to exercise the option to buy Kristensen, he would become their second most expensive signing ever, which suggests that perhaps a return to Elland Road is on the cards once more next summer, regardless of his performances.

Chelsea are working hard to build the foundations paved by Mauricio Pochettino, aiming to return to the Champions League and restore that trophy-winning feeling.

Todd Boehly and Co cannot be faulted for a lack of ambition, but the scattergun transfer approach over the past few years has resulted in a motley crew that has failed to produce the desired results.

Now, the Blues are polishing their project under newly-appointed Enzo Maresca, and while a range of exciting signings have been made already this summer, focus is now being directed on an exciting full-back.

Chelsea targetting new wide defender

As per Italian outlet Calcio Lecce, Chelsea are one of the clubs interested in signing Patrick Dorgu this summer and have asked for information about a deal. The trouble is, he has many suitors and has been transfer-listed for €30m (£25m) – a steep figure.

Dorgu, 19, has enjoyed a terrific start to life in Serie A and could be a brilliant addition to a Chelsea team in transition, with Lecce currently believed to be awaiting an official offer from Chelsea for the left-back.

What Patrick Dorgu would bring to Chelsea

Dorgu has been described as "flawless" by one eagle-eyed scout, with the teenage talent making quite the roaring start to life on the major stage in Italy.

Having only made his senior debut last term, Dorgu featured 34 times in Serie A, starting 17 matches and scoring two goals, predominantly as a left-back. As per Sofascore, he also completed 84% of his passes and averaged four successful duels per game – at an impressive success rate of 57%.

He also ranked among the top 10% of full-backs in the Italian top flight last year for goals, the top 11% for tackles and the top 12% for aerial duels won per 90, as per FBref, with his robust defending, imposing 6 foot 2 frame and pace.

Capable of bombing up and down the flank, the Danish defender would offer something different at left-back to Marc Cucurella, who thrived at Euro 2024 with Spain but has not enjoyed the best of times of Chelsea since signing from Brighton & Hove Albion for £60m in 2022.

He's pocketing a bloated £175k-per-week salary with the Blues despite leaving plenty to be desired – pundit Jamie Carragher has scalded him with criticism that "he can’t defend".

Football FanCast's Team of the Tournament.

His stats in Germany as Spain clinched gold make a convincing comment on the 26-year-old's finest attributes: crisp passing and solid defending, but is this reflective of his efforts at Chelsea?

Marc Cucurella: Euro 2024 Statistics
Statistics	#
Matches played	6
Matches started	6
Assists	1
Pass completion	90%
Big chances created	3
Key passes per game	1.2
Ball recoveries per game	3.5
Tackles per game	2.0
Clearances per game	1.7
Duels won per game	5.5 (63%)
Stats via Sofascore

He was only afforded 20 starts in the Premier League system, and while he came out on top in 60% of his duels, Cucurella averaged just 0.2 dribbles per game, with a lack of mobility something that could be replaced by the ferocious wheels of Dorgu.

Therefore, Chelsea must push ahead and complete a deal for Dorgu, who has the properties of an elite-level full-back. Cucurella might be the flavour of the month after his international escapades, but can he be trusted to put two years of middling efforts behind him in west London?

Dorgu's athleticism and technical prowess could see him leapfrog the Spaniard (in good time) – Maresca and his transfer team just need to make sure he does so clad in Chelsea blue.

Imagine him & Palmer: Chelsea plot bid for £35m ace who's like Odegaard

He could form a deadly partnership with the Blues star at Stamford Bridge.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jul 20, 2024

Barcelona are monitoring Colombian centre-back Jhon Lucumi, who has become one of the most important players for Bologna and his national team.

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• Lucumi being tracked by Barca
• Hansi Flick wants to strengthen defence
• Colombian's contract with Bologna expires in 2026

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to AS, Barcelona are ramping up their pursuit for a centre-back in the upcoming January transfer window, and have shortlisted Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumi as a player who could bolster Hansi Flick's backline. Lucumi has become an important player for Colombia at the international stage and is across the most highly-rated defenders in Serie A.

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  Lucumi formed a brilliant centre-back pairing with Riccardo Calafiori in the 2023-24 season, which was Thiago Motta's final season at Bologna before he left to take the Juventus job. Bologna finished in the top four in Serie A and hence qualified for this season's Champions League. Additionally, Lucumi has also become one of the cornerstones of the Colombian national team, helping Los Cafeteros reach the final of the 2024 Copa America.

  His performances have not gone unnoticed by Barcelona, who are in serious need of defensive reinforcements. The long-term injury that Ronald Araujo is currently recovering from, as well as the surgery Andreas Christensen recently underwent, have left the Catalans thin in the heart of the defence. That they have two solid centre-backs in teenager Pau Cubarsi and veteran Inigo Martinez has revitalised the team, but the lack of depth in those positions has become a real cause of concern for manager Hansi Flick. The situation has only been exacerbated by the recent draw against Celta Vigo, in which Barcelona gave up a 2-0 lead after leading for 84 minutes.

  Barcelona wouldn't mind exercising the €25 million release clause attached to Lucumi's contract. Bologna, for their part, would agree to selling the player, given that he would be entering the final year of his contract at the end of the ongoing season.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Barcelona's LaLiga rivals Atletico Madrid were in fact close to capturing Lucumi's signature last summer, but Bologna blocked the move after Arsenal snapped up Calafiori. Now, though, it looks increasingly unlikely that the 26-year-old Colombian international will be seen in I Rossoblu colours next season.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

  Barcelona will be in confident mood heading into this weekend's LaLiga fixture against Las Palmas on Saturday, November 30, as they effortlessly defeated Brest 3-0 in the Champions League, thanks to Robert Lewandowski's milestone-achieving performance.

Over the past few decades, the Premier League has seen a dazzling array of footballs grace top-flight pitches. The designs have helped add an identity to each season, and they have all played their part in the best goals the competition has seen.

Since 2000, Nike has been the sole provider of the official Premier League ball and has come up with some iconic designs since the turn of the century. Here, we look back at some of the best designs and what made them so iconic.

This year's Premier League ball:

Nike Flight 2024/25

Source: nike.com

The Premier League's latest offering is the next instalment in Nike's 'Flight' series. It has the groove pattern of the previous designs, while the colour scheme brings a contrast between dark purple and fluorescent yellow.

Nike says it includes 'larger sweet spots', while the grooves will allow for better control regardless of the playing conditions thanks to a grippier texture.

It is set to make its debut when Manchester United take on Fulham on Friday 16th August in the first Premier League game of the 2024/25 season.

For those wanting to see it in all its glory – or even experience what the new ball has to offer themselves – Nike is selling the official ball for £129.99.

Nike Premier League football list
Name	Years used
Nike Geo Merlin	2000-2002
Nike Geo Merlin Vapor	2002-2004
Nike Total 90 Aerow I	2004-2006
Nike Total 90 Aerow II	2006-2008
Nike Total 90 Omni	2008-2009
Nike Total 90 Ascente	2009-2010
Nike Total 90 Tracer	2010-2011
Nike Seitiro	2011-2012
Nike Maxim	2012-2013
Nike Incyte	2013-2014
Nike Ordem 2	2014-2015
Nike Ordem 3	2015-2016
Nike Ordem 4	2016-2017
Nike Ordem V	2017-2018
Nike Merlin (various designs)	2018-2020
Nike Flight (various designs)	2020-present

10

Nike Ordem 3

2015/16

The design for this particular instalment of Nike's 'Ordem' series isn't the best, in all honesty. However, it's the on-pitch achievements during this particular season that hands this ball its value.

Of course, 2015/16 saw the league's greatest-ever story, with Leicester City battling against all the odds to record an improbable title win. Just a glimpse at this ball transports you to the time when the Foxes reigned above them all – that's what the best ones do, after all.

The visuals of it are slightly odd, as the fading red sometimes gave off a strange illusion as if the ball was flat. But it was something different, and its uniqueness gives it that all-important memorable status.

Best goal: Eden Hazard sealing the title for Leicester with his famous equaliser against Spurs.

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The former Chelsea and Belgium star enjoyed a fabulous career before retiring at the age of 32.

By
Freddie Taylor

Oct 13, 2023

9

Nike Ordem 4

2016/17

Up until this point, Premier League footballs had largely consisted of two main colours. Nike threw out the rulebook with this one, as the 2016/17 campaign brought a new visual experience with this multicolour effort.

Shades of green, blue and purple locked inside each black-bordered pentagon gives off a bold and vibrant look; in many ways, you'd be more likely to see a ball like this on the beach.

But it is these standout qualities that make this one of the more underrated designs from Nike: an arguably underappreciated beauty.

Best goal: Since Olivier Giroud's and Andy Carroll's iconic efforts were with the winter ball, Emre Can's superb late-season overhead kick has to be up there with them.

Ranking every Puskas Award winner from worst to best since 2009

With the 2023 winner being announced by FIFA, FFC ranks the best Puskas Award goals.

By
Mark Marston

Jan 16, 2024

8

Nike Seitiro

2011/12

In these days, less was more when it came to designing the official Premier League ball. In 2011, Nike started to push the boat out ever so slightly.

Their Seitiro ball featured multiple fire-like graphics – one adorned with the Premier League logo. It certainly befitted the competition's knack for great goals, particularly for Robin van Persie, who notched 30 in this campaign.

Best goal: The Dutchman was no near this effort – and neither was Petr Cech. Papiss Cisse's swerving beauty summed up his and Newcastle's season as they finished above Chelsea in fifth.

7

Nike Geo Merlin Vapor

2002-2004

Almost as close to an 'OG' Premier League ball as you can get, the Geo Merlin Vapor has the distinction of being the primary design for multiple seasons. A younger brother to the very similar Nike Geo Merlin, its subtle switch from blue outlines to black helped create a visual masterpiece.

Debuting in 2002, plenty of legends got the chance to dazzle with this at their feet, including Thierry Henry, Steven Gerrard and a young Cristiano Ronaldo. It was also the ball with which Henry's Arsenal recorded their Invincible campaign, ensuring it will stay in the record books forever.

Best goal: A stunner from Henry on that unbeaten run, with his rocket against Manchester City.

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By
Alex Roberts

Dec 7, 2023

6

Nike Ordem V

2017/18

Having gone all multicolour in the previous year, going back to basics was just what the doctor ordered in the following season from Nike. This cleaner effort blended more futuristic elements (see the imperfect pentagons) with simple designs. The navy on white just works for the Premier League brand, while the red and yellow hints add just the right amount of personality.

Best goal: There's just something immensely pleasurable about Charlie Daniels' strike for Bournemouth against Manchester City.

5

Nike Flight

2022/23

In more recent years, the Premier League's ball designs have got decidedly flashier. Its 'Flight' series of balls started in 2020/21, by which point, the league was typically using three designs per year with the addition of a brand-new post-winter ball.

While the first Flight balls are arguably tainted by their association with the behind-closed-doors campaign, 2021/22's set looks rather messy, even if the post-winter effort is quite a doozy.

However, in 2022/23, Nike got the formula just right, providing something for everyone. The main ball is a tidy effort with the welcome addition of gold to a Premier League ball, while the winter one brings plenty of vibrancy while maintaining the sleekness of the original design.

Its post-winter ball is another fine one, with the imperfectly coloured scrapbook-style crosses adding an almost juvenile element to proceedings.

Best goal: Julio Enciso's screamer at Stamford Bridge arguably trumps his Goal of the Season winner.

4

Nike Merlin (winter)

2019/20

Now for a terrific throwback. Nike resurrected the 'Merlin' series for 2018/19, and a year later saw them introduce a winter ball that was wholly reminiscent of the first-ever edition from 2004/05. Not only was it instantly recognisable through its yellow and blue colour scheme, but the Total 90 emblem marked an expert finishing touch.

Its outing was rather limited, with the introduction of a third ball of the season coming in mid-February, not that it stops this ball being an absolute triumph.

Best goal: Kevin De Bruyne had a few this season, but this thumper against Newcastle in November 2019 was one of the top strikes of the campaign.

3

Nike Total 90 Tracer

2010/11

Here's Nike at its minimalist best. Black on white with hints of turquoise made this ball easy on the eye, particularly on the pitch. The winter ball also deserves an honourable mention, with Nike switching it up by placing darker blocks instead of the normal blue highlights.

Arriving off the back of a World Cup somewhat marked by the unpredictable nature of the Adidas Jabulani, a specific feature of this ball was to aid visual sharpness, which will have been sure to delight players such as Dimitar Berbatov, who was joint top scorer in the 2010/11 campaign.

Best goal: The Bulgarian's overhead strike against Liverpool is a special one, while Wayne Rooney arguably outdid his teammate with the winter ball when sensationally netting in the Manchester derby.

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2

Nike Total 90 Aerow II (winter)

2006-2008

The quintessential winter ball. With a lot of these balls, simplicity often reigns supreme, and that’s no different here. First arriving in the late autumn of 2006, the second devoted winter ball from Nike marked a subtle change from its predecessor, using a lighter shade of blue/purple that accentuated the boldness of the yellow perfectly.

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While also being a visual marvel, there have been plenty of iconic goals scored with it, from Paul Scholes' sumptuous volley against Aston Villa to Cristiano Ronaldo's perfect free-kick against Portsmouth a season later. Was the ball responsible? Who cares?

Best goal: We're going to side with Scholes's strike on this, although it was one of many fine goals in late 2006…

1

Nike Total 90 Aerow

2004-2008

If this isn't the undisputed king of Premier League footballs, we don't know what is. Unless this is simply looking back to a time when the world seemed a simpler, better place (it most likely was not), the Nike Total 90 era was a joy to witness.

So much so, that picking a ball from this series – which lasted for four seasons – is a tough task in itself. Instead, it seems right that the entire period places above all.

When it first came in back in 2004, it was the first distinctive design change from Nike, with that season also seeing the debut of the yellow winter balls. There were subtle changes during this time, with the 2006/07 season seeing an asymmetrical red ball used (apparently for visibility reasons).

All in all, these balls have become an iconic staple of Premier League history. The good news is you can still buy one for yourself; the bad news is it will set you back a pretty penny if you're after the official versions.

Best goal: Plenty to choose from, of course, but few can rival Wayne Rooney smashing home against Newcastle in 2005.

The Cameroonian completely misjudged what looked like a simple save from Morgan Gibbs-White's shot as the hosts suffered a hugely disappointing defeat

Ruben Amorim was reminded of the gravity of the task facing him at Manchester United as his side sank to a second successive Premier League defeat on Saturday, losing 3-2 at home to Nottingham Forest.

United got off to an awful start when Nikola Milenkovic out-jumped Lisandro Martinez to head home from a corner in just the second minute. It was the third goal the Red Devils had conceded from a set-piece in two games after being bombarded by Arsenal. Rasmus Hojlund equalised on the rebound after good play from Manuel Ugarte and United nearly went ahead before the break when Bruno Fernandes smashes against the bar from a free-kick.

But United made another terrible start after the break as Morgan Gibbs-White restored Forest's lead after feeble goalkeeping from Onana, who was culpable once again when Chris Wood made it 3-1.

A ferocious strike from Fernandes gave United hope of a comeback but they rarely looked like equalising.

GOAL rates Man United's players from Old Trafford…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Andre Onana (3/10):

  Feeble. Wrong-footed by Gibbs-White's strike and could only flap at Wood's goal. Back to his worst form.

  Leny Yoro (5/10):

  Brave in possession in his full debut but beaten in the air by Wood.

  Matthijs de Ligt (4/10):

  Not great for Milenkovic's header and showed no authority in the air when Wood scored.

  Lisandro Martinez (3/10):

  Very poor from a defensive point of view: beaten by Mileknovic and did nothing on the line to prevent Wood scoring, seemingly obstructing Onana as the ball sailed past him and into the net.

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  Midfield

  Amad Diallo (5/10):

  Struggled physically and was imprecise for much of the game but reappeared to set up Fernandes' goal.

  Manuel Ugarte (7/10):

  Put out numerous fires and sparked the first goal with a fine threaded pass to Garnacho.

  Kobbie Mainoo (5/10):

  Tidy on the ball but not powerful enough to stop Forest's counters.

  Diogo Dalot (5/10)

  Solid defensively and made the effort in attack but didn't have much of an impact and was very wasteful with a late effort shanked into the Stretford End.

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  Attack

  Bruno Fernandes (6/10):

  Involved in every good move and some bad ones too. Hit the bar with a free-kick, started and finished the move for his sensational goal then faded. Gave the ball away for Forest's second but that falls more on Onana.

  Rasmus Hojlund (6/10):

  Showed his quick reactions to score and held the ball up well.

  Alejandro Garnacho (4/10):

  Not his day. Fortunate that his missed chance led to Hojlund scoring and then he frequently miscontrolled the ball, leading to him being hauled off in the 59th minute.

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  Subs & Manager

  Marcus Rashford (5/10):

  Had a negligible impact in his half an hour on the pitch.

  Noussair Mazraoui (6/10):

  Gave more security in defence, laying the platform for the late siege.

  Harry Maguire (6/10):

  Plugged the gaps at the back and Forest's chances dried up.

  Mason Mount (4/10):

  Couldn't justify replacing Fernandes.

  Joshua Zirkzee (5/10):

  Tried to link the play but to little effect.

  Ruben Amorim (5/10):

  He predicted the storm and now it is here. This felt like an Erik ten Hag performance, lacking an idea and relying on individual brilliance.

Kylian Mbappe was forced to leave the pitch in the first half after scoring an early opener for Real Madrid against Atalanta.

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• Mbappe forced off after scoring opener
• Suffered a muscular injury
• Scored his 50th Champions League goal

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  In a decisive Champions League clash against Atalanta on Tuesday, Mbappe rose to the occasion as he converted a brilliant strike to hand Real Madrid the lead in the 10th minute. However, the Frenchman did not last long on the pitch as he was substituted by Rodrygo in the 36th minute due to a muscular injury.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Vinicius Junior returned to the starting lineup for the first time since last month when he picked up an injury of his own. With the Brazilian's return to the left wing, Mbappe was once again pushed to the central role with Brahim Diaz operating from the right. It was from Diaz's assist that the 25-year-old netted the opening goal, which was also his 50th in the competition.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Mbappe, who will turn 26 in the next couple of weeks, became the second-youngest player to reach the 50-goal mark in the Champions League after Lionel Messi who achieved the feat at the age of 24 years and 284 days in 2012.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR KYLIAN MBAPPE?

  Los Blancos will conduct tests on their talisman to find out the extent of his injury. The club will be next seen in action against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Saturday.

Nottingham Forest have been credited with making an ambitious move to sign a new striker this summer as Nuno Espírito Santo looks to bolster his ranks ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign.

Nottingham Forest need goals

After securing Premier League survival on the final day of last season, Forest have been circumspect in their spending so far this summer by their recent standards. Moves for Elliot Anderson and Nikola Milenkovic have set the club back close to £50m, but they have been relatively frugal aside from that.

Nottingham Forest's new signings
Player	Fee
Elliot Anderson	£35m
Nikola Milenkovic	£12m
Jota Silva	£6m
Marko Stamenic	£4.6m
Carlos Miguel	£3.3m
Eric da Silva Moreira	£1m

It means that they are still yet to address their goalscoring issue, with only Burnley, Everton and Sheffield United having scored fewer than the City Ground side last season, and that return bolstered by an amazing run of form by Chris Wood.

Taiwo Awoniyi is highly-rated across the top flight but has yet to be able to stretch together a run of games for the Reds in his two seasons at the club. The Nigerian managed just 12 Premier League starts in 2023/24, following on from his 17 starts in his debut campaign.

As a result, a striker is likely to be on their transfer wishlist between now and the end of the summer transfer window, with the window slamming shut on August 30th, two weeks into the new season.

Nottingham Forest make contact over ambitious move

Now, it has been reported that Forest have made contact over an audacious move for Mexican striker Santiago Gimenez. The 23-year-old forward wowed Eredivisie viewers last season as he hit 23 goals in 30 outings, a return which saw him linked with a move to the Premier League amid reported interest from the likes of Tottenham and Arsenal.

"Gimenez truly is fantastic," Feyenoord icon Mario Been claimed after one particularly strong performance. "He hadn't even touched the ball before his first goal, but that was a fantastic finish."

However, Arsenal's interest in the £29k per week ace has gone cold, while Tottenham are advancing over a deal to sign Dominic Solanke which would also rule them out of any race for the Feyenoord man.

That has allowed other clubs to pursue a deal, and journalist Martijn Krabbendam claims that Nottingham Forest have made a move to sign the Mexico forward.

“There is slight interest in Giménez, Nottingham Forest did call,” he explained, though he added that Gimenez may be looking at a bigger club were he to leave Feyenoord this summer.

“I cannot imagine that Giménez would like that, or the amount must be enormous. There is talk that he will and can still go. Giménez also has to be sold at some point."

A move for Gimenez, who is valued by transfermarkt at a massive £34m, would certainly be a statement of intent from Forest, who have already shown in Sangare that they are willing to splash out on talent from the Dutch top flight if they believe it to be a good deal.