From Tragedy to Draft: Dante Barnett's Journey to the 2025 NFL

• READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE: Passing game specialist uncovers overlooked prospect for the 2025 draft

Picture, then, the path of an American football player. Starting from when they first take up the game as children, moving through the bright lights illuminating Friday night high school games, and onward to playing under the roar of tens of thousands of spectators during university matches, culminating in eagerly awaiting hearing their name called out.

This aspiration is shared by countless young American males who take up the game with dreams of establishing their legacy—yearning for that moment when bright spotlights illuminate them as they strive for greatness.

These floodlights generally do not extend to England. They fail to illuminate the roads of Birmingham. Even the assembly line at a Jaguar factory remains beyond their reach.

Maybe Dante Barnett will be the one to change that: a young man who turned to a foreign game in a time of need and hoped to reach the heights of the sport, only to have his dream nearly turn to ash before his eyes.

However, persistence has opened up possibilities he likely never imagined just a year prior: the chance to recover, to demonstrate his abilities in front of talent evaluators during a professional showcase at the University of Southern Florida. Florida , to hear him being announced in Green Bay, Wisconsin In the 2025 NFL Draft.

Barnett’s aspirations remain vibrant, even after facing life’s toughest challenges. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch with a weight of 279 pounds as a defensive tackle prospect, he is keen to leap into the country’s favorite sport league and demonstrate his capabilities to the entire nation.

Barnett faced an uncertainty growing up. Despite being aware of his athletic abilities, he was unsure about which avenue would be most suitable for showcasing his talents.

When I was in high school, between 15 and 16 years old, I wasn’t quite sure about my future plans," Barnett said to the Daily Mail just under two months prior to the NFL Draft.

'Naturally, I focused on my studies and all related activities, yet I didn’t excel academically. Figuring out my path beyond adolescence was quite challenging.'

Having dabbled in several sports including football (known as soccer in the United States), hockey, rugby, and swimming, he found an immediate affinity for American football.

A coach named Steve Kilvington encouraged a 16-year-old Barnett to think about joining the NFL Academy situated at Loughborough University in Leicestershire when he was younger. Barnett successfully went through trials held at New River Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which led to him being accepted into the program.

Barnett expressed his admiration for defensive players such as Ray Lewis, Aaron Donald, and Calais Campbell. However, he mentioned that what truly attracted him to the sport was the sense of community within the game.

"It was reassuring to know that the individual behind me or beside me shared the same responsibilities as I did," Barnett stated.

He mentioned that he enjoyed ' Feeling like I belong with a crowd who shared similar circumstances, all aiming for success and putting in maximum effort every single day.

Football entered his life when that community was desperately needed. Barnett acknowledges that the setting he grew up in "didn't suit me well." Moreover, those surrounding him were not positive role models.

Shortly after he enrolled in the academy, Barnett's father died.

[Football] was simply something that helped me stay grounded," Barnett remembered. "I didn’t use it as a diversion, but rather as a means to maintain my equilibrium. It turned out to be an incredible chance that presented itself at exactly the right moment.

Following his three-year stint at the NFL Academy, Barnett attempted to make the transition to American collegiate football.

It was evident from his athletic prowess. Barnett participated in camps at three institutions in Texas: Texas Christian University (TCU), Southern Methodist University (SMU), and the University of Houston. Each of these universities competes at the highest tier of college football—Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).

For those new to the scene, college football in the South is akin to a religious experience comparable to the Baptist Convention – drawing huge audiences every Saturday eager to see up-and-coming talents shine.

For instance, TCU consistently fills up Amon G. Carter Stadium, which has a capacity of 47,000 spectators. This attendance figure would rank it as the eighth-largest stadium in the Premier League.

However, even though he received proposals from all three universities — perhaps shocked by his impressive 4.60-second 40-yard dash — he was unable to enroll at any of them because of his subpar academic performance.

Instead of packing it in, he went off to a Division III school - Dickinson College in Pennsylvania - in the hopes of improving his grades and getting an offer back on the table.

Despite being at a lower level than his talent maybe deserved, Barnett recalls Dickinson fondly: 'Everyone really had their best interest and just really wanted me to do well over there.

'So I have nothing bad to say about Dickinson. The culture there is amazing. I loved them every minute while I was at Dickinson.'

But that desire to play in Division I remained. Barnett attended camps for a chance of getting those previous offers back, but 'it just didn't work out the way I'd hoped'. When tuition at Dickinson became too burdensome, he was left with no other option but to return back to England.

'I think for the first month or so, it was just a bit of a blur because for the past four or five years, it'd just been football,' Barnett explained. 'All I've ever done is football. So adjusting to doing nothing for a minute was just a bit difficult for me. So I think I was still processing my feelings and how I was going about that.'

So that's what led him to working the line at a Jaguar-Land Rover plant - putting together luxury cars while his high-end dreams began slowly dying in each piece of welded metal that passed him by.

Barnett continued to work out and stay in shape in the off chance there could be something that came along to resuscitate his NFL dream.

That's where the NFL's IPP came in. Barnett persevered and worked his connections to become a part of the program and was able to work out in front of scouts at USF.

Now comes the wait. Whether he hears his name called or he signs with a team in free agency, Barnett has put in the work to earn the chance.

It's an opportunity he's not going to waste any time soon. He told Daily Mail that if any team chooses him, 'they're going to get my 100 percent commitment, my focus as well.

'I'm extremely dedicated. I just love the sport of football.'

Talking to him, it’s evident that the journey hasn’t dampened his spirits. Barnett is utterly delightful to converse with, always smiling and candidly sharing his experiences with poise and honesty.

This is the type of narrative that’s difficult not to cheer for and simple to back. The current uncertainty lies solely in whether there’s a group ready to assist him in penning that subsequent page.

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Dallas Cowboys' Jake Ferguson: From Football Legacy to Controversial Star Dating Haley Cavinder

Raised in Madison, Wisconsin, and participating in collegiate football at the nearby university, Ferguson stayed near his origins until he was selected by the Cowboys in 2022.

Jake Ferguson played football even when he technically wasn't playing football.

In 2022, he shared with Cowboys Wire, “I was expelled from my youth soccer team because of how aggressively I tackled opponents.” He recalled, “During a game, there was this small boy dribbling the ball. It seemed like he took it from my teammate. As one of the defenders, I felt compelled to make a play, so I ran after him and brought him down. After picking him up, they removed me from the league.”

That intuition, despite being frequently misdirected—such as initiating snowball battles at school or setting up touch football during break time until it was prohibited—evenually proved beneficial.

Are you looking for insights into the most significant issues and global trends? Find your answers here. SCMP Knowledge Our latest platform features handpicked content including explainers, FAQs, analyses, and infographics, all provided by our esteemed team of experts.

Currently, he plays as a professional tight end for the Dallas Cowboys and is recognized for his relationship with an influencer who is also a college basketball player. Haley Cavinder This is how he arrived at his destination.

He hails from an American football dynasty.

Jake Ferguson, who came into this world in 1999, was raised in an environment saturated with football enthusiasm. His dad, Brad Ferguson, once tackled opponents as a linebacker for the University of Nebraska, and his mother’s father, Barry Alvarez, coached the team at the University of Wisconsin over two decades. This rich sporting legacy led Ferguson to embrace the sport himself.

By middle school, he had already taken over youth leagues. In one match, he caused injuries severe enough to send two players to the hospital; meanwhile, his teammate Billy Wilson contributed another injury with an unexpected tackle from behind. This led parents to wonder if both of them might not really be in sixth grade at all.

Wilson recounted in an interview with The Dallas Morning News that people were eager to see Jake get what they perceived as his just desserts.

Attending high school was quite similar.

During his freshman year at James Madison Memorial High School, Ferguson alternated between playing for the junior varsity andvarsity teams. In one particular JV match, he tackled the opposing quarterback repeatedly until the player decided to leave the game midway through. Even after replacing him with another player, Ferguson continued his aggressive play by taking down this new opponent as well.

“I’m not one for hurting people,” Ferguson said to the Morning News. “It’s something I really dislike. It’s unfortunate when it happens. However, after hitting him, I recall he emitted this loud cry, so I stepped back. I thought, ‘Whoa, we should call someone.’ Then suddenly, his mother started swinging punches at me unexpectedly. … All I could think was, ‘Wow, that was definitely a mom,’” he recalled.

He remained at home for his college education.

When Ferguson needed to make his choice, he received offers from Nebraska, Iowa State, Iowa, Northern Illinois, and Wisconsin, according to Cowboys Wire. Given that his elder sibling Joe was attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison and his grandfather was working as the university’s athletic director following his tenure as head coach since 2005, he opted to stay within the family circle.

At Wisconsin-Madison, he emerged as a crucial component of the offense, concluding his collegiate career with 145 receptions for 1,618 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. This placed him among the leaders in almost all tight-end receiving records in the program’s annals.

In 2022, following his performances at the NFL Draft Combine and a regional Pro Day, he was chosen by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the draft.

He's dating Haley Cavinder

Away from sports, Ferguson is involved with Miami Hurricanes basketball player Haley Cavinder. They connected via social media in 2023 and frequently attend games to cheer for one another.

Their relationship appears quite serious, as evidenced by Ferguson getting Cavinder's initials, "H.C.," inked onto his right ring finger.

Whenever he isn’t on the field or spending time with Cavinder, Ferguson frequently stops by Fort Myers Beach, Florida, which became his mother’s new home once he went off to college.

“It becomes quite stressful,” he shared with Cape Coral Breeze. “It’s important to have activities that help you unwind.”

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Brits Abroad: How all 38 British players in Europe’s major leagues have fared in 2024-25

Academy graduates from Manchester United , Chelsea , Arsenal , Tottenham and Leeds United include several British athletes participating in Europe’s leading leagues during the 2024-25 season.

It's growing more common for both up-and-coming young talents and seasoned, established players to challenge themselves abroad. We compile such lists annually, and with each passing season, these rosters expand further.

We've closely examined the performances of all 38 British players who have played significant minutes in Serie A, Ligue 1, La Liga, and the Bundesliga this season and assessed their progress.

Jude Bellingham

Bellingham's first season with Real Madrid couldn't have been more successful.

He scored two Injury-time match-winning performances against Barcelona and numerous crucial goals, culminating in him concluding the season with titles from both La Liga and the Champions League — earning him the distinction of being the first Englishman to stand on the Ballon d'Or podium since Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard in 2005.

The second year hasn't been as impressive.

He has frequently appeared as a frustrated figure within Carlo Ancelotti’s often malfunctioning team, forced to compensate for the lack of effort from both Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe by doing extra work.

The newest Galactico's arrival at the club has hindered his chances as an emergency center-forward, a role in which he excelled frequently during the previous season.

Nevertheless, there's still a possibility that Bellingham will secure a domestic double by the end of the 2024-25 season. Stay tuned.

Conor Gallagher

The picture of Gallagher’s first season in Madrid is indelibly etched with Diego Simeone passionately celebrating a crucial defensive effort during a tight win against Athletic Bilbao.

You have always been aware that the Argentine would appreciate the Chelsea academy product's determination and commitment.

He has had some highlights — such as equalizing against Real Madrid in the Champions League — but Gallagher’s season seems destined to conclude with disappointment.

Just a couple of weeks back, Atlético were performing well across multiple competitions, but they have since significantly faltered in their pursuit for the La Liga title. Additionally, they've been eliminated from both the Champions League and Copa del Rey at the hands of rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Gallagher has frequently fallen prey to Simeone’s rotational policy, managing to start approximately half of Atletico Madrid’s league matches.

Even though he seems ready for this fresh challenge and new surroundings, it wouldn’t shock us to witness him emulate Kieran Trippier’s example and make his way back to the Premier League within one or two years.

Max Aarons

This campaign, Aarons has been the overlooked third English player in Spain’s top division. He moved to Valencia on loan in January, having found limited playing time under Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth.

Carlos Corberan has made an impressive turnaround for Valencia's performance, though Aarons hasn't been significantly involved.

He has only featured in three matches across all competitions — two of which were heavy losses to Barcelona (7-1 and 5-0), with the third being a memorable 2-1 win over Real Madrid.

Talk about throwing him in at the deep end. Limited opportunities mean we can’t see this move being made permanent. Might a return to the Championship beckon?

Oli McBurnie

The ex-Sheffield United player had a stronger beginning in La Liga compared to Kylian Mbappe, providing two assists in just his initial three matches with Las Palmas.

However, he wasn’t expected to surpass Mbappe’s performance for an extended period, and subsequently, his goal-scoring record declined. It was just last month when he eventually began registering goals in Spain’s highest division, scoring in consecutive matches against Real Sociedad and Getafe.

It appears McBurnie is thoroughly enjoying his time in Gran Canaria and has lately demonstrated his remarkably fluent Spanish skills.

But things could be going better on the pitch, with Las Palmas finding themselves in the relegation zone ahead of the run-in.

Scott McKenna

McBurnie isn't the only pale Scottish international player struggling to adapt in the Canary Islands.

The 28-year-old defender has almost always been present for Las Palmas, accumulating more appearances and playing time compared to McBurnie. He recently delivered an outstanding performance in a crucial 1-0 win against Atletico Madrid.

An essential figure for their chances of making it through.

Harry Kane

England's captain will soon see their title drought come to an end.

Kane has performed reasonably well with 24 goals in his 28 Bundesliga appearances this season, and he might still keep his European Golden Shoe .

More importantly, Bayern have resumed normal service and are on the brink of sealing yet another Bundesliga title.

They lead the defending champions Bayer Leverkusen by eight points, with only four matches remaining.

QUIZ: Could you list all 26 British players who have played in the Bundesliga since the year 2000?

Jamie Gittens

The 2024-25 season has been extremely disappointing for Borussia Dortmund, as they currently occupy the seventh position in the Bundesliga and seem unlikely to secure a spot in the Champions League.

However, despite having a challenging season, Gittens (who has dropped the Bynoe) continues to stand out as a significant talent.

The young player, at just 20 years old, has made significant progress in his growth and appears poised to emulate Jadon Sancho and Bellingham by being transferred for a substantial profit.

Various reports suggest he plans to depart Dortmund during the upcoming summer, however, sporting director Lars Ricken asserts these rumors are inaccurate. Stay tuned for further updates.

Eric Dier

The defender’s powerful header against Inter sadly did not make a difference in Bayern’s Champions League elimination, yet it showed that he can still be an effective team member when performing well.

Despite not making it into the starting lineup for the Bundesliga’s upcoming champions, the 31-year-old still earns recognition from his coach.

"Eric is an experienced player who understands exactly what needs to be done in such situations," states Vincent Kompany.

Eric has great character and always puts the team first.

Carney Chukwuemeka

Among approximately ten thousand promising young players signed by Chelsea in recent years, Chukwuemeka naturally found it difficult to secure playing time at Stamford Bridge. In an effort to gain more match experience, he moved to Borussia Dortmund on loan during January.

The young midfielder, at 21 years old, has so far had just one starting appearance in the Bundesliga along with one goal. However, his recent role in leading Dortmund to an impressive come-from-behind win against Borussia Mönchengladbach has led Fabrizio Romano to suggest that the team plans to secure his services past this summer.

The Athletic asserts he possesses a €50 million (£43m) escape clause within his agreement, as reported by a German source. Kicker assert they were able to secure him for €35 million (£30m).

Oladapo Afolayan

Lesser-known Afolayan departed Bolton Wanderers to join FC St. Pauli in January 2023.

The forward achieved promotion in his first full season and has played his part in them looking home and dry from the threat of relegation in 2024-25.

Afolayan has scored three goals and provided one assist in 29 Bundesliga appearances (15 starts) this campaign.

Oliver Burke

To some extent, he has become somewhat overlooked, and we can safely conclude that Burke hasn't fully reached his potential following predictions about him becoming a future luminary.

The transition from Nottingham Forest to RB Leipzig didn’t pan out, and since then, his career has followed an unusual, up-and-down path as he moved between clubs.

Following unsuccessful stints on loan at Millwall and Birmingham City, Burke came back to his parent club, Werder Bremen, last summer. He has since taken up a supporting role within the team this season.

Burke has scored three goals in his past three Bundesliga matches, which were all wins, but he is anticipated to leave the club once this season concludes, with Union Berlin being considered a probable next stop for him.

Scott Banks

Banks, who previously represented Scotland at the youth level, was acquired by St. Pauli after playing for them on loan from Crystal Palace during their successful campaign to get promoted from the 2. Bundesliga.

However, the attacking midfielder has largely been relegated to a minor part, featuring as a substitute only 11 times, accumulating merely 92 minutes of playing time in the Bundesliga this season.

Fin Stevens

A third English player in St. Pauli’s team, international Welsh player Steven has found it difficult to get playing time since joining from Brentford last summer.

So far, his Bundesliga experience consists of just one brief appearance in stoppage time to secure a 3-0 win against Union Berlin.

Charlie Cresswell

Hyped as the future of Leeds United’s defense, Cresswell was unable to secure consistent playing time at his hometown club and departed to sign with Ligue 1 team Toulouse during the previous summer.

The English player at the under-21 level has had an impressive first season in France’s top division, and his $5 million move now looks like a steal.

Toulouse appeared ready to vie for a spot in Europe, but their performance has drastically declined recently.

However, during this decline, Cresswell has shown his prowess in set-pieces, scoring three goals in his past ten Ligue 1 matches.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles

Maitland-Niles recently caught the attention of the broader football community again during Lyon's chaotic Europa League exit against Manchester United - however, he has been performing admirably behind the scenes in France.

"Angel Gomes demonstrated that it's achievable for players in Ligue 1 to receive acknowledgment from England," French football journalist Matt Spiro remarked via Twitter in December.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles deserves consideration now. He is playing the finest football of his career at Lyon and is a crucial player for Pierre Gagne’s squad.

Once settled in France, the Hale End graduate has shown significant improvement and continues to be a trusted starter following the replacement of Sage with Paulo Fonseca as manager.

Chuba Akpom

Somewhat of a late bloomer, Akpom experienced a sudden surge in form, culminating in winning the Championship Golden Boot, which led to his transfer to Eredivisie powerhouse Ajax in 2023.

The forward had difficulties performing in the Dutch capital and was loaned out to Ligue 1 club Lille in January.

So far, he has netted two goals in 10 Ligue 1 matches, with most of these appearances coming as a substitute. It seems improbable that the transfer will become official.

Angel Gomes

Nearly a breakthrough with his limited appearances for England so far, Gomes showcased the ability to secure a position next to Declan Rice at the heart of the national team’s midfield.

However, despite bursting onto the international scene over the last 12 months, he appears to be struggling this fourth and presumably final season with Lille. Since December, playing time has been scarce for him.

The player, who is 24 years old, is nearing the end of his contract with Stade Pierre-Mauroy, and it seems Lille is planning for a future without him.

They say he has turned down a proposal from West Ham, and Roma is also being mentioned. One can assume there will be plenty of potential takers.

Jonathan Rowe

Last summer, Marseille secured the signing of highly-rated young Norwich City winger Rowe after defeating Leeds United in negotiations.

In retrospect, staying in the Championship could have been more beneficial for him.

He has played for Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille, scoring three goals and providing two assists in Ligue 1, however, he has started only four out of his 24 league appearances this season.

"I've found it challenging on a personal level; the entire season has been tough," Rowe stated to journalists earlier this month.

The transition from Norwich, where I played a crucial role in the squad, to this new environment has been quite challenging, with high expectations for me to deliver.

I've accepted the challenges, and they haven’t been easy. I’ve often found myself benched, which naturally had an impact on me, I believe anyone could notice that. Nonetheless, I kept pushing forward, and that really matters.

It seems probable that they will return to England.

Jordan James

Last summer, Rennes signed the promising young player from Birmingham City.

At just 20 years old, the Welsh international still shows promising progress in his growth.

"Traveling to France has significantly shaped my personality, both off and on the field," James stated. BBC Sport .

I believe I have much greater impact on games nowadays. Though I'm still young, I no longer feel like that youthful child.

Sorba Thomas

It isn’t very common for a player from League One to be competing in one of Europe’s top divisions, but Huddersfield Town’s Welsh winger Thomas will spend the 2024-25 season on loan with Ligue 1 side Nantes.

This season, he has scored one goal and provided two assists in France's top division. After assisting twice in a 3-1 win against Kazakhstan during the previous international break, he continues to be an integral player in Craig Bellamy’s strategies.

Fikayo Tomori

This season, similarities can be drawn between Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan, as both teams have struggled significantly in Serie A and decided to make a coaching change.

Tomori recently went through six consecutive league matches without playing from the bench (during which Milan lost four), following reports that he had prevented potential transfers to Tottenham and Juventus in January.

However, he has lately come back into favor and performed exceptionally well as Milan thwarted Inter's ambitions for an unprecedented treble with a resounding 3-0 win in the Coppa Italia semifinals.

Recent reports from Italy indicate that the defender might be put up for sale this summer. This move could help AC Milan finance a "defensive overhaul," putting English teams on high alert.

Tammy Abraham

After being considered excess baggage at Roma following his gradual comeback from an extended injury absence, Abraham has been on loan at Milan for the 2024-25 season.

He’s notched 10 goals and seven assists in all competitions this season, frequently turned to as a super-sub.

Yet another English international from the past faces a choice this summer, wouldn’t you say?

Tino Anjorin

Anjorim, who came through Chelsea’s youth system, ultimately departed his original club during the previous summer after experiencing several mediocre loan spells elsewhere, joining Italian side Empoli in Serie A.

Roberto D'Aversa's team had a strong beginning to the season, emerging as somewhat of an unexpected force, but their performance has significantly declined since December. They have only managed four draws, zero victories, and suffered 12 losses in their past 16 matches in Serie A.

Anjorin has recorded only three assists, but he scored his first goal for the team fighting against relegation in last weekend’s crucial 2-2 tie with Venezia.

Lloyd Kelly

Last summer, Eddie Howe welcomed back Kelly, but the defender found it difficult to secure playing time following his move to Newcastle United as a free agent from Bournemouth.

Kelly subsequently signed with Juventus before the winter transfer window closed, and reports suggest there's a mandatory £20 million purchase option in the summer. A good move for the Magpies, indeed.

So far, the outcomes have varied; the player from Bristol was part of a 4-0 loss against Atalanta and a 3-0 defeat against Fiorentina. Juventus' spot in next year's Champions League is not yet secure.

Keinan Davis

The Aston Villa youth product had limited appearances during his first year at Udinese, yet he emerged as an unexpected hero, securing their place in Serie A with a winning goal in the 76th minute against Frosinone.

Unfortunately, the forward hasn’t fully recovered since then. This season, he has only managed six starting appearances in Serie A and scored just two goals with one assist to his name.

READ: 5 overlooked Aston Villa youth system players who achieved legendary status with other clubs

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Tomori and Abraham have seen their appearances fluctuate within the starting lineup at the San Siro this season, much like their former Chelsea teammate.

Most of his appearances this season have come as a substitute, and he hasn't played much recently due to an urgent operation for acute appendicitis.

Loftus-Cheek did come back into the team as a later substitution to assist in maintaining the 3-0 win against Inter.

Kyle Walker

After quickly dropping in status due to Manchester City’s dramatic difficulties prior to Christmas, Walker concluded he needed to seek fresh opportunities following his eight successful years at the Etihad where he won multiple titles.

It is anticipated that he will remain with AC Milan once his loan concludes; however, various disappointments have occurred since he joined the team.

A month ago, he became an internet sensation by informing João Félix that he isn’t Messi.

It wasn't me telling Joao, 'you're not Messi, so pass the ball.' Instead, I said, 'we should ensure we follow a proper process,' " Walker stated on his podcast. Joao concurred and mentioned they needed to increase their passing and maintain better control.

I didn't only tell this to João. It wasn't clear there was a camera present. Nonetheless, I wouldn't alter anything I said.

Brooke Norton-Cuffy

Although Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly have had remarkable seasons with Arsenal, their teammate Norton-Cuffy has developed his skills on a different journey.

The 21-year-old right-back joined Genoa after gaining experience on loan at Millwall last season.

However, he has had to wait for chances, managing only three appearances in the highest tier of Italian football.

Patrick Vieira, a legendary figure for the Gunners, took over in November, yet it seems he hasn't gained their confidence any more than his predecessor Alberto Gilardino did.

Samuel Iling-Junior

Last summer, Aston Villa brought in the promising England Under-21 player from Juventus but promptly lent him back to Italy, where he joined Bologna.

Iling-Junior had difficulty securing playing time in Serie A, leading to him being called back by his parent club halfway through the season.

Since then, he has been featured more frequently in the second part of the season with Michael Carrick's Middlesbrough team, which is aiming for playoff contention.

Daniel Oyegoke

Another lesser-known figure, Oyegoke hasn't followed the most illustrious career trajectory since his time in the youth systems at Arsenal and Brentford.

The right-back from Barnet, who has played for MK Dons, Bradford City, and Hearts in his professional career, moved to Hellas Verona last summer.

This season, Oyegoke has only had five short cameo appearances in Serie A, as Verona remains comfortably positioned in the middle of the table.

Omari Forson

Touted as a promising player following his debut under manager Erik ten Hag at Manchester United during the previous season, Forson ultimately departed from Old Trafford when his contract was not renewed.

It seems that allowing him to depart was proven correct.

The young forward, just 20 years old, has not started a single game in the league for Monza, who currently occupy the last position in the Serie A standings and seem almost certain to face relegation.

Ben Godfrey

Last summer, Atalanta opted for an intriguing move by signing Godfrey from Everton in a £10 million transfer.

Even more intriguing was granting the defender a brief 22-minute appearance in Serie A.

Gian Piero Gasperini apparently did not have faith in him, leading to his loan to Ipswich Town for the second part of the season, where things haven't improved significantly.

It’s anticipated that Gasperini will leave Atalanta once the season concludes. This might result in Godfrey coming back to his parent club for the following term.

Dele Alli

Dele's highly anticipated Serie A start was cut short after just nine minutes when he received a direct red card.

He hasn't shown up since then, but we're still hoping he manages to improve his situation.

READ: Kyle Walker’s response to Dele Alli’s red card has somewhat improved our view of him.

Scott McTominay

McSauce is quite possibly the most successful tale on this roster. Priced at an incredible £25 million, it’s truly a steal.

In his first season with Antonio Conte’s championship-contending Napoli, he has managed to score nine league goals (a tally higher than any player at Manchester United this season, interestingly enough).

Only Marcus Thuram and Ademola Lookman boast higher average WhoScored ratings in Serie A, and he could very well be in contention for Player of the Season if Napoli secure the Scudetto title.

The midfielder also enjoys the warmer weather.

"Oh wow, the tomatoes. Simply magnificent," he said. The Athletic in April 2025.

I never consumed them at my place; they were merely reddish liquid. However, here they genuinely have a tomato flavor. Nowadays, I enjoy them as a treat. I consume every vegetable and fruit available. Everything tastes incredibly fresh. It’s amazing.

Billy Gilmour

Although McTominay remains one of Conte’s top deputies, his fellow Scottish international Gilmour has found himself somewhat on the periphery.

Nevertheless, he has participated significantly with 11 starting appearances in Serie A and an additional 10 substitute appearances.

From the start, he made a strong impression in a recent 3-0 win against Empoli after seizing his opportunity when Frank Anguissa, Conte’s preferred choice, was injured.

Che Adams

After helping Southampton get promoted last season, the forward appears set to depart without any second thoughts.

Adams has netted 10 goals across all competitions for Torino, matching the same number of goals that the renowned Denis Law achieved for the team during the 1961-62 season.

Liam Henderson

Who could have predicted this large-scale Scottish migration to Italy?

Henderson was quite influential as a trailblazer, initially signing with Bari way back in 2018 following his departure from Celtic. Since then, he has played for clubs like Hellas Verona, Lecce, and Palermo. Currently, he is enjoying his second tenure at Empoli and stands out as the inaugural Scottish player to achieve the remarkable feat of playing 100 Serie A matches.

The midfielder, who remains uncapped at the senior level for Scotland, has played significantly more often for the struggling team compared to Anjorin.

When his contract ends this summer, it will be intriguing to observe if he remains in Italy or decides to pursue opportunities somewhere else.

Lewis Ferguson

The Scottish national team player was sidelined for the initial part of the season as they recovered from an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained in April.

Ferguson returned in November, yet the season has been an exasperatingly inconsistent one for him as he strives to regain his form.

Bologna's captain has been sidelined due to muscle and hamstring injuries, preventing him from playing consistently despite making sporadic appearances in 13 Serie A matches.

He still has the chance to conclude the season by winning the Coppa Italia, however. Bologna will face AC Milan in the final.

READ NEXT: The leading 10 goal scorers in Europe’s premier five leagues for the 2024-25 season: Kane nearing Salah’s position...

TRY A QUIZ: Could you list all the English players who have played for Real Madrid since 1990?

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Top 10 Highest-Paid Brits Abroad in 2024-25: Kane, Bellingham Lead the Charge

Stars from AC Milan , Bayern Munich and Real Madrid include some of the most highly compensated British athletes competing overseas during the 2024-25 season.

Although most British players compete in England, Scotland, and Wales, a growing number of them have begun relocating overseas in recent years.

Based on data from Capology, we've compiled a list of the top 10 highest-paid British players competing overseas for the 2024-25 season.

10. Kyle Walker – £76,335 weekly salary

Although Walker earns £175,000 weekly with his contract at Manchester City, AC Milan has been covering just £76,335 during his loan period.

The player, who is 34 years old, lost favor with Pep Guardiola during the initial part of the season and consequently sought a transfer in the January window.

At the end of the season, Milan can choose to sign Walker for £4.3 million, but it is uncertain whether they will activate this option.

9. Eric Dier – £82,436 weekly salary

eyebrows rose when Bayern Munich signed Dier last January following the player’s limited appearances for Tottenham during his final half-year with the team.

Nonetheless, he has proven himself as a consistent player under Vincent Kompany and is poised to claim his inaugural significant title, with Bayern leading the Bundesliga by eight points at the summit.

8. Ruben Loftus-Cheek – £84,580 weekly salary

Chelsea supporters were disappointed when Loftus-Cheek left in 2023, as he had dedicated his whole professional journey to the club since joining Stamford Bridge.

The 29-year-old enjoyed a good debut season in Milan last year, but has missed the majority of the 2024-25 campaign through various injuries.

=6. Dele Alli – £91,669 weekly

Considering he hasn't played much football lately, it could be surprising to know that the ex-Tottenham midfield player continues to earn substantial salaries.

Following minimal appearances for Everton throughout his three years at Goodison Park, the 29-year-old moved to Serie A club Como in January.

Nonetheless, things haven't been entirely easy for the midfielder since his move to the Italian club.

He was shown a straight red card just nine minutes into his debut against AC Milan And has not played for Como since then.

=6. Scott McTominay – £91,669 weekly

McTominay has appeared rejuvenated since his move to Napoli, earning the same salary as Alli in Serie A.

The Scotland national team member has netted nine league goals this season, surpassing all players from Manchester United who have scored fewer times in the Premier League.

"It's impressive how well several former United players are performing. McTominay, I believe, fits perfectly into Amorim's system," Gary Lineker stated on The Rest is Football podcast.

He's exactly what they require. I understand they had to let him go due to his PSR, and he happens to be from the area, which everyone considers an absurd aspect of this specific regulation.

5. Tammy Abraham – £95,132 weekly

Following his stint in Italy over the past four years, Abraham might see a comeback to the Premier League this summer.

During his first season with Roma, the 27-year-old had the most productive season of his career, scoring an impressive 27 goals.

Sadly, he hasn't reached those figures again since then, and during the 2024-25 season, he was sent out on loan to AC Milan.

Even though he still has a few years remaining on his contract with Roma, rumors suggest a possible return to England.

4. Conor Gallagher – £143,496 weekly

Last summer, Atletico Madrid offered Gallagher a five-year deal with a weekly salary of £143,496.

Since moving to Spain, he has excelled and quickly became one of Diego Simeone’s favored players.

"It’s not always simple for English players to adjust to the Spanish league, with the language being one of the challenges… He has performed quite well in various settings and roles that aren’t necessarily his preferred ones," Simeone stated.

He will develop further; there’s significant potential for his advancement. His gameplay is remarkably strong both offensively and defensively, contributing greatly to our team.

3. Jude Bellingham – £332,112 weekly

One of the most recognizable figures in soccer nowadays, Bellingham is currently earning a weekly wage of £332,112 at Real Madrid.

This places him as the shared third-highest-paid player at Real Madrid, along with Vinicius Junior, ranking just below David Alaba and Kylian Mbappe.

READ: The top 10 teenage scorers in Champions League history: No Messi or Ronaldo...

2. Harry Kane – £398,599 weekly

Not surprisingly, Kane stands as the undisputed top earner in the Bundesliga, with a weekly wage slightly below £400,000.

The English team leader secured a fair salary increase from his previous earnings at Tottenham, and his agreement with Bayern remains effective until 2027.

Given that Bayern is now eight points ahead at the summit of the Bundesliga, it seems likely that he will clinch a significant title this season as well.

1. Ivan Toney earns £406,730 each week.

Although many football supporters ridiculed Toney for moving to Saudi Arabia, he can feel content knowing his finances have significantly improved as a result.

After joining Al-Ahli, Toney secured the title of the highest-paid British player globally, with earnings exceeding £400,000 each week.

It’s equally important to keep in mind that due to Saudi Arabian laws, Toney’s earnings will be exempt from taxes.

READ NEXT: The 7 soccer players globally who have higher earnings than Erling Haaland

TRY A QUIZ: Could you list the top 25 highest-earning players in the Premier League?

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I Secured Africa's Best Player Title – Okocha

Former Super Eagles captain Austin Okocha believes it was unfair for him not to have won at least one African Player of The Year Award, noting that he did enough during his heyday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Okocha is regarded as one of the most skilful players to have played football and was active for Nigeria between 1993 and 2006. He was a key part of Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON-winning and World Cup team.

He netted 15 goals in 75 matches for Nigeria.

Before retiring in 2012, his club career led him to play in Germany, Turkey, France, England, and Qatar. Okocha had an impressive journey with teams such as Eintracht Frankfurt, Fenerbahce, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bolton Wanderers, amongst others.

Despite winning various individual accolades, the midfielder notably failed to secure the title of African Player of the Year during his prime years.

"I mean, at one point, I felt like I had done enough to secure victory, you know? But ultimately, I must accept that perhaps this is just how life goes; sometimes you can't have everything," Okocha stated to Oma Sports TV.

Perhaps it just wasn't destined to happen, yet naturally, I felt entitled to win it at least once. You see, when you consider the roster and some of those who claimed victory during my tenure, I would concur with you that it indeed seemed unjust.

In 1998, he finished as the runner-up, with Morocco's Mustapha Hadji placing first – this was his strongest chance at winning the award.

Four years later, he secured the third position behind Samuel Eto'o and Didier Drogba, and this order was replicated in 2004 even though Okocha had won the award for best player at the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia earlier that same year.

Even without claiming prizes, the athlete takes pride in being acknowledged for who he is.

The most crucial aspect for me is being recognized for who I truly am and remaining memorable. Honestly, I may not have claimed numerous titles, yet I've touched people's hearts—a feat which I consider invaluable. Therefore, I refrain from comparing myself with others since I'm aware of where my journey began and the accomplishments I’ve earned; this awareness allows me to value immensely all that football has bestowed upon me.

Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

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10 Legendary Players Who Now Own Football Clubs: Modric, Beckham, Ronaldo & More!

Luka Modrić has joined the ranks of top-tier soccer stars who have invested in clubs, turning this trend into a more frequent occurrence.

The realm of football club ownership is notoriously unstable; however, there are several prominent instances of well-known figures in the sport thriving by investing and managing these teams successfully.

These are 10 iconic athletes with ownership interests in teams.

Luka Modric

Modric has reached an agreement to join Swansea City’s ownership group in April 2025.

The 39-year-old’s investment in the Championship club will not impact his playing career, with the midfielder keen to continue playing for Real Madrid beyond this season.

Modrić boasts considerable familiarity with British football, having played 160 matches for Tottenham Hotspur prior to joining Real Madrid in 2013.

His upcoming appearance in South Wales will usher in a fresh chapter for the club as he becomes part of Swansea’s new ownership group.

In November, Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan's eight-year tenure in leadership concluded as they offloaded their controlling stake to Andy Coleman, along with co-owners Brett Cravatt and Nigel Morris, and entrepreneur Jason Cohen.

David Beckham

Even before Beckham retired from football following his last season with Paris Saint-Germain, rumors circulated in the press about his potential investment in an MLS team and his plans for a business venture after hanging up his cleats. The brand he built was far too substantial for him to confine himself to roles like sports commentary or coaching.

Following the establishment of Salford City alongside his fellow Class Of ‘92 alumni and Singaporean businessman Peter Lim, he went on to found an MLS team. Despite initial delays, Inter Miami CF is now thriving—boasting one of the most impressive collections of star players in contemporary MLS history.

It traces back to when he played for LA Galaxy.

It is said that he accepted a significant reduction in his wages from what he earned at Real Madrid. However, he has taken full advantage of a stipulated provision in his agreement that enabled him to acquire an expansion team for merely $25 million.

By 2025, Inter Miami's worth is projected to exceed $600 million.

Now he can see himself as the person who brought Lionel Messi to America, marking the nation's biggest signing since his own arrival... or tracing back even farther, to when Pele played for the New York Cosmos.

"It's simply the impact that Leo has on both the game and the world," Beckham said to Jimmy Kimmel.

One of the reasons we aimed to bring him to America was to motivate the upcoming generations. This was always part of my vision. Of course, I intended to welcome him both as an exceptional athlete and admirable individual. Having faced him multiple times myself—twice being particularly fortunate—I have long been his admirer and followed his career closely.

And my intention was always to add what I consider the best player ever to grace the sport, to our squad. Fortunately, it came to fruition.

Didier Drogba

You likely recall the final chapters of Drogba's illustrious career. His time playing in Turkey and China was bookended by his triumphant comeback at Chelsea, leading to an impressive stint with the Montreal Impact in Major League Soccer.

However, if we were to quiz If you followed every team Senegal's star player was part of throughout his career, you might overlook his stint at Phoenix Rising. Following some time without a club, he joined the USL side based in Arizona and acquired a minor ownership interest in the team.

We've come across the concept of a player-manager, though it has become less common nowadays. However, the idea of a player-owner is much rarer, and from what we know, Drogba was the pioneer in this regard.

Before retiring in 2019 after scoring 17 goals in 26 matches for the team, Drogba concluded his playing career. Despite owning part of the club presently, they have not managed to secure entry into MLS so far.

N’Golo Kante

Following his departure from Chelsea during the previous summer, Kante surprised many in the soccer community by buying into and taking over as chairman of Belgian third-division side Royal Excelsior Virton.

The club stated, "It is clear that Flavio is immensely delighted about the opportunity to transfer the club’s key responsibilities to N'Golo Kante."

“[He is] a player of great class, not only for his footballing qualities but also and above all for his unanimously recognised human qualities.”

We have no objections. However, his choice to accept Saudi funding was somewhat disheartening.

Royal Excelsior Virton concluded their season at the 10th position in the Belgian National Division 1 during the 2023-24 campaign.

READ: 12 reasons why you can’t help but adore N'Golo Kanté

Paolo Maldini

Beckham isn't the sole European Cup champion investing in Florida's sunny real estate. Maldini preceded Beckham by establishing the USL team Miami FC as early as 2015.

"When I established Miami FC, Paolo assisted us in boosting the club's visibility, and he was instrumental in bringing Alessandro Nesta aboard as our very first head coach," said Miami FC owner Riccardo Silva. Transfermarkt .

In recent times, the renowned Italian defender has stepped away from his current role and refocused his efforts on AC Milan as their technical director.

"There were never any intentions to establish official connections between the two teams [Miami and Milan], despite both being passions of mine. However, I wouldn’t dismiss the possibility for the future," Silva added.

It seems less probable now since Maldini has stepped down from his position as Milan's technical director due to conflicts with the club's management board.

Ronaldo

O Fenomeno holds an 82% controlling share in the Spanish team Real Valladolid, which has been fluctuating between La Liga and the Segunda División over the past few seasons.

The footballer, who has won the World Cup twice, had an ownership interest in struggling Brazilian club Cruzeiro. However, he decided to sell his shareback in April due to the team’s ongoing administrative issues.

My response will be brief; Valladolid comes next," Ronaldo stated at the time. "After selling both Cruzeiro and Valladolid, I plan to take some time off.

Nevertheless, he has recently reversed his decision and declared his intent to remain the owner of Valladolid, apparently because there were no attractive offers forthcoming. As it was recently reported, he rejected a €28 million proposal from the construction company Inexo.

READ NEXT: 13 stars who arrived at the Premier League too late: Schweinsteiger, Zlatan...

TRY A QUIZ: Could you list the most recent 20 footballers who have broken the global transfer fee record?

Gerard Pique

Despite still being an active player for Barcelona, Pique was often touted as a potential future club president due to his entrepreneurial mindset and involvement in various sports ventures.

He is presently being investigated due to allegations regarding his possible role in illicit payments associated with moving Spain’s Super Cup to Saudi Arabia.

He was also engaged in tennis; however, in January 2023, the International Tennis Federation opted to terminate its agreement with the former footballer’s firm responsible for organizing the Davis Cup after just under half a decade.

In addition to his E-Sports team, he also has the seven-a-side Kings League project, which joins YouTube personalities with former professionals.

Phew.

In terms of football – the real thing, not the kind watched on screens or promoted by influencers – he also owns a team in a lower division called FC Andorra. He acquired the club back in 2018.

In the previous season, they concluded at the 21st position in the Segunda División, which led to their demotion to Spain’s third division.

Should we doubt the achievements of this four-time Champions League champion... however, it appears that his business endeavors might not be faring as well.

Thierry Henry

"One of the objectives is to invest in the Como community and foster collaboration with locals through programs aimed at generating job opportunities," Henry stated to journalists during a press briefing in August 2022.

Como has an interesting past; it is renowned for the beauty of both the city and the lake. Hopefully, it won’t be long before it also gains recognition for its football.

Two years ahead, and Como have risen to become a Serie A club, with Henry’s former Arsenal teammate Cesc Fabregas both managing from the bench and holding a stake in the club. This certainly shows they are meeting their objectives.

The present coach of the France U21 team holds just a minor shareholding in the club, yet when it comes to rationalizing periods spent enjoying the stunning views around Lake Como, this serves as quite an appealing excuse.

Observing a diverse team that includes Pepe Reina, Alberto Moreno, Andrea Belotti, and Patrick Cutrone? Even more enjoyable.

READ: Athletes who've earned massive fortunes from ventures beyond sports: horses, casinos, biochemicals...

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Speculative articles from excitable tabloids suggested that Zlatan Ibrahimovic could potentially end his playing career in Sweden with Hammarby FC following his appointment as co-owner of the club in 2019.

After departing from LA Galaxy, he became a free agent. Indeed, he made an emotional comeback that same year... but this time it was with AC Milan at the San Siro, where he netted an additional 37 goals, claimed yet another Serie A title, and continued playing well into his forties.

Technically, joining Hammarby wouldn't have amounted to coming back home—something agitated supporters of his local team Malmö would quickly point out.

In response to the Hammarby news, they tried to set fire to his statue near their stadium. Ouch.

Hammerby came in second place in the Swedish Allsvenskan league standings last year... yet they were nine points behind the winners, Malmö. Wonder what Ibrahimovic thinks about that.

Kylian Mbappe

Mbappe acquired 80% of the shares in Caen for less than €20 million during the summer of 2024.

One of several teams in French soccer, this Ligue 2 club is presently facing financial difficulties.

We've seen players like N'Golo Kanté, Thomas Lemar, and Raphael Guerreiro excel after their time at Caen, and it will be intriguing to witness how Kylian Mbappé can propel the team forward.

"Honestly, for an entire month, people were discussing this with me, yet I remained skeptical," ex-coach Patrice Garande stated. La Parisien .

This is remarkable news. Primarily because of the financial security it brings. Additionally, it enhances the club’s reputation significantly. Aligning oneself with the world’s top player undoubtedly serves as a major boost.

'We understand Mbappé's ambitions and his drive for success. If he joins our team, it won’t be a casual decision; it will definitely be with the intent to win and consequently create a squad that helps this club regain its place among Europe's top clubs.'

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Football Leaders Respond to Death of Christian Chukwu

On Saturday, football representatives in Ibadan collectively stated that Chukwu's passing has created a significant void in Nigerian football.

A former coach of the Super Eagles and once an international player himself, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, merely stated that Chukwu’s passing away at the age of 74 was truly unfortunate.

Onigbinde stated that nobody anticipates such news because, in his view, the person is still young.

A ex-midfielder of the Super Eagles, Mutiu Adepoju, referred to the recently departed captain of Rangers International as both esteemed and unpretentious.

Each player enjoyed being around him. When we were just kids and still growing up, we used to watch him play as a skilled Rangers member.

"I had the privilege of playing under him as the coach of the Super Eagles," Adepoju said.

Adepoju believes that merely uttering a casual farewell to the individual widely known as Chairman would fall short of being adequate.

Hours could never suffice to convey the sorrow engulfing the global football community at present. He served as motivation for countless individuals, a benchmark for yesteryears, contemporary times, and forevermore.

Chairman showed great fondness for his teammates, particularly for his players from a coaching perspective.

The former player mentioned that soccer fans would recall him based on his legacy and accomplishments in the sport.

"He will always remain unforgettable, and his legacy will endure indefinitely within every one of us who cherishes the game," he stated.

He implored God to bestow blessings upon the departed soul and comfort his relatives, as well as the Enugu Rangers International team and Nigeria's football community.

At the same time, prominent sports commentator Tayo Balogun stated that the deceased football icon exemplified true sportsmanship.

Balogun characterized the deceased Chukwu as diligent and consistently brimming with immense enthusiasm for the national Nigerian squad.

He was a leader who set an exemplary standard.

"In his era, he led a national team where all the players beneath him were eager to represent Nigeria genuinely. Chukwu became a national icon for Nigeria. He fostered a productive competition between Enugu Rangers Football Club and Shooting Stars Sports Club," Balogun further explained.

Christian Chukwu, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 74, was an eminent figure in Nigerian football.

In 1980, he led the victorious Green Eagles team that secured Nigeria's inaugural Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) championship, thrashing Algeria 3-0 in the finale held at the National Stadium in Lagos.

Later, he became the head coach of the Super Eagles and led the team to a third-place finish at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia.

Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

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McCarthy Under Fire: South Africa Coach Labels Players as Lacking Ambition

• Benni McCarthy thinks that South African players possess significant talent, yet their insufficient drive stops them from competing at leading European football clubs.
• Following his tenure at Manchester United, the ex-Bafana Bafana forward took over as the head coach of Kenya's national squad.
• Ever since, this 47-year-old individual has been at the helm of Harambee Stars for their participation in two significant World Cup qualifying matches against Gambia and Gabon.

Benny McCarthy, the 47-year-old head coach of Kenya's national squad, is encountering backlash following his assertion that South African players do not possess sufficient drive.

The ex-Manchester United coach took over as the Harambee Stars manager at the start of March.

Up until now, the South African international has coached two important games for the Kenyan national side, facing off against Gambia and Gabon.

What McCarthy commented on the South African players.

During an interview with NTV, McCarthy talked about the condition of South African soccer, mentioning that although South Africa boasts a wealth of talented individuals, the drive and aspiration among the players are quite minimal.

"South Africa boasts immense talent with players emerging from all corners, yet they have rather modest aspirations," McCarthy stated.

The ex-Blackburn Rovers player revealed that during his youth in South Africa, his dream was to represent Manchester United, and he put in immense effort to make that happen.

During my childhood in South Africa, my ambition was to become a player for Manchester United. I dedicated myself to working as diligently as possible towards this dream, but if I didn't succeed, I resolved to at least compete against them.

McCarthy stated that should he fail to join United, he would strive to compete against them anyway, viewing this as a crucial step just shy of his primary objective.

The former Orlando Pirates player mentioned that although South African footballers exhibit remarkable skill and hold great promise for success, numerous players prefer remaining in their home nation.

He highlighted that they hesitate to step outside their comfort zones, viewing this reluctance as a way of undervaluing themselves.

They prefer staying put as they're comfortable where they are, but I believe this is undervaluing oneself since to excel, one must compete with top-tier opponents.

Audience responses to McCarthy's comments about South African players.

Patrick Shepard reacted,

He doesn’t understand what he’s discussing. It’s not about being at a specific location; it’s about having a platform where one can showcase their skills. In their home country, South African players have such platforms, so why worry about Europe? They prefer avoiding the racism prevalent elsewhere. Other nationalities also feel frustrated due to how they’re treated abroad, leading them to act aggressively or engage in altercations during games. Got it?

Beth Mark said,

He ought to motivate the Kenyan players at his current workplace; indeed, moving to Europe could be advantageous, but our focus is on developing Africa so that we can restore greatness to this continent.

Luvuyo Yabo said,

He needs to concentrate more on his responsibilities as the Harambee Stars coach. With two games played and no victories, he has reason for concern. If those European clubs continue to undervalue our players and make absurd offers, these athletes won’t have any prospects.

Nathi Nkosinathi remarked,

"Ask him did he tried South African players to make trials while he was at Manchester United. anyway, SA lig is growing each and every season plus Mr. Motsepe is making sure football in Africa is growing."

McCarthy tackles Patrick Matasi’s claims of match-fixing

Earlier, Diwida >.co.ke covered McCarthy’s remarks about the suspected participation of Patrick Matasi in match-fixing.

Regarding the match-fixing scandal in Kenya, McCarthy emphasized that these acts sully the sport and must not be accepted within football.

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5 Players Who've Won More League Titles Than CR7 Since 2009 — Unbelievable Facts!

Cristiano Ronaldo has one of the most impressive career records in football history, yet has unexpectedly secured only a handful of league championships since his world-record transfer. Real Madrid way back in 2009.

By the time he reached 24, the Portuguese national team player had secured nearly as many league championships (three Premier League wins with Manchester United) as he did in the following 16-year period—just four, two each at Real Madrid and Juventus.

Even though he continues to score frequently, Ronaldo has not secured the Saudi Pro League title with Al Nassr—and it seems increasingly likely that they will fail to claim victory during the 2024-25 season as well.

We've pinpointed five athletes who have unexpectedly claimed more league championships than the iconic goalscorer following his transfer to Real Madrid during the summer of 2009.

Luis Suarez

It shouldn’t come as too much of a shock that Suarez is featured here. As one of the premier scorers of his era, he has played for several elite clubs with remarkable success throughout the last fifteen years or so.

It is remarkable that Suarez has emerged victorious. twice as many league titles.

When Ronaldo joined Real Madrid from Manchester United for a then-world record transfer fee during the summer of 2009, Suarez was just beginning to establish his reputation playing somewhat anonymously for Ajax, a team that had found difficulty securing trophies despite having the legendary Marco van Basten as their manager.

Following his impressive performance with Ajax, where he netted 49 goals across all competitions during the 2009-10 season, he burst onto the global stage as a promising prodigy—and a notably contentious one—especially when he played a key part in leading Uruguay into the semifinals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Surprisingly, Suarez’s Ajax failed to secure the Eredivisie title that season. However, he managed to get a winners' medal the next year, even after being transferred to Liverpool midway through the season.

He notably fell short of winning the Premier League during his three-and-a-half-year stint in England, but secured four La Liga titles in six years at Barcelona before adding a sixth title following his transfer to Atletico Madrid. This tally is three more championships than what Ronaldo achieved over the same duration in Spain.

During his later years, he has claimed victory in the Uruguayan league with his hometown club Nacional, secured a regional championship with Brazilian side Grêmio, and also won the Supporters' Shield—awarded to the MLS team with the top regular-season performance, which we typically consider as winning the league—with Inter Miami.

In terms of achievements, Ronaldo’s longstanding adversary Lionel Messi has secured 10 league championships – which is six more than Ronaldo – since the summer of 2009. Four of these victories occurred when both players competed against each other at Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Lucas Moura

There were plenty of relatively common, unspectacular players at top-tier clubs who accumulated numerous trophies – with Sergi Roberto, Stephan Lichtsteiner, and Maxwell being some of the ones we thought about adding to our list.

However, our attention was drawn irresistibly to Moura, who delivered an unforgettable Champions League semifinal hat-trick against Ajax—a performance that sharply contrasted with the indifferent impression he made during his five years at Tottenham.

Before joining his current club in North London, Moura secured five championships in France's top division with PSG. He joined Tottenham halfway through the 2017-18 season but was able to claim a winners' medal despite spending much of his first term largely unused.

Nuno Mendes

When Ronaldo, who has since become his teammate and captain at Portugal, made that groundbreaking transfer to Madrid, the left-back—who is considered the best in the world right now—had barely celebrated his seventh birthday.

Although he's just 22 years old, he already boasts five league championships, including an impressive streak of four consecutive Ligue 1 titles after leaving Ruben Amorim's Portuguese champion club Sporting Lisbon during his teenage years in 2021.

Mario Gotze

The player from Germany did not make his professional debut until the 2009-10 season, at which point he began to shine as a promising talent under Jurgen Klopp’s guidance with the exceptional Borussia Dortmund team, securing consecutive Bundesliga championships.

He went on to win three additional titles at Bayern Munich, although he did not become one of the key players of that squad as anticipated. It has been nine years since his return to Dortmund, during which they haven’t secured any league championships. However, he can still claim to have more accolades since 2009 compared to Ronaldo.

Gotze can also boast about another achievement that eludes Ronaldo – scoring in the knockout stages of the World Cup. You know the one.

Andrea Pirlo

...there he is, Pirlo, who has ceased playing in Europe a decade ago and retired his boots in 2017.

The renowned Italian midfielder has spent the last five years coaching, which included a stint as Ronaldo's manager during the 2020-21 season at Juventus. During his tenure, the team secured fourth place and broke their streak of nine consecutive championships. Despite this, he retains more league titles since 2009 compared to the forward, who consistently plays for teams known for competing strongly for top honors in the league.

Before joining Juventus in 2009-10 where he claimed just his second league championship with AC Milan, Pirlo went on to become one of the key figures behind Juventus' supremacy throughout the 2010s. During his tenure at Juventus from 2011 to 2015, he led the team to win the Serie A title every single season for four consecutive years.

READ NEXT: Contrasting Lionel Messi’s performance metrics in the MLS against Cristiano Ronaldo’s in the Saudi Professional League

TRY A QUIZ: The Definitive Cristiano Ronaldo Challenge: 30 Tough Questions About the Icons of Real Madrid and Manchester United

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No Active Talks for De Bruyne as Chicago Fire Makes an Offer: Report

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has shed light on the circumstances regarding Manchester City's midfield player Kevin De Bruyne, asserting that at present, there aren’t any ongoing talks between De Bruyne and various teams who have been rumored to be interested in the Belgian player.

Romano stated on Saturday through his post on X that the Italian club Como "has not attempted to sign Kevin De Bruyne," contradicting recent claims to the contrary.

He also downplayed the rumors connecting De Bruyne to a possible return to Chelsea or a transfer to MLS team Inter Miami, stating that "there is no confirmation of talks" with either club.

Romano disclosed that a proposition from MLS team Chicago Fire, initially reported two weeks back, "is still available" for De Bruyne as talks about his upcoming season proceed.

Earlier this month, De Bruyne stated that he plans to depart from Manchester City once the present season concludes, marking the conclusion of his ten-year tenure with the team during which he has claimed all significant titles.

On Friday, through a public message posted on his social media platforms, the Belgian midfield player announced that he will be concluding his time at Etihad Stadium in the coming months. He said, "There’s nothing simple about putting this into words, yet as professional soccer players, we understand that one day our career with a club ends. For me, that day has arrived—so I want to share this news directly with you before anyone else does."

Looking back at his tenure in Manchester, De Bruyne acknowledged the significant impact of both the city and its inhabitants on reshaping his life.

Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

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Draisaitl Unleashes Bold Defense: A Game-Changer's Secret Weapon Revealed

The Edmonton Oilers' forward Leon Draisaitl is the -160 betting favorite to secure the Hart Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player.

Despite this, Draisaitl is presently labeled as day-to-day due to an unspecified injury that has led him to sit out for three consecutive matches and an additional four towards the close of last month.

By Wednesday night, he tops the NHL charts with 52 goals and ranks third with 106 points (including 54 assists) in 71 matches played.

The 29-year-old German sensation boasts an impressive trophy case, including a previous Hart Trophy win in the 2019-20 season. He also claimed the Art Ross Trophy for being the top point-scorer in the league and received the Ted Lindsey Award, which recognizes the most outstanding player as selected by his peers during that campaign.

A piece of equipment he lacks in his collection is the Selke Trophy, which goes to the National Hockey League's best defensive forward.

Defending has consistently posed a challenge for the Oilers, even with players like Draisaitl and the league's undisputed top talent, Connor McDavid, on their roster.

These two offensive assets have not been granted sufficient recognition as reliable defensive elements that enhance their impact on the scoreboard.

"[At this stage], it might be even more crucial than any individual trophy," Draisaitl stated according to the source. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman Clearly, there has been a significant amount of discussion surrounding actions from our younger days that we're unable to justify now. The main reason for not emerging victorious is due to Connor and me failing to provide adequate defense.

I believe we have significantly altered that perspective across the league, particularly over the past few years. Both of us are indeed excellent defenders whenever we choose to be. It’s all about maintaining consistency and performing at that level each game. This year, I feel like I’ve largely achieved that.

Kris Knoblauch, the head coach, stated on Wednesday that he anticipates Draisaitl will be back in the lineup before the first round begins; the Oilers still have four matches remaining in the regular season.

They currently hold the third spot in the Pacific Division, setting them up to face the second-seeded Los Angeles Kings.

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Dolphins' Tyreek Hill Clears Legal Hurdles After Domestic Dispute

The Miami Dolphins' wide receiver Tyreek Hill and his spouse had a domestic altercation on Monday; however, no charges have been brought against him, as reported.

The event occurred at the pair's condo in Sunny Isles Beach, situated slightly northeast of Miami.

Hill's mother-in-law allegedly contacted the police and subsequently informed the officers present at the scene that Hill had been confrontational, causing her to worry about her daughter's well-being.

Hill’s spouse, Lakeeta Vaccaro Hill, apparently stated that marital counseling was not proving effective, and she was in the midst of initiating divorce proceedings. The legal dissolution was filed on Tuesday, with Vaccaro Hill mentioning that their union has irreparably collapsed.

Tyreek Hill, aged 31, informed law enforcement officers on Monday that he attempted to discuss therapy with his spouse. He mentioned that the situation intensified when he was informed he wasn’t sufficiently engaged with their child.

On Wednesday, the Dolphins acknowledged the situation involving Hill.

On Monday, we learned that law enforcement responded to Tyreek Hill’s house. After speaking with Tyreek and some relatives, officers left the property without taking additional action, thus closing the case," stated the team. "Since then, we've communicated with both Tyreek and the NFL and won’t be providing any more comments on this issue.

Hill has had numerous issues away from the field throughout his career.

Last season, Hill had an encounter where he was forcibly removed from his vehicle during a traffic stop while heading to a Dolphins home game in September. Police behaved very aggressively throughout this event because Hill refused to comply with them. However, the resulting traffic tickets were eventually dropped.

During his time at Oklahoma State University, Hill admitted guilt in 2015 to charges of domestic assault and battery by strangulation for choking his pregnant girlfriend at the time. He was sentenced to three years' probation as a result.

In 2019, the Kansas City Chiefs suspended Hill for around three months after accusations surfaced of him allegedly mistreating his child. However, an NFL inquiry concluded that Hill did not breach the league’s personal conduct policy, so he faced no further penalties.

In 2024, Hill secured 81 receptions for 959 yards and scored six touchdowns across 17 matches – this represents his least productive full season since he started with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2016. This drop-off followed two consecutive campaigns where he racked up over 1,700 receiving yards after joining the Miami Dolphins. It’s worth noting that Dolphins' quarterback Tua Tagovailoa only played in 11 games because of concussions and hip issues during this period.

Prior to the start of the 2024 season, Hill inked a three-year contract worth $90 million that extends until the end of the 2026 season. This agreement featured a signing bonus of $7 million and ensured $59 million was fully guaranteed. As one of the eight-time Pro Bowlers selected, he will account for $28.7 million of salary cap space in 2025 and his total cap hit reaches up to $51.9 million when this pact concludes in 2026.

Following the 2024 season, Hill first expressed his desire to depart from the Dolphins. However, he subsequently reversed his decision and is anticipated to remain with the team for the 2025 season.

In 141 regular-season contests, Hill has accumulated 798 receptions totaling 11,098 yards with 82 touchdowns.

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More must-reads:

• Jets quarterback Justin Fields speaks out about concluding his time with the Steelers.
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Current trending slide show: All trades concerning the NFL's first-overall draft pick (Provided by Yardbarker)

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Rams Poised to Secure 4,300-Yard QB for Matthew Stafford's Legacy Continuation

The Los Angeles Rams continue to stand behind Matthew Stafford as their starting quarterback for the 2025 season, yet they have already begun searching for his potential successor.

Stafford still has two years left on his present deal and will be 37 when the upcoming season starts. Despite their playoff appearance and first-round win against the Minnesota Vikings as a visiting team, the Rams do not possess a top draft choice. Nevertheless, Los Angeles holds the 26th overall selection, and according to recent predictions from Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN, they might utilize this pick for Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart.

Coach Sean McVay of the Rams might turn Dart into a solid option as a starting player down the line. However, I refer to this potential development as ‘in the future’ since Matthew Stafford’s contract restructuring ensures he remains with the team for at least one more year. Kiper wrote But he’s 37 years old, and the Rams need to plan for 2026 and beyond. Dart has the capability to deliver passes directly into receivers’ strike zones with precision, and his skill at throwing on the move is exciting to see. He had 4,279 yards through the air, 29 touchdown passes and six interceptions in the previous season."

"With an entire season to develop under Stafford and adjust to the NFL game following his time in Lane Kiffin's run-pass option heavy scheme, Dart possesses a high ceiling professionally," Kiper went on to say.

In Kiper's most recent mock draft, Dart is selected as the third quarterback. He goes after Shedeur Sanders who was picked by the New Orleans Saints at number nine, followed by Cam Ward being chosen by the Tennessee Titans with the first overall pick.

According to Kiper’s projection, the Cleveland Browns are likely to choose Tyler Shough with the 33rd overall pick in the second round, while the New York Giants are expected to select Jalen Milroe with the following pick, No. 34.

Connected: NFL Announces Significant News About Rams

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Report: QB Jalen Milroe to Tour Giants Facility | Quick Updates

APR. 9. UPDATE: QUARTERBACK JALEN MILROE PLANNED TO MEET WITH THE GIANTS. The New York Giants continue to do their homework on the quarterbacks in this year’s draft class as they are set to host Ole Miss's quarterback, Jaxson Dart, continues to impress. on Thursday and will welcome an approaching visit from Alabama's quarterback Jalen Milroe in the coming days.

These visits aren't unexpected since the Giants keep gathering information on potential quarterbacks. They're expected not to select a quarterback with their third pick.

Nevertheless, it's still possible that they might trade back into the lower portion of the first round to pick a player with development potential.

This will guarantee them the opportunity to utilize their fifth-year option on the recruit, who is anticipated to receive a redshirt year during the upcoming season.

In summary, the quarterbacks that the Giants are reported to have either met with or plan to meet with include Miami’s Cam Ward, Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, Ole Miss’s Jaxson Dart (scheduled for the future), and Alabama’s Jale Milroe (also scheduled for the future).

The team is apparently bringing in Penn State's edge rusher, Abdul Carter, for a visit on Thursday as well.

APR. 4. FORMER GIANTS QUARTERBACK DREW_LOCK'S FATHER HAS PASSED AWAY. According to FOX 4 News in Kansas City, Andy Lock, who is the father of ex-Giants quarterback Drew Lock, died on Thursday.

The elder Lock was a Kansas City restauranteur who co-founded the Summit Hospitality Group. In 2017, the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association named Lock and his business partner, Domhall Molloy, Restauranteurs of the Year.

Drew Lock, a native of Lee's Summit, Missouri, who played his college ball at Mizzou, was with the Giants last year after signing a one-year deal to be the QB2 behind Daniel Jones.

Lock, originally a second-round pick by the Broncos in 2019 who was traded to the Seahawks in 2022 as part of a deal that brought Denver current Giants starter Russell Wilson, appeared in eight games with five starts for the Giants, winning one of those starts.

He went 107 of 181 for 1,071 yards, six touchdowns, and five interceptions.

Lock,an unrestricted free agent, is currently unsigned.

APR. 3. THE GIANTS REMAIN ACTIVE BY HOSTING A LOCAL PRO DAY AND CONDUCTING TOP 30 VISITS. In a matter of days, college pro days will wrap up, followed closely by the top 30 visits. Despite these approaching deadlines, the New York Giants have continued their efforts on evaluating prospects who could be selected on Day 3 or signed as undrafted free agents.

The Giants hosted several visits on Thursday as part of their local pro day . According to NorthJersey.com, the list consisted mainly of Rutgers prospects such as running back Kyle Monangai,  receiver Christian Dremel, offensive tackle Hollin Pierce, defensive back Robert Longerbeam, and linebacker Tyreem Powell.

Outside linebacker Brian Ugwu of Miami (Ohio), defensive lineman Amin Vanover of Penn State, and defensive lineman Howard Cross III of Notre Dame joined them.

In addition to hosting their pro day, the Giants devoted a top-30 visit to Florida State defensive lineman Joshua Farmer, according to Justin Melo of The Draft Network . Farmer, 6-foot-3 and 273 pounds has appeared in 42 games with 32 starts over four seasons for the Seminoles. He has 80 career tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, and two pass breakups.

APR. 2. RUSSELL WILSON’S JERSEY NUMBER REVEALED. New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson, who is projected to be the team’s starter this coming year, has a new jersey number with his new team.

Wilson will wear No. 3, which he has worn at each of his NFL stops with Seattle, Denver, and Pittsburgh. No. 3 was previously worn by Giants cornerback Deote Banks, who switched to the single digit from No. 25 last season. Banks will now sport No. 2, which last year was worn by quarterback Drew Lock.

Other notable Giants who have sported jersey No. 3 in the team’s 100-year history include kickers Pete Gogolak (1966-1974) and Brad Daluiso (1993-2000). Before Banks took it on last season, the single digit had been worn for three seasons by receiver Sterling Shepard, and before him, a pair of quarterbacks sported it, including Geno Smith (2017) and Alex Tanney (2019).

Bank’s new number, which, as noted, was worn last year by Lock, had previously been worn by quarterbacks Mike Glennon (2011) and Tyrod Taylor (2022-2023).

More New York Giants News Briefs

• January 2025
• February 2025
• March 2025

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Additional Reporting on the New York Giants

The article was initially posted on www.si.com/nfl/giants as Report: Quarterback Jalen Milroe Plans to Meet with the Giants | Short Takes .

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Is T.J. Watt Hinting at Goodbye With Mysterious Post? Could a Steelers Trade Be Near?

Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett’s contract extensions might have sealed the deal on T.J. Watt’s future with the Steelers—especially since the former 2021 Defensive Player of the Year recently shared an enigmatic picture online.

Given Crosby and Garrett’s significant impact on the edge rushing market with contracts surpassing $40 million per year, it appears highly unlikely that something similar will happen again soon. Pittsburgh Steelers is likely to re-sign with Watt anytime soon—even though team president Art Rooney II has emphasized that extending him is extremely urgent.

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches in just two weeks, Watt's image making a peace sign could have multiple meanings—however, most people believe this might suggest he is signaling farewell to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Renewing the contract of the team’s key defensive player is a complex issue, since T.J. will reach 31 years old in 2025, and the Steelers might be hesitant about making a significant financial commitment following his underwhelming play in 2024.

Watt would probably ask for a selection ranging from late first to early second round. Although it would be quite surprising if this future lock-in HOF member gets traded, supporters of the team might want to brace themselves for this possible outcome when drafting day arrives.

The article initially appeared on Steelers Wire. Has T.J. Watt hinted at farewell through an enigmatic social media post? Could a potential trade involving the Steelers be on the horizon?

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Tyreek Hill's Domestic Dispute: All the Details We Know

Miami Dolphins' wide receiver Tyreek Hill allegedly had a domestic altercation with his spouse. as stated in a police report acquired by the Associated Press.

The police responded to Hill's residence, yet they departed without filing any charges.

This is how the AP recounted the events:

Sunny Isles Beach police were alerted to the residence on Monday following a call from Hill's mother-in-law, who moved in with the family in November, around the time of her granddaughter’s birth, as stated in the report.

According to the report, the mother-in-law informed the responding officers that Hill, who was 31 years old, exhibited aggressive and impulsive behavior, causing her concern for her daughter’s safety. She mentioned that Hill tossed a laptop onto the floor and seized his child before heading towards the balcony.

...Hill and his spouse both claimed that the dispute did not become physically violent, however, law enforcement officials noted a mark on the woman's upper chest. She explained that it was likely caused unintentionally when he took the infant from her arms.

The content of this article will be updated as further information becomes available.

The article was initially published on Diwida.| Tyreek Hill implicated in a 'domestic disagreement' with his spouse: All the details available .

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