Sports

Galatasaray Reject €125m Bid for Victor Osimhen

Published

2 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Galatasaray Reject €125m Bid for Victor Osimhen

Turkish champions Galatasaray have reportedly rejected a staggering €125 million offer for Victor Osimhen, reaffirming their determination to keep the Super Eagles striker despite growing interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs ahead of the summer transfer window.

According to Turkish outlet Forza Cimbom, the Istanbul giants wasted no time in turning down the lucrative proposal, extending their hardline transfer stance after earlier reports claimed they had also rejected a €120 million bid from Atletico Madrid.

The latest rejection underlines Galatasaray’s confidence in the Nigerian international, who has established himself as one of the most prolific forwards in European football since arriving from Napoli.

Galatasaray Unwilling to Part Ways with Osimhen

Club officials have made it clear that Victor Osimhen remains central to Galatasaray’s long-term ambitions and that no offer below their valuation will be entertained.

The Turkish champions view the 27-year-old as the cornerstone of their domestic and European ambitions after his remarkable goalscoring exploits helped maintain their dominance in the Turkish Super Lig and boost their UEFA Champions League campaign.

Despite intense speculation linking him with a move away from Istanbul, Galatasaray are determined to resist mounting pressure from elite European clubs.

Manchester United, Barcelona Lead Chase for Nigerian Star

The Nigerian striker continues to attract interest from Manchester United, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, with several other top clubs monitoring his situation.

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Osimhen’s consistent performances and proven ability to deliver in both domestic and European competitions have made him one of the most sought-after forwards in world football.

However, Galatasaray believe retaining their star striker is crucial as they prepare for another title challenge and aim to improve on their recent Champions League performance.

Osimhen’s Outstanding Numbers

Since joining Galatasaray, Victor Osimhen has enjoyed an extraordinary run in front of goal, scoring 59 goals in 74 appearances across all competitions.

This season, the Super Eagles forward has recorded 15 league goals and five assists in 22 matches, while contributing seven goals and three assists in 10 UEFA Champions League games before the Turkish side exited the competition at the Round of 16 stage.

His exceptional form has significantly increased his market value and strengthened Galatasaray’s resolve to keep him at the club.

Captain’s Armband and No. 9 Jersey Offered

In a bold move to convince Osimhen to remain in Istanbul, Galatasaray are reportedly prepared to hand him the captain’s armband and the club’s iconic No. 9 jersey, currently worn by Argentine striker Mauro Icardi.

The symbolic gesture is designed to make the Nigerian international the face of the club’s future project and further strengthen his emotional connection with the supporters.

Club executives reportedly believe such leadership responsibilities may not be immediately available at clubs like Manchester United or Barcelona, where established captains and senior dressing-room figures already exist.

Icardi’s Expected Exit Strengthens Galatasaray’s Position

Galatasaray’s determination to retain Osimhen has been reinforced by the expected departure of Mauro Icardi, whose contract is set to expire at the end of June.

Losing both strikers in the same transfer window would leave the Turkish champions significantly weakened in attack, threatening their ambitions of defending the league title and making a deeper run in European competition next season.

Osimhen Remains Committed to Galatasaray

Despite persistent transfer speculation, Osimhen has repeatedly expressed his appreciation for life in Istanbul and his admiration for Galatasaray supporters.

While interest from Europe’s elite clubs is expected to continue throughout the transfer window, the Turkish champions remain adamant that their prized asset is not available for sale unless an extraordinary offer changes the club’s position.

With negotiations likely to intensify in the coming weeks, Victor Osimhen’s future is set to remain one of the biggest stories of the summer transfer market.

Galatasaray Reject €125m Bid for Victor Osimhen

Sports

Ronaldo’s Final World Cup Under Pressure as Portugal Star Searches for First Goal

Published

2 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Trends Admin

Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo’s Final World Cup Under Pressure as Portugal Star Searches for First Goal

Cristiano Ronaldo’s record-equalling sixth and final World Cup was always going to grab headlines, though perhaps not as early in the tournament as we have seen and for the reasons that have unfolded. It all started with a sub-par performance from the 41-year-old in Portugal‘s 1-1 draw with DR Congo in their World Cup opener. Then a regular post-match interview from João Neves was blown out of proportion and the Portugal camp was thrown into chaos. Such was the turmoil that it inevitably found its way into the national team’s camp in Palm Beach, threatening to derail their campaign before it has truly begun.

The trouble began when Neves, who had actually scored Portugal’s only goal in the opener, was asked about Ronaldo’s role in the squad. Neves, no stranger to facing the media in difficult circumstances, responded: “We know what Ronaldo has done for our national team, but at this moment I feel that for him, and for everyone, he’s one of us. He’s one more player trying to help, he’s no different to the others. He’s here to contribute like we all will.” What followed was a backlash that few could have anticipated. Ronaldo fans flooded the social media accounts of Neves, Bruno Fernandes, and others, accusing them of not respecting the Portugal captain. Even by Ronaldo’s standards as a global superstar, the reaction felt unprecedented, with pundits like Vitor Pinto of the Record newspaper noting: “It highlights the risk of a civil war that could emerge within the national team.”

The situation escalated when members of Ronaldo’s inner circle joined the online debate. His partner, Georgina Rodriguez, reacted to a fake quote attributed to Neves’ girlfriend, Madalena Aragao, before later deleting her comment. His sisters Katia and Elma Aveiro shared posts suggesting there had been an attempt to freeze Ronaldo out of the team. On CMTV – Portugal’s most-watched TV channel, in which Ronaldo is a shareholder – a pundit and lawyer who has represented the striker in business matters even cited a fake quote attributed to Zinedine Zidane in defence of him. The chaos reached its peak when Neves’ girlfriend, who had nothing to do with any of it, was forced to limit replies on her social media posts after being flooded with abuse. Ruben Dias, clearly exhausted, told reporters: “Honestly, I don’t care at all. I don’t think about it and nobody in the team cares.”

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The controversy has been amplified by Ronaldo’s alarming goal drought. He has now failed to score in each of his last 10 major tournament appearances (World Cup and European Championship), a run that stretches back to a penalty against Ghana in the 2022 World Cup. That is despite attempting 33 shots and amassing an expected goals (xG) total of 4.5 in those games. Excluding penalties, he has gone 13 appearances without a major tournament goal, firing in 42 non-penalty shots worth 4.5 non-pen xG. Against DR Congo, he had just 25 touches (the fewest of any Portugal player to play the full match), took three shots without hitting the target, and even took one chance off the toes of Bruno Fernandes.

Ronaldo’s struggles have led to growing calls for him to be dropped. According to a recent poll conducted by the Zerozero website, 63% of Portuguese fans do not want him to start against Uzbekistan. Critics argue his lack of defensive contribution is no longer offset by goals. Luis Mateus, executive director of A Bola, stated: “He’s not the solution, and that alone makes him part of the problem. His goals used to make up for his lack of defensive contribution. Now he is no longer scoring, and he is affecting the entire attack mentally because his teammates still want to serve him even when there are better options.” Despite the criticism, coach Roberto Martinez has remained loyal. Under Martinez, Ronaldo has been substituted 13 times in 30 matches, but only once before the 60th minute. After the DR Congo draw, he remarked: “It doesn’t make sense to take off the world’s best goal-scorer in a situation where goals are needed.”

Portugal head into their second Group K match knowing a big response is needed. The draw with DR Congo means Portugal could now fail to win both of their opening two matches of a World Cup campaign for just the second time, previously doing so in 2014. A win against Uzbekistan is essential to relieve the pressure, ideally with Ronaldo finding the net. Despite the chaos, Portugal are rated as the clear favourites by the Opta supercomputer, given a win probability of 78.0% compared to Uzbekistan’s 8.0%. The match marks the first-ever encounter between Portugal and Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan, who lost 3-1 to Colombia in their opener, will sense an opportunity if Portugal are distracted.

For Ronaldo, the match presents an opportunity to silence his critics and end his 10-game goal drought. He has been here before. In 2010, he arrived at the World Cup after going two years without scoring in a competitive Portugal match, famously remarking: “Goals are like ketchup. When they come, they come all at once.” He ended his drought in the second group match against North Korea. He will be hoping for a similar outcome against Uzbekistan. The entire world will be watching to see if Portugal can unite and if Ronaldo can finally deliver on the biggest stage once again.

Ronaldo’s Final World Cup Under Pressure as Portugal Star Searches for First Goal

Sports

Mbappé Chases Messi’s Record as France Beat Iraq to Reach World Cup Last 32

Published

11 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Trends Admin

Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi

Mbappé Chases Messi’s Record as France Beat Iraq to Reach World Cup Last 32

Kylian Mbappe scored twice on his 100th international appearance to move joint-second on the all-time World Cup goalscoring list, as France overcame a near two-hour weather delay to beat Iraq 3-0 and secure their place in the Round of 32. The match at Philadelphia Stadium became the first at the 2026 World Cup to be interrupted by severe weather, with lightning strikes forcing an unprecedented halftime suspension that lasted nearly two hours. When play resumed, Didier Deschamps’ side showed no signs of rust, adding two more goals to confirm their status as one of the tournament’s strongest contenders.

The France captain opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a characteristically clinical finish, arrowing a left-footed strike into the far corner from the edge of the penalty area after a clever pass from Michael Olise. His second, arriving in the 54th minute after the weather interruption, was far simpler. A catastrophic defensive error from Iraq goalkeeper Ahmed Basil — who failed to control a short goal-kick from defender Zaid Tahseen — allowed Ousmane Dembele to steal possession and square for Mbappe to tap into an empty net. That brace took Mbappe’s World Cup career tally to 16 goals in just 16 matches, drawing him level with German icon Miroslav Klose and moving within two of the all-time record set by Lionel Messi just hours earlier. Messi had scored twice for Argentina against Austria to reach 18 World Cup goals, breaking the record Klose had held since 2014.

The match made unwanted history as the first World Cup game interrupted by severe weather. With France leading 1-0 at halftime, a thunderstorm cell moved over Philadelphia Stadium, bringing heavy rain and frequent lightning strikes within eight miles of the venue. FIFA safety protocols forced an immediate suspension of play, with fans directed to shelter in the stadium concourses while players retreated to their dressing rooms. The delay lasted approximately one hour and 50 minutes before match officials deemed conditions safe to resume. France manager Didier Deschamps described the interruption as “emotionally and mentally draining” for his squad. During the extended break, his players kept warm with light cycling exercises, while the coach later joked they “played cards” to pass the time. Iraq boss Graham Arnold took a more analytical approach, reviewing first-half footage with his players to identify tactical adjustments. Ground staff worked tirelessly to clear standing water from the pitch, and the second half finally kicked off around 8:00 PM local time — more than two hours after the first period had ended. The weather stoppage also led officials to cancel the scheduled second-half hydration break, with only two minutes of added time played.

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France’s third goal arrived in the 66th minute through Ousmane Dembele, who scored his first-ever goal for France at a major tournament in his 20th appearance. The finish — a composed strike into the bottom corner — was set up by a brilliant outside-of-the-foot pass from Olise, who continued his outstanding creative performance. Les Bleus had chances to extend their advantage further. Adrien Rabiot missed a clear header from close range, while Olise struck the crossbar with an audacious dink over the advancing goalkeeper. In the closing stages, Mbappe raced clear on goal and appeared destined to complete his hat-trick, but he blazed a left-footed effort high and wide.

Despite the defeat, Iraq showed resilience in the final 20 minutes. Defender Rebin Sulaka volleyed over from Zidane Iqbal’s corner, while Ali Al Hamadi narrowly failed to connect with a teasing cross from Marko Farji. However, the result leaves Iraq bottom of Group I with zero points after two matches, confirming their elimination from the tournament. The Asian side had also lost their opening fixture and now have no mathematical path to the knockout stage.

The victory gives France a perfect six points from two matches, with Norway also on six points following their win over Senegal. Both teams have officially secured qualification for the World Cup Round of 32 with one group game still to play. France, who reached the final in both 2018 and 2022, are now bidding to become the first nation to reach three consecutive World Cup finals since Brazil achieved the feat between 1994 and 2002. Their final Group I fixture against Norway on June 26 will decide top spot, but both sides are already through.

Mbappe’s pursuit of history remains one of the tournament’s defining storylines. With 16 goals in 16 World Cup matches, the French superstar is averaging one goal per game at the sport’s biggest tournament. At just 27 years old, he has the opportunity to challenge Messi’s record of 18 in future World Cups, making every France match a potential history-making occasion. France’s depth was also on full display in Philadelphia. Even without several key players, Deschamps’ squad demonstrated remarkable composure through an unprecedented interruption, highlighting the team’s mental toughness and tournament pedigree. The weather delay itself may also have broader implications for the tournament moving forward. This marks the first weather stoppage of the 2026 World Cup, raising questions about contingency planning at other stadiums across North America as the continent enters peak thunderstorm season.

Mbappé Chases Messi’s Record as France Beat Iraq to Reach World Cup Last 32

Sports

“Unreal”: Bangladesh Explodes as Messi Shatters World Cup Record – VIDEO

Published

20 hours ago

June 22, 2026

Trends Admin

“Unreal”: Bangladesh Explodes as Messi Shatters World Cup Record – VIDEO

Tens of thousands storm university campuses and streets across Dhaka at 7 a.m. to celebrate Argentina’s 3-0 victory and Messi’s historic hat-trick, 17,000 kilometers from the stadium.

Bangladesh, a nation with a population of over 177 million and a deep, almost inexplicable love for Argentina, has once again demonstrated why it might just be the most passionate football country on Earth. As Lionel Messi scored a historic hat-trick against Algeria in the World Cup 2026 opening match, tens of thousands of fans poured into the streets and universities of Dhaka, celebrating as if Argentina was playing in their own backyard. The scenes, which quickly went viral across social media, showed a sea of sky-blue-and-white flags and Argentina jerseys flooding the capital. The epicenter of the celebration was the Daffodil International University (DIU) in Dhaka, where the student center organized a public viewing on a giant screen starting at 7:00 a.m. local time. Despite the early morning hour, the venue was packed with over 2,000 young fans who had stayed awake all night or woken up early to support the Albiceleste.

The atmosphere was electric. Every touch of the ball by the Argentine captain was met with cheers, but the real explosion came when Messi scored his hat-trick—the first of his World Cup career. The achievement also moved him level with Miroslav Klose as the all-time top scorer in World Cup history, a feat that sent the crowd into absolute delirium. “I had a feeling Messi would probably score once, but I never imagined he would produce a hat-trick in the very first game,” one fan recounted, capturing the collective astonishment of millions. Videos show that when the third goal went in, dozens of fans invaded the stage set up for the event, overwhelmed by emotion, waving Argentine flags and chanting “Messi, Messi!” The impact was so significant that a local television anchor came on air wearing an Argentina shirt, showing that the fever had even hit the newsrooms.

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The connection between Bangladesh and Argentina is a unique cultural phenomenon that has puzzled and fascinated the football world for decades. According to estimates, over 70 million people in Bangladesh supported Argentina in the 2022 World Cup—more than the entire population of Argentina itself. This love affair is not merely about winning. It has deep historical roots tracing back to the 1986 World Cup. When Diego Maradona scored the “Hand of God” goal against England, many in Bangladesh—a former British colony that endured a brutal independence war in 1971—saw it as a symbolic victory for the underdog against a former colonial power. Maradona became “a hero for the weak to adore,” a sentiment that has been seamlessly transferred to Messi.

For the younger generation in Bangladesh, the man named Messi is the “GOAT” —a source of motivation and inspiration. One commentator noted that “at nearly 40, Messi continues to accept challenges… He inspires us, he encourages us.” This admiration translates into massive public displays of support, including the construction of a 10-meter-tall replica of an Argentina jersey, dubbed “The Symbol of Craziness,” hung between two buildings in Dhaka.

The joy was not confined to the university campus. Across Dhaka, thousands took to the streets in massive motorcycle processions. Honking horns, blaring trumpets, and the sound of firecrackers filled the air as fans celebrated deep into the night. The passion extended beyond Bangladesh into neighboring India and Pakistan, where similar mass gatherings and watch parties were organized, proving that the love for Messi and Argentina crosses all borders in South Asia.

Hundreds of fans in Bangladesh celebrated Messi breaking the all-time World Cup record, storming the streets on motorcycles. This passion is unreal 😳 pic.twitter.com/rXInf2alsO

— Cleverly 💐 (@Cleverlydey4u) June 22, 2026