John Cena retires from WWE after 22 years

US wrestling star John Cena has announced he is retiring from competing in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) events.

Speaking at the Money In The Bank event in Toronto, Canada, the 47-year-old said his last appearances will be at the Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, and WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas, in 2025.

He said he had been doing WWE for over two decades and over the course of his career had seen “incredible prosperity” and “tremendous hardship”.

The star’s announcement was met by a cheering crowd who went on to chant “Thank you Cena”.

“What in incredible gesture of kindness,” Cena said in response to fans in the arena. “I wanna say thank you, thank you so much for letting me play in the house that you built.”

He ended his speech by inviting other “WWE superstars” to “hurry up and come get some… because the last time is now”.

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Cena has been signed to WWE since 2001 – when it was known as WWF – but has performed part-time since 2018. During his time in the ring he has become 16-time world champion.

He is regarded within WWE as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time

He has also appeared in numerous films including 2015 comedy Trainwreck, written and starring comedian Amy Schumer, 2021 film The Suicide Squad – based on the DC Comics team – alongside Margot Robbie and most recently Matthew Vaughn’s spy action comedy Argylle.

Having moved to California in the late 1990s to pursue a bodybuilding career, Cena switched to professional wrestling in 1999.

He quickly became a breakout star in the WWE, portraying both villainous and heroic characters.

In 2005 he released his only album You Can’t See Me, named after his popular catchphrase, which reached number 103 on the UK albums chart.

John Cena retires from WWE after 22 years

Ndidi tips Lookman for CAF Player of the Year

Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi believes Ademola Lookman will win this year’s CAF Africa Footballer of the Year award, edging out Victor Osimhen, Soccernet.ng reports.

Osimhen, the current holder, faces tough competition from Lookman for the title.

Lookman has had a standout season with Atalanta in Serie A, playing a key role in their success.

He scored a hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, securing Atalanta’s first-ever European trophy.

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• Euro 2024: England overcome Switzerland in dramatic penalty shoo-tout
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• Uruguay beat Brazil on penalties to reach Copa America semi-finals

Euro 2024: England overcome Switzerland in dramatic penalty shoo-tout

England’s pursuit of their first major tournament victory in nearly six decades remains alive after a thrilling penalty shootout win over Switzerland.

The Three Lions secured a 5-3 victory on penalties to advance to the Euro 2024 semi-finals, following a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes of play.

Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford emerged as England’s hero, saving the first penalty from Switzerland’s Manuel Akanji. England’s penalty takers—Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney, and Trent Alexander-Arnold—were flawless, securing a semi-final clash with either Turkey or the Netherlands in Dortmund on Wednesday.

England had previously needed a late equalizer from Bellingham to overcome Slovakia in the last 16, and they faced a similar scenario against Switzerland. With 10 minutes remaining, they were trailing after a largely uneventful match.

Breel Embolo broke the deadlock for Switzerland, but England responded swiftly with their first shot on target, a stunning strike from Saka from outside the box.

Despite a history of poor performances in major tournament quarter-finals, Switzerland once again fell short. Akanji’s missed penalty added to their woes, continuing their streak of never reaching a semi-final.

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England, on the other hand, progresses despite another lackluster display. Manager Gareth Southgate, in his 100th match in charge, made strategic adjustments, including handing Ezri Konsa his first competitive international start in place of the suspended Marc Guehi and switching to a back three.

Saka, retained on the right wing, proved to be England’s most dangerous player in a first half that saw no shots on target from either side. He continuously troubled Switzerland’s defense and created a significant chance for Kobbie Mainoo just before half-time.

The match maintained a slow pace into the second half until Embolo’s weak effort was easily saved by Pickford. Southgate, often criticized for his late substitutions, made impactful changes after England fell behind. The introductions of Palmer, Eberechi Eze, and Luke Shaw revitalized the team.

Saka equalized within five minutes, cutting inside and firing in off the far post. Switzerland’s Yann Sommer made a crucial save to deny Declan Rice during extra time, and Harry Kane suffered an injury after a fall.

Switzerland nearly scored in the second half of extra time when Xherdan Shaqiri’s corner hit the woodwork, and Pickford saved a powerful strike from Zeki Amdouni.

England’s penalty history at the Euros has been mixed, but they executed perfectly this time. Saka, who had missed the decisive penalty in the Euro 2020 final, found redemption with his successful spot-kick.

England now looks ahead to their semi-final match, with hopes of ending their long wait for a major tournament title still intact.

Euro 2024: England overcome Switzerland in dramatic penalty shoo-tout