Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. crowned FIFA Player of the Year – Newstrends
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Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. crowned FIFA Player of the Year

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Vinicius Jr

Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. crowned FIFA Player of the Year

Vinicius Jr, the electrifying Real Madrid and Brazil winger, has soared to football’s pinnacle, clinching the coveted FIFA Men’s Player of the Year award at the prestigious ceremony in Doha.

The 24-year-old maestro, who famously skipped the recent Ballon d’Or gala after missing out to Manchester City’s midfield dynamo Rodri, turned the tide with this glittering accolade.

It’s a triumph well-earned—Vinicius dazzled in Real Madrid’s sensational Champions League and La Liga double-winning season, netting 24 goals and crafting 11 assists in the 2023-24 campaign.

Draped in glory, Vinicius reflected on his meteoric rise with heartfelt humility: “It seemed impossible when I played barefoot in the streets of São Gonçalo, and now I’m here.”

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The moment carried added sweetness for Vinicius, marking his first-ever FIFA Best award—a golden consolation following Real Madrid’s bold boycott of the Ballon d’Or.

Meanwhile, Barcelona’s midfield magician Aitana Bonmatí claimed the Women’s Player of the Year title for the second consecutive year, further cementing her dominance on the global stage.

According to BBC, The award, recognising performances from August 2023 to August 2024, was decided through a mix of votes—public input, a journalist from each country, and the captains and coaches of national teams. Each group’s vote carried equal weight, blending opinion and expertise.

Rodri, the architect of Spain’s Euro 2024 success, settled for second place, while Real Madrid’s sensational England star Jude Bellingham completed the podium in third.

 

Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. crowned FIFA Player of the Year

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7 things to know about Eric Chelle, new Super Eagles coach

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Eric Chelle

7 things to know about Eric Chelle, new Super Eagles coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles.

As the team looks to turn its fortunes around, here are seven key things you should know about the man tasked with steering Nigeria’s football giants back to glory.

What to know about Eric Chelle, new Super Eagles gaffer

1. Eric Chelle led Mali to quarter-final finish at AFCON 2023

Eric Chelle was Mali’s head coach during the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire. Under his guidance, Mali advanced to the quarter-finals, marking a great milestone for the team.

However, their campaign ended in heartbreak when they were defeated by the host nation in extra time.

2. A memorable reaction to defeat

Chelle’s emotional response to Mali’s quarter-final loss was one of the most striking moments of the tournament.

After the match, he was seen squatting on the sideline, hyperventilating. His assistants rushed to revive him with bottles of water, underscoring his deep passion and commitment to the team.

3. Experience in French football’s lower leagues

Before taking the reins of Mali’s national team in 2022, Chelle managed several clubs in the lower tiers of French football.

His coaching stints included GS Consolat, FC Martigues, and Boulogne, where he honed his skills despite limited resources and visibility.

4. A modest playing career

As a player, Chelle represented Mali’s senior national team five times. His club career saw him feature for French sides such as Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais.

While not a household name during his playing days, his experience across these clubs provided a solid foundation for his coaching journey.

5. Immediate responsibility for World Cup qualification

Chelle’s appointment comes with high stakes. He is charged with leading the Super Eagles to secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.

Nigeria is currently in a precarious position, sitting fifth in Group C of the qualifiers, winless after four games.

6. A challenging first assignment

Chelle’s debut as Nigeria’s head coach will come in March when the Super Eagles face Rwanda and Zimbabwe in the next round of qualifiers.

These matches are crucial for reviving Nigeria’s chances of making it to the World Cup.

7. An opportunity to revive the Super Eagles

Chelle’s appointment signals a fresh start for the Super Eagles. Fans hope his international experience with Mali and his ability to work under pressure will translate into success for Nigeria.

With a passionate fan base and talented players, Chelle has the tools to make a huge impact if he can bring the team together.

7 things to know about Eric Chelle, new Super Eagles coach

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Newcastle beat Arsenal 2-0 to close in on League Cup final

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Newcastle beat Arsenal 2-0 to close in on League Cup final

Alexander Isak scored his 50th goal for Newcastle United as Eddie Howe’s side took a huge step towards the League Cup final with a 2-0 victory at Arsenal on Tuesday.

Isak struck shortly before halftime in the first leg of the semi-final at a chilly Emirates Stadium and then had a big role in Newcastle’s second scored by Anthony Gordon after the break.

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Arsenal were left to rue their failure to convert several good chances with Gabriel Martinelli denied by the woodwork in the first half and Kai Havertz missing a golden opportunity.

In-form Newcastle, who have not won a major trophy since 1955, will now be clear favourites to complete the job in the second leg on Tyneside next month.

Tottenham Hotspur host holders Liverpool in the first leg of the other semi-final of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

Newcastle beat Arsenal 2-0 to close in on League Cup final

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Neymar open to Messi reunion at Inter Miami, eyes 2026 World Cup

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Neymar open to Messi reunion at Inter Miami, eyes 2026 World Cup

Brazilian forward Neymar said reuniting with his former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Inter Miami is an interesting prospect and did not rule out a move to the United States as his Al-Hilal contract winds down.

Once one of football’s most feared forwards, Neymar struck up a lethal partnership with Messi and Suarez to lead Barcelona to a historic treble before his record-breaking 222 million euros ($230.39 million) move to Paris St Germain in 2017.

“Obviously, playing again with Messi and Suarez would be incredible. They are my friends, we still speak to each other,” Neymar told CNN.

“It would be interesting to revive this trio. I’m happy at Al-Hilal, I’m happy in Saudi Arabia, but who knows. Football is full of surprises.”

Neymar has played only seven times for Al-Hilal since moving from PSG for a reported fee of 90 million euros in 2023, with injuries keeping the Brazilian sidelined for long periods. His contract is up in June.

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He spent six seasons at PSG where he scored 118 goals but despite immense success on the domestic front, he failed to win the Champions League again with the French club before making the switch to the Saudi Pro League.

“When the news came out that I was leaving Paris St Germain, the transfer window was closed in the United States, so I didn’t have this option (of moving to Miami in 2023),” Neymar added.

“The project they offered me (in Saudi Arabia) was very good, not just for me but also for my family, so going to Saudi Arabia was the best option.”

Neymar is Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals and the 32-year-old said he would have one last shot at World Cup glory in 2026.

With six rounds left in the South American qualifiers where the top six automatically qualify, Brazil are fifth in the standings.

“I will try, I want to be there. I will do everything I can to be part of the national team,” said Neymar, who has not played since rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee during a qualifier in October 2023.

“I know this be my last World Cup, my last shot, my last chance and I will do everything I can to play in it.”

Neymar open to Messi reunion at Inter Miami, eyes 2026 World Cup

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