I’m just a Football player

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Nice defender Youcef Atal has defended himself over sharing an anti-Semitic post on social media during the October international break. Appearing in court on Monday, the Algerian international explained why he shared a video from Palestinian preacher Mahmoud al-Hasanat on the Isreal-Hamas crisis. Atal said he believed it to be a message of peace for people suffering in war. In his opening statement, Atal expressed regret for not watching the video to the end and clarified his intention.  

"I’m just a Football player" - Youcef Atal defends sharing anti-semitic post in Court

Youcef Atal – Getty image “I shared it because I thought it was really a message of peace. I want people to stop suffering. It’s not my intention to be against anyone. Unfortunately, I didn’t finish the video.” When questioned about the post’s author, Atal admitted he didn’t check and emphasized his focus on the message rather than the person behind it. He also explained that he removed the post and apologized following the club’s instructions. “I’m just a football player, I’m not trying to get into politics,” Atal added. Meanwhile, according to reports, Atal has been suspended by both the LFP and his club since October 1st. An insider information, as carried by Get Football News France, states that he won’t play for Nice again, with the club reportedly seeking to offload him in January.

Football icon George Weah loses Liberia’s presidential election, congratulates winner

Football icon George Weah loses Liberia’s presidential election, congratulates winner

Football icon and former FIFA World Best Player George Weah has conceded defeat in Liberia’s 2023 presidential election. Weah who is the current president of his country is said to have called his challenger, Joseph Boakai, acknowledging his victory. Boakai secured a lead of 28,000 votes in almost all ballots counted. In his address to the country, Weah expressed respect for the democratic process and the voice of the Liberian people. Football icon George Weah loses Liberia’s presidential election, congratulates winnerFootball icon George Weah loses Liberia’s presidential election, congratulates winnerLiberia’s President George Weah – Getty image He said, “the Liberian people have spoken, and we have heard their voice.” Weah had been in power since 2018 and will step down from the presidency after the inauguration of the new president in January. Weah’s presidency which was initially met with excitement, especially from younger voters, faced criticism for perceived failures in addressing corruption, rising price of commodities, and economic challenges. Despite winning the election in 2018 against Boakai with a large margin, Weah’s popularity dropped drastically during his tenure. Boakai, at 78 years old, secured 50.89% of the votes, while Weah received 49.11%, according to the electoral commission. Weah who is the first footballer to become a country’s president, accepted the result of the close race, stating the need for unity in Liberia, “Unity is paramount for mama Liberia.”

Sir Ferguson lead list of football legends at Sir Bobby charlton’s Funeral

Sir Ferguson lead list of football legends at Sir Bobby charlton's Funeral

Sir Alex Ferguson, Prince William, and a host of English football legends joined mourners at Sir Bobby Charlton’s funeral service on Monday. The funeral procession honouring one of the England’s greatest-ever players passed by Old Trafford before reaching Manchester Cathedral for a memorial service. Ferguson, who arrived with former United CEO David Gill, offered words about the legend. “He was a fantastic man. I’m here at United because of Bobby Charlton.

Sir Ferguson lead list of football legends at Sir Bobby charlton's Funeral

Alex Ferguson attends Sir Bobby Charlton’s funeral “The day I came, he supported me 100 per cent, all the way. He was totally behind me and everything we tried to do with youth,” Ferguson said. United players, past and present, also paid their respects. Maguire, Shaw, Evans, and Heaton represented the current squad. Former stars Crerand, Stepney, Robson, Scholes, Keane, Schmeichel, and Cole also attended.

Tunde Ednut reacts as Rema skips Messi, shakes football stars

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Content creator Tunde Ednut has reacted after artist Rema skipped Argentina icon Messi while shaking other footballers at the Ballon d’Or. At the renowned 2023 Ballon d’Or event, Nigerian Afrobeat sensation Divine Ikubor, better known by his stage name Rema, accomplished a noteworthy milestone in his international music career with a riveting performance of his hit track “Calm Down.” Rema became the first Nigerian musician to perform on stage at this globally recognized award ceremony, making this appearance historic. Although the Afrobeat artist’s feat in being on the Ballon d’Or stage was impressive, there was one specific moment during his performance that created a lot of interest and attention.

"He didn’t shake Messi”- Tunde Ednut reacts as Rema shakes football stars, skips Messi

Rema, Nigeian artist performing at Balloon d’Or. Witnesses saw Rema shaking hands with a number of football greats, including Bernardo Silva, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr., Erling Haaland, Ruben Dias, and Gundogan. What was notable, though, was that he quickly left the stage to finish his incredible performance without engaging in a conversation with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi. Rema’s appearance at the Ballon d’Or ceremony is more evidence of the increasing global acclaim that Nigerian musicians are receiving. Sharing the video that captured the moment of interaction between Rema and the football stars, Tunde Ednut wrote: “Rema, Nigeria is proud of you. He shook the world’s best but didn’t shake Messi. Chai, Maybe he didn’t see Messi.” “DROP THAT LOVE ❤️❤️❤️❤️ FOR REMA. This guy don blow finish. EDO STATE TO THE WORLD.”

“I played football for six years” ― Kim Kardashian speaks on early career

"I played football for six years" ― Kim Kardashian speaks on early career

The ex-wife of Kanye West and American reality star, Kim Kardashian,  has disclosed that she played football for six years but had to quit because she wasn’t good at the game. The 42-year-old media personality, who spoke on the sideline of the Inter Miami vs Cruz Azul Leagues Cup match at the DRV PNK Stadium, on Friday, said she wasn’t good at football but loved the game.

"I played football for six years" ― Kim Kardashian speaks on early career

Kim Kardashian She also noted that she played as a goalkeeper and centre-forward for six years before quitting. Sportkeeda quoted the TV star as saying; “I played soccer for five or six years. I was a goalie and a center-forward. I loved it, so I’m happy that my boy loves it and that we can come and hang out. “They’re so excited and that just makes me so excited. I’m happy to be here with Victoria and David and everyone”. Kim and her children were among some select celebrities that were present to watch Lionel Messi’s debut for Major League Soccer club, Inter Miami. The SKIMS founder, 42, shared a sweet clip of her 7-year-old Saint and a friend meeting his sports idol Messi, 36, as they watched the Inter Miami player’s first game at DRV PNK Stadium in Florida. In a clip shared on her Instagram Story, Kardashian filmed Saint with a friend standing on the pitch to the side as Messi approached while making his exit. “Messi! Messi! Messi!,” they were heard calling. Messi then stopped to take a photo with Saint’s friend and afterwards, began taking one with Saint. “Best day of their entire lives,” Kardashian captioned the clip. The excited pair who had donned Messi soccer shirts for the occasion were seen in another Instagram Story video jumping up and down and hugging each other afterwards. Saint then threw his head back and shot his arms up as fireworks went off at the stadium.

Kardashian’s son Saint, 7, met Messi at his first Inter Miami game on Friday. KIM KARDASHIAN/INSTAGRAM The young soccer fan also received a signed shirt from Messi, which Kardashian snapped a photo of and shared on her Instagram Story. Kardashian said she brought son Saint — who she shares with ex Kanye West — to the Inter Miami game as he is “obsessed with soccer.” “I will do anything for my babies,” Kardashian told Major League Soccer. “So I traveled the world. We do soccer trips. All summer, we’re going to different exhibition games.”

USA football legend Megan Rapinoe announces her retirement

USA football legend Megan Rapinoe announces her retirement

American footballer, Megan Rapinoe has announced her decision to retire at the end of the season, as she prepares to play in her fourth and final Women’s World Cup. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, July 8, ahead of her 200th appearance for the United States in a match against Wales on Sunday, July 9, Rapinoe said; USA football legend Megan Rapinoe announces her retirement Megan Rapinoe celebrating a goal. Source: Getty ‘This is going to be my last season, my last World Cup and my last NWSL season,’ she told reporters. ‘Obviously there will be more to come, further down the road, after hopefully we get done what we want to get done. ‘I just want to say thank you to everybody, to Vlatko [Andonovski, US head coach], to US Soccer, to everyone I’ve played with, all of my coaches. I could never have imagined where this beautiful game would have taken me. ‘I’ve been able to have such an incredible career, and this game has brought me all over the world and allowed me to meet so many amazing people.  ‘I feel incredibly grateful to have played as long as I have, to be as successful as we’ve been, and to have been a part of a generation of players who undoubtedly left the game better than they found it. To be able to play one last World Cup and one last NWSL season and go out on my own terms is incredibly special. USA football legend Megan Rapinoe announces her retirement Megan Rapinoe speaking at a press conference. Source: Getty ‘I want to thank my family for being by my side all these years. Thanks to all my teammates and coaches all the way back to my first days in Redding, on to college at the University of Portland and of course thanks to U.S. Soccer, the Seattle Reign and especially Sue, for everything.  ‘I will forever cherish the friendships and support over the years in this game, and I am beyond excited for one last ride with the National Team and the Reign.’ Megan Rapinoe went public with her decision to retire from football, weeks after she spoke at a ceremony celebrating the jersey retirement of her partner Sue Bird at WNBA team Seattle Storm. Rapinoe is an iconic figure and one of the greatest female players ever to grace the game. The 38-year-old has won the World Cup twice with the USWNT, winning 199 caps for the national team and scoring 63 times in an extraordinary career. Rapinoe has also won the Best FIFA Women’s Player of the Year, the Ballon d’Or, and the Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year as well as claiming the Golden Ball and the Golden Boot on her way to lifting the 2019 World Cup.

Cesc Fabregas announces retirement from football

Cesc Fabregas announces retirement from football

Cesc Fabregas has announced his retirement from football as he begins to embark on his coaching career with Como 1907’s B and Primavera teams. The 36-year-old Spaniard has enjoyed remarkable success in a host of different countries since making his senior debut for Arsenal way back in 2004 and some 17 years later, he has decided the time is now right to call it quits.

Cesc Fabregas announces retirement from football

Fabregas was part of Arsenal’s FA Cup-winning side in May 2005. Source: Getty In what will rank as one of the great modern-day careers, Fabregas made a total of 738 club appearances for Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea, Monaco and Como, and won 15 club and international trophies, including Spain’s first-ever World Cup. Fabregas became Arsenal’s youngest-ever first-team player, aged 16 and 177 days, when he made his debut for the club in October 2003. He went on to make 303 appearances for the Gunners, during which time he won the FA Cup and was part of the team that finished as runners-up in the Champions League. Fabregas returned to Barcelona, where he won La Liga and the Copa del Rey, before coming back to England to join Chelsea in 2014.

Cesc Fabregas announces retirement from football

Fabregas lifted the Premier League trophy with Chelsea in 2017, two years after winning his first title with the Blues under Jose Mourinho. Source: Getty During five seasons at Stamford Bridge, Fabregas won two Premier League titles, the League Cup and the FA Cup. The Spaniard made 110 appearances for his country and won two European Championships and the 2010 World Cup, setting up the extra-time winner for Andreas Iniesta in the final. Announcing his retirement from football, Cesc Fabregas said; “It is with great sadness that the time has come for me to hang up my playing boots. From my first days at Barca, Arsenal, Barca again, Chelsea, Monaco and Como, I will treasure them all.  Cesc Fabregas announces retirement from footballCesc Fabregas at a football meeting. Source: Getty “From lifting the World Cup, the Euros, to winning everything in England and Spain and nearly all the European trophies, it has been a journey that I’ll never forget. “All those who have helped me, my team-mates, coaches, directors, presidents, owners, fans and my agent. To all my family, from my parents and my sister to my wife and kids, I cherish your advice,  mentorship and guidance. To my opponents who tried to knock me, thank you for making me stronger.  “It has already been more than worth it with all the great memories and friends that I have made on the way.  “I’ve also learnt 3 languages and became more compassionate and wiser along my travels. I lived experiences that I never thought in a million years I would even come close to.”

Ailing football fan wills everything he owns to PSG player, Neymar

Ailing football fan wills everything has to Neymar

An ailing football fan and lover of multi-millionaire football player, Neymar Jr. has willed everything he owns to the legendary player. The anonymous fan could not think of a more deserving recipient of his worldly goods than Neymar Jr. of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

Ailing football fan wills everything has to Neymar

Neymar Jr. of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) He said that beyond a love for the national team and for Brazil’s football legacy, he identified with Neymar, which led him to officially name the Brazil striker in his will. “I like Neymar, I identify with him a lot. I also suffer with defamation, I am also very family-oriented and the relationship with his father reminds me a lot of mine with my father, who has passed away,” the fan said in an interview. “I am not in very good health and, because of that, I really saw that I don’t have anyone to leave my things to… I wouldn’t want the government or relatives I don’t get along with to take my things.” The 30-year-old added that he had tried unsuccessfully to give his assets to the Brazil international before. But he pointed out that the will was a legal way to do so and the document was signed by a notary’s office in Porto Alegre. PSG’s Neymar is one of the world’s best-paid sportsmen, with estimated earnings of 85 million dollars for 2023, according to Forbes. “I know that, above all, he is not greedy, something a bit rare these days,” the fan said. Reuters

Osimhen plays football with Peter Okoye, Paul Ebere

Osimhen plays football with Peter Okoye, Paul Ebere at Banana Island Pitch

Music sensation Peter Okoye, widely recognized as Mr P, delighted fans with a series of captivating pictures and videos as he spent quality time with football stars Victor Osimhen and Paul Ebere. The trio, currently in the country, embraced their friendship over the weekend, creating unforgettable memories.

Osimhen plays football with Peter Okoye, Paul Ebere at Banana Island Pitch

A photo of the trio embracing their friendship over the weekend. Photo Credit: @peterpsquare Source; Instagram Renowned for his remarkable talent as a member of the popular Nigerian music duo Psquare, Peter Okoye showcased his versatile social circle by revealing his close bond with Victor Osimhen, a prominent figure in the world of football. The talented singer-songwriter shared an array of heartwarming pictures and entertaining videos on his social media platforms, giving fans a glimpse into their cherished moments together. One of the highlights of their meetup was a playful football match held on a breathtaking pitch situated in the prestigious Banana Island. In a video shared by Peter Okoye, the trio exhibited their skills and camaraderie as they enjoyed a friendly competition. The sight of these influential personalities engaging in a lighthearted game ignited excitement among their followers and underscored the significance of friendship beyond their respective fields. @amaoge.chukwu said; “It’s amazing how MrP could be with a group of youngins, old folks, artists, professors, actors, actresses, musicians, he always fits in as if those are his every day guys!!!.  @emini_kenzo wrote; “Baba abeg help us tell am make e come chelsea . @bighelight001 said; “You suppose dribble osimhen it would have been an history ❤️.”  @prinz_ejims wrote; “Hah 9 Dey defend .” @parkerfelofficial said; “Money good oh.” @ACUMZY said; “In this life way short ehhh, have money,, if not, nobody go send you.” See below;  

Why I abandoned my football career for music

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Grammy-award-winning Nigerian singer, Burna Boy, has opened up about his early career aspirations, revealing that football was his initial choice before pursuing music. In a conversation with British-Nigerian media personality Julie Adenuga, Burna Boy shared that he had excelled as a goalkeeper but eventually transitioned to music due to feeling unimportant on the football field.

Burna Boy

Expressing his love for the sport, Burna Boy acknowledged his talent as a goalkeeper, stating; “I was good at playing football, but the wickedest thing was that I was good at goalkeeping. That’s why I just stopped because [goalkeeping] was dead.” He further explained that he did not feel a sense of significance in his role, believing that the team would fare fine without him. This led him to reconsider his future path and ultimately pursue a career in music. “I didn’t feel so important. I just didn’t feel like I was needed like that. I felt like without me, the team will still be alright. I don’t want to spend my life like that,” Burna Boy expressed during the conversation with Julie Adenuga.