Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr have brutally mocked Karim Benzema after their 2-1 Saudi Super Cup semi-final win over Al-Ittihad.

Benzema throws down gauntlet to Al-NassrAl-Ittihad lose 2-1 in Saudi Super Cup semiAl-Nassr taunt French striker onlineFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Before this last four clash and another meeting with former Real Madrid team-mate Ronaldo, Benzema said "the best will win", while describing the 40-year-old as a "legend". Al-Nassr went on to edge this encounter on Tuesday, leading Ronaldo's team to say the French striker had become famous "under his shadow" in a disparaging put-down.

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The Saudi club wrote on X: "He [Benzema] became famous under his shadow. So he thought today would be the best!?"

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While Benzema did play his best football when Ronaldo left Madrid for Juventus in 2018, there is still a lot of respect between the two ex-Los Blancos players. Al-Ittihad have tended to get the better of Al-Nassr since both men headed to the Middle East in 2023, but this time, the Portuguese's team have claimed bragging rights.

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Former Manchester United star Ronaldo is just one game away from lifting his first piece of silverware at Al-Nassr. Jorge Jesus' team will take on either Al-Qadisiyah or Al-Ahli in the Saudi Super Cup final on Saturday afternoon.

Tottenham are facing opposition to building a new women's academy and football pitches on 'ancient woodland'.

Spurs aim to build new women's academyPlans include 11 pitches and clubhouseLocals against scheme to build on woodlandFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Campaigners are up in arms over Spurs' plans to turn Whitewebbs Park in Enfield into their women's football facility, according to The Metro. Protestors say 'ancient trees', rare species of wildlife, and vegetation are situated at this popular green space but Tottenham wants to go ahead with their project to build 11 new pitches and a clubhouse there. 

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The report adds that Tottenham will pay Enfield Council £2 million for a 25-year lease of 53 hectares of the park, but campaigners point out that Spurs have 17 pitches at their Hotspur Way training centre, which is just over the road, and that should suffice. The north London team, however, argues that the development would "improve local access to nature and habitats, and provide new facilities for visitors, community groups, and sports clubs".

DID YOU KNOW?

According to the report, those opposed to this development say this Spurs initiative will lead to the loss of 16 hectares of green space, and 207 adult trees will have to be cut down – which will have a big impact on local wildlife. 

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Going forward, campaigners are reportedly hoping to fund a successful legal battle to have the plans withdrawn. However, after Enfield Council approved the construction of the site in February, along with City Hall giving the scheme the green light in July, they may have their work cut out.

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe says the Alexander Isak transfer saga is "coming to an end" amid his efforts to join Liverpool.

• Isak wants to leave Newcastle
• On strike in bid to force Liverpool move
• Howe issues fresh update

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Weeks on from Isak expressing his desire to leave Newcastle, in a bid to join Liverpool, manager Howe has said this ongoing drama is drawing to a close. He added that the on-strike Swede will not play against Liverpool on Monday.

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  WHAT HOWE SAID

  Howe told reporters on Friday: "[Isak] won't be part of the squad this weekend. The club has to act in the best interests of Newcastle United. It will do that in every situation It looks like it is coming to an end, or it will come to an end pretty quickly."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Isak appeared to rule out a Newcastle return after accusing the club of "breaking promises", something the Magpies were "disappointed" by. The Reds are yet to return with an improved offer after their initial £120 million ($162m) bid was rejected. An intriguing last week or so of the transfer window lies ahead.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  While Isak will not feature for Newcastle in their next Premier League encounter, football fans will be eager to see whether or not the former Real Sociedad man will line up against Leeds United on August 30, with the summer transfer window closing on September 1. 

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No que depender do atacante Artur, sua saída do Bragantino acontecerá apenas se o destino for o futebol europeu. A informação, veiculada pelo jornalista Paulo Vinícius Coelho, foi confirmada pelo Futebol Latino/LANCE!

Há alguns dias, o Palmeiras fez uma sondagem junto a equipe de Bragança Paulista para recontratar o atleta que é revelado nas categorias de base do clube da capital. Todavia, os valores inicialmente envolvidos não teriam agradado e a negociação ‘esfriou’.

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>Mancha Verde critica Leila Pereira por ceder Allianz Parque ao São Paulo

Na abordagem inicial do Palmeiras, Artur parecia ter se empolgado com a possibilidade de jogar em uma equipe de tamanha projeção e a qual ele conhece bem o aspecto estrutural. Todavia, neste momento, sua prioridade e olhares estariam totalmente voltados para a chance de atuar na Europa aos 25 anos de idade.

Desde que chegou ao Bragantino, o camisa 7 se consolidou como uma das principais alternativas ofensivas, independente do comando técnico.

Em 2021, ele viveu seu melhor ano em números (21 gols e 14 assistências em 58 compromissos) além de obter o resultado mais expressivo desde a transformação estrutural no Braga. Isso porque, no ano em questão, a equipe chegou a decisão da Sul-Americana onde acabou sendo derrotada pelo Athletico-PR.

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Joao Neves scored two overhead kicks as part of a remarkable hat-trick against Toulouse on Saturday.

• Neves scores TWO overhead kicks in same game
• Just seven minutes separated the strikes
• Neves completes hat-trick with long-range drive

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Neves, 20, produced the magnificent brace as Luis Enrique's men took on Toulouse in Ligue 1, with just seven minutes separating the two outrageous bicycle kicks from the Portugal international.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Not content with scoring two overhead kicks, Neves went on to complete a hat-trick with a stunning drive from just outside the box as PSG ran out 6-3 winners on the night. Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembele were also on the scoresheet, with the latter netting two penalties.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Neves has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world since moving to PSG from Benfica in 2024. The midfielder scored seven goals in all competitions in 2024-25 as the French giants won the treble under Enrique's stewardship, while Neves also lifted the Nations League with Portugal in June.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR NEVES AND PSG?

  Neves has been called up for Portugal's World Cup qualifying double header against Armenia and Hungary in September. He will then return to PSG action when his side play host to Lens at the Parc des Princes on September 14.

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Alysson Marins, chefe da captação da base do Corinthians e um dos principais scouts do clube, foi desligado de sua função nesta sexta-feira (24) pela diretoria alvinegra. Ele estava no Timão há dez anos.

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+ Com Barletta, Corinthians chega a 19 reforços na gestão de Duílio; relembre todos os reforços

O profissional, responsável por captar talentos para as categorias de base do clube alvinegro através de peneiras ou no mercado, diz ter participado na aprovação de mais de 380 atletas para as categorias de base, com 40 desses jogadores acumulando passagens pelo time profissional.

Na temporada passada, Alysson esteve presente na Taça das Favelas -maior torneio entre favelas do mundo – e revelouque o Timão percorre todo o Brasil para captar atletas.

+ Veja as movimentações do mercado da bola no LANCE!

O LANCE! entrou em contato com a diretoria de base alvinegra para entender as motivações do Corinthians. Caso o clube responda, a matéria será atualizada com o posicionamento.

Através de suas redes sociais, Alysson se despediu do Timão e agradeceu aos atletas e profissionais com quem trabalhou durante os dez anos no clube.

+ Veja como ficou a tabela das primeiras rodadas do Timão no Brasileirão

O profissional também relembrou nomes que, segundo ele, tiveram sua contribuição para chegar ao clube, como Robert Renan, João Victor, Piton, Claudinho, Adson, Guilherme Biro e outros. O ex-coordenador cita mais de 40 títulos em seu período no Alvinegro.

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CONFIRA O POST E TEXTO DE DESPEDIDA DE ALYSSON MARINS ABAIXO

Cameroon boss Marc Brys has torn into Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike after he missed out on France's latest squad.

Ekitike chooses France over CameroonLiverpool man left out of France squadCameroon boss tears into strikerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Despite scoring three goals in his first three Liverpool games, Ekitike missed out on Didier Deschamps' France squad this week. The 23-year-old, who has dual French-Cameroonian nationality, had the chance to play for the African nation but chose the European one. Now, Brys has laid into the striker, saying he "doesn't deserve" to play for Cameroon.

AdvertisementAFPWHAT THE CAMEROON MANAGER SAID

He said, via Foot Mercato: "I haven't contacted him. He put all his money into trying to play for France and he didn't succeed. And now we, Cameroon, are his second choice? I don't need to be a second choice. He's a good player, that's not the issue. In the situation I described, he doesn't deserve to come here."

The Belgian added that he needed "good players who play with heart" rather than "a star who thinks he can come to this country or another".

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Ekitike is yet to make his France debut and can still play for Cameroon despite featuring for the French at under-21 level. But while Brys is in charge, it seems that door is closed. But if the former Eintracht Frankfurt star continues his hot streak for Liverpool, a France call-up will come.

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The former Paris Saint-Germain forward will get another chance to add to his Liverpool goal tally when Arne Slot's side host Premier League title rivals Arsenal in a crunch clash at the top of the table on Sunday.

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Em meio aos 50 nomes inscritos pelo Corinthians na Libertadores, uma ausência chamou a atenção: Luan. O atleta é um dos maiores investimentos feitos pelo clube nos últimos anos, está há mais de um ano sem vestir o manto alvinegro e vem treinando separado do restante do elenco desde que retornou de empréstimo do Santos.

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+ Com Barletta, Corinthians chega a 19 reforços na gestão de Duílio; relembre todos os reforços

Questionado sobre os motivos que impedem o meia-atacante de voltar a atuar pelo Timão, Cássio fez um desabafo sobre a situação de Luan, citando os problemas que passou em 2016 como exemplo para um retomada, e reforçando a necessidade do ex-camisa 7 refletir sobre seu comportamento.

+ Veja as movimentações do mercado da bola no LANCE!

– Eu vou ser honesto, fico triste porque é um cara que jogou em alto nível, tem uma qualidade muito grande e vou dar um exemplo meu. Em 2016, as coisas não estavam bem, estava no banco e gordo. Eu olhei para mim e pensei ‘tenho que melhorar, não é só culpa dos outros’. Então, eu falo porque gosto muito do Luan, não tenho nada de falar contra ele no convívio, mas ele tem que olhar para ele para ver o que tem que melhorar, porque é muito triste ver que o cara que foi o melhor jogador da América e estar assim – iniciou o goleiro.

– Ele tem que fazer essa reflexão, não falo para fazer polêmica, não tenho nada para falar sobre ele. Ele tem que olhar, outros jogadores também, a gente fica triste, não consegue render. Eu espero que ele consiga dar a volta por cima, porque ele tem condições. Com atitudes, não só com palavras, ele tem que querer, tem que partir dele. Ele não desaprendeu a jogar, a qualidade ele tem. Estou torcendo muito pela volta dele – concluiu o capitão corintiano sobre o assunto.

+ Veja tabela e como ficou o grupo do Timão na Libertadores

PEDRO, A GRANDE JOIA DA BASE

Outro assunto abordado por Cássio foi sobre a presença das Crias do Terrão na Libertadores. Ao todo, 19 jogadores da base foram inscritos pelo Timão na competição, mas um deles chamou a atenção. Para o goleiro, Pedro é a maior revelação da base. O garoto de 17 anos fez sua estreia no profissional contra o Santo André, no Paulistão.

– Esses meninos treinam muito. O Pedrinho tem tudo para ser o melhor jogador da base que subiu para o profissional, não quero colocar pressão nele. É um menino muito dedicado, trabalha demais, nível técnico. É o melhor jogador da base que eu vi subir. Uma safra boa, a gente tem que dar suporte, mas o mérito é deles. São meninos que têm muita qualidade, Biro, Giovane, têm que trabalhar e se dedicar. Eles vão dar a resposta – avaliou Cássio.

Pedro deverá ser relacionado por Lázaro para a estreia do Corinthians na Libertadores, quinta-feira (6), às 19h, contra o Liverpool-URU, no estádio Centenário.

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Laurent Blanc has revealed that Johan Cruyff convinced him to join his successful Barcelona team, only for the Dutch coach to be sacked an hour later.

Laurent Blanc opens up about Cruyff's sackingSays Dutchman convinced him to join BarcaClaims Cruyff was sacked just one hour after they talkedFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Blanc opted to join Barcelona in 1996 after a stunning season with Auxerre convinced Ajax and Netherlands icon Cruyff to lure him to Catalunya. The Dutch coach convinced the Frenchman to sign a two-year contract, but the same day he found out that Cruyff had been let go and later called him to explain the development.

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Blanc was an in-demand figure after winning the domestic double with Auxerre but Cruyff's persistence convinced him to snub all other offers for a move to Camp Nou. It did not go well, however, as after Cruyff was sacked, the defender suffered a few injuries and opted to leave after just one year with his eye on the 1998 World Cup, which he went on to win with France. The ex-Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon boss has now opened up on the bizarre day.

WHAT BLANC SAID

In an interview with SPORT, Blanc said: "My signing for Barcelona was paradoxical. I was free and I was going to play in England, for an English club. At one point, Mr. Cruyff called me, called my agent, and told me not to move. I wanted to meet him, I wanted to talk to him, and he wanted to convince me to come to Barcelona. So I said to myself, "I'm going to Barcelona and I'm signing." It's funny, I even had the contract. When I arrived in Barcelona, Johan told me: 'Okay, Laurent, you're going to sign for two years, and we're going to play like this. Tonight I'm going to take you to a restaurant, we're going to talk about how we're going to play'. An hour later, he was fired."

Blanc further added: "I was at the Hotel Juan Carlos I, and TV3 was only talking about Cruyff's departure. I was saying to myself: 'This must be a joke'. I couldn't believe it. A little while later, Johan called me and said: 'I won't be the coach. I'm fine, but I've just been sacked'."

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Blanc went on to play for Marseille, Inter and Manchester United, where he won the Premier League, at club level while he claimed the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 titles with France. Now in charge of Saudi side Al-Ittihad and will be looking to build on the domestic double they won in his debut season.

Somerset claim three bowling bonus points by ripping through visitors in between showers

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay11-Sep-2025The weather came to Yorkshire’s aid as their rain-ruined Rothesay County Championship Division One game with Somerset at the Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton, ended in an inevitable draw.Starting the final day on 17 for no wicket in their first innings in reply to Somerset’s 441 for 6 declared, the visitors crashed to 57 for 6 in the morning session, Josh Davey and Lewis Gregory claiming two wickets each.With three runs added, the second of several showers forced an early lunch at 12.20pm and play did not restart until 3pm with 33 overs lost. Jordan Thompson then struck a belligerent 57, while Adam Lyth made 30 as Yorkshire battled to 134 for 9 by the time the players shook hands at 4.20pm.Rain having affected all four days, a draw had long looked the only likely outcome. Somerset took 14 points from the game to Yorkshire’s nine.The visitors had added 15 runs to their overnight total when Somerset made the first breakthrough in the fourth over of the day, Finlay Bean, on 10, edging a forward defensive shot off Gregory through to wicketkeeper James Rew. The next delivery saw Mayank Agarwal register a golden duck on his Yorkshire debut, the experienced India Test player getting a thicker edge to be comfortably caught at third slip by Tom Abell.Davey quickly followed up by clipping the off stump of James Wharton as he offered no shot and it was 41 for 4 when Jonny Bairstow, who had required treatment for an arm injury, fell for only 2, pouched by Tom Kohler-Cadmore at first slip off the same bowler.Matthew Revis departed for 9 to a back-foot swish at a wide delivery from Ben Green, which gave Rew a second catch. A short shower then sent the players from the field, with an initial four overs lost, and on the resumption Jack Leach pinned George Hill lbw in the left-arm spinner’s first over.Lyth had watched the carnage from the other end, enjoying moments of fortune himself on what was proving a tricky last-day pitch. On 16, the opener edged Kasey Aldridge fractionally short of Abell in the slips and when Leach appealed for a slip catch it was a bump ball.It was 60 for 6 when the rain returned, necessitating an early lunch. Hopes of a prompt resumption after the interval were dashed my more showers and it wasn’t until 3pm, with a further 29 overs lost, that play restarted.Without a run added, Dom Bess’s hopes of a meaningful score on his former home ground ended in the second over when he edged a third catch to Rew off Green. But 60 for 7 was as good as it got for Somerset as Thompson came out with immediate attacking intent. Two sixes over long-on off Archie Vaughan, the off-spinner having been surprisingly put on to replace Leach at the River End, began the counter-attack and eight fours flowed from the Thompson bat as the left-hander raced to a 42-ball half-century.Lyth was content to offer solid support in an eighth-wicket stand of 68, ended when Thompson fell lbw to Davey with the score on 128. It only remained to see if Somerset could glean a third bowling point and they didn’t have to wait long as Leach had Lyth caught at short leg by Abell.