Neymar and his father are set to to acquire the Pele brand through their company NR Sports. Neymar returned to Santos at the start of January having left the Brazilian side for La Liga giants Barcelona in 2013, where he'd go on to win La Liga and the Champions League. And the Brazil star is prepared to continue Pele's legacy as the player and his father acquire the brand rights.

Neymar set to acquire Pele 'brand' for €15.5m

Pele was on the Santos books between 1956 and 1974, where he excelled for the Brazilian powerhouse. Indeed, the Brazil icon scored 643 goals in 659 outings for Santos before spending three seasons with the New York Cosmos and ultimately retiring in 1977.

Pele is considered to be one of the best footballers of all time with Neymar and his father expected to continue his legacy when they announce a deal to acquire his brand rights later this week. According to UOL, an official agreement worth a reported €15.5m (£14m/$18m) is expected on Wednesday, November 19 to mark the anniversary of Pele's 1,000th career goal.

The Pele brand previously belonged to American company Sport 10 and relied primarily on appearances at events. However, the brand has been underutilised since Pele's tragic passing in 2022 at the age of 82 due to multiple organ failure, a complication of colon cancer, which was initially diagnosed in 2021.

AdvertisementAFPSantos star out to revive Pele's image

As a result of the acquisition, NR Sports will be able to use Pele's image and name, license for merchandise, and acquire historical footage as they look to revive and globalise the image of the former Brazil star. Pele's family still attend Santos games, with Neymar recently paying to renovate the box still occupied by the former's loved ones at the Vila Belmiro, which includes new seats, a remodelled bathroom, glass paneling, and air conditioning.

Neymar has looked to continue his compatriot's legacy by adorning the famous number 10 shirt once worn by Pele for both Santos and Brazil. However, Neymar's return to Santos has been plagued by injuries, meaning the former Barcelona and PSG star has only made 13 league starts for the Peixe.

Santos are also enduring a difficult domestic season and they head into the final knockings of the 2025 Brasileirao just one point and one place above the relegation zone. They did, though, claim a 1-0 win over Palmeiras at the weekend as Benjamin Rollheiser netted in second half injury time to claim a priceless three points.

Neymar issued Brazil ultimatum

Neymar has also been issued an ultimatum by Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti. The Selecao were underwhelming in CONMEBOL qualifying as they booked their 2026 World Cup spot in a bid to land a record-extending sixth World Cup, and their first since 2002.

Earlier this month, Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti said: "Neymar is on the list of players who can go to the World Cup. He has six months to make the final list."

The 33-year-old returned to the Brazil squad back in March having last featured for the national team in October 2023, when he suffered a knee injury in action against Uruguay. And Ancelotti has made it clear that any decision for Neymar to return to the Brazil squad will be down to his physical condition after years of setbacks and fitness issues.

"Neymar has recovered, but he needs to show performance. When the Brazilian league ends he'll have some vacation time, and then he must show his quality and physical condition again," the Italian added.ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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Getty Images SportNeymar set for January transfer?

One way for Neymar to maintain his fitness is to secure a January switch, with a transfer away from Santos mooted. Neymar's current deal runs until the end of the year, and Fabrizio Romano has hinted that the Brazilian trickster could be on the move again in the New Year.

"Neymar is trying to help, but don't forget that Neymar could eventually be available as a free agent from the beginning of January," Romano said. "So an interesting situation to follow because Neymar could consider a move in the January transfer window. Now Neymar wants to be 100 per cent focused on his priority, so to help Santos avoid relegation and to do his best for his club.

"In this moment Neymar is not having any advanced negotiation, but some calls have started to understand the situation of Neymar. When there is a player of his level available on the market, it is obviously an opportunity. Okay, maybe Neymar is not in the best physical condition now, Neymar is coming from an injury, he had several injuries recently. But now he’s back, he's fit, he’s trying to help Santos.

"He's trying to find his best condition, and so keep an eye on Neymar because he could be one of the names to watch for the January transfer window on a free transfer, and so that could be an interesting situation to follow."

MatériaMais Notícias

A bola vai rolar para a Copa América neste ano e os times do futebol brasileiro podem ser prejudicados pelo fato de que a competiçao não será paralisada. Ao todo, seis rodadas do Brasileirão estarão em jogo (13ª rodada até a 18ª rodada).

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFutebol NacionalGrandes personalidades do futebol têm encontro marcado no CinefootFutebol Nacional13/04/2024VascoGaldames revela que Mocca torce para o Vasco: ‘Ganhou uma camisa’Vasco12/04/2024VascoGaldames abre o jogo e revela motivo da escolha pelo Vasco: ‘Passo perfeito a carreira’Vasco12/04/2024

➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

➡️ A boa do Lance! Betting: vamos dobrar seu primeiro depósito, até R$200! Basta abrir sua conta e tá na mão!

Além disso, os clubes podem ficar sem seus jogadores por mais três rodada. Isso se for contar as 11ª e 12ª, que antecedem a Copa América e a 19ª, que está marcada para um dia após a final.

Levando-se em conta a convocação para a última Data Fifa, o São Paulo seria o maior prejudicado. O Tricolor cedeu seis jogadores. Em segundo lugar, o Palmeiras e o Flamengo, com três atletas. Veja toda a lista abaixo.

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⚽ CLUBES COM JOGADORES CONVOCADOS:
➡️ São Paulo (6)
➡️ Palmeiras (3)
➡️ Flamengo (3)
➡️ Fluminense (2)
➡️ Vasco (2)
➡️ Botafogo (2)
➡️ Criciúma (2)
➡️ Corinthians (2)
➡️ Atlético-MG (2)
➡️ Internacional (2)
➡️ Bragantino (2)
➡️ Cruzeiro (1)
➡️ Athletico-PR (1)
➡️ Fortaleza (1)
➡️ Grêmio (1)
➡️ Bahia (1)

🗒️ JOGADORES CONVOCADOS:

➡️ BRASIL
Bento (Athletico)
Rafael (São Paulo)
Murilo (Palmeiras)
Ayrton Lucas (Flamengo)
Pablo Maia (São Paulo)
André (Fluminense)
Endrick (Palmeiras)
Fabrício Bruno (Flamengo)
Léo Jardim (Vasco)

➡️ EQUADOR
Félix Torres (Corinthians)
Arboleda (São Paulo)
Leo Realpe (Bragantino)
José Hurtado (Bragantino)
Alan Franco (Atlético-MG)
José Cifuentes (Cruzeiro)
Enner Valencia (Internacional)

➡️ VENEZUELA
Wilker Angel (Criciúma)
Ferraresi (São Paulo)
Savarino (Botafogo)
Kervin Andrade (Fortaleza)

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➡️ PARAGUAI
Gatito (Botafogo)
Robert Rojas (Vasco)
Villasanti (Grêmio)
Bobadilla (São Paulo)
Romero (Corinthians)

➡️ CHILE
Pulgar (Flamengo)
Vargas (Atlético Mineiro)

➡️ PERU
Miguel Trauco (Criciúma)

➡️ COLÔMBIA
James Rodriguez (São Paulo)
Jhon Árias (Fluminense)
Borre (Internacional)
Richard Rios (Palmeiras)
Santiago Árias (Bahia)

Tudo sobre

BrasileirãoCopa AméricaFutebol Nacional

After 18 seasons, Clayton Kershaw is officially calling it a career. The Dodgers announced Thursday that Kershaw will be retiring from MLB at the end of this season, and will make his final regular season start at Dodger Stadium on Friday against the Giants.

Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman has been able to spend the final four seasons of Kershaw's career with him after joining Los Angeles in 2022. Freeman, who counted down the strikeouts Kershaw needed to reach the 3,000 milestone this season, spoke about Kershaw's impending retirement ahead of Thursday's game against the Giants.

"It's incredible, even in his 18th year, we've counted on him every fifth or sixth day in this season alone," Freeman said. "He's not a Dodgers legend, he's a baseball legend forever. The greatest pitcher of our generation."

"I think you could sense he just wanted to go out on his own terms," Freeman continued. "Having the toe injury, the knee surgery, everything he went through last year, he wanted to make sure he came back and gave it one more run. Now he gets to retire on his own terms. … Tomorrow night, what a special night it's gonna be. Rightfully so, he deserves every single thing he gets. It's gonna be sad, It's gonna be weird next year when you don't see No. 22 walking around, but I know he'll be around."

Per Fabian Ardaya of Freeman has kept the secret of Kershaw's retirement for about a month. He added that he was surprised that Kershaw actually announced his decision instead of retiring quietly.

Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy added, “I know it’s reality, but I still don’t that I believe it. For as long as I’ve been here, it’s been 22," via Jack Harris of

After dealing with injuries in recent seasons, Kershaw will retire after a strong 2025 campaign, going out on his own accord. He's left an indelible legacy on the Dodgers and all of baseball, and will go down as one of the greatest pitchers of all time. The future Hall of Famer will get to have his career celebrated one last time on Friday at Dodger Stadium, and after everything Kershaw has done for the franchise over nearly two decades, it's sure to be a special night.

Bangladesh fought hard through the game, but missed chances under pressure as de Klerk sealed another chase

Andrew Miller13-Oct-20253:33

Review: SA find ways to win under pressure

South Africa 235 for 7 (Tryon 62, Kapp 56, de Klerk 37*, Nahida 2-44) beat Bangladesh 232 for 6 (Shorna 51*, Sharmin 50, Mlaba 2-42) by three wickets For the second match running, Nadine de Klerk produced the crucial winning hand – an unbeaten 37 from 29 balls, albeit with several huge slices of late luck – as South Africa outmuscled a spirited Bangladesh to seal a thriller by three wickets and with three balls to spare in Visakhapatnam.The final result mirrored their previous win over India on this same ground on Thursday, but the manner in which it was secured was significantly less assured. Against a potent attack led by Nahida Akter and Ritu Moni, Chloe Tryon produced a priceless knock of 62 from 69 balls, with Marizanne Kapp also chipping in with a hard-fought fifty. However, the final difference between the teams came down to Bangladesh’s fielding under pressure with a succession of crucial chances going down in the fraught final overs.The most crucial of those came with just ten runs needed from eight balls. De Klerk miscued a drive off Rabeya Khan to long-off where Shorna Akter, 18 years old and fresh from a breakthrough innings of her own, looked set to seal a match that she deserved to make her own. Instead, the chance slapped off her palms to the turf, and with eight still needed in the final over, de Klerk capitalized with a four and a decisive six in three balls.Bangladesh were crestfallen at the conclusion, and little wonder. After winning the toss in an overcast Visakhapatnam, their captain Nigar Sultana had chosen to stare their shortcomings in the face by batting first despite a previous tournament highest total of 178, rightly assessing that a score on the board of any description was the best means to give her bowlers “a chance”, as she had put it at the toss.And so it came to pass, though perhaps not in the manner that many would have predicted. South Africa created few out-and-out chances in their bowling display, as each of Bangladesh’s top four reached at least 25. Sharmin Akhter anchored the innings with 50 from 77 balls. But for the first 30 overs of the innings, South Africa scarcely needed to make breakthroughs, such was the safety-first attitude of a batting line-up that conceded 126 dot-balls, or more than four per over, across that period of the innings.By degrees, however, Bangladesh turned South Africa’s lack of penetration to their advantage, and when Nigar holed out to cover to bring Shorna to the crease at 150 for 3 with 9.5 overs of the innings remaining, the stage was set for a transformative onslaught.Shorna Akter and Ritu Moni shared a 37-run stand off just 18 balls•Getty Images

Shorna cracked three fours and three sixes, each of them over long-on, in her 34-ball fifty, the fastest by a Bangladeshi in women’s ODIs. It was hitting with power and purpose, unrecognizable from the defensive fare that had preceded it. She was joined in her up-tempo approach by Moni, who lashed each of her first three balls for four off a previously parsimonious Kapp, to seal a flying finish with 19 not out from eight balls, as 37 runs came from the final three overs.A target of 233 was probably 60 runs more than South Africa had been bargaining for after Bangladesh’s moribund start, and their anxieties were heightened in the second over of their chase. With five ODI centuries in 2025, Tazmin Brits is arguably the in-form batter in all of 50-over international cricket, yet now she registered back-to-back ducks – and back-to-back caught-and-bowleds – after meeting her first ball with a tentative back-foot push that Nahida grabbed in front of her face.Brits’ latest dismissal wasn’t quite as spectacular as Kranti Gaud’s one-hander in last week’s India contest, but it needed to be held all the same … as Rabeya went on to demonstrate three overs later. This time, Laura Wolvaardt – on 11 – pushed through the line off the back foot, but Rabeya couldn’t close her hands around on a near-identical chance off her fourth ball.It looked like being an innings-turning let-off. Anneke Bosch got herself up and running with a brace of boundaries before Wolvaardt punished Rabeya with back-to-back fours square of the wicket, and as the pair pushed through to a 55-run stand inside the first 15 overs, the chase seemed to be entirely under control.Then, however, calamity struck out of the blue. On 30, Wolvaardt nudged the legspinner Fahima Khatun off her pads but failed to commit fully to a potential second run. Fargana Hoque tracked the ball down at midwicket, and as the batters hesitated mid-pitch, an accurate return to the keeper left South Africa’s skipper stranded.Rabeya Khan celebrates after bowling a ripper•ICC/Getty Images

Bosch thumped her next ball through the covers to hint that all was still well. But one ball later, she too was gone, caught on the edge of the ring by Sobhana Mostary for 28, as she failed to connect with an ambitious launch through the line.At 62 for 3, and with two new batters yet to face a ball, a big rebuild was required. Instead, Annerie Dercksen and Kapp managed two scrambled singles in their next 17 balls, before the former was extracted by the ball of the match, and arguably the tournament to date – an inch-perfect legbreak from Rabaya that drifted in and gripped just enough to kiss the outside edge of the off stump, and leave Dercksen utterly bamboozled as she turned to the square leg umpire to determine whether she was out.Four overs later, Sinalo Jafta also lost the top of her off stump, although there were no such doubts about her dismissal, as Fahima skidded a high-kicking topspinner through her back-foot push, like a latter-day Anil Kumble.At 78 for 5, South Africa had lost 4 for 20 in 44 balls, and their challenge was in tatters. It could have been even worse when Kapp, on 15, climbed across a short ball from Shorna and under-edged a tough half-chance that the keeper Nigar couldn’t gather.Chloe Tryon did not let the momentum slip for South Africa•Getty Images

Marufa Akter returned to the attack in the 27th over, but her extra pace was much more to South Africa’s liking, as Tryon cuffed a brace of cuts through point – the first of them being her side’s first boundary for 43 balls. Though Bangladesh quickly reverted to spin, that 12-run over had just loosened the shackles a fraction, and Kapp’s subsequent sweep for four off Fahima brought up a fifty stand for the sixth wicket from a relatively brisk 62 balls.Speaking at the toss, Wolvaardt had said she’d be happy to chase given the likelihood that dew would be a factor at the back end of the second innings, and sure enough there was a lengthy break at the final drinks break to run a rope around the outfield. Nevertheless, the spinners held their threatening full lengths, stretching the required rate past 7.5 per over until Kapp seized on a rare full-toss from Shorna to club the first six of the innings over long-on and bring up a 67-ball fifty.She was unable to push on, however. With 71 required from the final ten overs, Kapp stepped into a drive off Nahida, and picked out Shorna, who coolly made amends, ten metres in from the rope at long-off.Bangladesh celebrated wildly as South Africa’s mainstay departed for 56, but after de Klerk had announced herself with an immaculate second-ball sweep for four, Tryon set about ripping the contest back towards her team, although not without a big slice of luck. On 40, she found an under-edge off Moni that raced through the keeper’s legs for four. Then on 46, she wound into a slog-sweep to deep midwicket, but the substitute Sumaiya Akter ran through the chance without laying a hand on it.Tryon then cashed in with a huge leg-side six to make it 16 in the over, but once again, Bangladesh found a means to battle back – this time via a sharp shy from Moni at backward point, which caught Tryon inches short to send her on her way for 62 from 69.With the run-rate nudging eight an over, Masabata Klaas brought up the 200 with a streaky single to mid-off, which would also have been run-out had Fahima’s shy found its target. De Klerk then walked across her stumps to hoist a priceless boundary through backward square, and when Fahima served up an untimely front-foot no-ball, she stepped back to lift the resulting free hit over the covers.Even then the anxieties weren’t done. With 11 still required, de Klerk top-edged a full-toss into the gap at square leg – and nearly ran herself out in the confusion – but two balls later, she received the decisive let-off. A miscued slap to long-off, where Shorna was waiting to complete the heroics she had begun. The chance went begging, and so too did Bangladesh’s hopes. For South Africa, however, their wild campaign marches on, with three wins in a row, and one foot firmly planted in the semi-final standings.

If you were to ask Chelsea fans which position of the team is the weakest, a good number would point to the defence.

After all, Enzo Maresca’s side have scored the second most goals in the Premier League this season, but six teams have conceded fewer goals.

However, to be more specific, the issue is not with the club’s world-class full-back options, but at centre-back, where the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah have underwhelmed.

It seems the board are also dissatisfied with the work of their centre-backs, as reports have linked Chelsea with an international icon who could outright replace both of them by next season.

Chelsea target Tosin & Chalobah upgrade

With the transfer window starting to come back into view, more and more reports are linking Chelsea with potential signings.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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The likes of the in-form Marcus Rashford and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton have been touted for moves to West London in the last week or so.

However, while the pair of them would certainly improve Maresca’s squad, they wouldn’t be upgrades on Tosin or Chalobah, unlike Antonio Rüdiger.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Chelsea are interested in signing their former defender, who left the club for Real Madrid in 2022.

More than that, the report has revealed that the Blues have already made an offer of around €8m, which is about £7m.

However, while Los Blancos are open to the German leaving as soon as January, they have turned down the offer, deeming it to be too low.

Fortunately, as the 32-year-old’s contract is set to expire in the summer, there is a good chance the two sides will be able to come to a reasonable agreement.

It would be a surprising move, but one Chelsea should follow through with, even if Rüdiger’s return would likely be bad news for Tosin and Chalobah.

Why Rüdiger would spell the end for Tosin and Chalobah

So the first thing to say is that neither Tosin nor Chalobah is a bad defender. In fact, the pair of them are more than serviceable Premier League players who have the track record to prove it.

However, while that might make them perfect players for sides like Fulham, Crystal Palace or even Everton, it’s not enough to see them start regularly for a club the size of Chelsea.

Playing for the Blues means every little mistake, misplaced pass, lapse in concentration is magnified tenfold and can be particularly costly in the pursuit of titles and trophies.

This is why Maresca needs a player like Rüdiger in his squad and why he would ultimately spell the end for the pair of them, as he is a centre-back who has been there, done it and won practically all there is to win.

During his time in West London, for example, he started ten of the club’s 12 games in their triumphant Champions League campaign in 20/21, and just a few years before that was just as vital in their FA Cup victory.

Since then, he has won another UCL title with Real, a La Liga title and a Copa Del Rey, while being called “the best defender in the world” by former teammate Mesut Özil.

Moreover, while he’s barely played this season, that is mostly down to injury, as across all competitions last year, he made 55 appearances, totalling 4539 minutes.

The Berlin-born titan is also still an important part of the national team, amassing 81 senior caps, in which he’s even scored three goals and provided five assists.

Rüdiger’s 24/25

Appearances

55

Starts

50

Minutes

4539′

Goals

3

Assists

1

Points per Game

2.11

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Finally, another important reason the 6 foot 3 monster would be an excellent signing for the Blues is that he’d be an incredible mentor for both Levi Colwill and Josh Acheampong.

In other words, the former Chelsea star could come back and help create the club’s future centre-back partnership.

Ultimately, if Rüdiger returns to Stamford Bridge in January, it would be brilliant for the club, but it would likely signal the end of both Chalobah and Tosin’s time getting regular minutes.

Related Chelsea have signed an "alien of a talent" who could usurp Estevao & Palmer

The incredible talent could become a bigger star for Chelsea than Estevao and Palmer.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 19, 2025

Barcelona defender Eric Garcia is making a huge leap in his career as he is close to finalising a long-term contract extension, reportedly snubbing an offer from the current Champions league holders Paris Saint-Germain. The 24-year-old has become a key player under coach manager Hansi Flick this season, accumulating the most minutes in the squad.

• Garcia rejects PSG approach for Barcelona stay

  According to a report from , negotiations between the club and the central defender have reached the "final stages," with an agreement in principle now in place after weeks of discussions. The 24 -year-old's current deal expires next summer, but his impressive form under Flick has prompted the club to act decisively to secure his services for the foreseeable future.

  The renewal comes amidst significant interest from PSG. The French champions, managed by former Barcelona and Spain boss Luis Enrique, reportedly had an offer on the table for the defender. Enrique knows Garcia well from their time together with the Spanish national team, appreciating his ball-playing abilities and tactical intelligence. However, Garcia has opted to stay at what he considers his "home," prioritising the project under Flick over a reunion with his former national coach in Paris.

  The intrusion of PSG into the situation reportedly caused a delay in Barcelona's established roadmap for contract renewals, which also includes figures such as Jules Kounde, Frenkie de Jong and Marc Bernal. However, the report from Spain indicates that Garcia remains steadfast in his commitment to the Blaugrana.

  Garcia feels "completely happy" with his current role in the team and comfortable within the dressing room, which features numerous fellow La Masia graduates and international teammates. His connection to the club, having returned on a free transfer from Manchester City in the summer of 2021 after initially coming through their youth ranks, plays a significant role in his decision.

  Barcelona view Garcia as a fundamental part of their squad, the report adds, and even see him as a potential future captain due to his leadership qualities and understanding of the club's philosophy. The finalisation of the new contract is now described merely as a matter of scheduling the signature.

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• AFP
  

  Hansi Flick's crucial role in Garcia's resurgence

  Garcia's current status as an undroppable element of the Barcelona defence marks a significant turnaround from his situation just a few months ago. After spending the 2023-24 campaign on loan at Girona, where he enjoyed a successful season helping them qualify for the Champions League, Garcia reportedly harboured doubts about his role upon returning to his parent club.

  claims that Garcia considered requesting another loan move during the recent summer transfer window to ensure regular playing time. However, Flick intervened, dissuading the defender from leaving and assuring him of his importance to the squad.

  The German coach has backed up those assurances with significant playing time and has reportedly made it clear to the club hierarchy that he "absolutely does not want to lose" Garcia, valuing his consistency and adaptability highly.

• Eric Garcia's 2025-26 season statistics and versatility

  The faith shown by Flick is reflected in the statistics for the 2025-26 season so far. Garcia currently holds the distinction of having played the most minutes of any player on the Barcelona roster this campaign. He has made 17 appearances across all competitions already this season, racking up a total of 1,285 minutes on the pitch. In La Liga, he has featured 13 times, contributing one goal. He has also been a fixture in the Champions League, starting three of Barcelona's four matches in the competition thus far.

  His value to Flick lies not just in his availability but his versatility. While primarily a centre-back, Garcia is capable of operating at right-back or as a defensive midfielder. The Spanish report notes that his performance is considered a "solid seven out of 10, no matter where he plays," a trait highly prized given the demanding nature of the fixture calendar. His recent performance against Athletic Club was highlighted as "outstanding," further cementing his place in the starting lineup.

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• Getty
  

  What next for Barcelona and Eric Garcia?

  With the agreement in principle reached, the immediate priority for Barcelona and Garcia's representatives is to officially sign the new long-term contract, ending any lingering speculation regarding his future.

  On the pitch, Barcelona are entering a congested period of fixtures leading into the winter break. Garcia's durability and ability to cover multiple defensive positions will be tested as Flick attempts to manage his squad through La Liga and Champions League commitments. Barcelona will rely heavily on Garcia's consistency as they look to maintain their challenge for domestic and European honours in the coming months.

Mohammed Shami has been named in a strong Bengal squad for the start of the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season. Shami will be partnered by Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar and Ishan Porel in the pace department, with the squad captained by opener Abhimanyu Easwaran.Bengal had earlier named Anustup Majumdar as captain. But the late change is understood to have been made in consultation with Sourav Ganguly, the former India captain who recently took charge as president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).Shami hasn’t played for India since featuring in the Champions Trophy in early March. Asked of his omission from the squad for the West Indies Tests, chief selector Ajit Agarkar had highlighted Shami’s lack of match time as one of the reasons.Related

• Suryavanshi, still only 14, named Bihar Ranji Trophy vice-captain

• Akash Deep: I was wondering 'how do I survive five Tests?'

So far, since the end of IPL 2025 in June, Shami has featured in just one first-class game, for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy. In that game, he sent down 34 overs across the two innings, picking up one wicket. In the second innings of that match, Shami didn’t bowl much on the final day in a game East Zone lost after conceding a big first-innings lead.The Ranji season is also an opportunity for Akash Deep and Mukesh to get back on the Test selection radar ahead of the South Africa series starting November 14.Akash Deep was part of the England tour in the summer, where he featured in three of the five Tests and starred with a ten-wicket haul in India’s win in Birmingham. However, since his return from England, Akash Deep has had to undergo rehab for a back injury that ruled him out of the Duleep Trophy. He has since passed a fitness test but was not picked in the squad for the ongoing series against West Indies.Mukesh was part of the India A tour of England in the summer, where he picked up three wickets in his only outing. He bowled in just one innings in the Duleep Trophy opener for East Zone before being examined for a hamstring injury. He has since cleared his fitness tests at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence.Bengal open their campaign against Uttarakhand at Eden Gardens on October 15. They are placed in Group C, with Assam, Services, Tripura, Railways, Haryana and Gujarat as the other teams.

Mikel Arteta might have a squad full to bursting with outrageous talent at Arsenal, but it’s still clear who his most important player is: Bukayo Saka.

The Hale End icon has become the club’s talisman in recent years, and when fit, has more often than not been their best attacking outlet.

For example, in 277 appearances, the incredible game-changer has scored 76 goals and provided 71 assists, which is a return made all the more impressive by the fact he started out at left-back.

In short, Saka is an irreplaceable player for Arsenal, so fans should be excited about reports linking the club to someone comparable.

Arsenal target a Saka-type star

Arsenal finally added to their attacking options in the summer, bringing in Viktor Gyokeres to rival Kai Havertz, and Noni Madueke to cover for Saka.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

However, in the minds of most fans, they didn’t properly reinforce the left-hand side, as while Eberechi Eze can play there, he spent almost all of last season playing in midfield, which is also where he has been playing this year.

Moreover, even though Lenadro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli are playing better this year, it wouldn’t be wise to rely on them to keep up the good form, considering how poor they both were last year.

So, with all this in mind, it’s not all that surprising to see the Gunners want to sign a new exciting left-wing option, someone who could be compared to Saka.

At least that is according to a recent report from Caught Offside, which claims Arsenal are interested in Kenan Yıldız.

The report has revealed that the young attacker’s representatives are ‘demanding’ a wage of around €6m, which Juventus consider to be too much, and this stand-off has opened the door to potential suitors.

According to the story, the Gunners are one of them, with Arteta said to be ‘a huge admirer’ of the Turkish talent and his ability to play outwide or down the middle, who has a price tag of around €100m, which is about £88m.

It would be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Yıldız’s immense talent and potential, it’s one worth pursuing, especially as he could be another Saka.

Why Yıldız is like Saka

So, as things stand, it’s not controversial to say that Yıldız isn’t close to being the player Saka is.

After all, the Hale End monster is four years older than the Turkish gem, and as a result has had far more time to develop into the world-class international he is today.

However, even though the Englishman is unquestionably the better player at the moment, that does not mean that the 20-year-old is not similar to him, nor does it mean he can’t reach the same level in four years.

Moreover, he already shares a lot in common with the Ealing-born ace.

For example, like the Arsenal star, he has come through at one of the biggest clubs in world football and established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet at such a young age.

More than that, though, he has practically become Juventus’ talisman over the last year, someone the fans can imagine leading the storied Turin outfit back to glory.

After all, he has already amassed 98 appearances for the Old Lady, in which he’s scored 19 goals and provided 15 assists.

Appearances

98

Starts

64

Minutes

5761′

Goals

19

Assists

15

Goal Involvements per Match

0.34

Minutes per Goal Involvement

169.44

What’s even more impressive is that 21 of those goal involvements came in 52 appearances last season.

It’s not just at club level where the positionally versatile Regensburg-born gem has been making waves, either, as he’s already won 26 senior caps for Turkey, scoring five goals and providing four assists.

When you take all of that into account, it’s not hard to see the similarities between the 20-year-old’s rapid rise and Saka’s, nor does it sound all that outrageous when one analyst describes him as “one of the best wingers in the world.”

Ultimately, while it won’t be cheap, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Yıldız, as he’s clearly a superstar in the making and someone who is undeniably Saka-like.

Arsenal can forget Eze by unleashing the "biggest talent in England"

The sensational gem could be a huge star for England and Arsenal as he replaces Eze.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 18, 2025

Allrounder admits he could miss depending on the make-up of Australia’s top six but is hopeful he can play a part in the Ashes if selected

Alex Malcolm28-Oct-2025Allrounder Beau Webster agreed that he could be squeezed out of Australia’s XI for the first Ashes Test depending on the make-up of the batting line-up, but he feels that he can contribute in the series if given the opportunity.Webster’s role in the Australia side has been a topic of discussion despite being one of the most reliable performers over the past seven Test matches. Webster had played as the sole allrounder in the XI across all of those matches since replacing Mitchell Marsh in January.But Cameron Green’s return to bowling, after playing as a batter only at No. 3 in the last four Tests, as well as Marnus Labuschagne’s return to form and questions around the need to pick another specialist opener, have created uncertainty about the make-up of the top six for Perth.Related

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• Australia's top order: What are the selectors' options?

George Bailey, the chair of selectors, guaranteed Webster would be in the squad for the first Test, saying “everyone can relax.” But there is a way Webster could be squeezed out of the XI if the selectors opted to reinstate Labuschagne at No. 3, either retain Sam Konstas or pick another opener in his place to partner Usman Khawaja, and move Green back to No.6, given he is expected to be fit to bowl again despite a slight setback in his workload progression.Webster had missed the first two Sheffield Shield games of the summer due to an ankle injury, which only added to the speculation. Speaking after day one of his return for Tasmania against Victoria at Junction Oval, where he took 1 for 26 with the ball from 12 overs, Webster hoped that “I’ll be thereabouts”.”We’ve obviously got a potential hole around the top of the order there, and see who fills that,” Webster said. “If they see me as a pure middle-order [batter], then I’m probably going to get squeezed out. That is what it is. I hope I’m still in the conversation, certainly as a batter only, and if not, if it’s just the makeup of the team I’ll plug the way back in first-class cricket. There’s a there’s a lot of Test cricket coming up in the next two years. I hope I’ll be thereabouts.”Webster, 31, has done very little wrong in his first seven Tests. He has four half-centuries from 12 innings, averaging 34.63, which does not do him justice given the difficulty of the surfaces he has played on. He also has eight wickets at 23.25 with the ball, striking at 45.1, and has taken 12 catches in the field, where he has been a huge asset, especially in the slips cordon.Beau Webster has done little wrong since his Test debut•AFP/Getty Images

He said it was nice to hear Bailey guarantee his spot in the Perth squad, but he had not been given the same guarantee about being in the XI.”That depends who you ask,” Webster said. “I’d obviously love to be in the XI. I think I’ve got a lot to contribute there, and especially this Ashes series, I feel like I’m playing the best cricket of my life at the moment. So I certainly want to be there. Sometimes it’s the make-up of the team and the balance and the overs and who bats where. It feels like this series has probably got more questions over that than any before.”Webster admitted he felt some rust on return for Tasmania. He took the new ball to front end his overs having come into the game on a 16-over limit from Cricket Australia’s [CA] medical staff. He used 12 of those on day one in four spells. He picked up the wicket of former Test opener Marcus Harris with a delivery that pitched back of a length outside leg and nipped sharply across the left-hander to scratch the outside edge. Webster later took a sharp catch at slip but dropped one he would normally take.”If I could sum my day up today, a few no-balls and a drop catch at first slip, it probably felt like I was five or 10% off what I usually am,” Webster said. “I mean, that comes when you have probably three weeks of not playing. I felt like I was probably just slightly off it. But to get out there today and bowling 12 overs and get some more time in the slips is always beneficial.”Webster said the time off was helpful to freshen up mentally and also to do some strength work in the gym, having played nearly a full winter with Australia and Warwickshire in the county championship.”I think there’s some benefits, no doubt,” Webster said. “I think looking back, I did play a lot of cricket in England, and that’s by choice. I play my best cricket when I’m constantly playing. To have a three-week gap there, it was nice to get back in the gym and do some running and probably freshen the body up physically, ready to go for a big summer.”

Estevao Willian spoke with the excitement of a Brazilian teenager living out his dream, after the 18-year-old Chelsea winger scored the goal of the night as the Blues put Barcelona to the sword in a statement 3-0 victory at Stamford Bridge. Speaking of this being the best moment of his young career thus far, Estevao spoke of how grateful he is for such a night and emphasised his connection with Chelsea fans since his arrival at the club.

Estevao elated after stunning goal in huge Barcelona clash

Estevao spoke to at full-time after the stunning result, which saw Chelsea dominate their esteemed opponents from the first to the last whistle.

A scrappy own-goal by Jules Kounde opened the scoring in the first half, before Estevao had his moment and doubled his side’s advantage in the second. Skipping past Pau Cubarsi and Alejandro Balde with ease, Estevao rifled the ball into the roof of the net to put a stamp on the score line which reflected the Blues’ dominance.

Already bagging five goals for his new club, becoming the second youngest-ever player to score in his first three Champions League starts in the process. Behind only Kylian Mbappe, the pair and Erling Haaland are the only three players to achieve the feat before the age of 20.

His goal on Tuesday night was reminiscent of his strike against Chelsea while playing for Palmeiras in the Club World Cup, and his early performances in west London have indicated that he is still only improving.

AdvertisementGetty Images'I don't have any words' – Estevao speaks on unforgettable night

Estevao told : "I don't really have any words to sum up how I'm feeling right now. It really was the perfect night. I'm just grateful to God for everything that has happened for me. Onwards and upwards from here."

On his goal, he added: "It all happened very quickly for me, it sort of happened before I knew it. I just found some space, wiggled my way through and then scored that goal. It was such a special moment for me in my career. I hope to score many more.

"It was definitely the best moment of my career so far. I want to score many more for many years. I'm so grateful that my family were here watching me.

"From the moment I arrived here, I felt such a connection with the fans. I'm just so happy that I could score for them and make them happy. I hope to keep making them happy and score more goals for them."

Estevao clear winner in Yamal showdown

The comparisons between teenage sensations Estevao and Lamine Yamal have taken a mind of their own in recent days, as fans began to prepare for the huge Champions League showdown. On the night, Estevao was the clear winner as Yamal was bettered by Marc Cucurella and rarely influenced proceedings.

Maresca spoke in the build-up to the game about Estevao’s immense quality, while ensuring fans keep their feet on the ground.

"Estevao is already playing at a high level and is starting games for Brazil," Maresca told reporters. "He is very young and for sure can do many things better, but we are very happy with him. It’s nice for people who love football to watch players like Estevao, Lamine Yamal, Pedri. We are happy that Estevao is with us.

"Estevao is going to be an important player for this club in the future, no doubt. The most important thing for Estevao now is that he has to enjoy his football, he has to be happy, and not think about being better than this player or that player."

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Getty Images SportEstevao's light set to shine even brighter ahead of World Cup

Estevao’s profile has been rising heavily ever since his arrival at Stamford Bridge, but his decisive contribution against Barcelona has seen him shine on a bigger stage than ever before.

While he has a way to go in order to match the freakish career progression of Yamal at the same age, Estevao is already well on his way to becoming one of the greatest young players in world football.

He will undoubtedly have a major role to play for Brazil at the World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico next summer, having already scored five goals in 11 matches for his nation including two goals in the most recent international break. The former Palmeiras star is only just getting started.