FOOTBALL

Messi Joins Billionaire Club Alongside Ronaldo

Lionel Messi, Inter Miami, Cristiano Ronaldo
24 May 2026

Lionel Messi has reportedly reached billionaire status, joining Cristiano Ronaldo among the richest athletes in world sport. His net worth has passed $1 billion through salary, bonuses, endorsements, investments and commercial partnerships.

A Bloomberg analysis credited Messi’s career earnings, sponsorship deals and off-field assets for the milestone. His move to Inter Miami also expanded his business profile, adding club-linked opportunities and commercial growth beyond his playing contract.

Chelsea Want Thiago Silva Coaching Return as Milan Offer Playing Deal

Thiago Silva, Chelsea, AC Milan, Porto
24 May 2026

Chelsea reportedly want Thiago Silva to return to the club in a coaching role after his Porto exit, but AC Milan have offered him a one-year playing contract. The defender now has two different career paths.

Chelsea’s interest would bring Silva back to Stamford Bridge as part of the staff setup, while Milan’s offer gives him a chance to continue playing. His decision will show whether he wants one final season or a coaching start.

U.S. Group Makes €2bn Napoli Offer Despite Club Not Being for Sale

Napoli, Aurelio De Laurentiis, Underdog Global Partners
24 May 2026

A U.S.-led consortium has reportedly made a €2 billion offer to buy Napoli from the De Laurentiis family. Napoli are not officially for sale, but talks have continued around a possible takeover plan.

Underdog Global Partners is said to be leading the approach, with plans involving football, basketball and stadium redevelopment. De Laurentiis has owned Napoli since 2004 and would make one of sport’s largest ownership profits.

Notts County and Salford Chase League One Place at Wembley

Notts County, Salford City, Martin Paterson, Karl Robinson
Ahead of 25 May 2026

Notts County and Salford City will meet in the League Two play-off final at Wembley, with both clubs chasing promotion to League One. Only one place and one point separated them in the regular-season table.

Salford are trying to reach the third tier for the first time under their high-profile ownership group, while Notts are chasing a return after 11 years. Both arrive with clear history, pressure and promotion stakes.

Girona Relegated From La Liga Two Years After Champions League Rise

Girona, Mallorca, Elche, Real Oviedo
23 May 2026

Girona were relegated from La Liga after a 1-1 draw with Elche left them short of safety, only two years after finishing third. Mallorca also went down despite beating Real Oviedo 3-0 on the final day.

Mallorca finished level on points with Osasuna and Levante but dropped because of the head-to-head tiebreaker. Celta Vigo secured Europa League qualification, while Getafe took the Conference League spot after beating Osasuna.

Hull Return to Premier League After McBurnie’s Wembley Winner

Hull City, Middlesbrough, Ollie McBurnie, Sergej Jakirovic
23 May 2026

Hull City secured promotion to the Premier League after Ollie McBurnie scored a 94th-minute winner in a 1-0 Championship play-off final victory over Middlesbrough. The result sends Hull back to the top flight after nine years.

McBurnie’s late goal completed a remarkable rise for Sergej Jakirovic’s side, who started the season under a transfer embargo. Hull reached the play-offs on the final day and did not concede across all three play-off matches.

Bayern Confirm Interest in Hertha Teen Eichhorn

Bayern Munich, Kennet Eichhorn, Max Eberl, Hertha Berlin
23 May 2026

Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl confirmed the club are closely tracking Hertha Berlin midfielder Kennet Eichhorn. The 16-year-old has become one of Europe’s most watched teenagers after breaking into regular senior football this season.

Eberl said Bayern would not be doing their job if they ignored Eichhorn’s progress, but stressed no deal is guaranteed. Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund are also interested, leaving the player’s camp with several elite options.

Chelsea Agree Barco Deal From Strasbourg

Chelsea, Valentin Barco, Strasbourg
24 May 2026

Chelsea have reportedly agreed to sign Valentin Barco from sister club Strasbourg. The former Brighton left wing-back is set for a move within the ownership network as Chelsea continue shaping their squad before the summer window.

Barco’s move gives Chelsea another left-sided option with top-flight experience and resale value. The deal also reflects the club’s multi-club pathway, with Strasbourg again becoming part of Chelsea’s squad-building process.

Bellingham and Mbappe Score as Madrid Give Carvajal Winning Farewell

Real Madrid, Athletic Club, Dani Carvajal, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe
23 May 2026

Real Madrid ended their La Liga season with a 4-2 win over Athletic Club as Dani Carvajal made his final appearance for the club. Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe both scored on a farewell night at the Bernabeu.

Carvajal captained Madrid and created the opening goal with a diagonal pass for Gonzalo Garcia. Mbappe also sealed the Pichichi despite whistles from sections of the crowd, while Madrid closed a difficult campaign with a home victory.

Kane Hat-Trick Fires Bayern to DFB-Pokal Glory and Domestic Double

Harry Kane, Bayern Munich, Stuttgart, Vincent Kompany
23 May 2026

Harry Kane scored a second-half hat-trick as Bayern Munich beat Stuttgart 3-0 to win the DFB-Pokal final. The victory completed a domestic double for Vincent Kompany’s side and ended Bayern’s six-year wait for the cup.

Kane broke the deadlock from a Michael Olise cross before adding two late goals to settle the final. Stuttgart had started brightly, but Bayern’s sharper finishing and control after half-time turned the Berlin showpiece decisively their way.