Joey Barton, former Premier League midfielder
26 March 2025
Found guilty of assaulting his wife by pushing her to the ground and kicking her in the head.
Barton received a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for two years, after Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard of a 2021 incident at the couple’s home in south-west London. His wife suffered a bloody nose and forehead injury. The court noted his history of violence but chose not to impose immediate jail time, citing that the couple remain in a “happy relationship” and have a child. Barton plans to appeal the decision.
Arda Güler (Real Madrid, Turkey), Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool, Hungary)
25 March 2025 (post-match social media exchange)
Güler called Szoboszlai “a joke” after Turkey’s 3-0 win over Hungary in the UEFA Nations League. Their clash included an on-pitch taunt and Instagram banter. Güler also dismissed rumors of a Real Madrid exit, saying he remains committed to the club’s long-term plan.
Güler taunted Szoboszlai with a “shhh” gesture and a follow-up Instagram post. Szoboszlai had mocked Güler’s minutes at Madrid, to which Güler replied with the scoreline and a dig. In a separate interview, Güler stated he bought a house in Madrid and believes in the club’s plan for him.
Sepp Blatter (Former FIFA President), Michel Platini (France & UEFA legend)
25 March 2025 (verdict date)
Blatter and Platini were acquitted of fraud charges related to a CHF 2 million payment.
A Swiss court rejected the federal prosecution’s appeal, reaffirming the 2022 verdict. The payment from Blatter to Platini in 2011 was ruled as legitimate compensation for consultancy work from 1998 to 2002. The long-running legal battle severely impacted Platini’s career, blocking his 2016 FIFA presidency bid.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal
24 March 2025 (Sunday match)
Ronaldo missed an early penalty but rebounded by scoring and helping Portugal defeat Denmark 5-2 (5-3 aggregate) to advance to the UEFA Nations League semifinals.
Despite the miss, Ronaldo remained confident. Portugal’s dominant display included goals from Ronaldo, Francisco Trincão (2), and Gonçalo Ramos, sealing a showdown with Germany in the next round.
Yusuf Akcicek, Fenerbahçe
Summer 2025
Manchester United are targeting 19-year-old Turkish defender Yusuf Akcicek as part of their defensive reinforcements, according to Fanatik.
United are in need of cover due to ongoing injuries to Leny Yoro and Lisandro Martínez. Akcicek is on the radar of Tottenham, Bayern Munich, Atlético Madrid, Napoli, and RB Leipzig as well. His rapid rise at Fenerbahçe has made him one of the hottest young defenders in Europe.
Gabriel Magalhães, Arsenal
March 2025
Arsenal intend to reject any bids for Gabriel this summer, including a lucrative offer from Al Nassr.
Mikel Arteta considers Gabriel key for Arsenal’s squad ahead of a crucial window.
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), Matheus Cunha (Wolverhampton)
March 2025
Forest are targeting Champions League-level attackers, including Lookman and Cunha.
Lookman is also being tracked by Man United, Newcastle, PSG, Juventus, and Inter. Forest have prioritised Cunha, per reports.
