Sports

Barcelona have reached an agreement with Manchester City to sign Spain midfielder Rodri, with the transfer expected to become official in the coming days. Barcelona Reach Agreement With Manchester City A source from the Catalan club told AFP that Barcelona and Manchester City have agreed on a deal for the 30-year-old midfielder. Reports indicate that Barcelona will pay around €75 million ($87 million) for Rodri. A Barcelona source said an official announcement is expected in the coming days, paving the way for the

India finished the second day of the opening Test against Sri Lanka on 460-9, with Devdutt Padikkal producing a superb maiden Test century. Padikkal's elegant 167 formed the backbone of India's innings as the visitors maintained a strong position despite repeated interruptions caused by rain and wet conditions in Galle. Sri Lanka's Spinners Fight Back Sri Lanka's spin attack managed to slow India's progress and keep the hosts in contention. Prabath Jayasuriya claimed 4-109, while debutant Keshara Nuwantha took 3-175. Despite their efforts,

Cristiano Ronaldo has raised fresh questions about his future by suggesting that the upcoming year could be the final season of his extraordinary playing career. Ronaldo Calls Time on Career Potentially Near The 41-year-old Portugal captain said his retirement could be approaching as he reflects on more than two decades at the highest level. “This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo said in an interview with Vogue. The statement has intensified speculation about

Arsenal made a strong start to the new season with a convincing 3-0 victory over Manchester City in the FA Community Shield in Cardiff. The result gave Mikel Arteta’s side the first silverware of the campaign and provided several early talking points. Arsenal Make Early Statement With Silverware Arsenal wasted no time making their mark, scoring after just 23 seconds — their fastest goal across 668 matches under Mikel Arteta. The dominant performance delivered an emphatic victory and could prove an early psychological

Florian Thauvin’s first-half goal was enough for Lens to defeat Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 and lift the Trophée des Champions for the first time in club history. Thauvin Gives Lens the Lead PSG started brightly and looked to control the match, but Lens struck first in the 32nd minute. Abdallah Sima linked up with Matthieu Udol, whose delivery found Florian Thauvin at the far post. The forward finished past Matvey Safonov to put Lens 1-0 ahead. Lens Reduced to 10 Men The game changed

Nuremberg and Hertha Berlin remain the only teams with maximum points after an action-packed Matchday 2 in Germany’s second tier, which delivered plenty of goals, dramatic comebacks and important wins. Wolfsburg Edge Hannover Late Hannover 0-1 Wolfsburg Goal: Reese 87’ (pen.) Wolfsburg secured their first victory of the season with a late penalty from Fabian Reese in the local derby against Hannover. After a quiet first half, Wolfsburg improved after the break before Reese converted from the spot after Robert Glatzel was brought

Qatar and Morocco are among six Arab football associations that have publicly expressed support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, despite growing criticism of his leadership following the collapse of a controversial private investment proposal. Six Arab Federations Express Support The football associations of Qatar, Morocco, Egypt, Lebanon, Sudan and Mauritania issued a joint statement backing Infantino and reaffirming their confidence in his leadership. The statement highlighted the role of Arab football in strengthening cooperation and bringing communities together, while praising Infantino's efforts to

The Royal Dutch Football Association confirmed the appointment on Wednesday, ending its search for a successor to Ronald Koeman. Xavi, 46, returns to management for the first time since leaving Barcelona in 2024. The Spaniard described the role as a tremendous honour and said his football education at Barcelona, shaped by the ideas of Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels, had given him a special connection to Dutch football. Xavi said the Netherlands’ tradition of attacking, possession-based football strongly appealed to him. While winning

Lionel Messi made an emotional return to Inter Miami on Wednesday, only days after the death of his father, but it was not enough to keep the club in the Leagues Cup: a 3-2 defeat to Club León at Nu Stadium sent the Herons out of the tournament. Named among the substitutes, the Argentine captain was introduced at halftime with Miami leading 1-0, replacing Dániel Pintér — the scorer of the home side’s opener — and drawing a thunderous standing ovation from the

The total package for the Argentina international is understood to be worth about £34.2 million (€40 million). The agreement would bring Romero’s five-year spell in north London close to an end, although the transfer remains subject to completion of the final formalities. Atletico have long admired the 28-year-old centre-back, and the player is believed to favour a move to the Spanish capital despite interest from Inter Milan and Arsenal. Reports indicate that personal terms have been agreed on a four-year contract with an

Neymar has become the latest football icon to reach out to Lionel Messi following the death of the Inter Miami captain’s father, joining an outpouring of support that began moments after Messi shared an emotional farewell letter on Instagram. The Brazilian, a former teammate of Messi’s at Barcelona, left a short message of solidarity in the comments: “Lots of strength to you and your family. A big hug,” Neymar wrote. The two spent several seasons together at Barcelona, forming part of a celebrated

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia opened the scoring for the European champions in the 20th minute before 17-year-old Brian Madjo equalised shortly before half-time. Désiré Doué restored PSG’s lead in the 61st minute, with the goal awarded following a VAR review after an initial offside flag. Villa, appearing in the fixture as UEFA Europa League holders, pushed the Champions League winners throughout an energetic contest at Stadion Salzburg. Unai Emery’s side continued to threaten late in the match, but PSG protected their advantage to secure the

MIAMI — Lionel Messi has been given time away from Inter Miami following the death of his father and longtime representative, Jorge Messi, with the MLS club confirming there is currently no timetable for the Argentine captain’s return. Jorge Messi died in Argentina at the age of 68 after a prolonged illness. Messi subsequently returned to Rosario to be with his family, while Inter Miami players, coaches and staff publicly expressed their support for their captain. No Timetable for Messi’s Return Inter Miami

LONDON — Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly opened talks with AS Monaco over a potential move for United States striker Folarin Balogun as head coach Roberto De Zerbi accelerates his search for additional firepower. Reports on August 11 indicate that Spurs have begun discussions over a deal valued at around €60 million. No agreement has been officially announced by either Tottenham or Monaco, and the reported fee remains part of ongoing transfer negotiations. Balogun Emerges as Major Tottenham Target Balogun has emerged as a

LIVERPOOL — Liverpool’s pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola appears to be gathering momentum, with fresh reports suggesting the France international is open to an Anfield move while discussions over a potential transfer continue. Barcola has returned to PSG following his post-World Cup break and has been included in the French club’s travelling squad for the UEFA Super Cup. His involvement does not end the transfer speculation, however, with Liverpool continuing to be strongly linked with the 23-year-old. Barcola Reportedly Open to

Second seed Elena Rybakina staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Naomi Osaka 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 in a thrilling Canadian Open quarterfinal in Toronto on Tuesday. The Kazakh star recovered from a set and a break down to secure victory after two hours and 33 minutes and book a semifinal meeting with fourth seed Coco Gauff. Osaka Takes Early Control Osaka made a fast start in the first tour-level meeting between the two players. The Japanese four-time Grand Slam champion broke Rybakina in the

Australia has begun a unique year of Test cricket by hosting Bangladesh in a two-match series in the country’s tropical north, marking Bangladesh’s first Test tour of Australia since 2003. The series is being played at Marrara Oval in Darwin, before moving to the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay on August 22. The unusual winter schedule comes as Australia prepares for a packed international cricket calendar. Test Cricket Returns to Australia's Top End Darwin’s Marrara Oval is hosting its first Test since

Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and his long-time partner Georgina Rodriguez have officially married, marking a new chapter in their relationship. Ronaldo, 41, confirmed the marriage through a photograph shared on his Instagram account showing the couple’s hands wearing their wedding rings. He captioned the post simply: “C ❤️ G.” Wedding Held in Portugal The couple exchanged vows at a ceremony in Cascais, a coastal resort near Lisbon, Portugal. Their five children were also present for the special occasion, making it an important family

Alexia Danielsson was just 14 years old when she first drove a Formula One car — a modified 2007 Williams owned by a family friend. Now 17, the Swedish racer is competing in the Central European F4 series, where she is taking on young drivers including 15-year-old Ella Hakkinen, daughter of retired two-time F1 world champion Mika Hakkinen. Danielsson, currently 26th among 49 drivers in the standings, has ambitions of eventually reaching the Formula One grid. “I don’t think anything is impossible, you

The US president has publicly backed Infantino amid mounting pressure on the FIFA chief following controversy over a failed plan involving World Cup commercial rights. US President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind FIFA President Gianni Infantino, warning that world football’s governing body would be making a “terrible mistake” if it considered replacing him. Trump made the intervention as Infantino faces growing criticism from senior football bodies following the collapse of a controversial proposal involving the commercial rights of the FIFA World