International Football
REAL MADRID STAR, BENZEMA, LAMENTS BALLON D’OR ‘ CANCELLATION
Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has said that he thinks about winning the Ballon d’Or ‘all the time’.
Despite enjoying a successful career, Benzema has yet to win the prestigious prize, which has largely been dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in recent years, with Luka Modric the only other player to win it since 2008.
Benzema stressed that he is always seeking to be the best but won’t drive himself crazy over the award.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Benzema said: ‘Sure, all the time, from my childhood, but it’s not something that drives me crazy. You always think of the Ballon d’Or when you are a professional footballer and when you are competitive.
‘I never try to define myself by my playing position, as a number nine or not a number nine, as 10 or 11; I am a football player and I try to be the best player in the world.’
There won’t be a winner this year, with the award having been called due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Benzema has enjoyed an excellent season – he has scored 26 goals in 47 appearances across all competitions.
The Frenchman helped Real to win the La Liga title, and there could be further silverware to come as Zinedine Zidane’s side go for glory in the Champions League.
However, Real have work to do if they are to progress to the quarter-finals as they were beaten 2-1 at home by Manchester City in the first leg of their last-16 tie.
The sides will do battle again at the Etihad Stadium on August 7.
Six men including the brother of France international Paul Pogba were sentenced to prison terms of between three and eight years on Thursday after being convicted of extortion attempts targeting the footballer, French media reported.
In 2022, Paul Pogba said he was the object of extortion attempts and threats from an organised gang, with his brother Mathias placed under formal investigation.
Paul Pogba, 31, told the Paris prosecution office that he had been the target of extortion by childhood friends in March 2022 and had paid 100,000 euros ($104,000) to that group.
Mathias received a three-year prison sentence, two of which are suspended, after he was found guilty of organised extortion and attempted extortion. He was also fined 20,000 euros.
The others include Roushdane K (eight years) Boubacar C (four years, two suspended), Machikour K (four years, three suspended), Mamadou M (five years, 12 months suspended) and Adama C (five years).
Reuters has contacted Paul Pogba’s representatives for comment.
-Reuters
Follow the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Germany handed Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, who fills in for Ederson at the Premier League champions, his first call-up on Thursday ahead of their Nations League matches against Bosnia and Hungary later in November.
The 32-year-old, who joined City in 2022, plays a back-up role for his club with more appearances in the Champions League and domestic cup competitions than in the Premier League where Brazilian Ederson is first choice.
But Ortega has performed with distinction when he has deputised for Ederson, including late last season when City coach Pep Guardiola called him “a world-class goalkeeper, an exceptional, exceptional goalkeeper.”
Ortega is likely to be the third choice for Germany behind Alexander Nuebel and Oliver Baumann.
Group A3 leaders Germany, who have already qualified for the last eight in the Nations League, host Bosnia on Nov. 16 before traveling to Hungary three days later.
“After making sure of a spot in the quarter-finals we now want to seal top spot in the group,” said Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann.
“Reaching the Nations League final four next year is an important milestone on our way to the 2026 World Cup.”
-Reuters
Former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke has been appointed manager of his home nation Trinidad and Tobago, the country’s Football Association said on Friday.
Yorke, who won the treble with United as a player, made 72 appearances for Trinidad and Tobago, scoring 19 goals, and was captain at their only World Cup in 2006.
“As a player I experienced some incredible moments in a Trinidad and Tobago shirt. With this squad I hope that can continue as head coach,” Yorke said.
His only managerial experience came at Macarthur FC, where he won the Australia Cup in 2022. The 52-year-old also had a brief spell as assistant manager witht Sunderland and was also assistant with Trinidad and Tobago in 2009.
-Reuters
Man City in danger of missing Champions League, says Guardiola
Former Man City player Mwaruwari bids to rule Zimbabwe Football Association
Nkechi Obi Shares Inspiring Christmas Message of Gratitude and Hope for Women’s Football
Breaking! Uzoho suspended from Super Eagles’ next match with Sierra Leone
No longer Super League as CAF changes name of its new clubs competition
AIU releases its report on Tobi Amusan
-
FIFA THE BEST1 week agoFIFA The Best 2024: How Eguavoen and Ekong Voted
-
FIFA THE BEST1 week agoNigerian journalist, Okeleji makes perfect score at FIFA The Best
-
CAF AWARDS1 week agoCAF Awards 2024: All look at Lookman, the African soccer king waiting for his coronation
-
CHAN6 days agoNigeria coach Daniel Ogunmodede speaks on Ghana clash
-
FIFA THE BEST1 week agoBrazil and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr crowned at last!
-
CAF AWARDS1 week agoWill it be a double for Nigeria again with men’s and women’s POTY?
-
CHAN6 days agoRabiu Ali on record mission as Super Eagles B leaves for Accra for CHAN qualifying encounter with Ghana
-
Governing Bodies1 week agoBrazil great Ronaldo to run for CBF presidency