Latest news with #FootballCommunity
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Trent Alexander-Arnold pays tribute to Diogo Jota after Dortmund win
Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold spoke openly and emotionally after his team's dramatic 3-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Club World Cup quarter-finals. But for the England international, the result felt insignificant compared to the heartbreaking news of Diogo Jota's passing. Fighting back tears, Trent shared, Advertisement 'I'm completely devastated, honestly. He was more than a friend; he was like family to me.' His grief was clear as he struggled to find words during the post-match interview. Trent explained that he found out about Jota's death when he woke up to countless messages offering condolences. 'At first, I didn't understand. I had to check social media to see what was happening. I thought there must have been a mistake… but sadly, it wasn't. I'm still in shock,' he admitted, his voice shaking with emotion. Despite the pain he felt, Trent showed incredible professionalism by playing more than an hour in the high-stakes game, even providing an assist to help his team reach the semi-finals. Advertisement Pain beyond words Although he was clearly heartbroken, Trent took a moment to praise the way the football community had come together to honour Diogo Jota. 'It's been amazing to see everyone showing their support, both on and off the pitch. I know his family must really appreciate it,' he said gratefully. When reflecting on the 3-2 win, Trent acknowledged that while it was an important result for Real Madrid, it couldn't fill the emptiness left by his friend's death. 'Of course, the victory is special, but nothing can make up for the void Diogo's passing has left. He was a wonderful person and a fantastic player, and he'll never be forgotten,' he concluded. Advertisement Real Madrid fans, teammates, and football supporters across the world have joined Alexander-Arnold in mourning the sudden loss of Diogo Jota, sending messages of love and support to his family. However, despite the pain and grief, Real Madrid will carry on their journey at the Club World Cup.
The Independent
03-07-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
‘We have lost two champions': Portuguese Football Federation statement in full after deaths of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva
The Spanish civil guard said he was found dead alongside his brother Andre Silva, after their car went off a road near the city of Zamora. The Portuguese Football Federation said it was 'devastated' to learn of the pair's deaths – adding: 'Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football.' Police said no other vehicles were involved in the incident. Jota was part of Liverpool 's Premier League -winning side in the 2024/25 campaign, scoring six goals in 26 appearances. In a statement, the Portuguese national team said: ' Diogo Jota was not only a fantastic player with almost 50 caps for the national team, but also an extraordinary person who was respected by all his teammates and opponents. 'He had a contagious joy and was a reference point in his own community.' In a statement, the Portuguese Football Federation said: 'The Portuguese Football Federation and the entire Portuguese football community are devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva in Spain this morning. 'Diogo Jota was not only a fantastic player with almost 50 caps for the national team, but also an extraordinary person who was respected by all his teammates and opponents. He had a contagious joy and was a reference point in his own community. 'On behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation and myself, I would like to offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends of Diogo and Andre, as well as Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the respective clubs of the players. 'The Portuguese Football Federation has asked UEFA to hold a minute's silence ahead of our national team's match against Spain in the Women's European Championship on Thursday. 'We have lost two champions. Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day.' Jota married his long term partner Rute Cardoso on June 22 in Portugal. The pair got together in 2013, it has been reported, and have three children together – two sons and a daughter who was born in November. Jota frequently shared pictures of him and his family on his Instagram account, while his wife has posted images of their holidays in Dubai and Lapland. They also have three pet beagles. On Wednesday, Jota and Cardoso, 28, posted video footage of their wedding, with the caption: 'A day we will never forget.'
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Top 5️⃣ fan reactions from Bayern's CWC drubbing of Auckland City
In one of the most lopsided yet culturally rich matches of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Bayern Munich demolished Auckland City 10–0 in Cincinnati. On paper, it was a mismatch of epic proportions—a European powerhouse stacked with international stars against a semi-professional team from New Zealand. Advertisement But beyond the scoreline, fans around the world offered a diverse range of reactions that captured the heart, humor, and complexities of global football. From awe to apathy, respect to ridicule, here are the top five fan reactions from Bayern vs Auckland City. 1. 'This feels like community service' – Bayern fans skeptical of the matchup In Bayern fan forums like r/BayernMunich, supporters were quick to acknowledge the absurdity of the fixture. One viral comment summed it up: 'Seems like everyone hates this competition but it has some redeeming qualities… Playing Auckland is community service sure since we get nothing from that but they get to say they played Bayern Munich.' Advertisement Another fan chimed in with typical German efficiency: 'Honestly, I couldn't give a shit about this tournament. Let the boys rest.' While the Club World Cup offers prestige, many Bayern fans felt the early round was little more than a glorified training session. 2. Auckland fans beam with pride despite historic defeat Despite suffering a 10–0 loss, Auckland City's supporters embraced the moment with heartwarming humility. Captain Mario Ilich described the draw as 'pretty unreal,' reflecting the pride of an amateur squad sharing the field with global icons like Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala. Social media was filled with comments like: Advertisement 'We lost big, but we were there. We played Bayern Munich. That alone is history.' For many fans across Oceania, this was not about results—it was about representation. 3. 'Kompanyball' earns early praise Vincent Kompany's tactical setup stole attention from the rout. Fans and analysts alike were intrigued by Bayern's intense high press, rapid transitions, and fluid attacking play. The way Musiala found pockets of space to score a hat trick in 22 minutes ignited praise: 'This isn't just Bayern winning, it's Kompanyball in full flow,' wrote one fan on X. For Bayern supporters unsure about their new manager, this match offered early signs of promise. 4. U.S. local fans bring unexpected energy The match drew a lively crowd at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, with local MLS fans and expat Germans bringing serious energy. One Reddit user in r/FCCincinnati shared: Advertisement 'Local German population is pumped—I could only imagine. And I'm excited for Auckland City 🤣🤣🤣' The American venue added a unique atmosphere, merging Bundesliga banners, Kiwi flags, and barbecue smoke—a footballing culture clash in all the right ways. 5. '10–0 is insane, but this is what the Club World Cup is about' While some fans criticized the lopsided format, others embraced the spectacle. A common sentiment across platforms like X and Reddit was that this type of fixture—albeit extreme—represents football's global reach. 'These games show how far the sport goes. A guy who drives forklifts just tackled Harry Kane. That's beautiful in its own way.' For all its flaws, this matchup reminded fans of football's rare ability to bring wildly different worlds together. 📸 FEDERICO PARRA - AFP or licensors
Washington Post
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
Uriah Rennie, the Premier League's first Black referee, dies at 65
SHEFFIELD, England — Uriah Rennie, the first Black referee in the Premier League , has died. He was 65. 'We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former chair and trailblazing referee, Uriah Rennie,' the Sheffield and Hallamshire County Football Association posted Sunday on X. 'Uriah made history as the Premier League's first Black referee, officiating over 300 top-flight matches between 1997 and 2008,' the statement said. 'He broke down barriers, shaped our football community and inspired generations to come.'
BBC News
23-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Midfielder Banks to leave Chesterfield
Midfielder Ollie Banks is set to leave Chesterfield when his contract expires this 32-year-old was a mainstay for the League Two side this season, helping the Spireites to a seventh-place finish before they lost to Walsall in the play-off made 40 league appearances and scored two goals during the 2024-25 campaign and was also a key part of the National League title-winning squad last brings to an end his second three-year spell with the club having also played for Chesterfield between 2013 and 2016."One of the hardest things I've ever had to do, saying goodbye to Chesterfield," Banks wrote on X."I've loved every single minute of representing this club - the highs, the challenges, the memories we've made together."Moments I'll carry with me forever and ones my two little lads will grow up remembering too."Thank you to each and every one of the fans, players, and staff, your support has meant everything. It's been a pleasure and an honour."Now onto a new chapter.. but a huge part of my heart will always be here. All the best Spireites!"Chesterfield said on the club website, external: "The club would like to thank Ollie for his tremendous efforts both on and off the pitch during his two spells as a Spireite. We also wish him the best in his future."
