Latest news with #UEFAEuro2024
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
A year on from Atletico Madrid: Is Samu Aghehowa Spain's next top striker?
It has been a superb run of form for the Spanish national team. After a decade of hibernation, La Roja have awakened with a fury by winning the 2024 UEFA European Championship and setting a record for the most goals in a single edition of the Euros (15) as well as a single edition of the UEFA Nations League (25). There are several reasons behind Spain's renaissance, but one of them is undoubtedly immigration. Take a gander at Spain's recent call-ups, and you'll get a better understanding of this. Whereas last summer would see La Roja win the Euros thanks to a centre-back pairing composed of two French-born players (Aymeric Laporte and Robin Le Normand), they also won it thanks to two wingers of African descent: Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal. In fact, there's reason to believe that, when Spain take the pitch for next summer's World Cup in North America, they might just be fielding a front three solely consisting of progeny of African immigrants, with Samu Aghehowa primed to challenge for the starting centre-forward position. Advertisement Born in Melilla, Spain, to Nigerian parents, Samu grew up in Seville before making the move to Granada in 2021, where he would rise through the youth ranks and eventually make his debut on August 14, 2023. Aghehowa (then known as Omorodion) would take the opportunity by the scruff of its neck, scoring in a 3-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid and prompting the attention of the Rojiblancos, who triggered his €6m release clause before loaning him out to relegation rivals Deportivo Alaves. Whereas Granada failed to stay up in the top-flight, Alaves steered clear of the drop thanks to Aghehowa, who finished as their top scorer with eight goals. With Antoine Griezmann and new signings Alexander Sorloth and Julian Alvarez ahead of him in the pecking order, Atletico manager Diego Simeone decided to sanction the sale of Aghehowa on a permanent deal. He was all but confirmed to join Chelsea only for the transfer to crash at the last second due to problems surrounding an ankle injury that were uncovered during his medicals as well as issues during image rights negotiations. Aghehowa was then banished from Atleti's first-team training and forced to spend the final weeks of the summer window waiting for another club to swoop in for him. Eventually, Portuguese giants Porto decided to sign him on the 24th of August to a five-year deal, inserting a €100m release clause into his contract. Despite not having a full preseason, and despite playing in an underperforming Porto side, in transition following the exit of longtime manager Sergio Conceicao, Aghehowa took Porto by storm. Grabbing 25 goals in all competitions – including a brace against Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League – and finished as their top scorer. He successfully stepped into the void of Mehdi Taremi and Evanilson and embraced his new role as the Dragons' attacking talisman, emerging as one of the few bright spots of an otherwise woeful campaign. Aghehowa continued these impressive displays throughout the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, delivering a dogged display in attack in Porto's opening match vs. Palmeiras as well as bagging goals against Inter Miami and Al Ahly. Image viaAdvertisement 'Samu is a very good, very strong attacker who you've always got to stay close to,' stated Palmeiras defender Murilo, who was in charge of marking him, to Football Espana after the match. 'I had studied his game beforehand, and he's a very big attacker who you've always got to stay on top of, and that's basically what I did. Of course, there were a few fouls that I gave him that perhaps I didn't need to, but it was a very good duel.' It's these stellar displays which saw Porto throw all their chips on the table with regards to Samu. Having paid €15m for 50% of his rights, Porto decided to acquire the remaining 50% for a total €12m. It means that when Aghehowa does eventually fetch Atletico a hefty transfer fee, they'll be taking in all of the profits. And having just turned 21 years of age, there's every reason to believe that Aghehowa can build on his initial success and deliver a stellar sophomore campaign with Porto. Aghehowa has already made a name for himself with La Roja, winning the Gold Medal in the 2024 Summer Olympics, making two appearances for the senior team, and claiming a runners-up medal in the UEFA Nations League. And whilst he faces stern competition from veteran players like Mikel Oyarzabal and Alvaro Morata, he is more than capable of staking his claim for a key first-team role under Luis de la Fuente going into next summer's FIFA World Cup.
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Ronaldo Jr. comments on rising football stars during livestream
Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. sparked discussion online after a recent Twitch stream with content creator 2xRaKai, where he named his father, Cristiano Ronaldo, as his favorite footballer of all time. When asked whether Barcelona and Spain's teenage star Lamine Yamal might eventually surpass his father, Ronaldo Jr. replied, 'He hasn't won anything yet.' The comment quickly drew attention across social media platforms, as Yamal was part of the Spanish national team that won the UEFA Euro 2024 title. At 17, he became the youngest-ever goalscorer in Euro history and played a key role in Spain's tournament victory. Cristiano Ronaldo Sr., now 40, is preparing to represent Portugal in what would be his sixth FIFA World Cup appearance in 2026, a feat no male footballer has achieved before. He previously played in the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022 editions. While Ronaldo Jr.'s statement appeared more supportive than dismissive, it unintentionally overlooked Yamal's recent major international win. The moment has reignited ongoing comparisons between football's most established icons and its emerging stars, a common theme as a new generation of talent rises. Both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lamine Yamal continue to draw global attention, one as a veteran preparing for a final tournament, the other as a teenager already achieving major milestones.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Barcelona star kid Lamine Yamal's jaw-dropping $400000 diamond chain goes viral for its crazy design and luxury look
Barcelona's young football sensation Lamine Yamal has just made headlines off the pitch, and it has nothing to do with goals or assists. The 16-year-old talent recently showed off a brand-new diamond chain that left fans shocked. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The custom piece is worth a massive $400000, and it's already going viral for its bold design and high-end look. How much is Barcelona's star kid Lamine Yamal's diamond chain worth On July 8, 2025, a video surfaced online showing Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal wearing a brand-new diamond chain that reportedly cost around $400000. The chain, shared on social media by Complex Sports and other sources, quickly grabbed attention. It features an eye-catching design filled with diamonds, showcasing both wealth and style. Already becoming among the most famous players in football is Lamine Yamal, who recently played a crucial part in Spain's ascent to the UEFA Euro 2024 final. Although he is still a young man, his fame is quickly increasing for his talent and now his brilliant style choices as well. Fans flooded the comments with mixed reactions. Some praised the look, calling it 'cold' and 'next level,' while others were surprised to see such a young star wearing something so expensive. Lamine Yamal continues to rise in football and fashion at just 16 years old Born in July 2007, Lamine Yamal is already well-known as one of the youngest players ever to have featured for the senior team of FC Barcelona. Having made his debut in 2023, he has since come to be indispensable to both Barcelona and the Spanish national squad. His off-the-pitch style is now grabbing just as much interest. Though this information hasn't been confirmed, according to Complex $400,000 chain is likely custom-made, possibly by a prominent jeweler. The revelation of the chain goes well with Yamal's growing reputation as a fashion star rather than only a football player. His most recent action demonstrates that he is also building hype via daring personal style, not only with the ball. Lamine Yamal is showing he can shine both on and off the field as more eyes are on him than ever. Also Read:
Fox Sports
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Spain's Nico Williams to stay at Athletic Bilbao despite Barcelona interest
Spain winger Nico Williams agreed to long-term deal on Friday that will keep him at Athletic Bilbao through 2035. Barcelona was reportedly keen on trying to sign the 22-year-old Williams. He has been one of the top rising talents since he excelled in helping Spain win the UEFA Euro 2024. Instead, Athletic said Williams will sign a new deal that gives him an eight-year extension. His current contract was through 2027. Williams has 31 goals and created many more in his 167 games over five seasons for Athletic thanks to his speed and dribbling skills. He scored Spain's opening goal in its 2-1 win over England in the final of Euro 2024, earning him the player of the match mention. Nico and his older brother Iñaki are fan favorites for Athletic, which fields players only from Spain's northern Basque Country region and neighboring territories. Athletic will play in the Champions League next season after finishing La Liga in fourth place. Reporting by The Associated Press. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! Get more from LaLiga Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more in this topic
Sinar Daily
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Sinar Daily
'We will all miss you': Cristiano Ronaldo on Diogo Jota's death
"It makes no sense. We were just together with the national team, you had just gotten married." 03 Jul 2025 07:02pm Slovenia's defender #21 Vanja Drkusic (right) heads the ball against Portugal's forward #21 Diogo Jota (centre) and Portugal's forward #07 Cristiano Ronaldo during the UEFA Euro 2024 round of 16 football match between Portugal and Slovenia at the Frankfurt Arena in Frankfurt am Main on July 1, 2024. Photo by Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP FILE PIX LISBON - Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo paid tribute to his international team-mate Diogo Jota, who was killed in a car crash on Thursday, saying "we will all miss you." The Liverpool and Portugal star, 28, died along with his younger brother Andre when their vehicle veered off a motorway and burst into flames shortly after midnight in the municipality of Cernadilla in Zamora province, Spain. Slovenia's goalkeeper #01 Jan Oblak jumps to punch the ball clear next to Portugal's forward #07 Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal's forward #21 Diogo Jota during the UEFA Euro 2024. Photo by Angelos Tzortzinis/AFP FILE PIX "It makes no sense. We were just together with the national team (they won the Nations League title last month), you had just gotten married," he posted on X. "To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you." Jota's death comes only a month after he and Ronaldo were celebrating on the pitch after Portugal won the Nations League title beating Spain on penalties. - AFP More Like This
