As the sport's popularity spread across the world, it developed its own colourful language/expressions. From clever slang to bizarre nicknames, the game's changing culture has thrown up some rather unusual turn of phrase. Here are 8 of the strangest football terms ever used.
If Rohit Sharma's ODI exit is coming, it should be announced with dignity and not through rumours and leaks. You don't whisper exits for great players -- you announce them with respect, asserts K R Nayar.
Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation is significant because it punctures, however slightly, the perception that the Modi government never retreats under pressure. Every long-serving government eventually reaches a point where every institutional failure is identified with the leader himself. Removing the minister may have prevented that political burden from falling directly on Modi. Whether it also resolves the underlying crisis is another matter, notes Ramesh Menon.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the state's ambition to become India's leader in quantum technology. The state plans to build a robust ecosystem, align with the National Quantum Mission, and train over 5,000 professionals, recognising AI, semiconductors, and quantum tech as key pillars for future growth and global competitiveness.
A visit to a chocolate festival is a journey purely fuelled by temptation
Lionel Messi has become the most prolific scorer in World Cup history, netting two goals in Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria. This achievement, which saw him surpass Brazilian great Marta's record of 17 goals, also secured Argentina's place in the knockout stage with a game to spare. Despite missing a penalty, Messi expressed satisfaction with the team's performance and the crucial win.
Dropped Iran striker Sardar Azmoun has posted a heartfelt message on social media proclaiming his love for his country and wishing the World Cup squad well at the tournament without him.
'After that the burdens of an ageing population will be upon us, and the share of working age population will shrink.'
Pundits and former players have raised concerns over the Indian cricket team's batting performance following consecutive T20 series defeats against England and Ireland. Experts like Dinesh Karthik, Sunil Gavaskar, and Harsha Bhogle, along with captain Shreyas Iyer, point to issues with adapting to conditions and a lack of rhythm in the middle order, suggesting these losses could be a crucial wake-up call for the team.
Alexander Zverev, fresh off his French Open victory, faces the daunting task of overcoming Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon final, who has beaten him nine times in a row and won their last 14 sets.
AFC Executive Committee member Shaji Prabhakaran advocates for a balanced, long-term strategy for integrating OCI and PIO players into Indian football, stressing it's not a complete solution but a part of broader development. He also analyses recent World Cup semifinals, highlighting Spain's tactical dominance and Argentina's fighting spirit.
DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre expressed pride in his team's performance at the World Cup, despite their exit after a close match against England.
The Indian team, which looked invincible under Suryakumar Yadav, has suddenly hit rock bottom a few months after winning the T20 World Cup.
India head coach Amol Muzumdar is baffled that it has taken this long to stage a women's Test at Lord's, 142 years after the 'Home of Cricket' hosted a men's Test.
When dialogue fails, protest becomes inevitable.
In a democracy, protest is often the only language left once institutions stop listening, explains Ramesh Menon.
FIFA has dismissed Belgium's challenge regarding the eligibility of US striker Folarin Balogun, upholding the controversial decision to suspend his one-match ban ahead of the World Cup Round of 16 clash, despite the US ultimately losing 4-1 to Belgium and being eliminated.
Suryakumar Yadav, known for his explosive batting, is facing a tough time in IPL 2026, failing to convert starts into significant scores. His inconsistency is a concern, especially after a similar performance in the T20 World Cup 2026. At 35, the pressure is mounting on the Indian Premier League star.
Rohit Sharma answered the retirement rumours in the best possible way - by smashing a record-breaking century at Lord's.
It was left to an incensed Gen Z to show the rest of India that enough was enough, and that the time had come to shatter the fear psychosis generated by the government's authoritarian approach to protests and criticism, points out M R Narayan Swamy.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan praised South Africa's composure under pressure following their victory over India in the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, highlighting the match-winning contributions of David Miller and Dewald Brevis.
Superstition is likely to rule the day with many believing that a small movement could result in the fall of a wicket.
I was armed with two dictaphones -- and a bottle of whisky that the editor had paid for, to lubricate the conversation.
Set in Haryana, Glory is described as 'high-stakes whodunnit' rooted in the boxing world.
Prohibition never stopped anyone from drinking in Gujarat. It only made the stories that come after a lot more interesting, recounts Binu Alex.
England batter Jacob Bethell scored an unbeaten 76 against India in the second T20I, leading his team to a four-wicket victory while chasing 191.
'With the ease and the calmness that he batted, it gave us a lot of confidence that now, probably, we are on the right track.'
Lionel Messi, on the eve of his 39th birthday, demonstrated his unwavering commitment to Argentina's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign by engaging in an intense gym session. The football legend, who is already the FIFA World Cup's all-time top goalscorer, is leading Argentina into the Round of 16 and continues to break records with his exceptional performance.
The noise at the Miami Stadium belonged to one nation, but the occasion belonged to one man as Lionel Messi scooped up another Man of the Match trophy.
These goofy 10 may not be as pop culturally potent as the likes of comic classics Andaz Apna Apna, Dulhe Raja, Hera Pheri, Chachi 420, Coolie No 1, Lage Raho Munnabhai or Stree but its madcap humour enjoys a loyal following of its own.
'That has been the big factor behind me coming so far in my career.'
Women's top seed Aryna Sabalenka was knocked out in the fourth round of Wimbledon by an inspired Naomi Osaka on Sunday.
'It's very easy for people to say, 'She got work because of her connections. What they don't see is the number of rejections I went through. Even if someone helps you get your first opportunity, you can't sustain a career unless you know your craft. I wanted people to hire me because they believed in my work, not because I was related to someone.'
The scene was ultimately dropped in favour of the ending in which Nikki survives.
A charming first half and two winning lead performances are undone by an overlong, predictable second half that loses sight of what made Chennai Love Story special.
Youri Tielemans struck a 125th-minute penalty as Belgium rallied from two goals down and defeated Senegal 3-2 after extra time in their World Cup last 32 clash in Seattle on Wednesday to keep alive their title hopes that had looked dead and buried.
Suryakumar Yadav, despite being stripped of T20I captaincy and dropped from the squad, can still make a comeback to the Indian side if he consistently performs in domestic cricket, according to a BCCI source.
Britain's Arthur Fery became only the fourth wildcard to reach the men's singles semifinals at a Grand Slam as his dream Wimbledon run continued with a 6-4, 7-6(4), 6-0 victory over Italian ninth seed Flavio Cobolli on Wednesday.
Veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are set to return for India's three-match ODI series against an upbeat England, aiming to lift the team's spirits after a dismal T20I performance.
India's new T20I captain Shreyas Iyer reflected on the team's disastrous series losses to Ireland and England, admitting they failed to adapt to English conditions. Despite the setbacks, Iyer views the experience as a crucial learning opportunity for himself as a leader and for the team, especially concerning future overseas tours and World Cup preparations. He highlighted the need for better adaptation, improved fielding, and strategic team combinations.
Bollywood has given us many memorable Doctor Saab characters over the years. These reel-life doctors offer, when accurate, a little peek into the triumphs and challenges of a medical life in India. Bollywood has given us some remarkable medical characters over the years. These reel-life doctors entertained audiences while reflecting the triumphs and challenges of the medical profession. As we celebrate the healers who make a difference in real life, here's a look at 7 unforgettable doctor characters who left their mark on the Bollywood screen.