Indian women's football team veteran Grace Dangmei has announced her international retirement following the team's SAFF Championships victory. The 30-year-old forward, who represented India 95 times, concluded her nearly 15-year career with a third SAFF title, having also played for top Indian and Uzbek clubs.
Argentina's veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi has announced his retirement from international football after a 17-year career, which included winning the 2022 World Cup and two Copa America titles.
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.
Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly set to retire from international football in September, with speculation suggesting his final match will be Portugal's UEFA Nations League fixture against Wales.
'Our biggest opportunity lies with the younger age-group teams.' 'If you look at the senior national team, our chances are about 50-50.' 'The gap becomes smaller as you move down the age groups.' 'At the Under-20 level, it's closer to 60-40.' 'By the Under-17 level, it's around 80-20. That's where I feel we have our best chance.'
Brazilian football legend Neymar Jr. has announced his retirement from international football following Brazil's shocking 2-1 defeat to Norway in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16. The 34-year-old forward, Brazil's all-time leading scorer, confirmed his decision after the match, marking the end of a celebrated career with the national team.
Neymar's father has penned an emotional message urging his son to reconsider his retirement from international football, which followed Brazil's unexpected exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026. Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer, announced his decision after their Round of 16 defeat to Norway.
Riyad Mahrez, the Algerian football star, has announced his retirement from international football following Algeria's elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 by Switzerland. Mahrez confirmed his decision after Algeria's 2-0 defeat, concluding a distinguished career with 119 appearances, 40 goals, and 45 assists, including a pivotal role in Algeria's 2019 Africa Cup of Nations victory.
Lionel Messi, celebrating his 39th birthday, continues to be a dominant force in football, leading Argentina and achieving new milestones. Fans in Kolkata marked the occasion with grand tributes, including a 30-foot portrait and neighbourhood decorations, honouring the football legend.
Exploring memorable scenes that celebrate football in the movies.
Neymar has suggested he may have played his final match for Brazil following their 2-1 defeat to Norway in the World Cup round of 16, a result that eliminated the five-time champions. The emotional 34-year-old scored a penalty but indicated his international career might be over, marking Brazil's worst World Cup performance since 1990.
An Argentine war veterans federation has urged football fans to prioritise the World Cup semi-final against England as a sporting event, rather than using it to reignite sovereignty claims over the Falkland/Malvinas Islands. They emphasised diplomacy for territorial disputes and called for respect for fallen soldiers without promoting hatred.
England's star midfielder Jude Bellingham described the thrilling 3-2 victory over co-hosts Mexico in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 as the 'best night of his England career', after the Three Lions secured their place in the quarter-finals despite playing much of the second half with 10 men.
Football legend Ronaldinho has come out of retirement at 46 to sign with Italian Serie C club Ravenna FC.
Legendary Indian goalkeeper Brahmananda Sankhwalkar reflects on the emotional FIFA World Cup exits of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar Junior. He discusses their unfulfilled World Cup dreams, their rivalry with Lionel Messi, and the circumstances of their respective team's eliminations, highlighting their enduring legacy despite the absence of a World Cup trophy.
Keegan's family and Newcastle announced in January that the two-time European Footballer of the Year was undergoing cancer treatment, without disclosing details of his illness.
Andrea Pirlo, a 2006 World Cup winner and former Juventus manager, has reportedly been appointed as the new head coach of the Italian national football team on a four-year deal.
The Italian Football Federation has appointed legendary former captain Paolo Maldini as its new Technical Director, aiming to leverage his experience to revitalise the national team's international standing after recent World Cup qualification struggles.
Indian Super League club Punjab FC has announced the appointment of Greek tactician Pavlos Dermitzakis as their new head coach for the 2026-27 season. Dermitzakis brings over two decades of coaching experience from the Greek football pyramid, joining from Panionios FC on a two-year contract.
Argentine football legend Lionel Messi has stated his intention to continue playing as long as he remains physically fit and can contribute to his team. He remained non-committal about his participation in the 2030 FIFA World Cup, stating it's too far off to consider. Messi also celebrated his 39th birthday amidst Argentina's strong performance in the FIFA World Cup 2026, where he became the all-time leading goal-scorer.
Mizoram has declared a full holiday for educational institutions and a half-day for government offices to allow residents to watch the FIFA World Cup final. Chief Minister Lalduhoma highlighted the state's passion for football and the importance of the sport to its youth.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has expressed its condolences following the death of former India forward Gilbertson Sangma, who passed away at the age of 70.
England defender Dan Burn, 34, has emerged as an unlikely hero at the World Cup, making crucial clearances and blocks in high-pressure matches against Mexico and Norway, defying a career path that saw him released by Newcastle as a boy and playing in lower divisions.
Ted Lasso actor Cristo Fernandez, known for playing Dani Rojas, has signed a professional football contract with El Paso Locomotive FC, a U.S. second-tier team, fulfilling a lifelong dream after overcoming a past knee injury.
Lamine Yamal's working-class neighbourhood, Rocafonda, is filled with pride as the Spanish forward prepares for the World Cup final against Lionel Messi's Argentina. The story highlights Yamal's deep connection to his roots, his admiration for Messi, and how he honours his community through gestures like his "304" hand sign and wearing a Rocafonda headband.
Belgium have appointed former Netherlands international Mark van Bommel as their new head coach on a two-year contract running until the 2028 European Championship.
Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen has returned home and is recovering after collapsing on the pitch during a friendly match against Ukraine. He clarified that the incident was due to a shock from his ICD, different from his 2021 collapse, and assured fans of his good health.
The arguments over who is the greatest footballer of all time will rage on until the end of days, but you would have to go back to Diego Maradona or Pele to find a player with a similar individual influence on World Cup success.
Luka Modri's illustrious international career concluded with Croatia's dramatic 2-1 defeat to Portugal in the World Cup. Despite a valiant effort, Croatia's hopes were dashed by a late Gonalo Ramos goal and a disallowed equaliser, marking an emotional exit for the 40-year-old football icon. Cristiano Ronaldo shared a poignant moment with his former teammate, acknowledging Modri's remarkable legacy.
Former Italy international Andrea Pirlo has withdrawn from contention for the national team's head coach position after his commercial ties to Russian betting company Fonbet drew significant criticism and opposition from Italian football officials and lawmakers.
Former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund boss Juergen Klopp has been appointed as the head coach of the German national football team on a four-year contract, following Julian Nagelsmann's departure and a series of disappointing World Cup performances.
Spain's Rodri claimed the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player, Unai Simon won the Golden Glove, and Pau Cubarsi was named the Best Young Player, leaving Lionel Messi without another personal honour despite his impressive World Cup performance.
It happened in 2017, two years after Scaloni ended his playing career. De la Fuente, then in charge of Spain's youth teams, was among the figures who helped guide a recently retired player taking his first steps towards management.
Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj shared an emotional tribute to football icon Cristiano Ronaldo after Portugal's exit from the FIFA World Cup. Siraj, a long-time admirer, stated that Ronaldo's greatness transcends a single game and thanked him for inspiring millions globally, including himself, often using Ronaldo's mindset and celebration as motivation.
Lionel Messi made history by becoming the oldest outfield player to start a FIFA World Cup final at 39 years and 25 days, while Spain's Lamine Yamal became the third-youngest player ever to start the tournament's showpiece match, highlighting a generational clash.
Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup campaign concluded with an emotional defeat for Portugal against Spain.
FIFA has approved a rule change allowing Afghan women footballers, many exiled since the Taliban's return, to play official international matches in FIFA competitions.
Manolo Marquez, a highly successful coach in Indian football, has been appointed as the new head coach for Mumbai City FC on a one-year contract for the 2026-2027 season. Marquez brings a wealth of experience, including leading Hyderabad FC to an ISL Cup title and coaching the Indian national team.
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is set to face Lionel Messi for the first time in his career during Wednesday's World Cup semi-final against Argentina, an occasion he described as carrying a 'sense of history' given his long-standing admiration for the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Cristiano Ronaldo's sister, Katia Aveiro, has indicated that the FIFA World Cup 2026 could be the Portugal captain's final international tournament, referring to it as his "last dance" with the national team. She clarified her comments specifically referred to his Portugal career, not overall retirement.
