News for 'former players'

SEE: Inside Belgium's wild dressing room celebrations

SEE: Inside Belgium's wild dressing room celebrations

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Belgium's dressing room erupted in celebration after their dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Senegal, with match-winner Youri Tielemans leading the festivities.

FIFA World Cup: The Touching Ronaldo-Modric Moment Everyone Missed

FIFA World Cup: The Touching Ronaldo-Modric Moment Everyone Missed

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

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.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Debut Patches Go Viral

FIFA World Cup 2026 Debut Patches Go Viral

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

FIFA's 'Debut FIFA World Cup' sleeve patch for the 2026 tournament is designed to celebrate first-time players and personalise kits.

The moment Lionel Messi's World Cup legend began

The moment Lionel Messi's World Cup legend began

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Former Argentina coach Jose Pekerman reflects on Lionel Messi's 2006 World Cup debut, stating he always believed the then 18-year-old would become one of the game's defining figures and that every minute on the pitch was crucial for his development.

The Great Collapse: How India's Big T20 Shake-Up Failed

The Great Collapse: How India's Big T20 Shake-Up Failed

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The Indian team, which looked invincible under Suryakumar Yadav, has suddenly hit rock bottom a few months after winning the T20 World Cup.

Indian-Origin Bodhana Sivanandan Is UK's No. 1 Women's Chess Player

Indian-Origin Bodhana Sivanandan Is UK's No. 1 Women's Chess Player

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

At just 11 years old, Bodhana Sivanandan has become Great Britain's No 1 Women's Chess player dethroning four-time British Women's Champion Lan Yao.

Coach Nagelsmann quits after Germany ouster from FIFA WC

Coach Nagelsmann quits after Germany ouster from FIFA WC

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

The decision was made following Germany's World Cup exit in the Round of 32 following their loss to Paraguay.

Historic! India Crush England at Lord's

Historic! India Crush England at Lord's

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

India's women's cricket team secured a commanding 270-run victory over England in a one-off Test match in London, completing a dominant all-round performance on Day 4.

How Argentina pounced on window of opportunity gifted by England

How Argentina pounced on window of opportunity gifted by England

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Argentina staged a dramatic comeback, scoring two late goals to defeat England 2-1 in the World Cup semi-final, with Lionel Messi orchestrating the turnaround after England had taken the lead.

FIFA World Cup: 'If it was Messi, no red card' ex-US star sparks controversy

FIFA World Cup: 'If it was Messi, no red card' ex-US star sparks controversy

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

After the US's win in the round of 32 fixture against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which involved striker Flo Balogun being shown a red card and sent off after a tackle with an opponent, former US footballer Alexi Lalas questioned why Argentina superstar Lionel Messi escaped any notice

Klose Hails Messi After World Cup Record Is Broken

Klose Hails Messi After World Cup Record Is Broken

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Lionel Messi's record-breaking night draws ultimate praise from former record-holder Miroslav Klose.

Coach reveals truth behind Sooryavanshi's debut

Coach reveals truth behind Sooryavanshi's debut

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak discusses the Indian cricket team's ongoing transition, highlighting the debut of young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and the challenges of playing without Hardik Pandya. He emphasises the team's focus on developing new talent and improving in all departments for future World Cups.

Brazil vs Japan:FIFA World Cup Blockbuster Awaits

Brazil vs Japan:FIFA World Cup Blockbuster Awaits

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Japan's national football team, the Samurai Blue, faces Brazil in a crucial World Cup last-32 match. This encounter holds deep significance due to Brazil's profound influence on Japanese professional football, particularly through the J-League and the presence of numerous Brazilian players and coaches over the decades. Despite past successes against Brazil, including a recent friendly win, this World Cup clash represents a major test for Japan's ambitions.

First Day In India Blue! Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Carries Drinks

First Day In India Blue! Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Carries Drinks

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a 15-year-old cricket prodigy, joined the senior Indian team for the first T20I against Ireland but did not make his debut.

Wimbledon: Swiatek overcomes Pliskova; Anisimova battles past Kenin

Wimbledon: Swiatek overcomes Pliskova; Anisimova battles past Kenin

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Defending champion Iga Swiatek eased past former world No. 1 Karolina Pliskova to reach the Wimbledon third round, while Amanda Anisimova battled back to defeat Sofia Kenin in a hard-fought all-American contest.

World Tennis Aims For 30% Participation Boost With New Identity

World Tennis Aims For 30% Participation Boost With New Identity

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has rebranded as World Tennis, announcing an ambitious vision to increase global participation by 30% to 140 million players by 2035. The organisation, which governs the sport and runs major competitions, plans to reinvest 85% of its income annually for the next decade to achieve its strategic goals, including powering future stars and elevating national competitions. The name change aims to enhance recognition and foster greater collaboration within the sport.

FIFA World Cup: 'Now everybody knows where Cabo Verde is'

FIFA World Cup: 'Now everybody knows where Cabo Verde is'

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Cabo Verde's World Cup dream ended in defeat, but their story had already become one of the tournament's defining moments. After the debutants stretched defending champions Argentina to extra time, football greats Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thierry Henry saluted the tiny island nation for proving that belief can outweigh size and reputation.

'Why is Gill not in T20s?' Azharuddin asks

'Why is Gill not in T20s?' Azharuddin asks

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin has voiced concerns over the current Indian cricket team selections, particularly questioning Shubman Gill's exclusion from T20Is and the non-selection of domestic stalwarts Sarfaraz Khan and Auqib Nabi for the Test squad. Azharuddin stressed the importance of consistent performance and the need for more Test cricket, while also commenting on captaincy roles and player retirements.

Indian Shuttlers Ready For Japan Open Challenge

Indian Shuttlers Ready For Japan Open Challenge

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

India's top badminton players, including the men's doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, singles stars Lakshya Sen, P V Sindhu, and rising talent Ayush Shetty, are set to compete at the USD 950,000 Japan Open Super 750 tournament. The event marks a crucial stage for many Indian shuttlers to make significant runs on the BWF World Tour.

Women's T20 World Cup: Harmanpreet must attack, not rebuild, says Shikha Pandey

Women's T20 World Cup: Harmanpreet must attack, not rebuild, says Shikha Pandey

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur needs to stop thinking about the wickets falling around her and focus on playing her natural attacking game, believes former pacer Shikha Pandey, who says the batter can transform into a completely different player once she gets settled at the crease.

Juergen Klopp, Legends Watch as Germany Break World Cup Opening-Match Jinx

Juergen Klopp, Legends Watch as Germany Break World Cup Opening-Match Jinx

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Germany launched their FIFA World Cup campaign with a commanding 7-1 victory over Curacao with Klopp, Muller watching from stands.

Historic! Harmanpreet Kaur First Cricketer To Play 200 T20 Internationals

Historic! Harmanpreet Kaur First Cricketer To Play 200 T20 Internationals

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur has become the first cricketer, male or female, to play 200 T20 Internationals, achieving this milestone during a World Cup clash against South Africa.

Why fans opposed former Bayern player's internship

Why fans opposed former Bayern player's internship

Rediff.com26 Oct 2025

Bayern beat Borussia Moenchengladbach 3-0 on Saturday to bag their 13th win from 13 matches across all competitions this season.

Ibra hails defending champs: 'This is why the world fears Argentina'

Ibra hails defending champs: 'This is why the world fears Argentina'

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

'That's not just a football victory -- that's the heartbeat of an entire nation'

US Open Day 1: Indian-American Golfers Navigate Challenging Conditions

US Open Day 1: Indian-American Golfers Navigate Challenging Conditions

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The first round of the US Open saw Indian-American golfer Akshay Bhatia finish 1-over with four holes remaining, despite a challenging start and fog delays. While Bhatia provisionally stood T-29, other Indian-origin players like Sahith Theegala, Sudarshan Yellamaraju, Manav Shah, and Aaron Rai experienced mixed results, with former champion Wyndham Clark leading the field before play was suspended due to darkness.

Underdog Cape Verde Confident Of Defying Odds Against Messi's Argentina

Underdog Cape Verde Confident Of Defying Odds Against Messi's Argentina

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Cape Verde, despite being a significant underdog, is confident of challenging Argentina and Lionel Messi in their World Cup knockout match.

Why Did India Drop 15-Year-Old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi?

Why Did India Drop 15-Year-Old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi?

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

India's decision to drop 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for the fifth and final T20I against England, despite the series already being decided, has drawn criticism from former cricketers like Sunil Gavaskar and Graeme Swann, who argue the youngster should have been given more opportunities.

Who Will Lift The FIFA World Cup Trophy? Meet The Final 8 Teams

Who Will Lift The FIFA World Cup Trophy? Meet The Final 8 Teams

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals are set, featuring a diverse lineup of one South American, one African, and six European teams, including defending champions Argentina and France, alongside surprise packages like Morocco and Norway, all vying for football's ultimate prize.

Almiron Red Card: New Rule Controversy

Almiron Red Card: New Rule Controversy

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Miguel Almiron became the first player sent off at the World Cup for violating a new rule against covering mouths during confrontations. His dismissal left Paraguay with 10 men, but they still secured a 1-0 victory over Turkey, keeping their World Cup hopes alive while eliminating Turkey. The incident has sparked debate among coaches about the impact of new rules on the game's essence.

Australia's Socceroos Dismiss US Hype Ahead Of World Cup Showdown

Australia's Socceroos Dismiss US Hype Ahead Of World Cup Showdown

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Australia's assistant coach Hayden Foxe states that the Socceroos are mature enough to handle media hype and social media comments ahead of their World Cup match against co-hosts the United States. Despite being written off by some US commentators, the team is confident after a strong start to the tournament, having defeated Turkey 2-0. Players are focused on the upcoming game, drawing motivation from past criticisms while remaining grounded.

Former World No 4, Japan's Nishikori to hang up his racquet

Former World No 4, Japan's Nishikori to hang up his racquet

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Kei Nishikori announces he will retire after the 2026 season, ending a historic career that saw him become Japan's first Grand Slam finalist.

Naomi Osaka's 'Kill Bill' Kimono Outfit Turns Heads At Wimbledon

Naomi Osaka's 'Kill Bill' Kimono Outfit Turns Heads At Wimbledon

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Naomi Osaka walked onto Court 3 in an all-white kimono, the traditional national dress of Japan, paired with a traditional kanzashi hair ornament, before unveiling a white Nike dress.

All-rounder Deepti Sharma's impact unmatched: Anjum Chopra

All-rounder Deepti Sharma's impact unmatched: Anjum Chopra

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Former India captain Anjum Chopra hailed Deepti Sharma as one of cricket's most influential all-rounders after her five-wicket haul against Pakistan, while also highlighting the importance of Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur to India's Women's T20 World Cup campaign.

Beyond soccer... Cricket finds a home in Houston

Beyond soccer... Cricket finds a home in Houston

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

World Cup fever has gripped Houston, but across the city the unmistakable sound of leather ball on willow bat can be heard as baseball mounds give way to cricket pitches and the gentleman's game begins to take hold in Texas.

Ireland T20 Whitewash: What Went Wrong For Team India

Ireland T20 Whitewash: What Went Wrong For Team India

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The Indian cricket team suffered a surprising 2-0 series whitewash against Ireland in a two-match T20 series in Belfast.

'This Is My Last World Cup': Cristiano Ronaldo

'This Is My Last World Cup': Cristiano Ronaldo

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the current World Cup will be his last, expressing no regrets about his illustrious career.

Pant takes massive pay cut, returns to DC in swap with Kuldeep

Pant takes massive pay cut, returns to DC in swap with Kuldeep

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Lucknow had signed Pant for a tournament-record $3.21 million in the player auction before the 2025 season and put the wicketkeeper-batsman in charge of the squad.

Kiren Rijiju Foresees Indian Fencers Winning Asian Games Medals And Qualifying For Olympics

Kiren Rijiju Foresees Indian Fencers Winning Asian Games Medals And Qualifying For Olympics

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju expressed confidence that Indian fencers will secure medals at the upcoming Asian Games and qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. He emphasized the need to popularize fencing in India, highlighting its potential to capture the youth's imagination and its significant medal opportunities at the Olympics. Rijiju also commented on the government's non-interference policy regarding sports federations' internal affairs, specifically addressing the Manika Batra selection issue.

Hyderabad Toofans Appoint Paul Revington As Head Coach

Hyderabad Toofans Appoint Paul Revington As Head Coach

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Former England coach Paul Revington has been appointed as the head coach of Hyderabad Toofans for the upcoming Hockey India League season. Revington aims to build a championship-winning culture and develop Indian talent, leveraging the team's past success as bronze and silver medallists.

FIFA World Cup Round of 16: Mbappe's France refuse to take Paraguay lightly

FIFA World Cup Round of 16: Mbappe's France refuse to take Paraguay lightly

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

France arrive in Philadelphia as the World Cup's most feared attacking force, but Kylian Mbappe and coach Didier Deschamps have warned that acclaim, records and a seemingly clear path mean little if they fail to stay grounded against Paraguay in Saturday's last-16 clash.