News for 'midfield'

Durand Cup: How 11 Young Footballers Earned Emerging Player Awards

Durand Cup: How 11 Young Footballers Earned Emerging Player Awards

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Durand Football Tournament Society has recognised 11 young footballers with the Emerging Player award, each receiving Rs 1 lakh. These players, from various teams across all six groups, impressed with their performances, showcasing promising talent and potential during the ongoing Durand Cup.

Premier League: Chelsea withstand Brighton rally; Man United thump Ipswich

Premier League: Chelsea withstand Brighton rally; Man United thump Ipswich

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Chelsea made it two wins from two under Xavi Alonso, surviving Brighton's dramatic comeback to win 4-3 at Stamford Bridge and continue their high-scoring Premier League start.

'Thank You For Making History With Us': Messi's Teammates Express Gratitude

'Thank You For Making History With Us': Messi's Teammates Express Gratitude

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Argentine footballers Lautaro Martinez, Leandro Paredes, Emiliano Martinez, and Alexis Mac Allister have paid emotional tributes to Lionel Messi following his announcement to retire from international football, reflecting on his profound impact on their careers and the national team.

Indian team will benefit from international friendly against Brazil: Cafu

Indian team will benefit from international friendly against Brazil: Cafu

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Former Brazil captain Cafu discussed India's upcoming friendly against Brazil, highlighting the learning opportunity despite ranking differences. He also suggested India popularise football among children for growth, commented on Brazil's World Cup drought, and reflected on the evolving role of fullbacks in modern football.

India face uphill battle for Hockey World Cup semi-finals, need big win vs Argentina

India face uphill battle for Hockey World Cup semi-finals, need big win vs Argentina

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

India's chances of reaching the Hockey World Cup semi-finals are slim, requiring a significant victory against Argentina and favourable results from the Netherlands-England match. The team must overcome their finishing struggles and defensive concerns to keep their hopes alive.

Coach Khalid Jamil explains squad changes, eyes 2027 Asia Cup

Coach Khalid Jamil explains squad changes, eyes 2027 Asia Cup

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Indian football team head coach Khalid Jamil has strongly defended his decision to drop several established players for upcoming high-profile friendlies against Brazil, Uruguay, and Panama. Jamil stated that selections were based purely on merit and performance, part of a long-term strategy to build a team for the 2027 Asian Cup qualification. He also praised former captain Sunil Chhetri but ruled out his return.

Alonso banks on Rogers and Palmer chemistry to lead Chelsea's rebuild

Alonso banks on Rogers and Palmer chemistry to lead Chelsea's rebuild

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

England midfielder Morgan Rogers is an ideal signing for Chelsea and could form an exciting partnership with midfielder Cole Palmer, new manager Xabi Alonso said on Monday.

Hope returns to Old Trafford as Carrick plots Manchester United's rise back to the top

Hope returns to Old Trafford as Carrick plots Manchester United's rise back to the top

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Michael Carrick aims to build on Manchester United's revival, balancing renewed confidence, squad reinforcements and Champions League demands while pushing the club toward sustained success among England's Premier League elite.

Manchester City's new head coach Maresca faces a monumental EPL challenge

Manchester City's new head coach Maresca faces a monumental EPL challenge

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Manchester City enter a challenging post-Guardiola era, with Enzo Maresca tasked with preserving their dominance, managing squad changes and meeting immense expectations in a fiercely competitive Premier League.

Indian Navy sink NEROCA to stay alive in Durand Cup

Indian Navy sink NEROCA to stay alive in Durand Cup

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Indian Navy football team secured their first victory in the Durand Cup, defeating NEROCA FC 2-0 in a Group D fixture. Goals from Roshan Panna and E Muhammed Inayath sealed the win, moving the Navy to second place in their group.

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes Crowned 'PFA Player Of The Year'

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes Crowned 'PFA Player Of The Year'

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes has been named the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) Player of the Year for the 2025-26 season, having set a Premier League record with 21 assists and scored nine goals. Manchester City's Khadija Shaw secured the Women's Player of the Year award, while Nico O'Reilly and Olivia Smith were recognised as Young Players of the Year.

Tottenham Hotspur sign Brazil winger Savinho from Manchester City

Tottenham Hotspur sign Brazil winger Savinho from Manchester City

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Tottenham Hotspur have significantly boosted their squad by signing Brazil winger Savinho from Manchester City, pushing their close-season spending beyond 300 million under manager Roberto De Zerbi, following a narrow escape from relegation last season.

Football PIX: Juventus down Parma; Dortmund cruise to win

Football PIX: Juventus down Parma; Dortmund cruise to win

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

Juventus secured a 2-0 home win over Parma in Serie A, with goals from substitutes Nico Gonzalez and Teun Koopmeiners.

Men's Hockey World Cup: Germany's defensive wall delivers historic fourth title

Men's Hockey World Cup: Germany's defensive wall delivers historic fourth title

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Germany retained the Men's Hockey World Cup with a disciplined 1-0 victory over Spain, matching Pakistan's record four titles, while Argentina secured bronze by defeating the Netherlands.

Transfer Deadline Day 2026: Aston Villa Sign 18-Year-Old Ibrahim Mbaye From PSG

Transfer Deadline Day 2026: Aston Villa Sign 18-Year-Old Ibrahim Mbaye From PSG

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Ibrahim Mbaye, the 18-year-old Senegal forward, has completed a permanent transfer from Paris St Germain to Premier League club Aston Villa.

League Cup: Newcastle, Spurs, Everton advance with convincing wins

League Cup: Newcastle, Spurs, Everton advance with convincing wins

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Everton all secured their spots in the third round of the League Cup.

Mbappe's Hat-Trick Secures Real Madrid's First Home LaLiga Win

Mbappe's Hat-Trick Secures Real Madrid's First Home LaLiga Win

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Kylian Mbappe scored a sensational hat-trick, leading Real Madrid to a commanding 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad in their first home LaLiga match of the season, marking a triumphant return for manager Jose Mourinho.

Arsenal crush Manchester City 3-0 to lift Community Shield

Arsenal crush Manchester City 3-0 to lift Community Shield

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Arsenal beat Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield on Sunday, giving Mikel Arteta an early-season triumph while condemning new City boss Enzo Maresca to defeat in his first game in charge in the traditional curtain-raiser to the campaign.

Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong sidelined with torn knee ligaments

Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong sidelined with torn knee ligaments

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong will be out for several weeks after returning from the World Cup with torn knee ligaments, an injury he played through during the tournament.

Raj Kumar Pal Returns To India's Asian Games Hockey Squad

Raj Kumar Pal Returns To India's Asian Games Hockey Squad

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

India's men's hockey team has announced its 20-member squad for the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, featuring one change with midfielder Raj Kumar Pal replacing Aditya Arjun Lalage. Led by Harmanpreet Singh, the team aims for gold and direct qualification for the LA 2028 Olympics.

'Dream come true': India's hockey debutants open up

'Dream come true': India's hockey debutants open up

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Five young Indian women's hockey players - Ishika, Lalthantluangi, Sakshi Rana, Shilpi Dabas, and Sunelita Toppo - are set to make their World Cup debut, having overcome various challenges and long waits to reach this significant milestone.

Atletico Madrid signs South Korea's Lee Kang-in from PSG

Atletico Madrid signs South Korea's Lee Kang-in from PSG

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

South Korea midfielder Lee Kang-in has completed a transfer to LaLiga club Atletico Madrid from Paris St Germain, signing a contract until June 2031 in a deal reportedly worth up to 40 million euros.

'Fully focused on defeating Germany': India eye fifth place at World Cup

'Fully focused on defeating Germany': India eye fifth place at World Cup

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

India's Women's Hockey team will compete against higher-ranked Germany in the fifth-place playoff at the Women's Hockey World Cup, aiming to conclude their impressive campaign with a victory and build momentum for the upcoming Asian Games.

Spain great Xavi Hernandez named Netherlands' first foreign-born coach

Spain great Xavi Hernandez named Netherlands' first foreign-born coach

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Xavi Hernandez has been appointed as the new head coach of the Netherlands national football team, signing a contract through the 2030 World Cup. The former Barcelona manager replaces Ronald Koeman and marks his first role as a national team coach.

FIFA hands out suspensions, hefty fines after Argentina-Spain World Cup final brawl

FIFA hands out suspensions, hefty fines after Argentina-Spain World Cup final brawl

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Argentina's Leandro Paredes received a 10-match suspension and Nahuel Molina a seven-game ban from FIFA for their involvement in a brawl after the World Cup final against Spain, with both players also fined $90,000 each. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) was hit with a $321,000 fine for multiple disciplinary breaches, including a controversial banner display and team misconduct.

Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers Joins Chelsea In Record-Breaking $157 Million Deal

Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers Joins Chelsea In Record-Breaking $157 Million Deal

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Chelsea has signed England international Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for a reported 117 million, making him the most expensive British player. Rogers, who previously helped Villa win the Europa League, expressed excitement about joining Chelsea, a club he has always admired.

Hockey World Cup: India women rout Germany, clinch historic fifth spot

Hockey World Cup: India women rout Germany, clinch historic fifth spot

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

The Indian women's hockey team secured a commendable fifth-place finish at the FIH World Cup by defeating Germany 3-1 in a classification match, with Navneet Kaur scoring two goals.

Will Mourinho return to Real Madrid add spice to La Liga?

Will Mourinho return to Real Madrid add spice to La Liga?

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The upcoming LaLiga season promises an intense battle as Barcelona defends its title against a revamped Real Madrid, led by returning manager Jose Mourinho, and a turbulent Atletico Madrid. Real Madrid has made significant signings and brought back Mourinho after two trophyless seasons, while Barcelona relies on continuity and its World Cup-winning core. Atletico Madrid faces pressure on manager Diego Simeone and a potential transfer saga involving Julian Alvarez, setting the stage for a dramatic season.

Kaith's shootout heroics help Mohun Bagan set up Durand Cup final against East Bengal

Kaith's shootout heroics help Mohun Bagan set up Durand Cup final against East Bengal

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Mohun Bagan Super Giant defeated NorthEast United 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw in the Durand Cup semi-final. Goalkeeper Vishal Kaith was the hero, making two crucial saves to send Mohun Bagan into the final, where they will face arch-rivals East Bengal FC in the Kolkata Derby.

Andrea Pirlo set for Italy job after Guardiola rejection

Andrea Pirlo set for Italy job after Guardiola rejection

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

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.

Spain Coach Slams Argentina's 'Intolerable' World Cup Final Brawl

Spain Coach Slams Argentina's 'Intolerable' World Cup Final Brawl

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has strongly condemned the post-match clashes that marred the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, calling the behaviour of Argentina's players 'unacceptable' after his side lifted the trophy with a dramatic extra-time victory.

Hockey World Cup: India face stern test against Olympic champions Netherlands

Hockey World Cup: India face stern test against Olympic champions Netherlands

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

India faces a critical challenge against co-hosts and reigning Olympic champions the Netherlands in their Hockey World Cup second-round opener.

'Save this league': India women make passionate plea for Women's HIL

'Save this league': India women make passionate plea for Women's HIL

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

India women's hockey players urge the Sports Ministry and corporates to save the Women's HIL, saying the league is vital for developing future talent.

India crash out of hockey World Cup after Argentina loss

India crash out of hockey World Cup after Argentina loss

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

The Indian men's hockey team was eliminated from the FIH World Cup semifinal race after a 3-5 loss to Argentina in a crucial pool match. India needed to win by at least two goals but struggled to find form against a strong Argentine side.

India's World Cup failure exposes hockey's selection and transition problem

India's World Cup failure exposes hockey's selection and transition problem

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

The Indian men's hockey team's failure to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup has highlighted significant issues, including a lack of intent in player transition and questionable selection decisions, according to former players and experts.

Highlanders Clash With Mariners In Durand Cup Semifinal

Highlanders Clash With Mariners In Durand Cup Semifinal

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Defending champions NorthEast United FC are set to face 17-time winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the second semifinal of the Durand Cup. NorthEast United, chasing a third consecutive title, made a strong comeback in their quarterfinal, while Mohun Bagan advanced via a penalty shootout after a solid defensive campaign. Both teams are fully fit and ready for a challenging encounter.

India name strong squad for Hockey World Cup; Harmanpreet Singh to lead

India name strong squad for Hockey World Cup; Harmanpreet Singh to lead

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

India has announced a 20-member squad for the upcoming FIH Men's Hockey World Cup, with Harmanpreet Singh leading the team.

Can Arteta's Arsenal defy history and retain Premier League title?

Can Arteta's Arsenal defy history and retain Premier League title?

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

After ending a 22-year wait for the Premier League title, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces the formidable task of defending the crown, a feat achieved by only three managers in the league's history.

Hockey World Cup: Netherlands dent India's semi-final hopes with 3-1 win

Hockey World Cup: Netherlands dent India's semi-final hopes with 3-1 win

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

India's strong defensive start unravelled after half-time as three Dutch goals secured a 3-1 win, denting the team's World Cup semifinal hopes.

Nine years away, Hull City return to EPL with a bang by stunning Manchester United

Nine years away, Hull City return to EPL with a bang by stunning Manchester United

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Hull City marked their Premier League return after nine years with a deserved 2-0 victory over Manchester United, exposing flaws in Michael Carrick's promising side.