Former Celtic goalkeeper, Shay Given has predicted that Manchester City might likely win the FIFA Club World Cup this year.
Given believes City boss Pep Guardiola will be keen on beating everyone in the competition, including his former player Lionel Messi’s side, Inter Miami.
“I think Guardiola will see this as an opportunity to make a bit of history as a club – the first one, get that gold badge on their chest for the next four years,” Given said.
According to Given, Guardiola always wants to win any competition he gets involved with, and Given pointed to the huge money prize and bragging rights as motivations for Man City.
“He’ll be hurting on the back of not winning anything,” Given added, referencing City’s recent trophyless run.
Given noted that Guardiola was disappointed with their FA Cup defeat to Crystal Palace and is ready to win trophies with the addition of top players to the squad.
A seismic rift has rocked Polish football as star striker Robert Lewandowski announced he will no longer play for the national team under coach Michal Probierz, following his abrupt removal as captain.
The Polish Football Federation confirmed Probierz’s decision to pass the armband to Inter Milan’s Piotr Zielinski, a move that sparked widespread controversy.
Lewandowski, Poland’s record goalscorer with 85 goals in 158 appearances, cited a “loss of trust” in Probierz, expressing his hurt over the handling of the decision, which he learned about during a brief phone call while putting his children to bed.
The 36-year-old Barcelona forward, who led Poland at Euro 2024, stated on social media, “I hope I will still have a chance to play again for the best fans in the world.” His absence, driven by physical and mental exhaustion after a grueling La Liga season, has divided fans and media.
Some criticize his decision as disrespectful, while others sympathize, pointing to Probierz’s poor communication.
Reports suggest the team applauded Zielinski’s appointment, hinting at a rift with Lewandowski.
Probierz, who took over in 2023, defended his choice, calling it “best for the team” ahead of Poland’s World Cup qualifier against Finland.
With Lewandowski’s international future uncertain, the saga raises questions about his legacy and Poland’s prospects without their talisman.
Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, is poised to make history at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final on July 13, headlining the tournament’s first-ever halftime show at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Joining global stars J Balvin and Doja Cat, Tems will perform in a 15-minute spectacle curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, blending football and music on a world stage.
This landmark event, produced in partnership with Global Citizen, aims to raise $100 million for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund to support children’s education and youth football programs worldwide.
Tems, the first African artist to perform at the Club World Cup final, expressed her excitement: “We’re bringing the world together to celebrate football, feel the unity music brings, and improve millions of lives.”
Her soulful Afro-fusion sound, which soared with hits like “Woo” and a Grammy-winning collaboration with Wizkid’s “Essence,” will captivate millions, with the show streaming free on DAZN.com. FIFA president Gianni Infantino called it “an unforgettable moment” uniting sport and culture.
The expanded 32-team tournament, running June 14 to July 13 across 12 U.S. cities, features giants like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi.
Tems’ performance underscores her rising global influence, following her 2023 NBA All-Star Game show and recent stake in MLS’s San Diego FC, marking her as a trailblazer for African music and culture.
Portugal secured their second UEFA Nations League title on Sunday night after a tense 5-3 penalty shootout victory over reigning champions Spain, following a dramatic 2-2 draw at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
MUNICH, GERMANY – JUNE 08: Ruben Dias and team mates of Portugal celebrate after Ruben Neves of Portugal (not pictured) scores his sides winning penalty during the UEFA Nations League 2025 final match between Portugal and Spain at Munich Football Arena on June 08, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Truth Live News gathered that, Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored a crucial equaliser in the second half to take the game into extra time, watched from the sidelines during the penalty shootout, where Portugal remained flawless from the spot. Spain’s Alvaro Morata was the only player to miss, with his effort saved by Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa. Ruben Neves then calmly dispatched the winning penalty into the bottom corner to seal the win.
For Ronaldo, this marks a third major international trophy, adding to Portugal’s historic Euro 2016 triumph and their inaugural UEFA Nations League win in 2019. At 40 years old, the captain was visibly emotional, shedding tears of joy as the final whistle blew. The goal he scored, his 138th for Portugal, was pivotal in keeping the team’s title hopes alive.
Portugal vs Spain UEFA Nations League Final
This trophy comes as a timely and well-earned reward for Ronaldo, who has endured a three-year international silverware drought despite finishing as the top scorer in multiple competitions during that period. His leadership and impact remain undeniable, even in the twilight of his legendary career.
Spain’s youthful squad fought bravely and showed great promise, matching Portugal stride for stride over 120 minutes. Goals from both sides lit up the final, but the Spanish side couldn’t translate their dominance into a win, ultimately falling short in the shootout. Their coach gathered the team in a huddle at the end, a sign of solidarity after a campaign full of growth and potential.
As Portugal lifted the trophy for the second time, becoming the first team to win the Nations League more than once, the jubilant squad celebrated to the tune of “Freed from Desire” echoing around the stadium. Ronaldo, though absent from the shootout, was front and center during the trophy presentation.
Portugal vs Spain UEFA Nations League Final
Portugal’s name is now etched once again into the base of the UEFA Nations League trophy, six years after their inaugural triumph in 2019, a powerful reminder of the consistency and resilience of this golden generation of Portuguese football.
Cristiano Ronaldo has said that the Ballon d’Or award should go to a player from a team that has won the Champions League title.
Ronaldo expressed this opinion ahead of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League final match against Spain.
The Portuguese star will face Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, who is widely regarded as a contender for the Ballon d’Or prize.
Yamal’s team, Barcelona, won LaLiga and Copa del Rey, but failed to reach the Champions League final.
Ronaldo stated, “In my opinion, whoever wins it should be on a team that has won trophies. The Ballon d’Or winner should be in a team that has won the Champions League.”
Ousmane Dembele’s team, Paris Saint-Germain, recently won the Champions League title by defeating Inter Milan 5-0 in the final.
This victory has led to growing calls for Dembele to claim the Ballon d’Or award.
However, Lamine Yamal has been in impressive form, netting a brace in the Nations League semi-final win over Germany.
Many fans and pundits are of the opinion that Yamal should be crowned the winner in order to make history as the youngest Ballon d’Or winner.
Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel has urged his former club to sign Cristiano Ronaldo in the current summer transfer window.
Mikel said Chelsea’s new signing, Liam Delap, can greatly benefit from learning alongside Ronaldo at Stamford Bridge.
Mikel expressed his enthusiasm for Ronaldo to play for Chelsea in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup tournament, saying, “I think it might be Al Hilal if he [Ronaldo] goes, so they are trying to make him get to the tournament which will be good, even for the fans, and for all of us to see Ronaldo and Messi compete in another tournament.”
Ronaldo is an exceptional player and top scorer, and Mikel noted that it would be fantastic to see him in action, stating, “It is amazing. Ronaldo is an amazing player and top goalscorer, it will be great to see him.”
When asked about Ronaldo playing for Chelsea, Mikel responded affirmatively, “Doing it at Chelsea? Yes.”
Mikel raised Chelsea’s need for a top-class striker, stressing that Ronaldo will add value for Delap’s development.
“Of course, we need a number nine, and he is someone Delap can learn from,” he said.
Truth Live News recalls that Ronaldo’s future with Al-Nassr is uncertain, with the 40-year-old yet to sign a new deal and hinting that his time with the club might be coming to an end.
Arsenal are on the verge of signing Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has agreed to join the Gunners as a backup to David Raya.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Spanish shot-stopper, once the world’s most expensive goalkeeper, is poised to make the switch across London after Arsenal trigger his £5 million release clause, with the deal expected to be finalized soon.
Kepa, 29, spent last season on loan at Real Madrid, where he made 20 appearances but failed to secure a permanent move.
Back at Chelsea, he has been sidelined under new head coach Enzo Maresca, who prefers other options in goal. With his contract nearing its end, Kepa’s move to Arsenal offers a fresh start, reuniting him with Mikel Arteta, who values his experience and ball-playing ability despite his inconsistent spell at Chelsea.
The transfer, described as a “here we go” moment by Romano, positions Kepa as a reliable deputy to Raya, who has cemented his place as Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper.
The Gunners’ move reflects their strategy to bolster squad depth for a Premier League title push. Chelsea, meanwhile, are content to offload Kepa’s wages, freeing up funds for further squad investment.
Fans are divided, with some Arsenal supporters excited about Kepa’s pedigree and others skeptical due to his past struggles. As the deal nears completion, all eyes will be on how Kepa adapts to his new role at the Emirates.
Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal have intensified their pursuit of Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, submitting an improved bid to both the club and the Nigerian striker to secure his signature.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the enhanced offer, reportedly exceeding €70 million with a higher salary for Osimhen, aims to finalize the deal before the FIFA Club World Cup registration deadline on June 10.
Osimhen, who scored an impressive 37 goals in 41 appearances during a loan spell at Galatasaray last season, has also attracted strong interest from the Turkish club, which is pushing to sign him permanently.
Galatasaray’s efforts in the last 24 hours have added pressure to negotiations, with Osimhen reportedly open to staying in Europe for Champions League football.
Napoli, however, are holding firm on their €75 million release clause, creating a standoff as Al Hilal’s latest proposal falls just short.
The 26-year-old, previously linked with Premier League clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea, is expected to make a final decision soon.
Al Hilal’s new coach, Simone Inzaghi, has personally engaged with Osimhen to sway him toward the Saudi move.
Meanwhile, Galatasaray’s financial constraints may hinder their ability to match Napoli’s valuation.
With the clock ticking, Osimhen’s next move remains a focal point in the transfer market, balancing lucrative offers against his European ambitions.
Manchester United’s young star Alejandro Garnacho is poised to leave the club this summer, with both the player and the club agreeing to part ways.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the 20-year-old Argentine winger, who has been a standout performer despite a strained relationship with head coach Ruben Amorim, has attracted interest from top Premier League clubs and Bayer Leverkusen.
Romano reports that negotiations are expected to intensify following the mutual decision to end Garnacho’s tenure at Old Trafford. The winger’s frustration, evident after being benched in key matches like the Europa League final against Tottenham, has fueled speculation about his future. His exclusion from the squad for United’s final Premier League game against Aston Villa further signaled a fractured relationship with Amorim.
Premier League clubs are reportedly keen on securing Garnacho’s signature, with staying in England a “serious option.” Bayer Leverkusen, now managed by former United boss Erik ten Hag, has also approached Garnacho’s entourage, though financial constraints may complicate a move to Germany.
Italian clubs, including Napoli, have previously shown interest but were deterred by United’s €90m valuation.
Garnacho’s departure is part of Manchester United’s broader squad overhaul under Amorim, who is prioritizing new signings like Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo to bolster the attack.
The decision to let Garnacho go has sparked debate among fans, with some warning that United may regret losing the talented youngster.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Garnacho’s next destination remains a hot topic in football circles.
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