Category: Sports

Champions League Final: ‘Elegant’ Bellingham will fight for Ballon d’Or

‘Incredible’ Jude Bellingham deserves to fight for the Ballon d’Or this year, according to former Real Madrid and Brazil star Kaka.

The 2007 winner – the last man to win it before a decade of Messi and Ronaldo dominance – praised the 20-year-old Englishman, who is preparing for Saturday’s Champions League Final against Dortmund at Wembley.

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The Brazilian said Bellingham shows maturity beyond his years and plays with a calm confidence which means he deserves to be on the shortlist for the biggest individual honour in the game, which will be awarded in Paris on October 28.

Bellingham won La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup in his first season with Madrid and scored injury-time winners in both El Classico encounters against Barcelona.

Bellingham and Real Madrid teammate Vinicius Jr are the front-runners for the award, ahead of teammate Toni Kroos, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Phil Foden and Florian Wirtz, with many expecting the ultimate pecking order to be decided by England’s fortunes at Euro 2024 and Brazil’s results in the Copa America.

Kaka had a four-year spell at the Bernabeu, sandwiched between two stellar spells with Milan, and told Sky Sports how impressed he was with the former Birmingham and Dortmund youngster.

“Jude is incredible,” he said. “He’s a very, very good player. He’s very young but seems very mature on the field.

“He’s plays with this elegance, he seems very mature – he seems that he understands the game very well, he’s not nervous on the field, he has always been very confident.

“I think he will fight to be the Ballon d’Or and be the best player of the year.”

Bellingham’s manager Carlo Ancelotti was Kaka’s coach during his greatest seasons at the San Siro and he described the Italian as ‘special.’

“For me it’s the way he manages the group. I won’t say secret but it’s something he’s very special at, he has this ability to manage players, different players, top players

“it’s very hard when you have a changing room like Real Madrid’s changing room – everyone wants to play, everyone wants to be special, everyone has their own interests.

“Ancelotti drives that changing room in the same direction. Everyone can understand if the team wins, everybody wins. That’s what makes him special.”



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Michael Strahan wants Kayvon Thibodeaux to break his sack record

New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux has high expectations entering the 2024 season, telling the New York Post back in early May that he aims to break Michael Strahan’s single-season sack record.

“I mean, I’m always going to shoot for the stars, so only thing you can do from here is go for the record,” he told the New York Post. “As long as you believe in it, it’s as realistic as you want it to be. So if you ask me, it’s very real.”

Thibodeaux reiterated that goal during last Thursday’s first open session of organized team activities (OTAs).

“I’m going for the record, so don’t ask,” Thibodeaux said to open his press conference. “Every year I’m here, I’m going for Michael Strahan’s record.

Earlier this week, Strahan got wind of Thibodeaux’s goal and proclamation. Unsurprisingly, he offered public support and said he hopes the 23-year-old ultimately sets a new mark.

Strahan set the single-season sack record back in 2001 with a controversial takedown of then-Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre in the game’s final moments. The record was then tied in 2021 when Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt finished the season with 22.5 sacks.

Thibodeaux finished last season with a career-high 11.5 sacks and should see a significant boost this year thanks to the presence of linebacker Brian Burns.



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Jose Mourinho returning to management with Fenerbahce

Jose Mourinho is set for a speedy return to management with Fenerbahce, according to reports in Italy.

The former Chelsea, Man United and Tottenham manager was sacked by Roma in January after struggling to repeat the form which saw him secure top-six finishes in Serie A in his first two seasons at the Stadio Olimpico.

The 61-year-old did guide the Romans to the 2022 UEFA Europa Conference League title but lost the 2023 Europa League Final on penalties against Sevilla.

Ismail Kartal lost only one of his 38 Turkish Super Lig games in charge of Fener this season and amassed 99 points, but still finished second, three points behind bitter rivals Galatasaray, the third straight season the club have finished as runners-up.

Kartal’s one-year contract for a third spell at the helm of the Yellow Canaries in Istanbul is not expected to be renewed.

Mourinho will be reunited with several former players including Edin Dzeko – whom he managed at Roma before he was sold to Inter – as well as Fred, whom he signed at Man United while he will be only too familiar with 23-goal Michy Batshuayi who had a six-year spell at Stamford Bridge after Mourinho’s second spell at the Blues ended.

Mourinho had been linked with a job in Saudi Arabia and has agreed to appear on coverage of the UEFA Champions League Final between Real Madrid and Dortmund on TNT Sports coverage in the UK.



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No progress in Klay Thompson-Warriors contract negotiations

As the final month of Klay Thompson’s current contract with the Golden State Warriors approaches, there has been no significant progress in negotiations between the player and the team regarding his future, according to sources.

Anthony Slater of The Athletic reports that despite the Warriors’ desire to retain Thompson at the right price, there hasn’t been any substantial movement towards reaching an agreement on a contract extension.

Thompson, who is now 34 years old, seems prepared to explore free agency options for the first time in his career, indicating a potential shift in his long-standing loyalty to the Warriors.

Continue reading No progress in Klay Thompson-Warriors contract negotiations at TalkBasket.net.

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Aaron Gordon’s brother Drew killed in car accident

Tragic news has shaken the NBA community as Drew Gordon, the older brother of Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon, passed away in a car accident at the age of 33. NBA insider Shams Charania broke the devastating news on X.

Drew Gordon had played nine games for the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2014-15 season before embarking on a professional career in the United States and abroad.

Drew Gordon has passed away in a car accident at 33 years old.

Continue reading Aaron Gordon’s brother Drew killed in car accident at TalkBasket.net.

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Trae Young is less likely to join Lakers after switching agency

Speculation surrounding Trae Young’s potential move to the Los Angeles Lakers has been tempered following a significant agency change.

Young, who has been linked with a trade to the Lakers, recently parted ways with Klutch Sports, a move that could impact his future in Los Angeles.

The Atlanta Hawks are reportedly considering trading either Young or Dejounte Murray during the offseason, with indications pointing towards Young as the more probable candidate.

Continue reading Trae Young is less likely to join Lakers after switching agency at TalkBasket.net.

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Jason Kidd on Luka Doncic “We believe he is one of the greatest”

Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd praised Luka Doncic, asserting, “We believe he is one of the greatest.”

Doncic led the Dallas Mavericks to a decisive 124-103 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, securing their spot in the NBA Finals.

He dominated with 36 points, including a remarkable 20-point first quarter, and grabbed ten rebounds while dishing out five assists.

Kyrie Irving matched Doncic’s output with another 36-point performance, highlighting the Mavericks’ offensive firepower.

Continue reading Jason Kidd on Luka Doncic “We believe he is one of the greatest” at TalkBasket.net.

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Luka Doncic to Timberwolves fan: “Who’s crying motherf*cker?”

After a commanding victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals, Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks found himself engaged in a heated exchange with a heckling fan.

During the third quarter of the game, Doncic, who delivered a stellar performance with 36 points, responded to taunts from a Timberwolves fan by shouting, “Who’s crying motherf*cker?” after a successful and-one play against Jaden McDaniels.

The incident occurred amidst an intense playoff atmosphere, with emotions running high as the Mavericks secured their spot in the NBA Finals.

Continue reading Luka Doncic to Timberwolves fan: “Who’s crying motherf*cker?” at TalkBasket.net.

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Luka Doncic on what will be key against Celtics in NBA Finals

As the Dallas Mavericks gear up for the NBA Finals showdown against the Boston Celtics, Luka Doncic emphasized the importance of their defense in facing the formidable Eastern Conference champions.

After a stellar performance alongside Kyrie Irving in the Western Conference finals, Doncic highlighted the significance of defense against the Celtics’ potent offensive arsenal.

“Our defense. They are best team in the NBA. They were first record. They have some incredible weapons.

Continue reading Luka Doncic on what will be key against Celtics in NBA Finals at TalkBasket.net.

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Doncic, Irving combine for 72 points as Mavericks advance to NBA Finals

Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving led the Dallas Mavericks to a resounding 124-103 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, propelling them to the NBA Finals.

Doncic’s masterful performance saw him dominate with 36 points, setting the tone with a remarkable 20-point first quarter, while Irving matched his output with another 36-point explosion.

The Slovenian superstar also grabbed ten rebounds and dished out five assists.

The Mavericks’ commanding victory in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals showcased their offensive firepower, as they surged to a 29-point halftime lead and extended it to 36 in the third quarter, effectively dismantling the Timberwolves’ defense.

Continue reading Doncic, Irving combine for 72 points as Mavericks advance to NBA Finals at TalkBasket.net.

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