Betting markets have Ousmane Dembele at 1/3 to claim the 2025 Ballon d'Or, leaving Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal at 9/4. Dembele's PSG form, trophy haul and assist tally boost his standing. PSG players dominate the top rankings, while seasoned stars like Salah and Raphinha also feature. The award criteria weigh goals, assists, clean sheets, trophies and key moments from the 2024/25 season.
Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare has been a decisive force for KRC Genk in the Belgian Championship playoffs, netting four goals since the split and keeping the club in contention despite a dip in form. A recent winner against Gent broke a winless streak and lifted morale ahead of the final home game. Genk slipped from top spot after April defeats, now trailing Union SG and Club Brugge but still holding a slim chance. Arokodare’s season tally of 21 goals earned him the Ebony Shoe award, underscoring his impact.
Besiktas head to Goztepe needing points to stay in the European race, but the hosts have turned their stadium into a fortress and beat Besiktas 3-1 in the cup. History favors the Black Eagles, yet recent trends point to a tight, low‑scoring game. Expect a tense tactical battle shaped by discipline, set pieces, and who handles pressure better.
South Africa took a sharp 1-0 lead over Pakistan in Lahore, winning the first ODI by eight wickets in a day-night series built as a full World Cup tune-up. All three matches are at Gaddafi Stadium, with games on September 16, 19, and 22. Captains Laura Wolvaardt and Fatima Sana lead two evolving squads balancing experience and youth ahead of India 2025.
MLS banned Luis Suárez for three matches after the Leagues Cup final, where he argued with Seattle staff, spit on a staff member, and grabbed a player by the neck. He’ll miss games vs. Charlotte, Seattle, and D.C. United, and faces a six-game ban in future Leagues Cups. Suárez apologized, while Inter Miami condemned the behavior and backed the disciplinary action.
At 38, Novak Djokovic fought through a back scare to beat Cameron Norrie in four sets at the US Open, moving past Roger Federer for the most hard-court Grand Slam wins with his 192nd victory. Despite a season of knocks—from a leg tear in Australia to a fall at Wimbledon—he advanced to face Taylor Fritz in the quarters. He joked on court, then admitted he’s more concerned about his body than ever.
Morocco beat Senegal 1-0 in Rabat to clinch a WAFCON quarter-final place, topping their group with seven points. Yasmin Mrabet scored from the spot in first-half stoppage time after Ibtissam Jraïdi was fouled by keeper Adji Ndiaye, who was booked after VAR review. Senegal rallied after the break but Khadija Er-Rmichi and a disciplined back line kept them out.
Boxing icon Michael Buffer delivered his famous call before Chelsea vs Fluminense at the Club World Cup semifinal in New Jersey, part of FIFA’s push to lift the tournament’s atmosphere. The 80-year-old’s cameo, tied to his DAZN relationship, underlined a bold, American-style twist to soccer’s pre-match rituals as the winner advanced to face Real Madrid or PSG in the final.
Benjamin Sesko looks set to join Manchester United despite Newcastle's massive $98 million offer, with personal terms already agreed. United must still meet RB Leipzig's premium demands, while Newcastle's actions have sped up talks. Sesko could fit perfectly into Amorim's plans, especially if Hojlund leaves.
A Kenyan court has ordered two private jet companies to hand over Ksh706 million after finding the funds were proceeds of crime linked to Chris Obure. The Assets Recovery Agency successfully argued the funds had no legitimate source. The government will now claim the forfeited money.
When Ozzy Osbourne toured New Zealand in 1973, he surprised locals with a midnight stunt involving a flaming cross, showing both his theatrics and calm off-stage demeanor. His quirky moments in 2008 and intimate fan encounters built on his legend. After a storied career, Osbourne's death in 2025 at 76 marked the end of metal's most iconic voice.
Frustrated 9mobile subscribers in Nigeria have dealt with serious service interruptions for months, from statewide blackouts to blocked number porting. Customers are calling for urgent NCC intervention as allegations mount and technical troubles continue into mid-2025.