Sports
Football gossip: Hincapie, Dias, Diomande, Wharton, Kamada, Scott, Rayan, Junior Kroupi
Barcelona weigh up move for Piero Hincapie, Ruben Dias instructs agents to explore move away from Manchester City and Liverpool pushing for quick agreement with Yan Diomande.
Barcelona are weighing up an approach for 24-year-old Arsenal and Ecuador defender Piero Hincapie. (Mail) , external
Manchester City and Portugal defender Ruben Dias, 29, has instructed his agent to explore options for a move away, with Paris St-Germain, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid all monitoring his situation. (Caught Offside), external
Liverpool are pushing for a quick agreement with RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, while Paris St-Germain and Manchester City are closely monitoring the situation and have already held talks with the 19-year-old Ivory Coast international. (Florian Plettenberg), external
Crystal Palace want to convince England midfielder Adam Wharton, 22, and Japan midfielder Daichi Kamada, 29, to stay following their Conference League final win. (Sky Sports) , external
Bournemouth are determined to resist any summer offers for French forward Eli Junior Kroupi, 19, Brazil winger Rayan, 19, and England midfielder Alex Scott, 22, with mounting interest in the trio. (Guardian), external
Manchester United and Chelsea are among the clubs considering a move for Scott in the summer transfer window. (Teamtalk), external
West Ham and Germany striker Niclas Fullkrug wants to leave after their relegation with Bundesliga side Werder Bremen among those interested in the 33-year-old. (Sky, in German), external
Portuguese side Sporting want to re-sign 30-year-old Portugal midfielder Joao Palhinha when his season-long loan at Tottenham from Bayern Munich ends. (A Bola, in Portuguese), external
Leeds United are lining up a move for 24-year-old Lyon and United States midfielder Tanner Tessmann as part of a busy summer of transfer business. (Football Insider) , external
Manchester City are considering their options if Brazil winger Savinho, 22, who is a target for Tottenham, ends up leaving the club. (Fabrizio Romano) , external
Sports
Puka Nacua says rehab, meetings have improved his life as he eyes contract extension with Rams
LOS ANGELES — Puka Nacua says he is thinking less about his contract situation with the Los Angeles Rams these days and more about how to be a good father, friend and teammate after his eventful offseason.
The Rams’ All-Pro receiver gave some details about the changes in his life over the past several months after the Rams’ organized team activities Thursday.
Nacua hadn’t spoken at length publicly since he spent time in a holistic rehabilitation facility and was sued for allegedly biting a woman and making an antisemitic statement on New Year’s Eve.
“I feel like I’ve learned it’s OK to ask for support,” Nacua said.
Nacua described his time in rehab as “a short stint,” and he hasn’t missed any offseason workouts heading into his fourth season with the Rams.
But the two-time Pro Bowl selection also says he has worked with a team therapist and attended unspecified weekly meetings in recent months, and he is trying to improve the structure of his day-to-day life.
“Little did I know that even just writing in a journal, as simple as that, and finding ways to express some of the things I have near and dear to my heart … it’s been a great improvement in my life,” Nacua said.
Nacua entered the rehab facility early in the offseason, apparently before he was sued in March by a woman who claims he made an antisemitic statement and bit her on the shoulder. Plaintiff Madison Atiabi also claims Nacua bit her friend’s thumb during a night of partying.
Nacua also issued a public apology last December after he performed a gesture that plays upon antisemitic tropes while appearing on an internet livestream. He also made sharply critical comments against NFL officials on social media.
Nacua turns 25 years old on Friday, and the prolific receiver says he has turned a corner in his off-the-field life. His son was born last October, shortly before trouble started for Nacua off the field during his wildly prolific season for the Rams, who reached the NFC championship game. Nacua led the NFL with 129 catches and ranked second with 1,715 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns, earning unanimous All-Pro honors.
“I have a young son, and I think of the things that I have the opportunity to share with him, and the great things that I’ve been able to accomplish, and to enjoy those moments, but also to teach him in some of the mistakes I’ve made,” Nacua said. “There’s an opportunity for him to learn before some of those wrong decisions can be made.”
Nacua will be at the center of the Rams’ passing game this fall alongside Davante Adams and NFL MVP Matthew Stafford, but Nacua is also entering the final year of his rookie contract.
Nacua and the Rams have not yet reached an agreement on a long-term contract extension, although general manager Les Snead has a history of finalizing big deals shortly before the start of training camp.
When asked if he could envision playing in 2026 without an extension, Nacua made it clear he leaves that side of his life up to his agent.
“I haven’t really thought about it,” Nacua said. “I enjoy playing football. It’s been the biggest dream come true. So to be out here, and play for this organization specifically, has been awesome. I couldn’t imagine myself playing anywhere else, but it’s been fun to go out here and be around these guys, and hopefully let all those things handle themselves.”
Sports
Report: USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino meets with AC Milan
Nov 18, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino looks on before an international friendly against Uruguay at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images It has been a busy time for U.S. men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who is not only preparing his side for a World Cup on home soil but also meeting with Italy’s AC Milan about their vacant coaching position, ESPN reported Thursday.
Pochettino has been front and center this week after the USMNT named its 26-man World Cup roster at a ceremony in New York on Tuesday.
The squad is set to play in friendlies against Senegal at Charlotte on Sunday and against Germany at Chicago on June 6 in advance of its World Cup opener June 12 against Paraguay in the Los Angeles area.
Pochettino, 54, is under contract with the USMNT through the end of the team’s World Cup run.
Pochettino has been a head coach at some top clubs around the world, including Espanyol in Spain, Tottenham, Southampton and Chelsea in England, and Pairs Saint-Germain in France. He became USMNT head coach in September of 2024.
Pochettino has reportedly declined multiple overtures since moving to the United States, including interest from Brentford and a potential return to Tottenham.
A move to AC Milan potentially would keep Pochettino with USMNT star forward Christian Pulisic, who has been with the club since 2023 and has scored 31 goals in 100 appearances. Pulisic is under contract there through June of 2027, although AC Milan is currently undergoing massive changes after firing head coach Massimiliano Allegri, sporting director Igli Tare and CEO Giorgio Furlani.
Pochettino, a native of Argentina, played in his home country and Europe from 1989-2006, with Newell’s Old Boys (Argentina), Espanyol (Spain), Paris Saint-Germain and Bordeaux (France). A center-back, he played in 20 games with Argentina’s national team from 1999-2002.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Sydney Swans vs Richmond Tigers Tips, Odds and Teams – AFL Round 12 2026
SCG will play host to Saturday’s
Round 12 AFL game between Sydney Swans and
Richmond Tigers. The game kicks off at 1:15 pm with Sydney Swans heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Sydney Swans vs.
Richmond Tigers
game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Saturday May 30, 2026 at 1:15 pm
Where: SCG
Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE
Sydney Swans vs Richmond Tigers Odds
Sydney Swans vs Richmond Tigers Preview
Knocked off its perch at the top of the AFL ladder last weekend, Sydney will host lowly Richmond at the SCG on Saturday afternoon. The Swans were beaten 107-80 by Geelong at Kardinia Park last Saturday to mark only their second defeat in 2026. As a result, Sydney will welcome its return to the SCG, where it holds a 5-0 record with an average winning margin of 34.2 points this season. Meanwhile, Richmond climbed off the bottom of the ladder with a 74-56 win over Essendon at the MCG last Friday, although the victory did little to ease the Tigers’ ongoing injury crisis. Tom Lynch and Jonty Faull both suffered injuries, while Tom Sims went down with an MCL injury in the VFL. They join an injury list that already featured 18 players entering Round 11. Sydney easily accounted for Richmond 80-36 when these clubs last met in Round 13 last year, led by Nick Blakey’s 34 disposals for 916 metres gained.
Sports
Odisha to host World and Asian Indoor Athletics Championships in 2028 | Other Sports News
In another major boost to Odisha’s growing stature as a global sporting destination, the state has been awarded the hosting rights for the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships 2028.
The decision was taken during the Asian Athletics Council meeting in Hong Kong on Wednesday, further cementing Bhubaneswar’s emergence as one of India’s premier international sports hubs.
The championship is expected to be staged at the state-of-the-art indoor athletics facility at the Kalinga Stadium complex in Bhubaneswar, which has already been selected to host the prestigious World Athletics Indoor Championships in 2028.
The Asian championship will serve as a major preparatory event ahead of the global competition scheduled that year. Apart from Odisha, Chandigarh will also host the Asian Relays 2028.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi described the development as a proud moment for both Odisha and the country, stating that the state has once again demonstrated its capability to host world-class sporting events.
“Odisha has strengthened its position as a host for global sporting events. It is another feather in Odisha’s cap in the realm of global sports,” the chief minister said while congratulating Indian athletics and the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).
The Asian Athletics Council’s decision comes at a time when Odisha has steadily expanded its reputation from being India’s hockey capital to a broader international sporting centre. Over the last decade, the state government has invested heavily in sports infrastructure, athlete development and event management capabilities.
Bhubaneswar first entered the global athletics map when it hosted the Asian Athletics Championships in 2017, an event remembered for the emergence of Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra on the senior continental stage. Since then, Odisha has hosted several marquee international tournaments, particularly in hockey, including back-to-back editions of the Men’s Hockey World Cup, FIH Pro League matches and junior world events.
The state has also emerged as a preferred destination for athletics competitions. Last year, Bhubaneswar hosted a World Athletics Continental Tour bronze-level event that drew more than 200 athletes from different countries. Earlier this year, officials of the Asian Athletics Association inspected the indoor athletics track at Kalinga Stadium before recommending the venue for the continental championship.
“The decision to award Odisha back-to-back major athletics events is being seen as recognition of the state’s world-class sports infrastructure and organisational capabilities. The upcoming championships are expected to attract elite athletes from across Asia and significantly enhance India’s visibility in global athletics,” said an official of the Sports and Youth Services Department.
Apart from international tournaments, Odisha has established high-performance centres in collaboration with global sporting bodies and former international athletes across disciplines such as athletics, hockey, swimming, shooting, badminton, football, gymnastics and weightlifting.
“Odisha’s consistent investments in sports ecosystems, training facilities and grassroots development have played a key role in transforming the state into a major sporting destination,” the official added.
Sports
J.J. McCarthy Opens Up about His Role in QB Battle
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is battling for his job in Year No. 3 — and he knows it. The 23-year-old opened up on Wednesday, the second day of organized team activities (OTAs), telling reporters there was no awkwardness between him and newly signed passer Kyler Murray.
McCarthy acknowledged that the quarterback battle is … a quarterback battle.
Minnesota’s QB Competition Gets Its First Real Public Framing
McCarthy on Murray and the Battle
Reporters immediately picked McCarthy’s brain about the quarterback battle and Murray; they wasted no time.
McCarthy replied, “It’s just like two guys in a classroom. He sits on one side, I sit on the other side, and it’s the coach’s responsibility to teach us and coach us. Awkwardness? It’s just like the same feeling when you’re in high school, and there’s another person on the other side of the room. That’s just kind of how it is. I wouldn’t say there’s any awkwardness. It’s a true competition.”
“That’s what I was told, but at the end of the day, it matters what I do out here every single day, and that’s what I’m focused on. The organization made a decision that they feel like is going to improve the depth and the quality of the room, and they feel like they made that decision. All I’m thinking about is continuing the upward trajectory that I set for myself last season, that last quarter of the season, and continuing to be the best version of me every single day.”
McCarthy has missed 73% of all starts through two seasons due to injury, but looked sharp in December and January last season.
Asked if he was disappointed by the Murray signing, McCarthy said, “Then I would be disappointed if the rain fell. That’s out of my control. At the end of the day, I just gotta focus on what I can do to be the best quarterback for this football team.”
“I have a drive that’s been driving me since 5th grade when I decided to be at this level, perform really well at this level, that’s the same drive that’s running through me today.”
Murray’s Thoughts
Media members caught up with Murray, as well, and he said about the quarterback situation, “It’s new territory for me; I’ve never really expected to be in this situation. Now that I am here, you can’t draw it up any better. I’m blessed, I can’t wait to put the jersey on and embrace this whole situation. My confidence is unshakeable. You won’t see me waver.”
“Obviously, I know he’s a younger guy, so any way I can help him, obviously I’ll give him any knowledge that he needs. We’re both competitors, and I know we both want what’s best for the team.”
It’s a first-of-its-kind arrangement for Murray; he never battled for a job as a member of the Cardinals. In theory, the duel should bring out the best in each competitor.
Both Looked Sharp
On Day No. 1 of festivities, in addition to getting in front of microphones, both men played well in Eagan.
Murray appeared to build immediate chemistry with his pass-catchers, and he’s obviously been in the league for seven years, so his weapons know his reputation. McCarthy showcased some refined mechanics, taming his “leg whip” that fans skewered throughout the 2025 campaign. The young signal-caller put in work all offseason to improve his mechanics, and at least for a day, the Eagan footage showed positive results.
The overall review? Murray and McCarthy looked great.
A Summer Filled with Entertainment
Fans reacted to Murray and McCarthy’s musing and throws rather emphatically — on the first day of OTAs. The battle will persist all summer, so you can look forward to three months of this grind.
Some even called McCarthy’s commentary “immature,” though that opinion was in the eye of the beholder. Others noted Murray’s height — lack thereof — as if that were a new storyline. The long takeaway? If the competition was scrutinized that heavily on the first day of OTAs, the summer won’t lack entertainment.
Oddsmakers expect Murray to win the QB1 job. He has approximately -1000 odds to do so, which are quite overwhelming.
The Vikings’ first regular season game is on September 13th against the Green Bay Packers, and if Murray is under center, he’ll face his former head coach, Jonathan Gannon, who now serves as the Packers’ defensive boss. The two were tight down in Arizona and will square off right away in their subsequent NFL chapters.
Sports
Blue Jays’ Mantiply to have arthroscopic surgery on left knee, Cease improving
The Toronto Blue Jays could be without Joe Mantiply for longer than initially thought.
The decision was made after Mantiply received a second opinion. The procedure is to clean up some damage, there is no operation date or recovery timeline yet, and Blue Jays manager John Schneider said it isn’t season ending, Zwelling added.
The 35-year-old initially re-signed with the Blue Jays to a minor-league deal in March and saw his contract get selected in April.
In 17 appearances with Toronto, Mantiply has posted a 2.04 ERA with 16 strikeouts.
Mantiply was placed on the 15-day injured list with left knee inflammation on May 19.
Cease is feeling better after playing catch and the team is hopeful he will throw a bullpen this weekend. The 30-year-old hit the 15-day injured list on Monday after suffering a mild hamstring strain.
The hard-throwing righty leads the American League with 92 strikeouts, also boasting a 3.05 ERA over 11 starts.
Bieber, meanwhile, is progressing in his recovery and will continue his rehab assignment with the Dunedin Blue Jays on Sunday.
The 30-year-old right-hander entered spring training with arm fatigue and ultimately started the season on the injured list with right elbow inflammation. He pitched his first rehab start in the Florida Complex League on Monday, working two shutout innings.
Sports
Justin Jefferson Gets Dragged into Bizarre Feud
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson did absolutely nothing to partake, but the 26-year-old found himself caught in the crossfire this week of a strange beef between former NFLer Leonard Fournette and ex-coach Jay Gruden.
Gruden claimed he urged the Jacksonville Jaguars to draft Jefferson in 2020, but they did not listen.
Jacksonville’s Draft Regret Apparently Still Follows the Jefferson Conversation
Fournette Cooks Gruden
Fournette said about Gruden on the 4th and South podcast, “We didn’t see eye to eye at all. To me, he was somebody that was kind of hard to read. I’m just being real; he’s a fu*king ashole. To do all that and to find out afterward, years later, that he didn’t want me there, that’s kind of… that’s a sh*tty situation.”
“People gotta understand that business, there’s so many fake people, and it’s so hard to find certain coaches to be real, and they do have them in there, but it is hard as hell to find them.”
Fournette last played in the NFL in 2023.
He continued, “And I just think, based on our relationship, by me coming in that year, and yeah, I got cut, was that 2019 or 2020. Yeah, 2020. I came here, did everything right, and I think I just feel like he kind of faked it with me the whole way, meaning, ‘Lenny, you’re doing everything right, da da da da. You know you’re the best back we got.’”
Gruden: Well, I Wanted JJets
Gruden, who served as the Jaguars’ offensive coordinator in 2020, the season mentioned by Fournette, found a tweet detailing Fournette’s thoughts and retweeted, “Damn. Leonard. If anyone listened to me, we would of taken Justin Jefferson with one of our two first round picks :).”
Instead, and evidently contrary to what Gruden recommended at the time, Jacksonville drafted cornerback C.J. Henderson and defensive tackle K’Lavon Chaisson during that draft, two men who turned out to be mid-level contributors and nowhere near approaching Jefferson’s tier of stardom.
Gruden lasted just one season in Jacksonville, was hired by the Los Angeles Rams as a consultant in 2022, and has been left for dead in NFL-speak since. He’s mostly known for engaging in Twitter (X) feuds these days, so his tweet about Fournette and Jefferson was on brand.
A Bizarre Clapback
About the tweet … it also didn’t make much sense. Fournette criticized Gruden for saying one thing and doing another—basically, claiming his personality is unkind and inhospitable.
Gruden’s response? “I would’ve drafted Justin Jefferson.”
What merit does the rebuttal have? Was he hoping to prove that he was even more of a jerk? If so, mission accomplished. One might think Gruden would use the opportunity to tell his side of the story, clear his name, or settle the beef with Fournette.
Instead, Gruden strangely mentioned his draft recommendation for Jefferson. Who cares?
Black and Teal‘s Carlos Sanchez noted on the new beef, “Jay Gruden was one and done with the Jaguars. He was hired in 2020 to kickstart the Jaguars offense, but his unit ranked 30th in points scored and 28th in total yards. Granted, he didn’t have much talent to work with. Couple that with the fact that Gardner Minshew regressed after an encouraging rookie campaign, and it’s easy to see why he came up short.”
“That said, Gruden played a role in Jacksonville’s 1-15 record that year, so he most definitely deserved to get the boot. Nevertheless, it was still baffling to see the Jags move on from Playoff Lenny even though he was still on his rookie deal. Fast forward to 2026, and Fournette has opened up about the reason that led to his departure from Jacksonville.”
Gruden Right if Telling the Truth
On the other hand, if Gruden is telling the truth, drafting Jefferson, indeed, would’ve been the wiser choice for the Jaguars — or any team, besides the Cincinnati Bengals in 2020, who rightly picked Joe Burrow at No. 1.
Jefferson is forging a path to the Hall of Fame and is the face of the Vikings franchise. It’s pretty convenient to say, “I would’ve picked Jefferson” six years later, but if Gruden isn’t lying, well, he was right.
You can follow Gruden and all his zany Twitter takes here. If you enjoy the NFL in Jerry Springer mode, there’s no better Twitter page from a former coach’s standpoint.
The Jaguars open the 2026 regular season at home against the Cleveland Browns in 15 weeks.
Sports
Canadian University Sues YouTuber Fique Ayub After Viral Curry Prank Leaves Professor Reportedly Traumatized | US Streamers
Fique Ayub is once again facing serious legal trouble after another prank video crossed the line online. Ontario Tech University in Canada has filed a lawsuit against the YouTube creator, accusing him of disrupting lectures, throwing curry at students, and damaging university property during a prank called “catch the curry.” According to Dexerto and the National Post, the university is now seeking at least $50,000 in damages along with profits connected to the videos, saying the incidents deeply disturbed both students and professors.
The situation became even bigger because Ayub had already made headlines earlier this year after being arrested for yelling “gun” inside a movie theater during another prank video. Now, with multiple controversies surrounding the creator, the lawsuit is drawing fresh attention to how far content creators are willing to go online just for views and viral reactions.
According to Ontario Tech University, one of the first incidents happened in October 2024. The school claims Ayub interrupted a lecture while speaking in an exaggerated Indian accent and asking mocking questions before pulling out a portable stovetop hidden inside his backpack and cooking curry during class.
The university said things escalated even more in October 2025 when Ayub allegedly returned for another prank. According to court claims shared by the National Post, he interrupted another lecture, announced he would teach his own class, and started throwing curry at students and onto the lecture hall ceiling during a game called “catch the curry.”
Ontario Tech also claimed tensions inside the classroom nearly became physical because students wanted the lecture to continue normally. The professor involved reportedly described the entire experience as “traumatizing.” The university later received a court injunction stopping Ayub from entering campus and was awarded $44,000 in legal costs by Ontario Superior Court Justice Susan Healey.
Fique Ayub Says Prank Videos Are Exaggerated Comedy As Lawsuit Demands Video Profits
Even as the lawsuit moves forward, Ayub has strongly denied several of the university’s allegations. In his statement of defence, he argued that his videos are exaggerated, heavily edited, dramatized, and created only for comedy and satire. He also denied claims that the university deserves profits connected to the content.
According to the defence statement, Ayub’s channel is reportedly managed by an acquaintance living in Pakistan and is not operated for financial gain. The filing stated, “Creating content is a hobby which he does with a bona fide intention of making his viewers happy and entertaining them.”
Still, this controversy is becoming part of a much larger trend involving prank creators facing serious consequences. Earlier this year, streamer Johnny Somali received prison time in South Korea over disruptive livestreams, while Kick creator Jack Doherty and TikTok prankster Heston James have also faced legal trouble connected to public disturbance content.
The lawsuit against Ayub is now raising bigger questions about internet culture and where entertainment should stop. For many people, the issue is no longer just about a prank video. It is about whether creators chasing viral moments should be held responsible when classrooms, businesses, or public spaces are disrupted for online content.
Topics mentioned in this article
Sports
Luke Littler gets better of Luke Humphries to regain Premier League crown
Tearful Luke Littler beat great rival Luke Humphries in a final-leg decider to regain his Premier League crown and pocket a £350,000 jackpot.
World number one Littler was subjected to more pantomime booing and whistling from the 16,000 crowd at London’s O2 Arena.
But the 19-year-old shrugged off the jeers which have followed him around recently to reclaim the title he lost to Humphries in last year’s final.
It was the third straight meeting between darts’ top pair in the final, and it was Warrington thrower Littler who came from 6-3 down to edge a thriller 11-10.
Add in his record-equalling six nightly wins over the 17-week marathon and Littler has raked in an eye-watering £410,000.
“It’s been a rollercoaster,” he said. “The first four weeks I was bottom of the table. I had to pick myself up, had some tough times.”
The youngster then had to stop speaking as welled up with emotion, and Humphries explained: “It shows what it means to us as players, on the road for 16, 17 weeks, it’s hard work.”
Littler had earlier squandered six match darts as he let a 9-4 lead slip in a bad-tempered semi-final against Gerwyn Price.
There was a flashpoint midway through the 15th leg when Price, not on a finish, scored 170 and gave the crowd the reeling in the ‘big fish’ gesture with Littler already throwing.
Referee Huw Ware gave Price a ticking-off at the end of the leg before the fired-up Welshman apologised to Littler.
However, the 41-year-old repeated the gesture at his very next visit after hitting 180, although this time he was well out of his opponent’s eyeline.
Price carried on reeling in Littler, but ‘The Nuke’ held his nerve to take the deciding leg for a 10-9 victory, his ninth consecutive win against the former rugby player.
Humphries, 31, had seen off 2021 winner Jonny Clayton 10-9 in s see-saw second semi-final.
‘Cool-Hand’ led 6-2, only for Clayton to find the form which earned him four nightly wins and roar 9-7 ahead.
Humphries levelled the match at 9-9 with a 121 check-out, and then missed a match dart at bull.
But as Clayton threw for double 16 to win, he appeared to be put off by a whistle from the crowd allowing Humphries to step up and finish the job.
The Welsh number one was clearly annoyed as he gestured towards the crowd before walking offstage.
Sports
Arsenal and Germany’s man for the big moment
At 26 years old, Kai Havertz has more experience than most.
The former Leverkusen man has a history of game-winning goals. His most famous is perhaps his Champions League-winning goal for Chelsea against Manchester City in 2021. It was a goal that denied Pep Guardiola and gave Thomas Tuchel glory. For Havertz, it wasn’t the only one though. A year later, he scored an extra-time penalty to win the Club World Cup for Chelsea. This season, Havertz scored the injury-time winner for Arsenal in the League Cup semifinal against his former team.
His injury-time winner against Sporting in the Champions League quarterfinals was decisive for Arsenal and their run to the final. And against Burnley, although fortunate to avoid red for a poor tackle, his header set up Arsenal’s Premier League title that was confirmed soon after, following Manchester City’s draw. In short, pressure is no problem for the Germany forward.
This is made all the more impressive by how much time he has missed with injury. On the opening day of the season, Havertz picked up a knee injury that saw him out for most of the first half of the campaign. Not long after his return, he picked up a muscle injury. Many players might have struggled to have delivered so quickly with so much on the line, but Havertz is not most players. The German has been back in regular action since March, and swiftly reminded onlookers of why is the man for the big moments.
“That’s what kept me alive every single day,” Havertz told Viaplay after winning the Premier League. “I have to be honest, some days I was in some dark places for sure, but I woke up every morning and just tried to work hard to be back as soon as possible. Now, to be here and celebrate that victory, it’s unbelievable and it shows you that everything is possible and you can work hard and you can always turn it around.”
Hope for Germany
Julian Nagelsmann will be watching on with a keen eye, hoping that he will retain his magic touch come the World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico this summer.
Havertz has 21 goals for Germany, but has been less decisive in national colors compared to his clubs. Nevertheless, he will be the man to lead Germany’s line at this World Cup and he has shown glimpses of how comfortable he is with that role too.
His goal against Denmark in Euro 2024 set Germany on their way and against Ghana in March this year, Havertz shook off his lack of match practice to start Germany’s comeback. His form is trending in the right direction and a second Champions League-winning goal in May would not only be a milestone for Havertz, but would also leave Nagelsmann and Germany fans hopeful that more will be to come this summer.
The man whose career started at Leverkusen before he rose to prominence as a 17-year-old finishing exams and playing in the Bundesliga, Havertz’s career was at a crossroads when he joined Arsenal in 2023. Three years later, Havertz is in the right place at the right time. If he can deliver in the Champions League final in Budapest on Saturday, he will join a rare list of players to have scored in multiple Champions League finals. More than that though, he will have cemented his place as one of the most successful German footballers of all time. To reach such a peak in the weeks before a World Cup will be what Nagelsmann is hoping for. The pressure is on. For Havertz, that just means another day at the office.
Edited by: Chuck Penfold
-
Fashion6 days agoHoliday Weekend Open Thread – Corporette.com
-
Politics3 days agoBridgerton Season 5: Cast, Release Date And Everything We Know So Far
-
Crypto World7 days agoBitcoin Accumulation Weakens as BTC Realized Losses Hit $600M
-
Crypto World6 days agoRobinhood crypto COO Tanya Denisova exits
-
Business7 days agoTrump Invests $1M-$5M in Kura Sushi USA Chain With 27 California Locations
-
Tech3 days agoMicrosoft’s quiet Claude Code retreat and the real cost of enterprise AI
-
Business4 days agoNYT Strands Answers May 24 2026 Revealed for Puzzle No. 812 Theme Summer Essentials
-
Business6 days agoDell Technologies DELL Stock Surges 15% on AI Server Momentum and Analyst Upgrades in 2026
-
Business2 days agoSelena Gomez Reportedly Upset Over Benny Blanco’s Comments on Her ‘Terrible’ Diet
-
Crypto World2 days agoMicron Crosses $1 Trillion Market Cap as AI Demand Reshapes Memory Sector
-
Politics6 days agoMakerfield: a tale of two social-media histories
-
Crypto World6 days agoSpace X IPO Is ‘Bad News’ for Tech Stocks: But What About Bitcoin?
-
Business4 days agoBTS Sells Out Four Las Vegas Shows at Allegiant Stadium for ARIRANG World Tour
-
Crypto World7 days agoMicroStrategy’s Saylor Says Miners No Longer Set Bitcoin Price, Another Force Has Taken Over
-
Tech1 day agoThe Samsung pay deal is the moment Korean unions changed register
-
Tech6 days agoA 0.12% parameter add-on gives AI agents the working memory RAG can’t
-
Tech3 days agoWestone Audio and Etymotic Acquired by Fidelity Collective in Major IEM Market Move
-
Tech2 days agoMillions of AI agents imperiled by critical vulnerability in open source package
-
Crypto World6 days agoAI infrastructure race heats up as IREN pitches full-stack strategy, WhiteFiber lands $160M deal
-
Crypto World4 days ago
Nvidia (NVDA) CEO Calls on Super Micro to Strengthen Export Controls Amid Smuggling Probe


You must be logged in to post a comment Login