The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be remembered not only for Spain’s dramatic triumph over Argentina in the final but also as the tournament that signalled the end of an era. As football prepares for the next World Cup in 2030, several players who shaped the modern game have bid farewell to the sport’s biggest stage.

Four of the game’s biggest names — Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Manuel Neuer and Guillermo Ochoa — have either confirmed that the tournament was their last World Cup or announced the end of their international careers following their teams’ elimination.

While big names such as Lionel Messi, Kevin De Bruyne, Virgil van Dijk and many others have not yet announced the end of their journeys, given the age they will be at the time of the 2030 World Cup, they have likely graced the World Cup stage for the final time.

In this article, we take a look at players who have already confirmed their final World Cup appearances, as well as players who are likely to have played their last World Cup match. But which players have made the list? Take a look.

Players who made their final World Cup appearance:

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Cristiano Ronaldo’s dream of lifting the FIFA World Cup ended in Dallas after Portugal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16. Moments after the defeat, the 41-year-old confirmed that the 2026 edition had been his final World Cup, ending months of speculation over whether he would attempt one final campaign in 2030.

“I go with a clear conscience,” Ronaldo said after the match, adding that he had given everything for Portugal and was proud of the nation’s achievements during his international career.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career at a glance

Neymar Jr (Brazil)

Neymar’s emotional international career came to an end after Brazil’s shock 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16. The forward, who had battled injuries for nearly three years before making the squad, announced his retirement from international football moments after the loss.

“It is now over,” Neymar said after Brazil’s elimination, confirming that the World Cup had been his final appearance for the Seleção.

Neymar Jr’s international career at a glance

Manuel Neuer (Germany)

Manuel Neuer’s remarkable international journey concluded after Germany’s penalty-shootout defeat to Paraguay in the Round of 32. Following the match, the 40-year-old confirmed that it had been his final appearance for the national team, bringing an end to one of the greatest goalkeeping careers in football history.

Manuel Neuer’s international career at a glance

Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico)

Guillermo Ochoa became one of only a handful of players to appear at six FIFA World Cups when he represented Mexico in 2026. The veteran goalkeeper later confirmed that the tournament would be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage, ending one of the longest World Cup careers in history.

Guillermo Ochoa’s international career at a glance

Players who have likely played their last World Cup match

Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Lionel Messi came within one victory of ending his World Cup career on the highest note before Spain edged Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final. At 39, the Argentine captain produced another memorable campaign, guiding the defending champions to back-to-back finals.

Although Messi has not announced his retirement from international football, he admitted after the final that he would take time before making a decision on his future. By the time the next World Cup arrives in 2030, he will be 43, making another appearance highly unlikely.

Lionel Messi’s international career at a glance

Luka Modrić (Croatia)

Luka Modrić once again carried Croatia’s midfield at the age of 40, but the Vatreni were eliminated by Portugal in the Round of 32. Although the Ballon d’Or winner has not announced his retirement, he will be 44 during the 2030 World Cup, making another appearance improbable.

Luka Modrić’s international career at a glance

Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)

Belgium once again fell short of ending their wait for a major international trophy despite reaching the quarter-finals. Kevin De Bruyne, who turned 35 during the tournament, continued to orchestrate Belgium’s midfield but could not prevent a 2-1 defeat to eventual champions Spain.

While he has made no retirement announcement, De Bruyne will be 39 in 2030.

Kevin De Bruyne’s international career at a glance

Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands)

Virgil van Dijk captained the Netherlands for a third consecutive World Cup, but the Oranje bowed out to Morocco in the Round of 32 after a penalty shootout. At 35, the defender remains one of football’s elite centre-backs, but another World Cup appearance at 39 appears a long shot.

Virgil van Dijk’s international career at a glance

Casemiro (Brazil)

Casemiro returned to Brazil’s World Cup squad after missing parts of the previous international cycle, but the five-time champions’ campaign ended in disappointment against Norway in the Round of 16. By 2030, the midfielder will be 38, and Brazil are expected to transition towards a younger core.

Casemiro’s international career at a glance

Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

Mohamed Salah finally returned to football’s biggest stage after Egypt qualified for the expanded 48-team tournament. However, Egypt were eliminated in the group stage despite Salah’s efforts. At 34, he will be 38 in 2030.

Mohamed Salah’s international career at a glance

Vozinha (Cape Verde)

Cape Verde’s historic World Cup debut owed much to veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, who captained the side during their maiden appearance. At 40, the goalkeeper inspired one of the tournament’s biggest underdog stories before Cape Verde were edged out by Argentina in the Round of 32.

Vozinha’s international career at a glance

The changing of the guard

Whether or not Lionel Messi, Luka Modrić, Kevin De Bruyne, Virgil van Dijk, Casemiro, Mohamed Salah and Vozinha officially retire from international football, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is likely to be remembered as their final appearance on the biggest stage.

Along with the confirmed farewells of Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Manuel Neuer and Guillermo Ochoa, their departures signal the end of one of football’s greatest generations.

The spotlight now shifts to a new wave of stars led by Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, Florian Wirtz and Pedri, who are expected to define the road to the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

President Donald Trump was spotted at New York/New Jersey Stadium for the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina on Sunday.

Trump, standing between first lady Melania Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, looked on from his suite as the sold-out crowd listened to a beautiful rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” sung by Jennifer Hudson.

Team USA may have been knocked out in the Round of 16 to Belgium, but as one of the three host countries and being where the final took place, Hudson didn’t disappoint as usual.

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President Donald Trump stands by the FIFA World Cup Trophy as he listens to FIFA President Gianni Infantino speak during a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York. (Mandel NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)

The crowd of over 80,000 fans cheered as Hudson hit every note, and Trump was shown on the FOX broadcast at the end as applause rained down onto the pitch.

The closing ceremony was more than that, though. British singer-songwriter Robbie Williams was there to perform, while actor Tom Cruise delivered a speech to the crowd about how togetherness and unity has been displayed throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico throughout this month-long tournament.

FOX WORLD CUP ANNOUNCER SAYS TRUMP’S APPEARANCE AT FINAL IS ‘FUN, UNIQUE THING’ DESPITE POTENTIAL BACKLASH

In the end, there can only be one winner, but the FIFA World Cup showcased the power of unity, which Cruise and the football organization wanted to remind each and every person in the crowd before kick-off.

The World Cup trophy was also delivered in a Louis Vuitton luggage case by Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz, while 1978 Argentina World Cup champion Mario Kempes hoisted it up for all the crowd to see.

President Donald Trump speaks alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino at a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York City on July 17, 2026. Later that weekend, Trump will attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

As the ceremony came to an end, both teams walked onto the pitch in East Rutherford, New Jersey, surely filled with anxious energy and anticipation for what each of them hopes ends in happy celebration instead of tears of defeat.

For Lionel Messi and Argentina, they are hoping to retain their title as the best team in the world after defeating France in Qatar in 2022.

Jennifer Hudson performs the U.S. national anthem before the FIFA World Cup 2026 final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (Elsa/Getty Images)

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For Spain, it’s just their second-ever World Cup Final, but it was a victory celebration in 2010. Now, this team, featuring phenom Lamine Yamal and savvy veterans like Mikel Moreno, is hoping it’s their turn to lift the trophy in the end.

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For the second time in FIFA World Cup history, Spain can call themselves champions. 

It was Ferran Torres, who subbed into the match in the second half, who finally got the ball past Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez in extra time for the 1-0 victory at New York/New Jersey Stadium on Sunday night. 

This was Spain’s second-ever trip to the World Cup Final, but just like they did in 2010, they got the job done.

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Spain’s forward Ferran Torres celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the 2026 World Cup football tournament final match between Spain and Argentina at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, 2026. (FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images)

Meanwhile, if this was Lionel Messi’s final match for Argentina, it ended in heartbreak. 

As expected, both squads were trying to take control of this match, which meant possession was key and chances to strike were going to be few. 

In the first half, it was Spain doing what it has done all tournament, controlling the pace of play and being quick with decision-making near their opponent’s box. 

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Lamine Yamal and company had some chances early on, but none were able to get past Emiliano Martínez’s goal line. 

On the other end, Unai Simón faced even less pressure from the Argentina attack, as Spain’s strong defense continued against Lionel Messi and his compatriots. 

By the end of the first half, no team cracked the scoreboard, as each country was immediately talking about what was needed to change that. They’d have more time to do so, as Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber and many other musical guests performed at halftime on the field at New York/New Jersey Stadium. 

As the second half began, Spain seemed to have some answers, creating great chances, including a clear shot on Martínez. However, the goalkeeper was able to make the save. 

Then, in the 55th minute, a beautiful pass to Dani Olmo into the box led to a pass back toward Marc Cucurella. But Gonzalo Montiel beat Cucurella to the spot, launching the ball out of bounds for a corner kick, keeping a grade-A chance from striking net. 

Spain’s Ferran Torres (7) scores their first goal during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026.  (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Spain continued to apply pressure, though, including multiple corner kicks and shots to challenge Martínez. Ferran Torres, who had just substituted in, had a great header after a cross from Yamal in the 66th minute, but Martínez was right there once more. 

It felt like every ounce of momentum was going Spain’s way, with Argentina still searching for its first shot attempt, let alone shot on goal. Spain had 10 shots, seven of which found Martínez’s goal by the 82nd minute. 

Nonetheless, Martínez remained a brick wall, especially when Nico Williams came flying in during stoppage time and ripped a shot that got punched away. Yamal couldn’t believe Williams didn’t cross it over to him, as he had no Argentine defender on him at the far post. 

Just seconds later, though, a key moment came in this final match as Enzo Fernandez’s poor challenge led to his second yellow card, which brought out a red card in the 93rd minute. From that point on, Argentina had to play down one man. 

Just before regular time ended, a foul on Torres outside Argentina’s box led to a chance for the 19-year-old Yamal to win the World Cup. He put a great strike on the ball, and it would’ve snuck into the left side of the net if not have yet another Martínez spectacular save. 

This match required extra time, but Argentina would be forced to play the next 30 minutes with less men than Spain. And it looked as if Spain finally got past Martínez when Williams buried a shot that Mikel Merino missed in front of the net. However, a foul was called before Williams scored, negating the goal and keeping the tie in place. 

The call was a controversial one, as it appeared Nicolás Otamendi sold his contact with Merino a bit. But the call stood and the goal was taken off the board. 

But Spain never lost its determination to get past Martínez, and the moment finally came in the second half of extra time.

As play resumed, a cross into the box was kept alive by Williams’ head, and the ball landed right at the foot of Torres. Torres wasn’t trying to be cheeky, as he ripped a shot that slammed underneath the crossbar to finally put a goal on the board in the 106th minute. 

Argentina’s Lionel Messi (10) stands next to Spain’s Pedri (20) during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

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Argentina tried its hardest to generate chances on Simón to keep their World Cup hopes alive, but to no avail. In the end, Spain didn’t allow a single shot on goal, while generating 20 of their own. 

Throughout the entire tournament, Spain gave up just one goal to their opponents, showcasing dominance from beginning to end. It was only right their tournament ended with trophy in hand. 

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Is Tom Brady vs. Logan Paul something worth flipping out over?

Brady recently took the opening shot against the YouTuber and WWE wrestler, slapping Paul across the face during Fanatics Fest.

As it turns out, the feud is just getting started. It was anything but an international friendly when Brady and Paul again crossed paths, with the Hall of Fame quarterback and Paul exchanging NSFW pleasantries by way of middle fingers during the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium.

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It’s now a family affair, too: Jake Paul, Logan’s boxing brother, sent a warning to “TB12” in the aftermath of the slap.

“Tom needs to keep his head on a swivel,” he said. “Revenge is sweet.”

While it’s all fun and games, it’s just that: fun and games. The fake beef between both parties stretches back this offseason, with the pair exchanging some trash talk during the Fanatics Flag Football Classic.

Brady has also been an interview subject on Logan Paul’s podcast, so the history between the two is well documented.

Brady has made it clear that he might follow the path of former teammate Rob Gronkowski and find his way to the squared circle in the near future.

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“I need to get an invite. I’ve been waiting for [WWE president] Nick Khan to come up with some storyline for me to get in the mix,” Brady said during Fanatics Fest. “I feel like I’m retired from football, and I have an opportunity to go out there and still showcase that I’m a little bit of an athlete.”

While WrestleMania 43 is still a ways away, perhaps the road to the iconic wrestling event is already underway.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tom Brady, Logan Paul continue feud with NSFW greeting at World Cup

Not everybody enjoys working alongside Vikings DC Brian Flores (ask Mike Pettine or Javon Hargrave). The basic reality, though, is that he’s a sophisticated tactician who gets a lot of his crew. Plenty of players — Andrew Van Ginkel, Eric Wilson, Blake Cashman, Josh Metellus, Byron Murphy, and others — shine under his tutelage.

What about linebacker Kyle Van Noy?

At 35, the defender is no spring chicken. Van Noy got into the NFL as the No. 40 selection in the 2014 NFL Draft. The Detroit Lions selected him after a promising career at BYU. During the 2016 season, Van Noy changed his address after getting traded to New England for a mere late-round pick swap. Those Patriots would win the Super Bowl. Better yet, Flores was on staff as a linebacker coach.

Brian Flores, Kyle Van Noy, & The Vikings’ EDGE Need

Since the 2016 season, both of Brian Flores and Kyle Van Noy have been around the NFL.

Flores kept rising in the world of Patriots football. Doing excellently in New England led to a chance to become the head coach of the Miami Dolphins. Flores wasn’t perfect in Florida but he did well, all things considered. A controversial split between coach and team led to a gig in Pittsburgh in 2022 before then functioning as the Vikings’ DC since 2023.

Meanwhile, Van Noy has been a coveted commodity.

The pass rusher played in New England until 2019. He then went to Miami in 2020, playing for Coach Flores yet again. The partnership as Dolphins was short-lived, leading to being a Patriot (2021), Charger (2022), and Raven (2023-25). Is the next stop in the Twin Cities?

Kyle Van Noy had reasonably humdrum numbers last season in Baltimore. The total stats show 20 tackles, 2 sacks, 9 quarterback hits, 4 tackles for loss, 4 passes defended, and 1 interception. Overall, Van Noy had 494 snaps. PFF clarifies that the overwhelming majority of those snaps arrived as an edge rusher.

Notably, he had a blistering season in 2024, piling up 12.5 sacks, 21 quarterback hits, and 14 tackles for loss. Is that player still in there?

Recent seasons have featured the veteran demanding somewhere between $4.25 million to $4.5 million on the cap (OTC). Consider that number as the firm ceiling for what he could reasonably demand on his next deal. Quite possibly, a number closer to $3 million is the sweet spot.

On Bleacher Report, there’s a list of the NFL’s top remaining free agents. Kyle Van Noy comes in at ninth within the top ten. Scroll down a touch further and the Minnesota Vikings get listed as a team fit.

“In three seasons with Baltimore,” the article clarifies, “Van Noy recorded 23.5 sacks and 54 quarterback pressures. Because of his experience and positional versatility, Van Noy could fit with a number of defenses as a free agent. However, he’s made it known that he’d love to land with the 49ers.”

Not long afterwards, there’s an affirmation of the fit in San Francisco before clarifying that “[s]o would just about any team or coach familiar with Van Noy and what he can add as a multi-faceted veteran leader.”

The Vikings get rolling with training camp on Sunday, July 26th. Presumably, these coming weeks are going to prove pivotal in deciding whether there needs to be more help within the pass rushing department.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

Ferran Torres’ extra-time winner against Argentina at MetLife Stadium in New York on Monday ensured Spain would return home as world champions for only the second time in their history.

For much of the evening, however, attention drifted away from the players celebrating beneath the confetti and towards a bespectacled figure standing calmly on the touchline: Spanish manager Luis de la Fuente.

De la Fuente did not sprint across the pitch or produce an emotional celebration. Instead, the 65-year-old embraced his coaching staff before joining his players, who had just completed the most successful four-year cycle by a men’s national team since Spain’s own golden generation more than a decade ago.

The victory was symbolic in more ways than one. It came in De la Fuente’s 50th match as Spain manager, making the World Cup final a milestone as well as a crowning achievement. In those first 50 matches, Spain won 38, giving him a 76 per cent win rate and matching the best record in the national team’s history, previously set by Vicente del Bosque.

Yet reducing De la Fuente’s success to trophies alone would miss the bigger story. Spain did not simply win another major tournament. They redefined themselves.

The appointment few celebrated

Spain’s elimination by Morocco on penalties at the 2022 World Cup triggered another period of introspection.

Luis Enrique departed after failing to translate Spain’s dominance of possession into tournament success, while speculation quickly centred on experienced club managers capable of restoring the country’s fortunes.

Instead, the Royal Spanish Football Federation chose familiarity over glamour by appointing De la Fuente as the new manager of Spain’s national team.

De la Fuente had never managed Real Madrid or Barcelona. He had never coached in the Premier League or won the UEFA Champions League. His reputation had been built within Spain’s youth system, where he spent years guiding Under-19 and Under-21 sides while quietly shaping the country’s next generation of footballers.

To many observers, the appointment lacked ambition. To the federation, it represented continuity. That distinction would prove decisive.

Luis de la Fuente’s honours

Building a generation before coaching it

International managers rarely enjoy the luxury of developing players over several years. De la Fuente did.

By the time Spain entered Euro 2024 and, later, the World Cup, much of the squad already understood the coach’s methods.

Pedri, Ferran Torres, Martín Zubimendi and several others had progressed through Spain’s youth pathway under coaches who shared the same footballing philosophy. Younger stars such as Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Pau Cubarsí entered a dressing room where tactical expectations had already been established.

Rather than forcing players to adapt during short international camps, De la Fuente inherited footballers who were already fluent in his ideas.

Possession upgraded

Spain’s greatest sides have always been associated with possession football. Under De la Fuente, possession became a means rather than the objective.

His Spain still dominated the ball but attacked with far greater urgency. Wide players stretched defensive lines, midfielders looked forward earlier, and pressing after losing possession became noticeably more aggressive.

The change was subtle enough to preserve Spain’s footballing identity, yet significant enough to make them far more dangerous.

Trust earned through merit

Perhaps De la Fuente’s biggest contribution has been cultural rather than tactical.

Selection was never based solely on reputation. Young players were trusted early, experienced internationals retained important leadership roles, and every position remained open to competition.

That environment accelerated the emergence of Spain’s new core while preventing complacency among established names. It also helped explain why Spain rarely appeared dependent on one individual.

When opponents focused on stopping Yamal, Nico Williams stepped forward. When midfield battles intensified, Rodri and Pedri dictated play.

When extra time arrived in the World Cup final, it was Ferran Torres who delivered the defining moment. Spain became less predictable because responsibility was shared.

Spain’s winning cycle

Defence won the World Cup

Spain’s young attackers understandably dominated headlines throughout the tournament. The numbers tell a different story.

Across eight matches, Spain conceded just one goal, the fewest ever by a World Cup-winning team. They combined technical quality with defensive discipline, allowing opponents remarkably few clear opportunities while remaining composed under pressure.

The tournament reinforced a lesson repeated throughout football history. Championships may be remembered for spectacular goals. They are usually built on resilient defending.

Spain’s World Cup 2026 by the numbers

A team greater than its individuals

Immediately after the final whistle, De la Fuente resisted the temptation to discuss tactics or legacy.

Instead, he spoke about togetherness. “We are the most united team,” he said, describing collective spirit as the defining characteristic of his squad after winning the trophy.

That unity was reflected in Spain’s consistency. The World Cup triumph extended their unbeaten run to 38 matches, the longest ever achieved by a European national side, underlining that the title was not the product of a fortunate month but of sustained excellence across multiple tournaments.

A legacy that now demands comparison

Every successful era in Spanish football has been defined by a coach. Luis Aragonés ended decades of frustration by winning Euro 2008. Vicente del Bosque delivered the country’s first World Cup and retained the European crown.

Luis de la Fuente inherited neither of those teams. Instead, he rebuilt Spain after one of its most disappointing periods, guided a new generation to the UEFA Nations League, conquered Euro 2024 and completed the journey by lifting the FIFA World Cup.

Whether he ultimately surpasses del Bosque will remain open to debate. What is beyond argument is that De la Fuente has created one of the finest coaching cycles international football has witnessed.

His greatest achievement was never simply winning the World Cup. It was ensuring that, by the time Spain reached the summit again, victory felt less like a surprise than the inevitable conclusion of a carefully constructed plan.

Josh Kerr has set his sights on the long-standing 1,500m world record after demolishing the mile world record at this Saturday’s London Diamond League.

The Scot ran a staggering 3:42.66 to beat Moroccan Hicham El Guerrouj’s record of 3:43.13, which had stood since 1999, in front of a delighted crowd at the London Stadium.

He had announced his intention to break the record in March, capitalising on a rare year without a major championships to target a personal goal.

He won the race from Yared Nuguse and Jake Heyward, with Nuguse second in a distant 3:45.69.

Now Kerr, the 2023 world champion over 1,500m, has announced his intention to target the world record at that distance too – which is also held by El Guerrouj and has stood since 1998.

In a column in The Telegraph, Kerr wrote that after his triumph on Saturday, “I was soon in a spot of trouble with my wife, Larimar, when she woke up and I said ‘It’s on’ in reference to Hicham El Guerrouj’s world 1,500m record of 3min 26.00sec.”

Two-time Olympic medallist Kerr is seventh on the all-time list of athletes over 1,500m.

In promising news for his tilt at the record his 1,500m split in Saturday’s mile was a new British record, shaving three-hundredths of a second off his own previous mark of 3:27.79 to complete the split in 3:27.51.

Kerr continued: “She said: ‘Can you just give us 12 hours before you set another goal?’ I was like: ‘I could, but the iron’s hot.’ And I do think that the moment you stop dreaming about new goals is the time when you are slowing down. This sport moves quickly; the world is always turning.”

He suggested he would most likely target one of the remaining Diamond League races, and added: “We have not made any decisions yet – and things would have to be put in place with the right 1500m race – but I do think that it is in the legs.”

The 28-year-old will first target the Commonwealth Games, held on home soil in Glasgow this week, before considering whether a tilt at the 1,500m record is feasible.

Mankind Pharma has announced a partnership with Minerva Academy Football Club to support youth football development in India. As part of the association, the pharmaceutical company’s branding will appear on the front and back of jerseys worn by three of the academy’s age-group teams during domestic and international competitions.

The partnership comes after Minerva Academy’s successful run at the Gothia Cup 2026, where its U-12 team, representing India, won the Gothia Cup B-12 title before also lifting the Helsinki Cup. The collaboration is aimed at supporting the academy’s grassroots football programme and providing greater exposure to young players competing on the international stage.

Mankind Pharma to sponsor academy teams

Under the partnership, the Mankind Pharma logo will feature on the jerseys of three Minerva Academy age-group teams throughout the year. The teams compete in tournaments in India as well as overseas, giving the company’s branding visibility at international youth football events.

Founded in 2015 by Ranjit Bajaj, Minerva Academy has established itself as one of India’s leading grassroots football institutions. The academy won the Gothia Cup world youth title in 2025 and has produced more than 240 internationals across various age groups. In 2026, its U-12 side added two more international titles by winning the Gothia Cup B-12 in Sweden and the Helsinki Cup in Finland.

The academy’s long-term football development programme is centred on its “World Cup Batch 2034” initiative, which aims to prepare players capable of helping India qualify for the FIFA World Cup.

Focus on grassroots football

Mankind Pharma said the partnership reflects its efforts to support sports beyond cricket by encouraging the growth of football in the country. The company said it intends to create opportunities for young footballers and contribute to the development of the sport through grassroots initiatives.

Vice Chairman and Managing Director Rajeev Juneja said the company believes football helps build discipline, teamwork and ambition among young people. He added that Minerva Academy’s performances at international tournaments demonstrate the potential of Indian footballers, and the partnership is intended to support the academy’s efforts to compete on the global stage.

Academy eyes long-term development

Minerva Academy Founder and Director Ranjit Bajaj said the partnership comes at an important stage in the academy’s football programme. He said the support from Mankind Pharma would help players train, travel and compete against strong international opposition while strengthening the academy’s long-term development plans.

He added that the academy remains focused on its objective of producing players capable of representing India at the FIFA World Cup through its grassroots development pathway.

The partnership adds another corporate association to Indian grassroots football as Minerva Academy continues to expand its youth programme following its recent success in international tournaments.

SEC football media days will return to Nashville.

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey announced that Nashville will host the league’s annual preseason event on July 12-15, 2027.

He revealed the decision in his opening remarks of this year’s media days in Tampa, Florida on July 20, kicking off the four-day event will last through July 23 at the Tampa Marriott Water Street and JW Marriott. Coaches and players representing each team will appear on SEC Network throughout.

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The event was held in Nashville once before in 2023. Before it traveled to Atlanta in 2018, the event had never before been held outside of the Birmingham, Alabama, metro area. Since then, it has been held in Atlanta twice more (2022 and 2025), Nashville, Dallas (2024) and now Tampa.

Emmett Siegel covers Tennessee baseball for Knox News. Email: emmett.siegel@knoxnews.com; X: @EmmettSiegel_

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: SEC football media days will return to Nashville in 2027