Neymar has been named in Brazil’s squad for next month’s World Cup, manager Carlo Ancelotti said on Monday, handing the forward a chance to return to international soccer’s biggest stage after an injury-disrupted cycle.
The inclusion of Neymar, Brazil‘s all-time leading goalscorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances, was the biggest surprise in the 26-man squad named by coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Ancelotti announced Neymar‘s selection at a gala ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, with loud cheers ringing out as the veteran attacker’s call-up was confirmed.
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Speculation has raged for months over whether the 34-year-old former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain attacker would force his way back into the national team set-up.
The forward, a veteran of the 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cups, had not played for Brazil since suffering knee injury during a World Cup qualifying game against Uruguay in 2023.
A mixture of injuries and poor form had left him outside the national team set-up, with Ancelotti citing concerns over his fitness after leaving him out of Brazil’s squad for March friendlies against France and Croatia.
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However Neymar, who rejoined boyhood club Santos in January after an injury-ravaged stint in Saudi Arabia, has now earned Ancelotti’s stamp of approval for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“We monitored Neymar throughout the year and observed that, in recent times, he has been playing consistently and his physical condition has improved,” Ancelotti said. “We believe he is an important player.”
Injuries have restricted Neymar to just 15 appearances in 31 matches since his return to Santos in 2026.
Brazil, who are chasing a record sixth World Cup crown, open their World Cup campaign against Morocco on June 13 before playing Haiti and Scotland in Group C.
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Neymar joins a potent line-up of attackers that includes Barcelona striker Raphinha and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior.
Ancelotti meanwhile said he believed the World Cup would be won by the most “resilient” team.
“The World Cup won’t be won by a perfect team — because a perfect team doesn’t exist,” he said. “It will be won by the most resilient team.”
INALPI ARENA, TURIN, ITALY – 2024/11/15: Carlos Alcaraz of Spain looks dejected during his round robin singles match against Alexander Zverev of Germany during day six of the Nitto ATP Finals. Alexander Zverev won the match 7-6(5), 6-4. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Carlos Alcaraz has officially withdrawn from the Wimbledon Championships as he continues recovering from injury.
The Spaniard confirmed the news in a statement, revealing that he is still not ready to return to competition despite making progress in recovery.
“My recovery is going well and I feel much better,” Alcaraz said.
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“But unfortunately I’m still not ready to be able to play, and that’s why I have to withdraw from the grass-court swing at Queen’s and Wimbledon.”
“They are two really special tournaments for me and I’ll miss them a lot.”
The withdrawal means Alcaraz will miss both French Open and Wimbledon this season, a huge blow for one of the biggest stars in tennis.
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The 23-year-old added that his main focus now is returning fully healthy.
“We keep working to return as soon as possible.”
His fans across the world have already reacted to the news, hoping to see Alcaraz back in time for the American hard-court season later this year.
Arthur Okonkwo cleared to represent Nigeria ahead of Unity Cup
Arthur Okonkwo has officially switched international allegiance to Nigeria national football team and is now eligible to represent the Super Eagles.
The 24-year-old goalkeeper received FIFA clearance in April after previously representing England at the youth level.
Okonkwo arrives after an impressive season with Wrexham AFC, making 38 appearances in the Championship while recording nine clean sheets and 111 saves.
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His arrival gives new Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle another strong goalkeeping option as Nigeria continues rebuilding the squad ahead of future tournaments.
The goalkeeper could make his debut during the upcoming Unity Cup in London later this month, where Nigeria will begin their campaign against Zimbabwe.
Golf instruction is ever-evolving, but the best advice stands the test of time. In GOLF.com’s series, Timeless Tips, we’re highlighting some of the greatest advice teachers and players have dispensed in the pages of GOLF Magazine. Today we look back to our September 2013 issue for Johnny Miller’s “single best tip” for improving ball striking.
Over the course of his career, Miller won 25 times on the PGA Tour, including a U.S. Open victory at Oakmont that featured a final-round 63. Although younger golf fans may remember him only for his work in the booth, it was his golf game that made him a household name.
Back in 2013, the World Golf Hall of Famer contributed an article to GOLF Magazine outlining his “single best tip” about ball striking.
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Miller’s best ball-striking tip
Even today, I still get nervous on the first tee or if I’m playing with people I don’t know that well. When I first came up on Tour, I was nervous all the time, especially when faced with a tough shot, such as hitting a half wedge over water or a long iron off a tight lie. So I came up with a drill — maybe my single best tip! — to help me feel the most important parts of my swing and instantly build the confidence needed to pull off the shot. I call it the “brush-brush” drill, and I’m certain that if you try it, you’ll hit better shots.
On the range, use the toe of your club to make a line in the grass, then set up centered over the line. Make a half swing and try to brush the grasss on the target side of the line — not a huge divot, just a slight brush — then repeat. I do it twice in a row, because it instills good rhythm: “brush-brush.”
It sounds simple, but you actually have to do so many things right to brush the grass in the right place that, when you do, you’re grooving good mechanics. Plus, success in this drill will prevent you from catching the ground behind the ball, which is the fastest way to hit a really bad shot.
The trick is to get the butt of the grip even or ahead of the line before unhinging your wrists and brushing the grass with the clubhead. Most amateurs make the mistake of unhinging their wrists when the butt end of the grip is still behind the line, and some players release the hinge when the butt is still behind their right leg. But if you lead the clubhead with the handle and delay the unhinging until the last possible moment, you get that crisp, Tour-style impact with the shaft leaning slightly toward the target with any iron or wedge.
Not only does this drill get you into a better impact position, it gives you ball-first contact regardless of your lie. Anyone can make decent contact on a flat range, but on the course you’ll encounter uphill lies, downhill lies and lies where the ball is either above or below your feet. Slopes like these tend to exacerbate impact problems, and if you have the type of swing that brushes the grass behind the ball, you’ll have no chance on anything but a perfect lie. Lead with the handle, then brush. I’ve been around golf for 60 years, and this drill beats them all.
NEW DELHI: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi once again stole the spotlight as the 15-year-old produced a stunning 93 off just 38 balls to guide Rajasthan Royals to a comfortable seven-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants in a crucial IPL 2026 clash in Jaipur. The victory kept Rajasthan firmly alive in the playoff race, with the team now needing one more win against Mumbai Indians to strengthen their qualification hopes.Chasing a huge target of 221, Rajasthan looked fearless from the start. Sooryavanshi smashed 10 sixes and attacked almost every bowler, making the difficult chase look surprisingly easy. He first added a quick partnership with stand-in captain Yashasvi Jaiswal before building another massive stand with Dhruv Jurel, who stayed unbeaten with a half-century. Although the teenager missed his century by just seven runs, he had already taken the game away from Lucknow.Former cricketer Ian Bishop summed up the youngster’s brilliance perfectly on commentary, saying: “He is ready.”Earlier, Mitchell Marsh had powered Lucknow to 220/5 with a brutal 96 off 57 balls. Josh Inglis also played aggressively, scoring 60 as the pair gave LSG a flying start with a 109-run opening partnership. Marsh continued the attack even after Inglis got out, smashing boundaries all around the ground and narrowly missing out on a century.However, Rajasthan’s bowlers struggled for most of the innings, with only young spinner Yash Raj Punja managing to create some control with two wickets. Jofra Archer’s disciplined final over also helped limit further damage.The young batter is now closing in on several IPL records, including Chris Gayle’s mark for most sixes in a season. His fearless batting even put pressure on India pacer Mayank Yadav, who conceded heavily during one over.While Lucknow’s playoff hopes ended with the defeat, Rajasthan now head into their final league match with qualification still within reach.
Feb 4, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Hall of Fame member Warren Moon speaks during a press conference announcing the NFL hall of fame class of 2012 finalists at the JW Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
In all likelihood, Kyler Murray will lead the Minnesota Vikings at quarterback in 2026, so long as third-year passer J.J. McCarthy doesn’t score the training camp upset. And according to former Vikings signal-caller Warren Moon, Murray’s emergence to the QB1 spot sounds bittersweet.
Moon sees Murray’s upside, but the familiar commitment questions still follow the Cardinals quarterback.
Moon believes Murray has the talent for the job, but seemed to question his commitment.
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Murray’s Vikings Career Still Depends on McCarthy — and Himself?
It’s a familiar critique of Murray.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray scrambles with the football while Green Bay Packers cornerback Rasul Douglas closes in during Thursday Night Football action at State Farm Stadium. Murray extended plays with his mobility on Oct. 28, 2021, as Arizona battled Green Bay in one of the NFL’s marquee regular-season matchups during the Cardinals’ hot start that season. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.
Moon on Murray
Moon spoke to Kay Adams this week and didn’t hold back, saying about Murray, “He never looks like he’s motivated. Maybe he is inside, but he just doesn’t give you that demeanor. He doesn’t give you that demeanor. I hope he’s learned over the last couple of years, with all the criticism that he’s taken, with the injuries that he’s gone through. I have to give more of myself to my football team.”
“I have to show people more about what I’m feeling and thinking. You have to do that as a quarterback in order to get people to follow you. Murray is so dynamic. He makes so many plays that you go, ‘Wow.’ And then, all of a sudden, he goes through phases where he doesn’t even look like the same guy.”
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The Vikings inked Murray in March to a $1.3 million 2026 contract, one of the best-value contracts in sports.
Moon added, “I hope that coming into this situation, he’s re-motivated to show what he can do. He’s been out of the game for a while with injury. He’s going to a great place with a great coaching staff, and he has really excellent weapons to throw the football to. It’s all in his possession if he wants it.”
“But J.J. McCarthy is right there, too. I don’t think he’s going to make it easy.”
The “Aloof” Talker + Study Clause
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Moon seems to be buying into a widespread, consistent Murray-themed talker: the guy loves video games too much and doesn’t prioritize football. That narrative has persisted for years, prompting an outside audience to wonder whether Murray cares about his craft as much as his quarterback peers.
The Cardinals even baked a “study clause” into his contract extension four years ago, which drew ire and awe because of its unprecedented nature. After backlash, the Cardinals removed the clause.
So, in conjunction with Moon’s comments, Murray must prove the naysayers wrong. The perception is that football may be a side perk for him; he has to dispel that.
All Up to Murray
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In addition to the attitudinal concerns, Murray has a tall task afoot. He’ll be asked to guide a 9-8 team from last year to the postseason, and hopefully, for the head coach’s sake and job security, win a playoff game or two.
Getting kicked out of Arizona — a franchise known for generally poor ownership and operations — in favor of Jacoby Brissett and rookie Carson Beck is flat-out embarrassing. On top of that, the Cardinals are paying Murray to play for the Vikings. It’s how Minnesota finagled the March contract for $1.3 million.
Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon speaks with reporters as Cam Ward is introduced as the Tennessee Titans’ first overall pick during NFL Draft festivities in Nashville. The moment unfolded on Apr. 25, 2025, after Moon approved Ward wearing his retired No. 1 jersey, connecting two eras of franchise quarterback history for the Titans organization. Mandatory Credit: Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.
Murray can “stick it to the Cardinals,” as athletes often do to their ex-employers, almost like a grudge match in wrestling. He also has 2027 to consider. A 30-touchdown season with 3,500+ passing yards in 2026 will fetch him around $50+ million per season via his next contract — in Minnesota or elsewhere. A 7-10 campaign with a litany of Murray injuries might lead to more “prove-it” contracts, which Murray basically has right now.
It’s all up to Murray to show that he’s locked and can perform at a Top-15 NFL quarterback clip.
A QB Verdict in August
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Of course, Murray must win the job over McCarthy first. Minnesota is selling the competition to anyone willing to buy, creating an atmosphere for McCarthy to pull off the upset if he has the stomach for it. Unlike last year, when McCarthy was handed the QB1 job on a silver platter without impediment, Murray must stave off McCarthy’s advances. McCarthy is young and hungry. Murray is seeking redemption and, from Moon, accusations that he “never looks like he’s motivated.”
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray walks off the field following a road victory over the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Murray and the Cardinals secured a 37-20 win on Oct. 3, 2021, during an early-season stretch when Arizona emerged as one of the NFL’s hottest and most explosive offensive teams. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.
In that regard, training camp may be cinema for the Vikings, a winner-take-all duel for the QB1 crown.
Moon played for the Vikings from 1994 to 1996, so he knows a little something about the franchise.
Vikings training camp is 10 weeks away.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
UCLA baseball has been on a dominant run all season long, becoming the first NCAA Division I team to be ranked No. 1 for an entire regular season in D1Baseball and Baseball America polls.
On Tuesday, that dominance was rewarded in the Big Ten end-of-season conference awards. The Bruins claimed a conference-leading nine total selections across the First, Second, and Third Teams along with the Player of the Year and Coach of the Year awards.
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Junior shortstop Roch Cholowsky earned the Big Ten Player of the Year Award for the second season in a row. He is the first player in UCLA history to win the award twice in a career and the third player in Big Ten history to win back-to-back Player of the Year awards.
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Cholowsky, who led the Big Ten with 21 home runs, is the No. 1 ranked prospect entering the 2026 MLB Draft
Jun 17, 2025; Omaha, Neb, USA; UCLA Bruins shortstop Roch Cholowsky (1) throws to first base against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the third inning at Charles Schwab Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images
Cholowsky was also named an All-Big Ten First Team selection. Six other Bruins were also First Team honorees, which led the conference for most First Team selections from the same team. Alongside Cholowsky, Will Gasparino, Easton Hawk, Mulivai Levu, Roman Martin, Wylan Moss and Logan Reddemann were First Team selections.
Catcher Cashel Dugger was a Second Team All-Big Ten selection, and pitcher Cal Randall was a Third Team honoree. Dugger, Gasparino, Levu and outfielder Dean West were selected for the Big Ten All-Defensive Team, while pitcher Zach Strickland was included on the conference’s All-Freshman Team.
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Lastly, head coach John Savage was named the unanimous Big Ten Coach of the Year. This is the third time in his career he has earned the conference Coach of the Year award, with his first two being in the Pac-12 in 2013 and 2019.
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Savage led the Bruins to a program-record 48 regular season wins and the longest conference winning streak in Big Ten history. Savage and the Bruins will begin the Big Ten Tournament on May 22.
Tim Cone expects the Kings to face a hard-fighting Painters in the semifinals. —PBA IMAGES
When Barangay Ginebra faced Rain or Shine in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup elimination round, the Gin Kings barely broke a sweat.
“We felt we had something to prove in that game against Rain or Shine in the eliminations. It’s a different feeling now, though,” coach Tim Cone said after his wards punched a ticket to the semifinals with a victory over Phoenix.
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“We have to make sure that we stay neither too high nor too low at this point.”
As someone who has seen and accomplished everything in the PBA, Cone knows that once the playoffs begin, previous results no longer matter.
Naturally, he has chosen to forget Ginebra’s 114-90 rout of the Elasto Painters in the eliminations because it is now back to square one in a best-of-seven series.
Cone is also fully aware of how dangerous counterpart Yeng Guiao can be in a long series.
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“I just know how hard it is to go up against Yeng,” he admitted.
“They play extremely hard and fast. They compete all the time. They can wear you down in a series because of their depth. There’s a lot of concern when you’re facing a team like that.”
According to league chief statistician Fidel Mangonon III, Ginebra won the last two playoff meetings against Rain or Shine. The most recent came in the quarterfinals of the 2020 Philippine Cup, while the other was during the 2018 Commissioner’s Cup.
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Interestingly, the last time Guiao and the Elasto Painters defeated the Gin Kings in the playoffs, they also went on to beat San Miguel Beer in the semifinals of the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup.
War of attrition
Rain or Shine eventually captured the title of that conference, marking the last time an independent team won a PBA championship.
But Cone was quick to stress that past results mean little now.
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All he knows is that Ginebra faces a war of attrition against Guiao and the Elasto Painters, who are coming off a quarterfinals upset of the mighty Beermen.
“I expect it to be a tough series.”
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Game 1 of the semifinals between Cone and Guiao is set for Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo, serving as the nightcap to the TNT-Meralco opener at 5:15 p.m. INQ
The Houston Astros entered Tuesday with a 19-30 record and the worst ERA (5.45) in MLB. Their injury-riddled pitching staff took another hit hours before first pitch when they scratched starter Lance McCullers Jr. ahead of a road matchup versus the Minnesota Twins.
“He’s been recovering well, kind of your normal, typical post-start soreness,” Espada said pregame, per The Athletic. “But, this week, he wasn’t able to get rid of it. We decided to get him seen by our doctors.”
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McCullers is the latest member of Houston’s season-opening starting rotation to be bitten by the injury bug. He’ll join both Cristian Javier and Hunter Brown on the IL, where those two are healing up from Grade 2 shoulder strains.
Another right-handed pitcher, Jason Alexander, took McCullers’ place on the mound Tuesday. The Astros recalled Alexander from Triple-A Sugar Land earlier this week.
Not only did the 32-year-old McCullers land on the IL, but the Astros also sent him back to Houston for further evaluation and treatment.
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That said, the Astros did reinstate outfielder Jake Meyers and right-handed reliever Nate Pearson from the IL, optioning Shay Whitcomb to Triple-A Sugar Land in the process.
As for McCullers, injuries have plagued the one-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion throughout his Astros tenure. He’s missed three full seasons because of them.
McCullers had Tommy John surgery in 2018. In 2023, he needed flexor tendon repair. Now he’s in the final season of a five-year extension reportedly worth $85 million.
He’s made eight starts and registered a 6.86 ERA during the Astros’ frustrating 2026 campaign. Last year, over 13 starts, his ERA ballooned to 6.51, by far his highest since 2017 when he clocked out with a 4.25.
McCullers bounced back to throw 5 1/3 innings during a 4-3 win over the Seattle Mariners on May 13. But less than a week later, he’s on the IL with right shoulder inflammation.
Sources said that Kidd had expressed a desire to be promoted to president of basketball operations after general manager Nico Harrison was fired in November, but Dumont informed Kidd months ago that he wouldn’t be considered for the front office. Kidd was kept out of the loop in the process that resulted in Ujiri’s hiring, sources said.
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