(Originally posted by Adriana Garcia)
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Mourinho eyes Portugal return in 'height of career'
Jose Mourinho has declared his desire to return to coach in his native Portugal while he is still "at the height of his career."
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Manchester United are set to complete the signing of Bryan Mbeumo after agreeing a deal in excess of £70 million ($94m) with Brentford, sources have told ESPN.
(Originally posted by Rob Dawson)
The summer transfer window is open, but what are our reporters hearing about deals that could be done? Get the latest every Friday.
(Originally posted by Multiple contributors)
England came back from a 2-0 deficit to take Sweden to penalties and seal their place in the Euro 2025 semifinals, but they did it by virtue of one of the strangest, and longest, penalty shootouts ever.
(Originally posted by ESPN)
Barcelona expect to close a deal for Thiago Alcantara to return to the club as part of coach Hansi Flick's staff in the coming weeks, various sources have told ESPN.
(Originally posted by Moises Llorens and Rodra)
Snoop Dogg has become a "co-owner and investor" of Welsh soccer club Swansea.
PSV Eindhoven and USMNT striker Ricardo Pepi revealed he's "very close" to a return to the pitch after suffering a knee injury in January.
(Originally posted by Lizzy Becherano)
Real Madrid are hopeful of resuming hosting concerts at the Santiago Bernabeu as work concludes on the revamped stadium this year, the club has said, as it posted a record €1.185 billion in income.
(Originally posted by Alex Kirkland and Rodrigo Faez)
Brazilian players, including six-time FIFA Player of the Year Marta, have criticised CONMEBOL and the organisers of the Women's Copa América in Ecuador for requiring teams to warm up in confined indoor areas rather than on the pitch.
(Originally posted by Reuters)
Clint Dempsey said success on the field during friendlies over the next year would help the U.S. fill seats with fans from their own country at the World Cup next year.
(Originally posted by Associated Press)
The USMNT's failure at the Gold Cup makes it clear changes are needed before the 2026 World Cup. Here are the five keys, ranked by urgency.
(Originally posted by Ryan O'Hanlon)
The World Cup is just one year away, so what moves, if any, should these eight USMNT players make?
(Originally posted by Bill Connelly)
England started badly vs. Sweden, turned things around in 103 second-half seconds, then won a penalty shootout which saw nine misses to progress to the Euro 2025 semifinals.
(Originally posted by Tom Hamilton)
For much of Mariona Caldentey's career she operated in the shadows, but the decision to swap Barcelona for Arsenal has thrust her into the spotlight.
(Originally posted by Sam Marsden)
France impressed in the group stage, but face a tough ask to make the final.
(Originally posted by Julien Laurens)
A new approach for Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior is being prepared by Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli. Transfer Talk has the latest news, gossip and rumors.
(Originally posted by ESPN)
Key Defensive Strategies in Soccer 1. High Press (Pressing)
- Goal: Win the ball back quickly, usually in the opponent's half.
- How it works: Forwards and midfielders aggressively close down opponents right after losing possession.
- Pros: Can disrupt opponent's build-up, create scoring chances from turnovers.
- Cons: High energy cost, can leave space behind if beaten.
- Goal: Defend closer to your own goal, absorb pressure, prevent goal-scoring opportunities.
- How it works: Most players drop back into a compact defensive shape near the penalty area.
- Pros: Difficult for opponents to find space; protects central goal areas.
- Cons: Can invite pressure for long periods; risks conceding corners and free kicks.
- Goal: Defend space rather than individual players.
- How it works: Each defender is responsible for covering a specific zone on the field.
- Pros: Better team shape, easier to maintain defensive structure.
- Cons: Requires good communication and awareness; can be exploited by clever runs.
- Goal: Closely track and limit the influence of a specific opposing player.
- How it works: Defenders follow designated attackers tightly all over the pitch.
- Pros: Neutralizes key players effectively.
- Cons: Can be physically demanding; can disrupt team shape if markers get pulled out of position.
- Goal: Provide an extra layer of defense behind the main backline.
- How it works: A 'sweeper' plays free behind defenders, cleaning up through balls and covering defensive gaps.
- Pros: Adds safety net against through passes and fast attackers.
- Cons: Less common in modern play; can be redundant with good team pressing.
- Goal: Keep the team close together to reduce space between lines.
- How it works: Maintain short distances horizontally and vertically between defenders and midfielders.
- Pros: Makes it difficult for opponents to penetrate.
- Cons: Requires excellent fitness and coordination.
- High Defensive Line: Push defenders higher up to compress space in midfield and catch attackers offside.
- Low Defensive Line: Stay deep to protect the penalty area and reduce risk of through balls.
- Choosing the line depends on: team speed, opponent's pace, game context.
- Delay: Slow down the opponent's attack to allow teammates to recover.
- Deny: Cut off passing lanes and limit opponent's options.
- Depth: Maintain multiple defensive layers for support.
- Balance: Ensure coverage on both wings and centrally.
- Communication: Constant talking to organize marking and cover.
Eleven teams in MLS have third kits in 2025, and ESPN ranks each throwback-inspired shirt from worst to first.
(Originally posted by Ryan Rosenblatt)
Liverpool have opened talks to sign striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, sources told ESPN.
(Originally posted by Beth Lindop and Julien Laurens)
Lionel Messi's MLS record streak of scoring two goals in a game ended at five as Inter Miami CF lost 3-0 to FC Cincinnati on Wednesday night.
(Originally posted by ESPN News Services)
A new mural in tribute of Diogo Jota has been completed near Anfield by artist John Culshaw.
(Originally posted by ESPN)
Wolves have reached an agreement with Brazilian side Fluminense to sign Colombia winger Jhon Arias, sources have told ESPN.
(Originally posted by Adriana Garcia)
Santos forward Neymar scored his first league goal of the season against league leaders Flamengo on Wednesday and proclaimed the triumph as "a new beginning."
(Originally posted by Adriana Garcia)
Arsenal confirmed the signing of Olivia Smith, with sources telling ESPN that it is a world-record fee and the first £1 million transfer in women's football.
(Originally posted by Emily Keogh)
Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma is a target for Man City and Bayern Munich. Transfer Talk has the latest news, gossip and rumors.
(Originally posted by ESPN)
What persuaded European champions Arsenal to pay a world-record transfer fee to sign Canada international forward Olivia Smith from Liverpool?
(Originally posted by Yash Thakur)
Chelsea players celebrated their Club World Cup win with NFL icon Tom Brady in New York, following a dominant final victory over PSG and a standout performance from Cole Palmer.
(Originally posted by Lane)
Italy are in their first Euro semifinal since 1997 as Cristiana Girelli netted a brace and Norway's Ada Hegerberg struggled.
(Originally posted by Beth Lindop)