Original author: ESPN News Service
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Ronaldo scores stunning bicycle kick in win
Cristiano Ronaldo gave another demonstration of his enduring quality by scoring from a bicycle kick for his Saudi Arabian club on Sunday.
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Wayne Rooney hailed Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella's performance marking Lamine Yamal in Chelsea's 3-0 Champions League win over Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.
Original author: Leonard Solms
Chelsea's 3-0 Tuesday Champions League thrashing of Barcelona at Stamford Bridge saw Barcelona's 53-match scoring streak come to an end.
Original author: Leonard Solms
Paul Doyle has pleaded guilty on the second day of his trial to seriously injuring people when he drove into football fans celebrating Liverpool's victory parade on May 26.
Original author: PA
FIFA on Wednesday announced that the third phase of 2026 World Cup tickets sales will begin on Dec. 11, making this round -- beginning six days after the draw -- the first chance for buyers to bid on single-match tickets based on exact matchup.
Original author: ESPN
At age 38, David Luiz scored his first Champions League goal in more than eight years Wednesday.
Original author: ESPN News Services
Arsenal's Luis Munoz has become the youngest ever player to feature in the UEFA Youth League -- at just 13 years old.
Original author: ESPN
World Cup hopeful Neymar is in danger of missing Santos' last three league games of the season because of a knee injury, according to ESPN.
Original author: André Hernan and Nathália Ferrão
Manchester United will look to bolster their options at wing-back next summer, sources have told ESPN, alongside their pursuit of a central midfielder.
Original author: Rob Dawson
Inter Miami's first MLS Cup is within reach after a convincing win over FC Cincinnati.
Original author: Cesar Hernandez and Joseph Lowery
Little was expected of San Diego in its debut year, but the risk-taking young side not only was the best team in the West, it's one step from the MLS Cup.
Original author: Cesar Hernandez
Bayern Munich star Michael Olise would be a "dream" signing for Liverpool. Transfer Talk has the latest news and rumors.
Original author: ESPN
Real Madrid are top of LaLiga and on course to reach the knockout phase of the Champions League. So why is coach Xabi Alonso facing so much scrutiny?
Original author: Graham Hunter
The NWSL season is over, and the planning for 2026 begins immediately. Here is one burning question for each team.
Original author: Jeff Kassouf
Manchester City's reserves did not showcase their talents and were left exposed against Bayer Leverkusen.
Original author: Rob Dawson
After a win like this in the Champions League over Barcelona, led by teen star Estevao, maybe Chelsea are the real deal after all.
Original author: James Olley
It has been one year since Ruben Amorim's first game in charge of Man United. There has been some improvement, but the core metrics of Amorim's influence tell a different story.
Original author: Ryan O'Hanlon
Manchester United had their latest chance to prove they had turned a corner. They couldn't.
Original author: Rob Dawson
The 2025 Apertura has reached the quarterfinals stage, so which teams are in the running to win it all? It's ESPN's Liga MX playoff preview.
Original author: Cesar Hernandez
If Bayern's clash with Arsenal is an audition to replace Pep Guardiola, ex-City defender and ESPN FC analyst Nedum Onuoha thinks Kompany fits the bill.
Original author: Nedum Onuoha
Soccer is a physically demanding sport that requires a high level of cardiovascular endurance, speed, agility, and muscular strength. A well-structured fitness and conditioning plan is essential for peak performance and injury prevention.
Key Components of Soccer FitnessTo excel in soccer, training must focus on the following core areas:
- Cardiovascular Endurance: The ability to sustain high-intensity running and recover quickly (aerobic and anaerobic capacity).
- Speed and Agility: Quick movements, rapid changes in direction, and acceleration.
- Strength and Power: Muscular force to sprint, jump, and tackle.
- Flexibility and Mobility: Range of motion to prevent injuries and execute proper technique.
A typical soccer conditioning program is broken down into three phases:
1. Pre-SeasonThis phase focuses on building a strong foundation of aerobic fitness, general strength, and sport-specific movements.
Focus Area | Example Drills | Reps/Sets/Duration |
|---|---|---|
Aerobic Base | Long, steady runs (3–5 miles) | 3-4 times per week, |
Strength | Full-body lifts (Squats, Deadlifts, Bench Press) | 3 sets of 8-12 reps |
Agility | Cone drills, Ladder drills, Shuttle runs | 3 sets of 5-8 reps, |
The primary goal is to maintain fitness levels achieved in the pre-season while focusing on game readiness and recovery.
- Intensity of training decreases to prioritize match performance.
- Focus on maintenance: Short, sharp sprints; tactical drills; and light strength work.
- Emphasize recovery protocols (stretching, foam rolling, proper nutrition).
This is a period of active rest and recovery. The goal is to recharge both physically and mentally while preventing complete detraining.
- Engage in low-impact activities (swimming, cycling) to maintain some fitness.
- Address any lingering injuries.
- Focus on flexibility and core strength.
The following workout should be performed on a non-match day. Remember to always warm up before starting any intense session.
Warm-up- 5 minutes of light jogging
- Dynamic stretching (leg swings, hip circles, high knees)
Drill | Description | Sets | Rest Between Sets |
|---|---|---|---|
Acceleration Sprints | 40-yard sprints (focus on explosive start) | 6 | 60 seconds |
"T" Drill | A standardized agility test requiring forward, side, and backward movement | 3 | 90 seconds |
Defensive Shuffles | Lateral movement drills simulating defensive positioning | 4 | 45 seconds |
Injury prevention is paramount for a long and successful season.
- Ensure proper form when lifting weights.
- Always cool down with static stretching after every session.
- Do not neglect your core; strong core muscles stabilize the body and reduce injury risk.
- Get sufficient sleep and proper nutrition to support muscle repair.
Jess Fishlock has extended her contract at Seattle Reign until 2026.
Original author: Jeff Kassouf
FIFA agreed to more Saudi Arabia investment on Monday by announcing up to $1 billion in Saudi-backed stadium financing loans for developing countries.
Original author: ESPN
Real Betis winger Antony has apologised to his club fans after being sent off for accidentally kicking a rival in the face in Sunday's league draw against Girona.
Original author: Adriana Garcia
A settlement has been reached in the class action lawsuit that was filed by fans in the wake of the chaotic 2024 Copa América final between Argentina and Colombia held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Original author: Jeff Carlisle
Celtic FC have formally contacted the Columbus Crew regarding the possible hiring of Wilfried Nancy to be their next manager, a source with knowledge of the situation told ESPN.
Original author: Jeff Carlisle
Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye was sent off in the 13th minute of their match against Manchester United on Monday for shoving teammate Michael Keane.
Original author: Rob Dawson
Pep Guardiola has admitted he is "embarrassed and ashamed" after his interaction with a television cameraman in the aftermath of Manchester City's defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday.
Original author: Rob Dawson
