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Though I believe there are better players" –Real Madrid icon Guti picks his 2025 Ballon D'Or winner
Guti

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Former Real Madrid midfielder Guti has thrown his support behind Ousmane Dembélé as a worthy contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, citing the French winger’s explosive season with Paris Saint-Germain, according to Sportskeeda. In an interview with Marca, as reported by Madrid Universal, Guti acknowledged Dembélé's achievements while maintaining that other players might be more deserving overall.



Dembélé, 28, played a crucial role in PSG’s unprecedented quadruple-winning campaign during the 2024–25 season. The former Barcelona man registered 48 goal contributions in 49 games across all competitions, helping PSG lift the Ligue 1 title, French Cup, French Super Cup, and — most notably — their first-ever UEFA Champions League crown.



Guti, despite his historical ties to Barcelona’s arch-rivals Real Madrid, did not hold back in praising Dembélé's form over the past year. “If we go by the season alone, maybe Dembélé [deserves it], though I believe there are better players,” Guti said.



Dembélé joined PSG from Barcelona in 2023 for a reported €50 million and has since established himself as one of the most dangerous wingers in Europe. His resurgence in Paris has reignited the Ballon d'Or conversation, especially in a year without dominant campaigns from usual contenders like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.




However, Guti's comment also reflects the ambiguity often surrounding the Ballon d’Or voting criteria — a debate that reignited after Real Madrid boycotted the 2024 ceremony. Then, the Spanish giants were upset that their forward Vinícius Júnior lost the award to Manchester City's Rodri, prompting former Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti to question the award’s credibility.



“I don’t really like the award. Sometimes titles matter, sometimes they don’t. It should be based on goals, assists, and key performances,” Guti added, expressing his broader concerns about the inconsistency of the award's criteria.




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I Almost Married A Gay Man To Escape Nigeria s Hardship
I weighed all my options and realised it was time to leave the country. Sewa (*27) is many things — a queer woman, the breadwinner of a family of five, and a tired Nigerian with immigration dreams. In this story, she shares how her desire to flee the troubles that come with being a breadwinner with no job security almost forced her to marry a gay man who promised to fund her relocation. Like Sewa, about 56% of Nigerian youths are considering relocating in search of greener pastures. This japa wave does more harm than good to the country. For instance, the healthcare sector in Nigeria is dangerously losing its best hands. The country’s 200 million+ citizens are at the losing end of this loss, as the current doctor-to-patient ratio stands at one doctor to ten thousand patients.Everyone has their own story and reason for wanting to leave, but Sewa’s story highlights the bigger issues pushing many to make that choice: limited opportunities and a struggling economy.This is Sewa’s story, as told to MargaretEarlier this year, the US President, Donald Trump, suspended USAID funding, and it hugely affected the organisation where I work. The impact was so bad that the management began a downsizing process that reduced the staff size from 22 to eight. Immediately, the number got to eight, and I realised that I no longer had job security.  I also realised that it would be nearly impossible to get a job that would pay as much as what I’m earning right now.. I currently earn about ₦2 million monthly; getting that sort of pay in Nigeria won’t be easy I weighed all my options and realised it was time to leave the country.  I first started applying to schools and international jobs. Unfortunately, I got no job offers, but was admitted to schools. That also didn’t work out because I didn’t get any scholarships, and the school fees were more than I could handle.The cheapest school fees from the offers I got were £16,000. I had only $3,000 and about ₦6 million in naira. I considered saving 1 million per month until September, but it felt useless when I calculated and converted it to pounds. For context, if I save ₦9 million, it would be around £4,200. That would barely cover tuition, accommodation, visa, health insurance, and other expenses. I also happen to be the breadwinner of my family, and relocating wouldn’t stop me from sending allowance to my parents, paying school fees for my siblings, and paying my parents’ rent. Even if I figured out a way to suspend sending money home for one month, it still wasn’t a sustainable option. It was hard, but I came to terms with this. I also accepted that I could only move abroad through a fully funded scholarship.  That would mean waiting in Nigeria for one more year, so I decided to do something for myself— travel the world with about ₦5 million. I started with some West African countries that cost me about ₦500,000  to explore.  When I returned to Nigeria, I felt better than I had felt in a long time. While all of this happened, the nagging job insecurity was still there. It made me depressed because the next round of downsizing will likely force two or three people to leave their jobs.  But I didn’t want to keep thinking about it, so I took another vacation to Qatar, Rwanda, Kenya, and Ghana. It felt like a financially reckless decision because I could lose my job anytime, but I just wanted to put myself first for once. My friends were against it because ₦5 million seemed like a lot of money, but it was nothing when I compared it to the amount  I needed to relocate. I just had to convince everybody to let me do what I wanted.Being the breadwinner is draining, mainly because it’s been that way since my third year in university. My family were above average, so I went to private school. I remember my dad giving me ₦100,000 for feeding in my first year of university. Money had more value then, so that should give you an idea of how comfortable we were.In my second year of university, my dad had a diabetes relapse. 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I got a proposal from a gay man who wanted to get married to please his parents. It would be a lavender marriage, but he promised to sponsor my relocation.  He seemed like a rich and well-travelled man, so I thought it was a good idea. But I chickened out after we started the process. I would have to lie to my parents and his parents, and it just didn’t seem fair to enter that kind of contract marriage. That was the easiest way for me to relocate. But I couldn’t do it when he said I would need to rebrand every part of my life to fit the perfect wife image his parents had in mind. Now that that’s no longer an option, I must find another way to leave the country. When I leave this job, I don’t want to earn less than I currently earn because I have too many bills to pay. I have no idea what the future holds, but I know I need to figure it out soon.
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D banj Sparks Debate After Excluding Wizkid from His 3 Top Artists
Nigerian music icon Dbanj revealed in an interview that Wizkid’s name was absent from his top three current music artists.The Koko Master praised Rema, Davido, and Burna Boy on Adesope Live for their energy, humility, and stage presence during a candid chat.D’banj Sparks Debate After Excluding Wizkid from His 3 Top ArtistsVeteran Nigerian singer D’banj has stirred online buzz after naming his current top three music stars—with Wizkid notably absent from the list.During a recent appearance on Adesope Live, the Afrobeats pioneer applauded Rema, Davido, and Burna Boy, commending their energy, work ethic, and performance skills.“Shout out to Rema. I like his energy… Then there is Davido. People should learn from the way he carries himself, like he doesn’t have a penny, yet he’s so consistent. Burna Boy is too intentional, his live shows are amazing”While many fans agreed with his choices, the omission of Wizkid a Grammy winner and one of Nigeria’s most globally recognized artists—sparked debate across social media.View this post on InstagramA post shared by Adesope – shopsydoo (@adesope_shopsydoo)Members of Wizkid’s loyal fanbase, known as Wizkid FC, quickly took to various platforms to voice their displeasure. Some suggested D’banj was throwing subtle shade, while others defended him, saying it simply reflected his personal opinion.The conversation has since ignited a new round of fan rivalry, as supporters continue to dissect what D’banj’s list says about the current state of the Afrobeats scene.Reacting to the post…@pike_222 wrote: “That’s for you guys. Big Wizzy for life”@sirleocarter fired back: “Adesope? You and Big Wiz get crash? Everyone is entitled to their opinion but when it comes to replay value, Wiz is the king. You can’t stop a moving train”@jimohcav stated: “How will you expect him to like wizkid, it is wizkid that overthrew him and his likes, and he knows that he can never be like 2 face that wizkid see as legend in the industry… Wizkid pass all this noise-making musician”In other news, Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Mary Remmy Njoku, has candidly shared her emotional struggles with uncertainty and self-doubt in a recent Instagram post that has resonated with many of her followers.The actress revealed she currently feels stuck in her life, unable to make clear decisions and overwhelmed by mental exhaustion. She admitted that her usual sense of direction has vanished, leaving her lost and restless.Mary Njoku wrote;“I am at a point in my life where I genuinely don’t know what to do. It feels like I’m standing at a crossroads, uncertain and stuck. The people you think you know, you come to realize, maybe you don’t know them at all. And that shakes you. I usually have answers. I’m used to clarity, to direction. But this time, I don’t have any answers. I honestly don’t know what to do. Head is full. Can’t sleep”.The post drew an outpouring of support from fans and fellow celebrities, many of whom praised her honesty and offered words of encouragement.
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Olivier Giroud Drops Verdict on How Liam Delap Will Perform at Chelsea
Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Here is a simplified version of the story contents: Here is a lighthearted take on the story contents:Chelsea icon and current Los Angeles FC star Olivier Giroud has tipped Liam Delap to hit the ground running at Stamford Bridge after sealing a summer switch from Ipswich Town and flying straight out to the United States to compete for glory in the fast-approaching Club World Cup.Blues head coach Enzo Maresca and members of the recruitment department took advantage of the Tractor Boys' relegation from the Premier League by triggering the £30million release clause written into the England under-21 international's contract, resulting in him becoming Nicolas Jackson's biggest challenger for a regular starting berth.Delap Backed to Have Successful Blues SpellLiam Delap in action for Ipswich TownDelap has taken the No.9 shirt following his arrival at Chelsea, resulting in there being extensive pressure to deliver the goods in his new surroundings, but Giroud is adamant that the 22-year-old has the ability to make a name for himself at Stamford Bridge as he is entering a positive dressing room.The former Blues and Arsenal frontman said:"When I signed for AC Milan, Paolo Maldini asked me on my first Zoom with him 'are you sure about the No.9 because it's kind of cursed'. I said it's not about the number I have on my back that will make me good and score goals, so I wanted the No.9. I showed him that there was no curse because I was doing well."It's about the position on the field because being a striker is very demanding. You have to show some character, have the right mentality and be strong in your head. Even in tough moments, you need to stay confident and keep working hard. There is a lot of pressure when you're a striker."If he has got a good mentality [he will do well]. I think he is very talented and the boys will help him to settle well, so I think he will be fine."
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Al Ahly v Inter Miami Line ups stats and preview
Al Ahly take on Lionel Messi and Inter Miami in the opening game of the 2025 Club World Cup. Read our in-depth preview here...Al Ahly v Inter MiamiPreview for Al Ahly v Inter MiamiGianni Infantino’s brainchild will come to fruition on Saturday night in Florida as Al Ahly and Inter Miami open the inaugural, expanded version of the Club World Cup.FIFA president Infantino will settle into his padded seat at Hard Rock Stadium and watch the 12-time African champions take on the MLS side crudely shoehorned into the competition to enable Lionel Messi to take part.Miami won last season’s Supporters’ Shield for the team with the best regular season record before making a swift exit from the playoffs. Nevertheless, that gave Infantino everything he required to manipulate a route in for Messi.From a fan’s perspective, that’s unargaubly good news – who doesn’t want to watch the greatest player of all time before he hangs up his boots? – but it does little to increase the credibility of a tournament that already appears one too many given the packed global calendar.These two teams have been placed in Group A alongside Palmeiras and Porto and will, realistically, need a win here to stand a chance of going through.Miami have the experience while Al Ahly have the youthful exuberance.Messi is one of four former Barcelona players who have done it all at the highest level, alongside Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez.Busquets admitted last month it will be a tall order for Javier Mascherano’s men to compete.He told DAZN: “It’s clear that we are not at the level to compete at the Club World Cup, but we will try to compete in our group. Go game by game, fight and hopefully advance to the next round though it’ll be difficult.”It was hardly a glowing endorsement for an event none of the quartet thought they’d be playing in when they agreed to wind down their careers in the Miami sunshine.Al-Ahy qualified by virtue of winning the CAF Champions League in 2020-21, 2022-23 and 2023-24 and will arrive in the United States confident of making a splash.Midfielder Emam Ashour was in bullish mood ahead of the opener and is relishing the chance to face Messi.“No doubt, I’m fired up to face the best player in the world,” Ashour told FIFA.com. “I’m confident that we’re capable of achieving something worthy of our name and the Al Ahly name.”Team News for Al Ahly v Inter MiamiAlba and Gonzalo Lujan missed training earlier this week but are expected to play.Messi will also start after coming off during Argentina’s World Cup qualifying draw with Colombia on Tuesday.Al Ahly are set to be at full-strength after reporting no issues following their warm-up game with Pachuca, which ended 1-1.Predicted line-ups for Al Ahly v Inter MiamiAl Ahly: El Shenawi; Hany, Ibrahim, El Aash, Kouka; Attia, Ashour, Reda; Trezeguet, W Ali, BencharkiInter Miami: Ustari; Weigandt, Falcon, Lujan, Alba; Allende, Cremaschi, Busquets, Segovia; Messi, SuarezHow to Watch Al Ahly v Inter Miami: TV and online streamsAl Ahly versus Inter Miami kicks off at 1am in the early hours of Sunday morning in the UK. You can watch the game on Channel 5 and stream it for free on DAZN.Stats for Al Ahly v Inter MiamiPrediction for Al Ahly v Inter MiamiThe seems one tournament too many for many of Inter Miami’s ageing stars.We think Al Ahly’s energy and appetite will be too much for Messi and Co.
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Thierry Henry snubbed Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak when naming favourite striker in world football
Thierry Henry is one of the finest players to ever play the game.Thierry Henry snubbed Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak when naming 'favourite' striker in world footballFrance and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry overlooked the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak when naming his favourite striker.Sporting Clube de Portugal star Gyokeres and Newcastle United talisman Isak are two of the most sought-after strikers in world football.Meanwhile, Isak has attracted interest from Arsenal, Liverpool and Barcelona.However, it has been reported that a deal for Isak could be very difficult due to Newcastle's reluctance to do business.Speaking recently, one of the Premier League's best ever players, Henry, snubbed both Gyokeres and Isak when naming his current favourite.In fact, the Frenchman named ex-Manchester City and current Atletico Madrid man, Julian Alvarez.He said on the Stick To Football podcast: "One of my favourite nines out there at the minute is Julian Alvarez. And you know, we’ve been talking about it. Putting pressure, playing it long, low, whatever you want to do."You see the free kick he scored the other day. He can hold the ball alone. He played at the Olympic Games, he played the Copa America."Julian Alvarez has impressed since joining Atletico Madrid. Image: GettyJulian Alvarez has impressed since joining Atletico Madrid. Image: GettyHenry added: "I don’t hear him saying I’m tired or not tired. He plays it, hopefully, nothing bad’s gonna happen to him."He played everything. And the way he plays it, I just like him. But is it possible [for Arsenal]? I don’t know."When quizzed on Alvarez's future, Atletico boss Diego Simeone said: "Julian is 25 years old, he’s an extraordinary player, with hunger, with enthusiasm, with humility, with work, with goals, with hierarchy. How could everyone not want him?"And Barcelona, PSG, Arsenal, Liverpool…the best have to want him. And for us, Atletico fans, it should be a source of pride that everyone wants him. Why? Because he’s ours."Alvarez is set to play a part in Atletico's bid to win the FIFA Club World Cup this month.
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Lionel Messi could break record held by Cristiano Ronaldo and Pele at 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
Lionel Messi is on the verge of making more football history as he prepares to lead Inter Miami in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, according to Sportskeeda. The Argentine icon could break the record for the most goals scored in the history of the competition — a milestone currently shared by Cristiano Ronaldo and the late Brazilian legend, Pelé.Ronaldo and Pelé both hold the all-time record with seven goals in the Club World Cup. Messi, who has five goals in just five appearances, trails them by only two and has a real shot at eclipsing the record during this summer’s expanded tournament.Now 37, Messi enters the competition as a central figure for Inter Miami, who are one of 32 clubs participating in the newly formatted edition. The Herons are drawn into Group A alongside Egypt’s Al Ahly, Brazil’s Palmeiras, and Portugal’s FC Porto. With at least three matches guaranteed — and up to seven if they reach the final — Messi has a strong chance of surpassing the long-standing record.The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has a storied history in the tournament, having lifted the title three times with Barcelona. He scored in each edition he played — netting against Atlante and Estudiantes in 2010, twice against Santos in 2012, and again in the 2016 final versus River Plate.Interestingly, Messi is not alone in this chase. His Inter Miami teammate and former Barcelona colleague, Luis Suárez, also has five Club World Cup goals to his name. Both legends will be vying to make their mark again, this time on American soil, where the competition is being held.Cristiano Ronaldo, who reached seven goals over four editions with Manchester United and Real Madrid, will not feature in this year’s tournament. This leaves the door open for Messi to take the outright lead and set yet another remarkable milestone in his illustrious career.With the global spotlight fixed on Miami, and with Messi still capable of producing magic, the stage is perfectly set for one of football's greatest players to rewrite history once again.
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