La Liga
Women's World Cup Power Rankings: How do the title contenders stack up?
With the Women’s World Cup kicking off later this week, we’re sizing up the title contenders. Though the women’s game continues to grow at a rapid rate as worldwide investment in the sport creates more parity, there remains a clearly defined collection of teams that stand above the rest heading into the competition in Australia and New Zealand. All of them are dealing with some kind of adversity, though, creating a truly intriguing field. Any of the traditional heavyweights could realistically hoist the trophy Aug. 20. Here’s how we think the top teams stack up ahead of the tournament.
1. United States ??
FIFA ranking: 1
Odds to win tournament: +250
Until we see otherwise, the two-time defending champion remains the team to beat. The United States, seeking an unprecedented third consecutive title, remains loaded with top-end talent despite untimely injuries to prolific forward Mallory Swanson and team captain Becky Sauerbrunn. Even without the lethal Swanson, Vlatko Andonovski has the luxury of calling upon iconic veteran Alex Morgan, reigning NWSL MVP Sophia Smith, and emerging superstar Trinity Rodman up front. As is always the case with any U.S. coach at a major tournament, how Andonovski sets up his team will be heavily scrutinized. The Americans haven’t looked totally unbeatable in the buildup to the competition, but that’s nothing new, and it’s worked out just fine for them in the past.
2. England ?gbeng
FIFA ranking: 4
Odds to win tournament: +450
Though high-profile injuries have unfortunately hit the entire field in some way heading into the tournament, no team has been decimated quite like the reigning European champion. Manager Sarina Wiegman will be without Euro 2022 Golden Boot winner Beth Mead, forward Fran Kirby, and captain Leah Williamson. There’s an argument to be made that with that trio available, the Lionesses would be the favorite to claim their first Women’s World Cup. England has largely struggled for goals since storming to the Euro title on home soil. But even with the aforementioned absentees, the team, now equipped with a title-winning pedigree that brings an added level of poise in high-pressure matches and situations, is among the very best in the world.
3. Spain ??
FIFA ranking: 6
Odds to win tournament: +550
Spain is perhaps the most difficult team to judge. Though she’s returned to the pitch following her ACL tear last year, superstar Alexia Putellas, the two-time reigning Ballon d’Or winner, is still working her way back to full fitness and form. Meanwhile, there’s serious turmoil in the Spanish camp after a host of players expressed concerns about the culture and working conditions under coach Jorge Vilda. Fifteen of them resigned in September – three were picked for the World Cup – with Barcelona stars Mapi Leon and Patri Guijarro among those who’ll skip the tournament. And yet, on talent alone, Spain is in the mix, with midfielder Aitana Bonmati headlining a core of players from the all-conquering Barcelona team that will be present.
4. Germany ??
FIFA ranking: 2
Odds to win tournament: +825
Germany hasn’t reached the Women’s World Cup final since 2007 when it defeated Brazil to win its second consecutive title. For such a historically dominant program, that 16-year gap is an eternity. The Germans, beaten by England in the Euro 2022 final, are looking to end that barren World Cup run and return to the summit of women’s football after being overtaken in recent years by a handful of other European nations. Led by Martina Voss-Tecklenburg, one of the most prominent coaches in the game, the tournament provides a chance for captain and star forward Alexandra Popp to put her injury heartbreak at major tournaments behind her. The decorated Wolfsburg star, 32, missed the Euro ’22 final after sustaining an injury in the warmup.
5. France ??
FIFA ranking: 5
Odds to win tournament: +900
France is the ultimate wild card after a player revolt forced the dismissal of Corinne Diacre in March. The unpopular coach was promptly replaced by Herve Renard, an esteemed and decorated international manager, but one with no experience in the women’s game. His appointment brought Wendie Renard – no relation – back into the fold after the captain, one of the best defenders in women’s soccer history, previously said she’d step back from the national team. That’s an enormous boost for Les Bleues, though it’s tempered by the injury-induced absences of forward Delphine Cascarino and Marie-Antoinette Katoto. There’s a sense that France missed its greatest shot at World Cup glory on home soil in 2019. Can the French flip that script?
6. Canada ??
FIFA ranking: 7
Odds to win tournament: +2500
Another team that’s seen its World Cup preparations overshadowed and complicated by off-field concerns. The Canadian women remain locked in a battle with their incompetent federation to secure equitable pay and infrastructure for the program. The public dispute has distracted from the fact that Canada will return most of the stalwarts that led the nation to Olympic gold in Tokyo just two years ago, including captain Christine Sinclair, the most prolific player in international soccer history. What Canada may lack in comparison to other contenders – a singular game-breaking forward – it makes up for in cohesion and unity, traits not to be overlooked in a tournament setting where togetherness can go a long way toward success.
7. Sweden ??
FIFA ranking: 3
Odds to win tournament: +1600
After finishing third at the 2019 World Cup and then coming within inches of gold in Tokyo, only to fall short in a shootout against Canada, expectations remain high for Sweden, which will be looking to take another step forward under Peter Gerhardsson. Headlined by versatile Barcelona standout Fridolina Rolfo, the Swedes boast plenty of star power, including the likes of Stina Blackstenius, Sofia Jakobsson, and Magdalena Eriksson. Sweden’s history at major tournaments has been one of near misses, and there’s plenty of reason to believe this could be the year that finally changes. The Swedes will need to shake off their ominous pre-tournament form to accomplish that, though, as results leading into the World Cup have been patchy at best.
8. Brazil ??
FIFA ranking: 8
Odds to win tournament: +2500
Not too long ago, Brazil appeared to be in serious danger of losing touch with the established powers. But, buoyed by an influx of exciting young talent and a growing domestic league that’s finally receiving proper attention, a new generation under Pia Sundhage has the Brazilians on the upswing. This team, which went unbeaten en route to winning the 2022 Copa America, looks enthusiastic and energetic after a string of impressive performances and results over the past year. And, of course, epochal star Marta is back for what will likely be her last World Cup dance. Just as Argentina did with Lionel Messi on the men’s side, Brazil would love nothing more than to see the 37-year-old legend carried into the sunset with the nation’s first World Cup title in tow.
9. Australia ??
FIFA ranking: 10
Odds to win tournament: +1200
Just how far can home-field advantage – and arguably the single best player on the planet – carry Australia? The excitement within the country is palpable; the Matildas’ opening match against Ireland is already sold out, according to tournament organizers, with over 80,000 raucous fans set to be in attendance inside Sydney’s Stadium Australia. With the affable Sam Kerr leading the line for the tournament co-host, hopes are high that this summer’s event will be a transcendent moment in Australian football. There are some legitimate concerns about the squad – an overreliance on Kerr to score goals and a backline that’s looked shaky against top-flight opposition chief among them – but that isn’t slowing down the Aussie hype train.
10. Netherlands ??
FIFA ranking: 9
Odds to win tournament: +1600
Andries Jonker has tried to revitalize the Netherlands after the team’s disappointing Euro 2022 showing. The Dutch, who reached the final of the last World Cup, will look much different than the versions we’ve seen in recent major tournaments, with Jonker expected to shift from the nation’s sacred 4-3-3 formation in favor of a system that utilizes the speedy wing-backs in his squad. Midfield maestro Jill Roord can take over matches on her own, too. For the Netherlands to make a deep run, Roord will need to do just that, as the absence of star forward Vivianne Miedema, out with a torn ACL, looms large. So, too, does a group clash with the U.S., which beat the Orange Lionesses in the 2019 final. A second-place finish in Group E would set up a very difficult knockout-stage path.
Honorable mentions: Japan, Norway, Denmark
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La Liga
Look: Adidas drops huge collection of new kits for Euro 2024, Copa America
Find the biggest stories from across the soccer world by visiting our Top Soccer News section and subscribing to push notifications.
It’s time to bulk up your wardrobe for the upcoming glut of international football.
With Euro 2024 kicking off in 92 days and Copa America starting six days later, Adidas has revealed two new kits for 12 different national teams. These teams are guaranteed to wear their new uniforms on pitches across Germany and the United States this summer, with the exception of Wales, which must emerge from the Euro 2024 playoffs to ensure top tournament billing.
Adidas will also reveal fresh kits for Jamaica and Costa Rica in the near future. Both national teams face one-off playoffs March 23 to determine whether they’ll compete at Copa America.
(All images courtesy of Adidas.)
Euro 2024
Belgium
Home
The usual combination of colors for Belgium. The Royal Belgian Football Association’s crest features repeatedly in the shirt’s pattern.
Away
It’s the Tintin kit! The blue shirt is accompanied by brown shirts and white socks in homage to the iconic Belgian comic book character. It drew worldwide attention before its release.
Germany
Home
Germany opts for a classic look.
Away
The away threads’ marriage of pink and purple is intended to celebrate the diversity of Germany’s new generation.
Hungary
Home
Adidas leaned on the national flag and patterns of the national team’s crest for ideas for Hungary’s home jersey.
Away
Hungary will wear a simple alternative shirt in Germany.
Italy
Home
There’s nothing daring about this look, but incorporating the flag colors in the Adidas stripes is a nice touch.
Away
Does Italy’s away shirt look too much like training gear?
Scotland
Home
The patterns are a nod to Scottish tartan and heritage.
Away
Tartan graphics also leak into Scotland’s away kit.
Spain
Home
A very basic red-and-yellow theme for Spain’s main outfit.
Away
An interesting dash of blue on the side panels and at the base add intrigue to Spain’s away shirt.
Wales
Home
The curled spikes of green, yellow, and red up the side panels neatly round off this classic Welsh top.
Away
This kit is directly influenced by the Welsh bucket hat, which is a popular item worn by supporters at recent tournaments.
Copa America
Argentina
Home
In addition to the shield acknowledging Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph, there are further gold details to really drive its global dominance home. And why not?
Away
Argentina went quite safe for its away design.
Chile
Home
A mosaic of squares forms a star in the middle of Chile’s red home shirt.
Away
Is this model’s pose foreshadowing Chile’s performance at Copa America?
Colombia
Home
The patterning on the sides brings a unique touch to an otherwise classic Colombian look.
Away
A strong orange tone lifts another dark base for Colombia’s away kit.
Mexico
Home
This is probably the best of the bunch. Mexico is always open to trying something different with its main jersey. Instead of green, El Tri will don a uniform with a burgundy-red base.
Away
This mint-green effort is another original look for Mexico at Copa America.
Peru
Home
Peru’s red sash is one of the most celebrated adornments of any international jersey, but are the red embellishments rising from the hip a bit too much?
Away
A simple design is spruced up with patterns intended to refer to the cajon, which is a Peruvian percussion instrument.
La Liga
Transfer window preview: 50 players who could move in January
Find the biggest stories from across the soccer world by visiting our Top Soccer News section and subscribing to push notifications.
With the January transfer window set to open on the first day of the new year, we’re teeing up the wheeling and dealing by presenting 50 players who could be on the move.
LEAGUE | DEADLINE DAY |
---|---|
Bundesliga | Feb. 1 (12 p.m. ET) |
Ligue 1 | Feb. 1 (5 p.m. ET) |
Premier League | Feb. 1 (6 p.m. ET) |
La Liga | Feb. 1 (6 p.m. ET) |
Serie A | Feb. 1 (7 p.m. ET) |
Note: Estimated transfer values provided by transfermarkt.com.
Premier League ?gbeng
Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)
Age: 25
Position: Goalkeeper
Estimated value: €28M
Unseated by the arrival of David Raya, Ramsdale’s future is a little murky. Arsenal are unlikely to sanction a loan move, especially to a Premier League rival, but with an eye on Euro 2024, the netminder needs more minutes.
Lloyd Kelly (Bournemouth)
Age: 25
Position: Center-back
Estimated value: €16M
Bournemouth don’t want to lose him, but with Kelly’s contract set to expire in the summer and no sign he’ll renew, defender-needy clubs like Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are circling in the hopes of sealing a midseason signing.
Ivan Toney (Brentford)
Age: 27
Position: Striker
Estimated value: €35M
Toney’s eight-month ban for betting breaches ends in January, and his return to the pitch could precipitate a transfer. He’s a proven scorer with 32 goals in 68 Premier League appearances, and plenty of clubs need help up front.
Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)
Age: 25
Position: Left-back
Estimated value: €25M
Despite his recent injury, Cucurella headlines a trio of defenders who may leave west London this winter – Ian Maatsen and Trevoh Chalobah could also depart. Chelsea, as ever, will be fascinating to watch when the window opens.
Conor Gallagher (Chelsea)
Age: 23
Position: Midfielder
Estimated value: €42M
One of the window’s most intriguing names. Only Axel Disasi has played more minutes for Chelsea this season – Gallagher has even worn the armband – but he represents the Blues’ best chance of making a sizeable profit in January.
Noni Madueke (Chelsea)
Age: 21
Position: Winger
Estimated value: €25M
January is about finding opportunities to bolster your squad or, in some cases, find a piece to push your team over the top. Madueke, clearly very talented but getting few chances to shine at Chelsea, could fit the bill.
Joao Palhinha (Fulham)
Age: 28
Position: Defensive midfielder
Estimated value: €60M
After coming agonizingly close to joining Bayern Munich in the summer – Palhinha was literally in Bavaria waiting, in vain, for a deal to be closed – the excellent midfielder will once again be a hot, though expensive, commodity.
Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City)
Age: 28
Position: Defensive midfielder
Estimated value: €28M
Nobody needs a January transfer more than Phillips, whose career has derailed since joining Manchester City; Pep Guardiola has repeatedly apologized for his lack of opportunities. Juventus are reportedly interested.
Anthony Martial (Manchester United)
Age: 28
Position: Forward
Estimated value: €15M
Erik ten Hag may say that Manchester United aren’t looking to move Martial, but the Frenchman’s limited amount of playing time this season speaks louder than the manager’s words ever will.
Jadon Sancho (Manchester United)
Age: 23
Position: Winger
Estimated value: €23M
With Sancho and Ten Hag perpetually at odds, it’s in everyone’s best interest to just part ways. A loan seems most likely in January, with United having a better chance of recouping some of his huge transfer fee in the summer.
Raphael Varane (Manchester United)
Age: 30
Position: Center-back
Estimated value: €25M
Real Madrid and Bayern Munich need help in central defense, and Varane could represent excellent value. His familiarity with the Spanish club would make his transition seamless, which is always a key consideration in January.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Tottenham Hotspur)
Age: 28
Position: Midfielder
Estimated value: €28M
Hojbjerg has only started three Premier League matches this season under Ange Postecoglou. In what will become a common refrain on this list, the Dane could depart in search of more regular playing time ahead of Euro 2024.
La Liga ??
Ferran Torres (Barcelona)
Age: 23
Position: Forward, winger
Estimated value: €35M
Despite getting consistent opportunities since joining the club, there’s always been a sense that Barcelona don’t truly believe in Torres. Already fierce competition for minutes will be more extreme following Vitor Roque’s arrival.
Miguel Gutierrez (Girona)
Age: 22
Position: Left-back
Estimated value: €20M
Gutierrez has been one of the breakout performers helping to fuel Girona’s fairy-tale title push. Real Madrid reportedly have an €8-million buyback option on the youngster, who seems destined for a big move soon.
Juan Miranda (Real Betis)
Age: 23
Position: Left-back
Estimated value: €9M
Miranda, a product of Barcelona’s famed academy, is another soon-to-be free agent who could yet leave in January if his club wants to procure a transfer fee. AC Milan, seeking defensive depth, are working to sign the Spaniard.
Rafa Mir (Sevilla)
Age: 26
Position: Striker
Estimated value: €5M
Sevilla are among the most obvious candidates for a big January shakeup following a dismal opening half of the season. Mir’s struggles – just two league starts and one goal – are emblematic of the rough campaign in Andalusia.
Serie A ??
Joshua Zirkzee (Bologna)
Age: 22
Position: Forward
Estimated value: €30M
Zirkzee’s been one of the revelations of the European season, helping power Bologna’s top-four push. The Dutchman reportedly has a €40-million release clause, and Bayern Munich retained a buyback option worth half that.
Radu Dragusin (Genoa)
Age: 21
Position: Center-back
Estimated value: €20M
A physically imposing center-back with the necessary on-ball skills to thrive in the modern game, Dragusin is garnering interest across Europe. Atalanta, perhaps anticipating Giorgio Scalvini’s summer exit, are reportedly keen.
Samuel Iling-Junior (Juventus)
Age: 20
Position: Winger
Estimated value: €20M
The Englishman has received little playing time after breaking into Juventus’ senior side last season. If Juve decide to sacrifice one of their young talents to generate funds, Iling-Junior seems the likeliest candidate at the moment.
Victor Osimhen (Napoli)
Age: 24
Position: Striker
Estimated value: €110M
Osimhen may have just signed a contract extension with the ailing Italian champions, but that won’t stop the rumors, especially with his reported €130-million release clause. Chelsea remain in desperate need of a proper No. 9.
Lazar Samardzic (Udinese)
Age: 21
Position: Attacking midfielder
Estimated value: €20M
Looking for something – anything, really – to help jump-start their miserable title defense, Napoli have apparently turned their attention to Samardzic, who provides silky dribbling and playmaking ability from midfield.
Bundesliga ??
Piero Hincapie (Bayer Leverkusen)
Age: 21
Position: Center-back
Estimated value: €35M
It’s hard to imagine anyone wanting to leave red-hot Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen right now, but Xabi Alonso’s preferred back-three doesn’t include the Ecuadorian, which could facilitate a January transfer.
Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund)
Age: 21
Position: Attacking midfielder
Estimated value: €20M
Reyna must move to get his once blossoming career back on track. A variety of factors contributed to his recent status as a bit-part player at Dortmund, but he’s flashed enough potential in the past to earn a chance elsewhere.
Donyell Malen (Borussia Dortmund)
Age: 24
Position: Winger
Estimated value: €35M
Dortmund tumbled down the table following a rough run into the winter break, leaving Edin Terzic on thin ice. Against that backdrop, parting with one of your few scoring threats would be a tough sell, but rumors about Malen persist.
Manu Kone (Borussia Monchengladbach)
Age: 22
Position: Midfielder
Estimated value: €35M
After several clubs, including Bayern Munich and Liverpool, were linked with his services in the summer, the trail has gone a little cold on Kone of late. That’s sure to change in January. A deadline-day deal is a distinct possibility.
Fabio Carvalho (RB Leipzig)
Age: 21
Position: Attacking midfielder
Estimated value: €14M
Carvalho’s loan move to RB Leipzig simply hasn’t worked out as anyone had hoped. He’s made just three starts, prompting Liverpool to explore the possibility of recalling and sending him elsewhere in January.
Serhou Guirassy (VfB Stuttgart)
Age: 27
Position: Striker
Estimated value: €40M
Scoring 17 goals in 14 Bundesliga games doesn’t go unnoticed. A January move for the Guinean is complicated by his expected involvement in AFCON, but his extremely modest €17.5-million release clause has clubs salivating.
Ligue 1 ??
Tiago Djalo (Lille)
Age: 23
Position: Center-back
Estimated value: €15M
Instead of losing the Portuguese defender for free in the summer, Lille are reportedly considering cashing in now. With Inter, Juventus, and Atletico Madrid all in the mix, the French outfit could incite a decent bidding war.
Leny Yoro (Lille)
Age: 18
Position: Center-back
Estimated value: €25M
Already one of the standout defenders in France despite his tender age, Yoro is someone Lille will fight to keep for as long as possible. PSG, now trying to scoop up every emerging talent in the country, will need to pony up.
Khephren Thuram (Nice)
Age: 22
Position: Midfielder
Estimated value: €40M
Thuram, despite interest from England and Italy in the summer, remained in the French Riviera – who could blame him? Both he and teammate Jean-Clair Todibo will feature prominently as the January rumors swirl.
Hugo Ekitike (Paris Saint-Germain)
Age: 21
Position: Striker
Estimated value: €15M
Ekitike’s big move to the French capital went sour very quickly. PSG tried to offload him in the summer, to no avail. Stuck behind Randal Kolo Muani and Goncalo Ramos, he’s played a measly nine minutes in Ligue 1 this season.
Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain)
Age: 25
Position: Forward
Estimated value: €180M
What, you thought we’d get through a transfer window without rehashing Mbappe’s flirtations with Real Madrid? The saga will inevitably heat up again now that Madrid can negotiate openly with the impending free agent.
Around the world ?
Jota (Al-Ittihad)
Age: 24
Position: Forward, winger
Estimated value: €9M
Jota’s move to Saudi Arabia has been an unmitigated disaster for everything but his bank account thus far, sparking rumors that the ex-Celtic star could be one of the first players to make a swift return to Europe from the Middle East.
Thiago Almada (Atlanta United)
Age: 22
Position: Attacking midfielder
Estimated value: €27M
It’s simply a matter of when Almada makes the leap to Europe. The only question is whether the diminutive Argentine will break Miguel Almiron’s €24-million record as the most expensive outgoing transfer in MLS history.
Antonio Silva (Benfica)
Age: 20
Position: Center-back
Estimated value: €45M
Enzo Fernandez’s mammoth move to Chelsea proved that Benfica aren’t afraid to sanction sales of vital players in January if the offer is sweet enough. Silva, whose price tag is only rising, could be next in line.
Valentin Barco (Boca Juniors)
Age: 19
Position: Left-back
Estimated value: €13M
Chelsea are reportedly keen on Barco. Strasbourg, the French side also owned by the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital consortium, could be used by the Blues as a means to beat the likes of Manchester City to the Boca starlet.
Tajon Buchanan (Club Brugge)
Age: 24
Position: Winger, wing-back
Estimated value: €8M
Inter are reportedly advancing in talks for the rapid Canadian, who’s viewed as the ideal replacement for the injury-ravaged Juan Cuadrado. Buchanan would serve as Denzel Dumfries’ backup in Simone Inzaghi’s 3-5-2 formation.
Benjamin Rollheiser (Estudiantes de La Plata)
Age: 23
Position: Winger
Estimated value: €10M
Newcastle United, decimated by injuries and in search of reinforcements, are reportedly tracking the electrifying dribbler, who’s lighting things up in Argentina. Not to be outdone, Benfica and Atletico Madrid are also circling.
Brandon Vazquez (FC Cincinnati)
Age: 25
Position: Striker
Estimated value: €8.5M
Vazquez was unable to replicate his breakout 2022 campaign this past year, but that hasn’t deterred clubs intrigued by his blend of power and scoring prowess. Brentford, given the uncertainty around Toney, could make a move.
Nico Gonzalez (FC Porto)
Age: 21
Position: Midfielder
Estimated value: €9M
Things haven’t quite worked out as planned after a summer move to Porto, with the former Barcelona midfielder spending most of his time on the bench. An immediate return to La Liga shouldn’t be ruled out.
Mehdi Taremi (FC Porto)
Age: 31
Position: Striker
Estimated value: €12M
Inter continue to show strong interest in Taremi, who was one of their targets in the summer window before they settled for a low-cost option in Marko Arnautovic. The Iranian striker is a free agent at the end of the season.
Santiago Gimenez (Feyenoord)
Age: 22
Position: Striker
Estimated value: €50M
The prolific Mexican is one of the game’s most coveted scorers after a sensational 2023 in which he broke Luis Suarez’s record for most Eredivisie goals in a calendar year. Feyenoord will demand a fortune, and rightly so.
Andre (Fluminense)
Age: 22
Position: Defensive midfielder
Estimated value: €25M
The Brazilian, who was scouted by some of the Premier League’s top teams over the summer, put them all on high alert when he recently said his “big dream” is to play in England. How long can Fluminense hold on to him?
Denis Bouanga (LAFC)
Age: 29
Position: Forward
Estimated value: €10M
On the heels of capturing the MLS Golden Boot in 2023, Bouanga suggested he could soon return to Europe. Any move would require a “hugely expensive” transfer fee, according to LAFC general manager John Thorrington.
Johan Bakayoko (PSV Eindhoven)
Age: 20
Position: Winger
Estimated value: €40M
Wingers who excel at beating their defender and teeing up teammates inside the penalty area are always in high demand, so the collection of big clubs eyeing Bakayoko should come as no surprise. An opulent transfer beckons.
Georgiy Sudakov (Shakhtar Donetsk)
Age: 21
Position: Attacking midfielder
Estimated value: €18M
Already a regular for his national team, the Ukrainian is being monitored by Juventus, who are looking for more guile and creativity in midfield amid the continued absences of Paul Pogba and Nicolo Fagioli.
Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting CP)
Age: 25
Position: Striker
Estimated value: €45M
Sporting made out like bandits when they signed Gyokeres from Coventry City for a modest €20 million this past summer. The Swede is now worth more than double that amount after going on a tear since arriving in Portugal.
Goncalo Inacio (Sporting CP)
Age: 22
Position: Center-back
Estimated value: €40M
Like his compatriot Silva at Benfica – a player to whom he’s often compared – Inacio has been scouted by some of the continent’s heavyweights. The defender reportedly has a €60-million release clause in his contract.
Claudio Echeverri (River Plate)
Age: 17
Position: Attacking midfielder
Estimated value: €12M
Manchester City are working hard to beat Barcelona to Echeverri’s coveted signature. The ascendant Argentine was one of the standout players at the recent Under-17 World Cup and could reportedly cost up to €25 million.
Arthur Vermeeren (Royal Antwerp)
Age: 18
Position: Defensive midfielder
Estimated value: €30M
Chances are your favorite club has been linked with Vermeeren at some point in recent weeks. Judging by his displays in the Champions League, the prodigious Belgian already looks capable of handling a big transfer.
La Liga
theScore's 50 favorite moments of 2023: Titles, twists, and one epic speech
This year in sports was defined by inspiring stories, historic achievements, and surreal events that not even Hollywood could script. We loved them all. With 2023 drawing to a close, theScore is looking back on 50 moments that resonated most with us over the past 12 months. Our five-part series, which counts down every Friday in December, continues below with moments 30-21.
Dec. 1 | Dec. 8 | Dec. 15 | Dec. 22 | Dec. 29 |
---|---|---|---|---|
50-41 | 40-31 | 30-21 | 20-11 | 10-1 |
30. Bellingham takes down Barca ?
Jude Bellingham was already hailed as the second coming of Cristiano Ronaldo before he led Real Madrid to victory in his first Clasico. The English midfielder morphed into one of the best finishers in the world after joining the club from Borussia Dortmund. His 13 goals in his first 10 games – including various winning strikes – were two more than Ronaldo scored to start his iconic career in Madrid. But nothing compared to Bellingham’s heroics against Madrid’s bitter rivals, Barcelona. After scoring a spectacular equalizing goal from 30 yards out, the 20-year-old further endeared himself to fans with an opportunistic winner in the dying minutes. – Gordon Brunt
29. Etienne’s Pyrrhic performance ?
Everyone loves a big fantasy football performance – unless you’re on the wrong side of it. Imagine how Travis Etienne felt after posting one of the best games of his career while playing against himself in fantasy football. The running back exploded for 136 rushing yards, four receptions, 48 receiving yards, a pair of touchdowns, and a two-point conversion against the Bills in Week 5. His opponent surely appreciated the 30+ fantasy points, but Etienne was likely happier winning the game in real life on the back of his dominant outing. – Andrew Dixon
28. PGA TOUR, LIV Golf join forces ?
If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. After more than a year of legal battles, the PGA announced a surprise merger with Saudi Arabia’s LIV Golf, shocking just about everyone. While LIV golfers like Phil Mickelson rejoiced, many PGA golfers found out about the merger through a leaked press release on social media, and members of Netflix’s docuseries “Full Swing” found out on camera. Those who refused LIV Golf’s massive payouts were angered by the PGA’s lack of loyalty, and Tiger Woods was “frustrated” with the lack of player involvement. The tours have until Dec. 31 to finalize the agreement but, regardless of the outcome, June 6 will go down in golf history as a day stranger than fiction. – Sarah Wallace
27. FDU stuns No. 1 Purdue ?
Five years after No. 1 Virginia lost to No. 16 UMBC, New Jersey’s Fairleigh Dickinson handed Purdue an opening-round loss in the same setup. The Knights had to win in the First Four to qualify, while the Boilermakers lost four games to end the regular season before winning the Big Ten title. FDU held off No. 1 Purdue with two clutch blocks in the final minute of play to advance the Knights to the second round. Meanwhile, No. 4 Virginia lost to No. 13 Furman, marking the second time in three years the Cavaliers lost in the first round. – Donald Higney
26. Aces breathe rarefied air ?
The Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty were on a collision course to meet in the WNBA Finals all season long. Both teams were loaded with stars and dominated in the regular season to earn the top seeds in their respective conferences. The Aces took the first two games at home before the Liberty responded with a victory in Game 3. Las Vegas lost starting point guard Chelsea Gray and starting center Kiah Stokes to injuries before Game 4 but withstood their absences to claim a 70-69 victory. The win made them just the third repeat champion in WNBA history, and the first since 2002. – Josh Goldberg
25. José Ramírez decks Tim Anderson ?
It was a bad, bad year for Tim Anderson. The former batting champ struggled through injuries and underperformed in the most disappointing campaign of his career. But the worst night of his dreadful season came on Aug. 5 when he picked a fight with the wrong guy. The White Sox shortstop hurled his glove to the ground and put his dukes up after getting into a verbal dispute with Guardians slugger José Ramírez – which turned out to be a poor decision. Anderson hit the dirt like a ton of bricks after catching a wild overhand right from Ramírez. The fight led to a bench-clearing brawl and Eloy Jiménez even got stepped on as Anderson was sidelined recovering from embarrassment. – Bryan Mcwilliam
24. Nuggets, Jokic claim 1st title ?
For the fifth straight season, the NBA got a new champion. The Denver Nuggets won their first championship after taking down the Miami Heat in June. Nikola Jokic dominated the playoffs, averaging 30 points, 13.5 rebounds, 9.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game – elevating his game as the competition and stakes increased every round. Denver got a boost from Jamal Murray, who put up 26.1 points and 7.1 assists in the postseason as he played in his first campaign after an ACL tear. With this tandem, the Nuggets look to be a formidable championship contender for the foreseeable future. – Higney
23. Coco conquers US Open ?
Greatness was expected of Coco Gauff ever since she made her professional debut at 14 years old. But those expectations quickly became a burden, weighing her down even as she spent her high school years winning various 500- and 1,000-level tournaments. So when she came back from a set down against Aryna Sabalenka to win the US Open in September – clinching her first major title at the grand old age of 19 – Coco had a few things to say. “To those who thought they were putting water on my fire, you were really adding gas to it, and now I’m really burning so bright right now,” she said as the 28,000 at Arthur Ashe Stadium erupted in support. Now it’s no longer about whether Coco can win majors, but how many victories she’ll collect. – Anthony Lopopolo
22. You come at the king … ?
LeBron proved that you can’t count him out, even during his 20th NBA season. After then-Memphis Grizzlies wing Dillon Brooks sent him numerous taunts and a hit in the groin, LeBron got his revenge. Leading by three points in overtime of Game 4 in their opening-round playoff series, the dueling players found themselves matched up – with LeBron driving past Brooks and drawing a timely foul to help put the lower-seeded Lakers up 3-1 in the series. In a cathartic moment, King James burst into emotion as the Lakers crowd went crazy. L.A. went on to win the series, while the Grizzlies declined to re-sign Brooks, allowing him to join the Houston Rockets. – Higney
21. Wild Bill’s legendary parade speech ?
Warning: Video contains coarse language
There have been some incredible Stanley Cup parade speeches over the years, but Vegas Golden Knights forward William Karlsson gave one for the ages in June. The moment he took the mic shirtless and drenched in sweat, it was clear he was about to deliver an all-timer. It’s two minutes of absolute gold: Karlsson initially censoring himself but dropping an actual F-bomb 22 seconds later. The Arizona Coyotes catching a stray. That poor woman trying in vain to get him to wrap it up with a tap on the back, the hand-across-the-throat gesture, a plea of “let’s go,” and finally dragging him across the stage. Perfection. – Josh Gold-Smith
Let us know what your favorite sports moments were in the comments!
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