Sports

Pele ‘Immortal’, Greatest Player Of 20th Century, Says Football’s Ruling Body FIFA

Published

2 years ago

December 30, 2022

FIFA said Pele was simply “immortal” after the Brazil legend, named by world football’s governing body as the greatest player of the 20th century, died on Thursday aged 82.

“For everyone who loves the beautiful game, this is the day we never wanted to come. The day we lost Pele,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement.

“Today, we all mourn the loss of the physical presence of our dear Pele, but he achieved immortality a long time ago and therefore he will be with us for eternity.”

Pele is the only footballer to have won three FIFA World Cups.

He was just 17 when he won with Brazil in Sweden in 1958. Pele won the World Cup again in Chile in 1962, despite being forced out of much of the tournament due to injury.

He lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy for the third and final time in Mexico in 1970.

“Pele: immortal — forever with us,” FIFA said on its website.

Infantino said Pele was unique, as he sent his condolences to his family, Brazil and all football fans.

“His skill and imagination were incomparable. Pele did things that no other player would even dream of,” Infantino said.

“Most importantly, ‘The King’ rose the throne with a smile on his face. Football could be brutal in those days, and Pele was often on the receiving end of some rough treatment.

“But, while he knew how to stand up for himself, he was always an exemplary sportsman, with genuine respect for his opponents.”

Infantino added: “Pele had a magnetic presence and, when you were with him, the rest of the world stopped. His life is about more than football. He changed perceptions for the better in Brazil, in South America and across the world.”

FIFA noted that he was the youngest-ever world champion — not to mention the youngest scorer, youngest hat-trick scorer, youngest finalist and youngest player to score in a final in World Cup history.

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who led world football’s governing body from 1998 to 2015, called Pele the greatest player ever.

“The world mourns the greatest footballer in history and a wonderful personality. He celebrated the game like no other,” Blatter said on Twitter.

“Dear Pele, I am immensely sad and honour you and your life’s work. My sincere condolences to your family and friends.”

Meanwhile European football’s governing body UEFA praised Pele for his part in football’s popularity.

“He was the first global superstar of the game. Rest in peace, Pele.”
AFP

Sports

Pogba Signs For Monaco, Hoping To Revive Career

Published

14 hours ago

June 28, 2025

Editor

Paul Pogba has signed a two-year deal with Ligue 1 side Monaco to return to football after a near two-year absence, the club announced on Saturday.

The 2018 World Cup winner has made only 12 appearances across the last three seasons due to injuries, an 18-month doping ban and an extortion case in which he was the victim.

Pogba failed a drugs test in August 2023 after a match for Juventus and has been free to return to football since March, although his contract at the Italian giants had been terminated last year.

The midfielder will now play club football in Ligue 1 for the first time in his professional career.

“I am determined to get back on the pitch, mentally ready, physically ready, it’s just a matter of time,” the 32-year-old told French television last weekend.

Pogba played in the Le Havre youth team before signing for Manchester United in 2009.

He made only a handful of first-team appearances for the three-time European champions before signing for Juventus in 2012.

Pogba won four consecutive Serie A titles in Turin before rejoining United for a then-world record 105 million euros ($123 million).

He moved back to Juventus three years ago but struggled with a series of injuries.

In 2024, his brother Mathias was sentenced to three years in prison, with two years suspended, for his role in a plot to extort 13 million euros from Pogba in 2022.

Pogba has scored 11 goals in 91 appearances for the France national team, playing a starring role and scoring in their World Cup final victory over Croatia seven years ago.

His new club Monaco will play in the Champions League next season after finishing third in Ligue 1 last term.

Sports

Chelsea Set To Offload Jackson, Madueke, 8 Others [See list]

Published

2 days ago

June 27, 2025

Editor

Chelsea are reportedly planning a major squad overhaul this summer, with as many as 10 players facing the exit door, according to The Athletic.

Among those who could be sold are Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson, and Christopher Nkunku, as the club aims to raise funds for new signings and streamline their squad ahead of the new season.

Also on the list of potential departures are Djordje Petrovic, Armando Broja, Ben Chilwell, Axel Disasi, Raheem Sterling, Carney Chukwuemeka, and newly signed Renato Veiga.

Many of these Chelsea players spent last season out on loan and may now be moved on permanently.

The club’s transfer strategy is geared towards meeting key summer objectives, with player sales expected to provide the financial muscle needed to reinforce specific areas of the squad.

Chelsea have already made moves in the transfer market, including the €35.5 million acquisition of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town.

His arrival could push Jackson further down the pecking order, with the striker now being considered for a potential sale.

One of the top targets for the Blues is Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, who is seen as a potential replacement for Madueke on the wing.

While Chelsea are keen to trim their squad and raise funds, the departures of Jackson, Madueke, and Nkunku will largely depend on the calibre of offers they receive from interested clubs.

As the Blues prepare for a demanding new season, the coming weeks could see a flurry of transfer activity at Stamford Bridge.

Sports

Brighton Sign Super Falcons Goalkeeper Nnadozie From Paris FC

Published

2 days ago

June 27, 2025

Editor

Brighton & Hove Albion have confirmed the signing of Nigerian international goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie on a free transfer from Paris FC.

The 24-year-old will officially join the club on 1 July, following the expiration of her contract with the French side.

Nnadozie brings a wealth of experience to the Seagulls, having earned 55 caps for Nigeria since making her senior debut in 2018.

She also boasts significant European pedigree, having featured in 16 UEFA Women’s Champions League matches for Paris FC between 2022 and 2025.

Brighton head coach Dario Vidosic praised the new arrival, saying: “She’s a talented and commanding goalkeeper who will bring consistency and confidence to our defensive line.”

He added: “We’re confident she’ll add both depth and drive to a squad already full of ambition as we continue to build for next season.”