From Ballon d'Or to broken: What next for Rodri? Man City's injury-plagued midfielder facing fight to resurrect his career

Manchester City's Champions League visit to Villarreal should have been a triumphant homecoming for Rodri, a return to the club that made him. But the midfielder will get no warm welcome back from his former fans at the Estadio de la Ceramica on Tuesday as he instead recovers from a hamstring injury that has raised further doubts over his ability to get back to his best a year after undergoing knee surgery.

Rodri was born in Madrid and took his first steps in organised football with Rayo Majadahonda and then Atletico Madrid, but he became a professional with Villarreal. Atletico let him go in 2013 as they believed he lacked the physical presence needed to make it so, aged 17, he moved to the Yellow Submarine. Not wanting to put all his eggs in one basket, he also enrolled in a degree in Business Studies at the University of Castellon and moved into student accommodation.

And when he broke into the Villarreal first team in 2015, his fellow students were shocked to see the midfielder who was coming up against Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi each week walk past them in hallways on their way to doing laundry. "People flipped out when they saw Rodri still living in student halls when he started playing in La Liga," friend Valentin Henarejos told . "He shared space with everyone. He liked to be with his friends or sit on the sofa with everyone. But of course people were shocked to see him play ping pong or put on the washing machine.

"When he got to La Liga he didn't change on a personal level, he lived the same way training, travelling to matches, resting and studying. He managed the step up well."

Rodri, who drove an Opel Corsa and had a 'half-broken' mobile phone when he was starting out, said Villarreal "gave me everything" and was "the ideal place to grow as a footballer", but he did not stick around long. Atletico signed Rodri in the summer of 2018 for €20 million just before he had turned 22, and one year later more than tripled their investment when he was sold to Manchester City for €70m (£62.5m), where he became the Cityzens' record signing at the time. 

It proved to be money very well spent as Rodri helped guide City to four successive Premier League titles and scored the goal that delivered them the Champions League at long last. Having helped Spain win Euro 2024 – their first major international trophy for 12 years – he won the Ballon d'Or, the first-ever City player to do so and the first Spaniard since Luis Suarez in 1960. Not bad for an aspiring business student!

But Rodri now faces a careeer crossroads as the niggling injuries have piled up since he tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in September 2024. There are genuine fears that that he will never be the same player again, certainly not the resilient athlete who could play every match and practically guarantee that his team would win whenever he was on the field.

AFPStill hope

Many great players have never been the same again after suffering ACL injuries. Radamel Falcao, for example, was a shadow of the player he once was after injuring his knee for Monaco in 2014, as he missed the World Cup with Colombia before then bombing with Manchester United and Chelsea, though he did stage a slight resurgence once back at Monaco. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, meanwhile, missed a combined three seasons due to knee issues and finally was forced to retire aged 34.

There are also plenty of good news stories, of players who overcame long spells out on the sidelines to get back to their former heights or be even better. Ruud van Nistelrooy's move to Manchester United from PSV in 2000 was derailed by an ACL injury. but one year later he got back to full fitness and became one of the most prolific strikers to ever grace Old Trafford. Ronaldo tore his ACL in 1999 and then, in his comeback game, ruptured tendons in his kneecap; less than two years later he fired Brazil to glory at the 2002 World Cup and then earned a move to Real Madrid. Roy Keane missed most of the 1997-98 season due to ACL tear but then led United to the treble in 1999, while in 2000 he scooped the PFA Player of the Year award.

More recently, Eder Militao has torn the ACL in each of his knees within the past two years but has returned to being a regular for Real Madrid and Brazil, while his club team-mate Dani Carvajal is also back for Madrid after suffering a triple knee injury last year.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWorst case scenario

Rodri, though, suffered one of the worst case scenarios when it comes to knee injuries. There are two menisci in each knee, the medial (inside) and lateral (outside), while the ACL connects them. Although the ACL is one of the main ligaments in the knee, the menisci are as important as they absorb shock between the shin and thigh bones, helping stabilise the knee and protect it from wear and tear. 

While between 50 and 70 per cent of people who tear their ACL also damage one of their meniscus as well, only around a third of people tear all three. Rodri was one of the unlucky ones, suffering what is known in medical circles as 'the terrible triad'. ACL surgeon Gordon Mackay told that tearing the outer cartilage means "a more challenging recovery, more challenging surgery, and a less predictable outcome". 

Rodri was treated by Dr Manuel Leyes, who runs the Olympia clinic in Madrid that operated on Carvajal, Luis Suarez, Sergio Ramos and Zinedine Zidane, among other notable athletes from the NFL and the NBA. Leyes told that "Rodri has a good head on his shoulders and is surrounded by a team that advises him very well," but he and manager Pep Guardiola appear to have disagreed on the timescale of his recovery.

Getty Images Sport'Big' injury at Club World Cup

As far back as January, Guardiola warned of the danger of Rodri returning too soon. “He's positive but I don't know to be honest. An ACL is an ACL. Always I believe in long injuries there's a time you must respect because of the human body. The most important thing for Rodri now is to recover well. You're not a teenager anymore but still you have years to play. And it's going to happen if you recover well. If you can get back for one week, one month and [take a] step back for next season it's not intelligent."

Guardiola had said shortly after Rodri underwent surgery that he could be out for between nine and 12 months, and yet he returned to the pitch just under eight months after he suffered the injury against Arsenal, playing 10 minutes in the penultimate game of City's Premier League campaign against Bournemouth. But the big mistake, with hindsight, seems to have been taking Rodri to the Club World Cup.

In the United States, Guardiola again repeated his message of being careful with Rodri and only introduced him for the final half-hour against Wydad Casablanca and Al Ain. He then started Rodri against Juventus, giving him just over an hour, but returned him to the bench for the last-16 clash with Al-Hilal. Guardiola brought his star midfielder on in the second half as his team were trailing 2-1, but was then forced to take Rodri off again in extra-time due to a groin problem. Months later, Guardiola admitted it was "a big injury" and explained that Rodri would not start the season.

"Hopefully after the international break, he will be really fit," he said. "Hopefully in these games, he can play some minutes, but what is important is that he doesn't have pain because we don't want Rodri coming back injured. We will try desperately to avoid that."

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Getty Images Sport'Lot of pain'

Rodri got 15 minutes against Tottenham and played 90 minutes against Brighton, the first time he had completed a match in 11 months, to open the campaign, and Guardiola's wish seemed to have come true as Rodri started against Manchester United, Napoli and Arsenal in the space of seven days, playing a combined 226 minutes of a a potential 270. 

But one week later, he was left out of the squad against Burnley, with Guardiola making the concerning revelation that during training in the build-up to the game, Rodri had told him: "I'm not able to play. I have a lot of pain in my knee." 

A few days later, Guardiola warned that Rodri could not cope with City's usual schedule. "He is not injured, but in the tendon he has a difficulty," Guardiola said before City played Monaco. "The week before was so demanding with [Manchester] United, Napoli and especially Arsenal, and right now he's not able to play three games in a week at a top, top, top level – top intensity, demanding opponents. My feeling right now is he is not ready because he needs time. This type of injury, it is minimum one year and after that you start. Be patient and he dictates. If he feels not good, it's better to rest."

Smith's finger injury compounds Australia's woe

It leaves him a major doubt for the upcoming tour of the West Indies

Andrew McGlashan13-Jun-2025

Steven Smith went off the field with a finger injury•Associated Press

Australia were left contemplating the possibility of needing to replace over 10,000 runs after Steven Smith suffered a compound dislocation of the little finger on his right hand on the third day of the World Test Championship final at Lord’s, leaving him a major doubt for the upcoming tour of the West Indies, as a rare loss in a tournament decider loomed into view.Smith suffered the injury when he dropped a sharp chance offered by Temba Bavuma on 2 as the South Africa captain edged Mitchell Starc to first slip where Smith was standing so close that he was wearing a helmet.Smith immediately knew he was in trouble and started to leave the field in significant pain even before the medical staff reached him.”He was assessed by Australian team medical staff at the ground and taken to the hospital for X-rays and further treatment,” a CA spokesperson said.The dropped catch was a pivotal moment in the day as South Africa would have been 76 for 3 chasing 282 had it been held, but instead Bavuma was unbeaten on 65 at the close as fought through a hamstring injury.Since 1996, Australia’s men have lost just one of the 10 global finals they have been in – the 2010 T20 World Cup against England – but barring a spectacular South Africa collapse on Saturday will relinquish the mace.”We understand the magnitude of the task, that 8 for 70 or whatever it is, is incredibly tricky and conditions would have to go away,” assistant coach Daniel Vettori said. “I think with the nature of where the ball is at and the surface, it’s a difficult task, but it is a task that the group has probably done at times throughout the last three, four, some of them five, six, even longer years.”Meanwhile, Smith’s injury also leaves Australia with the prospect of having a big hole to fill in their batting order in the West Indies, where the first Test begins in Barbados on June 25, although the extent of Smith’s injury was still being assessed at the close of play with him not having returned to the ground from hospital.Earlier this year left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann was able to make a swift return to action after suffering a similar blow in the BBL before going on to take 16 wickets in the series against Sri Lanka.Australia already have significant uncertainty around their top order with Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green struggling in the WTC final. After a relatively lean period by his high standards, Smith has been prolific in recent Tests with four hundreds in five matches against India and Sri Lanka before 66 in the first innings at Lord’s.Should Smith be ruled out of all or part of the West Indies tour, it could create an opening for Sam Konstas’ return, with Labuschagne going back to No. 3 and Green dropping down to No. 4 where he made 174 not out against New Zealand before his back injury.Josh Inglis is the other spare batter in the squad for the WTC final, which will be the same group that travels to the Caribbean. Should reinforcements be needed, Nathan McSweeney could come into consideration while the resurgent Kurtis Patterson could be another option.

Major Mohamed Salah transfer update issued amid talk of transfer to Egyptian side Al-Ahly

Mohamed Salah put pen to paper on a new Liverpool contract earlier in the summer. However, the Reds hitman has made a dire start to the season having scored just three league goals as Liverpool's title defence lies in tatters. The decision to hand Salah a new deal has been criticised and heightened speculation that the champions could cut their losses on the 33-year-old.

Getty Images SportSalah and Liverpool struggling

Salah wasn't included in the Liverpool matchday squad for Wednesday's disastrous 3-0 EFL Cup loss to Crystal Palace. Head coach Arne Slot opted to name an inexperienced XI for the welcome of the Eagles, who capitalised ruthlessly to set up a fifth round meeting with league leaders Arsenal.

The result means Liverpool have lost six of their last seven competitive outings, with a 5-1 Champions League victory over Eintracht Frankfurt the sole win in that run. The streak leaves the Reds seven points off league leaders Arsenal and out of a domestic cup competition.

And Salah, who scored his first goal in over a month in the 3-2 loss to Brentford on Saturday night, has struggled for consistency in Slot's second season at Anfield. However, while he has been linked with a move to Al-Ahly, the Egyptian side are not in contention to sign Salah.

AdvertisementAl-Ahly dismiss Salah transfer links

The Egyptian giants have a presidential election on Friday with Yasseen Mansour, the vice presidential candidate, said to be leading negotiations to sign Salah. However, former Al-Ahly winger and director of football, Sayed Abdel Hafeez, has poured cold water on any reports linking Salah with a return to his homeland.

Hafeez is in contention to be part of the club's new board, but he has dismissed talk of an approach for Salah and made it clear no official has reached out to the player's camp to try and lure the forward away from Liverpool.

"Mohamed Salah is a very big star and has done things that are difficult for any player in the Arab world to do. He’s focusing on his professional career," Hafeez said.

"Linking Salah to Al-Ahly is a media effort, and he’s a player who has honoured Egyptian football and all Arabs.

"Let’s talk realistically. Salah renewed his contract with Liverpool months ago. There is no official at Al-Ahly who talked about this matter. This matter was only circulated in the media. We will focus on the team’s priorities. I wish Salah success."

Getty Images Sport'You have Salah, who is sulking a little bit'

Former Chelsea striker and Sky Sports pundit Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and believes that Salah is no longer the main man at Liverpool and has identified the club's problem. The Reds have a tricky run of games between now and the November international break as they take on Aston Villa, Real Madrid and Manchester City over the next week.

"Slot is looking for his best XI," Hasselbaink started as he outlined the reasoning behind Liverpool's struggles. "Then, on top of that, Van Dijk is not having his best time. Konate is showing some fight, Kerkez has not settled in yet and Bradley is Mr Liverpool but is also still learning the game, and he is playing in a side that is not performing well so you can't expect a young boy to carry the side.

"In the middle, you now have a real No.10, so you have to play differently. There are so many things that are not right. You have Salah, who is sulking a little bit; a, because he's not playing well and b, he's also not really the main man anymore. Players like Ekitike have come in. Normally, when Salah is open and free, he gets the ball from everyone. Ekitike is going for himself and looking for his own opportunities.

"It is normal for new players because they want to show they are worth the price tag, and they want to show they can play for Liverpool, but the whole concept is not right; it doesn't feel right at the moment. It is for Slot to come and make it right, and at the moment, he is struggling with that."

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Salah set to return for Villa clash

Salah was a number of first team players who missed out for Liverpool on Wednesday night as Slot named a much-changed team for the Palace clash.

Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, Ibrahima Konate and Cody Gakpo also failed to make the matchday squad, though the quartet, and Salah, are expected to return to the side for Saturday's game against Aston Villa.

Move over Balikwisha: Celtic could replace Maeda with 18-year-old sensation

Celtic are back in action in the Scottish Premiership on the other side of the international break at the end of this week when they face Dundee away from home.

The Hoops will be aiming to move back to the top of the table if Hearts slip up in their match, as they currently sit two points off the top of the division as it stands.

Despite a 3-2 win over Motherwell in the last game at Parkhead before the international break, Brendan Rodgers must find ways to make his Celtic team more effective in the final third.

The Scottish giants have failed to find the back of the net in five separate matches in all competitions so far this season, which shows that they have been blunt in front of goal far too often.

It is, therefore, a concern that Daizen Maeda had to withdraw from international duty with Japan due to a foot injury, sparking doubt over his availability for the clash with Dundee this weekend.

The 27-year-old star scored the winning goal against Motherwell last time out in the Premiership, and Rodgers may have to find an alternative option on the right wing.

Ranking Celtic's first-team right wing options

Maeda is currently the number one option for the Hoops on the right flank. Sebastian Tounekti’s arrival has forced the Japanese star to move to the right wing, and he has delivered two goals and two assists in the Premiership.

The Celtic star, who scored 33 goals in all competitions last season (Transfermarkt), has shown that he can impact games with goals and assists on a regular basis, which is why he is currently the best option out wide on the right.

If Maeda is unavailable for selection this weekend against Dundee, Hyun-jun Yang and James Forrest would be two potential replacements as natural right wingers.

Appearances

30

26

Goals

1

5

Big chances missed

4

6

Key passes per game

0.9

0.7

Big chances created

5

4

Assists

5

2

However, as you can see in the table above, both Yang and Forrest have failed to provide consistent quality in the final third in the Premiership since the start of last season, which is why they rank third and fourth out of the four first-team right wing options.

Michel-Ange Balikwisha, who is a left-winger typically, started on the right wing in the 2-1 win over Kilmarnock last month, and was subbed off with no shots on goal and no ‘big chances’ created, yet should still be considered the second-best senior right winger.

The Belgian forward, who provided a fantastic assist for Maeda from the left wing against Motherwell, looked uncomfortable and passive on the right flank, which is not his usual role.

Balikwisha, as he is the only winger other than Maeda with a goal contribution in the Premiership this season, may be the best first-team option available on the right wing, though, if the Japan international is injured, as Yang and Forrest have not shown enough quality.

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Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

Because the former Royal Antwerp man looks to be the best senior right winger fit and available ahead of Dundee, Rodgers should look to the academy to unleash a young star on the flank.

Balikwisha, Forrest, and Yang do not look set to be future stars for Celtic on the right wing, but B team starlet Rhys Dargie may have the potential to be a key player for the Hoops moving forward.

Why Celtic should unleash Rhys Dargie against Dundee

The extent of Maeda’s injury remains to be seen, but it was bad enough for him not to play a single minute for Japan during the international break.

Even if it is not a serious injury that will completely rule him out for games, Celtic have a Europa League clash with Sturm Graz next week that they may want to save the attacker for if he is not at 100% fitness.

Therefore, Rodgers should unleash B team star Dargie on the right wing against Dundee this weekend in a bold move, because of how underwhelming his other options in that position have performed this season.

Rhys Dargie (B team)

10

4 + 3

Daizen Maeda (first-team)

13

3 + 2

Michel-Ange Balikwisha (first-team)

6

0 + 2

Hyun-jun Yang (first-team)

8

1 + 0

James Forrest (first-team)

12

0 + 0

As you can see in the table above, the 18-year-old attacker has the most goals and the most assists of any Celtic right wing option at B team or first-team level in the 2025/26 campaign so far.

What makes his return of four goals and three assists all the more impressive is that they all came in six appearances as a right winger, as the other four were in central midfield or on the left flank.

Dargie, who was described as “some talent” by reporter Stu Mclellan, also scored an eye-catching nine goals in 11 outings in the Lowland League in the 2024/25 campaign, per Transfermarkt.

The Scottish sensation has scored 13 goals and assisted three in 21 appearances for Celtic B to date, per Transfermarkt, which shows that he is a winger who can offer a consistent threat in the final third, particularly as a goalscorer.

Whilst it remains to be seen whether or not Dargie can translate those performances over to the first-team, the alternatives at the manager’s disposal have shown that they cannot be relied upon to deliver quality when needed.

That is why Rodgers should take a risk, although it is not much of a risk given the alternatives, and plunge the teenage talent into the Premiership clash with Dundee at the weekend to see if he has what it takes to influence games at senior level.

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An injury to Maeda is a blow on the face of it, particularly if he is out for a significant period of time, but it could be a blessing in disguise if it provides Dargie with an opportunity to shine in the first-team, as was the case with Colby Donovan after Alistair Johnston’s injury.

Matheus Cunha reveals he is desperate to 'bring back the glory days' at Manchester United after being compared to Old Trafford icon Eric Cantona

Matheus Cunha says he is determined to "bring back the glory days" at Manchester United. The Brazilian has helped Ruben Amorim's team become a more competitive force this season but the ex-Wolves man says this is just the beginning. But amid his impressive start to the season, the 26-year-old was quick to downplay comparisons to Red Devils icon Eric Cantona.

Getty Images SportCunha compared to Cantona

Cantona is widely viewed as one of United's best-ever players, with the Frenchman playing a huge role in turning the Red Devils into the juggernaut that dominated English football for years in the 1990s and 2000s under manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Last month, former Premier League defender Stephen Warnock said Cunha has "got the aura of Cantona," and club CEO Omar Berrada previously stated that the £62.5 million ($85m) signing will prove to be "Cantona-esque" for the Red Devils. But the player himself thinks he needs to do a lot more before he can be spoken about in the same breath as the forward. 

He told The Sun: "Wow, what a player. I need to do much more things to be compared to him. When someone says something like this to me, I try to see the good part of this. To be someone who has a lot of passion to play for this club, to play football – and then try to represent everyone inside of the pitch. I feel privileged to be associated with these kind of things and with Cantona also. He made history. And if I can do a little percentage of what he did already, I’ll be very happy and then try to build my way to the guys to remember me also. I’m new at the club. I’m new in terms of the look, all the other performances from the past. Everything for me is new. So I have only my mind in bringing back the United glory days."

AdvertisementCunha: 'I want to do it my way'

Arsenal reportedly wanted to sign Cunha from Wolves in January but he ended up signing a new deal that included the release clause that United triggered this summer. Now, he wants to "build his dream" at Old Trafford. 

He added: "You need to look at even the hard moments in the positive way. Of course, I’m not someone special. Of course, I have my doubts. I have the difficult moments, like everyone. But this kind of world, I don’t feel it is impactful, like pressure to play like for this club or maybe to be someone different from the others. I only want to do it my way. I want to help my team. I only want to build my dream. To be a little part of the United history – be successful – I will always go for that.”

Getty Images SportMan Utd's relief at signing Cunha

The Brazil international ran circles around United for Wolves last season, as he picked up the man of the match award twice against Amorim's side. He scored one and assisted the other in their 2-0 win at Molineux and was instrumental in the 1-0 victory in the return fixture. 

When asked if United's players were relieved when Cunha joined them, he replied: "Yeah, exactly. It was exactly what happened! It was when I arrived and then I think my back was direct to Nous [Noussair Mazraoui] and to Leny. Because I only looked left and Leny was there. And they said, ‘Wow, wow, I’m so happy to have you on our side right now. It was so hard to get to the ball. And then we talked about the game. I was a little bit shy, you know, in the beginning. But these kind of moments help us be a little bit more comfortable. And then it was very good moments to remember."

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What comes next for Man Utd?

United are currently on a four-match unbeaten streak, comprising three wins and a draw. They sit eighth in the Premier League but if results go their way this weekend, they could be back in the top four. But to do that, they will have to beat Tottenham at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday afternoon in a repeat of last season's Europa League final. This will be a good test of Amorim's team as they try and banish the horrors of last term.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe now steps in to block Man Utd move for Robert Lewandowski

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has now personally stepped in to prevent Manchester United from making a move for Robert Lewandowski, despite Ruben Amorim being very keen on signing the striker.

Ratcliffe has been unwavering in his support of Amorim during the manager’s first year in the job, recently making it clear he has no plans to part ways with the 40-year-old anytime soon, stating he has three years to prove himself.

The INEOS chairman has also opened up on his personal relationship with the former Sporting CP boss, saying earlier this year: “I really, really like Ruben. He’s a very thoughtful guy. Every time I go to the training ground, I speak to Ruben. I sit down and have a cup of coffee with him and tell him where it’s going wrong, and he tells me to f*ck off. I like him.”

So far, there can be no doubting that the 73-year-old has backed his manager in the transfer market, with the Red Devils investing heavily in the summer, bringing in the likes of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko to upgrade the forward line.

Sesko hasn’t made a flying start to life in the Premier League, with Peter Schmeichel claiming he was an unnecessary signing, but the centre-forward may take some time to adjust, given that he is still only 22-years-old.

Ratcliffe blocks Man Utd move for Lewandowski

According to a report from Spain, Amorim is very keen on signing Lewandowski, who is available on a free transfer upon the expiration of his FC Barcelona contract next summer, but Ratcliffe has stepped in to block the move.

United are set to prioritize the signing of younger players, meaning the 37-year-old doesn’t fit the bill, despite still being regarded as one of the greatest strikers in the world.

The Poland international’s wages are also considered an issue, given that he rakes in roughly £352k-a-week at Camp Nou, which makes him the highest paid player in the squad.

Lauded as a “world-class” striker by journalist Muhammad Butt, the Barcelona star is undoubtedly still a top-level striker, despite his age, having maintained a fantastic goalscoring record since signing for the La Liga side.

Season

La Liga appearances

Goals

2022-23

34

23

2023-24

35

19

2024-25

34

27

2025-26

7

4

That said, it is understandable that Ratcliffe isn’t keen on a move, given that the Pole would likely demand huge wages, while the veteran’s arrival could also hamper Sesko’s development, given that he would be competing with the Slovenian for a starting spot.

It is well-documented that Ratcliffe has been trying to make Man United more sustainable since his arrival, with lowering the wage bill of key significance.

As such, despite Lewandowski establishing himself as a top striker, it would probably be a wise idea for United to avoid signing him next summer.

Robert Lewandowski has been named one of the world's best strikers The Best 15 Strikers in World Football Ranked (2025)

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Five wickets in five balls! Curtis Campher creates history

He achieved the feat for Munster Reds against North-West Warriors in the Inter-Provincial T20 Trophy

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Jul-2025Ireland allrounder Curtis Campher has become the first man in professional cricket to take five wickets in five balls. He achieved the feat for Munster Reds against North-West Warriors in the Inter-Provincial T20 Trophy, finishing with 5 for 16 from 2.3 overs.Campher, the Munster Reds captain, took his five wickets across his second and third overs as Warriors slumped from 87 for 5 to 88 all out in their chase of 189. Jared Wilson, the first of the five wickets, was out off the penultimate delivery of the 12th over when Campher got the ball to swing in and crash into off stump. Next ball, Graham Hume was trapped lbw on the back foot as another inswinger hit him on the pads. That put Campher on a hat-trick at the start of his next over, and it came when Andy McBrine miscued a slog towards deep midwicket on the first ball of the 14th over.The wicket-taking streak continued when No. 10 Robbie Millar was out caught behind first ball, trying to poke at a delivery outside off stump, after which No. 11 Josh Wilson couldn’t keep the ball from hitting the stumps as Campher came around the wicket.”Because of the change of overs, I wasn’t really sure what was happening,” Campher said of his achievement. “I just kind of stuck to my guns and kept it real simple and luckily it kind of went off.”

When asked if he would have been able to do six in six if there was another batter to come, Campher said: “No, I don’t think so. It is what it is. Take the rough with the smooth. Just happy to be out there in the sun.”This was Campher’s second match after a finger injury had ruled him out of the ODI and T20I series against West Indies. In his comeback match, against Leinster Lightning on Tuesday, he had scored 57 off 35 balls but did not bowl. On Thursday, too, he scored 44 off 24 balls before his five-for.”Performances aside, it has been really good just to be around the boys,” he said. “When you get injured, it’s a bit of a dark place, when you get into the gym and stuff like that. So it has been really nice, just been treated with the weather too. So I have been really enjoying myself and putting pressure on myself to do well and it has kind of made me work for the last little bit.”Campher, who is also part of an elite list of bowlers to take four wickets in four balls in T20 internationals, however, is not the first person to achieve this feat. That honour belongs to Zimbabwe Women allrounder Kelis Ndhlovu who took five wickets in five balls for Zimbabwe U-19 against Eagles Women in the domestic T20 tournament in 2024.

Cristiano Ronaldo & Co set to wear stunning Eusebio-inspired 'Black Panther' kit in Portugal's World Cup qualifying clash with Armenia

PUMA have unveiled a special edition 'Black Panther' Portugal kit celebrating the legendary Eusebio ahead of their latest set of World Cup qualifiers. Cristiano Ronaldo and his team-mates will don the black and gold shirt for their upcoming clash with Armenia later this month on a date that will mark the 60th anniversary of Eusebio's 1965 Ballon d'Or triumph.

Eusebio honoured by PUMA and Portugal

Before Ronaldo came along, Eusebio was arguably Portugal's greatest ever player. Six decades on from his Ballon d'Or success, PUMA have tried to honour his legacy with two words defenders feared most: Pantera Negra (Black Panther). Limited to 1965 pieces, the shirt comes pre-embellished with #13 on both the front and back – honouring Eusebio’s iconic number. The kit features the PUMA Cat logo and FPF crest in gold material, a flat knit collar and cuffs, and the ‘Pantera Negra’ back-neck sign off. The new collection also features a custom anthem jacket.

AdvertisementPUMAEusebio's widow touched by gesture

Eusebio married Flora Burheim in 1965, and together they had two daughters, Carla and Sandra. She survives him following his death in 2014, and 11 years on from his passing, his widow has admitted that this PUMA shirt project "fills her with pride".

"When PUMA reached out to us and shared what they had in mind, I felt deeply moved and honored. Eusébio had a very close relationship with the brand and a sincere friendship with its founder, Mr. Rudolf Dassler. Seeing his memory now honored in such a beautiful and meaningful project fills me with pride. I’m sure Eusébio would be very happy with this tribute," she said.

Joao Cardoso, the chief marketing and commercial officer at the Portugal FA, added: "Eusébio represents passion, talent, and pride for Portugal. Sixty years after his Ballon d’Or win, his legacy remains alive, inspiring not only those who knew his greatness but also future generations of Portuguese players. The Portuguese Football Federation, in partnership with PUMA, celebrates this legend with a unique kit that blends tradition and innovation, honoring the past and shaping the future of Portuguese football."

'Celebrating a football legend'

Marco Mueller, PUMA’s senior director of product line management performance apparel, said that this tribute shirt is an excellent way to honour a Portuguese great in Eusebio.

"Eusébio’s legacy transcends generations, and this tribute kit reflects his enduring influence on Portuguese football and global sport," stated Mueller. "By merging heritage-inspired design with modern innovation, we’re celebrating not only a football legend but also the culture and passion that make the game timeless."

Although this shirt will be debuted for one game only by Ronaldo and Co when Portugal host Armenia in World Cup qualifying on November 16, the kit is on sale as of today. 

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AFPEusebio forever in Portugal's hearts

When Eusebio died, Portugal was in mourning for one of their legends. Shortly after his death, Ronaldo was asked about the great man, and he replied with a glowing tribute. 

"The feeling is one of sadness. Eusebio was a very important person for Portugal, a real national icon, and he has passed away. Of course, that's extremely sad for all Portuguese people and the whole world, but that's part of life, too," he said. "We'll all be gone one day, and that's why we need to focus on the positive things that happened, and the same goes for his life. He was a very important player, he did a lot of positive things and won many trophies with the national team and for his clubs, especially for Benfica. He will remain in our hearts forever."

Fast forward to the present, and the Al-Nassr star is targeting a remarkable 1,000 goals in his career. At present, the 40-year-old has a whopping 952 goals to his name, along with 259 assists. And according to Ace Odds, the former Real Madrid star is likely to hit that milestone. Based on his minutes-per-goal ratio throughout his career of 111.2, he has been predicted to hit the 1,000 mark in April 2027, when he is 42. Whether he is still playing then remains to be seen, but Ronaldo is expected to line up for Portugal against Armenia, and potentially against Ireland three days earlier as Roberto Martinez's side aim to book their place at the 2026 World Cup.

Howe can finally drop Joelinton by unleashing Newcastle's "little diamond"

Back-to-back victories before the international break should have meant Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United were in a confident mood travelling to Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.

However, come full-time on the South Coast, the visiting Magpies fell victim to a third Premier League defeat of the campaign already, as a Danny Welbeck double handed the hosts a slender 2-1 victory.

Sitting in a below-par 12th position after eight games could spur Howe into taking decisive action to push his team up the standings, with regular first-teamer Joelinton perhaps at risk of dropping out of his manager’s starting XI, after another out-of-sorts performance was served up by the Brazilian.

Why Joelinton needs to be replaced

With 239 Newcastle games under his belt, it is clear that Joelinton is a firm fan favourite at St James’ Park when he’s firing on all cylinders.

Indeed, the energetic South American has even been hailed as a “machine” in the past by teammate Kieran Trippier when he’s run himself into the ground for the cause, with his tally of 31 goals and 21 assists over that same stretch of games making him an even more useful asset to have around, away from just his hard-working nature.

Yet, he hasn’t been without his critics this season, with his 45-minute stint against the Seagulls last time out declared by Newcastle-based blog Mouth of the Tyne as being “not good enough” amid his overall drop-off being “really noticeable.”

When looking deeper into his numbers, it’s clear to see why many haven’t minced their words, with the number seven only managing to register 21 accurate passes as a passenger, while also failing to hit a single effort at the Brighton goal.

Unfortunately, it does appear as if Joelinton is now declining after hitting his Tyneside peak, with a period out of Howe’s first team maybe doing the eight-time Brazil international some good in the long run, as he attempts to get back to his best.

It could also open up opportunities for those on the periphery to take over from Joelinton, with one youthful bright spark now ready to be unleashed as a long-term replacement for the 29-year-old.

Newcastle's ideal Joelinton replacement

Of course, Joelinton isn’t in isolation as an underperformer that will be worrying Howe, with Anthony Elanga also hooked at the half-time break against Brighton after an equally unmemorable shift against Fabian Hurzeler’s hosts.

Jacob Murphy could well step up and replace Elanga in the near future as an experienced, steady presence in his manager’s camp. Whereas, when searching for a replacement for Joelinton, Howe might be tempted to give 19-year-old hotshot Lewis Miley the platform to express himself more regularly, after the teenager assisted Nick Woltemade’s clever finish against Brighton.

Credit also has to go to the number 67, who quickly found Woltemade in space to convert with a back-heel, after only being on the pitch for 31 minutes to pick up his first goal contribution of the season.

This already gives him the upper hand over Joelinton, with Miley hopeful he can live up to all the early hype that surrounded his fledgling Magpies career once upon a time to maintain a first-team spot.

Premier League games

38

Age of PL debut

17 years, 27 days

PL goals

2

PL assists

4

Champions League games

4

Age of CL debut

17 years, 6 months + 7 days

CL goals

0

CL assists

1

Amazingly, Miley is already up to 54 senior appearances for his boyhood side, with Premier League and Champions League debuts handed to the 6-foot-2 ace at just 17 years of age, not fazing him one bit, with an assist also next to his name in Europe’s elite competition.

It has led to a lot of praise coming his way, with NBC Sport’s Robbie Earle once referring to Miley as a “little diamond” for his “classy” displays, while pundit Pat Nevin has also exclaimed that the 19-year-old is “the next young English superstar.”

Still, despite all these glowing words, Miley only has one top-flight start next to his name this season.

Expect that to soon change, however, if Howe decides that enough is enough for Joelinton being a concrete member of his first team.

Newcastle man who was "tough to watch" is now on borrowed time under Howe

Newcastle United’s defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion has highlighted some issues for Eddie Howe.

1 ByEthan Lamb Oct 19, 2025

Tigers’ Kerry Carpenter Crushes Go-Ahead HR in Ninth to Even Series vs. Guardians

Game 2 of the ALDS between the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians was scoreless until Tigers outfielder Kerry Carpenter walked up to the plate in the ninth inning.

The Guardians put in star closer Emmanuel Clase, who makes it difficult to get a good hit off of his pitches—he's only had 10 runs counted on him this season. Carpenter found a way, though, as he crushed a 423-foot, three-run home run. This put the Tigers up 3–0 in the ninth in a game they really needed to win. Detroit then held on in the bottom of the ninth to even the ALDS at 1–1.

This was the first three-run home run ever hit against Clase in his MLB career. It's his fifth season in the bigs.

After Carpenter clobbered the ball, he swiftly flipped his bat onto the ground and excitedly began his trot around the bases. It's safe to say he was proud of this home run. He was understandably hyped up when he reached home plate, having had effectively won the game for the Tigers.

Talk about a clutch MLB postseason moment.

The Tigers will head home to host the Guardians in Game 3 of the ALDS on Wednesday, Oct. 9.

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