https://www.scmp.com/rss/517914/feed The latest stories and features on footballer Erling Haaland, including professional football news and updates. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Mike Chan Mike Chan Italian football legend Christian Vieri has said that a country with his pedigree should always qualify for the World Cup, after enduring yet another disappointment last month when the Azzurri missed out on their third consecutive finals. Following their loss on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a European play-off, Italy have now failed to qualify for the three consecutive World Cups in Russia, Qatar and the coming one in the United States, Canada and Mexico. They had also failed to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3351296/italy-are-too-big-football-country-keep-missing-world-cups-says-ex-striker-vieri?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3351296/italy-are-too-big-football-country-keep-missing-world-cups-says-ex-striker-vieri?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 Apr 2026 10:00:22 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press Italy is coming off a record performance at the Winter Olympics. Kimi Antonelli just became the second youngest driver at 19 to win a Formula 1 race and is considered The Next Big Thing in auto racing. The Azzurri rugby squad beat England for the first time in the Six Nations. Also, Jannik Sinner is back to winning ways on the tennis court. Italy’s men and women are the world champions in volleyball. Even the country’s unheralded baseball and cricket teams have broken barriers recently. Yet... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3347342/football-still-no-1-italy-azzurri-face-world-cup-play-amid-other-sports-success?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3347342/football-still-no-1-italy-azzurri-face-world-cup-play-amid-other-sports-success?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Mar 2026 23:45:08 +0000 Bloomberg Bloomberg There are no tributes to the conquering heroes at Bodo airport, no banners proclaiming their success hang in the streets outside. But visitors venturing this far north should not let Scandinavian understatement detract from Bodo Glimt’s achievements and the impact on their hometown. The football team from the Norwegian Arctic fishing port have beaten giants Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid and Manchester City already in the Champions League this season. On Wednesday evening, they will host Sporting... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3346225/uefa-champions-league-little-bodo-glimt-take-next-step-giant-killing-journey?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3346225/uefa-champions-league-little-bodo-glimt-take-next-step-giant-killing-journey?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Mar 2026 13:00:09 +0000 Reuters,Associated Press,dpa Reuters,Associated Press,dpa Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal became the only Asian side to reach the Club World Cup’s knockout stages with a 2-0 win over Pachuca on Thursday, finishing their Group H campaign unbeaten and setting up a round-of-16 meeting with Manchester City. Salem Aldawsari and Marcus Leonardo scored against the Mexican club as Al-Hilal became the only team outside Europe and the Americas to advance out of group play. Aldawsari, attacking from the left, scored in the 22nd minute with the ball bouncing off his right... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3316079/al-hilal-becomes-only-team-outside-europe-americas-club-world-cup-knockout-stage?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3316079/al-hilal-becomes-only-team-outside-europe-americas-club-world-cup-knockout-stage?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Jun 2025 07:11:29 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press Fifa’s newly expanded Club World Cup kicks off in Miami next Saturday, featuring some of football’s biggest stars, such as Lionel Messi, and greatest teams, like Real Madrid. But the launch of the new-look tournament, staged in the United States, also comes with uncertainty over how it will be embraced in an already bloated calendar where football is played virtually year round. This is world governing body Fifa’s big play to get a stronghold in the club game. Until now, club football’s marquee... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3313478/fifa-club-world-cup-when-it-starts-which-teams-are-playing-footballs-new-look-event?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3313478/fifa-club-world-cup-when-it-starts-which-teams-are-playing-footballs-new-look-event?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Jun 2025 12:00:08 +0000 Lars Hamer Lars Hamer With Tottenham Hotspur hosting Aston Villa and Chelsea against Manchester United on Friday, an early deadline looms for Fantasy Premier League managers. And Gameweek 37 is an extended one with fixtures involving FA Cup finalists Crystal Palace and Manchester City moved to Tuesday. The selection headache comes from those four teams, as targeting Man United and Tottenham has proven a sure-fire way to score points. I will look at whether picking Palace players, who could make history this weekend,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3310274/fantasy-premier-league-get-watkins-villa-players-tottenham-man-united-horizon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3310274/fantasy-premier-league-get-watkins-villa-players-tottenham-man-united-horizon?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 May 2025 06:48:36 +0000 Lars Hamer Lars Hamer With only three games to go in Fantasy Premier League, we are at that stage of the season when club sides become unpredictable, making team selection and transfers an even bigger headache. In most seasons, targeting players from teams facing Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur would be ridiculous, but with both clubs showing dismal form in the league, and having secured their spots in the Europa League final on Thursday night, I am advising you to do just that. This Gameweek 36 FPL article... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3309839/fantasy-premier-league-time-buy-haaland-city-face-saints-gameweek-36?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3309839/fantasy-premier-league-time-buy-haaland-city-face-saints-gameweek-36?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 May 2025 05:51:46 +0000 Fantasy Premier League is back with a 1.15am deadline on Wednesday, after a two-week break for international football followed Blank Gameweek 29. But before the Premier League gets back under way, the FA Cup quarter-finals will be played over the weekend, the results of which will create both Double and Blank Gameweeks. Add injuries to key players during World Cup qualifiers and Nations League games, and it is easy to see why more than 55,000 managers have activated their Wildcard. This week’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3304093/fantasy-premier-league-whos-hurt-which-teams-target-best-gameweek-30-wildcard-draft?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3304093/fantasy-premier-league-whos-hurt-which-teams-target-best-gameweek-30-wildcard-draft?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 27 Mar 2025 12:30:09 +0000 Fantasy Premier League managers have tough decisions ahead of Friday’s Gameweek 26 deadline: captain Mohamed Salah (£13.7m) against Manchester City, or opt for out-of-form Cole Palmer (£11.1m)? Then, of course, we have the issue of which assistant manager to select as well as tailoring transfers to Gameweek 29, when Liverpool, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Crystal Palace all blank. So, after a quick Gameweek 25 recap, I will outline the best captain and assistant manager choices, top five Gameweek... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3299594/fpl-captain-salah-v-city-drop-palmer-big-gameweek-26-dilemmas?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3299594/fpl-captain-salah-v-city-drop-palmer-big-gameweek-26-dilemmas?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Feb 2025 06:42:23 +0000 Premier League fixtures are coming thick and fast, with two rounds of games this week. That means there is little time for Fantasy Premier League managers to get their teams in shape, and even less for us in Hong Kong who are dealing with a 2am Wednesday morning deadline. Without further ado, here is your must-have midfield for Gameweek 14, a selection of defensive diamonds and cheap forward options to enable big-money signings. Gameweek 13 review You may remember two weeks ago I told people to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3289125/fantasy-premier-league-gameweek-14-must-have-midfield-stout-defenders-cheap-forwards?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3289125/fantasy-premier-league-gameweek-14-must-have-midfield-stout-defenders-cheap-forwards?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Dec 2024 07:30:09 +0000 Pep Guardiola has dismissed fears top scorer Erling Haaland has suffered an injury scare ahead of Manchester City’s Champions League clash with Sporting Lisbon. The prolific Norwegian striker was filmed clutching his shin after going down in apparent pain during a training session open to members of the media on Monday. Yet manager Guardiola confirmed the 24-year-old was fit and well after the squad arrived in the Portuguese capital later that evening. “He’s fine,” said Guardiola, before adding... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3285312/champions-league-manchester-city-boss-pep-guardiola-dismisses-erling-haaland-injury-scare?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3285312/champions-league-manchester-city-boss-pep-guardiola-dismisses-erling-haaland-injury-scare?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Nov 2024 12:00:16 +0000 The Norwegian anti-doping agency has inadvertently selected players who died many years ago for testing ahead of Nations League matches, national team coach Stale Solbakken said. Among the selected players were record national team scorer Jorgen Juve and Einar Gundersen, who is regarded as one of Norwegian football’s first star players. Juve died in 1983, while Gundersen passed away in 1962. “We were visited by the anti-doping agency yesterday,” Solbakken told a news conference on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3277226/dopey-norway-drug-bosses-select-footballers-testing-decades-after-their-deaths?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3277226/dopey-norway-drug-bosses-select-footballers-testing-decades-after-their-deaths?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Sep 2024 13:53:32 +0000 Phil Foden is the best player in the Premier League on current form and will become a Manchester City legend, manager Pep Guardiola said after the forward’s second-half double inspired a crucial 3-1 comeback win against Manchester United on Sunday. City were utterly dominant but still trailing to a spectacular eighth-minute pile-driver by Marcus Rashford when local boy Foden took centre stage in the second half. The 23-year-old struck a sublime left-foot shot into the roof of the net in the 56th... https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/3254055/who-english-premier-leagues-best-player-pep-guardiola-says-manchester-citys-phil-foden?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/3254055/who-english-premier-leagues-best-player-pep-guardiola-says-manchester-citys-phil-foden?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 04 Mar 2024 05:43:07 +0000 Some of the world’s best athletes will take to the field this year in global competitions – and those born in the Year of the Dragon (1976, 1988 and 2000) often take centre stage. Those born under this Chinese zodiac year – which kicks off in February, on Lunar New Year – are described as brave, bold and eager to jump headfirst into a challenge. These attributes can really help in the sports arena; no wonder these athletes are some of the best in their fields. Here are 9 top athletes who were... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/icons-influencers/article/3249352/soaring-success-9-top-athletes-born-year-dragon-indian-cricketer-virat-kohli-and-norwegian?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/icons-influencers/article/3249352/soaring-success-9-top-athletes-born-year-dragon-indian-cricketer-virat-kohli-and-norwegian?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Jan 2024 22:00:21 +0000 South Korea striker Hwang Hee-chan extended his career-best scoring streak in the English Premier League with the winning goal for Wolverhampton Wanderers in a 1-0 victory over Burnley on Tuesday. Hwang moved on to eight goals for the campaign, with only compatriot Son Heung-min (nine), Mohamed Salah (10) and Erling Haaland (14) having scored more. He has as many goals in 15 league games this season as he scored in his first two Premier League campaigns combined. His latest goal was an... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3244038/haaland-under-threat-south-koreas-hwang-hee-chan-career-best-streak-he-and-son-heung-min-chase?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3244038/haaland-under-threat-south-koreas-hwang-hee-chan-career-best-streak-he-and-son-heung-min-chase?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 Dec 2023 05:47:05 +0000 Talented on the pitch and rewarded in their bank accounts: the richest football stars in 2023 have not only ensured that they cash in with their clubs, but also from endorsement deals, like other top athletes. And you can bet big brands are willing to dish out when it comes to these megastars. From lifetime contracts to millions in the bank, here’s how these football stars, from Lionel Messi who won his eighth Ballon d’Or award, to Manchester City’s prolific scorer Erling Haaland, are... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3243796/6-richest-football-stars-2023-net-worths-ranked-cristiano-ronaldos-louis-vuitton-and-nike-millions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3243796/6-richest-football-stars-2023-net-worths-ranked-cristiano-ronaldos-louis-vuitton-and-nike-millions?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 04 Dec 2023 20:00:18 +0000 If the packed turnout to see Gary Neville at a speaking event in Hong Kong on Friday was anything to go by, Manchester United remain a hugely popular club in the city. The former captain was here promoting his new luxury development, the W Residences Manchester, but potential buyers turned into star-struck fans as they lined up for selfies and autographs with him. United’s mass appeal still remains strong in Hong Kong, but for how much longer is anyone’s guess, as the English Premier League... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3242046/gary-neville-thinks-manchester-united-must-win-again-maintain-hong-kong-fan-base-and-fend-rivals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3242046/gary-neville-thinks-manchester-united-must-win-again-maintain-hong-kong-fan-base-and-fend-rivals?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Nov 2023 04:30:14 +0000 Lionel Messi added to his trophy collection and made history on Monday when he won his eighth Ballon d’Or award, the highest individual honour a football player can receive. The 36-year-old Argentinian World Cup champion and Inter Miami star became the first person to win the award eight times. He also won in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019 and 2021. Messi accepted the 18-karat golden football ball trophy at a star-studded ceremony in Paris. He arrived on the red carpet in a black tuxedo with... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3239755/lionel-messi-wins-record-eighth-ballon-dor-award-worlds-top-player-chinese-fans-set-miss-out-tour?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3239755/lionel-messi-wins-record-eighth-ballon-dor-award-worlds-top-player-chinese-fans-set-miss-out-tour?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 31 Oct 2023 01:56:34 +0000 Japan’s bestselling beer might have already gone global – but we’d wager many more mouths will be gulping down Asahi lager in the months ahead. Sports fans are notoriously thirsty, after all, and last month Asahi Super Dry 0.0% was announced as official training kit sponsor of Manchester City Football Club – many people’s pick as the best football team in the world right now. When the five-year deal was inked last year, Asahi execs could have only fervently hoped that City would close the... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3231538/why-asahi-and-manchester-city-make-great-team-we-look-inside-japanese-beers-timely-partnership?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3231538/why-asahi-and-manchester-city-make-great-team-we-look-inside-japanese-beers-timely-partnership?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Aug 2023 22:00:19 +0000 Lionel Messi has been nominated for the Uefa player of the year – but has insisted he has “never given importance” to winning individual awards. The Argentine World Cup winner is on a three-man shortlist with Manchester City duo Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland, who won the treble together with the English Premier League club last season. The winner of the prize will be revealed on August 31 in Monaco at the Champions League group stage draw ceremony. But 36-year-old Messi, speaking to Spanish... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3231472/lionel-messi-says-he-never-gives-importance-ballon-dor-after-nomination-uefa-best-player-award?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3231472/lionel-messi-says-he-never-gives-importance-ballon-dor-after-nomination-uefa-best-player-award?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Aug 2023 02:31:54 +0000 Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said a brutal schedule was not allowing players to rest “mentally or physically” after revealing Kevin De Bruyne could miss the rest of the year with a hamstring injury. De Bruyne limped off early in City’s 3-0 win over Burnley to open the Premier League season on Friday. The 32-year-old had suffered a similar injury in the Champions League final just over two months ago as City beat Inter Milan to become European champions for the first time. “It’s a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3231243/manchester-city-boss-pep-guardiola-blasts-fixture-schedule-kevin-de-bruyne-faces-four-months-out?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3231243/manchester-city-boss-pep-guardiola-blasts-fixture-schedule-kevin-de-bruyne-faces-four-months-out?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Aug 2023 05:45:10 +0000 Manchester United legend Nemanja Vidic believes his former team have made the right signings to challenge neighbours Manchester City for the English Premier League title. Erik Ten Hag has added midfielder Mason Mount, goalkeeper Andre Onana, and striker Rasmus Hojlund to a squad that last season finished third, winning the League Cup and reaching the FA Cup final. The first two of those new names started in United’s opening 1-0 victory of the season over Wolves at Old Trafford on Monday night,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3231159/nemanja-vidic-hong-kong-manchester-united-legend-says-old-club-can-win-premier-league-title-new?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3231159/nemanja-vidic-hong-kong-manchester-united-legend-says-old-club-can-win-premier-league-title-new?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 15 Aug 2023 11:15:09 +0000 Premier League clubs have kept their powder fairly dry over the opening seven weeks of the summer transfer window. Indeed, the majority of headlines have been captured by high-profile exits for the riches of the Saudi Pro League. But Manchester United are set to complete a big-money swoop for 20-year-old Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund, ushering in a rush of activity with clubs having until September 1 to complete their squads for the remainder of the calendar year. Hojlund’s move after one... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3229507/man-united-hojlund-capture-could-spark-epl-transfer-rush-chelsea-liverpool-and-man-city-set-business?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3229507/man-united-hojlund-capture-could-spark-epl-transfer-rush-chelsea-liverpool-and-man-city-set-business?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 31 Jul 2023 10:30:15 +0000 Matt Orr is confident he can carry the red-hot form that has fired him to the top of China League One scoring charts for Guangxi Pingguo Haliao into Hong Kong’s friendly match against Vietnam in Haiphong on Thursday, as Jorn Andersen’s side look to end a barren run in front of goal. Orr has scored seven times in his past six games to fire Guangxi to the top of China’s second division, and his eye for goal will be much needed for a team that has managed just one in their last four games. And even... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3223976/hong-kong-striker-orr-hoping-solve-sides-goal-crisis-team-out-end-9-game-drought-against-vietnam?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3223976/hong-kong-striker-orr-hoping-solve-sides-goal-crisis-team-out-end-9-game-drought-against-vietnam?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Jun 2023 23:30:24 +0000 Manchester City finally expanded their domestic domination across the continent as they beat Inter Milan 1-0 with a second-half Rodri goal to win the Champions League for the first time and complete a rare treble on a nervous Saturday evening. Pre-match talk of a stroll to European football’s most-cherished crown was off the mark, however, and it took a precise Rodri finish after 68 minutes to crack Inter’s resistance. Even then City’s massed ranks had their heads in their hands as Inter... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3223675/manchester-city-beat-inter-milan-1-0-win-champions-league?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3223675/manchester-city-beat-inter-milan-1-0-win-champions-league?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 Jun 2023 21:34:47 +0000 Reigning champions Newcastle will face fellow Premier League outfit Leicester City in the group phase of the 2023 HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens as they look to defend their title, four years on from winning it. The draw for the 21st edition of the popular tournament, which will be held over May 26-28, took place on Wednesday, with 16 teams to battle for the main title – 10 of them flying in from overseas. Former England international Les Ferdinand was on hand for the draw as the guest of honour, and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3218447/premier-league-legend-les-ferdinand-hand-soccer-sevens-draw-and-tips-man-city-beat-arsenal-title?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3218447/premier-league-legend-les-ferdinand-hand-soccer-sevens-draw-and-tips-man-city-beat-arsenal-title?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 26 Apr 2023 10:16:21 +0000 Manchester City appeared in total control in a surgical second-half dismantling of Bayern Munich on Tuesday but Pep Guardiola looked aghast when a reporter asked if it was the most comfortable he and his team have felt this season. “It was not comfortable at all, emotionally I’m destroyed,” he said, prompting laughter. “I [aged] 10 more years today.” Nevertheless, City took a huge step towards a first Champions League title with a 3-0 victory over the visiting German powerhouse in the first leg... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3216742/champions-league-manchester-city-not-resting-easy-despite-thrashing-bayern-munich-says-pep-guardiola?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3216742/champions-league-manchester-city-not-resting-easy-despite-thrashing-bayern-munich-says-pep-guardiola?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 12 Apr 2023 02:27:59 +0000 On a night when Erling Haaland set new standards in the Champions League, Pep Guardiola was preoccupied with Hollywood star Julia Roberts. Never mind a record equalling five goals in one match – or the Manchester City striker becoming the fastest and youngest player to score 30 in European club football’s elite competition. Guardiola had other things on his mind after the 7-0 rout of Leipzig on Tuesday as City advanced to the quarterfinals with an 8-1 aggregate win. Oscar winner Roberts, the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3213556/champions-league-erling-haaland-scores-5-pep-guardiola-rues-julia-roberts-snub?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3213556/champions-league-erling-haaland-scores-5-pep-guardiola-rues-julia-roberts-snub?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Mar 2023 03:37:57 +0000 Arsenal regained pole position in the Premier League title race on Saturday as the Gunners fought back for a thrilling 4-2 victory at Aston Villa, while Manchester City were held to a damaging 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest. Just three days after surrendering first place with a 3-1 defeat against City, Arsenal bounced back in impressive style to move two points clear of the champions. With just minutes left at Villa Park, Mikel Arteta’s side were in danger of slipping up again in their bid to win... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3210731/arsenal-regain-top-spot-manchester-city-stumble-premier-league-title-race?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3210731/arsenal-regain-top-spot-manchester-city-stumble-premier-league-title-race?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Feb 2023 02:43:59 +0000 Pep Guardiola played down the significance of Manchester City going top of the Premier League after his side’s 3-1 victory at long-time leaders Arsenal on Wednesday. City produced a commanding second-half display at The Emirates to record an 11th successive league win over the Gunners and leapfrog them on goal difference. Both sides have 51 points but Arsenal, chasing a first title since 2004, have a game in hand. The win will make City favourites to claim a fifth title in six seasons under... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3210366/manchester-city-sink-arsenal-go-top-pep-guardiola-insists-still-long-way-go-title-race?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3210366/manchester-city-sink-arsenal-go-top-pep-guardiola-insists-still-long-way-go-title-race?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Feb 2023 01:56:53 +0000 Harry Kane described becoming Tottenham Hotspur’s record goalscorer as surreal and a dream come true after taking his tally to 267 and moving past Jimmy Greaves on Sunday. The 29-year-old struck in the 15th minute to earn his side a 1-0 win over Manchester City, also taking his Premier League total to 200. Kane, who joined Spurs as an 11-year-old, was mobbed by his teammates after the final whistle then addressed fans in a pitch interview. A message of congratulations from the late Greaves’ son... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3209196/harry-kane-becomes-tottenhams-record-scorer-now-targets-alan-shearer-after-sinking-man-city?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3209196/harry-kane-becomes-tottenhams-record-scorer-now-targets-alan-shearer-after-sinking-man-city?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Feb 2023 02:11:48 +0000 Arsenal head into 2023 with a formidable seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League after a 4-2 win at Brighton, while Manchester City’s title defence suffered a major setback as Everton snatched a 1-1 draw against the champions on Saturday. Mikel Arteta’s side powered to a fifth successive league victory thanks to goals from Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Martinelli on New Year’s Eve at the Amex Stadium. The Gunners stormed into the lead after just two minutes... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3205208/arsenal-go-seven-points-clear-man-city-hopes-damaged-everton?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3205208/arsenal-go-seven-points-clear-man-city-hopes-damaged-everton?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 31 Dec 2022 21:49:45 +0000 Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola believes Erling Haaland is not at his best and can get even better despite the Norwegian becoming the fastest player to reach 20 goals in Premier League history during his side’s 3-1 win at Leeds United. Haaland continued his incredible goalscoring form with two second-half strikes at Elland Road on Wednesday to reach 20 goals from just 14 appearances – seven games faster than the next quickest player to reach such a goal tally. The Norway international has... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3204905/goal-machine-haaland-makes-premier-league-history-and-manchester-city-boss-guardiola-warns-rivals-he?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3204905/goal-machine-haaland-makes-premier-league-history-and-manchester-city-boss-guardiola-warns-rivals-he?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Dec 2022 05:17:38 +0000 As the Premier League gets ready to pause for the World Cup, some unlikely storylines are in place for the second half of the season. Arsenal have a five-point lead and are undoubtedly Manchester City’s biggest challengers for the title. Newcastle are increasingly looking like a team with enough quality to get into the Champions League. Graham Potter and Frank Lampard, meanwhile, might do well to finish the season in their respective jobs at Chelsea and Everton. The final round of matches before... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3199435/premier-league-arsenal-take-5-point-lead-over-manchester-city-world-cup-break?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3199435/premier-league-arsenal-take-5-point-lead-over-manchester-city-world-cup-break?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 13 Nov 2022 02:41:12 +0000 This winter is heating up thanks to what may be the most exciting World Cup in history. The Fifa World Cup 2022 will take place from November 20 to December 18 in the Middle Eastern state Qatar this year, bringing forward the best national teams and players for the world to watch. From legends such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to younger stars like Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, not only are they impressive on the field, but at the bank too. These are the highest-paid football... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3196620/10-richest-football-stars-2022-net-worths-ranked-among-manchester-uniteds-cristiano-ronaldo-paris?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3196620/10-richest-football-stars-2022-net-worths-ranked-among-manchester-uniteds-cristiano-ronaldo-paris?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 20 Oct 2022 16:10:10 +0000 Manchester City’s first defeat of the season has given the rest of the English Premier League hope that the title race is not a foregone conclusion as Tottenham and Chelsea seek to close at the top of the table on Wednesday. The arrival of rampaging forward Erling Haaland to supplement Pep Guardiola’s squad, who have won the English top flight four times in the past five years, made City even stronger favourites to win the league again. However, a rejuvenated Arsenal have opened up a four-point... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3196368/english-premier-league-spurs-chelsea-given-hope-manchester-citys-slip?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3196368/english-premier-league-spurs-chelsea-given-hope-manchester-citys-slip?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 18 Oct 2022 08:43:31 +0000 After five years of duelling for Premier League supremacy, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes Erling Haaland’s arrival at Manchester City has made the difficult task of winning a title almost impossible. Liverpool’s first title in 30 years in 2019-20 interrupted City’s run of four Premier League wins in five seasons, but twice Pep Guardiola’s men have pipped the Reds by a solitary point, in 2018-19 and again last season. But Klopp’s men head into the first league meeting between the sides... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3196066/premier-league-liverpool-boss-jurgen-klopp-says-nobody-can-compete?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3196066/premier-league-liverpool-boss-jurgen-klopp-says-nobody-can-compete?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 15 Oct 2022 02:10:39 +0000 Borussia Dortmund know only too well of Erling Haaland’s ability to destroy defences in the Champions League, but the German giants may die by the sword they previously lived by when they visit Manchester City on Wednesday. Haaland blossomed into one of the world’s most feared strikers during two-and-a-half years in Germany, scoring 86 goals in 89 games for Dortmund. Eight games into his City career, the giant Norway striker with a devastating turn of speed has already scored 12 times for the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3192365/champions-league-erling-haaland-takes-aim-old-mates-manchester-city?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3192365/champions-league-erling-haaland-takes-aim-old-mates-manchester-city?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Sep 2022 11:47:08 +0000 Liverpool equalled the Premier League’s record win with a 9-0 demolition of Bournemouth, while Erling Haaland’s hat-trick inspired Manchester City’s comeback 4-2 victory against Crystal Palace on Saturday. On a remarkable day in the top flight, leaders Arsenal maintained their perfect start with a dramatic 2-1 win against Fulham. Meanwhile, 10-man Chelsea beat Leicester 2-1 and Manchester United’s revival continued with a 1-0 victory at Southampton. Liverpool stole the spotlight as they... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3190448/premier-league-liverpool-score-nine-equal-record-erling-haaland-hat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3190448/premier-league-liverpool-score-nine-equal-record-erling-haaland-hat?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 28 Aug 2022 03:51:56 +0000 Two of Europe’s leading strikers will take on their former teams as Manchester City’s Erling Haaland faces Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski meets Bayern Munich after the Champions League group-stage draw was made on Thursday. Holders Real Madrid, who captured a record-extending 14th European crown when they beat Liverpool in last season’s final, will play RB Leipzig, Shakhtar Donetsk and Celtic in Group F. But while Carlo Ancelotti’s side should have few problems in making... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3190249/champions-league-draw-man-city-v-dortmund-barcelona-v-bayern-group?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3190249/champions-league-draw-man-city-v-dortmund-barcelona-v-bayern-group?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 26 Aug 2022 04:22:50 +0000 Pep Guardiola said Newcastle were now one of the Premier League’s toughest tests after Manchester City were forced to come from 3-1 down to salvage a 3-3 draw from an enthralling encounter on Sunday. The Magpies have not splashed the cash of the Saudi sovereign wealth fund to the extent expected in the transfer window, but had the champions on the ropes through goals from Miguel Almiron, Callum Wilson and Kieran Trippier. Erling Haaland sparked City’s fightback before Bernardo Silva secured a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3189701/english-premier-league-pep-guardiola-warns-newcastle-threat-after?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3189701/english-premier-league-pep-guardiola-warns-newcastle-threat-after?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Aug 2022 02:41:07 +0000 Premier League clubs have flexed their financial muscle once more in the race for the world’s best talent ahead of Friday’s kick-off to the 2022-23 season. Manchester City and Liverpool, two teams who have become perennial title contenders in recent years, have made big splashes in the transfer market, while Manchester United have again struggled to cause even a ripple. With the title seemingly destined for either Anfield or the Etihad Stadium, we take a look at five summer signings who could... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3187812/english-premier-league-haaland-jesus-five-signings-watch-new-season?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3187812/english-premier-league-haaland-jesus-five-signings-watch-new-season?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Aug 2022 05:29:11 +0000 Paris St Germain forward Kylian Mbappe is the most valuable soccer player in the world, according Swiss research group CIES Football Observatory, followed by Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr and new Manchester City recruit Erling Haaland. Mbappe, who turned down Real and signed a new three-year deal at PSG last month, topped the list with an estimated transfer value of 205.6 million euros (US$219.5 million), beating Vinicius (US$198.1 million) and Haaland (US$163.1 million). Mbappe’s PSG teammate... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3180803/kylian-mbappe-named-worlds-most-valuable-player-transfer-price-tag?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3180803/kylian-mbappe-named-worlds-most-valuable-player-transfer-price-tag?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Jun 2022 01:56:58 +0000 Germany’s top football league targets physical events back in Hong Kong and China “at the earliest possible window”, says Bundesliga Asia-Pacific head Kevin Sim. Whereas the region would normally be rife with marquee name visits, exhibition matches and fan activations, the coronavirus pandemic and restrictions have forced a digital-heavy manoeuvre that will hopefully balance out sooner rather than later. Bundesliga’s APAC head office was established in Singapore a decade ago this year – the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3174350/bundesligas-head-asia-pacific-kevin-sim-wants-unearth-hong-kong-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3174350/bundesligas-head-asia-pacific-kevin-sim-wants-unearth-hong-kong-and?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 Apr 2022 02:24:57 +0000 Tennis star Naomi Osaka has showed her support for the three England players to miss penalties in the Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy after they received vile racist abuse online. Osaka tweeted her support for Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka alongside teammate Raheem Sterling, who did not take a penalty in the shoot-out, on Twitter. All four of the players had been given golden crowns in the image, which also shows an England football crest, as the Tokyo 2020 gold medal hope... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3140936/euro-2020-naomi-osaka-shows-support-englands-marcus-rashford-jadon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3140936/euro-2020-naomi-osaka-shows-support-englands-marcus-rashford-jadon?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Jul 2021 09:05:41 +0000 All right, it’s that time again. Yes, after a slight pandemic-enforced delay, Euro 2020 is finally set to happen a year later. And that means international tournament fantasy football – the best kind of fantasy football – is back. There are of course millions of purists who love the longer game of a full league season when it comes to fantasy. But I’m sure there are many of you out there like me who get pretty fed up after a terrible start to each new season, and pack it all in after a few... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3135874/euro-2020-fantasy-football-tips-which-forwards-should-i-pick-safe?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3135874/euro-2020-fantasy-football-tips-which-forwards-should-i-pick-safe?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 03 Jun 2021 06:30:06 +0000 More power to Naomi Osaka for taking a stand, and quite an unpopular one. Mental health is a subject that has only become part of the mainstream conversation in recent years and multiple grand slam-winning multimillionaires are as human as any of us. To doubt someone for saying they have struggled or are struggling with mental health issues is not right. Just because they are in the public eye does not make it any better. Calling someone an “arrogant spoiled brat” and “petulant” for prioritising... https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3135598/french-open-naomi-osaka-called-their-bluff-who-calls-shots?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/3135598/french-open-naomi-osaka-called-their-bluff-who-calls-shots?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 01 Jun 2021 06:56:22 +0000 Manchester United boast fast, exciting and young forwards, yet don’t have an established centre forward, a top goalscorer. Edinson Cavani could have been that man this season, but he’s started only seven of United’s 28 league games and played only 919 minutes of league football. Harry Maguire has played 2,610. Cavani signed after the season had begun, quarantined, got fit, got injured, got suspended and got injured again. Twice. The Uruguayan could still be a world class player and has shown... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3128115/manchester-united-must-go-all-out-secure-most-important-piece-ole?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3128115/manchester-united-must-go-all-out-secure-most-important-piece-ole?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Apr 2021 08:28:48 +0000 Paul Pogba may win headlines for a moment of brilliance to send Manchester United through to the Uefa Europa League last eight after a 1-0 win in Milan, but United’s defence should not be forgotten in a stadium that has seen some of the world’s best defenders on show. Since conceding three times to Everton on February 6, United have conceded only three goals in 11 matches and kept eight clean sheets. Among those were away matches which United won against Manchester City, Real Sociedad and Milan.... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3126155/manchester-uniteds-defence-providing-solid-foundations-unbeaten-run?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3126155/manchester-uniteds-defence-providing-solid-foundations-unbeaten-run?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Mar 2021 08:00:05 +0000 Reality struck this week in European football. PSG’s 4-1 victory at the Camp Nou was a watershed, showing the Parisians have the quality to outclass Barcelona away, and the Catalans, so long a pre-eminent force with 13 consecutive Champions League quarter-finals, will not add another this year unless they can produce a comeback even more dramatic than 2017. PSG are better, Barça weaker and the image of Gerard Pique trying to cling onto Kylian Mbappe’s shirt was a microcosm of the shift. PSG have... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3122327/manchester-united-must-spend-wisely-rivals-city-and-psg-if-they-want?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3122327/manchester-united-must-spend-wisely-rivals-city-and-psg-if-they-want?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Feb 2021 06:30:07 +0000