Nagelsmann extends his contract with the Germany national team until Euro 2028.
Germany’s head coach, Julian Nagelsmann has extended his contract with the national team until the 2028 European Championship, the German Football Association (DFB) announced on Friday. Nagelsmann, who became Germany’s second-youngest coach at 36 when he took charge in September 2023, initially signed a deal running through the 2026 World Cup in North America. Under his leadership, the German team reached the Euro 2024 quarterfinals on home soil. Reflecting on his extended tenure, the former Bayern Munich manager expressed excitement about continuing his journey with the national team. “When I joined the DFB in 2023, I never imagined coaching beyond the home Euros,” Nagelsmann said. “The positive feedback we receive daily shows we’re on the right path. We aim to win titles together.” The extension highlights the DFB’s confidence in Nagelsmann to lead the team to future successes.
🚨🇩🇪 Julian Nagelsmann has signed new contract with German national team until Euro 2028, agreement reached. pic.twitter.com/HdCJIyoXI8
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 24, 2025
Novak Djokovic retires from Australian Open semis due to a left leg injury.
Serbian tennis player, Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam title ended unexpectedly at the Australian Open after he retired from his semifinal match against world No. 2 Alexander Zverev due to a left leg injury. The two players were evenly matched throughout the first set, which Zverev ultimately won 7-6 (5) after a grueling tie-break lasting over an hour. Djokovic, visibly struggling with his movement, decided to retire following the set, leaving the crowd at Rod Laver Arena stunned. Some spectators booed as Djokovic waved goodbye, while Zverev sat in disbelief. Djokovic, who advanced to the semifinal after a taxing four-set match against Carlos Alcaraz, admitted the injury worsened as the match progressed. The Serbian, bidding to surpass Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam titles, did not confirm if he would return next year. Zverev now advances to his first Australian Open final, facing either Ben Shelton or Jannik Sinner.
https://twitter.com/espn/status/188265979708380388
Bruno Fernandes’ late winner seals a crucial win for Man United against Rangers.
Manchester United moved closer to the Europa League knockout stage with a dramatic 2-1 win over Rangers. Despite dominating early on, United had a goal from Matthijs de Ligt disallowed due to a foul by Leny Yoro. Rangers threatened through Hamza Igamane, whose long-range shot was superbly saved by Altay Bayındır. The deadlock was broken early in the second half when Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland misjudged Christian Eriksen’s corner, scoring an own goal. Rangers equalized late through Cyril Dessers, but Bruno Fernandes sealed the win in stoppage time. The victory lifts United to fourth in the table with 15 points, securing a strong position for automatic qualification to the round of 16. “We started well but lost control due to some bad decisions. The lads regrouped and delivered,” said manager Ruben Amorim after United’s fourth consecutive Europa League win.
2-1 Manchester United. pic.twitter.com/XXJMbhHhdv
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) January 23, 2025
Belgium appoints Rudi Garcia as the new head coach following Tedesco’s exit.
Rudi Garcia has been named Belgium’s new head coach, the country’s football federation confirmed on Friday. The 60-year-old, who has managed top European clubs like Napoli, Marseille, and Roma, will take charge of a national team for the first time. Garcia replaces Domenico Tedesco, who was dismissed last week after failing to rejuvenate the team during his brief tenure. Tedesco, hired in February 2023 to revive Belgian football following Roberto Martínez’s disappointing World Cup exit, struggled to deliver. Belgium underperformed at the 2024 European Championship, exiting in the round-of-16 to France, and faced further setbacks in the Nations League. Garcia’s most notable success came at Lille, where he won the Ligue 1 title and Manager of the Year in 2011. His last stint with Napoli ended in 2023 after 16 matches, with the team winning half of them under his leadership.
🚨🇧🇪 Rudi Garcia signs in as new Belgium national team head coach, agreement done.
Contracts have been signed last night. pic.twitter.com/B3Dz5Y0iTe
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 24, 2025
Ronald Araújo pens a new six-year contract with Barcelona amid transfer rumours.
Barcelona have announced that Ronald Araújo has signed a new contract, keeping him at the club until 2031. Juventus had shown interest in the Uruguay center-back during the January transfer window, even tabling a bid to lure him away. However, Araújo has opted to commit his future to the Catalan side for at least six more years. Limited to just one La Liga appearance this season due to a hamstring injury, Araújo remains a vital part of Barcelona’s defense, having made 154 appearances since joining from Uruguayan club Boston River in 2017. During his time at the club, he has won both La Liga and the Copa del Rey. Although specific contract details weren’t disclosed, reports suggest Araújo will receive a pay raise, and his release clause has been lowered. The defender has also earned 20 caps for Uruguay.
🔵🔴🤝🏻 Official, confirmed. Ronald Araujo has agreed on new contract at Barcelona valid until June 2031.
Documents signed and all confirmed on club side too. pic.twitter.com/cWI7gvAaO8
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 23, 2025