Vinicius Junior wins the Best Men’s Player at the Globe Soccer Awards.
Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr claimed the Best Men’s Player and Best Forward honors at the 15th Globe Soccer Dubai Awards on Friday, following a stellar 2023/2024 season. The awards, presented by Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum at a grand ceremony at Atlantis, The Palm, celebrate excellence in global football. Vinicius had a career-best season, scoring 24 goals and providing nine assists in 39 matches. He led Real Madrid to a league title and their 15th Champions League trophy, becoming the youngest player (23 years, 325 days) to score in multiple Champions League finals, breaking Lionel Messi’s record. Other notable winners included Jude Bellingham, named Best Midfielder, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who was awarded Best Middle Eastern Player. The event was part of the 19th Dubai International Sports Conference.
🏆✨ OFFICIAL: Best Player at Globe Soccer Award, Vinicius Jr. pic.twitter.com/fWdNxB4EKL
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 27, 2024
Dani Olmo’s Barcelona precautionary registration appeal rejected.
Barcelona’s attempt to register Dani Olmo for the second half of the season has been dealt a significant blow after a judge rejected their plea. Olmo, who joined from RB Leipzig in August for £51.5 million (€62m/$64.7m), was initially registered with La Liga only until the end of 2024 due to Barca’s financial issues. His registration was enabled by Andreas Christensen’s long-term injury, but with the defender nearing a return, Olmo’s status is now in jeopardy. Judge, Ignacio Fernandez de Senespleda of Barcelona’s Commercial Court rejected the club’s bid, prompting Barcelona to file a new Lawsuit against La Liga on December 30. Barca argues the registration rules are invalid, claiming the Delegate Commission lacks authority. If unresolved by December 31, Olmo, who has made 15 appearances, could leave for free in January. Time is running out for Barcelona.
🚨🚫 The commercial court n10 of Barcelona has rejected Barça's appeal for the registration of Dani Olmo.
Barça have time until 31st December to register Olmo and they will present a new lawsuit against La Liga in the Lower Court on 30th December, reports @mundodeportivo. pic.twitter.com/UJoSp6Hjrm
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 27, 2024
Mike Brown fired amid the Sacramento Kings’ struggles this season.
The Sacramento Kings have fired head coach Mike Brown midway through his third season, following a five-game home losing streak. General Manager Monte McNair described the decision as “difficult” but necessary. Assistant coach Doug Christie, a former Kings player, will step in as interim head coach, debuting Saturday against the Lakers in Los Angeles. The Kings, now 13-18 and sitting 12th in the Western Conference, are three games out of a play-in spot. Brown’s tenure ended after a dramatic 114-113 loss to Detroit, where Sacramento blew a 10-point lead in the final three minutes. Brown, the 2022-23 NBA Coach of the Year, led the Kings to the playoffs last season, snapping a 16-year Drought and earning a No. 1 seed before falling to Golden State in the first round. Hopes of avoiding the play-in this season were bolstered by signing DeMar DeRozan but remain unfulfilled.
The Kings reportedly fired Mike Brown right before the team’s flight to LA, shortly after he led practice and spoke to the media, per @MattGeorgeSAC 😬 pic.twitter.com/65ECluagEz
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 27, 2024
Havertz’s first half goal gives Arsenal a crucial win over Ipswich Town.
Arsenal moved up to second in the Premier League with a narrow 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town on Friday, closing the gap to leaders Liverpool to six points. Despite dominating possession, the Gunners struggled to break through Ipswich’s resilient defense early on. The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Kai Havertz volleyed home from close range. Clear chances remained scarce, with Gabriel heading off target after halftime. As the match progressed, Arsenal created more opportunities, with Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice both coming close to adding a second goal. Late efforts from substitute Mikel Merino and Ødegaard were also denied, but Arsenal’s defense held firm to secure their 11th consecutive unbeaten game. Ipswich, meanwhile, failed to register a single shot on target, marking their fifth defeat in six matches and leaving them struggling for form.
HT: Arsenal 1-0 Ipswich Town. pic.twitter.com/JwqBTRN8sC
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) December 27, 2024
Real Madrid reportedly planning to change the name of their stadium.
According to new reports, Real Madrid are reportedly planning to rename their iconic stadium following a five-year, £860 million renovation. The revamped Santiago Bernabéu now boasts a capacity of 85,000, a 360-degree screen, and a retractable roof as part of the club’s modernization efforts. However, Spanish outlet *Marca* claims the stadium’s name will be shortened to “The Bernabéu,” dropping “Santiago.” This potential change has surprised fans, as the stadium has carried its full name since 1955, in honor of Santiago Bernabéu, a former player, manager, and president who served the club for over three decades. While no official confirmation has been made, speculation suggests the adjustment may be driven by commercial considerations. The move marks a significant shift for the 15-time European champions, whose historic stadium has been synonymous with their identity for nearly seven decades.
🚨 BREAKING: Real Madrid have decided to change the name of their stadium:
‘Santiago’ will be removed, it will be called ‘The Bernabéu’. @marca pic.twitter.com/SB7seTSBCd
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) December 26, 2024