Andrés Iniesta set to retire from professional football at age 40.
Barcelona and Spain legend, Andrés Iniesta is reportedly set to retire from professional football at the age of 40. As per Relevo, the announcement will be made on October 8, a date reflecting his iconic shirt number. Currently playing in the UAE for Emirates Club, Iniesta previously spent five years in Japan with Vissel Kobe after leaving Barcelona in 2018. A product of Barça’s famed La Masia academy, Iniesta played 674 matches for the Blaugrana, winning nine La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies. On the international stage, Iniesta earned 131 caps for Spain, playing a pivotal role in their victories at two European Championships and the 2010 World Cup, where his extra-time goal secured the win in the final against the Netherlands. Post-retirement, reports suggest Iniesta will be looking to transition into a coaching role.
🚨🇪🇸 Andrés Iniesta has decided to retire from professional football.
It will be announced on October 8, his number since day one — as @relevo reported.
Legend of the game. Don Andrés. ❤️🩹🪄 pic.twitter.com/02loVWTQ19
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 1, 2024
Dikembe Mutombo dies at age 58 after his battle with brain cancer.
Basketball Hall of Famer and one of the NBA’s greatest defensive players, Dikembe Mutombo, passed away at 58 due to brain cancer, the NBA announced. His battle with the illness was first made public in October 2022 when he began treatment. Known for his signature finger wag after blocking shots, towering 7-foot-2 frame, deep voice, and infectious smile, Mutombo was admired by players of all generations, including Joel Embiid, who looked up to him as an inspiration. Mutombo played 18 seasons in the NBA for teams like Denver, Atlanta, Houston, and Philadelphia, earning eight All-Star selections and three All-NBA honors. He famously led eighth-seeded Denver to an upset over top-seeded Seattle in the 1994 playoffs, a first in NBA history. Beyond basketball, Mutombo was known for his humanitarian efforts in Central Africa, especially in his native Democratic Republic of Congo.
Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo has passed away at 58 years old due to brain cancer. pic.twitter.com/taDWSFeCQE
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 30, 2024
Nils Schmadtke replaces Pilawa as Bayern’s new head of scouting.
FC Bayern Munich have appointed Nils Schmadtke as their new head of scouting, replacing Markus Pilawa with immediate effect. The club made the announcement on Tuesday afternoon. Schmadtke, 35, is the son of former Wolfsburg manager Jörg Schmadtke and most recently served as Borussia Mönchengladbach’s sporting director for the 2023/24 season. Before that, he was head of scouting at VfL Wolfsburg and also worked as a scout for both Gladbach and FC Köln. Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund expressed excitement about Schmadtke’s appointment, highlighting his extensive experience and expertise in scouting. “Nils will play an important role in identifying potential players for Bayern early on,” Freund said. Schmadtke will also be responsible for close collaboration with the FC Bayern Campus. Bayern also thanked Markus Pilawa for his two years of service and wished him well in future endeavors.
🔴🤝🏻 FC Bayern have appointed Nils Schmadtke as new head of scouting with immediate effect.
Markus Pilawa leaves the club, decision made. pic.twitter.com/TO85H3CGYf
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 1, 2024
Simone Inzaghi emerges as a serious candidate to replace ten Hag at Man United.
According to reports from the United Kingdom, Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi is a leading candidate to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United. Ten Hag is under increasing pressure with the Red Devils currently sitting in 13th place in the Premier League following a 0-3 loss to Tottenham Hotspur. The Daily Star claims the Manchester United hierarchy is seriously considering sacking the Dutchman if he fails to secure positive results in their upcoming Europa League match against Porto and a league game against Aston Villa. Inzaghi, who has been Inter’s manager since 2021, is seen as a strong contender for the role. The 48-year-old Italian has won six trophies with Inter, including last season’s Scudetto. While he is contracted with Inter until 2026, many United fans are reportedly open to the idea of him taking over.
🚨🚨| JUST IN: Simone Inzaghi has emerged as a SERIOUS contender to become the next Manchester United boss if Erik ten Hag is sacked.
[@CrossyDailyStar] pic.twitter.com/Rly1lwRimu
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) September 30, 2024
Mbappé makes a surprise recovery ahead of Madrid’s CL clash against Lille.
Real Madrid star, Kylian Mbappé has been named in the squad for their Champions League clash against Lille on Wednesday after recovering from a thigh injury. Mbappé was expected to be sidelined until after the international break but has made a quicker-than-anticipated recovery. He picked up the injury last Tuesday during Real Madrid’s La Liga win over Alaves and missed Sunday’s 1-1 derby draw against Atletico Madrid. Coach Carlo Ancelotti included the French forward in the squad for the trip to face Ligue 1 side Lille, who will be without Mbappé’s younger brother Ethan, due to injury. With an impressive record of 11 goals and 7 assists in 14 games against Lille, Mbappé will be eager to return to action and add to his tally.
⚪️🛩️ Kylian Mbappé travels with Real Madrid squad for Lille game as he’s fully recovered after his injury. pic.twitter.com/6t8puGzj0m
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 1, 2024