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Latest bits in football and basketball news

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By Timothy Akintola

Read stories on Messi, Kawhi Leonard, Enrique, Jack Wilshere and Coquelin.

Messi given the Greatest Football Player of All Time award by Marca.

Unarguably one of the greatest football players of all time, Lionel Messi has added another accolade to his illustrious career as Spanish publication Marca named him the greatest footballer of all time, ahead of longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo. Both Messi and Ronaldo are considered two of the best players in football history, dominating the sport for two decades. Ronaldo has scored a record 906 goals, 60 more than Messi, but the Argentine star leads in titles, having won 46 trophies—11 more than Ronaldo, whose last major title came three years ago with Juventus. Marca’s ranking placed Messi at the top due to his impressive title haul, with Ronaldo in second place. The list also honored late football legends, placing Pelé in third, followed by Alfredo Di Stéfano, Diego Maradona, and Johan Cruyff in the top six.

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Kawhi set to be sidelined indefinitely due to inflammation of his right knee.

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard will be sidelined for an indefinite period at the start of the NBA season due to ongoing inflammation in his right knee, according to ESPN. Leonard has not participated in preseason games or practices with contact. ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk reported that Leonard is doubtful for the Clippers’ season opener on October 23 against the Phoenix Suns, with the team prioritizing his long-term health for the 2024-25 season. Leonard, who missed the 2023-24 postseason finale and the 2024 Paris Olympics, averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists last season before being sidelined. Injuries have limited Leonard in three consecutive postseasons, including an ACL tear in 2021 and a meniscus tear in 2023. With Paul George’s offseason departure, Leonard’s presence is crucial for the Clippers, who will rely on James Harden to lead the team as Leonard works toward recovery.


Luis Enrique to sign a 3-year contract extension with Paris Saint-Germain.

Former Barcelona and Spain coach Luis Enrique returned to club management with Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, and has enjoyed a promising start, though he is yet to achieve the club’s long-sought goal of winning the Champions League. Despite this, PSG is pleased with his performance and has been working on a contract extension. Enrique’s current deal expires next summer, but according to Abdellah Boulma (via Relevo), he is set to sign an extension until 2027. The agreement is reportedly finalized, with only the official announcement pending. Enrique aims to replicate the success he achieved at Barcelona, but doing so without star player Kylian Mbappé could make this season’s Champions League challenge more difficult. However, Enrique is expected to give a strong push to achieve PSG’s ambitions.

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Jack Wilshere on the verge of becoming the new Norwich City coach.

Former England midfielder Jack Wilshere is set to join Norwich City as a first-team coach, sources have told ESPN. The Championship club is in advanced talks with Arsenal, where Wilshere currently manages the U18 team. He is expected to replace Narcis Pèlach, who recently left Norwich to join Stoke City. Wilshere is set to lead Arsenal’s U18s against Aston Villa on Saturday before finalizing his move. Wilshere retired in July 2022, ending a playing career that saw him make 197 appearances for Arsenal, as well as playing for West Ham, Bolton, Bournemouth, and AGF Aarhus in Denmark. He also earned 34 caps for England. After retiring, Wilshere joined Arsenal’s academy, where he developed a strong working relationship with Ben Knapper, Arsenal’s former loans manager, who has since joined Norwich.


Francis Coquelin reportedly on trial at Championship side, Leeds United.

Former Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin has been invited to train with Leeds United ahead of a potential free transfer, according to The Sun. Coquelin, 33, has been without a club since his release by Villarreal, where he made over 100 appearances and won the Europa League. Leeds, aiming for Championship promotion, is interested in signing the Frenchman on a short-term contract. Manager Daniel Farke is keen to bolster his midfield options after long-term injuries to Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev. Coquelin is reportedly open to the proposition and could provide an immediate solution. Coquelin, who joined Arsenal as a youngster, made 160 appearances and won two FA Cups under Arsène Wenger. Despite not securing a first-choice role, he was praised for his defensive abilities and later found success in Spain with Valencia and Villarreal.

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