Vinicius Junior wins the Men’s Player of the Year at the FIFA The Best Awards.
Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior was crowned FIFA Men’s Player of the Year at the FIFA Best awards in Doha, Qatar. The 24-year-old starred in Real Madrid’s 2024 campaign, scoring 32 goals, including one in their 2-0 Champions League final win over Borussia Dortmund, securing the club’s 15th European title under Carlo Ancelotti, who was named The Best FIFA Men’s Coach. Vinicius also netted a hat-trick in Madrid’s 4-1 Spanish Super Cup triumph over Barcelona in January. The award comes two months after Vinicius controversially lost the Ballon d’Or to Manchester City’s Rodri, sparking outrage in Madrid. The FIFA Team of the Year included five Real Madrid players—Vinicius, Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, Toni Kroos, and Jude Bellingham—alongside Premier League stars William Saliba, Rúben Dias, Rodri, and Erling Haaland. Emiliano Martínez reclaimed The Best FIFA Goalkeeper award, while Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho won the Puskas Award for his spectacular overhead kick.
Vinicius Jr wins FIFA The Best.
Well deserved, and the only rightful winner. pic.twitter.com/XWpTUpB5xO
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) December 17, 2024
Mykhailo Mudryk provisionally suspended after testing positive to drug test.
Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been provisionally suspended from football after testing positive for a banned substance. The Ukrainian international last played on November 28, scoring in a Europa Conference League win over Heidenheim, with his subsequent absence initially attributed to illness. However, it has now emerged that Mudryk tested positive for Meldonium, a drug used to treat heart conditions but also known to enhance endurance and recovery. Mudryk addressed the situation on social media, stating: “I am shocked to learn that a sample I provided contained a banned substance. I have never knowingly used such substances and am investigating how this happened. I remain hopeful to return soon.” FA rules allow for provisional suspension after a positive test while a player awaits the results of a ‘B’ sample. Mudryk is fully cooperating with authorities as the case is reviewed.
🚨 BREAKING: Mykhailo Mudryk has been provisionally suspended after testing positive to doping test.
Chelsea confirm that the FA recently contacted Mudryk concerning an adverse finding in a routine urine test.
“Both the Club and Mykhailo fully support the FA’s testing… pic.twitter.com/O5vC92w19D
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 17, 2024
Giannis helps the Milwaukee Bucks win the 2024 NBA Cup over the Thunder.
The Milwaukee Bucks claimed the 2024 NBA Cup on Tuesday, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 97-81 in Las Vegas. Giannis Antetokounmpo earned tournament MVP honors with a triple-double of 26 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Damian Lillard added 23 points. The Bucks nailed 17 three-pointers, breaking away with a 19-5 second-half run to secure the win. “Everybody did their job,” Lillard said, praising the team’s effort. Brook Lopez and Gary Trent Jr. contributed 13 points each as Milwaukee joined the Lakers as champions of the two-year-old event. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 21 points, but the Thunder shot just 34% and struggled offensively, scoring only 31 points in the second half. Despite the loss, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault emphasized growth opportunities. The victory doesn’t affect regular-season standings but underscores the Bucks’ resurgence after a slow start.
MILWAUKEE BUCKS: NBA CUP CHAMPS 🏆 pic.twitter.com/ovBzcCUKGN
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 18, 2024
Ademola Lookman named the 2024 CAF African Footballer of the Year.
Atalanta star, Ademola Lookman was crowned CAF African Footballer of the Year on Monday at a ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco, following a remarkable year for his club and Nigeria. The 27-year-old forward netted a hat trick in the Europa League final, securing Atalanta’s first European trophy and only their second major title in 117 years. Lookman also shone on the international stage, scoring three goals as Nigeria reached the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations final, where they narrowly lost to the Ivory Coast. He succeeds compatriot Victor Osimhen as the award’s recipient, a prestigious honor first established in 1992. Additionally, Lookman was the only African nominated for this year’s Ballon d’Or, finishing 14th. He continues to excel this season, with eight Serie A goals helping Atalanta climb to the top of the league table.
🚨 Ademola Lookman is the African Ballon d’Or 2024! 🌍🇳🇬
Lookman wins ahead of finalists Adingra, Guirassy, Hakimi, Ronwen Williams 🏆✨ pic.twitter.com/O0frtMt3ZC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 16, 2024
Arsenal advances into the Carabao Cup semis, thanks to Gabriel Jesus’ hattrick.
Gabriel Jesus delivered a sensational second-half hat-trick to secure Arsenal a crucial 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace, propelling them into the Carabao Cup semi-finals on Wednesday night. The Brazilian, who had just one goal this season before the match, showcased clinical finishing to revive the Gunners after two disappointing Premier League draws. Arsenal endured a nightmare start at the Emirates when Jean-Philippe Mateta capitalized on Jakub Kiwior’s error to put Palace ahead in the fourth minute. Struggling for momentum, the hosts came alive after halftime with the introduction of captain Martin Ødegaard. The Norwegian’s brilliant pass set up Jesus for the equalizer, before Bukayo Saka assisted his second. Ødegaard then sent Jesus clear for his emphatic third. Eddie Nketiah pulled one back for Palace with a late header, but Arsenal held on to secure their spot in the semi-finals.
FT: Arsenal 3-2 Crystal Palace.
ARSENAL HAVE REACHED THE SEMI FINAL OF THE CARABAO CUP THANKS TO GABRIEL JESUS! 🇧🇷🌟 pic.twitter.com/nZpLS2lggO
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) December 18, 2024