أوضح خافيير تيباس، رئيس رابطة الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم، وجهة نظره في سبب عدم فوز نجم برشلونة لامين يامال بجائزة الكرة الذهبية.
يامال، البالغ من العمر ثمانية عشر عامًا، حلّ ثانيًا في تصويت الكرة الذهبية، خلف الفرنسي عثمان ديمبلي.
فاز عثمان ديمبيلي، مهاجم باريس سان جيرمان، بالكرة الذهبية بعد أن ساهم في فوز فريقه بالثلاثية الموسم الماضي، بما في ذلك لقب دوري أبطال أوروبا لأول مرة في تاريخ النادي.
ويامال توج بجائزة كوبا التي تمنح لأفضل لاعب شاب، وقد حققها للعام الثاني على التوالي، وهو أول لاعب يفوز بها مرتين متتاليتين.
وقال تيباس، وفقًا لما نقلته صحيفة “ماركا” الإسبانية: “لو كان عمر يامال يزيد عن 23 عامًا، لكان فاز بها أيضًا، أنا متأكد، ولكن بما أنه كان أصغر سنًا، فقد مُنح الجائزة الأخرى (كوبا)”.
وأضاف تيباس: “إذا استمر على مستواه الحالي، وهو أمر مرجح، أعتقد أنه سيفوز بـ الكرة الذهبية بلا شك”.
ولم يشارك يامال في آخر ثلاث مباريات لبرشلونة بسبب إصابة تعرض لها أثناء مشاركته مع منتخب بلاده إسبانيا في وقت سابق من هذا الشهر.
Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers have ventured down a relatively similar path this season and could now fight it out to sign an Ivory Coast international this summer, per a report.
Everton and Wolves both looking forward with optimism
Not so long ago, Everton and Wolves looked certain to be involved in a prolonged relegation dogfight after their respective poor starts to the Premier League campaign.
Gary O’Neil and Sean Dyche were both relieved of their duties, and it is fair to say their replacements have made a world of difference at both Molineux and Goodison Park as the two clubs look forward to next season in the top-flight.
Everton manager David Moyes
David Moyes has added a tactical flexibility and change of style at Everton, while Vitor Pereira is becoming a heroic figure in the West Midlands due to his infectious desire to improve their fortunes.
For now, the rest of the campaign takes priority for both sides. However, history will reflect fondly on the defining moment either hierarchy decided a change in the dugout was necessary to preserve their league status.
Loyalty goes a long way in football, and it could always be Moyes or Pereira on the chopping block in months to come, but you would struggle to find too many people harbouring scathing criticisms of either manager.
David Moyes’ record since arriving at Everton
Wins
5
Draws
6
Losses
4
Vitor Pereira’s record since arriving at Wolves
Wins
10
Draws
2
Losses
7
Exciting times could be on the horizon for Everton and Wolves, with the former set to enter a new era at Bramley Moore Dock after so much anticipation over their stadium move.
Nevertheless, the pair mentioned may now lock horns in the pursuit of a talented defender to bolster their ranks ahead of the new season.
Everton and Wolves go head to head for Auxerre defender Clement Akpa
According to Foot Mercato, Everton and Wolves are fighting it out to sign Auxerre defender Clement Akpa and it has been made clear that he is almost certain to leave the Ligue 1 outfit this summer. Eintracht Frankfurt, Hoffenheim and Stuttgart are also keen on the 23-year-old, who has registered one assist in 27 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25.
Their next Fellaini: Moyes driving Everton deal for £90k-p/w "machine"
Everton are expected to strengthen in the transfer market this summer.
ByAngus Sinclair Apr 19, 2025
No talks have taken place as of yet, but there is every chance he will be available for a modest fee due to Auxerre’s need to boost their financial situation. Intriguingly, he could become part of a current of French top-flight defenders set for moves to either England or Germany, which also includes the likes of Everton target Facundo Medina.
Becoming an imposing presence for Auxerre, Akpa has won 114 duels this season. Primarily a centre-back, he has also been used in a berth on the left-hand side of their defence, earning 2 caps for Ivory Coast this year.
Versatility is key for any club with aspirations of staying in the Premier League, so it will be intriguing to see the battle commence between Everton and Wolves to land the France-born defender.
Harry Kane insists his full focus is on winning the Club World Cup and that he is not thinking about the Ballon d'Or.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Kane dismisses Ballon d'Or talk
Focusing on Club World Cup
Wants more silverware
Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱
WHAT HAPPENED?
Kane could be in the running for the individual award after spearheading Bayern's Bundesliga title victory and impressing in the USA would push his case forward further. However the England skipper is adamant it is not on his mind.
Advertisement
Getty Images Sport
WHAT KANE SAID
Kane said: "Every individual award is the result of what you achieve as a team. Of course, I'm more focused on helping my team, whether with goals, assists, or even without the ball. When you receive an individual award, it's a bonus for what you've achieved during the season. If we win the Club World Cup after the Bundesliga, it would mean we're one of the best teams in Europe and the world. We'll see if that results in a personal award for me, but that's not on my mind right now."
Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZNStream now
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Kane finished 10th in the 2024 Ballon d'Or voting, a long way behind runaway top three Rodri, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham. He could benefit from winning his first piece of silverware at club level this year.
Getty Images Sport
WHAT NEXT FOR KANE?
Kane will be part of the Bayern side that takes on Auckland City, Boca Juniors and Benfica in the group stage of the Club World Cup.
Michael Clarke backs Marnus Labuschagne to come good but has spotted a technical issue
Andrew McGlashan31-Jan-20242:35
Should we be worried about Marnus’ form?
Aaron Finch believes that Australia’s bowling attack has helped paper over some cracks in the batting line-up this season after five Tests that brought just two individual centuries.Australia fell to an eight-run loss against West Indies at the Gabba on Sunday, one of the biggest upsets in Test history, after a collapse of 8 for 94 in a chase of 216. In the first innings they had also been 54 for 5 before Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey and Pat Cummins led a recovery.Related
Morris suffers side strain, in doubt for New Zealand Tests
No runs for fun: how bowlers are now holding sway in Australia
Ball-by-ball: Shamar Joseph rips through Australia at the Gabba
Takeaways: Batting under scrutiny, Green's evolution and masterful bowling quartet
While the home side had won the previous four Tests of the season, their batting had been under significant pressure since the opening game against Pakistan in Perth where they made 487. Only two individual centuries were scored – by David Warner and Travis Head – although Mitchell Marsh twice fell in the 90s and Steven Smith carried his bat for 91 in Brisbane.Marnus Labuschagne made 18 runs in three completed innings against West Indies, and has averaged 28.25 for the season, while Head made a king pair at the Gabba. Aside from his matchwinning 119 in Adelaide, Head’s next-highest score for the five Tests was 40.”Think the bowlers have been the ones who have got them out of jail a few times, but also Usman Khawaja…and Mitch Marsh is also pulling his weight in that regard. They’re not great numbers for a middle order that I think have got some much talent.” Finch told ESPN’s show “The hundreds column is a concern for me. Guys are getting starts, and that’s reflected in the numbers, it’s not like they’re averaging six.”If you have a bad series in two Tests like Marnus [Labuschagne] that’s okay, everyone will have that at some point, but there’s not enough hundreds. There’s a few cracks that have been papered over from Usman Khawaja and the bowlers who have done a brilliant job for a long time.”On Labuschagne, specifically, there remains confidence that he will work through his slump ahead of the New Zealand Test series which starts in late February. Michael Clarke said that it was a phase almost every player will endure at some point, but had spotted a small technical challenge Labuschagne was going through.”The only thing I can see technically is that he just looks to be squaring up a little bit with his right shoulder,” Clarke said. “So mainly the balls that are that back-of-a-length, instead of staying really side on like he does and back-foot defends the ball to cover or to point, or even drops it to his feet, he’s just squaring up a little bit. And that’s why he’s playing a little in front of himself, edging it to a second, third [slip], gully area.”Again, he’s such a good player, he’ll go away now, he’ll work on that before New Zealand. You can’t write Marnus off. He’s batting at No. 3 which is one of the toughest positions in Test cricket. Don’t be surprised if he comes out against New Zealand and he’s the leading run-scorer. About every top-class batsman goes through a stage like this.”1:34
Finch: They’re not great numbers for a middle order
Finch added: “Think that’s been highlighted in his strike-rate as well,” he said. “You get into a defensive frame of mind where you think about survival first and I’ll cash in later on. But the wicket’s they’ve been playing on, you don’t get that opportunity to cash in – it’ not like they flatten out and become absolute roads and you can bat for two days, we just don’t see that anymore.”Meanwhile, Callum Ferguson warned that the task for the top order is unlikely to get any easier when they head to New Zealand for two matches which shape as key in the current World Test Championship cycle.”Don’t think Marnus is the only one getting caught out squaring up and that can be a bit of a result of batting on some wickets that are bowler-friendly,” Ferguson said. “You just get a little bit out of shape, so they’re going to have to do some hard work before they get over to New Zealand to just get a bit more side on, a few of them, and start playing a touch later. Because over in New Zealand they’ll be seaming, swinging conditions and New Zealand are very good at extracting the most out of those pitches.”
Real Madrid are plotting a move for Ibrahima Konate when his Liverpool contract expires next year, having already snared Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Real Madrid eye Konate free transfer Los Blancos picked up Alexander-Arnold Frenchman's deal runs out next year Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Real Madrid are putting in the groundwork to sign Liverpool defender Konate next year, according to . Los Blancos have already poached Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer and want to secure a similar deal for the Frenchman, whose contract at Anfield runs out next year.
AdvertisementAFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Madrid's interest in Konate has already been established, with reports of their fondness for the 26-year-old emerging last month. claim officials at Liverpool fear a repeat of the Alexander-Arnold situation, who allowed his deal to run out before moving to the Bernabeu for free. Talks between the Reds and Konate regarding an extension have been ongoing, but an agreement has not yet been reached.
DID YOU KNOW?
Madrid have already taken steps to address their central defence issues, with Dean Huijsen recently arriving from Bournemouth. The likes of Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao and David Alaba have all been ruled out of action due to injuries in the past few years and younger options are clearly being targeted by club president Florentino Perez.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID AND LIVERPOOL?
While Liverpool aren't involved in this month's Club World Cup, Madrid are preparing for their first outing, which comes against Al-Hilal on Wednesday night at the Hard Rock Stadium.
Let us take you back to 2007. Gareth Bale has learned his trade at Southampton and is still effectively a boy. He’s only 17. But here he is, signing for Tottenham Hotspur.
A £10m move at the time didn’t exactly blow Spurs fans away but it was a deal that would change the modern landscape of this football club.
It took a while for that to occur, however. Bale didn’t win any of his first 24 games in Spurs colours. He was a jinx, perhaps even a curse.
However, he managed to turn his career around after a rocky start and is now perhaps only second to Harry Kane in terms of modern icons at White Hart Lane.
When Real Madrid came calling in 2013, lodging an £85m bid, Spurs banked a ridiculous amount of profit but said farewell to one of their greats.
Taking into account the Welshman’s second stint in north London – a loan spell – he featured across 237 games, bagging 71 goals and posting 53 assists.
So, where’s the next Bale coming from? Well, the Lilywhites have a number of top young stars, notably Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Mikey Moore.
Moore is perhaps one of the most exciting.
Mikey Moore's debut campaign in the Spurs first-team
Last summer marked Moore’s emergence in the Spurs first-team. Ange Postecoglou loves him and couldn’t wait to unleash the teenager in the senior game.
He did so for the first time against Manchester City, bringing the 17-year-old from the bench in the last two games of the Premier League campaign.
Moore played a more prominent role during the club’s pre-season preparations, dazzling defenders by scoring against both Hearts and Vissel Kobe while also posting an assist against QPR. It was some start to life as a first-team player.
While the teenager has not been a regular contributor in terms of goals and assists since, failing to find the net in the Premier League but scoring twice in all competitions, he’s still looked incredibly promising.
Injury and illness have stunted Moore’s development across the new year but he’s left not just a lasting impression on fans but also his teammates.
Speaking after their 1-0 win over AZ Alkmaar in November, James Maddison remarked: “From minute 45 to 65 I thought we had Neymar on the left wing. He was brilliant. Just demanding the ball and fearless.”
Still only 17 years of age, the future is certainly bright for the England youth international, named among GOAL.com’s top 50 wonderkids around the globe.
GOAL.com's 10 best wonderkids in world football.
Still, one of the players on that list could be an even bigger talent.
Spurs have a bigger talent than Mikey Moore
Featuring on GOAL’s list were five Spurs players, chief among them Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall. Those two are certainly further ahead in their development so it makes sense for them to be included higher up.
However, we want to talk about Luka Vuskovic, the young defender who’s yet to be seen in Spurs colours.
Yang Min-hyeok
#43
Luka Vuskovic
#26
Mikey Moore
#22
Lucas Bergvall
#17
Archie Gray
#13
It was back in September 2023 that Spurs first announced they had agreed a deal to bring a then 16-year-old Vuskovic to the club from Croatian side Hajduk Split.
He won’t officially transfer clubs until the summer of 2025 so we are still waiting for his Spurs debut, but now aged 18, he’s showcasing the immense potential many expect from him.
A centre-back by trade, the teenager is on loan at KVC Westerlo in Belgium’s first tier where he’s not just demonstrated himself to be a capable defender but he also has a habit of finding the back of the net, scoring seven times in 28 appearances.
So, why is there such hype? Well, standing at 6 foot 5, he’s been described as a “freak athlete” by data analyst Ben Mattinson and an “insane talent” by scout Jacek Kulig.
He’s got the imposing frame to terrify defenders, the goalscoring ability to impact things at the opposite end of the pitch and he’s dominating even when he’s not finding the net.
Indeed, according to Sofascore, he’s achieved the highest match rating in a single game among defenders in Europe’s ‘top ten leagues’ in a game where they didn’t find the net or assist a goal.
That was during a 0-0 draw with OH Leuven where the young centre-back completed 91% of his passes, won ten of his 12 aerial duels, completed a key pass and successfully made all seven of his long balls.
This is an elite talent in the making, a comfortable passer, a menacing header of the ball and a goalscorer. What more could you want?
Those in his homeland are already getting excited and who can blame them? Croatian media have been quick to celebrate his performances, crowning Vuskovic as “a talent who is born once in 100 years”.
Perhaps, like Bale, he is blessed with the potential to play for a club like Madrid. Spurs will hope they get a few years of service out of him before anything like that happens.
Ange has found a "mind-blowing" star at Spurs who could be the next Defoe
The talented forward could replicate the Spurs icon.
After taking one step into the Champions League quarter-finals, Aston Villa now reportedly want to get another one over on Europe’s top sides in the race to sign a defensive target.
Aston Villa transfer news
It wasn’t so long ago that goal-line technology was malfunctioning against Sheffield United on Aston Villa’s way to Premier League survival. Now, almost five years on, they’re no longer just surviving in England’s top flight, they’re thriving. Unai Emery has dragged the Midlands club away from the bottom half and into the Champions League, where they have taken Europe by storm.
Having defeated Club Brugge 3-1 to take a comfortable lead into the second leg of their last 16 tie, the Villans’ Champions League dream undoubtedly remains a reality with their sights now potentially set on the last eight.
Away from their European ventures, however, Emery’s squad still needs plenty of work in pursuit of a consistent place inside the Premier League’s top four. Currently sat 10th and five points adrift of the Champions League places, the Villans have already set their sights on one particular reinforcement.
According to Caught Offside, Aston Villa have now joined the race to sign Konstantinos Koulierakis ahead of both Liverpool and Real Madrid in a deal worth up to €50m (£42m).
Aston Villa handed chance to sign "super" £50m+ star considering PL move
He’s outscored Watkins this season…
ByTom Cunningham Mar 5, 2025
The young Wolfsburg centre-back has enjoyed an impressive campaign and could yet emerge to become Emery’s eventual replacement for 31-year-old Tyrone Mings.
With plenty of competition for his signature, European football could prove to be key – making Aston Villa’s current position all the more frustrating as the Premier League season enters its final stretch.
"Complete" Koulierakis is a rising star
At just 21 years old, Koulierakis is undoubtedly one to watch. Helping Wolfsburg into the top seven of the Bundesliga this season – just four points adrift of the top four – it’s no surprise that the defender has reportedly attracted the interest of several top sides.
Konstantinos Koulierakis warms up for Wolfsburg.
The only question that could remain this summer is just where Koulierakis will end up and whether it will be those in the Midlands welcoming a new star with open arms. Emery could certainly use with the depth and, as football talent scout Jacek Kulig described the Wolfsburg star, a “complete” defender in Koulierakis.
Aston Villa’s squad depth could prove to be the main factor behind their top four failure this season, but arrivals such as Koulierakis would quickly put an end to those struggles for years to come.
Gus Poyet insists Chelsea have "no more excuses" as they aim to qualify for the Champions League and win the Conference League.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Blues aiming to finish in top five
Must win final two games
Poyet urges Maresca's side to get over line
Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱
WHAT HAPPENED?
Chelsea face Manchester United on Friday evening and are acutely aware that they must win their final two games of the season if they are to guarantee qualification for the Champions League. They currently sit fifth, the final qualification spot this season, but are level on points with Aston Villa and are only one clear of Nottingham Forest in seventh.
Advertisement
Getty Images Sport
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Chelsea also have a Conference League final against Real Betis to prepare for, which comes just three days after their final game of the season against fellow Champions League hopefuls Forest. Nevertheless, Poyet insists standards have slipped at Stamford Bridge – a stadium that has witnessed the Blues lifting the Premier League trophy – and has told manager Enzo Maresca that he has no excuse if the club fail to finish in the top five.
WHAT GUS POYET SAID
Poyet told : “Chelsea must qualify for the Champions League next season. It was too early to call in the middle of the season, and then they had a great run of form. People even thought they could challenge for the title. After Enzo Maresca played down their chances, they went on a really bad run.
“Can they balance their focus between the Premier League and the Europa Conference League? There are no more excuses for Chelsea. The expectation used to be top two, then top three, then top four and now top five! Qualifying for the Champions League would stop the slide.”
(C)Getty Images
WHAT NEXT?
Chelsea face United on Friday night. With Aston Villa playing Tottenham Hotspur on the same evening, the Blues will hope their London rivals can do them a favour.
da doce： O Atlético-MG segue em busca da contratação de Patrick. O negócio é considerado complicado e chegou a esfriar, já que o São Paulo fez mudanças nas tratativas iniciais, mas as partes prometem nova reunião nesta semana para definir o futuro do jogador. As informações são do “GE” e foram confirmadas pelo LANCE!.
+Vaivém do LANCE!: confira as transferências dos clubes brasileiros no Mercado da Bola
O momento é de muita cautela por parte do Atlético-MG, que não quer sair do planejamento financeiro para realizar a contratação. A oferta inicial do Galo havia sido aceita pelo São Paulo, mas a diretoria do clube paulista optou por fazer mudanças nos trâmites e afastou a equipe mineira. Agora, as partes tentam chegar em um denominador comum.
+Diálogo, irritação e Ceni de olho no Galo: entenda os bastidores entre as diretorias de Atlético-MG e São Paulo
RelacionadasCoritibaVictor Luis é anunciado oficialmente pelo CoritibaCoritiba04/01/2023FlamengoAlvo do Flamengo, Quintero abre o jogo sobre negociação: ‘Espero que dê certo. Estou ansioso’Flamengo03/01/2023FlamengoFlamengo já trabalha com logística para Mundial de Clubes e SupercopaFlamengo03/01/2023
da dobrowin： Vale destacar que o Atlético-MG trabalha com duas ‘cartas na manga’ para tentar fechar a contratação de Patrick. Como o jogador tem contrato com o São Paulo até dezembro de 2023, ele poderia assinar um pré-contrato a partir de julho, mas dependeria de liberação antecipada do Tricolor para entrar em campo pelo Galo neste ano.
+Alvo do Flamengo, Quintero abre o jogo sobre negociação: ‘Espero que dê certo. Estou ansioso’
Patrick também tem vontade de vestir a camisa do Atlético-MG e reeditar a dupla com Edenílson, mas depende das negociações entre cartolas mineiros e paulistas. O meia foi um dos destaques de 2022 no São Paulo, tendo marcado nove gols e distribuído sete assistências em 54 jogos disputados.
Hansi Flick has dismissed the possibility of defender Ronald Araujo leaving Barcelona this summer.
Flick dismisses Araujo's exit
Defender to fight for starting spot
Barca willing to sell one centre-back
Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱
WHAT HAPPENED?
Despite signing a six-year contract extension in January, the centre-back has been linked with a move away following an injury-plagued campaign at the Catalan club. Premier League and Italian sides had been linked to the 26-year-old.
Advertisement
AFP
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Barca are currently facing an overload in defence, with sporting director Deco admitting they want to sell one defender. Due to injury, Araujo and Andreas Christensen spent much of last season on the sidelines, forcing Flick to rely on Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez in the heart of the defence. While Christensen is the one most likely to be sacrificed, reports Araujo could ask to leave should he feel he will not be given a chance.
WHAT FLICK SAID
Flick, though, has suggested the Uruguay international will remain, telling reporters: "Ronald? There are always many rumours about Araujo, but I have no news or any sign that he wants to leave. I have a great team, with a lot of quality. We have doubled all positions and in some I even have three players. It's not easy to manage, of course, but I'm happy."
He added: "I'm surprised this is coming from Ronald. I'm very happy with the team I have."
Getty Images Sport
WHAT NEXT FOR ARAUJO?
While Spanish media have recently claimed Araujo might be sold to Liverpool, the defender himself declared earlier this month that he wants to stay at the Catalan outfit. He is currently part of the squad in South Korea and featured in their first pre-season game against Vissel Kobe last week, albeit from the bench. Barca are set to play their second game tomorrow against Korean top-tier club FC Seoul.