Football

Jhon Duran, the Colombian sensation who has taken the Premier League by storm, has committed his long-term future to Aston Villa by signing a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2030. The 20-year-old striker has been a revelation since joining Villa from Chicago Fire in January 2023, scoring six goals in just 24 appearances, including the crucial winner against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.Duran's impressive performances have attracted interest from several top clubs, including West Ham, who reportedly agreed personal terms with the player during the summer transfer window. However, Villa have managed to fend off their rivals and secure the services of one of the most promising young talents in world football.The new contract is a testament to Duran's rapid rise and the belief that Villa have in his potential. Despite starting just once in all competitions this season, Duran has made a significant impact, scoring vital goals and showcasing his exceptional talent.Villa manager Unai Emery has been full of praise for Duran, describing his potential as "huge." Emery has also highlighted the importance of managing Duran's impatience and helping him develop both as a player and a person.With Duran now tied down to a long-term contract, Villa can focus on building a team around the young striker. The club's ambitious plans include challenging for a top-four finish in the Premier League and making a deep run in the Champions League. Duran's goalscoring prowess and ability to create chances for his teammates will be crucial to Villa's success.The Colombian international has already shown that he has the quality to compete at the highest level. His pace, power, and clinical finishing make him a dangerous threat to any defense. With the support of Villa and the guidance of Emery, Duran has the potential to become one of the best strikers in the world.

Major League Soccer (MLS) has shattered its previous attendance record, with over 11 million fans flocking to games this season. This milestone surpasses the 10.9 million fans who attended games in 2024, marking a significant achievement for the league.MLS has averaged an impressive 23,240 fans per game, breaking the 11 million-fan barrier for the first time. The league attributes this surge in attendance to the arrival of international stars like Lionel Messi, whose presence has prompted teams to move fixtures to larger stadiums."The arrival of international stars and the work from clubs to create more unique fan-friendly ticket packages and game day experiences are among the key drivers of the continued surge of record-breaking attendance across MLS," the league stated.This record-breaking tally comes with the regular season still ongoing. Sixteen more matches remain before the season concludes on October 19. The attendance numbers mark the third consecutive year that MLS has drawn more than 10 million fans.MLS Commissioner Don Garber expressed his delight at the league's success, stating, "This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our clubs, players, and fans. We are committed to continuing to grow the game of soccer in North America and providing our fans with an unforgettable experience."The league's expansion into new markets and the addition of new teams have also contributed to the increased attendance. MLS currently has 29 teams across the United States and Canada, with plans to expand to 30 teams in the near future.

Johan Neeskens, a legendary Dutch footballer who played a pivotal role in the development of "total football" in the 1970s, has passed away at the age of 73. Neeskens was an integral member of the Ajax and Netherlands teams that captivated the world with their innovative and dominant style of play.As a midfielder, Neeskens possessed exceptional tackling skills, sublime vision, and an uncanny ability to convert penalties. He was a key figure in Ajax's three consecutive European Cup triumphs from 1971 to 1973. Alongside Johan Cruyff, Neeskens formed a formidable partnership that revolutionized the game.Neeskens' impact extended beyond the club level. He was a vital cog in the "Clockwork Oranje" Dutch national team that reached the World Cup finals in 1974 and 1978. His 49 caps for the Netherlands showcased his unwavering commitment and exceptional talent.After retiring from playing, Neeskens embarked on a successful coaching career, sharing his knowledge and expertise around the world. Despite his fierce competitive spirit on the pitch, Neeskens was known for his gentle and compassionate nature off the field. He was a devoted family man and a respected figure in the football community.The Dutch football federation (KNVB) paid tribute to Neeskens, describing him as "a legend" and "one of the leading players that Dutch football has ever produced." Ajax and Barcelona, where Neeskens played after leaving Ajax, also expressed their condolences and hailed him as a true icon.Johan Neeskens' legacy will forever be etched in the annals of football history. His contributions to the development of "total football" and his unwavering passion for the game have left an enduring mark on the sport. His passing is a profound loss for the football world, and his memory will continue to inspire generations of players and fans alike.

Manchester City's legal victory against the Premier League's Associated Party Transaction (APT) Rules has sent shockwaves through the football world. The tribunal's ruling has not only overturned the league's decision to block two of City's sponsorship deals but has also raised serious questions about the fairness and legality of the APT system.The APT rules were designed to prevent clubs from inflating the value of sponsorship deals with connected parties, such as their owners or sponsors. However, the tribunal found that the rules were discriminatory and violated UK competition law. The tribunal also ruled that the Premier League had abused its dominant position by applying the rules unfairly to Manchester City.The Premier League has welcomed the tribunal's findings, but it has also acknowledged that the APT rules need to be revised. The league has said that it will work with clubs to make the necessary changes.The Manchester City case is a significant development in the ongoing debate about the regulation of football finances. The tribunal's ruling has shown that the Premier League's APT rules are not fit for purpose and that the league needs to do more to ensure that its rules are fair and transparent.The tribunal's findings are also likely to have implications for other sports leagues around the world. The APT system is a common feature of sports regulation, and the Manchester City case could set a precedent for challenges to similar rules in other leagues.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant, the Indian football club, has been deemed to have withdrawn from the AFC Champions League 2 after declining to travel to Iran for their match against Tractor FC. The decision was made due to concerns over the safety and security of the players amidst the volatile situation in Iran at the time.According to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Mohun Bagan's withdrawal is in accordance with Article 5.2 of the AFC Champions League 2 Competition Regulations. As a result, all matches played by the club have been canceled and declared null and void. The points and goals from these matches will not be considered in determining the final rankings in Group A.Mohun Bagan's decision to withdraw came after 35 registered players, including seven foreigners, expressed their unwillingness to travel to Iran. The club subsequently wrote to the AFC, requesting a rescheduling or relocation of the match to a neutral venue. However, the request was not granted.In their first match of Group A, Mohun Bagan had played out a goalless draw against Tajikistan's FC Ravshan. The club's withdrawal from the competition is a significant setback for Indian football, as it deprives the country of representation in the continent's second-tier club competition.The matter will now be referred to the relevant AFC Committee(s) for further decision-making. The AFC has stated that the safety and security of players is paramount and that it will take appropriate measures to ensure the well-being of all participants in its competitions.

Atletico Madrid's hopes of recovering from their humiliating Champions League defeat were dashed by Luka Sucic's stunning strike, which earned Real Sociedad a 1-1 draw in La Liga on Sunday.Diego Simeone's team, still reeling from their 4-0 thrashing by Benfica midweek, took an early lead in San Sebastian through Julian Alvarez. However, their advantage proved short-lived as Sucic's long-range effort in the 84th minute secured a point for the home side.Atletico's draw leaves them third in the standings, level on points with Villarreal but seven behind leaders Barcelona. Real Sociedad, meanwhile, remain in 15th place."It's a bad feeling because we wanted to win the game," said Atletico defender Axel Witsel. "We let in a late goal and it hurts, we had a good game defensively... everyone was working hard. The goal we let in was a great strike but I think we could have avoided it."Former Manchester City striker Alvarez put Atletico ahead within the first minute after Antoine Griezmann backheeled the ball into his path. Griezmann, who recently retired from international duty with France, made his 400th appearance for the club.Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak made a superb save to keep out Nayef Aguerd's close-range effort and also denied Takefusa Kubo. The visitors looked set to claim three points before Sucic's late intervention.Rodrigo de Paul gave the ball away cheaply in his own half and Sucic hit a first-time shot that spun over Oblak and into the net. Kubo fired narrowly off-target in the final minutes as the hosts tried to snatch all three points.

In a thrilling Bundesliga encounter, Eintracht Frankfurt fought back from a 3-2 deficit to secure a 3-3 draw against Bayern Munich, denying the Bavarian giants a two-point cushion at the summit. Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush emerged as the hero for Frankfurt, scoring twice, including a dramatic injury-time equalizer.Bayern took the lead through Min-Jae Kim's opener, but Frankfurt responded with a stunning counter-attack, Marmoush equalizing before Hugo Ekitike gave them a 2-1 advantage. Bayern regained the lead through Dayot Upamecano and Michael Olise, but Marmoush's late strike ensured a share of the spoils.Meanwhile, RB Leipzig moved into joint leadership with Bayern after a 1-0 victory at Heidenheim. Ikoma Openda scored the only goal, extending Leipzig's unbeaten run to seven games in all competitions.In other Bundesliga action, Stuttgart's Ermedin Demirovic scored a 100th-minute equalizer to deny Hoffenheim a much-needed three points. Reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen also dropped points, drawing 2-2 with Holstein Kiel despite taking an early two-goal lead.Marmoush's performance has been particularly impressive, with the Egyptian now the Bundesliga's top scorer with eight goals in six games. His goalscoring exploits have helped Frankfurt climb to third place, just a point behind Bayern and Leipzig.

Paris Saint-Germain's title defense hit a roadblock on Sunday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Nice, leaving Monaco alone at the summit of the French league. Despite fielding a star-studded lineup that included the return of Ousmane Dembélé, PSG struggled to find their rhythm in the first half.Nice took advantage of PSG's sluggish start, with Ali Abdi scoring a well-taken goal in the 39th minute. The defending champions responded after the interval, with Nuno Mendes equalizing five minutes after Dembélé's effort was parried away.Luis Enrique's team dominated possession but lacked creativity in the final third. Dembélé, who had been criticized for his perceived lack of commitment, showed flashes of his brilliance but was unable to inspire PSG to victory.Monaco, meanwhile, continued their impressive start to the season with a 2-0 win over Nantes. Nicolas Tagliafico and Nicolas Pallois scored the goals for the league leaders, who now hold a two-point advantage over PSG.Elsewhere, Lyon secured their fourth straight win in all competitions by beating Nantes 2-0. The victory lifted Lyon five points clear of the relegation playoff spot.Reims moved up to fourth place with a 4-2 victory over Montpellier, while Brest followed up their midweek Champions League triumph with a 2-0 defeat of Le Havre. Lens and Strasbourg played out a 2-2 draw.

Manchester United's dismal run continued on Sunday as they were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Aston Villa at Villa Park. The result extended United's winless streak to five games and piled further pressure on manager Erik ten Hag.Despite dominating possession, United failed to create clear-cut chances throughout the match. Bruno Fernandes came closest to breaking the deadlock with a free-kick that rattled the crossbar in the second half. However, the Red Devils have now failed to score in their last three Premier League outings.Ten Hag made several changes to his starting lineup, dropping Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt in favor of Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans. The Dutchman also replaced Marcus Rashford at halftime, a decision that raised eyebrows given Rashford's impressive performance in the first half.Villa, who had stunned Bayern Munich in midweek, were also unable to find their rhythm. They had a few half-chances but lacked the cutting edge to trouble United's defense.The draw leaves United languishing in 14th place in the Premier League table, having won just two of their opening seven games. Villa, meanwhile, missed the opportunity to move into the top four and remain in fifth place.Ten Hag's position is now under intense scrutiny. The club's hierarchy must decide whether to give him more time or make a change during the upcoming international break.