Football

Cristiano Ronaldo's YouTube Channel Shatters Records, Earns MillionsPortuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has once again broken boundaries on social media, this time with his new YouTube channel, 'UR - Cristiano.' Launched just one day ago, the channel has already amassed over 30 million subscribers and generated over 100 million views.Ronaldo's YouTube success is a testament to his immense popularity and influence. Despite his videos being mostly around one minute long, they have garnered millions of views, with three videos already surpassing 20 million views each.According to industry estimates, YouTube channels can earn around USD 6 per 1,000 views, translating to a potential revenue of USD 1,200 to USD 6,000 per million views. With over 100 million views already, Ronaldo could have potentially earned well over a few hundred million USD from his YouTube venture.In addition to ad revenue, Ronaldo's YouTube channel also provides a platform for him to connect with his fans on a more personal level. His videos feature a variety of content, including family moments, challenges, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of his life.On the field, Ronaldo continues to perform at a high level. He scored 44 goals for Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr in the 2023-24 season and has started the 2024-25 season with three goals in three games.Ronaldo's YouTube success is a testament to his enduring popularity and his ability to adapt to the ever-changing social media landscape. As he continues to grow his channel, he is likely to further extend his reach and influence, both on and off the field.

S.A. Rahim, the legendary football coach from Hyderabad, was a visionary who transformed the Indian football landscape in the 1950s and 1960s. His unwavering commitment to discipline and his ability to mold raw talent into exceptional players left an enduring legacy on the sport.Born in Hyderabad in 1909, Rahim graduated from Osmania University and began his coaching career at various schools in the city. Despite not having played the game at the highest level, he possessed an innate understanding of football and a keen eye for talent.Rahim's coaching philosophy emphasized discipline, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. He was known for his strict training regimen and his unwavering belief in the potential of his players. Under his guidance, Hyderabad became a formidable force in Indian football, producing numerous talented players who went on to represent the national team.In 1950, Rahim was appointed as the coach of the Indian football team, a position he held for 13 years. During this period, India achieved its greatest success in international football, winning the gold medal at the 1962 Asian Games. The team also reached the semifinals of the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, a testament to Rahim's coaching prowess.Rahim's impact extended beyond the national team. He played a pivotal role in developing the Hyderabad City Police football team into one of the most feared outfits in India. The team won numerous major tournaments, including the Durand Cup and Rovers Cup, and served as a feeder club for the Kolkata Leagues.Rahim's legacy continues to inspire generations of football players in India. The Telangana Football Association conducts an annual A-Division Rahim League in his honor, keeping his memory alive and celebrating his contributions to the sport.

Bayer Leverkusen's remarkable Bundesliga and cup double last season has not swayed coach Xabi Alonso's belief that Bayern Munich remain the title favorites this season."For me, the favorites are Bayern, that's clear," Alonso declared at a press conference ahead of Leverkusen's Bundesliga season opener at Borussia Moenchengladbach on Friday. "Our goal is to stay in the top four. That's realistic -- we have a good squad."Leverkusen's historic triumph last season, which ended Bayern's 11-year reign in Germany, was a testament to their resilience and tactical acumen. However, Alonso is keen to emphasize that past achievements are no guarantee of future success."Last year was really nice... but we're starting from scratch again," he said. "We need to earn everything again. We need to win our points and for that we need good performances."Bayern, under new coach Vincent Kompany, have bolstered their squad with several high-profile signings, including Michael Olise, Joao Palhinha, and Hiroki Ito. Leverkusen, on the other hand, have maintained a relatively stable roster, with the exception of the departure of Moussa Diaby to Manchester United.Despite their impressive unbeaten run in Germany since May 2023, Alonso is wary of the challenges that lie ahead. "We know every game will be difficult -- and that will be the case against Gladbach," he said.Leverkusen's title-winning campaign was built on a solid defense and a potent attack led by Patrik Schick and Florian Wirtz. However, they will face a stern test against a Gladbach side that has strengthened its squad with the addition of Marcus Thuram from Borussia Monchengladbach.Alonso will be without Argentina midfielder Exequiel Palacios for the trip to Gladbach due to a knee injury. However, the rest of his squad is available for selection as Leverkusen aim to start the new season with a positive result.

AC Milan CEO Giorgio Furlani has emphatically denied rumors linking star winger Rafael Leao with a move to Barcelona. Furlani stated that there is "zero possibility" of Leao leaving the Rossoneri, despite reports in Spain suggesting otherwise.Leao, 25, is one of Milan's most prized assets and has been a key figure in their recent resurgence. His contract runs until 2028, and Furlani is confident that he will remain at the club for the foreseeable future."There is zero possibility that Leao will leave Milan," Furlani told reporters. "He is a fundamental player for us, and we are counting on him for the future."When asked if Leao could potentially submit a transfer request, Furlani responded with certainty: "I am sure that he will not. He is happy at Milan, and he wants to continue his career here."Leao's impressive performances have attracted the attention of several top clubs, including Barcelona. However, Milan is determined to keep hold of their star player and is not willing to entertain any offers.The Portuguese winger has been a revelation since joining Milan in 2019. He has scored 34 goals in 125 appearances for the club and has played a pivotal role in their recent successes, including winning the Serie A title last season.Milan began their Serie A campaign with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Torino last weekend. They will face newly promoted Parma on Saturday evening as they look to secure their first win of the season.

Kylian Mbappe's highly anticipated La Liga debut for Real Madrid has raised questions about the team's balance, as the Spanish champions drew 1-1 at Mallorca last weekend. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has acknowledged the need for improvement, particularly in terms of defensive stability.Mbappe, who joined Madrid on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, is expected to make his first home appearance for the club on Sunday against Real Valladolid. The French superstar is hoping to make a greater impact at Madrid than his predecessor, Ronaldo, who won just one La Liga title and failed to lift the Champions League during his five seasons in the Spanish capital.One of the main challenges for Ancelotti is finding the right balance in his attacking lineup. Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes, and Jude Bellingham have all been deployed in the starting XI, but their preference for playing on the left flank has created some congestion. Additionally, Bellingham's role in midfield has been compromised, as he is forced to drop deeper to accommodate the three forwards."We need to defend better, we need more balance," Ancelotti said after the Mallorca draw. "It's a team problem that they didn't understand was a key aspect in this game."While Real Valladolid may not pose a significant threat on paper, Ancelotti will be eager to see his team improve their performance. Mbappe, who scored against Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup, will be looking to mark his Bernabeu debut with a goal.However, Madrid's attacking prowess could also prove to be a double-edged sword. Teams may be motivated to rise to the challenge of stopping the "fantastic four," as the attacking quartet has been dubbed."We're going to face the best team in the world, with one of the best coaches in history and the best attack in the world today," said Valladolid coach Paulo Pezzolano. "We know what we're going to face, but we're going there convinced that we're going to compete and bring something back home."

Fulham has bolstered its midfield with the acquisition of Norway international Sander Berge from Burnley on a five-year contract. The undisclosed fee marks a significant investment for the Premier League club, which has been seeking to strengthen its squad ahead of the new season.Berge, 26, joins Fulham following the departure of Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich earlier this summer. The Norwegian midfielder has been a key figure for Burnley in recent seasons, making over 100 appearances for the club. He has also represented Norway at the international level, earning 33 caps and scoring four goals.Fulham manager Marco Silva expressed his delight at securing Berge's services, stating, "Sander is a player we have been tracking for some time. He is a talented midfielder with a lot of experience at both club and international level. We believe he will be a valuable addition to our squad."Berge, who can play as a central midfielder or a defensive midfielder, is known for his physicality, passing range, and ability to break up play. He is expected to provide Fulham with much-needed depth and competition in the midfield, alongside the likes of Harrison Reed, Tom Cairney, and Jean Michael Seri.The Norwegian midfielder is eager to make an immediate impact at Craven Cottage, saying, "I'm very excited to join Fulham. It's a great club with a lot of ambition. I'm looking forward to working with the manager and the players to help the team achieve its goals."Berge could make his debut for Fulham in the Premier League opener against Leicester City on Saturday. The Cottagers will be hoping that the Norwegian's arrival will help them improve on their 12th-place finish last season and challenge for a top-half spot in the upcoming campaign.

Lucknow to Host Historic Mohun Bagan-East Bengal Derby, Boosting Football in Uttar PradeshLucknow, the vibrant city of Nawabs, is set to witness a historic football clash on September 2nd as traditional rivals Mohun Bagan and East Bengal face off at the K.D. Singh Babu Stadium. This highly anticipated derby marks a significant step in promoting football in Uttar Pradesh and is expected to draw a massive crowd of approximately 10,000 spectators.The preparations for this high-voltage match are in full swing, with the testing of the recently installed floodlights underway. The dressing rooms and other facilities for the players are also being meticulously arranged. State Sports Director R.P. Singh has confirmed that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is likely to grace the occasion.The decision to host the derby in Lucknow stems from a meeting between All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Chaubey expressed the need to promote football in Uttar Pradesh, and the state government enthusiastically embraced the proposal.Both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, renowned for their passionate fan base, will arrive in Lucknow on September 1st. The derby promises to be a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the immense talent and rivalry that defines Indian football.The hosting of this prestigious match in Lucknow is a testament to the growing popularity of football in Uttar Pradesh. The state government's commitment to promoting the sport is evident in its support for this event. The derby is expected to inspire young footballers and further ignite the passion for the beautiful game in the region.

Juventus Bolster Defense with Pierre Kalulu Loan from AC MilanItalian giants Juventus have secured the services of French defender Pierre Kalulu on a season-long loan from AC Milan. The 24-year-old joins the Turin club with an option to buy permanently for 14 million euros ($15.6 million) at the end of his loan spell.Kalulu has been a consistent performer for Milan since joining from Lyon in 2020, making 112 appearances for the Rossoneri. His versatility and ability to play both as a center-back and a right-back make him a valuable addition to Juventus' squad.The move to Juventus represents a significant step up for Kalulu, who will now compete for trophies at the highest level. Juventus are aiming to reclaim the Serie A title they last won in 2020, and Kalulu's experience and defensive prowess will be crucial in their quest.Kalulu's arrival is a boost for Juventus manager Thiago Motta, who is looking to build a competitive team capable of challenging for major honors. The Bianconeri made a winning start to their Serie A campaign with a 3-0 victory over Como, and Kalulu's addition will further strengthen their defensive options.With his pace, physicality, and technical ability, Kalulu is expected to play a key role in Juventus' backline. His partnership with fellow French defender Matthijs de Ligt could prove to be formidable, providing Juventus with a solid foundation on which to build their success.

The upcoming 2024-25 Bundesliga season promises to be an exciting one, with several new faces set to make their mark on the German top flight. Here's a closer look at five players to watch:Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)Bayern Munich's most expensive signing this summer, Olise is a speedy winger with a knack for scoring goals. The 22-year-old impressed at Crystal Palace last season, contributing 10 goals and 6 assists in just 19 Premier League appearances. His arrival adds depth and attacking threat to Bayern's already formidable squad.Pascal Gross (Borussia Dortmund)Despite his age, Gross brings experience and creativity to Dortmund's midfield. The 33-year-old German international has spent the last seven years at Brighton, where he was twice named the club's player of the season. His ability to create chances and score goals could be crucial for Dortmund's title aspirations.Aleix Garcia (Bayer Leverkusen)Garcia was a key figure in Girona's surprise third-place finish in La Liga last season. The 27-year-old Spanish midfielder provides Leverkusen with additional midfield security and creativity. His ability to control the tempo of the game and contribute defensively will be invaluable to coach Xabi Alonso.Deniz Undav (Stuttgart)Undav was one of the standout performers in Stuttgart's impressive second-place finish last season. The German forward scored 13 goals in 31 Bundesliga appearances, helping the club secure a return to the Champions League. With several key players departing, Undav will be even more crucial to Stuttgart's success this season.Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig)Leipzig have a reputation for developing young talent, and Nusa is the latest addition to their impressive roster. The 19-year-old Norwegian winger arrived from Club Brugge for a reported fee of 22 million euros. He scored on his debut for Leipzig and is expected to play a significant role in replacing Dani Olmo, who departed for Barcelona.These five new faces are just a few of the players to watch in the upcoming Bundesliga season. With a mix of experience, talent, and potential, they are sure to make an impact on the German top flight.