Football

Toni Kroos, the German maestro, has etched his name into the annals of football history by winning his sixth Champions League title, a feat that places him among the most decorated players in the competition's illustrious history.Kroos's swansong at Real Madrid culminated in a fitting triumph as the Spanish giants defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at Wembley Stadium. The German midfielder played a pivotal role in the victory, orchestrating Madrid's midfield with his trademark precision and vision.Alongside teammates Dani Carvajal, Nacho, and Luka Modric, Kroos joined Real Madrid legend Paco Gento as the most decorated players in European Cup history. The 34-year-old's exceptional career has been marked by an unwavering commitment to excellence and a remarkable ability to control the tempo of the game.Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed his admiration for Kroos, stating that his door remains open should the midfielder reconsider his decision to retire after Euro 2024. "He's finished at the top. It is not possible to go out better," said Ancelotti. "He is a legend of this club and obviously we all thank him for what he has done."Kroos's Champions League journey began at Wembley Stadium in 2013 when he was part of the Bayern Munich team that won the competition. However, injury prevented him from featuring in the final. After helping Germany win the World Cup in Brazil, Kroos joined Real Madrid in 2014 and became an integral part of a generation that has dominated European football.In his farewell match, Kroos was at the heart of Madrid's resurgence after a sluggish first half. His trademark free-kick was denied by Gregor Kobel, but he played a crucial role in Carvajal's opening goal. Vinicius Junior quickly added a second to seal the victory and allow Kroos to receive a standing ovation from the Madrid faithful.Kroos's retirement from international football after Germany's Euros exit in 2021 was short-lived. He has answered the call from manager Julian Nagelsmann to return for one last major tournament at Euro 2024.Toni Kroos's illustrious career has come to an end, but his legacy as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation will endure. His exceptional talent, unwavering professionalism, and unwavering commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on the game of football.

The Kerala Blasters Football Club (KBFC) has bid farewell to two key players, defender Marko Leskovic and midfielder Daisuke Sakai, following the departure of ISL Golden Boot winner Dimitrios Diamantakos on Friday.Leskovic, a Croatian defender, has been a mainstay in the KBFC backline for the past three seasons. Known for his exceptional leadership and defensive prowess, he has left an indelible mark on the club's history.Japanese midfielder Sakai joined KBFC for the 2022-23 season and quickly established himself as a valuable asset. His professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the club have earned him the respect of both teammates and fans.KBFC's head coach, Ivan Vukomanovic, expressed his gratitude for the contributions of Leskovic and Sakai. "Marko has been a pillar of our defense, and his leadership has been invaluable. Daisuke has brought a level of professionalism and dedication that has set an example for the entire team," said Vukomanovic.The departures of Leskovic and Sakai come as KBFC prepares for the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season. The club is expected to make several new signings in the coming weeks to bolster its squad and challenge for the title.Leskovic and Sakai's departures mark the end of an era for KBFC. However, the club remains optimistic about the future and is confident that it can build a strong team capable of competing at the highest level.

Euro 2024: Germany to Host the 17th Edition of the UEFA European ChampionshipGermany will host the 17th edition of the UEFA European Championship, also known as Euro 2024, from June 14 to July 14. The tournament will feature 24 teams, including Georgia, which will make its European championship debut.This will be the third time that the European championship will be held on German territory, and the second time in reunified Germany. West Germany hosted the tournament in 1988, and four matches of the multi-national Euro 2020 were played in Munich.The tournament will return to its usual four-year cycle after the 2020 edition was postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Italy are the defending champions, having won the 2020 tournament against England on penalties in the final.The venues for Euro 2024 are:* Olymplastadion Berlin* Fubbal Arena Munchen* Westfalenstadion* Stuttgard Arena* Arena AutSchalke* Frankfurt Arena* Volksparkstadion* Dusseldorf Arena* Cologne Stadium* Leipzig StadiumThe 24 participating teams are grouped into six groups:* Group A: Germany, Scotland, Hungary, Switzerland* Group B: Spain, Croatia, Italy, Albania* Group C: Slovenia, Denmark, Serbia, England* Group D: Poland, Netherlands, Austria, France* Group E: Belgium, Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine* Group F: Turkey, Georgia, Portugal, Czech RepublicThe full schedule (time in IST) is as follows:

FIFA Implements New Maternity and Parental Leave Policies for Players and CoachesIn a significant move to support the well-being of players and coaches, FIFA has introduced new protocols that provide a minimum of 14 weeks of paid maternity leave for players and eight weeks for coaches who adopt a child under two years old. Additionally, non-biological parents of newborns are entitled to a minimum of eight weeks of paid leave.These measures extend the maternity leave previously granted to players in 2020, now including coaches, non-biological mothers, and adoptive parents. The protocols take effect on June 1 and were approved by the FIFA Council last month."I think it's a big statement," said former U.S. coach Jill Ellis. "These are big steps and big strides to really normalize the life that we go through as women ... that's what we want to provide now at every level, the club level, the national team level — the opportunity for pro players to have the chance to be mums."Ellis led FIFA's technical study group for the Women's World Cup last year in Australia and New Zealand.The regulations also grant clubs greater flexibility to add players outside of the transfer window when players take maternity or parental leave or return from it. They also allow players to take paid time off from matches or training due to menstrual health.FIFA is encouraging member associations to create family-friendly environments for players with children. "In a FIFA Women's World Cup, (a player) can potentially be away from her family for five or six weeks ... and that can have a big toll on the player, mentally, but also on the child," said Sarai Bareman, FIFA's chief women's soccer officer. "So, encouraging the member associations to make provision or to allow for those mothers and parents to have the children with them during the camp, during the tournament, is a really important step which will support not only female players but all players in our sport.”

Gian Piero Gasperini, the 66-year-old grandmaster of Italian football, continues to defy expectations with his Atalanta side. Despite limited resources, Atalanta has emerged as a force to be reckoned with, winning the Europa League and reaching the Champions League quarterfinals.Gasperini's success stems from his unwavering belief in attacking football. His teams, often deployed in a fluid 3-4-3 formation, play with a high press, quick combinations, and a relentless pursuit of the ball. This attacking philosophy has earned Atalanta a reputation for entertaining and effective football.Atalanta's Europa League triumph was a testament to Gasperini's tactical acumen. In the final against Bayer Leverkusen, Atalanta's slick passing and relentless pressing overwhelmed the German giants. Gasperini's ability to outwit younger managers like Xabi Alonso, who has led Leverkusen to Bundesliga success, highlights his enduring brilliance.Gasperini's success is not limited to the pitch. He has also transformed Atalanta off the field. Under his leadership, the club has renovated its stadium, invested in its academy, and established itself as a financial powerhouse. The club's success has brought a sense of pride and unity to the city of Bergamo.Gasperini's achievements have not gone unnoticed. He has been linked with several top clubs, including Napoli. However, he has remained loyal to Atalanta, a testament to his deep connection with the club and its fans.Gasperini's story is a reminder that success in football is not always about spending the most money. With a clear philosophy, innovative tactics, and a relentless work ethic, even a small club can achieve greatness.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has cautioned his players that the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund is the most "dangerous" match in football. The Italian, who has won the competition a record four times as a coach, emphasized that Los Blancos must approach the game with both excitement and trepidation.Despite being the record 14-time winners, Madrid are wary of the threat posed by the Bundesliga side. "A Champions League final is the most important game but also the most dangerous," Ancelotti said. "We have to enjoy being here, but knowing it can go wrong because we are close to the most important thing in football -- winning a Champions League -- but having the fear this can escape us."Madrid captain Nacho echoed Ancelotti's sentiments, admitting to feeling both confident and nervous. "We've got more nerves than in any other moment of the season," he said. "We're humans, it's a calm week for (some people) but for the players it's not. It's special, and that makes it not calm."Veteran midfielder Luka Modric, however, is approaching the match with a sense of parity. "Everyone thinks we are big favorites, but we don't think about it like that," he said. "It's 50-50, we're playing a big team that has had a magnificent season in the Champions League."Nacho, Modric, Toni Kroos, and Dani Carvajal could all reach six career Champions League wins with a victory over Dortmund, equaling the all-time record held by former Madrid great Paco Gento. "It was hard to imagine we'd get to this moment but we are here, very happy and enjoying this moment," said Modric. "I hope tomorrow we can take this step further, as a team and have six European Cups would be something big."Madrid's remarkable ability to turn games around in Europe was evident in their semi-final victory over Bayern Munich. "We prefer to take the lead if it's possible," said Modric. "But we've shown many times this year and before, that when things don't go well we fight until the end. We always find a way, we're capable of turning the game around. We keep having this mentality, this commitment and fight, but like I said, we'd prefer to take the lead."Ancelotti attributed Madrid's resilience to a combination of factors. "It's something special... it could be the history, the quality, the tradition, the character," he mused.The coach confirmed that goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois would start the final ahead of Andriy Lunin, resolving the main selection query ahead of the game. "Lunin had the flu and hasn't traveled with the team, tomorrow he will travel and will be on the bench -- Courtois will play tomorrow," said Ancelotti.

Olivier Giroud, the veteran French striker, bid farewell to AC Milan in a thrilling 5-2 defeat to AS Roma in a post-season friendly in Perth. The match, played in front of a packed Optus Stadium, marked Giroud's departure from Europe, where he has enjoyed a successful career in France, England, and Italy.Giroud, who will join Los Angeles FC next season, is France's all-time leading goalscorer with 57 goals in 131 appearances. He will have the opportunity to add to his tally at the Euros later this month before retiring from international football.Despite the defeat, Giroud's performance was overshadowed by the high-octane contest between the two teams. Roma took the lead through Tommaso Baldanzi in the 27th minute, but Theo Hernandez equalized for Milan just ten minutes later. Tammy Abraham restored Roma's lead before halftime, and the second half saw a flurry of goals from Angelino, Noah Okafor, Paulo Dybala, and Sardar Azmoun.Giroud, who won the Champions League with Chelsea and the Serie A title with Milan in 2021-2022, struggled to make an impact against Roma's determined defense. He was substituted at halftime, leaving the pitch to a standing ovation from the crowd."I learned so much from him. He is such a legend," said Swiss striker Noah Okafor, who replaced Giroud at halftime. "Big respect that he can perform at that age. I'm going to miss him....just going to enjoy these last hours together."Giroud's departure marks the end of an era for AC Milan, who will now look to rebuild their squad for the upcoming season. The Frenchman's experience and leadership will be sorely missed, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of Milan fans.

Kylian Mbappé's highly anticipated transfer to Real Madrid is set to become official early next week, according to sources close to the negotiations. The French superstar, whose contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires on June 30, has opted to join the Spanish giants after seven seasons in Paris.Mbappé's decision to leave PSG has been the subject of intense speculation for months, with Real Madrid emerging as the frontrunners for his signature. The 23-year-old forward has been a key figure for PSG, scoring 171 goals in 216 appearances and helping the club win four Ligue 1 titles and three Coupe de France trophies.However, Mbappé has long expressed his desire to play for Real Madrid, a club he has admired since childhood. The Spanish giants have been pursuing his signature for several years, and they are now set to finally land their man on a free transfer.If the move is announced as expected on Monday or Tuesday, Mbappé is unlikely to be presented in Madrid before the end of Euro 2024, which runs from June 14 to July 14. He is expected to remain with the France team, who are currently preparing for two Euro warm-up matches against Luxembourg and Canada.Mbappé's departure from PSG will be a significant blow to the French champions, who have relied heavily on his goals and creativity. However, the club is expected to receive a significant financial windfall from his transfer, which could be used to strengthen their squad in other areas.For Real Madrid, Mbappé's arrival will be a major boost to their attacking options. The Spanish giants have already signed Antonio Rüdiger on a free transfer from Chelsea, and they are also reportedly close to completing a deal for Monaco midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni.With Mbappé, Rüdiger, and Tchouaméni in their ranks, Real Madrid will be well-positioned to challenge for major honors next season. The trio will join a star-studded squad that already includes Karim Benzema, Vinícius Júnior, and Luka Modrić.

Vinicius Junior's meteoric rise to stardom has been nothing short of remarkable. After enduring a challenging start to his Real Madrid career, the Brazilian winger has transformed into one of the most feared attackers in the world. Now, on the cusp of his second Champions League triumph, Vinicius has his sights set on even greater heights.Vinicius's journey to the top has been marked by perseverance and unwavering determination. Despite being ridiculed for his early profligacy, he remained steadfast in his belief and worked tirelessly to improve his game. The arrival of Carlo Ancelotti as manager proved to be a turning point, as the Italian tactician recognized Vinicius's potential and provided him with the confidence and guidance he needed to flourish.Under Ancelotti's tutelage, Vinicius has blossomed into a complete forward. He has developed a keen eye for goal, scoring 23 goals in each of the past two seasons. His versatility has also been a key factor in his success, as he has seamlessly adapted to playing as a central striker or on the wing.Vinicius's transformation has not gone unnoticed. He has become a fan favorite at Real Madrid and has earned the respect of his opponents. However, his rise to prominence has also been accompanied by a disturbing trend of racial abuse. Vinicius has faced numerous incidents of hate speech when playing away from home in Spain.Despite these challenges, Vinicius has remained composed and focused on his football. He has refused to let the abuse deter him and has instead used it as motivation to prove his worth. His resilience and determination are a testament to his character and his unwavering belief in himself.As Real Madrid prepare to face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final, Vinicius is determined to make history once again. He is eager to add a second European Cup to his collection and cement his status as one of the greatest players in the world. However, for Vinicius, individual accolades are secondary to the team's success."I've never thought about (winning the Ballon d'Or)," said Vinicius. "The best thing that can happen this season is winning the Champions League."Vinicius's humility and team-first mentality are a reflection of his maturity and his understanding of the importance of collective achievement. He knows that his individual brilliance is only valuable if it contributes to the success of Real Madrid.As the countdown to the Champions League final continues, Vinicius is poised to make his mark on the biggest stage of club football. His journey from a raw talent to a world-class star has been an inspiration to many, and his story is far from over.