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Expert confirms Jose Sa injury

Influential Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa tweaked a medial ligament in his knee last weekend, injury expert Ben Dinnery has confirmed.

The Lowdown: Sa injured against Liverpool

The Portuguese colossus enjoyed a superb first season at Molineux, shining between the sticks and being described as ‘dominant’ by former Wanderers ‘keeper Matt Murray.

Unfortunately, Sa picked up a knee issue in last Sunday’s 3-1 Premier League defeat away to Liverpool – he was replaced by John Ruddy at half-time – leading to concern about the length of his upcoming absence.

A fresh claim now suggests that the 29-year-old could be set for an extended spell on the sidelines.

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The Latest: Dinnery confirms problem

Speaking to Football Insider, Dinnery, who features on Sky Sports, said that Sa’s injury could be a fairly serious one, acting as a big blow for the player:

“It looked like it could be an MCL based on what we saw with the mechanism of injury. He seemed to slip and extend his leg when he was kicking. He pointed to the inside of his knee when he was in discussions with the medical team.

“It was moments before half-time He tried to continue and ultimately couldn’t.

“So it does seem like there has been a slight tweak or strain of that medial ligament. It’s a shame to end on a setback because he has been very good for them this season.”

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The Verdict: Recover throughout the summer

While Sa’s injury setback is clearly a negative, it could certainly have happened at a worse point in the season, rather than in the final match.

It gives the Wolves shot-stopper time to work on his recovery rather than racing to get back, with Bruno Lage’s men not back in competitive action until August.

The hope is that Sa is available for pre-season in July, however, resting up for the time being but returning to his impressive top form again in 2022/23.

In other news, one Wolves player has been linked with a move to Spain. Find out who it is here.

Manchester United: Fabrizio Romano shares Malcom Ebiowei interest

Manchester United and Crystal Palace are both interested in signing Derby County gem Malcolm Ebiowei, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Dutch takeover?

Erik ten Hag has made a head start on a United rebuild after terminating his Ajax contract six weeks early and is already looking to bring two fellow countrymen to Old Trafford.

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The Red Devils are reportedly keen to sign Ajax defender Jurrien Timber and Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

The pair have starred under Ten Hag at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, and it looks as if Ebiowei, who also has a Dutch passport, is on the club’s radar as well.

The Latest: Romano’s update

Romano took to Twitter on Thursday evening to provide a transfer update on Ebiowei.

The transfer expert stated that both United and Crystal Palace are keeping tabs on the talented striker. Romano added that Steve McClaren’s return to Old Trafford from Derby ‘could be a factor’ in a possible move.

The Verdict: Shrewd move?

Ebiowei, previously on the books at Arsenal and West Ham, is just 18 years of age and can play anywhere in attack. He seemingly caught the eye of United legend Wayne Rooney last season, with the Derby boss handing the teenager his senior debut.

Ebiowei made 16 Championship appearances in 2021/22 and is also wanted by sides in both France and the Netherlands, so a summer swoop could prove to be a smart one in the long run.

McClaren should be able to give Ten Hag the lowdown regarding the forward, so a transfer could be one to keep an eye on alongside big-money moves for Timber and De Jong.

In other news: Man Utd now leading the race to sign ‘amazing’ star for Ten Hag ahead of rival duo.  

Rangers: Hutton makes Kamara claim

Rangers could be set to receive a substantial fee should they decide to sell midfielder Glen Kamara this summer, according to former Scotland defender Alan Hutton.

The lowdown: Agreement in place

This comes following an initial report from Football Insider claiming that the Ibrox club are ‘willing to listen to offers’ for Kamara during the upcoming transfer window.

It was claimed that ‘sources’ close to the Teddy Bears have confirmed that there is an ‘agreement’ between the club and the 26-year-old that a move will materialise at a certain price after Aston Villa were previously linked when Steven Gerrard took the Premier League job.

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Now, as the end of the season fast approaches, one heavily connected Gers man has had his say…

The latest: Hutton makes ‘huge’ claim

Speaking to Football Insider, regular Rangers TV pundit Hutton has outlined what it would take to prize Kamara away this summer, calling his initial move to Ibrox ‘laughable’.

The 37-year-old said: “As important to the club as he is, I think it has to be £10million, round about that. Some people might think that’s huge, but in terms of what it gives to the team and what it has done, he’s pivotal to what Rangers do.

“He has had times where he’s been a little bit up and down and started from the bench. But every time he comes on he proves his worth to the team. I think £10million is a good number, in my opinion. Especially in today’s market, if you look Nathan Patterson going for £16million. I know there’s a lot of potential there but we’re talking about a ready-made midfielder.

“He’s played at a high level already and Rangers did excellently well to get him for £50,000. An absolute steal, it’s laughable to see what he’s turned into. He’s only going to get better, he’s still a good age so definitely around that mark.”

The verdict: Big decision looms

Having missed out on an automatic place in next season’s UEFA Champions League group stages, the Light Blues hierarchy may look to make up some of the financial shortfalls with major player sales such as Kamara.

However, having scored four times and provided five assists in 51 appearances this season, featuring in 78 minutes per Scottish Premiership game on average (Sofascore), the Finland international remains just so integral to Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side and therefore should only be sold at the very top of his valuation.

Under contract until 2025 (Transfermarkt), there is certainly no rush to cash in on the 42-cap ace and as such Rangers can afford to hold out for at least Hutton’s mooted £10million asking price.

In other news, find out what ‘massive blow’ Rangers have now been dealt here!

Manchester United: Sky Sports drop Frenkie de Jong update

Manchester United are trying everything they can to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong this summer, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

The Lowdown: De Jong linked with United

The 24-year-old Netherlands international has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent weeks, in what would be a reunion with Erik ten Hag for the former Ajax midfielder.

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Fabrizio Romano revealed last week that contact has been made between United and Barcelona regarding De Jong. Reports elsewhere have suggested that the Spanish giants would want a fee in the region of £85m, with Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain also name-checked with an interest.

The Latest: Plettenberg’s update on De Jong

Sky Sports reporter Plettenberg took to Twitter on Monday evening to provide an update on United’s pursuit of De Jong after receiving information from ‘close sources’.

He claimed that Ten Hag ‘wants’ the midfielder and that the Red Devils are ‘trying everything’ in regards to a move. Talks have taken place and United are ‘verifying the financial package’, although Barcelona manager Xavi doesn’t want to lose the 25-year-old.

The Verdict: Promising signs

Romano previously stated that Barcelona’s financial situation may have an impact on the midfielder’s future. Therefore, United appear to be well placed when it comes to a possible move for De Jong after already holding talks and doing everything they can to get a transfer in place.

The Red Devils won’t be able to offer Champions League football next season whereas Manchester City and PSG can, but they may still have a few factors in their favour.

The pull of working under Ten Hag once again, the prospect of regular game-time with Paul Pogba seemingly on the way out and being a key figure in an Old Trafford rebuild could be enough to persuade De Jong to move to the red side of Manchester.

In other news: Man Utd hold ‘talks’ to sign star defender at top of his game after Ten Hag meeting

Reds Acquire Pitcher Zack Littell From Rays in Bid to Bolster Rotation

The Cincinnati Reds have added rotation help as they desperately try to stay afloat in the playoff race.

The Reds are acquiring pitcher Zack Littell from the Tampa Bay Rays, according to a Wednesday night report from ESPN's Jeff Passan. Per Passan, the deal is a three-teamer; the Los Angeles Dodgers will get pitcher Paul Gervase, catcher Ben Rortvedt and pitcher Adam Serwinowski, while the Rays will get catcher Hunter Feduccia and pitcher Brian Van Belle.

Littell, 29, joins the Reds after eight years split between four teams. After years spent shuttling between the bullpen and rotation, the Burlington, N.C., native found a niche starting for Tampa Bay over the past two years.

In 2024, he went 8-10 with a 3.63 ERA and 141 strikeouts in 156 1/3 innings. In 2025, he has again pitched to a respectable ERA (3.72) and leads the majors with just 1.2 walks per nine innings, but also carries one significant blot on his Baseball Reference page—an MLB-high 26 home runs allowed.

Cincinnati is currently the only team within five or fewer games of the San Diego Padres, who hold the National League's last wild-card spot. The Reds are three back after both teams won Wednesday.

The Rays, on the other hand, are in the midst of a 2-8 stretch and trail the Seattle Mariners by 3.5 games for the last American League berth.

Venkatesh Prasad elected Karnataka cricket chief

Venkatesh Prasad reiterates his commitment to bringing big-ticket cricket back to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru

Shashank Kishore08-Dec-2025Venkatesh Prasad, the former India seamer, has been elected president of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). Sujith Somasunder, who played two ODIs in 1996 and was until recently head of education at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, is the vice-president.Prasad, who received unanimous backing from former colleagues Anil Kumble and Javagal Srinath among others, defeated his rival KN Shanth Kumar by a 749-558 margin. Flanked by his team members, Prasad reiterated his commitment to work with the state government to restore “Chinnaswamy’s lost glory”.”First and foremost, this is a victory for the sport of cricket,” Prasad said. “Secondly, this is a victory for all the members who wanted a change, all the people who wanted international cricket to come back to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.”Related

Probe panel deems Chinnaswamy 'unsafe' for large-scale events

The venue hasn’t hosted a big-ticket game since a stampede outside the premises claimed 11 lives during a Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) IPL victory party on June 4. Since then, the KSCA has been a no-go for cricket in Bengaluru, with the BCCI preferring to host the Duleep Trophy and ‘A’ series between India and South Africa at the Centre of Excellence.The M Chinnaswamy Stadium was scheduled to host five women’s ODI World Cup games, including the final. But they had to be moved out after the previous KSCA dispensation, which was operating without a treasurer and secretary, who had resigned on moral grounds after the stampede, failed to obtain the necessary clearances from the state government.KSCA subsequently ran into trouble with the state’s electricity suppliers over fire-safety compliances, which led to power supply to the venue being cut-off. Power has since been restored after a fire-safety audit that said KSCA was in compliance with regulations.Prasad has now instructed his team to study the other possible changes they can implement by studying the findings of the Justice John Michael D’Cunha Commission, appointed by the Karnataka government in the aftermath of the stampede.DK Shivakumar casts his vote at the KSCA elections•PTI In its report in July, the commission had stated that the stadium’s “design and structure” were inherently “unsuitable and unsafe” for mass gatherings. It warned that continuing to hold high-attendance events at the venue would pose “unacceptable risks to public safety, urban mobility, and emergency preparedness”.On Sunday, Karnataka’s deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar, a KSCA life-member and among the early voters, vowed to bring the IPL back to the Chinnaswamy.”I’m a cricket lover,” he said. We will ensure that the accident in Karnataka does not happen again and hold cricket events at Chinnaswamy Stadium in a manner that upholds the honour of Bengaluru. We will not shift the IPL elsewhere and will continue to hold it here at Chinnaswamy Stadium. This is the pride of Bengaluru and Karnataka, which we will retain.”Prasad joins a small group of former India players currently in cricket administration. Recently, Mithun Mahnas, the former Delhi captain and a cricket administrator in Jammu & Kashmir, was elected BCCI president, while Sourav Ganguly, Prasad’s former India colleague and captain, was unanimously elected as president of Cricket Association of Bengal. Saurabh Tiwary and Shahbaz Nadeem, who also had brief India careers along with a strong body of work in domestic cricket, have entered cricket administration in Jharkhand in positions of authority.

Thomas Frank may have just found Spurs' new Mousa Dembele vs Newcastle

Tottenham Hotspur responded in stoppage time to cancel out Newcastle United’s controversial late penalty at St. James’ Park and arrest their losing run.

It was more of the same in the first half, with Spurs unable to test the goalkeeper for the fourth successive game before the break. But as in Paris last week, Thomas Frank’s side showed fight after the break, and this was typified by Cristian Romero as he scored twice to secure a point.

Bruno Guimaraes opened the scoring, but Anthony Gordon’s spot kick was a contentious call, and Arsenal correspondent Charles Watt even commented on the “madness” in seeing it given.

But the captain’s contribution also saw Tottenham end a run of four losses to the Magpies, and it gives Frank a foundation to build on throughout December.

Cristian Romero leads the Spurs' fightback

Romero is among the most aggressive and tenacious players in the Premier League. He led by example on Tyneside, scoring both goals with a brave header and dramatic bicycle kick in the dying embers.

On his return from suspension, Romero reminded the fans of the dimension he adds when on the field and wearing the armband.

Defensively, the Argentina international was something of a mixed bag, though, only winning six of 13 contested duels across the evening and being skinned by Harvey Barnes for the winger’s chance.

However, the 27-year-old made five ball recoveries and five clearances, also blocking two shots. He led by example.

Romero’s heroics will secure the headlines this morning, but there was arguably a Spurs man in front of him who played an even more impressive game, point-sealing strikes aside.

Frank has found Spurs' new Mousa Dembele

In testing times this season, 19-year-old Lucas Bergvall has stepped up and looked like one of Tottenham’s most promising players, purposeful on the ball and combative in the challenge.

He’s still so young, but the teenager’s maturity and natural technical flair indicate a certain likeness to former Lilywhites star Mousa Dembele.

His heart and passion are clear to see, and as he polishes his natural skillset, he could emulate Dembele’s all-controlling role in Mauricio Pochettino’s midfield, earning him so many plaudits.

Newcastle were on the front foot for much of the game, but Bergvall helped repel the hosts throughout.

One Spurs podcast host even remarked that the Swedish talent was “a class above the rest in the first half”, effortless on the ball and tenacious in a way which hasn’t been matched by his teammates (barring Romero).

How often was this the case with Dembele? his elegance and physicality made him a unique midfielder, and it was his effortless dribbling that led Belgian teammate Kevin De Bruyne to call him “the best in the world” during his heyday.

Bergvall isn’t there yet, but he’s shining in a Tottenham team which, at times, appears allergic to positive attacking play, inviting pressure on themselves with poor passing.

However, the club’s never-say-die attitude was embodied by players like the skipper and Bergvall, with the Scandinavian star showing off both sides of his game by winning his tackle and succeeding with both attempts to carry the ball forward.

Minutes played

77′

Touches

28

Accurate passes

13/17 (76%)

Unsuccessful touches

3

Dribbles

2/2

Recoveries

2

Tackles

1/1

Clearances

1

Duels won

3/4

Football.london gave him a 7/10 post-match rating and acknowledged Bergvall’s intensity in pressing against the Newcastle engine room and providing plenty of energy to keep the spirited fightback focused.

Bergvall has some way to go before he could say he is on a level with Dembele at his Tottenham best, but this is the kind of profile and the kind of performance that Frank needs from his team to start playing with an exciting identity.

Richarlison upgrade: Spurs line up bid for "one of the best STs in Europe"

Tottenham have left plenty to be desired in the final third this season.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 2, 2025

The replacement's diary: Why I said yes to the PSL

A T20 freelancer talks about why he embraced the opportunity to travel to Pakistan for one match

Peter Hatzoglou21-May-2025It was a Wednesday afternoon in London, and I was in the fruit section at Marks & Spencer, on the hunt for their mango fingers – which, by the way, are a seriously underrated snack. That’s when I got a voice note from my manager. The Pakistan Super League was restarting. A replacement draft was happening. And somehow, Multan Sultans were interested in me.To be honest, I barely knew the PSL was resuming, let alone that I’d be in contention. My first thought? Keep hopes low. Too many “maybes” in this career can break your heart if you let them. So I grabbed my mango fingers, walked back to the car – and then came the text.”You’re in.”I laughed. Not because it was funny but because of how unexpected it all was. Just days earlier, I’d been wrestling with doubts about where I stood in my career. Now, I was heading to one of the world’s top T20 leagues, amid one of the more tense geopolitical moments in recent memory.In the days leading up to the draft, cross-border tensions boiled over into real military escalation that halted both the IPL and PSL. Players were flown home. Airspace was closed. Some international players understandably chose not to return.Related

Shafique powers Lahore Qalandars into Qualifier 2

PCB to reschedule PSL games as tensions between Pakistan and India mount

Remainder of PSL postponed indefinitely amid India-Pakistan tensions

PSL 2025 to resume on May 17, final scheduled for May 25

PSL 2025 FAQs – what the six teams need to do in the final stretch

So when the opportunity came, it wasn’t just about cricket. I had to weigh the reward against the risk.I did what most of us do – I reached out to people I trust. I checked in with family and spoke to leaders among the playing group, like Tom Kohler-Cadmore, a PSL veteran, and David Warner, whose standing in world cricket speaks for itself. I then checked in with Brendan Drew from the Australian Cricketers’ Association, which, along with the World Cricketers’ Association, had commissioned a third-party risk assessment for players considering a return to Pakistan.The advice? The situation was being monitored, but the league was safe to resume. It was ultimately our call, but the ACA would support it either way.Still, my decision wasn’t just about personal safety. It was also about my upbringing.I grew up at Sunshine Heights Cricket Club in Melbourne’s west – a place that welcomes migrants, celebrates diversity, and believes in cricket as a tool for inclusion.My grandparents arrived in Australia through the mid-1960s, with no cricketing background. My dad was embraced by the club and he would go on to volunteer for more than 40 years in just about every capacity, including over a decade as president. Following in his footsteps, I served as treasurer, secretary, and junior coordinator across a six-year stretch – roles that gave me a front-row seat to how sport can help people find their footing.That ethos – that cricket is more than runs and wickets – is still part of how I navigate opportunities like this. Yes, I was aware of the political climate. But cricket isn’t responsible for borders.

Playing sport in politically charged times is never just about the sport. But cricket offers something that few other experiences can: shared rituals, mutual respect, and the chance to coexist in ways that politics doesn’t always allow

At 2am on game day, I landed in Islamabad airport alongside Tymal Mills and George Munsey, where PSL officials were ready to fast-track us through immigration and security. By mid-morning, I was being fitted for a kit and introduced to the Multan Sultans set-up: owner Ali Tareen, coach Abdul Rehman, and a room of players and staff.Immediately, I was met with the hospitality foreign cricketers have become accustomed to in Pakistan. Pakistanis take real pride in their country and want guests to have the best possible experience. I genuinely felt I could ask for anything – no matter how unusual – and someone would make it happen.Then came the journey to Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Like all PSL match days, roads were cleared. The team bus, reinforced and flanked by military vehicles, made its way through the city under armed escort. The heat? Thirty-seven degrees. The outcome? A final-ball thriller against table-topping Quetta Gladiators.Although the match was technically a dead rubber – Gladiators had already qualified, and we were out of contention – it still carried plenty of meaning. In some ways, these matches feel even more competitive. Why? Because the bench guys, who have been quietly grinding and waiting their turn all season, finally get their shot. And they know how small the window is. They are not just playing for points. They are playing for careers. Just like I was.We lost, but I was proud of both the team and my performance. And more than that, I was glad to reconnect with so many familiar faces. That’s the hidden joy of franchise cricket. On paper, you’re switching teams every month. But in reality, it’s a roving community. A group of freelancers – players, coaches, analysts, media staff – who keep bumping into each other in new colours and new cities.It’s a network. It’s a cultural education. It’s a circus. It’s home.The PSL resumed on May 17 after an eight-day pause•Farooq Naeem/AFP/Getty ImagesThe past year has been a mixed bag for me. I was a late inclusion in the Hobart Hurricanes BBL playing XI after management signed an overseas spinner. When I did get a go, I started well – my economy was good – but I struggled to make big personal inroads, despite an exceptional team performance culminating in the title.While winning is always great, it meant I arrived late to the UAE’s ILT20, where Sharjah Warriors had pivoted to Adam Zampa. Fair enough – he’s world class. But it meant another bench stretch for me. If anything, the biggest takeaway from my time at the ILT20 was a reflective conversation with Matthew Wade on my BBL performances. He and his experience helped me rethink my lengths and field placements, which really helped.Still, I keep moving. I played in the Weston Shield, a really exciting T10 tournament hosted by European Cricket. I joined Tom Scollay’s Cricket Mentoring tour in India, played Topklasse cricket in the Netherlands, a couple of matches for the MCC in Cardiff, and had a solid outing with Radlett in the Hertfordshire Premier League. I’ve been working hard with spin coach Carl Crowe, and lately I feel like I’m getting that “pace” back off the wicket – more bowleds, more lbws.In short: I feel close. And I’m looking for that moment – the catalyst for the next phase of my cricket journey.Playing sport in politically charged times is never just about the sport. But cricket offers something that few other experiences can: shared rituals, mutual respect, and the chance to coexist in ways that politics doesn’t always allow.It’s now Tuesday, May 20. I’m sitting in a London café, writing this before I head to Manchester to see my brother, Max, who’s playing for Glossop in the Greater Manchester Cricket League. On Thursday, I play for the MCC against Loughborough University. Then I’m back at Radlett for another weekend of club cricket.Cricket moves fast. One day you’re a replacement pick in one of the world’s biggest competitions. The next, you’re back in whites on a recreation reserve, chasing rhythm.But through it all, the game stays bigger than the headlines. It offers connection. It offers hope. And right now, I’m grateful to be part of it.

Red Sox Fans Chant 'Keep Duran' at Top Front Office Executive Amid Trade Speculation

The Boston Red Sox are flying high heading into the All-Star break. Winners of seven straight and nine of their last 10, they currently sit at 50-45 and hold the American League's third Wild Card spot.

They're also getting healthy at the right time. Not only is third baseman Alex Bregman expected to return to the lineup this weekend, but outfielder Masataka Yoshida was activated from the injured list on July 9—and went 3-for-4 with a double in his return. While ultimately a good thing, this also means that there's a logjam in the Boston outfield, and has led some to speculate that the team could trade 2024 All-Star Jarren Duran to make room.

After the Sox's 3-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays, however, fans made it clear that they want the team to keep the 2024 All-Star Game MVP. In a video shared on X (formerly Twitter) by Underdog's Jared Carrabis, the Fenway faithful could be heard chanting "Keep Duran!" at chief baseball officer Craig Breslow. Check it out:

All Breslow could do is smile and wave.

Over Boston's seven-game win streak, Duran his hitting .360 with two home runs and 11 RBI. The Red Sox are back at it on Friday at Fenway for a 7:10 p.m. first pitch.

USMNT star Folarin Balogun makes Champions League history after scoring vital winning goal for Monaco against Galatasaray

USMNT star Folarin Balogun made history by scoring in a third successive Champions League match to steer Monaco to a hard-fought victory over Galatasaray in the Principality. On an evening when both teams squandered a catalogue of inviting opportunities, the 24-year-old’s scrappy finish midway through the second half proved enough to secure a vital three points and lift Monaco level with their Turkish opponents in the league phase.

Galatasaray waste key openings before Monaco steal it

The tone of the match was set early when Galatasaray squandered a gilt-edged chance that left their travelling support groaning. Ilkay Gundogan, arriving unmarked just yards from goal, lashed a rising effort over the bar when it seemed easier to score. Minutes later, Baris Alper Yilmaz muscled past his marker to latch onto a long pass but struck the outside of the post with the goal at his mercy. Those misses offered Monaco a reprieve, but the hosts initially struggled to take advantage. Balogun nodded a free header off target from close range, and a catalogue of near-misses followed as pressure built but composure faltered.

Shortly after the break, Monaco were handed an ideal opportunity to break the deadlock when Takumi Minamino, darting into the area, was upended by former Tottenham defender Davinson Sanchez. Captain Denis Zakaria stepped forward but failed to convert with a meek attempt, allowing Galatasaray goalkeeper Uuurcan Cakır to stop it away with an outstretched leg. 

However, in the end, Balogun’s persistence became the story of the night. For long stretches, he looked destined to leave the field disappointed after spurning a handful of chances. Yet, when Thilo Kehrer nodded a corner into the heart of the six-yard box in the 68th minute, the American reacted fastest, bundling the ball over the line with his knee in the kind of instinctive, unglamorous finish that often separates winning sides from frustrated ones.

AdvertisementUCL record for Balogun

Balogun's goal did more than lift Monaco’s campaign – with the French outfit now up to 18th in the Champions League table – as it also carved a milestone into American football history. With his latest strike, the forward has become the first USMNT player to ever score in three consecutive Champions League appearances.

Monaco manager lavishes praise on Balogun

Balogun toiled hard, constantly got into the right places, and was finally able to break the deadlock. Moanco manager Sebastien Pocognoli was euphoric after grabbing a narrow victory and hailed the USMNT star for bailing out his side at home. 

He said: "Players are like sponges. If you’re nervous on the sideline, they will feel it. Balo does work off the ball, which is very important for us. He responded after the misses, and I am very happy for him. It shows his strength of character, and it shows that he can get back up."

Balogun knows the importance of continued efforts, as he said in an interview with GOAL in October. 

"I think the hardest part is that we all work our whole lives for something," Balogun said. "But I always have a slightly different outlook. You do that work your whole life, and it is a constant pursuit of greatness. At the end of the day, I think it all comes down to definitive moments. Each of those moments makes a great career. There are certain moments that allow other moments to happen. You get to do something you've dreamed of as a kid and, if you keep scoring, you allow yourself to get that opportunity again and again."

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AFPWhat comes next?

For now, Balogun’s attention shifts back to domestic duties, with Monaco preparing to face Mason Greenwood’s Marseille on Sunday in Ligue 1. His European exploits have raised expectations once more, and Monaco will hope that the confidence of another Champions League contribution fuels him into the weekend.

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