Soccer | DD News

November 6, 2025 12:22 PM

FIFA launches annual Peace Prize with first to be awarded at World Cup draw

FIFA announced a new annual award called the FIFA Peace Prize which will be given to its first winner during the 2026 World Cup finals draw in Washington D.C. next month, world soccer's governing body said on Wednesday. Dubbed the "FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World", FIFA said it was created to "reward individuals who have taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace". "In an increasingly unsettled and divided world, it's fundamental to recognise the outstanding contribut...

November 6, 2025 12:18 PM

Cristiano Ronaldo says he will retire ‘soon’ to spend more time with family

Cristiano Ronaldo said he will retire "soon" and while he admits it will be difficult to bring his glittering career to an end the 40-year-old has been planning for his post-football life for some time. The Al Nassr striker is the all-time leading goalscorer with 952 goals for club and country combined and said last month he is targeting 1,000 goals before quitting the game. "Soon," the five-time Ballon d'Or winner said when he was asked when he would hang up his boots. "I think I will be pre...

November 5, 2025 6:06 PM

David Beckham knighted for services to sport and charity

David Beckham, one of Britain's most celebrated soccer players, was knighted by King Charles at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, recognising his decades-long contribution to sport and charitable causes. The 50-year-old former England soccer captain received the honour at the royal residence, more than 20 years after he was awarded a separate royal honour recognising his contribution to football. Beckham, a lifelong admirer of the royal family, was dressed in a suit designed by his wife, Victoria Bec...

October 23, 2025 10:55 AM

Youthful Chelsea thump hapless Ajax 5-1 in Champions League

A youthful Chelsea hammered Ajax Amsterdam 5-1 in an eventful Champions League game on Wednesday that included three goals from teenagers, three penalties and a red card, under pouring rain at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca put out a side with an average age of 22 and made 10 changes from the team that beat Nottingham Forest in the Premier League at the weekend. "I work with them every day. I know what they can do," Maresca said of his teenagers. "The good thing about them is that...

September 24, 2025 10:48 PM

Afghan women’s refugee team to make tournament debut in UAE

The Afghan women's refugee team will take the field for the first time in an international tournament when they compete in a four-team friendly competition in the United Arab Emirates next month, world governing body FIFA said on Wednesday. The team's creation stems from the Taliban's ban on women's sports following their takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, prompting players to flee the country fearing persecution. The "FIFA Unites: Women's Series" tournament will run from October 23-29 in Dubai ...

September 19, 2025 10:32 AM

Spain return to top of FIFA rankings, Germany drop outside top 10

Euro 2024 champions Spain have climbed to the top of the FIFA rankings for the first time in 11 years while Germany dropped out of the top 10, world soccer's governing body said. France moved up to second in the latest rankings published on Thursday with reigning World Cup champions Argentina slipping to third after their 1-0 loss to Ecuador in 2026 qualifying. Nations League winners Portugal climbed one spot to fifth. Germany dropped outside the top 10 for the first time in almost a year aft...

September 19, 2025 10:31 AM

Haaland nets landmark goal as City beat 10-man Napoli in Champions League

Manchester City's prolific striker Erling Haaland bagged a record-breaking goal as Pep Guardiola's side kicked off their Champions League campaign with a dominant 2-0 victory over 10-man Napoli on Thursday. Haaland became the quickest player in Champions League history to hit 50 goals in what was his 49th appearance in Europe's elite competition when he cleverly headed home Phil Foden's perfectly-placed flick in the 56th minute. Jeremy Doku doubled City's lead in the 65th when he turned quickl...

September 19, 2025 10:29 AM

Rashford shines with two goals in Barcelona’s 2-1 win at Newcastle

An inspired Marcus Rashford celebrated his return to English soil by scoring twice in nine second-half minutes to give Barcelona a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United in their Champions League season opener at St James' Park on Thursday. Missing key players Lamine Yamal, Alejandro Balde, and Gavi through injury, the visitors had to weather an early storm as Newcastle pressed high relentlessly, with goalkeeper Joan Garcia making a fabulous reflex save to deny Harvey Barnes from close-range early i...

September 18, 2025 9:52 AM

PSG overwhelm Atalanta 4-0 in Champions League opener

Paris St Germain picked up where they left off following last season’s Champions League triumph as they kicked off their new campaign with an impressive 4-0 win over Atalanta at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday. Marquinhos opened the scoring inside the first three minutes, and PSG followed that up with goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Nuno Mendes and substitute Goncalo Ramos, demonstrating their hallmark high press and fluidity. Bradley Barcola missed a penalty just before halftime, but it...

September 18, 2025 9:49 AM

Kane strikes twice to fire Bayern past Chelsea 3-1 in Champions League opener

Forward Harry Kane scored once in either half to guide German champions Bayern Munich to a 3-1 victory over Chelsea in their Champions League opener on Wednesday. The England striker scored Bayern's second goal with a 27th minute penalty after an own goal by Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah had put the hosts in the lead in the 20th. Chelsea briefly rallied, with Cole Palmer pulling one back just two minutes later, but Kane, who has already scored five goals in three Bundesliga matches so far, struck ...