Author: James Brooks

Chelsea won the Women’s World Sevens series in London, beating Manchester United 6-5 in Saturday’s final to claim $500,000 (£372,000) in prize money. The tournament, hosted at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium, featured eight Women’s Super League clubs competing across the third edition of the series. Running from 28-30 May, the event finished a day before the Women’s FA Cup final at Wembley and showcased some of the WSL’s biggest stars. The seven-a-side format, featuring rolling substitutes, no offsides and 15-minute halves, is designed to encourage creativity and flair from players. Elaborate walkout entrances proved a highlight, with Chelsea manager Sonia…

Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League final victory over Arsenal has triggered widespread civil unrest across France, leaving hundreds of people injured in clashes between fans and police. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed that a total of 219 people were injured during the violence, with eight of those reported to be in a serious condition. Thousands of officers were deployed across the country to contain the unrest, which caused significant disruption to bus, train and rail services in the capital Paris. Fifty-seven police officers were among those injured as security forces worked to bring the situation under control throughout the night. Nuñez…

Lawrence Shankland spent much of the first hour at Hampden as a peripheral figure, dropping deep and running wide in support of George Hirst. He sacrificed his natural game so that Hirst could lead the line, and Scotland were the poorer for it during a nervy farewell fixture. That changed decisively when Shankland pushed into more dangerous positions, scoring twice with what were described as two beautiful finishes. These were his 22nd and 23rd goals in his last 37 matches, a record that makes him, by a margin, Steve Clarke’s most accomplished striker. Clarke’s previous pecking order may have placed…

Brighton manager Dario Vidosic will lead his side out at Wembley on Sunday carrying the memory of his late father, Rado, who passed away in January following a battle with cancer. Rado Vidosic served as Brighton’s head of women’s and girls’ coaching and was described as a much-loved figure at the club following his arrival a year before his death. His passing at the age of 64 prompted Dario to take a month away from the Women’s Super League campaign on compassionate leave. Brighton recovered strongly upon his return in February, climbing to seventh in the WSL and reaching their…

Scotland midfielder Billy Gilmour has been ruled out of the World Cup after picking up a knee injury during Saturday’s 4-1 friendly win over Curacao. The Scottish FA confirmed the 24-year-old Napoli player would not take part in the finals, saying: “We’re all with you, Billy.” Napoli and Scotland team-mate Scott McTominay wrote on Instagram: “Absolutely devasted for you brother, football is a cruel game and you don’t deserve this, keep your head up. The players, staff and country love you.” Gilmour started at Hampden but was withdrawn after pulling up in pain, with his replacement Findlay Curtis scoring Scotland’s…

Paris St-Germain have won the Champions League for a second successive year, defeating Arsenal in a penalty shootout. The French side retained their crown in dramatic fashion, with the match ultimately decided from the spot after normal time failed to separate the two sides. Arsenal suffered the agony of a shootout defeat, with Gabriel missing a key penalty during the decisive sequence. The loss will be a bitter blow for Arsenal, who came agonisingly close to claiming the biggest prize in European club football. PSG, meanwhile, can celebrate an extraordinary achievement in retaining the Champions League trophy they won twelve…

Arsenal’s Champions League final defeat to Paris St-Germain will forever be defined by Gabriel standing with his head in his hands, consoled by PSG captain and Brazil team-mate Marquinhos. It was a cruel conclusion to the defender’s first European final, with his penalty blasted over the crossbar proving decisive in the shootout. The miss ended Arsenal’s hopes of a rare Premier League and Champions League double, a feat achieved only by Manchester United and Manchester City since 1992. It was the first penalty Gabriel had taken for Arsenal, with manager Mikel Arteta revealing the defender had “prepared and trained for…

Paris St-Germain have become only the second club in the Champions League era to successfully defend their European title after beating Arsenal in Budapest. The French champions edged a 1-1 draw before claiming a nervy 4-3 penalty shootout victory to secure back-to-back Champions League crowns. It backed up their dominant 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in Munich twelve months earlier, confirming PSG’s place among the competition’s elite. PSG are now only the 10th club across the competition’s 71-year history to win successive European titles, a remarkable achievement in modern football. They become the first side to retain the trophy since…

Now that the football season has come to an end, the tradition of clubs teasing next season’s kits is in full swing. However, with the latest launches, you might notice a significant change in front-of-shirt sponsorship. Teams are finally moving away from acting as contentious hosts for legal and illegal casino brands, opting for a fresh look as they pivot away from gambling logos on the front of their shirts. You’ve probably noticed over the years a swathe of random, restricted offshore casino brands sponsoring football teams. Names like Fun88, Rollbit, Stake.com, or BC.game. If you attempt to access any…

Liverpool have emerged as the frontrunners to sign Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams this summer, with Spanish reports indicating the Basque club is now willing to accept a fee below the player’s official release clause to facilitate a move. Williams carries a €95 million release clause in his contract, but Athletic are reportedly open to a formula closer to €60 million upfront plus €20 million in add-ons, with Liverpool prepared to invest around €80 million in total to get the deal done. The Reds are described by Fichajes as “ready to make that investment” after identifying the 23-year-old Spaniard as…