Amazing

It’s been 20 years to the day since Cristiano Ronaldo made his debut at the youth level for Portugal. He was only a 16-year-old at the time, but he was also just one year away from a meteoric rise through Sporting’s system that would see him become the first to play for the club’s U-16, U-17, U-18, B team and first team all within the same season. 

Historically speaking, there’s only ever been one correct answer to the question of a dream away day in the National Women’s Soccer League. As well as producing the sort of football that’s landed two NWSL championships, the Portland Thorns boast the division’s best atmosphere with an average attendance (we have to go back to 2019 to look at such things) of over 20,000 at beautiful Providence Park.  

But I believe Portland has been usurped for three reasons: views, horse racing and bourbon.

A new movie about Brazilian soccer great Pelé is the latest in a series of documentaries in what has been described as a golden age of sports film.

Documentaries about American basketball player Michael Jordan, Argentine footballer Diego Maradona and Brazilian Formula One driver Ayrton Senna have transfixed fans with their insider look at the performance and personality of the biggest global sports stars.

After Diego Forlán stepped into one back in 2002, unleashing a howitzer from nearly 25 yards out that was still rising when it flew into the corner, you could sense the relief and outpouring of ecstasy from both the Old Trafford crowd and the Uruguayan forward.

A high-profile match between FC Zurich and Sion in the Swiss Super League was brought to a halt in the 40th-minute when a beautiful White Swiss Shepherd Dog appeared on the near touch-line before scampering down the wing.

As everyone wondered what to do next, FC Zurich chairman Ancillo Canepa appeared from his presidential suite, ran down the stairs past the substitutes and helped the dog find its way back down the tunnel.

Brazilian legend Marta turned 35 on Feb. 19 and she still proves to be one of the best in the world. She has the most goals in FIFA World Cup history, she is a six-time World Player of the Year and she is Brazil’s all-time top goal scorer, not to mention she just re-signed for the 2021 season with the Orlando Pride and received her green card so she no longer needs an international roster spot. As a player who many young players look up to, the day she decides to hang up her boots will certainly be a sad one. 

The U.S. women’s national team has a remarkable record of reaching the semifinals in every Women’s World Cup. It’s a major reason why we often refer to the USWNT as the greatest sports team of all time. But the road to the final four hasn’t always been easy, and in 2011, the USWNT came closer than ever to an early exit. Only a stunning late Abby Wambach goal vs Brazil — I’d argue the greatest goal in U.S. soccer history — saved the Americans from a quarterfinal exit.