Culture

Kylian Mbappé and LeBron James caused a stir on the internet Tuesday when the two sports superstars suddenly swapped profile pictures on Instagram. 

For a moment, fans speculated if the changing of pictures was foreshadowing an Mbappé transfer to Liverpool as James is part of the Reds’ ownership group. ESPN FC stirred the pot a little more by repeating the rumor on Twitter.

If this year's soccer kits seemed even worse than usual, it's because they were.

Every kit release is accompanied by internet outlash and general dissatisfaction. You can say that Twitter trolls are a factor, but the fact is that the quality of soccer kit designs is steadily declining.

Every generation has a handful of goals that seem to captivate every fan and live on in footballing lore for years to come. Goals that define an era. 

Spotify Wrapped dropped this month, showing listeners what songs and artists they looked up and listened to the most (my number one artist was Don Toliver if you’re curious). If Google had a similar wrapped project, I guarantee you that “crazy soccer flares” would’ve been in my top 100 searches for all of the past five years.

There’s something about a wall of fire that is exceptionally intimidating to look at. Any time — prior to 2020 that is — I see fans of South American or European clubs ignite their flares and sing rapturous chants I get envious.

In Britain, Dec. 26 is the biggest day on the footballing calendar. Soccer is to Boxing Day as the NFL is to Thanksgiving Day or college football is to New Year's Day here in America.

It is a day to gather with family, enjoy Christmas leftovers and, of course, watch soccer. Boxing Day is one of the most fixture-filled days of the footballing calendar, and it is highly anticipated from the start of the season.