Human Interest

With Taliban Abolishing Women’s Rights In Afghanistan, A Lucky Few Play Soccer In Australia

MELBOURNE — Eight months after fleeing Kabul as the Taliban swept to power in Afghanistan, Farida trains at a suburban Melbourne pitch, dreaming of one day playing soccer for her country while lamenting the fate of fellow women players back home.

The 20-year-old striker was one of 77 Afghan athletes, family members and officials evacuated from Afghanistan last year by the Australian government after lobbying by prominent figures in the sporting world.

The Introduction Of Luis Díaz Changed The Game For Liverpool Against Villarreal

Heading into Tuesday's Champions League semifinal return leg at La Cerámica, both Villarreal and Liverpool knew it'd be a far cry from the Reds' 90 minutes of controlled dominance at Anfield.

"The match next week will be very different from tonight's," Villarreal boss Unai Emery said after the first leg. "I think they are going to suffer more next week in our home."

On Monday, Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp delivered a similar take by saying his side had "to be ready to suffer and sit back in moments, but not as a general approach."

Remember Lille's Title-Winning Squad From Less Than A Year Ago? They've All Jumped Ship

The cycle of an underdog team capturing an unbelievable title and then providing one of the worst title defenses ever seen is a tale as old as time. After all, winning back-to-back championships is classified as one of the most difficult exercises across sports, even when you're strapped to the teeth with finances, resources and world-class depth like Manchester City.

UEFA Bans Russia WNT From Euros And World Cup, Clubs Banned From Europe Next Season

UEFA has banned Russia from the Women's European Championship in July and from participating in qualifying for next year's World Cup following the country's invasion of Ukraine, European soccer's governing body said on Monday.

Portugal will replace Russia for the July 6-31 tournament in England, having lost to them in the qualifying playoffs. They will join the Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland in Group C.

Soccer Loses One Of Its Greatest Agents — Mino Raiola, 54, Dies After Battle With Illness

Soccer agent Mino Raiola has died at the age of 54 in an Italian hospital after battling illness, his family said in a statement on Saturday.

Born in Italy, Raiola grew up in the Netherlands before becoming one of the most powerful soccer agents in the world, with clients including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Erling Haaland and Paul Pogba.

Portland Timbers, Thorns Raise $500k For Ukraine With Mixed-Gender Charity Match

Portland has one of the greatest soccer communities in the U.S., and that community came together in beautiful fashion for a unique, mixed-gender charity match on Wednesday night at Providence Park. The “PTFC For Peace” match raised more than $500,000 for UNICEF USA’s relief efforts for children and families affected by Russia’s horrific invasion of Ukraine. 

Cristiano Ronaldo Thanks Liverpool Fans For Tribute At Anfield

Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo thanked supporters of Liverpool for their display of support in Tuesday's Premier League meeting between the teams, which the Portuguese player missed due to the death of his newborn son.

Classy Liverpool Fans Give Touching Gesture For Ronaldo After Loss Of His Newborn Son

Nearly the entire soccer world is behind Cristiano Ronaldo and his partner Georgina Rodríguez after the couple announced the death of their newborn son on Monday. Ronaldo understandably missed United’s Tuesday game against Liverpool, but that didn’t stop the Liverpool fans clapping for Ronaldo.

The idea spread online to have a gesture for Ronaldo in this difficult time. When the clock hit seven minutes in the Liverpool vs. Manchester United game all the fans at Anfield had a heartwarming moment for CR7 and his family.

Ronaldo Will Miss Manchester United’s Game Vs. Liverpool After Death Of Newborn Son

Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo will not play against Liverpool in the Premier League later on Tuesday following the death of his newborn son a day earlier, the club said.

Ronaldo and his partner Georgina Rodriguez, who announced in October last year they were expecting twins, said on Monday that one of the two babies had died. 

List Of USWNT Players Becoming Mothers Continues To Grow — Allie Long Is Expecting Twins

The United States women’s national team is quickly turning into team Mom as another player has announced her pregnancy. It was revealed on Friday that two-time NWSL and 2019 World Cup champion Allie Long is having twins.

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