23
JUL
2025
Was The Club World Cup A Success?
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, held in the United States marked a bold new chapter for global club football with its expanded 32-team format. Chelsea’s commanding 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the final at MetLife Stadium, attended by 81,118 fans, capped a tournament that has gained growing debate about its success. With a $1 billion prize pool and a global audience, FIFA president Gianni Infantino hailed it as a “huge, huge, huge success,” but opinions seem to be divided.
The tournament delivered thrilling moments, with Brazilian teams like Fluminense, Palmeiras, and Botafogo challenging European giants, proving the competition’s global appeal and showing the quality of all teams. Al Hilal’s stunning 4-3 upset over Manchester City in the round of 16 was a highlight, showcasing competitive balance. Passionate fan support from South American and Middle Eastern clubs brought vibrant energy, with total attendance reaching 2.49 million across 63 matches, averaging 39,547 per game. The event also served as a test run for the 2026 World Cup, with five venues overlapping, offering logistical insights. Strong TV ratings, particularly on DAZN, underscored its commercial viability.
Despite these highs, the tournament faced significant hurdles. Sparse crowds at some group-stage matches, with attendances as low as 3,412 for Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Ulsan HD, exposed scheduling issues, as midweek daytime kickoffs clashed with work hours. High ticket prices and dynamic pricing strategies frustrated fans, with some seats dropping from £350 to under £10. Extreme weather, including thunderstorms delaying six matches, and oppressive heat disrupted play and tested player endurance. Critics, including Jurgen Klopp, who called it “the worst idea ever implemented in football,” pointed to player fatigue, with PSG playing their 65th match of the season in the final. The crowded calendar raised concerns about long-term impacts on player welfare, echoed by the Professional Footballers’ Association.
The 2025 Club World Cup was a mixed bag. It succeeded in delivering competitive football, global representation, and commercial gains, but logistical missteps and player welfare concerns cast a shadow. While Infantino’s vision of a quadrennial spectacle has potential, adjustments to scheduling, venue selection, and ticket pricing are crucial for future editions. As a dress rehearsal for 2026, it provided valuable lessons, but FIFA must address these flaws to cement the tournament’s place in the football calendar.
Club World Cup Champions Chelsea FC
Credit - Getty
The Lionesses Winning Euro 2022
Credit - Naomi Baker/Getty Images via One Football
01
JUL
2025
Lionesses Roar for Back-to-Back Glory at Euro 2025
This Wednesday, Women’s Euro 2025 kicks off in Switzerland, with 16 teams competing for the title. The 2022 champions, England, are aiming to secure back-to-back titles for the first time in the nation’s history. However, with a challenging draw in Group D, Sarina Wiegman’s side will need a strong start against France on Saturday to bolster the nation’s hopes. The Lionesses also face the Netherlands and Wales in a star-studded group.
England head into the tournament with significant squad changes, following the retirement of 2022 winners Mary Earps and Rachel Daly from international football, and Millie Bright taking a break. Despite these setbacks, England are enjoying a surge of talent entering the first team, with players like Chelsea’s No. 1, Hannah Hampton, looking to cement her place between the sticks for the Lionesses. England made an emphatic statement on Sunday, thrashing Jamaica 7-0 at Leicester’s King Power Stadium.
This tournament boasts a record prize pot of €41 million, a 156% increase from 2022, with England potentially earning €5.1 million if they lift the trophy. While this amount is still far below the prize money in the men’s game, it reflects the growing impact and popularity of women’s football in recent years. Switzerland is set to put on a vibrant show, with Basel’s trams adorned in tournament colours.
UK fans can watch every match live or on catch-up across BBC and ITV, with convenient 5pm or 8pm UK time kick-offs. TV audiences are expected to reach new heights, potentially making this a groundbreaking tournament for the women’s game.
The tournament promises an abundance of exciting flair and talent, with players like Spain’s Alexia Putellas and Denmark’s Pernille Harder aiming to translate their phenomenal club form into international glory. Several teams are vying for the title, but underdogs such as Wales, Portugal, and Belgium, who have impressed in recent matches and tournaments, could make a mark. With Wales as close rivals to England, the prospect of home nation clashes adds excitement to the tournament.
Another Lionesses’ triumph could further transform English grassroots football, building on the legacy of their 2022 victory. The tournament will also showcase women’s football’s growing prominence on the global stage.
30
JUN
2025
A Preview of Wimbledon 2025
As Wimbledon 2025 begins today at the world-class All England Club, the tennis world turns its eyes to London for two weeks of action on the grass courts. The third Grand Slam of the year promises a fortnight of 128 male and female players fighting for a record-breaking £53.5 million prize pot and a chance to win tennis’s most coveted tournament. This year’s tournament carries extra weight for British fans, as a historic 23 home players are competing in the men’s and women’s singles draws—the most since 1984. Seven secured direct entry through rankings, 15 earned wildcards, and Oliver Tarvet became the first British man to qualify in eight years, signalling a resurgence of home talent. Early fireworks, such as Sonay Kartal’s first-round upset over Jelena Ostapenko, underline the depth of this British contingent, which swells to over 50 players across doubles and wheelchair events.
At the forefront of the country’s hopes is Jack Draper, the 23-year-old world No. 4 and the highest-seeded Brit since a prime Sir Andy Murray in 2017. Draper has completely transformed his game over the past 12 months, evolving from an injury-prone prospect into a genuine contender, having already secured the 2025 Indian Wells Masters title and reached a US Open semi-final. His powerful left-handed groundstrokes, formidable serve, and improved fitness—thanks to training with Murray’s former coaches—make him a natural fit for grass. However, recent illnesses and admitted discomfort on the surface raise questions about his endurance. Facing Sebastián Báez in round one, Draper’s draw could pit him against Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals and Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals. BBC commentator Andrew Castle has tipped him as a future Wimbledon champion, and a deep run—potentially to the quarter-finals or beyond—feels within reach. If Draper manages the pressure and stays healthy, a maiden Grand Slam title isn’t out of the question, especially with the home crowd roaring behind him.
The men’s field is stacked with heavyweights. Carlos Alcaraz, the two-time defending champion, enters as the clear bookmakers’ favourite after dominating at Queen’s Club earlier this month. His fast movement and flair make a third consecutive title a real possibility. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, with his relentless energy, and Novak Djokovic, chasing a record-extending eighth Wimbledon crown, cannot be discounted. Alexander Zverev, fresh from a strong season on clay, could also emerge as a dark horse if he adapts his game to grass.
On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka is the leading contender. The Australian Open champion’s thunderous power thrives on grass, but she faces a cohort of rivals also vying for the title. Iga Świątek, despite grass being her weakest surface statistically, remains a threat. Last year’s runner-up, Jasmine Paolini, brings momentum from her 2024 campaign. Meanwhile, American No. 1 Coco Gauff’s athleticism and form on grass make her a dangerous outsider. Elena Rybakina, the 2022 champion, hopes to rediscover her magic touch if she can overcome health setbacks. For Britain, Emma Raducanu, now ranked 38th, aims to recapture the fearless form that led to her US Open triumph. Despite recent back spasms and injury concerns, playing on home soil could spark an upset, potentially carrying her into the second week.
Other British players add intrigue to the star-studded line-up. Katie Boulter and Cam Norrie aim to capitalise on home support, while wildcards like Harriet Dart and Jacob Fearnley could surprise. The forecast of scorching temperatures will test players’ endurance, adding another layer of challenge to an already unpredictable tournament. With comprehensive coverage on the BBC, fans won’t miss a moment of the action.
Wimbledon 2025 is poised to deliver unforgettable moments, with Draper carrying the weight of a nation’s expectations. Could this be his chance to etch his name in the history books?
British N01 Jack Draper
Credit - Wimbledon
2025 World Champion Xhao Xintong
Credit - Alamy
10
MAY
2025
From Suspension To Stardom: How Zhao Xintong Became World Champion
Around Twenty years ago, Ding Junhui sparked a snooker boom in China, winning major tournaments and being the first Chinese player to reach the World Championship final, raising expectations as to who the potential first Chinese winner would be. Rising stars Si Jiahui and Wu Yize have continued to maintain this momentum in China, joined by a wave of Thai talents breaking through. With their calculated, methodical approach to the game, an influx of Asian players is now transforming snooker, and Zhao Xintong’s victory at the Crucible in 2025 has solidified this new era. But how did a player, once destined for greatness after facing major setbacks, ultimately manage to cement his legacy in the history books?
Zhao Xintong began his professional snooker career by clinching the UK Championship title in 2021, demonstrating to snooker fans that he was a serious talent. However, things took a rough turn in late 2022 when odd betting patterns caught the eye of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA). They launched a full-on investigation and found that ten Chinese players, including Zhao, were caught up in betting, match-fixing, and even pressuring others to throw games. As a result, Zhao received a 20-month ban, sidelining him from the sport until August 2024.
Since he resumed playing Xhao entered the 2024–25 Q Tour as an amateur; whilst also training rigorously at the Victoria Snooker Academy
He then went on to win four consecutive Q Tour events, setting records with 32 straight match wins and two maximum 147 breaks, securing a professional tour card for 2025–26 and re-establishing his attacking flare.
After a brief failed spell in the UK Championship Zhao went on to qualify for the World Championships with memorable wins against Ronnie O’Sullivan and others to go on to win 18–12 against Mark Williams in front of 150 million worldwide, becoming the first Chinese, Asian, and amateur champion, accumulating £500,000 and skyrocketing to 11th in the world ranking with a 47–2 match record since returning.
Currently ranked 11th globally and solidifying his redemption narrative, Zhao is well-positioned for a top-16 return in the 2025–26 season. He aspires to eclipse Ding Junhui’s legacy, becoming the preeminent figure in Chinese snooker while motivating future stars across China’s 300,000 snooker halls. Additionally, Zhao will surely be hoping to defy the Crucible curse at next year’s World Championship.
05
MAY
2025
Has Loyalty in Football Gone?
It was announced today that Liverpool defender, Trent Alexander Arnold, would leave the club at the expiration of his contract at the end of the season. But despite just winning his second premier league title, the homegrown star has faced criticism not only from the media but from his own fan base. Which brings the question of whether loyalty can really still be endured during the landscape of the modern game?
Alexander-Arnold’s been at Liverpool since 16, but even as a homegrown player he seems to be feels the lure of new and exciting opportunities. Born in West Derby, a suburb of the city, he’s as Scouse as they come. Yet if reports are to be believed Real Madrid’s massive offer, promises not only the chance to win trophies but to also gain global stardom on the biggest stage of all. Having lifted the Premier League and Champions League already, and with his bold ambitions to win the Ballon d’Or brought into fruition last year , I’m sure Alexander Arnold may just be wondering what’s left for him to do at Anfield?
However the pressure is certainly mounting. X is ripe with fans fretting that a move could tarnish his Liverpool legacy. According to sources it was alleged he was asking for wages matching that of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, hinting at a desire for a pay increase. In today’s fast-moving football world, where players chase cash and new challenges, loyalty’s hard to keep. Even for someone as rooted to Liverpool as Trent, the lure of a new club and personal glory is tough to ignore.
Loyalty in football has been defined by one club players such Alexander-Arnold’s own hero, Steven Gerrard, who rejected Chelsea in 2005 to continue to persue Liverpools first premier league trophy. In contrast, Harry Kane’s surprising move to Bayern Munich shows ambition can often outweigh your personal loyalties. Despite being out on loan, Marcus Rashford’s deep community ties mirrors that of Alexander-Arnold, which reflects a more scarce aspect of the modern game as we rarely see clubs have too many homegrown players make the first team.
We are also, without doubt in an ara dominated by the financial rewards as oppose to success, as seen in recent years with the grown of the Saudi Pro League and Chinese Super League not afraid to spend big. The era of a game dominated by globalisation can also become a problem as players from outside the city don’t often feel the weight on their shoulders or just how much it means to fans week in week out, it may also be a problem in helping to preserve local roots for the next generation of players.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave Liverpool, driven by his own ambitions to win the Ballon d’Or, is common in the modern pull of success over loyalty, echoing Ronaldo’s path more than Gerrard’s. His departure presents loyalty as a personal choice, not a lifelong commitment. Despite leaving, Trent’s legacy will definitely be rooted in achievement and his community work, and will inspire future generations of Liverpool fans to take on the mantle and carry the club forward.
Liverpool Defender Trent Alexander-Arnold
Credit - Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
7 Time World Champion Ronnie O'Sullivan
Credit - Getty
18
APR
2025
Could This Be Snooker's Most Open World Championship?
The 2025 World Snooker Championship kicks off this weekend at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, where 32 players battle for snooker’s ultimate prize. With a record ten Chinese players, unpredictable form among top stars, and veterans refusing to go away, this year’s tournament is set to deliver high drama and surprises.
Current world No. 1, Judd Trump, is the bookies’ favourite at around 4/1 to win the championship. The 2019 world champion started the season brightly, clinching a Triple Crown event and several major tournaments. However, since the new year, Trump’s lack of cutting edge has made him vulnerable, with early exits in tournaments and a lighter schedule potentially harming his form on snooker’s biggest stage.
Reigning world champion Kyren Wilson is also in fine form, with The Warrior aiming to be the first to defeat the “Crucible Curse,” where no first-time champion has retained the title. Wilson has adapted well to life as champion, winning major tournaments like the Players Championship. With the second-most century breaks this season and heavy scoring power, he’s well-positioned to repeat last year’s success.
It would be foolish to count out the Class of ’92. John Higgins, in particular, is in top form after winning the Tour Championship, while Ronnie O’Sullivan returns after a period of respite. Mark Williams has had a productive season, reaching several semi-finals, though a few early exits and struggles with his eyesight have been setbacks.
Four-time world champion Mark Selby has been in superb form, capturing the British and Welsh Opens. Priced at 5/1 by bookmakers, many see him as a near-certainty to contend for the title.
An underdog to watch is Zhao Xintong,a young Chinese star whose explosive scoring and high break building makes him a dangerous outsider at 16/1 . At just 28, his recent resurgence, including a bright performance at Q school, shows his potential to shine. Facing Jak Jones in the first round, Xintong will be hoping to becoming China’s first world champion. Watch out for him next season as this rising talent continues to develop.
14
APR
2025
Has Football Lost Its Spark?
Over the last decade, football has quietly transformed from a field of individual brilliance to a tightly contested chess game. Coaches like Pep Guardiola have redefined the beautiful game with possession-based systems, emphasising patterns and repetition over instinctive play. The result of this is a game that feels more like a strategy board than the beautiful game we all know and love. Where once players like Pelé and Maradona could ignite matches with a single dribble, today’s teams lean on sideways passes and cautious build-up from the defence.
According to Opta data, the shift tells us the excitement may be draining, with Premier League shots per game falling from 11.2 in 2014-15 to 9.8 in 2024-25.
This tactical phenomenon has drawn criticism from some of football’s sharpest minds, such as former Manchester United defender Gary Neville, who reflected on a dull Manchester derby last week and called the “robotic nature” of modern play a “disease”, pointing to overcoaching that curbs specifically natural risk-taking. Roy Keane has echoed these sentiments, missing the boldness that once fuelled English football.
Similarly, Barcelona midfielder Frankie de Jong has described the game as “too programmed”, with players confined to repetitive triangles—pass left, pass right, stay safe. He even subtly implied these rigid systems contribute to more injuries, tying physical restraints to a lack of freedom.
Another problem facing the lack of excitement is the scarcity of world-class talents. A decade ago, greats of the game like Messi, Ronaldo, Suárez, and Bale felt untouchable, capable of deciding results alone. Few players carry that aura beyond Kylian Mbappé or Vinicius Jr. The game’s recent focus on systems means the best players in the world now are merely a cog in the machine instead of its driving force. According to a recent poll carried out on X, 72% of 10,000 respondents believed that the game had become too tactical.
VAR has not helped this issue by disrupting rhythm and enabling delays. Recent figures show us that playing time in the Premier League now hovers at 54 minutes per match, down from 58 a decade ago. This fractures the flow and high-tempo endurance of football, making end-to-end games rarer. However, tactical evolution, despite its criticisms of sometimes being bland, has brought trophies to teams like Manchester City and sharpened the game’s intellectual edge.
Yet, football thrives on emotion, not just its execution. To rediscover its identity, coaches could loosen their grip, trusting players to use common sense and take risks in big moments. Streamlining VAR to cut interruptions would help sustain the momentum of a high-tempo game and allow creativity to flourish. Stars not just now but over this next generation, such as Lamine Yamal and Cole Palmer, hint that flair endures—given the chance under the right coaching methods. Football has always adapted styles itself through Total Football and other revolutions. It is hoped that, given the right tactics, football will be able to regain its spark of the past.
