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Thiago Alcantara Retires: Football Bids Farewell to a Legend

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Thiago Alcantara, a highly respected and talented midfielder, has announced his retirement from professional football. Throughout his career, he played for prestigious clubs such as Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool, leaving a significant impact on each team.

His retirement marks the end of an era for many football fans who admired his skillful play and unique style on the field.

Major Achievements 

x2 Champions League
x2 Club World Cup
x7 Bundesliga
x4 La Liga
x4 DFB Pokal
x3 UEFA Supercup
x1 FA Cup
x2 Copa del Rey
x2 Spanish Super Cup
x3 German Super Cup
x1 Carabao Cup
x1 Community Shield

Thiago Alcântara, what a career.

On his social media post, Thiago said:

“I will always be willing to give back what I have been given and I am grateful for the time I have enjoyed it.

Thank you, football. And to all who accompanied me and made me a better player and person along the way.

See you soon,
Thiago.”

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Paul Pogba’s Return: A Free Agent’s Journey Back to Football

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Paul Pogba, the dynamic French midfielder, has officially ended his 18-month ban for doping and is now a free agent, ready to resume his football career. His suspension concluded on March 11, and the football world is abuzz with where he might land next. While there’s strong interest from his former club Manchester United, discussions also include potential moves to Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, or even abroad.

Juventus, his last club, has been in talks regarding contract termination, making Pogba one of the most intriguing free agents this season. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see where Pogba’s talents will next be showcased, with his return not just marking a personal comeback but also stirring the transfer market dynamics.

Pogba’s ordeal began in August 2023 when he tested positive for DHEA—a banned substance that boosts testosterone—after Juventus’ Serie A match against Udinese. Initially handed a four-year ban by the Italian Anti-Doping National Tribunal in February 2024, the 31-year-old faced the prospect of missing the prime years of his career. However, his appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in October 2024 proved successful, slashing the suspension to 18 months. Pogba maintained that he never knowingly violated anti-doping regulations, attributing the positive test to a supplement prescribed by a doctor in the United States. The CAS ruling, which deemed the ingestion unintentional, allowed him to resume training in January 2025 and return to competitive action today.

The reduction of his ban was a lifeline for Pogba, who described the period as a “nightmare” in a statement following the CAS decision. His departure from Juventus, finalized on November 30, 2024, came as the club opted not to reintegrate him, leaving him free to chart his next move. Despite his limited appearances during his second stint in Turin—only eight league games due to injuries and the subsequent ban—Pogba’s talent and pedigree remain undeniable.

As a free agent, Pogba enters a unique position in the footballing world. Eligible to sign with any club at any time, he has been linked with a variety of destinations across Europe and beyond. His return coincides with a critical juncture: at 31 (turning 32 on March 15), he still has the potential to perform at a high level, but his long absence raises questions about fitness and form. Nevertheless, his experience as a World Cup winner (2018) and his proven track record at Juventus (2012-2016) and Manchester United make him an attractive proposition.

Speculation about his next move has been rife. A return to the Premier League, where he spent six years with Manchester United, has been floated, with former teammate Louis Saha suggesting a reunion could bolster United’s midfield. However, Pogba’s second spell at Old Trafford (2016-2022) was polarizing—marked by flashes of brilliance but also inconsistency and a £89 million transfer fee that set lofty expectations. Other English clubs, including Arsenal, have been mentioned, though some pundits warn that his injury history and time away might deter top-tier sides.

Elsewhere, Ligue 1’s Marseille has emerged as a potential landing spot, offering a return to France and a chance to play in a competitive European league. The Saudi Pro League, with its financial allure and Pogba’s prior visits to the region, is another option, while Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs like LAFC and Inter Miami have been discussed, though roster constraints could complicate a move. Pogba himself has expressed a desire to compete at the highest level, hinting at a preference for Europe’s top five leagues.

Pogba’s immediate focus will be regaining match fitness and proving he can still deliver the flair, vision, and physicality that once made him one of the world’s most coveted midfielders. His last competitive appearance was in September 2023, and the past 18 months have been spent training independently. While he’s reportedly eager to return—“excited like a child who wants to be professional,” as he put it in a 2024 interview—adapting to the pace of top-flight football after such a layoff will be no small feat.

Clubs considering a move will weigh his undeniable upside against the risks. His salary demands, previously among Juventus’ highest at €500,000 per week (reduced to €2,000 monthly during his ban), may now be more flexible, as he’s indicated a willingness to prioritize playing time over earnings. A short-term deal could be the ideal scenario, allowing both Pogba and a prospective team to assess his impact without long-term commitment.

Paul Pogba’s return is more than a comeback—it’s a redemption arc in the making. Once the most expensive player in football history, he’s now a free agent with a point to prove. Whether he lands at a European giant, a surprise contender, or a new frontier like the MLS or Saudi Arabia, his journey back to the spotlight will be one of 2025’s most compelling football stories. As he steps onto the pitch again, the world will watch to see if the “new Paul Pogba,” as he’s called himself, can recapture the magic that defined his peak.

 

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Chelsea FC Celebrates 120 Years of Football Legacy

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Chelsea Football Club celebrated its 120th anniversary on March 10, 2025, a testament to its enduring legacy in football. Founded in 1905, the club has amassed an impressive collection of honors, including five Premier League titles and two Champions League victories.

The celebration saw fans and the club’s official channels sharing nostalgic content, from historic victories to the evolution of the club’s emblem. Stamford Bridge was alive with memories, showcasing Chelsea’s iconic trophies and the profound bond between the club and its supporters.

While Chelsea’s status as the first English club to win all major UEFA club competitions remains a point of pride, the day was more about celebrating the club’s rich history and its continuous journey in the sport.

For their 120th, Chelsea’s rolling out festivities. They’re hosting a free exhibition, This Game is What We Make It, at the Saatchi Gallery from March 22-24, showcasing rare shirts, cultural influences like punk and reggae, and fan stories. A “120 Legends Tour” at Stamford Bridge, led by icons like Carlo Cudicini and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, will honor 120 nominated fans. Matchday celebrations are planned, including at the women’s game against West Ham on March 30, and a special merchandise range with a “120” logo is launching.

The club’s also trademarked a commemorative emblem for the occasion, though the official badge won’t change. Chelsea’s legacy isn’t just trophies—it’s about innovation (first club with shirt numbers in 1928, first all-foreign XI in 1999) and resilience, from wartime football to navigating ownership shifts, like the 2022 transition to Todd Boehly’s consortium. Today, they sit mid-table in the Premier League but remain a cultural and competitive force, with a fanbase that’s stuck through thick and thin.

 

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Liverpool Football Club Rekindles Iconic Partnership with Adidas

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Liverpool Football Club signs new deal with Adidas
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Liverpool Football Club has entered a new multi-year partnership with Adidas, effective from August 1, 2025, marking the return of Adidas as the club’s official kit supplier.

 

This deal, which ends the current Nike contract, is estimated to be worth between £60-70 million annually, showcasing a significant financial upgrade. The partnership has sparked enthusiasm among fans and club officials alike, not only for the financial benefits but also for the return to a brand synonymous with football heritage. The new kits for the upcoming season, including a much-anticipated green third kit, have already been revealed, adding to the excitement surrounding this historic collaboration.

This move ends Liverpool’s five-year stint with Nike, which began in 2020 and reportedly brought in over £60 million per season through a combination of a base fee and merchandise royalties.

The new Adidas agreement is said to be worth more than £60 million annually, potentially exceeding £300 million over its reported five-year duration, depending on performance incentives and global sales. Fans are already buzzing about the leaked designs for the 2025-26 kits, which promise a nostalgic nod to the 1980s and 1990s, featuring the Adidas trefoil logo and classic three-stripe detailing.

Rumored Liverpool Adidas Kit 25/26 Season

 

Both sides have expressed enthusiasm for the reunion. Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden highlighted Liverpool’s status as a global football icon and the legacy of their past collaborations, while LFC CEO Billy Hogan emphasized the shared ambition for success and the excitement of welcoming Adidas back into the fold. For supporters, this partnership not only signals a return to a cherished aesthetic but also underscores the club’s strong commercial trajectory as they compete at the top of the Premier League and beyond.

 

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