Even though the fee paid for Sterling wasn’t made public, media outlets like Sky Sports and Sports Illustrated have speculated it to be around 50 million pounds, or an estimated 60 million dollars. The Queens Park Rangers academy product will play for at least five years in Stamford Bridge, and adds to an already impressive attacking line consisting of Timo Werner, Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic. Sterling leaves Manchester City in the same transfer window as the one where the champions of England signed Julián Álvarez and Erling Haaland, two decisions that probably affected the former Liverpool player’s decision to switch clubs, adding to the fact that Sterling has called London his home in the past.

It seems like Sterling has been around forever, but he is incredibly only 27 years old, making his senior debut for Liverpool at 17 years of age at the end of the 2011/12 season. To give you a reference of how much things have changed since then in English football, here are some of Sterling’s teammates at the time of his debut: Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Dirk Kuyt, Craig Bellamy and Luis Suárez, who is still playing at a high level. That season, Manchester City lifted the Premier League trophy with the historic Sergio Aguero goal in the dying moments of the match against Queens Park Rangers, Arsenal were still managed by Arsene Wenger, and Sir Alex Ferguson was still at the helm of Manchester United.

Now, 339 appearances and 131 goals later, Sterling has fulfilled the promise he showed during his time at Liverpool, and especially during the 2013/14 season, in which the Reds lost the title by a mere two points to City in the campaign that sourly ended with the infamous Steven Gerrard slip. After leaving Liverpool a season later, Sterling announced himself at City by playing in 31 Premier League and 10 UEFA Champions League matches, enjoying game time in both legs of the semifinal fixtures against Real Madrid.

In 2016/17, Pep Guardiola arrived at City and ushered in a new era of success, even though it took him a bit longer than one season to do so. That year, Sterling played 33 Premier League matches and notched seven goals and ten assists, numbers he would improve the following season. In 2017/18, the new Chelsea player also started 33 league matches but this time, managed an astonishing 18 goals and 15 assists. City won the league but couldn’t progress past the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, competition in which Sterling scored on four occasions. The following year was probably one of City’s most successful ever, winning the Premier League, the FA Cup, the EFL Cup and the Community Shield, and Sterling managed 42 direct goal contributions in all competitions.

In the 2019/20 season at the Etihad, whose end coincided with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Jamaica native scored a career-high 20 league goals, but Manchester City finished in second place, 18 points behind Liverpool. Next year, a Premier League and an EFL Cup double, added to a UEFA Champions League runners-up medal and 26 goal contributions. In his final season with the Cityzens, Sterling ended on a high note by winning the Premier League once again and with yet again 26 goal contributions. If anything’s for certain, is that when given playing time and the adequate tools, the English international can produce great numbers on the pitch. Furthermore, Sterling stated he is very excited to join the Blues, kickstarting the new era of the club, post-Roman Abramovich.

‘I’ve obviously achieved a lot in my career so far, but there is still so much more to achieve and I’m really looking forward to doing that in a Chelsea shirt, under Thomas’s (Tuchel) management…London is my home and where it all started for me, and it’s amazing I now have the opportunity to play in front of friends and family week in, week out at Stamford Bridge. I’m really looking forward to meeting the fans there soon”, he said in a club press release.

As much as Sterling achieved domestically with Man City, he lacked the European success Chelsea has managed in the past years, winning two UEFA Champions League titles and a UEFA Europa League since their new signing made his first-team debut with Liverpool in 2012. Now, the MBE (granted in 2021 due to his racial equality efforts) heads to Stamford Bridge with new objectives in mind and eleven major trophies in the bag. Here is his goodbye letter to Manchester City fans and the organization:

The tournament will kick off on July 16 with the matchup between Chelsea and América at 7:00 p.m. local time, in the Las Vegas Raiders’ brand-new Allegiant Stadium. With the backdrop of the Las Vegas strip and the sound of slot machines and Vegas nightlife, the former European champions will take on one of Mexico’s most popular clubs. Even though América has already started play in Liga MX, they will travel to the U.S. with a full squad, including Guillermo Ochoa, Diego Valdés and the trio of new signings in Néstor Araujo, Jurgen Damm and Jonathan Rodríguez. As for Chelsea, it could be the first opportunity we get to see Raheem Sterling wearing a Blue jersey or even Nathan Aké’s return home.

Then, a Wednesday night doubleheader on July 20 between Orlando City and Arsenal in Exploria Stadium, and simultaneously between Charlotte FC and Chelsea in Charlotte. This will be Orlando City and Charlotte FC’s only matches during the tournament, and with both teams on the edge of the Major League Soccer Eastern Conference playoffs, it could be the best chance both team’s fans get to watch their club play high level soccer this year. Three days after that, Chelsea and Arsenal face off in the Florida Cup – the official name for the final match of the FC Series -, which will take place at Camping World Stadium in Orlando. Besides the four entertaining matches, fans will be able to treat themselves to open training sessions, a fan fest featuring famous Brazilian singer Ivete Sangalo, an all-star match, media day and a fan zone.

Chelsea vs. Club América

Date: July 16
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas
Time: 7:00 p.m local time (PST)
TV in the US:TUDN USA, Univision
Live Streaming:FuboTV
Tickets:Available for purchese HERE

Chelsea is in a state of change. After former owner Roman Abramovich was forced to sell the club, a consortium led by United States billionaire Todd Boehly took over the club for approximately $5.2 billion, according to numbers published by the BBC, and is now leading the Blues into a new era. Said new era is yet to fully kick off, with no new signings confirmed by the London club at the moment this article was written, even though names like Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly and even American goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina are rumored to be arriving at Stamford Bridge shortly.

The London-based club is entering the FC Series after a whirlwind of a season. Chelsea’s 2021/22 season started with the controversial signing of Romelu Lukaku for an excess of $110 million. The Belgian striker was supposed to be returning to the Blues for a second stint following a hugely successful season at Inter Milan, with the task of spearheading the attack of a team that had recently won the UEFA Champions League. A spectacular double against Arsenal on his second Chelsea debut seemed to indicate great moments to come, but that is nothing further from the truth. Lukaku gave a controversial interview to Sky Italia in which he declared his love for Inter Milan, the club that has now re-signed him on a loan, and never really fit into Thomas Tuchel’s starting lineup.

However, he still managed to score against Palmeiras in the Club World Cup Final in February, which ended up being Chelsea’s only title in 2021/22. In spite of reaching the FA Cup and the EFL Cup finals, the Blues couldn’t beat Liverpool in either game and had to settle for the runners-up medal. In the Premier League, Tuchel’s side finished third, three points ahead of fourth-placed Tottenham and a far 19 points behind champions Manchester City. In the UEFA Champions League, the Blues were minutes away from eliminating eventual champions Real Madrid in the quarterfinals after a stunning display at the Santiago Bernabeú, but couldn’t retain their title. Several players that went out on loan have returned to the squad and traveled to the U.S. looking for a chance to impress, including Conor Gallagher and Billy Gilmour.

As for their rival in Las Vegas, Club América also had a whirlwind of a 2021/22 season, which in Mexico is split into two different tournaments: the Apertura and the Clausura. América finished the regular season as the league leaders, earning a massive 35 points in 17 games. With Santiago Solari at the helm, Las Águilas entered the Liguilla playoffs with high hopes but fell against Pumas UNAM in the quarterfinals by a 3-1 aggregate score. The tournament ended with a humiliating defeat at home against their local rivals, but Solari was backed by sporting director Santiago Baños to continue as manager of one of Mexico’s most popular teams. However, things would soon change for Solari.

In the Clausura 2022 tournament that Atlas recently won, América was bottom of the table in March, with four losses in eight games. The defensive solidity that took them to first place the previous semester seemed to have been lost, and even though important players such as Diego Valdés, Alejandro Zendejas and Jonathan dos Santos arrived in the winter transfer window, Solari lost control of the team and was fired after drawing against Querétaro. What seemed to be the club entering into disarray was the total opposite. Fernando Ortíz was appointed as interim manager, and América ended the tournament with five wins in six games, thus securing a fourth place finish. Las Águilas beat Puebla in the Liguilla playoffs quarterfinals but fell to eventual finalists Pachuca in the semifinals. Ortíz was later confirmed as full-time manager of the club, and will head into the FC Series sporting three new signings: Jurgen Damm, Néstor Araujo and Jonathan Rodríguez.

Even though preseason matches are hard to predict, here are the team’s possible starting elevens for the Vegas match:

Chelsea:

Édouard Mendy;
Reece James, Ethan Ampadu, Thiago Silva, Marcos Alonso;
Jorginho, Conor Gallagher, Harvey Vale;
Christian Pulisic, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Kai Havertz

América:

Guillermo Ochoa;
Miguel Layún, Emilio Lara, Sebastián Cáceres, Jorge Sánchez
Pedro Aquino, Jonathan dos Santos;
Jurgen Damm, Alejandro Zendejas, Diego Valdés
Henry Martín

Orlando City vs. Arsenal

Date: July 20
Location: Exploria Stadium, Orlando
Time: 7:30 p.m. local time (EST)
TV: To be confirmed
Tickets: Available for purchase HERE

Orlando City entered 2022 having finished sixth in the Eastern Conference standings during the 2021 Major League Soccer season, falling in the first round of the playoffs to Nashville SC by a score of 3-1. Despite showing improvement on the pitch, the team did lose star player Nani to Serie A side Venezia FC, goalscorer Daryl Dike to West Bromwich Albion and defender Emmanuel Mas to Estudiantes de la Plata. Even though Óscar Pareja remained as the head coach, the team initially struggled to cope with the recently departed players. However, a couple of interesting signings arrived in Orlando with hopes of not only replacing, but improving the performance of those who left. The club made six signings ahead of the 2022 MLS season: César Araujo, Facundo Torres, Ercan Kara, Alex Freeman and Jake Mulraney, with Gastón González joining the club in June.

Uruguay duo Araujo and Torres, who played for Montevideo Wanderers and Peñarol, took a little longer than Kara to settle into the club. The Austrian striker led the team in MLS goals at the time of writing this article, surpassing renowned Brazilian Alexandre Pato in the goalscoring charts. The former Rapid Wien man has already been called up to the Austrian National Team on occasions, and at only 26 years of age, promises to be a big figure in Orlando if he can maintain his sporting form. As for the rest of the side, Orlando City seems to be pretty well rounded on all fronts: Pedro Gallese in goal, Rodrigo Schlegel and Robin Jansson in the center of defense, Araujo, Júnior Urso and Mauricio Pereyra in midfield, and Kara or Pato up top. They will host Arsenal in the middle of the MLS season, playing a domestic soccer match three days before the FC Series and another three days after.

Arsenal’s second preseason match in the U.S. will be in Exploria Stadium against Orlando City, three days ahead of the Florida Cup final against Chelsea. Mikel Arteta’s side enters preseason after a disappointing end to the 2021/22 Premier League season, in which fourth place and a UEFA Champions League spot seemed a certainty entering April, but three consecutive losses, and then another two in the final three matches, doomed the London-based club to the UEFA Europa League. Despite that, there were plenty of good spots for Arsenal, especially on the player arrival side with the signings of Ben White, Martin Odegaard and Aaaron Ramsdale spearheading a new era in North London. Furthermore, relieving some of the high wages Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was commanding despite not playing, opened up space for players who did want to sweat the red and white jersey.

More positive points: Bukayo Saka established himself as a true leader and attacking threat, showing impressive psychological resilience by recovering from the Euro 2020 (played in 2021) final heartbreak to become one of Arsenal’s best players. The side finished fifth in the Premier League, reached the third round of the FA Cup and the semifinals of the FA Cup. Even though the results on the pitch left a sour taste in fans’ mouths after the season was over, Saka’s consistency, Eddie Nketiah’s resurgence, Ramsdale’s consistency and Arteta’s style of play bode well for next year, not to mention the new names arriving to the club, some of which will be available to enjoy in the FC Series. The Gunners have been busy during the offseason, and it all started with the signing of Marquinhos.

Before you get too excited, it’s not the Marquinhos from Paris Saint-Germain, but a former Sao Paulo youth product that at merely 19 years of age, is most definitely a bet for the future. As for major signings for the first team, attacking midfielder Fábio Vieria arrived for approximately $35 million, according to Transfermarkt, and the transfer of American goalkeeper Matt Turner from New England Revolution was finally confirmed. The most important signing for the Gunners, however, is without a doubt that of Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian striker is only 25 years old but already has plenty of Premier League level experience under his belt, playing over 230 matches for Manchester City in his six years at the Etihad, scoring nearly 100 goals for Pep Guardiola’s side. Jesus will strengthen Arsenal’s attacking core, which will now provide plenty of options for Arteta, such as Gabriel Martinelli, Emile Smith Rowe, Odegaard, Nketiah and Nicolas Pépé.Seeing many of these players live, in the States, will definitely be a draw for those looking for preseason plans during the summer.

Even though preseason matches are hard to predict, here are the team’s possible starting elevens for the match in Orlando:

Orlando City:

Pedro Gallese;
Joao Moutinho, Rodrigo Schlegel, Robin Jansson, Kyle Smith
César Araujo, Júnior Urso, Mauricio Pereyra;
Facundo Torres, Alexandre Pato, Ercan Kara

Arsenal:

Matt Turner;
Héctor Bellerín, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, Kieran Tierney;
Mohamed Elneny, Albert Sambi Lokonga;
Emile Smith Rowe, Nicolas Pépé, Gabriel Martinelli;
Gabriel Jesus

Charlotte FC vs. Chelsea

Date: July 20
Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte
Time: 7:30 p.m. local time (EST)
TV: To be confirmed
Tickets:Available for purchase HERE

If you were to look at Charlotte FC’s incoming transfers for the 2022 Major League Soccer season, you might be floored at first glance by the size of the list. However, 2022 is the club’s first-ever season, nearly three years after it was founded, which is why it had to fill its squad list starting from zero. The club’s first-ever signing was Spanish midfielder Sergio Ruíz, who spent the first 18 months of his contract on loan with Spanish second-division side Unión Deportiva Las Palmas. Ruíz had a rough beginning at the club, starting only four times in Charlotte’s first 20 matches. The going got so tough that Ruíz publicly stated his intent to return to Spanish football: “I mean it with all my heart, I wish I could return to UD Las Palmas. If there were any possibility, it would be one of my first options”, he stated to Radio MARCA. Soon after saying those words, he played two full games consecutively for Charlotte and even scored and assisted against Nashville SC in an early July match. Ruíz will now hope to catch up stats-wise to Designated Player Karol Świderski and Brazilian Andre Shinyashiki, two of the club’s best players.

Charlotte FC’s journey in MLS began with a bang, establishing the all-time attendance-record in their first-ever home match, in March, against the Los Angeles Galaxy. 74,479 fans filled up Bank of America Stadium and topped Atlanta United’s previous attendance record of 73,019, for the 2018 MLS Cup Final against Portland Timbers. Even though attendance isn’t usually as high, the local crowd has responded and supported a team that is in the mix to qualify for the playoffs in their first-ever campaign. Funnily enough, Charlotte is battling fellow FC Series team Orlando City in the Eastern Conference standings, and will need to continue their recent form if they want to leave their mark being the new kids on the block. The recent improvement in form is directly tied to the departure of former head coach Miguel Ángel Ramírez, who was appointed the first manager in the history of the club. Ramírez was let go at the end of May due to “front office disputes,” according to The Athletic, and even though sporting reasons weren’t the cause of his departure, numbers have improved with interim manager Christian Lattanzio.

Three of the club’s best players are Shinyashiki, who leads the goalscoring charts when this article was written, followed by Świderski and Maryland native Ben Bender, who was selected by Charlotte with the first pick of the 2022 MLS SuperDraft. It’s too soon to judge whether MLS’ newest franchise will have a successful first season, but they will soon face their toughest-ever opposition in Chelsea. Even though Charlotte will host the Blues, the scheduling actually inconvenienced them, since they will be fresh off a trip to Florida, visiting Inter Miami four days before their FC Series match. Lattanzio’s side will still relish the opportunity to test their players against some of the world’s best, and the match will undoubtedly serve as an important assessment of who boasts better shape headed into the crunch part of the MLS season. An extra spice to the matchup against Chelsea is that one of Charlotte’s most experienced players is Christian Fuchs, who started ahead of current Blue player Ben Chilwell in Leicester City’s Premier League title-winning team in 2016.

Even though preseason matches are hard to predict, here are the team’s possible starting elevens for the match in Orlando:

Charlotte FC:

Kristijan Kahlina;
Harrison Afful, Christian Makoun, Christian Fuchs;
Brandt Bronico, Derrick Jones, Sergio Ruíz;
Kamil Jóźwiak, Karol Świderski, Yordy Reyna

Chelsea:

Kepa Arrizabalaga;
César Azpilicueta, Trevoh Chalobah, Malang Sarr, Ben Chilwell
Billy Gilmour, Matteo Kovacic, Mason Mount
Armando Broja, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Timo Werner

Chelsea vs. Arsenal

Date: July 23
Location: Camping World Stadium, Orlando
Time: 8:00 p.m. local time (EST)
TV: To be confirmed
Tickets: Available for purchase HERE

Chelsea and Arsenal first faced off in 1907, in a League Division One match between the Blues and then-named Woolwich Arsenal, a 2-1 win for Chelsea. Nearly 115 years and 200 games between them later, they’ll face off in Orlando on July 23 with the Florida Cup in dispute. Although it might not be the most prestigious trophy in the world, the FC Series grand finale will be an important indicator to test how both teams are developing their new squads with the upcoming season nearly upon us. And, it will also serve as another chapter to the derby that has been played in five major finals, with the 2020 FA Cup Final being the most recent instance in which both clubs faced off with a trophy in dispute. More than two years later, plenty of things have changed for both clubs.

Starting off with Chelsea, Frank Lampard was the manager on that fateful August afternoon for the Blues. Here is how they lined up and where the starting eleven currently plays:

Willy Caballero (Plays for Southampton);
Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), Kurt Zouma (West Ham), César Azpilicueta, Reece James, Marcos Alonso (Chelsea);
Jorginho, Matteo Kovacic (Chelsea);
Olivier Giroud (AC Milan), Christian Pulisic, Mason Mount (Chelsea).

In that game, Andreas Christensen (Barcelona), Tammy Abraham (Roma), Pedro Rodríguez (Lazio), Ross Barkley and Hudson-Odoi were used as substitutes, in the match that saw Arteta dominate Lampard tactically and grant Arsenal a record 14th FA Cup.

Here’s how Arteta lined up to win his first-ever trophy as a manager, and where his players currently ply their trade:

Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa);
Kieran Tierney, Rob Holding, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Héctor Bellerín (Arsenal), David Luiz (Flamengo);
Granit Xhaka (Arsenal), Dani Ceballos (Real Madrid);
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Barcelona), Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon), Nicolas Pépé (Arsenal).

Just to show you how much things have changed for the Gunners, Saka was left on the bench as an unused substitute, Eddie Nketiah entered only in the final minutes, and Emile Smith Rowe, who was returning from a loan at Huddersfield Town, wasn’t even called up.

Now, Florida beckons. The perfect opportunity to witness Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli take on Thiago Silva and Ben Chilwell, to possibly watch Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount combine up front against Gabriel Magalhaes and Kieran Tierney in defense, and to enjoy a derby that rarely disappoints. Available tickets might be on the pricier side, but if you are going to be in Florida and want to witness high-level soccer in the flesh, there is probably no better option for you. We are still a few days away from it happening, and with both clubs being on the rise with new signings and continuing managers, Chelsea vs. Arsenal promises to be a must-watch and even a must-attend.

Even though preseason matches are hard to predict, here are the team’s possible starting elevens for the match in Orlando:

Chelsea:

Édouard Mendy;
Reece James, Thiago Silva, Malang Sarr, Ben Chilwell;
Jorginho, Conor Gallagher, Billy Gilmour;
Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic, Kai Havertz

Arsenal:

Aaron Ramsdale;
Kieran Tierney, Gabriel Magalhaes, Pablo Marí, Cedric Soares;
Albert Sambi Lokonga, Ainsley Maitland-Niles;
Gabriel Martinelli, Emile Smith Rowe, Nicolas Pépé;
Gabriel Jesus

FC Series Fan Fest

And, for those of you who want more action than just on the football pitch, you can access the festival of football that will take place from July 16-23, including an all-star game with legends from both teams, open training sessions, and a concert from Brazilian superstar Ivete Sangalo on the 17th at 9:00 p.m in Universal Studios Florida. For more information on FC Series and all of its events, click HERE.

Ever since David Beckham signed for the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007 from Real Madrid, at 32 years of age, the league has never been the same. Beckham’s impact wasn’t only on the pitch, where he played 115 times for the LA Galaxy and won two MLS titles, but it was also off it, raising the status of the league to worldwide proportions. Not only did more people start noticing, but according to Alexi Lalas, then-General Manager of the Galaxy, Beckham had a wider appeal than the one even Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo might’ve had if they joined the league. Now, the Englishman owns Inter Miami thanks to a clause included in his player contract that allowed him to buy an MLS franchise for $25 million, according to Rolling Stone magazine, and his legacy has been well and truly established.

And just like Beckham, there are plenty of historic players that have been a part of MLS in the past, but not all of them have been plucked directly from the top European leagues. What about Landon Donovan, four-time MLS champion, seven-time Player of the Year, and second-beast goalscorer in history with 145 goals? Don’t even mention Chris Wondolowski, top goalscorer in league history with 171 goals, two-time MLS champion and the only player to score 10 or more goals in 10 consecutive seasons, the impressive Marco Etcheverry, or the talented and controversial Cuauhtémoc Blanco. However, with the arrival of Lorenzo Insigne, Giorgio Chiellini and Gareth Bale to the league, it’s impossible not to remember the best of the best signed by MLS teams, directly from European clubs.

17. Nani

Date of Birth:11.17.1986 (35)
Birthplace:Praia, Portugal
Position: Forward
Total Stats in MLS:GP 77,GS 64,Mins 5539,Goals 28, Assists 23

Unfortunately for Orlando City fans, they never got to see Nani and Kaká play on the same team together, since Kaká retired two years before the arrival of the skillful Portuguese attacker in February 2019. Back then, Orlando City agreed to a transfer with Liga NOS giant Sporting CP, and secured the services of a highly successful footballer that had played in some of the world’s top leagues: in the Premier League for Manchester United, in Turkey for Fenerbahce, in Spain for Valencia, and in the Serie A for Lazio, among others. His best years were undoubtedly at United under Sir Alex Ferguson, where he played over 200 games, scoring 41 times and assisting in over 70 occasions, according to Transfermarkt. There, he won four Premier Leagues and a UEFA Champions League title, not to mention the 2016 Euro Championship with Portugal. That’s why when he arrived in MLS, the expectations for him were plenty high.

Nani spent three full MLS seasons at Orlando City, playing in 77 games, scoring 28 goals and assisting 23 times. During his stay in the United States, Orlando had a mixed bag of results as a team. In 2019, they finished as the league’s third-worst placed team, managing a mere 37 points from 37 games. Nani, however, was the shining light in the squad, scoring 12 times and assisting on 10 occasions. 2020 was probably one of Orlando City’s best seasons in MLS yet, finishing fourth in the Eastern Conference standings and reaching the Conference Semifinals, where they fell against the New England Revolution. In 2021, Nani’s last season at the club, the team made the First Round of the playoffs but fell against Nashville SC. The portuguese star left the club after the 2021 season to join Venezia, but said an emotional goodbye.

“Orlando is a city I can call home, with great people and fantastic supporters, but my contract has ended and there was a decision by the club not to extend it. It was an honor captaining the club for its first-ever playoff appearances and reaching the final of the MLS is Back Tournament”, he wrote on social media.

16. David Villa

Date of Birth:12.3.1981 (40)
Birthplace:Langreo, Spain
Position: Forward
Total Stats in MLS:GP 117,GS 109,Mins 9693,Goals 77, Assists 26

The day was Monday, June 2, 20214. At approximately 2:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, New York City FC announced David Villa as their new marquee signing. The recognized Spanish striker had just won LaLiga with Atlético de Madrid less than a month before the announcement, participating in 36 games, scoring 13 times and assisting on five occasions. A few weeks before the 2014 FIFA World Cup, in which Villa would play in, the former Barcelona and Valencia legend arriving in Major League Soccer excited the North American fanbase of MLS’ newest team. Villa would go on to play the first half of the 2014/15 season on loan at Melbourne City FC, part of the City Football Group as well as NYCFC, and then join MLS in January 2015 for the team’s inaugural season. Villa initially signed a three year contract but would go on to play four seasons for NYCFC, amassing 117 games, 77 goals and 26 assists.

Villa’s pedigree before playing in MLS was impressive, establishing himself as the all-time leading goalscorer for Spain, being a key element in winning the 2008 Euro and the 2010 FIFA World Cup, as well as winning a myriad of titles for FC Barcelona. In his maiden MLS season, the Spanish striker notched 18 goals and 8 assists, continuing his form in 2016 with 23 goals and 4 assists, in 2017 with 22 goals and 9 assists, and in 2018 with 14 goals and 5 assists. Villa left the club at the end of the 2018 season to play for Japanese side Vissel Kobe for a year before retiring.

15. Wayne Rooney

Date of Birth:10.24.1985 (36)
Birthplace:Liverpool, England
Position: Forward
Total Stats in MLS:GP 48,GS 45,Mins 3959,Goals 23, Assists 15

Wayne Roooney and D.C. United lived two completely different realities when the historic Manchester United and England player arrived in Major League Soccer on June 27, 2018. Rooney had just finished his second stint at Everton, starting in most 2017/18 Premier League games and scoring ten times. D.C. United sat dead last in the MLS Eastern Conference and their new stadium was yet to be inaugurated. That didn’t seem to matter to the five time Premier League champion, UEFA Champions League winner, and Manchester United and England record goalscorer.

Rooney arrived at D.C. on a $13 million, three-and-a-half year contract, according to the Washington Post, which seemed to signal the beginning of what would end up being a highly successful love story. “It is fantastic to be joining D.C. United at such an exciting time in the club’s history with the new stadium opening in just a few weeks…Moving to America and MLS fulfills another career ambition for me. I have the hunger to be a success here and will give D.C. 100 percent”, Rooney said in a club statement. Apparently the attacker wasn’t hungry enough, because he left a little over a year after arriving, cutting his contract short by two and a half years.

In August 2019, Rooney left D.C. United after leading them to the First Round of the 2018 and 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs, losing to Columbus Crew and Toronto FC, respectively. Even though he did score 23 goals and managed 15 assists in only 48 games played, his legacy was tainted as he joined Derby County as a player-coach in 2019. When he signed for the historic MLS club in 2018, Rooney said he wanted to return to Washington and see pictures of himself in the locker room, remaining in eternity as a figure to admire. Although nobody can deny that one of England’s all-time greats is one of MLS’ most talented players to have been signed from Europe, it’s only natural to wonder what would’ve happened had he remained in the United States.

14. Didier Drogba

Date of Birth:3.11.1978 (44)
Birthplace:Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Position:Forward
Total Stats in MLS:GP 33,GS 27, Mins 2520, Goals 21, Assists 7

Didier Drogba is one of Chelsea’s all-time best players and one of the Premier League’s most feared strikers in history. He played a huge role in four English league titles for the Blues, and was instrumental in obtaining the 2012 UEFA Champions League title in a dramatic penalty shootout against Bayern Munchen in their own backyard. After scoring over 160 goals for the London-based club, and after stints in China and Turkey, Drogba left Europe and signed for Montréal Impact, the previous name of current club CF Montréal. In July 2015, at 37 years old, the Ivorian striker shook Major League Soccer by arriving in Canada instead of Chicago, as was originally planned, since Chicago Fire originally filed a discovery claim with MLS and the Impact had to pay over $100,000 dollars to them to be able to sign Drogba.

When the King got to Montreal, he did so on a one and a half year contract worth a little over $3 million, and reportedly rebuked Inter Milan to play in MLS, according to FCInter1908. In the 2015 MLS season, Drogba led the Impact to the Eastern Conference semifinals, losing dramatically to Columbus Crew in extra time. In 2016, Montreal reached the Eastern Conference final, and despite leading Toronto FC by 3-0 at one point in the first leg, ended up getting eliminated by the eventual champions. Drogba’s final stats in MLS aren’t spectacular, but amassing 21 goals and 7 assists in 33 games is nothing to be shy of. His inclusion in this list is explained by his impact in North American soccer, further highlighted by his stint in Phoenix Rising.

After a few months without a club, Drogba signed for the USL Championship side- the equivalent of the second division of U.S. soccer- in Phoenix. The former Chelsea player was also part of the ownership group and led Rising to the USL Western Conference title in 2018 and eventually to the USL Championship game, which they lost to Louisville FC. That game on a cold November night in Kentucky was Drogba’s last-ever as a footballer, and the man who had won so much during his career unfortunately retired without a USL title. However, he remains connected to the club and has helped in Phoenix’s attempt to secure MLS status, which is yet to be confirmed in spite of the massive soccer fanbase in Arizona.

13. Frank Lampard

Date of Birth:6.20.1978 (44)
Birthplace:Romford, England
Position:Midfielder
Total Stats in MLS:GP 29, GS 24, Mins 2013, Goals 15, Assists 4

Before the author is burned at the stake for suggesting Frank Lampard in a list of top MLS players, remember that thislist is composed of the best players from Europe to play in MLS, not the top performing players from Europe in MLS. Now, let’s go back to July 24, 2014. NYCFC announces Lampard as their brand new signing, joining David Villa as two of the pillars of MLS’ newest team. However, City Football Group, the owners of both NYCFC and Manchester City, quickly announce that Lampard would play for the English side for the first half of the 2014/15 season, which then turned into the entirety of the season after manager Manuel Pellegrini requested so. NYCFC announcing Lampard was seen as a “mistake” since he was allegedly signed by City Football Group, and NYCFC fans and owners were left hanging. Lampard played the entire 2014/15 season with Man City and then joined MLS, nursing an injury.

The Chelsea legend, who is the Blues’ top goalscorer in history and who won plenty of trophies at Stamford Bridge, didn’t make his MLS debut until August 2015, coming on as a substitute. That first season, Lampard played 10 games and scored only three times, and NYCFC didn’t even make the playoffs, finishing 8/10 in the Eastern Conference. Disappointment was not in short demand in New York, since it was unfathomable to see a team with Lampard, Villa, and now Andrea Pirlo, miss out on the playoffs by a wide margin. However, things improved in 2016. Even though Lampard started out injured, he did manage 13 goals and three assists in 19 games. NYCFC finished second in the Eastern Conference and reached the semifinals, where they were battered 7-0 on aggregate by Toronto FC. Lampard announced he would leave the club that November, and then retired in February 2017.

All in all, Lampard played 29 times for NYCFC and even though fans might not have the best memories from his time there, he did manage to score the club’s first hat-trick ever and did leave a mark… a negative one in most fans’ minds, but a mark nonetheless. His stats aren’t terrible but for a player of his stature that earned $6 million a year, and that is a Premier League legend, Lampard’s stay in MLS will mostly be remembered as disappointing.

12. Steven Gerrard

Date of Birth:5.30.1980 (42)
Birthplace:Merseyside, England
Position: Midfielder
Total Stats in MLS: GP 34, GS 31, Mins 2655, Goals 5, Assists 14

On January 7, 2015, the Los Angeles Galaxy announced the signing of Steven Gerrard. One of the Premier League’s brightest-ever players would join Major League Soccer following the conclusion of the 2014/2015 season in England’s top flight. That day was May 16, 2015, in a match between Stoke City and Liverpool at the Britannia Stadium. The Reds lost the game 6-1, but their only goal came through a pacey run and finish from Gerrard, who said goodbye to the league in which he played over 700 matches, scoring 185 times and assisting on 152 occasions. Less than two months later, Stevie G was already playing in MLS, making his debut on July 11 against Real Salt Lake in a U.S. Open Cup match.

This is what Gerrard said when he was announced as a new Galaxy player: “The Galaxy are the most successful club in Major League Soccer history and I am looking forward to competing for more championships in the years to come… I am committed to helping the LA Galaxy compete for trophies and to having an impact in Los Angeles and I will give my all for the club,” according to a club release. The Englishman’s commitment to the team was never in doubt, starting in 13 games even after arriving in the middle of the season, managing two goals and two assists. The Galaxy finished fifth in the Western Conference and fell in the first round of the playoffs against the Seattle Sounders.

In 2016, Gerrard played in 21 games, scoring three times and recording 11 assists. The team reached the Western Conference semifinals but fell against the Colorado Rapids on penalties. Unfortunately for the storied Liverpool legend, he retired in November of 2016 and never managed to win a league title in his career. However, his time in MLS will most likely be fondly remembered by Galaxy supporters, sharing a team with Giovani dos Santos, Ashley Cole, Nigel de Jong and Emmanuel Boateng, and always displaying sacrifice and grit on the pitch. The now-manager of Aston Villa played a total of 34 games for the Los Angeles club, and totalled five goals and 14 assists.

11. Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Date of Birth:10.3.1981 (40)
Birthplace:Malmö, Sweden
Position: Striker
Total Stats in MLS:GP 56, GS 53, Mins 4753, Goals 52, Assists 17

Eredivisie league champion, multiple Serie A winner, LaLiga conqueror, Ligue 1 monarch and Premier League figure, Zlatan Ibrahimovic signed for the Los Angeles Galaxy on March 23, 2018. The numbers speak for themselves: 52 goals and 17 assists in only 56 matches over a two year period; an impressive haul for any player but even more so for a 37-year old striker that has suffered multiple serious injuries. The Lion announced his arrival in LA with a giant full-page ad in the Los Angeles Times that read: “Los Angeles, you’re welcome.” As arrogant as that might have looked, Ibra was not wrong. Even though he didn’t win the league, the Swede sensation managed 22 goals in his first season and a whopping 30 in his second one. Galaxy missed out on the playoffs by one point in 2018, but reached the Western Conference semifinals in 2019.

Ibrahimovic’s stint in Los Angeles and MLS happened primarily because of Jovan Kirovski, the Galaxy technical director. Kirovski is a former player that plied his trade in Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund, Crystal Palace and Birmingham City, among other clubs. Kirovski first wanted to sign Ibrahimovic when he played for Paris Saint Germain, back in 2016, according to the Galaxy website. The deal couldn’t happen because either the Los Angeles club already had three designated players or because of injuries, but after a tour to then-named StubHub Center and a fancy dinner in Beverly Hills, Kirovski managed to convince Zlatan and the impossible became possible.

Ibrahimovic announced himself to MLS with a spectacular double in the local derby against LAFC, and he never took his foot off the gas. In his first season, Zlatan came in on a $1.5 million yearly salary, but obtained Designated Player status in 2019. The difference is that Designated Players don’t count against the league-wide MLS salary cap. Ibrahimovic left the club in November 2019 in stylish fashion, publishing: “I came, I saw, I conquered. Thank you LA Galaxy for making me feel alive again. To the Galaxy fans – you wanted Zlatan, I gave you Zlatan. You are welcome. The story continues … now go back to watch baseball.”

10. Andrea Pirlo

Date of Birth:5.19.1979 (43)
Birthplace:Fiero, Italy
Position: Midfielder
Total Stats in MLS:GP 60,GS 58, Mins 4929, Goals 1, Assists 18

Andrea Pirlo could have continued to play in Europe for quite some more time than he did. His last-ever appearance for Juventus was on June 6, 2015, playing 90 minutes in the UEFA Champions League final between Juventus and Barcelona. Furthermore, the classy Italian won the Serie A and Coppa Italia double and still had one year to go on his contract with the Vecchia Signora. But then, exactly one month after the Champions League final, he signed for NYCFC and agreed to join the club in its maiden Major League Soccer season at 36 years of age. Pirlo’s stats in Europe are impressive, playing nearly 700 matches and winning the Serie a six times, the Champions League twice and the 2006 World Cup. Up next, a new chapter for the Maestro, who debuted on July 26 in front of a packed and ecstatic home crowd.

“It was great because I could tell that they wanted me to play…When I got on the pitch, it was absolutely amazing to hear all of the applause. It was very emotional to hear and I really did appreciate it,” he said after the 5-3 win over Orlando City. When Pirlo arrived at NYCFC, they were seventh in the Eastern Conference standings. That year, the team didn’t make the MLS playoffs, but they did manage to reach the Conference semifinals in 2016 and 2017. Pirlo said he chose the New York side because of his hunger to achieve important results in the league, and that he “never had a doubt in picking New York,” according to a team statement.

Unfortunately for one of Italy’s most technically gifted players in recent memory, he couldn’t step off the pitch for a final time by lifting a trophy, but his impact on the Italo-American community in New York and on the rest of American soccer won’t be soon forgotten. His last game for NYCFC was a 2-0 win over Columbus Crew in the Eastern Conference semifinals, a score that wasn’t enough to overturn the team’s 4-1 loss in the first leg. In his goodbye letter in November, Pirlo thanked everyone for his support and kindness, including the coaching staff, supporters, teammates, and everyone who worked behind the scene.

“Not only my adventure in NY comes to an end, but my journey as a football player as well. That is why I would like to take the opportunity to thank my family and my children for the support and love they always give me. Every team that I had the honor to play for, every teammate I have been pleased to play alongside, all the people that made my career such incredible and last but not least, all the fans around the world that always showed me support. You will always be on my side and in my heart”, he wrote.

9. Kaká

Date of Birth:4.22.1982 (40)
Birthplace:Gama, Brazil
Position: Attacking midfielder
Total Stats in MLS:GP 75, GS 69, Mins 5959, Goals 24, Assists 22

By the time Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite first put on an Orlando CIty jersey, he was already a Serie A champion, a Champions League winner, a LaLiga conqueror, and had also lifted the FIFA World Cup and won a Ballon D’Or. The day was June 30, 2014 and the Brazilian superstar put an early end to his second stint with AC Milan and decided to join Orlando City, due to a clause allowing him to so if the Rossoneri didn’t qualify for European competitions. After a semester on loan at Sao Paulo while the 2015 Major League Soccer season started, Kaká opened his Lion career with a last-minute equalizer in March of 2015 against NYCFC, in what was the first-ever season of Orlando City history. In 2015, the club missed out on the playoffs by a mere five points, but the Brazilian superstar managed to make an impact with nine goals and seven assists in 28 games.

Next year, Orlando again missed out on playoff soccer, this time finishing only one point away from the knockout round, with Kaká scoring nine times and assisting on 10 occasions. In 2017, what would end up being Kaká’s last-ever season as a footballer, Orlando City nearly finished bottom of the Eastern Conference, and the world had to say goodbye to one of the classiest soccer players in recent history on October 22, 2017 in Philadelphia Union’s Subaru Park.

The game ended up in a 6-1 win for the Union, and the 2007 Ballon D’Or winner left on a low note in spite of having a spectacular career. The Gama native was one of the highest-paid soccer players in MLS history, earning a reporte $7.2 million a year, and is an example of a worthwhile investment, having played 75 games in three years and having raised the worldwide profile of Orlando City. “It was a very emotional game, so hard to play sometimes because when I was on the field a lot of things were in my mind, so it’s difficult to focus on the game… of course I wanted to finish with winning, but with this goodbye it’s very good for me because it’s not about the result, it’s not about the things that we could change here, so I owe a lot to this city, to this club, to this staff and my teammates”, he said after the game.

When Kaká confirmed he was leaving the club, he mentioned that he chose not to renew for another year and opened the possibility of returning to Orlando City under a different role. “The moment now is to say goodbye, but my heart is full of happiness and joy. Thanks Orlando,” read a statement from the legend himself. Originally, it was rumored that the Brazilian would play again in Sao Paulo but shortly after his last match in MLS, he confirmed his retirement. Now, he mentioned that he is deciding to follow in the footsteps of Zinedine Zidane, who took some time for himself after retiring before deciding whether or not to stay involved in the game.

8. Thierry Henry

Date of Birth:8.17.1977 (44)
Birthplace:Les Ulis, France
Position: Striker
Total Stats in MLS:GP 122, GS 118, Mins 10402,Goals 51, Assists 42

Thierry Henry is one of the players whose Major League Soccer career will almost unanimously be remembered as positive. The 1998 World Cup winner arrived in New York on July 13, 2010, and spent five seasons in MLS that signified five consecutive playoff appearances for the New York Red Bulls, finishing top of the Eastern Conference regular season standings twice, and reaching four Conference semifinals and one Conference final. Henry left Barcelona in the summer of 2010 after winning his second consecutive LaLiga title, adding to his impressive trophy cabinet with the Spanish club that also included the 2008/09 UEFA Champions League and a Copa del Rey. In his last season with the Culés, Henry played 32 games but only managed four goals and four assists, regularly being benched in favor of Pedro.

When the talented and speedy attacker arrived in MLS, Henry said it marked an exciting new chapter in his career and life. “It is an honor to play for the New York Red Bulls. I am fully aware of the team’s history and my sole goal during my time here is to help win the club its first championship. Knowing Red Bull’s significant commitment to soccer locally and internationally, I am confident that my teammates and I will succeed,” he stated, according to a team release. Unfortunately for Henry, the championship never came but his legacy in New York remains, something that Head of Red Bull Global Soccer Dietmar Beiersdorfer hoped would happen back in 2010, when he presented Henry as one of the team’s marquee signings. The former Barcelona, Monaco , Juventus and Arsenal player scored 51 goals and 42 assists in the 122 games he played for NYRB, and even though he couldn’t give his team a title, Henry left on a high with Concacaf Champions League qualification secured through the obtention of the 2013 MLS Supporters’ Shield.

Henry’s last season in MLS was his last-ever as a footballer, confirming his retirement soon after the end of the 2014 campaign, in which the New York Red Bulls finished fourth in the Eastern conference but went on to reach the Conference Final, where they lost 4-3 on aggregate to the New England Revolution. When Henry announced his career as a player was over in December 2014, he said he had an incredible journey and thanked all of his teammates at Monaco, Juventus, Arsenal, Barcelona and NYRB. “I have had some amazing memories (mostly good!) and a wonderful experience. I hope you have enjoyed watching as much as I have enjoyed taking part. See you on the other side”, he published on Facebook.

7. Josef Martínez

Date of Birth:5.19.1993 (29)
Birthplace:Carabobo, Venezuela
Position: Striker
Total Stats in MLS:GP 117, GS 106,Mins 9376, Goals 93, Assists 15
* Stats accurate as of 7/1/2022

It only took Josef Martínez one year to become an Atlanta United legend. The Venezuelan striker was initially signed on a loan deal from Italian club Torino in 2017, but made an instant impact, scoring 20 times in 20 appearances in what ended up being a limited season due to an injury. Despite being eliminated in the first round of the Major League Soccer playoffs, Atlanta United bought Martínez, who in 2018 scored 31 goals and established a new MLS record. If that weren’t enough, the Golden Boot holder scored an additional four during Atlanta United’s championship playoff run, including one in the final against Portland Timbers. Martínez was on such a high level that he was awarded MLS, MLS All-Star Game and MLS Cup Most Valuable Player awards, and continued to be a regular staple for the Venezuelan national team.

His impressive goalscoring form continued in 2019, managing 27 goals in 29 games and earning him a 5-year contract that runs until 2024, but had to take a break in 2020 after just one match in which he tore his ACL. Martínez’s impact was more than noticeable, since Atlanta didn’t manage to qualify for the playoffs in the year he missed. But, 2021 was proof of just how strong Martínez has proven to be on and off the pitch. The Venezuelan striker came back from the serious injury to score 12 times in 24 games and make it back to the playoffs. When he was signed, Martínez said he was very happy to arrive at one of MLS’ newest clubs, and expressed his excitement at the prospect of prospering in a new league. “I was able to see the training ground and the stadium that the club is building, and I knew that coming to Atlanta was the best decision. Also, there is a great coaching staff and remarkable young players. I can’t wait to start to work with my new teammates,” Martínez said in a team statement.

Born in Carabobo, the pacey attacker arrived in MLS when he was only 24 but already with plenty of experience in demanding leagues such as the Swiss Super League and the Serie A. That experience proved to be key for one of the league’s most exciting players, who was hired in the prime of his career, according to Atlanta United president Darren Eales. “Between Serie A, Europa League and various international competitions with the Venezuelan National Team, Josef has already proven himself on some of the biggest stages in our sport and we’re confident in his ability to make a difference in MLS,” Eales said in 2017. He was right.

6. Sebastian Giovinco

Date of Birth:1.26.1987 (35)
Birthplace:Turin, Italy
Position: Forward
Total Stats in MLS:GP 114, GS 111, Mins 9635, Goals 68, Assists 52

Sebastian Giovinco’s name has to be in the running for one of the best signings in Major League Soccer history. The diminutive Italian was elected MLS Most Valuable Player in 2015, the same season in which he arrived in Toronto after finishing a six-year stint at Juventus. Initially, Seba was supposed to join Toronto FC after completion of the 2014/15 Serie A season but he cut his time in Italy short, making his debut on March 7, against the Vancouver Whitecaps. Upon signing, Giovinco stated, “I have heard so many great things about Toronto over the years and I know that it will be a city that I feel right at home.” And a home is just what he made by scoring 22 goals and recording 16 assists in a mere 33 games during that first season, leading the league in both tallies. However, Toronto fell in the first round of the playoffs. In 2016, after scoring 17 goals, Giovinco led Toronto FC to the MLS Cup Final, but lost on penalties against the Seattle Sounders.

Revenge was right around the corner, and the Canadian outfit managed to beat the Sounders in the 2018 final, winning the Canadian championship that same year and impressively reaching the 2018 Concacaf Champions League final. Unfortunately for the MLS outfit, Mexican giant Chivas de Guadalajara edged them on penalties, but Giovinco was still elected as an MLS All-Star and won the Champions League Golden Ball. Less than a year later, things seemed to fall apart as Giovinco left the club’s January training ground over a salary dispute, according to Sportsnet.ca. Bob Bradley had just become the new manager, replacing Greg Vanney, and he stated that the best option for both parties would be for Giovinco to return to Italy. The Italian ended up in Saudi Arabia instead, playing two year for Al-Hilal before joining Sampdoria on loan in January 2022. Even though Giovinco hasn’t played for Toronto again and is unlikely to do so at 35 years of age, he is the team’s all-time leading goalscorer with 68, and managed a whopping 52 assists all in 114 games.

Even though the love story between Giovinco and Toronto seems to have ended on a sour note, he will always be remembered for the impressive haul of goals, assists and trophies during his four-year stint: one MLS cup, two additional playoff appearances, one Supporters’ Shield, three Canadian championships, one Champions League final, and MLS MVP and Golden Boot awards, just to name a few. As of writing this article, Giovinco doesn’t have a team and is a free agent, so it’s not unconscionable to think we could see him in MLS once again.

5. Carlos Vela

Date of Birth:3.1.1989 (33)
Birthplace: Cancun, Mexico
Position: Attacker
Total Stats in MLS:GP 102, GS 90, Mins 8044, Goals 63, Assists 41
* Stats accurate as of 7/1/2022

The day was August 10, 2017. At approximately 10:30 a.m. Pacific Standard Time, Los Angeles Football Club announced their first Designated Player in history, more than a year before their first-ever match in Major League Soccer. Carlos Vela, one of Real Sociedad’s best players and renowned Los Angeles fan, would join the team after the conclusion of 2017, with the Mexican attacker calling the signing a “very special” moment. When Vela left Europe to join MLS, he was one of the most important players for the Txuri-Urdin, playing 39 games and scoring 10 times in the 2016/17 season, and played an additional 17 times in the 2017/18 season before joining LAFC. During his time at Real Sociedad, he played 249 games, scoring 73 goals and logging 42 assists, winning the Player of the Year Award in the 2011/12 and 2013/14 season, during which he shared a locker room with Antoine Griezmann. But, we’re here to talk about MLS.

Vela had a triumphant debut with the Black and Gold in March of 2018, assisting Diego Rossi for a 1-0 win away at Seattle Sounders. That set the tone for what would be a successful debut season, scoring 14 goals and managing 13 assists, and helping LAFC reach the playoffs in their maiden campaign, even though they fell in the first round against veteran squad Real Salt Lake. 2019 proved to be even more impressive for Vela, scoring a record-setting 34 goals in a single MLS season and registering 15 assists in only 31 games. Led by the talented Mexican attacker, LAFC topped the Western conference with 72 points, also leading the entire league. Even though they breezed past the LA Galaxy in the playoffs, their dream run ended in the Conference Finals with a 3-1 defeat to the Seattle Sounders, who knocked them out again in 2020, the same year LAFC reached the Concacaf Champions League final.

2021 didn’t produce a playoff run, but Vela will always be regarded as a Black and Gold icon, something he recognized when recently signing a one-year contract extension. It was recently rumored that Chivas de Guadalajara made an attempt to resign their academy product, but Vela stated that he would not be leaving Los Angeles due to how happy he and his family are. “Los Angeles is a special place for me and my family. This is our home, and I am excited to continue my career here at LAFC…My goal is to win the MLS Cup with LAFC, and I will work hard to achieve our goal, and I expect to continue to achieve great things for the Club, my family, our fans and the City of Los Angeles.” Now, with the recent transfers of Giorgio Chiellini and Gareth Bale to the club, it seems LAFC is intent on making sure Vela wins a trophy as soon as possible.

4. Bradley Wright-Phillips

Date of Birth:3.12.1985 (37)
Birthplace: London, England
Position: Striker
Total Stats in MLS:GP 234, GS 184, Mins 16461, Goals 117, Assists 34

Bradley Wright-Phillips is one of the few players on this list signed from European clubs that didn’t have international pedigree when arriving to Major League Soccer. The English forward started his career at the now-mighty Manchester City, but then played in Southampton, Plymouth Argyle, Charlton Athletic and Brentford. That’s why when he signed for the New York Red Bulls in July of 2013, there weren’t major expectations around the league that Wright-Phillips would have the impact he ended up having: 195 regular season games, 108 goals (top goalscorer in NYRB history), 28 assists, three MLS Supporters’ Shields and three NYRB Most Valuable Player awards. And, according to the team website, Wright-Phillips became the first player in MLS history to score 20 or more goals in three different seasons.

Four years after his arrival, and following the 2016 MLS season in which he was the top goalscorer in the league with 24, Wright-Phillips was granted a new contract and was named an NYRB Designated Player. By then, the English already had records to his name, such as the MLS single-season scoring record with 27 back in 2014, and stated he remained on the team to try and win the MLS Cup. Unfortunately for the dangerous striker, that never happened, going as far as the Conference Finals twice but never lifting the trophy. After New York, Wright-Phillips spent time at LAFC, where he scored eight league goals, and at Columbus Crew, where he only did so once. On March 11, 2022, the story of the Lewisham native on the soccer pitch came to an end.

NYRB announced they signed Wright-Phillips to a one-day contract so he could retire as a Red Bull. “It wouldn’t have felt right retiring somewhere else, especially in America, it wouldn’t have felt right,” said Wright-Phillips in a team statement. “I am honored to get the opportunity to retire here, it means a lot to me.” He is now helping mentor young players, will be a club ambassador and will have a new role asSpecial Assistant to the Sporting Director.

3. Robbie Keane

Date of Birth:7.8.1980 (41)
Birthplace:Dublin, Ireland
Position: Striker
Total Stats in MLS: GP 125, GS 119, Mins 10808, Goals 83, Assists 45

When Robbie Keane signed for the Los Angeles Galaxy in August of 2011, he was just finishing up a loan move to West Ham United after playing 14 years in the most competitives leagues in European soccer, including stints at Wolves, Inter Milan, Leeds United, and more importantly, at Tottenham Hotspur. During his two seasons at Spurs, the Irish striker played over 300 games for the Lillywhites and scored on 122 occasions. That is why the Galaxy were rubbing their hands together when they signed him, since not only were they getting a great goalscorer and player, but they were already a big team, leading the Major League Soccer standings at the time. In comes Robbie Keane. Along with David Beckham, he propelled the Galaxy to three MLS titles in three years: 2011, 2012 and 2014, being named Most Valuable Player in the latter one.

In 2015, his contract was extended in spite of being 34 years of age due to his impressive goalscoring form, since at the time he had 55 goals in 91 games for the MLS giant, and had just been named MLS MVP. However, Keane would only be for the team until the end of the 2016 season, when the Galaxy bounced out of the playoffs in a Western Conference semifinal against the Colorado Rapids. Even though he finished his playing days in 2018 at now-extinct Indian soccer club ATK, Keane will always be remembered for his heroics in the City of Angels, where he ended with a tally of 83 goals and 45 assists in 125 games.

2. Clint Dempsey

Date of Birth:3.9.1983 (39)
Birthplace:Nacogdoches, Texas
Position: Attacking midfielder/Forward
Total Stats in MLS:GP 186, GS 170, Mins 15340, Goals 72, Assists 42

Clint Dempsey is a U.S. soccer legend: there’s no two ways about it. In his 15 year career, he managed to climb to the tippy top of the United States Men’s National Team goalscoring and appearance charts, and managed to play consistently in the Premier League with Fulham, and also in one season with Tottenham Hotspur. Dempsey first played in Major League Soccer in 2004, when the New England Revolution selected him with the eight overall pick of the 20024 MLS SuperDraft. In his rookie season, he quickly established himself as one of the most exciting talents in the league, playing 24 games and starting in 23 of them. Dempsey’s first season as a professional soccer player will probably be remembered in a bittersweet manner because even though he was a key part of the Revs team that reached the MLS Cup Final, even scoring in a Conference Final, he wasn’t able to take home the trophy. Two more seasons in MLS were enough for Fulham to come knocking at the end of the 2006 season.

Dempsey spent five years with the Cottagers, playing 232 games, scoring 60 times and assisting 21 times. Some of the highlights of his Fulham career include the impressive run to the 2009/10 UEFA Europa League Final, in which Dempsey scored a spectacular goal against Juventus in the Round of 16. The Nacogdoches, Texas native even played approximately 65 minutes in the final against Diego Forlán’s Atlético de Madrid, a match the London-based club lost 2-1 in extra time. Two more seasons with Fulham and Dempsey was off to Tottenham for a year, where he played 43 games and scored 12 goals. In spite of his solid numbers, he departed for Seattle and returned to MLS. In the six years he played for the Sounders, Dempsey won the 2014 U.S. Open Cup, the 2016 MLS Cup, and finished runner-up of the 2017 MLS Cup. His career in Seattle ended with 47 goals in 115 matches, as he suddenly retired in 2018.

Dempsey stated on a podcast that his unexpected announcement to call quits on the game he loved so much wasn’t due to the irregular heartbeat that caused him to miss Seattle’s 2016 championship run, since he did end up returning for 2017, but due to burnout. “I felt like I couldn’t go at 100 percent. I don’t know if it was mentally or if it was just what my body was telling me… We didn’t qualify for the World Cup, so there wasn’t as much to play for”, he added sentimentally.

1. David Beckham

Date of Birth:5.2.1975 (47)
Birthplace: London, England
Position: Midfielder
Total Stats in MLS:GP 98, GS 91, Mins 8066, Goals 18, Assists 38

We’ve already gone over some part of David Beckham’s impressive legacy, including how when he signed for the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007, Major League Soccer was never the same. We reviewed how more people started noticing the league, and the large appeal Beckham continues to have in MLS, now as Inter Miami’s owner. What else is there to say about one of MLS’ most influential figures?

Beckham played 98 games for the Galaxy over six years, starting in 91 of them and logging an impressive 8,066 minutes. Even though the midfielder “only” scored 18 goals, most of them were spectacular and his 38 assists helped the Galaxy to two MLS Cups and three Western Conference Championships. Furthermore, he signaled the beginning of the constant migration of stars to MLS, and no longer those about to retire, but those that can still provide entertainment and joy for the millions of fans in the U.S. and abroad.

The 2026 tournament will be the first one to be played with 48 teams, and also marks the first time three countries are selected as World Cup hosts, with a record number of 80 games to be played when the time comes. The host city announcement also ratified the Estadio Azteca as one of world soccer’s most historic venues, as it’ll be the first one to host three World Cups, with the first two being in 1970 with Pele’s Brazil lifting the then-Jules Rimet trophy,and in 1986 with Diego Armando Maradona’s Argentina being declared champions.

The last and only time the United States has hosted a World Cup was back in 1994, when Romario and Dunga’s Brazil beat Italy in a dramatic penalty shootout in front of a packed Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, California. As for Canada, they have already hosted a FIFA Women’s World cup in 2015 but have never done so for men. Mexico’s three cities brought forth to the organizing committee were approved, while the United States had six stadiums being denied host status (Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Rowe Bowl in Los Angeles, Nissan Stadium in Nashville and M&T Bank Stadium in Washington/Baltimore), and Canada had Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium left out.

Up next, a guide on each and every host city, with a brief soccer history of the venues that’ll host the 2026 FIFA World Cup:

Atlanta

Name: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Opened: August 26, 2017
Surface: Turf
Capacity: 42,500 for soccer, expandable to a maximum of 73,000 seats.
Owners: Georgia World Congress Center Authority
Operators: AMB Sports and Entertainment Group
Record attendance: 73,019 for soccer, in the 2018 MLS Cup Final between Atlanta United and Portland Timbers (Atlanta won 2-0).

What works for Mercedes-Benz Stadium is being a fairly new venue, with its inauguration being held in 2017, which means that not many technological advancements will be needed to get ready for 2026. Atlanta United’s home currently boasts a massive 63,000-square feet, 360-degree HD video screen, over 1,800 wireless access points, a three-tier pavilion, an outside space dedicated to tailgating, oversized locker rooms, the iconic retractable roof and much, much more.

Changes required by FIFA for the 2026 World Cup: not many. Even though FIFA hasn’t released an official statement, the Atlanta Journal Constitution stated that the main change the stadium will have to undergo is switchingfrom turf to natural grass. “FIFA will require that sod be installed months before the first World Cup match is played on it in June 2026 so that the grass has ample time to take root”, read the report.

As for city infrastructure projects, city planning outlet Urbanize stated that Atlanta’s BeltLine loop probably won’t be finished by the time the World Cup Begins. The BeltLine consists of “22 miles of unused railroad tracks circling the core of the city’s in-town neighborhoods”, according to Discover Atlanta.

Reaction fromDarren Eales, Atlanta United club president:

“It’s almost a validation of what our amazing supporters have done in this city… FIFA genuinely recognize that. They couldn’t believe it when they came and visited and a few of their members came to a match and they saw what was happening. That spoke a lot and I think was the intangible that really put Atlanta towards the top of the pile.”

The 2026 FIFA World Cup calendar won’t be released until mid-2023 but Major League Soccer reports that “local officials contended that Atlanta could host a semifinal match.”

Boston

Venue Name: Gillette Stadium
Opened: May 11, 2002
Surface: Turf
Capacity: 20,000 for soccer, expandable to a maximum of 68,000 seats.
Owners: Kraft Group
Operators: Kraft Group
Record attendance: 61,316 for local soccer, in the 2002 MLS Cup Final between New England Revolution and Los Angeles Galaxy (Los Angeles won 1-0). 64,121 for international soccer in the June 4, 2011 friendly between Spain and the United States (Spain won 4-0).

This one is a long time in the making, with New England Revolution and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft being an honorary chair of the 2026 World Cup United Bid Group that won North America the chance to host.FIFA named the host city Boston even though the stadium itself is located in Foxborough, about 30 miles outside of the city.

Foxborough has a storied soccer past: it hosted the 1994 FIFA Men’s World Cup in the now demolished Foxboro Stadium -which saw over 320,000 people attend the four games it hosted, including Diego Armando Maradona’s final game for Argentina-, and also the 1999 and the 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cups (the last one was played in the current venue).

In 2021, FIFA officials started visiting potential host cities and Gillette was no different. Back then, Kraft hosted FIFA chief tournament and events officer Colin Smith, FIFA vice president and Concacaf president Victor Montagliani and Brian Bilello, president of the New England Revolution and Boston Soccer 2026.

The plans presented in the visit were the following, per the Boston Globe: removing the current turf surface, rehabilitating the no longer used irrigation system, and installing natural grass. The 2026 FIFA World Cup could bring in up to $500 million to the Boston area, according to NBC, which means making changes to the historic venue could represent a good investment. Kraft allegedly asked for six matches to be held at Gillette, according to the Globe.

Bilello later stated that 2026 is not a stadium event, but “a city event, it’s a statewide event”. Back then, he said, “Making Massachusetts, making Boston ready to host the world is gonna be a big focus. And obviously we’ll have a lot of work to do down at the stadium as well and making that stadium ready for the World Cup. We don’t know how many games we’re gonna get, but we’re talking about four or five or six Super Bowls in the span of less than a month”.

Other than the stadium grass being installed, no other official changes have been finalized, but Smith did say that the stadium will need a bit more space around the pitch to accommodate photographers, cameras and security, as well as adding better conditions for players inside the stadium and in training sites.

Reaction fromMassachusetts governor Charlie Baker:

“We are thrilled to welcome FIFA World Cup Soccer back to Massachusetts in 2026…The teams and their fans from around the world will be welcomed by the Commonwealth’s restaurants and attractions both in Boston and beyond and we are appreciative of Robert Kraft for his efforts as Honorary Chair of the United Bid to help bring the World Cup back to the United States, as well as the Boston Soccer 2026 Committee for its tireless work to secure Boston as a host city.”

Dallas

Venue Name: AT&T Stadium
Opened: May 27, 2009
Surface: Turf
Capacity: 80,000, expandable to 105,000.
Owners: City of Arlington
Operators: Dallas Cowboys
Record attendance:153,352 people, for Wrestlemania 38 in 2022.

Another case of FIFA naming the host city differently than the actual city where the games will be taking place, AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, is located about 20 miles west of downtown Dallas. The venue, owned by the city of Arlington but operated by the Dallas Cowboys, is one of two in Texas that will host 2026 FIFA World Cup matches, along with Houston.

One of the stadiums that wasn’t picked to be a host city for the upcoming World Cup was the Cotton Bowl, which hosted six 1994 FIFA World Cup matches, including the quarterfinal between Brazil and the Netherlands. The impact the decision FIFA made to grant AT&T Stadium host status will be hugely beneficial for the local economy, with the Dallas Sports Commission projecting around $400 million in revenue for the region.

In spite of being a world class facility with a 175 foot HD screen, a retractable roof and two 180 foot wide by 120 foot high retractable glass doors, there is one big problem: getting there. Currently, Dallas Area Rapid Transit trains and Trinity Railway Express trains don’t go to the stadium. However, Dallas Sports Commission Dallas Sports Commission Executive Director Monica Paul said that they will use buses and “other services” to get fans to the games.

“We will look to do something very similar to what we did for the Final Four and college football playoff… And we actually started testing it out during WrestleMania this year”, Paul told FOX News in June 2022. As if hosting World Cup matches weren’t enough, Dallas also bid to host the FIFA International Broadcast Center and the central referee station.

As for stadium changes, the only major renovation that would take place is on the field. Dan Hunt, who owns FC Dallas and was the Dallas 2026 host city bid chairman, said, “there will be major renovations to occur to get the field in.”

“I don’t think they will have to do anything so substantial to the stadium itself, but we’re going to have to lift the field up off the floor to get it high enough so you can have a field be long enough and wide enough to meet the standards that FIFA requires”, Hunt added. The reason the field needs to be lifted is because FIFA requires an average size of approximately 105 meters long by 68 meters across. Since the current American football field is smaller, it will need to be raised to accommodate the additional space needed.

Andfor the pitch itself, AT&T Stadium currently utilizes the SoftTop System, which is a synthetic turf that resembles natural grass. There has been no official statement on whether that will change or not for 2026, but it is safe to assume only natural grass will be allowed for the World Cup.

Reaction fromMonica Paul, Dallas Sports Commission Executive Director:

“This is a big day for the city of Dallas. Being named as a host city for FIFA World Cup 2026™ provides a once-in-a generation opportunity to create a legacy for North Texas through the most popular sport in the world… From infrastructure and arts to top-level training facilities and a world-class venue in AT&T Stadium, Dallas offers everything that the committee could have wanted in a host city. It’s incredibly gratifying to be chosen, and we can’t wait to begin preparing for FIFA World Cup 2026.”

Houston

Venue Name: NRG Stadium
Opened: August 24, 2002
Surface: Turf
Capacity: 72,220, expandable to 80,000
Owners: Harris County Sports and Convention Corporation
Operators: ASM Global
Record attendance: 70,858, in the Argentina vs United States Copa América 2016 semifinals (Argentina won 4-0).

When the Houston 2026 World Cup Bid Committee sat down together at the Partnership Tower to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup host city announcement on TV, they probably had a pretty good idea of how it would turn out. The fourth-largest city in the United States and the largest one in Texas was granted host status for 2026, adding to the impressive list of events that have already taken place at NRG Stadium such as two Super Bowls, two Final Fours, the Copa América 2016 and many more.

Although it opened in 2002, NRG Stadium has undergone several major renovations: in 2008, in 2013 and in 2017. Home to the Houston Texans, the stadium is one of three of the 2026 host cities in the United States to have a retractable roof. It also has two giant 14,549 square foot screens, stadium-wide Wi-Fi, even larger than AT&T’s monstrous one, and over 8,200 club seats and 187 luxury suites.The retractable roof is one of the stadium’s main attractions, since it will allow World Cup games to go on uninterrupted regardless of the weather,

As part of winning rights to be a host city in 2026, Houston launched a campaign with the United States Soccer Federation to create 30 small pitches around the region, also supporting two grassroots youth soccer programs, according to the Houston Dynamo website. As for improvements, one of the main ones will be regarding transportation to and from the stadium, which is located eight miles south of downtown Houston.

“Just like with other big events we’ve supported the city and the county in hosting, we will make all necessary adjustments to service to ensure a successful event. We have a good track record from super bowls to RodeoHouston in moving large crowds, and we look forward to collaborating with our regional partners as the event draws near,” Houston Metro’s Deputy Communications Officer Tracy Jackson told NBC Houston Affiliate KPRC2.

However, one of the main problems isn’t directly related to the stadium itself, since KPRC2 also revealed how crime and “human-trafficking related offenses” are topics that the hosting committee took into consideration when putting the bid together. One of the areas touched upon in the bid, according to KPRC2, is identifying locations in Houston where illegal sex trade or prostituion happen and working together with local and federal authorities to stop said activities.

NRG Stadium authorities will probably have to replace the turf with natural grass, as other host cities have pledged to do.

Reaction fromHouston Mayor Sylvester Turner:

“Today’s announcement is the culmination of a lot of hard work by the bid committee and many others. We are honored and excited to be awarded the opportunity to welcome sports fans worldwide to experience the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Houston. Our city’s diverse, community-driven, and innovative standing will deliver a memorable FIFA World Cup experience for the players, fans, and everyone involved. The FIFA World Cup will leave a legacy for the people in this city for generations to come.”

Kansas City

Venue Name: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
Opened: August 12, 1972
Surface: Natural grass
Capacity: 76,416
Owners:Jackson County Sports Complex Authority
Operators: Kansas City Chiefs
Record attendance: 52,424, in the July 25, 2010 friendly match between Kansas City Wizards and Manchester United (WIzards won 2-1).

GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium will be a 2026 FIFA World Cup host city. If you would’ve told anyone before the decision was made that the aforementioned sentence would be true, some might have even laughed at you. After all, the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles has a higher capacity and is in a more densely populated metropolitan area, the M&T Bank Stadium in Washington/Baltimore seemed a stronger bid and even Orlando’s Camping World Stadium looked interesting since it had already been a host in 1994.

But, that didn’t happen. Through the cooperation of Missouri and Kansas authorities, along with Sporting Kansas City, the Kansas City Chiefs and many more, according to Kansas Governor Laura Kelly.“It’s a testament to the depth of the soccer culture in Kansas City, Sporting Kansas City was a founding franchise in Major League Soccer and has been responsible for establishing Kansas City as one of the best soccer cities in the United States”, said Clark Hunt, Chiefs Chairman and CEO.

Kansas City has the experience to host important sporting events. There have been four World Series and eleven men and women’s Final Four tournaments, but none like the World Cup, an event that could mean an injection of between $160-620 million, according to Boston Consulting Group. There haven’t been many soccer matches at Arrowhead in the past, but there was a key match en route to the 2002 FIFA World Cup between the United States and Costa Rica in 2001, a 2-1 win for the Stars and Stripes. In order for Kansas City to get ready for 2026, they have plenty of work to do, according to their own mayor, Quinton Lucas.

Lucas said that in order to host the World Cup, GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium will need at least $50 million in improvements, although he didn’t specify which just yet. What Lucas did indicate, according to Chiefswire, is that there will be increased funding for public transportation between the stadium and different spots in the city. And, according to the Kansas City Star, “Seats will be removed from the corners of the lower level of the stadium, and space will also be made for hospitality functions and the seating of scores of international reporters and other media.”

The stadium, opened in 1972, has already undergone important renovations in the past, including some in 1991, 1994, a $375 million one starting in 2007 and most recently a $13 million one in 2021. The Chiefs’ lease at Arrowhead expires in 2031, which seems to indicate they will be a key part of whatever changes need to take place before the World Cup, as backed up by Hunt’s recent remarks in April 2022.

“We have nine years left on our lease… We’re very happy in Arrowhead. We still think it’s one of the great venues in the National Football League… We’ve started the process of evaluating whether Arrowhead has a chance of going past the end of this lease. That’s going to be an ongoing process over the next couple of years,” stated Hunt.

Reaction from Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback:

“The city is going show out in 2026…We can’t wait to welcome fans from across the globe to the heart of America and the world’s loudest stadium.”

Los Angeles

Venue Name: SoFi Stadium
Opened: September 8, 2020
Surface: Turf
Capacity: 70,240 expandable to 100,240
Owners: StadCo LA, LLC.
Hollywood Park Land Company, LLC.
Operators: StadCo LA, LLC

There was little doubt in the soccer media and community that SoFi Stadium would be elected as a 2026 FIFA World Cup host city. After all, the estimated $5 billion project is less than two years old and has already shown the capacity to host hugely important events such as the Super Bowl, with others such as the 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship and the 2028 Summer Olympics already confirmed and in the pipeline.

After all, just look at the stadium specs. The possibility of expanding to an additional 30,000 seats, the one-million square foot canopy, the double-sided 4K HDR video board that weighs 2.2 million pounds, displays 80 million pixels and includes the speaker system and 56 5G wireless antennas; it’s just a dream. Not to mention the aesthetically pleasing design, SoFi stadium has even been slated as a possible host for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, something that Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca will adamantly oppose for obvious reasons.

As for renovations, there isn’t much that needs to be renewed in a fairly new stadium, but there are two main issues. The first one is that the stadium has open sides, meaning that thunder delays are a possibility, as exhibited in the Los Angeles Chargers vs Las Vegas Raiders NFL Game in October 2021. The second is the size of the field. As mentioned previously in this article, FIFA has specific dimensions of approximately 105 meters long by 68 meters across, and the length of SoFi’s field would need to be extended by approximately 20 meters, according to Front Office Sports.

Whether they will raise the field like at AT&T Stadium or come up with a different arrangement is yet to be seen, but it is hard to believe that if billionaire owner Stan Kroenke already forked over an insane amount of money for the $5 billion project, that he won’t do so again to get ready for the world’s biggest stage. Now, with the Rose Bowl Stadium out of contention to be a host city, SoFi ownership will need to step their game up if they don’t want FIFA to come knocking. And, as all the other stadiums with turf surfaces, they will need to change to grass before 2026.

Reaction from Gianni Infantino, FIFA president:

“By 2026 soccer or football will be the number one sport in this part of the world (U.S.).”

Miami

Venue Name: Hard Rock Stadium
Opened: August 16, 1987
Surface: Natural Grass
Capacity: 65,000
Owners: Stephen M. Ross
Operators: Palace Entertainment
Record attendance: 80,120, for the 2013 BCS National Championship Game.

In spite of being over 30 years old, Hard Rock Stadium in Miami seems to be ready to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ever since its inception. When it opened in 1987, then-Miami Dolphins owner Joe Robbie had already built the venue to fit FIFA stadium and field specifications. And now, current Dolphins owner Stephen Ross undertook the $350 million renovation project in 2015 that included giant video boards, premiere suites and an open-air canopy to provide shading for fans.

The grass field is already up to FIFA specifications and has hosted massive soccer games in the past, including a 2017 El Clásico between Real Madrid and Barcelona, which was the highest grossing soccer match in North American history, according to CBS News. Not to mention the other huge events held at Hard Rock, including six Super Bowls, the Miami Formula 1 Grand Prix, the Miami Open and several highly popular concerts. And, being awarded host status for 2026 seems like long overdue justice for a stadium that missed out on the 1994 FIFA World Cup due to a scheduling conflict with the Florida Marlins.

One would think that with Miami Freedom Park being approved,the 25,000 Inter Miami soccer-specific stadium to be built near Miami International Airport would be considered as a potential host but that honor was awarded to Hard Rock. However, Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas has stated that said decision will be beneficial for all of Miami. “What great momentum. Having Miami Freedom Park approved in April. It goes to building infrastructure and an ecosystem for the sport to grow here,” said Mas.

There are several pros to Miami being a host city other than just the stadium itself, since the metropolitan area can simultaneously host several national teams at facilities such as Florida International University, Barry University, Miami Freedom Park, and Inter Miami’s current home at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, about 40 minutes north of downtown Miami. And, Miami-Dade Mayor Danielle Levine Cava has already stated that there will be jobs and investment opportunities that will eventually be a long-term benefit for the community. So, what’s the catch? Getting to the stadium is a big one.

Right now, there are two ways to get to Hard Rock from downtown Miami, and both are fairly uncomfortable for fans. One is public transportation, but that takes over an hour to travel the 14 miles between destinations. The other is an estimated 25 minute drive without traffic but up to 50 minutes or an hour with traffic, which would definitely take place during the World Cup. But even if you do drive, parking is a huge issue. For the recent Miami Formula 1 Grand Prix, even fans that purchased tickets worth thousands of dollars had to purchase additional parking in lots 20-30 minutes away from the stadium, and then take a shuttle to Hard Rock. The grass field might not be a change needed, but if people can’t get to the event location, you have a severe problem on your hands.

Reaction from City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez:

“It felt like we already played a game and won the championship… It’s in our blood. It’s who we are. It’s our DNA.”

New York/New Jersey

Venue Name: MetLife Stadium
Opened: April 10, 2010
Surface: Turf
Capacity: 82,500
Owners: New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority
Operators: MetLife Stadium Company
Record attendance: 82,529 for the XLVIII Super Bowl on February 2, 2014

The New York / New Jersey area has a bright and storied soccer past, going back to the days of the New York Cosmos when Pelé and Franz Beckenbauer graced the North American Soccer League. Nowadays, the New York Red Bulls and New York City FC are in charge of the local soccer culture, with one playing in its own soccer-specific stadium and the other with plans to build one. That’s why when MetLife Stadium in Rutherford, New Jersey was announced as a host city for the 2026 World Cup, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy led the celebrations that included players, fans, and the lighting up of the iconic Empire State Building.

This will be the second time a World Cup comes to New York. In the 1994 tournament, seven games were played in Giants Stadium, including the semifinal match between Italy and Bulgaria in which Roberto Baggio scored a double to help the Azzurra reach the final with a 2-1 win. As for the proposed training facilities for 2026, the City of New York provided the following list: Rutgers University, The Pingry School, Kean University, Red Bull Football Club Training Facility, and the New York City Football Club Training Facility. New York/New Jersey will also host several FIFA Fan Fests, as will every other city in 2026.

We’ve already gone over how beneficial hosting can be for a city’s economy, and Adams stated that doing so will bring in an estimated $200 million dollars in revenues spread across the five boroughs in New York City even though games will be played in New Jersey. “We are honored to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup with our neighbors across the Hudson, and we are fully prepared to deliver the world-class experience that the beautiful game deserves,” stated Murphy.

There are several pros to the New York/New Jersey region: they have five airports, an extensive subway system, and several other options of transportation, including ferries and freeways. Also, the City of New York pointed out that,“more hotels are currently being built in the region than exist overall in the other candidate cities.” MetLife is also adapted to fully approved FIFA international matches, which works by retracting seats at field level in order to fit in a full soccer pitch. Several important soccer matches have taken place in the stadium, but the most famous one is without a doubt the 2016 Copa America Centenario final between Argentina and Chile, which Chile won 4-2 on penalties.

Reaction from New York City Mayor Eric Adams:

“The biggest sporting event in the world is coming to the biggest stage, and New York City cannot wait to welcome the world to our region… New York City is thrilled to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing the drama and excitement here to the city that never sleeps!”

Philadelphia

Venue Name: Lincoln Financial Field
Opened: August 3, 2003
Surface: Natural grass
Capacity: 70,000
Owners: The City of Philadelphia
Operators: Philadelphia Eagles

When Jeffrey Lurie bought the Philadelphia Eagles in 1994, he said that, “constructing a state-of-the-art stadium would be a key component in the effort to build the Eagles into an elite NFL franchise”, according to the team website. Nine years later, Manchester United and Barcelona played in the stadium’s first-ever sporting event, with nearly 70,000 people in attendance. It’s only fitting that a soccer match was the first game played in a stadium that 23 years later will welcome the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Lovingly referred to as “The Linc”, the home of the Philadelphia Eagles uses natural grass and has already hosted important soccer events, such as the 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Concacaf Gold Cup, the Copa America Centenario and several national team and club friendly matches. This is a key aspect of why FIFA chose Philadelphia to host in 2026, according to Mayor Jim Kenney, who told NBC Philadelphia, “They (FIFA) were actually commenting on the condition of that field, that grass, when they were walking around looking at the field. It’s a beautiful facility.”

Besides the field, Lincoln Financial Field holds the ISO 20121 certification, which is an important sustainability designation given to the stadium for operating 100% on clean energy due to the 11,000 solar panels installed around the facility. Another point going for “The Linc” is its location, according to the Philadelphia Soccer 2026 bid team.

“Travelers can hop on Interstate 95 anywhere along the East Coast to get to Lincoln Financial Field. For those looking to catch another game of the tournament, I-95 will also take them north to East Rutherford, where games will also be played as part of the New York/New Jersey bid. Those making their way to Philadelphia from the west can hop on Interstate 76”, they told NBC. And, for those attending the game via car, there are 22,000 parking spaces on-site, in additionto the multiple public transportation access points.

Meg Kane, manager of bid operations for Philadelphia Soccer 2026, said hotel accommodations, public transportation, restaurants and the passion Philadelphia can provide was key for FIFA to grant “The City of Brotherly Love” the chance to host a World Cup.

Kane added the total possible revenue for the city could be up to $250 million, while president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau Gregg Caren said the impact could be even bigger. “This is bigger than two or three Super Bowls together,” Caren said. “This means $460 million of economic impact. What does that mean? Jobs, hotels full, restaurants full, tax revenue for the city, it’s great for everybody that lives and works in this great city of ours,” he also told NBC.

Even though it opened in 2003, Lincoln Financial Field underwent an important renovation in 2014-15 that included new HD video boards, LED ribbon boards and bridges connecting the upper concourse, as well as high-speed Wi-Fi around the premise.

Reaction from Meg Kane,manager of bid operations for Philadelphia Soccer 2026:

“We’ll also be celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States, the Major League All-Star Game will be here, so this will be a major opportunity for Philadelphia to have tourism and hospitality really bounce back in a post-COVID environment.”

San Francisco Bay Area

Venue Name: Levi’s Stadium
Opened: July 7, 2014
Surface: Natural grass
Capacity: 68,500
Owners: City of Santa Clara
Operators: Santa Clara Stadium Authority
Record attendance: 79,976 for Wrestlemania 31 on March 2015

The estimated $1.3 billion spent on San Francisco’s Levi’s Stadium ispaying off, and even more since it was announced as one of the 16 stadiums hosting 2026 FIFA World Cup games. Although neighboring San José has greater soccer history, the first-ever match to be played in the home of the San Francisco 49ers was the Major League Soccer regular season game between the San José Earthquakes and the Seattle Sounders; a 1-0 home win in front of nearly 50,000 people. And now, a World Cup is coming back to the Bay Area.

The first time that happened was in 1994, when Stanford Stadium hosted six games of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, including the quarterfinal match between Sweden and Romania, in which Sweden progressed to the semifinals after a 2-2 tie and a 5-4 victory in penalty kicks. Furthermore, the home of the Stanford Cardinal also saw the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup up close, but on that occasion only hosting the semifinal between the United States and Brazil, which the Stars and Stripes won 2-0.

The venue itself is world class, covering 1.85 million square feet, nearly 70,000 seats, 165 luxury suites and 8,500 club seats, according to the stadium website. The stadium also includes a 27,000 square foot green roof on top of the suite tower, two giant 890 square meter screens, and three solar bridges that connect the main parking area to the stadium for extra comfort. Levi’s Stadium was granted the prestigious LEED Gold Certification for sustainability, since it uses recycled water, flushing devices, the aforementioned cooling roof and special landscape irrigation.

Patricia Ernstrom, Bay Area Host Committee Executive Director, echoed the excitement of her fellow committee members when they found out they would host the 2026 tournament. “We are absolutely thrilled to bring the world’s largest sporting event to our passionate and diverse Bay Area community. While we will celebrate today, tomorrow marks the beginning of a long and fulfilling road to our first FIFA World Cup match in 2026,” she said. The tournament is expected to bring in millions of dollars and thousands of jobs to the Bay Area, according to the San José Earthquakes.

But what of the improvements needed? The stadium has already hosted massive soccer events in the past, including MLS Regular Season games, the Copa America Centenario, and the Concacaf Gold Cup, among others. Its grass surface and the ability to adapt to elite soccer matches should pose no problem heading into 2026. The San Francisco Chronicle did indicate that, “Beyond lawmakers cutting sales taxes, millions more will have to be spent on arena renovations in preparation for 2026,” but they didn’t specify what part of the arena needs renovating and it’s not overtly clear looking at its specifications.

As for local transportation, that should pose no problem whatsoever for the World Cup. Here’s how Levi’s Stadium explains its accomodations: “For visitors driving, the stadium is located near several major highways and expressways including Highways 101, 237, 880, as well as the Lawrence Expressway and San Tomas Expressway. The stadium is also conveniently located near several public transportation routes including Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) light rail and bus lines, ACE/Capitol Corridor heavy rail, and even connects to Caltrain for direct access to San Francisco.”

Reaction from Brandi Chastain, U.S. soccer legend:

“I look forward to our community being the best community, embracing every single team of every single language of every single culture and letting them know that they belong and they are welcome here.”

Seattle

Venue Name: Lumen Field
Opened: July 28, 2002
Surface: Turf
Capacity: 37,722 for soccer, expandable to 68,740
Owners: Washington State Public Stadium Authority
Operators: First & Goal Inc.
Record attendance: 69,274 for the Seattle Sounders vs Toronto FC game on November 10, 2019

It was 1997, and Washington voters had just approved funding for the $430 million complex that would eventually become what is today known as Lumen Field. Lumen Field’s authorizing statute even explicitly states that it was built to host the FIFA World Cup. 24 years after construction finished, the authorizing statute became a reality and Seattle was declared as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The fervent soccer town rejoiced with the announcement, one most definitely deserved if merit were measured by passion.

After all, sellouts at Sounders games are fairly commonplace, and they recently broke the record for the largest standalone crowd in Concacaf Champions League history with 68,741 fans for the big final win against Pumas UNAM, according to MLS. Lumen Field is used to hosting competitive local soccer, but also monster international games. Three Copa America Centenario games were played there in 2016, a United States World Cup qualifier against Panama, and even friendly matches including the likes of Barcelona and Chelsea.

According to Beth Knox, President & CEO for the Seattle Sports Commission and SEA 2026 Bid Committee Co-Chair, the announcement declaring Seattle a host city has been a long time coming. “Our city has been preparing for this moment for over a decade, laying the groundwork with previous FIFA bids. The announcement marks the end of a five-year, labor of love journey in communicating to FIFA what we knew from the very beginning: we are ready to host the FIFA World Cup 2026”, Knox stated to Breaking Travel News.

Lumen Field currently has a 98% waste diversion program and has committed to a net-zero carbon footprint to align with Seattle’s World Cup bid. As for upgrades, the stadium has published on their website that they will install natural grass natively (not over turf), expand video boards, improveWi-Fi, and enhance food and beverage options. “We have developed plans to accommodate the stadium modifications to the venue and will work with FIFA and the local organizing committee to execute what is needed”, reads the website.

Tammy Blount-Canavan, President & CEO at Visit Seattle, stated the announcement to be a host city was one of the most significant moments in Seattle history, and will help to cement their spot as “an all-time great international sports destination.” The hospitality industry in Seattle awaits thousands of visitors, and if the city receives the estimated four to six games for 2026, they will need all the help they can get.

But, President of the Seahawks and First & Goal, Inc Chuck Arnold has expressed confidence in doing so. “Lumen Field was truly built for this, and we can’t wait to show fans from around the globe the electric, energizing atmosphere our stadium is known for. We are grateful to FIFA for recognizing Lumen Field as one of North America’s most premier sports and entertainment venues and entrusting us to host such a prestigious international event”, stated Arnold.

Reaction from Seattle Sounders FC and SEA 2026 Chair Adrian Hanauer:

“This is perhaps the biggest day for the sport of soccer in the history of our region…To be awarded the FIFA World Cup is not only momentous for the city of Seattle, but for all of Washington State and the Pacific Northwest.”

Guadalajara

Venue Name: Estadio Akron
Opened: July 30, 2010
Surface: Natural grass
Capacity: 48,000
Owners: Club Deportivo Guadalajara
Operators: Operadora Chivas, S.A. de C.V.

When late owner Jorge Vergara inaugurated Estadio Akron in an impressive ceremony in 2010 that included a friendly between Chivas and Manchester United in front of a packed house, he was able to see the fruit of years of hard work and politics come true. In what would end up being Javier Hernandez’s last match with Chivas (playing one half for each team), a 16 year journey began that culminated in being named a 2026 FIFA World Cup host venue, and in one of Vergara’s dreams coming true.

“For me, and as I’ve mentioned in my many roles at Chivas, this is only the continuation of an original plan. My father (Jorge) always envisioned a World Cup at the Estadio Akron”, said Amaury Vergara, current Club Deportivo Guadalajara president, in a recent press conference. Even though his father Jorge, who passed away in 2019, won’t be present to see the match or matches that will take place at the Akron, Vergara has always insisted renovations wouldbe needed to host important events. One of the changes suggested will be renaming the stadium.

Even though most stadiums nowadays are named after major sponsors, such as Akron, FIFA World Cup venues are not permitted to carry commercial names during the tournament. That is why the current Chivas owner suggested a change to “Jorge Vergara Stadium” during the 2026 event to honor his father and comply with FIFA. As for other changes, in 2020 Vergara said that the club would need to heavily invest in order to be considered successful World Cup hosts, but only mentioned improving technology for fan comfort without going into details.

The 48,000 venue is one of Mexico’s newest stadiums and a contested choice to be named one of Latin America’s most beautiful arenas. First, the outside structure resembles an active volcano, and is covered entirely by green grass. The wide concourse inside the stadium allows fans to never miss a moment of the action, and in a rare sighting for any stadium in Latin America, there aren’t any barbed wires or fences to prevent fans from jumping onto the pitch. Wide food and beverage options available in all five levels of the structure provide fans a great game day experience. As for the pitch, the Akron originally sported a turf surface but has had natural grass for years.

Home to one of Mexico’s most popular teams in Chivas, one of Mexico’s host stadiums for 2026 has already seen its fair share of elite international action. Pan American games, Concacaf Champions League, Olympic qualifiers, Copa Libertadores, the 2011 U-17 World Cup and Men’s and Women’s Liga MX matches have all been played at the modern stadium, but there is one main problem: access. If you have ever been to the Akron, and even stadium authorities have recognized this in the past, you know just how difficult it is to actually get to the stadium once it’s close to game time.The stadium itself is located in Zapopan, right outside of Guadalajara. Zapopan Mayor Juan José Frangie recently indicated that the only main construction project that will need to take place before 2026 will be an overpass,paid for by the Jalisco state government that connects Aviación and Vallarta, two of the streets next to the stadium that aren’t currently connected, which causes a bottleneck and heaps of traffic.

Reaction from Enrique Alfaro, Jalisco Governor:

“Everbody prepared themselves conciously to face the challenge of beinge evaluated by FIFA. This announcement is proof that we did the right thing and what’s necessary to be considered (to be hosts) along with Monterrey and Mexico City.”

Mexico City

Venue Name: Estadio Azteca
Opened: May 29, 1966
Surface: Natural grass
Capacity: 87,500
Owners: Televisa Univision Mexico
Operators: Club América
Record attendance: 132,247, for the Julio César Chávez vs Greg Haugen fight in 1993.

What else is there to say about the Estadio Azteca that hasn’t already been said? One of world soccer’s most historic venues, the Coloso de Santa Úrsula has hosted basically every footballing event there is, including Summer Olympics, a Women’s World Cup, Pan American Games, two Gold Cups, a U-17 World Cup and the memorable 1970 and 1986 FIFA World Cups. The venue where Pelé and Diego Armando Maradona lifted the Jules Rimet and the World Cup trophy, respectively, the Azteca was a lock as one of the stadiums that would be picked for the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to its historic nature, and will become the first in history to host three World Cups.

The story began in 1962, when 180,000 tons of rock, 100,000 tons of concrete and 1,200 tons of steel were brought to the site where six years later, Club América and Torino inaugurated the venue with a friendly on May 29. The first goal scored at the stadium, courtesy of America player Arlindo dos Santos, will always be remembered at a place where historic goals are a dime a dozen. How about Pele’s leaping header to open the scoring in the 1970 final against Italy, when Brazil went on to win 4-1? Or Maradona’s historic run against England in the 1986 semi-finals, or his Hand of God in the same match? Not to mention Cuauhtémoc Blanco’s speedy run and finish against Brazil in the 1999 Confederations Cup final or Giovani Casillas’ strike in the 2011 U-17 World Cup Final that gave Mexico the trophy in front of an ecstatic home crowd.

The Estadio Azteca is owned and operated by the Azcárraga family, who own Club America. Emilio Azcárraga Milmo, commonly referred to as “The Tiger”, used to own television giant Televisa in the 50s, bought Club America in 1959 and spearheaded the construction of the Estadio Azteca. And now, his son Emilio is at the helm of both the team and the stadium.“Evidently, as part of the Azcárraga family, I’m very proud to have been a part of this stadium’s construction… Proud that the stadium has all these stories, all these unrivaled events we’ve seen since 1966, and obviously the world’s greatest party that will come here in 2026”, Azcárraga said recently.

In terms of renovations, Mexican Football Federation President Yon de Luisa stated that at least $150 million will be needed to get Mexico’s home field ready for 2026. Details to be fixed include redoing the Eastern tribune to return to open seating and increase capacity by 5,000, as well as infrastructure upgrades throughout, such as improving Wi-Fi signal, redoing the bathrooms and including better accessibility options.

This will be the eight time Estadio Azteca undergoes renovations, with previous ones being done in 1985, 1999, 2001, 2006, 2016 and 2020. “Every adjustment that has to take place is privately funded”, De Luisa added, and explained Mexico will likely only host group stage matches, with second round games going exclusively to the United States. Additionally, there is a plan to remodel the exterior part of the stadium, and to build a massive complex next to it that would include a seven-story parking lot, a hotel, and a mall, but that is yet to be approved by local government due to the disturbance it would cause neighbors in the area.

Reaction from Emilio Azcárraga, Club América and Estadio Azteca owner:

“I’ve had the chance to see plenty of stadiums around the world, what’s important is that they need to have a heart and soul, and history. Not only will the Estadio Azteca be the most modern stadium, but it’ll have what I have just described”.

Monterrey

Venue Name: Estadio BBVA
Opened: August 2, 2015
Surface: Natural grass
Capacity: 53,500
Owners: FEMSA
Operators: FEMSA

Less than seven years after the Estadio BBVA opened its doors, authorities from the Mexican state of Nuevo León, and from Monterrey, Guadalupe and Santiago, all gathered at the stadium with the Club de Futbol Monterrey high management, to enjoy the online broadcast in which FIFA chose announced the 2026 FIFA World Cup host cities. Everyone erupted in joy as they found out that Monterey would once again be hosting World Cup matches.

The first time that happened was in 1986, at the Estadio Universitario (home to Tigres) and the old Estadio Tecnológico (home to Monterrey). On that occasion, eight games were played in the city, with the infamous Mexico vs West Germany penalty shootout and elimination for the home side taking place at Rayados’ old home. The state-of-the-art stadium is fairly new, with its famous steel façade and the notorious view of the Cerro de la Silla already one of the staples in Latin American soccer. The “Steel Giant” is certified for its sustainability practices and has played host to the Concacaf W championship, Liga MX men’s and women’s games, and Concacaf Champions League games and finals.

As for improvements, Monterrey’s management has already pointed out what needs to be changed ahead of 2026. Pedro Esquivel, the team’s vice president, stated there are three main aspects that FIFA required from the stadium in order to be ready for the World Cup. The first one is to install a ventilation system for the pitch, although it isn’t clear whether or not that’ll be underground. The second is expanding the current press area to accommodate more journalists and media. The third one is also expanding the stadium’s VIP area so more of football and society’s elite can fit comfortably.

Anyone who has been to the BBVA can testify how incredibly hot it gets inside the stadium during games, but Esquivel made no mention of installing air conditioning systems or alternate solutions, but did mention that he expects the stadium to host three games in 2026. “They’re small processes that we’ll begin in 2023 and we’ll be working on during the next three years. Work on the press room and VIP area is planned between 2024 and 2024, the field will possibly begin in 2023”, he said.

Reaction from José González Ornelas, President of the Club de Futbol Monterrey Administrative Council:

“We are hugely satisfied that our stadium was picked to bring the joy and magic of world soccer’s premium event to, for one reason or another, have not been able to enjoy this party, so they can experience the games and the party represented by a World Cup.”

Toronto

Venue Name: BMO Field
Opened: April 28, 2007
Surface: Hybrid grass
Capacity: 28,000
Owners: City of Toronto
Operators: Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment
Record attendance: 40,148 for the NHL Centennial Classic in 2017.

Canada has had some year. First, the Men’s national team qualifies to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 36 years. Then, Toronto and Vancouver were elected as 2026 FIFA World Cup host cities, leaving Edmonton in the dust. The main problem with Edmonton was that the Alberta government approved $110 million in funding for the bid but only if they could host at least five games, which is way more than what FIFA allegedly is thinking for Canadian cities. But, we’re here to talk about the cities that did get picked.

Canada has its fair share of international soccer experience, already hosting the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup, and the 2022 FIFA U-19 final, but the Men’s World Cup is a whole new level. That is why extensive work will need to be done at Toronto FC’s home to get ready for 2026. You might’ve noticed that the capacity of 28,000 is way lower than FIFA’s 45,000 minimum to be a host stadium, but there are already plans to remedy that.

BMO Field will need to increase capacity by an estimated 18,000, and will do so by adding new seats on the north and south sides, according to Toronto’s CTV News. This won’t be the first renovation in stadium history, even though it’s only 15 years old, with the first one being a $120 million investment to add seats and canopies back in 2014. CTV News estimates that it will cost Toronto approximately $290 million to host the tournaments, citing construction of training facilities and other events in the budget, two thirds of which Queen’s Park and the federal government are expected to pay for. Revenue is estimated to be around $310 million.

Another issue with BMO Field is accessibility, with travel outlet BlogTO pointing out that even though the stadium is walking distance to downtown Toronto, it “sits in a windswept parking lot with poor pedestrian access, built on a site better suited for high-speed car racing than an afternoon stroll”. Furthermore, urbanism-focused Twitter account Pushing The Needle ranked every World Cup host city and Toronto got the worst grade of them all, calling it an “unwalkable hellscape”

Nick Bontis, Canada Soccer President, said that the competition to be elected host cities was the most robust in history. “Today’s success is a testament to the cities, provinces, and federal government’s commitment and dedication in pursuit of hosting the most prestigious single sporting event in the world. In offering our congratulations to both Toronto, Ontario and Vancouver, British Columbia, we also extend our sincere appreciation to Edmonton, Alberta for their historical support and strong interest in contributing to the growth and development of our game in this country through the hosting of FIFA competitions”, he added.

Reaction from Jonathan Osorio, Canadian soccer player:

“It’s amazing that the World Cup is finally coming to Canada,” said TFC midfielder Jonathan Osorio, Canada’s representative in Manhattan. “It’s something as kids it was hard to even dream of.”

Vancouver

Venue Name: BC Place
Opened: June 19, 1983
Surface: Turf
Capacity: 22,120, expandable to 54,400
Owners: Province of British Columbia
Operators: BC Pavilion Corporation

Last but not least: Vancouver. BC Place was founded in 1983 and has a capacity of 22,120 in its lower bowl, but can open up and expand to 54,400, which is what will likely happen during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The elite tournament will visit Canadian soil for the first time in history, and Premier John Hogan expressed how passionate British Columbians are about the sport, and the effect it will have on the tourism sector, and how it will be able to impact future generations of Canadian players.

“British Columbia welcomes the world for FIFA World Cup 2026… We’re not hosting the largest ever World Cup just for kicks. British Columbians will enjoy an economic boost to the tourism and hospitality sectors that will be felt for years to come. We look forward to welcoming the global soccer community to our province”, stated Hogan.

BC Place has a huge retractable roof, and unlike BMO Field, capacity is no problem for BC Place. And also unlike BMO Field, BC Place does not have a natural grass surface. You probably remember the scandal back in the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, played at BC Place, when players complained about the turf surface due to how much more common injuries are when playing on said surface. FIFA “heard” their complaints but did nothing and the tournament went underway regardless. But that will change for 2026, with one of the main requirements for pitches to be approved being the use of natural grass.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation estimates that the city of Vancouver will incur in costs of between $240 million and $260 million. The British Columbia Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport indicates that municipal, provincial and federal government would cover the expenditure to get ready for 2026, with “up to 35%” being covered by the federal government. As for revenue, Destination BC and BC stats reported that hosting World Cup games would result in approximately $1 billion during the event and in the following five years.

Training sites will be located close to the players’ hotels, which according to the CBC will be in downtown Vancouver, with an estimated two or three new sites needing to be built in preparation for soccer’s biggest stage.

Reaction from FIFA President Gianni Infantino:

“It’s very special to bring the World Cup to Canada. It will be the greatest celebration Canada has ever witnessed. Trust me,” said FIFA president Gianni Infantino in New York, teasing the hyperbole we can expect between now and 2026. “I think this part of the world doesn’t realize what will happen here in 2026. The world will be invading Canada, Mexico and the United States.”

This year, the Ultimate Team of the Season included cards such as Rafael Leão, Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé and Cristiano Ronaldo. To put things into perspective, the combined cost of the aforementioned players at the time of writing is over 15 million coins on the Playstation transfer market; an unattainable amount for the majority of gamers, even those who have played the game since the beginning of the cycle.

Putting the most elite Ultimate Team cards aside, there are several FUT cards that received Team of the Season honors that every FIFA player should consider buying based only on in-game statistics. The following list, dubbed “The Forgotten Team of the Season”, includes eleven low-cost players with impressive stats that could easily slot into many teams, along with possible links and suggested in-game positions. Remember, just because a player isn’t in a top 5 league, it doesn’t mean his card is useless. Enjoy!

*Team selection is based on the popular 4-2-3-1 formation, which could be turned into 4-2-2-2 or 4-3-3 fairly easily.

Goalkeepers

Goalkeepers and defenders are some of the positions where you might be able to buy Ultimate Team of the Season (UTOTS) cards without breaking the bank, since the only shot stopper available in the squad is AC Milan’s Mike Maignan. At approximately 50,000 coins, the Frenchman is a safe bet in goal, especially comparing him to other players who received Team of the Season cards in his same position.

Alisson Becker, for example, is worth approximately more than twice what Maignan goes for. Same goes for Thibaut Courtois, Hugo Lloris, Manuel Neuer and even fellow Ligue 1 talent Alban Lafont. But even though Maignan might be a safe investment to secure the goal of hybrid teams with plenty of French center-back options, we are here to look at cheaper alternatives.

Almost all of the UTOTS keepers are around the same price point as Maignan, with some dropping to around 35,000 coins on the Playstation marketplace. Out of the other options, why not go for Antonio Adán, from the Primeira Liga. The Spanish keeper is currently extinct in the PS market with a maximum price of 32,500 coins, and is statistically fairly similar to Maignan, with only 30 less Total Stats.

Your first question is probably: why would I use Adán if I have to snipe him on the market and even then, there are other better keepers out there? Well, because it’s mid-June and it’s the best time of the year to experiment with different leagues and unique teams, combining top-rated players for a cheap price.

Who to link to Adán? How’s Prime Icon Moments Carles Puyol, at less than 250,000 coins, or Team of the Season Pedro Porro, who with the Shadow chemistry style could be a 93-rated center back with 99 pace on 7 chemistry? Other options include 89-rated FUT Captains Pepe, Team of the Season Sebastián Coates, 94-rated Team of the Season Aymeric Laporte and even FUT Birthday Sergio Ramos.

Savings thus far: 18,000 coins.

Left-back

There are two left-backs in the UTOTS: AC Milan’s Theo Hernández and Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo. Hernández is valued at around 600,000 coins, while Cancelo is only 315,000. They have similar in-game stats (Hernández’s total is 2617 while Cancelo’s is 2612) and similar work rates (both have High/High), but what sets Cancelo apart as the better options is his weak foot. The skillful Portuguese has a five star weak foot and four star skills, while the Frenchman has four star skills and four star weak foot.

Those who tried Cancelo’s Team of the Year card know just how versatile he can be in game, easily playing in every single position in-game bar center attacking midfield and striker, but let’s say you don’t want to spend 315,000 coins on him. The best Team of the Season alternatives are without a doubt Alphonso Davies and Nuno Mendes, going for around 100,000 coins each, with very similar stats if you’re playing them at left-back. But a good cheap alternative is Guilherme Sityá.

The Konyaspor left-back is valued at only 40,000 coins and is a quite similar card to Prime Roberto Carlos, valued at 410,000. Slap a shadow on him and you have yourself a 93-rated left-back, with the only problem being his links. The simple answer would be Ronaldinho at left wing or Carlos Alberto at center-back, but a creative one could be Fenerbahce’s Kim Min Jae, who boasts an impressive 90 pace, 88 defending and 94 physical, and costs only 40,000 coins on the PS market. Other options would be a Brazilian center-back from any league and at left wing, give Trabzonspor’s Anthony Nwakaeme a shot for only 53,000 coins. The Nigerian has 93 pace, 90 shooting, 88 passing, 92 dribbling and 92 physical, and his high attacking work rate means he would be a threat up top.

Hernández and Cancelo are definitely better cards than Sityá, but if you’re trying to cut costs to complete any of the End of an Era or Prime Icon Moments Squad Building Challenges, the Brazilian is a cheap, goodoption.

Savings: 270,000 – 540,000 coins.

Center-backs

Every decent FIFA player, not including the author of this article, knows that defending is key to winning games, and possibly more so than attacking. The Ultimate Team of the Season includes four elite center-backs: Marquinhos, Virgil van Dijk, Kalidou Koulibaly and Rúben Dias, ranked from most expensive to least expensive. Out of this group, Dias and Kouliably are the only under 100,000 coins, with Van Dijk clocking in at around 180,000 and Marquinhos at around 350,000.

In a strange move by EA, the most expensive Team of the Season center-back (Eder Millitao, at around 480,000) wasn’t included in the UTOTS. So, if you want top-tier center-backs but don’t feel the need to splash the cash, there are several very feasible options available at your disposal. We already touched on Fenerbahce’s Kim Min Jae, but other diamonds in the rough include Milan Skriniar (49,000 coins), Ronald Araujo (50,000 coins), William Saliba (46,000 coins) and Jurriën Timber (43,000 coins).

Out of Skriniar, Araujo, Saliba and Timber, the Ajax defender is by far the best option, but is probably undervalued and underappreciated because of the difficult links provided in the Eredivisie. Timber has more pace than every other defender on this shortlist, more dribbling stats, more shooting stats, more passing stats, and is tied with Saliba as having the highest physical stats. If you used Timber at the beginning of the game or did his FUT Birthday SBC, you know how quick and agile he is.

To put into perspective how valuable the Ajax defender could be to your team, he has almost the same amount of in-game and total stats as Team of the Season Marquinhos (2391 vs 2349) and Team of the Season Militao (2398 vs 2349). Getting Timber into your team shouldn’t be that difficult. At left-back, Team of the Season Owen Wijndal with 93 pace could be an option. At goalkeeper, Team of the Season Lars Unnerstall, or any of the Edwin Van Der Sar versions (his mid icon is approximately 160,000 coins). In the other center-back position, you could even use Virgil Van Dijk or include Future Stars Ryan Gravenberch (110,000 coins) to improve your team chemistry, granted you don’t already have his Team of the Season card.

Savings: 310,00 coins.

Right-back

One of the better options for Ultimate Team of the Season at right-back, if you have the coins, is to play Joao Cancelo on 7 chemistry. The other only UTOTS option is Trent Alexander-Arnold, at approximately 55,000 coins. A solid option, you’ve probably packed the Liverpool defender more than once in the different TOTS upgrade Squad Building Challenges that have been released. Alexander-Arnold is arguably the fourth or fifth best right-back from the entire Team of the Season release, behind James Tavernier (173,000 coins), Juan Cuadrado (127,000 coins) and Pedro Porro (60,000 coins).

Although the Liverpool fullback isn’t a bad option, for practically the same amount of coins you can get a faster Pedro Porro or an extremely speedy Jeremie Frimpong. It depends on your team’s chemistry needs, but if you want to be original and try different cards, you could link Porro to Antonio Adán in goal and Sebastián Coates at center-back, as mentioned in the previous section.

Alexander-Arnold is the exception when talking about Team of the Season cards; good value for amazing stats. To put things into perspective, he has better overall stats than Prime Icon Moments Cafú, who costs almost 900,000 coins more. The only downside of playing Trent is his pace. At 91 acceleration and 93 sprint speed, it might seem that aspect wouldn’t affect him negatively, but at a time where most wingers are already capped off at 99 pace with chemistry styles, it could pose a problem.

Central midfield

Here is where it gets tricky. The Ultimate Team of the Season has seven impressive options for center midfield, depending on your team’s chemistry and tactical needs: Joshua Kimmich (150,000 coins), Luka Modric (280,000 coins), Kevin De Bruyne (275,000 coins), Jude Bellingham (1.1 million coins), Christopher Nkunku (490,000 coins), Lucas Paquetá (560,000 coins) and Aurélien Tchouaméni (295,000 coins).

All of these cards can perform the functions most cards can perform in the middle of the park at this point of the season: attack proficiently and defend intensely. The only problem is their price point, not to mention those not included in the UTOTS such as Pedri (900,000 coins) and Ryan Gravenberch (400,000 coins). If you want a cheaper alternative in the middle of a 4-2-3-1, how’s Marek Hamsik for 71,000 coins, Marcelo Brozovic for 81,000 coins, or even Club Brugge’s Hans Vanaken for 60,000 coins?

Let’s start with Hamsik. The Trabzonspor player can link to cheaper alternatives outlined above such as Fenerbahce’s Kim Min Jae, and has better overall stats than Gravenberch (330,000 coins more expensive), Tchouaméni (200,000 coins more expensive) and Pedri (810,000 coins more expensive). Furthermore, the former Napoli player is only 43 overall total stats away from equalling Bellingham, one of the game’s best midfielders. The only problem? Linking him.

In comes Brozovic. With an impressive 91 pace, 95 passing and defending, and 94 physical, the Inter Milan player is a perfect link to FUT Fantasy Ivan Perisic (shout out to those who did his SBC), who can be used in multiple positions all around the pitch. Furthermore, Brozovic has strong links to Milan Skriniar in central defense and Lautaro Martínez up top, with the possibility of including Prime Icon Moments Davor Suker for those passionate Croatian supporters at a mere 100,000 coins.

Last but not least, Hans Vanaken, a player most gamers have probably never heard of, but who is very fun to play with. With four star skills and five star weak foot, the Belgian is a 96-rated central midfielder with the Engine chemistry style, a 97-rated left and right midfielder, and a 97-rated central attacking midfielder. Granted, chances are you can only put him into your team if you have one or multiple icons, but giving Vanaken a shot might be worth it for those looking for fun instead of just sweating out Division Rivals and FUT Champions.

Wingers and Central Attacking Midfield

If you tell any Ultimate Team player the following names, they are sure to tremble: Rafael Leão, Mohamed Salah, and Vinícius Júnior. Worth a combined 5.6 million coins, the three Ultimate Team of the Season wingers are undoubtedly some of the game’s best players. All three can play as wingers and strikers, and Salah can also work as a central attacking midfielder.

But, there are cheaper Team of the Season alternatives out wide, assuming you won’t splash over a million coins on Lionel Messi, almost six million on Neymar and over two million on Sadio Mané. Why not try Domenico Berardi? He’s worth only 110,000 coins and has more total in-game stats than Rafael Leãoand Vinícius Júnior. It might be that having four star skills works against him, since Leao and Júnior are five star skillers, but for one million less than the Portuguese and 3.6 million less than the Brazilian, it’s worth a gamble.

Another option is Trabzonspor’s Edin Visca, who can link to Marek Hamsik, mentioned above as a good alternative in central midfield. Visca has 98 pace, 92 shooting, 92 passing and 93 dribbling. Granted, his 78 physical lets him down but End of an Era Lorenzo Insigne and Vinícius Júnior himself are proof that wingers don’t need a high physical statistic to shine. The Bosnian winger has several interesting traits, such as outside foot shot, playmaker, speed dribbler and long shot taker, which make him an interesting choice.

As for central attacking midfield, Christopher Nkunku, Lucas Paquetá, Luka Modric and even Mohamed Salah can work as the middle man in attack in our 4-2-3-1. But, as previously mentioned, we’re here to provide cheaper alternatives. Oscar Emboaba is one of them. At only 114,000 coins, the Shanghai SIPG player is a 95-rated CAM with 93 pace, 93 shooting, 96 passing, 94 dribbling and four star weak foot. Or, if you’re rocking an MLS hybrid, give talented Spaniard Carles Gil a chance. He might not be the fastest at 88 pace, but he can link to other Spanish players and has five star skills.

Our last alternative at CAM is Dimitri Payet, worth only 70,000 coins. Payet can double as your set piece specialist, can link to other Ligue 1 or French players, and has an impressive 93 pace, 92 shooting and 96 passing. He might not be the most exciting player to use because of his stocky body type in game, but his 84 physical stat means he can outmuscle many defenders and hold the ball up while other players run past him.

Strikers

And finally, the crème de la crème: strikers. The UTOTS included Karim Benzema (1.7 million coins), Kylian Mbappé (4.4 million coins), Cristiano Ronaldo (3.5 million coins), Wissam Ben Yedder (1 million coins) and Robert Lewandowski (170,000 coins). Out of all the aforementioned options, Lewandowski is good value for his stats: 92 pace, 97 shooting, 94 dribbling and 94 physical. The only problem is that he feels a tad slow and clunky, which is why we present the following Team of the Season alternatives.

Let’s start out with Dusan Vlahovic, at only 150,000 coins. The Juventus striker is incredibly fun to use, with his 97 pace and 96 shooting, and is a true threat for every defender in the game. Those who have used Vlahovic know how deadly he is in front of goal, with 99 positioning, 99 finishing and 98 shot power. He might not be as agile as Mbappé, but for 4.2 million coins less, he is well worth his value.

Another option, Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrović, who just had a record-setting season in the Championship for the Cottagers. The Serbian striker boasts a whopping 98 physical stat, and even though his body type is high and stocky, he is a good finisher and has interesting strong links, such as teammate Harry Wilson. Wilson, a right midfielder, is only 63,000 coins and has 95 pace, 94 shooting, 92 passing and 90 dribbling, which are all excellent stats for a player that drifts out wide.

The final alternative in the Forgotten Team of the Season at striker is Valentín “Taty” Castellanos, at only 60,000 coins. The NYCFC striker could be linked to Carles Gil in game, and with his 95 pace, 95 shooting, 93 dribbling and 95 physical, serves as the perfect striker up top in the 4-2-3-1 formation. Granted, Castellanos is only a four star skiller and has a three star weak foot, but can also be linked to Maxi Moralez, Javier Zanetti and even Diego Armando Maradona.

This is how our Forgotten Team of the Season could line up:

Antonio Adán;
Pedro Porro, Sebastián Coates, Kim Min Jae, Guilherme Sityá;
Marek Hamsik, Marcelo Brozovic;
Edin Visca, Domenico Berardi, Carles Gil;
Dusan Vlahovic

According to Chemistry boosting app FutBooster, we wouldn’t be able to reach more than 86 chemistry even with position changes, but changing Carles Gil at CAM for a Serie A option and Visca at left winger for a Serie A option as well (wink wink Insigne) would solve the problem for us. Or, there’s always Icons.

The defender did so by converting a free kick against Brunei on June 6, 2019, thus signaling the first of many goals on the road to Qatar. Ever since, we have seen the exciting UEFA World Cup Qualifiers come to an end with Wales snatching a last-minute ticket to the most prestigious tournament in the world. We saw the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Qualifiers finish with a gut-wrenching faceoff between Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah, and Iran, South Korea and Japan assert their dominance in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Qualifiers.

And don’t forget about Concacaf, where Canada finally returned to a World Cup after a 36-year absence, topping both regional powerhouses Mexico and the United States. The long, winding road that began with Tsedenbal’s goal against Brunei is nearly over, but there are still two crucial matches to be played. On June 13 and 14, in the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Australia will take on Peru and Costa Rica will take on New Zealand in a single-game decider for the final two spots in Qatar. Will the massive efforts all four countries have undertaken in the past few years have been for naught if they don’t qualify? How did nations that normally make the tournament find themselves in this position? Let’s find out.

Costa Rica

If you would’ve told anyone halfway through the Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers Final Round that Costa Rica would be playing in the intercontinental playoffs for a place in Qatar, you would most definitely have been laughed at. The date was November 12, 2021, and La Sele was facing the second to last game of the year in World Cup Qualifiers with only six points after the first six matches. Getting a single point out of their visit to Canada’s Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton would be golden for manager Luis Fernando Suárez, but they faced one of the region’s toughest teams.

Despite a difficult start, Costa Rica settled into the game and seemed to head into the final 30 minutes with the possibility of upsetting the home side. That was until backup goalkeeper Leonel Moreira, in goal with Keylor Navas injured, made a mistake that granted Jonathan David a golden opportunity to score. The LOSC Lille man didn’t disappoint and took the chance to put the night’s only goal on the scoreboard.

The painful defeat away at Canada meant that, having played 7 out of the possible 14 games of Qualifiers, Costa Rica stood fifth out of eight sides, with a mere six points. Furthermore, the Central American team was seven points away from third-placed Canada and five points away from fourth-placed Panama. It seemed a near certainty that the nation that surprised the globe in 2014 would not be reprising their role in Qatar. In came Gerson Torres.

Tying Honduras 1-1 at home in the last matchday before the January window, the 90th minute struck and the referee added five minutes. In the last minute of added time, Joel Campbell sent a hopeful ball into the Honduran box. Johan Venegas headed towards Torres, who in turn sent the ball into the back of Buba Lopez’s goal. The Estadio Nacional erupted into unbridled joy, and Los Ticos finally saw the light after being in the darkness for much of World Cup qualifying.

Torres’s goal not only shook an entire nation, but it set into motion an impressive streak of positive results for Costa Rica. After the 2-1 win over Honduras, Costa Rica beat Panama 1-0 at home, tied Mexico 0-0 away, beat Jamaica 1-0 away, beat Canada 1-0 at home, beat El Salvador 2-1 away and defeated the United States 2-0 at home. This meant that La Sele finished even on points with the Stars and Stripes, losing out on direct World Cup qualification on goal difference.

Luis Fernando Suárez almost miraculously managed to recover a side that was practically eliminated halfway through the qualifying cycle, and turned them into a winning machine that revitalized the core parts of the historic 2014 Tico side, such as Bryan Ruíz, Keylor Navas and Celso Borges.

Prior to the hugely important game against New Zealand, Costa Rica fell 2-0 against Panama in the first matchday of the Concacaf Nations League. On the injury front, Ronald Matarrita and José Guillermo Ortíz won’t be available for team selection against the All Whites. Up next, a win or go home matchup.

New Zealand

New Zealand’s road to the intercontinental playoffs has been vastly different than Costa Rica’s. Just to give you an idea of the difference in footballing level between the opponents in Concacaf and those in Oceania, here are the FIFA rankings (as of June 9, 2022) of the eight nations that qualified for the OFC Qualifiers Group Stage and those who played in the Concacaf Qualifiers Final Round.

OFC:
New Zealand (#101)
Solomon Islands (#137)
New Caledonia (#160)
Papua New Guinea (#162)
Tahiti (#164)
Fiji (#165)
Vanuatu (#166)
Cook Islands (#190)

Concacaf:
Mexico (#9)
United States (#15)
Costa Rica (#31)
Canada (#38)
Panama (#61)
Jamaica (#64)
El Salvador (#74)
Honduras (#82)

The numbers speak for themselves: every single nation that participated in the Concacaf Qualifiers Final Round is ranked higher than every team that played in the OFC Qualifiers Group Stage. New Zealand had no problem breezing past the first hurdle towards Qatar, obtaining nine points out of their three group games, ending with a +11 goal difference after conceding only once.

Curiously enough, the OFC Qualifiers Final Round and the Final Stage games were all played in Qatar. For the head-to-head elimination matches, New Zealand beat Tahiti 1-0 in the semifinals and took care of Solomon Islands in the final by thrashing them 5-0. This signified the second straight World Cup qualifying cycle in which the All Whites defeated Solomon Islands by a five goal difference in the final.

On the road to Russia, New Zealand lost in the intercontinental playoff against Peru by a 2-0 aggregate score. Now, they will take on Costa Rica with hopes of playing in their third-ever World Cup, with the most recent one being in 2010, when they famously tied 1-1 against Italy. To prepare for the crucial showdown, Danny Hay’s men played Peru and Oman in friendlies, with the squad relying mainly on Newcastle United’s Chris Wood to provide the main attacking threat.

The rest of the team includes several known names, such as Sydney FC’s Kosta Barbarouses, Melbourne Victory’s Marco Rojas, and former West Ham player Winston Reid. With the new intercontinental playoff format, where the home and away fixtures were replaced by one-off matches, New Zealand will avoid the possibility of painful home defeats such as the 2013 one against Mexico and the 2017 one against Peru. Whether they can take onand defeat an inspired Costa Rica side, is another task altogether.

Australia

Australia has attended every single World Cup since 2006, with varied results. In Germany, they lost in the Round of 16 to a very late and very controversial Franceso Totti penalty. In South Africa, Brazil and Russia, they finished third in their group. And now, they might not even play in the tournament at all. How did the Socceroos reach this point?

As a reminder, the team managed by Graham Arnold plays in the Asian Football Confederation instead of the Oceania Football Confederation because they requested a change in 2005 in order to increase their level of competitiveness.

Australia’s road to Qatar began in the Second Round of the AFC Qualifiers, where they topped Group B with a resounding 24 points in 8 matches, having scored 28 times and conceding only twice. The 12 teams that progressed to the Third Round were split into two groups of six, with the Socceroos sharing their sector with Saudi Arabia, Japan, Oman, China and Vietnam. There, they finished in a far third place, seven points away from second-placed Japan and eight points away from first-placed Saudi Arabia, both of whom qualified directly to the World Cup.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) also finished third in their group, with three points less than Australia’s 15, which meant that both countries had to face each other in a direct elimination match to determine who would then progress to the intercontinental playoff. The high stakes game took place on June 7, 2022, in a packed Al Rayyan Stadium in Qatar.

The first 45 minutes produced no goals, but the second half was full of emotions. In the 53rd minute, Australia’s Martin Boyle ran down the right hand side and crossed back to Jackson Irvine. The FC St. Pauli man then slotted the ball into the back of the net with composure, to put the Socceroos within less than 40 minutes of the intercontinental playoff. But, a mere four minutes later, the UAE tied the match.

Harib Al-Maazmi provided a large cross into the box, and in an unfortunate turn of events, the ball bounced off Irvine himself and then into Caio Canedos’ feet. The Brazilian-born attacker didn’t think twice and put the Western Asian nation level. When it seemed like the game would go into extra time, what could be a historic moment for Australia took place.

In the 84th minute, a corner kick rebound fell into Adjin Hrustic, who was barely outside of the opposing box. The Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder violently impacted the ball, which hit UAE defender Ali Salmeen and then went into the goal for a dramatic ending and a 2-1 win for Australia. Now, they will face Peru on June 13 for a spot in the same tournament where both nations played each other in 2018.

Back then, La Blanquirroja took home the spoils with a 2-0 victory, courtesy of André Carrillo and Paolo Guerrero’s goals. Funnily enough, current Socceroo manager Graham Arnold was in the stands while dutchman Bert Van Marwijk was in the dugout. Now, it’s Arnold’s turn to put Australia back in a World Cup, but their opposition will be anything but simple.

Peru

The final of the four teams featuring in the intercontinental playoffs is Peru, who are looking to play in their sixth World Cup in history, and the second consecutive one. Saying La Blanquirroja had a difficult qualifying cycle in Conmebol is an understatement. Everything started in October 2020, with a 2-2 tie away against Paraguay. The positive result would end up being Peru’s only point in the first five matches, due to defeats against Brazil, Chile, Argentina and Bolivia.

A home win against Venezuela seemed to signal Ricardo Gareca’s team starting to change their mindset and the way they played, with Gianluca Lapadula leading the Inca’s front line. However, a 3-0 defeat at home against Colombia sent shockwaves through the Peruvian camp, with World Cup qualification being not much more than a dream at the time. Then came a visit to Quito, to face Ecuador.

The day was June 8, 2021. Lapadula provided assists to Christian Cueva and Luis Advíncula, whose goals signified Peru’s first away win in Conmebol’s Qualifiers. However, a tie against Uruguay, and another defeat against Brazil left La Blanquirroja in a precarious position: with ten games played, they were in seventh place with a mere eight points, five away from the intercontinental playoffs.

Peru’s inconsistent form led them into the final two matches notknowing whether they would be in Qatar, whether they would play the Repechaje or whether they would be eliminated altogether. Even so, when they faced Uruguay in March, 2022 at the Estadio Centenario, the possibility of making the World Cup directly was still present. Peru entered the match fifth in the standings, one point away from the Charrúas.

The third best away side in Conmebol, led by Gareca, needed an away win to stamp their ticket to a second consecutive World Cup. In spite of trailing in the first half due to a Giorgian De Arrascaeta goal, the Inca squad managed to fight back and seemed to have an equalizer in the second half. Miguel Trauco crossed the ball in from the left hand side, and goalkeeper Sergio Rochet seemed to take hold of the ball once it had already crossed the goal line.

A lengthy VAR review, with multiple camera angles, wasn’t enough to overturn the no goal decision. Since Conmebol doesn’t use goal-line technology, the only resources available to judge whether a ball crossed the goal line or not are broadcast footage replayed by VAR and referee opinion. Peru didn’t get the decision in their favor and couldn’t score throughout the rest of the match, allowing Uruguay to punch their ticket to Qatar that same night.

Gareca’s men reached the final matchday fifth, with 21 points, with Colombia and Chile one and two points behind, respectively. That meant that only a win would secure a World Cup spot for Peru, regardless of other results. Said win happened against Paraguay, courtesy of Gianluca Lapadula and Yoshimar Yotún goals, to take the three points with a 2-0 result. Now, the South American side faces a tricky and inspired Australia, with what the Peruvian press have speculated will be the following starting eleven:

Pedro Gallese; Luis Advíncula, Carlos Zambrano, Alexander Callens, Miguel Trauco; Renato Tapia, Sergio Peña, Yoshimar Yotún;André Carrillo, Christian Cueva, Gianluca Lapadula

That’s where the problems for manager Gerardo Martino start. When Mexico qualified to the international tournament at the end of March, they did so without even a hitch, finishing in second place with eight wins, four draws, and only two losses. El Tri even finished higher than the United States, which seemed highly unlikely entering the final window. But, the time to select the final 23-man roster will come sooner than later and Martino has his work cut out for him.

Will the controversial figure of Javier Hernández sneak his way into the final list? Will Marcelo Flores, who recently declared that he will be playing on a senior level for Mexico, convince Tata to the point of getting a ticket to Qatar? What of players like Rodolfo Pizarro, Diego Lainez and Sebastián Córdova, who either don’t play for their teams or haven’t shown an important level of consistency? Coming up, we’ll break down the players on Mexico’s roster that are most likely to miss out on soccer’s most important tournament.

Roster rules for the FIFA World Cup

Remember Euro 2020, the tournament that was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and played in 2021? Back then, UEFA allowed an increase in roster size from 23 players to 26, in order to cope with the effects of the pandemic. Despite the increase, teams could still only call up 23 players to matchday rosters, which included three goalkeepers. And what about the 2021 Copa America, where teams were allowed to present a monstrous 50 player preliminary list and a final roster of 28 players?

The changes to the rules of the game for the prestigious European championship and the passionate South American one led many journalists and fans to speculate that FIFA will likely follow suit and allow 26 players for each team at the World Cup in Qatar. First, rumors indicated that the new ruling would be implemented at the FIFA Congress in March. That time has come and gone and the international organization is yet to confirm the changes, which some speculate would also include an expansion of five substitutions.

This is what FIFA officially states regarding the 2022 FIFA World Cup rosters:

A total of 23 players shall be named on the start list (11 players and 12 substitutes). The 11 first-named players must start the match, and the other 12 are designated as substitutes. The numbers on the players’ shirts must correspond with the numbers indicated on the start list (numbers 1-23 only). All goalkeepers and the captain must be identified as such. Three players must be goalkeepers, with the number 1 shirt reserved for one of them.

So why hasn’t FIFA confirmed the change that would seemingly benefit everyone? Because, as TyC Sports indicates, managers at European clubs are apparently against losing even more players to a tournament that is being played in what is usually the middle of the season. The Argentina media outlet indicates that Conmebol teams are the ones pushing for expanded rosters, with Brazil vying for an even larger number of 28 players being a part of the World Cup itself.

Several media outlets have reported that FIFA is considering including the option for national teams to call up to 26 players, with 23 being the bare minimum, but nothing has been confirmed as of yet.

As a reminder, the World Cup in Qatar will run from November 21 until December 18. To give you an idea of how disruptive that would be for leagues, the Premier League is taking a month-long break starting on November 13 and the Bundesliga won’t be played from November 13 until January 20. The UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Europa Conference League group stages will end early November, to give players a bit of a break prior to the World Cup.

Be it 23, 26 or even 28 players that will represent Mexico in the prestigious tournament, who will be left out of the final list?

Mexico’s list

On May 17, Gerardo Martino called up 38 players for the friendly matches against Nigeria, Uruguay and Ecuador, as well as the two Concacaf Nations League games against Surinam and Jamaica. Diverse media outlets in Mexico reported that players that weren’t included in the aforementioned list would hardly be included in the final one en route to Qatar. Assuming FIFA will allow countries to call up to 26 players to the World Cup, there are 12 footballers on this list for El Tri that won’t be making the trip.

Goalkeepers

Mexico has historically been well supplied in goal, and this World Cup is no different. The four players called up to the friendly and Nations League tour are Santos Laguna’s Carlos Acevedo, Leon’s Rodolfo Cota, América’s Guillermo Ochoa and Alfredo Talavera. Ochoa will definitely be the one starting, and with Talavera likely securing the other position, the final spot for goalkeepers should be disputed between Acevedo and Cota. Seeing as how Acevedo only recently started to don the Tricolor jersey and Cota is more experienced, it seems probable that Santos’ goalie will not make the final roster.

Defenders

Starting with left backs, there is little doubt that Jesús Gallardo and Gerardo Arteaga are the main contenders for Mexico’s starting spot. Although Gallardo has been Martino’s starter for most of the World Cup qualifying cycle, he hasn’t shown consistent form for Rayados, which means the Argentinian manager could look to the KRC Genk man instead. Arteaga has put in serious work in Belgium and has proven to be a reliable option. On the chopping block: Monterrey’s Erick Aguirre, called up to the tour, and Leon’s Osvaldo Rodríguez.

Center backs are one of Mexico’s most stacked positions. César Montes, Néstor Araujo, Héctor Moreno and Johan Vásquez seem to be certain options to travel to Qatar, but there are a few alternatives included in the 38-man list that could sneak their way onto the airplane. First comes Jesús Angulo. The left-footed Tigres defender is 24 years old and has shown versatility in the back line, which might be useful for Martino. The same could be said of Puebla’s Israel Reyes, and Cruz Azul’s Julio César Domínguez. The final three names are a coin flip to go to the World Cup, but Domínguez could be the final central defender included due to his experience and ability to play multiple positions.

At right back, Jorge Sánchez will likely be Mexico’s starter at the World Cup. Behind him come Julián Araujo and Kévin Álvarez, all included on the 38-man list. Despite Álvarez’s impressive performances for Pachuca in the past year, it seems likely he will be the man left out of Qatar in lieu of the LA Galaxy defender. Other options considered in the past include Luis Alfonso Rodríguez and Alan Mozo, but they seem to have been erased by Martino.

Midfielders

Martino plays with a 4-3-3 formation, meaning that defensive midfield is one of the most crucial spots on the field. There are few doubts that Edson Álvarez will be the starter in Qatar, with Andrés Guardado playing a supporting role in what will be his fifth World Cup. Players in the same position called up to the friendly tour and Nations League matches are Luis Chávez from Pachuca and Erik Lira from Cruz Azul. These two names will likely not make the trip to Qatar.

El Tri’s central midfield, occupying the left and right spots next to the defensive midfielder, is packed with options. Locks that will certainly make the final World Cup roster are Houston Dynamo’s Héctor Herrera, PSV Eindhoven’s Erick Gutiérrez and Cruz Azul’s Carlos Rodríguez, who is still recovering from injury. Players that could make their way to Qatar in similar positions included in the 38-man roster are Fernando Beltrán, Erick Sánchez and Orbelín Pineda. Beltrán and Sánchez will likely be left out, but Pineda will probably be called up due to his versatility, since he can play in midfield and attack, in spite of limited minutes at Celta de Vigo.

Attack

Versatility is key for Martino’s system, with most players up top having the ability to switch positions during a match with relative ease. At left wing, Hirving Lozano will be starting for Mexico barring any unforeseen circumstances, which leaves Roberto Alvarado on the chopping block if rosters are comprised of only 23 players, since Chivas’ Alexis Vega can also play in that position and will certainly be playing at the World Cup.

At right wing, Jesús Corona is Martino’s preferred option without a doubt. In spite of his low form for the national team in recent years, Tecatito is highly valued since he can play out wide and in the middle, and is skillful enough to change a match in the blink of an eye. Uriel Antuna and Diego Lainez, also heavily favored by Martino, will likely make the trip to Qatar. Even though Lainez barely has any minutes for Real Betis, he is still called up regularly and will probably be in the final list.

Mexico doesn’t play with a central attacking midfielder, but Martino still calls up players who naturally develop themselves in that position. For the friendly and Nations League tour, Sebastián Córdova, Rodolfo Pizarro and Marcelo Flores were the number 10s that were called up. Flores is the most interesting option of the three, since he has been starring for Arsenal’s Under-23s and recently declared his intention to play for Mexico on a senior level. Córdova and Pizarro have dropped their level considerably and are already controversial picks. Now imagine the pressure when the time to pick the final World Cup roster comes; they will probably be left out of the list.

At striker, people have already accepted that historic Mexican goalscorer Javier Hernández will not go to the World Cup due to alleged personal differences with Martino and his staff. In his spot, Raúl Jiménez will undoubtedly be the starter, which leaves three players competing for the extra spot up top. Tata has given Rogelio Funes Mori his unwavered confidence, which indicates he will likely take up the second striker spot. Cruz Azul’s Santiago Giménez and America’s Henry Martín are likely the names that will be left out, since Jiménez, Funes Mori, and even Alexis Vega can each fight for the starting number 9 role.

Here’s what Mexico’s World Cup Roster will likely be, and who out of the 38-man roster for the friendly tour and Nations League games will be left out.

Goalkeepers:

IN: Guillermo Ochoa, Alfredo Talavera, Rodolfo Cota.
OUT: Carlos Acevedo.

Defenders:

IN: Jesús Gallardo, Gerardo Arteaga, César Montes, Néstor Araujo, Johan Vásquez, Héctor Moreno, Jorge Sánchez, Julián Araujo.

OUT: Erick Aguirre, Kevin Álvarez, Jesús Angulo, Julio César Domínguez, Israel Reyes.

Midfielders:

IN: Édson Álvarez, Andrés Guardado, Héctor Herrera, Erick Gutiérrez, Carlos Rodríguez, Orbelín Pineda.

OUT: Luis Chávez, Erik Lira, Fernando Beltrán, Erick Sánchez, Luis Romo.

Attackers:

IN: Hirving Lozano, Alexis Vega, Jesús Corona, Uriel Antuna, Diego Lainez, Marcelo Flores, Raúl Jiménez, Rogelio Funes Mori, Roberto Alvarado.

OUT: Henry Martín, Santiago Giménez.

The disconnect between success with youth and success at a senior level is more than evident. The U-17 National Team has won two FIFA World Cups and reached two finals. The U-20s have reached a FIFA World Cup final and have achieved one third-placed finish. The U-23s have won an Olympic gold medal and an Olympic bronze medal as well. Instead of heavily investing in providing better opportunities for youth players, as well as reducing the number of foreigners allowed in Liga MX rosters, the Mexican Football Federation has historically turned to other options.

One of those is calling up players that weren’t born in Mexico to the senior national team. The first one in history, according to various Mexican media outlets including ESPN and Futbol Total, was Julio Lores, originally from Perú. Several names have graced the list, with varied levels of success, including Gabriel Caballero, Guillermo Franco, Leandro Augusto and many more. Albeit Mexican by birth but born in Canada, another name to add to the list is that of Marcelo Flores. The Arsenal youth prospect recently declared his intention to play for El Tri on a senior level. Here’s the background on the decision and what FIFA statutes say regarding the controversial call.

Marcelo Flores and his decision

Who is Marcelo Flores? A name you’re probably quite familiar with by now, Flores is the son of former soccer player Rubén Flores, and current Arsenal Under-23 youth player. Born in Ontario, Canada to a Canadian mother with English background and a Mexican father, his sisters Silvana and Tatiana play for Tottenham and Chelsea in the FA Women’s Super League.

Marcelo Flores, who plays as an offensive midfielder, signed his first professional contract for Arsenal in October 2020, joining the London-based club from local club Ipswich Town. Flores already had Gunner minutes under his belt, featuring for the Under-18s, and was shortly after named to The Guardian newspaper’s Next Generation 2020 list, which includes the best young prospects from around the globe. Flores was first called up by manager Mikel Arteta to join the first team for the April 4, 2022 Premier League match against Crystal Palace.

As for his international career, hold onto your seats,because this is a doozie. Flores was first called up by Canada to be a part of a January 2021 camp, but declined the invitation to remain at Arsenal. Six months later, the Arsenal attacker was still being wooed by John Herdman, who included him in the preliminary 60-man list for the 2021 Gold Cup. Flores wasn’t called up to the tournament, and only a few months after that, his name was included by Mexico manager Gerardo Martino in the squad to face Chile in a friendly in December.

Flores played a few minutes in that friendly, and then a few more in an April 2022 match against Guatemala, in Orlando. In mid May, he declared his intention to fully commit his international future to Mexico, leaving behind the strong Canadian option and the far-away English one as well.

This is part of the message Flores wrote on Instagram:

“I’ve always known this day would come. Despite being only 18 years old, for the past few years I have been aware of the footballing privilege I have in being eligible for three different national teams”, he started out, thanking his parents, narrating his life, and explaining the internal conflict of having to choose a country to represent at only 18.

“Being different (not born in Mexico) doesn’t make me less Mexican. Today I speak from the heart and feel the need to communicate something I’ve known to be true for a while that I think is important you hear directly from me: I will represent Mexico wholeheartedly for the rest of my professional life”, he added.

Since then, Flores has been called up to the Mexico 38-player roster that will face three friendlies in the United States against Nigeria, Uruguay and Ecuador, and two Concacaf Nations League games.

What does FIFA have to say about it?

At first, FIFA statues indicated that a player could represent any football association as long as they held the nationality of said territory. “Once a player had participated for the representative team of that football association in an official competition (at any level), they were tied to the “sporting nationality” associated with that football association”, according to the international organization.

An example: Let’s say that a Brazilian soccer player participated in a U-17 World Cup for the Canarinha when he was only 16 years old, playing in only one match of the tournament. If said player moved to Mexico and spent their entire career there, married a Mexican citizen and obtained nationality, they still wouldn’t be eligible to represent El Tri on a senior level. A real life caseof this topic is Rubens Sambueza.

The Argentina-born attacking midfielder has spent the past 12 years of his career in Mexico, starting in 2010 with Tecos, after playing a year for Pumas in 2007. Sambueza was never called up to the Albiceleste senior team, but did participate in the 2001 U-17 FIFA World Cup with them. Sambu shared a team with names like Carlos Tévez and Javier Mascherano, and only managed to play 65 minutes in the Third Place match against Burkina Faso.

Fast forward 12 years, and then-Mexico National team manager Miguel Herrera wanted to call Sambueza up for the World Cup. FIFA statutes didn’t allow the call, since the attacking midfielder had played a mere 65 minutes in a youth World Cup 12 years prior. That all changed in 2020, when the FIFA Congress approved new rules, allowing for a change of association even for players that had participated for a different national team.

Unfortunately for Sambueza, there are a few caveats to the new ruling, which would still prevent him from currently playing for Mexico. The first one is that players can only switch national sides if they have played three games or fewer for their original teams.

Even though the new statutes indicate that Sambueza could play for El Tri seeing as how he was less than 21 years old when plying his trade for La Albiceleste, what prevents him from wearing the Tricolor jersey is that he played in a match of a final FIFA World Cup tournament or confederation competition. The 35 minutes Sambu played against Burkina Faso in what ended up being a meaningless match ended up deeply hurting his national team chances for Mexico in the future.

Fortunately for Marcelo Flores, he never played an official match for Canada or England, and he holds nationality for all three countries, all before turning 21, which allowed him free reign to choose Tata Martino’s side.

Non-Mexico born players who represented El Tri on a senior level

Now that we explained Flores’ past and present, and that we know the rules for changing a player’s eligibility, what is the process to do so? There are six main steps,according to FIFA.

The first one is the submission of a request by the new association. Then, the FIFA general secretariat reviews the request, and a decision is made by the Players’ Status Committee (PSC), which is intended to ensure compliance with FIFA regulations. After national teams are notified of the terms of the decision by the PSC (“accepted”, “rejected”, or “not admissible”), national associations can appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

These rules apply only for players who wish to change national team allegiances, but there are 15 footballers that weren’t born in Mexico that played for El Tri due to them not being selected for their country of origin in an official match.

The first one was Julio Lores, a Peruvian-born player that represented Mexico in the 1935 Central American and Caribbean Games. Then came Spanish-Born Lorenzo Camarena, who lifted the 1932-33 Mexican league title with Necaxa and went on to don the Tri jersey in the same competition in 1935.

Antonio López Herranz, mostly remembered for managing Mexico in the 1954 and 1958 FIFA World Cups, was born in Spain but played for El Tri in the 1938 Central American and Caribbean Games. Jorge Romo followed suit. Born in Cuba to Mexican parents, in a similar situation to that of Marcelo Flores, Romo played in the 1950, 1954 and 1958 FIFA World Cups.

Spanish-born Carlos Blanco, who played for Necaxa, was part of the Mexican squad for the 1954 and 1958 FIFA World Cups. Carlos Lara, born in Argentina and former Zacatepec player, was a part of the Mexican National Team en route to the 1962 FIFA World Cup but missed the tournament due to injury.

A little over 50 years had to pass until we saw the next player not born in Mexico to represent the country’s national team on a senior level: Gabriel Caballero, the Club Pachuca legend that played in the 2002 FIFA World Cup, starting against Croatia and playing against Ecuador and Italy.

After El Eterno came Antonio Naelson Sinha, one of the most technically gifted players for El Tri in the past 20 years. Sinha played in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, famously scoring against Iran in the opener of the tournament in Germany against Iran. Someone else who shared the same tournaments albeit with a varied level of success was Guillermo Franco. The Monterrey icon played in 2006 and 2010 but never managed to score in soccer’s top stage.

A flurry of unsuccessful players on a national team level followed. Leandro Augusto was called up by Sven-Göran Eriksson en route to the 2010 World Cup, as was Matías Vuoso, who saved El Tri from failing to make the 2009 Hexagonal thanks to a miraculous goal against Canada. Then came Lucas Ayala in a 2009 friendly and Damián Álvarez in a 2012 friendly, followed by Christian Giménez unsuccessfully featuring in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying stage.

The newest of the non-Mexico born players to be called up to the national team is Rogelio Funes Mori. The former River Plate man even made his senior debut for Argentina in a 2012 friendly but was never a consistent part of the national team rosters. Funes Mori has scored five goals for Mexico but is yet to be seen as a critical part of Martino’s side. Other players that have been rumored to be called up are Julio Furch and Matheus Doria, but nothing is official as of yet.

With a mixed bag of results for players not born in Mexico, it’s up to Flores to change that perception, but based on this talent and his results for the Arsenal youth teams, it’s not inconceivable to believe it’s possible.

The last marquee signing for the team, Alexis Vega, arrived at the club in December of 2018, and although his recent performances for Los Rojiblancos have been stellar, he has also been largely inconsistent in the past. Since Vega’s signing, Verde Valle hasn’t seen an important transfer come in, and the drought without one is about to extend into four years.

The managerial merry-go-round that started when Matías Almeyda left the club in 2018 has not helped in the least, with subpar managers like José Cardozo, Luis Fernando Tena and Marcelo Michel Leaño holding and underperforming at one of the most wanted jobs in Liga MX. The inconsistency that should’ve stopped with the arrival of sporting director Ricardo Peláez in 2019 has only gotten worse, and El Rebaño has taken a deep plunge into mediocrity.

The most recent elimination at the hands of Atlas in the quarterfinals of the Grita México Clausura 2022 further highlighted the crisis at Chivas, with the team never being in control of the game and barely managing to put their eternal rivals in danger of losing. Even though interim manager Ricardo Cadena managed five straight wins to close the tournament, there are talks of an imminent replacement. So, what’s next for Chivas?

Manager

The day is August 13, 2020. Luis Fernando Tena has just been relieved of his duties as Chivas manager, and Víctor Manuel Vucetich announced as his replacement. A long-time objective of the Chivas board, the nicknamed King Midas arrived at the club with an impressive list of accolades. With 15 titles to his name, Vucetich was widely seen in the Mexican press as a more than reasonable appointment.

A little over a year later, the current Monterrey manager was fired in spite of winning a tight home game against Pachuca in the Torneo Grita México Apertura 2021. Vucetich managed 45 games, winning 17, tying 17, and losing 11 times. He took the team to the Guard1anes 2020 Liguilla semifinals by beating Club América in the previous round, but failed to qualify in the Clausura 2021.

Enter Marcelo Michel Leaño. A figure with little experience in Mexican soccer at only 35 years of age, Leaño had already been the Chivas interim manager between Tena and Vucetich’s terms in 2020. The Guadalajara born manager left his post as Director of Youth Football to finish the tournament, leading El Rebaño to the Clausura 2021 Liguilla play-in round, losing to Puebla via penalty kicks.

Despite Leaño having little experience managing a “big team”, since he had only taken charge over clubs like Venados de Mérida and Coras Tepic, he was confirmed as manager by Peláez, in a move that was sanctioned by close friend and club president Amaury Vergara, according to veteran journalist David Medrano.

In December 2021, this is what Peláez had to say regarding the confirmation: “I am betting in favor of a head coach that knows how to manage players. Another sporting reason, I see a team that is more compact; we defend better. We were one of the best defenses, we attack as a group, and we exert high pressure”.

Peláez publicly confirmed Leaño to finish the Clausura 2022 as Chivas manager back in March, a move that is usually seen in the soccer world as a precursor to end a manager’s tenure. Two weeks later, Leaño was out and Cadena was in. In spite of having little-to-none first team experience, the current Guadalajara manager amassed five straight wins and put the Rojiblancos into the playoffs, where they recently lost against Atlas 3-2.

The managerial future at Chivas, in spite of a near-perfect close to the Liga MX, is anything but certain. Reports in the Mexican press indicate that Peláez met with as many as five head coaches before the tournament even ended, with DiegoAguirre leading the list of names as the preferred candidate to replace Cadena. Regardless of what happens up top, many changes will be needed on the field to return Guadalajara to greatness.

Players

Goalkeepers

Raúl Gudiño: Born Apr 22, 1996 (26) – OUT. After spending approximately 12 years at the club during two different stages, the former Porto goalkeeper has already said a tearful goodbye to the Rojiblanco faithful after the Atlas Liguilla game. An inconsistent player, Gudiño never managed to keep hold of the starting spot for long.

Miguel Jiménez: Born Mar 14, 1990 (32) – STAY. El Wacho had to wait a long time to formally be considered as Chivas’ number one keeper, but the wait has been worth his while. Jiménez closed the tournament being a solid option in goal, and will probably be here next year.

José Rangel: Born Feb 25, 2000 (22) – STAY. Rangel plays consistently for CD Tapatío, and with Jiménez being already 32 years old, he will likely stay on looking to make his Liga MX debut and prove a solid backup if Jiménez’s injury problems continue.

Wish list: With reports of Alfredo Talavera heading to FC Juárez after leaving Toluca, a homecoming for the Mexican National Team goalkeeper seems unlikely. Instead, Guadalajara could look to significantly strengthen their guardian in goal by securing the signing of one of the best Mexican goalkeepers in the league: Carlos Acevedo. Currently plying his trade as Santos Laguna captain, Acevedo is 26 years old and spending heftily to hire him would be a smart investment for the Tapatíos.

Defenders

Antonio Briseño, Centre-Back: Born Feb 5, 1994 (28) – STAY. Briseño has spent a little less than three years at Chivas and has gone in and out of the starting eleven. Whether Cadena stays or leaves could be key to Briseño’s future, since the current manager prefers a three center-back system. El Pollo’s passion is never in doubt, and is always welcome in any locker room.

Jesús Orozco, Centre-Back: Born Feb 19, 2002 (20) – STAY. Jesús Orozco Chiquete started this semester’s tournament starring for CD Tapatío in the second division but finished it as a key part of the Chivas defense, playing all 90 minutes of their last seven games. Orozco displayed versatility and coolness well past his age, and should definitely remain in the team.

Luis Olivas, Centre-Back: Born Feb 10, 2000 (22) – STAY. Olivas slowly faded out of the team’s starting eleven but has recently been called up to the Mexican National Team. With few options in the middle of defense, Olivas is yet to prove a definite liability and a return to stardom is not entirely unthinkable.

Gilberto Sepúlveda, Centre-Back: Born Feb 4, 1999 (23) – STAY. Sepúlveda has been a mainstay in the Guadalajara first team for a few years now, with inconsistency being his middle name throughout said stint. El Tiba has also been called up to the Mexican National team, and could improve significantly if the right manager comes along, because we have all seen what he is capable of.

Hiram Mier, Centre-Back: Born Aug 25, 1989 (32) – OUT. A couple of years ago, an injury-free Mier was usually called up to El Tri and could easily double as a right-back. Unfortunately for him, recent injuries and his recent form have turned the former Monterrey player into a liability for Chivas. The team could still make back some of their investment by selling him to an MLS side or a wealthy Liga MX outfit.

Cristian Calderón, Left-Back: Born May 24, 1997 (24) – STAY. El Chicote is a cult hero at Chivas, mainly because of his three goals against Club America in the Liguilla playoffs a while back, and has proven several times what kind of a clutch player he could be. Even though Calderón can and should work on his defensive aspect, he is a versatile player that can easily dominate more than one position up top.

Miguel Ponce, Left-Back: Born Apr 12, 1989 (33) – OUT. Ponce has spent most of his career at Chivas, with brief spells at Necaxa and Toluca, being a key part of the Matías Almeyda team that won everything possible back in 2017 and 2018. However, time has passed and has only served to show the Rojiblancos how risky it is to trust Ponce out back, with several red cards and constant lagoons in defense present when he plays. At 33, it’s time for the Sacramento native to try other teams.

Jesús Sánchez, Right-Back: Born Aug 31, 1989 (32) – OUT. Another long-time servant of the red and white jersey, Sánchez’s contract is running out shortly and the club will not renew his contract, according to anonymous columnist Sancadilla.

Carlos Cisneros, Right-Back: Born Aug 30, 1993 (28) – OUT. Originally a right or left winger, Cisneros managed to fight his way back from what was thought to be a career-ending injury and onto the starting eleven. Unfortunately for him, he has also proven to be a defensive liability and doesn’t provide enough offensively to justify his permanence in one of Mexico’s greatest teams.

Wish list: Without a doubt, the most vulnerable position on defense is right-back. There are two players that could fit perfectly into this Chivas side: Alan Mozo (25 years old) and Julián Araujo (20 years old). The case for Mozo: is a great offensive threat, is lightning quick, and has stood out in what was an otherwise inconsistent Pumas defense until recently. The case for Araujo: he’s young, already a Mexican National Team player, and can only improve.

As for center backs, the main option for Chivas should be Arturo Ortíz, the 29-year old Pumas defender. Recently called up by Gerardo Martino, El Palermo only recently made himself a first team mainstay but has shown in that short while tremendous poise and great potential to improve.

Midfielders

Sergio Flores, Defensive Midfield: Born Feb 12, 1995 (27) – STAY. Despite being 27 years old, Checo Flores has only recently started to play more consistently for Guadalajara. With an aging Jesús Molina in decline and with fairly solid recent performances, Flores is still a valuable asset for the Rojiblancos.

Alan Torres, Defensive Midfield: Born Feb 19, 2000 (22) – STAY. The name of Alan Eduardo Torres is fondly remembered by Chivas fans for slotting directly into the starting lineup of the Vucetich side that eliminated Club America in the Liguilla playoffs in 2020. At 22 years old, Torres is a good option to back up Flores or other center midfielders in the side.

Jesús Molina, Defensive Midfield: Born Mar 29, 1988 (34) – OUT. It seems a bit cruel to let Molina go after spending most of the tournament out injured, but whether the former Tigres and Monterrey man can go back to his top shape is a total enigma. Molina has suffered injury problems in the past, and at 34 years old, will likely take more time than ever to fully recover.

Fernando Beltrán, Central Midfield: Born May 8, 1998 (24) – STAY. When Vucetich left the club, many Chivas loyal followers breathed a sigh of relief since it meant that Fernando Beltrán wouldn’t do so. Since then, El Nene has put in outstanding performance after outstanding performance for the team he has said he loves. At only 24, Beltrán should be a key part for Chivas for years to come.

Jesús Angulo, Attacking Midfield: Born Feb 20, 1997 (25) – STAY. El Canelo Angulo unfortunately missed the final part of the Clausura through injury, but proved a key player during the previous 5 games Cadena won in a row. A versatile resource, Angulo can play in at least four positions on offense, and should be one of the building blocks going forward.

Pável Pérez, Midfielder: Born Jun 26, 1998 (23) – STAY. Pérez, similarly to Orozco, started the semester playing for CD Tapatío but finished it with the first team. The 23-year-old showed the ability to play in several spots in midfield, and showed maturity on the ball that you expect from more experienced players.

Wish list: Luis Chávez, one of Pachuca’s best players in midfield this Clausura, would be a helpful addition to the Rojiblanco midfield. Chávez can play as a defensive midfielder alongside Flores or further up in case Cadena or whatever manager wishes to switch to a middle three. The other important signings could be either Arturo González or Rodolfo Pizarro, both Monterrey players. González has a past as an Atlas player, but has proven to dominate several positions in midfield and up top. Pizarro just resigned for Rayados, which could prove a significant obstacle for his return to Verde Valle, but fans still consider him a legend.

Attackers

Sebastián Pérez Bouquet, Attacking Midfield: Born Jun 22, 2003 (18) – STAY. One of Guadalajara’s most prized possessions, Pérez Bouquet made his first team debut in January under Leaño’s tutelage. The gifted youngster started a couple of games and showed his tremendous potential; one for the future.

Alexis Vega, Left Winger: Born Nov 25, 1997 (24) – STAY. One of Liga MX’s top talents, Vega was Chivas’ top goalscorer this season and has been their most important player for years now. Fortunately for the Rojiblanco faithful, the former Toluca man recently signed a contract extension until 2024, so he will probably remain a Chivas man for a while longer, unless a juicy offer from Europe comes in.

Roberto Alvarado, Right Winger: Born Sep 7, 1998 (23) – STAY. Alvarado’s journey with the Chivas jersey is just getting started, and it’s one that got started with the right foot. El Piojo usually started for Guadalajara, proving an important threat throughout different positions in attack. Alvarado usually shows tremendous sacrifice on defense, and should be given more time to solidify himself as an important man for Chivas.

Isaac Brizuela, Right Winger: Born Aug 28, 1990 (31) – STAY. Brizuela unfortunately suffered an important injury towards the end of the Clausura 2022, but managed to play a few minutes in the semifinal second leg against Atlas. El Conejito has proven to be an important asset for Guadalajara since his arrival in 2015, being able to play in several positions in defense, midfield and attack. At only 31, Brizuela should remain an important part of this Chivas side, barring injuries.

José Juan Macías, Centre-Forward: Born Sep 22, 1999 (22) – STAY. Macías rejoined Chivas in the middle of the Clausura after an unsuccessful stint in Getafe, and couldn’t start games for the majority of the tournament due to injury. Despite that, the team displays an important threat level on attack whenever Macías is on the pitch. The former León striker has shown throughout his career he can be a game-changing attacker, and it seems his love for the club and time will be enough for everyone to see the same old Macías again.

Ángel Zaldívar, Centre-Forward: Born Feb 8, 1994 (28) – STAY. Zaldívar is no longer Guadalajara’s main man in attack, but can provide an important alternative when needed. His strong penalty kick taking ability is also a big asset for the Rojiblancos.

César Huerta, Centre-Forward: BornDec 3, 2000 (21) – OUT. Huerta had a brilliant six months at Mazatlán before rejoining Chivas at the end of 2020, with the only reason for the Cañoneros not to buy him being the elevated release clause of a rumored 10+ million dollars. All of 2021 and the first half of 2022 has shown that Huerta does not have enough talent to break into the Chivas first team, making plenty of mistakes on offense whenever he does get the chance to play and being largely inconsequential on the pitch.

Wish list: The most obvious name that Chivas would love to see back at the club is Javier Hernández. Chicharito has significantly improved his production at LA Galaxy and looks in the best physical shape of his career. A dream return to his boyhood team would mean a significant morale boost for fans and for the club itself. The other name that could prove important for Chivas in attack would be Alan Pulido. Out through all of 2022 with an injury, Puligol has never gotten off the ground at Sporting Kansas City, and at only 31 years of age, still has plenty of good footballing years left.

On top of all the possible player arrivals or departures, serious questions need to be asked regarding Ricardo Peláez’s tenure as sporting director. Nearly three years into his reign, the former player has burned through Luis Fernando Tena, Víctor Manuel Vucetich, Marcelo Michel Leaño and now possibly Ricardo Cadena.How much longer will Amaury Vergara tolerate failure after failure? Only time will tell.

Now, think about how many times you’d heard rumors about Haaland joining other teams, even before he signed for Borussia Dortmund at the end of 2019, remaining at the club for approximately two and a half years. There were rumors of him joining Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona, Juventus, and every other club in Europe, but at the end he signed for Manchester City.

The transfer itself was confirmed in May 2022, but Haaland can’t be registered as a Premier League player just yet, since the Summer window for clubs in that league doesn’t open until June 10. But if Haaland had been signed for a La Liga club, he would’ve had to wait until July 1 to be registered, and the same if he had signed for another Bundesliga club. Up next, the transfer windows of some of the world’s top leagues, explained.

Premier League

The Premier League transfer window opens on June 10 2022 and closes at 23:00 BST on September 1 2022, as do many other European leagues.

Transfers in the Premier League only become official after the FIFA Transfer Matching System (TMS) is active. The TMS is an online system, per FIFA, “that makes international transfers of players between clubs quicker, smoother and more transparent”.

How does the TMS work? The FIFA Legal & Compliance Division administers the Regulatory Enforcement Department, which in turn runs the TMS.

“The department contributes towards the growth and improvement of the football transfer market by simplifying and standardizing transfer processes. Based on FIFA’s knowledge of transfers, regulations and technology, the department is committed to developing high-quality products and services designed to meet stakeholder and customer needs”, according to FIFA.

How is a transfer approved by the Premier League? First, the transfer is subject to both the Premier League and the Football Association rules. If an issue arises, the Premier League contacts clubs involved to collect necessary information to clear up said issue. Some transfers, according to the Premier League page, also need FIFA approval.

What about international players? If you’ve ever heard of a South American player waiting for his “work permit” to play in the Premier League, it’s because people with passports that don’t belong to the European Union and the European Economic Area need special permits to work in the UK. Clubs need to apply for said permits before transfer windows close.

Who or what decides whether a player is approved for a work permit? The UK Home Office, the government department that deals with immigration, amongst other topics. They have a points-based system that, if a player meets, grants them the work permit. If players don’t meet the points system, they can apply for one at the Football Association Exceptions Panel, that will take the player’s experience into consideration when deciding whether or not to grant a work permit.

How do clubs send documents to the Premier League? “Clubs have a number of options in which to send documents through to the Premier League.This is helpful to the clubs because they might be having difficulty in getting through with one of the methods.The fax machine has been retired but clubs have the option of sending desktop faxes and scanned documents via email”, via the League itself.

La Liga Santander

La Liga Santander, Spain’s first division, starts its summer transfer window on July 1 2022 and ends it on August 31 2022. Clubs have approximately eight weeks to sign new players, but can still make free agent signings after August 31, as well as incoming or outgoing loan deals. Many of the rules between leagues are fairly interchangeable, such as clubs and players sending important documents in order to get the transfers approved, but Spain has a specific platform to complete transfers.

LaLiga Manager is an online software that has been in place since the summer of 2016, and is used by Spanish clubs to finalize every transfer. How does it work? LaLiga Manager is an information hub where clubs submit every document required to go through a transfer, in a “precise and verifiable fashion”, according to LaLiga. The point of the software is to reduce the time it takes to finalize transfers and helps clubs maintain financial responsibility. It does so since LaLiga Manager includes every FIFA and UEFA rule regarding transfers, including whether a free agent earns a special signing bonus, or if a release clause is activated.

Every transfer in LaLiga is also subject to Control Económico, literally translated to English as Economic Control, which is a financial framework that clubs are subjected to in order to maintain fair competition. Akin to Financial Fair Play, the main difference is that Control Económico is a preventative measure, instead of a punitive one. This is what prevented Barcelona from keeping Lionel Messi, since one of its main pillars is to restrict the amount of money a team can spend on their team sheet, in order to maintain a healthy salary – turnover ratio.

Bundesliga

The Bundesliga summer transfer window opens on July 1 2022 and closes at t 5:00 p.m. BS on September 1 2022. Similar to most European leagues, clubs can still sign free agents or agree loan deals for players after the deadline. The winter transfer window duration is the entirety of January.

This is how Bundesliga transfers work, according to the League itself:

1. Contact: An agreement is reached between the player in question and his new club.

2. Paperwork: The club then sends a request via email or fax to the German Football League (DFL) for the player to be added to the official transfer list. The player and his current club must sign this form.

3. Submission: The forms are examined by the players’ department of the DFL.

4. Registration: If all the requirements have been fulfilled, the player is added to the DFL’s player database.

5. Condition: The transfer can only be finalized once the player is added to the official transfer list.

6. Publication: The transfer list is made available on bundesliga.com.

After said steps are finalized, contract details are submitted by the new club to the DFL. But how exactly do German clubs do so? Through the Transfer Online Registration System (TOR). Similarly to LaLiga’s platform, the TOR is an online hub where Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 teams go through every little transfer minutiae.

Through the platform, clubs enter information regarding transfers and contract extensions, and submit important documents to the DFL. The TOR has been implemented since the 2015/16 season, and its main purpose is to “work paper-free”, according to the league.

“The system is also more transparent, because all clubs know exactly what the processing status of their applications is. In addition, TOR means that all information is collected at a central point and can be accessed at any time. This also allows the DFL to generate reports in the system on the basis of all available data”, as explained here.

Clubs usually need to submit between eight to ten documents to the league to finalize a single transfer.

Ligue 1

The Ligue 1 summer transfer window, similarly to that of the Premier League, opens on June 10 2022 and closes at 11:59 p.m. BST on September 1 2022. There are two steps to announcing transfers in the French top division: first, transfers announced by the clubs are posted on the official Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) page. Then, they are posted in bold when approved by the league’s Legal Commission and the Direction Nationale du Contrôle de Gestion (DNCG).

Ligue 1 uses FIFA’s TMS as well, which is an online system, as explained above, “that makes international transfers of players between clubs quicker, smoother and more transparent”. Ligue 1’s winter transfer window, similar to that of the Bundesliga, runs through the entirety of January. Here are all the confirmed transfers, according to Transfermarkt, for the summer transfer window in France.

Liga MX

Liga MX’s summer transfer window is very different than that of major European leagues; this year, it shouldrun from June 14 until September 5, based on last year’s dates. Liga MX uses an online hub similar to that of the Bundesliga or LaLiga to finalize transfers. Named Sistema de Integral de Información Deportiva (SIID), it serves as the home for all legal documents and processes related to new transfers in the Mexican top flight.

Liga MX has two different approaches to transfers. The first relates to those of Mexican players. For the upcoming Apertura 2022, clubs can list Mexican players they are considering selling or loaning on the SIID, starting approximately on June 21 and ending on July 16 (dates based on last year’s transfer window).

The second relates to signing international players. Last year, with official dates to be confirmed for 2022, players had until September 22 to be registered with clubs. Liga MX starts at the end of July, which means that clubs could play a little over a third of the league campaign and still sign new players. The same applies for the winter transfer window, with the limit date being February 1 for a tournament that usually ends in May. International player transfers are subject to FIFA regulations.

Now, imagine a team sells a player once the Liga MX tournament is already underway. According to league regulations, said team can sign another player, as long as the player transferred to another league has played at least one full Liga MX tournament. The club looking for a replacement player needs to prove to the League that they have no salary or transfer debts.

Liga MX clubs can also register an additional four players per season, and can only play them as long as one of their other players suffer a season-ending injury. Clubs can register no more than 10 international players, per Liga MX rules and regulations.

Major League Soccer

Major League Soccer (MLS) is another league whose rules are very different than others around the globe. The United States top flight has two transfer windows. This year, the first ran from February 10 until May 4, while the second will run from July 7 until August 4.

MLS clubs can register up to 30 players on their rosters, and all of them can play during the regular season and playoffs, according to the League. Other than the different transfer window dates, MLS roster regulations are what separate the league from others.

First, clubs have a designated Salary Budget by MLS. In 2022, that number was $4,900,000, which means that said money can only be spent on up to 20 of the 30 players on the roster. The first 20 players are known as the club’s Senior Roster, but clubs can spend their $4,900,000 on only 18 of their players, instead of the full 20.

Then, clubs need to prove to MLS that they are “roster and budget compliant”, according to the League, by an established date, which in 2022 was February 25. Clubs can no longer restier players after September 2, which means that no more changes can be made from said date until the day after the MLS Cup Final.

There are several categories on an MLS roster. The first one is Domestic Players, which means that a player is either a United States citizen, a permanent resident, or that qualifies as a Homegrown International Player. Homegrown International Players are those who were members of an MLS club academy in either the United States or Canada. MLS teams can have as many Domestic Players as needed.

MLS provides all 28 clubs a total of 224 international roster spots, which are all tradable. THis means that some clubs can have more than eight spots, and some can have less than eight. “There is no limit on the number of international roster slots on each club’s roster.”, according to MLS.

Teams in the top U.S. division can also register Homegrown Players, three Designated Players, and Young Designated Players (23 years old or younger).

To access FIFA’s Worldwide registration periods calendar, click HERE.

When mentioning soccer, some of the greatest-ever players to grace the pitch immediately come to mind: Pelé, Sun Wen, Lionel Messi, Michelle Akers, Johan Cruyff and Birgit Prinz flood our minds with some of the best sporting moments most of us have ever seen. Without forgetting the emotions these players made and continue to make us feel, their achievements will also be inevitably written through cold, hard statistics.

But, not even the all-time greats have their names written on every page of the record books. Coming up, a list of soccer’s top 25 most challenging active records to break, spanning several decades, continents and confederations. Some of the following could be reestablished in our lifetime, but whether that happens or not is meaningless.

*Statistics compiled from the official Guinness Book of World Records website.

25. Highest margin of victory in Major League Soccer

Major League Soccer was founded in 1993 and has seen its fair share of historical players, such as David Beckham, Landon Donovan, Cuauhtémoc Blanco, Frank Lampard and Andrea Pirlo. It has also seen plenty of memorable achievements, such as most MLS Cups won (Los Angeles Galaxy) and most MLS goals scored in history (Chris Wondolowski, 171). But there is one record that is unlikely to be broken, and that is the highest margin of victory in MLS history: seven goals, achieved by LA Galaxy (Beating FC Dallas 8-1 in 1998), by Chicago Fire (Beating Kansas City 7-0 in 2001) and by New York Red Bulls (Beating NYCFC 7-0 in 2016). A seven goal margin win has been done, but will an eight goal margin win ever happen?

24. Largest soccer stadium

We’ve all heard the stories of Maracaná during the 1950 FIFA World Cup Final, where attendance is rumored to have been around 220,000 people. We have all seen the pictures of regional rivalries around the world where fans climb on top of trees or buildings to watch games. But, the largest soccer stadium in the world is currently the Rungnado May Day Stadium in Pyongyang, North Korea, which sits 150,000. This is difficult to reach since most modern-day stadiums are built smaller, with fan amenities sitting higher than capacity atop the requirements needed.

23. Youngest debut goalscorer in the National Women’s Soccer League

Not to be confused with the youngest-ever goalscorer in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), who is Ellie Carpenter (18 years and 21 days), Trinity Rodman holds the record for the youngest goalscorer to score on her NWSL debut. Rodman is famous former basketball player Dennis Rodman’s daughter, but her talent speaks for itself, choosing to go professional straight out of high school instead of taking the usual college route. Rodman, a prolific striker for the Washington Spirit, scored on April 10, 2021 in the NWSL Challenge Cup.

22. Oldest international soccer player

A Concacaf FIFA World Cup Qualifier between the US Virgin Islands (USVI) and Saint Kitts and Nevis in 2004 would probably rank high in the places where you’d least expect a historic soccer moment to occur, but that is exactly what happened when MacDonald Taylor Sr took the pitch for the USVI aged 46 years and 217 days. Taylor Sr played for one of the lowest-ranked teams in the FIFA Men’s Ranking, but still managed to write himself into soccer lore.

21. Longest soccer goalless streak

The seemingly endless pub debate of the worst team in soccer history might never be truly decided, but what can be decided is the longest goalless streak ever in the sport. The unfortunate record, which is unlikely to be reached again, belongs to Russian outfit FC Tom Tomsk. The Siberian team competes in the Russian Premier League, and amassed a 1,115 minutes without scoring between July 23 to November 20, 2011. Currently playing in the Russian second division, that drought is the equivalent of not finding the back of the net in over 12 consecutive matches.

20. Most soccer appearances for the same club

One-club players are difficult to find nowadays, with Francesco Totti being one of the latest greats to only don the jersey of a single soccer outfit. Totti played 25 years for AS Roma, a time during which he managed to reach slightly under 800 matches for La Loba. As impressive as that is, former Brazilian goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni managed to beat that record by playing 1,197 games for Sao Paulo between 1993 and 2015, also establishing the record of most wins for a single soccer club, with 606.

19. Most starts for a Premier League soccer player

Premier League and greatness are synonyms. Historic players such as David Beckham, Didier Drogba, Tony Adams, Alan Shearer and many more are remembered as some of the most talented and successful to ever grace an English pitch. And even though they might even be some of world soccer’s greatest, they don’t hold the record for most starts for a Premier League soccer player, which belongs to Gareth Barry. Having played for Aston Villa, Manchester City, Everton, and finishing his career with West Brom, Barry managed an impressive 604 starts between 1998 and 2017.

18. Most Africa Cup of Nations wins

The most recent Africa Cup of Nations was taken home by Senegal, who beat Egypt in the final via a penalty shootout. But before the times of Sadio Mané, Edouard Mendy and Mohamed Salah, there were the times of Mohamed Zidan and Mohamed Aboutrika, amongst many other Pharaoh greats. That is why Egypt is the all-time leader in Africa Cup of Nation wins, with seven trophies, the last of which was obtained in 2010. Cameroon follows in the list with five titles, but with Salah among their ranks for at least two more tournaments, it seems hard to imagine another team catching up to Egypt.

17. Closest final table in a professional soccer league

A close league finish between the top teams in their respective competitions isn’t unknown or unheard of but the 1965-66 Moroccan Championship established a mind-boggling record. First place Wydad Athletic Club won the league and only eight points separated them for the bottom of the table Maghreb Athletic Tetouan, which finished 14th. Even though the points system in Morocco back then would mean a win equals three points, a draw two and a defeat one, it’s astonishing to think how close a league ended between its best and worst teams.

16. Most professional soccer teams played for by an individual

There are other globetrotters that aren’t from Harlem, and they aren’t necessarily basketball players. There are footballers who, for one reason or another, manage to find themselves a new club faster than one changes a pair of socks. The total opposite of a one-club legend, there is one individual that has played for the most professional soccer teams in history: Sebastián Abreu.

The Uruguayan striker, mostly remembered from his Panenka style penalty in the 2010 FIFA World Cup against Ghana in the quarterfinals, has played for a record-setting 32 teams in his career. Abreu has plied his trade in countries like Mexico, Chile, Jerusalem and Brazil.

15. Fastest hat-trick in a Bundesliga soccer match

There is hardly a better description for “impact substitution” than Robert Lewandowski’s performance against Wolfsburg in 2015. The Polish striker was brought onto the pitch with Bayern Munchen trailing 1-0, and remedied the situation immediately, scoring three times in the first 3 minutes and 22 seconds, a current world record. Lewandowski then scored two more goals in the match, to grant Bayern a memorable 5-1 win.

14. Oldest player in a FIFA World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo playing in this year’s FIFA World Cupwillalready be an astonishing feat, as the 37-year old is still in prime physical shape, but imagine how the world would react if he partook in the 2026 tournament. Well, no need to imagine when it comes to Essam El Hadary, the Egyptian goalkeeper that played in the 2018 FIFA World Cup at 45 years and 161 days old.

El Hadary’s world record is difficult to be reached again, and since he also holds the record for being the oldest player at an Africa Cup of Nations finals tournament, we can safely say the Egyptian shot-stopper is a living legend.

13. Most international football (soccer) matches managed by a coach

Bora Milutinovic is no longer an active manager but his legacy is far-reaching, managing a record-setting 287 international games between 1983 and2009, a span that included eight national sides and five FIFA World Cups. Milutinovic has taken charge of Mexico, Costa Rica, the United States, Nigeria, China, Honduras and Jamaica.

12. Longest soccer unbeaten Premier League run

Arsenal might not be challenging for the Premier League title nowadays, but things were different at the turn of the century. Between May 7, 2003 and October 16, 2004, the Gunners amassed an impressive 49 games unbeaten. The team made up by legends such as Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Vieira went on to lift the 2003/04 Premier League title.

11. Most international soccer caps by an individual

Reaching a country’s national team is a feat in and of itself, but doing so at only 16 years of age is truly remarkable. That’s what Kristine Lilly did in 1987, and what started a historic national team career with the United States that finished with a record-setting 352 international matches. Lilly scored 130 goals with the Stars and Stripes and won two FIFA World Cups.

10. Youngest winner of the FIFA World Cup

Pelé is unanimously recognized as one of the best soccer players of all times, having a brilliant career and winning three FIFA World Cups. However, the first one might be the most special since it set the record for the youngest-ever tournament winner. When Brazil beat Sweden 5-2 on June 29, 1958, Pelé was only 17 years and 249 days old, scoring a double en route to winning Seleçao’s first-ever world title.

9. Greatest position increase for a Premier League soccer team in consecutive seasons

It started with the Great Escape and ended with one of the most unbelievable and incredible tales in the history of soccer. When Leicester City won the 2015/16 Premier League, they didn’t only raise one of soccer’s most coveted titles, they established the world record for the greatest position change for a Premier League team in consecutive seasons. How did this happen?

The Foxes finished the 2014/15 season 14th, barely escaping relegation in a team that featured Esteban Cambiasso’s last-ever season as a professional soccer player. Then, a squad with the likes of N’Golo Kanté, Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez pulled off an incredible upset and one of the most memorable fairy tales in recent sporting history, winning the title with Claudio Ranieri as manager.

8. Most league points scored by a soccer team in a European top division

It’s hard to imagine a better league season in a European top division than when Manchester City edged Liverpool to the 2017/18 Premier League title by scoring an impressive 100 points, but Celtic had already done so a year before the Cityzens.

The Bhoys won the 2016/17 Scottish Premier League with 106 points, after winning 34 games and tying only four. Celtic’s incredible domestic dominance was highlighted by the fact that they finished 30 points ahead of second-placed Aberdeen.

7. Most goals in a single FIFA World Cup

There are plenty of high-level soccer players gracing the pitch during FIFA World Cups, but not even goalscorers like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Ronaldo and Miroslav Klose before them even came close to Just Fontaine’s 1958 tournament.

The French striker scored a whopping and record-setting 13 goals in Sweden: Three against Paraguay, two against Yugoslavia, one against Scotland, two against Northern Ireland, one against Brazil and four against West Germany. Players that have come close to reaching Fontaine’s record are Sandor Kocsis with 11 (1954), Gerd Muller with 10 (1970), and Eusébio with 9 (1966).

However, there is another legendary player that holds the world record for most goals scored in FIFA World Cup finals: Brazil’s Marta, with 17, which she added to her personal tally from 2003 to 2019, in spite of never winning soccer’s top prize.

6. Largest attendance at a FIFA World Cup match

As mentioned previously, soccer stadiums being remodeled or built from scratch are usually designed with fan comfort in mind, not so much with high capacity as a prime objective, but it wasn’t always like this. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest-ever attendance at a FIFA World Cup match was the 1950 final between Brazil and Uruguay at the Maracaná. The official attendance was 173,850, but there have always been rumored numbers of around 220,000 people inside the stadium.

Just to have a modern comparison, the Lusail Iconic Stadium that will host the 2022 FIFA World Cup final has a capacity of only 80,000, almost 100,000 less than the attendance registered in 1950.

5. Most goals scored by a soccer goalkeeper

We’ve already visited Rogerio Ceni’s legacy at Sao Paulo, where he played nearly 1,200 games, but the former Brazilian goalkeeper makes his way back on our list with the record of most goals scored by a goalkeeper (129), most free kick goals by a goalkeeper (59) and most penalty kick goals by a goalkeeper (69). The aforementioned statistics are already impressive for an outfield player, which only highlights how difficult it will be for anyone to ever reach Ceni’s goal tally.

4. Most regular season goals scored by a player in the National Women’s Soccer League

The National Women’s Soccer League has grown to be one of the world’s best leagues, featuring many of the world’s greatest players. Christine Sinclair, Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan and many more have graced the pitch of the NWSL, but there is one player that stands atop all of them: Samantha Kerr. The Australian striker, who nowadays plays for Chelsea, holds the world record for most regular season NWSL goals (77) and most goals scored in a single NWSL season (18). Although Lynn Williams (57 goals) is relatively close to Kerr’s tally, the Kansas City Current striker is out for the season and will take a while to get back to her top form.

3. Oldest player in a FIFA Women’s World Cup

We already reviewed Marta’s impressive career with Brazil, but there is another legend whose records are truly mind-boggling: Formiga. The current Sao Paulo midfielder holds the record for being the oldest player to feature at a FIFA Women’s World Cup (2019) with 41 years and 112 days and the record for being the oldest goalscorer at a FIFA Women’s World Cup (2015) with 37 years. However, there is another Formiga accolade that will likely never be reached or even approached: the most appearances in a FIFA Women’s World Cup, with a total of seven different tournament appearances. Formiga’s first World Cup was back in 1995 and her most recent was in 2019.

2. Most goals by an individual in a FIFA Women’s World Cup match

Continuing on the FIFA Women’s World Cup record tour, there are two United States players that are responsible for scoring the most goals by an individual in a single FIFA Women’s World Cup match: Michelle Akers and Alex Morgan, with five. Akers scored hers against Chinese Taipei in the 1991 tournament, while Morgan did so against Thailand in 2019.

1. Most decades playing professional soccer

We’ve already reviewed Formiga’s impressive seven FIFA Women’s World Cups, but there is a player that has spent the most decades playing professional soccer. Kazuyoshi Miura, the Japanese sensation, first played for Santos FC in Brazil in 1986 and continues to play professionally nowadays for Suzuka Point Getters. Five decades in such a demanding sport both physically and mentally is likely to never be seen again.

Things get worse for the Pittsburgh PIrates and the Kansas City Royals, who up until 2021 have gone five years without taking part in the postseason. Then come the Detroit Tigers and the Los Angeles Angels, who are partaking in a six-year playoff drought. If that sounds gut-wrenching to experience as a fan, imagine the nine years the Philadelphia Phillies have spent in October from the sidelines and the 19 years for the Seattle Mariners.

After an unusual 16-team postseason in 2020 due to the still ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, ten teams enter the playoffs with renewed hopes of writing their names in the baseball record books. There are only six teams in MLB that have never won a World Series, and only one that has never played in one -the Mariners- but history has taught us everything can change. After all, the Nationals eventually partookin the Fall Classic in 2019 after a 51-year wait, the Rangers did so in 2010 for the first time in 49 years and the Cubs in 2016 after 70 years. The most exciting time of the year usually provides the most exciting times, and also some of the most impressive records. Up next, a list of what some of baseball’s greatest historical achievements in the postseason, accurate as of 9/28/2021, using data from Baseball Reference.

1. Most postseason home runs

Per season: Randy Arozarena (Tampa Bay Rays, 2020), 10 HR, 86 PA.
Per career: Manny Ramirez, 29 HR, 493 PA.

2. Most postseason games played

Per season: Randy Arozarena, Brandon Lowe, Willy Adames, Joey Wendle (all in 2020 with the Tampa Bay Rays) 20G. Arozarena leads with 86 PA.
Per career: Derek Jeter, 158 games (1996-2012), 734 PA.

3. Most postseason at bats

Per season: Randy Arozarena (Tampa Bay Rays, 2020), 77AB, 86PA. Rafael Furcal (St. Louis Cardinals, 2011), 77AB, 85PA
Per career: Derek Jeter, 650 AB, 734 PA.

4. Most postseason runs scored (R)

Per season: Carlos Beltrán (2004, Houston Astros), 21R, 56 PA.
Per career: Derek Jeter, 111R, 734 PA.

5. Most postseason hits (H)

Per season: Randy Arozarena (Tampa Bay Rays, 2020), 29H, 86 PA.
Per career: Derek Jeter, 200H, 734 PA.

6. Most postseason singles (1B)

Per season: David Eckstein (Anaheim Angels, 2002) and Marty Barrett (Boston Red Sox, 1986) both tied at 20 1B. Eckstein leads with 75 PA.
Per career: Derek Jeter, 143 1B, 734 PA.

7. Most postseason doubles

Per season: Mookie Betts (Los Angeles Dodgers, 2020), Albert Pujols (St. Louis Cardinals, 2011), both tied at 8 2B, 82 PA.
Per career: Derek Jeter, 32 2B, 734 PA.

8. Most postseason triples

Per season: Tommy Leach (Pittsburgh Pirates, 1903), 4 3B, 34 PA.
Per career: Walter C. Davis, 7 3B, 100 PA.

9. Most postseason Runs Batted In (RBI)

Per season: David Freese (St. Louis Cardinals, 2011), 21 RBIs, 71 PA.
Per career: Bernie Williams, 80 RBIs, 545 PA.

10. Best postseason batting average

Per season: Lloyd McClendon (Pittsburgh Pirates, 1992), .727 BA, 16 PA.
Per career: Bill Hoskins, .487, 43 PA.

11. Best On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS)

Per season: Lou Gherig (New York Yankees, 1928), 2.433 OPS, 17 PA.
Per career: Colby Rasmus, 1.610 OPS, 35 PA.

12. Most postseason Bases on Balls (BB)

Per season: Barry Bonds (San Francisco Giants, 2002), 27 BB, 74 PA.
Per career: Manny Ramirez, Chipper Jones, 72 BB. Ramirez leads with 493 PA, to Jones’ 417.

13. Most postseason stolen bases (SB)

Per season: Kenny Lofton (Cleveland Indians, 1995) and Rickey Henderson (Oakland Athletics, 1989) both tied at 11SB, Lofton leads with 72 PA to Henderson’s 44 PA.
Per career: Kenny Lofton, 34 SB, 438 PA.

14. Most pitching postseason wins

Per season: Randy Johnson (Arizona Diamondbacks, 2001), Stephen Strasburg (Washington Nationals, 2019), Francisco Rodríguez (Angels, 2002) all with five wins. Johnson leads with 41.1 IP.
Per career: Andy Pettitte, 19 wins, 276.2 IP.

15. Best postseason Earned Run Average (ERA)

Per season: Waite Hoyt (NYY, 1921), .00 ERA, 27.0 IP, Christy Mathewson (New York Giants, 1903), .00 ERA, 27.0 IP.
Per career: Mariano Rivera, .70 ERA, 141.0

16. Highest postseason pitching win / loss percentage

Per season: Several players have achieved a 1.000 win percentage, but Curt Schilling (Arizona Diamondbacks, 2001) leads with 48.1 IP, more than any on the list.
Per career: Lefty Gomez and Hilton Smith both achieved a 1.000 win percentage, but Gomez leads with 50.1 IP to Smith’s 48.1.

17. Most postseason strikeouts (K)

Per season: Curt Schilling (Arizona Diamondbacks, 2001), 56K, 48.1 IP.
Per career: Clayton Kershaw, 207K, 189.0 IP.

18. Most postseason saves (SV)

Per season: Koji Uehara (Boston Red Sox, 2013), 7 SV, 13.2 IP.
Per career: Mariano Rivera, 42 SV, 141.0 IP.

19. Most postseason innings Pitched (IP)

Per season: Madison Bumgarner (San Francisco Giants, 2014), 52.2 IP.
Per career: Andy Pettitte, 276.2 IP.

20. Teams to never play a World Series

The only team in MLB history to never take part in a World Series arethe Seattle Mariners, who haven’t played in a single postseason game since 2001, when they lost the American League Championship Series (ALCS) to the New York Yankees, 4-1.

21. Wild-card winners

Usually seen as the weaker sides, there are six teams that have entered the postseason through the wild-card series and have won the Commissioner’s Trophy:

• Florida Marlins: 1997 (92-70), 2003 (91-71).
• Anaheim Angels: 2002 (99-63).
• Boston Red Sox: 2004 (98-64).
• St. Louis Cardinals: 2011 (90-72).
• San Francisco Giants: 2014 (88-74).
• Washington Nationals: 2019 (93-69).

22. Heartbreak and glory

Over 25 teams in MLB history have either relocated or no longer exist. Out of all these organizations, three have experienced both winning and losing the World Series in two different cities: the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers, the New York and San Francisco Giants, and the Washington Senators / Minnesota Twins.

23. Perfection exemplified

There has only been one perfect game in the entire history of MLB postseason baseball, and it couldn’t have come at a better time for the New York Yankees than the 1956 World Series. New York took on the Brooklyn Dodgers in Yankee Stadium, where Don Larsen managed 27 strikeouts in the 2-0 win for the ‘Bronx Bombers’, who later took home the trophy after a seven game series.

24. Longest game in MLB postseason history

Game 3 of the 2018 World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Boston Red Sox took an extraordinary seven hours and 20 minutes to complete. In the bottom of the 18 inning, Max Muncy struck a terrific walk-off homer off Nathan Eovaldi to keep Los Angeles in the fight of the series they would end up losing, 4-1.

25. Most runs scored by a single team in a postseason game

The Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Indians faced off in the 1999 American League Division Series. Boston won the third game with a historic 23-7 thrashing to keep their championship hopes alive. After losing the first two games of the series, Boston rallied back and pummeled Cleveland with an outstanding performance that included two John Valentin home runs and seven RBIs. They would go on to send the Indians home but fall to the Yankees in the ALCS, 4-1.

After all, Boston hadn’t seen a championship in 85 years until 2004, sincethe Curse of the Bambino seemed to be as eternal as Babe Ruth’s legacy. The White Sox, who last won in 1917 in a baseball park that no longer exists and in the midst of World War I, put an end to their suffering in 2005. And then the Cubs, who had to wait over 105 years to finally be crowned world champions in 2016.

Out of the 30 current MLB franchises, 24 already know what it’s like to win and be recognized as the best, with the only six teams to never reach the height of baseball being part of the expansion that first started in 1961. The San Diego Padres, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Milwaukee Brewers, Colorado Rockies and Seattle Mariners are yet to take home a World Series title, but every team except Seattle has at least reached the Fall Classic. 13 MLB sides have missed out on the decisive phase for at least one year, and there is one with an unbelievable near 20 years without a single playoff game.

Droughts in sports are meant to be broken, and the Red Sox, White Sox and Cubs serve as proof. But in order to even be in the running for a championship, you first need to make the playoffs, which is easier said than done.

Four years without MLB playoffs

As of the 2021 season, the four teams with the shortest playoff drought are the Washington Nationals (last played in the 2019 World Series), the Red Sox (last played in the 2018 World Series), the Colorado Rockies (last played in the 2018 National League Division Series) and the Arizona Diamondbacks (last played in the 2017 NLDS). After them, there are three teams with an ongoing four year playoff absence.

The Baltimore Orioles’ last playoff game was in 2016, when they faced the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League Wild Card game. That year, the Orioles finished with an 89-73 record and only just made it to the ALWD on the last day of the regular season. Fans might remember that Baltimore team being led offensively by Manny Machado and Mark Trumbo. Machado led the team with a .294 batting average, had the most hits with 188 and the most runs with 105, and was selected as The Most Valuable Oriole. Trumbo hit the most home runs, with 47, recorded the most runs batted in (RBI) with 108 and won the Silver Slugger award for the AL as the best designated hitter. Since then, the ‘O’s’ have finished fifth in the AL East three times and fourth once.

The New York Mets, another team with a four-year absence from the playoffs, last participated by playing in the 2016 National League Wild Card game against the San Francisco Giants, which they lost 3-0. The Mets couldn’t take advantage of home field advantage, after finishing the season with an 87-75 record. One year after losing in the World Series against the Kansas City Royals, some of the most memorable players of that New York team include Yoenis Céspedes, Curtis Granderson and Bartolo Colón. Céspedes led the team in home runs with 31 and won the Silver Slugger award for an outfielder. Granderson took home the Roberto Clemente and had his side’s most runs with 88. Three fourth place NL East finishes and one third place finish later, the Mets are yet to make it back to the playoffs.

The last team with a four-year playoff drought arethe Texas Rangers, who fell 3-0 to the Blue Jays in the 2016 American League Divisional Series. The ‘Lone Stars’ won the AL West with a 96-57 record, and had Rougned Odor and Adrián Beltré as their main hitting leaders, since Odor finished with 33 home runs and Beltre amassed 32. Both Beltré and Mitch Moreland won the Gold Glove award. Cole Hammels (200.2 innings pitched) and Martín Pérez (198.2 IP) mainly shared the spoils on the mound. Ever since, the Rangers have changed managers three times, and have finished fourth, fifth, third and fifth place in the AL West.

Five years without MLB playoffs

The first of two teams to sadly hold the record of a five-year drought arethe Pittsburgh Pirates, whose last playoff appearance was back in 2015, when they crashed out of the National League Wild Card game by losing 4-0 to the Cubs. That season, Pittsburgh finished second in the NL Central with a 98-64 record, and made the postseason for the third consecutive year. On the home run aspect, Pedro Álvarez with 27 and Andrew McCutchen with 23 led the team, followed by Starling Marte and Neil Walker. Mark Melancon took home the Trevor Hoffman award for best relief pitcher in the NL, McCutchen did so with the Silver Slugger, and Marte was chosen as the Defensive Player of the Year. In the five full seasons following the harsh defeat to the Cubs, the Pirates finished third in the NL Central once, fourth twice and fifth another two times.

The other organization without setting foot in the playoffs since 2015 are the Kansas City Royals. The ‘Crowns’ reached a glorious second-ever World Series triumph by beating the Mets 4-1, with Game 5 ending with a definitive 7-2 win in Citi Field. Kansas City proved to be one of baseball’s finest organizations by recovering from the 2014 World Series defeat to the San Francisco Giants to come back and win the whole thing. The Royals led the AL Central with a 95-67 record, impulsed by World Series MVP Salvador Pérez, who hit 21 home runs and won the Gold Glove award alongside teammates Eric Hosmer and Alcides Escobar. The accolade-filled season also included the Silver Slugger and the Edgar Martínez awards for designated hitter and first baseman Kendrys Morales. Things have fallen off since for the Royals, finishing third in the AL Central two years in a row, fifth once, and fourth twice.

Six years without MLB playoffs

The last time the Detroit Tigers enjoyed playoff baseball was back in 2014, when they lost 3-0 in the ALDS against the Baltimore Orioles. Looking for their first World Series win since 1984and their third straight ALCS appearance, the Tigers topped the AL Central with a 90-72 record. Detroit’s pitching unit was splendid, boasting the talents of Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander and Rick Porcello. On the hitting side, designated hitter Víctor Martínez led the team with 32 home runs, followed by Miguel Cabrera’s 25 and J.D. Martinez’s 23. Martínez took home the Silver Slugger and the Edgar Martínez awards, and was also elected as Tiger of the Year. The harsh loss against the O’s started a negative streak of results that also cost them three different general managers since then. Starting in 2014, Detroit has finished bottom of the AL Central four times, and third and second once.

The second team with a six-year playoff absence arethe Los Angeles Angels. 12 years after their first-ever World Series championship, the team managed by Mike Scioscia won the AL West with a 98-64 record, a wide margin above the second-placed Oakland Athletics. Then came the Royals in the ALDS, a series the Angels lost in just three games, 2-3, 1-4 and 3-8. In spite of the disheartening end to the season, not all was bad in Anaheim. Current Angels historic home run hitter Mike Trout led the team’s hitting charts with 36 homers, followed by Albert Pujols’ 28. Trout’s outstanding year meant he was elected the league’s Most Valuable Player, won the third of his seven Silver Slugger awards, leading the MLB in total runs and RBIs. Ever since 2014, the ‘Halos’ have finished fourth of the AL West on three occasions, third twice and second once.

Nine years without MLB playoffs

The Philadelphia Phillies, 2011. Three years after their World Series triumph in 2008, Philadelphia entered the postseason on a roll, having just won the NL East for the fifth time in a row. That year, the Phillies finished with an impressive 102-60 record. Ryan Howard led the team with 33 home runs, with Raúl Ibáñez following suit with 20, and Shane Victorino with 17, while Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels mainly shared the mound. The spectacular NLDS series against eventual champion St. Louis Cardinals had to be decided in five games, after both teams shared the spoils in the first four face-offs. The Phillies were sent home after losing 5-3 in the last game, played in Busch Stadium, and haven’t been able to make it back to the playoffs. Philadelphia hasn’t ended a season with a winning record since, finishing bottom of the NL East three times, and second-bottom thrice as well.

19 years without MLB playoffs

The longest current streak of a team without MLB postseason baseball belongs to the Seattle Mariners. The last time they were in the playoffs was a highly emotional one, since the 2001 ALCS against the New York Yankees took place immediately after the 9/11 terror attacks. Played in October due to MLB suspending operations momentarily because of the tragic events in New York, the Mariners entered the series with high spirits, after winning the AL West with 116 wins and only 46 losses, tying the 1906 Chicago Cubs historical record of most wins ever in a single season. Back then, Seattle graced its ranks with the hitters such as Brett Boone, Mike Cameron and Edgar Martínez. Freddy García, Aaron Sele and Jamie Moyer took charge of pitching, establishing a dominant force, but the team’s true star was Ichiro Suzuki. In only his maiden season, the now-legendary outfielder won the AL MVP award, the AL Rookie of the Year, was the AL batting champion and the stolen bases leader. The good times in Seattle are now just a distant memory, and even though the Mariners have only finished bottom of the AL west once, fans have only been able to enjoy seven seasons with a winning record since 2001.

América boast the second best defensive record in the league and have won three of their last five games, while Guadalajara have the fourth worst offense in Liga MX and only managed to secure the three points once in their last five matches. The ‘Azulcremas’ have won both times they faced Chivas under the management of Santiago Solari, once in league action and the other in a friendly, which bodes well against a team that is led by interim manager Marcelo Michel Leaño. The current head of youth development and institutional soccer at the club will take charge of Chivas for an undisclosed period of time, according to sporting director Ricardo Peláez, after which he will make way for who reports in Mexican media state could be Jaime Lozano.

There is a clear favorite for this week’s ‘Clásico Nacional’: América, with recent history and current form proving so much.The last time both teams faced each other in Liga MX action, América resoundingly proved the better side, taking over the Estadio Akron with a 3-0 win that included a Henry Martín brace and a Sebastián Córdova goal following a terrible Raúl Gudiño mistake. The ‘Rojiblancos’ haven’t beaten the ‘Águilas’ in the Liga MX regular season since February 2017, with the only exceptions being the Guard1anes 2020 Liguilla quarter-finals, where three Cristian Calderón golazos sent América packing. If the ‘Rojiblancos’ are to put behind over four years of hurt and conquer the Azteca, they will need to considerably improve their recent form. Here’s a quick guide on what we can expect from both teams on Saturday:

Club América

Last 5 games:

• Toluca 3-1 América
• América 2-0 Mazatlán
• León 1-1 América
• América 2-0 Tijuana
• América 2-1 Juárez

Next 5 games:

• vs. Chivas
• @Pachuca
• vs. Pumas
• @Atlético de San Luis
• vs. Santos Laguna

Injuries / Suspensions:
América have been harshly struck by injury during the Grita México A21, with Santiago Naveda, Leo Suárez and Renato Ibarra out for the season. Mario Osuna was brought in to replace Naveda, while Ibarra himself had originally been put back into the first team after Suárez injury.

The only player suspended for the ‘Águilas’ is Sebastián Cáceres. The Uruguayan center back received two yellow cards against Toluca, and even though América officially protested to Liga MX authorities to have the second one rescinded, Cáceres will miss the match against Chivas.

Possible lineup:

Guillermo Ochoa;

Jorge Sánchez, Bruno Valdez, Emanuel Aguilera, Luis Fuentes;

Richard Sánchez, Pedro Aquino, Álvaro Fidalgo;

Salvador Reyes, Sebastián Córdova;

Henry Martín.

Club Deportivo Guadalajara

Last 5 games

• Chivas 1-0 Pachuca
• Pumas 0-0 Chivas
• Chivas 2-1 Necaxa
• Monterrey 0-0 Chivas
• Chivas 0-3 León

Next 5 games

• @América
• @Querétaro
• vs. Atlas
• vs. Toluca
• @Tijuana

Injuries /Suspensions:
With forward Ángel Zaldívar and goalkeeper Antonio Rodríguez fully rejoining Chivas’ training sessions, the only doubt for Leaño’s side will be Alexis Vega. By far the ‘Rojiblancos’’ best player in the Grita México A21, Vega suffered an injury with the Mexican national team during the World Cup Qualifiers in early September. The skillful attacker has seemingly recovered and has started to train with the rest of his teammates, but his true fitness level is yet to be seen. There are currently no suspended players for Chivas, a welcome sight for the team that needs to win to approach direct Liguilla qualification spots.

Possible lineup:

Raúl Gudiño;

Jesús Sánchez, Antonio Briseño, Luis Olivas, Alejandro Mayorga;

Jesús Molina, Antonio Torres;

Isaác Brizuela, Jesús Angulo, Uriel Antuna;

Ángel Zaldívar

In the following list, you can take a look at every team’s historic home run leader. You might recognize some of them, you might reminisce on others, but you will definitely appreciate the significant contribution every athlete has made to the game, ranging from Babe Ruth to Ryan Braun, from Hank Aaron to Giancarlo Stanton, and from Willie Mays to Evan Longoria. Join us on a journey looking back at 30 bonafide MLB legends, first looking at the amount of home runs struck for their particular team and then reviewing their overall career numbers.

AL East

Baltimore Orioles: Cal Ripken Jr, 21 years with the franchise.

• Home Runs for the Orioles: 431
• Career games: 3,001
• At Bats: 11,551
• Runs scored: 1,647
• Hits: 3,184
• Doubles: 603
• Triples: 44
• Batting Average: .276

Boston Red Sox: Ted Williams, 19 years in the franchise.

• Home Runs for the Red Sox: 521
• Career games: 2,292
• At Bats: 7,706
• Runs scored: 1,798
• Hits: 2,654
• Doubles: 525
• Triples: 71
• Batting average: .344

New York Yankees: Babe Ruth, 15 years withthe franchise.

• Home Runs for the Yankees: 714
• Career games: 2,503
• At Bats: 8,399
• Runs scored: 2,174
• Hits: 2,873
• Doubles: 506
• Triples: 136
• Batting average: .342

Tampa Bay Rays: Evan Longoria, 10 years with the franchise.

*Total statistics accurate as of 9/20/2021.

• Home Runs for the Rays: 261.
• Career games: 1,812
• At Bats: 6,788
• Runs scored: 957
• Hits: 1,813
• Doubles: 407
• Triples: 26
• Batting average: .267

Toronto Blue Jays: Carlos Delgado, 12 years with the franchise.

• Home Runs for the Blue Jays: 336
• Career games: 2,035
• At Bats: 7,283
• Runs scored: 1,241
• Hits: 2,038
• Doubles: 483
• Triples: 18
• Batting average: .280

AL Central

Chicago White Sox: Frank Thomas, 16 years with the franchise.

• Home Runs for the White Sox: 448
• Career Games: 2,322
• At Bats: 8,199
• Runs scored: 1,494
• Hits: 2,468
• Doubles: 495
• Triples: 12
• Batting average: .301

Cleveland Indians: Jim Thome, 13 total years with the franchise.

• Home Runs for the Indians: 337
• Career games: 2,543
• At bats: 8,422
• Runs scored: 1,583
• Hits: 2,328
• Doubles: 451
• Triples: 26
• Batting average: .276

Detroit Tigers: Al Kaline, 22 years with the franchise.

• Home Runs for the Tigers: 399
• Career games: 2,834
• At bats: 10,116
• Runs scored: 1,622
• Hits: 3,007
• Doubles: 498
• Triples: 75
• Batting average: .297

Kansas City Royals: George Brett, 21 years with the franchise.

• Home Runs for the Royals: 317
• Career games: 2,707
• At bats: 10,349
• Runs scored: 1,583
• Hits: 3,154
• Doubles: 665
• Triples: 137
• Batting average: .305

Washington Senators / Minnesota Twins: Harmon Killebrew, 21 years with the franchise.

• Home Runs for the Senators / Twins: 559
• Career games: 2,435
• At bats: 8,147
• Runs scored: 1,283
• Hits: 2,086
• Doubles: 290
• Triples: 24
• Batting average: .256

AL West

Houston Astros: Jeff Bagwell, 15 years with the franchise.

• Home Runs for the Astros: 449
• Career games: 2,150
• At bats: 7,797
• Runs scored: 1,517
• Hits: 2,314
• Doubles: 488
• Triples: 32
• Batting average: .297

Los Angeles Angels: Mike Trout, 11 years with the franchise.

*Total statistics accurate as of 9/20/2021.

• Home Runs for the Angels: 310
• Career games: 1,288
• At bats: 4,656
• Runs scored: 967
• Hits: 1,419
• Doubles: 268
• Triples: 49
• Batting average: .305

Oakland Athletics: Mark McGwire, 11 years with the franchise.

• Home Runs for the A’s: 363
• Career games: 1,874
• At bats: 6,187
• Runs scored: 1,167
• Hits: 1,626
• Doubles: 252
• Triples: 6
• Batting average: .263

Seattle Mariners: Ken Griffey Jr., 13 years with the franchise.

• Home Runs for the Mariners: 417
• Career games: 2,671
• At bats: 9,801
• Runs scored: 1,662
• Hits: 2,781
• Doubles: 524
• Triples: 38
• Batting average: .284

  

Texas Rangers: Juan González, 12 years with the franchise.

• Home Runs for the Rangers: 372
• Career games: 1,689
• At bats: 6,556
• Runs scored: 1,061
• Hits: 1,936
• Doubles: 388
• Triples: 25
• Batting average: .295

NL East

Milwaukee / Atlanta Braves: Hank Aaron, 21 years with the franchise.

• Home Runs for the Braves: 733
• Career games: 3,298
• At bats: 12,364
• Runs scored: 2,174
• Hits: 3,771
• Doubles: 624
• Triples: 98
• Batting average: .305

Florida / Miami Marlins: Giancarlo Stanton, 8 years with the franchise.

*Total statistics accurate as of 9/21/2021.

• Home Runs for the Marlins: 267
• Career games: 1,313
• At bats: 4,798
• Runs scored: 755
• Hits: 1,286
• Doubles: 262
• Triples: 11
• Batting average: .268

  

New York Mets: Darryl Strawberry, 8 years with the franchise.

• Home Runs for the Mets: 252
• Career games: 1,583
• At bats: 5,418
• Runs scored: 898
• Hits: 1,401
• Doubles: 256
• Triples: 38
• Batting average: .259

  

Philadelphia Phillies: Mike Schmidt, 18 years with the franchise.

• Home Runs for the Phillies: 548
• Career games: 2,404
• At bats: 8,352
• Runs scored: 1,506
• Hits: 2,234
• Doubles: 408
• Triples: 59
• Batting average: .267

  

Washington Nationals: Ryan Zimmerman, 17 years with the franchise.

*Total statistics accurate as of 9/21/2021, Zimmerman declined to play the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Home Runs for the Nationals: 270
• Career games: 1,792
• At bats: 6,641
• Runs scored: 962
• Hits: 1,843
• Doubles: 415
• Triples: 22
• Batting average: .278

  

NL Central

Chicago Cubs: Sammy Sosa, 13 years with the franchise.

• Home Runs for the Cubs: 545
• Career games: 2,354
• At bats: 8,813
• Runs scored: 1,475
• Hits: 2,408
• Doubles: 379
• Triples: 45
• Batting average: .273

  

Cincinnati Reds: Johnny Bench, 17 years with the franchise.

• Home Runs for the Reds: 389.
• Career games: 2,158
• At bats: 7,658
• Runs scored: 1,091
• Hits: 2,048
• Doubles: 381
• Triples: 24
• Batting average: .267

  

Milwaukee Brewers: Ryan Braun, 14 seasons with the franchise.

• Home Runs for the Brewers: 346
• Career games: 1,766
• At bats: 6,622
• Runs scored: 1,080
• Hits: 1,963
• Doubles: 408
• Triples: 49
• Batting average: .296

Pittsburgh Pirates: Willie Stargell, 21 years with the franchise.

• Home Runs for the Pirates:475
• Career games: 2,360
• At bats: 7,927
• Runs scored: 1,195
• Hits: 2,232
• Doubles: 423
• Triples: 55
• Batting average: .282

  

St. Louis Cardinals: Stan Musial, 22 years with the franchise.

• Home Runs for the Cardinals: 475
• Career games: 3,026
• At bats: 10,972
• Runs scored: 1,949
• Hits: 3,630
• Doubles: 725
• Triples: 177
• Batting percentage: .331

NL West

Arizona Diamondbacks: Luis Gonzalez, 8 years with the franchise.

• Home Runs for the ‘D-Backs’: 224
• Career games: 2,591
• At bats: 9,157
• Runs scored: 1,412
• Hits: 2,591
• Doubles: 596
• Triples: 68
• Batting percentage: .283

  

Colorado Rockies: Todd Helton, 17 seasons with the franchise.

• Home Runs for the Rockies: 369
• Career games: 2,247
• At bats: 7,962
• Runs scored: 1,401
• Hits: 2,519
• Doubles: 592
• Triples: 37
• Batting percentage: .316

  

Brooklyn / Los Angeles Dodgers: Duke Snider, 16 seasons with the franchise.

• Home Runs for the Dodgers: 389
• Career games: 2,143
• At bats: 7,161
• Runs scored: 1,259
• Hits: 2,116
• Doubles: 358
• Triples: 85
• Batting percentage: .295

San Diego Padres: Nate Colbert, 6 years with the franchise.

• Home Runs for the Padres: 163
• Career games: 1,004
• At bats: 3,422
• Runs scored: 481
• Hits: 833
• Doubles: 141
• Triples: 25
• Batting percentage: .243

  

New York / San Francisco Giants: Willie Mays, 21 seasons with the franchise.

• Home Runs for the Giants: 646
• Career games: 2,992
• At bats: 10,881
• Runs scored: 2,062
• Hits: 3,283
• Doubles: 523
• Triples: 140
• Batting percentage: .302

After Chelsea defeated Bayern in the 2012 final via penalty kicks, the club quickly entered into a state of disarray during the 2012/13 season, even with the arrivals of Eden Hazard, César Azpilicueta and Oscar. Champions League-winning manager Roberto Di Matteo was sacked in November of that same year after losing 3-0 to Juventus in the group stage. Then, and now under the direction of Rafael Benítez, Chelsea finished third in their sector, below ‘Juve’ and Shakthar Donetsk, which made them the first reigning champions in the history of the tournament to not make to the knockout rounds.

Benítez led the team to a UEFA Europa League win over Benfica in the final that season, and the UCL trophy then changed hands over to Bayern, who defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-1 with a late Arjen Robben goal in the 2013 final. Next season, Pep Guardiola took over from Jupp Heynckes as manager and signed Thiago and Mario Götze, among other players. The club won the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal double, but couldn’t replicate UCL glory and fell short in the semi-finals against eventual champions Real Madrid in a famous 5-0 aggregate thrashing.

Real Madrid dominance

The ‘Merengues’ went on to beat local rivals Atlético de Madrid 4-1 in the final, with a last minute Sergio Ramos equalizer in regular time included, to win their tenth-ever Champions League. But, signing the likes of Toni Kroos, Keylor Navas and James Rodríguez wasn’t enough to win for the second time in a rowin Europe’s grandest stage. The 2014/15 season saw the Spanish giants finish second in LaLiga, reach the Round of 16 in the Copa del Rey and lose in the UCL semi-finals against a Juventus side that included quality players such as Andrea Pirlo, Paul Pogba and Carlos Tévez. The ‘Bianconeri’ themselves thenlost the final against Barcelona 3-1, a squad that boasted the powerful attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez and Neymar Jr.

After winning the treble, along with theirfifth-ever Champions League, the ‘Blaugranas’ brought in Ibrahim Afellay, Arda Turan, Alex Song and Aleix Vidal to strengthen the overall squad. The signings partly worked, helping Luis Enrique’s side to win the 2015/16 LaLiga and Copa del Rey titles. In Europe, Barcelona only made it to the quarter-finals of the UCL after losing 4-1 in aggregate against Atlético de Madrid, with an Antoine Griezmann double in the second leg sealing the fate of then-current champions. The ‘Colchoneros’ then reached yet another final, and once again fell short against Real Madrid. The penalty shootout win after a hard-fought 120 minutes signified the eleventh UCL title for the ‘Merengues’, who then began a remarkable era of European dominance, spearheaded by Cristiano Ronaldo.

For the 2016/17 season, Madrid brought Álvaro Morata back from Juventus and gave Marco Asensio a more regular first team role after his loan to Espanyol. Zinedine Zidane’s magic worked to perfection once again, winning LaLiga and pummeling the ‘Bianconeri’ 4-1 in the 2017 UCL final, signaling the first time a team took home the coveted title consecutivelysince Arrigo Sachi’s historic AC Milan side won back-to-back Champions Leagues in 1989 and 1990. For 2017/18, Madrid lost Pepe, James Rodríguez, Morata and Danilo, but brought in Theo Hernández from Atlético de Madrid. In spite of finishing third in the league table and not winning the Copa del Rey, Zidane’s side once again triumphed in Europe by defeating Liverpool 3-1 in the UCL final, a match marred by the infamous Loris Karius mistakes and graced by the wonderful Gareth Bale bicycle kick goal. This was Ronaldo’s last-ever game for Madrid.

The astonishing haul of four Champions Leagues in five years took a toll on Zidane, who left the club for the 2018/19 season. Julen Lopetegui controversially filled his spot, having been fired from the Spanish national team days before the 2018 FIFA World Cup for agreeing to sign for the ‘Merengues’ while he was still managing ‘La Roja’, according to Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales. Lopetegui’s tumultuous reign only lasted until October, when Santiago Solari replaced him until the end of the year. The 13-time UCL winners finished third in LaLiga, reached the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey and were surprisingly booted out of the Champions League 5-3 in aggregate in the Round of 16 by a dynamic Ajax side. That year’s top winner in Europe was Liverpool, who edged out Tottenham in the 2019 final, 1-0.

Chelsea’s upcoming panorama

The 2019/20 season for the ‘Reds’ was focused mostly on domestic success, as Jurgen Klopp’s side won their first-ever Premier League title by beating Manchester City in the final standings. In the Champions League, Liverpool couldn’t defend their title after crashing out in the Round of 16 to Atlético de Madrid. The second leg of the tie was marked by an Adrían howler in goal and a Marcos Llorente brace in extra time. That year, Bayern won the UCL by defeating Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the final, thus capping off a tremendous year that also included Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal titles. As we now know, Chelsea was the team that won the 2020/21 Champions League, signifying yet another failure to win the most coveted club trophy two times in a row.

The European Cup / Champions League has been played in full a total of 66 times, and won by 22 different clubs. Only eight teams have managed to win it twice or more times in a row, and only one (Real Madrid) has done so in the past 20 years. Chelsea are strongly putting themselves in the running of becoming number nine by bringing in Romelu Lukaku for $135 million, bolstering what was already a well-rounded squad. The ‘Blues’ started off the 2021/22 campaign by beating Zenit 1-0 with a lone Lukaku goal, but face stiff competition to win their third-ever Champions League, an arduous but achievable mission.In order to do so, they will first have to make it out of a group that also includes Juventus and Malmö.

Then, the knockout stages, where they will face thougher oppostion. Their direct rivals in the competition have massively improved their squads, as well. Man City brought on Jack Grealish, PSG signed Lionel Messi, Georginio Wijnaldum and Sergio Ramos, and Liverpool once again have a fully fit squad. An entire UCL campaign can be decided on mere details, and Chelsea will need to improve on last year’s performance if they wish to establish their own era of European dominance.

• 1-0: Gerard Piqué complacently refused to pressure Thomas Muller before he shot and scored, after a deflection by the Catalan defender himself, while Eric García turned around as if not looking at the ball would somehow stop its trajectory towards a helpless Marc-André ter Stegen.
• 2-0: Jamal Musiala was left wide open to take a crack at goal. The ball hit the post and foundRobert Lewandowski, who took advantage of a distracted yet emphatic Ronald Araújo for the second goal of the night.
• 3-0: Frenkie de Jong leisurely walked back towards the Barcelona penalty box while Serge Gnabry, Marcel Sabitzer and Lewandowski powered forward, with the Dutch midfielder incredibly choosing to stand in awe without even attempting to approach the Polish goal machine, who had enough time to leave Piqué in the dust and put the third and final nail in the ‘Blaugrana’ coffin.

Barcelona didn’t have a single shot on target, forfeited its 24-year old streak of not falling in its first game of the UCL campaign, and put itself in a highly precarious position in Group E, since only three of the 21 teams that lost their first game in the prestigious European competition have even made it out of the group stage, according to popular statistician MisterChip. The cataclysmic night didn’t end with the referee’s final whistle, though. Sergi Roberto was jeered by his own fans, whichaccording to reports caused him to break down in tears later, Jordi Alba and Pedri sustained muscular injuries, and even the proud Piqué seemed to criticize his own club, by stating: “This is what it is, we are what we are”.

The current state of one of the world’s most iconic clubs might not reflect what most of its fans want or expect, but not even having one of the game’s all-time greatest ensured success.Messi himself suffered several harsh beatings by Bayern, including an 8-2 loss in the 2019/20 UCL quarterfinals and a 7-0 aggregate defeat in 2012/13, which means his absence isn’t solely to blame for the club’s recent heartless display. Nowadays, the ‘Blaugrana’ aren’t Champions League contenders, and with their best-ever player now gone, join us to take a look back at the landscape in Barcelona before Messi even joined the first team to see what the ‘Culés’ can expect in the near future..

Rough times in LaLiga

The 2003/04 campaign, Barcelona’s last season before Messi first graced the ranks of the first team, was a time of rebuilding at the club. Joan Laporta had recently been electedpresident, replacing Joan Gaspart, and Frank Rijkaard took over Radomir Antić’s managerial spot, who had in turn replaced Louis van Gaal halfway through the season after the Dutchman left the ‘Culés’ in 12th spot of LaLiga, with relegation a mere three points away. Antić’’s contract was not renewed and Rijkaard faced the heavy task of improving a UCL quarter-final run and a sixth-placed LaLiga finish. To do so, a major squad overhaul took place.

Some of the more notable departures included Juan Román Riquelme on loan to Villarreal, Cesc Fàbregas to Arsenal, Frank de Boer to Galatasaray and Roberto Óscar Bonano to Murcia. The signings that came in remain bright spots in the club’s history to this day and completely overhauled the tools Rijkaard had at his disposal. The most important transfer was that of Ronaldinho, for whom Barcelona paid PSG $38 million for, via Transfermarkt. Otherstaples that first donned the ‘Blaugrana’ colors that summer include Rafael Márquez, in from AS Monaco, Edgar Davids, in from Juventus, and the promotion of Andrés Iniesta and Víctor Valdés from La Masía.

Luis Enrique, current Spanish national team manager, captained the side that finished an improved second place in LaLiga, reached the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey and the fourth round of the UEFA Cup. Barcelona didn’t even play the Champions League thisseason due to Van Gaal and Antić’s reign. Club legend Xavi played the most matches during the 2003/04 campaign with 49, followed by Phillip Cocu with 48 and Javier Saviola with 46. The club’s top scorer was Ronaldinho, making an immediate impact in his first season with 21 goals and 11 assists.

Here’s how the teamusually lined up that season, with frequentsubstitutions included:

Víctor Valdés;

Michael Reiziger, Carles Puyol, Oleguer (Márquez), Giovanni van Bronckhorst;

Xavi (Luis Enrique), Edgar Davids (Gerard), Cocu (Thiago Motta);

Ronaldinho (Ricardo Quaresma), Saviola (Patrick Kluivert), Luis García (Marc Overmars)

Champions League trials and tribulations

Messi wouldn’t feature prominently as a starter until the 2005/06 season, but by the time he became a key figure, Barcelona was back as a usual competitor and challenger in Europe’s most important stage. The now-PSG player won the Champions League with the ‘Culés’ a whopping four times, a feat that is even more impressive when looking back at the club’s historical performance in the prestigious competition.

Originally known as the European Cup and rebranded in 1992, the tournament that pits the continent’s elite was played for the first time during the 1955/56 season. Teams initially qualified via sporting methods, while somewere also invited by French magazine L’Equipe based on perceived prestige and status. Barcelona didn’t participate until the fifth edition, where they reached the semi-finals and were eliminated against eventual winners Real Madrid. This is their European tally for the next 61 seasons:

• 31 full participations.
• 5 wins.
• Final appearances: 8 (lost three).
• Semi-final runs: 9
• Quarter-final runs: 7.
• Round of 16 runs: 3.
• Top goalscorer: Messi (120 goals).
• Most appearances: Xavi (157), followed by Messi (149).

The numbers paint a grim story for Barcelona fans: no Messi, no party. They state that Barça have only participated in around half of the European Cups / Champions Leagues they have been eligible for in their history, winning five times and only once without Messi, beating Sampdoria in the 1991/92 final with a Koeman strike in extra time under then-manager Johan Cruyff. In spite of recent success on the European stage, there are still four clubs ahead of Barcelona in the all-time winners list, with Real Madrid eight trophies ahead of the Catalan club. Koeman’s sporting project will need time and serious investment if a return to the heights of European football is to be in the offing, especially with their greatest-ever player now dressing up in PSG colors.

Recently, we analyzed the top 25 most expensive transfers in history, with 20 signings on the list boasting a price tag of over $100 million. The trend is clear: teams are spending more money than ever to strengthen their squads -even through the COVID-19 pandemic- and will likely continue to do so unless something drastic takes place. UEFA Financial Fair Play (FFP) is in place, but rules have been changed to allow clubs to inject more money than normal to reduce the negative financial impact of the pandemic, and will be reviewed to “encourage and release investments”, according to UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin.

Before FFP is amended in what reports state could include a salary cap and a “luxury tax” on transfers, the current landscape includes six clubs valued at over a billion dollars and another 14 worth at least $500 million, using numbers published by Transfermarkt. Said figuresconsider only player market value, which is determined by taking factors such as age, on-field performance, reputation and potential into account. Before things do change, take a look at the 25 most valuable soccer clubs in the world and how they made it onto the list.

25: Real Sociedad (LaLiga). Player market value: $443.3 million.

Top 5 most expensive players in the squad:

1. Mikel Oyarzabal: Spanish, 24 years old, left winger, $82.65 million.
2. Mikel Merino: Spanish, 25 years old, central midfielder, $47.2 million.
3. Alexander Isak: Swedish, 21 years old, striker, $47.2 million.
4. Robin Le Normand: French, 24 years old, center-back, $26 million.
5. Portu: Spanish, 29 years old, right winger, $23.6 million.

24: Wolverhampton Wanderers (Premier League). Player market value: $461.7 million.

Top 5 most expensive players in the squad:

1. Rubén Neves: Portuguese, 24 years old, central midfielder, $53.1 million.
2. Pedro Neto: Portuguese, 21 years old, left winger, $41.3 million.
3. Leander Dendoncker: Belgian, 26 years old, center-back / defensive midfield, $35.4 million.
4. Adama Traoré: Spanish, 25 years old, right winger / right-back, $35.4 million.
5. Raúl Jiménez: Mexican, 30 years old, striker, $33 million.

23: Aston Villa (Premier League). Player market value: $482 million.

Top 5 most expensive players in the squad:

1. Emiliano Martínez: Argentine, 29 years old, goalkeeper, $41.3 million.
2. Emiliano Buendía: Argentine, 24 years old, right midfielder, $41.3 million.
3. Leon Bailey: Jamaican, 24 years old, right winger, $41.3 million.
4. Douglas Luiz: Brazilian, 23 years old, defensive midfielder, $41.3 million.
5. Ollie Watkins: English, 25 years old, forward, $37.8 million.

22: Atalanta (Serie A). Player market value: $490.3 million.

Top 5 most expensive players in the squad:

1. Robin Gosens: German, 27 years old, left-back, $41.3 million.
2. Duván Zapata: Colombian, 30 years old, striker, $39 million.
3. Luis Muriel: Colombian, 30 years old, striker, $35.4 million.
4. Ruslan Malinovskyi: Ukrainian, 28 years old, attacking midfielder, $35.4 million.
5. Merih Demiral: Turkish, 23 years old, center-back, $33 million.

21: AS Roma (Serie A). Player market value: $494 million.

Top 5 most expensive players in the squad:

1. Lorenzo Pellegrini: Italian, 25 years old, central midfielder, $47.2 million.
2. Nicolò Zaniolo: Italian, 22 years old, right midfielder / right winger, $47.2 million.
3. Tammy Abraham: English, 23 years old, striker, $44.9 million.
4. Jordan Veretout: French, 28 years old, central midfielder, $39 million.
5. Gianluca Mancini: Italian, 25 years old, center-back, $35.4 million.

20: Sevilla (LaLiga). Player market value: $509 million.

Top 5 most expensive players in the squad:

1. Jules Koundé: French, 22 years old, center-back, $71 million.
2. Diego Carlos: Brazilian, 28 years old, center-back, $53.1 million.
3. Lucas Ocampos: Argentine, 27 years old, left winger / striker, $47.2 million.
4. Youssef En-Nesyri: Moroccan, 24 years old, striker, $47.2 million.
5. Joan Jordán: Spanish, 27 years old, central midfielder, $35.4 million.

19: Everton (Premier League). Player market value: $545.1 million.

Top 5 most expensive players in the squad:

1. Richarlison: Brazilian, 24 years old, striker, $65 million.
2. Dominic Calvert-Lewin: English, 24 years old, striker, $53.1 million.
3. Lucas Digne: French, 28 years old, left-back, $41.3 million.
4. James Rodríguez: Colombian, 30 years old, attacking midfielder, $33 million.
5. Michael Keane: English, 28 years old, center-back, $29.5 million.

18: AC Milan (Serie A). Player market value: $551.2 million.

Top 5 most expensive players in the squad:

1. Franck Kessié: Ivorian, 24 years old, central midfielder, $65 million.
2. Theo Hernández: French, 23 years old, left-back, $59 million.
3. Ismaël Bennacer: Algerian, 23 years old, defensive midfielder, $49 million.
4. Ante Rebić: Croatian, 27 years old, left winger, $38 million.
5. Fikayo Tomori: English, 23 years old, center-back, $33 million.

17: RB Leipzig (Bundesliga). Player market value: $597 million.

Top 5 most expensive players in the squad:

1. Dani Olmo: Spanish, 23 years old, attacking midfielder, $59 million.
2. André Silva: Portuguese, 25 years old, striker, $53.1 million.
3. Christopher Nkunku: French, 23 years old, attacking midfielder, $50.7 million.
4. Angeliño: Spanish, 24 years old, left-back, $41.3 million.
5. Lukas Klostermann: German, 25 years old, center-back, $31.9 million.

16: Napoli (Serie A). Player market value: $611.3 million.

Top 5 most expensive players in the squad:

1. Piotr Zieliński: Polish, 27 years old, attacking midfielder, $59 million.
2. Victor Osimhen: Nigerian, 22 years old, striker, $59 million.
3. Kalidou Koulibaly: Senegalese, 30 years old, center-back, $56.7 million.
4. Lorenzo Insigne: Italian, 30 years old, left winger, $56.7 million.
5. Hirving Lozano: Mexican, 26 years old, right winger, $53.1 million.

15: Arsenal (Premier League). Player market value: $647.6 million.

Top 5 most expensive players in the squad:

1. Bukayo Saka: English, 20 years old, left winger, $76.7 million.
2. Thomas Partey: Ghanaian, 28 years old, defensive midfielder, $47.23 million.
3. Martin Odegaard: Norwegian, 22 years old, attacking midfielder, $47.23 million.
4. Nicolás Pépé: Ivorian, 26 years old, right winger, $41.3 million.
5. Kieran Tierney: Scottish, 24 years old, left-back, $37.8 million.

14: Leicester City (Premier League). Player market value: $650 million.

Top 5 most expensive players in the squad:

1. Wilfred Ndidi: Nigerian, 24 years old, defensive midfielder, $70.8 million.
2. Youri Tielemans: Belgian, 24 years old, central midfielder, $65 million.
3. James Maddison: English, 24 years old, attacking midfielder, $65 million.
4. Çağlar Söyüncü: Turkish, 25 years old, center-back, $53.1 million.
5. Wesley Fofana: French, 20 years old, center-back, $47.2 million.

13: Borussia Dortmund (Bundesliga). Player market value: $668 million.

Top 5 most expensive players in the squad:

1. Erling Haaland: Norwegian, 21 years old, striker, $154 million.
2. Jude Bellingham: English, 18 years old, central midfielder, $65 million.
3. Raphael Guerreiro: Portuguese, 27 years old, left-back, $47.2 million.
4. Giovanni Reyna: American, 18 years old, attacking midfielder, $44.9 million
5. Manuel Akanji: Swiss, 26 years old, center-back, $35.4 million.

12: Inter Milan (Serie A). Player market value: $677 million.

Top 5 most expensive players in the squad:

1. Lautaro Martínez: Argentine, 24 years old, striker, $94.5 million.
2. Nicolò Barella: Italian, 24 years old, central midfielder, $76.7 million.
3. Milan Skriniar: Slovak, 26 years old, center-back, $71 million.
4. Alessandro Bastoni: Italian, 22 years old, center-back, $71 million.
5. Stefan de Vrij: Dutch, 29 years old, center-back, $59 million.

11: Juventus (Serie A). Player market value: $756.1 million.

Top 5 most expensive players in the squad:

1. Matthijs de Ligt: Dutch, 22 years old, center-back, $88.5 million.
2. Federico Chiesa: Italian, 23 years old, right winger, $82.65 million.
3. Paulo Dybala: Argentine, 27 years old, center forward, $59 million.
4. Álvaro Morata: Spanish, 28 years old, striker, $53 million.
5. Arthur Melo: Brazilian, 25 years old, central midfielder, $47.2 million.

10: FC Barcelona (LaLiga). Player market value: $798.1 million.

Top 5 most expensive players in the squad:

1. Frenkie de Jong: Dutch, 24 years old, central midfielder, $106.2 million.
2. Pedri: Spanish, 18 years old, central midfielder, $94.5 million.
3. Marc-André ter Stegen: German, 29 years old, goalkeeper, $71 million.
4. Ansu Fati: Spanish, 18 years old, left winger, $71 million.
5. Ousmane Dembélé: French, 24 years old, right winger, $59 million.

9: Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League). Player market value: $823 million.

Top 5 most expensive players in the squad:

1. Harry Kane: English, 28 years old, striker, $141.7 million.
2. Heung-min Son: South Korean, 29 years old, left winger, $100.3 million.
3. Tanguy Ndombélé: French, 24 years old, central midfielder, $59 million.
4. Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg: Danish, 26 years old, central midfielder, $47.2 million.
5. Cristian Romero: Argentine, 23 years old, center-back, $41.3 million.

8: Atlético de Madrid (LaLiga). Player market value: $891.6 million.

Top 5 most expensive players in the squad:

1. Marcos Llorente: Spanish, 26 years old, central midfielder / right-back, $94.5 million.
2. João Félix: Portuguese, 21 years old, attacking midfielder, $94.5 million.
3. Jan Oblak: Slovenian, 28 years old, goalkeeper, $82.7 million.
4. Koke: Spanish, 29 years old, central midfielder, $71 million.
5. Antoine Griezmann: French, 30 years old, striker, $71 million.

7: Real Madrid (LaLiga). Player market value: $925 million.

Top 5 most expensive players in the squad:

1. Casemiro: Brazilian, 29 years old, defensive midfielder, $82.7 million.
2. Federico Valverde: Uruguayan, 23 years old, central midfielder, $76.8 million.
3. Thibaut Courtois: Belgian, 29 years old, goalkeeper, $71 million.
4. David Alaba: Austrian, 29 years old, center-back / left-back, $65 million.
5. Eduardo Camavinga: French, 18 years old, central midfielder, $65 million.

   

6: Bayern Munich (Bundesliga). Player market value: $1.006 billion.

Top 5 most expensive players in the squad:

1. Joshua Kimmich: German, 26 years old, defensive midfielder / right-back, $106.2 million.
2. Leon Goretzka: German, 26 years old, central midfielder, $82.7 million.
3. Serge Gnabry: German, 26 years old, right winger, $82.7 million.
4. Alphonso Davies: Canadian, 20 years old, left-back, $82.7 million.
5. Kingsley Coman: French, 25 years old, left winger, $76.8 million.

5: Liverpool FC (Premier League). Player market value: $1.03 billion.

Top 5 most expensive players in the squad:

1. Mohamed Salah: Egyptian, 29 years old, right winger, $118 million.
2. Sadio Mané: Senegalese, 29 years old, left winger, $100.3 million.
3. Trent Alexander-Arnold: English, 22 years old, right-back, $88.5 million.
4. Andrew Robertson: Scottish, 27 years old, left-back, $76.8 million.
5. Alisson: Brazilian, 28 years old, goalkeeper, $71 million.

4: Chelsea FC (Premier League). Player market value: $1.04 billion.

Top 5 most expensive players in the squad:

1. Romelu Lukaku: Belgian, 28 years old, striker, $118 million.
2. Mason Mount: English, 22 years old, attacking midfielder, $88.6 million.
3. Kai Havertz: German, 22 years old, attacking midfielder, $82.7 million.
4. Timo Werner: German, 25 years old, striker, $76.8 million.
5. N’Golo Kanté: French, 30 years old, defensive midfielder, $65 million.

3: Manchester United (Premier League). Player market value: $1.1 billion.

Top 5 most expensive players in the squad:

1. Jadon Sancho: English, 21 years old, right winger / attacking midfielder, $118 million.
2. Bruno Fernandes: Portuguese, 27 years old, attacking midfielder, $106.2 million.
3. Marcus Rashford: English, 23 years old, striker, $100.4 million.
4. Raphaël Varane: French, 28 years old, center-back, $82.7 million.
5. Paul Pogba: French, 28 years old, central midfielder, $71 million.

2: Paris Saint-Germain (Ligue 1). Player market value: $1.178 billion.

Top 5 most expensive players in the squad:

1. Kylian Mbappé: French, 22 years old, striker, $189 million.
2. Neymar Jr.: Brazilian, 29 years old, attacking midfielder / left winger, $118 million.
3. Lionel Messi: Argentine: 34 years old, attacking midfielder / right winger, $94.5 million.
4. Marquinhos: Brazilian, 27 years old, center-back, $88.6 million.
5. Gianluigi Donnarumma: Italian, 22 years old, goalkeeper, $76.8 million.

1: Manchester City (Premier League). Player market value: $1.185 billion.

Top 5 most expensive players in the squad:

1. Kevin De Bruyne: Belgian, 30 years old, attacking midfielder / central midfielder, $118 million.
2. Raheem Sterling: English, 26 years old, left winger, $106.2 million.
3. Phil Foden: English, 21 years old, left winger / attacking midfielder, $94.5 million.
4. Rúben Dias: Portuguese, 24 years old, center-back, $88.6 million.
5. Bernardo Silva: Portuguese, 27 years old, right winger, $82.7 million.

   

However, even during the pandemic, extraordinary fees continue to be paid for the world’s most in-demand footballers. Splashing over $100 million for a single player used to be considered madness but now seems to be the norm, with 20 of the most expensive signings in history exceeding that amount.

A trend that started with Cristiano Ronaldo moving to Real Madrid in 2010, clubs continue to out-muscle each other financially to achieve sporting success. Some have done so successfully and some have failed monumentally; just ask Barcelona. Now, let’s take a walk down memory lane to see whether splashing the cash pans out or if teams would do better off with a frugal approach, using numbers via Transfermarkt.

25. Nicolás Pépé, from LOSC Lille to Arsenal, $94.6 million, 2019.

Brought in by Unai Emery before his dismissal barely three months into his second season as ‘Gunners’ manager, the speedy left-footed attacker is the London club’s record-signing. Two years after his arrival, Pépé hasn’t fully settled into what seems like a declining team under Mikel Arteta, amassing 25 goals and 16 assists in 92 games for Arsenal. The Cote d’Ivoire international can play on both sides of the pitch and is occasionally in charge of set pieces, but needs consistency to prove himself as an important figure in the Premier League.

24. Lucas Hernández, from Atlético de Madrid to FC Bayern, $94.6 million, 2019.

In spite of being only 23 years old when the German giants activated his release clause, Hernández left boyhood club ‘Atleti’ to try his luck over in the Bundesliga under manager Niko Kovač, who was quickly replaced by Hansi Flick. Ever since the switch, Hernández’s versatility has proven useful for ‘Die Bayern’, in spite of missing important games in the team’s run to the 2019/20 UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, by playing over 60 games in two years.The French national team player can be deployed as a left-back or a center-back, and is a reliable utility player when not injured- which unfortunately is pretty often.

23. Kai Havertz, from Bayer Leverkusen to Chelsea, $94.6 million, 2020.

Chelsearaised many eyebrows when they signed then-21 year-old Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen last year. Yes, the London-based club reportedly beat other European giants, but there was always a question mark whether or not the German could perform in the Premier League. A year after the transfer, Havertz has managed a total of 10 goals and 10 assists in all competitions. Albeit the number might not seem over the top, important strikes such as the one in the UEFA Champions League final against Manchester City have earned the attacker much deserved credit in Stamford Bridge.

22. Luis Suárez, from Liverpool to Barcelona, $96.7 million, 2014.

El ‘Pistolero’ arrived at the Camp Nou after nearly winning the Premier League with Liverpool, with the ‘Reds’’ season crashing down after Steven Gerrard’s infamous slip against Chelsea. Suárez’s life in Spain had a delayed four-month start after biting Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup, but once the Uruguayan dressed up in ‘Blaugrana’ colors, LaLiga was never the same. After all was said and done, Suárez managed the 198 goals and 97 assists in 283 games that solidified him as Barcelona’s third-highestscorer ever, forming one of the most impressive offensives in recent memory along Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr., and winning the 2014/15 UEFA Champions League.

21. Virgil van Dijk, from Southampton to Liverpool, $100million, 2018.

After three years with mixed results at Southampton, Liverpool finally got the piece they needed to get back to winning ways after spending what seemed an exorbitant amount for a central defender. It wasn’t. A mere six months after arriving, the ‘Reds’ reached the UEFA Champions League final against Real Madrid. One year later, they won the prestigious European competition by beating Tottenham in the decisive match. Two PFA Team of the Year selections, three times a part of the UEFA Team of the Year and runner-up for the 2019 The Best FIFA Men’s Player, Van Dijk quickly established himself as one of the world’s elite defenders.

20. Romelu Lukaku, from Everton to Manchester United, $100.2 million, 2017.

Four years at Everton turned Lukaku into a striker to be reckoned with in the Premier League. After not receiving enough opportunities at current club Chelsea, the Belgian attacker scored 87 goals in 166 games for the ‘Toffees’ and then tried his luck in Manchester for Lukaku’s form varied between managers, as he scored 27 goals in all competitions under José Mourinho in the 2017/18 season but was mostly unused by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2018/19, only managing to find the back of the net nine times. That was more than enough for the ‘Red Devils’ to offload the Anderlecht youth product to Inter Milan.

19. Jadon Sancho, from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester United, $100.58 million, 2021.

Yet another appearance on the list by the American-owned club, Manchester City youth product Sancho never played a first team game for the ‘Cityzens’, following a contractual dispute during the 2017 preseason. The attacking midfielderthen set the Bundesliga ablaze in his over 130 appearances for Borussia Dortmund, establishing himself as one Europe’s main targets in spite of being only 21 years of age. United paid a hefty fee to their German counterparts after chasing Sanchos’ signature for what seemed to be an eternity. The young Englishman is yet to become a solid starter for Solskjaer’s side, but his 50 goals and 64 assists with ‘Die Borussen’ prove he can be one in the near future.

18.Matthijs de Ligt, from Ajax to Juventus, $101 million, 2019.

An Ajax fairytale run in the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League that ended with a heartbreaking defeat to Tottenham in the semifinal had several protagonists, one of which was De Ligt. Then a mere 20-year old, the central defender demonstrated a level of serenity and experience at the back far beyond his years. Despite rumors placing the ‘Oranje’ member close to Barcelona, De Ligt moved to Juventus in 2019, where he has taken over a starting position in the center of defense alongside Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci. A shoulder injury in his second season kept him out for over three months, but there is still plenty of room for growth.

17. Frenkie de Jong, from Ajax to Barcelona, $102 million, 2019.

A young Dutch starlet that left Ajax after the team’s spectacular 2018/19 season to join a European giant looking toexplode on the worldwide stage. Sound familiar? Similar to De Ligt, De Jong left the Eredivisie side after achieving the domestic double and being chosen to the Champions League Squad of the Season and as the season’s top midfielder by a wide margin. The central midfielder didn’t choose Italy though, and decided to try his luck at Barcelona, where he has already been managed by three different head coaches in the space of twoyears. Saidinstability has added to an overall uncertainty of where De Jong can develop best on the pitch, which has aided to him providing lukewarm and inconsistent performances thus far for ‘Los Blaugrana’.

16. Harry Maguire, from Leicester City to Manchester United, $103 million, 2019.

When United paid Leicester a world-record fee for a central defender two years ago, many people compared the signing to that of Virgil van Dijk and laughed at the notion of the Carrington club paying more than the ‘Reds’ did for their man in defense. They aren’t laughing now. After a stellar performance at the 2018 FIFA World Cup for England that included a momentousgoal against Sweden in the quarterfinals, Maguire has only gotten better, in spite of a few high-profile errors.After recovering from a tumultuous offseason last year, the Englishman – and now club captain- lead the ‘Red Devils’ backline to the UEFA Europa League final and second place in the Premier League. The defender’s contract runs until 2025, but United will surely jump at the chance of renewing it.

15. Neymar Jr., from Santos to Barcelona, $104.3 million, 2013.

Even though Neymar Jr. was only 21 years old when he joined Barcelona, he left behind a legacy at Santos, winning the Campeonato Paulista three times, the Copa do Brasil, the Copa Libertadores and the Recopa Sudamericana. When the ‘Blaugrana’ opened the checkbook to sign the ‘Seleção’ star a year before the 2014 World Cup, hesitation echoed since changing clubs on the eve of a major tournament was seen as risky. But, if you know anything about Neymar, he is all about doing the unexpected.105 goals and 76 assists in 186 games later, having won two league titles, three Copas del Rey and a UEFA Champions League in four years, it’s safe to say Barcelona’s bet was more than successful. The alliance he formed with Messi and Suárez will forever remain in the hearts of the Catalan team’s faithful.

14. Gonzalo Higuaín, from Napoli to Juventus, $106 million, 2016.

Nowadays, Higuaín plies his trade in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, but not that long ago, the Argentine was one of the globe’s most-feared strikers. In 2015/16 ‘Pipita’ joined Gino Rosetti as the footballer with most goals scored in a single Serie A season, finding the back of the net 36 times for Napoli. In spite of club president Aurelio De Laurentiis offering Higuaín a juicy contract renewal, the ‘Albiceleste’ number nine switched allegiances and joined the ‘Vecchia Signora’. The forward produced 55 goals in his first two seasons at the Turin club, winning the league title twice and reaching the UEFA Champions League final, before being shipped out on loan to Milan and Chelsea. Higuaín won a third Serie A after coming back for the 2019/20, but played second fiddle to Cristiano Ronaldo up top.

13. Cristiano Ronaldo, from Manchester United to Real Madrid, $111 million, 2009.

A record-breaking transfer fee at the time, Madrid pried away United’s prized possession in a spectacular window that also included the arrival of Karim Benzema, Kaká and Xabi Alonso. Ronaldo’s numbers at the Santiago Bernabéu speak for themselves, establishing himself as the team’s top scorer in history with 450 goals, and winning four UEFA Champions League titles, two Spanish leagues and three Club World Cups, amongst other accolades. Arguably Real Madrid’s best-ever player, the Portuguese attacker helped return ‘Los Blancos’ to the heights of world soccer.

12. Gareth Bale, from Tottenham to Real Madrid, $119 million, 2013.

The speedy Welshman was Tottenham’s best player without a shadow of a doubt by the time the Spanish giant turned to the Premier League once again to feed itshunger for titles and glory. Six years in ‘Lilywhite’ colors properly prepared Bale to star for one of the world’s most prestigious clubs, and star he did. After a rocky start to his first season, the ‘Cardiff Express’ scored a magnificent goal in the 2014 Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, and then another in the 2014 UEFA Champions League final against Atlético de Madrid. Three more Champions Leagues and two more LaLiga titles later -amongst other silverware- meant the ‘Merengues’ got their investment back.

11. Paul Pogba, from Juventus to Manchester United, $124 million, 2016.

A bittersweet return to England for the silky Frenchman after four years in Italy, once Sir Alex Ferguson was no longer at the helm and José Mourinho had taken over, was official after United paid a then-world record fee to sign a player they had among their ranks only four years prior. In spite of Pogba’s crystal clear visionand the potential to change matches in the blink of an eye, the debate of whether the 2018 FIFA World Cup champion can provide consistency for the ‘Red Devils’ after 200+ matches is very much still latent. Both Mourinho and Solskjaer have changed Pogba’s position in midfield multiple times, with varying levels of success. The 2016/17 UEFA Europa League, EFL Cup and Community Shield wins are the number 6’s only trophies at United.

10. Eden Hazard, from Chelsea to Real Madrid, $136 million, 2019.

When Hazard destroyed Arsenal in the final of the 2018/19 UEFA Europa League by scoring two goals and providing an assist, Real Madrid were surely licking their lips at the prospect of signing one of the world’s most in-form players, and who could blame them. The Belgian’s production at Chelsea of 110 goals and 92 assists during his seven-year stint granted him near-legendary status in England; a status he has yet to replicate in Spain. Hazard has missed nearly 60 games because of injurysince first putting the ‘Merengue’ jersey on, buthas only managed five goals and nine assists in 46 games. The talent is there but the fitness is yet to arrive.

9. Romelu Lukaku, from Inter Milan to Chelsea, $136 million, 2021.

Lukaku’s second appearance on this top 25 list, the powerful Belgian is once again donning the Chelsea colors, after his team during the 2011/12 season presented Inter Milan an offer they couldn’t refuse. The striker’s time in Italy was highly successful, scoring 64 times and assisting on 16 occasions, helping former manager Antonio Conte conquer last season’s Serie A title. A passionate Chelsea fan himself, Lukaku has seemingly turned into a world beater, and is able to change entire games using his physicality and intelligence, something ‘Blues’ followers have already witnessed this season. However, we need more time to see whether the expensive operation has been worth it.

8. Cristiano Ronaldo, from Real Madrid to Juventus, $138.3 million, 2018.

After Ronaldo scored a spectacular bicycle kick goal against Juventus in the 2017/18 UEFA Champions League and received a standing ovation, you could tell an instant connection was formed between the player and the ‘Bianconeri’ faithful. A few months after the memorable strike, ‘CR7’ left the Santiago Bernabéu as Real Madrid’s top scorer in its history and with a multitude of trophies to his name. Even though Ronaldo was nine years older than when the ‘Merengues’ signed him, Juventus paid a hefty fee to secure the services of the Portuguese star with the main objective of winning the UEFA Champions League. Three years later, Ronaldo returned to England after achieving two league titles and a ‘Capocannoniere’ title but no continental glory.

7. Jack Grealish, from Aston Villa to Manchester City, $139 million, 2021.

One of the summer’s most drawn out sagas involved Grealish, a player that spent his entire youth and playing career at Aston Villa, and was seeking a post-Euro 2020 challenge at 25 years of age. The talented Englishman left his boyhood club to play Champions League football under Pep Guardiola, who signed the attacker to play in an area of the pitch where Manchester City are more than well covered with the likes of Riyad Mahrez, Bernardo Silva, Raheem Sterling and Ferrán Torres. After a fruitless Premier League debut against Tottenham where he was deployed in center midfield, Grealish has shown bursts of brilliance that bode well for his future at the Etihad Stadium.

6. Antoine Griezmann, from Atlético de Madrid to Barcelona, $142 million, 2019.

A year after a long and drawn-out transfer saga seemingly ended with Griezmann starring in a Lebron James-esque ‘The Decision’ program, announcing he would not leave ‘Atleti’ for Barcelona, the French striker backpedaled and joined the ‘Blaugrana’ in 2019. ‘Barça’ decided to sign ‘Grizou’ for an exorbitant amount of money before they finalized the much-rumored return of Neymar to the Camp Nou that same summer, which didn’t end up coming to fruition.Two years later, Griezmann left Barcelona to go back to Atlético, backpedaling once again after an unsuccessful stint where he scored 35 goals and managed 17 assists in 102 games, all while allegedly commanding a weekly salary of over $700,000 from the financially ruined club.

5. João Félix, from Benfica to Atlético de Madrid, $150 million, 2019.

Approximately a week before Griezmann’s departure to Barcelona, Atlético de Madrid announced the signing of a young Portuguese star that would eventually become the French striker’s replacement. Félix, who only had one entire season of first team soccer under his belt before his arrival in Spain, had a rough time adapting to LaLiga during the 2019/20 campaign. Compared to his 20 goals and 11 assists during his last season in Portugal, ‘Atleti’s new number seven scored only nine times and assisted on three occasions in his maiden campaign. Félix slightly improved during his second year, scoring 10 goals and assisting six times, but is yet to pay off his price tag with performances on the pitch. Perhaps Griezmann’s return to the ‘Colchoneros’ will boost the performance of 2019 Golden Boy.

4. Ousmane Dembélé, from Borussia Dortmund to Barcelona, $160 million, 2017.

Yet another appearance on this top 25 list by Barcelona. A few weeks after Neymar Jr.’s departure to Paris Saint-Germain, the ‘Blaugrana’ put some of that transfer money to use by signing Dembélé from Borussia Dortmund. The pacy winger managed 24 appearancesduring his first season, but missed over 27 games due to injury. 2018/2019 presented more of the same problems. Even though Dembélé played 42 games for Barcelona that year, he only scored 14 times and assisted on 8 occasions, and again missed 13 games due to injury. The Frenchman only played nine times during the 2019/20 campaign, missing 40 games due to injury. And then again during 2020/21, 11 goals and five assists in 44 appearances but missing 18 games due to injury. Inconsistency and Dembélé, an unfortunate synonym for Barça.

3. Philippe Coutinho, from Liverpool to Barcelona, $160 million, 2018.

Guess what club isback, back again? Coutinho’s outstanding four and a half years at Liverpool ended spectacularly during the 2018 winter transfer window after Barcelona came knocking at Anfield with an alleged fourth offer for the Brazilian, one the ‘Reds’ couldn’t refuse. In spite of captaining Liverpool on occasion during his final weeks at the Premier League side, Coutinho left for the Camp Nou after 201 appearances, 54 goals and 45 assists in England. The Rio de Janeiro has played 90 times for Barcelona in nearly four years, including a successful year-long loan at Bayern Munich, but has only managed 23 goals and 14 assists. Even though life under manager Ronald Koeman seemed to be the fresh start Coutinho needed, a knee injury forced him to miss the second half of the 2020/21 season. The attacking midfielder hasn’t played for the ‘Blaugrana’ since December 2020.

2. Kylian Mbappé, from AS Monaco to Paris Saint-Germain, $171 million, 2018.

Mbappé’s first season as a PSG player was the 2017/18 campaign, when he arrived on loan from Monaco, but ‘Les Parisiens’ completed the purchase a year later. The reported figure paid for the 2018 FIFA World Cup champion could rise to over $212 million with bonuses included, a fee the French giants will certainly have no problem with. Mbappé’s time at PSG has been tremendously successful, not just because of the 135 goals and 63 assists in 175 games.The 22-year old has also conquered Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France three times, has been the French league’s top goalscorer thrice, has reached a UEFA Champions League final and has already cemented himself as PSG’s third-highest goalscorer ever.

1. Neymar Jr., from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain, $262 million.

Neymar’s transfer to PSG was highly controversial, with LaLiga first rejecting the French club’s payment for the Brazilian due to alleged Financial Fair Play regulations, and with Barcelona then getting embroiled in a legal battle with the player’s camp due to an accused contract breach. Legalities aside, Neymar has transformed PSG into one of the globe’s most-feared teams, paying back the highest fee in history with more than adequate on-field performances. ‘Ney’s achievements in France include 87 goals and 52 assists in 117 games, three Ligue 1 titles, three Coupes de France, two Coupes de la Ligue, two Trophées de Champions and a UEFA Champions League final.

Before teams around the world took a break so their players could take part in FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Club América infamously led the Mexican championship. Facing intense media scrutiny for the ‘Azulcrema’ playing style not being offensive enough, manager Santiago Solari and those under his tutelage showed a strong defensive shape and produced just enough offensive spark to remain unbeaten at the top.

With Juárez at the bottom and Chivas somewhere in between, with Santos Laguna and Monterrey also not knowing what it means to lose, and with Querétaro barely remembering how to score, it’s time to get back into Liga MX action. There are still 11 games to be played in the regular season, and as tradition dictates, most squads can still qualify for the Liguilla ‘Reclasificación’ and playoffs. Here’s where everybody left off:

Club América

• League position: 1st, with 17 points (5 wins, 2 draws, 0 losses).
• Last 3 games: León 1-1 América, América 2-0 Xolos, Juárez 1-2 América
• Next 3 games: @Mazatlán, (Interrupted by the second leg of the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League (SCCL) semifinal against Philadelphia Union) @Toluca, vs. Chivas.
• Best player thus far: Pedro Aquino. Serving as the perfect link between a stern defense andthe forward line, the Peruvian midfielder has settled right into the starting eleven in his first season as an ‘Águila’, starting all seven games and being voted Man of the Match for his performance against ‘Los Esmeralda’.
• Coming up: A visit to the ‘Estadio Kraken’ in Sinaloa, where América will face a Mazatlán side probably eager to get back at them for the missed transfer of Nicolás Benedetti, whose high salary was the main obstacle to his signing, according to several Mexican media outlets.
• Good news: Defense. Santiago Solari’s side might not be the most entertaining, but allowing a mere three goals has allowed los ‘Azulcrema’ to rise to the top of the league.
• Bad news: The SCCL game against the Union might be disruptive for starters’ fitness if they’re required to wrap up the 2-0 score achieved in the first leg.

León

• League position: 2nd, with 14 points (4 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss).
• Last 3 games: León 1-1 Club América, León 1-1 Santos Laguna, Chivas 0-3 León.
• Next 3 games: @Tigres, (Interrupted by a Leagues Cup semifinal against Pumas), vs. Juárez, @Atlas.
• Best player thus far: Omar Fernández. Although a case could be made for Ángel Mena, who has three goals to his name in the tournament, the mobile and talented Fernández has taken over the ‘Esmeralda’ attack after his recent arrival from Puebla. The dynamic Colombian opens up spaces and provides incisive passes that the likes of Víctor Dávila and Elías Hernández, with two goals each, have taken advantage of.
• Coming up: A visit to the Estadio Universitario to witness what Miguel Herrera’s high-scoring Tigres are capable of. A loss could see León drop to the sixth spot on the table.
• Good news: Leon’s ample squad should be able to cope with any injury its internationals sustain while out with their national teams. Will it finally be Santiago Ormeño’s time to shine?
• Bad news: Ángel Mena has taken part in all of Ecuador’s games in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying. He will need time to fully recover.

Toluca

• League position: 3rd, with 14 points (4 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss).
• Last 3 games: Toluca 2-1 Pumas, Atlas 0-0 Toluca, Toluca 2-2 Mazatlán.
• Next 3 games: @Pachuca, vs. América, @Monterrey.
• Best player thus far: Rubens Sambueza. The seemingly ageless attacker is the puppet master of Liga MX’s joint-highest scoring team, managing four goals and five assists, forming a terrifying forward partnership with Alexis Canelo, who has already scored three goals of his own.
• Coming up: A trip to Pachuca to face a disappointing ‘Tuzos’ side that only has two wins and sits 13th. Toluca will not have an easy game against a team playing only its third home match in the league.
• Good news: Most of Toluca’s key players such as Sambueza, Canelo, Kevin Castañeda and Raúl López, weren’t called up for international duty. Everybody should be fresh to continue the team’s strong form under returning manager Hernán Cristante.
• Bad news: Miguel Barbieri, who had been strong at central defense, will miss the rest of the tournament due to a knee injury sustained against Pumas. Finding a replacement will be key.

Tigres UANL

• League position: 4th, with 12 points (3 wins, 3 draws, 1 loss).
• Last 3 games: Tigres 1-1 Atlas, Mazatlán 0-3 Tigres, Tigres 3-0 Querétaro.
• Next 3 games: vs. León, @Monterrey, vs. Pumas.
• Best player thus far: Nicolás López. Forgotten by Ricardo Ferretti and a key player under Herrera, ‘El Diente’ is Liga MX’s top scorer with six goals in seven matches. Aregular penalty taker for the ‘Felinos’, the Uruguayan forward has properly filled an injured André-Pierre Gignac’s shoes.
• Coming up: A top of the table clash against León. A win is a must for Tigres, since a loss combined with other teams winning could see Herrera’s side drop as far as 12th, a week ahead of the ‘Clásico Regio’ against Monterrey.
• Good news: Gignac is back in training, following an injury sustained after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
• Bad news: Gignac’s full return is far from certain, and with Florian Thauvin yet to fully settle into Mexican soccer, Tigres could fall under immense pressure in case of a loss with the Monterrey game coming up.

Santos Laguna

• League position: 5th, with 11 points (2 wins and 6 draws).
• Last 3 games: Santos 2-0 Juárez, León 1-1 Santos, Santos 1-1 Atlas.
• Next 3 games: @Xolos, (Interrupted by a Leagues Cup semifinal against Seattle Sounders), vs. Puebla, vs. Monterrey.
• Best player thus far: Diego Valdés. The Chilean playmaker has managed two goals and two assists for the unbeaten Torreón side. Every ball going forward passes through Valdés, who has formed a solid alliance in midfield with Fernando Gorriarán, another strong contender for best player.
• Coming up: A visit to Tijuana to face the third-worst team in the league. Xolos is yet to win a single game in the Grita México A21, so the pressure will definitely be a factor, for one side or the other.
• Good news: Gibrán Lajud had a good outing in goal against Juárez, a 2-0 ‘Lagunero’ win, making it seem as if Carlos Acevedo had never even been injured.
• Bad news: Acevedo is the starter for a reason, and the outstanding recent performances from the team captain will be sorely missed, even if Lajud can properly fill in. The Mexican goalkeeper is set to miss approximately three to four more weeks of action after his injury against León towards the end of August.

  

Monterrey

• League position: 6th, with 11 points (2 wins, 5 draws).
• Last 3 games: Xolos 2-2 Monterrey, Monterrey 0-0 Chivas, Monterrey 3-1 Pachuca.
• Next 3 games: @Atlas, (Interrupted by the SCCL semifinal second leg against Cruz Azul), vs. Tigres, vs. Toluca.
• Best player thus far: Rogelio Funes Mori. Misfiring forthe Mexican National Team, ‘El Mellizo’ is Rayados’ top league scorer with three goals. A case could be made for ‘Charly’ Rodríguez, who scored a wonder goal against Xolos; his first game after earning the Bronze medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
• Coming up: Facing Atlas in the Estadio Jalisco. Los ‘Rojinegros’ will be looking for their first win in the last five games when they line up against Javier Aguirre’s side on Saturday. Funes Mori, Jesús Gallardo and César Montes will be returning from international duty.
• Good news: A win could put ‘Rayados’ within three points of first place, if other results combine in their favor.
• Bad news: Vincent Janssen is still not recovered from an injury suffered in August and will most likely be out until October. If something happens to Funes Mori, ‘Rayados’ have no natural replacements up top unless Duván Vergara and Joel Campbell take up thestriker role.

Cruz Azul

• League position: 7th, with 10 points (2 wins, 4 draws, 1 loss).
• Last 3 games: Cruz Azul 1-1 Pachuca, Atlético de San Luis 0-0 Cruz Azul, Cruz Azul 1-1 Monterrey.
• Next 3 games: @Juárez, (Interrupted by the SCCL semifinal second leg against Monterrey), vs. Querétaro, @Puebla.
• Best player thus far: Santiago Giménez. Jonathan Rodríguez has seen a sharp drop in form, scoring a single penalty kick in the current league season. ‘El Bebote’ has stepped up to lead ‘La Máquina’’s attack, scoring four times and assisting once.
• Coming up: A matchup against Ferretti’s Juárez in the Estadio Olímpico Benito Juárez. It’s unusual to see a ‘Tuca’ side at the bottom of the table, but that doesn’t mean the visit will be a simple one, since the ‘Bravos’ are still desperately looking for their first win of the season.
• Good news: With an inspired Julio César Domínguez receiving his first call-up to the Mexican national team in three years, and with Luis Romo, Roberto Alvarado and Orbelín Pineda returning to the squad post-FIFA break, ‘La Máquina’ seems a totally renovated team, unless…
• Bad news: Goalkeeper Jesús Corona is still out with an injury, and the Cruz Azulmight be down up to 11 players due to recent international call-ups.

Atlas

• League position: 8th, with 10 points (2 wins, 4 draw, 1 loss).
• Last 3 games: Tigres 1-1 Atlas, Atlas 0-0 Toluca, Santos Laguna 1-1 Atlas.
• Next 3 games: vs. Monterrey, @Necaxa, vs. León.
• Best player thus far: Julián Quiñones. Ever since arriving on loan from Tigres, the Colombian forward has been the main threat in attack for the ‘Rojinegros’. Julio Furch leads the team with two goals, but Quiñones has proven integral for Diego Cocca’s side going forward, starting all but one league game.
• Coming up: Playing Monterrey away is never a simple task, and with Atlas holding a four-game winless streak, the game is bound to be entertaining. One of the two wins for the ‘Zorros’ this season was on the road, in Pachuca’s stadium; a game where Furch scored the game’s only goal early in the first half.
• Good news: After missing his first tournament with the club due to injury, Furch seems to be back in full fitness. Cocca himself has praised the forward’s physical shape, which will be key if Atlas want to make a Liguilla playoff push.
• Bad news: Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas and Peruvian defender Anderson Santamaría are in doubt for Saturday’s game due to international duty.

Atlético de San Luis

• League position: 9th, with 9 points (2 wins, 3 draws, 1 loss). Week 5 game pending against Pachuca.
• Last 3 games: Mazatlán 2-2 Atlético de San Luis, Atlético de San Luis 0-0 Cruz Azul, Atlético de San Luis 0-2 Necaxa.
• Next 3 games: @Puebla, vs. Xolos, @Juárez.
• Best player thus far: Germán Berterame. The Argentinian left winger is by far the best offensive asset for the ‘Potosinos’, providing a dynamic edge to an otherwise tame side up front. Both Berterame and striker Andrés Vombergar have scored two goals this season, a much needed contribution to Liga MX’s sixth-poorest offense.
• Coming up: Standing on the edge of the Liguilla ‘Reclasificación’ spots, awarded to the first 12 teams, a win in Puebla’s Estadio Cuauhtémoc would propel Atlético de San Luis towards what seemed an unlikely top 4 at the beginning of the season.
• Good news: Barring injuries, the squad will be fully rested after the FIFA break, looking to win for the first time since Week 3.
• Bad news: The club announced that Damián Batallini, Facundo Waller and Vladimir Moragrega are injured, so they won’t be present for the Puebla game.

Necaxa

• League position: 10th, with 9 points (3 wins, 4 losses).
• Last 3 games: Chivas 2-1 Necaxa, Necaxa 1-0 Juárez, Necaxa 3-0 Pumas.
• Next 3 games: @Querétaro, vs. Atlas, @Pachuca.
• Best player thus far: Alejandro Zendejas. The diminutive and multifaceted attacker has scored four goals in the Grita México A21, in spite of missing a penalty kick against former club Chivas. The left-footed player, who can play as a winger or an attacking midfielder, is showing the entire league what the ‘Rebaño Sagrado’ is missing out on.
• Coming up: The Sunday night game in the ‘Estadio Corregidora’ will be manager Leo Ramos’ first game in charge of the ‘Gallos Blancos’, after Héctor Altamirano was dismissed towards the end of August. It is up to Memo Vazquez’s men, who have only won or lost this season without even drawing, to show their good side in the push for a direct Liguilla playoff spot.
• Good news: Necaxa have threats other than Zendejas, such as attacker Luis García, who scoredtwo goals in his last two matches. The former Atlante man is paying Vázquez’s confidence back with goals, which he will continue to do in Querétaro.
• Bad news: Even though Zendejas is only 23, he is already the main ‘Hidrorrayo’ threat in attack. His missed penalty against Chivas will surely be bouncing around his mind, but it is up to him to recover from the kind of moment that can either make or break a player mid-tournament.

Chivas

• League position: 11th, with 9 points (2 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses).
• Last 3 games: Chivas 2-1 Necaxa, Monterrey 0-0 Chivas, Chivas 0-3 León.
• Next 3 games: @Pumas, vs. Pachuca, @Club América.
• Best player thus far: Isaác Brizuela. ‘El Conejito’ has been deployed as a right back, in midfield and as a right winger and has more than done the job for Víctor Manuel Vucetich, scoring two goals in the process. Brizuela adequately filled in for Olympic medalists Alexis Vega, Uriel Antuna, and Fernando Beltrán.
• Coming up: In a remake of the Clausura 2004 final that signalled Pumas’ first title under Hugo Sánchez, Guadalajara will visit Mexico City on Sunday to win their second game in a row for the first time this season. The game will be played in the afternoon; a blessing for those who know how boiling hot the Estadio Universitario pitch can get at noon.
• Good news: There aren’t many of those inside ‘El Redil’ at the moment, but Uriel Antuna not playing regularly for the Mexican national team does mean he will return well rested and ready to play for his club… unlike Vega.
• Bad news: Vega injured his ankle in Mexico’s World Cup qualifying game against Costa Rica, and had to be substituted in the first half. Reports in the Mexican press indicate Chivas’ main man could miss up to 6 weeks.

Mazatlán

• League position: 12th, with 9 points (2 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses).
• Last 3 games: Mazatlán 2-2 Atlético de San Luis, Mazatlán 0-3 Tigres, Toluca 2-2 Mazatlán.
• Next 3 games: @Club América, vs. Pumas, @Xolos.
• Best player thus far: Camilo Sanvezzo. The Brazilian veteran leads the team with three goals and an assist, and proved what the ‘Cañoneros’ can be when he’s at his best at the beginning of the current league campaign, when Mazatlán beat both Cruz Azul and Pachuca. The former Querétaro man seems to be forming a formidable partnership with fellow countryman Giovanni Augusto, who recently scored two goals against Atlético de San Luis. More are sure to follow.
• Coming up: A challenging trip to the Estadio Azteca to face league leaders Club América. The ‘Águilas’ boast the league’s joint-best defensive record and with internationals back in the fold, will look to extend their lead up top. Mazatlán have their work cut out for them.
• Good news: The last ‘Cañonero’ win in Liga MX was back in July, which means motivation to get back on the victory trail will surely not be amiss.
• Bad news: Nicolás Benedetti will not arrive to the Sinaloan team,what seemed like a certainty in the past couple of days. The Colombian’s high wage expectations were reportedly the main reason for the failed transfer.

Pachuca

• League position: 13th, with 7 points (2 wins, 1 tie, 3 losses). Week 5 game pending against Atlético de San Luis.
• Last 3 games: Cruz Azul 1-1 Pachuca, Querétaro 0-2 Pachuca, Monterrey 3-1 Pachuca.
• Next 3 games: vs. Toluca, @Chivas, vs. Necaxa.
• Best player thus far: Víctor Guzmán. A toss up between him and Avilés Hurtado, Guzmán can play in center midfield and in various attacking positions, something he has proven consistently in the past. Although ‘El Pocho’ only has two goals to his name in the current campaign, he is key to every ‘Tuzo’ attack and will be so for the rest of the Grita México A21.
• Coming up: Hosting high-scoring Toluca. The ‘Diablos Rojos’ are immensely threatening in attack, with an in-form Rubens Sambueza and a confident Alexis Canelo spearheading the ‘Choricero’ offensive. It will take a mountain to stop Hernan Cristante’s men from scoring, but Pachuca need to do so if they want their third league win of the semester.
• Good news: Recent arrivals Nicolás Ibañez and Hurtado have disappointed during the tournament’s first half, but will hope to take advantage of the FIFA break to give the ‘Hidalguenses’ the forward push they require. Yairo Moreno will be coming back from international duty, signifying what manager Paulo Pezzolano will hope to be the missing piece to finally form a successful attack.
• Bad news: Facing the league’s joint-best offensive while having a central defense comprised by veterans Cabral, Óscar Murillo and Miguel Herrera, not particularly known for their speed. Beating the ‘Mexiquenses’: one of the more tasking objectives for the ‘Tuzos’ this season.

  

Puebla

• League position: 14th, with 6 points (1 win, 3 draws, 3 losses).
• Last 3 games: Puebla 1-0 Querétaro, Pumas 2-0 Puebla, Xolos 1-1 Puebla.
• Next 3 games: vs. Atlético de San Luis, @Santos Laguna, vs. Cruz Azul.
• Best player thus far: Life without Santiago Ormeño and Omar Fernández, both poached by León, has not been easy for Nicolás Larcamón’s side but Christian Tabó has stepped up to the plate. The heir of Fernandez’s number 10 and his role in the ‘Camotero’ attack, the Colombian is one of Puebla’s most important threats going forward, in spite of Puebla being joint-second of the league’s worst scoring records. No Tabó, no party.
• Coming up: Opening the doors of the Estadio Cuauhtémoc for Atlético de San Luis, Puebla are looking for their second straight win of the league campaign, after only beating 10-men Querétaro with a lone Daniel Álvarez goal in their last game. The ‘Potosinos’’ only two wins have come on the road, against Chivas and Pumas, a dangerous trend to consider for the 14th-placed squad.
• Good news: Larcamon’s men thrashed second-division side Coyotes de Tlaxcala 5-0 during the international window, with former Chivas striker Guillermo Martínez scoring a hat-trick in the process. Maintaining momentum will be key for Puebla if they hope to climb out of the bottom of the table.
• Bad news: The Argentine manager’s tenure is in danger,according to the Mexican press, with the 2020 semifinal run seemingly forgotten. With controversial José Luis Sánchez Solá asking for yet another chance at managing his beloved former team, the pressure will most certainly be on for Larcamón.

Pumas

• League position: 15th, with 5 points (1 win, 2 draws, 4 losses).
• Last 3 games: Toluca 2-1 Pumas, Pumas 2-0 Puebla, Necaxa 3-0 Pumas.
• Next 3 games: vs. Chivas, (Interrupted by a Leagues Cup semifinal against León), @Mazatlán, @Tigres.
• Best player thus far: It’s difficult to find one, but in a team where goals are scarce, Juan Ignacio Dinenno has to be the call. In spite of his recent antics against Toluca that got him sent off in added time, the Argentinian has scored twice for the ‘Universitarios’- both penalty kicks- and will be of high importance if the side from Ciudad Universitaria want to make a late Liguilla playoff spot push.
• Coming up: Hosting Chivas. A rare Sunday afternoon game against a ‘Rojiblanco’ team that usually struggles in the stadium where they lost the Clausura 2004 final, Pumas doesn’t have much room for error in the Grita México A21, since a loss could see them drop to the last spot in the league table. The pressure is on for what will be a weakened ‘Universitario’ side, after the multiple red cards against Toluca.
• Good news: With Jesús Ramírez out as sporting director and the arrival of the iconic Miguel Mejía Barón as sporting vice president, a fresh start might be just what Pumas needs to dig themselves out of the rut and get back to winning ways. To cope with the loss of Johan Vásquez to Genoa during the latest transfer window, the ‘Azul y Oro’ need to remember what led them to a Liga MX final not that long ago.
• Bad news: No Alan Mozo, Ángel García or Dinenno available against Chivas after a hectic Toluca match. Pumas will field a weakened side against a ‘Rojiblanco’ side with several Mexican national team members.

Tijuana

• League position: 16th, with 3 points (0 wins, 3 draws, 4 losses).
• Last 3 games: Xolos 2-2 Monterrey, América 2-0 Xolos, Xolos 1-1 Puebla.
• Next 3 games: vs. Santos Laguna, @Atlético de San Luis, vs. Mazatlán.
• Best player thus far: Lucas Rodríguez. Recently arrived from Estudiantes de la Plata, the left-sided attacker has started the last six league games for the border side, boasting two goals and an assist for a team that is yet to win in the Grita México A21. The few attacking threats for Robert Dante Siboldi’s side usually start with Rodríguez, who needs to improve his connection up top with Mauro Manotas if wins are to come for Xolos.
• Coming up: Hosting fifth-placed Santos Laguna in a crucial match, there is no room for error for a team that has sorely disappointed this semester in spite of several high-profile signings. If Siboldi’s men do not get the three points this week, they could be kissing their Liguilla ‘Reclasificación’ aspirations goodbye.
• Good news: Both Manotas and Vladimir Loroña scored against a tough Monterrey side; the first time Xolos got themselves more than one goal in a single game this season. Continuing to do so will be key for survival, but the question is whether or not they can achieve it.
• Bad news: Visiting Atlético de San Luis with less than a week’s rest after the Santos game could be a double-edged sword for Xolos, considering a loss this week will be a tough blow to recover from.

Querétaro

• League position: 17th, with 3 points (0 wins, 3 draws, 4 losses).
• Last 3 games: Puebla 1-0 Querétaro, Querétaro 0-2 Pachuca, Tigres 3-0 Querétaro.
• Next 3 games: vs. Necaxa, @Cruz Azul, @Juárez.
• Best player thus far: Tough to say, but seeing how the ‘Gallos Blancos’ have only scored once this season, Nicolás Sosa has to be the chosen one. ‘NicKiller’ struck against Atlético de San Luis in the second gameweek, but has struggled to do it again since he doesn’t have much help up top other than veteran Pablo Barrera and Kevin Ramírez.
• Coming up: Leo Ramos’ managerial debut against Necaxa at home. As previously mentioned, the ‘Hidrorrayos’ have never drawn this season, which is why we can expect a dynamic matchup on Sunday, with Querétaro needing a win to avoid falling to the bottom of the league in case Juárez wins.
• Good news: After four losses in their last five games, a tie or a win will be seen as a positive result.
• Bad news: Querétaro has the league’s worst offensive record, and is facing a Necaxa side that has kept three clean sheets in their last four matches.

Juárez

• League position: 18th, with 2 points (0 wins, 2 draws, 5 losses).
• Last 3 games: Santos Laguna 2-0 Juárez, Necaxa 1-0 Juárez, Club América 2-1 Juárez.
• Next 3 games: vs. Cruz Azul, @León, vs. Atlético de San Luis.
• Best player thus far: Gabriel Fernández. The Uruguayan forward has scored three times in four games, and seems to be a bright light in an otherwise tepid striking force. A brace against Chivas solidified Ricardo Ferretti’s decision to bring him in on loan from Celta de Vigo in the summer.
• Coming up: Facing the current Liga MX champions will be no easy task for the ‘Bravos’, who hold the worst defensive record in the league by conceding 13 goals. ‘La Máquina’ boast one of the league’s best squads and with an in-form Santiago Giménez leading the line, Juárez will need to put in their best performance of the season to win even a single point.
• Good news: Cruz Azul could have as many as 11 players missing due to international call-ups and injury; a much needed break for a side that is yet to win this season.
• Bad news: Juárez will be without starting center back Maximiliano Olivera, who was red-carded in the 2-0 defeat to Santos. ‘Tuca’ is no stranger to adjusting, but a fraile defensive side losing a strong defensive asset is no good news.

Ranging from his playing days as a goalkeeper, when he conceded a spectacular bicycle kick goal against Hugo Sánchez and then dared the ‘Pentapichichi’ to do it again since “he wouldn’t score another (goal) like that in 100 years”– which Sánchez did.

Going through his claim that the 2002 Apertura title Toluca won with Alberto Jorge as manager — since La Volpe was appointed as new Mexican national team head coach mid-tournament– should be awarded to himself. And then, his refusal to call up Cuauhtémoc Blanco to the 2006 World Cup at the peak of his playing career, seemingly because of a grudge after Blanco celebrated mockingly in front of him in a Club América – Atlas game in 1999.

Publicly calling out multiple managers and team presidents, not shaking the opposing head coach’s hand before games, wearing a dragon tie as a good luck charm, bragging about Pep Guardiola admiring his style of play and then calling him a ‘vendehumos’, and being accused of sexual harassment, ‘El Bigotón’ usually finds a way to be in the spotlight.

His most recent jewel of a statement compared Diego Lainez, to whom he handed his debut as Club América manager in 2017, to Lionel Messi, something La Volpe has donein the past. In 2020, the 1978 FIFA World Cup winner advised Mexico national team manager Gerardo Martino on how to properly use the current Betis man, since he is a “Messi type”. Now, the controversial figure doubled down on his opinion in an interview with The Athletic.

“Physically they’re the same player. I always compared Lainez to Messi because of his physical attributes and his burst off the dribble, his dribbling and his intelligence as a creator. He’s going to continue to get better. He’s a very important player for Mexico’s future”, La Volpe argued. Although the Buenos Aires native never stated Lainez and Messi both have the same level of talent, or that the young Mexican star could ever be what ‘La Pulga’ is, he did mention both of them in the same sentence.

Similarities between Messi and Lainez

Messi was born on June 24, 1987 in Rosario, Argentina, while Lainez on June 9, 2000 in Villahermosa, México. Messi is 5’7’’ while Lainez is 5’6’’. Both are left-footed attacking players. They were both born in the same month, have similar heights and play in near-identical positions on the pitch. Both players made their professional debuts at 17, Messi doing so against Espanyol in a 2004 LaLiga match and Lainez plying his trade for the first time against Santos Laguna in the 2017 Clausura Copa MX.

‘La Pulga’’s time during his first season at the Barcelona first team (2004/05) ended with a tally of nine games and one goal, totalling 238 minutes and the obtention of the LaLiga title.Lainez‘s first season: 11 games, registering two assists over 664 minutes. Messiplayed in the UEFA Champions League, and against far tougher rivals, having a slightly higher goal contribution than his Mexican counterpart.

Differences between Messi and Lainez

Messi’s meteoric rise to the height of world soccer took him a mere four years after his first team debut. During the 2008/09 season, he took over Ronaldinho’s iconic number 10 and under Guardiola’s leadership, led the ‘Culés’ to their first-ever treble. The Rosario native capped off a highly successful year with a resounding 2-0 Barcelona win over Manchester United in the Champions League final, a tournament in which he ended as top scorer with 9 goals. At the end of the year, Messi won the first of his six Ballon D’Ors, overcoming Cristiano Ronaldo in the final vote.

As for Lainez, the 2021/22 season is almost exactly four years after his first-team debut in March of 2017. Asking anyone to even come close to what Messi has achieved is impossible, and the Mexican international is no exception. After an injury had him removed from the Bronze medal match at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Lainez is yet to make his first appearance for Real Betis this season. Just for comparisonsake, Messi’s 2008/09 season (his fourth year as a first team player) ended with 38 goals and 19 assists in 51 games.

The Club América youth product just turned 21 but has never been able to establish himself as a solid starter for ‘Los Verdiblancos’ for more than a few games at a time. Lainez is one of Mexico’s most promising players, something he showed against the U.S. in the Concacaf Nationals League final with a 79th minute goal, and regular Olympic outings from the bench, but still needs consistency to reach what an entire country expects of him.

Comparisons, especially to a legend of the game, are rarely fair. La Volpe, as an experienced manager and with a 40-year long career in soccer, should know that doing so with Lainez and Messi will only tack on unnecessary pressure onthe 21-year old. All we shouldexpect from the left-footed virtuoso born in Villahermosa is stability, professionalism, and a spark of brilliance here and there that will have ‘El Bigotón’ mentioning him in the same sentence as ‘La Pulga’ once again.

Mexico’s two most popular teams took advantage of the FIFA international window to bring the historic exhibition to loyal followers in the United States; one that would turn into the continuation of what seems to be a never-ending nightmare for Guadalajara, and a sweet dream for las ‘Águilas’.

Federico Viñas stunned Chivas before a single full minute of game time had been played with a strike that went between alternate starting goalkeeper Raul Gudiño’s legs, and after a fruitless 90 minutes, Emilio Lara put the final nail in the ‘Rojiblanco’ coffin via a stoppage time left-footed shot. The final 2-0 result favoring the ‘Azulcremas’ is a mirror of both teams’ Liga MX performances: América is unbeaten and in first place, while its bitter rival sits eleventh with only two wins in seven matches.

The disappointing performance from a tame Guadalajara side, albeit in a friendly, echoes louder after manager Víctor Manuel Vucetich voiced distress last week for having to use only Mexican players on his team, as tradition has always dictated in one of Mexico’s winningest clubs.

“It has been a disadvantage (playing with only Mexicans) because it is evident that you can’t use the players you would want. That’s on one side, on the other, teams don’t sell the players you do want. That’s another problem. Another topic is the level Chivas requires; very high. And there are only four or five players that could fit into Chivas”, Vucetich told TUDN last Wednesday. The statements made by the former Monterrey manager were understandably not received with open arms by Chivas’ high management, according to El Universal.

The words used by one of Liga MX’s most successful coaches ever, with a whopping five national championships and three Concacaf titles to his name, immediately drew parallels to those of former manager Matías Almeyda, who in the past has continuously expressed his belief and support for players born in Mexico.“I am a foreigner and believe in Mexicans more than many Mexicans do”, ‘El Pelado’ triumphantly told national press after pummeling América 3-0 in the Estadio Azteca in the Apertura 2016.

“I believe in Mexicans, never mind that I’m obligated to use Mexican players. I truly believe in all of you and the day you believe in yourselves, you will overcome the world. You will overcome anyone”, Almeyda also expressed to his squad before the Clausura 2017 final against Tigres, one that Chivas would win to secure its 12th-ever league title.

The days of celebrating at the ‘Minerva’ roundabout in Jalisco’s capital, what seemed to be a regular custom under Almeyda, seem far away for Guadalajara followers, but Vucetich refuses to paint a bleak picture of his club’s present and future. Before the América friendly in Dallas, ‘Rey Midas’ defended his side’s performances in Liga MX, in spite of only winning against 10th-placed Necaxa and 14th-placed Puebla. “The team plays pretty well, we have played well and are being criticized. For example, the best team (in Mexico) right now is America and they are also criticized”, Vucetich explained last week.

Mention the current manager’s name to any Chivas fan and you probably won’t be greeted with a smile. Mention ‘El Pelado’ and the reception will probably be the exact opposite. Nostalgia aside, and with ‘Vuce’’s recent statements in mind, is there really that much of a difference between both managers’ tenures? Is outrage caused by the poor ‘Rojiblanco’ form too much or is it justified?

Remembering Almeyda

Almeyda arrived at Chivas in September 2015, controversially landing in Guadalajara’s airport while José Manuel de la Torre was still officially the team’s head coach. In spite of ‘Chepo’s long-standing credit with the ‘Rebaño’ faithful, stemming from the Apertura 2006 title against Toluca, the rocky start of two wins and five losses in the first eight league games of the Apertura 2015- with relegation also looming closely- signalled the end of De la Torre’s second time in charge.

Even though Chivas players reportedly urged late owner Jorge Vergara for ‘Chepo’s stay of execution, and with Almeyda staying in a hotel in the city while the drama ensued, the Argentine’s appointment took place in a grand ceremony on the Estadio Akron pitch in mid-September. Almeyda was straight forward and urged fans to get behind the team: “We are going to need the people’s support so the giant that is Chivas can return. I am not here to save you from relegation. I am here to wake the giant”.

And that is exactly what he did. ‘El Pelado’’s reign lasted a little under three years; from September of 2015 to June of 2018. The team’s first title took less than two months to arrive: the Copa MX Apertura 2015, won with an Oswaldo Alanís goal in Leon’s Nou Camp stadium. Then came the Supercopa MX obtention in 2016, another Copa MX win in 2017, closely followed by the Clausura 2017 league title against Tigres, and a Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League (SCCL) triumph by defeating Toronto FC in the decisive match. Almeyda was no longer in charge for the 2018 FIFA Club World Cup.

Almeyda took charge of 147 games for ‘El Rebaño’, winning 64, drawing 40 and losing 43 in the process. The team scored 203 goals, conceded 174 (+29 difference), and accumulated 232 points in total (average of 1.58 per match). The former River Plate manager took over from De la Torre to finish the Apertura 2015 outside of playoff spots, and managed an additional five league tournaments, with mixed results.

• Clausura 2016: 5th place (28 points in 17 games). Lost the Liguilla playoff quarterfinals against Club América with a 2-1 aggregate score. Carlos Peña missed a crucial penalty in the away leg at the Estadio Azteca. Won the Supercopa MX.
• Apertura 2016: 4th place (28 points in 17 games). Lost the Liguilla playoff quarterfinals – again – against Club América with a 2-1 aggregate score.
• Clausura 2017: 3rd place (27 points in 17 games). Won the title after eliminating Atlas, Toluca and Tigres in the Liguilla playoffs. Won the Copa MX.
• Apertura 2017: 13th place (18 points in 17 games). Didn’t make the Liguilla playoffs.
• Clausura 2018: 17th place (15 points in 17 games). Didn’t make the Liguilla playoffs. Won the SCCL, earning Chivas a spot at the 2018 Club World Cup.

Almeyda left Chivas in June of 2018 amidst a string of bad results and controversy with then-Omnilife Chivas CEO José Luis Higuera, in versions that include a public back and forth between both parties, with the Argentine quoting “dignity” and a “lack of union” as the main reasons for his departure. The Azul native stated he hopes to return to ‘El Redil’ in the future.

The Vucetich era

A long-time target for Guadalajara, ‘Rey Midas’ took over from Luis Fernando Tena for the Guard1anes 2020 tournament, after ‘El Flaco’ managed just a mere point from the first three league games. Vucetich’s first match in charge was the 2-1 win over Atlético de San Luis. Fun fact: Almeyda’s first game in charge was also a 2-1 win, but over Vucetich’s Querétaro side.

With relegation no longer a threat due to the Mexican Football Federation “suspending” it until 2025, the multiple league winner stated in his presentation in August of 2020 that managing Chivas is a tough mountain to climb. “Without a doubt the most important challenge (of my career) because of the amount of fans, what the team means to Mexicans… We are committed to give our maximum effort… we will aspire to reach the top, which is the title”, Vucetich mentioned.

Chivas’ run in the Guard1anes 2020 started out with uncertainty under Tena, but finished hopefully under their new manager, reaching the semifinals after leaving Necaxa behind in the ‘Repechaje’ and América in the quarterfinals, with three world class goals by Cristian ‘Chicote’ Calderón. This is how the rest of ‘Vuce’’s time in charge has gone.

• Guard1anes 2020: 7th place (26 points in 17 games). Crashed out of the tournament in the semifinals of the Liguilla playoffs against Club León, losing 2-1 in aggregate.
• Guard1anes Clausura 2021: 9th place (23 points in 17 games). Lost to Pachuca 4-2 in the single-leg ‘Repechaje’, didn’t make the Liguilla playoffs.
• Grita México A21 (currently underway): 11th place (9 points in 7 games).

Vucetich’s first tournament could be seen as a success, the second one a resounding failure, and the third one has had a rocky start. ‘Rey Midas’’ numbers as ‘Rebaño’ manager stand as follows: 43 matches, with 16 wins, 16 draws and 11 losses. The team has scored 53 goals and conceded 50 (+3 difference), amassing 64 points in the process (1.49 per game). As a reminder, Almeyda managed 147 times and won 64 games, drew 40, and lost 43. The team scored 203 times, conceded on 174 occasions(+29 difference), and accumulated 232 points in total (average of 1.58 per match).

What next?

Granted, both managers have very different squads and have played against different rivals. One has been in charge for barely a year when the other had almost three to work with. But, numbers don’t lie. Vucetich’s side has a lower win percentage (.37, compared to Almeyda’s .43), a lower goal difference (+3 compared to +29), less goals scored per game (1.23 compared to 1.38), and only holds a slightly improved defensive record (1.16 compared to 1.18). Statistically, Almeyda won a trophy every 29 matches. Vucetich has none, with the disclaimer that Copa MX is no longer played.

Our friends at Rebaño Pasión took a look at Chivas’ last five managers and compared their records, in case you want to check that out as well.

Changing a manager mid-season is never a team’s first choice, and Chivas’ next few league games will be crucial to decide Vucetich’s future. The next three matchups for the ‘Rojiblancos’ are away at Pumas, at home against Pachuca and away at América. In case the at-times volatile high management in Guadalajara decides to move on, replacements mentioned in the Mexican press include Jaime Lozano, Antonio Mohamed and Marcelo Michel Leaño, Youth Football Director already at the club.

An eventual Almeyda return seems impossible at the moment, since the Argentine is under contract at the San José Earthquakes until December of 2022, but the Liga MX is nothing short of a jack-in-the-box of endless surprises, so never say never.

More than just fulfilling the trophy demands, the Rosario native’s effect on the French team’s brand as a whole has even shocked PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi. The also-member of the UEFA Executive Committee stated during Messi’s presentation in August that the revenue from securing the services of the historicBarcelona idol has been more than expected for Les Parisiens.

And so it should be, at least for what they’re paying their newest player.Even though the operation to secure his services didn’t carry along a transfer fee, it did include a reported $30 million signing bonus and an annual salary of approximately $41 million per year, for the initial two years of a contract that has the option for a third.

When such high profile transfers take place, one of the first takes abound in social and traditional media is that the team will be able to recoup the money they spent to sign the player via jersey sales. In this case, PSG would be in the clear financially from Messi’s hefty salary and signing bonus since people buy thousands of “Messi 30” jerseys. Nothing could be further from the truth.

How jersey deals work

The misconception behind soccer teams earning back most of the money from jersey sales falls apart when explaining the nature behind said sponsorship deals. When a jersey manufacturer pays a team so they can become their sponsors, they are undergoing a licensing deal, as sports lawyer Jake Cohen explained to The Independent in 2018.

Basically, brands produce and distribute the products, while teams earn an annual fee to allow said brands to do so. In such deals, pertaining to jersey sales, teams usually only earn back around 7% of sales per shirt sold, with the rest of the profit going back to the manufacturer, according to Kieran Maguire, author of the Price of Football.

The relationship is mutually beneficial, since teams don’t have the infrastructure and network to distribute massive amounts of merchandise themselves, and brands take advantage of the tremendous exposure that comes along with sponsoring the world’s most popular clubs.

An example is Adidas’ deal with Manchester United. The German sports brand paid approximately $1.3 billion in 2014 to sponsor the Red Devils for the next ten years, starting in the 2015/16 season, which would signify an annual income of an estimated $100 million for the team.

Labeled as a “record-breaking deal” by English media at the time, Adidas CEO Herbert Hainer stated that the company would make total sales of over $2 billion during the time period, as reported by CNN Money; a win-win situation.

Not all jersey sponsorship deals are the same, though. Liverpool, who wear Nike, accepted a lower yearly payment of around $40 million in 2021 in exchange for around 20% of sales per shirt sold, per Football Insider. Most of these figures are not official since clubs and manufacturers don’t make said information publicly available.

PSG’s jersey deal

Now, let’s take a look at PSG’s deal with Nike. Signed in 2019 and running until 2032, the French giants are set to earn an estimated $95 million annually from the monster agreement, via ESPN FC. The American sports brand pays PSG such high amounts of money not only so they can be present next to the club’s crest, but to earn back their initial investment, and then some more.

So, back to the original –yet misleading premise–of PSG making back the money they are spending on Messi by selling thousands of jerseys with his name and number on the back. Taking Maguire’s estimate of 7% per jersey going back to the club per shirt sold, we can pull out the calculator to see how many “Messi 30”s would need to be sold in order to support just the first year of La Pulga’s $41 million annual contract.

A normal Nike replica jersey with Messi’s name and number on the back runs you $135, while the match jersey –the one players wear during games– is $195. Assuming most people would rather spend less money for barely noticeable differences between both versions, PSG would only make around $9.50 from one jersey sold.

In order for Les Parisiens to earn one year’s worth of Messi’s salary from shirt sales, and considering some might fork over the extra $60 for the match jersey, the French side would need to sell at least 4 million “Messi 30”s to match the first year of salary… in one year alone.

To put that into perspective, market and consumer data website Statista reported that during the 2018/19 season, the team that sold the most jerseys worldwide was Manchester United with 3,250,000, followed closely by Real Madrid with 3,120,000 and Bayern Munich with 2,575,000.

PSG would need to significantly trump United’s reported jersey sales in order to break even. And that’s assuming that every single jersey sold in the following year would be with Messi’s name and number on the back. With superstars like Kylian Mbappé, Neymar Jr. and Ángel Di María also on the books, said concept seems highly unlikely, also considering there are fans who already planned on buying PSG jerseys, or had already bought jerseys but are now only getting the new #30 printed on them.

Messi’s impact

The aforementioned statistics and estimated income from Messi’s jersey sales isnot intended to paint a gloomy financial picture of one of the most spectacular transfers in recent times. After all, Messi’s departure is estimated to cost Barcelona around $162 million in brand value during 2021, according to consulting firm Brand Finance.

The direct impact the skillful South American can have on a team’s brand comes from three main aspects, according to the same source: commercial revenue, matchday, and merchandising.

If Messi can translate some of his on-field performances from Spain to France, commercial and financial success will follow. Maguire recently stated in an interview with British newspaper “i” that commercial partners will provide the greatest income related to the Argentine’s arrival in Paris, followed by ticket sales, and then by success on the pitch.

For a player that registered 38 goals and 14 assists in 47 games for an underperforming Barcelona side last season, the last point shouldn’t be a problem.

Jersey sales do help a team cover a transfer, but not nearly as much as most would believe. When 150,000 “Messi 30” jerseys went on sale on PSG’s website the day his signing was announced, they were gone within seven minutes, according to CNBC. There was also a false jersey claim that PSG sold over 830,000 Messi jerseys within the first day of signing him, but that was quickly debunked by news agency AFP.

The interest, however, is still there. If you log onto PSG’s website to order one for yourself today, you will only be disappointed as they are mostly sold out, except for women’s and kids sizes. ‘Messimania’ in Paris and the rest of the world has only just begun, but the ride should be a thrilling one, on and off the pitch.