by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 15, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Luis Campos has made his Ballon d’Or preference crystal clear—he believes Ousmane Dembélé should lift the coveted 2025 award.
Speaking on Rothen s’enflamme on Monday, the Portuguese executive praised the French winger’s dazzling season, citing his decisive performances, trophy haul, and remarkable statistics.
“Ousmane Dembélé clearly deserves the Ballon d’Or,” Campos declared. “He was named best player in the Champions League, best player in his league—he’s won everything. If his name were Leo Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, there would be no debate. If he doesn’t win, then the people voting aren’t qualified to pick the Ballon d’Or winner.”
Dembélé, once a Barcelona prodigy, has become a central figure in PSG’s quest for European dominance, and Campos believes this campaign proves the 28-year-old is finally at the peak of his powers.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 15, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
Samuel Umtiti, the French centre-back who rose to global fame during France’s 2018 FIFA World Cup triumph, has officially retired from professional football at the age of 31.
In an emotional Instagram post on September 15, Umtiti reflected on his journey:
“After an intense career with ups and downs, the time has come to say goodbye. I gave my ALL with passion and regret NOTHING. I want to thank all the clubs, presidents, coaches and players I was able to stand with ❤️ … and thank you to all the supporters for your support.”
Umtiti’s career began at Olympique Lyonnais, where he captured the Coupe de France and Trophée des Champions, before sealing a high-profile move to Barcelona in 2016. At Camp Nou, he became a defensive mainstay, winning two La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey trophies, and two Spanish Super Cups.
His defining moment came in 2018 when he scored the crucial semi-final goal against Belgium that propelled France into the World Cup final—an achievement that cemented his place in French football history.
However, recurring knee injuries hampered his later years, limiting appearances for Barcelona and during loan spells, including a stint at Lecce. His final professional chapter was with Lille, where he signed in 2023 but struggled to regain full fitness.
Despite the setbacks, Umtiti retires as one of his generation’s most decorated defenders, boasting both U-20 and senior World Cup medals. His legacy remains one of talent, perseverance, and unforgettable moments on football’s grandest stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 15, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Thomas Partey expressed pure joy at stepping back onto familiar ground despite Villarreal’s 2–0 loss to Atletico Madrid in La Liga.
The Ghanaian midfielder, who enjoyed a seven-year spell at Atletico from 2013 to 2020, spoke warmly after Friday night’s match at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium, affectionately known as the Wanda Metropolitano.
> “I feel good. I’m happy to be playing, and I’m happy with the team, with the coaches and everything. I’m happy to be back here playing again in Wanda. It’s been a long time, and I’m happy,” Partey said, reflecting on his reunion with the club where he made 188 appearances under Diego Simeone.
Atletico recorded their first La Liga win of the season, moving up to ninth place. Pablo Barrios opened the scoring in the 9th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse, before Nico Gonzalez sealed the victory with a powerful header in the 52nd minute—his first goal for the club.
Villarreal were not without chances. Alberto Moleiro came close on multiple occasions, while Nicolas Pepe rattled the crossbar with a stunning free kick, but Diego Simeone’s men held firm.
Partey’s return to the Metropolitano stirred speculation of a future comeback to Atletico. Reports suggest the 32-year-old, who left for Arsenal in 2020 for £45 million and recently joined Villarreal, could be tempted to rejoin his former club when his current contract expires in June 2025.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 15, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey’s ongoing legal case in the United Kingdom has been postponed for a second time, allowing him to remain in London just days before Villarreal’s UEFA Champions League clash with Mohammed Kudus’ Tottenham Hotspur.
Originally scheduled for September 2, the 32-year-old’s court appearance was first moved to September 15, a change that enabled him to feature in Ghana’s 1–0 World Cup qualifying win over Mali. Fresh updates from Spanish outlet El Periódico Mediterráneo now confirm the hearing will instead take place at Southwark Crown Court on September 17 at 16:00 GMT.
The new date means Partey is free to represent Villarreal in their Champions League opener against Spurs, a match carrying a unique Ghanaian subplot as he faces his Black Stars teammate Kudus. Tottenham fans, however, are expected to be hostile given Partey’s strong Arsenal ties from his five seasons in North London.
Partey continues to maintain his innocence as he faces six serious charges—five counts of non-consensual acts and one of sexual assault—and remains on conditional bail following his initial court appearance last month. Since the allegations first emerged in 2022, opposition supporters have occasionally jeered him, but Villarreal president Fernando Roig has urged restraint, insisting:
> “Thomas has the right to do his job until there is a conviction. At this moment, Partey is as innocent as the rest of us. A fundamental right like this must be respected.”
On the pitch, Partey has settled quickly in Spain, featuring in all four of Villarreal’s opening La Liga matches and logging 135 minutes, including a reunion clash against former club Atlético Madrid. Speaking to Sporty TV, he admitted he is still adapting to La Liga’s different style but remains optimistic about regaining top form.
Despite off-field pressures, Partey demonstrated commitment to his career and national team duties. He also accepted a 74.5% pay cut from his Arsenal salary of £200,000 a week to complete his summer move to Villarreal.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 15, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have unveiled their final 21-man roster for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup and are already en route to Chile for a crucial pre-tournament training camp.
Head coach Aliyu Zubairu retained the core of the team that impressed at the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations in Egypt. Reliable names such as goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, captain Daniel Bameyi, full-back Odinaka Okoro, and defender Auwal Ibrahim headline the list.
The midfield remains strong with Daniel Daga of Molde and Israel Ayuma of NK Istra providing creativity, while the attacking department boasts firepower from Charles Agada, prolific striker Kparobo Arierhi of Lillestrom SK, and Abdullahi Shitu Ele, who plies his trade at Manchester City.
The team departed Abuja on Sunday for a 12-day training camp in Chile, setting up base ahead of their Group F challenge. Nigeria will face Norway on September 29, Saudi Arabia on October 2, and Colombia on October 5, with all matches scheduled at the Estadio Fiscal in Talca, roughly 250 km from Santiago.
Final Squad List
Goalkeepers: Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos), Clinton Ezekiel (Bayelsa United), Rufa’i Abubakar (Mavlon FC)
Defenders: Ocheche Amos Onyejefu (Stade de Reims, France), Odinaka Okoro (Sporting Lagos), Daniel Bameyi (Bayelsa United), Marvelous Avberosou (Ikorodu City), Alatan Azuka (36 Lions), Akinyele Ahmed Olamide (Remo Stars)
Midfielders: Israel Ayuma (NK Istra, Croatia), Emmanuel Ekowoicho (FC Montana, Bulgaria), Mustapha Kamaldeen (Kwara Football Academy), Daniel Daga (Molde FC, Norway), Auwal Ibrahim (Akwa United), Nasiru Salihu (Qabala FC, Azerbaijan)
Forwards: Achichi Oseer (Royal Antwerp FC, Belgium), Sani Suleman (AS Trencin, Slovakia), Tahir Maigana (Wireless FC), Kparobo Arierhi (Lillestrom SK, Norway), Charles Agada (NK Istra, Croatia), Abdullahi Shitu Ele (Manchester City FC, England)
