United News of Bangladesh

It wasn’t the way they pictured it, but Bangladesh’s under-20 women will take it. A few hours after being thumped 6-1 by South Korea, they were celebrating history — a first-ever spot in the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup finals. The news came from miles away. Lebanon’s 8-0 collapse against China meant Bangladesh finished among the three best runners-up across the eight qualifying groups. That was enough to punch their ticket to Thailand next April. Earlier in the day, the script had looked more straightforward. A draw against Korea in Vientiane would have made them group winners. Trishna Rani even put them in front on 15 minutes, latching on to Shanti Mardi’s pass. But the lead lasted only five minutes. Once the Koreans pulled level, the second half turned ugly — five more goals flew in as Peter Butler’s side lost their shape and their grip on the game. Under-20! Women's Asian Qualifiers: Trishna bags hattrick as Bangladesh beat East Timor 8-0 Still, the damage wasn’t fatal. Wins over Laos (3-1) and East Timor (8-0) kept their points tally strong enough to survive the final-day blowout. Trishna finished the campaign with four goals, including a hat-trick, while Mosammat Sagarika scored three. It’s another milestone for the women’s game here, following the senior team’s breakthrough in July. Bangladesh now join heavyweights North Korea, Japan, China, South Korea, India and hosts Thailand in the 12-team finals. Go deep enough in Thailand — the top four sides go to the U-20 World Cup in Poland — and this could just be the start of an even bigger story.//

For 15 minutes, it looked like Bangladesh’s under-20 women were on course for a bit of history, but in the end, they suffered a big defeat. They only needed a draw to top their group and book a first-ever ticket to the under-20 Asian Cup finals. Trishna Rani even gave them the perfect start in Vientiane, turning in Shanti Mardi’s cross to make it 1-0. That was the high point. South Korea equalised five minutes later through Lee Hyun, punishing a messy defensive moment. From there, Bangladesh hung on gamely until the break, but the second half turned into a collapse. Under-20! Women's Asian Qualifiers: Trishna bags hattrick as Bangladesh beat East Timor 8-0 The Koreans went ahead in the 48th minute, and by the hour mark their captain, Chu Hye Yong, had made it 3-1. Bangladesh’s midfield kept coughing up possession, the back line kept getting pulled apart, and the last half-hour was one-way traffic. Hye Yong added a penalty late on, Lee Hyun got her second, and Jin Herin’s stoppage-time strike sealed a 6-1 rout. The defeat means Korea finish with three wins from three, while Bangladesh drop into the runners-up lottery. They are currently third among second-placed teams — still enough to qualify — but results in three other groups will decide it. It could all be settled as soon as Lebanon lose to China. Or, if Australia beat Chinese Taipei by more than two goals, Bangladesh are through. Sagarika leads Bangladesh to victory over Laos in U-20 qualifier The qualifiers have been split into eight groups, with each winner and the three best runners-up joining hosts Thailand next year. Bangladesh are still in the mix — but now they are watching scorelines from the sidelines.

Mohamed Salah has questioned UEFA’s tribute to former Palestinian footballer Suleiman Obeid, who was reportedly shot and killed by Israeli forces while waiting for aid in Gaza. Salah took to social media platform X to ask, “Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?” This was in response to UEFA’s post bidding farewell to Obeid, calling him the “Palestinian Pele” and praising his talent and the hope he gave to many children during difficult times. Obeid, 41, was fatally shot on Wednesday near a humanitarian aid distribution site in southern Gaza, according to the Palestine Football Association (PFA). He leaves behind a wife and five children. The Associated Press has not independently verified the details. The PFA said Obeid played 24 matches for Palestine, scoring two goals, and netted over 100 goals in his local club career. The association described him as “one of the brightest stars of Palestinian football.” Darwin Nunez swaps Liverpool for Saudi giants Al-Hilal UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin expressed deep sadness over Obeid’s death, highlighting his role as a symbol of hope and resilience amid hardship. Čeferin called Obeid’s passing a great loss to football and to those who believe in sport’s power to inspire. The PFA reported that Obeid’s death brings the total number of Palestinian athletes and sports officials killed since the 22-month conflict began to 662. According to the U.N. human rights office, approximately 1,400 Palestinians seeking aid in Gaza have been killed since May, most by Israeli fire. The ongoing conflict, triggered by a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, widespread displacement, and severe humanitarian crises in Gaza.

Premier League champions Liverpool have parted ways with Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez, who completed a high-profile move to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal on Saturday. Nunez, 25, joined the Saudi Pro League club on a three-year deal for a reported £46.3 million ($62 million). Al-Hilal — the most decorated team in Saudi Arabia — had been seeking another star addition after releasing Brazilian great Neymar in January. Previous attempts to sign Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes fell through, while former Napoli striker Victor Osimhen was also linked. Since arriving at Liverpool, Nunez showcased flashes of brilliance but never fully cemented his role as the Reds’ first-choice centre-forward. He netted 40 goals in 143 appearances, helping the club lift the Premier League trophy last season. However, he started only once in the league in 2025 and managed just seven goals in 47 matches across all competitions last term. With Liverpool bolstering their attack this summer through the signings of Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz — and reported interest in Newcastle’s Alexander Isak — Nunez’s future at Anfield had been uncertain. Barcelona reinstates Ter Stegen as captain after submitting medical report to La Liga The move sees him join a growing list of top European players heading to Saudi Arabia since Cristiano Ronaldo’s switch to Al Nassr in 2022, including Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane and Riyad Mahrez. Al-Hilal, who stunned Manchester City in last season’s Club World Cup, already boasts stars such as Kalidou Koulibaly, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Joao Cancelo and Aleksandar Mitrovic. The team is managed by two-time Champions League runner-up Simone Inzaghi. The club has claimed a record 19 Saudi league titles and four Asian championships but finished runners-up to Al-Ittihad last season. Source: Agency 

Barcelona have restored Marc-Andre ter Stegen as first-team captain after the goalkeeper authorized the club to send his medical report to La Liga, closing a dispute that briefly cost him the armband. The 33-year-old had been stripped of the captaincy on Thursday amid disagreements over the recovery period from recent lower back surgery. The club had opened disciplinary proceedings after he initially withheld consent to share the report, which was needed to free up salary-cap space for player registrations. “These past few months have been especially difficult for me, both physically and personally,” Ter Stegen said in a social media statement, dismissing as “completely unfounded” claims that he hindered new signings. He stressed the surgery and recovery timeline were fully approved by the club and based on medical advice. Barcelona Takes Disciplinary Action Against Ter Stegen Over Medical Report Dispute Barcelona confirmed Friday that the matter was resolved and Ter Stegen “is captain of the first team once again with immediate effect.” The Germany international, who missed most of last season with a knee injury and had a prior back operation in 2023, said his “commitment to these colors remains absolute” and that any suggestion his surgery was linked to registering new players was “unfair and inaccurate.” Barcelona, the defending Spanish league champions, will play Italian side Como in their final preseason game on Sunday before opening their league campaign at Mallorca next Saturday. Source: Agency

Manchester United have signed Slovenia striker Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig in a bid to recover from their worst-ever Premier League campaign. United will pay Leipzig a fee that could rise to €85 million ($99 million) for the 22-year-old, who has agreed to a five-year deal. Sesko becomes the third attacking recruit this summer, following the arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, as coach Ruben Amorim looks to strengthen the frontline ahead of his first full season in charge. United endured a dismal 2024–25 season, finishing 15th — just three spots above the relegation zone — with a club-record 18 defeats and their lowest-ever points tally of 42. Only four teams scored fewer goals. Strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee managed just 18 goals between them in all competitions, prompting the club’s attacking overhaul. Sesko, who has been likened to Zlatan Ibrahimovic due to his 1.95-meter frame and technical ability, scored 14 and 13 goals in his two seasons at Leipzig. He also has six goals in 28 Champions League matches for Leipzig and former club Salzburg, and 16 goals in 41 appearances for Slovenia. Mbeumo netted 20 Premier League goals for Brentford last season, while Cunha scored 17 in all competitions for Wolves. Manchester United targets Mbeumo as Amorim rebuilds attack after Cunha deal   “The history of Manchester United is obviously very special but what really excites me is the future,” Sesko said. “When we discussed the project, it was clear that everything is in place for this team to continue to grow and compete for the biggest trophies again soon.” Source: Agency

Bangladesh U-20 women’s football team cruised to a big 8-0 win over East Timor in their second match of the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers in Vientiane on Friday. Striker Trishna Rani netted a hat-trick. Sinha Jahan Shikha, Shanti Mardi, Nabiran Khatun, Munki Akter, and Mosammat Sagarika were also on the scoresheet as Bangladesh maintained their winning run in Group H. Bangladesh took 20 minutes to find their rhythm before Shikha opened the scoring with a precise header from Swapna Rani’s corner. Shanti doubled the lead in the 33rd minute with a curling corner that went straight in — an Olympic goal — and just three minutes later, Nabiran made it 3-0 with another header from Shanti’s delivery. Trishna added the fourth in first-half stoppage time from Sagarika’s pass. Nepal to host ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier The second half saw relentless Bangladeshi pressure. Trishna grabbed her second in the 57th minute after a rebound fell kindly to her inside the box. Sagarika extended the lead to 6-0 in the 73rd minute, dispossessing a defender and rounding the goalkeeper. Trishna completed her hat-trick in the 82nd minute before Munki wrapped up the scoring in the dying moments. With two wins from two matches, Bangladesh sit atop Group H with six points. They will face South Korea — who beat East Timor 9-0 — in their final group match on Sunday.//

Aston Villa have completed their first major signing of the summer, bringing in Ivory Coast forward Evann Guessand from French side Nice for a reported fee of at least 30 million euros ($35 million). The 24-year-old, who netted 13 goals last season mainly playing as a winger, was named Nice’s player of the season. Villa described him as “a versatile operator capable of playing across the front line.” While financial terms were not disclosed, reports said the deal includes up to 5 million euros in potential add-ons. Aston Villa and Chelsea win at home and raise Champions League hopes “This club is special — history, pride, passion, the belief. When I heard the club wanted me, I didn’t think twice,” Guessand said. Nice hailed the French-born forward as a “model of resilience,” noting his rise from the club’s youth system to making his senior debut in January 2020. Villa, under Unai Emery, open their Premier League campaign on Aug. 16 at home to Newcastle.

Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembélé and England forward Chloe Kelly have been shortlisted for the prestigious Ballon d'Or awards in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively. France Football magazine on Thursday unveiled the list of 30 nominees for both categories. The winners will be announced on September 22 at a ceremony in Paris. Dembélé, 28, enjoyed a stellar season, playing a pivotal role in PSG’s historic treble-winning campaign, including their long-awaited first UEFA Champions League title. He scored a personal best of 35 goals across all competitions. Barcelona's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who dazzled in the Champions League and played a key role in the club’s La Liga triumph, is also among the male contenders. Chloe Kelly leads women’s nominations England’s Chloe Kelly, 27, sealed her spot among the women’s nominees after scoring the winning penalty in the European Championship final against World Cup champions Spain. She also contributed significantly in earlier knockout matches. Kelly, who played on the right wing for Arsenal last season, helped the club clinch the Women’s Champions League title in a surprise win over Barcelona. She is joined by fellow England internationals Lucy Bronze and Hannah Hampton — both of whom play for Chelsea — and Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí, the two-time defending winner of the women’s Ballon d'Or. Frankfurt ropes in Japan winger Ritsu Doan ahead of Champions League campaign Barcelona players have dominated the women’s award in recent years, winning the last four editions. Bronze previously finished second to Megan Rapinoe in 2019. PSG dominates nominations Dembélé is one of nine PSG players nominated this year. The list also includes goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, young forward Désiré Doué — who netted twice in PSG’s 5-0 Champions League final win over Inter Milan — and winger Khvitcha Kvaratskhelia, who arrived from Napoli in January. Other prominent men’s nominees include Liverpool’s Mo Salah, who netted 29 league goals to lead his team to the Premier League title, and Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé, who scored 44 times last season. Last year’s winner, Spanish midfielder Rodri, missed most of the season due to a knee injury. Real Madrid, which skipped last year’s award ceremony after Vinícius Júnior finished runner-up, is expected to be closely watched this time after last year’s social media backlash. Voting and additional nominations The Ballon d'Or is awarded by France Football and dates back to 1956 for men and 2018 for women. Voting is carried out by one journalist from each of the top 100 FIFA-ranked countries for the men's award, and from the top 50 ranked nations for the women’s. Points are awarded based on ranked selections, with the top points-earner winning the award. PSG coach Luis Enrique has been nominated for best men’s coach, while England’s Sarina Wiegman features among the nominees for best women’s coach. Donnarumma is a frontrunner for the Lev Yashin Trophy for best men’s goalkeeper. Chelsea's Hannah Hampton is among five candidates for the women’s goalkeeping award. Source: Agency 

German club Eintracht Frankfurt has signed Japanese winger Ritsu Doan on a five-year deal as part of efforts to bolster its squad ahead of a return to the UEFA Champions League. Doan joins from Bundesliga side SC Freiburg, where he was the top scorer last season with 10 goals, helping the team secure a fifth-place finish. "I'm very happy and honored to be here," said the 27-year-old winger in a translated video message to Frankfurt fans. "I can't wait to play in front of the supporters." Frankfurt is gearing up for Champions League football after finishing third in the Bundesliga but will be without star striker Hugo Ekitiké, who recently joined Liverpool in a high-profile move worth £69 million (US$93.5 million). Doan is expected to play a key role in the reshaped attack alongside newly signed center-forward Jonathan Burkardt, who arrived from Mainz to fill Ekitiké’s position. Jorge Costa, former Porto captain and Champions League winner, dies at 53 A seasoned international, Doan has made 57 appearances for Japan, including playing in all matches during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He also helped secure Japan’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He previously won the Dutch Cup with PSV Eindhoven in 2022. Doan could make his Frankfurt debut on August 17 in a German Cup clash against fifth-tier side Engers. The club will open its Bundesliga campaign at home against Werder Bremen six days later.