United News of Bangladesh

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen will play for another club for the first time in 12 years after completing a loan move to Girona for the remainder of the season. The move comes at a crucial time for the 33-year-old German international, who is aiming to reclaim the No. 1 spot for Germany ahead of the upcoming World Cup after a long spell disrupted by injuries. Ter Stegen has featured just once for Barcelona this season, appearing against third-division side Guadalajara in the Copa del Rey last month, as head coach Hansi Flick has preferred Joan García as his first-choice goalkeeper. His loan to Girona marks another turn in a turbulent season that began with a standoff between the player and Barcelona over a medical report required by the club to create salary-cap space. Ter Stegen joined Barcelona from Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2014 and has since won six La Liga titles and one Champions League trophy with the club. At Girona, he is expected to start ahead of Argentina’s Paulo Gazzaniga. While ter Stegen was sidelined, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann relied on Oliver Baumann, who started all of Germany’s last six matches during their successful World Cup qualification campaign. Baumann has impressed at club level, captaining Hoffenheim to third place in the Bundesliga so far this season. Girona have already experienced World Cup-related goalkeeping issues this season. Last month, head coach Michel revealed that backup goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic had sought a move elsewhere in pursuit of regular playing time to strengthen his case for Croatia’s World Cup squad.

Vinícius Júnior delivered a commanding performance with a goal and three assists as Real Madrid cruised to a 6-1 victory over Monaco in the Champions League on Tuesday, silencing fans who had booed him early in the match at the Santiago Bernabéu. The Brazilian forward was jeered by sections of the home crowd when his name was announced and during the opening minutes, but the reaction faded as he began to dominate the game. The boos had virtually disappeared by the time Vinícius scored his first Champions League goal of the season in the 63rd minute. “It’s been a very difficult few days,” Vinícius said after the match. “I want to be judged only for what I do on the pitch and for everything I’ve done for this club.” Vinícius assisted goals by Kylian Mbappé in the 26th minute and Franco Mastantuono in the 51st, and his cross forced an own goal by Monaco defender Thilo Kehrer in the 55th. He later scored himself with a precise finish into the top corner after beating two defenders. Mbappé had opened the scoring in the fifth minute and later embraced Vinícius in a show of support. The French forward now has 18 Champions League goals for Madrid, the most by any player in their first 20 appearances for the club. Vinícius avoided celebrating directly in front of the fans after scoring, instead hugging teammates and new coach Álvaro Arbeloa, who praised the reconciliation between the player and supporters. “We are very happy to see Vini and the fans reconnect,” Arbeloa said. “He needs the Bernabéu, and the Bernabéu enjoys Vini.” Jude Bellingham added Madrid’s sixth goal in the 80th minute. The England midfielder, who had also been jeered in recent matches, celebrated with a playful gesture in response to criticism about his off-field lifestyle. Before kickoff, a minute’s silence was observed in memory of victims of a deadly train crash in southern Spain.

Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-0 Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund has eased the immediate pressure on manager Thomas Frank, but many supporters remain unconvinced about his long-term future at the club. Goals from Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke in the first half sealed the win on Tuesday night, ending Spurs’ run of three straight defeats in all competitions and putting them in a strong position to qualify automatically for the Champions League knockout stage. The result came just days after loud boos followed a late defeat against West Ham, with sections of the crowd chanting against Frank. Before kick-off against Dortmund, there were again jeers when the manager’s name was read out, though they turned into cheers at full-time. The victory is seen by many as buying Frank some time, but questions remain over whether it represents a turning point or merely a temporary reprieve. Several supporters said the improved first-half display was encouraging, but criticised a more cautious second-half approach that allowed Dortmund to control long spells of the game. Some fans said the performance did little to change their view, arguing that Spurs still lack consistency and a clear playing style. Others, however, felt the result showed signs of progress and belief that Frank could build on the win. Former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson said the performance suggested Frank still has the backing of his players. “What I saw was not a team that has lost the dressing room,” Robinson told BBC Radio. “That was a group of players who worked hard for their manager.” Frank also stressed the unity within the squad after the match. “The players are giving everything,” he said. “That is an extremely good sign about the culture. It shows we are together.” Tottenham’s season has so far been marked by contrasting fortunes, with struggles in the Premier League leaving them in 14th place, while their European form has been much stronger, with just one defeat in seven Champions League matches. Spurs face Burnley in the Premier League at the weekend, a match that could again shape the mood around the club. Another win may strengthen Frank’s position, while a defeat is likely to reignite calls for change. “The big thing is to build on this with a performance and a win against Burnley,” Frank said. “We need to keep believing and keep doing the same things.”   With inputs from BBC

Senegal leaving the field to protest referee decisions before winning the Africa Cup of Nations title amid shocking chaos was “unacceptable,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said Monday. Infantino criticized the Senegal coaches, players and some fans for their behavior at the end of regulation time against host nation Morocco that was astonishing for the final of an international competition. “The ugly scenes witnessed (Sunday) must be condemned and never repeated,” the FIFA leader posted on his Instagram account after attending the game in Rabat. “I expect that the relevant disciplinary bodies at CAF (the Confederation of African Football) will take the appropriate measures,” Infantino wrote. CAF also described the incidents as unacceptable in a later statement, and said it is “reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.” Senegal coach Pape Thiaw faces severe sanctions for his part leading this players back to the locker room when Morocco was awarded a stoppage-time penalty, forcing the game to stop for almost 15 minutes. World Cup ban? It is unclear if any ban imposed on Thiaw would apply just in future African competitions or at FIFA's World Cup in North America. Senegal starts its World Cup playing France on June 16 at MetLife Stadium near New York, where it also plays Norway six days later. Senegal’s team and fans were angered by being denied what shaped as a title-winning goal early in stoppage time of a 0-0 draw when the referee called a foul to rule out the goal. Minutes later, Morocco was awarded a penalty after a video review which judged star forward Brahim Diaz had been pulled to the ground by a Senegal defender when a corner was taken. The controversial decision further fueled a feeling by Morocco’s opponents that the team was getting favorable decisions at a tournament which has been a showcase for co-hosting the 2030 World Cup for FIFA. Thiaw encouraged his players to leave the field and so prevent Diaz taking the penalty kick that could decide the title. Senegal fans clashed with police at the other end of the stadium. “It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport. It is simply not right,” Infantino wrote. FIFA urges respect for rules “We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play,” the FIFA president added. “Teams must compete on the pitch and within the Laws of the Game, because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk.” Morocco coach Walid Regragui later called the incidents a “shameful” image of African soccer for the rest of the world to see. When the players returned, and in the remarkable 24th minute of stoppage time, Diaz took one of the worst penalties in soccer history. Weak Panenka The Real Madrid forward's slow chip shot — known as a Panenka, after the Czech player who did it 50 years ago to win the European title against West Germany — was weak, low and easily saved by Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. The game went into extra time and Senegal won it four minutes in with a powerful shot by Pape Gueye. “My best wishes as well to Abdoulaye Fall, president of the Senegalese Football Association, and to everyone involved in this success,” Infantino wrote. “It is also the responsibility of teams and players,” he said, “to act responsibly and set the right example for fans in the stadiums and millions watching around the world.”

Manchester United kicked off Michael Carrick’s first game as coach with a stunning 2-0 win over Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday, lifting spirits at Old Trafford. Goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu sealed victory in the 198th Manchester derby. Carrick, appointed just four days ago on a short-term deal until the end of the season, praised his team’s energy but urged consistency. “It needs to be a regular feeling,” he said. City manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged United’s dominance. “The better team won,” he said. City’s winless run extended to four games, leaving them seven points behind league leader Arsenal, who could only draw 0-0 at Nottingham Forest. Liverpool also dropped points at home, drawing 1-1 with relegation-threatened Burnley, extending their winless streak to four games in 2026. Coach Arne Slot admitted the frustration of fans was understandable. Chelsea, under new coach Liam Rosenior, recorded a 2-0 victory over Brentford at Stamford Bridge, ending Brentford’s five-game unbeaten run. Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer scored, helping Chelsea rise to sixth in the table. Leeds United maintained momentum with a 1-0 win over Fulham, while West Ham ended a 10-game winless streak with a 2-1 victory against Tottenham, secured by Callum Wilson’s added-time goal. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace faced setbacks, losing 2-1 at Sunderland amid growing frustration over the impending sale of captain Marc Guehi. Manager Oliver Glasner voiced concerns about a lack of support for the squad. The weekend’s results reshaped the Premier League table, highlighting Carrick’s explosive start at United, ongoing struggles for Liverpool, and mixed fortunes for top-six contenders Arsenal, Chelsea, and West Ham.  

The glittering FIFA World Cup trophy arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday morning as part of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour. The trophy, accompanied by Brazilian 2002 FIFA World Cup winner and FIFA ambassador Gilberto da Silva, landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 10:00 am. Tabith Mohammed Awal, president of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), received the trophy at the airport. It was then transported to Hotel Radisson Blu, where it will be displayed in the afternoon, allowing selected fans and invited guests to view the iconic trophy. The FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour was jointly launched by FIFA and its beverage partner Coca-Cola on January 3 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with Italian football legend Alessandro Del Piero unveiling the trophy. The tour will end on June 11 at the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup in Mexico, after visiting 30 FIFA member associations across 75 stops over more than 150 days, giving fans worldwide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see football’s most coveted prize. FIFA reportedly weighing plan for 64-nation World Cup in 2030 The trophy has previously visited Bangladesh during the Russia and Qatar World Cups.

Real Madrid and Barcelona will face off in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday in Jeddah, marking the fourth consecutive time the rivals have met in the competition since the four-team format was introduced in 2020. This encounter also repeats last season’s Copa del Rey final, which Barcelona won 3-2 after extra time. Real Madrid claimed the first league meeting this season, winning 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu in October. Barcelona enters the match atop La Liga with a four-point lead over Real Madrid, while coach Xabi Alonso’s future remains under scrutiny. Real Madrid reached the final after a hard-fought semifinal victory over Atletico Madrid, where despite Atletico’s dominance, poor finishing and Thibaut Courtois’ goalkeeping secured the win. Barcelona, by contrast, advanced comfortably, with young talent Lamine Yamal expected to play a bigger role after limited minutes against Athletic Bilbao. Real Madrid faces injury concerns heading into the final. Antonio Rudiger is likely out with a knee issue, Rodrygo is doubtful with a muscle problem, and there is uncertainty over Kylian Mbappe, who missed the semifinal but traveled to Jeddah. Alonso said he will not risk important players unnecessarily, though Mbappe’s presence could influence both the team and Barcelona’s strategy. Defensive adjustments are expected, with either Dean Huijsen or Aurelien Tchouameni likely partnering Raul Asencio in central defense. Barcelona’s previous 5-2 Super Cup victory over Madrid adds extra motivation for Alonso’s side to avoid a repeat outcome. The final promises to be tightly contested as both sides look to assert dominance in Spain’s first major title of 2026.  

Top-ranked Indiana delivered another commanding performance in the College Football Playoff, overwhelming No. 5 Oregon 56-22 in the Peach Bowl semifinal on Friday night to book a place in the national championship game. Behind a dominant defensive display and a near-flawless outing from quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the undefeated Hoosiers extended their perfect season to 15-0 and underlined why they entered the playoff as the title favorites. Indiana will face No. 10 Miami in the championship game on Jan. 19 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Miami edged Mississippi 31-27 in the Fiesta Bowl semifinal on Thursday night. The Hoosiers built a crushing 35-7 halftime lead, powered by three first-half turnovers that directly led to touchdowns. Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner and a Miami native, completed 17 of 20 passes for five touchdowns, including two to Elijah Sarratt and a 36-yard strike to Charlie Becker. Kaelon Black added two rushing touchdowns. “I thought he was incredible,” Indiana coach Curt Cignetti said of Mendoza. “He was on top of the game and his performance was a huge difference in this football game.” Oregon coach Dan Lanning praised the quarterback’s poise, saying Mendoza “makes the right decisions” and consistently puts the ball in the right place. Indiana’s defense set the tone immediately. On the Ducks’ first offensive snap, cornerback D’Angelo Ponds intercepted Dante Moore’s pass and returned it 25 yards for a touchdown, just 11 seconds into the game. After Oregon briefly tied the score at 7-7 on Moore’s touchdown pass to Jamari Johnson, Indiana took control for good. Mendoza connected with Omar Cooper Jr. for an 8-yard touchdown, then the defense forced a fumble at the Oregon 3-yard line, setting up Black’s scoring run. Moore lost another fumble later in the second quarter, leading to Mendoza’s first touchdown pass to Sarratt and a 35-7 halftime cushion. Indiana stretched the lead to 42-7 early in the second half on a 13-yard scoring pass to E.J. Williams Jr. Oregon, playing without two of its top running backs, struggled to move the ball against Indiana’s stifling defense. The Ducks managed just nine rushing yards on 17 carries in the first half and were forced to rely on backup runners Jay Harris and Dierre Hill Jr. Indiana’s special teams also made an impact when Daniel Ndukwe blocked a punt in the fourth quarter, setting up another Mendoza touchdown pass to Sarratt. With the win, Indiana kept the Big Ten on track for a third straight national title, following championships by Ohio State and Michigan the past two seasons. Following a 38-3 demolition of Alabama in the Rose Bowl quarterfinal and now a blowout of Oregon, the Hoosiers head into the title game with enormous momentum — and a growing case as one of the most complete teams college football has seen in years. College Football Playoff considering expansion to 12 teams

He turns 59 in February, and the globe's oldest professional soccer player has a new club as he gets set for his 41st season. This is of course Kazuyoshi Miura who is known in Japan as “King Kazu." Miura announced his signing this week with third-division J-League team Fukushima United. He is moving on loan from Yokohama FC and spent last season on loan with fourth-division club Atletico Suzuka. He failed to score in seven matches with Suzuka. Miura has played professionally in Brazil, Italy, Croatia, Australia and Portugal. And of course in Japan. He made his debut in 1986 with Santos in Brazil, a club made famous by Brazilian star Pelé. In 2017 at age 50, he became the oldest player to score in a professional match. That topped the record held by highly decorated England international Stanley Matthews. Miura was one of the first big names in Japanese soccer. He scored 55 goals in 89 appearance and was a star with Japan’s national team in the 1990s.    

Lionel Messi has said that when his playing career ends, he would rather become a football club owner than work as a coach. The Argentine superstar recently signed a new three-year contract with Inter Miami that will keep him at the club until the 2028 season. Speaking in an interview with Luzu TV recorded in December and aired this week, the 38-year-old said coaching does not interest him. “I don’t see myself as a coach,” Messi said. “I like management, but if I had to choose, I would prefer to be an owner. I would love to have my own club, help it grow from the bottom, and give young players the chance to develop and build something important.” Messi, who led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, is already involved in club ownership. He is a part owner of Uruguay’s fourth-division side Deportivo LSM, alongside his Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez. Suarez launched the club in 2018 and said it was a family dream. The club now has more than 3,000 members and focuses on helping young players in Uruguay develop their football skills. Under his Inter Miami contract, Messi will also receive a future minority ownership stake in the MLS club. On the field, Messi enjoyed a brilliant season. He won the MLS Golden Boot after scoring 29 goals, five more than LAFC’s Denis Bouanga and Nashville’s Sam Surridge. He also provided 19 assists, taking his total goal involvement to 48 — just one short of the league record set by Carlos Vela in 2019. Guardiola questions claim of two-horse Premier League title race Messi also made history by becoming the first player to win back-to-back MLS MVP awards.