Phenoms

Spanish and Barcelona phenom Pedri can’t legally buy an alcoholic drink in the United States, but he can claim the title of having the highest release clause in all of soccer and Barcelona history.

Barcelona will be keeping Pedri until June 2026 after extending the Spaniard’s contract and setting his release clause at a whopping 1 billion euros ($1.16 billion). This ties him with Karim Benzema for the highest release clause in soccer.

Back on Sept. 29, Michigan high school Benzie Central defeated Kingsley 17-0 in a match that was declared over at halftime. If that wasn’t sensational enough, how about this: 16 of the goals were scored by one player, making Kevin Hubbell the new national record holder in men's high school soccer.

The fact that the record was achieved by halftime has caused a national stir.

Real Salt Lake Academy's Axel Kei made his professional debut at age 13 on Friday night in Herriman, Utah.

The Ivory Coast-born striker was a second-half substitute for the USL Championship side Real Monarchs, entering in the 61st minute of a 0-0 draw against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. 

At 13 years, nine months and nine days old, Kei is believed to be the youngest-ever player to make a professional appearance in American team sports.

UEFA Group B in FIFA World Cup qualifying continues to deliver after both Sweden and Greece secured victories on Saturday to put pressure on leader Spain with only three matchdays remaining.

By now you’ve probably heard the story. 19-year-old Santiago Muñoz, who was born in El Paso, Texas, and grew up just south of the border in Ciudad Juárez, has joined Newcastle United in a jaw-dropping parallel with the famous 2005 film Goal! The Dream Begins.

Daryl Dike's header in the 97th minute lifted Orlando City SC to a thrilling 2-1 victory over D.C. United in a battle of Eastern Conference contenders on Saturday night at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Fla.

Dike's header from the center of the box beat D.C. United keeper Bill Hamid into the top right corner on an assist from Chris Mueller following a corner kick. It was Dike's seventh goal of the campaign.

LONDON - Jadon Sancho's lack of game time at Manchester United is "hurting the soul" of the man who sanctioned his $100 million move to Old Trafford, Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke.

The 21-year-old England international has started only two of United's five Premier League games and was an unused substitute in the 1-0 defeat by Aston Villa on Saturday.

BARCELONA - Goals from Memphis Depay, Luuk de Jong and the returning Ansu Fati helped Barcelona claim a much-needed 3-0 home victory over Levante in LaLiga on Sunday.

The victory, Barça's first in their last four games in all competitions, moved the Catalans up to fifth in the table with 12 points from six games, five behind league leaders Real Madrid, who have played one more.

The 18-year-old Fati, who came on as an 81st-minute substitute before scoring Barça's third goal, was making his first appearance since suffering a serious knee injury last November.

Real Madrid hosted Mallorca on Wednesday night, and it was a special (and extremely rare) occasion for American fans of LaLiga as USMNT striker Matthew Hoppe earned a start at the Santiago Bernabéu.