South America

Luis Díaz's father freed from kidnappers in Colombia after two weeks

BOGOTA — Colombia's National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrillas on Thursday freed the father of Liverpool soccer player Luis Diaz, after taking him hostage in the country's north nearly two weeks ago, the government said.

Luis Díaz father freed

Brazil’s teenage prodigy Endrick receives his first national team call up for World Cup qualifiers

Brazil have called up five players for the first time including Palmeiras' teenage prodigy Endrick for this month's World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and leaders Argentina in the squad announced by interim coach Fernando Diniz on Monday.

Endrick, who will join Real Madrid when he turns 18 in July, joins Douglas Luiz, Pepe, Joao Pedro and Paulinho for the first time for Brazil's trip to Colombia on Nov. 16 and the home game against world champions Argentina five days later.

Luis Díaz plays despite his father being kidnapped and scores last-minute equalizer for Liverpool

LUTON — Liverpool forward Luis Díaz came off the bench on Sunday to head a late equalizer in a 1-1 draw at lowly Luton Town and dedicate the goal to his father who was kidnapped in Colombia.

On the back foot for most of the game, Luton took a shock lead when Ross Barkley drove forward in the 80th minute to release Issa Kabore who passed for Tahith Chong to slide the ball past Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson.

Brazil set to challenge USA and Mexico’s joint bid for hosting 2027 Women’s World Cup

Brazil has submitted a letter of intent to soccer's governing body FIFA to host the 2027 Women's World Cup, the South American country's Minister of Sports Andre Fufuca said on Saturday.

Fufuca presented the documents to FIFA President Gianni Infantino while he was in Rio de Janeiro for the Copa Libertadores final, which was won by Brazilian club Fluminense for the first time.

Neymar undergoes successful knee surgery and now begins long recovery process

When will Neymar be back?

Brazil forward Neymar underwent surgery on Thursday after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee on international duty.

The 31-year-old was forced off during Brazil's World Cup qualifier against Uruguay two weeks ago before an MRI scan confirmed the extent of his injuries.

American owner of Botafogo has epic rant ‘you can red card me, it’s my stadium I’ll still be here’

American Botafogo owner John Textor had an all-time TV rant on Wednesday after his side lost a dramatic game to Palmeiras in Brazil’s Série A 4-3.

Botafogo sit top of the table with 59 points and Palmeiras sit second-place hot on their heels. The top of the table matchup saw Textor’s side take a 3-0 lead after 36 minutes.

Soon-to-be Real Madrid star Endrick got one back for Palmeiras in the 49th minute, but it looked like Botafogo would hold on for a win.

Lionel Messi with his eight Ballon d’Or rings is one of the greatest sports photos in history

Lionel Messi was voted as the best player in the world on Monday winning his eighth Ballon d’Or award. A new thing fans got to see is a Messi rings photo with the Inter Miami star having specially made rings for each of his Ballon d’Or wins.

The 36-year-old Argentine and adidas teamed up to make the iconic photo happen as it’s a nod to the legendary basketball star Bill Russell who passed away last year.

Russell won eight consecutive championships from 1959 to 1966 and took a historic photo wearing all the championship rings.

It should be criminal to disallow this incredibly clever golazo in Brazil

Brazilian phenom Marcos Leonardo scored a ridiculous goal for his club Santos on Friday that was SportsCenter Top 10 material. Unfortunately for him the goal was called back for offside.

With Santos leading Coritiba FC late in the second half, Leonardo put on a show as he smoothly controlled the ball with his chest, dinked it over an opponent and smashed it by the goalkeeper.

What a move from the 20-year-old.

Argentina player handed 2-year ban for doping blames son's cough syrup

Argentina forward Papu Gomez has blamed a failed doping test on his son's cough syrup after Serie A club Monza said on Friday that their World Cup-winner had been handed a two-year ban.

Neymar says his latest major injury is the worst moment of his life

Neymar will undergo surgery after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay, Brazil's FA said, an injury that is expected to sideline the forward for several months.

The 31-year-old went down after tussling for the ball with Uruguay's Nicolas de la Cruz in the 44th minute of Brazil's 2-0 defeat on Tuesday, holding his left leg in pain and calling for medical attention as his teammates looked on anxiously.

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