Men's National Teams

Watch all 11 Puskás Award finalists right here, right now

I don't mean to brag, I don't mean to boast, but if you've been following The18 for the past year then you've already seen all 11 FIFA Puskas Award nominees. We have exquisite taste like that. 

But in case you can't remember the strikes — arriving as early as Apr. 2 and as late as Kylian Mbappé's side-volley against Argentina in the World Cup final on Dec. 18 — here's a trip down memory lane with videos that you can watch right here, right now. I've also included a link to what The18 said at the time.

Jesse Marsch condemns Leeds chant about Gnonto's Willy

Since Jesse Marsch brought Wilfried Gnonto to Leeds United on deadline day in August, the young Italian has been a fan favorite. It wasn’t long after the young Italian made his debut in late October that the Elland Road faithful rewarded him with his own song. Unfortunately, the chant has quickly become a source of embarrassment for the club from West Yorkshire. 

What's going on with Diego Lainez?

Once upon a time, there was a boy whose talent made a nation dream. He was not very tall, but with his nimble legs, speed and dribbling, he challenged giants and brought opponents to their knees.

The stories written about him said he would be a superstar ready to spread countless joyful stories among his fellow compatriots.

The name of this boy was Diego Lainez and his presence today is nothing more than the pale trail of a future that never materialized.

¿Otro naturalizado para el Tri? Nico Ibáñez tramita papeles para defender a la selección mexicana

Nicolás Ibáñez está intratable en la Liga MX.  

Desde su arribo a México para jugar con el Atlético de San Luis en 2018 y posteriormente con el Pachuca en 2021, el argentino no se ha cansado de anotar goles. Ibáñez ha marcado un total de 88 goles en 166 partidos – incluyendo 30 goles en 53 partidos en la liga de ascenso – y viene de coronarse como campeón del futbol mexicano con los Tuzos en el Apertura 2022, siendo el máximo goleador del torneo (11) y la liguilla (5).

Matt Turner keeps clean sheet as Arsenal book FA Cup date with Man City

OXFORD, England - Premier League leaders Arsenal booked an FA Cup fourth round clash with Manchester City after they beat third-tier Oxford United 3-0 on Monday night thanks to second-half goals from Mohamed Elneny and Eddie Nketiah.

Oxford more then held their own in the first half, giving Arsenal a few worrying moments while restricting their illustrious opponents to half chances down the other end.

Not over yet? Portugal's new coach says he'll ‘sit down and talk’ with Ronaldo

LISBON - Portugal named former Belgium coach Roberto Martínez as their new manager on Monday and the Spaniard said he would sit down with Cristiano Ronaldo to talk about his future in the team.

Martínez, 49, replaces Fernando Santos, who left his job after Portugal suffered a shock defeat by Morocco in the World Cup quarterfinals.

"I appreciate the enthusiasm and ambition with which he (Martínez) received the invitation," Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) President Fernando Gomes told a news conference as Martínez stood next to him.

Mbbapé, Real Madrid slam French football president for ‘disrespecting’ Zinedine Zidane

France Football Federation (FFF) president Noël Le Graët apologized to Zinedine Zidane on Monday after his comments on the former Real Madrid coach drew the ire of players, politicians and even the Spanish club.

Zidane was one of the favorites to take charge of the national team if Didier Deschamps had stepped down but his contract was extended after he led France to the World Cup final, where they lost to Argentina in Qatar last month.

5-time Champions League winner Gareth Bale announces his retirement

Wales and Los Angeles FC winger Gareth Bale said on Monday he had decided to end his playing career at the age of 33, having reached exceptional milestones in both club and international football.

Bale played a Wales record of 111 games for his country and was a five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid. He helped the Welsh reach the 2016 and 2020 Euros before leading them in their first World Cup since 1958 at Qatar 2022.

World Cup winner Lukas Podolski gets sent off in his own charity match

BERLIN - Germany's World Cup winner Lukas Podolski has long dazzled crowds with his power and speed but he left fans at a charity match on Sunday speechless when he was sent off for dissent.

The 37-year-old former Bayern Munich and Arsenal forward, who now plays for Poland's Górnik Zabrze, was given his marching orders after he brought down an opponent in the indoor arena at Gummersbach during a charity match under his auspices.

He got up and walked to the referee, speaking to him and then coming face-to-face as he kept addressing him.

Marcos Acuña scores goal right after being honored by Sevilla for winning World Cup

Argentina's victorious World Cup squad members have all gone back to their club sides where they've been given receptions befitting the return of conquering heroes. PSG gave Lionel Messi a guard of honor on Wednesday when he returned to training, Alexis Mac Allister was serenaded by Brighton teammates and Enzo Fernández...

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