National Teams

Real Sociedad has had a gem in their midst since 2011. A gem that Arsene Wenger failed to recognize at Premier League giants, Arsenal. Carlos Vela has had a tumultuous professional career thus far. He’s been one of Mexico’s shining lights in Europe ever since he finished top-scorer in Mexico’s U-17 World Cup win back in 2007. That light has dimmed every once and a while and most recently has been shining bright at Real Sociedad. The Cancun native has had 167 appearances for Sociedad and has scored 59 goals since his loan from Arsenal became permanent at the La Liga side.

Yaya Touré blasted the African confederation for not awarding him the African Player of the Year award, the Ivory Coast starlet finishing second to Gabon and Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. 

In a startling outburst, Touré reportedly labelled the decision as “pathetic”, “indecent” and one that “brings shame” to Africa.

Prior to her final game, Abby Wambach drummed up her best Donald Trump impersonation, including both his political xenophobia and TV-like firings. By now you know what she said. If not, listen to the podcast here.

Initial reactions criticised Wambach almost for taking any sort of position on the matter rather than the appropriateness of her comments. Wambach has never been a quiet leader. She notoriously drops the F-bomb to fire up her team.

USWNT standout Carli Lloyd was named U.S. Soccer female player of the year, for three very obvious reasons. She scored a hat trick in the Worl Cup final, but besides, that, she was the USWNT's rock all through the tournament. This is an honor she fully deserves. Here's a big reason why:

USA first goal by Carli Lloyd vs Japan in World Cup final: http://t.co/RYOocaDMCF via @YouTube

Since May, the U.S. federal prosecutors have disclosed several invesigations of corruption by officials and partners related to FIFA, leading to the arrest of very important names from the confederations of CONCACAF, CAF, and CONMEBOL.

According to former best player in the world Ronaldinho, the best player in the world on current form isn't Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. 

No, Ronaldinho told English newspaper The Daily Mirror that his pick for best player in the world right now is fellow Brazilian international Neymar.

"Neymar, currently on form, is the best player in the world," Ronaldinho said.

Jesus “Tecatito” Corona and Jurgen Damm have been on our radar for quite some time. They are 22 and 23 respectively, and are the future of the Mexican national team; it’s hard to not get excited about them, especially Corona. Against Honduras in a World Cup Qualifier, the young Mexican stars justified our excitement. 

It’s an accomplishment any time a player can score for her country. Abby Wambach has done it 184 times, more than any other player (male or female) in the world. While that feat is amazing, Abby didn’t score her first goal until her second game.

With the European Championships right around the corner, kit manufacturers have begun releasing the official Euro 2016 kits for participating national teams. 

Some of these designs will have you checking your bank account for expendable cash, while others will invariably have you adjusting your television’s color settings come June.

Here's a look at some of the threads the world's greatest will be sporting in France. 

Confirmed Euro 2016 Kits

Spain Euro 2016 Kits

The Confederation of African Football player of the year award shortlist has been released ahead of the award ceremony on January 7, 2016. The full list can be seen below in alphabetical order.