Lunardi: The one big thing the selection committee got wrong

Adelaide United midfielder Josh Cavallo, the first openly gay active player in men's football, reveals he receives multiple death threats daily and describes the sport's environment as "toxic," making it challenging to encourage other players to come out. Despite support from his club and coaches, Cavallo faces pressure and negativity due to his openness about his sexuality, experiencing homophobic abuse from football crowds and social media. He emphasizes the downsides of coming out, noting the...

The Independent relies on donations to support their coverage of crucial issues such as reproductive rights, climate change, and Big Tech, providing in-depth reporting and analysis that is accessible to all Americans. Sir Gareth Southgate delivered the Richard Dimbleby Lecture, warning about the negative impact of online influencers on young men's mental health and emphasizing the importance of belief and resilience in overcoming societal pressures, particularly those exacerbated by social media. Southgate called for a...

The San Diego Wave have signed Colombian defender Daniela Arias from Brazil's Corinthians for a $150,000 transfer fee. Arias, a center-back who played for Colombia in the 2023 World Cup and 2024 Olympics, joins the Wave after helping Corinthians win several titles in 2024. She will be tasked with filling the void left by the departure of star player Naomi Girma to Chelsea, as new head coach Jonas Eidevall looks to strengthen the team with...

Chelsea are considering pulling out of the deal to sign Jadon Sancho permanently from Manchester United, potentially paying a penalty fee, as they eye a move for Sporting CP's Geovany Quenda. Meanwhile, Sunderland's Jobe Bellingham is attracting interest from six Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Brentford, and Nottingham Forest. Additionally, Fiorentina's Moise Kean is being pursued by Arsenal, West Ham United, and Newcastle United, while Barcelona is open to letting Ansu Fati leave and...

Notre Dame has added former player Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa to its front-office staff as the Director of Recruiting Advancement, along with Jourdan Blake and Ariella Ellis in key recruiting roles. New general manager Mike Martin is shaping his staff ahead of spring ball, aiming to strengthen the team and return to the College Football Playoff. Tagovailoa-Amosa, a former defensive lineman for the Fighting Irish, brings experience from the Las Vegas Raiders and LSU Tigers to the...

Greg Wyshynski, ESPN's senior NHL writer, reported that President Trump supported President Putin's proposal for U.S.-Russia hockey games during a recent phone call. The NHL and KHL have previously played exhibition games, but their relationship changed after Putin's invasion of Ukraine, resulting in a suspension of dealings with the KHL. Russia and Belarus are currently banned from international hockey tournaments, including the 2026 Winter Olympics, pending decisions by the IIHF and IOC. Full Article