Sports
Flamengo lift Copa Libertadores, but Brazil’s players look exhausted
Brazil’s unprecedented domination of the Copa Libertadores — no country has ever come close to winning seven titles in a row — has come about despite the mammoth amount of minutes the nation’s top players have to play.
Flamengo and Palmeiras have broken away from the pack. The two giants have now claimed the last five continental titles between them, and, in the next few days, Flamengo look likely to wrap up the Brazilian Serie A title too — prolonging the celebrations after winning the Saturday’s Libertadores final 1-0. Palmeiras, for their part, will run a close second in a championship that has been won by either the Mengão or the Verdão in seven of the last 10 seasons.
The price the two clubs pay for such success is an accumulation of matches and a burden on the players that borders on inhumane.
Representing a number of different national teams, the majority of Flamengo and Palmeiras players were in action during the recent FIFA international window. On the Tuesday, then, many were playing in Europe, Mexico or the United States. The next day, they were back on the field in crunch domestic games. With Flamengo and Palmeiras going toe-to-toe for the domestic title, there was no chance for anyone to take their foot off the pedal.
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This clearly took some of the shine away from Saturday’s Copa Libertadores decider in Lima, when an eagerly awaited “final of the century” turned into an attritional battle. The Libertadores final was a very different match from the bright, open and attractive encounter they fought out in the league in the middle of last month.
Flamengo won that one 3-2 — and there were many more goals in the Maracana that day than efforts on target in Lima. It needs a somewhat charitable approach to statistics to find the two attempts on target that the official statistics awarded to Flamengo. Most will only recall one — the flying header from Danilo, meeting Giorgian de Arrascaeta‘s corner, that flew inside the far corner and won the game. And even Danilo was only playing because first choice fullback Leo Ortiz broke down under the sequence of matches and was not fit to start.
The news coming out of the Palmeiras camp going into the game was that the squad was close to physical and mental breakdown. This clearly had an effect on the thinking of Portuguese coach Abel Ferreira. Often tempted to take a cautious approach to big matches, this time he appeared to have settled for a “while it’s 0-0 we’re doing fine” strategy. He trusted in the capacity of his team to hold the Flamengo attack, and believed that as the game wore on, space would open up, and his team could snatch a goal.
But for one moment of slack marking at a corner — Allan lost Danilo, and Bruno Fuchs did not do enough to fill the space — it might have worked. Palmeiras might also point to the incident towards the end of the first half when Flamengo midfielder Erick Pulgar seemed very lucky to avoid a red card for a rash kick on Fuchs. Then again, all soccer games could have taken an alternative course. In the one that mattered, the one that was played in Lima, there can be little doubt that Flamengo were the better side and deserved their win.
The absence of centre forward Pedro, injured, and of his likely replacement Gonzalo Plata, suspended, clearly depleted Flamengo’s attacking resources — and presumably gave the Palmeiras coach more confidence in a defensive strategy. It was little wonder, then, that the only goal came from a defender. Danilo is a figure of great experience and intelligence; one of the main reasons Carlo Ancelotti retains him in the Brazil squad is because he says Danilo is capable of playing anywhere across the back four.
Flamengo coach Filipe Luis probably sees something of himself in Danilo. Two years ago, he stopped playing for Flamengo at left back and started coaching the youth team, stepping up to the seniors after elimination from the 2024 Libertadores. He has made an excellent start to a highly promising career. The manner of this Libertadores conquest was a little strange; his Flamengo are typically a free flowing, free scoring side. In the Brazilian league they have outscored Palmeiras 74 to 60.
But in the continental competition, however, it has been a different story. Palmeiras chalked up a grand total of 30 goals. Flamengo could only manage 13. They flirted with elimination in the group phase, needed a penalty shootout to get through the quarterfinals, and made it through to the big decider after a backs-to-the-wall operation in the second leg of the semis. There was perhaps only one truly outstanding display in the entire campaign — a majestic 2-0 triumph away to compatriots Internacional in the first knockout round. Even so, they fought their way through to a historic fourth Libertadores title — becoming the first Brazilian team to reach that mark.
And the season is still not done. On Wednesday Flamengo will hope to wrap up the Brazilian title in front of their own fans in Rio’s Maracana stadium. Failing that, there is another opportunity on Sunday — followed by a trip to Qatar for the Intercontinental Cup where Cruz Azul of Mexico are waiting. Get through that one and they face Pyramids of Egypt. Win that one and the year at last comes to a close with a game against Paris Saint-Germain — and a brief period of holidays before the next Brazilian league kicks off at the end of January.
It never stops. And it is hard not to think that the quality of the spectacle might be better with the occasional pause for a well-deserved rest.
Sports
Browns star Myles Garrett in speeding trouble again with 9th citation since entering NFL
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He may be one of the best players in the NFL, but Cleveland Browns star defensive end Myles Garrett isn’t great at following traffic laws.
The 2025 Defensive Player of the Year was cited for driving 94 mph in a 70-mph zone on Interstate 71 in Congress Township, Ohio, which is between Cleveland and Columbus, back on Feb. 21, according to court records.
This speeding ticket marks the ninth since Garrett has entered the NFL since his rookie season in 2017, which includes a scary moment where he flipped his Porsche in 2022 after an incident where speeding was a factor.
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Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) reacts during the second half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Garrett was cited then for going 65 mph in a 45-mph zone at the time.
Garrett was also driving a Porsche during this traffic stop, as the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office pulled over the Browns star as he was going 24 mph over the speed limit in the early hours last month. Before being pulled over, Garrett was spotted at a college basketball game between Bowling Green and Miami of Ohio in Oxford, which is near Cincinnati.
Prior to this ticket, Garrett was pulled over during Browns training camp on Aug. 9, when he was driving 100 mph in a 60-mph zone in Strongsville, Ohio, which is near the team’s Berea training facility.
The Browns had just returned home from their preseason matchup against the Carolina Panthers, which led to a $250 fine for Garrett as well.
He was peppered with questions from the media about his speeding past following his then-eighth citation, but he declined to respond.

Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns looks on during the second quarter in the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 26, 2025, in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
“I’d honestly prefer to talk about football and this team than anything I’m doing off the field other than the back-to-school event that I did the other day,” Garrett said to media on Aug. 20.
Garrett added that he tried to “keep my personal life personal. And I’d rather focus on this team when I can.”
It was hard not to ask Garrett about what happened in 2022, when he suffered a shoulder and biceps strains, among other less serious injuries, after his car flipped over. He had to miss the team’s Week 4 contest against the Atlanta Falcons, though he returned to his normal self that year. He had 16 sacks and two forced fumbles in 16 games for Cleveland.
This past year, Garrett broke the single-season sack record (23) with a league-high 33 tackles for loss in an insane campaign that made him a lock for the Defensive Player of the Year Award in his ninth season for the Browns. He had now made it three straight first-team All-Pro honors and five overall.

Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns looks on during warmups prior to the game at Gillette Stadium on Oct. 26, 2025 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
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But Garrett will now have to either appear in court on March 10, or pay a fine of more than $100 for his latest speeding ticket, per WKYC in Cleveland. After signing a then-record four-year, $160 million extension with Cleveland last year, the latter is likely the option he’ll choose.
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Sports
LaLiga side Celta Vigo put out plea to Madonna to find 1990 jersey
Spanish club Celta Vigo have called on Madonna and their club fans to help them end their 36-year search to find the team jersey that the global icon wore during her concert at their Balaidos stadium in 1990.
Madonna’s show on July 29 1990 in Vigo marked the first major international concert in the city and was one of the last stops on the pop star’s Blond Ambition European tour.
The LaLiga outfit said it wants to recover the “unique and irreplaceable garment” to add it to its historical archives.
“That night, the artist donned a Celta Vigo jersey with [former Celta defender Jose Manuel] Espinosa’s number 5 on the back,” a club statement said.
“This moment, captured by photographer Víctor de las Heras, became an iconic image in the history of the club and the city. After the performance, the jersey vanished, its whereabouts unknown ever since. Celta Vigo has now revealed that it had been searching for it privately for years, but the investigation stalled.
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“Thirty-six years later, the club is launching an appeal to all Celta Vigo fans to help locate the jersey, with the intention of adding it to its historical archives. For Celta Vigo, it is a unique and irreplaceable garment that forms part of its emotional heritage. For this reason, the club would appreciate any relevant information regarding the whereabouts of the shirt Madonna wore on stage at Balaídos. The following link has been provided to receive any information related to the garment.”
Celta president Marián Mouriño has also written an open letter asking Madonna for her help while explaining why that jersey means so much to the club.
“Your image with our shirt has become a myth and is part of the history of Celta that is also written off the pitch,” she wrote.
“Many see all this as a simple anecdote. But I like to think that nothing happens by chance. Although it was not the only shirt you wore on stage, that image began to shine in a different way over the years. Because we understand better what you defended back then: questioning the established and standing up to those who try to tell you what you can or cannot do.
“At the club that I preside over, we recognize ourselves in that way of being in the world.”
In the letter, Mouriño said her club will “dedicate a gesture of affection” to Madonna ahead of Friday’s home league game against Real Madrid with the intention of asking the singer: “Do you have it? If you know where it might be or want to help us, please contact us by private message.”
Sports
Summer transfer needs for all 20 Premier League teams
It’s never too early for clubs to be planning transfers. While the window might be closed, you can guarantee all 20 Premier League clubs are still working furiously behind the scenes to produce short lists, decide on targets and set their course for next season.
They won’t have all the answers yet — for many, those depend on relegation or European qualification — but what should they at least be thinking about? What do they already know needs addressing?
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Arsenal
NEED: Even more attacking juice
Arsenal spent £162 million to bring in Viktor Gyökeres, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke last summer to boost their attacking corps, but there’s a strong argument to be made that they still need more. With Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus experiencing severe injury issues and the club lacking a top-shelf left wing threat, they should be in the market for a forward of some sort.
Aston Villa
NEED: Plan for potential major departures
Aston Villa are operating on a very strict budget due to a UEFA settlement, so any move they make must be carefully considered. They are also in a tricky spot, given that one or more key players could conceivably depart the club, which means replacements would be required. Earning Champions League football may eradicate the need to make any deals they don’t wish to, but if they fall short, the likes of forward Morgan Rogers and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez will be eyed up by others. Villa need to know who they’ll target if this happens.
AFC Bournemouth
NEED: Figure out the center back situation
Bournemouth are facing all sorts of questions at center back for the second year running. The most important one revolves around Marcos Senesi, whose contract is set to expire this summer and has been linked with a series of top clubs, including Barcelona and Juventus. If the Argentina international left, would Veljko Milosavljević be ready to step up and start consistently? If not, the Cherries might need to sign two new defenders this summer (luckily, they’re very good at this).
Brighton & Hove Albion
NEED: A natural right back
Brighton may have drifted a bit this season, but when looking over their squad, there aren’t many issues to address from either a qualitative or quantitative perspective. One upgrade they could make is at right back, where they have plenty of options, but no specialist outside of Joël Veltman, whose contract expires at the end of the season. The Seagulls will also need to be ready and willing to sign a center midfielder if Carlos Baleba leaves the club.
Brentford
NEED: Carefully manage some departures
Brentford are in an incredible spot. The squad is good; they have a star striker in Igor Thiago (17 league goals), an excellent goalkeeper in Caoimhín Kelleher, and everything in between. If they finish in the European spots, they’ll need to add further to the ranks. If not, it might be time for some of the old guard — such as Ethan Pinnock and Rico Henry — to depart. Time will tell.
Burnley
NEED: Promotion players for next year
Likely doomed for relegation, Burnley’s eye should be on who can get them promoted from the second tier next season. They’ve got a looming issue in midfield, as Josh Cullen has torn his ACL, James Ward-Prowse has only replaced him on loan, and Florentino Luís may not wish to stick around.
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Chelsea
NEED: Some veteran, steadying presences
Chelsea‘s policy of investing heavily in young players brings some great benefits — but also some noted negatives. Chief among those is a lack of maturity and discipline running through the squad, which has resulted in a whopping seven red cards in the league this season (no other team has more than three). While it might break from policy, it could be time for Chelsea to consider adding a few adults to the room.
Crystal Palace
NEED: Where do you even start?
Major uncertainties surround Palace heading into the summer. We don’t know who will take over from Oliver Glasner as manager, and the squad look short in multiple areas. If they stick with a back-three system, they’re probably in need of a center back and a right wing back. Regardless of the shape, they’ll have to sign some new center midfielders, as both Daichi Kamada and Jefferson Lerma are out of contract, and Adam Wharton is sure to command interest from top clubs.
Everton
NEED: A truckload of full backs
Everton need to sign at least two, perhaps even three, full backs this coming summer. None of James Garner, Jarrad Branthwaite or Jake O’Brien are naturally full backs, yet they’ve all played there recently as David Moyes lacks options. The only consistently available first-team full-back is Vitaliy Mykolenko, whose contract expires this summer. There’s no doubt they’d love to sign winger Jack Grealish permanently, too — once his loan from Man City expires — but that all depends on the fee.
Fulham
NEED: Future-proof the forward line
Fulham tried (and failed) to sign USMNT and PSV Eindhoven striker Ricardo Pepi in January, which is an obvious hint as to what this summer’s priority might be. Raúl Jiménez’s contract is set to expire, as is midfielder Harry Wilson’s, while winger Samuel Chukwueze is only on loan (with an option to make the move permanent). This trio have scored 20 of the Whites’ 40 league goals; best figure out who stays, who goes and who needs to come in — and fast.
Leeds United
NEED: A new goalkeeper
Leeds got the vast majority of last summer’s recruitment right, but fumbled in one key area: between the posts. Lucas Perri, signed for €15 million from Lyon, struggled and lost his place to Karl Darlow, who has spent most of his career as a backup at this level. Expect the Whites to enter the market for a goalkeeper once again this summer.
Liverpool
NEED: Long-term solutions in defense
Jérémy Jacquet is on the way to Liverpool from Rennes for €60 million, and young Giovanni Leoni will recover from his ACL tear in time for next season, but there are still big questions hovering over this Liverpool defensive line. Center back Ibrahima Konaté‘s contract is set to expire, left back Andy Robertson nearly moved to Tottenham Hotspur in January, and all of their right backs appear to be injury prone. Big changes could be on the way.
Manchester City
NEED: A long-term solution at right back
Credit is due to Matheus Nunes, a midfielder who has converted into a solid right back. He has filled in admirably in the post-Kyle Walker era, taking up the mantle while City’s faith in academy product Rico Lewis has seemingly waned. But a club with City’s spending capacity should probably have a specialist to call upon, and it is the most obvious way to upgrade this XI over the summer.
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Steve Nicol says Manchester United’s unbeaten run ending at the hands of 10-man Newcastle shows they’re still far from a perfect team.
Manchester United
NEED: You guessed it! Central midfield
Center midfield has been an area of concern at United for well over a year now, and the need to sign a player for this position has only intensified since Casemiro announced he will leave the club this summer. This could get really expensive — the club have been repeatedly linked with Nottingham Forest‘s Elliott Anderson, Crystal Palace‘s Adam Wharton and Newcastle United‘s Bruno Guimarães, among others — but the United higher-ups can’t put it off any longer.
Newcastle United
NEED: Defensive reinforcements … and a striker?
Newcastle’s forward situation needs figuring out. Yoane Wissa, Nick Woltemade and Anthony Elanga cost a combined £167 million to sign last summer, but Eddie Howe has struggled to get them going. Do you give them another season, or spend again? Regardless of that call, the defensive line needs addressing. Of the center backs, only Malick Thiaw has been fit and available all season long, and the club badly need adequate cover for full backs Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento too.
Nottingham Forest
NEED: A manager and a consistent playing style
It’s hard to nail your recruitment when you go through four managers in one season — and those four managers all coach different playing styles. Forest have loads of players, several of which are excellent, and the thing they need the most is a consistent direction to travel in.
Sunderland
NEED: A forward and a left back
Newly promoted Sunderland have spent most of the campaign in the top half of the table, which is a miraculous achievement. This is a well built squad that, unlike last summer, does not need wholesale changes. If the Black Cats can spot a forward who can elevate this team, they should pounce. It’s also worth looking at cover for Reinildo at left back, who has missed time due to injury and suspension.
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Tottenham Hotspur
NEED: A progressive passing center midfielder
If Tottenham avoid relegation, they must take an axe to their midfield setup, which is chock full of runners and ball-winners — but curiously lacking in players who can pass the ball forward and through the lines. Many of their other issues will iron themselves out when key players return to fitness, but the midfield balance can only be fixed via the transfer market.
West Ham United
NEED: If they stay up, a defensive leader
West Ham are right on the precipice, but if they do manage to stave off relegation, they’ll need to add a defensive leader — likely a center back — to prevent the same desperate fight next season. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo loaned Axel Disasi from Chelsea in January to address this, but that’s only a short-term solution.
Wolves
NEED: Plan for the Championship
Wolves have shown immense spirit of late, with some fine results against bigger teams, but the smart move is still to plan for the Championship next season. They’ve already partaken in that by swapping out Jørgen Strand Larsen for Adam Armstrong in January and more moves of that ilk loom.
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