Sports
Ramos, Olise join pantheon of singing soccer stars
It’s been a wild few days in football — not in terms of rumbling transfer sagas, VAR-related controversies or eyebrow-raising results, but in terms of a surprising amount of new music being released by active players.
Monterrey defender Sergio Ramos has released a solo song entitled “Cibeles,” which appears to be a reference to the Plaza de Cibeles in Madrid where Real famously celebrate all of their major trophies and titles, of which the 39-year-old veteran won many.
Mi historia, mi música. // My story, my music.
CIBELES 🎶 – August 31
19h CEST 🇪🇸
1PM ET 🇺🇸
12PM CT 🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/9anCsHpdzt— Sergio Ramos (@SergioRamos) August 30, 2025
Ramos also seems to ruminate on his emotional exit from the Bernabeu in 2021, crooning “There’s something I never told you: it still hurts, I never wanted to leave.” Apparently against his wishes, the centre-back left and signed for Paris Saint-Germain after amassing five LaLiga titles and four Champions Leagues during his 16-year stint with Los Blancos.
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It’s also not the first time he has tried his hand at music, with Ramos also singing lead vocals on a song entitled “La Roja Baila” (“The Red Dance”), which became Spain‘s official single for Euro 2016.
Amazingly, Ramos hasn’t been the only active professional footballer to release new music this month with Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise beating his Spanish counterpart to the punch by several days.
Olise debuted a new track titled “Say Less” on social media along with a video that showed the former Crystal Palace star wearing a headscarf, goggles and posing with a bright orange BMX bike.
Of course, footballers dabbling in musical side projects is nothing new with many classic examples having cropped up over the years, from John Barnes’ rap interlude in New Order’s “World in Motion” to the timeless pop singles released by the likes of Ruud Gullit, Andy Cole plus Glenn Hoddle and Chris Waddle during the 1980s and 1990s.
There are also a raft of slightly more contemporary tracks, many of which have a notably similar rap-lite feel. Jese Rodriguez can be considered a modern day trail-blazer in that regard, with the ex-Real Madrid, PSG and Stoke City midfielder releasing his first material in 2014.
Ryan Babel took the unusual step of releasing his autobiography in the form of a rap album, with several songs causing a ripple of controversy within the Dutch football sphere for dissing his former teammates.
Memphis Depay is arguably one of the most prolific musical footballers with the Netherlands international regularly foisting new tracks and lavish promo videos on the general public. He even chose to celebrate Corinthians’ Brazilian title win in 2025 by recording bespoke rap track “Peita do Coringão” (“The Shirt of the Coringão”) for the occasion.
Alphonso Davies has tried his hand at rap and even announced his contract extension with Bayern Munich earlier this year with a track entitled “Munchen my Throne,” which doesn’t entirely work as pun but hey-ho.
Romelu Lukaku collaborated with Belgian vocalist TheColorGrey to create a song called “New Levels,” which charted the striker’s rise from childhood prodigy to international level battering ram.
After calling time on his playing career, Djibril Cisse was instantly able to focus his efforts on his true passion and has regularly DJ’ed all around the world ever since. The former Liverpool and Marseille striker regularly releases dance tracks.
Performing under the alias “Deuce”, Clint Dempsey was a prominent exponent of the rapping footballer during the mid-2000s and even saw his magnum opus, a song entitled “Dont’ Tread,” used on a Nike commercial for the 2006 World Cup.
However, when it comes to footballing rap gods, all others must bow before Erling Haaland. As unlikely as it may seem, the Manchester City colossus laid down the blueprint at the age of 16 when he performed as part of the “Flow Kingz” alongside his fellow Norway under-19 teammates.
This page will be updated throughout the summer, so continue to check back for the latest content.
As the weather heats up, so does our excitement about the 2025 fantasy football draft season.
Whether you play in a casual redraft league, an intense deep dynasty format or anything in between, we at ESPN Fantasy are here to help.
This draft guide will serve as a one-stop shop for all of our best material as you prepare to make the best fantasy football picks possible in every draft you’re in: Rankings and cheat sheets; player projections; mock drafts for different league types; sleepers, busts and breakouts; and plenty of helpful information and tips from our expert team of fantasy football analysts.
It doesn’t matter whether you have been doing this for years or are a fantasy first-timer. We have everything needed to help you draft a great team and start the season with a shot at a championship.
Fantasy football cheat sheets, projections and depth charts
Cheat Sheet Central
A one-stop shop for printable cheat sheets that fit your specific needs.
The Ultimate Cheat Sheet
All the names we’ve been talking about in a printable cheat sheet for your draft.
2025 projections
Mike Clay’s projected output for players at every fantasy position, sortable by category.
Depth charts: Offense | Defense
Rankings
2025 rankings hub
A range of rankings types to suit you, including our staff consensus by position, superflex, IDP, dynasty and individual overall lists.
Fantasy football rankings: Eric Moody’s QB tiers
How to approach drafting quarterbacks, especially if you don’t land one of the “Big 4.”
Fantasy football rankings: Eric Karabell’s RB tiers
Outside of Ashton Jeanty, in which tiers do the top rookies appear?
Fantasy football rankings: Eric Karabell’s WR tiers
There is great depth at WR, but it’s important to know when the value drops off.
Fantasy football rankings: Eric Moody’s TE tiers
Tight end tiers are top-heavy, with lots of uncertainty thereafter.
Mike Clay’s “The 192”
The 192 players who should be drafted in 12-team leagues, broken down into tiers.
Insurance RB rankings
A list of backup running backs best positioned to succeed if given a full workload.
RB ranks: Most reliable TD scorers
Which backs can you bank on near the goal line? Here are the most dependable backs.
From Chase to London, ranking the most reliable TD scorers among WRs
A deep dive into trustworthy TD scorers among wideouts based on target data, efficiency and more.
Mock drafts
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Field Yates explains why taking TE Brock Bowers earlier could be beneficial to a fantasy roster.
The Mock Draft Project 2025: Results for over 30 expert 10-team PPR mock drafts
More mocks:
10-team, 1/2 PPR (8/27) | 12-team, PPR (8/18)
Fantasy Marathon: 10-team, PPR (8/12) | 12-team superflex, PPR (8/5)
10-team superflex, 1/2 PPR (7/24) | 8-team, PPR (7/9)
12-team, non-PPR (6/24) | 12-team, 1/2 PPR (6/12)
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Advice and analysis
Adam Schefter’s Cheat Sheet
No one is more plugged in than our NFL insider. Adam shares his favorite draft values.
Liz Loza’s rules of drafting (Spoiler alert: There are none) and players to pick and fade
It’s finally time to make picks, so consider the trends surrounding these players as you prepare your draft board.
Bo Nix, Calvin Ridley among top draft targets
Eric Moody lists the players he’s most excited about drafting this season, including some late-round targets.
The essential guide for streaming D/STs in September: Why the Cardinals, Ravens stand out
Here’s the blueprint for maximizing your D/ST slot each week to begin the season.
Tough draft-day decisions: Can you pick a top-5 QB and top-3 TE and still like your team?
Daniel Dopp shares takeaways from more than 100 drafts to help you make tough decisions in your upcoming drafts.
Tristan H. Cockcroft’s best picks for each draft slot in Rounds 1 and 2:
8-team leagues | 10-team leagues | 12-team leagues
Joe Burrow, Ladd McConkey among Matt Bowen’s top 10 draft targets
The players he’s been drafting all summer, along with a handful of late-rounders to put on the radar.
Field’s favorites: Jaylen Waddle, TreVeyon Henderson among popular draft targets
Field Yates offers up the players has been happy to snag most often in drafts this summer.
Mike Clay’s Ultimate Draft Board
Perfect picks for every round in a 12-team league.
Tory Horton, Jaxson Dart, Adonai Mitchell among deep sleepers
Tristan H. Cockcroft names names for those in deeper leagues seeking off-the-radar types who may emerge in 2025.
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Daniel Dopp and Stephania Bell express optimism about WR Ricky Pearsall’s fantasy outlook.
Answering one key preseason question for 20 NFL teams
NFL Nation reporters answer the most important fantasy questions, providing insight from training camps.
‘Do Draft’ list: Henry, Purdy, Kelce among players being undervalued
In the perennial counterpart to the Do Not Draft list, Eric Karabell discusses players who are being underappreciated in drafts.
‘Do Not Draft’ list: McCaffrey, Andrews among players being overvalued
Eric Karabell serves up his annual list of players going earlier than they should in 2025 drafts.
Fantasy football ‘drumbeat’ players: Nix, Hampton among those generating buzz
Liz Loza serves up six potential league-winning players who are generating serious excitement in fantasy circles.
Benson, Higgins lead the “Have Skills, Need Opportunity” team
Ten players who have the skills to be fantasy factors but are waiting for a chance to prove it.
Six late-round “fliers” that can help you win your league
Liz Loza offers up six players you need to be considering late in fantasy drafts.
Fantasy Focus breakouts: Williams, McCarthy and more
Field Yates, Mike Clay and Daniel Dopp identify players you can count on to break out.
Numbers you should know before your draft
Tristan H. Cockcroft uncovers some interesting stats that could impact draft day decisions.
Ward, McMillan and others primed to follow path of 2024 breakouts
These players are in position to follow a similar path to last year’s breakouts and produce big numbers.
Year 2 player spotlight: Maye, Harrison, Odunze among popular breakouts
The ESPN Fantasy staff lists NFL sophomores being undervalued in drafts and a few under scrutiny.
Murray, McCaffrey among “red flag” players worth drafting
You have to take risks to win in fantasy football. Liz Loza highlights players who are worth taking the chance on.
Opportunity knocks: Players poised to take advantage in 2025
Eric Moody lists those who will benefit most from teams’ vacated touches or targets from last season.
11 players who will score fewer TDs in 2025
Mike Clay gives his annual list of players he expects to reach the end zone less often this season.
Nine players who will score more TDs in 2025
Mike Clay lists the players most likely to increase their touchdown output in 2025.
Expect a return to form from these bounce-back candidates
Eric Karabell lists some of his favorite candidates to rebound from a disappointing 2024.
10 undervalued pass catchers with intriguing upside or safer floors
Matt Bowen lists his favorites with week-winning potential and others who are dependable, despite lower ADPs.
Top storylines for 2025: What to expect from CMC, Tyreek and more
Mike Clay, Daniel Dopp and Field Yates enjoy a robust conversation about topics that fascinate them heading into this season.
Don’t be surprised if … these 19 things happen in 2025
Eric Karabell offers his thoughts on players who could delight or disappoint in 2025.
The 20 rookies that should be drafted
Fans get excited about rookies, but which ones are truly worth taking in fantasy drafts this summer? Matt Bowen has a list.
16 players to trade for or trade away in dynasty leagues
Knowing when to hold and when to walk away from players is critical to dynasty league success. Eric Moody is here to help.
Players to upgrade, downgrade due to 2025 schedule
Mike Clay details the teams and players with the easiest and hardest schedules in fantasy terms.
Strategy/ways to play
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Why Yates would draft Christian McCaffrey high in fantasy
Field Yates explains why he would draft Christian McCaffrey early in fantasy.
The Playbook: Planning a winning fantasy football draft-day strategy
Mike Clay goes position by position and lays out a successful approach for 2025 fantasy football drafts.
The Playbook, Part 2: Fantasy football draft tips for nontraditional formats
Mike Clay discusses his draft approach in various intensive league structures that get less attention.
The Playbook, Part 3: How to manage your fantasy football team post-draft
The draft is just the beginning of the fun. Mike Clay gives you a guide to being a savvy, championship-winning manager.
A fantasy football beginner’s guide to salary cap drafts
Eric Karabell’s provides an introduction to the ins and outs of salary cap drafts for fantasy football.
Why this is the season to try an IDP league
Tristan H. Cockcroft explains why drafting defensive players increases the fun you can have playing fantasy.
What is a superflex league, and why should you try one?
Tristan H. Cockcroft explains why starting two QBs instead of one maximizes the fun and also changes the way you draft.
10 ways to make your league more fun
Daniel Dopp provides custom options to increase the enjoyment of playing fantasy football for you and your leaguemates.
Individual player analysis
Drake Maye a top-10 QB in 2025?
Eric Moody explains why Maye is in position to take the next step in Year 2.
Should you take Ashton Jeanty over Saquon Barkley in fantasy drafts?
Liz Loza and Tyler Fulghum debate whether the hot rookie or the 2,000-yard back is the better choice.
The Travis Hunter Experience: How to maximize his fantasy potential
Want to play in a league in which you get points for all of Travis Hunter’s contributions? Here’s how you do it.
Miscellaneous
New features in ESPN Fantasy app: Easier navigation, improved personalization
A list of the newest elements added to the fantasy app, all of which you can enjoy this season.
Fantasy football team names: How to pick a winner
If you’re seeking inspiration for naming your fantasy team, Liz Loza provides a blueprint.
The Fantasy Team Name Generator
Answer a short quiz and be rewarded with a suggestion for a team name that fits your style and personality.
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Khalil Shakir had his signature big, bright smile on his face as he opened the van door. Inside the vehicle, 19 dogs were waiting as Shakir arrived to save them from being euthanized.
On Sunday, the Buffalo Bills wide receiver helped local rescue, Nickel City Canine Rescue, with a transfer of dogs from Clarke County Animal Shelter — who has to euthanize dogs when space is needed.
The fosters who work with Nickel City Canine Rescue selected 19 dogs that they were able to save. It is the same shelter that the Shakirs’ dog, Missy, was rescued from by Nickel City, and then adopted by the family last year.
This was not the first time that Shakir and his wife, Sayler, assisted with a transport, including helping save 26 dogs in May. They have also been active in helping with dog rescues and animal welfare, especially in the western New York community.
The video of the transport that went viral came just a day after the Shakir Family Foundation held a large pet adoption event Saturday. Eight local rescues took part in the event, with a variety of Bills players attending in support, along with many members from the community. Eighteen dogs from Nickel City were adopted at the event.
It was mentioned to Shakir at the event that the transport of dogs was coming in the next day.
“[Shakir’s] eyes lit up! He said he would love to come help again,” a representative for Nickel City Canine Rescue said in an email.
The fourth-year wide receiver was also accompanied to help with the transport by his mother, Mona, and two best friends.
Manchester City have completed the signing of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain.
The Italy international has moved to the Etihad Stadium in a deal worth €30 million ($40.2m). He’s signed a five-year contract to replace Ederson in Pep Guardiola’s squad.
Ederson’s eight-year stay at City is at an end after the Brazilian joined Fenerbahce for €14m.
“To have signed for Manchester City is such a special and proud moment for me,” said Donnarumma.
“I am joining a squad packed with world-class talent and a team led by the one of the greatest managers in the history of football in Pep Guardiola.
“This is a club every player in world football would love to join.
“I have admired watching Manchester City for many years so to now be able to play for the club is a huge honour and a privilege.”
Donnarumma, a Champions League winner with PSG last season, will fight it out with James Trafford to be Guardiola’s No.1.
Trafford, who rejoined the club from Burnley in a £27m deal earlier in the summer, has started City’s first three Premier League games of the season.
Ederson left the Etihad on Tuesday after a glittering stint in Manchester during which he won 15 major trophies including six Premier League titles.
He was also named in the PFA Premier League team of the year twice and won the Premier League golden glove award three times in a row between 2020 and 2022.
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“I leave Manchester City incredibly proud of what we have achieved together, and I am honoured to have worn the shirt so many times,” said Ederson.
“Under Pep, we have won and dominated the Premier League and conquered Europe. It has been amazing.
“I arrived in Manchester eight years ago full of hope, but I could not have predicted such a beautiful time together.
“Playing for City has been the most special time of my life and I will always be a fan of this special club.”
Ederson wasn’t the only exit from the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday. Defender Manuel Akanji completed his move to Inter Milan.
“I cannot wait to meet the Inter fans at San Siro, in the first home game that we’ll have: I am waiting for that moment,” Akanji told Inter’s website.
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2025 Fantasy Football Draft Guide: Rankings, mock drafts and analysis
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