Giuliano Simeone has spoken candidly about life under his father, Diego Simeone, revealing how he balances the weight of a famous surname with the responsibility of earning his place at Atletico Madrid. With the club preparing a new long-term contract after his breakout season, the 22-year-old reflects on his journey from Calderon ball boy to first-team contributor, and the expectations that come with both roles.

• Giuliano Simeone's relentless push to be an Atleti

  Simeone’s story with Atletico began long before he stepped onto the pitch as a professional. As a long-haired eight-year-old, he served as a ball boy at their former stadium, but his path to the first team required a long diversion. 

  After years n River Plate’s youth academy, he was finally snapped up by the Atletico youth academy while his father was building a solid reputation as coach of the senior team, but it took spells on loan to Real Zaragoza and Deportivo Alaves to lay the foundation for his breakthrough in the capital. 

  The 2024-25 campaign finally opened the door: his first senior goal, his first Champions League moment, and his growing influence in his father's demanding system.

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  "At Cerro, he's the coach. Outside of training, he's my dad"

  For years, Simeone has lived with a familiar accusation: that every opportunity he receives is because he is Diego Simeone’s son. Every debut, every promotion, every appearance has come with someone claiming he is “only there because of his father.” The criticism follows him everywhere, from the youth system to La Liga, and he knows it will never fully disappear.

  Asked directly about the nepotism narrative in an interview on , he delivered a clear response: "I've said it many times, I think we have a coach-player relationship where we both have a lot of respect. When we go into training at Cerro del Espino, when we cross those gates, he's the coach and I'm a player. And the player always does what the coach says. Outside of training, obviously he's my dad and he loves me a lot, like any father, and we have a different relationship. Outside of training, we talk a lot about football. We have a WhatsApp group with my brothers, and they send us videos of their plays, highlights, and we discuss them. Everyone gives their opinion. We're all big football fans in the family, of course."

  The 22-year-old added: "I was told that a lot when I was very young. When we played matches at 12 years old: 'You play because you're your father's son.' At first, you kind of get used to it, but then it becomes a habit, and you know you play because you love it and you give it your all. I don't know if I kept quiet or silenced them, I swear I try to isolate myself from what's said, I focus on myself, on growing and improving."

• Simeone battle odds to become Atleti's first-team player

  Simeone describes his biggest transformation in recent years as a physical one, an evolution forged inside Atletico's famously demanding training environment. The club’s conditioning standards reshaped him, making him stronger, quicker, and far better suited to the defensive intensity that defines his father’s footballing philosophy. Working daily alongside top-level teammates pushed his technique to a higher level.

  He reviews every match the following morning, once the adrenaline has faded and his judgment is clear, as he looks to improve on an important aspect of his game: "Technically, my striking, my finishing… There are many aspects or facets of the game that help you raise your level. I always watch all my matches. But not with my dad, please, there are already enough videos at the Cerro, no, no, no… (laughs). I watch myself quite a bit because I like it and I think it's a way to learn and improve. Before, as soon as I got home, I'd put on the match and wouldn't sleep. Now I do it better and watch it the next day. Sometimes I say: 'What a great match I played!' And then I watch it and say: 'Does this really seem like a great match to you, Giuliano?'"

  His rise has not been smooth, but it has been steady. Giuliano scored three goals across two seasons with Atletico B, then proved himself in the physically demanding Segunda Division with Zaragoza, scoring nine goals and playing a leading role in their attack. His momentum was halted by a serious injury during his loan at Alaves, a moment that forced him into long months of rehabilitation and mental resilience. But he returned to Atletico stronger and soon delivered his first La Liga and Champions League goals.

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  Atletico eye contract extension talks with Giuliano

  Los Colchoneros are finalising an extension that will keep Giuliano at the club until 2030, accompanied by a salary correction that aligns with his new role. Until now, he was among the lowest earners in the first-team squad which is typical for academy graduates—but his increased importance has made the renewal a priority. Giuliano says he dreams of a career like Koke’s.

  "I'm very happy to be at Atlético. Very happy, I hope to be here for many years. I hope to have a career like Koke's. I would love to be here for many years," he says.

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O Santos definiu que continuará com Tomás Rincón para a temporada 2024 por meio de uma nota oficial. Para prosseguir no clube, o atleta venezuelano aceitou uma redução salarial.

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Para definir a permanência ou a saída dos seus atletas, o Peixe precisa que muitos jogadores readequem seus salários para prosseguir na equipe do litoral paulista. 

➡️ Juventude tem interesse na contratação de dois jogadores do Santos; confira situação

Na visão da diretoria do Santos, o ato de Rincón aceitar a diminuição do seu salário comprova o ímpeto do atleta com o clube e o projeto esportivo previsto para a próxima temporada do clube, que foca no retorno do time para a Série A do Brasileirão.

Apesar do pouco tempo de casa, a postura do volante venezuelano agrada internamente. O jogador foi titular desde a sua chegada e conquistou a braçadeira de capitão da equipe.

A vontade do atleta de seguir no Peixe não é segredo. Logo após a queda do clube para a Série B, Rincón firmou a vontade de permanecer no time e o ímpeto por ‘resgatar o sorriso do torcedor santista’. Veja a nota oficial do jogador abaixo:

– Procurei dar tudo que tinha com muita dedicação, responsabilidade e comprometimento para ajudar o clube a sair dessa situação, aqui estou mostrando a cara porque infelizmente não conseguimos atingir o objetivo e os 8 milhões de santistas não mereciam passar por isso. Obrigado pelas muitas mensagens de solidariedade e apoio, agora para recuperar de uma nova recaída da lesão e preparar-me para 2024, de cabeça erguida porque dei tudo este ano e porque ainda sinto que tenho um longo caminho a percorrer e realmente quero trabalhar. O Santos voltará a sorrir – declarou o atleta.

A significant update has now emerged regarding Kobbie Mainoo’s future at Manchester United, with a Champions League side pushing hard to sign him.

Mainoo’s stock has fallen over the past 12 months or so, having burst onto the scene at Old Trafford, and he is struggling for playing time this season.

Ruben Amorim has recently spoken honestly about the Englishman’s future, admitting that he rates him but also needs to keep other players happy.

“No, like a lot of guys, he wants to play more. I didn’t have a conversation with him before the window closed – I did this week. Because I don’t want Kobbie Mainoo thinking that I was having any conversation with him just to hold on to him. I don’t want that feeling.

“I believe a lot in Kobbie, but some of you think that Kobbie Mainoo is already done (the finished article). I think he can do so much better, he can improve a lot. I think for some guys it is enough (their talent), but for him it is not enough. Maybe it’s not fair, but I think I’m helping Kobbie Mainoo, and that’s it. He will have opportunities like the other guys.”

Mainoo has been linked with a move away from United in the January transfer window, and now a fresh update has emerged regarding his future.

Napoli in advanced talks to sign Mainoo

According to a new report from TEAMtalk, Mainoo’s representatives are in “advanced discussions” with Napoli over a loan move from Manchester United in January.

It is also stated that Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester City also “continue to monitor” the £45,000-a-week ace, but “Napoli’s wage pledge and option clause have vaulted them to pole position.”

It has been sad to see Mainoo fail to kick on at United, having looked such a special talent, but it simply appears as though Amorim doesn’t think he is right for his system.

That’s not to say that the Red Devils manager doesn’t consider him a talented footballer, however, with the 40-year-old lauding him back in September.

“Maybe it’s not fair, but I think I’m helping Kobbie Mainoo and that’s it. He will have opportunities like the other guys. If I feel during the week that he’s the best player to play, he’s going to play and I proved that already to every player here. I believe a lot in him. I have the same thing [opinion] that you have and that is a top, top player, but he can be so much better, so I’m focused on that.”

Endrick tells Real Madrid he wants January exit amid Man Utd interest

The Red Devils could have to face competition to land the coveted young star.

BySean Markus Clifford Nov 4, 2025

A loan move to Napoli means that Mainoo’s United career isn’t over, giving fans some hope that he has a future, but as things stand, it is hard to see him becoming a key figure with Amorim at the helm.

Carrington's "best talent" is a big Sesko upgrade in the making at Man Utd

Bangladesh coasted home in just 13.1 overs, achieving their third-quickest T20I chase

Abhimanyu Bose01-Sep-2025Bangladesh surged to a 2-0 lead in their three-match series against Netherlands with another comfortable win in the second T20I in Sylhet. Netherlands’ batting failed once again, failing to punish the hosts for some sloppy fielding, and seven of their batters were dismissed for single-digit scores as they slumped to 103 all out.Nasum Ahmed, who replaced Rishad Hossain for this game, finished with three wickets, while Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman continued their wicket-taking form with two apiece.Tanzid Hasan then hit an unbeaten half-century as Bangladesh romped to victory in 13.1 overs, making it their third-quickest chase in T20Is (where overs weren’t reduced).Nasum deals early double-blowEven though Max O’Dowd flicked the first ball for a boundary, it was a cagey start for Netherlands, including a missed run-out chance when Mahedi Hasan failed to collect a throw cleanly at the non-striker’s end in the first over with Vikramjit Singh short of his crease.Nasum’s introduction in the third over brought Bangladesh their first breakthrough, and then another.It was more poor execution of shots than the quality of bowling that brought about the wickets, as O’Dowd skied a half-tracker to mid-on and Teja Nidamanuru miscued a cut off another short ball to short third to give Nasum two in two.Vikramjit kept the boundaries coming, cover-driving Mahedi and sweeping Nasum fine before punching the left-arm spinner through point.But he tried to ramp a slower ball from Taskin in the sixth over, got cramped for room, and ended up spooning a catch to short third.Bangladesh sloppy in the fieldTaskin could have had his second off the next ball when Shariz Ahmad skied the ball attempting a swipe across the line but Tanzim Hasan Sakib, who had taken a good catch off the previous delivery, slipped at deep third and spilled the chance.Bangladesh’s sloppiness in the field continued next over, when they failed to capitalise on a mix-up: Towhid Hridoy first tried to run to the stumps from extra-cover, with the ball, and then sent an underarm throw off-target.But Netherlands couldn’t capitalize as Scott Edwards failed to clear mid-on in the ninth over, with Parvez Hossain Emon taking a good catch running back to give Mustafizur his first wicket.Where Bangladesh let simpler chances go, Saif Hassan produced a moment of brilliance to leave Netherlands five down in the tenth over. He dived to his right to stop a flick from Shariz, leaving non-striker Noah Croes, who had set off for a single before turning back, short of his ground with a direct hit.Taskin Ahmed was among the wickets again•BCBDutt resists, but bowlers have final sayFive became six next ball as a Tanzim bouncer cramped Shariz, who could only glove it behind down the leg side.Sikander Zulfiqar, brought into the XI to bolster Netherlands’ batting, made just two before Mustafizur hit the top of his off stump for his second wicket of the evening.Taskin and Nasum then added to their tallies before Aryan Dutt hauled Netherlands past 100, hitting the only six of the innings off Taskin in the process. But he bottom-edged Mahedi onto his stumps as he tried to go for another big shot, ending Netherlands’ innings on 103 with 2.3 overs left unused.Dutt top-scored with 30 and was one of only three Netherlands batters to record double-digit scores.Emon navigates tricky powerplayBangladesh openers rode their luck in the first couple of overs, with Emon top-edging a reverse-sweep over the keeper and missing out on a conventional sweep.But they enjoyed pace on the ball, with both Emon and Tanzid launching medium-pacer Kyle Klein over mid-off for boundaries.Emon was given out lbw off Paul van Meekeren, but he survived upon reviewing and responded by whipping him behind square leg for four and launching him down the ground for Bangladesh’s first six.However, Klein struck in the final over of the powerplay as Emon lost shape trying to hit a length ball down the ground and ended up edging behind.Tanzid, Litton finish the jobEmon’s wicket came during a spell of 15 balls without a boundary, and Litton broke it with a reverse-sweep behind point off Daniel Doram.When O’Dowd was introduced in the ninth over, Tanzid welcomed him with a six down the ground. In the next over, Tanzid tried to go down the ground again off Doram and was given a life with O’Dowd spilling the chance at long-on.Tanzid slogged O’Dowd over midwicket for a four and a six in his next over, the 12th of the innings, and brought up his half-century off 39 balls in the 13th. The rest of the chase was a formality, and Tanzid sealed the win with a slap down the ground.

If the St. Louis Cardinals still plan to trade third baseman Nolan Arenado this offseason, they now need to pivot.

The s Alex Speier reported Wednesday that the Cardinals were back at the bargaining table with the Boston Red Sox for a potential Arenado trade. However, several hours after that report, the Red Sox agreed to sign star infielder Alex Bregman to a three-year deal worth $120 million—thus likely putting an end to any Arenado-to-Boston rumors.

So, what's next? ESPN's Buster Olney suggested Thursday night that the NL Central rival Chicago Cubs are a "theoretical fit" for Arenado.

Of course, trading Arenado to a division rival—the Cubs, nonetheless—might be a difficult move for St. Louis to swallow.

Third base remains a position of need for the Cubs as spring training begins. As of Thursday night, Matt Shaw—the Cubs' first-round pick in 2023—is the front-runner to earn the starting third base role in camp. Although Shaw has raked in the minors—29 homers and a .906 OPS in 159 career games—he has no big league experience and has seen just 131 at-bats at Triple-A.

Shaw looks like he can develop into a future star, but trading for Arenado would give the Cubs a proven option at the hot corner in a season they need to bounce back from last year's 83–79 disappointment.

Arenado, an eight-time All-Star, has just been a slightly above-average hitter in the big leagues over the last two seasons. In 296 games in that span, Arenado has logged 42 homers and a .269/.320/.426 slash line, adding up to a 104 OPS+—just four points above league average (100 OPS+).

Arenado, 33, is due $21 million this season and is under contract through 2027. Back in December, he invoked the no-trade clause in his contract and nixed a deal with the Houston Astros.

Spring training has begun as MLB teams gather to prepare for the 2025 season. While not every roster is set and there are still moves to be made, it's fair to take a look back at the offseason that was and point out the teams who failed to improve as they should have.

Here's a look at the franchises that had the most demoralizing offseasons this winter.

San Diego Padres

This is not to say the Padres will be bad in 2025, as they'll almost certainly still be in the hunt for a playoff spot. Their inclusion here is more about how they went from one game away from eliminating the rival Los Angeles Dodgers in the postseason, to losing significant pieces of their roster without replacing them and missing out on their top target of the offseason.

Key contributors Ha-seong Kim, Jurickson Profar and Kyle Higashioka were allowed to depart in free agency and the team didn't spend to improve at those spots. Catcher Elias Díaz was brought back on a cheap deal, while Connor Joe and Jason Heyward were signed to form a platoon in left field. The recent signing of Nick Pivetta was shrewd, and lefty Kyle Hart dominated the KBO last season and is a lottery ticket signing.

Perhaps most painfully, the Padres threw a lot into landing Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki in what was a multi-year chase only to watch him sign with the Dodgers. A family legal dispute over the team's ownership was the icing on the cake of a brutal offseason for the Friars.

St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals firmly entered rebuild territory this offseason, as they didn't acquire anyone of note. They also looked to trade several veteran pieces, most notably third baseman Nolan Arenado. As of now, those moves haven't come to fruition. Spring training has begun with Arenado and veteran pitchers Sonny Gray, Steven Matz and Miles Mikolas still on the roster.

The Cardinals watched Paul Goldschmidt, Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson walk away, while reliever Andrew Kittredge also left. The team is clearly attempting to turn things over to a younger generation led by shortstop Masyn Winn.

Until they move Arenado, the franchise will remain in a state of limbo. If things are bad early in the season, St. Louis could look to unload a number of pieces, including its best starting pitchers. If that was the route the Cardinals planned, it would have been better to do it this offseason.

Crystal Palace are now readying a January move for Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling, with Oliver Glasner personally keen, and they hold an advantage in the race for his signature.

Palace are one of many clubs looking like they could make a push for the European places this season, should they manage to keep their squad together, and there has recently been a positive update on that front, despite Liverpool retaining an interest in Marc Guehi.

There has also been a new update on Adam Wharton’s future, amid widespread interest from Premier League clubs, while the Eagles have been forced to make do without Eberechi Eze this season, with the 27-year-old moving to Arsenal in the summer.

Following Eze’s departure, Glasner’s side brought in Yeremy Pino, but it has now been revealed they want to bring in another forward to soften the blow of losing their talisman in the previous window…

Crystal Palace readying January move for Raheem Sterling

According to a report from SportsBoom, Crystal Palace are now readying a January move for Chelsea’s Sterling, with Glasner personally keen, and the Blues willing to pay part of the winger’s wages to get him off the books.

There is expected to be competition for the Englishman’s signature from Leeds United, but Palace may hold a key advantage in the race for his signature, as he wants to remain in the south for personal reasons.

The South Londoners’ location could give them the edge in the battle for the Chelsea outcast, who has been named as one of the best wingers in Premier League history, given that he lives in Berkshire, but there are doubts over whether they should even pursue a move.

Pep Guardiola has lauded the former Manchester City man in the past, saying: “For his confidence it will be massive, the first goal is brilliant, when Raheem executes without thinking he is excellent.”

However, the 30-year-old has had little opportunity to show his brilliance in recent times, having not made a single appearance for the Blues this season, and he struggled on loan at Arsenal last term, scoring zero goals and picking up just two assists in 17 Premier League games.

Having amassed a whopping 198 goal contributions in 396 Premier League matches and won 11 trophies, there can be no denying that Sterling was a top player in his prime, but his best days might be behind him, so it wouldn’t be the end of the world if Leeds beat Palace to his signature.

Crystal Palace join race for "extraordinary" forward likened to Kvaratskhelia Crystal Palace join race for "extraordinary" forward likened to Kvaratskhelia

The Eagles are looking to bolster their options in attacking areas during the January transfer window.

ByDominic Lund Nov 12, 2025

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will take on each other to begin the Super Four stage of Asia Cup 2025 on Saturday. By knocking Afghanistan out of the tournament in the penultimate group-stage game in Abu Dhabi, Sri Lanka ensured they progressed to the next round unbeaten, along with Bangladesh from Group B.India and Pakistan had confirmed their spots from Group A after Pakistan’s win against UAE on Wednesday. That means the second India vs Pakistan game in the tournament will be played on September 21 in Dubai. India had beaten Pakistan in their group-stage fixture in Dubai and are undefeated ahead of their game against Oman, which will close out the first round.Pakistan will get a day’s break before they take on Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi. But Bangladesh will have play on consecutive days as they take on India on September 24 and Pakistan the next day. Both matches are in Dubai.India and Sri Lanka will conclude the Super Four stage on September 26 in Dubai. The two teams topping the table will play in the final on September 28, also in Dubai. The teams will not carry any points from the group stage into the Super Four round.

Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann has issued a concerning update on Arsenal star Kai Havertz. The German forward has not played for the Gunners since picking up a knee injury in a training session following their season opener against Manchester United. Havertz subsequently underwent surgery, but no firm return date has been set, and his recovery could take longer than expected after this new setback.

Getty Images SportArteta's last update on Havertz

In October, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta provided an update on Havertz's condition, telling reporters: "With Kai, we know that it will be months with him. I don’t know if it can be weeks, you never know because this is Kai and he’s a different specimen. We really miss him. Hopefully, he will be back, and back for the long term as well, so it is very important to look after that knee. So far, he’s progressing pretty well."

Havertz has struggled for fitness throughout the year. He missed the last few months of the 2024-25 season with a hamstring injury. He took part in Arsenal's pre-season, but the knee issue then cropped up to send him back to the treatment room.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesNagelsmann delivers relapse news

Nagelsmann issued a new update on Havertz this week, and his Germany team-mate Jamal Musiala, who is also recovering from surgery. The Germany boss said: "Kai (Havertz) had a minor relapse, but overall he’s doing well. Jamal no longer has any major problems. But like Kai, he first needs to get back into rhythm with his club. They have until March to get fully fit, but they obviously need to stabilise now."

Arsenal's injury crisis deepens

The Gunners have had injury problems in their squad since the start of the 2025-26 campaign. Captain Martin Odegaard and summer signing Noni Madueke are both currently sidelined, while star defender Gabriel picked up a knock while playing for Brazil in an international friendly against Senegal last week at Emirates Stadium. 

He has already undergone scans and according to , more tests on his right thigh will be done, but the fear is that he could miss two months of action while he recovers. That would mean the 27-year-old Selecao star sitting out the remainder of the calendar year and perhaps not returning until the latter half of January. The best-case scenario is that Gabriel is only sidelined for one month, which at least means he returns to action before Christmas.

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Getty Images SportWhat comes next?

Despite their injury woes, Arteta's men have displayed tremendous form and are currently leading the Premier League title race, four points above Manchester City. After three successive runners-up finishes, Arsenal are being tipped to win the title for the first time since 2003-04. The Gunners next face arch-rivals Tottenham in the north London derby this Sunday. 

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O São Paulo acertou a venda do zagueiro Lucas Beraldo ao PSG, da França, por 20 milhões de euros (R$107 milhões, na cotação atual).

Titular absoluto do Tricolor na temporada, o jogador atraiu o interesse de diversos clubes do futebol europeu (confira) nesta janela de transferências, mas optou por assinar com a equipe parisiense. As informações foram publicadas inicialmente pelo jornalista Fabrizio Romano.

➡️ Tudo sobre o Tricolor agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! São Paulo

O acordo entre as equipes não prevê bônus por metas atingidas pelo zagueiro. Beraldo já acertou os termos contratuais com o Paris Saint-Germain e aguarda apenas os exames médicos e a troca de documentos entre as partes para ser oficializado.

Essa será a venda mais cara da história do futebol brasileiro envolvendo um zagueiro, superando Murillo, que deixou o Corinthians rumo ao Nottingham Forest, da Inglaterra, por 13 milhões de euros (aproximadamente R$ 69 milhões).

Promovido à equipe principal do São Paulo em 2022, o jogador disputou apenas quatro jogos na última temporada. No entanto, em 2023, se consolidou como titular, participou de 48 partidas e foi fundamental na conquista do título inédito da Copa do Brasil.