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Olivia Culpo responded to criticism about the contents of her hospital bag after giving birth to her first child with husband Christian McCaffrey on July 13. She defended her choices in a July 15 Instagram Story, specifically highlighting her flameless candles as "AMAZING" during her post-C-section recovery. Culpo addressed backlash from fans about her packed items, stating she ultimately used everything during her 3-4 day hospital stay. She emphasized the importance of "creature comforts" during recovery and shared her list hoping to help other "comfort queens." In a July 11 TikTok, Culpo revealed her extensive packing list required two large suitcases. Key items included her own pillows ("I'm such a pillow snob"), fluffy blankets, twin-sized comforters for both parents, sleep masks, mini fans, aromatherapy spray, and the flameless candles—which she humorously called "the most ridiculous thing." Additionally, she prepared post-birth kits for both vaginal and C-section scenarios, along with luxury self-care items: multiple pajamas, makeup, hair/skin products, and breastfeeding aids. Culpo acknowledged many items were "luxuries as opposed to essentials" but aimed to make her hospital stay more comfortable.
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Former Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey and his wife, Olivia Culpo, have welcomed their first child, a baby girl named Colette Annalise McCaffrey. Culpo announced the birth via an Instagram post. McCaffrey and Culpo began their relationship in 2019 and were married in 2024. The upcoming NFL season will be McCaffrey's first as a father. McCaffrey, drafted 8th overall by the Panthers in 2017, spent his first five and a half NFL seasons in Carolina, becoming a fan favorite. As the Panthers initiated a rebuild in 2022, he was one of the last significant players traded from their late 2010s era, moving to the San Francisco 49ers for draft picks. While McCaffrey has since signed an extension with the 49ers and reached a Super Bowl with them, he has struggled with injuries since the trade. The 49ers missed the playoffs last season partly due to his limited availability.
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Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham will undergo surgery on his left shoulder in London on Wednesday, according to ESPN sources, with an expected recovery period sidelining him for 10 to 12 weeks. Bellingham has struggled with a recurring shoulder injury since joining Madrid, including a dislocation during a match against Rayo Vallecano in November 2023. He initially chose rehabilitation to stay on the pitch, but this prevented full recovery. After playing through the Club World Cup, he decided on surgery, citing discomfort with the brace and a desire to regain full shoulder health. Since transferring from Borussia Dortmund in 2023, Bellingham played a key role in Real Madrid's LaLiga and Champions League double win in his debut season, scoring 15 goals and providing 15 assists across 58 appearances. With Real Madrid's LaLiga campaign starting under new coach Xabi Alonso against Osasuna on August 19, Bellingham is projected to return in early October, missing around eight league games and the beginning of the Champions League group stage.
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Liverpool's goalkeeper Jakub Ojrzynski has completed a permanent transfer to Swedish club Örebro SK, continuing the team's significant restructuring of its goalkeeping department. This follows a near-complete revamp, with new arrivals Giorgi Mamardashvili (now integrated into the first team), Armin Pecsi, and Freddie Woodman joining behind established starter Alisson Becker, while Caoimhin Kelleher, Vítězslav Jaroš, and Harvey Davies have also departed. Ojrzynski, who joined Liverpool in 2019 with notable potential and even made a Premier League matchday bench under Jürgen Klopp in 2020/21, never made a first-team appearance. Despite his physical attributes (196cm tall with strong reflexes and athleticism) and multiple loan spells, he failed to secure a breakthrough opportunity. With his contract expiring last season, Liverpool opted not to renew it, making his departure inevitable after six years. Örebro SK Sports Director Enes Ahmetovic expressed excitement about signing Ojrzynski ("Kuba"), highlighting his aerial ability, reflexes, and athleticism as key qualities valued in their league. Ojrzynski stated his eagerness for the challenge, looking forward to working hard with his new teammates and coaches and aiming to show his best qualities on the pitch. This move signifies Liverpool's clear intent to reset its goalkeeping roster with fresh faces while pragmatically allowing players like Ojrzynski to seek regular playing time elsewhere. Though his exit carries a hint of unfulfilled potential from his initial signing, it reflects the natural churn of youth development at elite clubs, especially with a reliable number one like Alisson in place. Örebro SK gains a goalkeeper with six years of elite academy coaching, offering him a chance to build a solid career in Sweden.
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Giorgi Mamardashvili has completed his transfer from Valencia to Liverpool and made an unofficial debut in the team's first summer friendly against Preston North End. The 24-year-old goalkeeper, who was a starter at Valencia for two and a half seasons, now faces a new challenge competing with Alisson Becker, Liverpool's established No. 1 and one of the top goalkeepers of his generation. Mamardashvili expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to work alongside Alisson, describing it as a valuable learning experience. He acknowledged that vying for a starting spot is a challenge but stated he is ready to give his best and help the team, aiming to contribute to Liverpool's rich goalkeeping legacy. He emphasized his eagerness to train with Alisson, whom he called "one of the best goalkeepers in the world right now," and to carve out his own chapter with the club. Despite Alisson's undisputed role, Mamardashvili could see significant playing time due to Alisson's recent injury issues, similar to how Caoimhín Kelleher (now with Brentford) benefited, playing 20 Premier League games across the 2023–24 and 2024–25 seasons. Mamardashvili's profile rose through his performances at Valencia and a standout role for Georgia in Euro 2024, where he helped the underdog team achieve a famous win over Portugal and reach the knockout stage in their first major tournament appearance. Following his Euro 2024 success, Mamardashvili earned a nomination for the 2024 Yashin Trophy, the goalkeeper award tied to the Ballon d'Or, finishing seventh in the final standings.
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The Dallas Cowboys, lacking consistent passing threats beyond CeeDee Lamb in 2024, explored receiver prospects in the NFL draft. When unsuccessful, they turned to the trade market, acquiring George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers to become their legitimate starting receiver opposite Lamb. A key question arose regarding expectations for Pickens as he transitions from being the WR1 in Pittsburgh to the WR2 role in Dallas. Staff writers at DallasCowboys.com expressed high expectations for Pickens, with six predicting significant contributions. Tommy Yarrish specifically forecasted Pickens making his first Pro Bowl appearance in the Cowboys' offense, believing he will mesh well with Lamb to elevate the passing game and provide a better vertical threat. Mickey Spagnola viewed Pickens as potentially serving as "a co-No. 1 receiver." Kyle Youmans added that Pickens would be motivated by his expiring contract. He emphasized that while Pickens is clearly the No. 2 behind Lamb, he possesses the capability to take over a game if needed – a crucial factor for Dallas during their receiver search. Youmans stated the expectation is that Pickens could deliver a 150-yard performance if Lamb were shut down or unavailable, an ability other considered options lacked. While quantifying expectations is difficult, the writers agree the primary goal is for Pickens to alleviate pressure on Lamb, and they anticipate he will successfully fulfill this role.
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Ethan Nwaneri has decided to reject interest from other clubs, including Borussia Dortmund, and is set to sign a new contract with Arsenal. This comes after weeks of speculation about his future, with only one year left on his previous deal and reported hesitation due to concerns over securing sufficient first-team playing time. Borussia Dortmund had specifically targeted Nwaneri, offering a long-term midfield prospect role and a tailored development plan similar to the one that helped Jude Bellingham succeed. Their model promised significant game time and a central role, an offer many young talents would find hard to refuse. Despite this enticing alternative and the recent arrivals strengthening Arsenal's attack (like Noni Madueke and the potential signing of Eberechi Eze), Nwaneri has chosen to stay at his boyhood club. His decision signals a strong belief in his ability to earn a long-term role and compete for a starting spot within Mikel Arteta's squad. The 18-year-old forward already has significant experience for his age, making 26 Premier League appearances (4 goals, 2 assists) and featuring in 7 Champions League matches (2 goals). His new contract represents the next step in his development at Arsenal, where he could potentially become a deputy for Martin Ødegaard.
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Camron Cooper, a redshirt junior linebacker at UTSA, has been nominated for the 2025 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®, as announced by Allstate and the American Football Coaches Association. This year saw a record-breaking 197 nominees, the highest number in the award's 34-year history. Established in 1992, the award recognizes college football players and student staff for their off-field community service efforts. Since 2008, Allstate has presented the award, and for the second year, is partnering with the Wuerffel Foundation to align this honor with the Wuerffel Trophy, recognizing excellence in community service, academics, and athletics. Cooper's nomination highlights his extensive volunteer work. His efforts include mentoring and reading to students through UTSA's Rowdy Readers program at Virginia Meyers Elementary, making regular visits to Christus Children's Hospital patients, serving as a course monitor for the Diploma Dash, supporting the San Antonio Food Bank, participating in the Get in the Game, Save a Life Campaign, mentoring youth at local sporting events, and being active in UTSA's Fellowship of Christian Athletes. During the 2023 Frisco Bowl trip, he volunteered with Frisco Fastpacs, building food care packages for children. On the field, Cooper played in all 13 games last season for UTSA, contributing at outside linebacker and on special teams. Notable performances include a season-high four tackles in his first start at Army, a blocked punt against Florida Atlantic, recording two tackles (including a sack) and causing a fumble at Tulsa, another sack against Temple, and two stops in the Myrtle Beach Bowl win against Coastal Carolina. The award honors college football student-athletes and coaches for their commitment to community service and leadership beyond football. Quotes from Danny Wuerffel (namesake of the Wuerffel Trophy) and Sam Acho (former Good Works Team member) emphasized the significant impact and inspiration created by the nominees' service. The final roster of 23 award recipients will be announced in September, selected by a panel of former team members, head coaches, and journalists based on outstanding on and off-field leadership. The article concludes with details about UTSA's upcoming 15th football season, starting with a nationally televised game against Texas A&M on August 30th. The Roadrunners will host several home games at the Alamodome, including matchups against Texas State, UIW, Rice, Tulane, East Carolina, and Army. Information is provided on purchasing season or single-game tickets, renewals for season-ticket holders, and free admission for current UTSA students. Merchandise commemorating UTSA Football's 15th season is also available.
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The NFL faces a league-wide issue with unsigned second-round draft picks from the April draft, affecting 30 players. This problem stems from disputes over guaranteed money, triggered after the Houston Texans (Jayden Higgins) and Cleveland Browns (Carson Schwesinger) fully guaranteed contracts for their second-round selections, setting a precedent other players now demand. This stalemate impacts the Las Vegas Raiders and their unsigned second-round pick, Jack Bech (No. 58 overall from TCU). While the Raiders' rookies report to training camp this week, with the first full-squad practice scheduled for July 23, Bech remains without a contract. This creates urgency as Bech, who has a chance to be a Week 1 starter, needs maximum training camp time. The situation is widespread, involving nearly all teams and multiple players, creating mutual interest in finding a resolution. Notably, all 10 of the Raiders' other draft picks have already signed their contracts.
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Oberdan scored for Pohang Steelers in their Korea Cup match against FC Seoul at Pohang Steelyard on July 17, 2024. The Korean national team lost to Japan in the EAFF East Asian Football Championship final, failing to win the title on home soil. China secured third place in the EAFF tournament by defeating Hong Kong in a match held in Gyeonggi. Pohang Steelers midfielder Oberdan received the highest fan votes for the K League All-Star match against Newcastle United. The head of the Korean Football Association was appointed as the leader of the East Asian Football Federation for a third term. The new management at Tottenham Hotspur will clarify Son Heung-min's future with the club in an upcoming press conference. Large crowds gathered at Seoul World Cup Stadium to watch Spanish club Atletico Madrid play. Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone stated his team is likely to field a younger squad for their match against Team K League. Thousands of fans arrived early in Seoul for Tottenham Hotspur's match in the city. Ulsan Hyundai defeated Pohang Steelers in a K League match, extending their lead at the top of the table. Ahead of his acting debut in Korea, Japanese actor Kentaro Sakaguchi expressed his desire to put audiences at ease.
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Breece Hall's 2023 season was a breakout success for the New York Jets, as the running back amassed over 1,500 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns, cementing his status as a rising star despite recovering from an ACL tear. Hall's performance significantly regressed in 2024, marked by fewer explosive runs, six fumbles, and a career-low 4.2 yards per carry. He later attributed part of this decline to playing through a serious knee issue, which also led to trade rumors clouding his future with the Jets. A key factor in his 2023 success was creative offensive usage by coaches Nathaniel Hackett and Todd Downing, who moved Hall around the formation to maximize his speed. This approach changed in 2024 as the Jets attempted to shift Hall into a more traditional between-the-tackles runner. Under new coaches Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey, the Jets are expected to transition to a rotational backfield strategy. Offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand, who previously developed Jahmyr Gibbs, aims to utilize Hall similarly as a dual-threat back, aligning with modern NFL trends favoring efficiency and explosion over heavy workloads. Supporting backs Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis provide solid depth, but the most encouraging development for a potential Hall bounce-back is the significantly improved offensive line. The unit, featuring first-round pick Armand Membou alongside Olu Fashanu, John Simpson, Joe Tippmann, and Alijah Vera-Tucker, is now considered one of the league's most athletic and promising, tailored for a versatile back like Hall. Hall faces a crucial contract year in 2024. With the Jets also needing to extend other key 2022 first-round picks like Sauce Gardner, Jermaine Johnson, and the recently extended Garrett Wilson, the improved scheme, offensive line, and supporting cast are in place. The onus is now on Hall to prove he remains a franchise cornerstone worthy of a second contract.
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Attacking midfielder Valentin Carboni will join Genoa on loan from Inter Milan for the upcoming season. The agreement, a dry loan with no purchase option, has been reached between the clubs. Genoa will also receive a bonus payment potentially reaching €1 million, contingent on Carboni's playing time. Carboni, currently part of Inter's senior squad, had his previous loan spell at Marseille cut short last season due to an ACL injury suffered in the autumn. He spent much of the season recovering from that injury. Following his recovery, Carboni traveled with Inter to the Club World Cup this summer, where he featured and notably scored a stoppage-time winner against Urawa Red Diamonds. Inter's priority this summer was finding Carboni a club where he could secure regular playing time. Genoa emerged as the destination, with their coach Patrick Vieira being a strong admirer of the 20-year-old Argentine. Vieira believes Carboni possesses the quality needed to enhance Genoa's attack. Consequently, Genoa pushed for the loan deal, culminating in the agreement with Inter for a season-long dry loan without an option to buy.
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AC Milan have initiated contact with AS Monaco striker Breel Embolo regarding a potential summer transfer, as reported by journalist Gianluca Di Marzio. Manager Massimiliano Allegri has prioritized signing a new centre-forward as part of the club's summer overhaul plans. The Rossoneri require a reliable backup for Santiago Gimenez, especially following the departures of Tammy Abraham and Luka Jovic. Players Noah Okafor and Alvaro Morata could also leave as they are not part of the club's future plans. Beyond backup, Milan also want the incoming striker to provide genuine competition for Gimenez, who has struggled to settle since his arrival from Feyenoord. Embolo has consequently emerged as a target on Milan's wishlist. His potential availability is enhanced by his contract expiring next summer, which could allow Milan to secure him for a reduced fee compared to Monaco's current €20 million valuation. Embolo has been a key player for Monaco since joining from Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2022. Last season, he contributed seven goals and nine assists, helping the club qualify for the Champions League. He is also a regular starter for the Swiss national team, scoring in consecutive friendlies against Mexico and the USA last month. Described as a traditional target man due to his strong physical build, Embolo is also noted for his excellent link-up play.
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Both the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers released quarterback Baker Mayfield in 2022. As the 2025 season approaches, neither team possesses a proven long-term starter at quarterback, while Mayfield, now with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was recently ranked as the NFL's 10th-best quarterback by league executives, coaches, and scouts in an ESPN survey. An unnamed NFL personnel evaluator compared Mayfield's playing style to Hall of Famer Brett Favre, citing his "moxie" and aggressive "on the attack" mentality that defensive players feel. Like Favre, Mayfield is described as a "gunslinger" willing to put his body on the line to win. Since joining Tampa Bay, he has led the team to consecutive division titles and leads the NFL in regular-season touchdown passes (69) since Week 1 of the 2023 season. His performance also helped former Buccaneers offensive coordinators Dave Canales and Liam Coen secure head coaching jobs. Statistically, Mayfield finished the 2024 regular season ranked highly: third in passing yards (4,500), tied for second in passing touchdowns (41), third in completion percentage (71.4%), and fourth in passer rating (106.8). He has become the undisputed leader of Tampa Bay's offense and is positioned for a potential lucrative contract extension. The evaluator praised his fearlessness, leadership, underrated arm strength, mobility in the pocket, rushing ability, and effectiveness attacking deep when protected. Reflecting his success, the Mayfield-led Buccaneers are currently seventh in betting odds (+1300) to represent the NFC in Super Bowl LX. The article suggests that decision-makers in Cleveland and Carolina likely regret parting ways with Mayfield in 2022 given his current standing and their ongoing quarterback uncertainties.
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The article identifies three running backs fantasy managers should avoid drafting at their current ADP. First, Breece Hall (New York Jets) is highlighted due to significant concerns: his production declined sharply in 2024 (876 rushing yards), losing work to rookies Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis. New head coach Aaron Glenn plans to continue a multiple-back system in 2025. The addition of mobile quarterback Justin Fields will further reduce Hall's rushing attempts, and defenses focusing on stopping the run due to limited receiving threats will hinder him. Despite an ECR ranking of RB13, these hurdles make him a poor investment. Second, Tracy (New York Giants) is advised against. While he achieved over 1,000 all-purpose yards in 2024 and is a capable goal-line runner and pass-blocker, he faces stiff competition from rookie Cam Skattebo. Skattebo, a powerful and versatile back, is expected to immediately take over short-yardage and goal-line duties and could surpass Tracy on the depth chart. Tracy also struggled with fumbling (5 fumbles in 2024), and the Giants' tough 2025 schedule will likely force them into pass-heavy game scripts, limiting his opportunities. These factors present too many risks. Third, Jaylen Warren (Pittsburgh Steelers) is recommended as a pass. Despite Najee Harris's departure, the Steelers drafted dynamic rookie Kaleb Johnson. Johnson, coming off a stellar college season (1,725+ scrimmage yards, 23 TDs), is a powerful downhill runner suited to early-down and goal-line work. While Warren is a better receiver, Johnson's overall skillset and pass-blocking ability mean he will handle the primary rushing role. Warren is therefore relegated to his previous complementary role, making him only a weekly FLEX option in PPR leagues rather than a reliable RB3, especially if Johnson performs well.
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Roma have moved closer to signing Brighton striker Evan Ferguson after the 19-year-old Republic of Ireland international personally approved a transfer to the Serie A club. Despite interest from multiple top European teams, Ferguson has prioritized joining Roma, impressed by their sporting vision under manager Daniele De Rossi and viewing it as an ideal developmental step. Negotiations between Roma and Brighton are actively underway, though the deal's structure remains unresolved. Brighton maintains a firm €45 million valuation reflecting Ferguson's potential and Premier League pedigree, while Roma seeks to lower the cost through potential add-ons, revised payment terms, or a loan-with-buy-option arrangement. Ferguson's clear preference for Roma could facilitate a compromise. Ferguson, renowned for his intelligent movement, physicality, and finishing, scored six goals in 21 Premier League appearances last season before injuries disrupted his campaign. Despite a quieter period, he remains one of Europe's most highly rated young forwards. Roma views Ferguson as a strategic long-term successor to aging attackers and a cornerstone for their youthful rebuild. His acquisition would signal the club's ambition to compete domestically and in Europe while investing in emerging talent rather than short-term solutions. Though the transfer isn't finalized, Ferguson's approval marks significant progress. Talks will continue in coming days, and a successful deal would underscore Roma's intent to challenge for Serie A supremacy.
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The most valuable starting lineup in world soccer is currently valued at over $1.46 billion, heavily featuring Spanish players and LaLiga representation according to Transfermarkt. Four Spanish players are included, and LaLiga contributes seven players overall, split between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. Leading the team is 17-year-old FC Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal, valued at $215 million, making him the world's most valuable player. He is joined in attack by Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior ($183 million) and Kylian Mbappé ($194 million), forming an exceptionally expensive and talented forward trio. The midfield showcases a strong Spanish influence. Real Madrid's English midfielder Jude Bellingham ($194 million) plays alongside FC Barcelona's Spanish midfielder Pedri ($151 million) and Real Madrid's Uruguayan midfielder Fede Valverde ($140 million). The defense is less LaLiga-centric but includes FC Barcelona's Spanish defender Pau Cubarsí ($86 million). He is joined by Manchester City's Josko Gvardiol ($81 million), Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni ($86 million), and PSG's Achraf Hakimi ($86 million). Arsenal's Spanish goalkeeper David Raya ($43 million) completes the lineup. Raya is the fourth Spaniard in the team and shares his valuation with goalkeepers Diogo Costa, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Gregor Kobel. Real Madrid provides four players (Vinicius, Mbappé, Bellingham, Valverde) and FC Barcelona provides three (Yamal, Pedri, Cubarsí), meaning seven of the world's most valuable players are in LaLiga, highlighting the league's role in developing elite young talent and its market power.
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Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp has struggled significantly with injuries over the past few seasons, impacting his performance, particularly in the last year. The Seahawks took a risk by signing him to a three-year deal, hoping his health issues won't persist. Kupp's recent performance decline is attributed to missed games and the strong play of teammate Puka Nacua. Despite a difficult year, Yardbarker's Seth Trachtman identifies Kupp as a prime candidate for a bounce-back season. Trachtman notes the Los Angeles Rams moved on from Kupp after three injury-plagued seasons, and now Kupp aims to regain his old form with the rival Seahawks. He is expected to be a key piece for quarterback Sam Darnold's development. Kupp is listed among other notable bounce-back candidates like Kyle Pitts and Dak Prescott. The expectation is that his talent remains intact and his health should improve. Within the Seahawks offense, Kupp is projected to be the WR2 behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba, maintaining a significant role on the depth chart. His usage is anticipated to be substantial, especially with Darnold potentially relying on him. If Kupp stays healthy, his performance is expected to rebound towards his previous level as a Super Bowl MVP.
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Christian McCaffrey and Olivia Culpo have welcomed their first child, a daughter named Colette Annalise McCaffrey. The couple announced the birth in a joint Instagram post on Sunday. The Instagram announcement featured a carousel of photos showing both parents with their newborn baby, along with some behind-the-scenes images. In her Instagram Stories, Olivia Culpo shared an additional photo of McCaffrey looking at the baby in a bassinet. She captioned the image, "Colette is so lucky to have the best daddy in the world. A love like no other." The couple, who got married in June 2024, had publicly announced in March of the same year that they were expecting their first child.
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The San Francisco 49ers enter the 2025 NFL season aiming to re-establish themselves as contenders after missing the playoffs last year, a significant drop from their Super Bowl appearance in 2023. Key injuries plagued the 49ers last season. Star running back Christian McCaffrey missed most of the year, starting with Achilles issues in both legs before suffering a season-ending knee injury after only four games. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk also missed a large portion of the season due to a torn ACL, among other roster injuries. McCaffrey has worked hard to recover and is currently reported to be back to full health and ready for the 2025 season. Expectations for him are high, especially recalling his significant 2023 impact where he rushed for 1,459 yards and 14 touchdowns, while also catching 67 passes for 564 yards and seven touchdowns. However, ESPN ranked McCaffrey as the NFL's fifth-best running back, with one league executive expressing concern about his durability, citing a history of injuries dating back to college. The executive acknowledged McCaffrey's elite training regimen but noted his smaller frame and predicted he would "lose a step eventually." This concern is supported by McCaffrey's injury history: he played full 16-game seasons for his first three years but only managed three, seven, and six games respectively over the next three seasons.
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Daniel Levy, Tottenham Hotspur's chairman, is significantly increasing transfer activity this summer, reversing his previously criticized passive approach to support manager Thomas Frank. He has already secured four signings and is close to a fifth, Morgan Gibbs-White, notably triggering a release clause which is unusual for him. With significant investment expected, further signings are anticipated. Levy's recent push aims to ensure most new players are integrated before Tottenham's pre-season friendly against Reading on July 19th. While Frank initially prioritized attacking recruits, he is now focusing on defensive reinforcements following a season where Spurs conceded 65 Premier League goals. Full-backs Kōta Takai and Kevin Danso have already been signed permanently. However, the midfield remains a key area needing improvement. Tottenham are intensifying efforts to sign João Palhinha from Bayern Munich. The 30-year-old Portugal international, struggling for starts under Vincent Kompany, is open to a Premier League return and could be available for around £26 million, though Spurs face competition from Manchester United. Spurs' record goalscorer Harry Kane, a current teammate of Palhinha at Bayern, has strongly endorsed the player, previously calling him an "animal" in defensive midfield and a "fantastic" player. Last season, Tottenham struggled defensively in midfield partly because players like Rodrigo Bentancur were played out of position at the base of the midfield in an ambitious formation. Bentancur and others struggled with this unfamiliar responsibility. Frank, who rarely used a single holding midfielder at Brentford, might employ a double pivot instead. Evidence from the latter stages of the Europa League suggests Bentancur and Yves Bissouma performed well together in this setup, effectively shielding the defence and sharing ball progression duties. This indicates Frank could potentially improve the team's midfield balance by reverting to a double pivot, even without signing Palhinha.
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Former Bayern Munich defender Markus Babbel has publicly criticized honorary club president Uli Hoeneß, stating that Hoeneß's inconsistent involvement and public comments are negatively affecting the club. Babbel, known for his outspoken views, believes Hoeneß must decide between fully recommitting to an active role or stepping away completely, rather than occasionally making disruptive statements. Babbel expressed confusion over Hoeneß's current stance, acknowledging Hoeneß's past pivotal role in Bayern's success but emphasizing that times have changed. He criticized Hoeneß's pattern of intermittently "pulling one out" (making unsolicited remarks), arguing this approach is unsustainable and harms the club. Babbel stated, "He has to decide: either he gets fully involved again... or he steps away completely." Babbel pointed to Bayern's recent transfer difficulties—such as missing out on Florian Wirtz to Liverpool and Jamal Musiala's injury—as evidence supporting his critique. He argued that the club's recurring shortcomings in crucial sporting decisions are not coincidental but reflect deeper issues exacerbated by leadership ambiguity. While acknowledging the complexity of transfers (especially for top players) and noting that Hoeneß historically opposed exorbitant spending, Babbel maintained that Hoeneß's public interventions create negative optics. He described Hoeneß's legacy as a "double-edged sword," as the media constantly seeks his opinions despite his unofficial role, amplifying the impact of his unrestrained comments.
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Following Chelsea's 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final, a post-match brawl erupted involving both teams. The tension escalated after PSG's João Neves received an 86th-minute red card for pulling Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella's hair, culminating in clashes at the final whistle. Footage appeared to show PSG coach Luis Enrique pushing Chelsea forward João Pedro to the ground during the confrontation. Enrique later explained he was attempting to separate players to prevent further escalation, stating: "My intention was to separate the footballers so the situations didn't become worse." He acknowledged the incident reflected poorly but attributed it to match pressure, noting he saw Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca "pushing others" amid the chaos. Chelsea's João Pedro suggested PSG players "lost their heads" due to the defeat but downplayed the incident, commenting: "This is football... we won the tournament, that's it." He declined to elaborate further on the opposition's behavior. Despite the loss denying PSG a world title to complement their Champions League trophy, Enrique rejected the "losers" label for his team, asserting: "We are the runners-up. A loser is somebody who gives up." PSG will now take a break before resuming Ligue 1 play on the weekend of August 17.
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Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard shared a social media update as he and his teammates returned to pre-season training, captioning an Instagram post "Back to work" with behind-the-scenes training images. The post received supportive reactions from teammates including Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Leandro Trossard. This return follows a frustrating 2023/24 season for Odegaard, marked by injuries and inconsistent performances that yielded only six goals across all competitions (three in the Premier League). His displays, particularly a perceived lack of leadership in key matches like the Champions League semi-final against PSG, led some fans to question his captaincy role. The season was challenging for Arsenal overall, finishing second in the Premier League for the third consecutive year. Despite his club struggles, Odegaard showed flashes of his best form for Norway during the summer World Cup qualifiers, potentially providing a confidence boost for the new campaign. Meanwhile, Arsenal have strengthened their midfield with the signings of Christian Norgaard and Martin Zubimendi, and retain interest in Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze. A deal for Eze could increase competition for Odegaard's position, especially given the lingering questions about his performances. While Leandro Trossard showed support for Odegaard's post, his own future at Arsenal is uncertain. Entering the final year of his contract, Trossard has attracted interest from Bayern Munich. Talks over a new Arsenal deal, initiated in May, have since stalled. Although a reliable squad player since joining from Brighton, Arsenal might consider selling him this summer if they receive a strong offer to avoid losing him for free next year.
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Olivia Culpo gave birth to her first child, a baby girl named Colette Annalise McCaffrey, with her husband, San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, on July 13th. She announced the birth on Instagram, sharing black-and-white photos of the new family at the hospital and captioning them, "Colette Annalise McCaffrey." In her Instagram Stories, she added, "Colette is so lucky to have the best daddy in the world. A love like no other." The baby's arrival follows Culpo's pregnancy announcement in March, where she shared photos cradling her baby bump and captioned it "Next chapter, motherhood." Before this official announcement, her sister, Sophia Culpo, humorously pointed out Olivia's attempt to conceal her bump in a January 1st Instagram post, jokingly calling her "Oblivia" for not being stealthy. During her pregnancy, Culpo shared aspects of her journey with fans, including going on a babymoon road trip with McCaffrey and participating in a TikTok trend predicting the baby's sex using old wives' tales. She guessed she was having a boy but waited until birth to learn the sex. Culpo also openly discussed her concerns about fertility due to her endometriosis diagnosis, a condition she worried could make conceiving difficult. She expressed feeling pressure to start a family sooner rather than later because of the uncertainty surrounding her condition. Culpo and McCaffrey got engaged during a trip to Utah in the spring following her fertility concerns and were married in her native Rhode Island in June 2024. Culpo has emphasized the importance of mutual support in their relationship, telling E! News they lean on each other and share experiences, making everything easier and creating a scenario where they always have each other.
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Christian McCaffrey is acknowledged as an elite but injury-prone player. Despite concerns about his durability, highlighted by Nick Wright's comments noting his history of missing games (37 since 2020) and increased wear, the San Francisco 49ers made a significant investment to acquire him via trade with the Carolina Panthers. McCaffrey's impact on the 49ers' offense is substantial. In 2023, he played all 16 games, led the NFL with 2,023 scrimmage yards and 21 touchdowns, and the team averaged 28.9 points per game with him. Without him, their performance significantly declined, averaging only 20.3 points and finishing 6-11. Now 29 years old and claiming to be back at "full speed," McCaffrey has surpassed 10,000 career scrimmage yards and 81 total touchdowns. He is a versatile weapon, functioning as RB1, WR2, safety valve, and power runner. His proven playoff performance (522 rushing yards, 9 TDs in 7 games) underscores his value in crucial moments, though injury concerns persist. The 49ers are heavily reliant on McCaffrey for their offensive success and hope his health holds as they aim to return to top form with QB Brock Purdy. They face a challenging NFC West division in 2025, with strong competition expected from the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks.
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Chiefs head coach Andy Reid discussed offensive lineman Josh Simmons ahead of the team's Week 9 matchup. Reid confirmed Simmons will definitely be ready for training camp and able to participate in some activities before then. The Chiefs conducted thorough evaluations of Simmons, meeting him at the combine, bringing him in for one of their allotted 30 pre-draft visits, and holding multiple Zoom calls, including one as recently as the day before the discussion. Reid stated that Simmons would have been a top five or ten draft pick, emphasizing that the offensive line, particularly the left tackle position, is an area where the team needs good players. He believes Simmons can help close that gap once healthy and is seen as a true left tackle, though noted his flexibility to play any spot on the line. Reid highlighted Simmons' skills in both the run and pass game. He specifically valued Simmons' ability to anchor down in pass protection, a crucial trait for a left tackle protecting a right-handed quarterback, especially given the quality of defensive ends the Chiefs face.
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