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The world of football is in mourning after Diego Maradona passed away on Wednesday. The greatest footballer of his generation achieved remarkable success at both club and international level, leaving an incredible legacy on the sport. But where does the Argentine superstar rank among the best players ever to grace the game? Daily Star Sport has set about answering that question by ranking the top 10 footballers of all time, based on five factors: trophies won, international success, adaptability in thriving in different environments, individual records and legacy. 10. George Best Known as the ‘fifth Beatle’ due to his pop-star appearance and showmanship, George Best was the first footballing household name in the UK. The Northern Irishman embodied Manchester United ’s values of fast, skilful and direct attacking football, bringing fans – even sometimes those of the opposition – to their feet in appreciation. Best was supremely gifted, infusing mazy dribbling, … [Read more...] about Top 10 footballers of all time ranked, featuring Maradona, Messi, Pele and Ronaldo

Pele has paid an emotional tribute to Diego Maradona after the legendary Argentine footballer died aged 60. The Barcelona and Napoli icon suffered a heart attack in his home country, days after undergoing an emergency surgery . During his illustrious playing career, the forward scored more than 300 club goals over 22 years while winning the World Cup in 1986. But the Argentine enjoyed a rivalry throughout his career with Brazilian hero Pele, who scored 643 official goals in 656 appearances for Santos. And the 80-year-old paid his own special tribute to his iconic footballing rival. He said [via Bleacher Report on Twitter ]: "I have lost a dear friend, and the world has lost a legend. One day, I hope, we will play soccer together in the sky." The Brazilian won the World Cup three times, becoming the first teenager to score in a final at the 1958 tournament. Pele claims to have netted a stunning 1,281 goals in his career, although most were scored in unofficial … [Read more...] about Pele pays emotional tribute to Diego Maradona after legendary football rival dies aged 60

The German Football Association have passed a new ruling which allows transgender, intersex, and non-binary footballers to choose between the men's or women's game at amateur and youth level. It has been made with the aim of allowing everyone to play football, as there had previously not been regulations in place for individuals undergoing gender reassignment and those who don't fit into the existing male or female categories. Former Aston Villa, West Ham, and Everton midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger, who came out as gay in 2014, is the diversity ambassador for the German FA. He said: "Football stands for diversity, and the DFB is also committed to it. READ MORE: Trans boxer who was in and out of prison says "I feel like the man I am" when fighting "By regulating gaming law, we are creating further important prerequisites to enable players of different gender identities to play." Sabine Mammitzsch, the vice-president for women's and girls' football, added: "The state and … [Read more...] about Transgender and non-binary footballers to choose between men’s or women’s in Germany

Cristiano Ronaldo has long since been one of the most influential players on the football pitch - but the Portuguese megastar is starting to expand his reach. According to new research, the Manchester United forward is sports' most influential star. Betting.com have revealed Ronaldo is the most searched athlete on the planet, with over five million more searches per month than second place. On average, Ronaldo's name is searched 11 million times per month - making him the most searched athlete by far. Second place belongs to NFL and New Orleans Saints star Ryan Ramczyk, who averages 6.1 million searches per month. READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo 'ready to quit Man Utd' as he slaps down ultimatum on signings The second most searched footballer, and third overall, is PSG and Brazil star Neymar . The tricky Brazilian falls just short of Ramczyk with 5.8million average monthly searches. While Lebron James slots in fourth, marginally ahead of Ronaldo's great rival … [Read more...] about Cristiano Ronaldo tops most-searched listed in football with Lionel Messi fifth

Premier League winners Manchester City offer the cheapest season ticket in the division [GETTY] Sign up HERE for the latest MUFC breaking news and transfer updates SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info The cost of watching football in England has also risen by almost twice the rate of inflation since 2011. Arsenal have the most expensive season ticket [GETTY] Arsenal have dropped their most expensive match-day ticket from £126 last year to £97. Key findings from BBC Sport Price of Football study Most expensive season ticket: Arsenal, £2,013 Cheapest season ticket in Premier League: Manchester City, £299. Cheapest season ticket in four divisions: Charlton, £150. Highest match-day ticket: Arsenal, £97. Most expensive replica shirt: … [Read more...] about PRICE OF FOOTBALL: Arsenal, Chelsea, Man Utd and Liverpool among most expensive clubs

FOOTBALL NOW is a new show that brings to light some of the global game's biggest issues, challenges, and debates. Although football players are an expensive commodity, their careers are often short and sometimes even shorter if they suffer a severe injury. Even the coolest footballer can break out into a sweat at the mere mention of an ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) injury. Thanks to advances in sports science and technology, this type of injury no longer threatens a player's career. The Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital in Doha, Qatar, is the first of its kind in the Gulf region. It aims to be a global leader in sports medicine and exercise science. They are helping athletes achieve their potential and maximum performance. Anis Kassem, a Syrian Under-19 international, suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury after playing for his country. It was a massive setback for the 17-year-old. However, he has a promising future after undergoing successful … [Read more...] about How is technology changing the treatment of football injuries?

THE sign of a real football fan is the ability to name all of England’s World Cup-winning team, a survey claims. Reeling off all our 11 legends from 1966 — not just Geoff Hurst and Bobby Moore — was deemed top trait of a true supporter. Playing the game, even at Sunday league, was next, followed by attending at least five games a season. Other vital signs include owning multiple shirts, easily explaining the offside rule and supporting your local team. Stadium knowledge of other cities and predicting substitutions before they happen are also considered important attributes. Some 47 per cent said you can only be classed a proper fan if you support the men’s and women’s teams, according to a poll of 2,000 by the England Teams’ partner Snickers. READ MORE FOOTBALL VAR FROM OVER Mike Dean to stay in football and will become VAR official for Premier League BENDING THE RULES Alison Bender: Making it as a woman in … [Read more...] about ‘Real’ football fan can name all of England’s 1966 World Cup winning-team – how many can you reel off?

Russian football is facing a huge economic crisis as a result of war dog Vladimir Putin's barbaric decision to invade Ukraine . The bloodthirsty despot launched an attack on Russia's neighbours in February, with fighting continuing across the region ever since. While far from the most pressing issue given the tragic number of lives lost in the conflict, football clubs on both sides of the border have felt the impact of Putin's decision. A Twitter account called the ' Sweeper Pod ' broke down what Putin's invasion for Ukraine currently means for football in Russia and the affect it could have in the future. READ MORE: Putin's sex-mad Olympian lover warns gymnastics facing "degradation" without Russia On May 2, UEFA banned Russian clubs from its competitions ahead of the 2022-23 season, a decision which affects the Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, Women’s Champions League and Youth League tournaments. Zenit St Petersburg, Dynamo Moscow, CSKA … [Read more...] about Major crisis facing Russian football clubs after Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine

CHELSEA are hovering as Manchester United sweat on Frenkie de Jong agreeing personal terms over a £60million move. That's the claim from the Guardian , who say the Blues have one major advantage as the Barcelona midfielder wants Champions League football. New Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag hopes to reunite with De Jong , as well as his old Ajax stars Lisandro Martinez , Antony and Jurrien Timber. And United make a huge breakthrough last week when they finally persuaded Holland hero De Jong to consider leaving the Nou Camp. The Red Devils negotiated a fee close to £60m as Barca aim to ease their financial problems by cashing in on a major asset. But it's understood Chelsea are now taking a strong interest in De Jong's talks with Old Trafford chiefs over personal demands. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL RON THE MOVE Ronaldo tells Utd 'he wants to LEAVE' with Chelsea & Bayern ready to pounce NATHAN WARNING Man … [Read more...] about Chelsea ‘try to hijack Frenkie de Jong’s £60m Man Utd transfer and hope to tempt star with Champions League football’

Prisoners are being trained up as football referees with eleven cons passing the FA’s Level 7 course in the past year, which allows them to take charge in junior amateur leagues, with Level 1 officials in control of Premier League games. A report by inspectors from the Independent Monitoring Board revealed details of the course in a new report. The scheme, which normally costs £135, states that it equips participants with the "skills and knowledge" to referee. The lags must complete five modules, including watching videos of matches, and learn the rules of the beautiful game. The criminals, at HMP Highpoint, a 1,300-capacity jail in Suffolk, also discovered how to “built a rapport” with players and coaches. READ MORE: Premier League to non-league - 11 football stars who dropped down the divisions The IMB report stated that five courses were funded via the dynamic purchasing system, an “online procurement system”, allowing governors to commission small educational … [Read more...] about Prisoners being trained up as football referees to help stop cons re-offending