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One of the best transfers in Barcelona’s history (if not the best) was signing of Lionel Messi. February 15th 2002 was the date when the Argentinian signed his first professional contract, which allowed him to play for Barcelona’s academy and the rest is history. But there was much fuss about the young kid from Argentina back in 2000. At just 13 years old, Messi’s first informal agreement with Barcelona was famously scribbled and signed on a paper napkin. Barcelona’s sporting director at the time, Carles Rexach, did this to reassure Messi’s father that the club was fully committed to signing him. But if he listened to one of his scouts, the player would never sign for Barcelona!##LINKED_NEWS_69666##The main reason for concern was problems with Messi’s health. Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency as a child, and he needed regular injections to help him grow normally. In the end, Barcelona agreed to pay a certain amount to cover the expenses, but according to one scout, t..

Alphadjo Cisse is making a habit of surprising people at AC Milan. Fabio Capello, however, is already warning the teenage sensation not to get carried away – and has some advice to help him become an even better player.Few Milan players have earned a passing grade in the opening weeks of the season quite like Cisse. The youngster went from relative anonymity to becoming the Rossoneri’s leading scorer after his sensational hat-trick in Thursday’s 4-0 Europa League win over RB Salzburg.##LINKED_NEWS_69925##Despite not being a regular starter, Cisse has made the most of his opportunities. He has played just 360 minutes this season, yet has scored five goals, becoming the youngest Italian to score a hat-trick in a major European club competition at 19 years and 358 days. Milan signed Cisse from Verona last winter for €8 million, leaving him at his former club on loan until the end of the season. Several clubs were reportedly interested in taking him on loan over the summer, but head coach ..

South Africa Sevens legend Rosko ‘Specmagic’ Specman has opened up about the most difficult period of his rugby career.Specman identified losing his father, Joseph Specman, as one of the lowest points of his career. He described him as a key figure who provided guidance and motivation throughout his rugby journey.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more news“The most difficult period of my career was when I lost my father in 2023 because I think he was one of the things that kept us together. He would always call before and after the game. I would always ask for advice from my father,” Specman told Mozzart Sport.Joseph, who played club rugby for Swallows ASC in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, was instrumental in nurturing his son’s passion for the sport and encouraging him to pursue a professional career.Rosko and Joseph SpecmanThe elder Specman remained a key source of support for the winger, offering advice and encouragement before and after matches. His passing left a significant gap in t..

Three bombs that nearly killed him. An injury that threatened to destroy his World Cup dream. Glory in the shirts of Arsenal and Spain. Mikel Merino has lived an extraordinary journey, one in which fear and suffering collided with determination and hope before he reached the summit of world football.In a deeply personal letter published by The Players’ Tribune, the Arsenal midfielder looks back on the defining moments of his career, from the terrifying attack on Borussia Dortmund’s team bus to a devastating foot injury that threatened to end his World Cup hopes. ##LINKED_NEWS_59417##Throughout it all, his family – particularly his wife, Lola – played a crucial role in helping him overcome the darkest periods of his life.One of the most frightening episodes came in 2017, when Merino was playing for Dortmund and the team bus was attacked by three bombs as the players travelled to a Champions League match.”I think I have an angel on my shoulder. I’m actually fortunate to be alive at all,”..

American sprint star Sha’Carri Richardson has revealed the two careers she would consider pursuing outside athletics, naming tennis and music as her alternative professional paths.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe 2023 World 100m champion made the revelation while speaking to Alexis Olympia Ohanian, the daughter of tennis legend Serena Williams and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, during the 2026 Athlos event.Richardson, who is also the Paris 2024 Olympic 100m silver medalist, admitted she would either follow in the footsteps of Serena and her sister Venus Williams or pursue her passion for singing.“If I had to pick, it would be two. It would probably be to be as amazing as your mom and your aunt (Serena Williams and Venus Williams) in tennis or to be an amazing singer,” Richardson said.President Ruto, Coe reaffirm shared commitment to successful 2029 World Championships in NairobiSerena and Venus are among the most successful tennis players in history, having dominated ..

Harambee Starlets have suffered a significant setback ahead of their 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifiers against Malawi after striker Violet Nanjala announced she will miss the next round due to a left knee injury.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe forward confirmed the development in a post on her Facebook page, where she wished her teammates well as Kenya prepares for the two-legged encounter against the southern African nation.Nanjala’s update suggested she could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines, although the extent of the injury and her expected recovery period remain unclear.“Goal scored, next round secured, but it didn’t end the way I was hoping for. I wish the team well in the next round. We can do it, ladies,” she wrote.Adel Amrouche compares his Harambee Stars tenure to Benni McCarthy’sThe injury comes after an impressive performance by the striker in Kenya’s return-leg meeting with Seychelles at the Ulinzi Sports Complex earlier this week.Nanjala start..

He is a trophy-laden footballer who has lifted silverware with four different teams. Last spring, wearing an Aston Villa shirt while on loan from Manchester United, he played an important role in their Europa League triumph. However, Jadon Sancho is now out of work following the expiration of his contract with the Red Devils, although that could soon change. Getafe have thrown the 26-year-old forward a lifeline in his career.##TWITTER_

🚨 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Jadon Sancho expects to make a comeback from La Liga as Antony did in Real Betis. Both discard players from Manchester United, now Antony is a key role player in Real Betis’ side, who are one of the strongest teams in La Liga. Getafe are interested in signing free agent Sancho.

— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) October 16, 2026

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South African rugby sevens legend Rosko Shane Specman has tipped Kenyan rugby for a bright future, describing the Kenya Morans as the next generation of superstars after their impressive run at the Safari 7s.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe Morans, coached by Specman, popularly known as ‘Specmagic’, defeated Shogun Rugby 31-10 in the semifinals to set up an all-Kenyan final against Shujaa at Nyayo National Stadium. They fell 19-5 to Shujaa in the final.The final showcased the depth of talent available in Kenyan rugby.“We knew it was not going to be easy. The Morans have been together for a long time, but I see them as the next superstars of Kenyan rugby. As you could see, they were executing the game plan and doing exactly what their coach had asked them to do,” Specman said.Humphrey Kayange impressed with Kenya Sevens rebuild after relegationThe Morans were co-captained by Clinton Amukwachi and Dennis Ndayala, with six players making their debuts for the side during the..

How many more times does the myth that clubs from the “Big Five” leagues are not interested in the Conference League need to be shattered? Apparently, last season was not enough to put an end, once and for all, to one of the most persistent misconceptions in European football. Crystal Palace won the competition, Rayo Vallecano reached the final, Strasbourg played in the semi-finals, while Fiorentina and Mainz were knocked out in the quarter-finals. In other words, five representatives of Europe’s strongest leagues among the last eight, both finalists from the “Big Five” leagues, and the trophy in the hands of an English club. Yet, evidently, the same lesson needs to be repeated year after year. And the opening round of the new Conference League campaign offered precisely the same reminder.##TWITTER_

Brighton have now scored 29 goals in their last 9 matches 🤯 18-year-old debutant Younes Ibrahim earned an assist as the Seagulls star..

Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge has urged athletes to build strong personal brands and embrace values that resonate with the corporate world if they are to attract brand endorsements and maximise their commercial potential.Speaking during the unveiling of his partnership with Absa Bank Kenya PLC, Kipchoge said athletes must understand their professional identity, define their ambitions and demonstrate how their sporting careers can inspire and empower others.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more news“I think athletes need to build their personal brands and embrace the right values that resonate with the corporate world. That is what is needed to attract brand endorsements,” Kipchoge said.The two-time Olympic marathon champion emphasized that sporting excellence alone is not enough to position athletes for commercial opportunities, noting that they must communicate the broader value of their careers to potential partners.“Every athlete needs to identify themselves as a professional, un..