Today in Football – Things You May Have Missed
Football never sleeps. During any of the 86400 seconds in a 24-hour day, somewhere in the world someone is doing something related to the beautiful game, whether that’s scoring a last-minute winner in a high-profile match, posting their expert take on social media or simply booting a ball against a wall with their mates.
It’s therefore impossible for any human being to keep up with everything that’s going on in the game, and it’s often those little yet most intriguing moments, like a fan’s alternative viewpoint of a penalty save, or a three-second yet incredibly telling interaction between two arch rivals, or thread on X explaining why N’Golo Kante is the nicest man in professional sport, which make football so great.
GIVEMESPORT have created our live blog to help solve that problem, providing the best social media has to offer and the greatest football mini-stories from the last 24 hours.
20th July 2024
Alejandro Garnacho Hits Back at Fan for Lionel Messi Claim
He was accused of ‘ignoring’ Messi during and after the Copa America final
Alejandro Garnacho was part of the Argentina side that won Copa America this summer. He spent the vast majority of the tournament on the bench as he played just 66 minutes, all of which came in the group stage against Peru.
A fan posted a video on social media which claimed to show that Garnacho ‘ignored’ Messi throughout Argentina’s victory against Colombia in the final. He was also dubbed a ‘Cristiano Ronaldo fanboy’. The Man United youngster saw the accusations and couldn’t resist hitting back as he posted an image of him celebrating with Messi after their nation’s triumph.
Vinicius Jr’s Disastrous Skills During Real Madrid Unveiling go Viral Again
Vinicius’ skills did not go to plan
On 20th July 2018, Vinicius Jr was unveiled as a Real Madrid player in front of thousands of adoring fans at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Brazilian, who was just 18 years old at the time, was given a ball and did his best to impress those that had come to welcome him to the club.
However, Vinicius’ skills did not go to plan as he lost control of the ball numerous times, and a video showing his errors has gone viral again. Vinicius is now 24 years old and the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or later this year. He’s coming a long way in six years, that’s for sure.
19th July 2024
FA Release Job Advert For England Job
Fans who think they can replace Gareth Southgate can apply
For all the fans who watched Euro 2024 from the comfort of their own home, shouting at the TV and saying that they could do better, now is the chance, as the FA has released the job advert for the England manager’s position following Gareth Southgate’s resignation. The 53-year-old walked away from the job after eight years in charge and the likes of Eddie Howe and Graham Potter have been touted as potential replacements.
However, the job is open for anyone to apply, meaning supporters have the opportunity to secure their dream role. All they will need is a UEFA Pro License, have signigicant experience of English football and have a strong track record in either the Premier League or other major competitions. They will also be able to identify and coach the top talent that the country has to offer.
Interestingly, there is a specific mention that the role also entails whoever is successful in ending England’s baron run and winning a major tournament.
Why Marc Cucurella Has Dyed His Hair Red
Chelsea and Spain defender has kept his promise
Marc Cucurella, one of the surprise stars of Spain’s triumphant Euro 2024 campaign, has dyed his hair red. But do you know the reason why?
It turns out that the Chelsea left-back is a man of his word because it all comes down to a promise he made before last weekend’s final against England. During an interview with Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, the 25-year-old promised to transform his look if La Roja lifted the European Championship trophy in Berlin.
“I can’t show up to play a red final,” he said. “I have to do it and I’ve been thinking about the way, that I don’t have red like the little mermaid’s hair, either. We will do something.”
18th July 2024
Rio Ferdinand Sends Message to Leny Yoro
The 18-year-old finalised a move to Manchester United
The heist of the summer was officially completed on Thursday night when Manchester United announced the signing of 18-year-old Leny Yoro to a five-year-deal. The teenager had been the subject of interest from the likes of Real Madrid and Liverpool, but chose to be part of INEOS’ revolution at the Theatre of Dreams.
Following the announcement of his arrival, a video dropped showing Yoro receiving a special message from Old Trafford legend Rio Ferdinand. The Englishman had some profound words of advice for the wonderkid, telling him to work hard and explaining that United is ‘the best club in the world,’ and that the youngster has the potential to go to the very top. It had previously been reported that the Red Devils deployed Ferdinand to help in their attempts to capture the youngster’s signature.
Harry Maguire Goes Viral For Wholesome Pre-Season Video
The Manchester United man is being praised for his actions
While he’s faced plenty of criticism over the last few years at Manchester United, Harry Maguire is now being praised by fans after wholesome footage of the defender personally greeting all of the club’s academy players on the first day of pre-season has surfaced online.
For young talent on the cusp of potentially breaking into senior football, interacting with someone of Maguire’s calibre can be massive and it’s a reminder of the professional that the Englishman is to see him take the time to talk to them all. There’s a lot been made of his form on the pitch since his move to Old Trafford, but no one can ever deny what a leader the former Leicester City man is. United fans are loving what they’re seeing too, with comments under the video praising the centre-back.
One user wrote: “He has the perfect attitude for a leader at a club like Manchester United”, while another said: “Acting like a leader.” One fan called him a ‘great professional’ and one claimed the video was proof of why Maguire was United’s captain
17th July 2024
Nicolas Jackson’s Post After Enzo Fernandez’s ‘Racist Chant’ Goes Viral
Jackson has appeared to share his feelings on social media
Enzo Fernandez is currently in hot water after he shared a video of himself and some Argentina teammates singing an alleged ‘racist chant’. His actions haven’t gone down well with some Chelsea players, including Wesley Fofana, who shared his displeasure at the video. Fofana, as well as Malo Gusto and Axel Disasi, have unfollowed Fernandez on Instagram.
But one Chelsea player who appears to be backing Fernandez is Nicolas Jackson. The 23-year-old shared an image on social media of him sitting with Fernandez in training, as well as a video of Fernandez playing with a young fan. The post has now gone viral.
Three Chelsea Players Unfollow Enzo Fernandez Following ‘Racist Chant’
They are reportedly ‘very angry’ with their Argentine teammate
Following Argentina’s Copa America victory, Enzo Fernandez posted a video of him and some of Argentina’s players singing an alleged ‘racist chant’ about members of the France team. The midfielder has since released a statement and Chelsea have started disciplinary action.
His Chelsea teammates, meanwhile, have not reacted well to the video. According to RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins, Chelsea’s players, especially the French ones, are livid about these chants. Three of them – Wesley Fofana, Axel Disasi and Malo Gusto – have all unfollowed the Argentine on social media, per the Daily Mail.
16th July 2024
Kylian Mbappe Imitates Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid Unveiling
Frenchman recreated iconic moment during his first moments as a Madrid player
Kylian Mbappe was finally presented as a Real Madrid player, as a packed out Santiago Bernabeu crowd got their first look at their new number nine. Mbappe sported a big smile, and chose to endear himself to those in attendance by recreating an iconic moment that Cristiano Ronaldo was responsible for.
When the Portuguese legend was first unveiled as a Los Blancos player, he counted down from three before shouting ‘Hala Madrid’, the club’s iconic slogan and then waving his arms in the air. Mbappe opted to do the exact same thing at his presentation over a decade later, and fans will be hoping that he can emulate Ronaldo in every way possible over the coming years.
Alvaro Morata taunts Jamal Musiala during Spain’s Euro 2024 trophy parade
Spain forward takes dig at Germany starlet while introducing Dani Carvajal
Over half a million people turned up at Plaza Cibeles in Madrid on Monday evening to celebrate with Spain’s triumphant Euro 2024 winners. Striker Alvaro Morata certainly enjoyed himself but has raised eyebrows on social media for taunting Germany starlet Jamal Musiala while welcoming Dani Carvajal to the stage.
Whipping up the crowd, Morata shouted: “The Pitbull! [Carvajal’s nickname]. Where is Musiala? Where is he? The best right-back in the world, Dani Carvajal”. A topless and fired-up Carvajal then came out to lap up the fans’ appreciation, revelling in one of the greatest moments – if not *the* great moment – of his footballing career so far.
