James Rodríguez Signs with Liga MX’s Leon Club

Posted on January 13, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

James Rodríguez is heading to Liga MX.

The 33-year-old Colombian professional footballer and Colombia has signed with Liga MX‘s León, the Mexican club has announced.

Recently a free agent after terminating his contract with Rayo Vallecano — who initially signed James in August — he will now join a León side that kicks off their 2025 Clausura run on January 18.

“Rayo Vallecano de Madrid and Club Leon of Mexico have reached an agreement for the transfer of James Rodriguez,” the Spanish club said in a statement.

They did not give any details of the deal.

“From the club, we wish James the best of luck in his new stage,” the club added.

Eight-times Mexican champions León posted several images of Rodriguez on their social media accounts, but also did not give any details of the deal.

In June, León will then take part in the Club World Cup, beginning with group stage matches against Chelsea, Esperance de Tunis and Flamengo.

Rodriguez’s move to Mexico marks his sixth team since 2021 after playing for Rayo Vallecano, São Paulo, Olympiacos, Al-Rayyan, and Everton in recent years.

Earlier in his career, the Golden Boot winner at the 2014 World Cup was noted for high-profile runs through the likes of European giants such as Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. The midfielder has also played for Envigado, Banfield, Porto, and Monaco.

With Colombia, Rodriguez has amassed 29 goals across 112 caps, including a successful run at last summer’s Copa América where his team lost to Argentina in the final.

Luis Suarez Signs One-Year Contract Extension with Inter Miami CF

Posted on November 27, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Luis Suarez is staying put…

The 37-year-old Uruguayan professional footballer and Inter Miami forward, nicknamed “El Pistolero,” has signed a one-year contract extension, meaning he’ll continue to play in Major League Soccer next season.

Suarez, who joined the Herons on a one-year contract in December, tied for second place in the MLS Golden Boot race and earned a nomination to the 2024 MLS newcomer of the year award.

“I’m very happy, very excited to continue for another year and to be able to enjoy being here with this fanbase, which for us is like family. We feel very, very connected with them, and hopefully, next year, we can bring them even more joy,” Suárez said.

The forward recorded 21 goals and 10 assists in 30 MLS matches to help inspire Inter Miami to the 2024 Supporter’s Shield and set the league record for most points in a single season.

“Luis Suarez has been an amazing addition to the league, what he did this year was spectacular,” co-owner Jorge Mas said.

“In 2024, Luis brought to Inter Miami all of the elements that make him one of the greatest strikers of all time. He performed at an elite level for us, and we’re excited to see that continue next season,” added president of football operations Raúl Sanllehí. “Luis was not only our leading scorer this season, but also a leader for the group. His impact cannot be understated.”

Suarez will reunite with former Barcelona teammate Javier Mascherano, who will join the club as head coach on a two-year contract.

The two played together in LaLiga, alongside Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.

Suarez’s contract extension stands as the first roster move for Inter Miami during the offseason, with more expected as the deadline to exercise options and submit bona fide offers approaches on November 27.

Marta Among Finalists for National Women’s Soccer League’s MVP Award

Posted on November 12, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Marta is in the running for the National Women’s Soccer League’s top individual prize.

The 38-year-old Brazilian soccer star headlines a group of five finalists for the NWSL’s MVP award.

Marta, who turns 39 in February, enjoyed her best year as a pro since joining the Orlando Pride in 2017. She registered nine goals and an assist this year.

Marta will face off against her Pride colleague Barbra Banda, Kansas City Current forward Temwa Chawinga, Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman and Portland Thorns forward Sophia Smith for the MVP award.

Banda and Chawinga, who are both in their first year in the league, were locked into a heated race for the Golden Boot throughout most of the season until Chawinga went on a record scoring run after the Olympics, scoring in seven of eight games. Banda finished the regular season with 13 goals.

Eighteen of the 24 finalists for awards are from the top four teams in the league, mirroring a season in which all four top seeds advanced to the semifinals this past weekend, and fourth and fifth place were separated by 16 points in the regular season.

The Orlando Pride lead all teams with seven nominations across the six awards.

Marta is also nominated for the newly created Midfielder of the Year award against North Carolina’s Ashley Sanchez, among others.

Orlando head coach Seb Hines is the favorite to win Coach of the Year after the Pride set a new points record (60) while going unbeaten through the first 23 games of the season and winning the Shield.

Washington Spirit midfielder Croix Bethune leads the Rookie of the Year chase after tying Tobin Heath‘s single-season assist record. Bethune registered 10 assists before sustaining a season-ending meniscus tear while throwing out a first pitch a Washington Nationals game. She was participating in the ceremony after earning an Olympic gold medal with the USWNT.

The final round of voting uses a weighted scale of players (40%), owners/GMs/coaches (25%), media (25%) and fans (10%).

2024 NWSL awards finalists

Most Valuable Player: Barbra Banda (ORL), Temwa Chawinga (KC), Marta (ORL), Trinity Rodman (WAS), Sophia Smith (POR)

Defender of the Year: Naomi Girma (SD), Kaleigh Kurtz (NC), Tara McKeown (WAS), Emily Sams (ORL), Kylie Strom (ORL)

Goalkeeper of the Year: Ann-Katrin Berger (GFC), Mandy Haught (UTA), Anna Moorhouse (ORL)

Midfielder of the Year: Croix Bethune (WAS), Vanessa DiBernardo (KC), Lo’eau LaBonta (KC), Marta (ORL), Ashley Sanchez (NC)

Rookie of the Year: Croix Bethune (WAS), Claire Hutton (KC), Ally Sentnor (UTA)

Coach of the Year: Juan Carlos Amorós (GFC), Vlatko Andonovski (KC), Seb Hines (ORL)

Lionel Messi Named Finalist for Major League Soccer’s 2024 MLS MVP Award

Posted on October 24, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Lionel Messi is in the running for Major League Soccer’s highest player award.

The 37-year-old Argentine professional footballer has been named a finalist for the 2024 MLS MVP award, joining his Inter Miami CF teammate Luis Suárez, as well as Columbus Crew’s Cucho Hernández, Portland Timbers’ Evander and D.C. United’s Christian Benteke on the list.Each player met the new qualifying regulations that require a minimum of 1,000 minutes played in the regular season campaign.

Messi earned his second nomination for the award since joining MLS in July 2023. Though the forward failed to win the award last season, he’s being considered the leading candidate in 2024 after contributing 20 goals and 16 assists in just 19 games.

Despite concerns over his lack of participation throughout the 34-match campaign, playing only 55% of games, teammate Jordi Alba has insisted that Messi must win MVP.

“Regarding Leo, I repeat myself, every time you ask me, I think he deserves all the awards they can give him, I think he is the best player in the world, with a lot of intensity compared to the rest and until he retires,” he said on Friday. “I’m sure he’ll win the MVP and if he doesn’t win it, well, it’s no longer anyone’s decision, it’s the people who vote but hey, for me he’s the best.”

Messi’s contributions in 2024 propelled Inter Miami to lift the Supporters’ Shield and set the new league record for most points recorded in a single season.

Suárez, on the other hand, has recorded 20 goals and nine assists in 27 games in his first MLS season after joining Inter Miami in December 2023. He also stands as a finalist for Newcomer of the Year.

The forward adjusted quickly, tying for second place on the Golden Boot rankings with Messi and Dénis Bouanga. Together, Messi and Suárez account for 40 of the team’s 79 goals this season.

Benteke won the Golden Boot with 23 goals this season, but his D.C. United team failed to make the MLS Playoffs, while Evander impressed in the Western Conference with15 goals and 19 assists before the Timbers fell 5-0 to the Vancouver Whitecaps in Wednesday’s wild-card match.

Hernández, the reigning MLS Cup MVP, propelled the Columbus Crew to second place on the Eastern Conference table with 19 goals and 14 assists.

Other award finalists include: Chris Armas (Colorado Rapids), Gerardo “Tata” Martino (Inter Miami CF) and Wilfried Nancy (Columbus Crew) for Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year.

Luca Orellano (FC Cincinnati), Gabriel Pec (LA Galaxy) and Suárez (Inter Miami CF) were announced for MLS Newcomer of the Year, and Jordi Alba (Inter Miami CF), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew) and Jackson Ragen (Seattle Sounders FC) for Defender of the Year.

Lautaro Martinez Wins 2024 Copa America Golden Boot Award

Posted on July 16, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Lautaro Martinez is getting the boot!

The 26-year-old Argentine professional footballer, who scored the sole goal to lead Argentina to the title in the Copa America final against Colombia, has been awarded the tournament’s Golden Boot award.

Copa America 2024 Golden Boot winner: Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan):
Martinez, who plays as a striker for Serie A club Inter Milan, earned some redemption at this year’s Copa America. After tons of criticism in Qatar and fans around the world saying they won in spite of his performances, the Inter Milan striker lifted the Golden Boot after scoring five goals this summer, including the tournament winner in extra time against Los Cafeteros.

Martinez has been one of the best strikers in Europe for years winning Serie A, Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana titles with Inter Milan. His performances at the 2022 World Cup, along with the rise of Manchester City‘s Julian Alvarez saw the striker lose his starting position. Though, after this summer, he’s quieted the doubters and haters whether starting or off the bench.

Copa America 2024 Golden Glove winner: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa):
Another international tournament, another Golden Glove for Emiliano Martinez. Three straight Golden Gloves at international competitions for the 31-year-old Argentine professional footballer and Aston Villa player has cemented himself as an Argentinian legend.

The meteoric rise he’s been on since his last season at Arsenal winning the FA Cup and Community Shield to helping Aston Villa qualify for the Champions League this past Premier League season has been one of the best stories in the sport.

Copa America 2024 Golden Ball winner: James Rodriguez (Sao Paulo):
If James Rodriguez announced himself to the world at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, this summer he reminded the world why he’s such a talented and special player.

The 33-year-old Colombian professional footballer and Sao Paulo player won the Golden Ball signifying himself as the best player of the tournament, a consolation prize after heartbreak in the final.

James assisted six times in the tournament, four more than Nicolas de la Cruz and Alexis Mac Allister.

He also overtook Radamel Falcao this tournament as the fourth-most capped player in Los Cafeteros history. A remarkable tournament for the player despite it ending in disappointment.

Dani Olmo Among Six Players Sharing Euro 2024 Golden Boot Award

Posted on July 15, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

It’s the golden hour for Dani Olmo…

The 26-year-old Spanish professional footballer, who plays for Bundesliga club RB Leipzig and the Spain national team, is among six players who’ve shared the Euro 2024 Golden Boot, having all scored three goals during the tournament.

Olmo is sharing the European Championships top-scorer prize with Harry Kane (England), Cody Gakpo (Netherlands), Georges Mikautadze (Georgia), Jamal Musiala (Germany) and Ivan Schranz (Slovakia) make up the congested leaderboard.

Olmo and Kane couldn’t pull clear of the pack with a goal in Sunday’s final which Spain won 2-1 against England.

UEFA confirmed on Friday that they would share the Euro 2024 Golden Boot between six players if Sunday’s final between England and Spain failed to produce a clear winner of the trophy.

It marked a change in policy for the tournament organizers who had previously awarded the prize to the player who had registered the most assists when more than one player were tied for goals scored.

At Euro 2020, Cristiano Ronaldo won the Golden Boot, though he had scored the same amount of goals as Czechia‘s Patrik Schick (5), the Portugal forward had also contributed one assist.

Three goals is the lowest tally for a Golden Boot winner since Euro 2012 when Fernando Torres (Spain), Mario Gomez (Germany) and Alan Dzagoev (Russia) all ended the tournament with three goals.

Torres was awarded the golden boot that year as he played fewer minutes than the other players who had scored three goals.

Olmo started just three of Spain’s seven matches at Euro 2024, before taking Barcelona midfielder Pedri‘s place in the team after he was injured in the quarterfinal victory over hosts Germany.

The RB Leipzig midfielder scored in all three of Spain’s matches in the knockout rounds before Sunday’s final.

Lionel Messi Among Finalists for MLS’ Newcomer of the Year Award

Posted on October 26, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

He may have only played in six MLS matches, but Lionel Messi has certainly made an impression.

The 36-year-old Argentine soccer star has been named one of the three finalists for Major League Soccer’s Newcomer of the Year award following his debut season with Inter Miami.

Messi is nominated alongside Atlanta United striker Giorgos Giakoumakis and St. Louis City SC midfielder Eduard Löwen.

The World Cup winner had also been listed as one of 30 nominees for the league’s MVP award earlier this month as one of two players put forward by Miami during the club-nomination phase.

However, he didn’t make the cut for the top three shortlisted on Thursday, missing out to FC Cincinnati front-runner Luciano Acosta, Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga of LAFC and Messi’s young Argentina teammate Thiago Almada of Atlanta.

Following his signing on a free transfer, Messi enjoyed a dream start to life in Miami. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner scored 10 goals in seven games to lead the club to its first trophy with the lifting of the Leagues Cup. He also played in Miami’s U.S. Open Cup semifinal victory over Cincinnati.

However, Messi’s appearances in MLS league play were limited by a leg injury suffered while on duty with Argentina in September. He was able to play just 372 minutes in six appearances (four starts), scoring one goal and providing two assists as Miami missed out on a place in the MLS playoffs.

Fellow nominee Giakoumakis finished second in the Golden Boot race with 17 goals and three assists in his first MLS season, while former Germany youth international Löwen had six goals and 14 assists in 29 appearances.

While Messi had limited impact on the field in his first season in MLS play, his arrival in the United States caused a surge in ticket and merchandising sales.

Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas said earlier this month that “everything has changed” since Messi’s arrival at the club. In a post on Instagram earlier this week, Messi said he was “proud of everything the team accomplished this season.”

The awards are voted on by current MLS players and coaches, technical directors/general managers and select media members. Winners will be announced throughout the MLS playoffs.

Here’s the full list of nominees:

Landon Donovan MLS MVP
Luciano Acosta, FC Cincinnati
Thiago Almada, Atlanta United
Denis Bouanga, LAFC

Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year
Bradley Carnell, St. Louis City SC
Wilfried Nancy, Columbus Crew
Pat Noonan, FC Cincinnati

MLS Newcomer of the Year
Giorgos Giakoumakis, Atlanta United
Eduard Löwen, St. Louis City SC
Lionel Messi, Inter Miami CF

MLS Young Player of the Year
Thiago Almada, Atlanta United
Duncan McGuire, Orlando City SC
Aidan Morris, Columbus Crew

MLS Goalkeeper of the Year
Roman Burki, St. Louis City SC
Roman Celentano, FC Cincinnati
Pedro Gallese, Orlando City SC

MLS Defender of the Year
Yeimar Gomez Andrade, Seattle Sounders FC
Matt Miazga, FC Cincinnati
Tim Parker, St. Louis City SC

MLS Comeback Player of the Year
Joao Paulo, Seattle Sounders FC
Alan Pulido, Sporting Kansas City
Miles Robinson, Atlanta United

Lionel Messi Becomes Argentina’s All-Time Leading World Cup Goal Scorer

Posted on December 13, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Lionel Messi is in company all his own…

The 35-year-old Argentine futbol star has become Argentina‘s all-time leading goal scorer, after scoring a penalty in the first half of Tuesday’s 3-0 victory in the semifinal against Croatia at this year’s FIFA World Cup.

Messi overtook Gabriel Batistuta‘s previous record of 10 goals, which he scored at the 1994, 1998 and 2002 World Cups.

Messi put Argentina ahead in the 34th minute from the penalty spot following a foul on Julian Alvarez by Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.

Messi’s 11 goals also tie him for sixth for most goals in the history of the men’s World Cup, with Sandor Kocsis and Jürgen Klinsmann. Only Miroslav Klose (16), Brazil’s Ronaldo (15), Gerd Muller (14), Just Fontaine (13) and Pele (12) are now ahead of him.

He is the oldest man to score five goals at a single World Cup and level with France’s Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward’s opener in Argentina’s 2-1 win over Australia in the round of 16 meant he surpassed Diego Maradona and Guillermo Stabile‘s World Cup goal tally of eight.

He then equalled Batistuta’s mark of 10 when he scored from the penalty spot in his side’s fiery quarterfinal encounter with the Netherlands, which Argentina eventually won on penalties after a stirring Dutch fightback for a 2-2 draw.

In the match against Croatia, Messi also tied the record for most appearances at the World Cup when he played for the 25th time for Argentina at soccer’s biggest tournament.

Lothar Matthaus of Germany previously held the record outright. Messi is playing in his fifth World Cup and he will have a chance to break the record in Sunday’s final.

Messi’s first World Cup goal came on his debut in 2006, as he scored after being substituted on to help his side to a 6-0 victory over Serbia and Montenegro.

Four years later, Messi failed to score in the entirety of the World Cup tournament in South Africa as an Argentina side managed by Maradona reached the quarterfinals but lost 4-0 against Germany.

The forward enjoyed a more fruitful 2014 tournament, scoring four times in Argentina’s first three games as he helped them to the final — where they were again beaten by Germany.

Messi scored just once at the 2018 World Cup but has netted four times in his side’s five matches at the tournament in Qatar this year.

Messi is Argentina’s all-time top scorer with 94 goals in 169 appearances for the national team since making his debut in 2005. Batistuta scored 54 times in 78 matches for Argentina.

Brazil’s Palmeiras Offers Nearly $12.5 Million for NYCFC Star Valentin “Taty” Castellanos

Posted on December 28, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Could Valentin “Taty” Castellanos play in Brazil soon?

Brazilian Serie A side Palmeiras has made an offer of around $12.5 million for the 23-year-old Argentine professional footballer and New York City FC striker, according to ESPN sources.

The offer was made in the days following the NYCFC‘s MLS Cup final victory over the Portland Timbers, a match in which Castellanos scored in regulation time as well as in the penalty shootout, but the sources have added that the amount doesn’t yet meet the Blues’ valuation for the player — NYCFC are seeking in excess of $15m.

In 35 league and playoff appearances this season, Castellanos scored 22 goals and added eight assists while winning the Golden Boot. In parts of four seasons with NYCFC, he scored 40 goals with 18 assists in 99 league and playoff appearances.

In a recent interview with ESPN, Castellanos revealed that he dreams of playing in Argentina, but made it clear that he’s focused on a move to Europe, where he said he already has offers.

“Obviously, it’s a desire I have, because I’ve never played in Argentina,” he said via a translation. “But I don’t think the time is right now. I want to aim for European football. It’s reality, it’s my dream, I always wanted to [play] there. That’s my focus. Today I have many offers from Europe.”

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola recently praised Castellanos and said that the top scorer will soon be playing in Europe. Like Man City, New York City FC is part of the City Football Group.

This isn’t the first time that Palmeiras has pursued the Argentine. Last May, Palmeiras made an offer of $4m for 70% of the economic rights of the player. However, the American club, which at first had liked the proposal, withdrew from negotiations. NYCFC subsequently signed Castellanos to a new five-year contract through 2025. According to data from the MLS Players Association, Castellanos’ guaranteed compensation in 2021 was $776,000.

A native of Mendoza, Argentina, Castellanos originally joined NYCFC on loan in 2018 from Uruguayan side Montevideo City Torque, another City Football Group club. The Blues activated an option to purchase Castellanos after a successful loan stint, which included a goal in his debut against Vancouver Whitecaps.

Valentin Castellanos Claims This Season’s MLS Golden Boot Award

Posted on November 7, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a golden moment for Valentin Castellanos…

The 23-year-old Argentine soccer player, a striker for New York City FC has claimed the MLS Golden Boot award.

Castellanos scored his 19th regular-season goal in a 1-1 draw with Philadelphia Union to best DC United‘s Ola Kamara for the award.

Castellanos ended up tied with Kamara (who scored twice in D.C.’s 3-1 win over Toronto FC) in the goal column, but the NYCFC star had eight assists to Kamara’s five.

Castellanos scored in each of New York City’s first 4 matches during the 2021 season, becoming only the fifth player in Major League Soccer history to do so.

Shortly after the milestone, on May 13, 2021, Castellanos signed a new deal with NYCFC that would keep him contracted with the club through 2025.

Castellanos has played an integral role in New York City’s attack throughout the 2021 season, particularly near its conclusion, scoring 12 goals in their last 14 matches.

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