BallXtra for Everything Football

16/01/2024

The footballing world held its breath, and then erupted in cheers for the little magician! Lionel Messi, the name synonymous with footballing genius, has once again claimed the throne, bagging the prestigious The Best FIFA Men's Player Award for 2023. This marks his seventh crown, further solidifying his position as one of the greatest the game has ever seen.

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The award, recognizing the most exceptional performer in the men's game from December 2022 to August 2023, saw Messi battling it out with two rising stars: Manchester City's prolific Erling Haaland and PSG's dazzling Kylian Mbappé. While the competition was fierce, Messi's magic on the pitch proved...

13/01/2024

Ivory Coast readies its colorful tapestry for the 34th Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), and anticipation boils as the spotlight settles on the most valuable team gracing the tournament – the Super Eagles of Nigeria. With a staggering combined worth of $383 million, the Eagles enter Afcon 2024 poised to not only entertain, but potentially conquer.

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Their claim to the "most valuable" throne stems from more than just hefty price tags. It's a testament to the quality and depth of their talent pool. Boasting the highest number of players plying their trade in top European leagues, the Eagles bring a blend of technical finesse, tactical understandi...

03/01/2024

In the Premier League's relentless goal-fest, reaching 150 goals for a single club is a feat reserved for a select few – a pantheon of strikers who've woven their names into the fabric of their team's identity. These are the men who bleed club colors, whose every touch brings gasps of anticipation and every finish sparks eruptions of joy. Let's raise a toast to the Premier League's exclusive "150 Club."

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In the Premier League's relentless goal-fest, reaching 150 goals for a single club is a feat reserved for a select few – a pantheon of strikers who've woven their names into the fabric of their team's identity. These are the men who bleed club colors, whose every touch brings gasps of anticipation...

03/01/2024

He glides across the pitch with the grace of a gazelle, his left foot a wand conjuring wonder on the Anfield turf. Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian King, has etched his name even deeper in Liverpool folklore, becoming only the fifth player in Premier League history to score 150 goals for a single club.
It's a feat reserved for the true titans of the English game. Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, Wayne Rooney, and Sergio Aguero – these are the names Salah now stands alongside, a testament to his relentless brilliance in a ...

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It's a feat reserved for the true titans of the English game. Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, Wayne Rooney, and Sergio Aguero – these are the names Salah now stands alongside, a testament to his relentless brilliance in a red shirt. His 150th strike, a clinical finish against Newcastle, was as pure S...

03/01/2024

As the dust settles on a thrilling 2023 football season, it's time to celebrate the marksmen who lit up the pitch with their goalscoring prowess as BallXtra takes a look at some of the most exciting names that have made the list. While the spotlight often shines brightest on foreign shores, this year's top scorers list offers a fascinating mix of established stars and rising talents, with a familiar face atop the heap and a glimmer of hope from the domestic league.

Leading the charge is Napoli's Victor Osimhen, the undisputed "Owngoal Machine" who terrorized Serie A defenses with a staggering 34 goals. Osimhen's clinical finishing and relentless energy saw him claim the Capocannoniere title, solidifying his status as one of Africa's hottest attacking talents.

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As the dust settles on a thrilling 2023 football season, it's time to celebrate the marksmen who lit up the pitch with their goalscoring prowess as BallXtra takes a look at some of the most exciting names that have made the list. While the spotlight often shines brightest on foreign shores, this yea...

02/01/2024

Anfield erupted tonight as Liverpool edged a breathless encounter with Newcastle United, claiming a 4-2 victory that sends them three points clear at the top of the Premier League!
The first half was a whirlwind of near misses and VAR interventions, with Salah's penalty save the closest either side came to breaking the deadlock. But the second period exploded into life, with Mo Salah finally grabbing the opener before Isak's audacious breakawayshowcased Newcastle's threat...

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The first half was a whirlwind of near misses and VAR interventions, with Salah's penalty save the closest either side came to breaking the deadlock. But the second period exploded into life, with Mo Salah finally grabbing the opener before Isak's audacious breakawayshowcased Newcastle's threat.

01/01/2024

As the fireworks light up the London sky, the contrasting emotions at Craven Cottage couldn't be starker. For Fulham, a thrilling 2-1 victory over Arsenal is a much-needed tonic, ending their losing streak and sending them into the New Year with a spring in their step. For Mikel Arteta's Gunners, however, it's a bitter pill to swallow, capping off a disastrous December with back-to-back defeats and leaving their title ambitions tarnished.

The night started brightly for Arsenal, with Bukayo Saka firing them into an early lead. Yet, despite dominating possession, they lacked the ruthlessness in front of goal that their hosts possessed. Raul Jimenez, returning from suspension, coolly equalised before the break, and after the restart, it...

01/01/2024

As the fireworks faded and the New Year dawned, it was Tottenham Hotspur who lit up north London with a 3-1 win over Bournemouth, putting themselves just a point adrift of the Premier League's top four.

In the wake of Arsenal's surprise stumble at Fulham, the onus was on Spurs to capitalize, and they didn't disappoint. Pape Sarr opened the scoring early, tapping home in the ninth minute before a late flurry from Heung-Min Son and Richarlison put the game to bed. Bournemouth, despite a spirited perf...

31/12/2023

The City Ground witnessed a seismic shift in the Premier League on Saturday, 30th December as Nottingham Forest, roared on by their fervent fans, pulled off a stunning 2-1 victory over Manchester United. In a David vs Goliath clash, the Garibaldis defied pre-match expectations and delivered a performance etched in Forest folklore.

The first half was a cagey affair, but the tension crackled in the air. Forest, playing with the freedom of underdogs, created the better chances but it was in the 64th minute in second half that the deadlock was broken in spectacular fashion. Nicolas Dominguez, a player reborn under Steve Cooper, f...

31/12/2023

It was a rollercoaster ride at Villa Park on Saturday, December 30, as Aston Villa edged Burnley in a thrilling 3-2 encounter. In a game packed with goals, drama, and VAR controversy, Villa ultimately emerged victorious thanks to a last-gasp penalty from the ever-reliable Douglas Luiz.

The claret and blue faithful were on their feet early as Leon Bailey found the net in the 28th minute. Ollie Watkins, buzzing throughout the first half, played a perfectly weighted pass that Bailey latched onto, rifling it past James Trafford for the opener. However, the Burnley response was swift a...

31/12/2023

Chelsea returned to winning ways, but not to winning hearts, in a heart-stopping 3-2 victory over Luton Town at Kenilworth Road. The scoreline tells a tale of triumph, but the performance whispered doubts. This was a Chelsea far from polished, far from convincing, yet somehow, they found themselves clinging to three points.

Luton, brimming with underdog spirit, roared out of the gates. Their pressing rattled the Blues backline, and the home crowd sensed an upset brewing. While Chelsea boasted the bigger names, it was the Hatters who carved out the clearer chances early on. Then, in the 12th minute, a cruel twist of fat...

27/12/2023

FROM DESPAIR TO DELIRIUM: UNITED COMPLETE STUNNING COMEBACK TO SINK VILLA AT OLD TRAFFORD

The Theatre of Dreams lived up to its name today, as Manchester United staged a sensational second-half comeback to sn**ch a 3-2 victory from the jaws of defeat against Aston Villa.
Villa looked on course for a comfortable win after a first-half masterclass. McGinn's bizarre free-kick, which took a wicked deflection off the wall, and Dendoncker's expertly flicked header had the visitors two goals up at the break. Old Trafford was shrouded in a hush, the familiar feeling of frustration hanging heavy in the air.

But the second half saw a United transformed. Ten Hag's young guns tore into Villa with renewed vigour and purpose. Garnacho, the epitome of United's fighting spirit, fired home from Rashford's low cross, sending a jolt of electricity through the stadium. Not long after, the Argentine doubled the tally, his deflected shot leaving Martinez helpless.

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Villa looked on course for a comfortable win after a first-half masterclass. McGinn's bizarre free-kick, which took a wicked deflection off the wall, and Dendoncker's expertly flicked header had the visitors two goals up at the break. Old Trafford was shrouded in a hush, the familiar feeling of frus...

27/12/2023

FROM WOOD'S REVENGE TO ST JAMES' BOOS: FOREST ROAR BACK TO LIFE, CRUSHING NEWCASTLE DREAMS

The ghosts of St James' Park were not so friendly for Newcastle United on Boxing Day, as Nottingham Forest, under the newly anointed Nuno Espirito Santo, ripped through the Magpies with a resounding 3-1 victory. This was more than just a win for Forest; it was a statement, a declaration of defiance against relegation, and a sweet homecoming for former Newcastle striker Chris Wood, who haunted his old club with a clinical hat-trick.
Newcastle started brighter, and Alexander Isak capitalized on a dubious penalty call to give them the lead. But the joy was short-lived. Just before halftime, Wood silenced the home crowd with a deft touch and precise finish, igniting a Forest fightback that would leave St James' Park stunned.

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Newcastle started brighter, and Alexander Isak capitalized on a dubious penalty call to give them the lead. But the joy was short-lived. Just before halftime, Wood silenced the home crowd with a deft touch and precise finish, igniting a Forest fightback that would leave St James' Park stunned.

27/12/2023

TWO OFFSIDES CAN'T STOP LIVERPOOL'S MARCH: KLOPP'S MEN CLINCH TURF MOOR TRIUMPH

Burnley's Turf Moor became a fortress of frustration on Boxing Day, as Liverpool roared to a 2-0 victory despite having two goals chalked off for offside. Kompany's Clarets started with fire in their bellies, but it was Nunez who struck first blood after just six minutes.
Trafford, Burnley's keeper, became the busiest man on the pitch, thwarting eight Reds attacks, including heroics to deny Gakpo and Elliott after VAR interventions ruled their goals offside. Burnley themselves had moments, with Gudmundsson's header skimming the bar the closest they came, but failing to force Alisson into a single save proved costly.

Jota, fresh off the bench, delivered the coup de grace right on the 90th minute, silencing the home crowd and sending Anfield erupting. The win sends Liverpool soaring to the top of the table, while Burnley remain rooted in the relegation zone.

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Trafford, Burnley's keeper, became the busiest man on the pitch, thwarting eight Reds attacks, including heroics to deny Gakpo and Elliott after VAR interventions ruled their goals offside. Burnley themselves had moments, with Gudmundsson's header skimming the bar the closest they came, but failing....

23/12/2023

The Boleyn Bubble burst with jubilation today, as West Ham United hammered their way to a 2-0 triumph over Manchester United, notching a fourth Premier League win on the bounce and soaring into a dazzling sixth place in the table.
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The London Stadium pulsated with the rhythm of East London ambition. The air crackled with anticipation, and under the winter sun, David Moyes' men emerged as gleaming diamonds, slicing through United's defenses with unyielding spirit.

09/12/2023

Aston Villa continued their historic home run with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Arsenal on Saturday, setting a new club record of 15 consecutive victories at Villa Park. John McGinn scored the only goal of the game after just seven minutes, rifling his shot into the top corner.

The Villans struggled to create many more chances in the game, but their defensive resilience proved to be the difference. Carlos made two crucial goal-line clearances, one on either side of half-time, to deny Martinelli and an own goal from a corner.

09/12/2023

Bournemouth pulled off a stunning 3-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, ending their long-standing jinx at the iconic stadium. The Cherries performed quite well throughout the match, and they deserved their three points.

Dominic Solanke opened the scoring for Bournemouth after just five minutes when he turned in a cross from Lewis Cook. United struggled to create any clear-cut chances in the first half, and they went into the break trailing 1-0.

09/12/2023

Liverpool completed a dramatic late second-half comeback to sn**ch victory from the jaws of defeat against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon. The Reds found themselves trailing to a first-half penalty from Jean-Philippe Mateta and down to 10 men after Jordan Ayew's second yellow card, but goals from Mohamed Salah and Harvey Elliott in the closing stages secured a crucial three points and propelled them to the top of the Premier League table.

The match was a rollercoaster of emotions for both sets of fans. Palace took the lead through Mateta's spot-kick, awarded after VAR intervention, and looked set to secure a famous victory against the Premier League giants. However, Ayew's needles and reckless challenge on Harvey Elliott saw him rece...

09/12/2023

The African player with the most appearances in Serie A 🇬🇭💪

Have a happy 3️⃣5️⃣th, Asamoah! 🥳

09/12/2023

The winds of change are blowing in Aba, Nigeria, as two giants join forces to take flight: Enyimba FC, the People's Elephant, and United Nigeria Airlines, a rising star in the aviation industry, have signed a landmark, 2-year sponsorship deal.
The official signing ceremony took place at the Corporate Office of United Nigeria Airlines in Enugu, marking a new chapter in the history of both organizations. With this partnership, Enyimba FC takes to the skies with a renewed sense of purpose and ambition, poised to soar to even greater heights.

The official signing ceremony took place at the Corporate Office of United Nigeria Airlines in Enugu, marking a new chapter in the history of both organizations. With this partnership, Enyimba FC takes to the skies with a renewed sense of purpose and ambition, poised to soar to even greater heights.

08/12/2023

Ah, the beautiful game. A rollercoaster of emotions, a tapestry of skill and drama, a never-ending source of both joy and despair. And if Thursday night's clash between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United proved anything, it's that football can be stranger than fiction.


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The first half was a rom-com writer's dream. Cristian Romero, the dashing Argentine defender, swept in a header to give Spurs the lead after just 11 minutes. The home crowd were delirious, the lovebirds were smooching, and the world seemed like a perfect place.

08/12/2023

In a compelling Premier League clash at Goodison Park, Everton stormed back from a frustrating first half to secure a dominant 3-0 victory over Newcastle. The Toffees initially struggled to convert their dominance into goals, but a combination of defensive errors from Kieran Trippier and clinical finishing in the second half propelled them to a crucial three points.

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Everton began the match brightly, dominating possession and carving out several promising opportunities. However, despite their control of the game, they were left frustrated by their inability to find the breakthrough. Dominic Calvert-Lewin missed a glorious chance to open the scoring, while severa...

07/12/2023

Manchester United returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion, defeating Chelsea 2-1 at Old Trafford. Scott McTominay was the star of the show, bagging a brace to lift the Red Devils up to sixth in the Premier League table...👇

Erik ten Hag's men started brightly and dominated the opening exchanges. Bruno Fernandes had a penalty saved by Robert Sanchez in the first half, but the breakthrough eventually came through McTominay. The Scotland international latched on to a loose ball in the box and fired home to put United in t...

07/12/2023

Hold the phone, folks! Aston Villa just pulled off a David vs. Goliath victory, vanquishing the mighty Manchester City 1-0 at Villa Park! It's safe to say the claret and blue faithful are still celebrating in the streets of Birmingham, while the sky blues are left scratching their heads wondering how it all went wrong.
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The win got Villa Park in a state of pandemonium last night as Aston Villa defied the odds to secure a stunning 1-0 victory. The result sends shockwaves through the Premier League and leaves Pep Guardiola's side with their title aspirations hanging by a thread.

07/12/2023

Cometh the hour, cometh the £105million man! Declan Rice sparked scenes of pandemonium at Kenilworth Road as his 97th-minute header sn**ched a 4-3 win for Arsenal against a valiant Luton Town.
The Gunners looked set to drop points against a spirited Luton side who twice fought back from a goal down. But Rice... 👇👇

Photo: Arsenal.comCometh the hour, cometh the £105million man! Declan Rice sparked scenes of pandemonium at Kenilworth Road as his 97th-minute header sn**ched a 4-3 win for Arsenal against a valiant Luton Town.

03/12/2023

Eddie Howe's side were the dominant force throughout the match, and they deservedly took the lead when Gordon tapped home from close range after Kieran Trippier's cross. Manchester United threatened to equalise in the closing stages, but Newcastle held on to secure their third consecutive win over t...

03/12/2023

Newcastle's victory over Manchester United was a thoroughly deserved one. The Magpies were the better team for most of the match, and they created more chances. Manchester United were poor, and they never looked like winning the game. This result will give Newcastle a huge confidence boost, and they will be hoping to continue their good form in the weeks to come.
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Eddie Howe's side were the dominant force throughout the match, and they deservedly took the lead when Gordon tapped home from close range after Kieran Trippier's cross. Manchester United threatened to equalise in the closing stages, but Newcastle held on to secure their third consecutive win over t...

03/12/2023

Arsenal clung on to their place at the top of the Premier League table with a nervy 2-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
The Gunners took an early lead through Bukayo Saka in the 6th minute and doubled their advantage just seven minutes later through Martin Odegaard. Wolves pulled one back in the 86th minute through Matheus Cunha, but Arsenal held on to secure all three points.

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Photocredit: GettyArsenal clung on to their place at the top of the Premier League table with a nervy 2-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

02/12/2023

The highly anticipated match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur is set to take place on Sunday, December 3, 2023, at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England. This clash between two powerhouse teams is expected to be a thrilling encounter, keeping football fans on the edge of their seats.
Manchester City, the reigning Premier League champions, are looking to ...

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Manchester City, the reigning Premier League champions, are looking to continue their winning streak, aiming for their fourth consecutive Premier League victory. With their formidable attacking prowess, Manchester City has scored an impressive 17 goals in their last seven Premier League matches.