Football by Ben

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July 2023
FIFA Women's World Cup prize money has increased hugely – but equality still a long way off
When USA beat the Netherlands 2-0 to win the 2019 Women’s World Cup in Lyon, chants of “equal pay” reverberated around the stadium. Four years on, prize…
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Ben Hayward
Ahead of Women's World Cup, support for Benjamin Mendy highlights deep-rooted misogyny and privilege in men's football
Benjamin Mendy is a free man. The former Manchester City and France defender had been accused of seven counts of rape, one count of attempted rape and…
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Ben Hayward
When Real Madrid won Wimbledon
Manolo Santana triumphed in the men's singles at The Championships in 1966 and he did it with Los Blancos' crest on his shirt...
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Ben Hayward
2
Bellingham, Gündoğan, Mac Allister, Maddison, Rice: new midfields across Europe for 2023-24
Many of Europe's top teams are reshaping their midfields in the transfer market this summer. A look at some of the most interesting moves so far...
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Ben Hayward
2
June 2023
Saudi Arabia billions could change football forever as Pro League targets Europe's elite
The nation's Public Investment Fund is spending vast sums to strengthen its domestic championship and this summer's transfers look like just the…
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Ben Hayward
3
Too much football: 'Exhausted' players risking their health in congested calendar
The European club season may have finished, but the games continue to come thick and fast with international qualifiers, the Nations League and more...
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Ben Hayward
2
Two trebles and another Champions League: obsessive Guardiola one of the best in history
The Catalan has won a treble for the second time in his coaching career and his methods have revolutionised football. It would still be fun to see him…
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Ben Hayward
6
Manchester City's historic treble triumph should come with an asterisk amid 115 FFP charges
It always seemed like a matter of time. Considering their domestic dominance in recent seasons, Manchester City’s struggles in the Champions League…
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Ben Hayward
Lionel Messi to Inter Miami – some thoughts on Leo's MLS move as Barcelona dream is dashed
It was the question I had been asked the most in recent weeks. On Instagram, on Facebook, on Twitter: “Do you think Messi will return to Barcelona?” My…
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Ben Hayward
2
LaLiga Team of the Season
In this latest guest post, the guys from La Liga Lowdown pick their best XI from the competition in 2022-23. Here's what they chose...
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Matt Clark
Lionel Messi's move to PSG never felt right and ends sadly amid whistles and boos from fans
The Argentine attacker did not want to leave Barcelona in 2021 and the transfer has not worked out as planned for the player or the club. Now that he…
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Ben Hayward
2
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