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Top 8 Fastest Hat tricks in UEFA Champions League history

Liverpool thrashed Rangers 7-1 at Ibrox after Mohamed Salah came off the bench to record the fastest hat-trick in Champions League history. With 38 goals, Salah has set a new record for an English team in the Champions League. He moved past Didier Drogba thanks to his treble. Now, let us check the previous UCL hat tricks that Salah has now surpassed in terms of speed.

Let’s unveil the list of the fastest Champions League hat tricks:

8. Luiz Adriano: 12 minutes

With his stunning individual performance against BATE Borisov in the Champions League group stages of the 2014–15 season, Luiz Adriano cemented his place in history. Alex Teixeira gave the Ukrainian team the lead after just 11 minutes. In the 28th minute, Luiz Adriano converted a penalty.

Adriano was able to add three more goals before halftime, putting the score 6-0. It only took him 12 minutes to complete his hat trick. Additionally, the greatest halftime lead for any team in Champions League history. Finally, Adriano took another penalty shot in the 82nd minute and made it count. Five goals have only ever been scored in one game by Messi and Luiz Adriano.

7. Robert Lewandowski: 12 minutes

Robert Lewandowski, probably the best number 9 of his time, has won every club football championship there is to win. Red Star Belgrade was defeated 0-6 by Bayern in their Champions League group-stage matchup at Stadion Rajko Miti-Belgrade.

In addition to his four goals, Robert Lewandowski converted a penalty in the 53rd minute to double Bayern’s halftime lead. The Polish striker needed just 12 minutes to score a hat trick after adding three more goals past Red Star’s goal post.

6. Robert Lewandowski: 11 minutes

Lewandowski set a tournament record for the quickest hat trick when he scored three goals for Bayern Munich against RB Salzburg in the opening 23 minutes of a knockout stage encounter in 2021–22, surpassing Marco Simone (24 mins) in 1996’s Milan v. Rosenborg. With an 8-2 overall record, Germany thrashed Salzburg 7-1 to go to the quarterfinals.

The Poland striker, 33, started his account with two nearly identical penalties in the 12th and 21st minutes before scoring on the break two minutes later to complete his fifth career hat trick in the competition. Lewandowski miraculously broke this deadlock with three goals in a devastating 10-minute and 22-second span.

5. Cristiano Ronaldo: 11 minutes

On August 8, 2015, Real Madrid matched Liverpool’s records for the largest win in Champions League group stage history. In a decisive victory at the Bernabeu, Cristiano Ronaldo scored four goals, tying Liverpool’s 8-0 victory against Beşiktaş in November 2007 — both successful teams were led by Rafa Benitez.

Karim Benzema scored twice and Cristiano Ronaldo scored once as the Spanish powerhouses easily took a three-goal advantage into halftime. Ronaldo then scored twice more early in the second half to make it three goals in just 11 minutes on either side of the break.

In the end, Cristiano and Madrid won the European Championship that particular year. With his 11 goals in six games, Ronaldo became the first player to surpass 10 goals during the group stage.

4. Raheem Sterling: 11 minutes

Manchester City destroyed Atalanta and kept their perfect record in Group C of the Champions League thanks to Raheem Sterling’s outstanding performance during the Champions League group stages.

Aguero scored twice in the opening period to make it 2-0, and Sterling took control after the break. He completed a superb play involving Riyad Mahrez, Kevin de Bruyne, and Foden at the 58-minute mark. Sterling scored later, cutting inside past Rafael Toloi, and did so at the 64-minute mark. Mahrez completed his 11-minute second-half hat trick after 69 minutes to make it 5-1.

3. Mike Newell: 9 minutes

Blackburn began the 1995–96 Champions League as the best club in Europe thanks to owner Jack Walker’s large financial commitment after winning the Premier League for the first time in 81 years. Rovers’ inaugural tournament experience ended in a letdown when they were ousted in the group stage after dropping four of their first five games and drawing one.

Check out the top 8 hat tricks in the history of the UEFA Champions League
Mike Newel; credits – transfermarkt.com

Blackburn defeated Rosenborg easily in their final match to avoid total humiliation. The record for the quickest hat trick in the Champions League was broken by Mike Newell. Blackburn was spared complete humiliation as a result. Newell became the first English player to score a hat trick in the Champions League with his nine-minute blitz.

2. Bafétimbi Gomis: 8 minutes

Gomis assisted Lyon in the 2011 Champions League to reach the knockout rounds. Due to their superior goal differential, their victory over Dinamo Zagreb helped them qualify. In their matchup with Dinamo Zagreb, the French team won easily.

Bafetimbi Gomis accomplished a simple tap-in to close the first half and a terrific strike to start the second half to make it two. Gomis’ hat-trick, which he completed in 8 minutes and 45 seconds, broke Newell’s 16-year record for the quickest hat-trick in Champions League history with a slot into an open net in the 52nd minute.

1. Mohamed Salah: 6 minutes

Mohamed Salah scored a remarkable hat trick in just six minutes. This was Salah’s first hat trick in the Champions League, giving him 41 goals overall in the league. In Liverpool’s UEFA Champions League group match victory over Rangers FC, 7-1.

In the 68th minute, the 30-year-old winger came on to replace Darwin Nez, and in the 75th, he scored his maiden goal. His final two goals, which put him in the record books, came in the 80th and 81st minutes. It’s interesting to note that Diogo Jota contributed to all three goals, and his hat trick only took six minutes and 12 seconds to complete.

Who is the Fastest Hat trick in UEFA Champions League history?

Mohamed Salah: 6 minutes

Read more:

5 Teams that have reached the Champions League quarter final the most times

Top 5 football players quickest to reach 100 career goals in history

TOP 5 Indian Footballers Who Played Football in Foreign Clubs

Upcoming POCO M7 Pro Launching on December 17th in India

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Exciting news for smartphone enthusiasts! The highly anticipated POCO M7 Pro is set to launch in India on December 17th, and it’s already creating a buzz with its impressive expected specifications. If you’re in the market for a new device, this could be the one to watch.

Get Ready for the POCO M7 Pro Launching on December 17th in India – All You Need to Know!

What to Expect from the POCO M7 Pro

The POCO M7 Pro promises to deliver a fantastic user experience with its cutting-edge features. Here’s a sneak peek at what this smartphone has to offer:

  • Stunning 6.67-Inch Flat 1.5K OLED Display: Enjoy vibrant colors and sharp visuals on a large screen that enhances your viewing experience, whether you’re gaming, streaming, or browsing.
  • Powerful Dimensity 7025 Ultra Processor: This chipset is designed to handle demanding tasks with ease, ensuring smooth performance for gaming and multitasking.
  • Impressive Camera Setup: Capture stunning photos with a dual rear camera system featuring a 50MP Sony LYT-600 sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and a 2MP OmniVision OV02B10 macro lens. Plus, take great selfies with the 16MP front camera.
  • Convenient Features: The POCO M7 Pro includes an in-display fingerprint scanner for quick and secure access, dual speakers for an immersive audio experience, and an IP64 rating for dust and water resistance.
  • Connectivity Options: Stay connected with the latest technology, including Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and a USB-C port. The inclusion of an IR blaster adds extra convenience, allowing you to control various devices.

Why You Should Be Excited

The POCO M7 Pro is shaping up to be a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone market. With its combination of a high-quality display, powerful processor, and versatile camera system, it’s designed to meet the needs of today’s tech-savvy users. Whether you’re a gamer, a photography enthusiast, or someone who simply enjoys streaming content, this phone aims to deliver an exceptional experience.

Mark Your Calendars!

Don’t miss out on the launch of the POCO M7 Pro on December 17th. Keep an eye on official announcements for pricing and availability details. This smartphone is poised to make waves in the Indian market, and you won’t want to be left behind.

Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the launch date, and get ready to experience the power and performance of the POCO M7 Pro!

The 12 Football Teammates who hated each other the most

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Fighting between teammates is uncommon, but opposing teams and players acting aggressively and initiating a brawl, on or off the field, is widespread. Some players couldn’t get along with one another, even though many teammates treat one another like brothers. When a player devotes so much time to their teammates, some of them may inevitably turn against one another due to fame, rivalry, and other factors.

Several teammates are mentioned in this article who dislike one another in remembrance of those athletes. Some of them might have started as close friends, while others may not have cared much for each other; as a result, “events” happened that led to their inclusion on this list.


Let’s reveal the list of some teammates who hated each other the most:

Gerard Pique and Alvaro Arbeloa

The Real Madrid team despises Gerard Pique, who has fought at least once with each of the current Los Blancos players. But he has saved his sharpest remarks for Arbeloa, a former teammate from Spain.

Pique, a lifelong Barcelona supporter, made fun of Los Blancos after they were disqualified from the Copa Del Ray for using an ineligible player. However, their conflict is considerably older and dates at least as far back as 2013, following Madrid’s 94th-minute penalty win over Elche.

Check out the list of 12 teammates who were against one another
Gerard Pique and Alvaro Arbeloa; credits – 90min.com

Since then, the two have fought frequently on social media and on the field, particularly when Barcelona plays Real Madrid. Pique escalated the conflict by declaring that he had never thought of Arbeloa as a buddy or a teammate and even compared him to a cone. Sergio Ramos, the captain of Spain, had to step in to ask Pique to respect his teammates when the altercation got so heated.

Finally, it appears as though the two may have reconciled, or rather, Pique acted decisively and heeded the counsel of his international captain. Before Arbeloa’s farewell match for Real Madrid, Pique wished his Spain teammate luck in the future and added that the Spanish international deserves every honour he has received to date.

Andy Cole and Teddy Sheringham

Teddy Sheringham and Andy Cole were one of Manchester United’s iconic strike teammates, scoring a goal every 84.6 minutes, yet despite spending more than four years on the same team, Teddy Sheringham and Andy Cole never got along at Old Trafford.

The two English strikers were renowned for having little connection off the field, but that didn’t influence their play because they had Dwight Yorke serving as their middleman. During that time, England won both the Champions League and the Premier League.

Check out the list of 12 teammates who were against one another
Andy Cole and Teddy Sheringham; credits – punditarena.com

Cole claims that the dispute started when he made his England debut against Uruguay. Cole, who was anxious to replace Sheringham, was petrified of what was about to happen. However, he had anticipated that the seasoned Sheringham would extend a handshake and some supportive words.

But in reality, nothing happened, and Sheringham turned and walked away, purposefully avoiding the astonished debutante. Cole may have reacted excessively, but the solution only becomes apparent when you delve deeper into Sheringham’s potential thoughts.

The No. 10 struggled and became just another player at the club once his long-rumoured transfer from Tottenham to Manchester United finally materialized. At Tottenham, the No. 10 was the top dog. The snub referred to the elder striker’s disdain for the more direct, youthful, and explosive rival.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Oguchi Onyewu

Zlatan is a player whose inclusion on this list just once wouldn’t satisfy him; fortunately, he has made it twice. Ibrahimovic broke a rib bone in the fight he got into with Oguchi Onyewu, a former AC Milan player. Jose Mourinho recruited the tall striker for Manchester United for various reasons, including his flashy goals, seductive personality, and off-field shenanigans.

Despite all of that, the Swede and the USMNT defender got into a fight in 2010 while he was playing for AC Milan. The fight between Onyewu and Ibrahimovic, a black belt in Taekwondo with a penchant for kicking his colleagues, was started by the striker’s awful tackle. The defender dodged the Swedish player just in time, but it was the impact of the tackle itself that cracked Zlatan’s rib.

Check out the list of 12 teammates who were against one another
Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Oguchi Onyewu; credits – tribuna.com

The 6’ 5” defender opted to strike the Swede after objecting to the tackle, and the Swede hit him back with a headbutt. The two then got into a vicious battle, trying to rip each other’s limbs off.

The two players had to be separated from one another by over 10 teammates and coaches, and even then, it appeared as though the battle would never finish. The altercation garnered international attention, and Oguchi Onyewu eventually left Milan in 2011.

Zlatan described the battle in his autobiography and claimed that Onyewu resembled a heavyweight boxer. He couldn’t manage him despite being over 15 stone and almost 6 feet tall.

Kolo Toure and William Gallas

Before something changed in their final season together, Kolo Toure and Willam Gallas, two centre-back teammates at the core of the Arsenal defence, were essential to whatever Champions League chances the Gunners had. The two didn’t interact much during that time, which caused serious issues with the Arsenal back four.

After the Frenchman lost the captaincy following what was a fairly unusual post-match response to a 2-2 draw with Birmingham City, Gallas, who has a very volatile personality, refused to talk to the Ivory Coast defender.

But according to sources, the two never got into a fight, and it was Gallas who got Toure signed by Manchester City for the upcoming season. Gallas didn’t simply disagree with one Ivorian, however, the Ivory Coast defender was the only one who was traded as a result.

Check out the list of 12 teammates who were against one another
Kolo Toure and William Gallas; credits – dailymail.co.uk

Later, when asked about the event, Toure said that while their relationship had improved, it was still purely professional. They make an effort to maintain a professional demeanour and communicate once they are on the field.

With their defenders unwilling to communicate, the Gunners found it very difficult to compete in the FA Cup or Champions League, which threatened to undermine their entire season. As a result, Toure asked to depart in January.

The defender was asked to stay until the conclusion of the season after that request was turned down so that Arsenal might try to salvage something from that season. However, nothing materialized, and Toure eventually left the team after seven years of service, while Gallas switched to Tottenham Hotspur a year later.

Mauro Icardi and Maxi Lopez

Lionel Messi reportedly called for the striker on loan from Inter Milan to be dismissed after Mauro Icardi‘s contentious dispute with former colleague Maxi Lopez led to his expulsion from the Argentine national team.

Icardi and Lopez’s wife, Wanda Nara, were teammates at Sampdoria when Icardi started seeing her and eventually married her. Since then, Lopez has steadfastly refused to even acknowledge the presence of his former teammate in his children’s lives or on the football field.

Check out the list of 12 teammates who were against one another
Mauro Icardi and Maxi Lopez; credits – caughtoffside.com

Icardi, who is 9 years Lopez’s junior, became a supporter when he was still playing for Sampdoria’s youth team when Lopez was competing for the main squad. Icardi married Wanda Nara less than six months after Lopez and Nara’s divorce, it was later discovered that she had an affair with Lopez’s now ex-wife.

After the younger striker started tweeting pictures of Lopez’s kids and himself, things became even worse, and the Mafia allegedly got involved, according to an Argentine journalist. They offered to break the 23-year-old striker’s legs and put an end to his career, but Lopez declined the deal. However, Lopez has Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, and the entire Inter Milan home crowd fighting for him and giving Icardi a hard time in his corner.

Igor Stimac and Sinisa Mihajlovic

In addition to playing together on the Yugoslavian squad that won the 1987 World Cup, Stimac and Mihajlovic were friends when they were teenagers. They frequently crossed paths while playing for competing teams for their separate clubs in two nearby cities, even though they were teammates on the national team. Igor Stimac, who hails from Croatia’s southern region, was a 19-year-old player on loan at Dinamo Vinkovci.

Sinisa Mihaklovic was born and raised roughly 20 kilometres distant from Vinkovci, the railroad junction that connects the northeastern region of Croatia with the present-day Serbian border. Although their friends urged them not to speak, the two would frequently cross paths in pubs and cafés, exchange pleasantries, and talk football despite the pressure.

Check out the list of 12 teammates who were against one another
credits – pinterest.de

When Croatia and Serbia’s war broke out, a shootout just yards from Mihajlovic’s childhood home resulted in the deaths of 12 Croatian police officers and three Serbian militia members. Less than a few weeks after the town was utterly destroyed, Belgrade hosted the Yugoslav Cup final.

Igor Stimac was the captain of Hajduk Split, and Sinisa Mihajlovic represented Red Star Belgrade. Both teams were wearing bands in memory of slain police officers. To his old friend and former teammate, Stimac pushed forward as they prepared to kick off and threatened their family in Borovo.

Additionally, Mihajlovic had no idea if his family was still alive because phone lines to Borovo had been out of commission for several days. Mihajlovic was so enraged that he constantly attacked the Hajduk captain.

Forgetting about the Cup final, he spent the entire game attempting to hurt Stimac, and the result was a furious kickboxing match in which both players were eventually dismissed. Stimac raised the cup after Hajduk’s 1-0 victory and declared that it is now theirs forever. No more matches will ever be held for the Yugoslavian Cup.

Read: Kim Min Jae’s lawyer reveals interesting 2023 release clause details

Which Football Teammates hated each other the most?

Gerard Pique and Alvaro Arbeloa


The Top 10 Most Expensive MLS Players of All Time

In the dynamic world of soccer, particularly within the American League (MLS), there’s been a notable upward trend in the transfer fees commanded by its star players. This surge reflects the league’s growing stature on the global stage and its ability to nurture talent that attracts attention from clubs worldwide.

Amidst this financial flourishing, one might wonder, who emerges as the crown jewel in terms of transfer value? Who holds the distinguished title of being the most expensive player to be transferred out of the MLS?


Major League Soccer’s(MLS) Logo, Image via Wikipedia

Also Read: Which MLS Records Could Lionel Messi Potentially Break During His Time with Inter Miami?

While Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami stole the spotlight, it’s worth noting that the Florida club didn’t have to spend a penny in transfer fees, thanks to his contract ending at Paris Saint-Germain. However, the same can’t be said for the players featured on these lists. Over the past half-decade or so, transfers worldwide have skyrocketed in cost, and Major League Soccer is no stranger to this trend.

The Priciest Arrivals: Major League Soccer’s (MLS) Highest-Cost Incoming Transfers

1. Thiago Almada – Velez Sarsfield to Atlanta United (2022 January):

Almada, an Argentine midfielder, joined Atlanta United in January 2022 for $16 million, bringing his creative skills to the club.

Thiago Almada, Image via Marca.com

2. Gonzalo Martínez – River Plate to Atlanta United (2019 January)

In January 2019, Martínez, another Argentine talent, made a move to Atlanta United for $15.5 million, boosting the team’s attacking prowess.

3. Ezequiel Barco – Independiente to Atlanta United (2018 – January)

Barco, an Argentine midfielder, arrived at Atlanta United in January 2018 for $15 million, signalling the club’s commitment to young talent.

Ezequiel Barco, Image via Wikipedia

4. Brenner Souza da Silva – Sao Paulo to FC Cincinnati (2021 February)

In February 2021, Brenner, a Brazilian striker, made a high-profile $13 million move to FC Cincinnati, known for his goal-scoring ability.

Brenner Souza da Silva, Image via Wikipedia

5. Rodolfo Pizarro – CF Monterrey to Inter Miami CF (2020 February)

Pizarro a Mexican midfielder, joined Inter Miami CF in February 2020 for $12 million, bringing his experience and creativity to the club.

Rodolfo Pizarro, Image via Wikipedia

6. Luiz Araújo – Lille to Atlanta United (2022 January)

Araújo’s transfer to Atlanta United in January 2022, potentially worth up to $12 million, introduced a talented Brazilian winger to the team.

Luiz Araújo, Image via Wikipedia

7. Alejandro Pozuelo – KRC Genk to Toronto FC (2019 March)

Pozuelo, a Spanish midfielder, arrived at Toronto FC in March 2019 for $11 million, becoming a key playmaker for the team.

Alejandro Pozuelo Toronto FC
Alejandro Pozuelo; Via Pozuelo’s Twitter

8. Jozy Altidore – Sunderland to Toronto FC (2015 January – Swap deal)

Altidore‘s move to Toronto FC in January 2015, valued at $10 million as part of a swap deal, marked a significant return to MLS.

Jozy Altidore, Image via Wikipedia

9. Jermain Defoe – Tottenham to Toronto FC (2014 February)

Defoe‘s transfer to Toronto FC in February 2014 for $10 million brought an experienced English striker to the team.

Jermain Defoe, Image via Wikipedia

10. Michael Bradley – AS Roma to Toronto FC (2014 January)

Bradley, an American midfielder, made a $10 million move to Toronto FC in January 2014, becoming a crucial presence in the team’s midfield.

Michael Bradley, Image via Wikipedia

These transfers reflect the ambition of MLS clubs to attract international talent and enhance their competitiveness.

The Messi Effect: A New Era of Popularity for MLS

In recent times, Major League Soccer (MLS) has experienced an extraordinary surge in popularity, thanks to the arrival of soccer legend Lionel Messi. The “Messi Effect” has ushered in a new era of excitement and global attention for the league. Messi’s move to Inter Miami CF, following his stint at Paris Saint-Germain, sent shockwaves through the soccer world, putting MLS squarely in the spotlight.

As a global icon, Messi’s presence has attracted fans from all corners of the world, propelling MLS into the international soccer conversation like never before. Television ratings have soared, both domestically and abroad, with viewers tuning in to witness the magic of Messi on American soil. Stadium attendance has likewise witnessed a remarkable uptick as eager fans flock to experience his genius in person. Moreover, merchandise sales featuring Messi’s name and number have reached unprecedented levels, reflecting the immense impact of his arrival. In sum, Messi’s decision to join MLS has not only elevated the league’s status but has also solidified its position as a major player in the world of soccer.

Read more:

TOP 5 Indian Footballers Who Played Football in Foreign Clubs

Top 10 most expensive Premier League players of all-time

The Top 5 Most Valuable U23 Indian Footballers

Who is the most Expensive MLS Player of All Time?

Thiago Almada – Velez Sarsfield to Atlanta United (2022 January)


JioStar Bags $65 Million English Premier League Media Rights for India (2025-26 to 2027-28)

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In a significant move for the Indian sports broadcasting industry, JioStar has secured the media rights for the English Premier League (EPL) for the 2025-2026 to 2027-2028 seasons.

The deal, valued at $65 million, is a pivotal step for the newly formed entity and highlights the ongoing evolution of sports media in India.

JioStar’s Historic Deal for EPL Rights

As confirmed by Economic Times (ET), JioStar has finalized a three-year media rights agreement with the Premier League for broadcasting the competition across India.

JioStar bags English Premier League rights worth $65 million for 3 years starting 2025-26.

The agreement is valued at $65 million, which includes $54 million as the rights fee and $11 million earmarked for marketing initiatives to boost the EPL’s presence in the country. This deal marks a slight increase from the previous $60 million agreement, which covered the 2022-2025 cycle, wherein $50 million was allocated to rights fees, and $10 million for marketing.

The Formation of JioStar and Stakeholder Support

JioStar is a newly established broadcasting entity created by the merger of Star India and Viacom18. The joint venture is backed by major players, including Reliance Industries, Walt Disney, and Bodhi Tree Systems. While both JioStar and the Premier League have declined to comment on the specifics of the deal, industry sources have confirmed the details of the agreement.

EPL Explores Other Options Before Finalizing Deal

Before concluding the agreement with JioStar, the Premier League reportedly explored options with other Indian broadcasters such as Sony, FanCode, and Eurosport. In a significant shift, Star India, which previously held the EPL rights, decided not to renew its contract, marking a notable change in India’s sports broadcasting landscape.

Erling Haaland

Sony, with its dominant position in European football, now owns the rights to major football tournaments like the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Euro, while Viacom18’s acquisition of FIFA World Cup 2022 rights further diversifies their sports offering.

The Declining Value of EPL Rights in India

Over the last decade, the value of the Premier League’s Indian media rights has seen a steady decline. From a peak of $145 million for the 2013-2016 cycle, the rights fell to $100 million (2016-19), then to $81 million (2019-2022), and now $60 million for the current period. This drop is attributed to factors such as reduced competition among broadcasters, declining TV viewership, monetization challenges, and the intensifying rivalry in the broadcasting market.

Despite the declining value, the EPL continues to be regarded as a top-tier sports property in India, driven by the rising popularity of international football clubs like Manchester City, Liverpool, Real Madrid, and FC Barcelona. Analysts believe that although the value has decreased, the current deal still represents a sustainable and attractive price point for the Indian market.

The IPL and Cricket’s Dominance in Indian Broadcasting

The new deal also coincides with Sony Pictures Networks’ acquisition of the Asian Cricket Council’s (ACC) media rights for $170 million, highlighting cricket’s unshakable dominance in Indian sports broadcasting. Nonetheless, football, and specifically the EPL, still maintain a solid following, attracting dedicated viewers and subscribers among Indian football fans. As India’s sports media landscape diversifies, the EPL remains a key player in the nation’s subscription-driven sports market.

Soccer Football – Premier League – Wolverhampton Wanderers v Liverpool – Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton, Britain – September 28, 2024 Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah scores their second goal from the penalty spot REUTERS/Phil Noble

This deal further reinforces the evolving sports broadcasting ecosystem in India, with the Premier League adapting to new challenges while maintaining its appeal. With growing football fanbases and investment in global leagues, JioStar’s partnership with the EPL marks an exciting new era for football broadcasting in India.

Read More: NPL 2024: Your Complete Guide to the Nepal Premier League

FAQs

What is the value of JioStar’s new deal with the English Premier League?

JioStar’s media rights deal for the EPL is valued at $65 million, covering the 2025-2026 to 2027-2028 seasons. This includes a $54 million rights fee and an $11 million marketing commitment.

When does JioStar’s agreement with the Premier League begin?

The agreement will begin with the 2025-2026 season and will run for three years, ending with the 2027-2028 season.

What changes occurred in India’s EPL broadcasting rights landscape?

JioStar secured the rights after Star India decided not to renew its contract. Prior discussions also involved broadcasters like Sony, FanCode, and Eurosport.

Why has the value of EPL rights decreased in India over the years?

The decline in value is attributed to reduced competition, a decrease in TV viewership, monetization challenges, and growing rivalry among broadcasters.

How does the EPL’s value compare to other sports broadcasting rights in India?

Despite the decline in EPL rights, it remains a top-tier property in India, even as cricket dominates, with Sony acquiring the Asian Cricket Council’s media rights for $170 million.

Top 10 Richest Football Club Owners in the World in 2024

Football, one of the most popular sports with an estimated 4 billion fans worldwide, is not just a sport anymore but has also turned into a money-making business. The enormous amount of money in football due to the great interest of people involves broadcasting contracts, sponsorship deals, merchandise sales, etc. Owning a football club is a lucrative business.


So in this article, we will take a look at the top 10 Richest Football Club Owners in the World in 2024.

Let’s explore the top 10 Richest Football Club Owners in the World in 2024

10. Stan Kroenke (Arsenal, Colorado Rapids)

Net worth: £7.1 billion

Stan Kroenke, an American billionaire entrepreneur, owns the Kroenke Sports Company (KSE), which includes a number of teams from different sports and leagues. The Denver Nuggets of the National Basketball Association (NBA), Colorado Mammoth of the National Lacrosse League (NLL, Lacrosse), Colorado Rapids of the MLS, Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League (NHL), and the St. Louis Club of the National Football League (NFL, American Football). 

According to SportMob, Kroenke “entered a new arena in April 2007 and bought a 9.9% stake in Arsenal from Granada Ventures, and for the first time pursued a business outside the United States. Stan Kroenke currently is the main shareholder of Arsenal and is close to acquiring 100% ownership of the England club.” He is tenth in our Top 10 Richest Football Club Owners in the World in 2023

9. Philip Anschutz (LA Galaxy)

Net worth: £8.6 billion

Philip Anschutz, another American billionaire entrepreneur on the list, owns many companies in many industries including railroads, sports, theatres, arenas, and music. Anschutz bought his father’s drilling company, Circle E. Drilling, in 1961 and made a lot of money in Wyoming. 

Anschutz initially invested in stocks, real estate, and railroads. Gradually, he went on to invest in entertainment companies and co-founded Major League Soccer, as well as numerous teams like the Los Angeles Galaxy Football Club,  the San Jose Earthquakes, the Chicago Fire, the New York/New Jersey MetroStars Football Club, and the Houston Dynamo Football Club. He is ninth in our Top 10 Richest Football Club Owners in the World list.

8. Shahid Khan (Fulham)

Net worth: £9.5 billion

Fulham owner Shahid Khan, worth £9.5 billion, ranks e­ighth on our Top 10 Richest Football Club Owners in the World list. Khan is known for his eccentric looks and moustache. He also owns the NFL franchise Jacksonville Jaguars and the All Elite­ Wrestling organization. However, he built his wealth through Flex-N-Gate Corporation while studying at the University of Illinois. In 2013, he made a reported deal worth £150 to £200 million to acquire Fulham. His investment has helped the Cottagers return to the Premier League­. He is eighth in our Top 10 Richest Football Club Owners in the World list.

7. Dietmar Hopp (Hoffenheim)

Net worth: £10 billion

Dietmar Hopp, a German billionaire and entrepreneur, is the eighth richest person in Germany thanks to a fortune from his software company SAP ((Systems, Applications, Products). Dietmar studied telecommunications engineering in Karlsruhe after high school then he worked as a software developer and system consultant at IBM. He left IBM in 1972 and co-founded the software company SAP, with four of his colleagues.

Hopp is one of the main shareholders of the German Hoffenheim football team, which was initially a local team, that grew with his significant investments, and eventually, in 2008, this team entered the Bundesliga. However, Hopp was hated among German football fans as they believed that he bought his team’s success in football. But, in March 2023, Hopp gave up the majority voting rights of Hoffe­nheim but remained the club’s majority shareholder.

6. David Tepper (Charlotte FC)

Net worth: £14.6 billion

David Tepper, the owner of the Carolina Panthers NFL team, recently entered the world of football with his MLS expansion team, Charlotte FC, which debuted in 2022. Despite being relatively unknown to football fans worldwide, Tepper has earned a spot on our list.

The billionaire hedge fund manager from the United States founded and leads Appaloosa Management, a global hedge fund located in Miami Beach, Florida. In 2019, he ventured into football ownership and acquired Charlotte FC, which began playing in 2022 at Bank of America Stadium. According to ESPN, the expansion fees paid for the franchise by Tepper amounted to $325 million, setting a current record in the MLS. He is sixth in our Top 10 Richest Football Club Owners in the World list.

5. Sheikh Mansour (Manchester City, Melbourne City, New York City)

Net Worth: £17 Billion

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan is an Emirati politician and with an estimated net worth of around $30 billion, he is the richest football club owner in the world. As well as Manchester City in England, he owns New York City in the United States, Melbourne City in Australia, Mumbai City in India, and Montevideo City in Uruguay.

Sheikh Mansour, the deputy prime minister of the UAE, owns stocks in many companies in the UAE, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. After his acquisition of Manchester City in 2008, he reformed the club and changed its financial situation while also making it the most successful English club since his joining.

4. Jim Ratcliffe (OGC Nice)

Net worth: £18 billion

Jim Ratcliffe; via Goal

James Ratcliffe­, who’s not only the head of INEOS but also considered a possible bidder for Mancheste­r United, has become a well-known figure among Premier Le­ague fans recently. It’s like­ly reassuring for the Red De­vils community to hear Ratcliffe’s got previous experience owning sports te­ams too – he’s got Ligue 1’s OGC Nice and Swiss club Lausanne­-Sport under his belt.

British billionaire e­ntrepreneur Sir Jame­s Ratcliffe wagered his own home­ back in 1992 to spearhead a buyout of a BP chemicals business. This wasn’t his first venture with the company – he had earlier bought a plant from them, se­tting the stage for the e­stablishment of INEOS, now a major force in the che­mical industry. Ratcliffe’s estimate­d net worth is an impressive £18 billion and is ranked at number four in our Top 10 Richest Football Club Owners in the World list.

3. Dietrich Mateschitz (Red Bull Salzburg, RB Leipzig, NY Red Bulls)

Net worth: £27.4 billion

Dietrich Mateschitz, an Austrian billionaire, owns Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg and MLS side New York Red Bulls. He studied marketing at the Vienna University of Economics and Business and graduated at the age of 28. After graduation, he worked as an International Marketing Director in a German cosmetics company.                                                                                                          

During one of his trips to Thailand, a sweet and savoury drink largely relieved his fatigue, caused by flight delays. He searched for its owner and in partnership with this Thai man, the Red Bull was founded. He rarely speaks out in public and keeps himself out of the reach of the media. He is in the third position on our Top 10 Richest Football Club Owners in the World list.

2. Francois-Henri Pinault (Stade Rennais)

Net worth: £31.6 billion

Francois-Henri Pinault, who owns Stade Rennais in Ligue 1 is quite well-off. They also have the respected title of honorary chairman at Kering, a luxury group. This group is the parent company for high-e­nd brands like Saint Laurent and Alexande­r McQueen.

Despite his net worth of £31.6 billion and significant investment in Stade­ Rennais, Pinault hasn’t seen the success he was hoping for from the club in recent years. Even with his financial support, their performance has remained somewhat lacklustre.

Pinault established Kering back in 1963, originally concentrating on wood and construction materials. But in 1999, he pivoted the company’s direction, de­ciding to focus on luxury items instead.

1. Public Investment Fund (Newcastle United)

Net worth: £343 billion

Public Investment Fund (Newcastle United); via BBC

Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, purchased Newcastle­ United in October 2021. The acquisition was made using the country’s sovereign wealth fund. He is at the top spot in our Top 10 Richest Football Club Owners in the World list.

The Public Inve­stment Fund, or PIF, boasts over £343 billion in assets. This impre­ssive portfolio was primarily built through strategic investme­nts in key companies and projects worldwide. On top of that, PIF has a direct hand in the Saudi Pro League­, owning four clubs: Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli.

BONUS: Nasser Al-Khelaifi (PSG)

Net worth: £6.3 billion

Yes, the rich PSG owner whose arrival saw the club shattering transfer market records is not even in the Top 10 Richest Football Club Owners in the World list! Nasser Al-Khelaifi, a Qatari businessman, studied Economics at Qatar University and played for the Qatari tennis team for 5 years. He was a professional tennis player, and after finishing his career in 2002, he was ranked 995th in the world rankings.

In 2011, Qatar Sports Investments bought Paris Saint-Germain. Nasser al-Khelaifi was elected as its chairman. He bought big stars such as Neymar, Ibrahimovic, Cavani, and Killian Mbappe for the club but is still unable to win the Champions League title.

Which is the Richest Football Club Owner in the World in 2024?

Public Investment Fund (Newcastle United)

Source

Do check out: An Incredible List of Top 10 Richest Sports in the World in 2023

Top 10 most expensive Premier League players of all-time

Top 10 most expensive Premier League players of all-time

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Most expensive Premier League players of all time: Money is the name of the game when it comes to modern football. And the Premier League’s domination in terms of viewership has caused them to become the most dominant league in terms of finances. 

As a result, even the lower-placed clubs can afford to spend a lot of money on signings. But in this article, we will be looking at the top ten most expensive Premier League players of all time. 


Let’s reveal the Top 10 most expensive Premier League players of all time: 

10. Virgil Van Dijk – £74.5m to Liverpool 

Juventus eyeing an incredible £150M world-record move for Virgil van Dijk in summer 2020
Virgil Van Dijk

One of Liverpool‘s best investments, the Dutch central defender has been able to solidify himself as one of the best in his position since his move. He has won every available trophy with the Reds and continues to be a formidable force in the team’s defence. 

9. Romelu Lukaku – £74.5m to Man Utd 

Romelu Lukaku – £74.5m to Man Utd 

Lukaku‘s spell with Manchester United was riddled with inconsistency, on the back of a move from Everton. The Belgian spent two years with the Reds before sealing a move to Inter amidst harsh criticism over his performance. 

8. Jadon Sancho – £74.8m to Man Utd 

Jadon Sancho; MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 26: Manchester United player Jadon Sancho in action during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on August 26, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Sancho moved to Manchester United on the back of a remarkable few seasons with Borussia Dortmund. But, he has been unable to recapture his form at Old Trafford so far. The winger has found it difficult to implement his skilful style in England and has not been able to stay consistent in the starting line-up so far. 

7. Harry Maguire – £76.6m to Man Utd 

Harry Maguire

Maguire‘s spell with United can largely be ruled a flop, on the back of some glaring errors during his time with the club. In spite of being handed the captain’s armband, he has been unable to live up to his price tag since joining from Leicester City. 

6. Antony – £83.6m to Man Utd 

Antony Manchester United
Antony; Via Twitter

Antony made the move from Ajax last summer as their most expensive sale of all time. The Brazilian had a decent first season in England and is expected to mature into a much more influential player in the coming seasons. 

5. Paul Pogba – £92.3m to Man Utd 

Paul Pogba – £92.3m to Man Utd 

Pogba was signed by United from Juventus for a club record £92.3 million fee. And after a highly inconsistent spell which saw him impress, and disappoint in spells, he returned to Juventus as a free agent. But, injuries have severely limited his ability to perform over the last few years. 

4. Romelu Lukaku – £99.2m to Chelsea 

Romelu Lukaku

Lukaku is the only player to feature twice on the list, being signed for a club record £99.2 million. But after a shocking interview months later where he revealed that he wanted to return to Inter, he was loaned back the very next summer.

3. Jack Grealish – £103m to Man City 

Most expensive Premier League player
via The Guardian; Jack Grealish

Grealish was the most expensive British player after his move from Aston Villa to Manchester City. And only a few years later, he is a treble winner, having played a significant part in their success. The England international has grown into Pep Guardiola’s first-choice left winger and is at the peak of his abilities right now.  

2. Declan Rice – £105m to Arsenal 

Rice now holds the record for being the most expensive British player of all time, following his £105 million move to Arsenal. The midfielder captained West Ham United to the Europa Conference League title in 2023 and is now set for a big new challenge with the North London club. 

1. Enzo Fernandez – £106.8m to Chelsea 

Enzo Fernandez

Enzo Fernandez is the most expensive Premier League player of all time, following his January 2023 transfer to Chelsea from Benfica. The Argentine has signed an eight-year deal with Chelsea and is expected to be one of the key players for their long-term project. 

Who is the most expensive Premier League player of all time?

Enzo Fernandez – £106.8m to Chelsea is the most expensive Premier League player of all time.

Xiaomi 15 Ultra Key Details Leak; With Smaller Battery

Xiaomi’s upcoming flagship, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, is creating a buzz with its potential release soon in January or February. The new device will build on the success of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, promising a mix of features we already know and some impressive improvements.

Xiaomi 15 Ultra

Xiaomi 15 Ultra: Upcoming Flagship to Feature Enhanced Camera and Display; Smaller Battery

In another hop, on Weibo (now deleted), Digital Chat Station suggests Xiaomi will actually use a similar display size and design as the last generation of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. The phone should pack a 6.73-inch AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and a 1,440 x 3,200 resolution, with the kind of colors you expect from Xiaomi’s high-end gear. In terms of photography, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is going for high-end performance. The main camera will probably come with a big 1-inch sensor and a wide f/1.63 aperture, which should also result in better low-light capabilities and image quality.

Its predecessor had a variable aperture, but this one may not. Expectations are equally impressive for the other two secondary cameras: a 50 MP telephoto lens promising even closer short-distance optical zoom (probably around 2x), and a 200 MP periscope telephoto camera zooming around 4.3x. The specs alone make the 15 Ultra worth considering for any serious smartphone photographer looking specifically for good zoom and low-light performance. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra will be equipped with IP68 and IP69 for dust and water-resistant purposes.

It’s also expected to support wireless charging, something that’s practically become a necessity for premium devices today. But one area in which the 15 Ultra may come up short is with battery size. There are figures of 5,450 mAh or 5,800 mAh capacity which is smaller than the 6,000 mAh cell of some of its rivals.

That’s potentially a sacrifice to maintain a svelte profile, especially with the hulking camera system encroaching. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s overall specs are promising and point to it building on its predecessor’s strengths — powerful camera features, a gorgeous display, and solid durability — and it looks set to amount to a serious flagship option in early 2024.

FAQs

When will the Xiaomi 15 Ultra be released?

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is expected to launch in January or February 2024.

What is the battery capacity of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra?

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is rumored to have a battery between 5,450 mAh and 5,800 mAh.

Pushpa 2 Advance Booking Smashes Records: 2.43 Lakh Sold!

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The much-awaited Pushpa 2: The Rule, starring Allu Arjun, is gearing up for a massive opening, and the booking numbers are proof of the wildfire it’s creating. As of 11 PM on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, a staggering 2.43 lakh tickets have already been sold for Day 1 across major national chains, setting the stage for a bumper start.

Pushpa 2 Advance Booking Breaks Records: 2.43 Lakh Tickets Sold Already!

Advance Booking Breakdown (Till 11 PM, Dec 3):

  • PVR + INOX: 1,97,000 tickets
  • Cinepolis: 46,000 tickets
  • Total (National Chains): 2,43,000 tickets

The craze doesn’t stop there. Regional chains are also witnessing phenomenal demand, especially for the Hindi version:

  • Rajhans Cinemas: 36,313 tickets sold
  • MovieMax: 12,250 tickets sold (as of 10:30 PM)
Pushpa 2

A Bumper Start for Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2

The sequel to the blockbuster Pushpa: The Rise is already creating waves with its electrifying trailer, chart-topping music, and the return of Allu Arjun as the iconic Pushpa Raj. With Fahadh Faasil and Rashmika Mandanna reprising their roles, the film promises to deliver high-octane action, drama, and entertainment.

The advance booking numbers indicate that the movie is set to dominate the box office from Day 1, with fans eagerly waiting to witness the next chapter of Pushpa’s rule. The hashtag #WildFirePushpa is trending across social media, reflecting the excitement among fans.

Also Read: Rashmika Mandanna Hot Pics of 2024 You Can’t Miss!

The highly anticipated film Pushpa 2: The Rule, featuring Allu Arjun, is gearing up for a groundbreaking release. It has already sold over 2 million tickets in advance on BookMyShow, making it the first Tollywood film and the second Indian film to achieve this remarkable feat.

The excitement surrounding the movie is palpable, with advance bookings surpassing 120 crore worldwide and expectations to hit 150 crore before its premiere. Fans are going all out, organizing special events and premieres, and many believe that Pushpa 2 will break records for opening day collections in Indian cinema.

In a significant move, the movie has taken over all IMAX screens in India, even pushing back the re-release of Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar. The film’s hype is further fueled by its cultural impact, with fans and celebrities celebrating its release and eagerly anticipating what’s to come.

Pushpa 2

Why Pushpa 2 is a Must-Watch

  • Allu Arjun’s Power-Packed Performance: The National Award-winning actor is back with his signature swag and intensity.
  • Star-Studded Cast: Fahadh Faasil and Rashmika Mandanna add depth and charm to the film.
  • Mass Appeal: With its gripping storyline, larger-than-life action, and chartbuster songs, Pushpa 2 caters to audiences across languages and regions.

Final Thoughts

With 2.43 lakh tickets already sold and counting, Pushpa 2: The Rule is all set to rewrite box office history. If you haven’t booked your tickets yet, now’s the time—don’t miss out on the cinematic wildfire that’s about to take over theaters nationwide.

Stay tuned for more updates as Pushpa 2 hits the big screens this Thursday!

Amazing Deal: Sony PS5 Digital Edition (Slim) at ₹34,900 on Amazon!

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The Sony PS5 Digital Edition (Slim) is here, offering cutting-edge gaming technology in a sleek, compact design. Packed with powerful features and now available at an unbeatable price, this is the perfect time to upgrade your gaming setup. Currently on sale for ₹37,490 on Amazon India, you can grab it for as low as ₹34,900 with applicable bank discounts.

Sony PS5 Digital Edition (Slim) at ₹34,900 on Amazon: All You Need to Know

PS5

Key Features of the PS5 Digital Edition (Slim):

  • Slim Design: A compact and stylish console that fits seamlessly into your setup.
  • 1TB Ultra-High Speed SSD: Enjoy near-instant load times and store all your favorite games with 1TB of built-in SSD storage.
  • Integrated I/O: Developers can create groundbreaking games with the PS5’s custom system integration, delivering faster data access.
  • Ray Tracing: Experience lifelike shadows and reflections for a new level of realism in supported games.
  • 4K-TV Gaming: Play your favorite PS5 titles in stunning 4K resolution.
  • Up to 120fps with 120Hz Output: Enjoy smooth, high-frame-rate gameplay on compatible games and displays.
  • HDR Technology: Supported games display vibrant, lifelike colors on HDR TVs.
  • Tempest 3D AudioTech: Immerse yourself in soundscapes that make you feel like you’re in the game.
  • Haptic Feedback & Adaptive Triggers: Feel every in-game action with the DualSense wireless controller’s dynamic sensory feedback and adaptive triggers.

Bonus Game Included:

The Sony PS5 Digital Edition comes preloaded with ASTRO’S Playroom, a fun and innovative game that showcases the features of the DualSense controller.

Why Buy Now?

With the current sale on Amazon India, the PS5 Digital Edition (Slim) is more affordable than ever. Originally priced higher, it’s now available for ₹37,490, and with bank discounts, you can bring the price down to just ₹34,900. Don’t miss this chance to own one of the most advanced gaming consoles at a fantastic price.

Hurry, as stocks are limited! Head to Amazon India now and grab your Sony PlayStation 5 Digital Edition (Slim) before it’s gone.

Buy the Sony PS5 Digital Edition (Slim) from here: https://amzn.to/4ihUKEm