Robert Jackson has experience in sports writing and staff photography, covering various beats including government, business, courts, and politics, as well as feature stories.
Opting not to select Patrick Mahomes in the 2017 NFL draft may have yielded an unexpected advantage for the San Francisco 49ers, as revealed by recent insights.
Back in 2017, the 49ers opted for Stanford defensive lineman Solomon Thomas with the No. 3 pick. However, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, this decision indirectly paved the way for the team to acquire Brock Purdy in 2022.
Schefter highlighted the 49ers’ approach in the 2017 NFL Draft, where they held the second overall pick.
At that time, the organization didn’t extensively evaluate Mahomes, as they were banking on signing Kirk Cousins during the 2018 free agency period and reuniting him with head coach Kyle Shanahan. However, those plans fell through due to external factors.
Schefter Details How 49ers’ Decision to Skip Patrick Mahomes Resulted in Selecting Brock Purdy
Shanahan acknowledged in 2020 that while they did assess Mahomes, they perhaps didn’t delve as deeply as they should have. Despite recognizing Mahomes’ exceptional talent, the team didn’t anticipate him being selected so early in the draft.
Shanahan emphasized the team’s focus on bolstering their defense during that offseason, considering their poor performance in yards and points allowed in the previous season.
Naturally, in hindsight, Mahomes would have been a coveted choice over Purdy. Shanahan has openly expressed remorse over the decision in the 2017 draft.
Nonetheless, the 49ers have remained competitive despite this setback. This stands in contrast to the Chicago Bears, who selected Mitchell Trubisky instead of Mahomes with the No. 2 pick and are still grappling with the repercussions of that decision.
The forthcoming events will shed light on Purdy’s ability to lead the franchise to a Super Bowl. Success in this regard could mitigate the significance of the 2017 draft for Shanahan and general manager John Lynch.
However, if Mahomes outperforms the 49ers once again, it may prompt fans to reflect on what might have been.
According to reports, the Philadelphia Eagles are looking for quarterback Jalen Hurts to step up his vocal presence going forward.
Mike Garafolo of NFL Network revealed that while the Eagles don’t doubt Hurts’ potential as their long-term franchise quarterback, they do want to see him assume a more active leadership role.
Ian Rapoport tweeted on NFL GameDay, stating that the Eagles are encouraging Hurts to be more vocal and upbeat, signaling a desire for him to take on a more prominent leadership role.
Jalen Hurts (Credits: The Wall Street Journal)
It was mentioned that Eagles’ edge Haason Reddick had been granted permission to explore a trade, and the Steelers might express interest in free agent QB Ryan Tannehill.
Hurts experienced a significant decline in performance during the latter half of the 2023 season. Despite initially showcasing MVP-level potential as the Eagles got off to a strong start, his completion percentage, yards per attempt, and touchdown rate decreased over the final eight games.
The Eagles ended the season with a disappointing record, losing six of their last seven games, including a demoralizing 32-9 defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card Round.
The team responded to this collapse with substantial changes on both offense and defense, dismissing offensive coordinator Brian Johnson and defensive coordinator Sean Desai. Kellen Moore, previously with the Dallas Cowboys and the Los Angeles Chargers, was brought in to lead the offense.
This transition marks Hurts’ fourth offensive coordinator in five NFL seasons, highlighting the instability within the coaching staff.
With head coach/play-caller Doug Pederson let go after the 2020 season, Shane Steichen departing for the Indianapolis Colts’ head-coaching role after 2022, and Johnson’s brief tenure ending, questions abound regarding the team’s stability.
Coach Nick Sirianni, under scrutiny following the team’s second-half collapse, enters the 2024 season on thin ice. The decision to overhaul both coordinator positions raises doubts about his leadership. If the team’s downward trajectory continues, Sirianni could be the next casualty.
Given the upheaval within the coaching ranks, Hurts’ emergence as a vocal leader is crucial. The Eagles made a significant investment in Hurts last offseason, signing him to a $255 million deal, indicating their faith in him as a franchise cornerstone. They expect him to assume leadership responsibilities both on and off the field.
With uncertainty surrounding the future of offensive leader Jason Kelce, who is contemplating retirement, Hurts must step into the role of being the team’s primary voice behind the scenes, mirroring Kelce’s leadership.
The NFL witnessed a historic moment as the Kansas City Chiefs secured their second consecutive Super Bowl victory, marking the franchise’s fourth title overall. In a thrilling showdown against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, the Chiefs emerged triumphant with a 25-22 overtime win on Sunday.
The game mirrored the intensity of their previous two championship victories, characterized by a remarkable second-half comeback led by superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
This time, the victory was sealed with overtime heroics as Jake Moody’s 27-yard field goal initially put the 49ers ahead 22-19. However, the Chiefs responded with a determined 13-play, 75-yard drive culminating in a 3-yard touchdown pass from Mahomes to Mecole Hardman.
Patrick Mahomes (Credits: Pittsburgh Post- Gazette)
Kansas City’s ability to deliver under pressure has become emblematic of their style of play, with Mahomes often showcasing his prowess in clutch moments. Trailing 19-16 with less than two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Chiefs orchestrated a crucial 75-yard drive, capped by Harrison Butker’s 29-yard field goal.
A pivotal play on this drive occurred on a third-and-7 with just 16 seconds left, as Mahomes connected with Travis Kelce for a crucial 22-yard gain, setting up an easy kick.
This victory solidifies the Chiefs’ status as a modern-day dynasty in the NFL, with their third Super Bowl win in five seasons under the guidance of coach Andy Reid. Reid now joins the ranks of coaching legends like Bill Walsh and Joe Gibbs, boasting three championships to his name.
Reflecting on the significance of the win, Kelce emphasized the team’s relentless pursuit of success, stating that winning three titles within a five-year span places the Chiefs among the greatest teams in league history.
Mahomes, once again, proved instrumental in securing the victory, earning his third Super Bowl MVP title. His stellar performance included 333 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, further cementing his status as one of the league’s premier quarterbacks.
In addition to individual accolades, Mahomes joins an elite group of quarterbacks with at least three Super Bowl victories, a testament to his exceptional talent and leadership on the field. With an impressive playoff record of 15-3 in his six-year career, Mahomes continues to etch his name in NFL history.
The defeat is undoubtedly disappointing for the 49ers, particularly for coach Kyle Shanahan, who faced another heartbreak in the Super Bowl after their loss in 2017. Despite their resilience, the 49ers fell short, extending their championship drought to 29 seasons.
The Chiefs’ journey to the title was marked by adversity, including a challenging regular season plagued by inconsistency. However, their late-season surge, coupled with Mahomes’ brilliance, propelled them to victory, culminating in an unforgettable Super Bowl triumph.
As the confetti fell and celebrations ensued, the Chiefs basked in the glory of their remarkable achievement, solidifying their place in NFL history as one of the most dominant teams of their era.
Roman Reigns’ trajectory leading up to WrestleMania 40 has intrigued many, with wrestling veteran Vince Russo proposing an unexpected twist for The Tribal Chief at the upcoming event.
During the latest episode of Writing with Russo, Russo delved into the WrestleMania 40 press conference events, analyzing the potential storyline involving Reigns, The Rock, and Cody Rhodes.
Russo floated the idea of a surprising move, suggesting that WWE could arrange a showdown between Reigns and The Rock on Night One of WrestleMania 40:
“To me, the only possible thing that makes sense is this: Roman [Reigns] cuts the promo about how he works half the amount of time and makes double the amount of money. The only thing that makes any sense to me is you see The Rock, and you’re going to put in double time at WrestleMania weekend.
Roman Reigns
I’m working off of what they’re doing, so this isn’t me writing from scratch. You can have The Rock and Roman Reigns Night One for the Head of the Table. They were talking about that in the press conference. The history of the family and the Head of the Table.”
Russo proposed that Reigns could then face Cody Rhodes on Night Two, providing an opportunity for the company to orchestrate his loss of the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship:
“You can have that match on Night One, and then they could force Roman to defend the title on Night Two against Cody [Rhodes]. And here’s what’s not bad about that. Roman Reigns is now the baby face because you’re forcing him to work two nights in a row.
If he loses on the second night, it kind of gives Roman Reigns an out. The out is, ‘You made me work two nights in a row; nobody else worked two nights in a row.’ So it kind of gives Roman Reigns an out.”
Former boxing champion Mike Tyson has revealed his stance on attending the Super Bowl, shedding light on why he opted out of the annual extravaganza.
Despite the hype surrounding last night’s thrilling game, where the Kansas City Chiefs emerged victorious over the San Francisco 49ers, Tyson remains absent from the star-studded event.
While celebrities like Taylor Swift and Jay-Z graced the Allegiant Stadium for the spectacle, Tyson has clarified that the Super Bowl isn’t on his list of must-attend events.
Mike Tyson (Credits: Getty Images)
On his podcast with Michael Jackson’s son Prince, Tyson disclosed his limited Super Bowl experience, citing a solitary invitation from New England Patriots owner Bob Kraft.
Although Tyson expressed allegiance to the Patriots, who boast an impressive six Super Bowl titles, his absence from the event is not due to snubbing but rather a lack of inclination. Despite missing out on this year’s festivities, Tyson’s future attendance at Super Bowl 59 remains uncertain, contingent upon receiving an invitation.
Boxer Derek Chisora had an unexpected start to an interview when he accidentally spilled stout on himself before launching into a rant directed at UFC star Conor McGregor.
Chisora, 40, last fought in August, securing a victory over Gerald Washington, bringing his professional record to 34 wins out of 47 fights.
Meanwhile, McGregor, 35, hasn’t competed since July 2021 when he suffered a leg injury against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. He has since ventured into various pursuits outside the octagon, including acting and launching his brand of stout called Forged Irish Stout.
During the interview, Chisora opened a can of Forged Irish Stout but encountered a mishap as it spilled onto his clothes, leading to a humorous and expletive-laden tirade against McGregor.
Conor McGregor (Credits: Getty Images)
In an interview with IFL TV, Chisora exclaimed, “For f**k sakes, that cheap-a*s McGregor drink, man. F**k Conor, man! Conor McGregor, you’re a f***ing a**hole. This is Tom Ford, b*tch. F***ing b*tch, put that s**t in the bin.”
However, Chisora quickly clarified that his remarks were in jest, expressing his admiration for McGregor, saying, “Conor’s cool, he’s my guy. I love Conor.”
Chisora also mentioned that he continues to train daily and hinted at an upcoming fight, with London being the likely venue. He also expressed openness to facing Deontay Wilder, setting the stage for a potentially thrilling matchup.
The seasoned veteran of the Charlotte Hornets has reached an agreement with the team for a buyout, a decision made official on Saturday. As per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, he will be joining the Philadelphia 76ers for the remainder of the 2023-24 season, inking a deal worth $2.8 million.
This move aligns with Lowry’s longstanding desire to return to his roots in Philadelphia, where he initially hails from and where he honed his skills in college basketball at Villanova, Wojnarowski noted.
The contract details were disclosed by agent Bartelstein to ESPN, confirming the $2.8 million deal for the rest of the season.
Kyle Lowry (Credits: Bleacher Report)
The transition doesn’t come as a shock to many observers. It was widely speculated that Charlotte was merely a temporary stop for the seasoned point guard following the trade that sent him and a 2027 lottery-protected first-round pick from the Miami Heat to the Hornets in exchange for Terry Rozier in late January.
The Hornets’ rebuilding trajectory, centered around emerging talents like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, didn’t quite align with Lowry’s career timeline. While there was potential for him to serve as a mentor, the veteran’s aspirations leaned more towards contending for a championship.
At 37 years old, Lowry’s playing years are winding down, making the pursuit of a title with a competitive team a logical choice.
His on-court contributions remain to be seen. Lowry started the first 35 games of the season for the Heat before transitioning to a bench role, indicating his tenure in Miami was nearing its end.
Averaging 8.2 points and 4.0 assists per game with the Heat, shooting at 42.6 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from beyond the arc, his prime years as a six-time All-Star and impactful playmaker are behind him.
Nonetheless, a contending team might take a gamble on his ability to recapture some of that magic for a potential championship push.
In Philadelphia, Lowry is slated to team up with Tyrese Maxey in the backcourt. While it may not be a game-changing move, especially amidst uncertainty surrounding Joel Embiid’s playing status due to a knee injury, Lowry’s championship experience, familiarity with head coach Nick Nurse from their shared time in Toronto, and his reliable depth make him a valuable addition to the Sixers’ roster.
What defines a rivalry? Is it the football? Is it the hatred amongst fans? Or is it the brawls? We think a mixture of it all makes a rivalry perfect. Often the most interesting and widely revered rivalries are the ones which involve the most hatred. People love to see the drama. And, of course, a great advert for football as well. Derbies often have red cards just flying around. Tackles all over the place, moments of magic followed by pure chaos, and all of it is magical. And that’s what makes this sport so special. Now, here’s a list of the Top 10 Rivalries in Football.
North West Derby
(Liverpool vs. Manchester United)
Record:
Liverpool- 69 Wins
Manchester United- 81 Wins
Draws: 58
The rivalry between the two biggest and the most successful clubs in England. And two of the biggest clubs in the World. Rivalry fueled by the hatred amongst fans of the belonging regions. Their historic and economic rivalry. And fueled by the desire to win. Both of the teams have seen a period of dominance over the land of England. And the matches are as heated as they can get. And they put out a great showcase of football. With star players all over the pitch. Liverpool vs. Manchester United is box office entertainment, and the world of football is glued to their screens whenever these two teams play each other. And they rank 10th on this list of Top 10 Biggest Rivalries in Football.
They are going to face each other on the 20th you can watch it on Hotstar.
Liverpool vs. Manchester United
Cairo Derby
(Al Ahly Sc vs Zamalek)
Record:
Al Ahly- 105 Wins.
Zamalek- 58 Wins
Draws: 79
A derby between arguably the two biggest clubs in Africa and the biggest in Egypt. It tends to get very heated and violent. The fans of both clubs are very passionate about their teams and act in anger and hatred towards the other. Such as, a match in the 1971-72 season with a case of violence caused the match and ultimately the whole season to be called off. Numerous fights, injuries, and deaths have been reported before matters became more controlled due to Egypt’s authoritarian regime.
Al Ahly Sc vs Zamalek
Yet many fights and riots still occur after derby matches between both sets of fans, leading the government to post even higher numbers of Central Security Forces troops in the stadium during the derby. The number of fights has increased with the increasing popularity of the “ultras” movement. The team that wins during their meeting more often than not wins the Egypt Cup, and the one with the higher aggregate score wins the Egyptian Premier League. The teams facing off is a mouth-watering prospect, and they rank 9th on this list of Top 10 Biggest Rivalries in Football.
Fla Flu
(Flamengo vs Fluminense)
Flamengo- 159 Wins
Fluminense- 138 Wins
Draws: 141
The most iconic rivalry in Brazil. It is played between the city rivals Flamengo and Fluminense. This match is played at the iconic Macarena stadium. It is one of the oldest rivalries in football. This rivalry consists of everything: red cards, brawls, and a whole lot of history. A fixture that recorded the highest attendance in a football match ever with a mind-blowing 194,603, a record which will never ever be broken. This ranks 8th on this list of Top 10 Biggest Rivalries in Football.
The fiercest one in German football. Schalke and Dortmund are neighbor clubs and are fierce rivals. The fanbases loathe each other. It is the most looked forward to derby in German Football. Schalke used to be the top dog in this derby. But they have fallen off and did get relegated last season. Dortmund has had the upper hand over the last few seasons. Schalke fans will be hoping it changes soon.
Dortmund vs. Schalke
Derby della Madonnina
(AC Milan vs. Inter Milan)
Inter Wins- 84
Milan Wins- 78
Draws- 69
A legendary fixture of two teams that share a stadium. Two of the biggest teams in Italy. Clubs that have great history and pedigree. And have been so legendary. A fixture that is a hallmark in Italian Football. Furthermore, it is a worldwide anticipated fixture. A fixture where both teams give it they’re all for bragging rights. Fights, riots, and whatnot, this legendary match has seen it all. Legends wherever you look. A truly great advert of the beautiful game.
AC Milan vs Inter Milan
Derby of The Eternal Enemies
(Panathinaikos vs Olampiacos)
Panathinaikos wins: 52
Olympiacos Wins: 86
Draws: 72
The biggest, fiercest rivalry in Greece. It is one of the most revered games in football worldwide. And this rivalry goes way beyond football. This rivalry stems from the cultural and political differences of the people in the areas. Red cards and tackles were flying all around. It makes up for a great spectacle.
Panathinaikos vs Olampiacos
De Klassieker
Ajax vs Feyenoord
Ajax wins: 92
Feyenoord wins: 59
Draws: 48
This rivalry goes way beyond just football. It is as fierce as it can get. It transcends into the rivalry between the cities Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Since the 70s, there have been many clashes between the supporters of both clubs, of which Beverwijk in 1997 was infamous. One Ajax fan, Carlo Picornie, was beaten to death by rival supporters, triggering more strict policies from the Dutch football association KNVB to tackle hooliganism. As a result of the incident, the two Klassiekers in 1997/98 were played without away fans. And there have been many more incidents since. It tends to get very ugly.
El Clasico
Real Madrid vs Barcelona
Real Madrid wins: 100.
Barcelona wins: 97
Draws: 52
As big a game as it can get. Legends everywhere. The biggest advert of football. Although it isn’t as legendary as it was, but it’s still one of the biggest fixtures in football. Not many fixtures are bigger than this. A rivalry like no other. It has everything: red cards, tackles, fights, charisma, and some spectacular goals.
Ajax vs. Feyenoord
Old Firm derby
Celtic vs. Rangers
Another one from the UK. The fiercest rivalry in the area. Scotland’s two most successful clubs. It gets very intense whenever they meet. And as good as it can get. An important date in the football calendar. Both sets of supporters are very, very passionate about their clubs. It makes the fixture special. A great watch.
Celtic vs. Rangers
Superclasico
River Plate vs. Boca Juniors.
The greatest rivalry in all of football. The both teams hate each other. It is the biggest one in Argentina. It gets ugly whenever they meet. Boca vs. River Plate is the biggest rivalry in the world due to the history and football involved.
The World Cup is a tournament that comes around once every 4 years. The biggest prize in Football. As big a sporting event as you can get. The one coveted prize that every player wants to have. This time the special tournament is being held in Qatar in winters. Beginning in the middle of November and ending in December. This is going to be the final World Cup of many old stars and will be the first one of many young ones. The FIFA World Cup is the most-watched sporting event all over the world. And this year won’t be any exception to that rule as well. Most of the teams that will play have already qualified. Here is the list of teams from each continent that have qualified for the World Cup up to now
Europe:
1. England
The one time World Cup winners have a great squad this year. And have proven that they can do well in the international tournaments now. By proving their worth in 2018 World Cup, where they reached the semis and reaching the finals in Euro 2021. They are very strong on paper.
England World Cup
2. Germany
The Germans are always there in the World Cup. The record winners of the competition in Europe. They are a force to be reckoned with due to having a good talent pool and a world class manager in Hansi Flick, which makes all the difference. The Germans will be fighting for the title desperately.
3. France
Perhaps, the favorites of this year’s edition. The former winners have a very squad strong on paper. And, they would like to negate the terrible Euro’s they had. France are the strong favourite for World Cup, but that’s not how football works. It will be a great experience following them in this year’s edition.
4. Netherlands
The Dutch have qualified for the World Cup by winning their group. They didn’t qualify for the last World Cup, which was held in Russia. The team led by Virgil Van Dijk will be gunning for this year’s edition and will hope to bring their country their first-ever World Cup.
5. Serbia
The serbians surprisingly topped their qualification group, which consisted of Portugal. Even so, they have a good squad which gives them a fighting chance. Their supporters would be in an absolutely joyous mood and will enjoy the ride.
6. Croatia
The last time’s finalists. The country led by Luka Modric is perhaps not as strong as they were in the last edition. But they’ve still got good talent and a very strong midfield of Kovacic and Modric. They will fight with everything they have.
7. Belgium
This is maybe the last World Cup of Belgium’s golden generation. And, their final chance at glory. Belgium have a very strong squad. With Kevin De Bruyne, Lukaku, Eden Hazard and Thorgan Hazard. The last time’s semi finalists will be looking to go all the way this year.
Belgium World Cup
8. Spain
The one time World Cup winners had a pretty bad World Cup last time around. The Spanish were facing a lot of struggles and failures in the recent past. But, the arrival of Luis Enrique has changed their fate. They now look like a very good squad with great system. And they will be looking for redemption this year.
9. Denmark
Euro’s semi finalists. The Dane’s are perhaps the dark horses of this year’s World Cup. They have a very able squad on paper. They will be looking to get something out of this year’s edition.
10. Switzerland
The Swiss have a very able team as well. Their midfield can dominate anyone on a given day. They have a fighting chance at this World Cup, and will be fun following them around for their supporters.
11. Portugal
Most probably the last World Cup of Cristiano Ronaldo’s career. The only prize that eludes him over his very, very illustrious career. The Portugal team is as good as it has ever been on paper. They will be gunning for this World Cup. And Ronaldo will want to lead them to glory this year. They are good contenders in this edition.
Portugal world cup
12. Poland
Team led by Robert Lewandowski. Poland aren’t a very strong squad. But they will be giving their all in this year’s edition. And put on a show that their fans will remember for ages.
One of Wales, Scotland, or Ukraine will complete the set of European qualifications by June.
South America:
1. Brazil
The number 1 ranked team in the world at the moment. Brazil has a very strong squad. And are probably the favorites alongside France for this year’s World Cup. The record winners have qualified for every single World Cup ever. And, it wouldn’t be a World Cup with Brazil. They will absolutely favor their chances and will hope to achieve the Coveted Prize.
2. Argentina
This is probably Lionel Messi’s last World Cup as well. He will be absolutely desperate for it. The only prize that has eluded the great man so far. He will look to rewrite the history in 2014 when he lost the final. This is probably the best Argentinian team there has been in his career, and he will look to lead them to glory.
Argentina world cup
3. Ecuador
Ecuador are not very strong on paper. But they will be fighting for their lives in this World Cup and look to salvage anything they can.
4. Uruguay
Uruguay has a very good squad. And this is probably the last World Cup of their lethal strike partnership in Edison Cavani and Luis Suarez. They will be hoping to have a strong return in this World Cup.
Peru have a chance of becoming the fifth team from South America to qualify in June.
Uruguay world cup
North America/ Caribbean:
1. USA
This is the best team USA has ever produced. They have a plethora of talent coming through their ranks. And, will be one of watch out this season. Potential dark horses of the tournament. The big countries shouldn’t underestimate USA this year.
2. Canada
A big moment for the Canadians. They are a good squad on paper, with Alphonso Davies being their star. They will bring the fight to the other teams.
Canada World Cup
3. Mexico
Mexico has a fairly competitive team this time around. They will look to test the other teams and hopefully make it far in this tournament.
Costa Rica has a chance of becoming the 4th team from the continent later in the qualifiers.
Africa:
1. Senegal
The strongest team in Africa. The current AFCON champions. Senegal are not to be underestimated in this year’s edition. They have a very strong squad spearheaded by Sadio Mane. They will be a dangerous opponent for everyone.
2. Ghana
Ghana qualified for this World Cup by beating the favorites in Nigeria. They have a good squad. With a strong midfield. They will bring the fight to everyone they face in this World Cup.
3. Tunisia
Tunisia will strive to make this a World Cup their fans will remember for the rest of their lives. They are a good team who will hope to achieve great things this year.
4. Morocco
Morocco will be gunning for this year’s edition. They will be striving to achieve great things this year. They will bring the fight to everyone that faces them. Their fans will hope they have a good tournament.
5. Cameroon
Cameroon beat Algeria in the most dramatic fashion to qualify for the World Cup. It was an absolute roller coaster ride for everyone watching that game. Cameroon have shown that they can battle it out with the stronger teams. And they will strive to achieve great things in this World Cup.
Asia:
1. Qatar
The hosts which have automatically qualified for the World Cup. This will be their first-ever World Cup, and will be looking to salvage something out of it.
2. Iran
The Iran team looks good on paper. This is their 6th World Cup, and they will be bringing the fight to everyone.
3. Japan
The Japanese have a good squad. And are very well-rounded. They will be hoping to achieve great things in this year’s World Cup.
4. South Korea
This will be their 11th World Cup. Which is the highest amongst Asian teams. The South Korean team lead by Heung Min Son, is a strong outfit and can surprise anyone.
5. Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Arabians will look to give their supporters a World Cup to be cherished. They will be striving for a strong finish.
The two teams from Oceania, which are Australia and New Zealand, also have a chance at qualifying for the World Cup. Which will be decided in June.
Arsene Wenger is the most successful and the longest-serving manager in Arsenal History. You would be lying if you said you haven’t thought that Arsenal was named after Arsene in your childhood. Happens to everyone. Wenger was a revolutionary manager. He was tactically very smart. And, the man served attacking football at its finest. It was just a joy to watch. He was nicknamed “Le Professeur” by the media and the fans of the club. Under Arsene, the fans enjoyed the best time of their lives. They won everything domestically. They couldn’t achieve glory in European competitions after coming close multiple times under him. Which also includes the famous “Invincibles”. The only club to do so in Premier League history.
The man was earning handsomely at Arsenal. And he was amongst the highest paid in the league as well as the world. His net worth right now is at $48Million as per estimations.
Arsene Wenger’s Salary
Before his managerial career, he played as a midfielder for 4 teams in Mutzig, Mulhouse, ASPV Strasbourg, and RC Strasbourg. While only making appearances for 2 out of the 4 clubs in Mulhouse and RC Strasbourg. He only made 67 appearances across his playing career.
Before moving to Arsenal, he was an assistant manager in Ligue 2 in France. Back then, it was called the division 2. He joined them in 1981. He joined Monaco in 1987 and won the league championship in 1988. In 1991 Wenger guided Monaco in the Coupe de France. In 1995, he moved to Japan to coach J.League side Nagoya Grampus Eight and won the Emperor’s Cup and Japanese Super Cup in his first and only year. And then moved to Arsenal in 1996.
He was amongst the highest earning manager’s during his time at Arsenal. When Arsene joined Arsenal in 1996, the Frenchman’s salary was approx $658,000. Since then, as success came along, his salary kept seeing hikes. Wenger once made it to the top 10 highest-paid managers in the world during his stint at Arsenal. He was placed 6th, and his salary was $10Million. He was earning approx $11Million per year at the end of his Arsenal career. Although, Arsene would’ve made in excess of $100Million in wages if his final contract was honored. He still almost made that much in wages in all his years at the club. The former manager is currently serving as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development.
Wenger is the brand ambassador for the World Cup sponsors Castrol. Due to that deal, he takes part in various youth camps internationally. Wenger also had deals with Lexus, Jaguar, and Mercedes. It is also stated that Arsene is a brand ambassador of Nike and Fly Emirates alongside the Castrol sponsorships. French cars manufacturers Citroen has a partnership with Arsenal, therefore, he is often seen using their products. He also had a partnership with the Titans of watch manufacturing IWC. He earned quite a lot from that as well.
Arsene Wenger
Various other sources of income
Wegner has worked with IN Sport as a pundit and also at the 2016 European Championship for TF1. Furthermore, he has also worked with Robert Pires and Marcel Desailly as pundits. Wegner is also a part-time author. He has a variety of published books, such as Arsene Wenger: The Inside Story of Arsenal Under Wenger and Shōsha no Esupuri, which is specifically made for the Japanese market. And “My life in Red and White”.
As of this moment, he is a member of the Cobalt Data Centre 2 LLP, a business designed to invest in data centers tax efficiently.
In 2016 he invested his money in a tax relief scheme. He was one of the reported 675 investors. A tax relief scheme which has further built two data centers on Tyneside. Adding on to Arsene’s net worth.
Arsene’s net worth currently estimates to $48Million. His net worth also includes his five cars. Which are Mercedes Audi, and Lexus. He also has a Range Rover. He can also be seen in his Citroen. Which he has with him often due to the partnership with Arsenal. Arsene’s net worth also includes an expensive Villa. Which is located in Barnet in United Kingdom. The villa is valued at $2.2Million.
Christopher Henry Gayle, AKA the “Universe Boss” is genuinely a once-in-a-lifetime player. He is a man with impeccable charisma, and he can hit the ball for miles. Chris Gayle is one of the biggest names in cricket. And one of the greatest batsman West Indies have ever produced. And, by general consensus is the Greatest to play the T20 Format. Chris Gayle is a great guy and has a very cheerful personality. He’s a global superstar. Therefore, his market value is huge. He earns a lot through endorsements. Most of his earnings are through cricket. By playing for the national team and playing in other countries’ leagues such as IPL. The Universe Boss’ current net worth is at an estimation of $35 Million.
His net worth has observed a hike of over 40% in the past few years. Although, he has crossed hold of 40. He is still a very marketable commodity.
Records
The man has several records which seem unbreakable at the moment. Chris Gayle is the only player to score more than 10,000 runs in the T20 Format. He is the only player to have scored a triple century in test cricket, a double century in ODI, and a hundred in T20I. He is also the highest run-getter in ODI’s for the Windies. The great man is the only player to hit a six on the first ball of a test match. And, he holds the record for the fastest double-hundred ever in ODI’s with 138 balls. He also holds the record for Highest individual score in T20 with 175* (66 balls), which he scored against Pune Warriors India in the IPL. And, the man is so far the only player to hit 300 Sixes in IPL history. A pure power hitter.
Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle’s Housing and Cars
Chris Gayle resides in Jamaica in West Indies, which is his hometown. He bought a luxury house there in 2016. The house is valued at $2.9Million. He also invests in properties abroad. And owns real estate in several different countries.
The car collection of Chris Gayle is benefitting of a man of his charisma and taste. He owns few of the best luxury cars in the world. The Car brands owned by Chris Gayle include Mercedes Benz, Range Rover, Lamborghini, and Audi.
Chris Gayle is a generational Talent. Players like him don’t come around too often. He has lit up the world of cricket. His batting arc is too pure. He is as charismatic as they come. And is a great dancer as well. He is now 42 years old, so we can say that he doesn’t have a lot of time left as a cricketer. And, he is not part of any IPL team’s this year as he went unsold in the auction. But, he still earns a healthy salary. Nonetheless, he is a true great of the game, and we will advice everyone to enjoy him as much as they can. Because cricket will not be the same once he retires.
Xavi Hernandez was one of the greatest midfielders of the 21st Century and unarguably one of the greatest midfielders ever. He has had a stellar career. The player now turned manager has gone to his boyhood club to revive it’s prestige and pedigree and bring them back to challenging for stuff. Xavi won everything there was to win as a player. He won everything at a club level and at an international level as well. With two Euro trophies and one World Cup. He was a major part of the two of the greatest teams ever assembled. In Barcelona and in the Spanish side of 08-12. He was the master and he controlled everything on the pitch. They say the way he played made it look like he had eyes on the back as well. Everything went through Xavi. One of the sharpest minds to ever grace the pitch. And, now he wants to taste the same success as a manager. Xavi’s estimated net worth currently is $43,500,000. His estimated salary at Barca is at a $9,465,000. His contract runs through till 2024.
Xavi’s playing career salary
The Spaniard’s salary at Barca once touched an excess of $13 Million. His reported salary as a player at Al Sadd was $10.5Million. Which saw a hike after he was appointed as the manager of the club.
Apart from these, Xavi earned his money through several endorsements. He was a role model for players so it was always easy getting big brand deals. Furthermore,He was named the brand ambassador of Audi Qatar, the Qatari division of the German car manufacturer. The decorated ex-Barcelona superstar also maintains a sponsorship deal with Adidas, previously starring in numerous adverts with the likes of Robin Van Persie, Luis Suarez and Leo Messi.
Xavi
Xavi’s charity work:
Xavi does some charity work. And, he is involved in making the world a better place ever since his playing days. He has helped the Red Cross foundation and several others. And, When Xavi was awarded a cheque of €100,000 by UEFA after being named captain of the UEFA.com users’ Team of the Year in 2011, he donated the money to the ICRC for the Red Cross’ physical rehabilitation program in Afghanistan.
Xavi’s Car collection
Xavi owns a few lavish cars. Mainly which are an Audi Q5, Q7, MBW S6, Range Rover, Ferrari F430, Ford. He did not need to even purchase the Audis’ as he is the brand ambassador. His fastest in the collection is his Ferrari F430. The car has a reported top speed of 200 Miles.
There isn’t much information about Xavi’s house. As, the great man likes to keep his life low-key. All we know is that he has a big beautiful house just outside of Barcelona and another house in Terrassa, Spain.
Xavi
Xavi achieved everything with F.C Barcelona as a player. And now wants to get them back on their perch as a manager. And, engraving the famous Tiki-Taka and bringing it back to Camp Nou.
He has done a good job so far as they sit second in the league table. Although they were knocked out of the Europa league. And they are going trophyless this season. But, the signs of improvement are there and the core is very young. The results will be evident in Europe soon, and it will not be a long time before he brings a trophy back to the club. Xavi is a certified legend of the game.
You can read more about his trophy haul and statistics on the official F.C Barcelona website.
