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  • Rory Smith

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Benfica, Enzo Fernández and a Champions League Question: What If?

The Portuguese giant knew selling Enzo Fernández would make it harder to win Europe’s richest prize. But cashing out early is a story the club…

How Will ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ Write Notts County’s Story?

Notts County is having one of the most remarkable seasons in its long history. It might even win the league. But you don’t get to…

Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Limited Options

The chase for a transcendent star in the twilight of his career requires a new term: GOATwashing.

Gerard Piqué’s Kings League Has Seen Soccer’s Future

Gerard Piqué won a World Cup and lost a pop star as he built a multimillion-dollar side business. Now he has quit the sport that…

At Liverpool, Man City Means a Red Alert

A rough stretch, starting with Saturday’s game against Manchester City, will define Liverpool’s season. The harder work comes after that.

The Superteam That May Be Selling Itself Short

Vfl Wolfsburg casts itself as an underdog in Germany and in the Champions League. That doesn’t reflect reality.

Argentina’s World Cup Champions Gather for First Time Since Qatar

Lionel Messi and his Argentina teammates have reunited for the first time. Most are finding a day job feels different after you’ve won the World…

Quinten and Jurrien Timber Share Title Dreams and a Bedroom

Quinten and Jurrien Timber are on opposite sides of the Dutch championship race. At home, they may be closer, literally, than any two players in…

Portrait of an Artist, Still Just a Young Man

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has become a star in nine months at Napoli. With his transcendent talent, things may only get better.

P.S.G.’s Star System Has Run Its Course

Even with Messi, Mbappé and Neymar, the French champion is a Champions League also-ran once again. Is buying local the way forward?