Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher wins 2024 US Soccer Female Player of the Year

Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, who retired from the U.S. national team late last year after winning a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, was named the 2024 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year. Known for her unflappable demeanor, the 36-year-old Naeher is just the second goalkeeper to win...

Injured goalkeeper Drake Callender to miss US friendly vs. Venezuela, fourth player dropped

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Goalkeeper Drake Callender became the fourth player dropped from the roster for the United States' friendly against Venezuela on Saturday. The U.S. Soccer Federation said Thursday that Callender has a minor muscle issue and returned to Inter Miami for...

Daniil Medvedev might skip the video-game celebration if he wins a 2nd Slam title in Australia

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Daniil Medvedev's “Dead Fish” celebration at the end of the 2021 U.S. Open final stands out as among the most unusual and unexpected reactions to a major tennis championship. His slow flop to the blue court in Arthur Ashe Stadium after ending Novak Djokovic's bid...

Brazilian star Marta re-signs with the Orlando Pride through 2026

Brazilian star Marta is staying with the Orlando Pride. The six-time FIFA world player of the year has re-signed with the defending National Women's Soccer League champions through 2026. Marta, 38, has played for the Pride since 2017. She defied her age in captaining...

Soccer's top players have had enough, as FIFA's new super-sized tournament sparks a revolt

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — One of the most striking moments of soccer in 2024 was when Rodri hobbled onto a stage in Paris on crutches to receive the prestigious Ballon d’Or for best male player of the year. The Manchester City and Spain midfielder had been one of the most...

Netflix signs US broadcast deal with FIFA for the Women's World Cup in 2027 and 2031

GENEVA (AP) — Netflix has secured the U.S. broadcasting rights to the Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031 as the streaming giant continues its push into live sports. The deal announced Friday is the most significant FIFA has signed with a streaming service for a major tournament....

The group behind a new European soccer competition has resurfaced. Here's what they propose

The group behind a proposed breakaway European soccer competition is back. They have a new name for their tournament, too, calling it the Unify League this time. The latest idea for an elite competition for the biggest teams in Europe is being put forward by...

Vinícius Júnior and Aitana Bonmati win FIFA best player of the year awards

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior finally got his hands on a big global player award on Tuesday. Vinícius was named the men’s player of the year at the FIFA’s “The Best” awards, where Barcelona playmaker Aitana Bonmati continued to clean up in the...

Vinícius Júnior of Real Madrid wins FIFA award for best men's player of the year

Barcelona's Aitana Bonmati wins FIFA award for best women's player of the year