2026 Ballon d’Or: He’s a genius – Barcelona president, Laporta picks player to win

Barcelona President, Joan Laporta, has claimed that “genius” Lamine Yamal deserves to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

Laporta was speaking to reporters ahead of their first Champions League fixture against Feyenoord.

Yamal was included in the 30-man nominees’ shortlist, released by the Ballon d’Or organizers on Tuesday.

During the year under review, the teenager won the LaLiga title with Barcelona and the World Cup with Spain.

“I would love for Lamine to win the Ballon d’Or,” Laporta said.

“I would also be delighted if any player from Barça wins it.

“Lamine is a very mature guy. A genius. He is extraordinary.”

2026 Ballon d’Or: He’s a genius – Barcelona president, Laporta picks player to win

EPL: Brighton boss gives update on Azeez

Brighton & Hove Albion head coach, Fabian Hurzeler, hopes to have Femi Azeez available for Sunday’s trip to Coventry City, DAILY POST reports.

Azeez arrived the AMEX from Sky Bet Championship club, Millwall, on transfer deadline day.

The Seagulls paid €15m to secure the services of the former Reading player.

The Nigeria international’s debut for the Seagulls has however been delayed due to injury.

The 25-year-old is now pushing to make his first appearance against Frank Lampard’s side.

“Femi is obviously carrying a slight injury at the moment. We have to wait this weekend, and hopefully he will be available for the next game [Coventry],” Hurzeler was quoted by sussexexpress.co.uk.

EPL: Brighton boss gives update on Azeez

King Oyo: London-based goalkeeper, Kamurasi selected as next ruler of Uganda kingdom

The goalkeeper of a non-league side in London, SE Dons, George Kamurasi, has been chosen as the next king of the Tooro people in Uganda.

At 36 years old, Kamurasi plays in the ninth tier of the English football and was selected by a committee to take over from his late cousin, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.

King Oyo, who was 34, passed away while undergoing treatment for cancer, leading the Tooro Kingdom into a transitional phase.

Known as “Big G,” Kamurasi is a British citizen and currently serves as the captain of SE Dons in the Southern Counties East League Premier Division located in southeast London.

He is recognized at his club for his enthusiastic and authoritative demeanor, with video evidence showcasing his intense team talks to fellow players.

Despite being chosen as the next monarch, Kamurasi is said to be hesitant about leaving London, where he resides with his wife and son, to assume the royal role in Uganda.

His selection has sparked mixed reactions in Uganda; some individuals appreciate his straightforward personality, while others question whether someone raised in the UK can truly represent the Tooro people.

The funeral for King Oyo, who ascended to the throne at the tender age of three in 1995, is set to occur this weekend.

Kamurasi hails from a distinguished royal lineage. His grandfather, King George Rukidi III, famously welcomed the late Queen Elizabeth during her visit to Uganda in 1954.

In an unexpected turn of events, Kamurasi may miss the late king’s funeral due to a scheduling conflict with a cup match involving his football club.

SE Dons participate in the Southern Counties East League Premier Division, which is positioned at Level 9 within the English football structure.

Kamurasi now faces a huge decision between pursuing his life and football career in London or embracing his family’s royal duties in Uganda.

King Oyo: London-based goalkeeper, Kamurasi selected as next ruler of Uganda kingdom

Davido reveals secret bond between Dangote and his family

Afrobeats superstar, Davido, has revealed billionaire businessman, Aliko Dangote’s longstanding relationship with his family.

In a recent interview, Davido disclosed that Dangote had maintained a close relationship with his family for decades and had continued to offer him financial advice from childhood.

The artiste stressed that Africa’s richest man drove his mother home from the hospital when she gave birth to him, emphasising that Dangote had remained consistent in advising him to save and manage his money whenever they met.

“Anytime I see him, he still tells me, ‘David, save your money.’ He’s been saying that since I was a baby,” the singer said.

According to him, Dangote’s advice had remained relevant as he navigated his career in the entertainment industry.

He also said that Dangote was a close associate of his father, businessman Adedeji Adeleke, noting that the relationship between the two families had lasted decades.

He further stated that his relationship with the billionaire businessman dated back to his childhood and has continued into his adulthood.

Davido reveals secret bond between Dangote and his family

Transfer: Fulham set to block Bassey from Inter Milan move

English Premier League side, Fulham, are determined to prevent Super Eagles defender, Calvin Bassey, from leaving the club for Inter Milan.

To achieve this, they aim to secure Bassey with a new contract amidst the interest from Inter Milan.

According to TEAMtalk, Fulham are looking to prolong Bassey’s contract in light of the attention from the Italian club.

Since his arrival from Eredivisie powerhouse, Ajax, in the summer of 2023, Bassey has emerged as a crucial player for the Cottagers.

During his time at Craven Cottage, the Nigerian defender has participated in 105 matches across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing one assist.

Moreover, the 26-year-old was honored with the club’s Player of the Season award for the 2024/25 campaign and continues to be a regular in the squad under the new head coach, Álvaro Arbeloa.

His outstanding performances for the London club have drawn the attention of various European teams, including Inter Milan, who have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring him.

The former Rangers defender’s current contract, which is set to expire in the summer of 2027, has also contributed to the interest surrounding him.

Despite the uncertainties regarding his future, the Cottagers are said to be at ease about the Super Eagles star’s situation, as they hold an option to extend his contract for an additional year.

The club intends to reward the Nigerian defender with a new deal to demonstrate their appreciation for his contributions to the team over the past few seasons.

For his part, the Super Eagles defender is content in West London and is open to the possibility of extending his tenure at the club beyond the current contract.

Transfer: Fulham set to block Bassey from Inter Milan move

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