The 25 finalists for the 2026 Golden Boy Award have been announced, with Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi, Real Madrid’s Yan Diomande, Manchester City’s Ayyoub Bouaddi, Chelsea forward Estêvão Willian, and Bayern Munich youngster Lennart Karl among the leading names on the list.

The Super Eagles will be without seven players for Tuesday’s international friendly against Russia after injuries, club restrictions and a residence permit issue affected the squad.

Norway manager Stale Solbakken has raised concerns over Erling Haaland’s workload, saying the Manchester City striker is among players carrying the heaviest burden in his team and has been showing signs of fatigue after a relentless run of matches for club and country.

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the final of the Japan Open on Monday after securing a hard-fought 5-7, 6-3, 6-1 victory over fellow Spaniard Jaume Munar in Tokyo.

Lionel Messi will bring the curtain down on his glittering Argentina career on Tuesday with a farewell friendly against Benin that marks the dawn of a new era for the South American champions.