Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks was finally able to put on his pads at an NFL training camp.Tuesday's session proved to be another showcase for Brooks, who is progressing through his first healthy offseason as a pro. The 23-year-old shined this morning, putting his speed and suddenness on displayas he did during spring workouts.He was asked about the session afterwards. "It felt good. It felt good to be back out there," Brooks stated. "I'm just trusting the process that the trainers and coaches have for me. And just ultimately, believing in myself throughout the whole rehab process. And it was a blessing to be back out there."Between two ACL tears to his right knee, one from college and one from his rookie campaign, Brooks has been limited to just three games since being drafted back in 2024. After being sidelined for the entirety of the 2025 campaign, the former second-round pick seems likely to factor into the Carolina offense from the jumpeven drawing whispers of earning a featured role down the line.Perhaps that role is closer than some may think, as Brooks told reporters that he is moving without hesitation in his cuts."I feel like I'm back to 100 percent, getting out there, having fun with it," he later added.Brooks is expected to share the workload out of the backfieldat least early onwith projected starter Chuba Hubbard. Hubbard, who is coming off a injury-riddled 2025, led the Panthers in rushing in three of the past five seasons.Follow@ThePanthersWireon Twitter/X for more Panthers content.This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers RB Jonathon Brooks shares best possible news on his status

Sky Sports reveal what sources close to Bradley Barcola said about Liverpool talksTalks are reportedly ongoing between Liverpool and Bradley Barcolas camp.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL EMPIRE OF THE KOP APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ONAPPLE&GOOGLE PLAYSky Sports Germanys Florian Plettenberg reports on X (formerly Twitter) that nothing is advanced as far as negotiations with PSG are concerned.The Ligue 1 champions are thought to be looking for a fee well in excess of 100m.PSG want an extraordinary offer for Bradley BarcolaFrom our perspective, its difficult to imagine Liverpools decision-makers having much in the way of wiggle room beyond the 100m at the very least, not significantly beyond that price point.Were already painfully aware of the fact that the Reds dont have the same kind of lofty budget they were working with last summer. So a nine-figure deal for the France international is already likely going to leave us counting pennies to cover off other key areas of the squad.Want more Empire of the Kop coverage? Add us as apreferred source on Googleto your favourites list for news you can trustOf course, we have to also accept that Luis Enriques personal position on the matter of Bradley Barcolas refusal to sign a new contract means that PSGs hand is perhaps not as strong as they might have first presumed.So were not entirely convinced that the Ligue 1 outfit will actually be able to secure the kind of extraordinary offer theyre supposedly holding out for.Liverpool may have to be wary of Arsenal bidding warThere is, of course, the possibility that Arsenals potential involvement in the race could convince PSG to hold firm on their internal valuation of the versatile winger.Though we would feel inclined to point out that the Gunners hesitance in meeting Aston Villas asking price for Morgan Rogers (being unwilling to go above 80m) indicates that the race for Barcola is too rich for their blood.Desperation could always change matters, but if Arsenal really rated the left-sided winger higher, they would have surely already signposted their interest as clearly as Liverpool have.And, ultimately, if hes not a key target, we have to question the logic behind anyone suggesting the Premier League title holders would be prepared to blow their valuation of Rogers out of the water for the France international.It just doesnt seem like the kind of deal Arsenal would be prepared to seriously engage in not without Bradley Barcolas asking price first plumetting.More Stories / Latest NewsSky Sports reveal what sources close to Bradley Barcola said about Liverpool talks July 28, 2026 18:05Liverpool set to miss out on class free transfer as Sky Sports share news of verbal agreement July 28, 2026 16:29Consequences Milos Kerkez anecdote reveals just how intense Iraola training sessions can be July 28, 2026 15:35

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The defensive line is often plentiful with blue-chip prospects. The 2027 recruiting cycle features 44 four and five-stars at the position, according to theRivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all major recruiting media companies.Thats the most blue-chip DLs in a class since the 2023 cycle. Of those 44 D-linemen, all are committed, as of July 28, and theyve dispersed among 29 schools. $19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage Headlined by the nations No. 1 overall prospect, Rivals breaks down where the top defensive linemen in the 2027 cycle are currently committed ahead of football season:Jalen Brewster Texas TechRivals Industry Ranking:No. 1 NATL.School:Cedar Hill (Texas)Committed Since:Oct. 4, 2025Joey McGuire and the Red Raiders swung big in the fall and that brought an early commitment from Brewster. Hes been atop the industry rankings for some time now and the instant-impact disruptor remains in the mix for TTU despite the likes of LSU, Florida and others trying to pull off a flip. If Brewster heads to Lubbock, it would easily be the biggest recruiting win in program history. He reminds Rivals Scouting and Rankings Team of Jalen Carter.Jalen Brewsteris mulling over a final decision. The No. 1 player in the 2027 class committed to head coachJoey McGuireand GMJames Blanchard10 months ago, Rivals Sam Spiegelman wrote earlier this month. After official visits across the country, LSU is putting pressure on the Red Raiders to flip the five-star DL There is optimism in West Texas about Texas Techs long-term chances in this recruitment.Marcus Fakatou Ohio StateRivals Industry Ranking:No. 31 NATL. (No. 2 DL)School:Sierra Canyon (Calif.)Committed Since:June 29The 6-foot-7, 275-pounder wasnt shy about hearing out each and every one of his top schools, naming multiple leaders throughout his process. Fakatou made it clear that he wanted to leave the Golden State. Notre Dame was the early leader, while Texas and Georgia also emerged late. It became Ohio States recruitment to lose, however, and vaunted position coach Larry Johnson closed the deal after official visits last month.There were a lot of reasons why I liked Ohio State, Fakatou told Rivals Greg Biggins. Ive said from day one that development was going to be the biggest factor for me and theres not a better DL coach in the country than Larry Johnson.David Folorunsho Notre DameRivals Industry Ranking:No. 38 NATL. (No. 3 DL)School:St. Patrick (Ill.)Committed Since:May 15There were no shortage of suitors for Folorunsho, but the 6-foot-3, 285-pounder is a quintessential Notre Dame target and the Irish won out for his pledge two months ago. His stock remains on the rise and hes even now a five-star in the updated Rivals300, headlining an ND class that ranks 2nd nationally, per the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.The people that are around me, Folorunsho told Rivals Steve Wiltfong. I know what Notre Dame has done for them over their lifetime. Just knowing that, knowing everything Notre Dame offers, you cant go away from that. You cant turn that down.Myels Smith Texas A&MRivals Industry Ranking:No. 58 NATL. (No. 4 DL)School:Inglewood (Calif.)Committed Since:Dec. 20, 2025Mike Elko and the Aggies have done a tremendous job plucking talent from California and Smith is the latest Golden State star thats got his eyes on College Station. He was among A&Ms string of massive early recruiting victories, paving the way to a No. 1 class alongside a slew of five-stars. Smith is the No. 5 prospect in California ahead of his senior season.A big space eater and could grow in to a true nose or play as a traditional tackle. Has a projectable 6-foot-3, 295 pound frame with room to add good weight, Rivals Greg Biggins wrote of Smith. Put up huge numbers as a junior including 91 tackles, 30 for loss and 10 sacks. Quick off the ball and flashes one of the better get-offs in the country. More than just a straight line guy, shows some lateral quickness and plays on the other side of the line of scrimmage.Kasi Currie TexasRivals Industry Ranking:No. 63 NATL. (No. 5 DL)School:Sierra Canyon (Calif.)Committed Since:June 11Currie will flank Fakatou on one of the best D-lines in all of high school football. The 6-foot-4.5, 330-pounder also carried a hotly-contested recruitment that saw Ohio State and Oregon surge, but it was Texas that swiped the momentum after an official visit, quickly landing his pledge right after.I got to Texas and that was my third time being there, Currie told Rivals Adam Gorney. I really like Texas. My former teammate is up there,Richie (Wesley), and I would just love to play with him again. Coach (Steve Sarkisian), coach (Kenny) Baker, I like those guys. I like coach (Will) Muschampas well. Hes a very smart guy and I like the way theyd fit me into their defense. They have me playing everywhere so I liked that.Mitchell Turner Ole MissRivals Industry Ranking:No. 65 NATL. (No. 6 DL)School:Louisville (Miss.)Committed Since:June 23New Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding has made in-state recruiting a serious focal point and thats evident when looking at the top of the Rebels 2027 class. Turner is the top-ranked pledge and hes also the No. 2 recruit in the Magnolia State. Ole Miss survived pushes from Alabama, LSU, Texas and others this summer.Dynamic, coordinated defensive lineman who makes plays behind the line of scrimmage at a high rate, Rivals Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power wrote of Turner. Measured at 6-foot-1.5, 285 pounds with arms a shade under 33 inches prior to his senior season. Turned in a dominant junior campaign, racking up an astounding 41 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks. A loose, coordinated athlete with an innate understanding of leverage. Stays low and is tough to block off the ball.BenJarvius Shumaker Ole MissRivals Industry Ranking:No. 82 NATL. (No. 7 DL)School:Choctaw County (Miss.)Committed Since:June 23Ole Missfirst landed a commitment from Shumaker on March 6. He appeared to be fully locked in with the Rebels, even announcing that his recruitment was shut down on June 22. Thats why it was hard for many in Oxford to believe that the lineman had actually flipped toColoradothe following day. Sure enough, it looked like the Buffaloes were going to pull him out of his home state. Later that night, however, Shumaker issued an apology on social media and retracted his decision, stating that he was once again committed to Ole Miss.I apologize for any confusion that may have come over the last several hours, Shumaker wrote on X. This process has reaffirmed for me that Ole Miss is where I am meant to be. I believe in the vision for the program, the relationships my family and I have built in Oxford, and the opportunity to develop both on and off the field. Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout this journey. I am excited for the future, ready to get to work, and proud to call the state of Mississippi and Ole Miss home.Cameron Hall TexasRivals Industry Ranking:No. 102 NATL. (No. 8 DL)School:Mansfield Summit (Texas)Committed Since:Jan. 28Originally ranked as an EDGE prospect, Hall is now considered among the nations top D-linemen. The No. 11 recruit in Texas has been committed to the Longhorns for six months now and he remains rock-solid with Steve Sarkisian and Co. Hes the fifth-highest-ranked member of Texas top-10 recruiting class.He is a big and disruptive presence on the defensive line, plays with a lot of strength and shows the ability to walk offensive linemen back to the quarterback thanks to a hellacious bullrush, Rivals Charles Power wrote of Hall. Hes a very strong, explosive athlete and you can see that in the multi-sport context. Hes a top shot put thrower with his ability to convert explosive power throughout his body and that certainly translates to what we see on film. Viewing him in the context of a D-line prospect has us bullish on his projection.Xavier Muhammad MichiganRivals Industry Ranking:No. 105 NATL. (No. 9 DL)School:Shadow Creek (Texas)Committed Since:May 14Michigan went on an absurd spree of recruiting wins in May and Muhammad was among the biggest. He made his first visit to Ann Arbor in April and didnt waste too much time before locking in with new head coach Kyle Whittingham and Co. Muhammad enters his senior season as the No. 12 prospect in the state of Texas.There arent many defensive linemen in the 27 class with a higher ceiling than Muhammad, Rivals Greg Biggins wrote this spring. He checks off so many boxes in terms of the frame, multi-sport athleticism and two-way snaps on the grid-iron. Boasts some high end measurables, with an athletic 6-foot-3.5, 265 pound frame, an 84 wingspan and nearly 11 hands.Stanley Montgomery Penn StateRivals Industry Ranking:No. 108 NATL. (No. 10 DL)School:Archbishop Ryan (Pa.)Committed Since:April 30Matt Campbell is quietly building a top-25 class in his first cycle at the helm for Penn State and Montgomery is the top in-state prospect in the mix. A one-time Syracuse commit, Montgomery chose the Nittany Lions right after taking a visit to Happy Valley. His stock has soared and hes now the No. 6 recruit in Pennsylvania in addition to ranking as the nations No. 10 D-lineman.Explosive, powerful defensive lineman with the ability to create disruption in the backfield on a consistent basis. Measured in at just north of 6-foot-3 and around 300 pounds prior to his senior season, Rivals Charles Power wrote of Montgomery. Has solid length with arms that check in a shade under 33 inches. Tests as a good athlete in the combine setting. A disruptive presence who put together strong junior film.Other top committed defensive linemenKarlos May Ohio StateGeorge Toia UCLAZane Rowe OregonSam LeJeune Florida StateSeth Tillman ClemsonAlifeleti Tuihalamaka USCEzekiel Ayangbile MiamiJohn Archer South CarolinaDonivan Moore AuburnRaiden Cook Houston

ToplineFIFA is planning to sell minority stakes in the World Cup, multiple outlets reported on Tuesday, which would involve creating a new company and selling minority stakes to private investors at a valuation of $20 billion.FIFA confirmed plans to raise $4.2 billion for a new entity controlling the nonprofits commercial and event operations at a $20 billion equity valuation.FIFA via Getty ImagesKey FactsIn a deal first reported by The Times and the Financial Times, FIFA is planning to raise an estimated $4.2 billion in 2026 by selling a reported 20% minority stake in a new subsidiary at an equity valuation of $20 billion.FIFA confirmed the plans in an announcement on Tuesday morning, which said the new company would be called FIFA Forward Enterprise and would control the nonprofit organizations commercial and event operations.FIFAs 211 member associations would each be given $20 million in funding if the deal goes through, the organization said, and annual funds to members would continue increasing through 2038.FIFA said it would remain the primary owner of the new subsidiary and maintain control over scheduling competitions and matches, as well as governance and regulatory decisions.Thrive Eternal, a fund created by Josh Kushners Thrive Capital that previously purchased a minority stake in the San Francisco Giants, will lead the investor group, FIFA said, and the nonprofit federation is being advised by bankers from JPMorgan.The new plan would need to be approved by a majority of FIFAs member associations.Gianni Infantinos ConnectionsFIFA president Gianni Infantino could play a major role in the new deal, the Times reported on Tuesday. Infantino is up for reelection as president next year, but is term-limited after 2031. Sources told the British newspaper Infantino could serve as a commissioner or chief executive of the new company after his final term, although the FIFA president later told the paper the idea has never been discussed. FIFAs own statement did not elaborate on Infantinos role in the future company. Infantino has been heavily criticized for his cozy relationship with President Donald Trump, whom he gave the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize to last December. FIFA reportedly consulted with the Trump administration on the plans, two sources told the Times. However, Jared Kushner, the presidents son-in-law and older brother of the Thrive Capital founder, is not one of the investors lined up.Chief CriticThe deal is highly controversial among soccer fans, analysts and other governing bodies for the sport. "This crosses a line that footballs governing institutions should never cross," UEFA, soccers governing body in Europe, said in a response to the reporting in the Times. UEFA takes it extremely seriously. So should every National Football Association. So should every stakeholder: leagues, clubs, players, supporters, governments and everyone who cares about the future of the game. The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially. None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA's to sell.Big Number$15 billion. Thats how much FIFA made in revenue from the 2026 World Cup, according to the organization. It was a significantly higher haul compared to the estimated $7.57 billion made during the 2022 World Cup cycle. In a speech earlier this year, Infantino promised to unleash the commercial potential and opportunity that FIFA hasa comment the nonprofit has repeatedly pointed to in announcing the plans for the new venture.This article was originally published on Forbes.com

On Tuesday, the Carolina Panthers threw on their pads for the first time this summer.Here are our top takeaways and observations from the team's latest outing of training camp . . .Some good injury newsHeadlined by the ACL tear to second-year outside linebacker Nic Scourton, the start of training camp brought repeated shots to the Panthers on the injury front. But they finally had some good news this morning.Cornerback Jaycee Horn was activated from the reserve/non-football injury list. He made a quick return, as expected, from a cut on his foot and participated with the rest of the team.The Panthers also got back fellow starting corner Mike Jackson, who missed the last few sessions due to back tightness.. . . and some more not-so-good injury newsAfter watching Scourton go down last Thursday, Carolina had to roll out the cart again this morning. This time, it was second-year tight end Mitchell Evans who was rolled off after he rolled his ankle.Fortunately, perhaps, head coach Dave Canales seemed relatively optimistic about Evans after practice."They're testing him. It was an ankle injury. Rolled it up," Canales told reporters. "They're pretty optimistic, but we're gonna do a full evaluation just to make sure there's nothing happening in there. But they were pretty optimistic coming off the field."Canales also didn't seem overly concerned about starting left guard Damien Lewis, who did not participate due to a calf injury. He expects Lewis to only miss a couple of days.Brooks is backRunning back Jonathon Brooks put on the pads at training camp for the first time in his NFL career. And as he did during the spring, the former second-round pick impressed with his footwork and explosiveness on Tuesday.Brooks, who was limited to three games over his first two pro seasons due to ACL tears, said he's feeling back to 100 percent."It felt good. It felt good to be back out there," Brooks stated. "I'm just trusting the process that the trainers and coaches have for me. And just ultimately, believing in myself throughout the whole rehab process. And it was a blessing to be back out there."Top observationsView of first #Panthers padded practice of the summer. Some attendance notes:Cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson are backGuard Robert Hunt is out again today (back tightness) pic.twitter.com/VFhbM6Lvq2 Alex Zietlow (@alexzietlow05) July 28, 2026Chris Brazzell still out with the knee soreness. Does not appear that Damien Lewis is in pads. Joe Person (@josephperson) July 28, 2026OC in the QC@ochocincopic.twitter.com/uNfXfbcwbu Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) July 28, 2026Chau Smith-Wade continuing good start to camp. pic.twitter.com/al078HSqoQ Joe Person (@josephperson) July 28, 2026Mitchell Evans is being carted off to the locker room after injuring himself during team drills. Looks like its a lower body injury. Carolina Blitz (@KeepBlitzin) July 28, 2026T Mac vs Thornton pic.twitter.com/LRk1M2xlCv Carolina Blitz (@KeepBlitzin) July 28, 2026Feleipe Franks in a scrum with the defense, loses helmet and Mike Jackson threw a helmet, Akayleb Evans was pushed from a pile. Tremble had to hold Franks back and Bryce Young tried to turn the temp down. Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) July 28, 2026Monroe Freeling is doing a nice job against Jaelen Phillips considering the context and circumstances. Nice battle. #Panthers Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) July 28, 2026Last #Panthers Bryce Young 11-on-11 series:Deep ball incompleteRun right Jonathon Brooks (some extra contact after the play with CB Corey Thornton aggressive!)Tetairoa McMillan catch leftJalen Coker contested catch over the middle Alex Zietlow (@alexzietlow05) July 28, 2026Follow@ThePanthersWireon Twitter/X for more Panthers content.This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers 2026 training camp tracker: Top takeaways and observations from Day 4

Josko Gvardiol signs new Manchester City contract until 2031Manchester City have confirmed that Josko Gvardiol has signed a new long-term contract.The new deal will keep the Croatian centre-back at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2031, with the option of a further one-year extension.The new agreement ends speculation over Gvardiols future. Several clubs across Europe were interested in Gvardiol but verbally agreed to remain at City before jetting off for the World Cup.Gvardiol returned to Manchester earlier this week to finalise the deal.During negotiations, Gvardiol was guaranteed a place as one of the most important players in the squad as City prepare for a new era under Enzo Maresca.Club officials reportedly see Gvardiol, Phil Foden and Erling Haaland as the three key players around whom the next generation of the squad will be built.Foden recently signed a new contract, while Haaland agreed to a long-term extension last year. After signing the new contract, Gvardiol expressed his happiness at staying with City.As soon as I knew City wanted to renew my contract, I felt straight away it was what I wanted, the Croatian centre-back said.The City fans have been unbelievable with me from day one and the club provide absolutely everything for players. Its the best club in the world to be at.I have felt so much love and respect during my three years here, and I dont take that for granted.The players we have here are amazing. This is a world-class squad that is young and full of potential. I truly believe we will have a lot of success in the coming years.Gvardiol is expected to feature in Citys upcoming pre-season tour of Asia, where the squad will play matches in Hong Kong and Seoul.Despite several players returning later following international duty, City will still travel with a talented group as preparations begin for another campaign, with the Community Shield and the new Premier League season on the horizon.

Few things in life are certain beyond death, taxes, and Tadej Pogacar winning the Tour de France. This years Grande Boucle went almost entirely as expected, offering few real surprises or diversions from the status quo, as the marauding Slovenian won another five stages en route to his record-equalling fifth title. His place in the pantheon of greats had already been cemented and there are few superlatives left to describe his grip on the sport. He is now equal with cycling legends in the form of Eddy Merckx, Jacques Anquetil, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain on five wins; his 26 stage wins leave him nine off the record of Mark Cavendish, who will be wishing hed postponed retirement by another year or two. There could have been more had Pogacar not opted to babysit young teammate Isaac del Toro to a stage win, third place on the podium, and the best young riders jersey too. Pogacar is able to win at will but sometimes seems happier in the role of worlds most powerful domestique; perhaps the only thing holding him back from an unprecedented sixth title is whether he can muster the enthusiasm for it. At 27, he is younger than all of his fellow five-time winners were and will be in his prime for a while yet. But while the Pogacar era looks set to continue for some time, the post-Pogacar era already looks to be one to savour. Those left cold by the two-time world champions iron grip on the sport can set a reminder to tune in in a couple of seasons time, or perhaps as early as this autumns Vuelta, should Pogacar skip it as expected to target a third rainbow jersey.Pogacar seemed to enjoy helping del Toro as much if not more than winning stages (AP)Because while Pogacar has no real rivals, the rung of grand tour racers below him is in rude health. Much had been made before this Tour of the rapid rise of French 19-year-old Paul Seixas, who won European bronze behind Pogacar and Remco Evenepoel in an attritional race last year and continued his rapid progress this season, coming second to the Slovenian at Strade Bianche and Liege-Bastogne-Liege and winning a WorldTour stage race at the Tour of the Basque Country. That hype appears justified after he finished fourth in his debut Grand Tour, a rather Pogacar-like result (he came third at the Vuelta a Espana in his first three-week race and was then sent straight to the Tour, after which, the rest is history). Seixas faded in the final week having been just 20 seconds off the podium after stage 16s individual time trial, but the maturity and composure with which he rode was remarkable. France have had many Grand Tour hopefuls who have never fulfilled that early promise but the Lyonnais teenager looks to have both the climbing pedigree and the racing nous to deliver on it in years to come.He also looks to be at the start of a fascinating rivalry with del Toro, the 22-year-old Mexican who already has podium places at the Giro dItalia and Tour to his name. While he remains at UAE Team Emirates-XRG he will only ever be a superdomestique to Pogacar, but on the basis of those two podiums he should be the squads leader at any grand tour the Slovenian misses. He was unable to win the mountainous stage 15, towed up the same Plateau de Solaison climb by Pogacar which he mastered solo at the recent Tour Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, where he won the overall, but was a clear third-best over the course of three weeks. Evenepoel improved as the Tour went on (AP)That stage was won by Evenepoel, who in many ways was the breakout star of this Tour despite already being a proven winner and former grand tour champion himself. The Belgian has had to endure plenty of criticism since his 2022 victory at the Vuelta a Espana, with many questioning his capability over three weeks and in the most gruelling mountain passes. But over the last two seasons he has made himself leaner, a better climber, and a more durable rider, and that was evident here, as he recovered from a patchy first week to cement his best-of-the-rest status in the high mountains in the third; he was nearly three minutes clear of del Toro, despite the Mexican being shepherded along by Pogacar in the closing stages. Evenepoels teammate Florian Lipowitz, third at the Tour last year, is another consistent rider who had looked set to challenge for the podium before crashing out in the time trial. Evenepoels much-debated transfer from Soudal-QuickStep to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, in the hopes of making him a real Tour de France challenger, has paid off. The 26-year-olds outspokenness and strength of character is an additional boon for the sport amid an increasingly sanitised, media-trained peloton. Seixas and Evenepoel demonstrated their climbing ability and maturity over this Tour (AP)It would have been fascinating to see how Denmarks Jonas Vingegaard would have handled the challengers in the Alpine final week, having looked far from secure in second place until that point and with Evenepoel in particular steadily improving in both form and confidence. His crash on an innocuous bend on stage 15, having been subjected to a 2am doping test mere hours before, robbed the Tour of an explosive battle for the remaining podium places.Rumours abound of Vingegaard considering retirement after every demoralising defeat to Pogacar, and just like after last years Tour he has a point to prove, with a host of challengers rising up behind him. He responded last year by winning the Vuelta in dominant fashion and backed that up with victory at this years Giro.But while Pogacar remains supreme, an immovable object at the top of the sport, the landscape around him is changing. Vingegaard is the best stage racer after him but with the rise of Evenepoel, del Toro and Seixas, how long will that last? Cycling is on the cusp of a fascinating new era, and crucially, one which even those bored by Pogacar can look forward to.

In Brazil's journey to a sixth World Cup title under first-year coach Carlo Ancelotti, their trip fell short in the round of 16. Brazil currently has five World Cup trophies all-time, and a sixth would've extended its record mark. Brazil dominated their group after two wins and a draw, which earned them first in Group C, but not even a star-studded roster and a talented coach could get the job done. Notably, their 2-1 comeback win over Japan kept the Seleo's sights of a title that much closer. However, against star forward Erling Haaland and Norway, a 2-1 round of 16 loss ended their World Cup run. What's next for the stars of Brazil after their World Cup campaign? Vincius Jnior led Brazil in goals this World Cup with four total goals in his second tournament appearance with the Seleo. Under Ancelotti, with whom he played for when the Italian manager was in charge at Real Madrid, Vinicius was able to find his form following a subpar season with the Spanish club. Vincius returns to Real Madrid and will try to get the team back on track after a trophyless season. The Brazil legend struggled through injury and rarely saw the pitch this World Cup. However, his penalty kick against Norway got them on the board, but wasn't enough in their 2-1 loss. After his fourth World Cup, Neymar has retired from the national team but still remains under contract with Santos FC. The Seleo's fearless leader, Cunha was named Brazil's captain in his World Cup debut. Cunha started all five games and netted three goals. Aside from the national team, Cunha plays for Manchester United. Also in his World Cup debut, Gabriel became a crucial player in Brazil's back line in their journey to the round of 16. The left-footed centerback currently plays for Arsenal and was key in the Gunners winning its first Premier League title since 2003-04. One of the tournament's most impressive goalkeepers, Alisson made his third World Cup appearance with the Seleo. In five matches, Alisson recorded 14 saves and two clean sheets. He currently plays for Liverpool. Raphinha appeared in two matches for Brazil before suffering an injury that cut his tournament short against Haiti in Brazils second group-stage match. Raphinha returned to training with the Brazil squad ahead of its Round of 16 match, but he was not deemed fit enough to get on the pitch. He currently plays for Barcelona. Bruno Guimares was another midfielder who was at the forefront of Brazil's goalscoring abilities, recording four assists in his five appearances this World Cup. Guimares currently plays for Newcastle United. Marquinhos is another Brazil star who also competed in his third World Cup, playing full-time in all five matches. Marquinhos currently plays for Paris Saint-Germain. Gabriel Martinelli became a hero when he found the net in stoppage time to seal a 2-1 win over Japan in the round of 32. Martinelli currently plays for Arsenal.