Sports
France moves 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony to London
According to the organizers, the choice of London aims to celebrate the first winner of the award in 1956, Sir Stanley Matthews.
France Football has announced London as the venue for this year’s Ballon d’Or awards ceremony.
It will hold on October 26 , the first time after eleven years of its being held in France.
Labeled as the most prestigious and distinguished award in the world of football, the Ballon d’Or will celebrate the 70th year of its existence this year, and London has been chosen as host city for the first time in the award’s history.
According to the organizers, the choice of London aims to celebrate the first winner of the award in 1956, Sir Stanley Matthews.
It is the first time since 2019 that the awards ceremony will not be held in Paris. It was held in Zurich, Switzerland between 2010 and 2015, then returned to other locations in France from 2016, and Paris became its home in 2019.
The 2026 edition is a return to the City where the award was envisioned.The annual award, previously independently owned by France’s L’Équipe Group, was merged with FIFA’s award to become the FIFA Ballon d’Or award from 2010 – 2015.
Sports
Katsina United player declared dead found alive in mortuary
Media officer of Katsina United, Nasir Gide, confirmed the development, saying the player had been declared dead twice before signs of life were noticed.
•Ozor Chinedu
Katsina United defender, Ozor Chinedu, who collapsed during a pre-season friendly against Niger Tornadoes at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina on Tuesday was found alive in hospital following his death report.
The 18-year-old, recently signed from Kano Pillars, slumped on the pitch in the Gusau/Ahlan Pre-season Cup and was rushed to K-Dara Specialist Hospital, where doctors reportedly pronounced him dead.
Katsina United subsequently issued a condolence statement, while clubs including Heartland and Kano Pillars mourned the player on social media.
However, in a dramatic twist, mortuary staff at Katsina General Hospital later observed movement in his body.
He was immediately transferred to the Intensive Care Unit and placed on oxygen.
Media officer of Katsina United, Nasir Gide, confirmed the development, saying the player had been declared dead twice before signs of life were noticed.
Sports
NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers to be sold for $12.5bn – Report
Kushner is the brother of Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law.
The Los Angeles Lakers — one of the most successful teams in NBA history — are being sold to former Disney CEO Bob Iger and investor Joshua Kushner in a deal valuing the team at $12.5 billion, ESPN reported Wednesday.
The sale, which would mark a record-breaking price, comes only about a year after billionaire Mark Walter agreed to buy a controlling interest in the team in a then-record $10 billion deal.
Kushner is the brother of Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law.
Walter’s purchase, reported in June last year, ended the Buss family’s 46-year reign over the NBA giants.
The Lakers have won 17 NBA championships, second only to the Boston Celtics.The team has been home to some of the league’s biggest superstars including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal and the late Kobe Bryant.
LeBron James, the NBA all-time scoring leader, just left the squad for the Philadelphia 76ers after spending eight years and winning one title with the Lakers.
Sports
BREAKING: Lionel Messi Loses Father Jorge Messi at 68
Jorge Messi, the father and longtime agent of football legend Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68, according to multiple reports from Argentine and international media.
The patriarch of the Messi family passed away on Friday night in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, around 10 p.m. local time. He had been receiving medical treatment for an undisclosed illness that first drew public attention during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June, when Lionel Messi appeared emotional after scoring in Argentina’s opening match.
At the time, the Messi family issued a statement confirming Jorge was under medical observation and “recovering and progressing favorably,” while urging media and the public to respect the family’s privacy after false reports of his death circulated. He was later discharged and returned to Rosario, but his condition ultimately did not improve.
Newell’s Old Boys, the club where Lionel began his youth career and of which Jorge was a recognized supporter, paid tribute on social media: “With deep sorrow and grief, Newell’s Old Boys bids farewell to Jorge Messi… Jorge was the pillar and the person who supported with vision, rigor, and affection the career of the greatest player of all time alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini.”
Jorge Messi played a central role in his son’s career, accompanying him to Barcelona as a child, managing contracts, business interests, and protecting his professional path. He is survived by his wife Celia Cuccittini, sons Lionel, Rodrigo, and Matías, daughter María Sol, and several grandchildren.
As of the latest reports, the Messi family had not yet released an official statement.
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