The NFL always manages to overcome obstacles and find new opportunities for success. Despite challenges such as the retirement of Tom Brady, controversies involving franchise owners, racist emails from coaches, and the controversial treatment of Colin Kaepernick, the NFL continues to thrive. It has even managed to capitalize on the “Swift effect,” referring to the positive impact of Taylor Swift’s presence. League commissioner Roger Goodell acknowledged the blessing that Swift brings to the NFL, and the league was quick to ride the wave of popularity that follows her.

The Super Bowl, which saw the Kansas City Chiefs defeat the San Francisco 49ers in an exciting overtime match (25-22), attracted an estimated audience of 120 million viewers. This makes it the most watched Super Bowl ever, surpassing the previous record set by the Chiefs’ victory over Philadelphia the previous year with an audience of 115.1 million. Such a milestone goes beyond the realm of sports and compares only to significant historical events like the moon landing in 1969, which drew 150 million viewers. Football has become an integral part of American culture.

However, the Super Bowl is not just about the sport itself. The NFL understands the value of entertainment and spectacle. The game between the Chiefs and the 49ers provided all the excitement, unexpected turns, and heroic moments that could easily fit into a Hollywood script. The Chiefs’ quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, displayed his magic on the field, leading a remarkable comeback and securing his team’s victory. With his talent and potential, Mahomes has a long and promising career ahead of him.

Yet, the Super Bowl showcased more than just athletic prowess. Taylor Swift, accompanied by her boyfriend Travis Kelce, Kansas City’s second-biggest star, watched the game from a box seat. The NFL took advantage of the presence of these stars, documenting their every move and sharing it with the audience. Swift engaged with the crowd by participating in a beer-chugging competition and gracefully responding to the boos she received. Meanwhile, Kelce faced his own drama on the field, initially expressing frustration towards his coach but ultimately delivering an outstanding performance. The image of Swift and Kelce sharing a happy kiss on the grass captured the world’s attention, and the NFL seized the opportunity to further engage its massive audience.

In the end, the NFL, Patrick Mahomes, and Taylor Swift emerged as winners. The league’s ability to adapt, capitalize on opportunities, and merge sports with entertainment solidifies its position as a powerhouse in the American landscape.

Toni Kroos has been the standout figure in Leipzig ahead of the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. However, the lead-up to the match was not without incident. The Real Madrid team bus was involved in a minor collision with a car on its way from Erfurt airport to Leipzig. Thankfully, no one was injured, and the only casualty was the mirror on the car belonging to a local resident who got distracted by the sight of the Madrid expedition and accidentally collided with the bus. Both vehicles continued on their journey without stopping.

According to Bild, “On the A4 motorway, between Eichelborn and Nohra, a white Toyota collided with the Real Madrid team bus. The car driver failed to see the bus while changing lanes, resulting in a broken exterior mirror. The Toyota Avensis sustained damages totaling around 3,000 euros. The extent of damage to the Real bus is still uncertain. Fortunately, after a brief pause, everyone involved continued their journey unharmed,” reported the German newspaper.

As for Kroos, the German midfielder who had refrained from participating in press conferences all season, decided to step forward on home soil while the German national team awaits his return for the Euro Cup (he retired in July 2021). Meanwhile, Real Madrid fans remain in suspense regarding his contract renewal. At 34 years old, his current contract expires in June, and he openly admitted that he hasn’t made a decision about his future. “I always tell the truth, and the truth is I don’t know. I’m contemplating it and haven’t made any decisions yet,” he confessed in the press room.

“It depends on many factors, such as how I feel, my personal plans… I’ve always said that I want to finish my career at a very high level. We had the same discussion a year ago… I’m enjoying the moment, and things are going so well that I have a bit more time. I want to make the right decision,” he added.

When asked about the German national team, Kroos acknowledged that “there is a possibility, and we’ll see what happens in the end, just like with the renewal. At the moment, I don’t know.” Laughing, he concluded, “My mind surprises me more than my body. I started at this professional level at Bayern when I was very young, and I thought I would last 15 years. But my mind surprises me more than my body. I have few physical problems; it’s more mental. But now, it’s all good.”

Finally, he addressed the boos he received from the Saudi audience during the Spanish Super Cup, stating, “For me, the whistles have been confirmation that I made the right decision.”

The Majestic Colt of the Spanish platoon showcases its might amidst the sea of ancient olive trees. Oier Lazkano (Movistar), the reigning Spanish road champion, dethrones Tadej Pogacar in the Jaén Paraíso Interior race, a test that has earned a prominent place on the international calendar due to its captivating route featuring challenging gravel sections, known as the dreaded sterrato. The sensational cyclist from Vitoria claims the coveted victory and the golden olive.

Lazkano, a towering figure of about 1.90 meters with muscular legs, engages in a fierce battle against a platoon consisting of illustrious contenders. The 24-year-old from Vitoria initiates a breakaway 90 kilometers away from the finish line, a daring move that perseveres until the race concludes in Úbeda. This triumph adds to the young prodigy’s impressive record, having secured the Spanish long-distance road championship and a stage win in the Vuelta a Burgos last year. In 2022, Lazkano also triumphed in a stage of the Tour of Wallonia and attained second place in the Spanish time trial championship for the past two editions.

On this day, Lazkano claims the spotlight as the highly anticipated season premiere unfolds for two rising Spanish gems. Juan Ayuso and Carlos Rodríguez, both aiming for definitive consolidation in the esteemed ranks of the UCI ranking, embark on their respective journeys in an intriguing setting unfamiliar to them, captivating both the spectators and fellow riders. Despite being a relatively new addition to the cycling calendar, with only three editions thus far, the Jaén classic proudly boasts a lineage of champion riders. Prior to Lazkano, Tadej Pogacar and Alexey Lutsenko had showcased their superiority in this event.

The curtain rises on the new cycling season with an exquisite event featuring renowned cyclists such as the phenomenal Wout van Aert, the two-time runner-up Tim Wellens, the Vuelta a España winner Sepp Kuss, and former world champion Michal Kwiatkowski.

The 158-kilometer route, originally planned from Baeza to Úbeda, undergoes modifications due to recent rainfall. Four of the eight gravel sections are removed due to muddy conditions that hinder the progress of the riders. However, this alteration does little to dampen the spectacle of a race that boasts captivating elements, including challenging climbs, thrilling descents, treacherous potholes, and steep slopes that allow the most skillful riders to shine. Oier Lakcano (Movistar), Igor Arrieta (UAE), Jefferson Cepeda (Caja Rural), and Nicolas Prodhomme (Ag2R) detach themselves from the peloton with over 90 kilometers remaining in the race.

With 50 kilometers remaining, the race shatters when Van Aert endures a mechanical breakdown, prompting Carlos Rodríguez’s Ineos team to lead the chase and reduce the gap with the escapees, who possess a three-minute advantage. Van Aert exerts immense effort to rejoin the main group but ultimately fails.

Lazkano, donning his Spanish champion jersey, unleashes his power on the formidable inclines. His surging pace fractures the small group of escapees, and only Prodhomme manages to maintain the Spaniard’s intensity. Meanwhile, the UAE team intensifies their pace to prevent Van Aert from bridging the gap. A nerve-racking day unfolds for the Belgian, who succumbs to misfortune amidst the sea of olive trees. Ayuso, ever-present at the forefront, acts as a loyal support for Wellens.

Lazkano cements his victory by asserting his dominance in the final 16 kilometers, particularly in the last stretch of dirt known as Virgen de la Salud. In response to a counterattack by Prodhomme, the Spaniard executes a splendid acceleration, leaving his opponents behind. He manages to maintain his lead despite the valiant efforts of the Frenchman Bastien Tronchon (second), the Slovenian Jan Tratnik (third), Kuss, and Wellens. All hail the triumphant Wild Colt.

When asked about his feelings, Lazkano admits, “Fatigued. The race was fragmented into several groups, with splits in the peloton. It was a grueling battle throughout the day. Nevertheless, I am satisfied. This is my first victory of the year, and winning is always gratifying. As I mentioned after my victory in Burgos last year, winning in Spain while wearing the champion’s jersey holds a special significance.” These were the words of the Movistar rider before ascending the podium.

“I am immensely proud of the months of hard work, and I am delighted that it has borne fruit. During the final 15 kilometers, when I was riding solo, there wasn’t much room for contemplation. At 190 heartbeats, it becomes impossible to think clearly; it’s pure agony. Someday, I hope to achieve an easier victory (smiles), but winning is never simple,” concludes the victorious golden olive.

Ivory Coast, in a tournament filled with setbacks and uncertainties, managed to overcome all the challenges to secure a comeback victory in the final against Nigeria (1-2), earning them their third African Cup title in history.

Despite a poor performance in the group stage, Ivory Coast managed to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. After dismissing coach Jean Louis Gasset, Emerse Fae took charge and led the team on a miraculous journey through each round, culminating in a victory against the tournament favorites in the final.

The team, led by the brilliant Simon Adingra with his two assists, along with the impressive performances of former Barcelona player Frank Kessie and Borussia Dortmund attacker Sebastian Haller, secured their fifth final appearance. Ivory Coast had previously won the title in 1992 and 2015, but had also suffered defeats in 2006 and 2012. With this victory, they now share the same number of trophies as Nigeria, who also has three in their history.

Ivory Coast demonstrated their superiority over their opponent, who had only conceded two goals throughout the tournament. Although Nigeria took the lead just before half-time, with a header from captain William Troost-Ekong, Ivory Coast equalized in the 60th minute through a corner headed in by Frank Kessie.

The winning goal came in the final minutes, just nine minutes before the end of regular time, when Ivory Coast was preparing for extra time. It was a well-executed play from the left, with another precise pass from Simon Adingra into the heart of the box, where Haller anticipated the defenders and netted the ball.

This victory is particularly significant for Haller, who made a remarkable comeback after overcoming testicular cancer and became the hero of Ivory Coast’s triumphant campaign. The team’s achievement also marks the first time a host nation has won the African Cup title since Egypt in 2006.

Barça suffered yet another disappointing setback at Montjuïc, but this time they couldn’t even blame it on their own performance. Not even Lamine Yamal’s exceptional talent could prevent the loss. Granada took advantage of the returned Ter Stegen’s unfortunate luck to score again away from home, after their only previous away point against bottom team Almería. This result gives hope to the Nasrid team, while Barcelona fans can only cut one point from Girona, who are still firmly in second place. [3-3: Match narration and statistics]

The first half for Barça brought mixed emotions. On one hand, they took the lead through Lamine Yamal, capitalizing on their first clear chance at goal before the 15-minute mark. However, a few minutes before halftime, Granada managed to equalize with a powerful shot from Richard that even Ter Stegen’s touch couldn’t stop from finding the net.

This goal was perhaps the clearest opportunity for Granada, who struggled to exploit the defensive vulnerabilities that Barcelona often displays. In attack, Xavi’s team found it difficult to counter the physicality of the visitors. Despite this, they had a great chance to extend their lead, with a promising combination between Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Gündogan, but Lewandowski’s final shot was blocked by a defender. As usual, the missed opportunity quickly turned into an equalizer.

The second half started favorably for Granada. Cancelo proved to be the weak link in Barcelona’s defense, with Pellistri exploiting his lack of speed, but Ter Stegen made a good save. However, on the second attempt, Pellistri found the back of the net. Instead of crumbling, Barça quickly equalized with a well-placed shot from Lewandowski, assisted by Gündogan. Unfortunately, misfortune struck again as Ter Stegen saved Ricard’s shot, but the rebound hit the post and then bounced off his hand, eventually going into the goal.

Barça struggled to recover from this blow, but Lamine revived them with a brilliant long-range strike, making it 3-3. Ter Stegen had to work hard to prevent a fourth goal shortly after. In the final stretch of the game, Barcelona relentlessly attacked Granada’s defense, but despite their efforts, they couldn’t find the winning goal.

«I didn't do anything different. The game ended, I went to the center of the field, shook hands with the other team's players and was going to the locker room when they kicked me from behind at knee level. I hadn't noticed anything before. I fell to the ground. And several of them started kicking me all over my body. By instinct I covered my head with my hands, but I stopped understanding what was happening, I opened my eyes and saw everything black. Until a few minutes later I couldn't move. “My coach and my parents came to help me, but he was stunned for a while.”

LF, 16 years old, plays one more league, a league like any other, Group 27 of the Second Youth Division of Catalonia. He is the goalkeeper of the current leader, Colegio Sagrat Cor de Sarrià in Barcelona, and one of the teams with the fewest goals scored. Until January 27, he simply had fun playing soccer. He enjoyed his sport “since he was little” and was with his friends, without any further pretensions, focused on passing his first year of Baccalaureate and heading toward some Engineering.. But that day he suffered an attack on the field that he still cannot understand today.

«After finishing the match, young fans of the local team entered the field and attacked players from the visiting team, causing the Sagrat Cor goalkeeper to end up badly, with several kicks to the head.. I have only managed to appreciate a player from the local team, LP, kicking him. Subsequently, the public forces were notified,” says the match referee in a cold but precise report.. According to witnesses, on the field of the Barcelonista Terlenka Club, in El Prat, just after the final whistle “between 10 and 12 people” jumped from the back onto the field to hit the Sagrat Cor players and ended up hooking the goalkeeper.. They beat him with the help even, as the referee recorded, of a local soccer player.. Sagrat Cor's last minute goal to take the 1-2 victory was the excuse for the attack.

“When they scored, my son celebrated by clenching his fists and I heard someone from the stands yell at him: 'Don't celebrate because now I'm going to break your legs.'. We didn't pay attention to him, but later…. When I got to him after the beating, he was shaking, it was horrible.. It could have been a death in the field. If he doesn't protect himself, they break his head, they kill him,” denounces the goalkeeper's mother, Patricia, who details the damage report.

Complaint to the Mossos

In addition to several cranial hematomas, LF. He has a broken thumb on his right hand, which will not only prevent him from playing for several weeks, it will also prevent him from following his classes normally and taking the insulin he needs as a diabetic.. A part of the Hospital Sant Joan de Déu de Esplugues confirms the injury and is the basis of the complaint that the goalkeeper's family has filed against LP, the local footballer who participated in the beating. The sports procedure, however, is already closed. According to what was recorded in the minutes, the Catalan Football Federation imposed three games behind closed doors on the CB. Terlenka and eight match sanctions for the aggressor in question. Nothing else. Although Sagrat Cor claimed and stressed that the Mossos already performed in another game for the same team this season.

«We are collaborating with the Mossos and the sanctioned kid is not coming to train. What he did is serious, but he is a 16-year-old boy, we cannot sentence him,” says José Sandoval, director of Terlenka, but the victim, LF. would not you agree. “Whoever hit me will be able to play before me and will also be able to be in the second leg.”. After all, this year we are going to meet again on a soccer field. “I don't understand it,” he says.

All attacks in football

What happened to him is another example of the scourge that dirtyes football, that blackens its atmosphere from the elite to the lower categories.. The data is alarming and, despite the campaigns, it is not improving. According to the Civil Guard count for the State Commission against violence, racism and xenophobia and intolerance in sport, in the 2018-2019 season, the last one with data, there were agents in 9,118 non-professional matches, 6,362 football matches. and 2,756 from other sports and almost all the incidents recorded, 98.8%, were in football. Specifically, they performed in 174 matches and only two were from another sport, basketball.. Most of the time (107) they had to protect the referee, although there were also many attacks between spectators (45) and, as in the case of LF, from spectators to players or vice versa (20).

The annual summary of the National Sports Office of the National Police, which only acts in professional events, also shows similar numbers: last season, 2021-2022, they expelled 593 spectators from the stands and arrested 93 and everyone was watching soccer.

“I wouldn't have any problems in basketball”

«It is depressing that to play football I have to go through this. “If I went to basketball I wouldn't have these problems,” says the victim, LF, who years ago already left a club to escape from his competitive environment and return to school.. «Me because I love football. If someone signs up just to see how it goes, without so much passion, it won't even last a year.. In every game I receive insults, threats…. “They tell me everything,” he adds, unprotected despite the evolution of the legislation.

According to articles 47 and 48 of the Law on comprehensive protection of children and adolescents against violence, the so-called Rhodes Law, approved in 2021, all the entities involved -federations, clubs…- have three specific obligations: training of professionals who work with children, having a protection delegate and developing protocols that address “discrimination, insults and humiliation in sporting contexts.”

In the majority of cases, none of the three requirements are met and this ends in an aggressive environment, if not violent, and, in the end, in incidents and boredom.. A joint study by the Pablo Olavide University of Seville and the University of Huelva revealed that 40% of adolescents abandon sports between 12 and 14 years old – 48% in the case of girls, 33% of men – and concluded that the main cause was “the impact of the sports environment” on their self-esteem.

«After everything that happened, going to the hospital and to the Mossos to report, we arrived home at 12 at night, we sat on the sofa and I told my son: 'You will make me happy the day you quit football. '”, recalls the mother, Patricia, who, apparently, will not see her wishes fulfilled: “He wants to play again and he will. But he will have to spend a few weeks in rehabilitation and it will be difficult for him to put his hand. “I have already told him that he is free to play again, but I don't want him to share the field with someone who has kicked him in the head.”