Sports
Lionesses, La Roja set for blockbuster Euro final rematch in Basel
Two years after their heartbreak in Sydney, England have a shot at redemption, but for Spain, Sunday offers a chance to make history.
The 2025 UEFA Women’s European Championship final will see reigning European champions England clash with world champions Spain in Basel.
It’s a rematch of the 2023 World Cup final, which La Roja edged 1-0, and a chance for the Lionesses to reclaim the narrative.
Should England win, they’ll become the first non-German team to successfully defend the European crown since the tournament began in 1984.
It would be their second major title in three years, following their breakthrough triumph at Euro 2022, and would reinforce Sarina Wiegman’s team as a powerhouse in the women’s game.
Spain, meanwhile, are chasing their first European title.
A win would not only complete a historic treble – following their World Cup and Nations League victories – but also make them just the third nation to simultaneously hold both the Euro and World Cup titles, after Norway in 1995 and Germany from 2003 to 2011.
England’s hunger and Spain’s patience
England’s path to the final has been defined by late drama and emerging talent.
Against Italy in the semifinals, the Lionesses needed extra time and a spark from the bench.
Michelle Agyemang, just 19, and Chloe Kelly once again proved invaluable as impact substitutes.
Beth Mead, who replaced the injured Lauren James at halftime, won the decisive penalty that sent England through.
Spain’s semifinal win over Germany came in the 113th minute, courtesy of Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati.
After being held goalless for more than 90 minutes, Spain found their breakthrough following a pass from Athenea del Castillo, who made an impact off the bench alongside Salma Paralluelo.
The Spaniards managed nearly 67% possession against Germany, but the match exposed their vulnerability when forced to abandon their usual rhythm.
For the first time in the tournament, Spain showed signs of frustration – a psychological crack that England may look to exploit.
Tactical decisions and key absences
Sarina Wiegman now faces several selection dilemmas.
Lauren James is a doubt after an ankle injury forced her off at halftime in the semifinal.
If she fails to recover, Mead is likely to start again.
Chloe Kelly and Agyemang have both made compelling cases for inclusion, though Wiegman is known for sticking with a consistent starting XI.
Esme Morgan was the only change in the semifinal lineup, coming in for Jess Carter in defense.
Leah Williamson returned from injury and played 85 minutes, with her substitution believed to be tactical.
Spain’s lineup, meanwhile, remains relatively settled.
Goalkeeper Cata Coll has returned strongly from illness.
In defense, Maria Mendez replaced the suspended Laia Aleixandri and partnered with captain Irene Paredes with assurance.
Esther Gonzalez, an unused substitute in the 2023 World Cup final, is now among the tournament’s standout performers and leads the Golden Boot race.
Montse Tome, who replaced Jorge Vilda after the World Cup, has largely preserved Spain’s tactical identity.
With Bonmati and Alexia Putellas anchoring midfield, La Roja continue to dominate possession, though their semifinal showed they can be rattled.
Rivalry with new stakes
While Spain triumphed in the last major final between the two sides, England boast the better overall head-to-head record. They’ve won seven of the 14 competitive matches, drawing three. Spain have claimed victory four times – most recently in a 2-1 Nations League win on June 3.
England’s most recent win over Spain came in February at Wembley, the last team to beat them.
That history will matter little once the whistle blows in Basel, but it adds intrigue to a rivalry that continues to grow in intensity and significance.
Seven players who started the 2023 World Cup final returned for England’s semifinal this week. But this is also a “new era” for the Lionesses. In the lead-up to the tournament, they lost key veterans Mary Earps, Fran Kirby, and Millie Bright – all ruled out due to retirement or injury. It’s been a transitional summer, but one that has produced fresh heroes.
Michelle Agyemang is one of them. Having only received her first cap earlier this year, the teenager has become a trusted weapon off the bench. The squad, as a whole, has shown resilience and adaptability, with pressure mounting on a team now expected to deliver.
Lewis Hamilton has vowed not to become just another Formula One champion who falls short at Ferrari, declaring he’s making “a big, big push” behind the scenes to steer the Scuderia back to title glory.
Speaking ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, the seven-time world champion and all-time race wins leader emphasized his determination to break Ferrari’s long-standing drought – a drivers’ title the team hasn’t claimed since Kimi Raikkonen in 2007.
Hamilton, who made a high-profile switch from Mercedes to Ferrari this season, has yet to reach the podium after 12 races with Formula One’s most storied team.
“I see a huge amount of potential within this team,” Hamilton told reporters Thursday. “The passion – nothing comes close to that. But it’s a huge organization with a lot of moving parts.
“And not all of them are firing on all the cylinders that they need to be. That’s ultimately why the team has not had the success that I think it deserves.
“So, I feel that it’s my job to challenge absolutely every area, to challenge everybody in the team – particularly the guys that are at the top who are making the decisions.”
Hamilton named Raikkonen – apparently forgetting that the Finn won his sole title with Ferrari – along with multiple world champions Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel, as part of a list of drivers who ended up frustrated in red.
“I refuse for that to be the case with me,” said the 40-year-old Briton, who is chasing an eighth title but knows time is not on his side. “So I’m going the extra mile.
“I think if you take the same path all the time, you get the same results. So I’m just challenging certain things. They’ve been incredibly responsive. We’ve been improving in so many areas.”
Hamilton said he had been busy at the factory since his home grand prix at Silverstone, where he finished fourth, holding meetings and going over everything he felt needed to change.
He has called meetings attended by leaders from various departments, as well as team principal Fred Vasseur.
“I’ve sent documents. After the first few races, I did a full document for the team. Then during this break, I had another two documents that I sent in, and then I come in and want to address those,” he said.
“Some of it’s structural adjustments that we need to make as a team in order to get better in all the areas we want to improve.
“And the other one was really about the car – the current issues that I have, some things that you do want to take on to next year’s car, and some that you need to work on changing.”
Hamilton is sixth in the standings, 16 points behind fifth-placed teammate Charles Leclerc. He has so far beaten the Monegasque only twice in regular grands prix.
The Briton won in Belgium last year – his 105th and most recent career victory.
Real Madrid have handed their iconic No. 10 jersey to Kylian Mbappe – snubbing rising star Arda Güler and sparking a wave of backlash across Spain, Türkiye, and beyond.
The announcement, confirmed by Spanish outlet Marca on Tuesday, means Mbappe will wear the prestigious number once worn by club legends like Luka Modric, Zinedine Zidane, and Luis Figo when he takes the field for the 2025-26 season.
The move comes just weeks after Luka Modric – who wore No. 10 for eight years – departed for AC Milan and symbolically handed the shirt to Güler during his emotional farewell at the Bernabeu.
Güler, the 20-year-old Turkish phenom viewed by many as Modric’s natural heir, was widely expected to inherit the jersey.
But in a calculated pivot, Real Madrid opted for Mbappe, who now becomes the commercial face of a new “KM10” brand.
Marketing over merit?
Spanish and French media report the club’s choice was driven less by on-field positioning – Mbappe is a forward, not a playmaker – and more by image and income.
Club sources estimate that assigning the No. 10 to Mbappe could bring in tens of millions of euros in shirt sales, a key move in competing with Barcelona’s rising merchandising star, Lamine Yamal.
The Frenchman scored 44 goals in his first season at Madrid and helped lead the team to La Liga and Champions League titles under Xabi Alonso.
His leadership and global reach, not to mention his history wearing No. 10 for France, made him an appealing commercial centerpiece.
“Mbappe is the face of Real Madrid’s new era,” one source told Defensa Central. “This decision wasn’t just tactical – it was strategic.”
Güler’s role
While Güler will continue to wear No. 15, his importance within the squad is growing.
The Turkish international impressed in the 2025 Club World Cup, registering two assists in a win over Borussia Dortmund, and has earned Alonso’s trust as a central midfielder. Still, he made no secret of his desire to wear the No. 10.
“I would love to be the number 10 of this club,” Güler said in a May interview with The Players’ Tribune. That dream is now on hold, though he has responded diplomatically: “I just want to play. The club decides these things.”
Despite the disappointment, Güler remains a key part of Madrid’s long-term vision.
Club insiders believe he is simply too young to carry the “burden of the 10” right now, and that his time will come.
Outrage and division
The decision has polarized fans, especially in Türkiye, where Güler is a national gem.
Turkish outlets Fanatik and Sporx called the move a “marketing betrayal,” while social media erupted with frustration over the perceived sidelining of Modric’s symbolic gesture.
In Spain, fans and pundits are split – some argue that Güler’s technical style fits the No. 10 mold better than Mbappe’s, while others see the Frenchman’s star power as too strong to ignore.
Modric’s farewell adds weight
The controversy is intensified by Modric’s highly public farewell, during which he personally handed the No. 10 jersey to Güler in front of a packed Bernabeu crowd.
The moment was seen as a passing of the torch – one now seemingly dropped by the club hierarchy.
For now, Arda Güler will wait his turn. With no signs of tension between him and Mbappe, and Alonso giving him increasing minutes in a pivotal midfield role, Güler remains one of Madrid’s brightest young stars.
If his upward trajectory continues, the No. 10 could still be his in the near future.
Galatasaray continued its unbeaten preseason run with a commanding 3-1 victory over Serie A side Cagliari in Austria on Wednesday, as Arda Ünyay’s towering header capped a well-rounded team display that had head coach Okan Buruk beaming with confidence.
Despite falling behind in the 16th minute to Michel Adopo’s strike, the Lions roared back swiftly – Roland Sallai leveled four minutes later, Barış Alper Yılmaz put them ahead on 30 minutes, and Ünyay’s 58th-minute header sealed the deal at Linz’s Raiffeisen Arena.
The win marked Galatasaray’s third consecutive preseason triumph, following earlier victories over Ümraniyespor (5-2) and Admira Wacker (2-1).
The team is set to return to Istanbul, where they will host Strasbourg on July 26 and Lazio on August 2 at RAMS Park in their final summer tune-ups.
Post-match, Buruk lauded his squad’s discipline and energy, emphasizing that “concentration, hunger, and harmony” are all in place ahead of a pivotal season.
“Winning isn’t everything in friendlies, but it builds morale,” he said. “We controlled every phase, pressed intelligently, and rotated the squad well.”
Among those rotations, 18-year-old defender Arda Ünyay stood tallest – literally and figuratively.
The youngster, who joined midseason last year and only played one game, has quickly impressed during camp. “He looked like he’s been part of this team for years,” Buruk said, praising his pace, positioning, and maturity. “We must keep developing him – he’s a gem.”
Buruk confirmed Leroy Sane will join training tomorrow and expressed satisfaction with Mauro Icardi’s return from injury.
“This was our first real test with such a deep squad,” he noted, adding that several players – including Barış – were deployed in alternative roles as the club continues to assess forward options. He hinted at a pending decision: “We’re waiting on Victor Osimhen. Icardi’s fitness is coming along. Morata’s status is still up in the air.”
Midfielder Roland Sallai, who opened his goal account for the club, echoed Buruk’s optimism. “We’re winning, improving, and blending youth with experience,” said the Hungarian. “The young players like Arda are thriving – credit to the academy and the coach.”
The 28-year-old also weighed in on his positional versatility, saying he prefers attacking roles but is ready to contribute wherever needed. “The atmosphere in Türkiye and Galatasaray is unreal,” he added. “It’s one of the best I’ve experienced in my career. We’re chasing more trophies.”
Barcelona have signed England forward Marcus Rashford on a season-long loan from Manchester United, with an option to make the move permanent, the La Liga club announced Wednesday.
According to media reports, the Spanish side will cover Rashford’s wages for the season after the 27-year-old agreed to a pay cut.
The option to buy is reportedly set at around 30 million euros ($35.25 million).
“Rashford can play anywhere across the front line. Right-footed, he’s a direct attacker with excellent finishing talents he can now showcase in a Barca shirt,” the club said in a statement.
The move follows a turbulent spell at United, where Rashford, who has scored 138 goals in 426 senior appearances for his boyhood club, fell out of favor under new manager Ruben Amorim, who publicly questioned his work rate.
Rashford, who won two FA Cups, two League Cups and a Europa League title with United, joined Aston Villa on loan in February after Amorim said he would rather put a goalkeeper coach on the bench than a player not giving full effort.
The forward, who has scored 17 goals for England in 62 appearances, said he was feeling fitter and better after joining Villa, where he netted two goals in 10 league games. United, meanwhile, endured their worst-ever Premier League campaign, finishing 15th in the standings.
“Everyone at Manchester United wishes Marcus good luck for the season,” United said in a statement.
La Liga champion Barcelona are scheduled to play three preseason friendlies in Japan and South Korea starting July 27.
Aitana Bonmati struck gold in the 113th minute, propelling world champions Spain into their first-ever UEFA Women’s Euro final with a dramatic 1-0 extra-time win over eight-time winners Germany on Wednesday.
Bonmati’s clever feint and near-post finish broke the deadlock in a tense semifinal at Stadion Zurich, sealing a historic win that sends La Roja into Sunday’s final in Basel – a rematch of the 2023 World Cup final against holders England.
Spain, now unbeaten in their last 17 competitive matches, dominated possession but were repeatedly frustrated by a gritty German defense.
The decisive moment came when Bonmati, crowned world player of the year in 2023 and 2024, cut in from the left, skipped past her marker with a dummy, and fired a tight-angle shot that beat Ann-Katrin Berger at the near post.
The Chelsea goalkeeper, outstanding throughout the tournament, was caught off-guard expecting a cross.
It was a cruel end for a resilient German side that had survived down to 10 players in the quarterfinals and nearly dragged this one to penalties too.
But Spain’s persistence finally told – and with it, a long-awaited breakthrough on the Euro stage.
Spain’s statement win
Spain’s 1-0 victory marked their first win over Germany in women’s football history and cemented their place among the elite.
For a nation riding high after lifting the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 Nations League, this result underlines a golden generation’s hunger for more.
Under coach Montserrat Tome, Spain’s blend of tactical precision, technical brilliance, and youthful exuberance has become the hallmark of their meteoric rise.
The semifinal win extended their unbeaten Euro 2025 campaign – now five wins and a draw – with 13 goals scored and just three conceded.
Battle of wills in Zurich
Germany, led by Christian Wuck, came into the match as underdogs after a draining quarterfinal win over France.
Yet they matched Spain stride for stride through 90 minutes. Spain’s 62% possession proved sterile early on, with Paralluelo and Caldentey’s efforts stifled by Marina Hegering and Giulia Gwinn.
Salma Paralluelo had the first real sight of goal in the 18th minute, curling a shot that Frohms palmed away. Germany responded with quick counters, Alexandra Popp twice threatening but denied by last-ditch defending. A key moment came when Irene Paredes threw herself in front of a powerful Popp shot just before halftime.
The second half followed the same rhythm – Spain probing, Germany absorbing.
Frohms stood tall again to deny substitute Alexia Putellas late on, while Schuller’s header grazed the post for Germany. But neither side could find the breakthrough in regulation.
Bonmati delivers in the moment
As the game ticked into the 113th minute, Bonmati – as she so often does – stepped up. Taking a pass from Mariona Caldentey, the Barcelona midfielder swerved inside and rifled home her third goal of the tournament, triggering a roar from the 15,000 fans in attendance.
Bonmati’s numbers told the story: 92% pass completion, 11.2 kilometers covered, four chances created. “Aitana is our engine,” Tome said post-match. “When it matters most, she delivers.”
Spain’s depth
Spain’s depth proved crucial. Paralluelo’s pace stretched the German backline, while substitutes Putellas and Caldentey added experience and flair.
Cata Coll was alert in goal, pulling off three crucial saves – the most vital coming in the 115th minute when Sjoeke Nusken rattled the post with a looping header.
Defensively, Laia Codina and Paredes held the line, ensuring Germany’s final push fell short.
Tome’s tactical masterclass
Coach Montse Tome – often under the microscope since replacing Jorge Vilda – silenced critics with a tactical masterclass. Her use of the 4-3-3 formation, high pressing, and controlled transitions muted Germany’s counter-attacks.
Her gamble to rest Jenni Hermoso until late paid off, with the veteran stabilizing midfield in extra time.
“We’ve made history,” Tome said. “But we’re not done. Our eyes are on England.”
Germany’s brave exit
For Germany, it’s a bitter end, but one full of promise. Their compact defense, led by Gwinn and Oberdorf, held firm until extra time, while Frohms’ six saves kept them in it. But their attack lacked bite, managing just three shots on target. Still, with youngsters like Nusken and Schuller rising, the future looks bright.
Wuck remained defiant: “We gave everything. This team has heart. We’ll be back.”
A final for the ages
The final now pits the reigning World Cup champions against the reigning European champions – a blockbuster clash at St. Jakob-Park in Basel.
England, who edged Italy 2-1 in extra time on Monday, are unbeaten since their World Cup loss to Spain. Spain, meanwhile, carry momentum, history, and belief.
It’s not just a rematch – it’s a rivalry reborn.
Off the pitch, both sides carry powerful narratives.
England’s Jess Carter received widespread support after racist abuse, while Spain’s team has healed from the Rubiales scandal, with ex-boycotting players like Mapi Leon returning to the fold.
Türkiye’s national women’s volleyball team will face Japan on Wednesday in the quarterfinals of the 2025 FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL).
The match will be played at Atlas Arena in Lodz, Poland, with the first serve set for 5:30 p.m. Turkish time. The game will be broadcast live on TRT 1.
The Turkish team, led by head coach Daniele Santarelli, advanced to the final phase after finishing the preliminary round in sixth place with eight wins and four losses.
Japan, coached by Ferhat Akbaş, placed third in the group stage with a 9-3 record and secured a spot in the quarterfinals.
If Türkiye defeats Japan, it will face the winner of the Brazil-Germany matchup in the semifinals.
Türkiye captured its first-ever VNL title last year after defeating China 3-1 in the final. The team also finished second in 2018, fourth in 2019 and 2022, third in 2021, and sixth in 2024.
This season, Türkiye opened the tournament with seven straight wins, defeating France, Thailand, Poland and China in Beijing, followed by victories over the Dominican Republic, Canada and South Korea in Istanbul.
After a loss to Brazil, the team bounced back with a 3-0 win over the Netherlands to clinch a place in the finals. However, it dropped its final three matches to the Czech Republic, Italy and Serbia.
Türkiye will be looking to return to the semifinals after falling to Poland 3-2 in the quarterfinals last year.
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