Sports
Mauro Icardi sues ex-wife Wanda Nara over explicit video leak
Mauro Icardi is no stranger to headlines, but this time, the Galatasaray striker finds himself at the center of a personal scandal that is unfolding not on the pitch, but in courtrooms across Argentina and Italy.
The controversy began when Argentine influencer Natasha Rey leaked explicit videos on social media, allegedly featuring Icardi.
According to the forward, the footage was from a private encounter with his former wife, Wanda Nara, during their marriage in 2022.
Icardi claims Nara distributed the video to Rey, prompting him to initiate legal action against both women.
He has framed the lawsuit as a case of extortion through private images.
In a fiery Instagram post, Icardi hinted at the depth of the evidence he holds, saying, “I have the evidence. I could post the screenshots, but Instagram would shut me down. Don’t play games with me, or I’ll burn everything down.”
His legal team is pursuing the case in both Argentina and Italy, countries where the unauthorized distribution of intimate content is classified as a serious cybercrime.
In Argentina, convictions can carry prison sentences of up to ten years, alongside substantial fines.
Offenders are often denied bail, highlighting the gravity of the crime.
In Italy, where Icardi also has legal grounds due to his international profile and past residency, the penalties under Article 612-ter of the penal code include prison terms of up to six years and fines reaching 15,000 euros ($17,529).
The law imposes harsher consequences if the individuals involved were romantically linked, a factor that could play a key role given Icardi and Nara’s former relationship and shared children.
The scandal comes at a time when Icardi is engaged to Argentine actress China Suarez.
Rumors in the Argentine press have linked him romantically to Rey, the same influencer behind the leak, but Icardi has denied any involvement beyond the video in question.
He asserts that Nara leaked the footage as a form of revenge, possibly with extortion in mind.
The public fallout has extended far beyond Argentina.
In Türkiye, where Icardi is preparing for the 2025-26 season with Galatasaray, the case has become a talking point, raising questions about the impact on his public image and focus as an athlete.
At the heart of the case is a broader issue facing many public figures in the digital age: the weaponization of private content.
Fenerbahçe concluded a pivotal two-week pre-season camp in Albufeira, Portugal, on Monday, laying the groundwork for the 2025-26 season under the guidance of manager Jose Mourinho.
Held in the Algarve region, the camp served as a key preparation phase ahead of the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round against Dutch giants Feyenoord.
During the training period, the Turkish club played four friendly matches, securing victories over Portimonense (2-1), Uniao de Leiria (2-0), and Al-Ittihad (4-0), before falling 3-2 to Benfica in a high-tempo clash that tested the squad’s resilience.
Another friendly against Lazio, set for Wednesday, will offer Mourinho one last look at his team before competitive action begins.
Mourinho used the camp to test his players’ adaptability across multiple systems. The team alternated between a 4-2-3-1, 4-4-2 and various three-man backlines, including 3-5-2 and 3-4-3, with the Portuguese coach making in-game shifts to evaluate tactical flexibility.
He expressed satisfaction with the players’ hunger, work ethic and togetherness, describing their commitment as a key positive from the camp.
Two new signings in particular stood out.
Defender Archie Brown earned plaudits for his maturity and seamless integration into the back line, while forward Jhon Duran, despite joining the camp late due to travel issues, impressed with his movement and link-up play.
Mourinho is expected to use both players heavily in the new campaign.
Club president Ali Koç visited the team during the final days of the camp, alongside general secretary Burak Kızılhan and executives Hakan Safi and Kemal Danabaş.
He observed a training session and one friendly match, and later held a strategic meeting with Mourinho, football director Devin Özek and football coordinator Berke Çelebi.
The group discussed squad planning and the ongoing transfer window.
Özek remained with the team throughout the entire camp, managing day-to-day operations and maintaining open lines between the coaching staff and club executives.
Despite speculation, no new transfers were announced during the two-week period.
The lack of movement became a point of concern among supporters, especially after the departure of several high-profile players, including Edin Dzeko, Dusan Tadic, Milan Skriniar, Filip Kostic, Allan Saint-Maximin and Bright Osayi-Samuel.
Among the standout performers was striker Youssef En-Nesyri.
Slimmer and sharper following intense offseason work, the Moroccan forward silenced last season’s critics by showcasing improved fitness and finishing across the friendlies.
Dutch defender Jayden Oosterwolde, returning from a long injury spell, was another bright spot.
Tasked with the left center-back role, he drew praise from the coaching staff for his strong positioning and defensive intelligence.
Midfielder Fred Rodrigues looked in control throughout the matches, while Irfan Can Kahveci and Sebastian Szymanski were effective in creating chances and scoring goals.
Cengiz Ünder, linked with a move away before the camp, showed determination and quality that could see him stay and play a bigger role this season.
However, a few issues remain unresolved. The starting goalkeeper position is still unclear, as Mourinho rotated between Dominik Livakovic, Irfan Can Eğribayat and Tarık Çetin without settling on a clear No. 1.
Meanwhile, Ismail Yüksek picked up an injury during training and was sidelined for all the friendlies.
His recovery timeline remains uncertain.
The club’s failure to adequately replace key departures has left the squad looking thin, particularly in central defense and on the left wing.
Mourinho was forced to field players out of position to compensate for the lack of depth.
While the existing roster showed unity and determination, it remains clear that reinforcements will be essential if Fenerbahçe hope to compete on both domestic and European fronts.
Galatasaray are set to finalize the most expensive transfer in Turkish football history, with Victor Osimhen scheduled to sign a permanent deal on Saturday.
The Nigerian striker, who dazzled during a loan spell from Napoli last season, will complete a 75 million euros ($88 million) move that not only breaks Süper Lig records but signals Galatasaray’s growing ambition in Europe.
The 26-year-old forward scored 37 goals and provided eight assists in 41 appearances across all competitions during the 2024-25 campaign, playing a pivotal role in securing both the Süper Lig title and Turkish Cup.
His performances turned him into a cult hero and a vital part of manager Okan Buruk’s tactical setup.
Negotiations between Galatasaray and Napoli were drawn out due to the firm stance of Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis, who insisted on the full value of Osimhen’s 75 million euro release clause.
Despite the complexity of the deal and Galatasaray’s financial constraints under Turkish Football Federation (TFF) regulations, the Istanbul club eventually reached an agreement.
The transfer agreement includes an initial 40 million euro payment, with the remaining 35 million euros to be paid in installments by the end of 2026.
An additional 5 million euros is tied to performance bonuses, primarily based on Osimhen’s goal-scoring record.
Napoli have also secured a 10% sell-on clause for any profit above 75 million euros in a future transfer, and a unique clause prevents Osimhen from being sold to another Serie A club until July 2027.
Final bank guarantees and financial paperwork are expected to be submitted to Napoli by July 30.
Once approved, the transfer will be made official, ending a high-profile saga that has gripped fans in both Türkiye and Italy.
Osimhen will then sign his contract ahead of Galatasaray’s final preseason match against Lazio, with a grand unveiling event planned at RAMS Park.
Osimhen’s new deal will see him earn between 16 million euros and 18 million euros annually on a three-year contract, with an optional fourth year.
That salary places him among the highest-paid players in Süper Lig history and underscores Galatasaray’s commitment to building a squad capable of competing on the continental stage.
Pride and passion
The striker’s decision to remain in Istanbul came despite massive offers from other clubs.
Osimhen turned down a 160 million euro offer from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal and rejected Premier League interest from Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal.
The striker’s relationship with Napoli had deteriorated over the previous year, making a return to the Italian club unlikely, while his emotional bond with Galatasaray and its supporters tipped the scales in the Turkish club’s favor.
Head coach Okan Buruk said he never doubted Osimhen would return. “He experienced a level of love here that he had never seen before,” Buruk said. “I thought it wouldn’t be easy for him to leave, and he didn’t let us down.”
Osimhen’s arrival comes as part of a broader squad overhaul by Galatasaray, who also recently secured former Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sané on a three-year deal. The club is actively preparing for the UEFA Champions League campaign and hopes the duo will form the backbone of a revitalized attack.
Still, Galatasaray must make adjustments to meet foreign player quotas imposed by the TFF.
Several players, including Victor Nelsson, Carlos Cuesta, Elias Jelert, and Przemyslaw Frankowski, could be sent out on loan, while Alvaro Morata has already transferred to Serie A side Como.
The transfer fee for Osimhen eclipses the previous Süper Lig record of 19.5 million euros paid by Fenerbahçe for Youssef En-Nesyri in 2024.
Premier League powerhouse Arsenal announced Saturday the signing of Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting on a five-year contract.
Financial details on the transfer were not disclosed, but British media reported Arsenal agreed to pay 55 million pounds ($73.89 million) fixed upfront fee plus around 8 million pounds in add-ons for the 27-year-old.
“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Viktor Gyokeres to the club,” coach Mikel Arteta said in a club statement.
“The consistency he has shown in his performances and availability have been outstanding, and his goal contributions speak for themselves.”
Signing a striker had been a priority for Arsenal in the close-season, as Mikel Arteta looked to strengthen a squad that can get over the line in the title race after finishing runners-up in the last three Premier League seasons.
Arsenal lacked a natural number nine for much of last season, finishing 10 points behind champions Liverpool and scoring 17 goals fewer.
Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz alternated up front until injuries sidelined them in January and February, leaving midfielder Mikel Merino to step in during the closing stages of the season.
Gyokeres joined Sporting from Coventry City for around 20 million pounds in 2023. He has since scored 97 goals and registered 28 assists from 102 matches during his two seasons in Lisbon.
Gyokeres helped Sporting win the league and the Portuguese Cup last season, when he scored 54 goals in 52 games in all competitions, including a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League.
The Sweden international, who spent a brief spell at Brighton & Hove Albion, will wear the number 14 shirt and will join up with the squad on their pre-season tour in Asia.
Gyokeres is Arsenal’s fifth recruit in the close-season after winger Noni Madueke, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and midfielders Christian Norgaard and Martin Zubimendi.
Chloe Kelly held her nerve to convert the decisive penalty as England beat Spain 3-1 in a shootout to win the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 title, following a 1-1 draw after extra time in Basel on Sunday. The triumph saw the Lionesses avenge their 2023 World Cup final loss and successfully defend their European crown.
Spain looked set to repeat their 2023 victory in Sydney when Mariona Caldentey’s first-half header capped a dominant opening spell at St. Jakob-Park. But just as they had done against Sweden and Italy in the knockout stages, England refused to wilt.
Alessia Russo nodded in the equalizer before the hour mark, and with no further goals, the match went to penalties. Once again, Kelly made the difference off the bench, calmly slotting home the winner to seal England’s back-to-back European titles.
“I was cool, I was composed. I knew I was going to hit the back of the net,” Kelly told the BBC.
It was a heartbreaking way to lose for Spain, who failed to score three of their penalties. Reigning Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati saw her effort saved.
Sarina Wiegman’s England are now two-time European champions, three years after defeating Germany in extra time at Wembley to win their first major women’s tournament.
“What a team. What a game. What drama. You dug deep when it mattered most and you’ve made the nation proud. History makers,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote on X. He was in attendance at the match.
The victory helps ease the pain of losing the World Cup final in 2023 and further cements Wiegman’s status among the game’s elite coaches.
She has now won three consecutive European Championships – leading her native Netherlands to victory in 2017 before guiding England to back-to-back titles.
“We said we can win by any means, and that’s what we’ve shown again today. I am so proud of the team and the staff. It is incredible,” said Wiegman, whose team lost their opening match to France.
“Losing your first game and becoming European champions is incredible,” she added.
Spain fell short in their bid to add a first European title to the World Cup they won in Australia. La Roja dominated possession, as expected, but paid the price for failing to finish off the game against an England side that never knows when it is beaten.
“I am in shock,” Bonmati told broadcaster TVE, later apologizing for missing her penalty. “Football is cruel. Everything seems bad right now, but I think we played the best football during the tournament.”
English resilience
England had already come from behind earlier in the tournament, rallying from 2-0 down against Sweden in the quarterfinals to force extra time before winning on penalties. In the semifinals, substitute Michelle Agyemang’s 96th-minute equalizer stunned Italy before Kelly scored the extra-time winner.
Wiegman gambled on the fitness of Lauren James, who had gone off with an ankle injury against Italy. But the Chelsea winger lasted less than a half before being replaced by Kelly.
By then, Spain had taken the lead. Ona Batlle crossed from the right for Caldentey to head home. Spain had already been in control, and it seemed England’s best hope lay in their opponents’ complacency.
The clearest example came while the score was still 0-0, when Spain goalkeeper Cata Coll played a careless short pass to Laia Aleixandri inside her own area. Lauren Hemp was alert and pounced, but Coll recovered to make the save.
Even at 1-0 down, England stayed in the game and equalized in the 57th minute when Kelly crossed from the left and Russo headed home.
Backed by a crowd of 34,203 – most of them supporting England – the Lionesses sensed another comeback was on the cards. Coll had to stretch to tip away another Kelly effort midway through the second half.
With the score still level after extra time, the match was settled by penalties. Beth Mead’s opening attempt for England was saved after she was forced to retake. Captain Leah Williamson also saw her shot stopped by Coll, but Alex Greenwood and Niamh Charles converted. Patri Guijarro was the only Spanish player to score before Kelly sealed the title.
Canadian swimming sensation Summer McIntosh obliterated her rivals to win the world 400-meter women’s freestyle gold Sunday, with American great Katie Ledecky third.
The 18-year-old McIntosh romped home in 3 minutes 56.26 seconds, nearly 2 seconds clear of China’s Li Bingjie, who was followed by Ledecky in bronze.
It was the world record holder’s first world title in the event as she pursues five individual golds in Singapore.
On the opening night of the meet, McIntosh and Ledecky, 28, renewed their rivalry from the Paris Olympics last summer.
They will also meet in the 800-meter freestyle, billed as the most eagerly anticipated race of the championships.
McIntosh took the lead early on and never looked back to demolish the rest of the field, pulling increasingly clear as the race progressed.
McIntosh came to Singapore in red-hot form.
She smashed the 400-meter freestyle world record at the Canadian trials in 3:54.18 in June.
The three-time Olympic gold medallist sliced more than a second off the previous world record of 3:55.38 set by Australian Ariarne Titmus at the 2023 world championships.
Olympic champion Titmus is not in Singapore because she is taking a season off before she dives back in to prepare for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
McIntosh won gold in the 200-meter butterfly, 200-meter medley and 400-meter medley at the Paris Olympics. She took silver in the 400-meter free.
The McIntosh family’s passion for sport runs deep: their mother Jill competed in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and older sister Brooke is a top pairs figure skater.
President Bola Tinubu on Sunday led national celebrations after Nigeria’s women’s football team staged a dramatic comeback to clinch a record-extending Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco.
The 3-2 victory against hosts Morocco in Rabat confirmed the West Africans as the queens of women’s football in Africa as they pulled off a 10th title in 13 editions.
Tinubu said the team’s “spectacular performance… exemplifies the determination that defines the Nigerian spirit”.
The Super Falcons staged a remarkable comeback from being two goals down to beat Morocco on Saturday night.
Esther Okoronkwo and Folashade Ijamilusi led the fight back at Rabat’s Stade Olympique before substitute Jennifer Echegini swept home an 88th minute winner.
Morocco skipper Ghizlane Chebbak and dribbling winger Sanaa Mssoudy scored in the first half hour to see the home team take a surprise lead as they sought to become only the fourth country to take the continental title after Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa.
A capacity crowd saw Chebbak increase her tournament tally to five goals as she fired home from the edge of the area in the 12th minute after Nigeria had failed to clear properly.
Mssoudy’s goal came 12 minutes later, after Morocco striker Ibtissam Jraidi had crashed into centre back Marvis Ohale and the ball spilled out for Mssoudy to cut in and finish, but the referee determined there was no foul play and let the second goal stand.
Nigeria dominated play thereafter and forced a succession of set pieces, but it took some good fortune to begin their comeback.
Ijamilusi’s cross struck defender Nouhaila Benzina on the than,d but Nigeria were only awarded a penalty after a VAR review. Okoronkwo tucked away the spot kick to reduce the score in the 64th minute.
Seven minutes later, they were level as Okoronkwo powered her way through the Moroccan defense before unselfishly squaring for Ijamilusi to tap the ball home.
Morocco were then awarded a penalty with 10 minutes remaining in another contentious handball call but this was overturned after the referee was asked to review.
A crestfallen home team were then caught out as Echegeni raced onto the ball and tucked it away from close range for a dramatic winner.
‘Lifted our spirits’
Nigeria have now reestablished their continental dominance after having ceded the title to South Africa at the last edition in 2022.
“You have lifted our spirits. You are a pride to your generation,” Tinubu told the team in a post-match video call.
“You have achieved the mission the nation dreamed of and prayed for. Nigeria celebrates you.”
Dubbed Mission X, the WAFCON title was a tonic for many Nigerians enduring the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation as the government carries out reforms.
Muhammad Awwal, a taxi driver who relocated to the northern city of Kano to escape the violence of Borno state, the epicentre of the jihadist insurgency, hailed the Falcons for helping Nigerians to “momentarily forget our common problems”.
“Everywhere people erupted in celebration after the final whistle. All our problems were drowned in the frenzy of celebration of the spectacular win,” Awwal told AFP.
“Last night all the problems tormenting us – the high cost of living, banditry and Boko Haram violence – disappeared.
“It was a great relief, thanks to the Falcons,” he said.
Abuja housewife Comfort Zamani agreed: “Life has not been easy, but at least the girls helped us to forget the hardships even if for only a few hours,” she told AFP.
“They have given us some hope that we should keep fighting and not give up even when things are rough.”
In the densely populated neighborhoods of Dako, Kabusa and Galadimawa of the Nigerian capital Abuja, loud cheers tore through the late night to celebrate Nigeria’s two comeback goals.
But the loudest cheers were heard when substitute Jennifer Echegini swept home a free kick with only two minutes left on the clock for the championship-winning goal, and then at full time.
Sunday newspaper carried front page headlines such as “Unstoppable Falcons win 10th WAFCON from two goals down” and “Super Falcons rule Africa again.”
Chairman of the country’s supporters club Vincent Okumagba further congratulated the players “for accomplishing ‘Mission X'” and for “not giving up when they were down.”
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