Former Manchester United winger Antony has confirmed that his home was broken into during Real Betis’ 3-2 Champions League victory over Porto on Wednesday (October 14).

The 26-year-old Brazilian was substituted in added time as Real Betis maintained their 100% record in this season’s Champions League with a home win against Porto.

The incident was first reported by The Sun and was later confirmed by Antony in a post on his Instagram story.

“Today, I want to talk about something that made me very sad and angry,” Antony wrote.

“What should have been a beautiful night ended in anger and frustration. My house was robbed. It’s hard to describe the feeling of having your home broken into.”

Antony said possessions that had been acquired through years of effort were taken during the break-in.

“Everything we worked so hard for and poured our hearts into obtaining was taken by someone who has no idea how much hardship we went through to get it,” he added.

The winger said the impact of the burglary extended beyond the loss of property, focusing on the effect it had on his family’s sense of safety.

“The most infuriating thing is not just the loss of belongings, but the loss of security in a place where we should feel most protected, and seeing the unease in my family’s eyes,” he wrote.

Antony said the incident had reinforced the importance of his family’s wellbeing above material possessions.

“But after all this, one thing makes me even more certain: in this world, no possession is more precious than the lives and safety of my family,” he said.

“What was lost, we can earn back. The effort will not stop.”

Getafe president Angel Torres has revealed the LaLiga club are negotiating with former Manchester United and Chelsea winger Jadon Sancho.

The 26-year-old has been without a club since leaving Manchester United at the end of last season, five years after joining from Borussia Dortmund in a £73 million move.

Sancho spent half of the 2023-24 campaign on loan at Borussia Dortmund before moving to Chelsea for the 2024-25 season. He then joined Aston Villa last season.

Getafe have now emerged as a possible destination, with Torres confirming that discussions with the England international have been ongoing.

“We are in talks with Sancho, just as we were three or four months ago. Parejo could also be another option,” Torres told Movistar Plus.

“We should be able to confirm whether or not we finalise these negotiations next week.”

Nico Williams’ proposed move from Athletic Club to Barcelona in 2024 collapsed because of concerns over whether the winger would play regularly, according to his agent Felix Tainta.

Williams had been one of the standout players at the 2024 European Championship, helping Spain beat England in the final and win the tournament. His performances led to interest from a host of leading European clubs, with Barcelona appearing closest to securing his signature.

However, the transfer broke down at the last moment and Williams subsequently signed a new 10-year contract with Athletic Club.

Speaking about the saga on the Los Fulanos podcast, Tainta said the possibility of Williams being left out of the team was unacceptable, particularly with a World Cup approaching.

“We all know about Barca’s interest in the summer of ’24, after the European Championship,” he said.

“Barca, Arsenal, Bayern, Liverpool, PSG ... I could name them all. Everyone wanted Nico, and it’s not easy for a player to say no to all these clubs.”

Tainta said Athletic Club had been kept informed throughout the discussions, although the club was unhappy with Barcelona’s approach to the situation.

“From there, we talked to Barca. Athletic knew because I kept them informed about the situation at all times, even though Athletic and Barca... Athletic was angry with Barca for their methods,” he added.

The agent explained that negotiations eventually reached a point where guaranteed opportunities to play became central to the decision.

“From then on, I initiated conversations, and there came a point in the negotiations, in the situation, where Nico couldn't be without playing,” said Tainta.

“Nico is a Formula 1 car, and if I go to your house, I can't take on your problem, and I made that clear to Barca.”

Tainta said the uncertainty was considered too great for Williams to accept, given the demands of his career and the upcoming World Cup.

“We decided that if there weren't certain guarantees, we couldn't risk Nico not going there to play, with a World Cup coming up, and not just with a World Cup, but because he's a professional who has to perform his duties,” he said.

Real Madrid have demanded that LaLiga president Javier Tebas resign after he compared the club’s management and media coverage with propaganda methods used by Nazi Germany.

Tebas made the comments on social media on Friday while criticising the way Real Madrid TV reports on refereeing decisions involving the club.

“Real Madrid’s management directs an orchestra of mouthpieces and Real Madrid TV leads the singing,” Tebas wrote.

His remarks came in response to articles by two journalists who claimed that Tebas and LaLiga were acting against Real Madrid’s interests. Tebas said the writers, whose articles appeared in El Debate, were amplifying a message on behalf of the club’s management. Reuters has asked El Debate for comment.

Tebas then accused Real Madrid TV of repeatedly highlighting incidents that supported the club’s complaints about officiating.

“Their score is always the same: select the plays that suit them, repeat the grievance, feed the suspicion, and point fingers at the enemies,” he wrote.

“That method recalls propaganda mechanisms used by Goebbels, Nazi Germany's Minister of Propaganda.

“The comparison is with those propaganda techniques, not with an ideology or, of course, with the Madridista fanbase,” added LaLiga's president.

The exchange has intensified an ongoing dispute between Tebas and Real Madrid.

In September, Real Madrid called for a change of LaLiga president after Tebas described the club’s complaints about refereeing decisions as “a smokescreen” for shortcomings on the pitch.

The club has now issued a statement calling on Tebas to leave both his role as LaLiga president and his position as vice-president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation.

“It is intolerable and extraordinarily serious that the president of LaLiga has used a comparison with the propaganda methods of the Nazi regime to discredit our club, its management and its television,” Real Madrid said.

“Tebas' repeated conduct demonstrates a lack of neutrality, respect and impartiality incompatible with his institutional responsibilities,” the statement added.

“It is unacceptable that he even takes advantage of questions, information or opinions from journalists unrelated to the club to direct his accusations at us, attributing to us actions of third parties for which we bear no responsibility.”

Tebas, 64, has been president of LaLiga since 2013. He is elected by the 42 professional clubs in Spain’s top two divisions and was re-elected unopposed in 2023, with his current term running until 2027.

Real Madrid’s statement was released hours after LaLiga confirmed that the club is one of six teams who will sit on the league’s Executive Committee this season.

Jude Bellingham has agreed a new contract with Real Madrid that would keep him at the club until the summer of 2031, according to Spanish newspaper AS.

The England midfielder, who is still 23, has made a major impact since moving to the Santiago Bernabeu. He has scored 49 goals and provided 34 assists in 150 appearances for Real Madrid.

Bellingham joined the Spanish club from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2023, signing an agreement that was due to run until 2029.

The reported extension would add two more years to his current deal and is expected to include a significant increase in his salary. The improved terms are understood to reflect the midfielder’s importance to Real Madrid on the pitch.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick says his side must accept their demanding fixture list rather than look for excuses as they approach a hectic end to October.

The Spanish champions have won all 10 of their matches this season, including eight in LaLiga and two in the UEFA Champions League. Flick, however, is refusing to ease the pressure on his players as they prepare for a difficult trip to Real Betis.

Real Betis have been defeated only once in all competitions this season, while Barcelona will be strengthened by the return of club captain Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong following injury.

The match in Seville begins a challenging run for Barcelona, who will play five times before the November international break. That sequence includes meetings with El Clasico rivals Real Madrid and reigning European champions PSG.

Flick said Barcelona had experienced similar demands in previous seasons and that the current schedule could not be used as an excuse.

“We've had this situation every season. Several similar situations have occurred over the last two seasons. I remember when we had to take a bus back to Barcelona from Valencia because our flight was cancelled, and we had a game two days later.

“The quality of everyone is incredible, and everyone is focused, which is what we all want to see. We have room for improvement. We have to accept the situation.”

Barcelona’s unbeaten start has put them in a strong position, but Flick’s comments underline the need for the squad to maintain its concentration through a particularly congested period.

The return of Raphinha and De Jong provides further options for the manager ahead of the visit to Real Betis, before attention turns to the demanding fixtures against Real Madrid and PSG.

Bayern Munich are “just before” showing their best form of the season despite drawing their past two matches, manager Vincent Kompany says.

The German champions have been held by Augsburg and Viking in their last two games in all competitions, with both matches exposing defensive weaknesses and requiring Bayern to recover from behind.

Bayern drew 2-2 at Augsburg after conceding the fastest goal in Bundesliga history. They then drew 3-3 away to rank outsiders Viking in the Champions League on Tuesday, having missed a number of chances in both matches.

The results leave Bayern third in the Bundesliga, two points behind joint leaders Freiburg and Borussia Dortmund, before Saturday’s home fixture against RB Leipzig.

Kompany said the performances pointed to a team that remained close to reaching its top level.

“We want to attack,” he told a news conference. “We have the feeling that there are a lot of things behind the perception of these two results. I have the feeling it is just before we show our very best version.

“In the last two matches we shot 50 times on goal. If we do a few things better then we are not too far from our very best version.”

Bayern face a demanding run of fixtures after the visit of RB Leipzig. They travel to face Arsenal in the Champions League before playing Bundesliga leaders Freiburg, then host Borussia Dortmund in Der Klassiker on October 31.

Before that meeting with Dortmund, Bayern will play Magdeburg in the second round of the German Cup.

Kompany said the demanding schedule offered an opportunity for his players rather than an obstacle.

“These moments that some people think might be difficult we say these are the best moments you can have in your career,” he said. “If you win these matches then you have created some moments.

“We are sharp and motivated... we look forward to these matches to measure ourselves against the best.”

Bayern’s recent draws have followed a strong start to the campaign, but Kompany insisted the squad’s approach in training remained positive and intense.

“The lads reach the limit in every training session and it is fun to watch,” he said. “They know it is now best to talk on the pitch.”

Barcelona resume their LaLiga title defence away to Real Betis on October 17th with captain Raphinha set to return after missing two weeks with a muscle injury sustained while on international duty with Brazil.

Hansi Flick’s side have made a perfect start to the league season, winning all eight of their matches. They have also won both of their UEFA Champions League games, making the defending champions the team to beat in Spain.

Real Betis provide a significant test, having won six of their eight league fixtures. Manuel Pellegrini’s side have also recorded successive 3-2 victories in the Champions League.

Raphinha’s availability is the main positive for Flick. The Barcelona captain has been absent since suffering his injury with Brazil, but is now back in contention as his team return to domestic action.

Frenkie de Jong has resumed training but is not yet fit enough to start. Andreas Christensen remains unavailable and is not expected back until November.

Barcelona’s confirmed starting XI is: J. Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, E. Garcia, Martin; Rodri, Pedri, Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Jesus, Gordon.

Real Betis will begin with: Valles; Bellerin, Llorente, Natan, Garcia; Fornals, Roca, Isco; Ezzalzouli, Parrott, Riquelme.

The match at the Estadio de La Cartuja will kick off at 6:30pm local time, which is 5:30pm in the UK.

Barcelona completed a league double over Real Betis last season, winning both home and away fixtures. They are also unbeaten in their past nine meetings with Pellegrini’s side in all competitions.

Atletico Madrid will be without midfielders Koke and Johnny Cardoso when they travel north to face Espanyol in LaLiga on October 17th.

Diego Simeone’s side have made an impressive start to the domestic season, winning six of their eight matches. That run includes a 2-1 derby victory over Real Madrid last month.

They also claimed their first UEFA Champions League win in midweek, beating Manchester United 2-0 at home. The visitors played the closing stages with 10 men after Leny Yoro was sent off.

Club captain Koke was absent from the Manchester United match following the death of his mother and is expected to be given an extended period away for personal reasons.

Cardoso is also set to miss the Espanyol fixture because of illness.

Both players are expected to return to contention for Atletico Madrid’s UEFA Champions League trip to VfB Stuttgart on October 20th.

Former Inter defender Andrea Ranocchia has spoken about the pressures of football and the importance of psychological support, saying athletes should seek help before problems become overwhelming.

Ranocchia, who founded Athletics Mind to provide psychological and nutritional support, said he did not discover sports psychology until he was 29 or 30.

“Athletics Mind was born from my direct experience on the pitch,” he said. “If I had been aware of it earlier, I probably would have faced many situations differently.”

He said players encounter different challenges at every age and that many young footballers become lost without the right support.

Ranocchia believes psychological care should be treated like coaching for the technical, tactical and physical sides of the game.

“It is deeply wrong to believe that you only go to a psychologist when you are unwell,” he said. “You go to face the moments in life when you do not have the necessary tools to make it on your own.”

Athletics Mind also offers nutritional guidance. Specialists create programmes based on an athlete’s age, sport and individual needs, with Ranocchia insisting that diet must complement psychological support and work on the pitch.

The former Italy defender also discussed his podcast, Frog Talks, where former team-mates have spoken about the less visible challenges of professional football.

“Even those who have become champions had to face moments of crisis and great difficulties,” he said. “Being able to tell their path, with all the obstacles they overcame, is fundamental to allow young people to approach these realities knowing that the challenges are the same for everyone.”

Ranocchia recalled an incident at a training camp when Luciano Spalletti defended him after he was insulted by a supporter. He said a manager’s attitude towards players was more important than ever.

“The coach is, in fact, the team’s first psychologist,” Ranocchia said. He added that great managers understood “the person behind the footballer” and that players faced difficulties from the age of six through to retirement.

His time with Hull City in England helped him recover from the pressure he had experienced in Italy. Ranocchia said football was still intense in England, but the media and supporters were less likely to create an atmosphere of constant hostility after matches.

“That experience recharged me because it allowed me to find myself and the right balance to experience football,” he said.

His first significant experience of professional psychological support came at Inter, where the club provided a psychologist.

“I decided to try and immediately felt very comfortable,” he said. “In the worst-case scenario, nothing happens, but in the best-case scenario, it helps you enormously, improving your quality of life and, consequently, your sporting performances.”

Ranocchia retired relatively young after losing his motivation. He said the decision was easier to accept because it was personal and deliberate, while players forced to stop by injury or other circumstances could struggle much more.

He later returned to live in Assisi, where he had always planned to raise his children close to his roots and childhood friends.

On Italy, Ranocchia said Roberto Mancini had shown he could do a good job and that recent matches had offered encouragement. However, he said rebuilding a squad capable of challenging France, England, Spain and Portugal would take years, particularly after Italy had missed three World Cups.

Finally, Ranocchia said he did not currently see a genuine Serie A rival capable of competing with Inter for the Scudetto until the final day, although he acknowledged that football remained unpredictable.

Harry Kane is set to remain at Bayern Munich until the summer of 2029, making a return to the Premier League in 2027 increasingly unlikely.

The England captain has agreed the outline of a contract extension with the defending Bundesliga champions, with the remaining details now being finalised. An official announcement could be made by next month.

Kane joined Bayern Munich from Tottenham in 2023 and has quickly established himself in Germany. He has scored 154 goals in 156 appearances for the club since making the move.

The striker scored 73 goals for club and country last season, including for England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That form has placed him among the leading contenders for the 2026 Ballon d'Or.

The veteran forward has won two Bundesliga titles since moving to Bayern Munich. However, the UEFA Champions League remains his main target for the current campaign after he has yet to win the competition during his time in Bavaria.

Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler has agreed terms on a new contract with the LaLiga club after discussions with manager Jose Mourinho, according to reports.

The 21-year-old Turkey international is understood to be satisfied with his role and future at the club after speaking with Mourinho during the international break.

Mourinho has shown confidence in Guler this season, selecting him in the starting line-up for six of Real Madrid’s eight top-flight matches so far.

Guler’s current agreement runs until 2029, but it is set to be improved and extended until 2031. Details of the proposed deal have not yet been confirmed.

The reported decision is expected to end interest from Premier League clubs Arsenal and Manchester City, who had been monitoring Guler as a potential future target.

According to TEAMtalk, Guler is now ready to commit his future to Real Madrid after receiving assurances over his position in Mourinho’s plans.

Paris FC have extended Rudy Matondo’s contract, keeping the promising midfielder at the Ligue 1 club until 2030.

The 18-year-old joined Paris FC from Auxerre last winter in a deal worth €17 million, including bonuses. However, he initially signed an agreement running until 2028 because of regulations covering contracts for minors.

Now that Matondo has reached adulthood, he has completed the planned extension to his deal.

The France Under-19 international made 12 appearances during the second half of last season, starting eight of those matches under manager Antoine Kombouare.

Matondo has remained involved at the beginning of the current campaign under Liam Rosenior. He has played in all six of Paris FC’s opening Ligue 1 matches, although he has started only once.

Paris Saint-Germain have made Barcelona defender Eric Garcia their leading target for the summer 2027 transfer window, according to reports.

Le Parisien says PSG manager Luis Enrique wants to be reunited with the versatile Spain international, who is capable of playing both in central defence and in wider defensive roles.

The French champions are understood to be considering a €70 million bid for the 25-year-old, whose contract with Barcelona runs until 2031.

Garcia has established himself as an important member of Hansi Flick’s squad. He made 51 appearances in all competitions last season, starting 47 of those matches.

The defender has continued that form this season, starting all eight games in which he has featured.

A graduate of the Barcelona academy, Garcia left for Manchester City in 2017 before returning to the Catalan club four years later.

The proposed move would see Luis Enrique attempt to bring Garcia to Paris after previously working with the defender, while Barcelona would have to decide whether a major offer should be accepted for a player tied to the club for another five years.

Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez is expected to miss around a month after sustaining a left hamstring strain, the Serie A champions have confirmed.

The 29-year-old underwent clinical and diagnostic tests which revealed the injury, although Inter have not given a precise timescale for his return.

Italian media reports say the Argentina forward could be out until the next international break. That would rule him out of several matches, including the Milan derby against AC Milan on 31 October.

Martinez was injured after scoring twice in Inter’s 4-3 defeat by Club Brugge in the second round of the Champions League league phase on Tuesday.

The striker has made a strong start to the Serie A season, scoring four goals for Inter, who lead the table on goal difference from second-placed Lazio.

Guillermo Ochoa says ending his career at the 2026 World Cup in Mexico was the “fantastic” conclusion he had hoped for after becoming the first goalkeeper to appear at six World Cups.

The former Mexico captain, who made his Club America debut as an 18-year-old, has now started life away from professional football after more than two decades at the highest level.

“I’m adapting comfortably to this new reality,” Ochoa told Flashscore in an exclusive interview. “I’m calm, happy with my family, travelling and keeping busy. I’m still doing a lot of things, just not on the pitch anymore.”

Ochoa began planning his retirement after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He had initially hoped to continue until Mexico hosted the 2026 tournament, believing that would provide the ideal opportunity to close his international career.

A recent tribute in Los Angeles, attended by Mexican supporters in the United States, gave him another emotional moment to appreciate.

“The Mexican and Latino community in the United States is very strong and very important to us,” he said. “They are unconditional. They are there in the good moments and the bad; they fill the stadiums and create an incredible atmosphere every time we play there.”

He shared the occasion with his parents, who he says have played an important part in his career.

Beenhakker’s early faith

Ochoa credits former Club America manager Leo Beenhakker with giving him the opportunity that set his career in motion.

An experienced goalkeeper was injured, leaving Beenhakker to choose between the teenager and another established replacement. The Dutch coach decided to trust Ochoa.

“He told me, ‘I see you doing very well. I trust you, I like you and I believe in you. I don’t care about your age,’” Ochoa recalled.

Beenhakker had previously worked with clubs including Ajax and Real Madrid and brought a different approach to training and playing during his second spell in Mexico.

“He believed in players with ability. He didn’t look at your age or your passport,” Ochoa said. “He demanded a lot of intensity, but at the same time he was very friendly and close to his players.”

Ochoa compared Club America’s status in Mexico to Real Madrid’s in Spain, saying it was a major decision to hand an 18-year-old the goalkeeping position at the country’s most successful club.

“He knew how to get the best out of players,” Ochoa added. “He understood what they needed, and he inspired you to follow him and share his vision.”

Six World Cups and the defining moments

Ochoa’s six World Cup appearances represent one of the biggest achievements of his career, alongside his longevity, consistency and discipline.

“We had players who played in five World Cups, but nobody had played in six. Now there are three of us,” he said.

He described the 2006 tournament as an education, knowing he was unlikely to play regularly as a young reserve goalkeeper. The 2010 World Cup proved more difficult: Javier Aguirre selected another goalkeeper despite having worked with Ochoa during Mexico’s Gold Cup-winning campaign.

That disappointment helped convince Ochoa to move to Europe.

“I said to myself: ‘I want to prove that I can do this. I have to go to Europe, I have to experience a different kind of football and grow as a person and as a player,’” he said.

His first World Cup appearance came in 2014, when he started against Cameroon. He then produced a memorable display in the goalless draw with Brazil before Mexico defeated Croatia.

The 2018 tournament in Russia brought another landmark moment when Mexico beat Germany 1-0. By then, Ochoa felt more mature and said Juan Carlos Osorio’s belief allowed him to play with confidence.

In Qatar, he was Tata Martino’s first-choice goalkeeper and captain. His penalty save from Robert Lewandowski in Mexico’s match against Poland proved particularly important in earning a point.

Ochoa said the save had been prepared with goalkeeper coach Gustavo, who had worked with him on a movement intended to distract the taker.

“Penalties are complicated. There’s also a mental aspect,” he said. “The moment, the pressure and everything happening around you influence it.”

The save he remembers most, however, came against Brazil in 2014.

“That marked a before and after in my career,” Ochoa said. “People knew me before that World Cup, but after that game there was a big change at the international level.”

Mexico’s next generation

Ochoa believes Javier Aguirre laid the foundations for a competitive Mexico team, even if it was not always spectacular.

“Javier is very good at that. He knows how to get the most out of what he has,” he said.

Rafa Marquez, Ochoa added, will now need to assess younger players through friendly matches while maintaining the progress made at the World Cup.

“There are some very interesting young players who need to keep progressing, growing and maturing,” he said. “I’m sure they can contribute a lot to the national team.”

Ochoa also defended Aguirre’s reputation as a manager who is often called upon when a club is in difficulty. He believes the coach’s direct style and ability to build unity make him particularly effective in those circumstances.

“He makes teams competitive. He creates groups that fight for each other and are willing to give everything for one another,” Ochoa said.

Aguirre has recently joined Valencia, and Ochoa believes he can succeed if given time. He pointed to Aguirre’s achievements with Mallorca, who reached a Copa del Rey final, and Osasuna, who qualified for the Champions League.

“Valencia is a difficult club, and everyone knows that, but if they give him the peace and time to work, I think he can do a very good job,” he said.

Europe, Ajaccio and the road home

Ochoa’s European career began with AC Ajaccio after a proposed move to Paris Saint-Germain was disrupted by the clenbuterol situation.

He had been a free agent and unable to sign for another club while the matter remained unresolved. AC Ajaccio president Alain Orsoni was the only club official to offer him immediate support.

“He told me, ‘Memo, I believe you. I believe in your word. I believe that everything will work out well. Come and train with us,’” Ochoa said.

When he was cleared a few weeks later, other clubs renewed their interest. But Ochoa had given his word to Orsoni, who later passed away, and joined AC Ajaccio.

He spent three seasons there, helping a club with one of the lowest budgets in France remain in the top division for all three campaigns. He called it one of the most beautiful stories of his career and said he still keeps in touch with people at the club.

Ochoa said the city deserves a first-division team after AC Ajaccio dropped through several divisions.

“I loved the city, the people and the team,” he said. “Hopefully Ajaccio can return there as soon as possible.”

After France, Ochoa moved to Malaga and then Granada. He remembers his time in Andalusia fondly, having enjoyed the city, the atmosphere at La Rosaleda and the friendships he made there. Two of his children were born in the region.

He is pleased to see Malaga back in LaLiga but accepts that avoiding relegation will be difficult because of the financial gap between the top flight and the second division.

“The fans deserve it. They supported the club through everything, including the difficult moments and the years in the second division,” Ochoa said. “Hopefully, they can get the results they need to stay up.”

Ochoa later joined Standard Liege, where he was voted the club’s Player of the Season in his second year. He wanted to compete for trophies and helped the Belgian club finish second, reach the Champions League play-offs and play in the Europa League.

Standard Liege beat Sevilla at home, while Ochoa also faced Ajax in the Champions League play-offs.

He eventually returned to Mexico after almost nine and a half years in Europe because Club America made an offer he had always promised himself he would consider.

“I had other options to continue in Europe, but the circumstances and the timing made me feel that it was the moment to return to Mexico,” he said. “If I was going to return, it had to be America.”

Life after playing

Ochoa’s advice to young Mexican players is to pursue their ambitions, maximise what they can control and surround themselves with people who contribute positively to their careers.

He believes some players may need to leave Mexico to discover their full potential, although he recognises that adapting to Europe is difficult and success is not guaranteed.

Ochoa now works as an ambassador on projects linked to Spanish, Italian and French football, as well as initiatives in Mexico and with FIFA. He is also involved in television, football camps and public speaking.

One project aims to digitalise amateur football in Mexico and the United States by connecting parents, children, leagues and referees. It is intended to help young players improve, access psychological support and study online, with possible scholarship opportunities.

“Not every child will become a first-division footballer or play at a World Cup,” Ochoa said. “But if you can help one kid get a job, continue their education or simply stay off the streets, that is already a success.”

He intends to remain connected to Club America and the Mexico national team, but does not expect to become a coach.

“As for becoming a coach, I don’t see that happening,” he said. “It’s not something I’m considering.”

Barcelona have received a major boost before Saturday’s La Liga meeting with Real Betis, with Raphinha returning to first-team training after recovering from a thigh problem.

The Brazil forward suffered muscle swelling, or oedema, in the back of his right thigh during the international break after the friendly against Australia. The injury ruled him out of Barcelona’s La Liga match against Getafe and their Champions League fixture with Galatasaray.

Raphinha has been Barcelona’s leading scorer this season, with 12 goals in La Liga and two in the Champions League. His return to training gives manager Flick the possibility of bringing him back into the squad for the trip to Seville.

Journalist Nil Sola reported that Raphinha had taken part in a full group session for the first time since sustaining the injury while with Brazil.

“Raphinha trains with the group for the first time since he got injured with Brazil,” Sola said.

“He also trains with Frenkie De Jong from the team, both footballers could enter the squad for the match against Betis.”

Sola later added: “The Brazilian and the Dutchman are in line to enter the squad for the trip to Seville.”

Raphinha and Frenkie De Jong are expected to be reintroduced carefully, with reports in Spain suggesting that their group work will be followed by a gradual increase in workload and intensity.

Barcelona travel to face Real Betis five points clear at the top of the table as they continue their title defence under Flick. Raphinha’s availability would strengthen their position ahead of an away match in which Barcelona are expected to be favourites.

However, Barcelona remain without Roony Bardghji and Andreas Christensen. Neither player has a confirmed return date.

Venezia have appointed Davide Nicola as their new head coach after dismissing Giovanni Stroppa earlier this week.

The promoted Serie A club are bottom of the table without a point from their opening six matches of the season. Nicola, 53, takes charge having been out of work since leaving Cremonese in March.

Stroppa’s final match was Monday’s 3-1 defeat by Atalanta, a result which left Venezia four points adrift of second-bottom Fiorentina.

Nicola’s first game in charge will come on Saturday, when Venezia host Napoli.

The Italian has built a reputation for helping clubs avoid relegation during previous spells in Serie A. He has managed Crotone, Genoa, Torino, Salernitana and Empoli, among others, in the Italian top flight.

Stroppa became the fourth coach to leave a Serie A club this season. Fiorentina dismissed Fabio Grosso, Domenico Tedesco left Bologna and Carlos Cuesta was sacked by Parma.

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho believes Vinicius Junior will overcome his difficult start to the season and return to his best form.

The 25-year-old Brazilian forward has scored once and provided three assists in nine appearances, with his performances lacking consistency.

Vinicius’ recent problems were compounded by a controversial red card against Villarreal, prompting further questions about his form. Mourinho, however, has rejected concerns over the winger’s struggles and remains convinced he has the quality to recover his attacking influence.

“He is going to emerge. It's just a question of when,” Mourinho told TNT Sports.

The Portuguese manager said he had adjusted his handling of Vinicius after the previous match, choosing to leave him out initially before introducing him when the game required his particular qualities.

“After the previous match, I decided to take a different approachto protect him a little and then bring him on when the game called for a player like Vini,” Mourinho said.

The decision appeared to have a positive effect, with the player receiving a warm response from supporters as he began to prepare to enter the match.

“I think that worked out well: the stadium, which had sometimes voiced disapproval, immediately rallied behind him the moment he started warming up,” Mourinho added.

Mourinho believes that reaction could prove significant in helping Vinicius rebuild his confidence and rediscover the enjoyment that has been central to his style of play.

“I believe that was a crucial turning point for him. It seemed like something clicked for him, reigniting that joy and reminding him of the kind of player he truly is,” he said.

Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior will miss the LaLiga Clasico against Barcelona on 25 October after being handed a four-match suspension.

The Spanish football federation’s disciplinary committee announced the ban on Wednesday, following the Brazilian’s dismissal for pulling a Villarreal player’s hair last week.

Vinicius Junior’s suspension covers both the red card itself and his protests after being sent off. His punishment includes Real Madrid’s visit to face league leaders Barcelona.