Barca’s Ter Stegen Faces Three Months Out After Back Surgery

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, a Barcelona goalkeeper, will have back surgery due to a long-term issue, and will miss three months as a result, the German international said on Thursday.

Wojciech Szczesny and Joan Garcia, the Spanish champions, are expected to make up the team’s first choice in the summer, as well as the Spaniards.

For me, today is a difficult day. I feel very in good shape both physically and mentally, even though I’m not pain-free, according to Ter Stegen on Instagram’s social media platform.

The quickest and safest way for me to fully recover is through back surgery, according to FC Barcelona medical team and outside experts.

I had my last back operation, and after 66 days, or almost two months, I returned to the pitch. The doctors now think it will take about three months as a precaution to protect against any risks. ”

Also Read: Rashford Signs For Barca On Loan From Man United

According to Spanish media, Barcelona were interested in signing new signings Garcia and Marcus Rashford by signing Ter Stegen, 33, from the club in 2014.

After signing from RB Leipzig, a long-term injury to defender Andreas Christensen last summer made it possible for Barcelona to use a La Liga loophole to sign playmaker Dani Olmo for a limited time.

It hurts a lot emotionally not being able to support the team at this time. The rehabilitation is manageable, and there is a clear path back, he added.

I’ll be back, don’t worry, I promise. ”

Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan Dead At 71

Hulk Hogan, the recognizable face of professional wrestling in the 1980s who forged a career in acting, passed away at the age of 71, according to US media reports.

Hogan, a Hall of Fame talent known for his towering 6’7′′ (two-meter) physique, bandana, and distinctive blond handlebar mustache, passed away at his Florida home, according to his manager, Chris Volo.

Unnamed sources and an emergency dispatch call about a “cardiac arrest” at his home were also mentioned in TMZ’s coverage of the news.

Hogan’s charismatic personality and wrestling prowess made the sport a mainstream family pastime, drawing millions of viewers and making the league a cash cow. Hogan’s ring character was an heroic all-American.

READ MORE: Usyk defeats Dubois to win the undisputed world heavyweight title.

Hogan, who is formally known as Terry Bollea, first competed in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1979 before becoming a household name in the mid-1980s along with “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and Andre the Giant.

His “Hulkamania” was adapted for both the small and large screen, appearing in roles in movies like “Rocky III,” “No Holds Barred,” and “Baywatch” on TV.

In 2005, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.

Hulk Hogan, a WWE Hall of Famer, has passed away, “WWE is saddened.” Hogan, one of the most well-known names in pop culture, contributed to the 1980s’ rise to global fame, according to World Wrestling Entertainment on social media.

“WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.

More than ten years ago, the wrestler was in trouble for using racist language, including a slur that refers to Black Americans, in an intimate video that was leaked, and then again a few years later.

In 2015, he was fired from WWE due to this. He was later released from the WWE Hall of Fame and offered an apology for his actions.

Hogan has grown to be a fervent supporter of US President Donald Trump in recent years.

He wore a Trump-Vance tank top to the Republican National Convention in 2024, which would have sealed Trump’s nomination, and he wore it to the end.

Hogan said on stage in July 2024, “With our leader up there, my hero, that gladiator, we’re gonna bring America back together.”

In the later years, Hogan experienced a number of health issues as a result of years of abuse in the ring.

He and his first wife Linda had two children after being married three times.

Super Falcons Visit Injured South African Forward Salgado In Hospital

Following her severe leg injury sustained during the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semi-final match between Morocco and Nigeria, some Super Falcons players from Nigeria visited South African forward Gabriela Salgado in the hospital.

Salgado suffered a mid-shaft fracture in her left leg in the opening moments of the tense encounter on Tuesday, and she was then stretchered off in the 88th minute.

She has since undergone successful surgery at Casablanca’s Mohamed VI University Hospital, according to the South African Football Association.

Salgado will miss Salgado for the rest of the year as she works her way back, according to the federation.

Read more about Alozie’s Late Strike Getting Super Falcons into the WAFCON Final.

Both teams were severely affected by the injury, with Salgado’s patients clearly upset as medics treated him on the pitch. Later, Nigeria won the game with a late goal from Gloria Alozie, who had scored.

On Wednesday, Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade visited Gabriela Salgado in the hospital with a team delegation. The team gave her a signed jersey as a show of support.

The Super Falcons of Nigeria family, from players and coaches to staff were profoundly saddened to learn of Gabriela Salgado’s serious injury during yesterday’s game, according to the team’s note.

Our thoughts are only with her for the comfort, care, and upcoming recovery journey. We are praying for strength and resilience in the hearts of Gabriela, her teammates, her family, and close friends.

She is only concerned about her well-being, comfort, and recovery, which is our main concern. Moments like these cause the spirit of competition to vanish and be replaced by a mutual respect for an athlete.

The Super Falcons NGR stands steadfastly in solidarity and support of Banyana Banyana as fellow footballers.

“Our collective wish is for Gabriela to continue to heal, grow stronger, and return to the pitch when she needs to, surrounded by the team’s and community’s unwavering support.”

Rashford Joins Barca On Loan From Man United

Marcus Rashford was given a loan by Spanish champions Barcelona on Wednesday with a future purchase option.

The La Liga champions announced in a statement that Barcelona and Manchester United have reached a deal to loan Marcus Rashford until June 30, 2026.

Additionally, the agreement gives the English forward the option to purchase.

While Rashford is a club player, Barcelona are paying about 75% of his £325, 000 per week wage ($435, 000), with the player foregoed the other half, according to Spanish reports.

READ MORE: Rashford Closing in on Barcelona-Motion Reports

Under Ruben Amorim, the 27-year-old England international was unpopular, and he spent the final two years of his 2024/25 season on loan at Aston Villa.

Rashford, who made his United debut in 2015, was deemed an outsider by Amorim, who questioned his commitment and desire in the press.

Due to transfer connections to both Rashford and Liverpool winger Luis Diaz, the club wanted to strengthen on the left flank, said Barca coach Hansi Flick in May.

Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, two key wingers, had little to offer a back-up for their attacking force last season, but they were unstoppable in their attack and won a domestic treble.

Robert Lewandowski, a veteran Polish striker who turns 37 in August, might be covered by Rashford.

Nico Williams, a left-winger from Athletic Bilbao, agreed to join Barcelona in a new deal at San Mames.

Rashford, who left Manchester United’s academy, made 138 goals in 426 appearances for the Red Devils before leaving the Premier League in December.

Before a hamstring injury ended his Aston Villa career, he scored four goals in 17 games.

Former Manchester United great Teddy Sheringham criticized Rashford for trying to switch to Barcelona in recent weeks.

Sheringham told SkyBet, “From my perspective, if you go from Manchester United to Barcelona, that’s a step up that he hasn’t deserved.”

This summer, Manchester United wants to sign Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, and Antony.

Last season, Barcelona struggled to sign signings, including midfielder Dani Olmo, and according to reports, they may need to find a balance between the books before signing Rashford and their first summer signing, goalkeeper Joan Garcia.

Since the 1980s, Gary Lineker, Steve Archibald, and Mark Hughes have all played for the club.

Marcus McGuane, a midfielder for Bristol City right now, signed for Barcelona’s reserve side in 2018 after appearing in the first team as a substitute in the Catalan Super Cup. He then signed for Telstar on loan in 2019 before eventually joining Nottingham Forest.

Louie Barry left West Bromwich Albion for Aston Villa in January 2019 and moved to Barca’s youth academy during the summer of 2019.

US Olympic Policy Change Bans Transgender Women In Women’s Events

Following a recent policy change by the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), American transgender women will no longer be able to compete in women’s events&nbsp, at the Olympics and paralympics.

A new note about transgender athletes’ participation in sports on the USOPC website reads, “As of July 21, 2025, please refer to  the USOPC athlete safety policy.”

The USOPC Athlete Safety Policy now has a new section entitled “Additional Requirements” in response to US President Donald Trump’s executive order to “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.”

The addition reads, “The USOPC is committed to protecting opportunities for athletes participating in sport.”

According to Executive Order 14201 (Trump’s order) and the Ted Stevens Olympic &amp, Amateur Sports Act, the USOPC will continue to work with various stakeholders with oversight responsibilities to ensure that women have a fair and safe competition environment.

 WAFCON 2024: Nigeria’s Super Falcons to face Morocco in the final on Saturday

No Men in Women’s Sports Executive Order is signed into law on February 5, 2025 in the White House East Room.
via Getty Images: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP

The 1988-adopted Stevens Act provides a means of resolving eligibility disputes involving amateur competitions and Olympic sports.

According to Trump’s February executive order, a memo from USOPC’s chief executive Sarah Hirshland and president Gene Sykes, the two men have an obligation to “respect federal expectations.”

Trump’s executive order threatens to revoke federal funding for any school or organization that allows transgender athletes to join girls’ teams, alleging that this would violate Title IX guidelines, which provide for equal opportunities for US women athletes.

Institutions that deny women single-sex sports or locker rooms must immediately be subject to the order’s immediate enforcement.

According to the USOPC letter to governing bodies, “Our revised policy emphasizes the importance of ensuring fair and safe competition environments for women.”

“All national governing bodies are required to align their applicable policies with current requirements.”

In response to Trump’s executive order, ESPN added that the officials had “engaged in a number of respectful and constructive conversations with federal officials.”

Los Angeles is preparing for the 2028 Summer Olympics, which will take place in this context.

‘Shining Example To Young Girls,’ Remi Tinubu Hails Super Falcons Over South Africa Win

Remi Tinubu, the first lady, praised the Super Falcons for defeating South Africa in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semi-final, describing the players as inspirational figures to younger girls. &nbsp,

In a statement that she personally issued, Remi Tinubu praised you, our incredible Super Falcons, for defeating South Africa in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Championship semi-finals.

The First Lady continued, “You set the bar high for nothing and show that nothing is beyond reach with your passion, discipline, and unity on the field.”

In a tense semifinal match at Casablanca, Morocco, the Super Falcons defeated South Africa 2-1. Just before half-time, skipper Rasheedat Ajibade had given Nigeria the lead. Following Linda Motlhalo’s spot kick, the South Africans scored the winning goal in the 60th minute.

In the 94th minute, Michelle Alozie, a Houston Dash defender, pulled a long-range cross over the passing Nigerian players and South African goalkeeper Andile Dlamini to give the Super Falcons victory.

Read more about Alozie’s Late Strike Getting Super Falcons into the WAFCON Final.

Former senator Remi Tinubu praised the “brilliance of Nigerian women” in the Maghreb nation’s display.

You have once more demonstrated the resilience, bravery, and beauty of Nigerian women, she said.

The victory, according to the president’s wife, means more than a place in Morocco’s final on Saturday.

The First Lady continued, “This victory is more than just a ticket to the championship’s finals; it is also a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we believe in ourselves and unite,” the First Lady continued.

“I anticipate that you will, by God’s grace, lift the Cup.” I wish you a strong finish. “Super Falcons,” congratulations!

Following the Atlas Lionesses’ 4-2 penalty win over Ghana’s Black Queens after regular and extra-time ended 1-1, the Super Falcons will face the hosts on Saturday.

The 2022 WAFCON semi-final, in which Nigeria lost 5-4 on penalties following a sluggish draw in regular and extra time, is recreated in this match. After receiving two red cards, Nigeria faced nine players in the Super Falcons’ game.