Retirement
Player retiring from competition.
-
Wayne Rooney admits he wore pyjamas to watch son Kai play at Old Trafford
Wayne Rooney revealed on his podcast that he accidentally wore pyjamas instead of a tracksuit to watch his 16-year-old son Kai play for Manchester United's under-18s at Old Trafford, only realising the mistake when he got home.
Football -
Endo retires from international football after broken foot ends World Cup dream
Wataru Endo has withdrawn from Japan's World Cup squad and retired from international football after failing to recover from a broken left foot and ruptured ligament sustained in February. The Liverpool midfielder, 33, earned 73 caps for Japan since 2015.
Football -
115 minutes in a year: Monaco running out of patience with ghost Pogba
Back in the spotlight after signing with AS Monaco a year ago, Paul Pogba has played just 115 minutes across all competitions this season. The summer preparation could seal his future at the club.
Football -
Lou Macari and Tony Whelan awarded MBEs in King's Birthday Honours for services to football and charity
Former Manchester United forward Lou Macari and ex-academy coach Tony Whelan have been awarded MBEs in the King's Birthday Honours. Macari is recognised for his charitable work tackling homelessness in Stoke-on-Trent through the Macari Foundation, while Whelan is honoured for a 34-year career developing academy talent at Old Trafford.
Football -
Packer bids StoneX farewell as Saracens host Exeter in PWR semi-final
Marlie Packer plays her final home match for Saracens this Sunday when the North London club host Exeter Chiefs in the Premiership Women's Rugby semi-final, having confirmed a move to city rivals Harlequins for next season.
Rugby -
Tuttosi targets Twickenham farewell as six-year Exeter stint nears its end
Canada hooker Emily Tuttosi is set to leave Exeter Chiefs after the PWR season, but first she wants two more matches — a semi-final against Saracens and a potential final at Twickenham Stoop — before heading home to take up a coaching role at the University of Ottawa.
Rugby -
Alonso hints Barcelona Grand Prix will be his last F1 race at home circuit
Fernando Alonso told reporters at the Spanish Grand Prix press conference that this weekend's Barcelona-Catalunya race will 'probably' be his last in Formula 1, offering the clearest signal yet that his career is nearing its end.
Formula 1 -
Deschamps wants to coach "as long as possible" after leaving France
In an interview with Le Figaro alongside Olivier Giroud, Didier Deschamps says he wants to continue his coaching career after stepping down as France manager following the 2026 World Cup.
Football -
Retired All Blacks star Woodman-Wickliffe named among Messi and LeBron in Time's inaugural sports icons list
Portia Woodman-Wickliffe has been named in Time magazine's inaugural Top 100 Most Influential People in Sports, placed in the 'Icons' category alongside Lionel Messi, LeBron James, and Cristiano Ronaldo. The retired New Zealand star, a two-time Rugby World Cup winner and two-time Olympic gold medalist, said the recognition left her speechless.
Rugby -
Domenech bets his retirement on USA reaching 2026 World Cup final
On L'Équipe's set, Raymond Domenech declared he would retire if the United States reached at least the final of the 2026 World Cup, a bet that the history of American football makes very low-risk.
Football -
Endo retires from Japan duty after foot injury ends his World Cup dream
Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo has announced his retirement from international football after a persistent foot injury ruled him out of the 2026 World Cup. The Japan captain expressed pride in leading his country despite his frustration at missing the tournament.
Football -
Cleall and Leitch come out of retirement to bolster Barbarians Women against Wales
Former England internationals Bryony Cleall and Poppy Leitch have reversed their retirements to join the Barbarians Women's squad for their match against Wales at Allianz Stadium later this month, with Ruby Tui also confirmed in the side.
Rugby -
Vardy rules out Leicester return and confirms he will keep playing into 2026-27
Jamie Vardy has shut down speculation about a sentimental return to Leicester City, saying 'that's gone', while also revealing he has no plans to retire ahead of the 2026-27 season after his contract at Cremonese expires.
Football -
Kane reaches out to Eriksen after 'scary' ICD activation ends Denmark friendly
Christian Eriksen collapsed during Denmark's friendly with Ukraine on Sunday before his ICD device activated and he walked off the pitch. Former Tottenham team-mate Harry Kane said he was shaken by the news and has since contacted Eriksen to wish him well.
Football -
Saracens target first PWR title since 2022 as Blacklock eyes life beyond rugby
Saracens host Exeter Chiefs in the Premiership Women's Rugby semi-final this Sunday, chasing a first league title since 2021/22. Centre Beth Blacklock, who retired from Scotland duty earlier this year, is balancing her push for a place in the matchday squad with two new roles in the tech industry.
Rugby -
James Lowe to leave Leinster after nine years and 101 appearances
Leinster have confirmed James Lowe will depart at the end of the season after nine years and 101 appearances, with the Ireland wing set to join Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath in Japan's Rugby League One. His exit also ends his international career.
Rugby -
Lineker says BBC 'marriage ran out of love' as he reflects on Match of the Day exit
Gary Lineker has described his 26-year relationship with the BBC as a marriage that had 'run out of love', saying his departure from Match of the Day last May was accelerated by a controversial Instagram post about Zionism that he says he shared without noticing an antisemitic image.
Football -
Divock Origi retires at 31, calling his Liverpool legacy a 'fulfilled' purpose
Divock Origi has announced his retirement at 31, ending a career defined by iconic moments at Liverpool — including a goal in the 2019 Champions League final and a decisive strike in the famous semi-final comeback against Barcelona.
Football -
Divock Origi retires at 31, ending career defined by iconic Liverpool moments
Divock Origi has announced his retirement from professional football at 31. The Belgian striker scored 41 goals in 175 Liverpool appearances, including a decisive double in the 2019 Champions League semi-final comeback against Barcelona and a goal in the final against Tottenham.
Football -
Marlie Packer to leave Saracens after nine years and three Premiership titles
England flanker Marlie Packer will depart Saracens at the end of the current season, ending a nine-year spell that brought three Premiership Women's Rugby titles and the 2023 World Rugby Women's Player of the Year award.
Rugby
