SOCCER

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Real Madrid appointed Jose Mourinho as their coach on Thursday on a three-year deal, with the Portuguese veteran making a sensational return to the Spanish capital after 13 years away. 

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Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of defender Marcos Senesi on a free transfer after his departure from Bournemouth, with the move set to be officially registered on July 1 pending international clearance.

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Lionel Messi came off the bench to score his 117th international goal as Argentina wrapped up preparations for their FIFA World Cup (WC) defence with a 3-0 friendly win over Iceland, their first meeting with European opposition since the 2022 WC final.

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Barcelona retain an interest in signing Julian Alvarez this summer despite a dramatic swoop from Real Madrid, who saw a €150 million bid rejected by Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

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For millions of football fans worldwide, Ronaldinho will always be remembered as the smiling magician who turned football into art. From dazzling defenders at Barcelona to helping Brazil win the 2002 FIFA World Cup, the Brazilian icon built a legacy that few players can match. But in 2026, Ronaldinho is making headlines for a very different reason: music.

The former football superstar has officially launched a new chapter in his career by entering the music industry with his own record label, "Tu Música", and the release of an ambitious album titled "Camisa 10." The project represents one of the biggest transitions ever attempted by a retired football legend.

According to Ronaldinho, music has always been a major part of his life, both during and after his football career. He describes the album as a dream come true, bringing together artists from different cultures and musical backgrounds in a celebration of global unity.

What makes the project particularly remarkable is its scale. "Camisa 10" features dozens of artists from multiple countries, blending genres such as reggaeton, dancehall, afrobeats, Latin pop, urban music, and regional Mexican sounds. International stars including Pitbull, Sean Paul, Juan Magán, and several Latin American artists are involved in the production.

The timing of the launch is no coincidence. Ronaldinho's music venture is closely linked to the excitement surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Through his record label, he aims to create a cultural bridge that connects football fans and music lovers across continents. The initiative is expected to begin in Latin America before expanding into Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

Interestingly, this is not Ronaldinho's first encounter with music. Over the years, he has participated in musical projects and collaborations, gradually building experience behind the scenes. However, the launch of a record label and a global album marks his most serious commitment to the entertainment industry yet.

For many retired athletes, life after sport can be challenging. Ronaldinho's move demonstrates how sports stars are increasingly using their global influence to explore new industries and connect with audiences in fresh ways. Rather than simply relying on his football fame, he is investing in a long-term business that could help discover and promote emerging musical talent.

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Somali referee Omar Artan has been denied entry into the United States after a US official alleged he had links to suspected members of terror organisations.

The 34-year-old, who was named Africa's referee of the year in 2025, was expected to become the first Somali official to referee at a World Cup finals.

He was stopped at Miami International Airport on Monday despite holding a diplomatic passport and a single-entry US visa.

Somalia is among 12 countries included in a travel ban list introduced under President Donald Trump.

Artan later returned to Somalia on Wednesday.

A Trump administration source said CBP found derogatory information including alleged associations with suspected terror group members, making him inadmissible under US immigration law.

The source added he was refused entry and given expedited removal documents under immigration law and that the administration would not allow security threats into the country.

Artan told media he was questioned over alleged links to Somali militant group Al-Shabaab and denied knowledge of the group.

Upon arrival in Mogadishu he was received by officials, federation representatives, referees and residents and later met the president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

He is expected to attend a public event and watch a local match in Mogadishu later the same day.

He gave a brief statement thanking officials and supporters and said he remained determined to officiate at the 2030 World Cup.

He added FIFA had supported him and said he plans to continue his refereeing journey.

He was one of 52 referees selected for the World Cup but had his travel disrupted during preparation in Florida after an extended immigration interview and detention.

He was later flown to Istanbul after being held for several hours.

A US official, Andrew Giuliani, said border authorities made the correct decision but did not detail the evidence.

Somalia is among 12 countries affected by a travel ban introduced in 2025 and all referees are required to be based in Florida for World Cup preparation.

Trump had previously made controversial remarks about Somalia and immigration criticising the country and its diaspora in the United States.

Artan urged young people in Somalia to remain hopeful, defend their national identity and continue pursuing their ambitions despite the setback.

He said he remains committed to representing Somalia internationally and hopes to return to top-level refereeing soon again at the highest level

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Lionel Messi came off the bench to score his 117th international goal as Argentina wrapped up preparations for their FIFA World Cup (WC) defence with a 3-0 friendly win over Iceland, their first meeting with European opposition since the 2022 WC final.

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Real Madrid have had a 150 million euro (£130m) bid for striker Julian Alvarez rejected by city rivals Atletico Madrid.