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It seems as though every time Real Madrid play in the Champions League final, the record books require a rewrite.
The club’s record-extending 15th European Cup triumph saw several players make history Saturday. Dani Carvajal – scorer of the first goal in Madrid’s eventual 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund – Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, and captain Nacho joined club legend Paco Gento as the only players to win the tournament six times.
Carvajal, Modric, and Gento are the only members of the group to actually feature in all six of the title-winning games. Kroos, whose first triumph came while he was at Bayern Munich, missed the 2013 final due to injury.
In addition to the players’ achievements, decorated bench boss Carlo Ancelotti also extended his own record as the most successful Champions League manager ever, getting his hands on the trophy for the fifth time.
“You never get accustomed to this. It was very difficult, much more so than we thought it would be,” the Italian coach said after the win at Wembley Stadium. “First half, we had to suffer; second half, we lost the ball less, played better – but those are all trifling details now. We won. The dream continues!”
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It was a final but there was no finality to Real Madrid’s triumph. It hissed like tinnitus, an irritating and incurable sensation to nag the other leading lights of European football. The continent conquered for the 15th time – more than double Europe’s second most successful team, AC Milan – and the feeling that Real Madrid’s 16th, 17th, and 18th are within view.
The Champions League trophy hoisted, again, and in unconvincing fashion, again, after Saturday’s 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund.
Dortmund were better than Real Madrid. Julian Ryerson pumped out his chest and Ian Maatsen provided creativity and clout – they put in sterling performances at Wembley. But of course, against the team that picks its moments, the BVB full-backs’ contributions to the highlight package will be unflattering: Vinicius Junior briefly scrambling out of Ryerson’s pocket to slip the ball between his legs, and Maatsen scuffing a tired pass straight to Jude Bellingham. Dani Carvajal headed Madrid into the lead under a minute after Ryerson was nutmegged. Bellingham slipped Vinicius through after Maatsen’s lapse to put the outcome beyond doubt.
Sometimes, it seems what opponents do against Real Madrid is futile.
The Niclas Fullkrug fan club continues to admit members during his late-career rise from Germany’s second tier to the peak of European football. He does what’s expected from a man of his build – threaten in the air and harass defenders – while also doing what he’s not recognized for enough, like impeccably timed runs and stopping the ball dead with neat touches. Fullkrug provided a big chance for Julian Brandt and steered an effort against the post in an opening period where Dortmund outshot Real Madrid 8-2.
Niclas Füllkrug so close to the opener for Dortmund.??? pic.twitter.com/4Q1TxNIeh7
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) June 1, 2024
Dortmund were equally impressive off the ball. Maatsen won back possession to keep the pressure on Real Madrid before Fullkrug hit the woodwork. The ever-industrious Brandt was clearly undeterred after the German side’s first-half superiority yielded no goals, and almost 10 minutes after the break sprinted back from the edge of the 18-yard box to near the halfway line to bash Eduardo Camavinga off the ball.
Other teams would’ve been rocked. But as much as teams get in the faces of Real Madrid, the serial European champions look back with the menacing toothy grin of a hunter’s trap. Soon, often when you least expect it, it will snap. With each opportunity, stirring passage of play, or crunching tackle that Dortmund produced, it seemed likelier that Real Madrid would win.
“For now we are just disappointed, after such a match, after the chances that we had to score. It’s extremely disappointing. But in the end, they showed their class,” Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel rued after the loss.
Real Madrid often play quite badly in Champions League finals and, indeed, in the competition’s earlier rounds – but they find a way. They’ve now recorded nine consecutive victories when they’ve reached the biggest annual event in the European club calendar. Real Madrid’s invincibility has become inevitable, and that gives them an innate ability to shrug off setbacks and increase in confidence as matches go on. It has the opposite effect on their opponents, steadily leeching their belief as each shot goes astray or is swatted away by Thibaut Courtois.
No other club in Europe has that power. Real Madrid’s reputation can inspire the players at the club while weakening everybody else.
“We knew it would be a tough game, and (in) the first half they were very superior, but we got out alive,” Carvajal said. “But we knew our moment would come, and it did, and we have the 15th.”
Those moments will continue to come. Kylian Mbappe and Endrick are on their way to load more gunpowder into Los Blancos’ artillery this summer. The ruthless become more ruthless. Real Madrid’s dominance is set to carry on, whether they play well or not.
Adam Teicher, ESPN Staff WriterJun 6, 2024, 12:49 PM ET
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Covered Chiefs for 20 seasons for Kansas City Star
Joined ESPN in 2013
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Chiefs defensive end BJ Thompson is in stable condition at an area hospital after having a seizure and going into cardiac arrest, sources said.
Thompson, 25, was taken to the hospital by ambulance from the team’s practice facility Thursday morning.
The Chiefs sent players home from the facility instead of holding their regularly scheduled OTA practice. The practice was rescheduled for Friday.
Thompson was selected by the Chiefs in the fifth round of the 2023 draft from Stephen F. Austin. He played in one game as a rookie, registering two tackles.
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With the summer transfer window opening soon, we’re teeing up the wheeling and dealing by presenting 50 high-profile players – excluding free agents – who could be on the move in the coming months. For the first time in several years, Kylian Mbappe, now at Real Madrid, isn’t on the list.
LEAGUE
WINDOW OPEN
DEADLINE DAY
Premier League
June 14
Aug. 30
La Liga
July 1
Aug. 30
Bundesliga
July 1
Aug. 30
Serie A
July 1
Aug. 30
Ligue 1
July 1
Aug. 30
MLS
July 18
Aug. 14
Note: Estimated transfer values provided by transfermarkt.com.
Premier League ?gbeng
Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal)
Age: 27 Position: Forward Estimated value: €65M
Injuries continue to limit Jesus’ impact, while Kai Havertz’s scoring exploits during the stretch run of the Premier League season could make the Brazilian expendable. Unsurprisingly, Arsenal continue to be linked with a new striker.
The Brazilian has consistently been linked with Arsenal during his Aston Villa tenure, but his strong 2023-24 campaign, in which he helped Unai Emery’s team reach the Champions League, has caught the eye of several other clubs.
Ivan Toney (Brentford)
Age: 28 Position: Striker Estimated value: €50M
Toney’s chance for a huge move to one of England’s elite clubs may have passed him by; he didn’t exactly tear up the league upon returning from his ban. But there’s always a market for strikers. This summer will be no different.
Chelsea’s extravagant spending was always going to coincide with significant departures to help balance the books. The energetic Gallagher, an academy product who would deliver a healthy profit, has multiple suitors in England.
Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea)
Age: 31 Position: Striker Estimated value: €30M
Lukaku clearly has no future at Chelsea. A third consecutive season on loan is a possibility, but both the club and player would likely prefer a permanent move. A reunion with new Napoli coach Antonio Conte could be ideal.
Michael Olise (Crystal Palace)
Sebastian Frej/MB Media / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Age: 22 Position: Winger Estimated value: €55M
The most prolific season of Olise’s career has the heavyweights on high alert. Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United are reportedly all working to sign the silky winger, who looks ready to make the next jump in his career.
Everton are seemingly intent on demanding a king’s ransom for Branthwaite; Manchester United have reportedly been quoted roughly €80 million for the emerging defender. If the Toffees soften their stance, a deal can be struck.
While it looks like the Saudi Pro League will have to wait another year to land Mohamed Salah, another Liverpool stalwart could move to the Middle East much sooner. Alisson, and his compatriot Ederson, for that matter, are targets.
De Bruyne, unlike so many of his peers, was open and honest about the financial allure of the Saudi Pro League when asked about a potential transfer. The Belgian superstar could end up being the SPL’s big prize this summer.
Casemiro’s physical decline was steep in 2023-24. The Brazilian covered that up with huge goals during his debut campaign in England, but it’s clear that Manchester United need to take the financial hit and sell at a loss here.
Fernandes wants to stay put, but he’s also keen on competing for league titles. There’s a disconnect there – United aren’t close right now – and the uncertainty around Erik ten Hag only makes the captain’s situation murkier.
Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Age: 26 Position: Forward Estimated value: €60M
It’s going to be a very busy summer at Old Trafford. What once seemed impossible – selling a beloved and productive homegrown product – now looks far more plausible after Rashford’s struggles this past season.
Jadon Sancho (Manchester United)
Age: 24 Position: Winger Estimated value: €30M
Sancho’s future is directly tied to that of Ten Hag. Their relationship, if you can even call it that, seems irreparable. If the Dutchman avoids the sack, Sancho will almost certainly spend the 2024-25 campaign elsewhere.
Manchester City are closely monitoring Newcastle’s feisty midfielder, whose release clause, worth around £100 million, is reportedly only valid until the end of June. That could expedite any potential move for the Brazilian star.
La Liga ??
Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao)
Age: 21 Position: Winger Estimated value: €50M
A dynamic winger who racked up 11 assists in La Liga this past season, Williams is destined for a big move in the very near future. The Spaniard is a progressive ball-carrier who loves to attack the penalty area with speed.
Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid)
Age: 24 Position: Forward Estimated value: €30M
Another transfer window, another opportunity for Felix to reignite a career that is, unfortunately, wandering aimlessly after once looking so promising. Another loan spell at Barcelona is a distinct possibility.
Barcelona’s ruinous finances should necessitate departures, even if Joan Laporta will never admit it. De Jong, linked with Bayern Munich, would command a sizeable fee were he to leave Catalonia.
Vitor Roque (Barcelona)
Alex Caparros / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Age: 19 Position: Forward Estimated value: €40M
Roque’s Barcelona career got off to an inauspicious start, with rumblings that former manager Xavi wasn’t a fan of the young Brazilian. Any indication that the situation will remain the same under Hansi Flick could lead to a transfer.
Artem Dovbyk (Girona)
Age: 26 Position: Striker Estimated value: €30M
Dovbyk, who won the Pichichi Trophy as La Liga’s top scorer, led the line for a Girona side that caught everyone’s attention by securing an unlikely Champions League berth. The Ukrainian will be a hot name this summer.
The Spaniard was a vital part of Girona’s Cinderella campaign, and he’s reportedly one of the top targets for Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, who, unsurprisingly, appreciates his demeanor on the ball and passing range.
Getting Zubimendi to leave the Basque region could be the biggest challenge for any interested suitors here. Arsenal are reportedly atop that queue, with Mikel Arteta, a boyhood Sociedad fan, a huge admirer of the midfielder.
Should Alisson or Ederson – or both – leave their respective clubs this summer, a merry-go-round could materialize between the sticks. Maignan, one of the world’s best goalkeepers, would surely attract serious interest.
Other players, particularly attackers, stole the headlines as Atalanta surged to the Europa League title, but all-action midfielder Ederson was vital in keeping everything together and functioning for Gian Piero Gasperini’s team.
Juventus have reportedly made Koopmeiners their top priority to improve a positional group that’s been ailing for multiple years. Atalanta want a hefty fee for the Dutchman, who offers goals and playmaking ability from midfield.
Any time an unheralded team exceeds expectations, especially to the degree Bologna just did, there’s inevitably the risk of losing players. Calafiori, the breakout defender in Serie A this past term, fits the modern game perfectly.
Joshua Zirkzee (Bologna)
Age: 23 Position: Forward Estimated value: €40M
Don’t let his modest scoring figures – 11 goals in 34 league games – fool you. Zirkzee has superstar potential. The former Bayern Munich forward excels in multiple facets of the game. AC Milan, among others, are keeping tabs.
Federico Chiesa (Juventus)
Age: 26 Position: Winger Estimated value: €40M
With his contract set to expire in 2025, Juventus could look to sell the Italian if talks over an extension aren’t successful. Fellow winger Matias Soule, returning to Turin after shining on loan at Frosinone, is another name to watch.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli)
Age: 23 Position: Winger Estimated value: €80M
Napoli are hoping to lock “Kvaradona” down to a new deal, but they’ll need to make a very compelling offer, especially with the indefatigable Georgian being viewed by PSG as someone who could help fill the void left by Mbappe.
Victor Osimhen (Napoli)
Age: 25 Position: Striker Estimated value: €110M
Osimhen remains one of the most prominent names on this list bi-annual list. He signed a new deal with Napoli in December that includes a mammoth release clause, but that won’t deter striker-needy teams with cash to spare.
Paulo Dybala (Roma)
NurPhoto / NurPhoto / Getty
Age: 30 Position: Forward Estimated value: €25M
Dybala could reportedly be had for as little as €12 million this summer thanks to a release clause in his Roma contract that expires in July. Though oft-injured, the Argentine playmaker is irresistible when at his best.
Outspoken Torino president Urbano Cairo will drive a hard bargain in negotiations for Buongiorno. Interested parties, including AC Milan, will need to exercise some patience and persistence to acquire the central defender.
Bundesliga ??
Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen)
Age: 23 Position: Wing-back Estimated value: €50M
Among “defenders” in the Bundesliga in 2023-24, only Leverkusen teammate Alex Grimaldo had more goal contributions than the buccaneering Frimpong, who was a dominant attacking outlet down the right flank for Xabi Alonso.
Bayern Munich have reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Tah over personal terms, though that doesn’t necessarily mean a move will materialize. Leverkusen won’t relinquish their defensive stalwart easily.
Real Madrid want to sign the Canadian speedster this summer but won’t break the bank. Bayern Munich want to keep him in Bavaria with a new contract offer but won’t wait forever for a decision. Something has to give.
Rumors linking Kimmich with Barcelona, and a reunion with former manager Flick, won’t go away. How Barca would fund such a move remains a mystery. Kimmich’s lack of an agent makes any potential negotiations interesting, too.
Competition to sign Olmo is fierce, and growing, with the likes of Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Manchester City, and Manchester United all apparently in the mix. The Spaniard, a late bloomer, has become a household name at Leipzig.
Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig)
Age: 21 Position: Striker Estimated value: €50M
Sesko is either at or near the top of the list for every club looking to add scoring punch during the summer window. Arsenal and Milan are tracking the imposing Slovenian, whose release clause is believed to be worth €65 million.
Serhou Guirassy (Stuttgart)
Age: 28 Position: Striker Estimated value: €40M
Only Harry Kane scored more Bundesliga goals than Guirassy in 2023-24. Borussia Dortmund are already in talks to land the Guinean international, who found the net 28 times in league action as the focal point of Stuttgart’s attack.
Ligue 1 ??
Jonathan David (Lille)
Age: 24 Position: Striker Estimated value: €50M
If it feels like we’ve been here before, it’s because we have. David is a permanent fixture on this list. He’s hit double figures in goals every season since moving to Lille and has 43 Ligue 1 tallies over the past two campaigns.
Not content with plucking just Mbappe from France, Real Madrid are working to sign his compatriot, arguably the most tantalizing young defender in the world. Yoro played more minutes than any outfield player for Lille this season.
Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro has been open about the possibility of selling Fofana in the summer, while the Frenchman himself isn’t hiding his desire to take the next step in his career after a successful spell in the principality.
One of the most interesting cases to watch right now. Simons is a blossoming superstar that PSG don’t want to lose on a permanent deal, but will the young Dutchman accept another loan move, or push for something more concrete?
Exciting teenager Doue continues to come up in discussions about Tottenham’s summer plans. There’s a unique wrinkle here, as his brother, Guela, also plays for the Brittany-based outfit and could move with him.
Benfica, one of the game’s most savvy operators in the transfer market, aren’t messing around here. Any club that wants to sign their midfield sensation will need to activate his €120 million release clause in full, or there’s no deal.
Luis Guilherme (Palmeiras)
Age: 18 Position: Winger Estimated value: €17M
A late (and lucrative) push from Saudi Arabia threatened to derail their pursuit, but it seems as though West Ham have withstood that and are on the verge of completing a deal worth around €30 million for the Brazilian teenager.
Johan Bakayoko (PSV Eindhoven)
Age: 21 Position: Winger Estimated value: €45M
Bakayoko was one of the standout performers for a PSV side that stormed to the Eredivisie title, and he’s heading to Euro 2024 with Belgium as one of the players who could further boost his transfer fee with a strong tournament.
Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting CP)
DeFodi Images / DeFodi Images / Getty
Age: 26 Position: Striker Estimated value: €55M
Former Coventry City marksman Gyokeres has been a scoring machine in Portugal. Sporting have slapped a gargantuan price tag on the Swede, who captured the Portuguese scoring crown in 2023-24 with 29 league tallies.
Gyokeres isn’t the only jewel flourishing under Ruben Amorim in Lisbon. As a young, left-footed central defender who is supremely comfortable on the ball, Inacio is bound to be the subject of calls from Europe’s biggest teams.
Keen to forge his own path, Bellingham is reportedly leaning toward staying in England instead of moving abroad like his brother, Jude. Sunderland don’t want to lose him just yet, though, and could demand as much as £20 million.
Savio (Troyes)
Age: 20 Position: Winger Estimated value: €40M
Manchester City have seemingly used the City Football Group (CFG) umbrella to keep Savio away from any outside parties. Technically on the books of sister club Troyes, he starred at Girona, another CFG-owned side, in 2023-24.
