The updated ranking of the best strikers in the 21st century by the highly respected British portal, GiveMeSport, has generated considerable excitement among football fans worldwide. This prestigious list celebrates the exceptional talent and remarkable achievements of forwards who have defined the modern era of football. The ranking is based on a combination of individual accolades, club successes, and overall impact on the game. With names like Ronaldo, Thierry Henry, and Karim Benzema in the mix, the list provides an opportunity to reflect on the careers of some of the greatest players of all time. As expected, the debate over who truly deserves the top spot has sparked intense discussion among football enthusiasts, with each name on the list carrying its own legacy. Ronaldo’s status as a two-time World Cup winner and Ballon d’Or holder has undoubtedly secured his place at the top, but the ranking also acknowledges other icons like Henry, Benzema, and many more for their legendary contributions to the sport. For fans eager to stay updated on such football news and beyond, https://melbet.com.gh/en/sport offers a platform to follow the latest football updates, match insights, and exciting betting opportunities. Make sure to read through the full article, as there’s a special reward waiting for you at the end! By using the promo code provided, you’ll receive an enhanced welcome bonus when creating your account with Melbet Ghana. This exclusive code is designed to give you extra value, helping you get the most out of your initial experience with the platform. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to boost your bonus and kickstart your betting journey with even more advantages. Ronaldo’s career is nothing short of legendary. As one of the most accomplished footballers in history, he has cemented his place at the top of the sport with his two World Cup victories, in 1994 and 2002, and his multiple Ballon d’Or titles. These achievements, alongside his unmatched ability to dominate on both the club and international levels, have made him an irreplaceable figure in football. His blend of skill, vision, and precision has earned him the admiration of fans and peers alike, making his top spot in the ranking a well-deserved honor. Ronaldo’s legacy goes beyond just the trophies; it’s about the influence he has had on the game itself. His ability to perform under the highest pressure, especially in World Cup finals, sets him apart from others. Whether leading Brazil to glory or setting records in club football, his consistency and impact on the field define what it means to be a true football icon. For these reasons, Ronaldo stands undisputed at the top of the ranking, celebrated not only for his exceptional talent but also for his relentless pursuit of greatness. Thierry Henry’s name is synonymous with Premier League greatness. As Arsenal’s all-time leading scorer, he redefined what it meant to be a striker in England’s top flight. His speed, elegance, and clinical finishing made him a constant threat, but it was his ability to influence the game with a single moment of brilliance that set him apart. Thierry Henry played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s historic “Invincibles” season of 2003-2004, a campaign where the team remained unbeaten throughout the Premier League. His remarkable skills, vision, and leadership were key to Arsenal’s success, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in Premier League history. This incredible achievement not only solidified Henry’s place as a club legend but also marked a defining moment in the evolution of the Premier League, showcasing the level of talent and competition the league had reached. His influence on the pitch during that remarkable season is still remembered as a milestone in English football. Beyond his individual accolades, Henry’s influence on world football is undeniable. His style of play, blending intelligence with athleticism, inspired a new generation of forwards. He was not just a prolific goal-scorer but a playmaker, often creating chances and assisting his teammates. Henry’s impact wasn’t limited to just his on-field performances — his leadership and ability to elevate his team’s level of play made him a true icon, not just in England, but in global football. Karim Benzema’s journey to the third spot in the ranking of the best strikers of the 21st century is a testament to his remarkable consistency and evolution as a player. After years of being the unsung hero at Real Madrid, his crowning achievement came in 2022 when he won the Ballon d’Or, cementing his place among the greats of the game. His leadership and impeccable finishing were pivotal to Real Madrid’s success in both La Liga and the Champions League, particularly during the 2021-2022 season, where he led the team to a historic European triumph. Benzema’s ability to deliver in crucial moments, especially in big games, sets him apart from other top strikers. What makes Benzema unique compared to his peers is his versatility and intelligent link-up play. Unlike many traditional forwards, Benzema isn’t solely reliant on his goalscoring. His style of play involves clever movements, excellent ball control, and a playmaking ability that often sees him drop deeper to assist in build-up play. While players like Ronaldo and Henry were renowned for their speed and dribbling, Benzema’s calmness under pressure, ability to read the game, and exceptional finishing have made him one of the most complete forwards of his generation. His legacy with Real Madrid speaks volumes, and his place among the best is fully deserved. The top 10 list of the best strikers in the 21st century wouldn’t be complete without a mention of players like Wayne Rooney, Luis Suárez, Robert Lewandowski, and Zlatan Ibrahimović. Rooney, the all-time top scorer for Manchester United and England, brought a unique blend of skill, work ethic, and leadership to the pitch. His ability to score from any position made him a constant threat. Luis Suárez, renowned for his exceptional technical skills and lethal finishing, enjoyed a career marked by significant achievements with both Liverpool and Barcelona. His time at Barcelona saw him win multiple La Liga titles and the Champions League, cementing his status as one of the most formidable forwards of his era. Known for his aggressive play and uncanny ability to find himself in the right position at the right time, Suárez became a forward that defenders dreaded facing, his ruthlessness in front of goal making him a constant threat. Meanwhile, Robert Lewandowski has carved out a reputation as one of the most accomplished goal scorers of his generation. As the cornerstone of Bayern Munich’s attack, his remarkable goal-scoring feats, which include several Bundesliga titles and a Champions League victory, showcase his unmatched consistency and ability to deliver in crucial moments. Lewandowski’s clinical finishing and ability to lead his team to victory have solidified his place among the modern-day greats. Zlatan Ibrahimović, a larger-than-life personality both on and off the pitch, has left a lasting legacy wherever he has played. His extraordinary skill, combined with his self-confidence and charisma, ensured that he made an impact at every club he graced. From his time at Ajax and Juventus to Barcelona, PSG, and AC Milan, Ibrahimović’s presence has been felt across European football. His boldness and ability to produce moments of brilliance in high-pressure situations have made him a unique figure in world football, earning him accolades in multiple leagues. His technical brilliance, strength, and incredible flair made him a dominant presence in European football for years. Each of these players has contributed significantly to the sport, and their places in the top 10 ranking reflect their outstanding skills, achievements, and impact on the beautiful game. For football enthusiasts looking to stay on top of the latest news, updates, and opportunities, Melbet Ghana offers a reliable platform. Whether it’s tracking team performances, player stats, or the latest odds, the platform provides real-time information to help fans stay informed about all things football. With a range of exclusive offers, bookmaker ensures that followers of the beautiful game have access to the latest sports events and the most current betting insights. For those interested in more than just the basics, Melbet also offers a place where football fans can find up-to-date sports news and a variety of opportunities to engage with their favorite teams and players. As we reflect on the top strikers of the 21st century, it’s clear that players like Ronaldo, Thierry Henry, and Karim Benzema have cemented their legacies through exceptional skill, remarkable consistency, and countless achievements. These footballing icons have not only shaped their respective teams but have also influenced the game on a global scale, forever etching their names in history. From Ronaldo’s record-breaking goals to Henry’s Premier League dominance and Benzema’s Ballon d’Or triumph, their stories continue to inspire future generations of footballers. The debates surrounding these legends and their place in history will undoubtedly continue for years to come. Football fans are encouraged to keep following the evolving narratives, as the game continues to produce new talents and memorable moments. For those looking to stay updated on the latest football news and opportunities, remember to check out Melbet Ghana for exclusive updates and offers. Don’t forget to use the promo code MELBONUS when creating an account to boost your welcome bonus.
Copper Queens duo of skipper Barbra Banda and striker Grace Chanda will kick off their National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Championship defense with Orlando Pride in March. This follows the release of the NWSL Championship 2025 regular season schedule. Pride will start the season by hosting the Washington Spirit in the Challenge Cup Final on Friday, March 7, at Inter&Co Stadium. BELOW IS A FULL STATEMENT FROM ORLANDO PRIDE ON THE NEW SEASON ORLANDO, Fla. (Jan 22, 2025) — The Orlando Pride has announced its 2025 regular season schedule, presented by Orlando Health. The Pride will look to defend the NWSL Shield and NWSL Championship through the 2025 season, hosting 13 of their 26 matches from the friendly confines of Inter&Co Stadium as well as the Challenge Cup Final. Season Ticket Memberships for the 2025 season are currently on sale, with STMs receiving a number of benefits, including a 2025 Orlando Pride replica jersey, tickets to the 2025 Challenge Cup Final, a 20% discount on food and beverage at Inter&Co Stadium and a 15% discount on merchandise. More information on seating options and benefits is available here. The Pride have also announced the Orlando Pride Two-Match Pack which includes a ticket to the Challenge Cup Final and the Pride’s home opening match for just $25. For more information for that is available here. Fans can sign up for single match pre-sale access by registering at the link here. The Pride will open the 2025 season hosting the Washington Spirit in the Challenge Cup Final on Friday, March 7, at Inter&Co Stadium. The regular season campaign will kick off the following week on Friday, March 14, as the Pride welcome the Chicago Stars to Inter&Co Stadium in what will serve as a rematch from the first round of the 2024 NWSL Playoffs. The regular season opener, presented by Orlando Health, will kick off at 8 p.m. ET. Prior to the start of that match, the Pride will hold a banner-raising ceremony for the 2024 NWSL Championship. Orlando will play every NWSL team once at home and once on the road, while also having back-to-back home matches on four separate occasions across the season. The Pride’s first road game of the 2025 season will be a trip to Sports Illustrated Stadium to take on NJ/NY Gotham FC on Sunday, March 23. The Pride will match up against the Kansas City Current on May 16 at Inter&Co Stadium, before returning to CPKC Stadium for the return leg against the Current on Aug. 16. The two sides met three times last season with the finale being in the semifinals of the 2024 NWSL Playoffs. The Pride came out on top in that match and then would go on and win the 2024 NWSL Championship, which was hosted at CPKC Stadium. The complete 2025 schedule can be found below. New this season, NWSL Rivalry Weekend, set for August 8-10, will see the league’s most exciting matchups in action, including the league’s oldest series in the storied Cascadia Rivalry between Portland Thorns FC and Seattle Reign FC. Other contests throughout the weekend include the SoCal Rivalry between Angel City FC and San Diego Wave FC, an East Coast battle between two of the league’s veteran clubs in Gotham FC and the Washington Spirit and the Pride facing off against Racing Louisville. The regular season concludes with the return of NWSL Decision Day, featuring all 14 clubs in action on Sunday, November 2 as teams battle for a spot in the 2025 NWSL Playoffs presented by Google Pixel. ESPN will televise two Decision Day matches while the remaining five contests will be available on NWSL+. The opening round of the postseason begins the weekend of November 7-9. ESPN/ABC will air two quarterfinal matches, while CBS/Paramount+ and Prime Video will each distribute one of the remaining two quarterfinal contests. The semifinals, set for the weekend of November 14-16, will air across CBS/Paramount+ and ESPN/ABC, with each partner carrying one contest. For the fourth-straight year, the 2025 NWSL Championship presented by Google Pixel, will air in primetime on the CBS Television Network and stream on Paramount+. 2025 Orlando Pride Schedule, Presented by Orlando Health
| By Nkweto Tembwe | It was the night before the big game, and sleep did not come easy. My sister and guardian, Dorothy Mulenga Tembwe, had reluctantly given her blessing after relentless negotiation, laced with her usual lament, “Nkweto, mwe baume mwashala batatu after imfwa ya ba Kangwa.” (Nkweto, remember there are only 3 .men in the family after we lost Ba Kanvwa 3 years ago) I was in Grade 11 at Matero Boys Secondary School, living with her “ku ma yards” in Northmead. Permission came with a mountain of conditions, the chief among them being that I had to go with an older relative. Luckily, my elder brother, Gideon Katongo Tembwe, arrived from Kitwe, declaring he’d spend the night so we could head to town early. That night, I lay in bed, heart pounding with anticipation, dreaming of watching my heroes, the KK Eleven, battle Zaire for a chance at the FIFA World Cup. The Journey Begins The alarm sounded at 03:25, and I jumped out of bed. The house at No. 2 Malila Close buzzed with excitement. By 04:00, we were ready, though how many of us actually bathed was debatable. Teeth brushed with Ivory toothpaste, we set off on foot toward Great East Road, I was laughing at every silly comment the elders made. My brother Chewe joked about announcing the probable lineup on a makeshift public address system, and we roared with laughter. We boarded a Rosa minibus, license fleet mumber LK 007. The bus was packed with football enthusiasts, the air thick with anticipation. At Kafue Roundabout, the driver kicked off a few non-football passengers and refunded their fare after realising the bus was, but full of Independence stadium bound passengers. By the time we reached Independence Stadium, the atmosphere was electric. The Chaos Outside At 04:45, the queues outside the stadium were already serpentine, snaking toward the Great North Road. Fires burned in small clusters, and pickpockets darted through the shadows. I clutched my ticket money tightly, weaving through the chaos. By 10:00, murmurs rippled through the crowd: “Ba FAZ bafika!” Ticket sales had begun. I found myself separated from my family group, alone in a sea of humanity. Poor and short me now had to fight on my own. My schoolmate, Elijah Zulu, appeared like an angel, advising me to try Gate A. There, the scene was pure bedlam. Police on horse backs, dust clouds, and desperate fans created a cacophony of chaos. I followed the Matero kids who barged through the queue, I timed their confusion very well and was a beneficiary. As the line formed again, suddenly, I was near the entrance to gate-A . At 14:20, I was inside. The Stage is Set The stadium was a roaring colossus, with over 40,000 fans crammed in. I found a spot right at the foot of the terraces. The noise ebbed and swelled, a wave of anxious energy. The presidential motorcade arrived in a flurry of dust, and the voice of Dennis Liwewe, the legendary commentator, thundered through the PA system: “A very good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to Independence Stadium, the venue for this second-round, first-leg FIFA 1990 World Cup qualifier between Zaire and th3 KK Eleven of Zambia! He announced : The referee from Mauritius,Mr Patrice Nyo. Then came the lineups. For Zaire: In Goal: Meriikana As Mr. Dennis Liwewe went through the Zaire lineup, Zambians were only truly interested in two names. The tension in the air was palpable as they held their breath, waiting. When the names were finally mentioned, the crowd sighed with a mixture of excitement and worry…. Yes, Santos Mutubile was in the lineup, and yes, the dreaded Eugene Kabongo Ngoyi would feature also. While Zambians were still grappling with how to feel about these two dangerous players, Dennis Liwewe startled them out of their thoughts with his booming voice. “Ladies and gentlemen, this is the KK11!” he announced. The stadium erupted into a deafening roar. Fans leaned closer to mentally tick off the lineup, desperate to confirm their heroes were indeed in the starting eleven. “In goal, from Mighty Mufulira Wanderers…” Liwewe started, and the crowd finished in unison: “Efford Chabala!” “Playing two, from Nkana Red Devils, hard tackler John Soko!” “Wearing shirt number three, from Kabwe Warriors and Zambia… Whitson Changwe!” “Playing position four, from Mighty Mufulira Wanderers and captain of the side ” Liwewe said, pausing slightly as he said Ashious Melu. the crowd shouted back, “Meluuuuuu!” At this point, the crowd was buzzing, eager to hear who would play in position five. There had been calls for a change in personnel for that role. Fans had already chosen their favorite, and now they waited to see if the technical bench had endorsed their candidate. “Playing position number five…” Liwewe said, deliberately pausing to heighten the already intense tension and anxiety in the stadium. Then he broke the silence: “For reasons best known to themselves, they call him King Yellowman…” The crowd erupted with wild cheers, and Liwewe continued, “… from Green Buffaloes and Zambia, Eston Mulenga!”Mulenga….. The roar that followed could have been mistaken for a goal celebration. Liwewe let the crowd revel in the moment before continuing with the lineup. “And playing six, from Division One side Profund Warriors, Derby Makinka!” “Playing seven, a professional from Belgium, Mwana Wa Kwitu… Lucky Msiska!” “Wearing shirt number fourteen but playing 8, a player ee have not seen for two seasons, from Belgium’s Anderlecht… Charles Musonda!” “Playing nine, again from Belgium… Mkango, Stone Nyirenda!” “And playing ten, from Power Dynamos…” At this point, the stadium shouted as one, “Weeeez….Wisdom Chansa!” Finally, Liwewe delivered the name everyone was waiting for: ” then reigning African Footballer of the Year, who he described as , “perhaps the most intelligent player on the field… Kalusha Bwalya!” The crowd echoed, “Bwalya!” Lusha.. Lusha.. It was a lineup that inspired hope, pride, and belief. Zambia’s KK11 was ready for battle, and the stadium was alive with anticipation. The Match Zambia emerged in all yellow; Zaire in green. The game began at a frenetic pace. Zaire’s confidence was evident—they had beaten Tunisia in Kinshasa—but Zambia’s resolve was unmatched. In the 10th minute, Stone Nyirenda struck. The crowd erupted, chanting “Zambia! Zambia!” Seven minutes later, a Kalusha Bwalya corner found Lucky Msiska, who headed in Zambia’s second. At 25 minutes, Derby Makinka unleashed a thunderbolt: 3–0. Zaire fought back. In the 29th minute, Eugene Kabongo Ngoyi, the dreaded danger man, scored, briefly silencing the crowd. Halftime: Zambia 3, Zaire 1. The second half was a battle of wills. In the 75th minute, Kalusha Bwalya scored Zambia’s fourth. The stadium shook with chants of “Lusha Lusha!” But Zaire was not done. In the 78th minute, Kabongo struck again with a ferocious volley:grazing off the hair of some of our players 4–2. At this time I found myself standing akimbo and wishing for the game to end already…..that goal sent shivers in all Zambian as the Zairean supporters briefly took over that chanting! The final ten minutes were nerve-wracking as Zaire bombarded Zambia’s defense. But Ashious Melu, Eston Mulenga,Whitson Changwe and John Soko held firm. When Mauritiun referee Patrice Nyoe, blew the final whistle, the stadium erupted in a euphoric roar of relief. The Aftermath As I trudged toward Mandevu, the chants of “Zambia 4, Zaire 2!” echoed in my ears. I couldn’t wait to recount the drama to my classmates at Matero Boys. That day, the KK Eleven etched their names into history, and I knew I had witnessed something unforgettable.
Former FAZ General Secretary, Adrian Kashala has officially announced his candidature for the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) top job. Kashala will challenge incumbent Andrew Kamanga for the presidency of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ). Kashala believes it’s time for change and he feels his long-standing experience in football administration speaks for itself. “We are counting down to the day the football family unites to usher in new office bearers who will govern the affairs of the sport we all love so deeply. I am Adrian Kashala, and I have announced my candidacy for the presidency of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ). I believe my long-standing experience in football administration speaks for itself,” Kashala said. “My desire to serve football and elevate the game stems from a deep conviction that we can do better. Football lovers across the country have long yearned for more, and the time has come to fulfill their aspirations. My extensive experience in sports management, particularly football, drives my commitment to lead and serve.” Kashala has preached unity ahead of the elections saying, this is not about divisions or factions; it is about building one united football family. “Together with my team, we will embrace everyone—including those who may have disagreed with us or criticized us in the past. It is time to turn a new page for Zambian football. This is not about divisions or factions; it is about building one united football family,” Kashala said. “We aim to create an environment that welcomes divergent views because that is what football is all about. Once the election period is over, we must come together and move forward as one, for the greater good of our football. I am ready to lead this transformation. My belief is firm: football in Zambia will never be the same after March 2025.Let us make this dream a reality.” The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) Electoral Committee recently unveiled the roadmap for the 2025 elective annual general meeting to be held on March 29. Nominations will open on February 1, 2025 with FIFA having approved the roadmap. The final announcement of validated nominations for elections will be done on February 17, 2025 after which candidates who would not have been successful will have the right to appeal from February 17-18. The Appeals Committee will communicate its final decision on February 22, 2025 and officially open the campaign window. Provincial elections will commence on March 15 while the elective AGM will be held on March 29. Under the revised and FIFA aligned FAZ constitution, provincial elections precede the main election.
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