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Neymar Poised for Santos Return After Al-Hilal Exit

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Brazilian superstar Neymar is reportedly set to return to his boyhood club, Santos, after mutually terminating his contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. The 32-year-old, Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, is expected to sign a short-term deal with Santos, where he began his illustrious career.

Neymar’s departure from Al-Hilal marks the end of an injury-riddled stint with the club, where he made just seven appearances since joining in August 2023 for a staggering £77.6 million. His time in Saudi Arabia was marred by a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury suffered during Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023. Despite returning briefly in late 2024, Neymar has not featured since November.

Neymar Turns Down MLS for Santos

While Major League Soccer (MLS) side Chicago Fire attempted to secure Neymar’s signature, the Brazilian forward opted to return to Santos instead. Chicago Fire had exclusive rights to negotiate with Neymar in the MLS, but the player reportedly preferred rejoining the club where he scored 136 goals in 225 matches before his 2013 move to Barcelona.

Inter Miami was also linked to Neymar, with speculation that he could reunite with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. However, Neymar’s decision to return to Santos highlights his sentimental connection to his first club.

A Glittering Career Comes Full Circle

Neymar rose to global prominence at Santos before joining Barcelona, where he won two La Liga titles, the Champions League, and the Club World Cup. In 2017, he became the world’s most expensive footballer, moving to Paris Saint-Germain for a record £200 million. During his time in Paris, Neymar secured five Ligue 1 titles and further solidified his legacy.

Following his move to Al-Hilal, Neymar expressed ambitions to “write new sporting history,” but injuries limited his impact. Now, as he prepares for a new chapter with Santos, fans eagerly await the return of one of Brazil’s greatest talents to his roots.

Stay updated with the latest football news at Sri Lankan Sports TV.

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Sri Lanka Announces U19 Football Squad for SAFF Championship 2025

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The Football Federation of Sri Lanka has officially announced the Under-19 national squad for the SAFF U19 Championship 2025, featuring a blend of local talent and international prospects. The squad, comprising 23 promising young footballers, will represent the nation in the prestigious South Asian regional tournament scheduled to take place later this year.

The squad showcases a mix of school football stars from leading institutions in Colombo, Galle, Kinniya, and Negombo, along with Sri Lankan-origin players currently based in Australia and the United Arab Emirates. This strategic inclusion of overseas talent is expected to strengthen Sri Lanka’s chances of a deep run in the championship.

Selected Squad

Sri Lanka U19 Squad for SAFF Championship 2025

  1. Vijayaratnam Haris – St. Joseph’s College, Colombo
  2. Senapala Nadal Aaron – Gateway International, Colombo
  3. Mohamed Hafeef Akram – T. B. Jayah MV, Colombo
  4. Suthakar Roisan Bright – St. Joseph’s College, Colombo
  5. Aidan Francis Perera – Gateway International, Colombo
  6. Mohamed Rizwan Mohamed Aashif – Zahira College, Colombo
  7. Mohamed Shiras Mohamed Shahid – Zahira College, Colombo
  8. Krawege Hirun Mirasha – Mahinda College, Galle
  9. Kalinga Anupa Pabasara – Mahinda College, Galle
  10. Mohamed Rikas Muhammed – Zahira College, Colombo
  11. Mohamed Siddeek Mohamed Maziyad – Hameedia Al Husseine College
  12. Abdul Hameed Mohammed Irfan – Al Ameen National School, Kinniya
  13. Mohammadu Hussain Abdullah – Al Falah, Negombo
  14. Silmy Mohamed Hussain – Hameedia Al Husseine College
  15. Mohamed Ramlan Abdul Rahman – Hameedia Al Husseine College
  16. Mohamed Faris Umar – Darussalam College
  17. Kaleelullah Mohamed Katheem – Zahira College, Colombo
  18. Edirisinghe Omith (Captain) – Australia
  19. Nassim Abdallah Faiz – United Arab Emirates
  20. Luckman Rashad Shihab – Royal College, Colombo
  21. Zafarullah Zakariyya – Australia
  22. Dassanayake Anuk Shahil – Gateway International College
  23. Zawahir Ayman Riyas – Australia

Led by captain Edirisinghe Omith, the team will focus on showcasing Sri Lanka’s evolving football potential in a tournament that features South Asia’s best young talents. With preparations underway, the coaching staff is optimistic about the team’s chances to make a lasting impression.

Group Stage Fixtures (IST)

May 9, 7:30 PM – India U19 vs Sri Lanka U19

May 11, 7:30 PM – Sri Lanka U19 vs Nepal U19

Stay tuned to Sri Lankan Sports TV for exclusive updates, match previews, and player highlights as Sri Lanka embarks on its U19 SAFF Championship journey.

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Chelsea Stun Champions Liverpool to Keep Champions League Hopes Alive

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Chelsea delivered a powerful performance at Stamford Bridge to defeat newly crowned Premier League champions Liverpool, strengthening their push for a Champions League spot next season.

The match began with a respectful guard of honour for the visitors, but Chelsea quickly turned the mood competitive. Enzo Fernandez opened the scoring in just the 3rd minute, capitalizing on Pedro Neto’s cross with a well-timed finish. From that moment, the Blues seized control.

Liverpool, having already secured the league title, fielded a rotated squad with six changes from the side that defeated Tottenham. The alterations seemed to cost them momentum, as they struggled to match Chelsea’s urgency in the early stages.

Chelsea doubled their advantage early in the second half when Cole Palmer’s clever dribble unsettled the Liverpool defence, leading to a chaotic moment in the box. Under pressure, Virgil van Dijk’s clearance attempt ricocheted off teammate Jarell Quansah and into their own net, gifting Chelsea a crucial second goal.

Though Liverpool rallied late, with substitute Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah squandering golden opportunities, Van Dijk pulled one back with a powerful header in the 85th minute. However, Palmer, who had earlier hit the post, sealed the win with a confident penalty in stoppage time after Quansah fouled Moises Caicedo.

Palmer, who hadn’t scored since January, was instrumental in all three goals and proved just how vital he is to Chelsea’s top-four ambitions. His return to form comes at the perfect moment ahead of their decisive clash against Newcastle next weekend.

Liverpool, meanwhile, showed signs of fatigue following their title celebrations. Despite the loss, their fans continued their joyous chants, proudly waving banners in honour of the club’s 20th league title. With the trophy presentation still to come at Anfield on the season’s final day, their focus now shifts to the celebrations rather than results.

Chelsea’s victory puts them level on points with Newcastle, trailing only on goal difference, making their upcoming encounter at St. James’ Park a pivotal battle for Champions League qualification.

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Liverpool Close in on Premier League Glory – Full Table Update as Season Nears End

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As the 2024/25 Premier League season enters its final stretch, the title race is heating up with Liverpool maintaining their dominant position at the top of the table. With only four games remaining, the Reds sit comfortably on 82 points after 34 games, having recorded 25 wins, 7 draws, and just 2 losses.

Their closest rivals, Arsenal, trail by 12 points with 70 from 35 matches. Meanwhile, defending champions Manchester City are third with 64 points, followed closely by Newcastle United on 62.

In a competitive battle for European spots, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest, and Aston Villa are all tied on 60 points, setting the stage for a thrilling finish. At the other end of the table, Southampton, Leicester City, and Ipswich Town are in serious danger of relegation.

Here’s how the standings look as of 3rd May 2025:


🏆 Premier League 2024/25 – Points Table (as of 3rd May)

#TeamPWDLGFGAGDPtsForm (Last 6)
1Liverpool3425728032+4882W-W-L-W-W-W
2Arsenal35191336429+3570W-W-D-D-W-D
3Manchester City3519796743+2464W-D-W-W-W-W
4Newcastle United34195106544+2162W-W-W-W-L-W
5Chelsea3417985940+1960L-W-D-D-W-W
6Nottingham Forest34186105341+1260W-W-L-L-W-L
7Aston Villa3517995549+660W-W-W-W-L-W
8Fulham35149125047+351L-W-L-L-W-L
9Brighton & Hove Albion34131295655+151D-L-L-D-L-W
10AFC Bournemouth351311115342+1150L-L-D-W-D-D
11Brentford34147135850+849W-L-D-D-W-W
12Crystal Palace341112114347-445D-W-L-L-D-D
13Wolverhampton35125185162-1141W-W-W-W-W-L
14Everton35815123643-739L-D-W-L-L-D
15Manchester United34109153947-839W-L-D-L-L-D
16Tottenham Hotspur34114196256+637L-L-W-L-L-L
17West Ham United3499163958-1936D-L-D-L-D-L
18Ipswich Town35410213576-4122W-L-D-L-L-D
19Leicester City3556242976-4721L-L-D-L-L-W
20Southampton3525282582-5711D-L-L-D-L-L

With just a handful of matches remaining, every point is vital—whether it’s for European qualification or avoiding relegation. Liverpool are on course for a historic title, while the fight for 2nd to 7th promises drama until the final whistle.

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