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Italy captain says when he is asked about the plan for the 2026 World Cup, his reply is, they’re planning to “win every game”

Matt Roller12-Jul-2025At least one will play at a next year. Italian football is in chaos: their men’s national team have a proud World Cup history but have failed to reach the last two, and sacked their manager after losing the opening match of their qualifying group for the 2026 edition. But in a small Dutch town on Friday, their cricketers created their own legacy.Italy lost by nine wickets to Netherlands in Voorburg, but Jersey’s win over Scotland earlier in the day – and their own results over the previous week – meant that it did not matter. Instead, Italy wrapped up one of the two spots available at the European Qualifiers for next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, the first time that Italy have reached a major ICC event.”It’s still very surreal,” Joe Burns, Italy’s captain, told ESPNcricinfo on Saturday morning. “We’ll probably take a few weeks to get home and decompress a bit to fully realise the impact that the occasion will have on so many people. It was an emotional moment that we’re going to try and reflect on as a group as much as we can over the next few months.”The crucial result for Italy was their 12-run win over Scotland on Wednesday. It was launched by Emilio Gay, the Durham opener, who cracked 50 off 21 balls; set up by Grant Stewart, the Kent allrounder, who hit 44 not out off 27; and sealed by Harry Manenti, who has played a couple of BBL games for Adelaide Strikers, and took 5 for 31 with his medium pace.Those names are reflective of a disparate group of players who are based all over the world, but their heritage provides a common thread. Burns’ own story is typical: his roots are in Calabria, in southern Italy, but his grandfather was a prisoner-of-war in North Africa during the second world war and the family relocated to Australia. He has always felt a connection with Italy, and made his debut for them last year.

“I think we had six Australian-born players in our team yesterday… If we do play Australia and I’m on the field, it’ll obviously be a very special occasion”Joe Burns

It was a long way removed from his first international career, which saw him hit four hundreds in his 23 Tests for Australia. “When you play for Australia, there’s such a history to the baggy green that you’re honouring the past and representing the people that have gone before,” Burns said. “When you’re playing for Italy, it’s very much a blank canvas, trying to shape the future.”Burns first reached out to Cricket Italia in 2009, when qualification rules were stricter, and had to undergo a three-year cooling-off period from his final Australia appearance, in 2020, before he became eligible. But he has thrown himself into his new challenge, taking over the captaincy this summer, and has worn the number 85 shirt in tribute to his late brother, Dominic.”A lot of our grandparents left Italy after World War II, so it’s very much a shared story to come together and to represent past generations,” he said. “I know my grandparents would be very proud, and I know mum and dad have been following the games really closely. There are Italians dispersed all over the world, and I hope this team is a beacon for Italians everywhere.”Burns admires his medal•International Cricket CouncilItaly ramped up preparations for the qualifiers last month with a training camp in Rome, and Burns has demanded the full focus of his team-mates: “I told the guys that I don’t care if we’re playing Luxembourg in the sub-regional qualifiers or India in a T20 World Cup final: I want our team to be the most prepared team in world cricket for every game that we play.”This has all come together on the back of a lot of planning. People ask me what the goal for the World Cup is and I say, ‘Look, we’re planning and preparing to win every game – so we’re planning to win the World Cup.’ I want the guys to enjoy the experience and play with freedom – but you have to earn the right to play with freedom on the back of really solid preparation.”Cricket is a niche sport in Italy, but World Cup qualification will unlock new sources of funding. “It will go a long way for us,” Burns said. “We don’t have any turf facilities, and very little facilities in general, but this gives us an opportunity to develop the game. We’ve had a lot of support from CONI (the Italian Olympic Committee) which keeps building in the background.Time to celebrate after Italy qualified for the T20 World Cup for the first time•International Cricket Council”Associate cricket is very much the grassroots of international cricket, so for us, it’s about trying to unlock funding and build facilities to create opportunities for future generations to come. It’s very rewarding. At different stages in your career, you have different motivations, and I think this came at a really good time for me. It really reinvigorated my love for the game.”Italy will welcome back Wayne Madsen – a man with more than 20,000 runs in county cricket to his name – for the World Cup after he missed the qualifiers due to his Derbyshire commitments, but Burns hinted that he himself may step aside before the main event. “This [qualification] was such a big goal for me,” he said. “It’s probably going to take me a few months to think about it.”But if Burns, 35, does play on, there is one team he would relish the chance to face next year. “We’ve said briefly as a group that we want the big stage. We want to be drawn against the best in the world, and we want to take it on. I think we had six Australian-born players in our team yesterday… If we do play Australia and I’m on the field, it’ll obviously be a very special occasion.”

His contributions to both the feel and the narrative of Ashes feels typical of his Test career: entertaining, endearing and inconsistent

Vithushan Ehantharajah03-Aug-2023Ben Stokes is hidden away at the back of the home dressing room at Headingley, puffing on a cigarette. He had entered moments earlier after being caught down the leg side off Mitchell Starc. England needed 90 more runs to win the third Test and keep their Ashes hopes alive, but their talisman in these pressure situations was out.Stokes was furious but focused on adhering to a post-dismissal routine he had refined as captain. The ethos he and head coach Brendon McCullum have cultivated relies on dressing room calm, something the Durham allrounder cedes is not his strong point after getting out. But he has developed coping mechanisms, starting with a smoke, then a systematic packing of both his cricket bags. Once that was done, he made his way to the outdoor viewing area and sat himself down next to Moeen Ali.In the tense periods, Moeen and Stokes chatted nonsense. At one point, when the partnership between Harry Brook and Chris Woakes was swelling, Moeen commented about how easily they were winning this. Stokes, speaking from experience, reminded him “there is always a twist”, which duly came when Brook was dismissed. Moeen congratulated his skipper on the call, before Woakes and Mark Wood eventually saw things home.Related

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Stokes regarded the spot next to Moeen as his best way of keeping the tension to a minimum. It is largely in keeping with the 36-year-old’s presence in the set-up outright, which has been seen as a success behind closed doors.Both Stokes and McCullum made moves to get him out of retirement last summer, specifically for the Pakistan series later that winter, believing his attacking verve with bat and ball fit the set-up perfectly. They also believed his laidback demeanour, allied with his reading of the game, would boost an already positive group.It was only when Jack Leach was diagnosed with a stress fracture of the back on the eve of the series that Stokes made a second approach. Having worked on Moeen’s appetite for a return this summer during their IPL stint together for Chennai Super Kings, he dropped him a text to ask if he was up for it – “Ashes?”. He was.Seven weeks on, Moeen walks into the sunset once more. His contributions to both the feel and the narrative of an engaging series typical of his Test career. Entertaining, endearing, inconsistent and, at times, infuriating.A wound to his spinning finger reopened because it had been a while since he had bowled with a Dukes ball, and then a fan sent him a jar of medical honey which accelerated its healing. When Ollie Pope was ruled out with a shoulder injury, Moeen approached Stokes and McCullum on the penultimate evening of the third Test and asked to bat three in the fourth innings. He wanted to put his mark on the series and protect Brook, who moved back to five, and produced a vital 75 in pursuit of the target of 251.Moeen Ali added 121 for the second wicket with Zak Crawley at Old Trafford•Getty ImagesHalf-century number 15 in Manchester – only his second at No.3 – came during a thrilling stand of 121 with centurion Zak Crawley. Moeen was ranking their shots while out in the middle, giving himself the “shot of the day” tag for a glorious cover drive off Pat Cummins. Having hurt his abductor while batting in the first innings at the Oval, he decided to tee off as he could not run, and carted Cummins into the stands over square leg. He then closed it all out with 3 for 76 on the last day of his 68th and final Test to help England to a series-squaring victory.There are the other bits that don’t really matter but are worth a mention. The constant arguments with Crawley greatly amused the rest of the team. One of them being which part of the country was best at Twenty20 cricket. Crawley ultimately won that one when all four T20 Blast Finals Day teams came from the south group. He is also revered as the slickest bucket hat wearer going, rocking it with the brim turned up, like a turquoise trilby. A few players tried to copy him but couldn’t quite nail the look.This series has been as much about Moeen the vibesman as Moeen the allrounder. At the end of the match, Stokes stated he wanted Moeen “because I know what he can do on his best days”. The last day of the Ashes was exactly that.As for the others, well it’s a hard one to square. His nine dismissals were big ones – Travis Head (three times), Marnus Labuschagne (twice), Mitchell Marsh and Steve Smith who he might have had twice had Stokes not botched a catch at leg sip on that final day. But the average of 51.44 reflects the lack of control, likewise the 180 runs at an average of 25.17. At the same time, he brought balance by covering for the loss of spinner and number three. A selfless, up-and-down career ends with a quietly impressive 3,094 runs and 204 wickets.When Stokes sent that message in June, Moeen immediately replied “lol”. And while lols were had, Moeen reflected he was not wholly pleased with how things went, but satisfied this Ashes and his career climaxed with a thrilling finale. Ultimately, he was grateful to himself for accepting the SOS call. He would have regretted it later in life had he not.At the end of the match, Stuart Broad insisted Moeen shared the ovation of their final Test. Broad had alerted the world a couple of nights before that this would be it. With Moeen, it felt like we knew all along.Moeen Ali is regarded among the group as the slickest bucket hat wearer going•Getty Images”I was a little bit embarrassed to be walking off with a great,” he said of leading the team off with Broad. “It proves the man he is. I didn’t want to do it and he said I had to.”I was really reluctant, but it was great. You have mates and build relationships and Broady is one of those guys. From the start, he was always amazing with me. I’ve always got on well with him and really pleased he’s finished the way he has.”With the deserved fanfare around Broad and the perfect ending for one of England’s greatest fast bowlers, you wonder whether Moeen got any closure from this last dance. Or whether he even needed it beyond a more pleasing conclusion after slinking away two years ago with little cause or opportunity for celebration.”When I played a few nice shots I thought, ‘I can still bat’,” he said. “I would have loved to get some more, but it was a great challenge. White ball is great, I love the [franchise] leagues. But there is nothing better than playing against the best attack with a new ball in their hand. It’s a challenge. It’s nice to finish knowing that [I can still bat], it was decent.”The bowling was always a fight,” he admitted. However, the challenge of a final day in the field appealed to him even while crocked, particularly at the ground where he spun England to victory against South Africa with a hat-trick. As it happens, his fourth innings strike rate of 40.2 is better than those of Shane Warne or Graeme Swann.”Maybe it’s because I’m a spinner [that fourth innings appeal to him] but I’ve never felt like a proper spinner like those guys. I don’t overthink bowling on the last day. It’s ragging so I’ll try to get it spinning as much as I can, through the gate, try to nick the lefties off.”The encouragement I got from Baz and Stokesy to go and bowl my best ball, through the gate and things like that. I think that brings the best out of me. My bowling has always been up and down, but one thing I do know is that I’ve always loved bowling in the fourth innings.”

“White ball is great, I love the [franchise] leagues. But there is nothing better than playing against the best attack with a new ball in their hand”Mooen Ali

If anything, it seems this Ashes was a combination of things Moeen got to enjoy one last time. Challenging himself against an accomplished pace attack, sending down a few magical deliveries, and ribbing his team-mates. Fitting given how English cricket has experienced Moeen since debuting in 2014.His inconsistency is part of the thrill. Even in a barrage, he could hook one for six, or when the game is at its most tense, produce a surface-busting off break. Moments of joy and relief out of nowhere, making the top edges when things have calmed down and full tosses a little more palatable. Perhaps not for some, but as all corners of the Kia Oval rose to a rendition of “Stand up if you love Moeen” prior to his penultimate over in Test cricket, it is clear he occupies a unique place in the hearts of most.When he retired at the end of the 2021 summer, his father Munir, was dismayed his son finished tantalisingly short of milestones, on 2,914 runs and 195 dismissals. He was as ecstatic as anyone when Moeen decided to return.”As soon as I got that milestone, my dad checked out,” laughed Moeen. “He wants me to do well, but he checked out – he was just buzzing. That was the one thing in his head more than anything. Things happen for a reason, and it was meant to be.”Gratification in the joy he brings others. Selfless to the cause of the team. Two traits synonymous with Moeen which he underlined over the last seven weeks.The career averages probably mean history will not be kind to quantifying what Moeen Ali truly was as a Test cricketer. But at least England fans and his team-mates could experience him one last time.

“A dream start,” he called it, and it really was, as Australia started the latest edition of the Ashes exactly as they would have wanted

Andrew McGlashan08-Dec-2021You dream of your first day as Test captain. The way Pat Cummins got here is not how he would have imagined, but it the opening day of the Ashes. How does it play out? Would probably be nice to avoid a tricky decision at the toss. An early wicket would be great. A few scalps in your own tally would be a good start. What about seeing the opposition’s best player falling for a duck. Let’s not get carried away. Things don’t run to a script like that.Cummins said he “probably” would have batted had the coin fallen his way. We’ll never know. It certainly was in the category of a handy one to lose with overcast skies, a green-tinged surface and two under-prepared batting line-ups. But it also meant he was immediately into the game, both in his new role and the one he has performed magnificently in for a long time.Half an hour later, the pomp and ceremony completed, Mitchell Starc was at the top of his mark with 20,000 spectators behind him (minus the small contingent of local England fans) as, finally, after a bizarre build-up and still some uncertainty over how the rest of the series might play out, the first ball of the Ashes went down at 10am local time.Over the wicket, full, was it slipping down the leg side? Rory Burns shuffled across, shaped to flick the ball off his pads, but got nowhere near it as the delivery snaked back and clattered into leg stump. For just the second time, a wicket had fallen to the first ball of a men’s Ashes series. A penny for Cummins’ thoughts in that moment… at least the printable ones.Starc had been under some scrutiny leading in to the series after taking 11 wickets at 40.72 against India last season. He played through the emotional turmoil of knowing his father was gravely ill. As Burns’ leg stump was splattered, the ground erupted and so did Starc as he peeled away in celebration. The vein in his neck looked ready to pop.Related

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First overs of Ashes series do have a history of setting the tone, although when England lost a wicket in the opening over in 2010-11 – Andrew Strauss cutting to gully third ball – they would escape the Gabba with a draw and take the Ashes 3-1. It’s only been one day, and let’s not forget India were bowled out for 36 in Adelaide last year, but that feels a long way off.Still, amid the heady scenes of Starc’s first delivery, it was only one little part of the job done. As he flagged ahead of the game, Cummins did not give himself the new ball and went with Josh Hazlewood, who was immediately on the mark and soon made Dawid Malan play at one he could have left. A settling first Test catch for Alex Carey behind the stumps.Joe Root walked in and Cummins made his first move. Starc was out of the attack after two overs. In the end, Cummins never bowled to his opposite number, who he has removed seven times in 11 Tests. Instead it was Hazlewood, another nemesis, who pushed his length up a smidgen fuller and found the outside edge, which was pouched first slip. The year’s tally of 1455 runs was not extended. Hazlewood would take a break with figures of 7-4-3-2.However, when Cummins did make his first impact, it was a statement. Coming around the wicket to Ben Stokes, England’s second-best batter behind Root, he squared up the left-hander and Marnus Labuschagne took an excellent catch at third slip. Australia had picked out their catching as an area for improvement. They had made a good start.England made it to lunch four down, but not much further. Cummins gave himself the first over after the interval and took Haseeb Hameed’s edge.Then there was a bit of a rally as Jos Buttler took on Hazlewood and Ollie Pope was sharp on the quick single. Australia had bought themselves considerable leeway with the early wickets, but it was the first counterpunch of the series. However, just when it looked like Buttler may thrive on his “nothing to lose” attitude, Starc slanted one across and Australia had their opening.Despite being into the lower order, Cummins then threw the ball to Cameron Green, who had been given a brief bowl before lunch but was still waiting for that first Test wicket 46 overs into his career. With the first delivery of his second spell, he sent down a bouncer at Pope, who couldn’t keep the hook down and it was brilliantly caught at long-leg by Hazlewood. There was a mixture of delight and relief on Green’s face.The rest was over in the blink of an eye. With the thunderclouds rolling in, Nathan Lyon was brought back on but couldn’t nab No. 400. Although, really, it felt inevitable that with Cummins poised on four wickets the final one would go to the captain. And so it did, when Chris Woakes hooked and Hazlewood hauled in another superb take.England all out 147. Cummins 13.1-3-38-5. A first Ashes five-wicket haul and walking off the field with the ball held aloft. How was that first day, Pat? “A dream start,” he said.

As Liverpool prepare to square off against Eintracht Frankfurt in hope of getting back to winning ways for the first time in four games, a medical expert has provided an injury update on Ryan Gravenberch.

Carragher makes fresh Man City comparison amid Liverpool form

Liverpool were dominant last season as they shocked the rest of the Premier League by stealing the crown in their first year under new manager Arne Slot. Any concerns that they would drop off entirely without Jurgen Klopp were put to bed in emphatic fashion and those at Anfield quickly rewarded Slot for such an impressive debut campaign.

In an unprecedented summer for the Reds, they spent around £400m, broke their transfer record twice, and welcomed the likes of Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike. On the transfer front, Liverpool couldn’t ask for much more.

Yet, just a few months later, Slot has been left scratching his head wondering just how his super-team have just lost their fourth straight game, against Manchester United at Anfield of all teams. It is the toughest period of the Dutchman’s reign so far and Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has delivered his verdict.

Liverpool must hope to bounce back like Man City did in the second-half of last season, but will have to wait for one player to return from injury before they are back to full strength and can begin their return to form.

Injury expert delivers Gravenberch verdict

When it rains it pours for Liverpool. The Reds watched on as Ryan Gravenberch was forced off with injury to compile their misery in a fourth straight defeat in all competitions last weekend.

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1 ByAngus Sinclair Oct 21, 2025

The Dutchman, alongside Virgil van Dijk, is arguably the most irreplaceable player in Slot’s squad, but those at Anfield must now figure out how to do exactly that.

Injury expert Physio Scout delivered insight on Gravenberch’s twisted ankle this week, claiming that the midfielder is likely to miss up to two weeks of action in the likeliest scenario, albeit there is another much worse possibility.

“Lateral ankle sprains often look worse than they are if swelling and instability are minimal,” they said. “A Grade 1 sprain and a quick return are most likely… However, any ligament damage confirmed on imaging could see him sidelined for several weeks.”

Grade 1 twisted ankle

Less than 2 weeks (most likely)

Grade 2 twisted ankle

3-4 weeks

Grade 3 / ligament damage

4-6+ weeks

Assuming a Grade 1, this could see the midfielder make a return to action against Real Madrid on November 4 or in the absolute best-case scenario, as soon as Brentford this weekend.

Already ruled out for the Frankfurt game after being omitted from Liverpool’s travelling squad, it’s imperative that Liverpool get Gravenberch back into their side as soon as possible.

Manchester United have now accelerated contacts to sign a “wonderful” Real Madrid star, who is attracting interest from a number of top Premier League clubs.

Man Utd looking to sign new playmaker despite Mount resurgence

Mason Mount hasn’t had the easiest of times at Man United, having spent a lot of time out with injuries, but there are signs the attacking midfielder is now getting back to his best, being voted Premier League Player of the Matchweek courtesy of a top display against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

With Mount showing signs of improvement, and Bryan Mbeumo hitting the ground running at Old Trafford, having already scored six Premier League goals, Ruben Amorim has some top quality attacking options at his disposal.

Matheus Cunha and Bruno Fernandes also provided an attacking threat in the 4-1 victory against Wolves, with the latter bagging a brace, but the Red Devils remain keen on signing a new attacking midfielder.

That is according to a report from Spain, which states Man United have now held talks to sign Real Madrid star Arda Guler, recently accelerating contacts to sign the Turk, who has a reported price tag of £88m.

United are in the front row for Guler’s signature, alongside Arsenal, with both clubs making moves to secure his signature, alongside Liverpool, so there could be stiff competition.

At the moment, however, Madrid aren’t planning to cash-in on the 20-year-old, so the interested Premier League clubs may have to be patient.

"Wonderful" Guler could excel at Old Trafford

The youngster has been impressing with some of his performances for Madrid this season, being singled out for high praise by The Athletic journalist Guillermo Rai earlier this month.

The playmaker already has seven assists to his name in all competitions this term, two of which came in the Champions League, while he has also provided three goals.

Xabi Alonso is also clearly very happy with the starlet too, saying: “With his quality, he’s a mix between Özil and Guti. Guti had that vision and finesse to link play or operate closer to goal, and with Mesut I enjoyed football so much. Arda has that something special — that natural talent you can’t teach.”

Man Utd express interest in signing South American striker who tore PSG apart

United have set their sights on a new striker, with Joshua Zirkzee’s Old Trafford future in doubt.

ByDominic Lund 4 days ago

Of intrigue to United supporters may be the fact that by scoring on his European Championship debut for Turkey in 2024, he became the fifth-youngest goalscorer in the tournament’s history and the youngest debutant to find the net, breaking Cristiano Ronaldo’s previous record.

That said, signing a new attacking midfielder shouldn’t be a priority for Man United, given that Mount is exhibiting very promising signs, and Fernandes has continued to impress, but Guler is clearly a very talented player, with a bright future ahead.

Thomas Frank’s appointment at Tottenham Hotspur has seen a new era begin at the football club, with the Dane tasked with taking the side to the next level under his guidance.

The 52-year-old has already formed numerous impressive partnerships across the first-team squad, with centre-backs Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero nailing their places down as regular starters.

The duo have started all but three league games together in 2025/26, with the pair no doubt playing a crucial role in the Lilywhites’ away record – which is the joint-best in the division at present.

Spurs’ latest fixture against PSG saw Frank unleash a midfield duo of Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray, an opportunity which both players took full advantage of, potentially making them the manager’s long-term pairing at the heart of the side.

However, the Dane will no doubt be wishing that he could rely upon a couple of players who set the Premier League alight during their period together in North London.

The success of Kane & Son’s partnership at Spurs

Back in the summer of 2015, Spurs completed the £23m signature of winger Heung-min Son from Bayer Leverkusen – subsequently arriving as an unknown quantity to many supporters.

Such a move came at around the same time as academy striker Harry Kane was making his mark in the first-team ranks after various loan spells across the Football League.

However, not many people could have foreseen the impact they would have alongside one another, with such a partnership being one of, if not, the best, in England’s top-flight.

The pair linked up for 47 goals between one another – the most of any duo in the division’s history – with many of which handing the fans memories to last a lifetime.

A two-year spell between 2020 and 2022 was by far and away their most successful, as the duo linked up on 21 separate occasions for goals – a simply staggering feat.

One game will no doubt stand out, as Kane registered all four assists for Son in the 5-2 demolition of Southampton back in 2020/21 – with such a record putting the Englishman joint-top for most assists in a single English league game.

However, in 2025, Frank is unable to rely upon either of the aforementioned talents, with both moving on to pastures new over the last two years – undoubtedly leaving a huge hole in the Lilywhites’ attack.

The Spurs duo who are becoming Frank’s own Son & Kane

During his time as a manager, Frank has not been alien to iconic duos at the top end of the pitch, with the Dane fortunate to work with multiple elite attackers at Brentford.

In the Championship years and the first few seasons in the Premier League, he was able to rely upon the likes of Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbeumo at the GTEC.

The pair scored 29 combined goals back in 2022/23, 11 goals shy of the tally produced by Kane and Son, but still managed to cement themselves as one of the division’s most threatening pairs.

In the present day, the Spurs boss has none of those players at his disposal in North London, but the Lilywhites hierarchy have handed him the opportunity to improve the options in his current squad.

He took full advantage during the summer window, splashing a reported £55m on the signature of winger Mohammed Kudus from fellow Premier League side West Ham United.

Such a fee will have raised eyebrows, but the Ghanaian international has already made an immediate impact in North London after his controversial transfer.

He’s already managed to register four assists in the Premier League to date, with such a tally putting him joint-top in the division alongside the likes of Jack Grealish and Yankuba Minteh.

The numbers produced by Kudus are similar to Son’s, leading to similarities being drawn due to their ability to create endless opportunities for their teammates in North London.

Their playstyles are also extremely similar, with both talents loving to take on their opponents, before cutting off their respective flanks and getting shots off on goal.

Games played

11

Goals & assists

5

Pass accuracy

87%

Successful crosses

1.8

Successful dribbles

3.3

Dribble success

48%

Chances created

1.5

Duels won

7.1

The other half of Frank’s duo at the top end of the pitch is made up by loanee Randal Kolo Muani, who joined the Lilywhites on a season-long loan from PSG.

The striker has often had to bide his time to regular minutes since his switch, as Richarlison has often been ahead of him in the pecking order, or he’s been sidelined with fitness issues.

However, his showing against his parent side on Wednesday night highlighted his impressive ability within the final third when given an opportunity to thrive.

The 26-year-old netted twice and registered an assist in the 5-3 defeat in the Champions League, but his clinical finishes certainly did show glimpses of what Kane produced in North London.

The pair, who earn a combined £300k-per-week at Spurs, will need time to gel and form a deadly partnership, but the early signs appear positive for the individuals.

If they can click together in the near future, there’s no reason why they can’t star together in the remainder of 2025/26 and potentially lead Frank to a successful first season at the helm.

Romero upgrade: Spurs "ready to make" £35m bid for "world-class" defender

Tottenham Hotspur look set to make a huge January move for a new centre-back.

1 ByEthan Lamb Nov 28, 2025

The average MLB salary in 2024 was a record $4.66 million. In 2000, the average MLB player made $1.89 million. That’s nearly a 150% increase over the past 25 years. 

With that in mind, it should come as no surprise that most of the highest-paid MLB players in history are either currently active or recently retired. 

The money involved in the game is simply on another level right now. 

And these players make a $4.66 million salary look like chump change. Let’s break down the highest-paid MLB players of all time. 

How MLB Salaries Are Structured

When a player is selected in the MLB draft and signs a contract, they receive a signing bonus in the form of a lump sum payment. Throughout the course of the draft, MLB assigns a value to each draft slot. At the end of the draft, a team can divide that total up amongst their draftees however it sees fit. Usually, the higher the pick, the bigger the bonus, but that isn’t always the case. In some situations, a team might try to persuade a player to sign with a bigger bonus. 

Players who were not born in the U.S. (and not playing collegiate baseball in the U.S.) enter through MLB’s international free agency system. Each team gets a fixed amount of money to spend on international free agents and the teams are free to use this money in any form or fashion. 

After that, players hit the minor leagues. The salaries vary depending on the level, with High-A being $27,300 and Triple-A being $35,800. Once a player is called up, their salary is bumped to the MLB minimum, which was $740,000 in 2024. 

After three years of league-minimum contracts, a player is eligible for arbitration for the next three seasons. This is where the team and the player plead their case to a neutral arbitrator in order to determine the dollar value of the next season’s contract. 

After three years of arbitration, a player is eligible to become a free agent and negotiate on the open market.

Highest Single-Season Salaries in MLB History

Player	Team (Year)	Salary
Juan Soto	New York Mets (2025)	$51,875,000
Max Scherzer	Texas Rangers (2024)	$43,333,334
Max Scherzer	Texas Rangers (2023)	$43,333,333
Max Scherzer	New York Mets (2022)	$43,333,333
Justin Verlander	Houston Astros (2024)	$43,333,333
Justin Verlander	Houston Astros (2023)	$43,333,333
Zack Wheeler	Philadelphia Phillies (2025)	$42,000,000
Aaron Judge	New York Yankees (2025)	$40,000,000
Aaron Judge	New York Yankees (2024)	$40,000,000
Aaron Judge	New York Yankees (2023)	$40,000,000
Jacob deGrom	Texas Rangers (2025)	$40,000,000
Jacob deGrom	Texas Rangers (2024)	$40,000,000

Career Earnings Leaders in MLB History

Player	Career Earnings
Justin Verlander	$419,181,666
Miguel Cabrera	$400,410,623
Alex Rodriguez	$399,410,623
Max Scherzer	$366,550,658
Albert Pujols	$346,540,436
Zack Greinke	$338,503,000
Stephen Strasburg	$320,450,000
Mike Trout	$319,251,166
Clayton Kershaw	$307,201,142
David Price	$271,031,842
Giancarlo Stanton	$268,933,000
Nolan Arenado	$268,512,500
Derek Jeter	$265,159,364
CC Sabathia	$260,357,142
Anthony Rendon	$253,828,571

The Evolution of MLB Salaries

To put it simply, MLB salaries are exploding. There are 12 MLB teams with a 2025 projected payroll of at least $200 million. In 2015, there were just two teams with a $200+ million payroll. 

The MLBPA is a particularly strong union and the lack of a traditional salary cap means teams don’t really have a limit, or at least not one imposed by the league. 

As a result, it’s hard to imagine MLB salaries doing anything but increasing in the future. 

Quirky MLB Contract Fun Facts

• The longest MLB contract in history was signed just a few months ago, when the New York Mets inked Juan Soto to a 15-year deal. 
• Jayson Werth worked his preferred uniform number into his contract with the Washington Nationals in 2010. Werth had it in writing that he would be wearing No. 28 (which was already assigned to Mike Morse at the time) and the Nationals made it happen. 
• Former Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Takashi Saito had a $25,000 clause in his 2011 contract, which would be triggered if he started the All-Star Game. Saito never started a single game in the majors. 
• Adam Dunn’s contract with the Chicago White Sox (2011–14) had a $25,000 Gold Glove clause. Dunn was the team’s DH. 
• Heinz was going to give Joe DiMaggio a $10,000 check if his legendary hitting streak hit 57 games to match the company’s "57 varieties," but DiMaggio fell one game short. 
• Former Houston Astros starting pitcher Roy Oswalt was gifted a bulldozer after winning Game 6 of the 2005 NLCS. But because any gifts had to be disclosed, it was worked into his contract and jokingly referred to as the "bulldozer clause."

Leicestershire opener hits 75-ball ton against former club before Trevaskis five-for clinches win

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay13-Aug-2025

Sol Budinger cuts one away through cover-point•Warren Little/Getty Images

Leicestershire built on a superb century from opener Sol Budinger to thrash neighbours Nottinghamshire by 124 runs in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup at Kibworth.Budinger, who started his career at Trent Bridge, made 102 from 80 balls as Leicestershire made 333 for 8 from their 50 overs. It was his second hundred in three visits to Kibworth, and this one included three sixes and 13 fours. He shared a third-wicket stand of 106 in 15 overs with Shan Masood (50), his assault on the Outlaws bowling ended only by a brilliant boundary catch by Joe Pockington.Peter Handscomb and Liam Trevaskis each scored 45 with 99 runs coming off the final 10 overs, the late-starter Pocklington (2 for 45) again impressing with his left-arm spin in his fourth match for the Outlaws at the age of 24.Jack Haynes hit 56 from 62 balls in the Notts reply but no other top-six batter made more than 23. Left-arm spinner Trevaskis took a career-best 5 for 52 as the Foxes made it two wins from three to keep themselves among the Group A front-runners.The Outlaws, meanwhile, suffered the indignity of two heavy defeats against East Midlands neighbours in the space of four days, having succumbed by 127 runs to Derbyshire on Sunday.Opting to make first use of what looked a good batting track, the Foxes lost Rishi Patel second ball, leg before to Brett Hutton after taking a boundary of the first delivery.But Budinger looked in great touch from the outset, receiving support from Ian Holland (32) as the first 10 overs yielded 58 for 1 before Holland was stumped off Liam Patterson-White. The Outlaws’ senior left-arm spinner was in for James Hayes after his release from Birmingham Phoenix.Liam Trevaskis took 5 for 52•Getty Images

Budinger pulled and drove Patterson-White for two of his sixes, adding a third with a superbly-timed pick-up off Lyndon James, the third taking him the left-hander to 95, a 75-ball century needing just two more deliveries.Having matched his score against Essex here two years ago, Budinger looked good for a few more but did not quite get hold of an attempt to clear the straight boundary off Rob Lord and Pocklington, sprinting round from wide mid-on, threw himself into a fine catch in front of the sightscreen.Leicestershire were quieter over the next 10 overs. Masood was caught at long-on and Ben Cox at deep square, but Handscomb, after a circumspect start, joined Trevaskis in injecting some momentum, each hitting maximums off Patterson-White before holing out. Ben Mike’s 13-ball 25, with cleanly-struck sixes off Hutton and Lord, took the total past 320.Nottinghamshire’s reply suffered an early setback when Ben Slater was given out caught behind in answer to bowler Chris Wright’s appeal, even though wicketkeeper Cox seemed disinclined to join in. The visitors were virtually level with the Foxes at 57 for 1 from 10 after Haynes and Haseeb Hameed had shared eight boundaries but the entry of Scriven into the attack snared Hameed with a superb first ball that had the Notts skipper caught behind.Haynes hit nine boundaries in reaching 50 from 51 balls but by the halfway point the Outlaws were not only slipping behind the required rate, they had lost four more wickets at 128 for 6.Freddie McCann fell to an impressive diving catch by Handscomb at midwicket to give Scriven a second wicket, Haynes was leg-before trying to sweep Trevaskis, who also had Tom Moores trapped in front playing across the line before Sam Seecharan was caught at square leg.James and Patterson-White added 46 but both were out in the same over by Trevaskis, leaving the Outlaws 174 for eight in the 32nd. The 18-year-old quick Alex Green picked up his 11th wicket of the competition when Pocklington skied to midwicket, before Trevaskis bowled Hutton to finish the job.

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Manchester United are now targeting a record-breaking goalkeeper who’s “good with his feet”, and there are signs he could rival Senne Lammens for a starting spot.

Man Utd looking to sign new goalkeeper to rival Lammens

After arriving from Club Brugge at the end of the summer transfer window, Lammens’ introduction to the Man United starting XI has been gradual, with the Belgian making his first start in the 2-0 victory over Sunderland prior to the international break.

Having kept a clean sheet in his opening game, the 23-year-old is off to a solid start, making two saves from inside the box to keep Sunderland at bay, which resulted in a 7.8 SofaScore match rating, the highest of any player.

The Stretford End were clearly left impressed by their new goalkeeper’s performance, chating ‘Are you Schmeichel in disguise’, but it is still very early days, with a difficult trip to Anfield to come on Sunday.

Having struggled to find a suitable no.1 since the departure of David de Gea, Ruben Amorim will be hoping Lammens is the long-term solution between the sticks, but The Red Devils have now joined the race for another goalkeeper.

That is according to a report from The Boot Room, which reveals SC Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu has emerged as a genuine target for Man United, having watched him in action multiple times already this season.

Graeme Bailey adds that United want to bring in a new goalkeeper regardless of how Lammens performs, with the journalist also hinting that a deal for Atubolu could be possible.

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Bailey said: “United are doing their due diligence on goalkeepers, even if [Senne] Lammens comes in and does well, they still want and need another, as [Andre] Onana and [Altay] Bayindir won’t be hanging around in the long-term.

“They are well-versed on options, but I am told that Atubolu is one who has impressed United’s scouts this season. He is emerging as one of the very best in the Bundesliga, and Freiburg are expecting to sell in 2026.”

Record-breaking Atubolo could be instant Lammens upgrade

Lammens is off to a fantastic start at Old Trafford, but there are signs the Freiburg shot-stopper could be an instant upgrade, having already proven himself at a higher level than the former Club Brugge man.

In the 2024-25 season, the 23-year-old broke a Freiburg club record by going 576 minutes without conceding a goal, and he has since gone on to break a Bundesliga record by saving five penalties on the spin.

Not only has the German goalkeeper established himself as a top Bundesliga goalkeeper, but he is also better with his feet than Lammens, placing in the top 1% for touches per 90 over the past year.

Statistic

Noah Atubolu

Senne Lammens

Save % (penalty kicks)

100%

75%

Clean sheet %

34.5%

12.5%

Touches per game

47.99

42.58

Freiburg manager Julian Schuster has praised Atubolu in the past too, saying: “He has good reflexes. He makes good saves and is also good with his feet. We’re very happy to have him.”

It is always difficult to keep two goalkeepers happy, so it would be a risk to sign the Freiburg star, but there are clear signs he could challenge Lammens for a starting spot.