French forward Ousmane Dembélé has been named the 2025 FIFA Best Men’s Player, capping a remarkable season with Paris Saint-Germain. Dembélé’s leadership in PSG’s attack guided the club to its first-ever UEFA Champions League title, a domestic treble, and a FIFA Club World Cup final appearance. His consistent performances placed him ahead of finalists Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal.

Accepting the award, the 28-year-old expressed gratitude to his teammates, family, and PSG staff, calling the honor a reward for collective hard work. Dembélé also thanked club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and sporting director Luis Campos, pledging to return to the FIFA stage next year. The recognition follows his earlier Ballon d’Or win, marking a double triumph in 2025.

In the women’s category, Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí claimed her third consecutive FIFA Best Women’s Player award, while England coach Sarina Wiegman and PSG’s Luis Enrique were named the best women’s and men’s coaches respectively.

Newly appointed Youth and Sports Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul has unveiled a two-month action plan aimed at strengthening Bangladesh’s sports infrastructure and inclusivity. Speaking at the National Sports Council, he announced his intention to launch a 16-team district-level Super League and directed the Bangladesh Football Federation to submit a proposal promptly.

Nazrul emphasized the need to eliminate elitism in sports management, noting that some federations have historically received disproportionate attention while others were neglected despite their popularity. He pledged to expand opportunities across all disciplines and to enhance the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP) facilities to elite standards. Additionally, he highlighted plans to improve infrastructure for athletes from ethnic minority communities.

The adviser’s short-term roadmap signals a push toward decentralization and inclusivity in national sports policy. Stakeholders expect the proposed Super League to boost local engagement and talent development, potentially reshaping the country’s grassroots sports ecosystem.

Bangladesh Under-19 cricket team secured a 39-run victory over Sri Lanka in their final group-stage match of the 2025 U-19 Asia Cup, held at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai. With this win, Bangladesh finished unbeaten in Group B, collecting six points from three matches and advancing to the semifinals as group champions. Sri Lanka also qualified for the semifinals despite the loss.

Batting first, Bangladesh posted 225 runs in 46.3 overs, with Jawad Abrar scoring 49 and Rifat Beg adding 36. Sri Lanka’s Kavija Gamage took four wickets. In reply, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 186 in 49.1 overs, as pacers Iqbal Hossain and Shahriar Ahmed each claimed three wickets. Iqbal was named Player of the Match for his performance.

Bangladesh will face Pakistan, the Group A runners-up, in the first semifinal on December 19, while India will meet Sri Lanka in the second semifinal. The results set the stage for two high-stakes encounters in Dubai.

FIFA has announced a major revision to its 2026 World Cup ticket pricing following widespread criticism from fans and national football associations. The governing body will now offer a limited number of tickets for each match, including the final, priced at $60 under a new 'Supporter Entry Tier' category. The decision comes after public outrage over previously announced prices that reached as high as $8,680 for the final.

According to the Associated Press, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the organization reversed their earlier stance amid mounting pressure. Participating nations will receive between 400 and 750 of these lower-priced tickets to distribute among their supporters. Earlier, ticket prices for group-stage matches ranged from $180 to $700, sparking global criticism over affordability.

The revised pricing aims to ease tensions with fans and improve accessibility ahead of the North American-hosted tournament. Analysts suggest the move could help restore FIFA’s public image and ensure greater stadium attendance when the World Cup kicks off in 2026.

FIFA has announced a new low-cost ticket category for the 2026 World Cup, following criticism over high ticket prices. The “Supporter Entry Tier” tickets, priced at $60, will be available for all 104 matches, including the final. These tickets are reserved for fans of qualified national teams who plan to follow their teams throughout the tournament, and will account for 10% of each federation’s ticket allocation.

The move comes after fan groups, including Football Supporters Europe, condemned the steep pricing compared to the 2022 Qatar World Cup, noting that following a team from the group stage to the final could cost at least $6,900. FIFA said the new plan aims to ensure “loyal supporters” receive special consideration. Additionally, fans whose teams are eliminated early will have administrative fees waived during the refund process.

With over 20 million ticket requests already submitted, demand for the 2026 World Cup remains exceptionally high. The first ticket draw is scheduled for January 13, 2026, across host nations the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Argentine football legend Lionel Messi concluded his visit to India with a memorable appearance at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, where he was warmly received by thousands of fans. During the event, ICC Chairman Jay Shah presented Messi with a special invitation ticket to India’s opening match of the 2025 T20 World Cup, scheduled for February 7 at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. The upcoming tournament will follow a hybrid hosting model shared between India and Sri Lanka.

Messi also received an Indian cricket jersey and an autographed bat, while his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul were gifted numbered jerseys. The gesture symbolized a rare moment of camaraderie between football and cricket communities. Former Indian women’s goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan also presented personalized shirts to the trio.

Expressing gratitude, Messi said he was deeply touched by the affection shown by Indian fans and promised to return in the future. His visit is seen as a boost to India’s growing sports diplomacy and cross-sport cultural engagement.

Bangladesh’s Under-19 cricket team will take on Sri Lanka in a crucial Youth Asia Cup group-stage match, scheduled for live broadcast at 11 a.m. on T Sports and Sony Sports. The fixture is part of a packed day of international cricket, which also includes Afghanistan versus Nepal in the same tournament.

The Youth Asia Cup serves as a key platform for emerging Asian cricketers, offering exposure ahead of the ICC Under-19 World Cup. Bangladesh, known for its strong youth development program, will look to build momentum following mixed results in recent regional competitions. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, aims to reassert its dominance in the age-group format.

Cricket fans will also have a busy viewing schedule with the Ashes Test between Australia and England, India’s T20 series against South Africa, and Big Bash League matches airing throughout the day. The Bangladesh-Sri Lanka encounter is expected to draw strong domestic interest as both teams vie for semifinal qualification.

French forward Ousmane Dembélé has been named the FIFA Best Men’s Player for 2025, adding to his Ballon d’Or triumph earlier this year. Dembélé outperformed Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal to claim the award after leading Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to their first-ever UEFA Champions League title. His contributions also secured PSG a domestic treble and a place in their first FIFA Club World Cup final.

In the women’s category, Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí was crowned Best Women’s Player for the third consecutive year, while England coach Sarina Wiegman retained her title as Best Women’s Coach. PSG’s Luis Enrique was named Best Men’s Coach following his team’s European success. The FIFA Fair Play Award went to Dr. Andreas Harlass-Neuking for saving a spectator’s life during a Bundesliga 2 match, and Santiago Montiel won the Puskás Award for his spectacular overhead goal.

Goalkeepers Gianluigi Donnarumma and Hannah Hampton received the Best Goalkeeper honors, rounding off a ceremony that celebrated excellence and sportsmanship across global football.

Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman has been signed by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a record ₹9.2 crore during the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction held in Abu Dhabi. The left-arm seamer became the most expensive Bangladeshi player in IPL history, surpassing former captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza’s previous record of ₹5.45 crore. The bidding war for Mustafizur saw intense competition between Chennai Super Kings, Dubai Capitals, and KKR before the Kolkata franchise sealed the deal.

The 30-year-old bowler, who debuted in the IPL in 2016, has represented five franchises before joining KKR — Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, and Chennai Super Kings. Over 60 IPL matches, he has taken 65 wickets at an average of 28.44 and an economy rate of 8.13. The auction also saw Australian all-rounder Cameron Green sold to KKR for a record ₹25 crore, though under new IPL rules, foreign players can earn a maximum of ₹18 crore, with the excess going to the BCCI’s player welfare fund.

Mustafizur’s signing highlights KKR’s focus on strengthening its bowling lineup ahead of the 2025 season, with expectations high for his impact in the upcoming campaign.

West Bengal Sports Minister Arup Biswas has offered to resign following widespread criticism over the disarray during Lionel Messi’s visit to Kolkata. The incident occurred at the Salt Lake Stadium on December 13, where fans expressed anger after Messi spent less than ten minutes on the field. Biswas submitted a letter to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, requesting to step down to ensure a fair investigation into the event’s mismanagement.

The controversy stems from allegations that Biswas and his family occupied privileged positions near Messi during the event, while thousands of spectators were left disappointed. Trinamool Congress state secretary Kunal Ghosh confirmed that Banerjee accepted Biswas’s resignation request. The state government has already formed an inquiry committee to examine the lapses in organization and security arrangements.

The resignation marks a significant political fallout from what was supposed to be a celebratory sporting occasion. The inquiry’s findings could influence future event management protocols in West Bengal, as public frustration over the incident remains high.

Australia and England are set to face off in the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, a match that could decide the five-Test series. With Australia leading 2–0 after dominant wins in Perth and Brisbane, the hosts need only one more victory to seal the series with two games to spare. England, led by Ben Stokes, must win to keep their hopes alive and prevent another early series defeat.

Australia’s pace attack, spearheaded by Mitchell Starck, has been the defining factor so far. Starck took 10 wickets in Perth and seven in Brisbane, dismantling England’s batting order. England have made one change for the Adelaide Test, bringing back fast bowler Josh Tongue in place of Gus Atkinson. Tongue, who impressed in the 2023 Ashes at Lord’s, is expected to add variety and aggression to the attack. Spinner Will Jacks retains his place as the sole spin option.

The match is seen as a do-or-die contest for England, whose batting inconsistencies have drawn criticism. A win could revive their campaign, while another loss would hand Australia an unassailable lead and early series triumph.

Arsenal secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in the English Premier League on Saturday night, thanks to a late own goal in stoppage time. The Gunners initially took the lead through a deflected Bukayo Saka corner that rebounded off goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, before Wolves equalized in the final minute through Nigerian striker Tolu. However, a last-gasp header from Wolves defender Mosquera turned Saka’s cross into his own net, sealing Arsenal’s win.

Elsewhere, Mohamed Salah made his long-awaited return for Liverpool, coming on as a substitute in the 26th minute. Though he did not score, Salah assisted Hugo Ekitike, who netted twice in a 2-0 victory over Brighton at Anfield. The Egyptian forward’s contribution brought his total goal involvements for Liverpool to 277, surpassing Wayne Rooney’s record for most goal involvements with a single Premier League club. Chelsea also returned to winning form after four matches, defeating Everton 2-0 at Stamford Bridge. In France, PSG reclaimed the Ligue 1 top spot with a 3-2 win over Metz.

The Bangladesh First Division Cricket League began in Mirpur with a grand opening ceremony featuring Bangladesh Police Cricket Club and Old DOHS. However, the festive start was overshadowed by boycotts, as three of the five scheduled matches failed to take place. Several clubs, protesting alleged irregularities in league elections, refused to take the field, resulting in automatic walkovers for their opponents under league bylaws.

According to the Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis (CCDM), four clubs—Partex Sporting Club, Gazi Tyres Cricket Academy, Amber Sporting Club, and Kalabagan Krira Chakra—were relegated to the Second Division for boycotting their opening matches. While Baridhara Dazzlers and Dhaka United received full points from walkovers, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has yet to officially confirm the relegations. The CCDM will now revise the fixture list for the second round without the demoted teams.

The boycott movement, involving up to 44 clubs, may continue into upcoming rounds, potentially causing further disruptions and forcing the BCB to manage a shortened league season.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee publicly apologized to Argentine football legend Lionel Messi after severe disorder erupted during his event at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. Thousands of fans who gathered to see Messi were left disappointed as the situation spiraled out of control, prompting the Chief Minister to express her deep regret over the mismanagement.

In a message on X, Banerjee said she was deeply disturbed by the chaos and extended an apology to Messi, sports enthusiasts, and fans. She announced the formation of an inquiry committee led by retired Justice Asim Kumar Roy, along with senior state officials, to investigate the incident and recommend preventive measures for the future. Videos circulating online showed angry spectators breaking barricades and throwing objects onto the field.

Many attendees complained about poor arrangements and limited visibility despite paying high ticket prices. The incident has drawn criticism of event organizers and local authorities, raising questions about crowd management and VIP privileges at major public events in India.

A promotional event featuring Lionel Messi at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium turned violent on Sunday as crowd control failed amid massive attendance. Over 100,000 spectators gathered to see the Argentine football star, but poor organization and political interference near the stage led to frustration among fans. As visibility of Messi was blocked by local leaders, sections of the audience began throwing bottles and tearing banners, triggering widespread disorder.

Witnesses reported that parts of the crowd broke through fencing, with around 2,500 people storming the field. Some attempted to set fire to tents near the pitch and damaged goal nets and tunnel structures. Police resorted to defensive measures, using broken chairs as shields, while Rapid Action Force units were deployed to regain control. Clashes between police and spectators continued intermittently, leaving the stadium area under mob control for hours.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the security lapses, while event organizers face criticism for inadequate planning. The incident raises concerns over safety protocols for high-profile international events in India.