Soccer

Soccer star Zlatan Ibrahimović says he went through hell the past six months while playing with "no ACL" in his left knee ... revealing Thursday he had "20 injections" in the leg and "never suffered so much."

The AC Milan superstar added the knee that he injured roughly one year ago required weekly drainage ... and he had to take painkillers daily in order to compete on the field with his squad this past season.

"I was only able to train with the team 10 times in the last six months," Zlatan said in a social media post Thursday morning.

"Barely slept for six months because of the pain. Never suffered so much on and off the pitch."

Zlatan, though, had the ligament repaired on Wednesday -- and despite his team saying he'd be out for roughly the next eight months -- he seemed to be in good spirits while reflecting on everything he did in 2022 to help his squad win the Serie A title.

"I made something impossible to something possible," said Zlatan, who was somehow able to score eight goals in 27 appearances this season despite the injury.

"In my mind I had only one objective, to make my teammates and coach champions of Italy because I made them a promise."

"Today I have a new ACL and another trophy."

Soccer star Kurt Zouma has pleaded guilty to charges he attacked at least one of his cats in an abhorrent act back in February -- admitting in court on Tuesday that he did kick and slap at least one of the pets.

Zouma was seen on video back on Feb. 6 punting one of his two felines across his house's floor, and then slapping one of them as well. Earlier this week, he was formally charged over the incident.

The 27-year-old, who's a member of France's national team, appeared at Thames Magistrates' Court in London ... and pleaded guilty to two charges -- one accusing him of kicking a cat in the abdomen, and one accusing him of slapping a cat in the head.

Kurt's younger brother, Yoan, also pleaded guilty to a charge that he aided and abetted Kurt during the incident after officials say he was the one who filmed it all and posted it to social media.

The two are due back in court on June 1 for sentencing -- it's unclear if either is facing significant jail time.

Kurt had previously apologized for his actions in the days after the video went viral, saying, "There are no excuses for my behaviour, which I sincerely regret." He was later fined by his West Ham team, and lost sponsorships as well.

At the hearing Tuesday, Kurt agreed to give up the cats -- which have been in the possession of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals since February. They're now in the process of finding a new home.

Crazy scene following a Premier League game on Thursday ... ex-soccer star Patrick Vieira -- who now manages Crystal Palace -- kicked a fan in a wild altercation on the field.

It all went down after C.P. lost in heartbreaking fashion to Everton ... when a bunch of Toffees supporters stormed the pitch to celebrate their team's big win.

At one point in the chaos, one of the fans appeared to taunt Vieira -- and an altercation quickly ensued.

You can see in video, Vieira grabbed the man, took a swipe at the fan's face, and then kicked him so hard in the leg -- he fell to the turf.

Another fan then appeared to shove Vieira -- but, thankfully, others intervened ... and the fracas died down before it could escalate any further.

Vieira -- who starred for Arsenal from the late 1990s to 2005 and took over the Crystal Palace managerial role in 2021 -- was asked about the incident by reporters just minutes after it happened ... but he said, "I've got nothing to say on that."

Former Kansas Jayhawks soccer player Regan Gibbs died on Monday ... and her husband has since been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with her death.

The Lawrence Police Department in Kansas says officers were called to Gibbs' apartment at 7:26 PM on Monday ... when they say they found 26-year-old Chad Marek and a "mortally wounded" Gibbs.

Cops say Gibbs -- a former Jayhawks women's soccer goalkeeper -- was declared dead on the scene, and added Marek was arrested a short time later on suspicion of murder.

Police say "domestic violence is being investigated as a contributing factor" in Gibbs' death.

Marek and Gibbs had just gotten married last fall. Gibbs was just 25 years old when she died.

KU women's soccer head coach Mark Francis mourned the tragedy in a statement released by the school on Tuesday, saying, "Our soccer program is heartbroken to hear about the tragic loss of Regan."

"She was a tremendous teammate and young woman, and touched so many during her time at Kansas."

Gibbs played for KU from 2015 to 2018 and had the lowest goals-against average by a first-year goalie in Jayhawks history. The Washington native was also a part of two teams who made NCAA tournament runs.

"We are devastated to hear about the loss of former KU student-athlete Regan Gibbs," Jayhawks AD Travis Goff said.

"Our KU family sends our love, support and prayers to Regan’s family, friends and former teammates as we all mourn her loss."

A GoFundMe has been launched in Gibbs' honor -- with family and friends writing in the fundraiser, "Regan had a precious soul and she was loved by everyone who knew her."

"She is leaving behind her mom and four younger sisters who are heartbroken by this tragic loss."

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison is just days away from his possible re-election and might've just earned some serious points with the anti-kid crowd ... tackling one unlucky boy to the ground.

The leader of the liberal party -- who was elected to office in 2018 -- was campaigning in Tasmania Wednesday and took some time for a photo-op with a group of kids playing soccer.

Turns out, dress shoes aren't the best choice for a grassy field, as Morrison finds out the hard way. After prepping himself for a pass, the PM sort of trips over himself, diving straight into an unsuspecting kid and taking him to the ground.

Lucky for all involved in the crash, the kid seemed to be OK ... and Morrison came off as just slightly embarrassed.

Megan Rapinoe and the U.S. Women's National Team got what they've been wanting for so long -- U.S. Soccer just announced both the men's and women's national teams will receive equal pay.

The org. just announced the groundbreaking deal on Wednesday ... saying World Cup earnings for both teams will be split equally between players on both teams.

"This is a truly historic moment," U.S. Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone said of the deal. "In becoming the first federation in the world to solve the massive and vexing challenge of equalizing FIFA World Cup prize money, U.S. Soccer and our players have changed the game forever here at home, with the hopes of inspiring change around the world."

On top of the WC money, the teams will also receive the same appearance fees and game bonuses ... and share commercial revenue.

As we previously reported, the USWNT has been fighting for this since winning the World Cup in 2019 ... chanting for equal pay as they celebrated the win.

All 28 players on the USWNT filed a lawsuit against the USSF shortly after ... accusing it of engaging in "institutionalized gender discrimination" against the team.

Rapinoe also gave a passionate speech about equal pay at the White House in 2021.

The lawsuit resulted in a $24 million settlement ... which was contingent on the new deal.

Lionel Messi -- arguably the greatest soccer player of all time -- is reportedly taking his talents to the United States after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain is up in 2023 ... as he's slated to join David Beckham's club, Inter Miami.

The 34-year-old 7-time Ballon d'Or award winner is expected to take a 35% stake with the MLS franchise, according to Front Office Sports.

Messi, who's currently playing for PSG, will sign with Inter Miami once his contract expires with one of France's top clubs.

On Monday, Beckham posted pics with several members of PSG's club -- Messi being amongst the group -- where he appeared chummy with the Argentinian player.

As we previously reported, Messi parted ways with Barcelona after the club said financial obstacles prevented them from offering him a suitable deal.

Cristiano Ronaldo ain't the only one in the family with shredded abs -- 'cause his 11-year-old son showed he can flex, too ... just like his pops!

The Manchester United soccer star -- and father of six -- showed off his athletic bod on Monday when he posted a shirtless photo on social media with his son, Cristiano Jr.

Now, not exactly breaking news that Ronaldo has a ridiculous body ... but who knew Jr. was a little ripper mini me of his international soccer star dad.

"Recovery time with my boy," the 37-year-old forward wrote in the caption.

Everyone loved the 'like father, like son' moment ... in fact, almost 6 million fans liked the post, with Al-Sailiya's midfielder Driss Fettouhi writing, "the present and the future."

Of course, that's because Jr. is also a soccer stud. In fact, CR Jr. busted out his father's signature 'Siu' celebration after scoring for Man Utd under-12 team in April.

Kendrick Lamar is celebrating his first album release in over 5 years by playing street soccer with the locals over in Ghana.

Kendrick's been hanging out in the West African nation since dropping his latest hit album, "Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers," last week ... and new video shows him playing a little soccer in a street setting.

The game's being played on what appears to be a concrete surface inside an abandoned structure, complete with murals on the walls, including one of another famous rap artist, Tupac Shakur.

Kendrick, in a yellow shirt and red shorts, obviously drew a crowd ... and there's a few cameras capturing his every move.

After the game, Kendrick posed for pictures with his teammates and competitors ... who are known around those parts as the Jamestown Boys.

K. Dot is venturing out in public more recently due to his new music ... we saw him at Dodger Stadium last month after announcing his album ... and a street soccer game in Ghana is not a typical album release party.

Ex-Lyon defender Marcelo is getting an offer that could salvage his career -- TMZ Sports has learned Dude Wipes wants to hook up the soccer star with a ton of products to make his situation stink a whole lot less!!

Of course, Marcelo made headlines earlier this week ... after reports explained he was demoted from the French club's first team for "constant farting" and laughing in the locker room.

The dudes at Dude Wipes tell us they heard about the 31-year-old's problem ... and immediately set aside a whole year's worth of wipes and spray that will hopefully save his teammates' nostrils -- and his own job.

In fact, we've obtained a pic of a letter from DW to the current Bordeaux center back ... which reads, "Dear Marcelo, we hope this helps."

Marcelo's contract with Lyon was eventually terminated in January ... but he can rest easy knowing DW has his ass covered in the future -- if he wants it.

After almost three decades together, EA Sports announced Tuesday its iconic partnership with FIFA is now over ... and its soccer video games will move forward as "EA Sports FC."

FIFA 23, which will be released sometime in the fall, is expected to be the last game featuring the two giants together before EA moves on with its new line of games.

EA Sports officials promised the end of the partnership won't impact the '23 version of the game ... and added they expect the game to remain the same -- and, in fact, significantly improve -- in the following years despite the new name.

"Next year, EA SPORTS FC will become the future of football from EA SPORTS," officials said in a statement Tuesday. "Alongside our 300+ license partners across the sport, we're ready to take global football experiences to new heights, on behalf of all football fans around the world."

According to the NY Times, EA and FIFA split after the soccer org. was looking to double the amount of revenue it received in the deal. It had been getting, per the outlet, about $150 million annually.

The Times also reported that the money, albeit important, wasn't the only reason a new deal wasn't reached, but rather, the two sides had different expectations about what should be included in the agreement.

Brazilian soccer star Marcelo lost his first team spot with French club Lyon for raising a stink -- literally -- with reports claiming the defender's "continuous farting and laughing" in the locker room led to his demotion last year.

The 34-year-old -- who now plays for Bordeaux -- was reportedly initially bumped down to Lyon's reserve squad back in August for laughing during teammate Leo Dubois' speech to boost morale after a bad loss to Angers ... which the club called "inappropriate behavior."

As it turns out, there was a lot more gas behind the decision ... with ESPN claiming Marcelo was punished for incessantly pooting in the dressing room and laughing while around team manager Peter Bosz and director Juninho.

Marcelo went on to make 11 appearances for Lyon II ... scoring 3 goals.

Lyon and Marcelo eventually farted parted ways in January, when the club terminated his contract. Two days later, he joined Bordeaux.

There was a massive party in South Beach Friday night ... and just about every celeb in the 305 was there.

The bash was thrown by Major Food Group and American Express in partnership with The h.wood Group and Sports Illustrated during Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend. The party, called Carbone Beach -- after awesome chef Mario Carbone -- drew tons of stars, including, David Beckham, Derek Jeter, Dwyane Wade, Gabrielle Union, LeBron James, James Corden, Patrick Mahomes, Rich Paul, Wyclef Jean, Jorge Perez and Wayne Boich.

But, wait ... there's more ... Chantel Jeffries, Larsa Pippen, Serena and Venus Williams, Fabolous and Food God.

Wyclef Jean performed "Hips Don't Lie" -- the song he's featured with on Shakira. She was MIA from the party.

Now get this ... the sit-down dinner was $3k a person, and that got you shellfish, oysters, caviar, pastas, truffles, tomahawk steaks, veal parm and LOTS of Lobos 1707 tequila.

The 300 partygoers called it a night at around 3 AM.

Absolute wild scene in Germany -- fans of Eintracht Frankfurt stormed the pitch after their beloved soccer club reached its first Europa League Final since 1980 on Thursday ... and it was all caught on video!!

The chaos went down following Frankfurt's 1-0 victory over West Ham at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Germany ... when fans immediately rushed the field to celebrate the huge accomplishment.

In the short clip, you can see droves of fans sprint from their seats in the stands and scatter all over the field ... as the remaining supporters in their seats cheered and screamed in excitement.

The image of spectators rushing the field after a big win is not uncommon in soccer ... in fact, storming the pitch, also known as a "pitch invasion," happens more than you think.

Generally, fans will participate in the tradition when they want to celebrate or protest something ... obviously, in this case, Frankfurt fans were elated over their club's win.

Santi Mina, forward for professional soccer team Celta Vigo, was just sentenced to 4 years in prison after being found guilty of sexual abuse.

Mina was also charged with rape ... but was acquitted on that charge.

The sentence was handed down to the 26-year-old in a court in Almeria, Spain, on Wednesday. The Spanish footballer was also ordered to stay away from the victim for at least 12 years.

The state prosecutor lobbied for an 8-year prison sentence, according to ESPN, but ultimately, the Spanish court hit the player with just half.

David Goldar, a former player for Celta Vigo and current defender for UD Ibiza, was charged with failing to prevent the alleged sexual abuse from happening.

However, Goldar was found not guilty of being an accomplice to the crime.

As for the original allegation ... a woman, who allegedly went off with Goldar, accused Mina of sexually assaulting her in a camper van in 2017 in the southern province of Almeria.

LaLiga club Celta released a statement on the sentencing ... saying, "As a result of the ruling of the Provincial Court of Almeria ruling issued today, RC Celta has decided to open a disciplinary file on the player Santiago Mina to elucidate his work responsibilities in view of this resolution."

They continued ... "For this reason and as a precautionary measure, it has been decided to provisionally remove the player from first team training, without prejudice to his continuing to carry out the activities indicated by the club for this purpose."

"RC Celta respects the player's right to defense but is obliged to take measures against those events that notoriously undermine the image of the club and directly attack its values, once again showing its most absolute rejection of the offense defined in the judicial resolution."

Kevin Durant now has as many soccer teams as he does championship rings -- the NBA superstar just invested in Gotham FC!!

The new NWSL club announced KD and his business partner, Rich Kleiman, just made a "significant" investment in the franchise ... joining U.S. women's team legend Carli Lloyd in the ownership group.

Of course, KD's Thirty Five Ventures first dipped its toe into soccer back in 2020 ... when it bought a minority stake in the MLS' Philadelphia Union.

No word on how much KD and Kleiman shelled out for their piece of Gotham FC, but the team hints it was substantial.

KD shares his excitement on Wednesday ... tweeting out, "Let’s get it @GothamFC."

Kleiman commented on the business move ... saying, "As a New York-based company, the opportunity for us to partner with a forward-thinking team like Gotham FC was a no brainer,"

"There’s been so much growth in the NWSL in recent years, and the chance to be a part of that growth and work directly with the Gotham FC executive team and players is really exciting."

KD's company is slated to be hands-on -- helping out with player relations, community outreach, producing content and building a social media presence.