Topps will release a unique trading card featuring a famous photo of Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal, taken when Yamal was a baby. Messi and Yamal recently played against each other in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where Spain won 1-0 over Argentina.
Key Facts
The photo of 20-year-old Messi with 5-month-old Yamal was taken in 2007 for a charity calendar supporting UNICEF.
Messi and Yamal faced each other in the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain.
Spain won the match 1-0 in extra time to earn their first men’s World Cup title since 2010.
Topps announced it will create a one-of-a-kind trading card featuring the iconic photo of Messi and Yamal.
This was Messi’s sixth World Cup appearance, a record he shares with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi scored 8 goals and made 4 assists in the tournament.
Yamal, 19, made his World Cup debut and scored one goal, showing strong performances.
Spain’s defense was notable for allowing only one goal and never trailing during the tournament.
Spain’s captain Rodri won the Golden Ball award, goalkeeper Unai Simon won the Golden Glove, and defender Pau Cubarsi won the Young Player Award.
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Two top NFL cornerbacks, Devon Witherspoon of the Seattle Seahawks and Christian Gonzalez of the New England Patriots, are close to signing contracts worth about $30 million per year. Their contract talks are linked because they share the same agent and play the same position, setting a new salary standard for cornerbacks in the league.
Key Facts
Devon Witherspoon plays for the Seattle Seahawks.
Christian Gonzalez plays for the New England Patriots.
Both players competed in the recent Super Bowl.
They have the same sports agent representing them.
Witherspoon has an offer from the Seahawks potentially over $30 million per year.
Gonzalez’s new contract will likely depend on the deal Witherspoon signs.
Both players are known more for their defensive coverage than for making interceptions.
Modern NFL teams value consistent coverage by cornerbacks, even if they don’t have many interceptions.
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David Warner, a former Australian cricket player, pleaded guilty to drink driving after a breath test in Sydney in April. He drank three glasses of wine before driving and will be sentenced in August, facing a possible six-month driving ban, a fine, or prison time.
Key Facts
David Warner was charged with drink driving following a random breath test in Sydney.
He admitted to drinking three glasses of wine at a friend's apartment before driving.
Warner pleaded guilty and accepts his behavior was reckless and foolish.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 18, with penalties including a driving ban, a fine up to A$2,200, or up to nine months in prison.
Warner retired from international cricket in 2024.
He currently captains the Karachi Kings in Pakistan Super League and the Sydney Thunder.
Cricket NSW emphasized the seriousness of the charge and supports safe driving.
Warner's lawyer stated it was wrong to drive after drinking instead of using an alternative like an Uber.
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Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta has been fully cleared to return to training after recovering from a herniated disc injury. He missed part of the 2025 season but is ready to join the team as training camp begins.
Key Facts
Sam LaPorta is a tight end for the Detroit Lions.
He suffered a fully herniated disc last season and was placed on injured reserve in November.
LaPorta had surgery called a microdiscectomy to fix the injury.
He is now cleared to participate in training camp starting next week.
LaPorta was drafted in 2023 in the second round from the University of Iowa.
In his rookie year, he had 86 catches, 889 yards, and 10 touchdowns.
Last season, he played 9 games with 40 catches, 489 yards, and 3 touchdowns.
He will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2026 season.
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Vinicius Junior, a soccer player for Real Madrid and Brazil’s national team, recently had a chin procedure in Brazil after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The treatment was done privately by a well-known dermatologist while his girlfriend accompanied him.
Key Facts
Vinicius Junior played in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring four goals in five matches.
Brazil was eliminated by Norway in the Round of 16 on July 5, 2026.
On July 20, a Brazilian news outlet reported that Vinicius Jr. had a chin harmonization procedure.
The procedure was performed by Dr. Alessandro Alarcão, a dermatologist trusted by celebrities.
Dr. Alarcão flew from Miami to Goiânia, Brazil, especially to attend to Vinicius Jr. and his girlfriend.
The clinic was closed to other patients for privacy during their visit.
Vinicius Jr. has not publicly talked about the procedure but photos and videos show it happened.
Vinicius Jr. expressed pride in playing for Brazil despite the team’s early World Cup exit, and contract talks with Real Madrid are reportedly difficult.
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The Minnesota Lynx won a game against the Seattle Storm, improving their record to 21 wins and 6 losses. Rookie Olivia Miles scored 32 points with 8 rebounds and 8 assists, making her one of the best newcomers in WNBA history.
Key Facts
The Lynx beat the Seattle Storm on July 20, with a score that gave them a 21-6 season record.
Olivia Miles, a rookie point guard, scored 32 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and made 8 assists in the game.
This was Miles’ second time scoring 30 or more points in a game during the month.
Bill Simmons, a well-known sports commentator, praised Olivia Miles and thought she should have been picked first in the 2026 WNBA Draft.
Olivia Miles was chosen as the 2nd overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft by the Lynx.
So far in her rookie season, Miles averages 19.6 points, 6 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game.
Olivia Miles has been selected as a starter for the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game.
Veteran player Napheesa Collier, recovering from ankle surgeries, is set to return to play soon, strengthening the Lynx team.
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Justin Jefferson, wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings, spoke about the competition between quarterbacks Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy for the starting job in 2026. Jefferson said the battle will help the team and that both quarterbacks have important roles to play. The Vikings have not yet decided who will start the regular season.
Key Facts
Justin Jefferson had his lowest performance year with 84 catches, 1,048 yards, and 2 touchdowns in 2025.
J.J. McCarthy started 10 games in 2025, throwing 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions with a 57.6% completion rate.
The Vikings signed Kyler Murray in March 2026 to compete with McCarthy for quarterback.
Jefferson said the competition will push McCarthy to improve and expects Murray to be a strong leader.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell says the quarterback job is still open going into training camp.
Training camp starts July 28, 2026, with preseason games beginning August 15.
Murray is currently favored to win the starting role, but no official decision has been made.
The chosen quarterback will aim to return the Vikings to their strong 14-3 record from 2024.
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Marcus Freeman, head coach of Notre Dame football, has confirmed he plans to stay with the team through at least the 2026 season despite rumors of interest from NFL teams. Notre Dame has shown strong support by giving him a new contract paying nearly $12 million a year to keep him as head coach.
Key Facts
Marcus Freeman is the head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team.
He confirmed he intends to remain with Notre Dame through the 2026 season.
NFL teams like the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers showed interest in hiring Freeman.
Freeman said he is "all-in" on coaching Notre Dame and does not plan to coach elsewhere.
Notre Dame’s athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, gave Freeman a new contract paying nearly $12 million annually.
The contract is among the highest paid for college football coaches.
Notre Dame wants to keep Freeman happy and committed to the program.
In 2024, Freeman led Notre Dame to the College Football Playoff Championship game.
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A jacket worn by NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain during the early 1970s Lakers seasons was found in a thrift shop in Oregon and sold at auction for $89,600. The jacket was bought for $3 by a 19-year-old thrift shopper and later verified as authentic and linked to important moments in Chamberlain’s career.
Key Facts
The jacket belonged to Wilt Chamberlain and was used during the 1971-72 NBA season and the 1972 NBA Finals.
Wilt Chamberlain won the 1972 NBA Finals MVP and the Lakers won their first championship in Los Angeles that year.
The jacket was authenticated by comparing photos, confirming it was worn by Chamberlain.
It was also matched to the 1972-73 season when Chamberlain set a record for shooting accuracy that stood until 2020.
The jacket was found at a Value Village thrift store near Portland, Oregon.
Quinn Brown, a 19-year-old who often shops at thrift stores, bought the jacket for $3.
Sotheby’s auction house sold the jacket for $89,600, much higher than Brown's purchase price but below the $250,000 estimate.
Quinn Brown had never sold an item for more than $250 before this sale.
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The Detroit Lions had a disappointing 2025 NFL season, finishing 9-8 and missing the playoffs after being top contenders the previous year. Quarterback Jared Goff expressed the team’s strong desire to win their division and return to the playoffs in 2026.
Key Facts
The Lions were one of the favorites for the 2025 Super Bowl after a successful 2024 season with a 15-2 record.
In 2025, the Lions finished last in the NFC North division with a 9-8 record and did not qualify for the playoffs.
Jared Goff, the Lions’ quarterback, remains a key player, making the Pro Bowl despite the team's struggles.
Goff threw for 4,564 yards, 34 touchdowns, and only eight interceptions in 2025.
The Lions kept most of their core players, including Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Jahmyr Gibbs.
Goff said the team is motivated by last season’s disappointment to win their division in 2026.
Goff has been a reliable quarterback since joining Detroit in 2021 and has made three Pro Bowls recently.
The Lions aim to bounce back and prove they are still strong title contenders next season.
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Stephen Curry will have a special exhibit at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame while he is still an active player. The exhibit celebrates his achievements, including being a two-time MVP and the NBA's all-time leader in 3-point shots.
Key Facts
Stephen Curry is the first active player to have a dedicated exhibit at the Basketball Hall of Fame.
The exhibit is called "Stephen Curry: Beyond the Arc" and opens on a Friday.
Curry is a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP).
He holds the record for the most 3-point shots made in NBA history.
Curry has been selected to the NBA All-Star game 12 times.
He has helped the Golden State Warriors win four NBA championships.
The exhibit includes video highlights, memorabilia, and audio stories about his career.
The Hall of Fame plans to keep the exhibit open until summer 2027.
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Paul Pierce, a former Boston Celtics player, said that LeBron James’ best team choice next season is the Cleveland Cavaliers. Other top teams interested in LeBron include the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers, with some Western Conference teams also showing interest.
Key Facts
LeBron James has not yet announced which NBA team he will play for next season.
Paul Pierce believes Cleveland Cavaliers is the best option for LeBron and thinks the Celtics do not want him.
Other main teams linked to LeBron are the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference.
Western Conference teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors are also possible options.
Miami Heat would have star players Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo if LeBron joins them.
Philadelphia 76ers already have strong players like Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, and a young star VJ Edgecombe.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed concern that LeBron’s delayed decision is slowing down the NBA schedule.
LeBron’s choice is his own, and others are waiting to see what he decides for possibly his last season.
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The New York Jets announced a new "White Out" helmet for the 2026 NFL season, featuring a modern design based on a logo they used from 1978 to 1997. The team will wear this helmet for their home opener against the Green Bay Packers on September 20, 2026.
Key Facts
The Jets introduced a new white helmet called the "White Out" for the 2026 season.
The helmet features a modernized version of a logo from 1978 to 1997.
The Jets will wear the new helmet for their 2026 home opener versus the Green Bay Packers.
The team also has "Legacy Green" and "Legacy Black" helmets and uniforms.
NFL rules allow teams to have up to three different helmet colors, and the Jets comply with this.
The Jets have not made the playoffs since 2010.
Last season, the Jets had a 3-14 record, tied for the worst in the NFL.
The Jets will start their 2026 season on September 13 against the Tennessee Titans in Nashville.
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Auburn’s new football coach, Alex Golesh, wants to rebuild the team by creating a strong and tough identity. Instead of setting specific goals for his first season, he focuses on building good habits and standards that players follow every day.
Key Facts
Auburn football has had losing records for five years in a row.
Auburn replaced previous coaches Brian Harsin and Hugh Freeze before hiring Alex Golesh.
Golesh’s main focus is to build a strong foundation and identity for the team.
He describes this identity as being physically and mentally tough.
Golesh wants the team to be the most “violent” or aggressive and hard-hitting on the field.
He prefers setting standards every day rather than specific season goals.
The program’s standards aim for players to improve quickly through daily effort.
Golesh brought quarterback Byrum Brown and some staff from South Florida to help.
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Jalen Duren, a key player for the Detroit Pistons, had a strong 2025-26 season and is now a restricted free agent, meaning the Pistons can keep him by matching any offer from other teams. Negotiations between Duren and the Pistons have stalled, and rival teams like the Los Angeles Lakers have stopped pursuing him because they believe Detroit will match any contract offer. The Lakers instead signed other players and used their cap space elsewhere.
Key Facts
Jalen Duren averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game in the 2025-26 NBA season.
Duren was selected as an All-Star and made the All-NBA Third Team for the first time.
His rookie contract of $19.4 million over four years expired, making him a restricted free agent.
The Pistons can offer Duren up to about $287 million over five years (around $57.4 million per year).
Detroit’s initial contract offer to Duren was much lower than the max deal he wants.
Other teams, including the Lakers, showed interest but have backed off, expecting Detroit to match offers.
The Lakers filled their roster by signing other players, ending their pursuit of Duren.
A final agreement between Duren and the Pistons is still uncertain and could take time.
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The Los Angeles Clippers signed Jamarion Sharp, a 7-foot-5 center, to a two-way contract after he won the G League Defensive Player of the Year award. Sharp had a strong season with the Texas Legends and will now have a chance to play in the NBA this year.
Key Facts
Jamarion Sharp signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Clippers.
He is 7-foot-5 and plays center.
Sharp was the 2025-26 G League Defensive Player of the Year.
He led the G League in blocks and had a 71.2% shooting accuracy.
Sharp played college basketball at Western Kentucky, leading the NCAA in blocks for two seasons.
This summer, Sharp played for the Toronto Raptors' Summer League team.
The Clippers have filled all three two-way contract spots with Sharp, Sean Pedulla, and Nick Martinelli.
Two-way contracts allow players to play in both the NBA and the G League.
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Lamine Yamal, a 19-year-old Spanish soccer player, won both the European Championship and the World Cup. After Spain’s World Cup win against Argentina, Yamal made fun of an Argentina player involved in a fight during the match at Spain’s victory parade. FIFA is investigating the post-match fight.
Key Facts
Lamine Yamal plays as a winger for FC Barcelona and is 19 years old.
He was the first player under 20 to win both the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA men’s World Cup.
Spain won the Euro 2024 final against England and the 2026 World Cup final against Argentina.
After the World Cup final, Argentina’s Leandro Paredes was involved in a fight with Spanish players.
Yamal did not join the fight but later held a sign joking about the fight during Spain’s victory parade.
The sign referenced a Spanish celebrity boxing event and the fight between Paredes and Spanish player Gavi.
Gavi said he does not want Paredes to be suspended despite the fight.
FIFA has started a formal investigation into the post-match fight.
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Erling Haaland celebrated his 26th birthday by sharing a photo of himself wearing a Viking hat on Instagram. Haaland recently played in his first FIFA Men's World Cup, leading Norway to the quarterfinals and scoring seven goals in five matches.
Key Facts
Erling Haaland is a top football (soccer) striker who plays for Manchester City and Norway's national team.
His father, Alfie Haaland, also played professional football for Norway and Manchester City.
Norway reached the men's World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 1998, with Haaland scoring seven goals in five games.
Haaland shared birthday photos on Instagram, which have received over six million likes combined.
He recently reached 73.8 million Instagram followers, growing rapidly from 60 million just 11 days earlier.
Norway's team and fans became popular worldwide for their Viking-themed celebrations during the World Cup.
Haaland will return to play for Manchester City soon, with the next men's World Cup scheduled for 2030.
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The Oklahoma City Thunder traded Lu Dort, a key defender and part of their 2025 championship team, to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team deal. Thunder general manager Sam Presti says the move was made to reduce salary costs and gain financial flexibility for the future, while younger players will take on bigger roles this season.
Key Facts
Lu Dort was an important defender for the Thunder and helped them win the NBA title in 2025.
Dort was traded to the Atlanta Hawks as part of a three-team trade.
The Thunder received three second-round draft picks in return.
The trade was mainly a financial decision to lower team salary and open salary cap space.
GM Sam Presti said the savings will help build future teams capable of competing for championships.
Losing Dort creates a challenge for the Thunder’s defense this season.
Younger players like Cason Wallace and Ajay Mitchell will have larger roles on the team.
Rival player Draymond Green acknowledged Dort’s departure will have a big impact on the Thunder’s defense.
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Spain won the 2026 FIFA men's World Cup final against Argentina in extra time. After the match, some Argentine players were involved in physical confrontations, and FIFA has opened an investigation into these actions.
Key Facts
Argentina reached the 2026 FIFA men's World Cup final after winning seven matches.
Spain scored the winning goal in the 106th minute during extra time.
Spain won their second men's World Cup title, the first since 2010.
After the final whistle, Argentine player Leandro Paredes physically confronted Spanish players Eric Garcia and Gavi.
Argentina’s manager Lionel Scaloni tried to intervene during the incident.
FIFA's disciplinary committee has appointed an ethics prosecutor to investigate the post-match actions.
Potential consequences include suspensions for players or coaches and fines for the Argentine Football Association.
Spanish player Gavi commented that while the behavior was not a good example, he does not believe Paredes should be suspended.
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