PSG star Dembélé raises Champions League trophy at the French Open

China's men's soccer team is struggling—again. Despite being an economic and political powerhouse, the country can't seem to crack the code of global soccer success. President Xi Jinping even joked about using robots to fix the team’s problems during a recent visit to a tech company. Now, with a crucial World Cup qualifier against Indonesia looming, China faces yet another embarrassing exit if they don’t pull off a win.

Editor’s Note: Soccer is more than just a game—it’s a point of national pride, and China’s repeated failures on the world stage sting. The fact that the president is floating wild solutions (like robots!) highlights just how desperate the situation feels. If they lose to Indonesia, it’ll be another blow to a country that’s used to winning in almost every other arena.

Dan Keeler, a former football and track star at Sherman Oaks Notre Dame High, has climbed the ranks to become the commander of the USS Abraham Lincoln—a major milestone in his naval career. In a heartfelt nod to his roots, he’s invited his old high school coaches to witness his change-of-command ceremony, blending his past and present in a pretty cool full-circle moment.

Editor’s Note: It’s not every day you hear about a local high school athlete rising to command one of the Navy’s most iconic aircraft carriers. Keeler’s story is a reminder of how far discipline and mentorship can take someone—and it’s a nice boost of pride for his hometown and former coaches. Plus, it’s just uplifting to see someone’s hard work pay off in such a big way.

England’s Euro-winning midfielder Fran Kirby has called time on her international career, following teammate Mary Earps’ recent retirement. The 31-year-old, a key player with 77 caps and 19 goals, missed selection for England’s upcoming title defense and decided to step away. Her departure marks the end of an era for a player who’s been a fixture in the squad since 2014.

Editor’s Note: Kirby’s retirement is another shake-up for England’s Lionesses as they prepare to defend their European crown. Losing two experienced stars back-to-back—Kirby for her creativity and Earps for her leadership—raises questions about the team’s depth and transition phase. For fans, it’s a bittersweet moment: celebrating Kirby’s legacy while wondering who’ll fill the void.

Napoli is making moves to sign Carlos Soler, a 28-year-old midfielder currently with Paris Saint-Germain. Soler had a forgettable loan spell at West Ham last season, where he barely got playing time, and it seems his time at PSG is winding down. He’s already bid farewell to London, and now Napoli is stepping in to potentially give him a fresh start.

Editor’s Note: Soler’s career has hit a rough patch lately—once a promising talent, he’s struggled to find consistent minutes. If Napoli signs him, it could be a chance for revival, especially under a new system. For Napoli, it’s a low-risk gamble on a player who might still have something to prove. For fans, it’s a wait-and-see situation—will he bounce back or fade further?

Chelsea are reportedly eyeing Burnley’s standout goalkeeper James Trafford, who had an unbelievable season with 29 clean sheets. Newcastle is also in the mix, signaling a potential bidding war. With Chelsea gearing up for another hectic transfer window, this move could solidify their defense—or spark a costly tug-of-war.

Editor’s Note: Goalkeepers don’t often grab headlines, but Trafford’s stats are hard to ignore. If Chelsea lands him, it could be a game-changer for their shaky backline. But with Newcastle lurking, this isn’t just a routine inquiry—it’s the start of a high-stakes chase that could shape both clubs’ seasons.