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Mohamed Salah’s Final Anfield Appearance: A Defining MomentMohamed Salah will step onto the pitch for the last time in a Liverpool shirt this Sunday against Brentford at Anfield. The 33‑year‑old Egyptian forward announced in March that he will leave the club at the end of the 2025‑26 season, prompting manager Arne Slot to promise a "big send‑off" for a player who has become a cultural touchstone as well as a prolific scorer.Season‑Ending Farewell: Salah’s Last Match and Career HighlightsFinal game: Liverpool vs Brentford, Sunday, AnfieldTenure: 9 seasons (2017‑2026)Departure announced: March 2026Manager’s comment: "deserves a big send‑off" (Slot, May 2026)The farewell match caps a decade of consistency, during which Salah helped Liverpool secure two Premier League titles and consistently challenged for European honors.Statistical Legacy: Goals, Titles, and Awards Across Nine Years250+ goals for Liverpool2 Premier League championships4 Premier League Golden Boots3 PFA Players of the Year awardsMultiple domestic cup victoriesThese figures place Salah among the club’s all‑time greats and underline his role in Liverpool’s resurgence under Jürgen Klopp and now under Slot.Beyond the Pitch: Cultural and Social Influence on Muslim and North African RepresentationJournalists Ahmed Shooble and Maher Mezahi highlight Salah’s impact far beyond statistics. Shooble notes that Salah’s open practice of Islam—most visibly his sujoud celebration—offers a powerful counter‑narrative to rising Islamophobia in the UK and Europe. Mezahi points to Salah’s humble upbringing in Nagrig, Egypt, and his disciplined journey to the top as a blueprint for aspiring North African talent, citing the recent move of Egyptian striker Ibrahim Adel to Danish side Nordsjaelland as evidence of this ripple effect.Future Outlook: Salah’s Role in Egypt’s 2026 World Cup and Post‑Liverpool PathWhile Salah’s club career in England concludes, he will continue to captain the Egypt national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, sharing the field with emerging talents inspired by his story. Analysts expect his legacy to influence both player development pipelines in North Africa and the broader conversation about religious identity in elite sport, ensuring his impact endures long after the final whistle at Anfield.

The Winning ‘People’s Tree’ Project Secures National Trust CommissionHelix Arts and George King Architects were announced as the winners of a public‑vote‑driven National Trust commission on Saturday. Their proposal, titled ‘The People’s Tree’, will repurpose preserved wood from the felled Sycamore Gap tree into a multi‑layered “living archive”.Project Blueprint: Living Archive from the Felled Sycamore Gap TreeThe initiative combines participatory storytelling, sound recordings and sculptural elements. Visitors and online contributors from Northumberland and across the UK will submit reflections on their relationship with trees, which will be stored in a national sound archive. Sections of the wood will become “seed pods” for digital recordings, a soundscape derived from growth‑ring data, and co‑created artworks for exhibitions and workshops.Numbers Behind the Initiative49 “trees of hope” saplings will be planted across the UK as part of the wider legacy programme.Public engagement is set to begin summer 2026 with completion targeted for autumn 2027.The commission was chosen from a shortlist of six proposals, receiving the highest combined public and judges’ score.The original tree was illegally felled in July 2025, prompting nationwide grief.Broader Cultural and Environmental ImpactThe project moves beyond a static memorial, fostering a dialogue between communities and nature. By embedding recordings in the wood and creating interactive installations along the full stretch of Hadrian’s Wall, it aims to increase access to nature for diverse groups, especially those historically underserved. The National Trust notes that shoots are already sprouting from the original stump for the third consecutive year, underscoring the site’s regenerative potential.Looking Ahead: Community Engagement and Legacy Through 2027 and BeyondBeyond the physical installations, a dedicated website will enable international participation, and a combined sound sculpture and time capsule near the original site will preserve the archive for future visitors. Annie Reilly, public engagement director at the National Trust, highlighted that the proposal “puts a real conversation between people and the tree at its heart”. The project is expected to shape how heritage sites respond to loss, emphasizing resilience, reflection and collective storytelling.

Lead: Historic Triumph on South Korean SoilIn a landmark match at Suwon’s stadium, Naegohyang Women’s FC lifted the Asian Women’s Champions League trophy, defeating Tokyo Verdy Beleza 1‑0. The win marks the first time a North Korean sports team has visited the South in eight years and returned with a continental title.Naegohyang Women’s FC Secures Historic 1‑0 Victory Over Tokyo Verdy BelezaThe decisive goal came from captain Kim Kyong Yong just before half‑time, after a swift counter‑attack orchestrated by Jong Kum. Coach Ri Yu Il celebrated on the bench, and the players embraced at the final whistle, underscoring the emotional significance of the triumph.Attendance Figures and Rankings Highlight Growing Interest7,087 general‑admission tickets for the semifinal sold out within hours.Final‑match tickets remained partially unsold, leaving visible gaps in the stands.North Korea is currently ranked 11th in the FIFA women’s world ranking, far above its men’s team (ranked 118th).Tokyo Verdy Beleza entered the final as former Asian champions (2019).Sporting Diplomacy Boosts Inter‑Korean Relations Amid Ongoing TensionsSouth Korean NGO director Cheong Wook‑sik described the visit as “emotionally overwhelming,” noting the potential for football to ease decades‑long hostility. About 3,000 spectators from civic groups, backed by Seoul’s Ministry of Unification, attended, while North Korean supporters were absent due to travel restrictions.Future Prospects: Naegohyang’s Path to the 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions CupThe victory guarantees Naegohyang a place in next year’s FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, where they will face elite clubs from around the globe. Continued success could cement North Korea’s reputation in women’s football and further open channels for cultural exchange between the two Koreas.

The LeadGame of Thrones actress Hannah Murray shares her experience of being sectioned in a psychiatric hospital in her new memoir "The Make-Believe: A Memoir of Magic and Madness." The actress describes her mental health journey and the experience of being involuntarily admitted under the Mental Health Act.The Hospital ExperienceThe door to the room opens. A man enters the room. He is a Black man, bald and overweight. He is dressed in uniform. Blue uniform, a blue lanyard that reads "NHS". But I know Steve, the leader of the organisation that introduced me to magic, is a magician. I know he can appear in disguise.I approach the man and try to kiss him.He does not let me kiss him. Then no. It is not Steve.The man has brought me a plate of toast. He has brought me a cup of tea. I add sugar to the tea, which I would never have done in my former life, but a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down!I am a Ritual Master. And this, drinking my own urine, is a powerful ritual. This is all I need now to survive … I will never need to eat again. I survive on liquids and air and lightI do not eat the toast. I drink the tea. I am alone in the room again and I urinate into the cup and drink that too.I am a Ritual Master. And this, drinking my own urine, is a powerful ritual. This is all I need now to survive. It is the most potent of potions I can drink. I am a self-contained, utterly self-sufficient being. I will never need to eat again. I survive on liquids and air and light.I decide to explore outside the room. Outside my sanctuary. He has not come. So maybe I need to go searching for him …The Phone CallTime jumps. I am in a corridor lit by overhead strip lights. The electric light is pale yellow in tone. I am sat on one of three chairs in a row against the wall. The chairs are purple, curved plastic. I am still waiting for him to appear.There are two doors in front of me. One is the door to the blue room with the blue sofa and chair. Behind the other door is an office of some kind, and there is a woman in there, shuffling papers and talking on the phone.The woman comes out of the office. She is holding out my phone. My only possession now – the one artefact from my previous life. There is someone she wants me to speak to.Him.When I hold the phone to my ear, I hear a voice I recognise.But the voice belongs to my mother."Hannah?" she says. "Where are you? What's going on?"There is distress in her voice. Her voice is trembling with pain and anxiety.I do not want to hear it.This is a test. A horrible test, certainly, but one that I can pass. They are trying to tempt me back into the human. They are trying to lure me back into the past.I hang up the phone.But, after a moment, it starts to ring. The word Mum lights up the screen."Talk to her," says the woman.I answer the call.My mother sounds different now. Calmer. She asks again what's going on but gently, even cheerfully. I tell her everything's OK. That I'm fine. I tell her not to worry. I'm in a good place.This is the last time I will ever hear her voice, I think. This is the way I say goodbye.The DiagnosisThey tell me I am being sectioned.The words jar with my beliefs."Section 2 … the Mental Health Act … 28 days … right to appeal … "I cock my head.This does not fit at all. It does not fit in the world of Steve, of Ritual Master, of Shambhala and the invention of magic.I am not concerned. I am concerned only with the energy I can feel spiralling up through my body and the voices I can hear in my head.I pace the hospital corridors, delivering a tearful monologue, delivering the greatest performance of my life. A phrase comes to me. The Girl With All the Gifts. The title of a post-apocalyptic horror film released in 2016, starring Gemma Arterton.I am a magician. I am an actress. I am a writer. I have superhuman strength. I can fly. Anything that can be imagined, I can perform it. Every skill and every ability is mine.The film came out as a warning, and a prophecy.And because of me, the apocalypse has been averted.I am the saviour of the planet. I am the girl with all the gifts.The Journey to RecoveryIt was very hard, the journey to get here. It took 27 years. The path was twisting and full of setbacks, there were challenges and so much pain. There were times I wanted to give up. It was very hard. Everyone will have to make their own journey, and their journeys will be their own, unique as snowflakes or fingerprints. That is the beauty of it, the joy of it. Everyone has to figure it out for themselves.But I have laid the groundwork. I have walked the path. It starts with the energy healing, and it goes on and on through the seven dimensions, through increasingly magical planes. It goes on and on until you meet your soulmate, like I met mine.I was in a TV show called Game of Thrones, hidden in plain sight in the midst of a cultural phenomenon. I, the key to the world's salvation, wore the face of a character called Gilly, but really I played every role. Then I worked on a film called Detroit in Boston. David Benioff and Dan Weiss and Kathryn Bigelow were the four horsemen of the apocalypse. Numbers are irrelevant. Three counts as four. David and Dan and Kathryn cast me in the roles that brought about my destiny. The end and beginning of the world.I am the Ur-actress. I am every actress. Every performance ever given has been animated by my energy, my talent, by the gestures and facial expressions I am performing here and now.The Memoir and BeyondThis is an edited extract from The Make-Believe: A Memoir of Magic and Madness by Hannah Murray, published by Cornerstone (£18.99). To support the Guardian, order your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply.Hannah Murray will be in conversation with Jessie Cave at Kings Place in London on 5 June.

The Road to Immortality Jannik Sinner, the current world No 1, is on the cusp of achieving immortality in the tennis world. With his sights set on completing a career Grand Slam, Sinner is poised to join an elite group of players who have won all four major tournaments. Sinner's Dominant Form Sinner has been in phenomenal form, with a record-breaking 34-match winning streak at Masters 1000 events and six consecutive titles at this level. His impressive performance has left many questioning whether anyone can stop him from claiming the French Open title. The Challenge from Medvedev One player who has shown some resistance to Sinner's dominance is Daniil Medvedev. Medvedev has acknowledged the challenge of facing Sinner, stating that players need to be at their best for all four or five sets to have any chance of beating him. The Women's Tournament In contrast to the men's tournament, the women's event at the French Open is expected to be highly competitive. Aryna Sabalenka, the current world No 1, is vulnerable after a disappointing set of results on clay, and several players, including Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek, and Coco Gauff, are capable of challenging her title. The Prediction As the French Open gets underway, Sinner will be the player to beat. With his incredible form and determination to complete a career Grand Slam, it will take a monumental effort from his opponents to stop him from claiming the title.

Roughed up by Ramos Mohamed Salah's Liverpool career has been marked by significant moments, including his reaction to being injured by Sergio Ramos in the Champions League final, which showcased his impact on the English game and the respect he had earned. Persistence pays off against Spurs in 2019 Salah's determination and persistence were key factors in Liverpool's success, as seen in their 2019 match against Tottenham, where he played a crucial role in securing a win. Keeping his cool to set up glory in Madrid Salah's penalty in the 2019 Champions League final against Tottenham was a pivotal moment, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure and help Liverpool secure their sixth European Cup. Turning doubters to believers Salah's goal against Manchester United in the 2019-20 season was a significant moment, helping to convince fans that Liverpool could win the league, and ultimately contributing to their title win. Weaving magic against Manchester City Salah's goal against Manchester City in 2021 was a testament to his skill and creativity, as he weaved past four defenders to score a crucial goal for Liverpool.

Bernardo Silva: A One‑Man Utility Engine for Manchester CityThe Guardian’s tribute paints Silva as more than a footballer – a “time‑travelling, shapeshifting superhero” whose relentless work‑rate and technical brilliance defined a decade of success at Manchester City. His imminent exit marks the end of an era where a single player could seamlessly occupy every role on the pitch.The Unprecedented Versatility That Redefined the Modern MidfielderSilva routinely shifted from right‑back to playmaker, winger to libero within a single match, often completing a full positional rotation in a single move. This chameleon‑like adaptability allowed Pep Guardiola to experiment with fluid formations, turning defensive recoveries into instant attacks.Numbers Behind the Legend: Appearances, Goals, Assists and Stamina Records459 appearances for City76 goals and 77 assistsRecorded a Premier League distance of 13.7 km in a single match (City 2‑1 Liverpool, Jan 2019) – a league recordTwo decisive goals in the 2023 Champions League semi‑final against Real MadridHow Silva’s Style Shaped City’s Tactical DominanceHis ability to find space, execute split‑second passes and sustain high‑intensity runs enabled City to:Secure the first 100‑point Premier League seasonAchieve a domestic clean sweep of trophiesWin a treble (league, FA Cup, Champions League) and later a fourth consecutive league titleSilva’s “double engine” stamina meant he rarely needed substitution, giving Guardiola a reliable option to maintain pressure throughout 90 minutes.What Lies Ahead for Silva and the Premier League LandscapeWith Silva likely moving to a sunnier climate, his departure opens a strategic void that rivals will scramble to fill. Teams may seek to develop similarly versatile midfielders or adjust tactics to compensate for the loss of a player who could “play every position in a single move.” For Silva, the next chapter could involve a league where his unique skill set reshapes expectations for midfield endurance and adaptability.

The Premier League 2025-26 Season Review The 2025-26 Premier League season has come to a close, with several teams exceeding expectations and others falling short. In this review, we'll take a closer look at the standout teams, including Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Bournemouth. Arsenal's Dominant Season Arsenal fans have a lot to celebrate as their team won the league title. The team's manager, Mikel, received praise for his ability to get the team over the line, despite some critics questioning his tactics. The team's defense was particularly impressive, with 19 clean sheets. Stars: Raya, Gabriel, Saliba, and Rice were consistent performers throughout the season. Flops: Martinelli struggled to find form, scoring only one league goal, while Madueke lacked composure in front of goal. Aston Villa's Europa League Success Aston Villa had a remarkable season, culminating in a joyous party in Istanbul after their Europa League final victory. The team's manager, Unai Emery, received praise for his ability to get the team to perform when it mattered. Stars: McGinn was a standout player, with his leadership and game management being particularly impressive. Flops: None mentioned. Bournemouth's Historic Achievement Bournemouth made history by qualifying for Europe for the first time. The team's manager, Andoni Iraola, was praised for his genius and the team's energetic and exciting brand of football. Stars: Alex Scott, Junior Kroupi, and Rayan were spectacular performers. Flops: None mentioned. The Verdict The 2025-26 Premier League season was filled with surprises and standout performances. Arsenal's title win, Aston Villa's Europa League success, and Bournemouth's historic achievement made for an exciting conclusion to the season.

The Human Side of a Scientific Titan Stephen Hawking is celebrated as a pioneer of black hole theory and the author of the best-selling A Brief History of Time, which has sold more than 13m copies. However, a new authorized biography reveals that his father, Frank Hawking, harbored significant doubts about his son's potential during his formative years. The Father’s Secret Code and Hidden Doubts Previously unknown diaries, kept by Frank Hawking for over 60 years, offer a raw and honest insight into the family's struggles. Frank wrote many entries in a secret code to ensure privacy, but the content reveals his deep anxiety about Stephen's future. In 1961, Frank lamented that his son "hangs round the house with little initiative and does not study much." Source Material: Access granted to biographer Graham Farmelo. Content: Over 200,000 words translated from the diaries. Key Insight: Frank worried Stephen had an inferiority complex regarding his father's career. The Contrast Between Expectation and Reality The diaries also document the harrowing period following Stephen's diagnosis of motor neurone disease at the age of 21 in 1963. Frank struggled to come to terms with the slow, ghastly progression of the illness, writing that he "did not enjoy being with him" due to the difficulty of communication. This stark contrast between the father's initial concerns and Stephen's eventual triumph over medical expectations adds a profound layer to his legacy. The Future of Hawking Scholarship The book, titled Hawking, is set to be published on 24 September 2026 by John Murray. Described as the "definitive portrait of an exceptional life and intellect," this biography promises to reshape the narrative of one of history's greatest minds by grounding his genius in the very human anxieties of his upbringing.