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The Star's Impactful Performance Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Al-Nassr clinched the Saudi Pro League title with a 4-1 win over Damac, ending his long wait for domestic silverware. Ronaldo's Road to Glory A trademark free-kick and a close-range finish, both in the final half-hour of Thursday’s game, sealed the win Al-Nassr needed on the last night of the season, with Al Hilal finishing just two points behind. Career Milestones and Achievements Ronaldo, 41, who was without a major club trophy since winning Serie A with Juventus in 2020, arrived in the oil-rich desert kingdom to great acclaim in 2023. He adds the Saudi championship to his English, Spanish and Italian titles and five Champions League medals. Ronaldo opened the door to a series of big-money Saudi signings when he joined Al-Nassr in January 2023, following an unhappy second spell at Manchester United. The Future of Saudi Football Next up for the all-time leading men’s international goalscorer, with 143 goals, is a sixth crack at the World Cup after he was named in Portugal’s squad this week. League and Player Statistics Ronaldo was the Pro League’s top scorer in his first two seasons, with his career tally now at 973 – tantalisingly close to the 1,000-goals milestone. Challenges and Controversies His Saudi stint has not always been smooth. In 2024, he was left in floods of tears when Al-Nassr lost the King’s Cup final to Al Hilal on penalties, denying him his first Saudi title. This season, he disappeared from Al-Nassr’s lineup for three games in an apparent protest at Benzema’s transfer to rival team Al Hilal.

The UK's New Initiative to Support Families The British government has launched a scheme aimed at helping families reduce the cost of children's meals and summer activities, including visits to theme parks, theatres, and museums. Details of the 'Great British Summer Savings' Scheme From June 25 to September 1, 2026, VAT will be temporarily reduced to help lower the cost of days out and boost customer numbers for struggling businesses. The initiative is intended to ease pressure on household budgets while supporting the leisure and hospitality sectors. Key Benefits of the Scheme Children aged five to 15 will be able to travel free on local bus services throughout August. The reduced VAT rate of 5% will apply to children's menus, family tickets for cinemas, theatres, concerts, shows and exhibitions, as well as admission tickets to attractions including amusement parks, fairs, museums, and zoos. Financial Impact of the Scheme The programme is estimated to cost about 300 million pounds ($403m), the government said. Government's Stance on the Initiative Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, 'When I think about the summer holidays, I think about the Lake District – where I went as a child and later made memories with my own family. I know how precious that time is, yet too many parents feel they have to hold back because the cost of living is still squeezing budgets.' Chancellor Rachel Reeves added, 'I know the cost of living remains the number one concern for many households. Our economic plan is the right one – supporting families and businesses while building a stronger and more secure Britain.' The Future Outlook The announcement comes as families across the UK and much of Europe continue to face rising fuel costs linked to global economic pressures. The scheme aims to provide relief to households during a challenging economic period.

The Lead: Football's Global IconsFootball is a great leveller. Not everyone goes to a school with a rugby pitch and not everyone can afford a pony. However, from the favelas of Rio de Janeiro and the slums of Nairobi to the playgrounds of Monaco and Beverly Hills, you will see children kicking a football about.Arguments over the greatest 10 World Cup heroes have kept friends debating into the small hours for decades. Such arguments will continue for as long as football is played. But here, before the FIFA World Cup 2026, are the 10 we think have been the best:The Legends: Ranking World Cup Greats10. Zinedine ZidaneOne of the greatest and most controversial players of the game, Zidane won the 1998 World Cup for France at home, scoring twice in the final. Injuries kept him largely out of France's short-lived 2002 World Cup campaign, but he went on to be named player of the tournament at the 2006 edition – despite the infamous head butt that sent him off in the final against Italy. Thousands of fans lined the streets of Paris chanting Zidane's name when the team returned home.Having scored 31 goals in 108 matches for France, his talismanic leadership shaped the national team into something much greater than the sum of its parts. As a coach, he went on to win three Champions League titles and La Liga twice with Real Madrid.9. Jimmy GreavesNot even the great Bobby Moore, whose statue greets supporters arriving at Wembley Stadium, was as loved by English fans as Jimmy Greaves. Already a star at home, Greaves gained international recognition after rescuing a pitch-invading dog that had evaded the Brazilian greats during England's 1962 World Cup quarterfinal. Brazil's Garrincha took the dog home, and Greaves became known in Brazil as "Garrincha's dog-catcher".Greaves was part of the 1966 World Cup-winning squad, but a savage injury inflicted by France's Joseph Bonnel that required 14 stitches kept Greaves out of the final. Greaves scored six hat-tricks in an England shirt, a record that still stands. The 1966 campaign continues to be a focal point of English identity, the squad universally adored, and Greaves became a broadcaster, welcomed into the nation's living rooms for decades.8. Ferenc PuskasPuskas was captain of the Mighty Magyars, Hungary's golden team, which flourished under the influence of Jimmy Hogan's Total Football. He scored 84 goals in 85 matches for Hungary and made four appearances for Spain. Hungary were so dominant under Puskas that the 1954 World Cup final was the only game they lost in the entire decade.He scored 702 goals from 705 career games. The giant of European football was a vocal supporter of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and defected to Spain while on tour after the Soviet army killed 2,500 of his countrymen while crushing the uprising. He returned to Hungary after the collapse of communism and remains worshipped by Hungarians.7. Lothar MatthausGermany's most-capped player, Matthaus scored 23 goals in 150 international matches. A box-to-box midfielder, he featured in five World Cups, helping West Germany win the 1990 edition. The only German to be named FIFA World Player of the Year, Matthaus holds the record for most World Cup games (25). His natural leadership gave him a commanding presence on the field, and his technical ability combined with his tactical awareness gave him an unstoppable dominance on the pitch.The bullish Diego Maradona called him the toughest opponent he ever faced.6. Miroslav KloseIt's rare that you get prizes just for being a good guy, but Germany's record goal scorer, the somersaulting Miroslav Klose, has a handful of them. With a career hallmarked by fair play and decency – he famously refused to accept a penalty awarded to him during a club match because he knew the referee was mistaken – Klose scored in four World Cups, finally lifting the trophy in 2014.A physical powerhouse of a forward, his stature belied his speed. He scored 71 goals in 137 matches in a German jersey. He also scored 16 World Cup goals. No one has ever scored more. He was prolific, and a good guy.5. Ronaldo"The Phenomenon" reinvented the role of striker while playing for Brazil in 98 matches and scoring 62 goals. He lifted the 1994 World Cup trophy at the age of just 17. Four years later, he was named Player of the Tournament after steering Brazil into the final, only to suffer a convulsive fit just hours before the game. He scored twice in the 2002 World Cup final to add to his six in the competition earlier, once more lifting the trophy.A fourth World Cup appearance saw Ronaldo score a then-record-breaking 15th World Cup goal. But it was the way in which he did it that set the world on fire: speed, control, vision, total mastery of the ball, explosive runs, juggling the ball past defenders with acrobatic flicks and tricks, and the goals.4. Franz BeckenbauerNo compilation of World Cup heroes could omit Franz Beckenbauer, one of only three men – along with Didier Deschamps and Mario Zagallo – to lift the World Cup trophy both as a player and a manager. Despite playing as a defender, Beckenbauer scored 14 goals in his 103 appearances for West Germany, captaining the 1974 winning side.After playing in the 1966 World Cup final loss to England, he got revenge four years later, scoring a searing goal to knock the English out and send West Germany to the semifinal. But three World Cup appearances weren't enough for him, and as Germany marched towards unification and a new era, Beckenbauer guided the national team as manager to win the 1990 World Cup.3. Johan CruyffThe three-time Ballon d'Or winner, one of the most influential figures in the sporting philosophy of Total Football, brought a new level of sophistication to the game. Football for Cruyff wasn't just an athletic sport but a blending of mind, body and artistry – an exercise in simplicity and beauty.A creative playmaker with a unique understanding of the geometry of players' pitch positions, he led his team like the conductor of an orchestra. The Netherlands never lost a game in which he scored. And he scored a lot – 33 goals in 48 international matches. Cruyff led the Netherlands to the final of the 1974 World Cup, scoring twice against Argentina and knocking out then-champions Brazil. It was only the defensive heroics of Franz Beckenbauer that frustrated Cruyff's efforts on goal and kept the Dutchman from lifting the trophy.2. Diego MaradonaThe drug-addled "Golden Boy" is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of football. His 60-metre (66-yard) dribble past five England players in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal led to the "goal of the century", yet its mastery followed the sport's most famous unpenalised handball – the goal that became known as "the hand of God".That game epitomised the two sides of Maradona: the raw, prodigious talent of the Argentinian captain mixed with an absolute disregard for rules, the shameless arrogance of a genius and the belief that one's innate talent sets you apart from – and above – the mere mortals around you. Argentina went on to win the 1986 World Cup, 10 years after Maradona had made his first appearance for the national side aged just 16.1. PeleHas there ever been a more successful football icon than Brazil's Pele? In 1958, when he scored his first World Cup goal – the result of a scuffed mishit that ended Wales's World Cup dreams for the following seven decades – could anyone have known the giant he was to become?With either foot, Pele could produce the sort of magic that inspired generations. Off the pitch, as one of the first truly global Black sports superstars, his outspoken support for improving the lives of the poor made him a national hero. Pele lifted the World Cup three times: 1958, 1962 and 1970. He remains Brazil's leading goal scorer with 77 goals in 92 games. He was so famous, so beloved all around the world that in 1969, both sides in Nigeria's civil war agreed to a ceasefire so they could watch Pele play in an exhibition match in Lagos.The Legacy: World Cup Impact on National IdentityPerhaps the way in which football stars have often escaped humble origins to shine in the sport allows the very best to become icons on and off the pitch and truly become heroes of nations. For many countries, World Cup success has become intertwined with national identity, with players elevated to almost mythical status for their contributions to the sport and their country's prestige on the world stage.The Evolution: Changing Standards of GreatnessAs the World Cup has evolved over decades, so too have the standards by which we measure greatness. Early World Cup heroes were often celebrated for their technical skill and leadership, while modern players are increasingly judged by their statistics, consistency across tournaments, and ability to perform under pressure. The rise of data analytics in football has added new dimensions to the debate about what constitutes greatness in the World Cup context.The Future: Who Will Join the Pantheon?As we approach the 2026 World Cup, the question remains: who will join this pantheon of greats? With players like Lionel Messi already having cemented their legacy, and emerging talents like Kylian Mbappé showing signs of greatness, the debate will continue to evolve. The World Cup has always been a stage where legends are made, and the 2026 tournament promises to be no exception.

The Montreal Victoire's Historic Win For the first time in the short history of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), the Walter Cup is leaving the United States. The Montreal Victoire beat the Ottawa Charge in an all-Canadian final that wrapped up on Wednesday night in four games. Expansion and Growth The day before Montreal won the Walter Cup, the PWHL announced the league is expanding to San Jose for next season. It was the fourth such expansion announcement in the three weeks. With Detroit, Las Vegas and Hamilton, Ontario, receiving the other three expansion franchises, the young league will head into the 2026/27 season with an imbalance in franchises between Canada and the US for the first time. The Data Analysis The PWHL will enter its fourth campaign with seven US franchises and five Canadian. The league saw a 77% season-over-season increase in viewership on YouTube. At the box office, the PWHL sold out Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena, Boston’s TD Garden and New York City’s Madison Square Garden. The MSG attendance of 18,006 now sits as the US professional women’s hockey attendance record. The Impact Analysis The PWHL is riding record attendance in venues across the US and is hoping to arrive at a league-wide national US broadcasting deal. Coupled with the fact that the PWHL increased its league and team partnership portfolio by 35% season-over-season to 81 corporate partners, saw in-arena merchandise sales double and online merchandise sales increase more than 50%, business is booming for the PWHL. The Prediction With the expansion to San Jose and the success of women’s ice hockey in America, the PWHL is poised for continued growth. The league’s move to California makes sense given the state’s ties to the PWHL itself, with Mark Walter, the owner of MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers, the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers and the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, owning the league.

The Lead: First Presidential-Level Nuclear Monitoring Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko have taken part via video conference in a joint nuclear forces exercise, marking the first time the two leaders have directly participated in such a training event. While senior military officials from both countries have conducted similar exercises quarterly, this direct presidential involvement signals heightened attention to the nuclear capabilities of the Russia-Belarus alliance. The Strategic Exercise: Expanding Nuclear Capabilities Opening the meeting held via videolink and broadcast live on the Kremlin's website, Putin stressed that the use of nuclear weapons remains "an extreme and exceptional measure for ensuring the national security" of the two countries. "Today, as part of the exercises, we are conducting the first joint training of the armies of Russia and Belarus on managing strategic and tactical nuclear forces," he said. At the same time, the Russian leader said the Russian-Belarusian nuclear triad – which are nuclear weapons capable of being deployed by land, sea and air – must continue to serve as "a reliable guarantor of the sovereignty of the Union State of Russia and Belarus" amid rising global tensions and emerging threats. According to Putin, the drills are aimed at practising coordination and interaction between military officials in the event of nuclear weapons use, including weapons deployed on the territory of Belarus. The Military Capabilities: Advanced Weapon Systems Demonstrated Russia's Ministry of Defence said in a statement that its forces launched a Yars ballistic missile and a Zircon hypersonic missile as part of missile tests during the nuclear drills. According to the ministry, the crew of a nuclear-powered submarine launched a Sineva intercontinental ballistic missile from a submerged position as part of the drills. The Russian military also conducted a launch of a Yars intercontinental ballistic missile from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome towards a testing range in Russia's Kamchatka region. In Belarus, a combat crew of the Belarusian armed forces carried out a practical launch of a ballistic missile from an Iskander-M missile system at the Kapustin Yar testing range, the ministry said. The exercises also involved Tu-95MS strategic bombers, which launched hypersonic air-launched cruise missiles, while a MiG-31 aircraft carried out a launch of a Kinzhal hypersonic missile, according to the statement. The Regional Impact: Heightened Security Measures The joint drills held from Tuesday to Thursday were met with concern from Ukraine and its NATO allies. Kyiv has repeatedly accused Moscow of planning to launch a new attack from Belarus, either on its territory or one of its NATO allies, such as neighbouring Baltic states. Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) said on Thursday that its units and the army were "carrying out a comprehensive set of enhanced security measures in the northern regions of our country" bordering Belarus. The measures – including stepped up checks of individuals and properties – "will serve as an effective deterrent to any aggressive actions or operations by the enemy and its ally", the SBU said in a statement. Separately on Thursday, a Ukrainian drone attack on a town in Russia's Bryansk border region killed three rail workers when it hit a locomotive at a station, Russia's state RZhD rail network said. Russian border towns and villages regularly come under Ukrainian fire as Moscow's offensive against Ukraine has dragged on into a fifth year. The International Response: NATO Convenes Amid Tensions NATO foreign ministers were scheduled to meet in Helsingborg, Sweden, on Thursday and Friday to discuss how to ensure that support for Ukraine remains substantial and sustainable for the long term. The meeting comes as Russia's military actions in Ukraine continue and as concerns grow about the expansion of military exercises involving nuclear capabilities. Earlier this week, Ukraine launched what Russian officials described as one of the largest drone barrages of the war towards Moscow, killing at least five people. These reciprocal military actions demonstrate the escalating tensions in the region and the increasing risk of broader conflict.

A Historic Return: The Refugee Team's ItineraryAfghanistan's displaced female cricketers are set to return to the international stage with a tour of England beginning June 22. This initiative, organized by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), brings together players who were previously contracted to the Afghanistan Cricket Board but were systematically excluded from sport and public life following the Taliban's return to power in 2021.Start Date: June 22Format: Twenty20 (T20) matchesKey Event: Attendance at the Women's T20 World Cup final at Lord's on July 5Support: Training opportunities and deepening connection to the global gameStrategic Milestones and Global ReachThe tour serves as a critical data point in the ongoing struggle for women's representation in sport. While the players have been playing domestic cricket in Australia, the lack of access to international competition highlights a significant gap in the International Cricket Council's (ICC) current regulatory framework, which requires member nations to support both men's and women's teams.The itinerary is not merely a series of matches but a strategic effort to reintegrate the players into the global cricket community. By featuring in T20 matches and attending the final at Lord's, the team aims to bridge the five-year gap in their professional careers and demonstrate their continued competitiveness on the world stage.Breaking Barriers: Sport as a Tool for InclusionThis tour carries profound cultural and sporting significance, acting as a testament to the resilience of Afghan women. The ECB has emphasized that the event represents a moment for cricket to stand for inclusion and the protection of women's participation in sport.The involvement of former Australian international Mel Jones, through her consultancy firm "It's Game On," underscores the professional infrastructure required to support such a complex transition. The players' repeated requests for the ICC to recognize them as a refugee team have finally borne fruit, validating their struggle for recognition and highlighting the urgent need for the sport's governing body to adapt its rules to protect displaced athletes.Future Outlook: Beyond the TourMel Jones has called for "sustained and meaningful action beyond this year," signaling that this tour is just the beginning of a longer journey. The success of this initiative could set a precedent for how international sports bodies handle displaced athletes, potentially leading to more structured pathways for refugee teams in the future.As the team prepares to compete, the cricketing world watches closely, hoping that this tour will not only provide the players with the opportunities they deserve but also catalyze a permanent shift in how sport addresses human rights and inclusion on a global scale.

Revolutionizing Podcast Consumption Spotify is taking a significant leap in podcast consumption by introducing AI-powered features that allow users to create personalized podcasts based on their interests. The company has released a GitHub-based command-line tool that enables users to generate podcasts using Claude Code and Codex, which can be saved to their Spotify library. Personalized Podcast Generation Users can create podcasts by providing custom prompts, such as "Share my daily city updates, and tell me about local concerts from artists I love," or "Help me understand economics in five minutes." They can also add links, PDFs, and text, and choose a custom voice to generate podcasts. AI-Powered Q&A; Feature Spotify is rolling out an AI-powered Q&A; feature for Premium mobile users in the U.S., Sweden, and Ireland. This feature allows users to ask questions about the episode they are listening to or a concept mentioned in the podcast to get answers. They can also ask for podcast recommendations on specific topics. Creator Tools and Features Creator sponsorship tool to manage brand partnerships Option for creators to charge a subscription to unlock exclusive content and experiences The Future of Podcasting With these new features, Spotify aims to increase user engagement and make podcast consumption more personalized and interactive. The company is taking a leaf out of other innovative apps, such as NotebookLM and ElevenLabs reader, to create a unique podcasting experience. Enhanced User Experience The introduction of AI-powered podcast features and creator tools is expected to enhance the overall user experience on Spotify, making it a more dynamic and engaging platform for podcast enthusiasts.

The Comeback of Manuel Neuer Bayern Munich's Manuel Neuer has come out of international retirement to compete in next month's World Cup after being named as the starting goalkeeper in Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann's squad for the tournament. Nagelsmann's Decision Nagelsmann made the decision after having long labelled Hoffenheim's Oliver Baumann as his first-choice keeper. "Yes, I plan with that [with Neuer as number one]," Nagelsmann told a press conference. "The main task was to nominate the best three keepers. So we decided that these three are part of that." Neuer's Career Revival The 40-year-old Neuer, who last competed for Germany at Euro 2024 before his international retirement, is now set to play in his fifth successive World Cup, joining an elite group of football players with five or more tournaments. Neuer, a 2014 World Cup winner, enjoyed a solid season with champions Bayern, who could win the domestic double with victory over VfB Stuttgart in the German Cup final on Saturday. Germany's World Cup Squad There were few other major surprises in Nagelsmann's 26-man squad for the tournament starting next month. But the coach also called up Bayern's teenage player Lennart Karl, who enjoyed a meteoric rise this season, as well as Nadiem Amiri and Leroy Sane, who both had outside chances of earning a spot. Germany's World Cup Goals Germany, who face Curacao, Ecuador and Ivory Coast in Group E at the World Cup, have set their sights on a fifth title after shock first-round exits in the past two editions in 2018 and 2022. "The statement stands," Nagelsmann said. "We want to become world champions. Every player who is nominated needs to show it now every day." Full Germany Squad Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer, Oliver Baumann, Alexander Nubel Defenders: Nico Schlotterbeck, David Raum, Nathaniel Brown, Jonathan Tah, Waldemar Anton, Pascal Gross, Joshua Kimmich, Felix Nmecha, Malick Thiaw, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Antonio Rudiger, Angelo Stiller Midfielders/Forwards: Leon Goretzka, Maximilian Beier, Jamal Musiala, Nadiem Amiri, Jamie Leweling, Kai Havertz, Lennart Karl, Florian Wirtz, Deniz Undav, Nick Woltemade, Leroy Sane

Executive Summary: DOJ Launches $1.8 B “Anti‑Weaponisation” Compensation FundThe U.S. Department of Justice announced a new anti‑weaponisation fund worth just under $1.8 billion, designed to compensate individuals who allege they were victimised by federal legal actions. The fund is part of a settlement in former President Donald Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS over leaked tax returns.Mechanics of the New Fund and Its Legal OriginsThe fund originates from a “judgement fund,” a standing government account used for legal settlements without needing fresh congressional legislation. Key operational details include:Claims can be filed by anyone who believes they suffered from unlawful government‑initiated legal action.Every three months the fund must report recipients, payment types (cash, debt relief, etc.) to the Attorney General.A five‑person oversight panel, appointed by the Attorney General with one member selected in consultation with congressional leaders, will manage the fund.The fund will stop accepting new claims after December 1 2028, after which any remaining balance reverts to the federal treasury.Financial Scale: $1.8 B Allocation and Settlement ContextThe allocation is comparable to the annual policing or school budget of a midsized U.S. city, far exceeding the typical size of a single‑lawsuit settlement. It stems from the settlement of Trump’s lawsuit alleging the IRS leaked his tax information between 2018‑2020. The settlement was approved by a federal judge, meaning no additional legislative action is required to activate the fund.Political Fallout: Why Democrats and Legal Scholars Decry a Slush FundCritics, including more than 90 House Democrats and senators such as Elizabeth Warren and Ron Wyden, argue the fund:Pushes the limits of executive authority by creating a large compensation scheme without congressional oversight.Could be used to reward supporters of the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot, many of whom were pardoned by Trump.Represents a “slush fund” that may funnel taxpayer money to politically aligned individuals, echoing past concerns about “lawfare.”The Cato Institute and other think tanks have published analyses labeling the fund as an unprecedented bypass of normal appropriations processes.Looking Ahead: Congressional Pushback and Potential Fund FateDemocratic lawmakers are preparing legal challenges and may seek to block the fund through congressional action or a court injunction. The Justice Department has indicated that any unspent money after the fund’s termination will be returned to the Treasury, but the debate centers on whether the fund should have been created at all. If Congress intervenes, the fund could be restructured, placed under stricter oversight, or dissolved entirely, setting a precedent for future executive‑legislative financial arrangements.