English Premier League

Koulibaly picks a Legendary Shirt number at Chelsea

Published

3 years ago

July 19, 2022

90minsoccer

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Chelsea have revealed that Kalidou Koulibaly will wear shirt number 26 for the Blues.

The Senegalese ace defender, Koulibaly joined the Premier League club from Serie A side, Napoli, in a £34 million ($41 million) deal as Thomas Tuchel looks to reinforce his defense following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen to Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively.

As the London club continues to prepare for the start of the new season, they have confirmed the shirt number that both the African and Raheem Sterling will be wearing – albeit only for pre-season. These shirt numbers are subjected to change after the pre-season matches.

“We can confirm the pre-season shirt numbers for our two new signings and a chance for another player ahead of our next match on the United States tour,” the club said in a statement.
“Raheem Sterling will wear the number 17 shirt in these warm-up games, while Kalidou Koulibaly will wear the number 26.”
Conor Gallagher, who wore 38 in our weekend victory over Club America, has switched to number 15.
“Please keep in mind that these pre-season numbers are not yet confirmed for the upcoming season.” as confirmed by our reporter Femi Olawole.

Kalidou Koulibaly Jersey Number

Other Chelsea players who’ve already worn this iconic jersey number include England legend John Terry, Laurent Charvet, Neil Clement, Michael Duberry, and Andy Dow.
Tuchel stated in a brief interview that he hopes the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations winner demonstrates his efficiency as soon as possible and that the presence of Edouard Mendy and Jorginho will help him settle quickly.
“He brings experience, best defensive quality, height, and everything we’re looking for in a back-three or back-four,” the German told Chelsea’s official website.

“It’s another fantastic signing for us, and we hope Kalidou Koulibaly can demonstrate his talent as soon as possible.” Some of the players are familiar to him. He plays for his country alongside Edouard Mendy and for Napoli alongside Jorginho.
“I believe he will quickly feel at ease in the group on this side. It’s a nice group, and everyone is glad he’s here now.”
When the two-time Champions League champions face Charlotte on July 21, Koulibaly is set to make his debut.

The No.26 jersey worn by John Terry all through his legendary career at Chelsea is arguably the most legendary in the pantheon of Chelsea shirts. And, although not officially “retired,” it was never expected to be allotted again, much like Gianfranco Zola’s No.25 — the numbers being far above the normal range of football jersey numbers only made that more likely. That would be much more difficult with Frank Lampard’s No.8.

Kalidou Koulibaly Shirt number History

In any case, there is a new signing. Kalidou Koulibaly has also worn No.26 for much of his career, and given that he’s been one of the best in the world at his position for much of that time, his arrival begged the inevitable question of whether he’d take JT’s old number.

Furthermore, this is only a “temporary” assignment, valid for the time being only for preseason. The Premier League will not receive official squad lists until after the transfer window closes, so the number could change before then. But it’s a strong indication that K2 will purchase our new No.26!

In other news, Raheem Sterling has taken (at least temporarily) the No.17 shirt, which was previously worn by Mateo Kovacic (before he switched to No.8) and then Saul Niguez. Eden Hazard wore No.17 for a couple of seasons before switching to No.10.
Conor Gallagher has dropped the No.38 from Saturday’s game in favor of the No.15, which was left unassigned after Kurt Zouma’s departure last season.

Kalidou Koulibaly Age

The ace defender was born on June 20, 1991, and is currently 31 years old. During his time at Napoli, he never played less effectively as a result of his age and as such will be a good addition to Tuchel’s team.

Koulibaly serves as a replacement for Antonio Rudiger who exited the club this summer and joined Real Madrid in search of new opportunities.

These are the temporal shirt number allocation for the preseason, if any changes are made we will notify you on this platform.

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English Premier League

Adrie van der Poel deelt verontrustend bericht over Mathieu

Published

2 weeks ago

January 3, 2026

90minsoccer

Wout van Aert kende een dramatische afloop aan de cross in Mol, maar ook Mathieu van der Poel kwam niet ongeschonden uit deze wedstrijd. De Nederlander had het bijzonder koud, en kwam zelf eerder ook ten val. Vader Adrie zag daar een probleem.

Valpartij had invloed

Nochtans maakte Van der Poel duidelijk dat hij geen schade heeft overgehouden aan zijn tuimeling: “Eigenlijk viel ik zelfs nog zacht”, aldus de Nederlander. “Ik kreeg gewoon mijn voet niet uit mijn klikpedaal in het zand, waardoor ik stomweg omviel. Maar ik heb er gelukkig geen last van.”

Zo zag vader Adrie het echter niet tijdens de wedstrijd. In een interview met Sporza stelde hij immers dat Van der Poel last ondervond van zijn eerdere valpartij, eerder nog dan van de koude. Al voegde Adrie er ook wel aan toe dat zijn zoon niet bepaald staat te springen voor een koers in de sneeuw.

Van der Poel viseert enkel de koude

Reken daarbij nog de haast ondragelijke koude, en we kregen een verkleumde Van der Poel te zien na de finish. In zijn interviews achteraf stond hij nog steeds te bibberen, en maakte de wereldkampioen duidelijk dat hij behoorlijk hard had afgezien.

“Het was geen aangename cross. Ik heb het nu al een beetje warmer, maar ik heb zeker veel koud geleden vandaag”, luidde het bij MVDP. “Je weet ook dat wanneer je nadien weer opwarmt, het vijf minuten echt veel pijn gaat doen. Met dat gevoel was ik de laatste rondes al bezig.”

Voor Van der Poel was de conclusie dan ook duidelijk: “Dit was de moeilijkste wedstrijd van het jaar. Na een tijd hadden mijn handen en voeten zo veel koud dat het niet meer vanzelf ging.” Nu maar hopen dat vader Adrie toch geen gelijk krijgt over een mogelijke blessure, die door onderkoeling mogelijk onder de radar zou zijn gebleven.

https://x.com/cyclingontnt/status/2007112931780317689?s=20

English Premier League

Manchester United vs Chelsea: Match Preview, Head-to-Head, Injury Update, and Prediction Tips

Published

4 months ago

September 25, 2025

90minsoccer

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Manchester United vs Chelsea: Get the detailed Preview, Head-to-Head, Team news and Prediction Tips here as the Red Devils welcome Gunners.

The Red Devils will be hosting visitors Chelsea at Old Trafford in the Premier League fixture on Thursday

Here is a thorough match preview on the recent performance, Current form, Head-to-Head, and statistics for Manchester United vs Chelsea – along with the latest betting tips.

Manchester United

L D L W L L
Manchester United have not been in their best performance in recent time. The red devils have only one win in their last six matches. They will be hoping to return to winning ways after the 3-1 Premier League defeat in their last game at Emirates Stadium.

In their away match at Emirates Stadium, Manchester United were outclassed by the Gunners, as the Red Devils managed 45% possession and 14 shot attempt with only 5 of them on target. Cristiano Ronaldo came to the rescue in 34th-minute after the visitors were 2-0 down.

While Arsenal on the other hand enjoyed 55% ball possession, had 14 shots with 7 on target. Two early goals from Nuno Tavares in the 3rd minute, and Bukayo Saka in the 32nd minute gave the gunners a comfortable lead. Bruno Fernandes failed to convert a spot-kick as Granit Xhaka sealed the victory for Arsenal in the 70th minute.

Manchester United’s recent performance has been worse than usual. They have conceded in all of their last 6 matches, amounting to 12 goals conceded in 6 matches. This is the kind of record every Chelsea fan will like to hear right now.

PRE-MATCH FACTS

The Red Devils have not lost any of their league matches against Chelsea in their last 8 matches. That is quite a long run between the two clubs without a loss.
However, despite their 8 matches unbeaten run against the Blues, they haven’t won against Chelsea in their last 3 premier league matches.
And lastly, Manchester United haven’t lost against Chelsea in their previous 7 league matches at home.

Chelsea

L W W W L W
Chelsea are heading into the match against Manchester United as the favorite contenders. The blues recorded a slim 1-0 victory against West Ham United in the Premier League fixture on Sunday

Chelsea who welcomed West Ham United enjoyed a 67% possession and 26 shots attempt with only 5 on target. Despite the large possession of the ball, the blue’s attack was blunt firing 21 shots off-target. Thanks to Christian Pulisic’s stoppage-time goal that secured the victory for the home team. West Ham United tried to get at least a point off the current world champions, managed 33% ball possession, and got 6 attempts with only 2 on target.

Looking at their last 6 premier league fixtures, Chelsea have won 4 and loss 2 scoring 15 goals. Remarkably, the blues scored in all of their last 6 premier league matches and conceded 9 goals.

PAST MEETINGS WITH MANCHESTER UNITED

In their previous meetings, Chelsea have not won against Manchester United at Old Trafford in the previous 8 league matches. Also, Chelsea have not been defeated in their last 5 away league matches

HEAD-TO-HEAD

This fixture is one of the biggest matches in the English Premier League. Looking at their head-to-head meetings in the Premier League stretching from the 2018/2019 season to date, both teams have met six times, Manchester United won 2 of these games while Chelsea won 1, and a record of 3 draws.

INJURY UPDATE: Manchester United

According to Manchester United coach Ralf Rangnick, the following players will not be available for the match against Chelsea at Old Trafford.

Paul Pogba (Calf Injury)

Fred (Problems with the hip flexor)

Edinson Cavani (Calf Injury)

Luke Shaw (Leg Injury)

INJURY UPDATE: Chelsea

According to Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, only Ben Chilwell who suffered a Ruptured cruciate ligament, and will not be available for the trip to Old Trafford.

Prediction

Considering their recent performance, Manchester United will need a miracle to win all 3 points against this Chelsea side. I think the best the Red devils can do is to pick a point.
I’m tipping over 1.5 goals for this match.

English Premier League

Talking Soccer Florida : Best Reviews and all you need to know

Published

3 years ago

October 23, 2022

90minsoccer

Talking Soccer Florida is a discussion platform where users are free to signup to become members and contribute meaningfully to any topic of interest. At first, the platform began as a soccer discussion forum but later became a big arena where every other discussion could be treated.

The interesting thing about this platform is, creating a topic of discussion is not the duty of the admin alone, registered members of the forum are also free to create topics of discussion.

How to join Talking Soccer Florida

It is natural for individuals to discuss and share ideas on pressing issues as this singular act has saved a lot of persons from all sorts of depression. Hence, joining this discussion forum is quite easy and straightforward. The steps are enumerated below:

step 1: Visit their Official website

Step 2: Locate the top right corner of the website’s home page and click on “Login or Sign up”, it is a single button

Step 3: Click on Sign up in the bottom right corner of the drop-down login bar.

Step 4: Fill in all the required details in the fields provided.

Step 5: Click ” Complete Sign Up”

Features of Talking Soccer Florida

This amazing platform has some remarkable features that help users/members navigate and interact on the website. Some of these features are:

1. Forum: This is a page where all discussions take place. Here, members select their topics of interest and comment on same. Under the forum there are a few other features as listed below:

Topics: This houses all the topics treated so far and there is also a provision for members to create new topics of discussion.
Latest Activity: This allows members to see the recent happenings in the group, like the recent topic created, the recent comment made, and so on.
My Subscription: This also allows members to view their list of subscribed posts
Photos: It shows the photo gallery of all pictures posted in the forum since inception.

2. Blogs: This shows the blog posts made that is meant to educate members and reader on a given topic. Here it is left for members to leave a comment after reading the post if they so wish but it is not a topic of discussion.

3. Articles: This feature houses all articles written with well-researched facts, findings, and references meant for the user’s reading pleasure.

4. Groups: On this platform, members are free to create and join various groups of their choice for smaller, concise and straightforward discussions.

5. Today’s Post: This shows the list of all topics posted today and their respective comments by members of the platform.

6. Members List: It shows the list of all registered members on the platform.

Talking Soccer Ma (Massachusetts)

Talking Soccer Ma is yet another platform that brings together soccer fans in the city of Massachusetts to discuss the latest happenings in the world of soccer. Interestingly, this platform also gives room for discussions on other topics aside from soccer.