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US billionaire Dan Friedkin is the new owner of Premier League soccer club Everton.

In its second attempt to buy the iconic team, The Friedkin Group reached an agreement to buy Everton in September. The takeover has finally been given the green light by the Premier League and the American businessman will begin working on ways to help push the Toffees up the table.

Ending Farhad Moshiri’s controversial eight-year spell at Everton, Friedkin will become chairman of the board. Here’s a closer look at how Friedkin made his fortune, as well as his net worth compared to Everton’s city rivals Liverpool.

Net worth

According to Forbes, Friedkin boasts a net worth of $7.9bn. The 59-year-old took over as CEO of TFG and Gulf States Toyota after his father, Thomas, retired in 2000.

Gulf States Toyota sold $11bn worth of cars in 2023, and it holds exclusive rights to sell Toyotas in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Oklahoma. Expanding his business portfolio, Friedkin became chairman of Auberge Resorts Collection in 2013, a company that owns a collection of luxury resorts and hotels across the US, Mexico, Costa Rica, Europe, the Caribbean, and Fiji.

In 2017, Friedkin co-founded the film production company 30West and later co-founded the entertainment studio Imperative Entertainment. The Everton takeover is not his first venture into soccer either, as Friedkin became the owner of Italian giants Roma in 2020. The extent of his wealth is best displayed when compared to Liverpool owner John W. Henry.

Friedkin is estimated to be worth $5bn more than Henry, who also owns the Boston Red Sox and NHL francise the Pittsburgh Penguins.

There’s already been big movement at Everton following the takeover, with Friedkin primed to become chairman of the board and Marc Watts instilled as executive chairman to oversee operations. TFG CFO Ana Dunkel will also join the Everton board.

“I take immense pride in welcoming one of England’s most historic football clubs to our global family, the Friedkin Group. Everton represents a proud legacy, and we are honoured to become custodians of this great institution,” Friedkin said.

“Whilst we are new to the club, we fully understand the vital role Everton plays in local culture, history, and the lives of Evertonians here and around the world. We are deeply committed to honouring this legacy while contributing positively to the community, economy, and people of this remarkable city.”

US ownership of Premier League clubs is becoming increasingly common, with as many as 11 clubs either joint or majority-owned by Americans. While Everton fans will hope the takeover will lead to an influx of signings, TFG will also be aware that the club suffered two points deductions last season for failing to follow financial rules.

Source: https://www.themirror.com/sport/soccer/everton-dan-friedkin-premier-league-868093

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Wolverhampton Wanderers have hired Vitor Pereira as their new manager following the departure of Gary O’Neil, it was confirmed on Thursday.

Pereira, the club’s third Portuguese boss, arrives from Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab with a wealth of experience having managed in eight countries over the last 11 years and will be tasked with keeping Wolves in the Premier League after a poor start to the season.

“We are delighted to welcome Vitor Pereira to Wolves as the new head coach of our men’s first-team. Vitor is a highly respected and experienced coach who has achieved success across different leagues and will bring a new approach for the test ahead,” club chairman Jeff Shi said.

“This is a challenging moment for the club, and we want to thank Vitor for taking on this responsibility. We have full confidence in his ability to guide us back on track, alongside the players and staff, and the entire club will be united in supporting him to achieve success.”

O’Neill was sacked following Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Ipswich Town at Molineux, which left Wolves 19th in the table with only two wins from 16 games.

FC Porto after succeeding Andre Villas-Boas in 2011, leading the team to back-to-back Primeira Liga crowns. He has also won league titles in Greece with Olympiacos and China with Shanghai SIPG, while an eclectic managerial career has also taken him to Al Ahli, Fenerbahce, 1860 Munich, Corinthians, Flamengo and most recently Al Shabab.

The 56-year-old was heavily linked with the Everton job in 2022 before fan protests led to the club hiring Frank Lampard, but now gets his chance in England.

Wolves face fellow strugglers Leicester City on Sunday before tough matches against Manchester United and Tottenham.

Source: https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/42982753/wolves-hire-vitor-pereira-new-boss-gary-oneil-exit

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Kaizer Chiefs could be set to miss out on an opportunity to cash in on one of their key players. 

Chiefs were believed to be ready to listen to offers for midfielder Edson Castillo, provided their price was met. 

At the start of the previous season, Chiefs signed Castillo from his native Venezuela. He seemed liked a genius signing, starting life in South Africa brightly. He has tenacious in the tackle, provided energy around the park and he was a threat at set piece time. The box-to-box star was also very good at arriving late in the opposition box and scoring. 

Castillo was at valued at R40 million last season

But when former coach Molefi Ntseki was sacked, Castillo fell out of favour with interim coach Cavin Johnson. That then saw him lose his place in the Venezuelan national team but also grow unhappy at Chiefs. This was to the extent that he was believed to have been pushing for a move to North Africa. Zamalek were reportedly quoted R40 million by Amakhosi’s top brass for his services. In the end, their transfer ban proved to be a stumbling block for the deal.

Castillo then stayed put at Chiefs and proved as the season went on. He then suffered an unfortunate serious leg injury. That has since kept him out for a few months. Now according to Soccer-Laduma, his future at the club is now in jeopardy.

Chiefs putting him in limbo

“The club (Chiefs) had initiated the talks for the contract extension before the injury when they saw they needed him (Castillo) and he could play a vital role but with the injury the whole situation has changed. You know for now the club is taking full care of him but the question is after the injury, will he be the same? Such things have happened to Khama Billiat, Keagan Dolly and even now, George Matlou. After recovering from their injuries they have not been the same so the team is just being cautious and careful. But talks will resume when he is fully recovered and the club is convinced he can contribute to the team. For now it’s believed the talks are on hold,” said the source. 

A second source said that Chiefs stalling could work in the favour of Castillo.

Should he stay or should he go?

“This could work to the advantage of the player (Castillo) as well. You remember he wanted to leave at one stage? So, if they (Chiefs) delay the negotiations it would give him the chance to be a free agent and leave for a team of his choice. But also, the injury is the stumbling block. So his future will only be decided after he fully recovers,” said the source. 

Chiefs fans should Castillo get another contract or is it time to move on?

Source: https://www.thesouthafrican.com/sport/soccer/psl-south-africa/kaizer-chiefs-set-to-lose-r40-million-man-for-free/

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When you create a list of the 50 greatest soccer teams of all time, there are so many metrics to consider. You need to take into account the size of the club’s trophy haul, the quality of the competition they faced and their longevity.

There is another factor, however, which is perhaps less easy to measure but no less important. That is, their lasting impact on the game and beyond the pitch. The culture. This criterion is fundamental because it reflects the sheer importance of soccer as a driver of societal change.

That’s why Sports Illustrated’s list of the greatest soccer teams includes the very best women’s and Paralympic sides as well as men’s.

50. Preston North End (1888-89)

Before Arsene Wenger’s legendary Arsenal side, there was the original Invincibles. They were the first team to go an entire season unbeaten (18W-4D-0L) and the first English side to win the domestic double of the league and FA Cup.

49. Porto (2004)

Soccer fans don’t get enough underdog stories, which is why Porto’s Champions League win was so remarkable. Led by the Special One himself, Jose Mourinho masterminded victories over Real Madrid and, most memorably, Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United in the quarter-finals on the road to victory.

48. Leicester City (2016)

At a time when money dictates so much of what happens in the beautiful game, The Foxes’ winning of the Premier League was a fairytale that, to this day, makes anything feel possible in soccer.

47. Monterrey (2010s)

The Mexican side dominated the Concacaf Champions League with five titles in one decade. This incredible run included three back-to-back titles from 2011-2013. Mentality giants.

46. Chelsea Women (2015-2024)

Largely under the stewardship of the hugely impressive Emma Hayes, the Bluebells bagged eight titles in 10 seasons. Now managed by Sonia Bompastor, they are on target to win the WSL again this season.

45. Egypt (2006-10)

With three consecutive Africa Cup of Nations triumphs, The Pharaohs dominated African international soccer thanks to quality throughout the squad and an incredible team spirit.

44. Al Ahly (2000s)

Key to Egypt’s international success was the fact that the core of its side was made up of players who were having similar joy as part of Al Ahly. The Egyptian club side won five CAF Champions Leagues in just over a decade (2001, 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2012).

43. New York Cosmos (1970s)

Pele. Beckenbauer. Chinaglia. Alberto. The Cosmos were not just a soccer team, they were a super team. A cultural phenomenon surrounded by glitz and glamour, they helped kickstart the sport in the US with the launch of the NASL. To fully understand the wonderful madness that surrounded the club during that era, check out the documentary “Once in a Lifetime”.

42. Galatasaray (2000)

A season unlike any other for a Turkish side, either before or since. Masterminded by ‘The Emperor’ Fatih Terim and an iconic roster of players, Gala won the domestic double before dispatching Arsenal in the UEFA Cup final and Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup.

41. VfL Wolfsburg Women (2013–2014)

Back-to-back domestic doubles and UEFA Women’s Champions League titles established this side as one of the finest ever seen in women’s soccer.

40. Celtic (1967)

The first British team to win the European Cup were crowned champions in Lisbon, Portugal. What made the Lisbon Lions even more remarkable is that the entire squad was born within a 30-mile radius of Celtic Park in Glasgow. Homegrown.

39. Leeds United (1974)

A team renowned for being as tough as it was successful. They dominated the English first division through the aggressive play of Jack Charlton and Norman Hunter, which allowed the more subtle charms of Eddie Grey, Johnny Giles and Peter Lorimer to shine through.

38. FC Barcelona Femení (2020–present)

Home to not just one but two double Ballon d’Or winners, Alexia Putella and Aitana Bonmatí, the Spanish side are the pioneers of modern women’s soccer. Playing the same scintillating tiki-taka as the men’s team, they have been finalists in the last four Women’s Champions League, winning two of them.

37. Dynamo Kyiv (1975)

Valeriy Lobanovskyi’s side won the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup and the European Super Cup and, in the process, revolutionized soccer. Along with the Dutchman Rinus Michels, Lobanovskyi was recognized as the inventor of ‘Total Football,’ a fluid system where any outfield player can take on the role of any other player on the team. 

36. Steaua Bucharest (1986)

Triumph in the European Cup final over giants Barcelona remains the pinnacle of Romanian soccer’s achievements and a source of great national pride.

35. Red Star Belgrade (1991)

The first and only club from the former Yugoslavia to defy the odds to win the European Cup. The victory provided a rare moment of unity for the region that was on the brink of war at the time.

34. Atletico Madrid (2014)

Diego Simeone’s punk upstarts upset Real Madrid and Barcelona’s duopoly of La Liga, which had remained uninterrupted for over a decade. Heartbreakingly, they were denied an incredible double over their Madrid rivals when they conceded an equalizer in the 93rd minute of the Champions League.

33. Feyenoord (1970)

The club’s first and only European Cup success paved the way for the rise of Dutch soccer in the Seventies. Known as Feijenoord back then, they changed their name in 1974 so people from outside the Netherlands were able to pronounce it.

32. Juventus (1981–1985)

The Bianconeri were imperious during this period, winning 11 trophies. Led by two European Footballers of the Year, Paolo Rossi and Michel Platini, they became the first club to win every trophy available.

31. Sevilla (2014–2020)

The most successful club in the history of the UEFA Europa League. In 2023, they added an almost silly seventh Europa League trophy to their collection after defeating AS Roma.

30. Real Madrid (2016–2018)

Three consecutive Champions League titles under Zinedine Zidane is ridiculous, even by the insanely high standards set in Europe by Los Blancos.

29. Arsenal (2003–2004)

One season before they achieved Invincible status, Arsene Wenger commented he thought the Gunners could go a season unbeaten. He was widely mocked. Who’s laughing now?

28. Barcelona (2014–2015)

The famous MSN frontline (Messi, Suarez, Neymar) won the treble and the hearts of fans worldwide with the kind of soccer rarely seen outside of PlayStation.

27. Uruguay (1930–1950)

From success at the first-ever World Cup in 1930 to their victory over home favorites Brazil in the 1950 Final, Uruguay dominated international soccer for 20 years through a stunning combination of technical and physical ability. After that, not so much.

26. Dick, Kerr’s Ladies FC (1917-1921)

Established in 1917 in Preston, England, they were one of the world’s first organized women’s soccer teams. They took their unusual moniker from the Dick, Kerr and Co. ammunitions factory where the players worked. This pioneering side played the first women’s international in 1920 against France and drew enormous crowds of over 50,000 spectators until The Football Association banned the women’s game in 1921.

25. Benfica (1961–1962)

Inspired by the extraordinary talent of Eusebio, the Eagles became the first side to win the European Cup in consecutive seasons.

24. Chelsea (2004–2005)

Jose Mourinho signed for Chelsea in the summer and promptly turned them into defensive monsters. The Blues ran out Premier League winners, conceding just 15 goals all season. A defensive record that still stands today in the Premier League.

23. River Plate (2018)

Already the fiercest rivalry in world soccer, The Game of the Century saw River Plate face Boca Juniors for the first time in the Copa Libertadores final. The matchup between Argentina’s two teams was so explosive that the second leg had to be moved to Madrid after Boca’s bus was attacked. Following a 2-2 draw in the first leg, Los Millonarios won 3-1 in the Bernabeu and were crowned continental champions for a historic fourth time.

22. Flamengo (1981)

He was known as the White Pele, and in 1981, Zico was the greatest player in the world. He led his incredibly talented side to the club’s first-ever Copa Libertadores title and then went one step further, conquering Bob Paisley’s Liverpool in the Intercontinental Cup to make them world champions.

21. Boca Juniors (2000–2003)

Three Copa Libertadores and two Intercontinental Cups in the space of four years established Boca as one of the greatest teams in the world. Led by tactical mastermind Carlos Bianchi, opposition sides were repeatedly subdued by Boca’s beauty and the beast, Joan Román Riquelme and Carlos Tevez.

20. Manchester City (2017-2023)

An unprecedented era of dominance for the previously unfancied Citizens. Backed by Emirati royalty, Pep Guardiola turned City into serial record-breakers. They won the Premier League with an unheard-of 100 points in 2018, won five domestic titles in six years and then topped it off with a historic treble including the club’s first Champion League trophy in 2023.

19. Liverpool (1977–1984)

Under the stewardship of Bob Paisley, Liverpool established a reputation as European giants. Playing an evolution of Bill Shankly’s pass-and-move, Dalglish and company swept all before them, capturing six domestic titles and four European Cups in just seven years.

18. Brazil (1958)

The legend of Samba Football began at the World Cup in Sweden. Pelé, just 17, transfixed all with his artistry and flair. The iconic yellow kit made its debut and became a symbol of joyful attacking verve that continues to this day. The Seleção won the final 5-2 against the hosts and became the first-ever team to win the World Cup outside their continent.

17. France (1998–2000)

Les Blues line-up at this time was basically a roll-call of the world’s greatest players. Zidane, Deschamps, Vieira, Henry, Trezeguet, Desailly, Thuram… the list goes on. The back-to-back World Cup and European titles not only established France as a soccer powerhouse but also symbolized unity thanks to the multi-racial nature of the squad known as “Black, Blanc, Beur” (Black, White, Arab).

16. Santos (1962–1963)

They weren’t even one of the biggest sides in Brazil when Pele joined them, but arguably the greatest player who ever lived helped turn them into two-time South American and world champions in just two seasons.

15. Brazil (2002)

After the disappointment of 1998 when they lost the final to France, Brazil came back stronger to become the first side to win the World Cup five times. Upfront, they dazzled thanks to the attacking swagger of Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho. Ronaldo particularly enjoyed himself. Having recovered from a career-threatening injury, he scored eight goals, including two in the final against Germany, winning the Golden Boot and FIFA World Player of the Year.

14. Germany Women (2001–2007)

Die Frauen-Nationalmannschaft were the undisputed leaders in women’s soccer during this period. Led by powerful goal scorer Birgit Prinz, their tactical discipline, solid defense, and creative attacking play helped them win two consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cups and the UEFA Women’s Euros.

13. Brazil Paralympic team (2004-2020)

The Seleção have demonstrated an unbelievable level of dominance in Paralympic blind soccer since its inception. Led by player-turned-coach Fábio Vasconcelos, they remained unbeaten for 16 years, winning five consecutive Golds.

12. Nottingham Forest (1979–1980)

On May 7, 1977, Forest scraped into the English First Division on the last day of the season. Managed by the hugely charismatic Brian Clough, they went on to win the league title the following season before gate-crashing the very highest echelons of the game by not only winning the European Cup in 1979 but retaining it in 1980.

11. Netherlands (1974)

The greatest team to never win the World Cup. The Oranje may not have taken home a trophy from Germany, but they did win hearts and minds with their high-pressing, fluid Total Football. Masterminded by coach Rinus Michels and epitomized on the pitch by mercurial captain Johan Cruyff, this team has since inspired some of the greatest minds in the game, including Arsene Wenger, Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp.

10. Manchester United (1998–1999)

The Red Devils’ finest moment. Sir Alex Ferguson led his team to an unprecedented Treble of the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League. The latter came close to eluding him, with Bayern Munich leading in the 90th minute before injury-time goals from Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rescued the match in what is widely known as  ‘Fergie Time’.

9. Ajax (1971–1973)

The Total Football philosophy of Rinus Michels and Johan Cruyff helped Ajax to completely dominate European soccer. The pioneering strategy of fluid positional play and high-octane pressing saw the Dutch side win three European Cups in succession. After that, soccer was never the same again.

8. West Germany (1972–1974)

The English striker Gary Lineker once said: “Football is a simple game; 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes, and at the end, the Germans always win.” This inevitability began with the West German victories at the 1972 European Championship and the 1974 World Cup. The mental strength, tactical discipline and technical proficiency of players like Franz “Der Kaiser” Beckenbauer, Paul Breitner and Gerd “Der Bomber” Muller were to become the hallmark of German teams for decades to come.

7. US Women’s National Team (2015-2019)

With successive World Cups and four Olympic Golds, the USWNT took women’s soccer to the next level. Stars like Mia Hamm, Alex Morgan and Hope Solo became worldwide household names and, in the case of Megan Rapinoe, transcended the sport, becoming cultural icons leading the fight for equal pay and LGBTQ rights.

6. Spain (2008–2012)

Thanks to tiki-taka and a team blessed with unbelievable talent, Spain became the first national men’s team to win three tournaments in a row. Their possession-based soccer, short, rapid style passing hypnotized the opposition into submission, allowing La Roja to end its 44-year trophy drought with a 2008 European Championship win over Germany. Xavi and Iniesta, perhaps the greatest-ever midfield pairing in international soccer, drove the team towards victory in the 2010 World Cup and then again in the 2012 European Championships.

5. AC Milan (1988–1994)

The golden era of Milan was sparked under the revolutionary leadership of Arrigo Sacchi and then built upon by Fabio Capello. The sides were defensive masters and deadly on the counter-attack. Boasting generational talents like Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini, Marco van Basten, Frank Rijkaard and Ruud Gullit, they cruised to three European Cup victories and conceded just 15 goals in 34 matches during the 1991–92 Serie A season, during which they went unbeaten.

4. Olympique Lyonnais Féminin (2016–20)

The greatest club team in women’s soccer history. Lyon won five successive Champions Leagues thanks to their abundance of talent—from the giant Wendie Renard at the back to the prolific Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg up front. Continued success came as a result of the club’s progressive attitudes. They treated the men’s and women’s teams on an equal footing and, in doing so, took the professionalization of the women’s game to new heights.

3. Real Madrid (1955–1960)

This era marked the birth of the club’s audacious reputation as European aristocracy. Five successive European Cups were won through a blend of individual brilliance and tactical organization that remains the club’s hallmark to this day. Their reputation for collecting Galacticos also began back then, with Madrid hoovering up the game’s most iconic players, Alfredo Di Stéfano and Ferenc Puskás, bringing unparalleled stardust to their roster.

2. Barcelona (2008–2012)

“They get you on that carousel, and they make you dizzy with their passing.” That was Sir Alex Ferguson’s verdict after watching his Manchester United team get dispatched by Barcelona in the 2008 Champions League semi-finals. Managed by the genius Pep Guardiola and starring arguably soccer’s greatest-ever talent, Lionel Messi, this was the finest men’s club side in history. Playing the same irrepressible tiki-taka as the national team, they plundered Europe, winning two Champions League, three La Ligas and two UEFA Super Cups.

1. Brazil (1970)

The golden team. No other in soccer’s rich past has inspired so much love for Joga Bonito. Brazil’s third World Cup triumph was achieved by a side made up of prodigious talents that blended so perfectly they blew away the opposition. In Tostao, Jairzinho and Rivelino, they boasted impossible levels of teamwork, creativity and flair… and then there was Pele who, according to poet Eduardo Galeano, “climbed into the air as if it were a staircase” to score the opening goal of the final. Brazil went on to beat Italy 4-1, but as with that entire tournament, it wasn’t just about the winning, it was the unprecedented style with which they went about it that made them so unique.

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Source: https://www.si.com/soccer/ranking-the-50-best-soccer-teams-of-all-time

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POLOKWANE, SOUTH AFRICA – MAY 07: Edson Castillo of Kaizer Chiefs arrives at the stadium ahead of the DStv Premiership match between Kaizer Chiefs and TS Galaxy at Peter Mokaba Stadium on May 07, 2024 in Polokwane, South Africa. (Photo by Philip Maeta/Gallo Images)

Source: https://www.snl24.com/soccerladuma/local/siyagobhoza/how-edson-castillos-injury-affects-his-new-kaizer-chiefs-contract-20241219

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READ: Revealed: Why Dolly Missed Chiefs Showdown

“For now they want to loan him out since his contract is only expiring in June 2026. So with that in mind, they want him to go on loan and make the final decision at the end of the season. But after releasing Sandile Mthethwa and loaning out Katlego Otladisa there are few more movements still expected at the club,” the second insider told the Siya crew.

Shandu had his standout season in 2021/22 after joining from Maritzburg United, playing all 30 league games.

However, his appearances have decreased over time, featuring in not many games last season, and he is yet to appear in this campaign after recovering from injury.

As Pirates navigate their squad restructuring, Shandu’s future hangs in the balance. The club’s strategic decisions on player movements will dictate his next steps, ensuring Bucs maintain a balanced and competitive roster going forward.

Source: https://www.snl24.com/soccerladuma/local/siyagobhoza/bandile-shandu-defensive-reshuffle-at-orlando-pirates-20241219

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