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Football and Sponsorships: Why Are Certified Casinos a Safe Option

n an era of remarkable expansion in the online casino industry, the surge in players and its growing legal acceptance is undoubtedly exciting.

Oct 12, 2023, 10:35 PM4 min read

In an era of remarkable expansion in the online casino industry, the surge in players and its growing legal acceptance is undoubtedly exciting. However, this surge has also attracted its fair share of bad apples. Certified operators are beacons of trust and integrity, offering players a haven amidst the industry's rapid growth and ensuring a secure and enjoyable gaming experience.

With this, the role of certified casinos has become more crucial than ever as players try to find the most trusted online casino.

Strict Regulation and Oversight

Certified casinos stand out as safe options because they must pass rigorous verification processes and comply with the highest code of conduct mandated by legislation. These requirements ensure that all casino operations are legal and conducted safely and responsibly. Such stringent regulation and oversight provide assurance in terms of personal and financial safety.

Also Read: Eden Hazard retires: Here are his top 8 most memorable football moments

 Fair Games and Regular Auditing

Beyond the casino's certification, certified casinos go the extra mile to ensure the fairness of their games. They subject their Random Number Generators (RNGs) to scrutiny by independent auditing companies such as iTech Labs and BMM Testlabs. These audits confirm that the game results are genuinely random, following the principles of true RNGs, which do not have predictable patterns.

Additionally, software and game systems undergo periodic audits to ensure ongoing fairness and compliance with regulatory standards. 

Committed to Responsible Gaming Features

Certified casinos are not merely profit-driven; they genuinely care about the well-being of their players. To foster responsible gambling, they offer various features and tools designed to help players maintain healthy gambling activities. These tools include setting deposit and session limits, providing reality checks to remind players of their playing duration, and offering self-exclusion options for those who need a break.

Moreover, certified casinos often collaborate with NGOs to prevent and address gambling addiction. Organisations such as GamCare and BeGambleAware offer valuable resources to players in need.  

Effective Customer Support

Certified casinos understand that customer support is vital in ensuring a positive gaming experience. Serving as the bridge between the casino and players, certified casinos provide impeccable support services. Their customer support teams are equipped to handle issues and disputes professionally and efficiently.

Whether it's resolving technical glitches or addressing player concerns, these casinos prioritise customer satisfaction. Moreover, their support teams can provide valuable insights into gambling-related legal matters, offering guidance and clarity to players with questions or concerns. 

The Impact on Football Sponsorships

Within the world of football, sponsorships play a pivotal role, driving the sport's financial engine and boosting its global appeal. As the online casino industry becomes more intertwined with football, the importance of certified casinos cannot be overstated. Clubs, players, and even leagues have partnered with various online casinos as part of lucrative sponsorship deals. These relationships underscore the need for trust and credibility.

Certified casinos present themselves as ideal partners for such deals, as they carry an assurance of authenticity and reliability. By aligning with such reputable institutions, football entities can further bolster their image, ensuring fans that they're engaging with responsible brands that prioritize the players' welfare and the sport's integrity.

Global Repercussions and The Way Forward

The ripple effects of certified casinos extend beyond individual players or specific football entities; they play a part in shaping the global perception of the online gaming sector. In an age where information spreads rapidly, one negative incident can tarnish an entire industry's reputation. Therefore, by ensuring that certified casinos lead the way, the industry creates a solid foundation of trust and accountability.

Moving ahead, as technology and online gaming continue to evolve, the need for certified casinos will only intensify. These institutions set the gold standard, guiding newer entrants and influencing regulations worldwide. Their presence fortifies the online gaming ecosystem, ensuring that as the industry expands, it does so with the player's best interests at its heart.

Conclusion

Being certified is a clear indication that a casino not only provides outstanding services but also prioritizes the well-being of its players by adhering to strict regulations. When you play at a certified casino, you can rest assured of fair play, robust data protection measures, and the confidence that your winnings will be paid out promptly. Certification serves as a seal of trust, offering players the peace of mind they deserve in the dynamic world of online gaming.

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Most Test centuries in the World Test Championship

Former England captain Joe Root has scored the most test centuries in the World Test Championship so far. Cricket stars like Rohit Sharma, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne are on the list as well.

Jul 11, 2025, 10:00 PM7 min read

Most Test centuries in the World Test Championship

The World Test Championship was started in 2019 to make Test cricket interesting. The Championship has changed the way Test Cricket is being played. Though England has shown their aggressive brand of cricket, which has taken the world by storm, but failed to win the title.

South Africa are the current winner of the ICC World Test Championship. New Zealand and Australia have won the World Test Championships in the first two editions, while India played the final on both occasions.

Joe Root, the former test captain of England till now has scored the test centuries in the World Test Championship.

Here are the players with the most Test centuries in the World Test Championship.

1. Joe Root | 19

Most Test centuries in the World Test Championship - Sportzpoint.com

England's Joe Root has the most Test centuries in the World Test Championship. So far, he has scored 19 centuries in 122 innings of 67 matches. Root is also the batsman who has scored the most runs in this tournament, with 5756 runs at an average of 51.85.

His best knock came against India in 2021 when he scored 228 in Chennai to help his side win the game. 

Read Also: Fav four in cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith overall stats

2. Steven Smith | 13

Most Test centuries in the World Test Championship | Steven Smith - Sportzpoint.com

Australia's Steve Smith has now scored the most test centuries in the World Test Championship. The Aussie top-order batter has been one of the best test batters of this generation and has scored runs all around the world.

Smith is known for his unorthodox and yet effective batting style, which keeps on annoying the opponent's bowling lineups.

Till now in WTC, Steve Smith has scored 4225 runs at an outstanding average of 50.29, including 13 test centuries.

Read Also | Most Test Runs in Cricket History (Men's)

3. Marnus Labuschagne | 11

Most Test centuries in the World Test Championship - Sportzpoint.com

Australia's Marnus Labuschagne has scored 11 centuries in his Test career, and all have been scored in the World Test Championship. In 53 matches, he has scored 4225 runs at an average of 48.01 during the Test Championship.

Marnus used to have his test average over 50. However, a recent dip in form, which also led to him being dropped from the test side as well, brought his batting average down. 

Still, he is the batter with the second-most test centuries and third-most runs in WTC history so far. 

4. Kane Williamson | 11

Most Test centuries in the World Test Championship | Kane Williamson - Sportzpoint.com

Kane Williamson has batted amazingly in the World Test Championship. He has played only 28 matches so far in this tournament, but has managed to score 11 centuries in his 50 innings. 

Williamson has the best average (61.34) among the batsmen who have scored at least 2000 runs in the World Test Championship. During the Test match versus South Africa, the former Kiwi skipper scored two tons in the same game. 

Williamson, with 33 test centuries, is the batter with third most test centuries among active batters. 

5. Rohit Sharma | 9

Most Test centuries in the World Test Championship | Rohit Sharma - Sportzpoint.com

Former Indian test captain Rohit Sharma is the only Indian batter included in the 'most Test centuries in the World Test Championship' list.

Before retiring from the format, Rohit played 40 matches during the Test Championship since 2019. In his 69 innings, he has scored 9 centuries and 8 half-centuries with his bat.

With 2716 runs in the World Test Championship in just 40 Tests, Rohit is the highest scorer for India in WTC history so far, with an average is 41.15. Rohit Sharma's all of 9 test tons in WTC came in winning cause for India. 

Also Read: Most Test Hundreds for India since 2021

6. Babar Azam | 8

Most Test centuries in the World Test Championship | Babar Azam - Sportzpoint.com

The former Pakistan skipper has scored 8 centuries during the World Test Championship cycle. Babar Azam is the sixth in the list of batters with most test centuries in WTC history.

In 36 matches, he has also scored 2998 runs at an average of 48.35 during the Test Championship.

The 29-year-old isn’t in the greatest of form currently, but on his day, Babar Azam is a delight to watch.

One of his most memorable knocks came against Australia in Karachi in 2022. Babar scored 196 while chasing a huge total in the 4th inning of the game.

7. Harry Brook | 8

Most Test centuries in the World Test Championship - Harry Brook (8) | sportzpoint.com
Brook after scoring his latest test century, vs India in Birmingham. Image | Getty Images

Currently, the ICC No.1 Men's test batter, Harry Brook, comes at number seven on our list of players with most test centuries in the World Test Championship. 

The English youngster has just played 24 test matches during the WTC cycles and has scored 8 centuries so far. 

Apart from Joe Root, he has been the shining armour of the English batting lineup in the last two seasons. Brook, till now, has scored 2234 test runs in WTC at an average of 55.85, with an outstanding strike rate of 83.54, the highest in WTC history. 

Read Also | Top 10 Underrated Cricketers Who Can Surprise You in 2025

8. Dhananjaya de Silva | 8

Most Test centuries in the World Test Championship - Sportzpoint.com

Sri Lanka's Dhananjaya De Silva might be one of the surprising names on this list.

The Sri Lanka captain has been one of the best batters for his country despite lacking support from the other end, most of the time.

So far, he has scored 8 centuries in 62 innings of 35 matches. Dhananjaya also scored 2509 runs, with an average of 44.80, during the Test Championship. Dhananjaya is also one of the active players with the most test centuries currently. 

9. Travis Head | 8

Most Test centuries in the World Test Championship - Travis Head - 8 tons | sportzpoint.com
Head after scoring a ton against India in 2024. Image | Getty Images

Travis Head, the swashbuckling left-handed batter, has also scored 8 test tons during the World Test Championship cycle. The Aussie batter is one of the most dangerous middle-order batters in the world at the moment in test cricket. 

Till now, in 51 matches in WTC, Head has scored 3264 runs at an average of 40.80, with a strike-rate of 72.85. Head also scored 15 fifties during the World Test Championship. 

Head's 7 out of 8 test tons during the WTC came in a winning cause for Australia.

Read Also | Every heated moment of IPL 2025 that you missed

10. Usman Khawaja | 8

Most Test centuries in the World Test Championship - Sportzpoint.com

Australian opener Usman Khawaja has hit 8 centuries during the World Test Championship cycle.

In 42 matches, he has scored 3251 runs at an average of 45.78. The Southpaw batter is a treat to watch when he is in song and has restored his career with some outstanding scores for the current WTC champions.

He was also the second-highest-scoring batsman in the 2021–2023 WTC cycle with 1,621 runs, the highest by an Australian batsman.

Also Read: Most Wickets in Test Cricket

11. Shubman Gill | 8

Most Test centuries in the World Test Championship - Shubman Gill - 8 | sportzpoint.com
Gill after scoring his double ton against England at Edgbaston. Image | BCCI

Before starting his tenure as the captain of the Indian men's test cricket team, Shubman Gill was nowhere on this list of batters with most test hundreds in WTC history. 

Read Also | Every record Shubman Gill broke during the ENG vs IND, 2nd test at Edgbaston

But as he wore the blazer of the Indian team, he was a different beast. In the first two tests as captain, he hit three centuries, which also had a highest score of 269, the highest by any Indian test captain. 

Till now, in 35 tests in WTC, Gill has scored 2494 runs at an average of 42.27, including 8 test tons. 

Next Article

Most Hundreds in Test cricket among active players

With 37 test tons, Joe Root is now the player with most hundreds in test cricket among active cricketers. Steve Smith and Kane Williamson follow him on the list.

Jul 11, 2025, 9:13 PM13 min read

Most Hundreds in Test cricket among active players - sportzpoint.com

Test cricket, mostly called the purest format of the game, has seen some of the greatest cricketers and batters showing their skills with patience, stroke-making ability and the perseverance to bat long and score.

Past greats and legends like Don Bradman, Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Jacques Kallis and many others dominated test cricket during their time. But, with modern cricket kicking in, this time we will look at the list of active players with the most hundreds in test cricket.

Players with most Test centuries in cricket history

Players with most Test centuries in cricket history | sportzpoint.com

Before we talk about the current active cricketers, we should and must take a look at all the batters who dominate the overall list. As we all know, Sachin Tendulkar is the batter with most hundreds in test cricket. In fact, his record of 100 international tons might not be broken ever in cricket history. 

Before Sachin broke into the scene, there was Sir Don Bradman, who had retired as the batter with the most test centuries (29), and later the little master Sunil Gavaskar broke his record and finished his career with 34 test centuries. But, do they come in the list of players with the most test centuries? Let's take a look at that.

So, sadly, one of the greatest cricketers in cricket history, Sir Don Bradman, does not even come in the top 10 batters with the most test tons in cricket history. Interestingly, only Joe Root is the active cricketer on that list. Hence, you already know who the active cricketer with the most test tons is: Joe Root.

Most Test Centuries by active cricketers

#10. Ben Stokes | 13

Most Hundreds in Test cricket among active players - Ben Stokes - sportzpoint.com

Regarded as one of the best test cricketers of the 2010s and 2020s, Ben Stokes is perhaps the greatest match-winner of modern cricket. The southpaw batter is as lethal with the bat in the lower middle order and can change his gear with regard to the needs of the game.

Not only that, his skill to bat with the tail and chase nearly impossible totals in the last inning is quite remarkable. 

Stokes has 13 test centuries against his name in 113 test matches for the Three Lions. His 258  in just 198 balls against South Africa in Cape Town saw him make the fastest test double century by any English cricketer. That is also the highest test score by a batter batting at number six.

And, yes, who can forget his immortal innings of 135 at Edgbaston in the 2019 Ashes Test, where he single-handedly achieved England's highest successful run chase in Tests, with Jack Leach at the other end.

#9 Tom Latham | 13

Most Hundreds in Test cricket among active players - Tom Latham - sportzpoint.com

Tom Latham, the Kiwi opener, is surely one of the best top-order batters of this generation. Although he has always been in the shadow of Kane Williamson, Latham has contributed well to his country since his test debut in 2014. In the last ten years, Latham has played 81 test matches and scored 5516 test runs so far, including 13 test centuries, which places him at number nine in this list.

Latham's unbeaten 264 against Sri Lanka in Wellington in 2018 is the highest score by any opener while carrying his bat. Not only that, he is only the second Kiwi cricketer to carry his bat in test cricket.

Latham is currently the vice-captain of the test team and one of the reasons for New Zealand's success in recent years.

#8. Mominul Haque | 13

Most Hundreds in Test cricket among active players - Mominul Haque - 13 | sportzpoint.com

He might be the most surprising name on this list of active players with most hundreds in test cricket.

Mominul Haque, the stylish and gritty test batter from Bangladesh, is at No. 8 on this list with 13 test tons. The top-order batter started his test career with a record-breaking 181 against Sri Lanka, which is the highest debut score by any Bangladeshi batter.

Since then, he has been one of the pillars of the Bangladeshi batting lineup in tests. From 2013 to 2017, Haque averaged over 50 with the bat, which dropped to below 40 post-2022. 

 He is one of only six batters, including the likes of Don Bradman, Kumar Sangakkara and Jacques Kallis, to score seven test tons at a single venue; Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram.

#7 Usman Khawaja | 16

Most Hundreds in Test cricket among active players - Usman Khawaja - sportzpoint.com

Another top-order batter in the list of active players with most test hundreds, who has made tons of runs in the last few years for Australia. Usman, who was born in Pakistan and later moved to Australia as a young kid, made his test debut in 2011, replacing the great Ricky Ponting at number.

At that time, he became the first Muslim cricketer to play for Australia. Despite a decent debut match, Khawaja was never given a long run and kept losing his spot in the team.

In 2015-16, he made another solid return to the test squad, but his failure in away tests always kept him in and out of the team. But, after his comeback with two tons in a single test match in 2022 against England in Sydney, Khwaja has emerged as one of the best batters for Australia. His move at the top of the order has also helped him regain his lost confidence at the international level.

Post a stunning 2023, where he scored 1210 runs in 13 test matches at 52.60, Khawaja won the 2023 ICC Test Cricketer of the Year award.

In 80 test matches so far, Khawaja has scored 5930 test runs, including 16 test tons and 27 fifty-plus scores. He is also the sixth-highest run-scorer (3251) in the World Test Championship's history, despite playing only 42 matches. 

#6 Dimuth Karunaratne | 16

Dimuth Karunaratne - sportzpoint.com

Dimuth Karunaratne has been one of the greatest modern-day batters for Sri Lanka in recent years. The Sri Lankan batter is sixth in our list of active players with most hundreds in test cricket.

The opening batter comes from the same St Joseph's College, which produced players like Angelo Mathews and Thisara Perera. Dimuth debuted for Sri Lanka in tests in 2012 and gradually cemented his place in the team despite a duck in his debut inning

In 2014, he scored his debut hundred against New Zealand in Christchurch and has scored 15 more in his test career since then. Three years later, he missed his first double ton by four runs when he played an outstanding knock of 196 against Pakistan in Dubai. In 2021, he scored hundreds in three back-to-back test matches, and one of them was a 244 against Bangladesh, his best in test cricket. 

Dimuth is the highest run-getter for Sri Lanka in the World Test Championship with 2642 runs in 35 test matches so far. He has scored 6 tons in WTC history as well.

#5 Dinesh Chandimal | 16

Most Hundreds in Test cricket among active players - Dinesh Chandimal 16 test centuries - sportzpoint.com

Another Sri Lankan in the list of active batters with the most test centuries prove why, despite not being considered a force, they have done well in recent times. Dinesh Chandimal, one of the most underrated cricketers going around, has climbed up in the list with a stunning hundred (116) against New Zealand at Galle. 

Chandimal, just like Angelo Mathews, emerged on the scene as one of the best talents in the country and became a mainstay in the middle order after the retirement of the legendary Sangakkara-Jayawardene pair. At 23, he was chosen as the T20I captain and as Mathews' deputy in tests.

Read Also | Most Runs in WTC 2023-25 

In 2013, Dinesh scored back-to-back centuries against Bangladesh and then played an unbeaten 162 against India in 2015 to nearly drag Sri Lanka to a win from an impossible position. His 164 against India in Delhi in 2017 was one of his remarkable innings after leading Sri Lanka to a 2-0 victory against Pakistan, away from home.

However, after that, he could not keep his form, and it wasn't until 2022 that he came back to his best with an unbeaten 206 against Australia at Galle to deny the mighty Aussies a test series win.

Till now, Chandimal has scored 16 test centuries in 88 test matches and looks like a strong candidate to be the first one to reach 20 test centuries among the active Sri Lankan cricketers. 

#4. Cheteshwar Pujara | 19

Most Hundreds in Test cricket among active players - Cheteshwar Pujara - 19 | sportzpoint.com

Although he has not been a part of the Indian test team since 2023, Cheteshwar Pujara is still an active test cricketer. The modern wall of Indian cricket, who was among one of the rarest batters in this counterattacking generation to tire the bowlers down and play a whole day of test cricket, without giving it a second thought.

Pujara's temperament was one of the main reasons why he was called up for the national team in 2010. After a very impressive 72 against Australia on debut, it was only a matter of time before Pujara became a mainstay of the Indian team.

Soon, he became the joint-fastest Indian to 1000 Test runs, and quickly he became the new Wall of Indian cricket. Till now, in 103 test matches, Pujara has scored 7195, including 19 centuries. 

Recent drop in form has kept in out of the Indian team, but his love for the game has kept him going at the domestic level. Pujara is one of the 13 players in test cricket history to bat in each day of a five-day test match

Although Pujara has not played a test match for a long time, since he has not retired, he is fourth on our list of active players with most hundreds in test cricket.

Read Also: Most runs vs England in England for India in tests

#3 Kane Williamson | 33

Most Hundreds in Test cricket among active players - Kane Williamson - 32 - sportzpoint.com

Kane Williamson has been the best Kiwi cricketer of the last two decades, and even the great Martin Crowe believed that he would finish as the greatest batter from New Zealand. 

Debuted in 2010, Kane scored a ton against India in Ahmedabad and since then, has never had to look back. 24 years and 151 days old, Kane then became the youngest New Zealand cricketer to score 3000 test runs. In 2015, Kane hit his first double ton against Sri Lanka in Wellington and since then has scored five more test double tons.

Read Also | Most international runs in Cricket history

As a leader, Kane in 2018 became the fourth Kiwi captain to win a test series in England, followed by a first-ever series triumph against Pakistan, away from home.

Williamson, with 9276 test runs, is the player with the most test runs for New Zealand. He also holds the record for most test centuries scored by a Kiwi batter (33). He is also the quickest batter in test history (by innings) to reach 33 test tons.

Moreover, Williamson was also the first-ever Kiwi captain to lead them to an ICC trophy success when he led them to the WTC title in 2021 against India. The former Kiwi captain is also New Zealand's highest run-getter in WTC history with 2822 runs at 61.34 average and 11 test tons. 

#2 Steve Smith | 36

Most Hundreds in Test cricket among active players - Sportzpoint.com

After starting as a leg spinner in 2010, Steve Smith's journey to become one of the greatest test batters for Australia is quite remarkable. Despite getting banned for 12 months due to the ball-tampering scandal in 2018, Smith made a great comeback to test cricket and has scored 9 test centuries since 2019.

Smith scored his first century in 2013 against England at the Oval and scored three more in his next six matches. Before he was made the captain in 2015, he was already the No.1 ranked test batter in the world, scoring seven centuries in 17 test matches in 2014-15, including centuries in four consecutive test matches. 

In 2017, he scored six test tons, including a double ton in just 11 test matches to win his second ICC Test Cricketer of the Year award second time, after winning it in 2015.

Though in the past few years, bowlers have found some ways to stop him from scoring runs with his unorthodox style, he scored five centuries in 13 innings from July 2022 to June 2023.

In 2024, Smith scored two consecutive test centuries in the Australia vs India Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. With 36 test tons in just 118 tests, he is now the player with the second most hundreds in test cricket among active cricketers.

#1 Joe Root | 37

Most Hundreds in Test cricket among active players - Joe Root - 34 test tons - sportzpoint.com

2021 Test Cricketer of the Year, nominated again in 2023 for the same award, most runs and tons in World Test Championship history, most test runs by any English batter, most test tons by any English batter; these are the few achievements Joe Root made in the last seven years. 

The youngest of the "fav four", Root debuted in 2012 on England's tour to India and impressed with a 73 from 229 balls, and everyone saw his ability to stay at the crease and play long.

Five tests later, he scored his first test hundred in England against New Zealand in 2013. Two tests later, he followed that up with a 180 against Australia at Lord's.

Read Also | Joe Root vs Sachin Tendulkar: Who is ahead after 145 Test matches? Full analysis 

Before he was made the captain in 2017, he had already played 53 test matches in five years with a batting average of over 50. 190 in the first inning as test captain, and all knew he would go on to break all the records for England. Root finished 2017 with 1481 for England despite scoring only two tons.

The story continued the same way for him in the following year, as despite scoring lots of fifty-plus scores, Root could score only two test tons as England struggled in tests as a team.

But, everything changed for him in 2021 as he started the year with one century and one double century in the first three tests. Another back-to-back hundred against India at home would mean he would go on to win the 2021 ICC Test Cricketer of the Year Award.

Root that year nearly broke the record of the most test runs scored in a calendar year with 1708 test runs, missing the record by 80 runs.

Since the start of 2022, Root has scored 14 test tons, scoring 3688 test runs at an average of 53.44. In WTC, he is the highest run scorer with 5756 runs, with a record 19 centuries. 

With 37 test tons, Joe Root is now the player with most hundreds in test cricket among active cricketers.

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Diogo Jota: Liverpool FC retires Jersey No. 20

Liverpool FC have announced that the club will retire the number 20 jersey across all levels of the club in honour and memory of Diogo Jota, who passed away in a tragic accident a few weeks back.

Jul 11, 2025, 8:31 PM2 min read

Diogo Jota: Liverpool FC retires Jersey No. 20
Graphic image | Liverpool FC

Liverpool FC have announced that the club will retire the number 20 jersey across all levels of the club in honour and memory of Diogo Jota, who passed away along with his brother Andre Silva in a tragic accident a few weeks back. 

Steven Gerrard pays respects to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva at Anfield
Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrad pays respect to Diogo and his brother. Image | LFC

Jota, who had featured in 182 games for Liverpool, had won the Premier League 2024-25 title with the club. The Portuguese striker scored 65 goals and assisted 26 times for the Reds across competitions. 

Read Also | Rest in peace Diogo Jota: 1996-2025

Moreover, he had recently won the UEFA Nations League with Portugal as well. 

"After consultation with his wife, Rute, and family, the club can announce the squad number will be retired in honour and memory of Diogo across all levels, including LFC Women and Academy," a statement from the club read. 

"The move is recognition of not only the immeasurable contribution our lad from Portugal made to the Reds’ on-pitch successes over the last five years, but also the profound personal impact he had on his teammates, colleagues and supporters and the everlasting connections he built with them," the statement added. 

Read Also | Why Cristiano Ronaldo did not attend Diogo Jota's funeral?

“As a club, we were all acutely aware of the sentiment of our supporters – and we felt exactly the same way,” said Michael Edwards, FSG CEO of Football.

“It was vitally important to us to involve Diogo’s wife, Rute, and his family in the decision and to ensure they were the first to know of our intention.

“I believe this is the first time in Liverpool Football Club’s history that such an honour has been bestowed upon an individual. Therefore, we can say this is a unique tribute to a uniquely wonderful person.

“By retiring this squad number, we are making it eternal – and therefore never to be forgotten.

“Diogo joined us in 2020, he won us number 20, and he wore – with honour, distinction and affection – the number 20.

“As far as Liverpool Football Club is concerned, he will be forever our number 20," Edwards added. 

Next Article

Wimbledon 2025: Jannik Sinner dominates Novak Djokovic to reach maiden final

No.1 seed Jannik Sinner went past seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 to enter his first Wimbledon final. He will meet Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon 2025 final.

Jul 11, 2025, 8:11 PM4 min read

Wimbledon 2025: Jannik Sinner dominates Novak Djokovic to reach maiden final | sportzpoint.com
Image | Wimbledon.com

World No. 1 Men's tennis player Jannik Sinner went past 24 Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 in the Wimbledon 2025 semi-final, to enter his maiden final on the Grass court. 

The 23-year-old Italian took less than two hours to wrap the match against someone who had won Wimbledon seven times. With his win, Sinner has become the fifth man since 1995 to have reached the final of all four Grand Slams. The other four are obviously Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray. 

Sinner will now face two-time defending champion and No.2 Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon 2025 men's singles final, who went past Taylor Fritz 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 (6) to enter his third consecutive final

Comfortable first two sets for Sinner

Wimbledon 2025: Jannik Sinner dominates Novak Djokovic to reach maiden final | sportzpoint.com
Sinner doimnated with his big serve during the first two sets. Image | Wimbledon.com

Despite the elbow injury he sustained in the fourth round, Sinner, even with his heavily strapped right hand, looked in great form right from the get-go. Aiming for his fourth consecutive Grand Slam final, Sinner served well and backed up with a great game plan.

Read Also | Tennis Stats: Players to win back-to-back Grand Slam titles without losing

Within the first 33 minutes of the match, he had the first set in his pocket. Sinner won every point except for two with his serve, while Djokovic lost 13 points on his serve; very unlikely for Novak.

Wimbledon 2025: Jannik Sinner dominates Novak Djokovic to reach maiden final | sportzpoint.com
Dejected Novak during the first set. Image | Wimbledon.com

With a big anticipation of a big comeback from Novak, which the fans have been watching since the early 2010s, Sinner poured water on the plans. In the second set, Sinner kept on pushing the Serbian on the backfoot with his big forehand, out and wide, and Novak did not have any answer to that. 

As the second set got deeper, Novak's errors started increasing, and Sinner won the second set on the hour mark. 

Read Also | Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner: Head-to-head stats

Novak broke first in the third set, and Sinner bounced back first

Novak Djokovic broke first in the third set vs Sinner. But Sinner bounced back quickly | sportzpoint.com
Novak Djokovic broke first in the third set vs Sinner. But Sinner bounced back quickly. Image | Wimbledon.com

With a hope of making a comeback and kissing the Wimbledon title for the 8th time, Novak needed a break. After getting attention to his thigh from the medical team, he rose again. And, right after 10 minutes, Novak produced an error from the Italian, and he had his first break point of the match. Novak won it. 

However, no miraculous comeback was in the corner since Sinner did not waste any time to regain his focus. Sinner soon broke back and had the game in control. Djokovic looked uncomfortable, but he kept trying. 

Novak Djokovic getting a standing ovation from the center court crowd after his defeat against Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon | sportzpoint.com
Novak Djokovic getting a standing ovation from the center court crowd after his defeat against Jannik Sinner. Image | Wimbledon

The 38-year-old had to give up in front of someone who is 15 years younger and in red-hot form, just like he himself used to force his opponents to give up. 

As Novak left the court, the whole centre court rose to salute and celebrate perhaps the greatest champion of the game. 

No.1 vs No.2 in the final

On Sunday, we will see the rematch of Ronaldo Garros 2025 final as two of the best young tennis players in the world will go at each other. Carlos Alcaraz won that time in a five-match classic. Will Sinner take revenge? We will have to wait till Sunday to see that. 

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Wimbledon 2025: Carlos Alcaraz reaches his third consecutive final; joins the "Big Three" on the list

Carlos Alcaraz went past Taylor Fritz 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 (6) to enter his third consecutive final at Wimbledon. He is now unbeaten in 20th straight matches at Wimbledon.

Jul 11, 2025, 4:58 PM3 min read

Wimbledon 2025: Carlos Alcaraz reaches his third consecutive final; joins the "Big Three" on the list | sportzpoint.com
Image | Wimbledon

World No.2 Carlos Alcaraz went past Taylor Fritz 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 (6) to enter his third consecutive final at Wimbledon. With this win, he has now become the first player in this century to achieve this feat apart from Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic

Moreover, Carlos is now unbeaten in 20th straight matches at Wimbledon. The last time he faced a defeat at Wimbledon against a top-five ranked player was in 2021, when he was an 18-year-old debutant ranked 75. 

Wimbledon 2025: Carlos Alcaraz reaches his third consecutive final; joins the "Big Three" on the list
Carlos after winning his 20th straight match at Wimbledon. Image | Wimbledon

With Fritz playing his first-ever semi-final at Wimbledon, he wanted this "top-five" clash to be an equaliser between these two youngsters. However, whenever it comes to facing any player in the top five, Carlos just seems to level up his game a bit higher. 

This is what happened at the Centre Court on Friday afternoon, as he broke serve in the very first game of the match and managed to hold on to it before he had the first set in his pocket by 6-4.

Read Also | Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner: Head-to-head stats

Fritz comes back in the second set

Wimbledon 2025: Carlos Alcaraz reaches his third consecutive final; joins the "Big Three" on the list | sportzpoint.com
Fritz won the second set 7-5. Image | Wimbledon on X

Fritz, with his big forehand shots, made a great comeback in the second set. At 5-5, Carlos could not take advantage of the Americans' hat-trick of double serves.

Besides that, a double fault and a forehand miss from the Spaniard levelled the match at 1-1. 

The big tie-breaker 

Wimbledon 2025: Carlos Alcaraz reaches his third consecutive final; joins the "Big Three" on the list | sportzpoint.com
The fourth set went to a tie-breaker. Image | Wimbledon on X

The third set saw the best of Carlos as he broke first and kept on pushing Fritz around the court with a 6-3 win. However, in the Wimbledon semi-finals, where game goes long and deep, the neutrals were hoping for a turnaround from the American. 

But Carlos, just like every match in Wimbledon 2025, was not ready to give any chance to his opponent. After 12 straight holds in the fourth set, the fourth set went on to a tie-breaker. 

Read Also | Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz head-to-head stats

With a chance to go for a fifth set, the tie-breaker saw many momentum swings. Alcaraz first took a lead of 4-1. But Fritz then won five points in a row to make it 6-4. However, the two-time defending champion was able to hold his nerve and won four points in a row to seal the match. 

Carlos Alcaraz will now face the winner between Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon 2025 men's singles final. 

“It was really hot today, tough conditions,” said Alcaraz.

“I’m really happy with everything I’ve done today. I dealt with the nerves – playing here in a semi-final is not easy. I’m proud of the way I stayed calm and thought clearly," he added in the post-match show.

Men to reach three consecutive Wimbledon finals in the Open era

  • 7: Roger Federer [2003-2009]
  • 6: Bjorn Borg [1976-1981], Novak Djokovic [2018-2024]
  • 5: John McEnroe [1980-1984]
  • 4: Boris Becker [1988-1991], Pete Sampras [1997-2000]
  • 3: John Newcombe [1969-1971], Stefan Edberg [1988-1990], Pete Sampras [1993-1995], Rafael Nadal [2006-2008], Novak Djokovic [2013-2015], Carlos Alcaraz [2023-2025]
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