Latest FIFA Rankings announced: Argentina remains on top, India climbs up to 125th
According to the latest FIFA rankings published on 24 October 2024, Argentina continues to top the list. India climbs up to 125th from their previous 126th position.
FIFA published the latest international rankings on 24 October 2024 after the international break in October 2024. The 2022 World Champions Argentina remains on top of the list. The Indian National Football team climbed up to 125th from their 126th position in the previous rankings published on 19 September 2024.
FIFA Rankings: Top 10 (24 October 2024)
The World Champions Argentina continues to be in the 1st position even though they were handed over a -5.52 points deduction. Argentina ended the game against Venezuela in a 1-1 draw and had a majestic 6-0 win over Bolivia during this international break.
Argentina thrashed Bolivia by 6-0. (Image Courtesy | Eurosport)
Among the top 10, Brazil received the most points in this latest rankings as they received +12.35 points in total but they remain in the 5th position. Brazil had an away win against Chile by 2-1 and thrashedPeru by 4-0 on home soil.
Brazil Crushed Peru by 4-0. (Image Courtesy | The Rio Times)
Colombia received the most points deduction in the top 10 teams and they have dropped to 10th after a -14.35 points deduction. However, Colombia lost 0-1 against Bolivia in an away match but had a 4-0 victory at home against Chile.
Top 10
(Source | FIFA website)
Indian National Football Team
India faced a drop in the rankings published on 19 September 2024 as they slipped to 126th position from their previous 124th. However, India has now climbed up to the 125th position with +0.26 points received.
India was set to participate in a series of tri-nation friendlies against Vietnam and Lebanon during the international break in October 2024 but Lebanon withdrew due to political unrest in their country. India faced Vietnam on 12 October 2024 and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Things we lob to see 😍
Farukh deftly lobs it over the keeper to equalise for India against Vietnam! ✨
The Indian team is yet to win a game under new manager Manolo Marquez and their next outing is set to be against Malaysia in a friendly on 19 November 2024.
India vs Maldives FIFA Friendly 2025: Here is everything you need to know
Check the latest updates, news, where to watch the game, and everything you need to know about the FIFA Friendly football match between India and Maldives, scheduled for 19 March 2025.
Before the Asian Cup 2027 Qualifying campaigns begin next week, India and the Maldives will face each other to prepare for their respective matches in the third qualifying round.
The teams will meet for the first time after October 2021, when India defeated Maldives 3-1 in the 2021 SAFF Championship group stage. Currently, India is ranked 126th in the FIFA International Men's Ranking, whereas Maldives is positioned 162nd.
Last time out against Maldives 🔙🇲🇻 🏆 SAFF Championship 2021
From possible starting XIs to team news and head-to-head stats, here is everything you need to know about India vs Maldives FIFA International Friendly matchin the March 2025 FIFA int'l window.
Indian football fans can watch the India vs Maldives friendly match streamed live on Star Sports Network. The match will also be streamed live on the JioHotstar App and the JioHotstar website.
Head-to-head stats
Matches played: 21
India Wins: 15
Malaysia wins: 4
Draws: 2
Team News
India
Indian team in Shillong. (Image Credit | IFT on X)
It has been almost 18 months sinceIndialast experienced a victory in an international fixture,which came against Kuwait, beating them 1-0 away from homein the second round of World Cup Qualifiers.
Indiais yet to win a match under Igor Stimac's successor Manolo Marquez since his appointment in July 2024. India suffered a goalless draw against Mauritius in the Intercontinental Cup 2024, which was also the Spaniard's debut game in charge; and the Blue Tigers lost their second match by 0-3 against Syria.
During the international break in October, India was held to a 1-1 against Vietnam in a friendly, and again, shared the spoils against Malaysia in a 1-1 stalemate in November 2024.
However, the Indian team will commence their journey in the Qualifiers to reach the third consecutive Asian Cup next week as they will face Bangladesh on March 25. Manolo will also leave his position at FC Goa at the end of the season to focus solely on the national side.
Manolo Márquez names the India squad for March FIFA Window 🇮🇳
🗣️ Márquez: "The qualification for the Asian Cup is very crucial for us. Given the importance of the tournament and the matches ahead, I discussed with Sunil Chhetri about making a comeback to strengthen the National… pic.twitter.com/TlwShiL7hb
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) March 6, 2025
Indian legend Sunil Chhetri has come out of retirement to play for India again, but star forward Lallianzuala Chhagte has been sidelined due to an injury. Defender Asish Rai has been ruled out as well and will be replaced by Tekcham Abhishek Singh, who got his maiden national call-up.
Last 5 matches: L D L D D
Maldives
Maldives team training at Galolhu Stadium, Male, Maldives. (Image Credit | Athoof Athif / Adhadhu Sports)
Maldiveshas only played two friendlies in the last 18 months, both against Bangladesh in November 2024.The Red Snappers won the first one 1-0 but faced a 1-2 defeat in the following match.
However, after the controversial departure of former head coachFrancesco Moriero in 2023, Ali Suzain was appointed as the new head coach, which marks his second spell at the helm.
Suzain has picked up a relatively younger squad for the clash against India, which will help them to analyze the team better before they start their Asian Cup qualifying campaign in the next week as well. Maldives will face Philippines on 25 March to begin their quest to reach Asian Cup 2027.
Maldives has no current news of any concerning injury, as they will have their full squad fit and available for the encounter against India.
The greatest football XI as per Ronaldo Nazario: Check out the team
Explore the greatest football XI of all time, chosen by legendary striker Ronaldo Nazário. Discover his ultimate dream team, featuring football icons and unforgettable talent on the pitch.
Former Brazilian striker Ronaldo Nazario, 'the phenomenon' named some of his colleagues, footballing legends and icons among his list of the 11 best players ever. Former Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Juventus stars are on the list.
In this special article, we explore the greatest football XI as per Ronaldo Nazario.
The greatest football XI as per Ronaldo:
Pele
Lionel Messi
Diego Maradona
Zico
Romario
Cristiano Ronaldo
Marco Van Basten
Zinedine Zidane
Luis Figo
Rivaldo
Ronaldinho
1. Pele
(Image Credit: GOAL.com)
Ronaldo Nazario grew up in Brazil in the 80s, it is not a surprise that he picked Pele. While Ronaldo Nazario was too young to watch Pele play live, his legacy is still to this day within the football world. For many Brazilians, Pele will always be the Greatest of all time.
2. Lionel Messi
Image Credit: GOAL.com
Ronaldo has often spoken highly of the Argentine forward, and it is not a surprise that he named Lionel Messi as one of the best players of all time.
Ronaldo Nazario said the following during an interview in 2020:
Messi is out of this world. He’s great. I like him much more than any other player. Everything he does is spectacular.
3. Diego Maradona
Image Credit: The Boston Globe
Ronaldo was born in 1976; he would have seen Diego Maradona in action during his development years and it is no surprise that the Argentine genius made such an impression on him. In reverse, Diego Maradona was always very complimentary of Ronaldo.
In 2018, Maradona said:
“If it were not for the injuries, Ronaldo would have been the best of all time.”
4. Zico
Image Credit: The Football Times
Zico spent the majority of his career playing in his native country for Flamengo. He enjoyed a brief spell in Europe with Udinese but only spent two years playing in Italy before he returned to Brazil.
The Former Brazilian midfielder also earned 71 caps for Brazil and scored 48 goals on the international stage. Despite never winning the World Cup, he is still considered one of the greatest players in the country’s history.
5. Romario
Image Credit: Planet Football
Ronaldo played a total of 19 games alongside Romario for Brazil and the pair combined for 12 goals during their time together.
Ronaldo told Bobo TV during an interview in 2022.
In 1997, I was an important player already. I had already won the Ballon d’Or.
During the training retreat for the Copa America, Romario suddenly told me: ‘Get ready, we go out tonight, don’t worry.’
He had prepared a ladder to climb over the hotel’s wall and there was a taxi waiting for us on the other side.
We returned at five am and I was exhausted the following day in training. I understood that Romario did it on purpose to tire me out and take my spot in the starting XI.
6. Cristiano Ronaldo
Image Credit: Managing Madrid
While Ronaldo Nazario neglected Cristiano Ronaldo from his three greatest players of all time, he still names the Portuguese forward in his best XI.
Ronaldo Nazario told ESPN:
Cristiano has an incredible career; he has scored in every way possible and successfully adapted to different positions. He is undoubtedly one of the best, but not the greatest.
7. Marco Van Basten:
Image Credit: Soccer News
There can be no denying that the three-time Ballon d’Or winner ranks among the greatest players of all time. At club level, the Dutchman scored a whopping 283 goals in just 379 appearances for Ajax and AC Milan. Like Ronaldo, Van Basten had to retire his career short because of injuries.
8. Zinedine Zidane
Image Credit: Sportskeeda
During their time together at Real Madrid, Ronaldo played 139 games alongside Zinedine Zidane and the pair combined for 31 goals during that time. Considered by many to be the greatest midfielder of all time, it is no surprise that the Frenchman cuts into Ronaldo’s elite list.
9. Luis Figo
Image Credit: Barca Universal
Ronaldo shared a close bond with Luis Figo during his playing days as the pair played alongside each other at Barcelona and Real Madrid. In fact, throughout Ronaldo Nazario's career, only Iker Casillas and Roberto Carlos played more games with him than Figo played.
The former Portuguese winger won 22 trophies throughout his career and undoubtedly ranks as one of the best players of his generation.
10. Rivaldo
Image Credit: GOAL.com
Rivaldo was also recognized by Nazario as one of the best players of all time. Former Brazilian international won the Ballon d'Or in 1999. While they never played together at club level, they did make 46 appearances alongside each other when playing for the national team.
11. Ronaldinho
Image Credit: X
The last name that Ronaldo gave when naming the best players of all time was Ronaldinho. A fellow Ballon d’Or and World Cup winner, this list would feel incomplete without the legendary attacking midfielder. The pair made 39 appearances together for Brazil and won the World Cup and Copa America together.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Brazil's squad announced, Neymar and Oscar named in the squad
Brazil's FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers squad has been announced, and Neymar and Oscar have been called for the qualifiers. This article provides the full squad details.
This list includes former Barcelona forward Neymar Jr. and former Chelsea forward Oscar, both of whom are returning to the national team after a long time.
Next week, Brazil national team's head coach Dorival Junior will announce the final squad of 23 players.
Mohun Bagan SG vs Odisha FC Indian Super League 2024-25 Highlights: Mohun Bagan win the shield for the second time in a row after 1-0 win over Odisha
Catch the highlights of the Mohun Bagan SG vs Odisha FC match in the Indian Super League 2024-25 season at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) in Saltlake, Kolkata, Mohun Bagan successfully defended league shield by a powerful strike from Dimi Petratos.
Hello and welcome to another live coverage of Indian football as we continue bringing you all the live updates of the Indian Super League 2024-25. Tonight, we will get you all the live updates, news, and live scores of the intense encounter between Mohun Bagan Super Giants vs Odisha FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Saltlake, Kolkata.
The Gaurs are currently second-placed and have 42 points in 21 encounters. FC Goa will reach a maximum of 51 points if they win their remaining games. Three points from this game will take Mohun Bagan Super Giants to 52, guaranteeing the shield for them.
On the other hand, Odisha FC is currently struggling to find themselves in the top 6 spot, they are currently in the seventh position with just 29 points in 21 encounters. Sixth-placed Mumbai City FC has 32 points and looks like the Kalinga Warriors can qualify for the playoffs, never won an away game against the Mariners in the four games.
The Kalinga Warriors come into this match on the back of a strong attacking record, having netted 40 goals from inside the box in the Indian Super League 2024-25 season, the highest of any team in the competition. However, they will face a challenge against the Mohun Bagan Super Giants, who have conceded only 11 goals lowest by any team in the Indian Super League 2024-25 season, while also keeping the most clean sheets (13) in the competition.
So, sit back and relax this is Swastik Debnath, who will bring you all the updates of this intense match from the web desk.
Moreover, you can follow us on Twitter for all the updates. Join our Telegram and WhatsApp channels to get all the news and scores.
Mohun Bagan is successfully defended the Indian Super League Shield
An exceptional strike from Dimi Petratos is enough to defend the league shield. Mohun Bagan Super Giants will qualify for the AFC Cup in back-to-back seasons, and they will represent India on the global stage.
Final Whistle Blows!!!!! | Mohun Bagan SG 1-0 Odisha FC
Jose Molina's managed side wins another league shield with an unbelievable strike from Dimi. Mohun Bagan creates history by winning the league shield in back-to-back seasons.
An individual who will not be in a party mood on Sunday will be ex-Mohun Bagan midfielder Hugo Boumous, who has enjoyed a prolific 2024-25 season with Odisha FC. He’s been one of their biggest sparks with his proactive threat in the opposition half, managing 10 goal contributions (four goals, six assists) in 19 games. Boumous comes into this goal after scoring and assisting in the win over Hyderabad FC in the last game.
Jason Cummings has excelled in his partnership with Jamie Maclaren at Mohun Bagan and looks very comfortable playing in that withdrawn center-forward role. The Australian forward has been a major creative threat for the Mariners, fueling their attacking moves with his clever passes and final product.
Why does Bruno Guimarães wear Jersey no. 39? Here is the emotional story behind it
Bruno Guimarães has worn Jersey no. 39 for every club he has played in. Sportz Point presents the emotional story behind the Brazilian midfielder's preference for choosing this certain number.
Bruno Guimarães is one of the most talented and prolific midfielders in the world football right now. The 27-year-old Brazilian currently plays for the Premier League side Newcastle United, where he established himself as one of the best midfielders in recent years with his sublime ball-playing ability and playmaking skills.
One of the most interesting things about Guimarães is that he wears an unusual number for a first-team central midfielder like him. Instead of the traditional four, six, or eight numbers for midfielders, the Brazilian wears the number 39 shirt.
Even more interestingly, the Brazilian has worn the 39-numbered Jersey in every club he has played in his senior club career so far, showing his intense attachment to this certain number. This surely raises a question among the fans, why does he always prefer this number?
Well, the reason behind it is very emotional and heartwarming. Guimarães pays homage to his father, who endured struggles as a taxi driver to help the player grow his football career.
Bruno Guimaraes on his shirt number 🫶
“The number 39 gave me everything in life. It got me here to @NUFC. It fed me, clothed me, and paid for three-hour bus rides to pursue my dream.
The emotional story behind Guimarães' Jersey no. 39
(Image Source | The Players' Tribune)
Burno's father Dick Guimarães used to be a taxi driver in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as the number 39 was his vehicle's despatch number.
In the famous 'The Players' Tribune', Guimarães wrote an emotional article in February 2023, revealing the heart-warming reason behind his using the number so often and putting it up in his football shirts during his senior club career.
The number tells a story more beautiful than words can say. 39. I know people think it’s a weird number for a footballer. But for me 39 is special — no, it’s more than that. It's magical. The number 39 gave me everything in life. It got me here to Newcastle. It fed me, clothed me, and paid for three-hour bus rides to pursue my dream. #039 was the dispatch number of my father’s taxi in Rio de Janeiro.
He dived deeper into the emotional backstory, as later on he wrote:
My mother worked in a motorcycle shop. My father, of course, was a taxi driver. In Brazil, especially in Rio, this is a tough life. You work basically all day and night. But that yellow taxi kept my dream alive. Pretty much the only day I saw my father was on Saturday, when he came to watch me play football. It made me nervous, to be honest. My father was my hero. I didn’t want to disappoint him. And he was quite hard on me, at first. Sometimes he’d even say, 'I’m tired of seeing you lose. You can have an extra hamburger today, but only if you win.
"My journey was not a superstar’s story."
Bruno Guimarães pulled the emotional strings of his childhood complexities and sufferings but never overlooked the sacrifices his parents made.
I won’t lie. There were a few times that I had my bags packed. Once, I called my mom and told her to send me money for a bus ticket home. And I can hear her voice saying, “Stay calm. In a little while, we’ll be there together. This is your dream. This is what you want.”
They used to drive up to see me in the taxi on weekends. Even on his day off, my dad couldn’t escape the yellow taxi, number 039. For three years, I struggled at the academy. By the time I was 17, I still didn’t have a professional contract. It’s crazy to think about kids like Vinicius Jr. and Endrick — 16, 17 years old and — they were already stars. Me, I was making backup plans to become a taxi driver like my father. I was only earning about R$400 a month, and I think my cellphone bill was R$100. If I didn’t get a pro contract at 18, I had to be realistic. I didn’t want my parents to be disappointed, so I lied and said that I was taking my license test because I dreamed of having a VW Beetle when I signed my contract. But really, I was working on my back-up for “real life.”
I was months away from becoming 039 myself, if I didn’t get my break.
(Image Source | The Players' Tribune)
Bruno also recalled an emotional phone call with his father when he was loaned to Brazilian side Athletico Paranaense in Brazil.
...When I was loaned to Athletico Paranaense, I was talking to my father on the phone on the day I arrived, and I said, “Hey, what number do you think I should take? I’m thinking of using 97, because I was born in 1997.”
And he said, “What about 39? That is more than a number. 039 gave us everything we have, Bruno. Our house, our food, our furniture, your football boots. It was all because of our taxi.”...