In the latest transfer news, Chelsea are ramping up their interest in Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus, according to reports. The England international has only one-year remaining on his contract at the Etihad, leaving uncertainty surrounding his future.
Europe’s top clubs believe Raheem Sterling is ready to leave Manchester City this summer - and Chelsea have firm interest #CFC#MCFC
The interest from the Blues comes ahead of a huge summer for Thomas Tuchel and his squad. The German coach is set to receive £200million from new owner Todd Boehly which would allow him to perform a full overhaul heading into next season.
Discussing the challenges ahead of him, Tuchel said: "We are rebuilding, not improving the squad. We are rebuilding. This is always challenging but we are up for the challenge."
Discussing the challenges ahead of him, Tuchel said: "We are rebuilding, not improving the squad. We are rebuilding. This is always challenging but we are up for the challenge."
Part of that rebuild is likely to come in the defence, with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen leaving as free agents. However, there are other problems throughout the squad, including depth in the midfield and the struggles to create chances and score in the final third.
The latter is a particular worry, especially given the £100million that was spent bringing Romelu Lukaku back to Stamford Bridge. The Belgian, along with Christian Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner, are reportedly able to leave the club this summer in a complete overhaul of the forward line.
That leaves space for incomings to change those fortunes, with a number of high-profile players linked with a move to the club, including Manchester City's Gabriel Jesus. However, the latest is Raheem Sterling, as the Telegraph reports that Blues are interested in a transfer.
Part of that rebuild is likely to come in the defence, with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen leaving as free agents. However, there are other problems throughout the squad, including depth in the midfield and the struggles to create chances and score in the final third.
The latter is a particular worry, especially given the £100million that was spent bringing Romelu Lukaku back to Stamford Bridge. The Belgian, along with Christian Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner, are reportedly able to leave the club this summer in a complete overhaul of the forward line.
For more Latest Transfer News, follow Sportz Point.
Terry, Gerrard, Vieira, Keane and Kompany: Ranking the Greatest Premier League Captains
In this article, we will try assessing a ranked list of the greatest Premier League captains of all time, including John Terry, Steven Gerrard, Patrick Vieira, Roy Keane, and Vincent Kompany.
The Premier League has seen some of the greatest figures who have led their respective teams to ultimate glory, wearing the captain's armband. These players have been monumental in shaping the clubs' history or writing the golden chapters the clubs have enjoyed over the years, in the past or now.
The captain's armband carries a significant value and thus it deserves the players who lead the core from the front as a true leader. This list includes some of those footballers who have not only captained their sides to innumerable glories but also set examples for the upcoming generations.
Sportz Point ranks these five footballers based on collected achievements and the long-standing impact they have created on their respective clubs as well.
Terry, Gerrard, Vieira, Keane and Kompany: Ranking the Greatest Premier League Captains
5. Vincent Kompany – Man City
Kompany with City's PL trophy in 2012. (Image Credit | AFP)
Vincent Kompany cemented his legend at Manchester Citywhen he captained the club to their inaugural Premier League title in the 2011/2012 season.
The Belgian center-back was among the limited number of players who stayed at City following the takeover by Sheikh Mansour in 2008, having signed for the club prior to the takeover being completed. During his time at City, Kompany led the team to four Premier League titles, with his last championship win being in the 2018/2019 season.
10 - Since Vincent Kompany's first season with the club, @ManCity have won more domestic trophies than any other side in England (4 Premier League titles, 4 League Cups, 2 FA Cups). Era. pic.twitter.com/DOGcPOYFyy
His exceptional leadership and defensive abilities made him a true icon of the club. This is reflected in his impressive Premier League record, consisting of 265 appearances, 18 goals, 8 assists, and 94 clean sheets.
Club
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Clean-sheets
PL titles
Manchester City
265
18
8
94
2011/12
2013/14
2017/18
2018/19
4. Steven Gerrard – Liverpool
Gerrard in 2005. (Image Credit | Getty Images)
Steven Gerrard is practically synonymous with Liverpool. Despite not winning any Premier League title as a captain, the 'Captain Fantastic' Gerrard solidified the spirit of the club by leading by example through his remarkable talent, determination, and commendable attitude.
He famously inspired Liverpool to a comeback victory in the 2005 UEFA Champions League final with a heroic performance, cementing his place in Anfield folklore as one of the greatest captains in the history of the club.
540 Games 120 Goals 92 Assists
Steven Gerrard is the latest player to be inducted into the @premierleague’s Hall of Fame.
Gerrard's record in the Premier League is impressive as well, with 504 games, 120 goals, and 92 assists, and this further cements his place as a Liverpool legend.
Clubs
Appearances
Goals
Assists
PL Titles
Liverpool
504
120
94
-
3. Patrick Vieira – Arsenal
Vieira with the 2003-04 PL title. (Image Credit | Arsenal)
Patrick Vieira was a very crucial part of the Arsenal team during all three of their Premier League victories. He served as club captain for the triumphs in the 2001-02 and 2003-04 seasons. The latter season featured the famous Arsenal Invincibles, who completed the entire league campaign without losing a single match.
Patrick Vieira arrived at Arsenal in 1996, the same time Arsene Wenger did. Next season, they won the double.
He captained Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ side. His final kick in Arsenal colors won the FA Cup.
Vieira is considered one of the best footballers in his position and is also one of the most successful and respected captains of the Premier League.
Club
Appearances
Goals
Assists
PL titles
Arsenal
307
31
34
1997/98
2001/02
2003/04
2. John Terry – Chelsea
Terri with the 2016-17 PL title. (Image Credit | Chelsea)
John Terry is one of the all-time greats in the history of the Premier League. Appointed Chelsea captain by Jose Mourinho in 2004, Terry took the Blues to their maiden Premier League crown in the same year.
🔹 5x Premier League winner 🔹 5x FA Cup winner 🔹 3x League Cup winner 🔹 Champions League winner 🔹 Europa League winner
During his 12 years as Chelsea captain, Terry had a very successful career winning five FA Cups, three League Cups, the Europa League, and the 2012 Champions League. In the Premier League, he played 492 times and scored 41 league goals, becoming the highest-scoring defender in Premier League history till date.
Club
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Clean-sheets
PL titles
Chelsea
492
41
12
214
2004/05
2005/06
2009/10
2014/15
2016/17
1. Roy Keane – Manchester United
(Image Credit | ESPN)
Roy Keane is widely regarded as the Premier League's all-time greatest captain. Joined with intense drive and masterful leadership, Keane led Manchester United to four Premier League titles and the legendary treble of 1999. His unstoppable courage, tireless work ethic, and leadership through example made him an all-time Manchester United icon.
Roy Keane is the most decorated Irish player in Premier League history, winning seven league titles with Manchester United. pic.twitter.com/cybzycAhcs
— The Extreme Football Enthusiast (@ExtremeFootbal4) March 13, 2025
Keane's Premier League career further reinforces his legacy. He played 366 games, scored 39 goals, and won 220 matches, suffering just 61 losses during his time. Keane's incredible story goes beyond the Premier League years, however, and shows how his legacy has lasted for a long time.
Keane's stay at the Old Trafford, however, came to a sudden end following a falling out with manager Sir Alex Ferguson in 2005.
Carabao Cup, formerly known as the EFL Cup, is a 92-team knock-out tournamentorganised by the English Football League (EFL). Teams from Premier League, and three divisions of the English Football League compete in this tournament.
Although the prize value of the EFL Cup is not that significant compared to tournaments like FA Cup and other, EFL Cup has had it's reputation among football fans since 1961. Here are all the previous winners of the Carabao Cup since the beginning.
Who were the first-ever winners of the Carabao Cup?
Aston Villa were the first-ever champions of the Carabao Cup or the EFL Cup in 1961. They defeated Rotherham United by a 3-2 aggregate after a two-leged final after being down by 0-2 in the first leg. Alan O'Neill, Harry Burrows and Peter McParland were the scorers for Aston Villa.
For the first six seasons, the EFL Cup finals were played in two legs.
Who are the current winners of the Carabao Cup?
Newcastle United defeated defending champions Liverpool FC at Wembley Stadium to win their maiden EFL Cup or Carabao Cup title. They defeated Liverpool by 2-1 to clinch their first-ever domestic title since 1955 FA Cup triumph.
Alexander Isak and Dan Burn scored the goals for them.
𝐂.𝐇.𝐀.𝐌.𝐏.𝐈.𝐎.𝐍.𝐒 🏆
Newcastle United lift a domestic title for the first time in 70 years!
They beat Liverpool FC to clinch the Carabao Cup 2024-25!
Which is the most successful team in Carabao Cup history?
Liverpool with their Carabao Cup trophy in 2022. Image | EFL
Liverpool with 10 EFL trophies, are the most successful team in Carabao Cup history. They won the trophy in 1980-81, 1981-82, 1982-83, 1983-84, 1994-95, 2000-01, 2002-03, 2011-12, 2021-22, and 2023-24 seasons.
Most successful teams in Carabao Cup/ EFL Cup history
Team
Winners
Runners-up
Liverpool
9
4
Manchester City
8
1
Manchester United
6
4
Aston Villa
5
4
Chelsea
5
4
Nottingham Forest
4
2
Tottenham Hotspur
4
5
Most Carabao Cup wins as a player
Sergio Aguero with the 2018 Carabao Cup title. Image | The Guardian
Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho are the most successful players with three Carabao Cup titles in 2014, 2016, 2018-2021 with Manchester City.
All the past winners of the Carabao Cup/ EFL Cup since 1961
Hello and welcome to another live coverage of Premier League football. This evening, we will bring you all the live updates, scores, news, and free commentary of the Manchester City vs BrightonPremier League 2024-25 fixture set to be played at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester.
Manchester City, the defending champions, are having a difficult season and are currently battling to secure a spot in continental competitions for next season. The Cityzens are now standing in the fifth position, having earned 47 points in 28 matches. On the other hand, Brightonare just one point behind City, positioned seventh as of now with 46 points in 28 games.
Although City is struggling, this encounter against Brighton will be crucial for both teams before heading onto the international break. So sit back and enjoy the game as we bring you all the real-time updates, team news, live scores, and match commentary tonight.
This is Soumit Bhattacharya, who will bring you all the updates of the 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.
LIVE Updates
Mar 15, 2025, 5:09 PM
Full-time | Manchester City 2-2 Brighton
Despite taking the lead two times throughout the game, Brighton hold Manchester City in a 2-2 stalemate at home.
Erling Haaland drew the first blood from the spot, which was canceled out only ten minutes later, through a blistering free-kick by Pervis Estupinan. Right before the break, Omar Marmoush produced a lightning strike, which put City ahead at the break. However, Brighton equalized only three minutes into the second half, as Hinshelwood's strike forced Khusanov to fire it into his own net.
Following that, Brighton had a couple of chances, with Baleba missing a golden opportunity, but they fought well to snatch a point away from Etihad, intensifying the qualification race for the top four spots in the 2024-25 Premier League!
Mar 15, 2025, 5:01 PM
Premier League 2024-25 table after this game
The race to qualify for the top four spot has just intensified!
Position
Team
Matches Played
Wins
Draws
Losses
Goals Scored
Goals Conceded
Goal Difference
Points
1
Liverpool
29
21
7
1
69
27
+42
70
2
Arsenal
28
15
10
3
52
24
+28
55
3
Nottm Forest
29
16
6
7
49
35
+14
54
4
Chelsea
28
14
7
7
53
36
+17
49
5
Man City
29
14
6
9
55
40
+15
48
6
Newcastle
28
14
5
9
47
38
+9
47
7
Brighton
29
12
11
6
48
42
+6
47
8
Aston Villa
29
12
9
8
41
45
-4
45
9
Bournemouth
28
12
8
8
47
34
+13
44
10
Fulham
28
11
9
8
41
38
+3
42
11
Crystal Palace
28
10
9
9
36
33
+3
39
12
Brentford
28
11
5
12
48
44
+4
38
13
Tottenham
28
10
4
14
55
41
+14
34
14
Everton
29
7
13
9
32
36
-4
34
15
Man United
28
9
7
12
34
40
-6
34
16
West Ham
29
9
7
13
33
49
-16
34
17
Wolves
29
7
5
17
40
58
-18
26
18
Ipswich Town
29
3
8
18
28
62
-34
17
19
Leicester City
28
4
5
19
25
62
-37
17
20
Southampton
29
2
3
24
21
70
-49
9
Mar 15, 2025, 4:54 PM
90'+4' | Here goes the full-time whistle! | FT MCI 2-2 BHA
Mar 15, 2025, 4:51 PM
90' | 4 minutes of injury time added on
Mar 15, 2025, 4:51 PM
90' | Verbruggen sees a yellow
Verbruggen is shown a yellow for delaying.
Mar 15, 2025, 4:51 PM
90' | Close for Bruyne!
De Bruyne kept his free-kick low to the ground, as the ball rolled past every player inside the box but missed the far post by inches!
Mar 15, 2025, 4:48 PM
87' | Substitution for Brighton
In: Matts Wieffer
Out: Carlos Baleba
Mar 15, 2025, 4:46 PM
86' | Substitution for City
In: Kevin De Bruyne
Out: Omar Marmoush
Mar 15, 2025, 4:45 PM
83' | Substitutions for Brighton
In: Simon Adingra, Brajan Gruda
Out: Karou Mitoma, Yankuba Minteh
Mar 15, 2025, 4:44 PM
82' | So close for Baleba!
This was definitely the best chance for Brighton in this game!
Mitoma powered a grounder from the left, which sailed past every other player inside the box but found Baleba right in the middle of the box.
However, the Brighton midfielder fired his strike inches over the crosspiece despite having only Ortega in front of him.
Mar 15, 2025, 4:42 PM
80' | Hinshelwood hits the side-netting!
On a fierce counter-attack, Brighton came up with a good build-up, but Hinshelwood's strike from inside the 18-yard-box on the left only found the side-netting.
Mar 15, 2025, 4:41 PM
80' | Nico hits the bar!
Nico Gonzalez attempted a free header from inside the six-yard box, but he only rattled the near post!
Golden opportunity for the hosts!
Mar 15, 2025, 4:39 PM
79' | Chance for City
Doku beats Baleba on the edge of the corner line, but Doku's pass was quickly cleared away by the Seagulls' defence.
Mar 15, 2025, 4:37 PM
76' | Substitution for City
Silva was substituted in earlier, but seems like he has sustained an apparent injury and now he is making his way back to the bench.
In: Phil Foden
Out: Bernardo Silva
Mar 15, 2025, 4:37 PM
75' | Substitutions for Brighton
In: Yasin Ayari, Danny Welbeck
Out: Diego Gomez, Geoginio Rutter
Mar 15, 2025, 4:36 PM
70' | Collection from Verbruggen
Erling Haaland's header failed to generate the power he sought, as Verbruggen made an easy collection.
Mar 15, 2025, 4:32 PM
The gaffers
Can they pull off all three points for their respective sides?
Mar 15, 2025, 4:25 PM
63' | Brilliant chance, but offside
Gvardiol's mindblowing forward pass from way down the left flank found Marmpush running in front of the penalty area. The winger fired into the box, but his quick chip was stopped by Verbruggen.
However, Marmoush was already flagged for offside.
Mar 15, 2025, 4:24 PM
61' | Yellow for Doku
Jeremy Doku is shown the yellow for a foul.
Mar 15, 2025, 4:23 PM
60' | Chance for Brighton!
Diego Gomez unleashed a right-footed strike from outside the box, but it sailed inches past the left post.
Mar 15, 2025, 4:23 PM
58' | Substitution for Man City
In: Bernardo Silva
Out: Savinho
Mar 15, 2025, 4:22 PM
54' | Chance for City
Ilay Gundogan's long-ranger from outside the box was well-blocked inside the opposition box.
Mar 15, 2025, 4:21 PM
51' | Chance for Brighton
Baleba found the ball at the edge of the box following a mispass from Savinho, but his right-footed strike soared past the left-post.
Minteh's dangerous cross was denied by Gvardiol at first, but the following corner was headed in by Webster into the six-yard box, and Hinshelwood's strike bounced off Khusanov and entered the goal!
Brighton equalizes for the second time this evening!
Unluckily, the goal will be counted as an own goal by Khusanov.
Mar 15, 2025, 4:16 PM
46' | Second half begins
Mar 15, 2025, 3:50 PM
45'+4' | The half-time whistle is blown | HT MCI 2-1 BHA
Mar 15, 2025, 3:46 PM
45' | 4 minutes of added time announced
Mar 15, 2025, 3:46 PM
45' | Game resumes
Van Hecke seemed to be in discomfort, but he is now fine after receiving medical attention. The game has resumed.
Mar 15, 2025, 3:44 PM
43' | So close for Pedro!
An error from Ruben Dias led Joao Pedro to collect the ball in an open front of goal, but his left-footed grounder sailed just inches past the right post!
Very close for the Brighton marksman.
Mar 15, 2025, 3:41 PM
39' | GOALLL! WHAT WAS THAT, MARMOUSH? | MCI 2-1 BHA
Absolute brilliance from the Egyptian youngster!
Gundogan's swift square found Marmoush right in front of the 18-yard-box, and netted an absolute banger as his blistering right-footed strike rattled te back of the net, leaving no room for Verbruggen!
City leads yet again!
Mar 15, 2025, 3:39 PM
38' | Poor effort from Gundogan
Haaland chipped the ball swiftly in front of Gundogan, but the German midfielder's half-volleyed strike went past the far post.
Mar 15, 2025, 3:37 PM
35' | Chances for Brighton
Webster's header following a corner was denied by Haaland in front of the goal.
The following attack was carried out by Minteh, but his left-footed curler sailed past the far post.
Mar 15, 2025, 3:35 PM
Into the history books!
Erling Haaland makes more Premier League history 👏
His goal against Brighton gets him to 100 goals and assists faster than any other player! pic.twitter.com/8B9RnGlR9x
Savinho sprinted into the box from the right, but took second before taking a strike, but van Hecke executed a perfect tackle to deny the strike.
Mar 15, 2025, 3:30 PM
29' | Chance for City
Jeremy Doku made a sublime run on the left before delivering a cross into the box, but Haaland's first-time strike from the middle of the box went way over the crossbar!
Mar 15, 2025, 3:27 PM
26' | Baleba is shown a yellow
Baleba is shown Brighton's third yellow this evening for a foul.
Mar 15, 2025, 3:26 PM
24' | Save from Verbruggen
Verbruggen quickly stretched his right foot on the ground to deny a grounded strike by Savinho who struck it from close to the six-yard box.
Mar 15, 2025, 3:23 PM
21' | GOALLLLL! Estupinan slots it home with a screamer!!! | MCI 1-1 BHA
Oh my word!
What a free-kick from Estupinan!
From close to the 18-yard-box, Estupinan unleashed a powerful left-footed free-kick which rattled the left post and drifted back into City's net!
Game on!
Mar 15, 2025, 3:19 PM
18' | Mitoma gets booked
Karou Mitoma is booked for a foul on Savinho.
Mar 15, 2025, 3:17 PM
15' | Yellow for Savinho
Savinho received a booking as well for time wasting.
Mar 15, 2025, 3:14 PM
11' | Pedro is booked
Joao Pedro is shown a yellow.
Mar 15, 2025, 3:13 PM
Milestone alert!
Haaland registers his 100th goal contribution in his Premier League career!
The Norwegian Machine also scores his 21st goal this season!
94 Premier League matches, 100 goal involvements for Erling Haaland 👏@ManCity's superstar striker puts the home side ahead from the penalty spot#MCIBHApic.twitter.com/6KYsocbKV9
Haaland netted it through the bottom-right corner with a powerful grounder from the spot, leaving Verbuggen on the other end.
City leads!
Mar 15, 2025, 3:11 PM
10' | Penalty for City!
Haaland played the pass to Marmoush running upwards on the right, as he is taken down inside the box by Adam Webster, and referee Simon Hooper signalled for a penalty!
Mar 15, 2025, 3:10 PM
8' | Chance for City
Marmoush entered a penalty from the left before unleashing a strike, but Jan Paul van Hecke blocked it well.
Mar 15, 2025, 3:08 PM
6' | Is it a goal?
That was a brilliant link-up play from all the way down the middle, which was headed in by Mitoma while charging against Lewis. Although Ortega failed to catch the ball, it rolled inside.
However, the VAR review decides that it was a foul by Mitoma on Lewis, as the goal will not stand.
Mar 15, 2025, 3:04 PM
3' | Chance for Brighton
Mitoma beat Lewis on the right and lodged a low cross into the box, that was almost met by a triggering Joao Pedro inside the box; but the shot soared off target.
Mar 15, 2025, 3:01 PM
1' | Kick Off!
The match is underway at Etihad!
Mar 15, 2025, 2:28 PM
Heartwarming
Arrived and ready... but there's always time for a few high fives and signatures! 💛💙 pic.twitter.com/MtLFLMS7TS
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) March 15, 2025
Starting XI: Bart Verbruggen (GK); Jack Hinshelwood, Jan Paul van Hecke, Adam Webster, Pervis Estupiñán, Carlos Quomah Baleba, Diego Gómez; Yankuba Minteh, Georginio Rutter, Kaoru Mitoma; João Pedro
On 9 November 2024, Brighton stunned Man City by winning 2-1 over them at the Falmer Stadium, Brighton.
Despite Erling Haaland scoring the first goal in the 23rd minute, two late goals from Brighton's Joao Pedro and Matt O'Riley in the 78th and 83rd minute respectively, sealed a famous win for the Seagulls at home.
Mar 15, 2025, 10:56 AM
Tonight's venue | Etihad Stadium
Mar 15, 2025, 10:50 AM
How to watch the match?
Football fans from India can watch the match LIVE on Star Sports Select HD Channel. Fans can also stream the match LIVE on JioHotstar with a paid subscription.
Mar 15, 2025, 10:49 AM
Match Details
Match: Manchester City vs Brighton Premier League 2024-25
10 most successful African Players with most goals in the UEFA Champions League
Explore the top 10 African players with the most goals in UEFA Champions League history, featuring legends like Mohamed Salah, Didier Drogba, and Samuel Eto'o.
The UEFA Champions League is the pinnacle of club football, boasting the best talent from around the globe. Over the years, African players have made a significant impact on Europe's elite competition, with many of them showcasing their skills but also finding the back of the net consistently.
From legendary strikers to dynamic wingers, this article highlights the top 10 African players with the most goals in Champions League history, celebrating their remarkable achievements on the grandest stage of European football.
10 most successful African Players with most goals in the UEFA Champions League:
Rank
Player
Country
Goals
1
Mohamed Salah
Egypt
50
2
Didier Drogba
Ivory Coast
44
3
Samuel Eto'o
Cameroon
30
4
Sadio Mane
Senegal
27
5
Riyad Mahrez
Algeria
20
6
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Gabon
17
7
Seydou Doumbia
Ivory Coast
15
8
Vincent Aboubakar
Cameroon
14
9
Rabah Madjer
Algeria
12
10
Sebastien Haller
Ivory Coast
12
10. Sebastian Haller| 12 Goals | Ivory Coast:
Image Credit: Talk Sports
While the Ivorian found the net just 10 times in 48 games for the Hammers, he experienced a career revival at Ajax, netting an impressive 32 times in 50 games. Sebastian Haller made his Champions League debut in the 2021-22 season, scoring in his first seven games in the competition, including four in his debut against Ruben Amorim’s Sporting. Haller scored just one more UEFA Champions League goal and was given just 10 minutes in the German side’s 2024 final defeat to Real Madrid.
9. Rabah Madjer | Algeria | 12 Goals:
Image Credit: Pinterest
Madjer is considered one of the best players in the history of Algerian football and shot to renown as a Porto player in the 1980s. He scored six goals on Porto’s first UEFA Champions League winning run, including the equalizer against Bayern Munich in the final at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion. Madjer retired in 1992 and twice managed his home country, having played in their first ever World Cup in 1982.
8. Vincent Aboubakar | 14 Goals | Cameroon:
Image Credit: GOAL
Aboubakar made his UEFA Champions League debut in 2014 with Porto, scoring a goal in a 6-0 thrashing of BATE Borisov. He came back with a goal in the return fixture at home to Shakhtar and scored his first knockout goal against Basel but was an unused substitute in both quarter-final legs against Bayern Munich, including the 6-1 defeat that sent Porto out.
In the next two seasons, one spent at Porto and the other at Besiktas, Aboubakar netted six times but failed to get out of the group stage. He scored his final Champions League goals in 2017 with a brace against Monaco but was injured for the last 16 tie against Liverpool, a 5-0 defeat at the Estádio do Dragao.
7. Seydou Doumbia | 15 Goals | Ivory Coast:
Image Credit: ESPN
Doumbia scored 15 UEFA Champions League goals in 31 games for three different clubs in his career. He moved to Basel in 2016, scoring just once in six games before ending his European run at Sporting in the 2017-18 season. He made his debut with CSKA Moscow, scoring five times in the 2011-12 season, but never hit that height again.
6. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang | Gabon | 17 Goals:
Image Credit: Daily Sports Nigeria
Aubameyang primarily scored his goals with Dortmund, he managed just two for Chelsea, but Gabon’s all-time top scorer never made it past the UEFA Champions League quarter finals having twice exited at that stage in 2014 and 2017. Aubameyang is, however, the all-time top goal scorer in Europa League history, netting 34 times in 62 games.
5. Riyad Mahrez | Algeria | 20 Goals:
Image Credit: Manchester City News
Riyad Mahrez kicked things off with two goals in Leicester’s opening group match against Brugge before finding the net two more times ahead of the knockouts. He played every minute of Leicester’s knockout run but could only manage a single assist in that time.
In the 2020-21 season, Mahrez was a crucial player on Manchester City’s run, scoring in the quarters before three goals against PSG in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. However, he could not find the net as City lost 1-0 to Chelsea in the final. By the time of the 2023 win, Mahrez had fallen down the City pecking order and stayed on the bench for the whole of the 1-0 win against Inter.
4. Sadio Mane | Senegal | 27 Goals:
Image Credit: This is Anfield
The 2019 and 2022 African Player of the Year Mane was a talisman in Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool rebuild. Joining in 2016, Mane along with Salah and Roberto Firmino combined to be a lethal front three with the Senegalese player scoring 10 goals in the 17-18 UEFA Champions League season, a figure only beaten by his team-mates and Cristiano Ronaldo. Moving to Bayern Munich in 2022, Mane struggled to replicate his Liverpool form but still scored three goals in the group stages before departing for Al-Nassr in 2023.
3. Samuel Eto'o | Cameroon | 30 Goals:
Image Credit: FC Barcelona
The four-time African player of the year winner, a figure only matched by Yaya Toure, scored most of his UEFA Champions League goals for Barcelona including six in their 2005-06 triumph and four in the 2008-09 win under Pep Guardiola. Moving to Inter in 2009, Eto’o became the fourth player in history to win back-to-back Champions Leagues at different clubs and played every game in the Jose Mourinho-masterminded run. Still considered by many to be the best African player of all-time, Samuel Eto’o was a deadly mix of pace and clinical finishing.
2. Didier Drogba | Ivory Coast | 44 Goals:
Image Credit: UEFA
With 10 goals in 10 finals, the Ivorian was the man for the big occasion, and he made his UEFA Champions League debut with Marseille in 2003, scoring five goals in six games. Getting his move to Chelsea the following season, Drogba hit the same number in the 2004-05 campaign but managed just one goal in seven appearances the next year.
He scored twice in the 2008 semi-final to set up a clash against rivals Manchester United, but a John Terry slip in a rain-soaked Moscow denied Chelsea their first UEFA Champions League title. But that success would come in 2012 with Drogba playing a starring role in the final.
1. Mohamed Salah | Egypt | 50 Goals:
Image Credit: Egyptian Streets
Considering he scored just three goals in his first 15 UEFA Champions League appearances, betting on Mohamed Salah to one day become the leading African goal-scorer would have seemed a waste of money back in 2016. Famously a second choice of Klopp – the German preferred Julian Brandt – Salah hit 10 goals in his first UEFA Champions League season at Anfield, propelling Liverpool to their first final since 2007 but an early injury caused by Sergio Ramos forced him to the sideline as Real Madrid won 3-1 in Kyiv.
Football Facts: Managers To Win Premier League In Their Debut Season
With Arne Slot closing on winning the Premier League in his debut season as a manager, we present you with the managers to win the Premier League in their debut season.
Mourinho was the first manager to win Premier League in his debut season.
With Arne Slot closing on winning the Premier League in his debut season as a manager, we present you the football facts of managers to win the Premier League in their debut season. If or when Liverpool win the Premier League 2024-25 title, Arne Slot will become only the fifth manager in Premier League history to achieve the feat.
Here are the managers to win the Premier League title in their debut season in the league. Please note we have not included Claudio Ranieri's name for winning the title with Leicester City in 2015-16, because he had already managed Chelsea from 2000 to 2004.
Managers to win Premier League in their debut season
Jose Mourinho | 2004-05
Mourinho was the first manager to win the Premier League in his debut season. Image | Getty via Evening Standar
That is why he is the special one. Jose Mourinho came the Chelsea after winning the Champions League with Porto and created history right after that. In the 2004-05 season, Mourinho arrived at Chelsea with a champion mindset and started the season with a bang by beating Manchester United in his first game at the helm.
With John Terry as the leader of the pack, young Peter Chech between the goals and players like Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba, Mourinho took Chelsea to Premier League success with the then-record highest point of a season (95).
However, that team still holds the Premier League record for conceding the least goals in a season (15) and most clean sheets in a season (25).
Ancelotti after winning the Premier League 2009/10 title with Chelsea. Image | 90Min
One of the greatest football managers of the generation, Carlo Ancelotti arrived in the Premier League and was able to replicate what Mourinho had done in his debut season.
While Mourinho had made them solid in defence, the team started to fall apart during his latter years. After a few failures by the next managers, Ancelotti took the responsibility to bring the silverware back to Stamford Bridge.
Ancelotti unleashed a ruthless attacking mindset within the team which resulted in Chelsea creating the records for most goals scored in a Premier League season (103), most goals scored at home in a season (68), and winning the league with the best goal difference in a season (71).
Didier Drogba scored 29 goals in the Premier League for them. Frank Lampard also showed his class with 22 league goals that season.
Pellegrini helped City win their second-ever Premier League title. Image | BCC
Pellegrini led Manchester City to their second-ever Premier League in his debut season as the head coach at Etihad Stadium. After the success of Roberto Mancini just two seasons ago, where we saw Sergio Aguero creating history for them, Pellegrini took City back to the top.
Yaya Toure with 20 goals led them in front as they scored more than 100 goals in a season for the first time in their history. Eden Dzeko with 16 goals and Sergio Aguero with 17 also were the stars for the Blues.
They won the league two points clear of runners-up Liverpool, who had earned 84 points.
Antonio Conte | 2016-17
Conte won 13 consecutive league games to win the league. Image | Chelsea FC
Roman Ibrahimbovic somehow was always right with appointing coaches at the right time. Antonio Conte joined Chelsea during the mid-season after Guus Hiddink handled the team as interim coach.
Conte formed a fluid 3-4-2-1 system and with the team already out of the European title race, he had only one thing to focus on. In a season which he called "a Mourinho season”, Chelesea created history by winning 13 straight league games in a row, an equal record for any English top-flight team to enter this special list of football facts.
Conte went on to win the Premier League Manager of the Month Award for October, November and December months. No manager had won the award in three consecutive months before him.
Chelsea with 93 points won the Premier League as Conte became the third Chelsea coach to win the league in his debut season.
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