Let's be real-you can wear whatever boots you want. Stick Cole Palmer in some Nike Premiers and he will still bang goals. But if you are not sure where to start or just want a bit of guidance, in this article we have got you covered. These are our picks for football boots in each position, based on what you need to excel. Whether you are a keeper or a striker, there is something here to match your game.

Best Football Boots in Lower Budget for Indian Players:

• ANZA PIZO
• NIVIA STRIKE
• NIVIA CARBONITE 6.0
• VECTOR X
• NIVIA AIRSTRIKE
• NIVIA COPLAR
• SEGA SPECTRA
• SEGA GROWTH
• SEGA STAR NEWGROWTH

Best Football Boots for Goal Keepers:

You are the boss of the backline, and when you are moving across the goal, you need boots that can keep up. You want grip for those reflex dives, power for your goal kicks, and something that does not feel like bricks on your feet.

Top 5 Boots for Goal Keepers:

• ADIDAS PREDATOR
• NIKE TIEMPO LEGEND X
• PUMA FUTURE 7
• NEW BALANCE TEKELA V4
• ADIDAS COPA PURE 2

Tip: SG boots are your best friend when it is wet out there. Nobody wants to be that keeper who slips at the wrong moment.

Best Football Boots for Center Backs:

You are not just there to clear the ball- you are setting the tone. You need boots that can handle the pressure, whether it is crunching tackles or threading a pass into midfield.

Top 5 Boots for Central Defender:

• NIKE TIEMPO LEGEND X
• ADIDAS COPA PURE 2
• PUMA FUTURE 7
• DIADORA BRASIL
• NIKE PREMIER III

Why It Works: Leather boots give you that bit of extra control and toughness. Essential when you are facing a tricky winger.

Best Football Boots for Full-Backs and Wing-Backs:

You are everywhere. One minute you are in attack, the next you are tracking back to save the day. You need boots that let you move, turn, and sprint like your life depends on it.

Top 5 Football Boots for Wing-Back/Full-Back:

• NIKE MERCURIAL VAPOR XVI
• PUMA FUTURE 7
• MIZUNO MORELIA NEO IV BETA
• PUMA ULTRA 5
• ADIDAS F50

Pro Shout: If you are all about attacking, pick boots that would not get you down. You will thank us later.

Best Football Boots for Central Midfielder:

You run the show. From breaking up play to spraying passes across the pitch, you need that to give you complete control without showing you down.

Top 5 Central Midfielder Boots:

• NIKE PHANTOM GX 2
• ADIDAS PREDATOR
• PUMA KING
• NEW BALANCE TEKELA V4 
• NIKE TIEMPO LEGEND X

If you are a midfield general, look for boots with a bit of grip up top. Makes all the difference when you are that extra touch.

Best Football Boots for Wingers and Wide Midfielders:

You are the danger man. Every time you touch the ball; defenders start to panic. You need boots that will keep up with your pace and allow you to twist through defenders like they are not even there.

Top 5 Winger Boots:

• ADIDAS F50
• PUMA ULTRA 5
• NIKE MERCURIAL SUPERFLY X
• NEW BALANCE FURON V7
• MIZUNO MORELIA NEO

Wingers, get yourself a pair that feels like you are nothing wearing at all. Speed is everything.

Best Football Boots for Strikers

Striker lives for goals, plain and simple. You need boots that are lightweight, powerful, and designed to help you hit that top corner every single time.

Top 5 Striker Boots:

• NIKE MERCURIAL VAPOR XVI
• SKECHERS SKX 01
• PUMA ULTRA 5
• NEW BALANCE FURON V7
• NIKE PHANTOM GX 2

Your boots should feel like an extension of your foot. That way, when the chance comes, you are ready to bury it.

You have got the breakdown-now it's your move. Do not just blend in; grab the boots that will have you running the show and leaving the opposition in your dust, ready to choose your perfect boots.

Sport has always had awards as a crucial component. They represent recognition, legacy, and the appreciation of years of hard work; they are more than just gaudy awards given out at the conclusion of a competition. Awards mark significant points in a player's career and motivate future generations, whether we're thinking back on previous FIFA World Cup winners or the underdog who gave it their all.

What about the heroes, though, who never quite reached the top of the stairs? For their impact, tenacity, and contribution to sport, they too merit acknowledgement. Let’s explore why awards matter and which figures are overdue for their moment in the spotlight.

The Power Of Awards In Sports

Beyond the individual accomplishment, awards also capture the public's imagination. Fans celebrate alongside their heroes, and future athletes see what is possible with hard work. Recognition can also extend careers. 

When athletes receive accolades, sponsorships, and media attention often follow, creating new opportunities both during and after their playing days. Awards inspire athletes to push beyond their limits. They validate the hours of training, sacrifices, and determination required to compete at the highest level.

Read Also: 20 Most expensive teenagers in football transfer history [2025]

Not Only For The Winners

While honouring victors is only natural, awards are also essential for acknowledging individuals who inspire in other ways. Even while some athletes may never win the grand prize, their impact cannot be denied. Think about the athletes who have changed perceptions, brought attention to social concerns, or served as role models by being good sportsmen.

Awards like "Player of the Tournament," "Lifetime Achievement," and "Fair Play" are crucial because of this. In the haste to celebrate the final score, they draw attention to contributions that could otherwise go unnoticed.

Read Also: Most Premier League titles as a player

Heroes Who Haven't Won Much But Still Deserve Praise

Numerous names that have never won the greatest honour in their respective sports come to mind when you consider international sporting icons. For instance:

• Football: Players who shone with their skill yet failed to win the World Cup, such as Paolo Maldini and George Best.

• Tennis: Despite being eclipsed by Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic, Andy Murray's tenacity and Wimbledon triumphs served as an inspiration for British tennis.

• Athletics: Gymnasts or runners who competed during periods when others dominated but continuously set records.

These sportsmen serve as a reminder that winning medals isn't always a sign of greatness. There are occasions when it comes to legacy, impact, and how they have influenced the sport.

Honours Off The International Scene

Not just celebrities from throughout the world are deserving of praise. Without any recognition, local sports heroes (coaches, volunteers, or community athletes) often devote their entire lives to the sport. Giving these unsung heroes awards demonstrates their dedication and supports grassroots athletics.

Creative prizes, including customised medals, can be used by clubs and organisers. Businesses such as The Medal Factory create distinctive and significant prizes that are ideal for athletic events of all kinds. You may always browse around to discover how personalised medals might improve amateur and professional ceremonies if you need some inspiration.

Feature Image by Michal Navrat from Pixabay

Hello and welcome to our LIVE blog coverage of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase Draw.

I’m Barnali Debnath, here to bring you all the latest updates, insights, and reactions as the groups for this prestigious tournament are unveiled.

Tonight’s draw will set the stage for one of the most exciting and competitive seasons in European club football, with top teams from across the continent finding out their opponents and potential paths to glory.

Read Also: 20 Most expensive teenagers in football transfer history [2025]

Stay tuned for minute-by-minute updates, expert analysis, and breaking news as the drama of the draw unfolds.

Whether you’re a passionate fan or a football enthusiast, this is your go-to destination for everything related to the Champions League draw

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu has made it to the quarter-finals of the BWF World Championships after she knocked out World No. 2 Wang Zhi Yi of China in straight games in the women's singles round of 16 match on Thursday.

Also Read: India’s Next Badminton Superstar: The Rising Stars to Watch in 2025

PV Sindhu (WR: 15) wins against Wang Zhi Yi (WR: 2) in STRAIGHT GAMES! 😱

She will face Indonesia's Putri Kusuma Wardani in the quarter-finals 💪

➡️ Read more: https://t.co/qaC42cLT79 pic.twitter.com/fUHmek1DlX

— ESPN India (@ESPNIndia) August 28, 2025

Sindhu dominates against World No. 2

Sindhu maintained her dominance against Wang Zhi Yi. She defeated Wang for the third time in the 5th head to head match. Sindhu was the underdog against Wang, who was coming off a title triumph at the China Open last month.

World No. 15 Sindhu won the first game by a margin of 21-19 after a tough fight. After winning the first game, Sindhu took a lead of 12-6 in the second game as well. She maintained this lead and won the match by winning the second game by a margin of 21-15. 

Sindhu continued her perfect run in the tournament

With this win, PV Sindhu continued her perfect run in the tournament. She has not dropped a single game in her three matches so far. The two-time Olympic medallist is now just one win away from securing her sixth World Championships medal.

For Sindhu, this victory also marks her first quarter-final appearance at the World Championships since her title-winning run six years ago. It also sends a strong message to rivals that the seasoned campaigner is far from done on the big stage.

Also Read: Puma ropes in PV Sindhu as brand ambassador

Sindhu to face Wardani in the quarters

Sindhu will now take on World No. 9 Putri Kusuma Wardani of Indonesia in the last eight. Sindhu has faced her four times and won twice.

The 23-year-old Wardani has been in good form this year, having won 27 matches and lost only 12 games. Sindhu, on the other hand, has lost 12 games in 2025 and won just nine. Wardani’s best performances this year have been third-place finishes at the Thailand Masters and Swiss Open.

Rajat Patidar, who led RCB to victory in the IPL 2025, scored a brilliant century in the ongoing Duleep Trophy match between Central Zone and East Zone.

Central Zone is facing North-East Zone in the second quarter final match of Duleep Trophy 2025. In this match, North-East won the toss and decided to bowl first. After this, Central Zone started the innings but the first wicket fell early but then the team captain Rajat Patidar along with Danish Malewar took control of the innings and brought the team to a strong position.

Also Read: Most Sixes for India in T20Is

Patidar hit a 80-ball century

Leading from the front, Patidar scored his 14th first-class century in style, reaching the three-figure mark in just 80 balls. He was eventually dismissed for 125, an innings that included 18 fours and two sixes. His masterclass was the cornerstone of Central Zone's commanding performance against North East Zone, an innings that also featured a century from teammate Danish Malewar.

Dhruv Jurel rules out

Patidar took over as Central Zone's captain after wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel was ruled out of the quarter-final due to a groin niggle.North East Zone won the toss and elected to field. They dismissed CZONE opener Akash Choudhary cheaply in the third over.

However, Danish Malewar and Aryan Juyal steadied the ship with a solid partnership for the second wicket.

Patidar, Malewar break North East Zone's bowling attack

Despite Juyal retiring hurt on 60 runs, Patidar and Malewar maintained Central Zone's dominance over North East Zone's weakened bowling attack. While Malewar took a more cautious approach, Patidar went all out against the opposition bowlers. Central Zone were sitting pretty at 347/1 when Patidar was dismissed by Pheiroijam Jotin. He departed for a 96-ball 125, a knock laced with 21 fours and 3 sixes.

Also Read: Most matches by an Indian in international cricket

Patidar's first-class performance

Patidar bounced back in red-ball cricket after a decent 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. He ended Royal Challengers Bengaluru's wait for an IPL title, leading them to the coveted trophy. With the bat, he scored 312 runs at a strike rate of 143.77. Coming to his First-Class numbers, Patidar has slammed over 4,800 runs from 69 matches at an average of 43-plus. He owns 14 tons and 24 half-centuries.

The US Open is one of the most prestigious Grand Slam tournaments in a tennis calendar year. A title at the Flushing Meadows is a matter of pride for any tennis player. Since the dawn of the Open Era in 1968, the US Open has stood as one of the toughest battlegrounds in tennis. It has been played on hard courts since 1978, making it a true test of speed, stamina, and shot-making. The US Open is not only a highlight of the tennis calendar but also one of the most-watched sporting events in the world.

The tournament has gone on to witness several players crowned as champions. They have had proved both mental strength and physical prowess.

Let's have a look the male and female singles tennis players with most US Open titles.

Also Read: US Open Champion: Last 10 years List (Men)

Most US Open Titles (Male and Female)

10. Martina Navratilova | 4

Martina Navratilova, famous for her attacking game and net play. She was a complete player who could adapt to different conditions and was a fierce rival to Chris Evert. Navratilova’s rivalry with Evert remains one of the greatest in tennis history. 

Navratilova won four of the eight finals she featured in at the US Open from 1981 to 1991. To secure her titles, the Czech-American great beat Chris Evert in 1983 and 1984, Helena Sukova in 1986 and Steffi Graf in 1987.

9. Novak Djokovic | 4

Similar to Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic was also a part of the famous “Big Three,” which collectively dominated men’s tennis for nearly two decades. Djokovic won his first US Open in 2011, defeating Rafael Nadal. He followed this with victories in 2015, 2018, and 2023.

His 24 Grand Slam titles are the most in history, and when combined with the Australian Open, Djokovic has a record 14 major championship titles on the hard court. 

8. Rafael Nadal | 4

Rafael Nadal is often regarded as one of the most decorated professional tennis players in the sport’s history. He holds a place alongside Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in the famous “Big Three”.

While he is best known for his phenomenal achievements on the clay at Roland-Garros, the Spaniard has four championships in the United States and a fantastic 4-1 record in the final. Nadal’s first US Open victory came in 2010, defeating Novak Djokovic in the final. His incredible physicality and relentless style of play have served him well at Flushing Meadows, leading to further victories in 2013, 2017, and 2019. 

7. John McEnroe | 4

John McEnroe is another of the great American players who thrived at his home major along with Sampras and Connors. Like Nadal, he made five US Open finals and won four of them. 

He dominated his home turf, winning four titles during the early 1980s. His four finals produced wins against Vitas Gerulaitis, fierce rival Björn Borg (twice) and Ivan Lendl, before Lendl turned the tables on him in 1985.

6. Roger Federer | 5

Roger Federer not only won the US Open five times, but he achieved this feat in five consecutive years. Between 2004 and 2008, Federer won five successive US Open singles titles, a feat unmatched by any player in the Open Era at the tournament. 

From 2003 to 2007, he also won the Wimbledon title five times on-the-trot, a record only matched by Bjorn Borg. No other tennis player has won two separate Grand Slams five times in-a-row.

Also Read: US Open 2025: Stars to Watch Out– Youth vs Experience

5. Pete Sampras | 5

Pete Sampras was known for his serve, often considered the greatest in the history of tennis. He won US Open five times (1990, 1993, 1995-96, 2002). In a fairytale ending, Sampras’ 2002 US Open victory was the final match of his 15-year career. Sampras’ thunderous serve and fearless net play made him nearly unstoppable in New York.

4. Steffi Graf | 5

Steffi Graf prevailed in five of the eight title matches she contested at the US Open between 1987 and 1996. For her championship match victories, the German icon overcame Gabriela Sabatini in 1988, Navratilova in 1989, Sukova in 1993, and Monica Seles in 1995 and 1996.

3. Jimmy Connors | 5

The fierce Jimmy Connors won eight major singles championships, which included a joint-record five US Opens. His five US Open titles were won across three different surfaces: grass, clay, and hard courts. He finished as the year-end No.1 five times in his career.

2. Serena Williams | 6

Serena Williams claimed six titles from the nine finals she reached at her home Grand Slam across a 20-year period from 1999 to 2019. In her successful title matches, Williams downed Martina Hingis in 1999, Venus Williams in 2002, Jelena Jankovic in 2008, Victoria Azarenka in 2012 and 2013, and Caroline Wozniacki in 2014.

Also Read: US Open Champion: Last 10 years list (Women)

1. Chris Evert | 6

Evert was the first woman to win more than three US Open titles in the Open Era. She won six of the nine championship matches she competed in between 1975 and 1984. For her wins in finals, Evert defeated Goolagong in 1975 and 1976, Wendy Turnbull in 1977, Pam Shriver in 1978 and Hana Mandlikova in 1980 and 1982. 

The American legend is the only woman to win the US Open on different surfaces: green clay (1975-1977) and hard courts (1978, 1980 and 1982).