Ruud van Nistelrooy is one of the most clinical finishers in Premier League history, with the Dutchman boasting one of the best goal-per-game ratios the division has ever seen. Representing Manchester United from 2001 to 2006, he lifted one English top-flight trophy.

The Red Devils’ legendary striker is trying to forge a path as a top manager, most recently managing Leicester City in 2025. Sadly for the Dutchman, he couldn’t prevent the Foxes from relegation and he’s since been out of a job.

It’s been a big few years for the Van Nistelrooy household as Ruud had spells in charge of Man Utd and Leicester, before his son was handed a first-ever professional contract by Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven. There has been little fanfare surrounding the offspring of one of the Premier League’s greatest strikers as he used his mother’s surname, ‘Slaats’, for the majority of his youth career.

Van Nistelrooy’s Son’s Name Inspired by Man Utd Teammate

During a conversation with Gary Neville on The Overlap three years ago, Van Nistelrooy was asked where the name Liam came from. A typically British and Irish name, it was an unusual choice for a Dutch family to select for their child.

The retired striker was quick to point out that he had been inspired by a former teammate at Old Trafford, Liam Miller. The Ireland-born midfielder was signed from Celtic in 2004 and clearly left a big impression on some members of the dressing room. Van Nistelrooy told Neville:

Miller would only make 22 appearances for the Red Devils in two years before embarking on a journeyman career in England, Scotland and Australia. Tragically, the ex-United man passed away in 2018 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

After the devastating news of Miller’s passing, a match was played between Celtic and Manchester United, with the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs playing a part. Liam van Nistelrooy will now look to make a mark on PSV, whom his father represented for three years before moving to Old Trafford.

Liam Van Nistelrooy Goes Viral After Scoring For PSV

Ruud watched on with a beaming smile on his face as Liam, 18, scored an impressive goal for PSV’s Under-19 side to send them into the Otten Innovation Cup final.

Released with a long ball, Van Nistelrooy broke free and couldn’t be caught before delicately chipping the ball over the goalkeeper. The ice-cold finish wasn’t the only thing that mirrored his father, as many commented on the striking resemblance between the two strikers.

Statistics in this article are courtesy of Transfermarkt. Correct as of 17-08-26.

The best men’s and women’s players on EA Sports FC 27 have officially been revealed, with Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland leading the way with the highest ratings.

Recently crowned World Cup Golden Ball winner Rodri follows that duo after leading Spain to their second ever World Cup trophy, while the likes of Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal and Jude Bellingham also boast a 90 rating.

Alexia Putellas, Aitana Bonmati and Khadija Shaw are the best women’s players in FC 27, with Caroline Graham Hansen and Alessia Russo registering ratings in the high 80s.

Here is a look at the best players from both the men’s and women’s game as decided by EA Sports FC 27.

Best Men’s Players on EA Sports FC 27

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Winslow Townson

FC 27 cover star Kylian Mbappe is the top-rated men’s player in the game with a 91 overall rating, but the France and Real Madrid star must share top billing with Erling Haaland, whose stellar World Cup with Norway no doubt helped his case.

There are a number of players among the 90-rated cohort, with Rodri, Vitinha, Dembele, Kane, Pedri and Michael Olise evaluated as being some of the best players in the world

Best Women’s Players on EA Sports FC 27

Alexia Putellas reigns supreme as the best women’s player in EA Sports FC 27, with the Spain and London City Lionesses superstar boasting an overall rating of 91 in the game.

Putellas is followed closely by her compatriot and erstwhile colleague Aitana Bonmati, as well as Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw, with that duo both rated at 90 overall.

Reigning UFC Welterweight Champion Islam Makhachev successfully defended his title in the main event of UFC 330, beating Ian Machado Garry by unanimous decision.

The win was a history-making one for the Russian grappler as it marked his 17th consecutive victory inside the Octagon, which is a company record.

However, while the 34-year-old is still a champion, he wasn’t quite as dominant as he was down at lightweight, where he held UFC gold before vacating the title to move up to 170lbs.

Islam Makhachev ‘Tested’ at UFC 330

Credit: Zuffa LLC

Although Islam’s grappling was still effective, he struggled to keep his Irish opponent pinned to the mat in the same way that he had done to foes in the lighter weight class.

Some observers, including UFC CEO Dana White, even felt that Machado Garry could have possibly snatched the title if he had gone all out for the victory during the final round of the fight.

UFC commentator Joe Rogan spoke after the bout on why the move up to welterweight presents such a big challenge to Makhachev.

“He [Makhachev] did when he had to do. He was really tested in ways that we haven’t seen him tested before. Although he won by a healthy margin, there were moments where you’re used to Islam having a certain amount of control, and he just didn’t have it over the bigger guy.”

Joe Rogan Warns Islam Makhachev to Avoid Welterweight With ‘Nuclear Power’

The veteran podcaster went on to warn that one fighter, in particular, would be a problem for Islam.

“This was the question after the move up to 170. There are some guys like Michael Morales who are absolutely gigantic. The gap is bigger than it is with Ian Garry.

Ecuador’s Morales is undefeated as a professional, with 19 straight wins and 14 knockouts. The 27-year-old has won each of his last three UFC contests via KO, defeating names such as Neil Magny, Gilbert Burns and Sean Brady.

He is currently the number three ranked welterweight in the UFC, but Rogan urged Makhachev to steer clear of him if he wants to remain atop the 170lbs division.

Makhachev mentioned Morales’ name in his UFC 330 post-fight press conference, but appeared to dismiss the idea of facing him next, stating that he wasn’t sure when he had last fought. The Russian grappler then made it clear that he already had a date and opponent in mind for his next title defence.

Whether Morales is next in line after that fight remains to be seen, but Makhachev has admitted that he doesn’t believe he has long left in his UFC career.

Speaking before UFC 330, he declared:

“I understand I’m not 28 years old; I’m 34 right now. And I don’t have much time. Sometimes, it’s not going like you want in the UFC. You want to fight after three or four months, but it’s not according to your wish.”