Spain midfielder Rodri has received some strong criticism for his comments in the immediate aftermath of his country’s 0-0 draw against Cape Verde.

La Roja opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with an underwhelming draw against the third-smallest nation to ever participate. Despite enjoying the lion’s share of the possession and taking 27 shots, they just couldn’t force the ball past 40-year-old Vozinha.

With games against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay still to come, Spain will now be under pressure to get points on the board. As one of the favourites to win the entire competition, Cape Verde would’ve been viewed as an ideal opportunity to secure three points early.

Rodri Appears to Aim Dig at Cape Verde

Siphiwe Sibeko via Reuters

Rodri cut a frustrated figure in his post-match interview and he ended up landing himself in hot water with social media users. The Ballon d’Or winner did admit his teammates didn’t do enough to get the win, as he said:

After bemoaning Spain’s own shortcomings, the midfield metronome then aimed what many have taken as a dig at their opponents. Rodri pointed out how Cape Verde struggled to get into the Spain half, saying: “That’s how they play. They don’t get past midfield. It’s a matter of improving our finishing.”

Rodri Labelled ‘Salty’ For Cape Verde Dig

Eloisa Sanchez via Reuters

Social media was in a state of shock after the surprise result. Many took aim at Rodri for his ‘salty’ comments, with one fan replying: “This brother has never given credit to any team that beats or frustrates his team. He’s always salty and cries about everything.”

“Since bro won the Ballon d’Or, he speaks with so much ego,” another added. Others were shocked at what the Manchester City ace expected: “How did Rodri want the opponent to play against almighty Spain?”

The 29-year-old appears to be getting a reputation for not taking negative results well. One supporter said: “Rodri is always talking and talking after draws and losses,” while another added: “Not like Rodri to be salty after a disappointing result.”

Some took it as a dig at his own teammate Ferran Torres, who failed to score despite having many chances. It was suggested: “Rodri is throwing indirect shades at Ferran Torres after his terrible performance against Cape Verde.”

New medical updates have emerged regarding Ilia Topuria following his brutal encounter with Justin Gaethje at this weekend’s UFC Freedom 250.

The event, hosted by President Donald Trump, took place on the South Lawn of the White House to celebrate his 80th birthday and the nation’s 250th anniversary. One of the most anticipated bouts came between the Georgian-Spanish Ilia Topuria and American Justin Gaethje in the main event for the UFC lightweight title.

The veteran, Gaethje, secured a massive upset over his opponent and thus secured the lightweight title. The stoppage came in the fourth round when, after a vicious left-right combination in the third, and an extended break for doctors to check on Topuria, his team threw in the towel.

That may have been obvious to anyone watching; one look at the former champion’s face after the encounter would create concern for his well-being and would certainly raise questions regarding his condition going forward. Certainly, some sort of broken facial bones would be expected, with Topuria’s face looking as badly beaten as it did.

Ilia Topuria’s Condition After UFC Freedom 250

Amber Searls via Imagn Images

However, it was reported late last night, the 15th of June, by As Mas Deporte that there were ‘no breaks or interventions’ and that ‘Ilia Topuria is fine’, and has ‘no breaks’, as was speculated by Dana White during the post-event press conference.

Further confirmation has come from within Topuria’s team itself, with Inigo Perez saying: “Ilia is OK. Only injuries that need recovery time after a tough fight. He is out of the hospital, at home.”

This is good news for the fighter and for the fans who had been showing immediate concern for his well-being in the aftermath of the event.

Ilia Topuria’s First Statement After UFC Freedom 250

Topuria has also taken to Instagram to break his silence regarding the fight. He wrote: “Justin, congratulations. You said you’d leave your mark on my face….and you did.” He continued: “You took the sight from my right eye in the first round, and by the end of the second, from my left too.”

He posted a photo of Gaethje checking in on him to accompany these words, and also claimed that there were no excuses and that it’s the nature of the game.

It seems like the story between Gaethje and Topuria is not over following the weekend’s event, and certainly does not feel like the last time they will step inside the Octagon together. In fact, in the same Instagram post, Topuria wrote: “We will have our rematch.”

Arsenal are plotting a surprise move to sign a Tottenham defender during the summer transfer window, and he’s set to leave the club at the end of this month.

It’s not often that we see players move from Arsenal to Tottenham or Tottenham to Arsenal, and it would often be considered a controversial move.

Sol Campbell is certainly the most notable in recent history when he joined Arsenal after his Tottenham contract expired in 2001.

The English defender’s decision certainly didn’t go down well with Spurs supporters after he had made over 250 appearances for the club.

It is rare that Tottenham or Arsenal would sanction a move between the two sides, but when contracts expire in the summer, it is difficult for them to have any control.

Arsenal Eyeing Tottenham Move

According to a report from The Athletic, Arsenal are interested in signing Tottenham defender Elijah Upson, who is set to leave Spurs at the end of his contract this month.

Upson is the son of former Arsenal and England centre-back Matthew. He joined Spurs at the age of seven, and now, over ten years later, he looks set to be heading through the exit door.

Reports emerged that Upson had been offered a professional contract by Tottenham, but he opted against putting pen to paper in order to move on.

Upson was a regular for Spurs’s under 18 side during the 2025-2026 season, and he even appeared for the under-21s.

Arsenal Planning Youth Recruitment

It’s clear Arsenal have a plan to improve their academy set-up heading into the summer transfer window.

After winning the Premier League title, the Gunners can switch their focus from bringing in mostly senior-level players to signing up-and-coming stars to improve their academy.

According to reports, Arsenal have agreed terms with Leicester City youngster Jeremy Monga ahead of a possible deal this summer.

There will be less of a worry on Arsenal’s end about signing players who can make an immediate impact, since they’ve clearly got a squad capable of being one of the best in the world.