For almost two decades, the McCann name has been synonymous with one of the most heartbreaking missing persons cases in modern history.

However, on Saturday morning, a far brighter chapter was etched into the family’s story.

Sean McCann, the younger brother of Madeleine McCann, took to the pool at the Commonwealth Games, where he competed in the heats of the men’s 400 metres freestyle.

Madeleine McCann’s Brother Competes at Commonwealth Games

McCann, who is part of Team Scotland at the Games, spoke of his immense pride in being selected earlier this week.

“I’m very excited. It’s my first senior Games, so I’m just looking forward to representing Scotland and doing my absolute best,” McCann told the Loughborough University YouTube channel.

Nearly 20 years have passed since the McCann family’s holiday in Praia da Luz was torn apart by Madeleine’s disappearance, a tragedy that has undoubtedly cast a long shadow over the lives of both Sean and his twin sister, Amelie.

Credit: REUTERS/Andrew Couldridge

The McCann Family Cheer on Sean at the Commonwealth Games

Sport has long been woven into the fabric of the McCann family. Kate and Gerry famously went for a run on their first date, while Sean’s twin sister, Amelie, has forged her own path as a competitive triathlete.

That dedication was rewarded at the Tollcross Swimming Centre in the East End of Glasgow on Saturday when Sean finished a creditable fourth in an eight-man heat three of the men’s 400 metres freestyle to book a spot in Saturday evening’s final.

McCann’s time of 3:52.65 over eight lengths of the pool from lane two was enough to see him advance in eighth place overall across the heats.

He was cheered on by his parents, Gerry and Kate, in the crowd, who beamed with pride as they watched their son in action.

Sean’s journey to the Commonwealth Games has been anything but straightforward. His mother, Kate, has previously revealed that he initially hated swimming when he was first introduced to the sport.

That feeling, however, remained short-lived. He soon found his drive, developing an unwavering commitment to the pool, attending up to nine two-hour training sessions every week, many requiring 4am starts.

In addition to his love of the pool, McCann balances his sporting ambitions with studying for a chemical engineering degree. His progression to the senior Commonwealth Games comes after he represented Scotland at the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago, but failed to earn a medal.

Sean will hope that a home crowd can propel him to success in tonight’s final, before he turns his attention to the 800m and 1,500m freestyle later this week.

Arsenal are looking at ways to bolster their squad for the coming season, and they are ready to look at the Premier League to do it.

The Gunners have signed Illan Meslier and Christos Tzolis so far this summer, while Leandro Trossard has departed for Besiktas as Mikel Arteta looks to freshen things up in an attempt to make history by winning back-to-back league titles for the first time in the club’s history.

A number of first-team players are expected to be allowed to leave the Emirates Stadium as a result, and Arteta has identified one star as a potential reinforcement in attack who could come in as a replacement.

Arsenal Eyeing Ollie Watkins

According to a report by The Sun, Arsenal are considering renewing their interest in Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins this summer.

Watkins, who has been described as ‘elite’, is Villa’s top goalscorer in Premier League history, and was linked with a big-money move to north London in January 2025, but a move never materialised.

But with Gabriel Jesus expected to depart before the new season starts, Arsenal are monitoring the England international’s situation at Villa Park with a view to making a formal move for him later in the window.

Fenerbahce were considering a £30m offer for the 30-year-old, but Villa made it clear they would not accept at that price, and a move went no further. However, it’s understood that they could be more receptive to an offer worth around £40m, which has sparked interest from Arsenal.

Arteta has put Watkins near the top of their shortlist for forward signings, and Villa’s financial situation has led to confidence that they could be able to get a deal done if they push hard. However, as things stand, Villa are determined to keep him, having already lost Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, and Lucas Digne.

Konsa and Watkins Would Be Top Arrivals

Arsenal have been taking a close look at Villa this summer, with Rogers a top target before he joined Chelsea, and a strong interest in defender Ezri Konsa too.

Watkins, much like Konsa, is playing at the top of his game right now, and it could be the last chance for them to make the step up to a title-challenger, which would bring plenty of appeal to the players. But it’s also worth nothing that both players would be great signings for Arsenal, bringing traits and quality they don’t already have.

Villa will fight hard to keep him, and Arsenal have other targets they are prioritising for the position, but Watkins’ situation is one to keep a close eye on as the window begins to fire up.

A USMNT star was heavily booed by MLS fans during his first game back after the World Cup this week. Of course, at one point, it looked as though football fever had completely taken over the country, with the Stars and Stripes expectant of a deep run at this summer’s tournament.

Back-to-back wins over Paraguay and Australia – 4-1 and 2-0 respectively – to kickstart their campaign under Mauricio Pochettino saw USA make history as they achieved that feat for just the first time since 1930. However, just as quickly as they thought they were going to make it all the way, their world came crashing back down onto them.

A 3-2 loss to Turkiye already showed signs that USMNT weren’t as imperious as they seemed earlier into the tournament, and a 4-1 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16 proved the final nail in the coffin.

In the aftermath of that exit, much of the blame fell on Christian Pulisic. However, when MLS action resumed this week, it was a different USMNT star who found himself in the firing line, as Columbus Crew supporters relentlessly booed him during their clash with New York City.

USMNT Star Relentlessly Booed Upon his Return to the MLS

USMNT goalkeeper Matt Freese returned to action with New York City on Wednesday night, but it appears America isn’t ready to forgive him for his mistakes in the defeat to Belgium. Every time he touched the ball in Ohio, a chorus of boos rained down from the crowds.

Freese’s woes in midweek started from his first touch in the third minute of the match against Columbus. Some supporters appeared to be chanting “Shame!” at him, and others were giving him thumbs down, according to the Sun USA.

The 27-year-old didn’t appear bothered by the boos, as he put on a good performance, making three saves to win the game 2-1. And afterwards, his manager defended him from the brutal crowd reaction.

NYCFC Boss Defends Freese Amid Brutal Crowd Reaction

Brace Hemmelgarn | Imagn Images

NYCFC manager Pascal Jansen said Freese’s effort “speaks for itself,” after having technically been able to take more time off due to a FIFA rule, had he needed it. The boss continued (watch below):

New York City currently sits sixth in the MLS Eastern Conference, 12 points adrift of the top two, Inter Miami and Nashville SC. Their next match sees them take on Chicago at home.