Soccer

A soccer player in Indonesia tragically died after a lightning bolt struck the 35-year-old on the pitch during a match ... and the terrifying moment was caught on video.

The deadly incident occurred Saturday at the Siliwangi Stadium ... when Septain Raharja, playing in a friendly for FBI Subang, suddenly collapsed after being struck. Teammates and others came rushing over to help.

Rahajra, who suffered a severe burn, was still breathing after the strike and was transported to a local hospital, according to a local report, but later died.

Several teams paid tribute to Raharja following his tragic death ... taking a moment of silence, and sharing condolences on his team's Instagram, including star soccer player Cristian Gonzalez.

This is the second time a soccer player was struck by lightning in Indonesia in the last year ... it also happened during the Soeratin U-13 Cup, when a young athlete was hit.

Thankfully, he survived.

An international soccer star found a new way to get under his opponent's skin ... by twisting it!!!

Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger did something we've never before seen on the soccer pitch ... he gave his former teammate turned Atletico rival Alvaro Morata a "titty twister" during the match!

It all happened during the Spanish Super Cup semifinals earlier this week.

During the game, Rudiger was captured on video approaching Morata and grabbing and twisting his nipple as the forward reacted with anger, pushing AR.

What's funny ... the two know each other well. They were teammates for 18 months with Chelsea. Still, Morata didn’t take kindly to the gesture.

Surprisingly, there was no penalty (for the purple nurple or the push) ... proving while touching balls isn't allowed in soccer, nipples are fair game.

Although a lot less people are talking about his actual play, Rudiger scored one of his squad's 5 goals in the winning effort over Atletico.

Julio Urias will NOT face a felony charge for the alleged physical altercation involving his wife at a soccer game in September, TMZ Sports has learned ... with the L.A. District Attorney rejecting the case, concluding the incident didn't warrant such a serious charge.

Although it's good news for the 27-year-old pitcher, it doesn't mean he's fully in the clear ... the D.A. will now send the case to the City Attorney, who could opt to file a misdemeanor charge.

Our sources tell us after law enforcement's investigation, they believe Julio was in a verbal altercation with his wife that turned physical ... but because of Urias' lack of criminal record and other factors, the D.A.'s office doesn't believe it rises to the level of a felony. Thus the rejection.

Remember, Urias allegedly roughed up his wife Daisy after an LAFC vs. Inter Miami soccer game on September 3, when the couple went to BMO Stadium to watch Lionel Messi.

Julio was arrested at the scene for felony domestic violence. He was taken to jail before posting $50k bond.

The L.A. Dodgers, Urias' team since breaking into the Majors in 2016, almost immediately distanced themselves from the soon-to-be free agent, cleaning out his locker and wiping his images from Dodger Stadium.

Major League Baseball also placed him on administrative leave a few days after the alleged incident.

Urias is currently a free agent ... and his status with MLB is still in flux, though the D.A.'s decision could represent a step towards signing with a new team.

Of course, it's not the first time Julio has faced allegations of domestic violence.

The World Series champ agreed to participate in a diversion program in 2019 after he was accused of pushing a woman at a popular L.A. mall. Urias was not convicted, nor tried, in that case.

Franz Beckenbauer -- a German soccer icon widely regarded as one of the greatest in the sport -- has died at 78 years old, his family announced.

Beckenbauer was a legend in the game ... leading his home country of West Germany to three World Cups -- once as a player in 1974, and again as a head coach in 1990. He is one of three people in history to have won as both a player and a coach.

"It is with deep sadness that we announce that my husband and our father, Franz Beckenbaur, passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday, Sunday, surrounded by family," his family said in a statement.

Beckenbauer was born in Munich and went on to star for Bayern Munich from 1964 to 1977. During his time at the club level, he won three European cups and five league titles.

Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer released a statement about his passing ... speaking on the impact Beckenbauer left on the club.

"There are no words to express how great our grief is, and the gap that Franz Beckenbauer leaves behind," Hainer said.

"As a player, he brought a sense of effortlessness, elegance and magic to the pitch. Franz Beckenbauer brought the glamour. Even after his playing career, he left an indelible mark on FC Bayern and football, and his legacy cannot be measured in titles. The FC Bayern family is eternally grateful to him, and I personally mourn the loss of a friend."

Beckenbauer's excellence on the pitch earned him the nickname "Der Kaiser," which translates to "the emperor." He played in 103 international matches for Germany ... serving as a captain for 50 of them.

Der Kaiser had a very decorated individual career ... having won the Ballon d’Or award in 1972 and 1976. In 1977, he decided to take his career international, joining the New York Cosmos.

He played for the Cosmos from 1977 to 1980, and one final time in 1983. During that period, he played alongside Brazilian soccer legend Pelé, winning three North American Soccer League trophies.

The soccer legend announced his retirement in 1983 at the age of 38, but continued to receive accolades past his career. Beckenbauer was named to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 1998. In 2000, he was named Germany’s Footballer of the Century for his excellent efforts. He also received the FIFA Centennial Player and Football Personality Award in 2004.

One of his final great achievements was as an official ... helping his home country Germany win its bid to host the 2006 World Cup.

La Navidad llegó temprano para los fieles seguidores de Victoria Beckham en Insta, ya que posteó un video personal de David Beckham haciendo ejercicio en pantalones cortos bastante apretados.

En un clip compartido el martes, se puede ver a David haciendo ejercicios de estiramiento luciendo pantalones ajustados y muy cortos, mientras Victoria se posiciona detrás para enfocar su trasero lo mejor que puede.

"Morning work out with this Love Machine 🔊😂 @davidbeckham" ("haciendo ejercicio en la mañana con esta máquina sexual"), bromea al pie de foto, y como era de esperar, los fans se llenaron de alegría.

Algunos le agradecieron a Victoria en los comentarios, diciendo que su generosidad y falta de celos era un verdadero regalo.

Xmas came early for Victoria Beckham's loyal IG followers ... as she treated them to an up-close and personal clip of David Beckham working out in little tight shorts.

In a clip shared Tuesday, David pants his way through a set of yoga push-ups ... while Vic ensures fans get an eyeful -- anglin' the camera from behind and honing in on his butt as he thrusts up and down.

"Morning work out with this Love Machine 🔊😂 @davidbeckham," she quips in the caption -- and as expected, fans were overcome with delight.

Some thanked VB for her service in the comments ... while others saying she was a gift that kept on giving.

The president of a high-level Turkish soccer club was arrested on Tuesday ... after he socked a referee right in the face following a match on Monday.

Faruk Koca, who was elected as Ankaragucu soccer club's prez in 2021, was seen on video attacking the official after his squad's Super Lig home game against Rizespor at Eryaman Stadium.

Cameras showed that right after the final whistle sounded on the 1-1 draw, Koca sprinted onto the field and threw a massive punch that landed flush with Halil Umut Meler's left eye.

Meler immediately fell to the ground in pain -- and while he was down on the turf, video shows he was then kicked in the head multiple times as well. He eventually got up -- and after he was seen with a black eye, he was taken to the hospital where he was diagnosed with a facial fracture.

On Tuesday morning, Koca was arrested over the incident ... with Turkish official Yilmaz Tunc accusing the soccer prez of "injuring and threatening a public servant due to his public duty."

The other individuals who allegedly kicked the ref were also arrested, Tunc announced.

In a statement released later Tuesday, Koca apologized for his actions ... while revealing he will now resign from his position.

"As someone who has always taken constructive initiatives in this direction since the day I became the MKE Ankaragücü Presidency, I feel great embarrassment for having caused the creation of an exactly opposite environment," Koca said.

"I would like to announce to the public that I have resigned from the MKE Ankaragücü Presidency in order to prevent any further harm to the Ankaragücü club, Ankaragücü fans, the community I am in and my family."

Koca added, "I hope that this incident, which I, more than anyone else, cannot accept, will be a reason for our sports life, especially our football community, to be purified from mistakes, shortcomings and the culture of violence."

21 Savage has been soaking up everything London has to offer during his homecoming -- for instance, he was the guest of honor at last night's Arsenal game!!!

The superstar rapper was honored in front of thousands at Emirates Stadium ahead of the match, where he was presented with his own ‘21’ Savage Arsenal jersey.

Arsenal throttled Lens 6-0 and to make 21's homecoming that much sweeter, the rapper's team tells us the stadium followed up by blasting his "Circo Loco" track with Drake ... and cued it to 21's lyrics, “Still gotta see the Gunners win Premier League!”

21 also met with Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe after the game ... a helluva buildup for his sold-out show tonight at the famed O2 Arena!!!

The show will mark 21's first-ever London headlining performance ... having gotten his immigration issues cleared up and his U.S. citizenship this past October after several years in limbo.

We're told 21 will be back stateside in time for plenty of holiday giveaways in the Atlanta area.

Neymar and his longtime girlfriend Bruna Biancardi have called off their relationship ... just a few weeks after their baby daughter was born.

Biancardi announced the news in a social media post early Wednesday morning ... saying in her native tongue, "This is a private matter."

"But," she continued, "as I am exposed to news, assumptions and jokes on a daily basis, I inform you that I am not in a relationship."

"We are Mavie's parents, and that is the reason for our bond. I hope that this way they will stop relating to the frequent news. Thank you."

The split comes just days after Neymar was accused of sending X-rated messages to a Brazilian OnlyFans model. The soccer superstar, however, denied wrongdoing in the case ... saying on his social media page the leaked DMs were from "years ago."

But, the messages were certainly not the first time the Al-Hilal striker had allegedly been unfaithful toward Bruna -- as he was spotted on camera in a nightclub earlier this year getting close to two women.

Despite the allegations, Neymar and Bruna had seemed to be going strong ... with the two sharing loving pictures together often over the last few months.

Neymar y su novia desde hace mucho tiempo, Bruna Biancardi, pusieron fin a su relación apenas unas semanas después del nacimiento de su hija.

Biancardi anunció la noticia en un post de redes sociales la madrugada del miércoles, en el que dice en su lengua materna: "Este es un asunto privado".

"Pero", continúa, "como estoy expuesta a noticias, suposiciones y bromas a diario, les informo que no estoy en una relación".

"Somos los padres de Mavie y esa es la razón de nuestro vínculo. Espero que así dejen de relacionarse con las frecuentes noticias. Gracias".

La separación se produce pocos días después de que Neymar fuera acusado de enviar mensajes de contenido sexual a una modelo brasileña de OnlyFans. La superestrella del fútbol, sin embargo, negó haber actuado mal en el caso, diciendo en su página de redes sociales que los DMs filtrados eran de "hace años".

Pero esta ciertamente no es la primera vez que el delantero del Al-Hilal ha sido supuestamente infiel a Bruna. A principios de este año, fue visto acercándose a dos mujeres a través de la cámara de un club nocturno.

A pesar de las acusaciones, Neymar y Bruna parecían ir muy en serio, con los dos compartiendo fotos amorosas juntos bien a menudo en los últimos meses.

Una brutal pelea estalló en el estadio justo antes de que comenzara el partido de Lionel Messi el martes por la noche y la pelea llegó a ser tan grande y sangrienta que el partido se retrasó varios minutos para que la policía pudiera tener todo bajo control.

La escaramuza en el interior del estadio Maracaná de Río de Janeiro comenzó cuando sonaban los himnos nacionales de Brasil y Argentina justo antes de que se diera inicio al partido por las clasificatorias al Mundial.

Un video muestra cómo los fanáticos de ambos equipos, que estaban sentados cerca al interior del recinto, comienzan a atacarse, lo que desencadena una pelea masiva.

Se puede ver a hombres cubiertos de sangre y a niños llorando. Las autoridades tuvieron que utilizar hasta sus porras para tratar de controlar el estallido.

Messi y otros jugadores que se encontraban en el campo de juego se terminaron acercando a la zona de los combatientes y les rogaron que se calmaran.

Al final, el icono del fútbol sacó a su equipo del campo y lo llevó de vuelta a los vestuarios. Pudieron regresar una media hora después cuando los enfrentamientos se habían calmado.

El equipo argentino de Messi terminó venciendo a Brasil 1-0, pero el jugador de 36 años tuvo que abandonar el juego antes de tiempo debido a una lesión en la ingle.

Después, le dijo a los periodistas que estaba agradecido de que la situación en las gradas no hubiera pasado a mayores.

"Podría haber sido un desastre", dijo Messi.

A wild fight broke out just before Lionel Messi's game on Tuesday night ... and the brawl became so large and so bloody -- the soccer star's match was actually delayed so police could get everything under control.

The skirmish inside of Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro initially started as the national anthems for Brazil and Argentina were playing just before their World Cup qualifier match kicked off.

Video from the scene shows fans from both teams who were seated near each other inside of the venue began whaling on each other ... and, quickly, it turned into a massive fracas.

Grown men were seen covered in blood ... while children sitting nearby were in tears. At one point during the action, authorities had to use batons on spectators to try to control the outburst.

Messi and other players on the pitch, meanwhile, eventually made their way over to the area of the combatants -- and pleaded with everyone to calm down.

Ultimately, the soccer icon led his team off the field and back into the locker room ... before returning roughly half an hour later to play after the fighting had tailed off.

Messi's Argentinian squad ended up besting Brazil, 1-0 ... but the 36-year-old had to leave the contest early due to a groin injury.

Afterward, he told reporters he was grateful the situation in the stands didn't escalate even further than it did.

"There could have been a disaster," Messi said.

Paul Mullin isn't just a star on the pitch for Wrexham, he's a TV star, too, thanks to the docuseries, "Welcome to Wrexham" ... which the footballer says he didn't know about until the moment he was literally signing his contract to join the club.

29-year-old Mullin was the first guest on the new Men In Blazers show, "This Week In Wrexham" ... where the star soccer player talked about his decision to sign with the then-fledgling team, and his decision to appear on the hit show.

"People think that the documentary might be a selling point, but I can tell you now that I didn't know about the documentary until I was signing the contract, sat at the table, and there were cameras in the room.  And I was like, 'Who's this?' And they told me then, 'We're filming a documentary,'" the former Cambridge United star explained.

"It had nothing to do with my decision whatsoever. I didn't even know it was happening. I just signed the form as I was signing my contract to give them obviously the opportunity to record me. At that time obviously, you don't know how big it's gonna be. It's just something we've gotten used to. There are cameras everywhere, but you don't notice them because they're blending in, but also 'cause we're used to them, too."

Of course, "Welcome to Wrexham" premiered last summer on FX ... after Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought the Welsh team. The show has been a smash hit ... and was recently renewed for a third season, set to air in 2024.

If not for the docuseries, why did Mullin sign with Wrexham when other higher-profile clubs were available?

Paul explained his decision.

"It wasn't even [soccer] to begin with, it was my son. Obviously, it's well documented now but he's autistic, and I've been away in Cambridge for the majority of the season, obviously coming home whenever I could, and I just wanted to be at home with him every night, and Wrexham was the perfect opportunity to do that, and ultimately, it was perfect for me, as well in the [soccer] sense because it was a club with real ambition, a club going somewhere," Paul told Roger Bennett.

Wrexham has done incredibly well since Reynolds and Mullin's arrival ... they not only won the National League championship with a 3-1 win over Boreham Wood in April, but they were also elevated to League 2.

Una ex jugadora de la Liga Nacional de Fútbol Femenino hizo un saludo nazi mientras conducía cerca de una manifestación pro-Israel este mes y su ex equipo está condenando sus acciones y se distancian de ella.

Stefany Ferrer Van Ginkel, que jugó en el Angel City FC en 2022, hizo el saludo "Sieg Heil" desde el asiento del copiloto de un coche mientras otro futbolista profesional, Samim Haydari, la conducía por Beverly Hills.

Parte del incidente fue capturado en video y en el clip, se puede escuchar a los manifestantes gritandole a la pareja de futbolistas: "¡Qué vergüenza!"

No está claro el motivo del infame saludo...

Angel City FC emitió un comunicado poco después de que el video fue publicado en X, diciendo: "Stefany Ferrer Van Ginkel (stefvangi21) no juega para Angel City Football Club, ni ha estado afiliada al club desde noviembre de 2022. Condenamos sus recientes acciones y declaraciones".

Por su parte, Van Ginkel y Haydari habrían lanzado una disculpa ante las cámaras el lunes por la noche.

Según KTLA, Haydari dijo: "Sé que hemos abordado la situación con odio y la hemos empeorado con nuestras acciones", antes de añadir: "Actuamos de manera infantil". Van Ginkel, informó el medio de comunicación, no habló en el clip.

A former National Women's Soccer League player flashed a Nazi salute while driving by a pro-Israel rally this month ... and her ex-team is now condemning her actions while distancing itself from her.

Stefany Ferrer Van Ginkel -- who played for Angel City FC in 2022 -- gave the "Sieg Heil" salute from the passenger seat of a car while another pro soccer player, Samim Haydari, drove her through Beverly Hills.

Part of the incident was captured on video ... and in the clip, you can hear demonstrators shouting at the pair of footballers, "Shame on you!"

It's not clear, however, what led up to the interaction.

Angel City FC released a statement shortly after the video was posted on X ... saying, "Stefany Ferrer Van Ginkel (stefvangi21) does not play for Angel City Football Club, nor has she been affiliated with the club since November 2022. We condemn her recent actions and statements."

For their part, Van Ginkel and Haydari reportedly released an on-camera apology on Monday night.

According to KTLA, Haydari said, "I know we have approached the situation with hate and made it worse with our actions" ... before adding, "We acted childish." Van Ginkel, the outlet reported, did not speak in the clip.

Un momento aterrador pasó la familia de la superestrella del fútbol Neymar. En la madrugada de este martes, tres hombres supuestamente irrumpieron en el condominio de su pareja Bruna Biancardi en Sao Paulo en un intento de atacarla a ella y a su bebé recién nacido.

Neymar y Bruna, que empezaron a salir en 2021, no estaban en casa en ese momento, según los medios locales, pero los padres de ella estaban presentes cuando los intrusos supuestamente entraron en la residencia.

Los informes afirman que dos hombres armados y otro sospechoso ataron a los padres de Bruna y procedieron a saquear la casa de la influencer, llevándose artículos de lujo como relojes, bolsos de diseño y joyas.

Según el diario R7, los sospechosos supuestamente buscaban a la hija de Neymar y Bruna, Mavie, que nació a principios de octubre. De hecho, el delantero del Al Hilal compartió el lunes una foto con su hija.

Afortunadamente, nadie resultó herido, y los vecinos se apresuraron a avisar a la seguridad durante el asalto a la vivienda.

Uno de los sospechosos, de 20 años, fue detenido durante el acto. Se cree que es vecino de Bruna y que utilizó su acceso al vecindario para permitir que los otros sospechosos entraran por la puerta.

Los otros dos sospechosos siguen libre, pero hasta ahora, uno ha sido identificado.