Sports

East Bengal FC Officially Signs Cameroonian Forward Raphael Messi Bouli for Current Season

Published

2 years ago

February 7, 2025

Emami East Bengal FC has signed forward Raphael Messi Bouli from the Cameroon national team, securing his services for the remainder of the current season. Bouli joins the Red & Gold Brigade on a free transfer from the Chinese League One club Shijiazhuang Gongfu.

Expressing his enthusiasm about joining Emami East Bengal FC, Messi Bouli stated, “I’m thrilled to become a part of such a renowned club like East Bengal. I aim to make a meaningful impact during the final stretch of the ISL and the AFC Challenge League. I eagerly look forward to returning to India and connecting with East Bengal’s passionate fans!”

An accomplished forward recognized for his goal-scoring ability, Messi Bouli makes his return to Indian football after five seasons, having scored 8 goals for Kerala Blasters FC in the 2019-20 Indian Super League. Beyond his impressive ISL performance, Bouli has previously played in Cameroon (with FAP Yaounde, Canon Yaounde, and APEJES), the Persian Gulf Pro League (with Foolad FC), and across various clubs in China, including Yanbian Funde, Heilongjiang Ice City, Liaoning Tieren FC, Nanjing City, and Shijiazhuang Gongfu, amassing a total of 69 goals in 173 club appearances. In the last season with Shijiazhuang Gongfu, he achieved 14 goals and 5 assists in 28 matches. His last outing with the Chinese club was in November 2024. Additionally, he has represented the Cameroon national team six times between 2013 and 2018

Mr. Vibhash Vardhan Agarwal of Emami Group welcomed Messi Bouli, stating, “We are thrilled to enhance our attacking options with Raphaël’s addition. His inclusion will provide depth and strength to our lineup, and we are confident he can make a considerable impact in the upcoming ISL matches, the Super Cup, and the AFC Challenge League.”

Emami East Bengal FC Head Coach Oscar Bruzon remarked, “Raphaël arrives at a critical time in the season. Having played for Kerala Blasters before, he’s already a familiar face in Indian football. He brings a winning mindset, and his physical presence, scoring capability, and commitment will be invaluable to our team.”

Sports

Suresh Raina Opposes IPL Impact Player Rule

Published

1 week ago

September 5, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mumbai: Former Chennai Super Kings player Suresh Raina has opposed the Impact Player rule in the IPL.

Raina said the rule gives batters an extra advantage and puts more pressure on bowlers. He noted that teams are now scoring 200-plus runs more frequently, with some even approaching the 300-run mark.

“Bowlers have nothing left,” Raina said, adding that the rule has made their job much harder.

Former Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma and several other players have also criticised the rule.

The Impact Player rule allows teams to replace one player during a match with a batter or bowler, depending on the situation. The rule was first tested in the 2022-23 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy before being introduced in the IPL in 2023.

Sports

Messi Announces Retirement from International Football

Published

2 weeks ago

September 1, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: Football legend and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39.

Messi shared the emotional decision through a post on Instagram. He said that the decision was painful but felt that it was the right time to step away from the national team.

His retirement came after Argentina’s defeat against Spain in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Argentina lost the final 1-0 at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19.

Messi had led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022. Argentina defeated France in a dramatic penalty shootout in the final held in Doha, Qatar.

Messi made his international debut for Argentina in August 2005. During his remarkable international career, he played 207 matches and scored 125 goals for his country.

He also appeared in six FIFA World Cups and became one of the greatest players in the history of football.

Messi’s retirement marks the end of a glorious international career that spanned more than two decades. His decision has left football fans around the world emotional.

Entertainment

Cristiano Ronaldo Marries Longtime Partner Georgina Rodriguez

Published

1 month ago

August 14, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has married his longtime partner, Georgina Rodriguez, in a private ceremony.

Ronaldo reportedly tied the knot with Georgina on Tuesday, August 11. The couple surprised fans by sharing an official wedding photo on social media.

The picture shows Ronaldo and Georgina holding hands while wearing their wedding rings. The couple appeared happy as they marked the special occasion.

The wedding took place in Cascais, a picturesque coastal town near Portugal’s capital, Lisbon. The ceremony was kept extremely private, with only their five children reportedly attending the occasion.

Ronaldo and Georgina first met in Madrid in 2016. They have been together for nearly a decade.

The couple has five children: Cristiano Jr., twins Eva and Mateo, Alana Martina, and Bella Esmeralda.

Ronaldo is one of the most decorated footballers in the world. He has scored a record 146 goals for Portugal in international football and has won the prestigious Ballon d’Or award five times.

He recently represented Portugal at the FIFA World Cup, making it the sixth World Cup of his career. At club level, Ronaldo currently plays for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.

He is expected to return to action when the new domestic season begins on Saturday.