Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo step aside -- the hottest striker in world football at the moment is China's "Nine-Goal Diva" Wang Shanshan.

Wang earned that nickname from Chinese fans and media when she plundered a scarcely believable nine goals in a dizzying 29 minutes after coming off the bench in a 16-0 demolition of Tajikistan on Monday at the Asian Games in Indonesia.

Liverpool's perfect Premier League start has heightened hopes of ending a 29-year wait to win the title, but for once it is Jurgen Klopp's defense rather than his glittering forward line that is attracting widespread praise.

Cristiano Ronaldo said it had been an easy decision to leave Real Madrid for Juventus as he bids to become just the second player to win the Champions League with three different clubs.

"I want to win the Champions League with Juventus and we will do everything to win it," the 33-year-old Portuguese superstar said in an interview with streaming broadcaster DAZN. 

Usain Bolt has taken the first tentative steps towards his Manchester United dream after the sprint king joined Australian side Central Coast Mariners for his first training session Tuesday.

Crystal Palace captain Luka Milivojevic says he prefers playing without Video Assistant Referee (VAR) even though his side felt hard done by in going behind to a controversial penalty in the 2-0 loss to Liverpool.

Former England captain David Beckham is to receive the 2018 UEFA President's Award in honour of his achievements in the game and his work since retiring as a player, European football's governing body said on Tuesday.

The English Premier League said Tuesday it is taking steps to bring legal action in Saudi Arabia to resolve a piracy issue over the televising of its matches and to protect its authorized broadcaster Qatar-based beIN Media Group.

Jose Mourinho warned of the troubles that could lie ahead for his Manchester United side, but the Portuguese must still accept much of the responsibility from a 3-2 defeat at Brighton that has the Red Devils' season off to a bad start.

Chievo goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino called Cristiano Ronaldo a "legend" and thanked the Juventus star for wishing him a speedy recovery after being knocked out by the Portuguese player in the season opener between the two teams at the weekend.

New Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui hailed the performance of Gareth Bale after the Welshman scored one goal and created another in his team's 2-0 win over Getafe on Sunday.