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ONE Friday Fights 34 is in the record books and what an incredible night it was – with Rodtang and Superlek living up to all the hype and giving us the biggest Muay Thai showdown in five decades. Now is the time to relive the most spectacular moments from the night…. 1. Superlek drops Rodtang Bleeding from two cuts on his heads opened up by Rodtang elbows in the first round, Superlek came firing back in round two and dropped the ONE flyweight Muay Thai World Champion with an elbow of his own. It would be the turning point of the fight and one that helped Superlek go on to get the victory. 2. A fast start to the night The opening fight of the night kicked things off in spectacular style with Lito Adiwang overwhelming Adrian Mattheis in their strawweight MMA clash. Twenty-three seconds was all it took to get the job done on a short night’s work for Thunder Kid. 3. Suakim elbow out of nowhere Iran’s Saman Ashouri really needed a win in this one after two straight defeats in ONE. He had started well, looking aggressive and picking his shots well, but as the round progressed it would be Suakim who would turn the fight on its head with a vicious right elbow and straight left combo that brought this one to an early conclusion.  4. Trindade makes his mark  If Portugal’s Miguel Trindade was out to make an impression on his debut, he certainly did. Facing dangerous Thai star Sibmuen, he got on the front foot in this catchweight Muay Thai battle. First to the punch throughout the first round, Trindade would eventually finish things in the first round with a flurry of knees and punches – rounded off with a left hand to the body. 5. A star is born Songchainoi went into this one with three straight wins in ONE, but against the experience of Jomhod, some thought he would have a real test on his hands. Explosive and powerful from the outset Songchainoi was in dominant form, knocking his foe down three times in the second round – ending things with a stunning front kick and right hand combo. 

Muay Thai’s biggest fight in five decades didn’t disappoint as Superlek scored a historic win over Rodtang in an instant classic – but MENA fighters went 0-3 in Bangkok. In front of a capacity crowd at the Lumpinee Stadium, Superlek overcame adversity to defeat the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion in a three-round thriller. After Superlek missed weight, the title was not on the line but that didn’t detract from what was always going to be an incredible spectacle. Flyweight kickboxing champ Superlek had started well, using his trademark kicks to chop at the legs, but it was Rotang’s elbows that would do the real damage – opening up two sizeable cuts on his opponent. Momentum shifted in the second round however, with Superlek controlling distance well and finding a home for well placed knees and elbows of his own eventually dropping the champion in what would be the turning point of the fight. Further pressure in the third round helped Superlek to a unanimous decision win – and fans wondering what might come between these two men again in the future. Iran-born Amir Naseri put on a brave display in the co-main event but was unable to break down the constant pressure of Seksan. ‘The Man Who Yields to No One’ threw power shot after power shot, but Naseri took everything thrown at him – but ended up on the wrong end of a unanimous decision.  Seksan aimed with vicious intent from the outset, but Neseri remained composed, finding his range well with elbows of his own. Both men showed the scars of battle at the end of three rounds with both eyebrows of Neseri bleeding significantly, while a huge haematoma had formed on the forehead of the Thai fighter – but he was still able to get his arm raised.     Algerian standout Akram Hamidi was unable to get what would have been the biggest win of his career as he dropped to a unanimous decision against Prajanchai. The Thai fighter is the current interim strawweight Muay Thai world champion, but looked right at home during his kickboxing debut.  Hamidi showed flashes of his ability throughout the contest, but Prajanchai was always one step ahead and almost finished the fight with a blistering left hook at the end of the second round which left Hamidi on the canvas and thankful to hear the bell. The third round saw both men trying to pour on the pressure, but it was the variety and speed shown by Prajanchai that guided him to victory. It was another tough night for Iran’s Saman Ashouri who slipped to his third consecutive ONE defeat. He had started promisingly against Thailand’s Suakim, looking to close the distance and not afraid to let his hands go. However as the bout progressed, and Ashouri continued to move forward, Suakim would counter with a vicious right elbow, followed up with a big straight left to end things in the first round. Elsewhere, it was two youngsters who really caught the eye. First it was 23-year-old Songchainoi who produced a stunning display to KO veteran Jomhod in the second round. Portugal’s Miguel Trindade went one better – the 22-year-old stopping Sibmuen in the first round with an aggressive display of accurate hand and knee strikes.

The UEFA Champions League is the most-watched annual sporting event in the world. With the new limited-edition Big Bang e Gen3 UEFA Champions League get ready for goals, as you switch on your watch to see the UEFA Champions League logo appear, and set up the competition app to follow the action live. Easy, efficient, simple and the best way to stay connected to the game no matter what, where and when! Hublot & UEFA Champions League – an eight-year story Hublot loves football, and has enjoyed a successful partnership with UEFA, most notably having been partners with the UEFA EURO™ for the last four competitions (2008, 2012, 2016, 2020) and with the UEFA Champions League since 2015, keeping time for the most memorable moments in the history of football. Created 68 years ago and rebranded the UEFA Champions League in 1992, the 2023/24 season has just begun. Don’t miss the chance to follow the season’s 125 matches directly on your wrist. Big Bang e Gen3 UEFA Champions League Issued in a 200-piece limited edition and showcasing the UEFA Champions League legendary blue color in Hublot’s iconic ceramic, the Big Bang of the digital era represents its third generation, five years after the launch of Hublot’s first connected watch. The improved, large high-definition screen grants you access to every single moment of the match, at the heart of the action. From your wrist, and on the UEFA Champions League dial, you will automatically enter “match mode” once the match begins. A countdown will start 15 minutes before kick-off, providing information on the line ups. Kick off the football season in style with the #BigBangE Gen 3 UEFA Champions League! Get ready for the goals as you switch on your watch to see the UEFA Champions League logo appear. #UCL #HublotLovesFootball pic.twitter.com/KHsF1riIAU— Hublot (@Hublot) September 20, 2023 During the course of the match, you will be able to keep track of half-times, additional time, goals scored (with the official adidas matchball animation) mentioning the relevant player’s name, yellow and red cards and goal attempts. The watch follows the entire match right through to the final score. If any action has been missed, the wearer can replay any of the key moments using the “replay” mode and scrolling through with the crown. The 44mm micro-blasted and polished blue ceramic case of this high-tech timepiece houses a Qualcomm® Snapdragon WearTM 4100+ processor and features eight different sensors and GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Heart Rate Monitor and NFC payment connectivity. The Big Bang e Gen3 UEFA Champions League is, of course, compatible with both Google Android and Apple iOS operating systems, as well as water-resistant to 3 ATM and endowed with an all-day battery life with a two-hour charging time from empty to full.

Senior sport business execs from the Middle East and beyond are set to connect at the 2023 Sport Industry Forum. Established in 2014, this high-level sport business forum brings decision makers together to advance the sports sector in the region. The forum is an opportunity for sport business professionals to listen to inspirational speakers – international and regional. It provides an invaluable opportunity to do business. The Forum is held alongside the NBA Abu Dhabi Games and is officially supported by Department of Community Development Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau. Held at The WB Abu Dhabi by Hilton on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi on October 4-5, more than 200 senior-level attendees are expected from government, brands, federations, clubs, rights holders, event organisers and venues owners/operators. A highlight this year is H.E. Sheikh Suhail Bin Butti Suhail Al Maktoum, Executive Director of the Sports Development Sector at the General Authority of Sports, who will present the UAE’s national sports strategy at the Sport Industry Forum 2023. Speeches and interviews take place throughout the two days from the likes of Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall, Minnesota Timberwolves CEO Ethan Casson, Saudi Sports For All Federation CEO Shaima Al Husseini and Executive Director Community Health Sector – Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre H.E Dr. Omniyat Mohammed Al Hajeri, among many others. Registration is still open at https://sportindustryseries.com/register/. Attendance is free for government, federations, clubs and brands, with separate packages on offer to rights holders/agencies and vendors/suppliers. Sport360 spoke to Sally Corander – Founder of INTERACT, organisers of Sport Industry Forum – about next month’s edition. Q: What is the Sport Industry Forum and why was it launched? Corander: “The Sport Industry Forum was established in the UAE. We launched it in 2014 with the support of Dubai Sports Council and Abu Dhabi Sports Council. “There weren’t many conferences in the region at that time and so we saw the opportunity to launch a forum that was relevant to the challenges in sports in the region. Our aim was, and still is, to advance the sports sector in the UAE and across the region. It’s wonderful to see such incredible growth in sports in the last 9 years and very exciting times ahead.” Q: What is the mission for Sport Industry Forum? Corander: “The mission is to drive positive change. We pride ourselves on our content being hugely relevant to the region. “We are based in the region and understand the industry challenges which may be unique to other countries. “The Forums encourage open-and-honest debate and attendees are very much encouraged to get involved in the discussions. We summarise the main points from the 2 days of discussion and we feedback to government after the event.” Q: Please tell us about the line-up for 2023’s edition Corander: “We’ve got an amazing line-up of speakers for 2023’s edition. “We are absolutely delighted to have an exclusive presentation and interview with HE Sheikh Suhail Al Maktoum from the General Authority of Sports who will present the UAE sports strategy. “Following HE Sheikh Suhail’s session, we have senior Government representatives from education and health; H.E. Mohammed Al Hashimi, Executive Director – Student Wellbeing Sector, Emirates Schools Establishment and H.E. Dr. Omniyat Mohammed Al Hajri, Executive Director – Community Health Sector, Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, Vice Chairwoman, Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Academy “The forum is alongside the NBA Abu Dhabi Games and both CEOs from the franchises are speaking. They will take part in unfiltered interviews telling their remarkable stories – from how their early life shaped their careers, overcoming adversity, the importance of workplace culture, to growing women’s sport and the biggest lessons they learned in business. “A delegation of NBA executives and sponsors will be joining us. “We have speakers from Saudi; Saudi Sports For All Federation’s CEO, Shaima Al Husseini and Saudi Triathlon, Chairman, Eng. Ali Samih Magboul. Regional brands are represented including Mubadala, Etihad and Spinneys – they will talk about why they invest in sport and what their strategy is for the future. “And we have a featured interview with former Man Utd footballer, Dwight Yorke, aka the smiling assassin. Winner of the UEFA Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, Intercontinental Cup and League Cup. “Chris Brown, Founder and CEO of the Mina Cup UAE, Gareth Mordey, General Manager EnrichME at Cognita Schools and Mags Byrne, former CEO of Sunderland FC and MD of EStars will get the conversation going on how to best engage the next generation in sport and physical activity on their panel. “There is a lot of content and lots of passionate sports business professionals attending. I am looking forward to seeing everyone and having some great discussions! “Business development is hard work and securing meetings with potential clients is not easy.  The Forum makes this enjoyable! “It’s a meeting place for the sports industry, for participants to be inspired but to also meet the right people and do business.” To register, visit https://sportindustryseries.com/register/. Sport Industry Forum 2023 partners include: Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau, DCD Abu Dhabi, Ethara, Musco Lighting, Qantara Sports, CSM Live, Cruyff Institute, Flair Event Services, Sport360

ONE Friday Fights 34 might be delivering the most anticipated main event in Rodtang v Superlek, but Akram Hamidi and Prajanchai might just steal the show – here are five reasons not to sleep on this one. 1. Supporting a MENA superstar 24-year-old Akram Hamidi will be flying the flag for his home nation of Algeria when he takes to the ring on Friday evening. He is one of the biggest prospects the MENA region has when it comes to combat sports – and this is going to be the biggest test of his career to date. 2. A opponent of real pedigree, but a chance to chase gold This might be only the second fight for Hamidi in ONE, but in Prajanchai, he is going up against one of the best in the business. The current interim strawweight Muay Thai world champion, and former undisputed title holder Prajanchai may only be 28-years-old but has a wealth of experience with over 400 fights to his name – and is eyeing a shot at Joseph Lasiri to get his title back. 3. Fireworks guaranteed A devastating left hand gave Prajanchai a KO win in his last outing, but when you look at Hamidi’s record, his last four bouts read TKO, KO, KO, KO. He goes out to finish fights, and this Friday will be no exception. 4. A master of the body blow There’s nothing quite like a stoppage caused by a shot to the body. A blow delivered with such brutal intent it renders a fully conscious opponent unable to continue through debilitating pain. Hamidi has turned this into an artform – whether with his hands or knees. His accuracy when attacking the body is a sight to behold – and with thee body attack stoppages in his last four fights he has the results to back it up. 5. A North African showdown in the future? Current king of the strawweight Muay Thai division is Joseph Lasiri. The man who KO’d Prajanchai to take the title, but was unable to double up the gold when taking on flyweight king Rodtang in his last outing. So what next for the Italian with roots in Morocco? A win for Hamidi and the prospect of a title fight with so much North African interest would command the attention of millions.  ONE Friday Fights 34 comes live from the famous Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, Bangkok on Friday September 22. Fight fans in the MENA region can watch the first half of the card on BeINSPORTS from 3.30pm MECCA. The other half of the card is broadcast on ONE Championship’s official YouTube channel and on watch.onefc.com   

Rory McIlroy will return to Dubai in search of a third DP World Tour Championship title and fifth Harry Vardon Trophy at the final Rolex Series event of the 2023 DP World Tour season. The reigning European Number One currently leads the Race to Dubai Rankings in partnership with Rolex, thanks to his two Rolex Series victories earlier this season at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and Genesis Scottish Open. The World Number Two has been at the top of the rankings since the WGC – Dell Technologies Match Play in March and is excited to tee it up at Jumeirah Golf Estates from November 16-19, 2023. The famous Earth Course has proved to be a happy hunting ground for the Northern Irishman, who has won the DP World Tour Championship twice and finished top of the season-long standings in 2012, 2014, 2015 and most recently in 2022, etching his name alongside England’s Peter Oosterhuis as a four-time winner of the prestigious title. The 34-year-old currently leads Ryder Cup teammate and defending champion Jon Rahm by 2,155 points. The Spaniard announced his return earlier this season to celebrate 15 years of the event, which has evolved into a world-class sporting and social event showcasing ‘The Greatest Players on Earth’ as the top 50 golfers available on the DP World Tour tee it up in Dubai. McIlroy said: “Playing at the DP World Tour Championship is always an amazing experience. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to enjoy a lot of success in Dubai and at this event in particular. “The fans have been great, it’s amazing to have that support out there for us. When you have the top 50 golfers from the DP World Tour, you know it is going to be a fantastic competition. I’ve won here on a couple of occasions and I would love to be right there come Sunday with both trophies to my name.” Fans can once again witness the drama unfold as the Race to Dubai Presented by Rolex reaches a dramatic conclusion in the United Arab Emirates and Europe’s Number One is crowned. The reigning Race to Dubai champion is back!Looking forward to welcoming our two-time champion @McIlroyRory to the Earth course in November 👊Want to see Rory in action? Secure your tickets here: https://t.co/Eycz50zBdU pic.twitter.com/YeSmYoxOdp— DP World Tour Championship (@dpwtc) September 20, 2023 Following record weekend crowds last year, free general admission tickets are now available at dpwtc.com, with a range of early bird hospitality options to suit every golf fan at the Earth Lounge and Championship Chalet selling fast. The DP World Tour Championship offers a fantastic day out for all, combining world-class golf with an array of exciting activities and experiences. The vibrant village ensures an incredible atmosphere, featuring dedicated activations for children, free golf lessons for all ages, Ladies Day celebrations, trick-shot shows, large screens for enhanced viewing, and engaging sports activations. Fans seeking an elevated experience can choose from a range of premium hospitality options. The Championship Chalet, situated on the 18th green, offers an exclusive vantage point to observe the thrilling conclusion of each round. The Earth Lounge, overlooking the 16th green, provides a chic and comfortable setting to relax and enjoy the action. Additionally, the bar on the 17th creates the perfect ambiance with refreshing beverages to take in the action up close. To secure free tickets for the 2023 DP World Tour Championship, Dubai and explore the various ticket options, including premium experiences, please visit dpwtc.com. After sellout crowds in 2022, don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary event.

It is a fight we have been anticipating for so long, two modern greats will collide as Rodtand and Suplek meet at ONE Friday Fights 34 – here are five reasons you need to be watching. 1. A Muay Thai matchup for the ages The term ‘must-watch’ is a highly overused one, but in this instance it probably underplays things – this fight is much bigger than that. Two modern-day warriors will finally collide in a bout to settle once and for all who is the better man.  2. Champion vs Champion ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang will defend his belt against current ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion and #1-ranked flyweight Muay Thai contender Superlek – with 26lbs of gold on the line – do we need to say more? 3. Can Superlek end the streak? Superlek is a once-in-a-generation fighter Rodtang is not only a long-reigning champion, but he has gone 14-0 in his ONE Muay Thai and kickboxing career. You can trace that record right back to 2018, and the list of those who have tried and failed is like a who’s who of the sport. The likes of Jonathan Heggerty and Joesph Lasiri are current world champions who didn’t manage to get past ‘The Iron Man’ – and now there is a new challenger ready. Superlek has only lost once  – and since then has been perfect in the last seven outings – including three huge stoppage finishes in his last three. 4. A clash of styles We all know that styles make fights and this one adds perfectly to the overall narrative. Rodtang isn’t called The Iron Man for nothing – physical, aggressive, and explosive – he is the epitome of a modern-day warrior. Opposite him will be the technical mastery of Superlek. When you have been practicing Muay Thai from the age of eight – especially with the teachers he has had, then there is a chance you could be a bit special, and Superlek is absolutely that.  5. Watch a little bit of history Superlek, is 135-29 overall, while Rodtang boasts a record of 271-42-10. These are generational athletes and we are lucky to be witnessing two such exceptional practitioners of the sport at the same time. Combine this with the fact we have serious gold on the line, and it all takes place in the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, and we have the recipe for a very special night. Don’t miss out.  ONE Friday Fights 34 comes live from the famous Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, Bangkok on Friday September 22. Fight fans in the MENA region can watch live on BeINSPORTS from 3.30pm MECCA.   

ONE Friday Fights 34 comes our way this weekend with a spectacular card in store, headlined by the mouth-watering prospect of Roteng and Superlek headlining. However fans in MENA will have plenty to cheer with no fewer than three fighters competing at the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, here’s our guide on who to look out for. Amir Naseri – Catchweight (140lbs) Muay Thai Iran-born Amir Naseri returns to the ONE ring for the first time in almost a year this week. Raised in Tehran, he moved with his family to Malaysia at the age of eight and it would be here that he would transition from kicking football to bags as his love of Muay Thai developed.  To further his career he later moved to train in Thailand just over a decade ago, ending up a student at the world-renowned Tiger Muay Thai. His pedigree is excellent, a five-time Muay Thai world champion, he was also only the second non-Thai to emerge champion from the famous Omnoi Stadium in Thailand. After two defeats in ONE he’s now looking to kick start his career – and a win this week over  Seksan Or Kwanmuang who carries a 5-0 ONE record into the fight – would do just that. Akram Hamidi – Strawweight Kickboxing Algerian 24-year-old Akram Hamidi is looking to build on the blistering start to his ONE career.  He picked up a second-round TKO on debut against Jomhod Auto MuayThai – a devastating left hook to the body doing the damage.  With a 29-1-4 overall record as a professional kickboxer, he now gets to take on arguably his toughest task to date. On Friday night he will stand across the ring from the current interim strawweight Muay Thai champion in Prajanchai PK Saenchai. One of the most highly rated fighters in the world today, Prajanchai’s style is a real crowd pleaser – and alongside Hamidi, this could be one for the ages.   Saman Ashouri – Catchweight (140lbs) Muay Thai Iran’s Saman Ashouri will take to the ONE ring for the second time in his career, when he takes on Thailand’s Suakim Sor Jor Thongprajin.  28-year-old Ashroui will be looking to claim his first win with the organisation following a debut defeat back in March. He was knocked out in the second round that night by Yodlekpet “The Destroyer” Or Atchariya and will be looking to bounce back in style this week with a statement win. ONE Friday Fights 34 comes live from the famous Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, Bangkok on Friday September 22. Fight fans in the MENA region can watch live on BeINSPORTS from 3.30pm MECCA. 

There is a French phrase attributed to a quality which can’t accurately be described in words – je ne sais quoi. And French football proudly features a fixture that regularly calls on that phrase to explain it’s unique allure. Le Classique is when the fierce rivalry between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Olympique de Marseille (OM) takes to the pitch to produce one of the most-iconic matchups in world football. This captivating clash transcends the sport and can even be considered a cultural phenomenon which defines French football. There is a rich historical significance to this fixture as the rivalry dates back to PSG’s founding in 1971. It has since evolved into an intense derby which sees the capital’s club and the pride of Marseille pitted against each other. The battle between these two influential cities is not fought for mere victories on the football pitch, but for regional supremacy and cultural pride. The contrasting identities of the two clubs has always provided a spark to their encounters. PSG have traditionally been associated with the glitz and glamour that is synonymous with the city of Paris and their financial prowess in recent years, which has facilitated a star-studded roster, has only served to further that image. Meanwhile, Marseille boasts a legacy of French football’s working-class and thus takes immense pride in its rich history of success. This dichotomy in club identity creates a compelling narrative for every clash. Le Classique matches are also renowned for the spectacle they provide. Whether held at Parc des Princes or the Stade Velodrome, the atmosphere for this clash is invariably electric. The passion of both fan bases not only manifest into flares, banners, and chants which can send shivers down the spine of all inside the stadium, but it spills over into the streets as well and engulfs the host city. The iconic derby is one of the most-watched on the planet. Its intensity, contrasting identities, passionate fan bases, and global appeal make it a fixture that captures the hearts and minds of fans around the world. FACT FILE All-Time Record: PSG wins – 48 Marseille wins – 34 Draws – 23 Player Records: Most Appearances – Steve Mandanda [Marseille] Top Scorer – Zlatan Ibrahimovic [PSG] Team Records: Biggest Win: PSG 5-1 Marseille [8 January 1978] Longest Winning Run: PSG [31 October 2012 – 21 May 2016] ALL-TIME COMBINED XI [3-4-1-2] GK: Steve Mandanda (Marseille) CB: Marcel Desailly (Marseille) CB: Thiago Silva (PSG) CB: William Gallas (Marseille) RM: Lionel Messi (PSG) CM: Ronaldinho (PSG) CM: Didier Deschamps (Marseille) LM: Kylian Mbappe (PSG) CAM: Neymar (PSG) ST: Jean-Pierre Papin (Marseille) ST: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (PSG)

Terem Moffi’s match-winning exploits for Nice at champions Paris Saint-Germain underlined his status as Ligue 1’s latest supreme Nigerian import. The ex-Lorient hitman notched a brace in Friday’s 3-2 triumph, celebrating exuberantly by lifting his shirt to the stunned Parc des Princes-crowd. Such influential displays have been notched by a number of his countrymen throughout the years in France’s top flight. Below are some of the outstanding performers: Vincent Enyeama – Lille (2011-18) Enyeama attained iconic status with Les Dogues, helping establish himself as one of Africa’s greats despite his small stature for a goalkeeper. He arrived from Israel’s Hapoel Tel Aviv in 2011, but it would be 2013/14 before being cemented as Lille’s No1. In that season, Enyeama would go within 114 minutes of equalling Gaetan Huard’s Ligue 1 goalkeeping record, set in 1993, of playing 1,176 minutes without conceding a goal. Terem Moffi – Lorient (2020-23); Nice (2023-present day) WHAT A MENACE, TEREM MOFFI 🔥🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/Bnse6yPJwl— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) September 17, 2023 Ligue 1’s next big-money export could be plying his trade with Nice. The tall Nigeria international has excelled since being snapped up from Belgium’s Kortrijk by Lorient in October 2020, netting 43 times and notching 12 assists in 108 Ligue 1 run-outs. Friday’s pair at PSG added to this burgeoning reputation. Jay-Jay Okocha – Paris Saint-Germain (1998-2002) One of football’s great entertainers lit up Parc des Princes, either side of the millennium. The Nigeria wizard danced through Ligue 1’s defences with impunity after a then-African-record £14 million arrival from Germany’s Eintracht Frankfurt on the back of an exceptional FIFA World Cup 1998, on French soil. A magical debut goal versus Bordeaux set the scene for a mesmerising stint fondly remembered for his mentorship of Ronaldinho. Victor Osimhen – Lille (2019/20) Osimhen’s stay in Ligue 1 was brief, but unforgettable. The rangy striker followed in the footsteps of compatriots Enyeama and Peter Odemwingie on arrival from Belgium’s Charleroi in August 2019. Hints about a phenomenal talent followed, across 13 goals in 28 Ligue 1 matches – including a pair on debut versus Nantes and delicate lob at Marseille. He’d depart for Napoli the next summer for a club-record fee of up to €80 million. Taye Taiwo – Marseille (2005-11) Taiwo’s left foot was something else 😳 pic.twitter.com/QNzDzPyQEB— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) April 16, 2023 Taiwo’s reputation at Marseille was built upon an ability to strike the ball with ferocity. This ability will be forever linked to a remarkable strike versus Sochaux in September 2010, lashing home on the angle from 35 yards. Taiwo had been recruited in 2005 from Lobi Stars in his homeland as a prospective replacement for lionised World Cup-winning left-back Bixente Lizarazu. He’d go on to lift five major trophies with OM, including 2009/10’s Ligue 1 crown and successive Coupe de la Ligue’s from 2009-11.