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Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Manchester United national stadium plan backed

A vision for a new Manchester United ground that could double as a ‘Wembley of the North’ has been welcomed by council chiefs.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a co-owner of the club, has outlined his preference to replace Old Trafford with a ground that could be used as a national venue.

Trafford Council welcomed the proposal as part of its plans to regenerate the wider Trafford Wharf area.

But councillor Liz Patel said it would be up the club to fund a new stadium.

The club’s plans are a key element of Trafford Council’s Wharfside Development plans, which will go out to public consultation next week.

New stadium developments at Tottenham, Everton, and Manchester City have been highlighted by the council as good examples of how to regenerate an area and keep fans there for longer on match days.

Sir Jim told BBC sports editor Dan Roan that the 74,310-capacity Old Trafford had become “tired and in need of refurbishment”.

He said any plan to build a new stadium that could also be used as a national ground would require a “conversation” with the government about using taxpayer funds.

‘Great ambition’

Ms Patel, who is leading the council’s redevelopment plans, said a ‘Wembley of the North’ proposal “would be wonderful”.

“That is great ambition from Jim Ratcliffe and these plans match that in terms of the setting and the future of the area,” she said.

A new stadium built on adjacent land could cost around £2bn.

Ms Patel said the council would look for investment for the Wharfside plans, and “saw a role” for the council in “leading, guiding and securing” the funding.

“How United get together the finances for their own stadium refurbishment would be separate,” she said.

At a meeting of the council’s executive on Monday night, Ms Patel earned cross-party support for the regeneration plans, which could take up to 20 years realise.

She said Trafford Council had worked with Manchester United’s planning team to design improvements in the area for fans as part of the masterplan.

“We want to create a much more family-friendly space where people want to stay longer and have processional routes so it’s a lot safer for fans arriving on foot from tram stops or walking out from the city centre – as sometimes happens in European matches.”

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The Messi Family Still Love Barcelona! Leo & Antonela Celebrate Son Thiago’s Birthday With A Blaugrana-Themed Party

Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo celebrate son Thiago Messi’s 13th birthday with Barcelona-themed decorations

The Messi Family Still Love Barcelona! Leo & Antonela Celebrate Son Thiago’s Birthday With A Blaugrana-Themed Party

Even though Lionel Messi now thrills fans in Miami, his heart clearly still beats for Barcelona. The Argentine legend and his wife Antonela Roccuzzo threw a spectacular FC Barcelona-themed party for their eldest son Thiago’s 13th birthday — complete with the club’s iconic Blaugrana colours, a Camp Nou-shaped cake, and the famous “Mes Que un Club” motto proudly displayed.

A Birthday Steeped In Barca Spirit

Photos and videos shared by Antonela on social media showed the family surrounded by vibrant Barcelona decor — a sea of red and blue balloons, a giant club crest, and even a backdrop of Camp Nou. Thiago, wearing Barca’s 2024/25 third kit with his name and age printed on the back, grinned as his parents captioned the moment:

“How wonderful it is to celebrate you, Thiagui! We love you so, so much.”

For fans, it was more than just a birthday — it was a reminder that the Messi family’s bond with Barcelona remains unbreakable, even three years after Leo’s emotional exit from the club.

 

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A post shared by Antonela Roccuzzo (@antonelaroccuzzo)

Barcelona: More Than A Club, More Than A Memory

Messi’s relationship with FC Barcelona runs deeper than football. From joining La Masia at 13 — the same age Thiago just turned — to lifting countless trophies, including the 2009 Sextuple, his journey defined an era of global football.

His records still stand tall: 672 goals, 778 appearances, and six Ballons d’Or during his time in Catalonia. But beyond the numbers, Messi represented Barcelona’s core — humility, artistry, and loyalty.

Even after leaving in 2021 due to financial struggles, Messi has never hidden his affection for the club and the city that gave him everything. The birthday celebration only reinforced that connection — a nod to where it all began.

Thiago Messi: Carrying The Torch

Born in Barcelona on November 2, 2012, Thiago has spent much of his life steeped in the world of football. He trained briefly with Barca’s youth academy before joining PSG’s setup when the family moved to Paris, and now shines at Inter Miami’s U-13 side.

Despite growing up in different countries, Thiago’s heart still leans toward the Blaugrana. He has even mentioned his admiration for Lamine Yamal and dreams of one day playing alongside the teenage sensation — a sweet echo of his father’s legacy.

But for Messi, the focus remains on joy, not pressure. He’s repeatedly said he doesn’t want to force his sons into football — yet gestures like this party show how much Barcelona remains a part of their family identity.

A Party Full Of Love And Legacy

The Messi family’s celebration wasn’t just a party — it was a tribute. A reminder that no matter where they live or play, Barcelona will always be home.

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Marketing & Sponsorship

Inside The Sports Market: Why The Best Sport Blog Is More Than Just Scores

Sports fans cheering in a stadium, representing the global sports market and fan culture.

Inside The Sports Market: Why The Best Sport Blog Is More Than Just Scores

When you think about a sport blog, you might picture match highlights, game recaps, and maybe a few hot takes. But here at Sports Market International, we believe the best sport blog should offer more than that.

Sports today are not just about who won or who lost. They’re about the market that powers the game — sponsorships, fan engagement, athlete branding, and the business moves shaping the future. And that’s exactly where we come in.

Why Sports Market International Is Different

We cover:

  • The Sports Market Behind The Game → From billion-dollar broadcast rights to grassroots investments.

  • Athlete Branding → How stars like LeBron, Messi, or Alcaraz become more than athletes.

  • Fan Culture → The chants, the memes, the jerseys, the digital communities.

  • Global Trends → How sports in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas intersect in today’s world.

The Fun Side Of Sports

Yes, we get serious about markets and strategy, but sports are also about joy. The last-minute goals, the unexpected underdog wins, the viral locker room celebrations — we bring that energy into every post.

Why We Aim To Be The Best Sport Blog

Because we don’t just write about sports. We live inside the sports market, connecting culture, business, and fans in one space. Whether you’re a casual fan, a die-hard supporter, or an industry insider, Sports Market International is built for you.

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Marketing & Sponsorship

Borah Ndanyungu Reveals betPawa’s Vision In Unveiling Tekno

BY ADELU PRAISE DEBORAH 

For Borah Omary Ndanyungu, betPawa’s Head of Local Marketing & CSR, the choice of Afro-pop sensation Tekno as the brand’s new ambassador was clear. “Tekno represents everything we stand for — energy, creativity, and breaking boundaries. His music inspires millions, just as football does. That’s why he’s the perfect face of betPawa,” Borah explained at the unveiling in Lagos.

The decision reflects betPawa’s strategy of blending sport, music, and culture to connect with Nigeria’s vibrant youth market. Coming just days after the brand invested ₦494 million in the Nigeria National League (NNL) through its Locker Room Bonus initiative, Tekno’s unveiling underscores the company’s twin approach of empowering players on the pitch while engaging fans off it.

Music meets mission

Tekno, famous for hits like Pana and Skeletun, said the collaboration felt natural. “From the studio to the stage, I’ve always been about breaking limits. That’s why betPawa felt like family. They’re creating opportunities, celebrating winners, and pushing boundaries in their own space. Together, we’ll keep inspiring Nigerians,” he said.

The company believes Tekno’s influence goes beyond entertainment. His wide appeal mirrors the unifying power of football, which is why betPawa sees him as the right figure to front campaigns that blend music, lifestyle, and sport.

Beyond gaming

For betPawa, Tekno’s unveiling is part of a broader push to define itself not just as a gaming operator but as a lifestyle brand. With its Locker Room Bonus reshaping football motivation in the NNL — giving ₦56,000 direct payments per winning player and ₦1.288m per team per victory — and Tekno’s appointment amplifying cultural reach, the brand is building strong links to communities across Nigeria.

From its 1,250% sports win bonus, the highest in Africa, to its ongoing grassroots initiatives, betPawa has carved a niche as a driver of empowerment. Adding Tekno strengthens that vision, ensuring the brand connects with music fans, football lovers, and youth eager for inspiration.

As the NNL gears up for its November kickoff and Tekno readies fresh music, the partnership is set to fuel a new wave of campaigns that celebrate ambition, creativity, and winning. For betPawa, the message is clear: Tekno is not just an ambassador, but a cultural symbol of everything the brand aspires to represent.

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