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Shohei Ohtani Named NL MVP Again As Aaron Judge Wins AL Honour

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani has been named Major League Baseball’s Most Valuable Player for the third consecutive year, and the fourth time overall. The 31-year-old two-way star played a pivotal role in the Dodgers securing back-to-back World Series titles, including this year’s victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.

Ohtani, who excels both as a pitcher and hitter, received the National League MVP award in unanimous fashion, securing all 30 first-place votes. His four MVP titles now place him second on the all-time list, trailing only Barry Bonds, who won seven between 1990 and 2004.

“If I’m playing well as an individual that means I’m helping the team win, so in that sense, hopefully I can end up with a couple more MVPs,” Ohtani said through an interpreter. “But it’s all about winning games.”

Ohtani also became the first player in MLB history to earn MVP honors in both leagues, having previously won the American League award in 2021 and 2023 with the Los Angeles Angels.

In the AL, New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge claimed his third MVP award, joining legendary Yankees Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, and Mickey Mantle as three-time winners. Judge, who previously won in 2022 and 2024, expressed his gratitude for the achievement.

“It’s tough for me to wrap my head around,” Judge said. “It’s mind blowing from my side of things, because I play this game to win, I play this game for my teammates, my family, all the fans in New York. You’ve got to pinch yourself every single day. It’s truly an incredible honour.”

Ohtani and Judge’s historic accomplishments highlight a remarkable season for MLB’s top stars, proving that elite performance and consistency continue to define baseball’s modern legends.

Abdul Noah Ocholi

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**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.

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