Luka Modric announces his departure from Real Madrid after 13 seasons.

AFP

La Jornada Newspaper, Friday, May 23, 2025, p. a11

Madrid. Real Madrid's Croatian midfielder Luka Modric announced his departure from the club yesterday following the Club World Cup, which will be held next month in the United States, after 13 seasons and six Champions League titles.

The time has come. The one I never wanted to come, but that's football, and in life everything has a beginning and an end. On Saturday I'll play my last game at the Santiago Bernabéu , Modric, 39, wrote on his Instagram account.

I arrived in 2012 with the hope of wearing the jersey of the best team in the world and with the ambition to do great things, but I couldn't imagine what came next , added the Balkan, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2018.

Playing for Real Madrid changed my life as a footballer and as a person. I'm proud to have been part of one of the most successful eras of the greatest club in history , the midfielder emphasized, also thanking president Florentino Pérez, his teammates, and coaches.

During his time at Real Madrid, Modric won 28 titles: six Champions Leagues, six Club World Cups, five European Super Cups, four Spanish La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey titles, and five Spanish Super Cups.

"Over the years, I've experienced incredible moments, seemingly impossible comebacks, finals, celebrations, and magical nights at the Bernabéu. We've won everything, and I've been very happy.

▲ The Croatian will play his final match with Madrid this Saturday at the Santiago Bernabéu, where he will be honored by the club. Photo AFP

But beyond the titles and victories, I carry in my heart the affection of all Real Madrid fans , stressed Modric, who has played 590 matches and scored 43 goals for the Merengue team.

The Whites also announced his departure immediately afterward: Real Madrid and our captain Luka Modric have agreed to end an unforgettable period as a player for our club at the end of the Club World Cup, which our team will play in the United States starting June 18 .

Modric has gone down in history as one of only five players to have lifted six European Cups throughout their careers (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, and 2024), but also as the player with the most titles in Real Madrid's 123-year history.

In addition to the Ballon d'Or, he won The Best FIFA Player award and was named UEFA Footballer of the Year.

The Santiago Bernabéu will pay tribute to him this Saturday (against Real Sociedad) on the occasion of our team's final La Liga match , the Whites' statement concluded.

From the Editorial Staff

La Jornada Newspaper, Friday, May 23, 2025, p. a11

Amid rumors pointing to his departure, Pachuca clarified the contractual situation of head coach Guillermo Almada, who is attracting interest from Cruz Azul and, according to media reports in La Bella Airosa, had a disagreement with management and players over the renewal of his contract—valid until December 2026—and preparations for the Club World Cup.

In a statement released on their social media, the Tuzos reported that the contractual relationship agreed with the Uruguayan establishes a possible early termination of his professional relationship with our team, at the moment that the agreed termination clause is paid .

Without yet officially confirming Almada's resignation, the Hidalgo board announced that it will evaluate and listen to any interest in the professor's services , honoring the terms of his contract. Tuzos will debut in the Mundialito on June 18 against Red Bull Salzburg of Austria at TQL Stadium.

AFP

La Jornada Newspaper, Friday, May 23, 2025, p. a12

Viadana. Isaac del Toro will continue to wear the pink jersey . The Mexican, of UAE Team Emirates, endured intense sprints yesterday to maintain his overall lead in the Giro d'Italia and increase his advantage (from 31 to 33 seconds) over his teammate Juan Ayuso (second). Dutchman Olav Kooij finished first in stage 12, which everyone completed in less than four hours.

I try to enjoy what I can while I wear this pink jersey. I don't know how long it will last , commented the Baja California native, who finished yesterday in 81st place.

Many nerves

The 21-year-old del Toro didn't win the 172-kilometer race designed for sprinters, but he managed his advantage wisely and earned a two-second time bonus during an intermediate sprint section to strengthen his lead.

“I was very nervous, and I didn't want to sprint . I preferred to wait for the breakaway to come along and go unnoticed throughout the day, but in the end, the opportunity arose, and I fought for it. I'm very happy to have these legs, this race position, and to be up there. It's not always possible, and you have to appreciate it,” added the tricolor.

The journey began in Modena—home to the famous balsamic vinegar and Lambrusco sparkling red wine—and wound through the countryside before ending in Viadana, in the Lombardy region, in overcast and wet conditions.

Dutchman Kooij was helped by a magnificent start from his Visma-Lease A Bike teammate Wout van Aert, while Casper van Uden crossed the finish line in second place, ahead of Britain's Ben Turner.

▲ The Mexican held off intense sprints yesterday on stage 12 of the Italian race and earned a two-second bonus to maintain his lead. The stage was won by Dutchman Olav Kooij. Photo: UAE Team

This route was decided in the final corners of a technical finish, with the surface slightly dampened by the earlier rain at Viadana. But Van Aert used all his experience to win the battle for position.

Team Picnic PostNL's van Uden tried to accelerate from deep after opening up a small gap as the road straightened out, but Kooij kept his cool and took the win, while Ineos Grenadiers' Turner held off Mads Pedersen to take the final step of the podium.

A small crash in the peloton with about a kilometer to go neutralized the overall classification times, allowing the title contenders to relax.

Thanks to bonuses, Wednesday's stage winner, Richard Carapaz, moved up to fourth place, with the same time as Kooij's teammate, Simon Yates, who is fifth, one minute and 11 seconds off the lead.

It's really great to see Olav finish the job after a great throw, I have to say , Van Aert commented after the stage. We used our power, and he has that finishing blow.

Kooij added: "Only Wout can make a throw as long as today's. I received extraordinary support. I have to thank my teammates."

Stage 13, which takes place this Friday, will take riders 180 kilometers from Rovigo to Vicenza.

From the Editorial Staff

La Jornada Newspaper, Friday, May 23, 2025, p. a12

The Mexican Boxing Federation (FMB) officially announced its affiliation with World Boxing, the organization provisionally recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the governing body for Olympic boxing leading up to Los Angeles 2028.

The decision follows the IOC's disqualification of the International Boxing Association (IBA), which established membership in World Boxing as a condition for participation in Olympic events, a requirement already adopted by 106 national federations.

The FMB officially joins the international organization that strengthens the future of Olympic boxing , the organization announced on its Instagram account.

This affiliation will allow the tricolor boxers to participate in the qualifying process for Los Angeles 2028, where they will seek to follow in Marco Verde's footsteps and win an Olympic medal.

For Mexico, boxing is the most successful sport at summer events, surpassed only by diving. From Francisco Cabañas to Verde, they have won 14 medals, so the possibility of being dropped from the Games program has caused concern.

It would be a grave mistake to stop it, because there are thousands of young people practicing it. I've already fulfilled my dream of reaching the podium, but there are many more who are preparing , said Verde, a silver medalist at Paris 2024.

The IOC confirmed a few weeks ago the reinstatement of the sport to the Los Angeles program.

World Boxing has surpassed the 100-member mark after its executive board approved applications from 17 federations, bringing its total to 106 countries. The latest list of nations to join includes some of the most famous and successful in Olympic boxing, such as Cuba, which has won 41 gold medals in the ring across 16 Games since first competing at Rome 1960 , the body shared.

Green 's second professional fight

On the other hand, Verde announced his second professional fight, which will take place on July 12 at the Juan S. Millán Sports Center in Culiacán. Green debuted a few weeks ago in Saudi Arabia, where he defeated Michel Polina by technical knockout. I'm happy to return to my homeland and make my debut now in Sinaloa .

▲ With 30 minutes on the court, Rudy Gobert (center) scored just five points for Minnesota. AP Photo

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La Jornada Newspaper, Friday, May 23, 2025, p. a30

Los Angeles.

With 38 points from Canadian star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 118-103 on Thursday to take a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference finals series.

Gilgeous-Alexander was the star of the night, receiving the trophy that certifies him as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the regular season.

The Toronto native point guard made 12 of 21 field goals and 13 of 15 free throws, while the fans gathered at the Paycom Center chanted "MVP" every time he tried to score.

The Thunder once again imposed their fierce defensive intensity and fast-paced transition play to take an unassailable 24-point lead after a blistering third quarter.

Minnesota's standout player, Anthony Edwards, scored 32 points, but his wingman, Julius Randle, had just six points.

The Timberwolves now must win Game 3 of the playoffs, which will take place at the Target Center next Saturday.