Sports Hot News Morning April 27: Vietnamese Volleyball Star Receives Honor at Age 26 After Winning Hung Vuong Cup

Sports Hot News Morning April 27: Nguyen Khanh Dang Honored; Lewandowski to Leave Barcelona...

Nguyen Khanh Dang Honored

Nguyen Khanh Dang (26 years old) continues to affirm her position as Vietnam's top female volleyball libero by shining at the Hung Vuong Cup 2026, thereby winning the "Best Defensive Player" award. Khanh Dang's outstanding performance played a crucial role in Hanoi Tasco Auto's Hung Vuong Cup championship.

In other individual categories, Ivana Vanjak (Hanoi Tasco Auto) and Ali Haghparast (Ho Chi Minh City Police) were honored as the best offensive players. The best setter awards went to Tichaya Boonlert (Duc Giang Lao Cai Chemicals) and Dinh Van Duy (Border Guard MB). Meanwhile, in the men's defensive category, Huynh Trung Truc (Ho Chi Minh City Police) was also named. These awards clearly reflect the standout individuals who made significant contributions to the professional quality and appeal of this year's tournament.

Lewandowski to Leave Barcelona

According to expert Guillem Balague, striker Robert Lewandowski will leave FC Barcelona this summer, concluding four successful years with approximately 120 goals. Despite maintaining stable scoring form, the Polish striker is approaching 38 and is not keen on the club's renewal offer with a salary reduction and altered role.

Italian clubs like Juventus and AC Milan are leading the race to sign him as a free agent, ready to offer a starting role. Lewandowski prefers staying in Europe over moving to MLS.

On the other hand, Barcelona has targeted Julián Álvarez as a replacement option, but the price of around 120 million euros from Atlético Madrid is a major obstacle. The Catalan club needs to resolve financial issues before completing its generational transition plan.

Endrick Reveals Future Plans

Endrick is open to the possibility of continuing with Lyon instead of returning to Real Madrid after his loan contract ends.

In an interview with Canal+, the Brazilian player expressed deep attachment to Lyon: "The chance for me to stay if OL (Lyon) qualifies for the Champions League? Honestly, I don't know either. We started with a six-month loan, but if I have to return to Real Madrid, I'll return happily. If I have to go elsewhere, I'll go. I truly hope we can bring Lyon to the Champions League; that's where the club belongs."

Since joining Lyon in January, Endrick quickly exploded with 10 goal contributions in just 13 Ligue 1 matches, reviving his career after a period of limited playing time in Madrid. He also affirmed his desire to play in his preferred striker position.

Real Madrid now faces the dilemma of keeping him or continuing the loan for Endrick's development. Meanwhile, Lyon hopes Champions League qualification will help them retain the Brazilian talent, amid interest from many other major clubs.

Coach Calum McFarlane Speaks After Chelsea's Victory

Chelsea's interim coach, Calum McFarlane, shared that he felt "relieved" after guiding the club into the FA Cup final with a 1-0 win over Leeds in the semifinal. This result came just three days after he replaced Liam Rosenior, who was dismissed after 106 days in charge.

The sole goal in the first half by Enzo Fernández from Pedro Neto's cross was enough to decide the match, securing a final appointment with Manchester City on May 16.

"Relieved is the most accurate word. We confidently entered the match and had three good training days, but in football, nothing is guaranteed," Coach Calum McFarlane stated.

"We wanted to change the psychological momentum; recent form hasn't been good, but perhaps the players' character is what pleased me most. I think the boys showed how eager they were to win and were ready to do everything to secure an important victory for the club," Coach Calum McFarlane added.

Sesko Wants to Win Titles with MU

Benjamin Sesko aims to win trophies with Manchester United after a positive debut season. The 22-year-old striker scored 10 goals across all competitions and believes the team is on the right track, with strong collective spirit and the capability to compete for major honors.

Under Coach Michael Carrick's guidance, MU has clearly improved, winning 8 of their last 12 Premier League matches and nearing Champions League qualification. Sesko stated he learns a lot from experienced teammates and is satisfied with life in Manchester.

The Slovenian international shared with Sky Sports: "I think we've done very well. Though there are still a few matches ahead, I believe the team is on the right path. We have an excellent collective spirit. I really want to achieve trophies here. Of course, we need to put in a lot of effort, but I believe we have the ability to do it."

FIFA to Increase Prize Money for World Cup 2026

According to ESPN, FIFA plans to increase World Cup 2026 prize money after many national football associations, especially in Europe, expressed concerns about high costs in North America, even risking losses. Despite the prize fund already reaching a record $727 million for 48 teams ($50 million for the champion), parties argue that costs in the US are significantly higher than the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, mainly due to varying tax issues across states.

FIFA has held multiple global dialogues and is considering increasing prize money for participating teams, while also raising the development fund for all 211 member associations. An improved support package is expected to be approved at the FIFA Council meeting in Vancouver.

The World Cup 2026, starting on June 11, is expected to generate significant financial impact for global football.

Xavi Simons Confirms Missing World Cup

Dutch midfielder Xavi Simons confirms he will miss the World Cup after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in Tottenham Hotspur's 1-0 win over Wolves. He felt pain in the second half and had to leave the field on a stretcher. Sources indicate the injury is in his right knee, ending the 23-year-old's season prematurely.

In an Instagram post, Simons expressed devastation, calling it a major shock as his dream of playing in the World Cup with the Dutch national team shattered. He said he will need time to accept it but maintains faith in the recovery process.

Simons was expected to play a key role in Coach Ronald Koeman's squad. He has made over 20 appearances for the Dutch national team since his debut in 2022. This injury also significantly impacts Tottenham's relegation battle.