Vinicius Junior, the Brazilian winger, has been named the best player of the just concluded 2023/24 UEFA Champions League (UCL) season.

The 23-year-old was announced as the winner of the coveted gong in a statement on Monday.

Vinicius was impressive for Real Madrid throughout the competition, as they took down several heavyweights en route to winning their 15th UCL title.

He scored six goals — including the second goal, when the Galacticos defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in the final on June 1.

“UEFA’ss Technical Observer panel has named Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior as the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League Player of the Season,” the statement reads.

“Vinícius Júnior turned in a series of sensational displays for Madrid across their victorious campaign, chipping in with six goals in all, including the clincher in the final against Dortmund.”

Jude Bellingham, the English midfielder, was also adjudged the best young player of the season following his immense contribution to Madrid’s conquest.

The 20-year-old had a spectacular debut season for Madrid, where he, alongside Vinicius and Rodrygo, formed a formidable triumvirate that created a series of problems for defences across Europe.

Alongside Vinicius and Bellingham, two other Madrid players — Dani Carvajal and Antonio Rudiger — also made the team of the season.

Dortmund players like Matts Hummels, Marcel Sabitzer, Iaan Matseen and Gregor Kobel also made the list alongside Manchester City’s Phil Foden and Vitinha of PSG.

Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane completed the tournament’s best eleven players.

Chelsea FC have officially appointed Enzo Maresca as their new manager.

The former Manchester City assistant coach and Leicester boss brings a wealth of experience to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea fans are eagerly anticipating how Maresca will shape the team’s strategy and performance in the upcoming season.

The club’s announcement has sparked excitement and optimism among supporters, who are hopeful that Maresca’s leadership will usher in a new era of success for the Blues.

In a Monday post on the club’s X handle, the club shared, “Welcome to Chelsea, Enzo Maresca!”

A club statement also revealed that Maresca signed a five year contract with the club.

“Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Enzo Maresca as the new head coach of the men’s team.

“The Italian will begin his new role on 1 July 2024 on a five-year contract, with a club option of a further year,” it read.

Chelsea sporting directors

Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, Chelsea’s co-sporting directors, said, “We are delighted to welcome Enzo to Chelsea. He has proven himself to be an excellent coach capable of delivering impressive results with an exciting and identifiable style.

“Enzo has deeply impressed us in our discussions leading up to his appointment. His ambitions and work ethic align with those of the club. We thoroughly look forward to working with him.”

Chelsea ownership group

Chelsea’s ownership group said, “We are thrilled to welcome Enzo into the Chelsea family. We look forward to supporting him and the rest of the sporting team in fulfilling their potential and our expectations over the years to come.

“He is a highly gifted coach and leader that we are confident can help fulfil our vision and competitive goals for the Club.”

Maresca also expressed his delight in joining the club. He acknowledged the club’s tradition of success and talented players.

He said, “To join Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world, is a dream for any coach. It is why I am so excited by this opportunity.

FC Barcelona have appointed Hansi Flick as the club’s new manager.

The Spanish La Liga side announced Flick’s arrival in a statement on the club’s website on Wednesday.

The German coach signed a two-year deal to manage the club for two seasons.

“FC Barcelona and Hansi Flick have reached an agreement for the German to become men’s first team football coach until 30 June 2026,” the statement read.

“The new coach has signed a contract at the Club’s offices accompanied by FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta; first vice president responsible for the sporting area, Rafa Yuste and the Club’s sporting director, Anderson Luís de Souza, Deco.”

Flick’s appointment comes a few days after Barcelona sacked Xavi Hernandez from the role.

Xavi’s relationship with the club hierarchy broke down after his recent public criticism of Joan Laporta, Barcelona FC president.

The club severed ties with Xavi despite convincing him to reverse his decision to exit the Camp Nou just a few weeks prior.

Speaking on his new role, Flick said he was honoured to coach Barcelona and expressed his readiness to repeat the winning record he amassed at Bayern.

“It’s a big honour, a dream for me to sign my contract here. We won some titles with Bayern Munich and my hunger is really big for titles.

“I would like to stay on this path with Barcelona, and I think we can achieve a lot together, and this is an important thing.

“Their philosophy is similar to mine, with lots of possession and really attacking football and these other things I love.”

Flick, who won six trophies in a calendar year as Bayern Munich manager in 2020, is also the third Barcelona manager of German nationality.