Silvan Wallner, a 22-year-old Swiss midfielder, has announced his retirement from professional football to focus on his faith and commitment to following Jesus Christ.

Wallner, who began his professional career in 2020 with FC Zurich, has played over 100 matches across different clubs, including Wil and Austrian side Blau-Weiß Linz.

He joined Linz on a two-year contract in September and was expected to play a pivotal role in the team.

However, his announcement has shifted the focus from his athletic prowess to his deeply personal convictions.

In a statement released through his current club, Wallner explained his decision, emphasizing the importance of his Christian faith.

“I am a devout Christian, and I read the Bible. I make my own decisions about my life,” he said.

“I wish to follow Jesus Christ, and the biblical day of rest has become important to me.

This means that I no longer want to play professionally on Saturdays.”

Wallner also clarified that he is not affiliated with any particular church but made this decision based on his understanding of the Bible and his personal convictions.

Wallner’s choice to step away from professional football has sparked a range of reactions.

While some fans and pundits are surprised by his decision to retire at such a young age, many have expressed admiration for his courage and commitment to his beliefs.

His statement also included gratitude to those who have supported him throughout his career.

“I say a big thank you to people who have accompanied and supported me in my sporting career,” he added.

The young midfielder was recently part of the Swiss U21 national team and made his last international appearance in early September during a 1-2 loss to Albania.

Stanley Nwabali, the talented goalkeeper for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, has suffered a tragic loss with the passing of his father.

He shared the heartbreaking news on his Instagram story early Friday morning.

In his post, Nwabali expressed his grief with a tearful emoji and a short but emotional message that read, “Rest in peace, dad.”

Although the Chippa United player didn’t provide details about the cause of his father’s death

The tragic news comes shortly after Nwabali’s impressive performance in Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Benin Republic during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

The match, which took place on Thursday night in Abidjan, saw Nwabali showcasing his skills as he led his team with determination.

However, this personal tragedy might affect his participation in Nigeria’s next AFCON qualifier against Rwanda, scheduled to hold in Uyo.

The Super Eagles’ technical crew is yet to announce any decision regarding Nwabali’s availability for the upcoming match.

However, it is likely he will take time off to mourn and be with his family during this difficult period.

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) is also expected to release a statement expressing their support for him.

Former Athletic Bilbao sporting director Rafael Alkorta has advised Real Madrid to look to Arsenal’s young center-back William Saliba over Al-Nassr defender Aymeric Laporte in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Alkorta believes that investing in Saliba, a promising 22-year-old French talent, would offer long-term benefits for Madrid, with potential to secure the club’s defense for a decade, unlike the 30-year-old Laporte who would offer only a short-term solution.

Alkorta, who has been closely involved in Spanish football for years, suggested that Saliba’s qualities would fit Real Madrid’s tradition of making smart investments in young talents.

Since joining Arsenal from Saint-Etienne, Saliba has grown into one of Europe’s most exciting defenders, impressing with his physicality, composure, and tactical awareness.

His performances have contributed significantly to Arsenal’s recent success, making him a sought-after name among top clubs.

At just 22, he has a high resale value and the potential to become a cornerstone in any backline.

In contrast, Aymeric Laporte, though a proven defender with significant experience in La Liga and the Premier League, might not be an ideal long-term option for Los Blancos.

Laporte, currently playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, is an excellent defender, known for his strong passing skills and experience.

He played a pivotal role at Manchester City, where he contributed to multiple titles before making the move to Saudi Arabia in the summer.

However, given his age, Laporte would be more of a short-term reinforcement than a strategic long-term investment.

Speaking with Cadena SER, Alkorta shared his views, stating, I would hold off on a January signing and wait to consider Laporte only as a backup option.

Real Madrid is cautious about their transfers and usually makes few mistakes in this area.

Spending 80 million euros on a young, promising player like Saliba could mean 10 years of stability for the team’s defense, Alkorta added.