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There is potential for Steven Smith to squeeze in two matches before joining the Australia squad in West Indies after playing in the WTC final

Andrew McGlashan21-May-2025Steven Smith is in line for a brief appearance for Washington Freedom at MLC 2025 between the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa and Australia’s tour of the West Indies.While Freedom said on Tuesday that Smith “will feature” in two matches, ESPNcricinfo understands that the final details of the arrangement are still being worked through with Cricket Australia (CA).If, as expected, Smith gets the sign-off, he could feature in matches on June 17 against LA Knight Riders in Oakland – just two days after the WTC final – and June 21 against MI New York in Dallas. Australia’s first Test against West Indies starts on June 25 in Barbados. However, the June 17 appearance could be impacted should the reserve day for the WTC final on June 16 be activated in the event of rain.Related

• MLC 2025: Pooran and Maxwell to lead MI New York and Washington Freedom respectively

• Connolly signs for Unicorns in MLC ahead of push for World Cup spot

• Bartlett's new-ball skills earn MLC deal with San Francisco Unicorns

• Five openers in 12 Tests? Australia's revolving door could continue

“It’s great to have Steve Smith again with us this season albeit only for probably two matches,” Freedom general manager Michael Klinger told the team’s website. “That continuity is really important for us. He was a fantastic leader for us last year, a big reason why we won. Hopefully he will be part of the Washington Freedom setup for many years to come.”Smith captained Freedom to the title in the 2024 season where he made 336 runs at 56.00 in nine innings at a strike rate of 148.67.Pat Cummins, who signed a long-term deal with San Francisco Unicorns last year, won’t feature in the 2025 edition while Travis Head, another Freedom player, had previously announced he wouldn’t return to MLC. Josh Inglis is another member of the Test squad who played last season.Meanwhile, Freedom have signed emerging T20 star Mitchell Owen as he continues to find franchise deals around the world following his breakout BBL campaign with Hobart Hurricanes.”He can play in pressure situations, making an unbelievable hundred in the BBL final,” Klinger said of Owen. “He provides a style of batting that is quite similar to Travis Head, a right-handed version. We felt he’s a real good replacement. He’s at the start of a career that’s about to flourish.”He could potentially be a long-term player for Washington Freedom. Someone we look to have a great relationship with going forward.”Owen is currently with Punjab Kings at IPL 2025 having previously featured in PSL 2025 for Peshawar Zalmi and the SA20.Freedom have also secured left-arm quick Jason Behrendorff to help fill the gap created by Marco Jansen’s absence.

The West Indies coach feels keeping players “motivated to play for the crest” is the team’s big challenge

Matt Roller11-Jun-2025West Indies coach Daren Sammy believes Nicholas Pooran’s shock retirement from international cricket underlines his challenge to “keep our players motivated to play for the crest”, even as he predicts that more players will follow Pooran’s lead.Pooran announced his decision to quit the international game on Monday, at the age of just 29. He never played a Test, and his last ODI was two years ago. But Pooran is West Indies’ all-time leading run-scorer in T20Is, and the timing of his retirement – eight months before a T20 World Cup – came as a surprise to many, not least because he is already a top earner in the franchise circuit.But Sammy, who captained West Indies to the 2012 and 2016 T20 World Cups in his playing days, said he had already started planning for life after Pooran before he had announced his decision. “My instincts told me something like that would happen,” Sammy said on Tuesday night, after West Indies’ sixth consecutive defeat on their white-ball tour to England.Related

• Cricket West Indies works on roadmap with 'about a hundred things to improve'

• MLC 2025: Pooran and Maxwell to lead MI New York and Washington Freedom respectively

• Pooran makes shock retirement from international cricket at 29

“Nicholas sent me a text message, and so did I have a conversation with his agent as well… When we first spoke about the UK tour and the conversation I had with him, I did ask him, ‘Are you unavailable for the UK tour only, or indefinite?’ And from that response, I just knew I had to start preparing for the worst case.”Ideally, a talent like that, I would love to have him in the team. But I don’t control nor could I control anybody’s careers… I wished him well, he wished the team well. It is [about] trying to move on now from planning a gameplan without Nicholas Pooran. With a World Cup coming ahead, I respect the fact that he told us early enough so we have more time to plan without him.”Sammy revealed, when asked about Pooran’s decision, that he had spoken to his players in their team meeting before Tuesday’s T20I in Southampton about his own pride in playing for the West Indies crest.”Surprised? No, I’m not surprised,” Sammy said. “I said something to the guys in the team meeting today: we don’t have control. It’s up to each individual. I made my debut in 2004 right at this ground, and I see here today in the stands the same people from 2004 – 21 years ago – the same fans: loyal, coming, bringing food, and everything they’ve been doing that way before I started, for Sir Viv [Richards] and these guys.”The passion they have travelling from London, all over, coming to watch us playing – not because we are great, [but] because of the love they have for the game and for West Indies cricket; what it meant to them when West Indies came here back in the 80s with Sir Viv and Clive [Lloyd], and they won games; the feeling it gave them during that era, walking down the streets, going to work the following day.”It is up to us, each individual, to understand what the brand and the crest means, and come out and play a brand that those people come and travel three hours to watch you play because of what the crest means to them. It is up to each player to go out and put in that type of passion out there. I could only speak about it, but I can’t force anybody to do it, just like I can’t tell anybody when to call time on their career.”Sammy also predicted that other players will follow Pooran’s lead relatively early in their careers, citing the recent examples of two South Africa players who have retired from international cricket in their early 30s.”I’m pretty sure more will follow in that mood, in that direction,” Sammy said. “That’s the way T20 cricket is now, and especially coming from the West Indies, with the challenges that we face trying to keep our players motivated to play for the crest, so I wouldn’t be surprised. You saw everybody talk about Heinrich Klaasen, Quinton de Kock, these guys who’ve retired. It’s out of our control.”Nicholas Pooran is West Indies’ all-time leading run-scorer in T20Is•Getty Images

West Indies struggled badly in Pooran’s absence in England, losing 3-0 in both the ODI and T20I series, and will now return to Ireland for a three-match T20I series which starts on Thursday. Sammy said that his main concern was around his team’s bowling attack, after they leaked 628 runs in 58.3 overs in the T20I series, including a total of 248 in Southampton.”It’s a question of skills,” Sammy said. “When being put under pressure, do we have the skillset to be disciplined with our plans? Do we back our ability long enough? Especially from a bowling point of view, we’ve been trying to search: how do we restrict things when they put us under the pump? […] It’s a conversation with a World Cup in less than eight months: how do we get our bowling right?”I think the batting will be more consistent. They have been over the last two years, but we can’t keep asking our batters to chase down high-200s, and then when we set 190 or 200, our bowling has yet to defend it. But I’m a very positive guy… We have enough time and games to put a combination together that could help us be successful.”

Every year in professional sports brings change, and that change opens up new opportunity for players who have found a new place to call home. 

Making the most of a change of scenery is something a host of players in Major League Soccer will be looking to do in 2018 as they have traded their old addresses for new ones.

Some of those players decided to move on via free agency, while others found themselves on the move thanks to trades, with some requested and some not. 

But they'll all be looking to make their new teams and new fans happy to see them in their new colors with some likely aiming to make their old employers regret moving them on.

Here is  list of 15 familiar MLS faces who this year will strive to make an impact after changing teams this offseason. 

• Mark Runnacles
  

  1Perry Kitchen, LA Galaxy

  Kitchen isn't an MLS-to-MLS signing as he came back from a two-year trek in Europe, but it will still be different to see him in something other than D.C. United's colors. The midfielder comes in hoping to help stabilize a group that struggled to work well together last year and produced poor results. He'll no doubt enjoy consistent playing time, something that was hard to come by after his first year in Scotland. 

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• Ron Chenoy
  

  2David Ousted, D.C. United

  Considered one of the top goalkeepers in the league coming into last season, Ousted lost his job in Vancouver midseason to New Zealand international Stefan Marinovic. Now with D.C. United, he’ll battle with fellow MLS veteran Steve Clark for the right to replace one of the league’s best goalkeepers, Bill Hamid, who headed to Europe after the 2017 season. Whether it’s Ousted or Clark between the sticks, they will have big shoes to fill.

• Joe Nicholson
  

  3Brad Evans, Sporting Kansas City

  One of the most recognizable faces of the Seattle Sounders since the team joined MLS, Evans moved on as a free agent this winter, signing with Sporting Kansas City. Evans has gained a reputation for his versatility in recent years, capable of filling in across the back line and in the midfield. He won’t be expected to start in Kansas City, but he could see time at any number of positions during the season and, if healthy, could become a very useful piece for Peter Vermes.

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• Joe Nicholson
  

  4Ricardo Clark, Columbus Crew

  The 35-year-old Georgia native spent his last 10 MLS seasons with the Houston Dynamo with a spell in Europe mixed in. Now he moves to his third MLS franchise, joining the Columbus Crew as a free agent. With the deeper midfield slots going to Wil Trapp and Artur, Clark will be asked to be an option off the bench and a veteran presence in the dressing room.

Fans of rival clubs believe that the Red Devils have benefited from preferential treatment this season, so Goal has reviewed all 19 of their penalties

Not since the days of Sir Alex Ferguson have we heard so much talk about Manchester United getting preferential treatment off referees.

Social media has been running wild with talk of 'VARchester United' and 'Man Utd Penalty Bingo' because of how many spot-kicks Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side have been awarded this season.

However, even Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has voiced his concern over the number of decisions that seem to be going United's way.

But are United really receiving help from the officials?

Below, we review all 19 penalties awarded to the Red Devils this season to see whether there's anything to these conspiracy theories…

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  1FA Cup: Man Utd 1-3 Chelsea

  Callum Hudson-Odoi blatantly tripped Martial as United tried in vain to get themselves back into the semi-final showdown at Wembley.  Fernandes fired home but it was little more than a consolation goal for United as their hopes of FA Cup glory went up in smoke.

  Verdict: PENALTY!

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• Getty
  

  2Premier League MD34: Aston Villa 0-3 Man Utd

  The most controversial decision of the season? It was certainly a historic one, as United equalled the record for most penalties received in a single Premier League season (13). Jon Moss pointed to the spot after Fernandes had been upended by Ezri Konsa in the area. However, on closer inspection, it emerged that the attacking midfielder had actually initiated the contact. However, VAR inexplicably agreed with Moss, clearing the way for Fernandes to open the scoring. Villa boss Dean Smith called it a "disgraceful" decision and his fury was understandable.

  Verdict: NO PENALTY!

• Getty Images
  

  3Premier League MD33: Man Utd 5-2 Bournemouth

  The game at Old Trafford was tied at one goal apiece when Mike Dean pointed to the spot in the 35th minute, after noticing an Adam Smith handball. Rashford took care of the rest as United went on to record an impressive victory.

  Verdict: PENALTY!

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  4Premier League MD30: Tottenham 1-1 Man Utd

  Eric Dier was bamboozled by Paul Pogba's neat footwork and bundled the Frenchman over in the box. Fernandes scored from the spot to salvage a point for United.

  Verdict: PENALTY!

  N.B. Jon Moss awarded United a penalty in the dying minutes for another perceived foul on Pogba by Dier but the referee was correctly overruled by VAR.

The Portuguese is fighting for his future at the moment but not everybody is convinced he should go, with arguments to be considered on both sides

Barely a single word was uttered on Valencia on Monday as Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho was instead left to field countless questions about his future and the demeanour of his squad ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash with the Spanish outfit at Old Trafford.

Saturday's 3-1 defeat to West Ham increased the pressure on the under-fire Portuguese, with United slipping to 10th place in the Premier League table after a shambolic showing in the capital.

But while some have claimed that Zinedine Zidane has been lined up as a potential replacement, Mourinho remains in the job for now as the Red Devils look to fight their way out of a full-blown crisis.

Is now the right time to pull the trigger, or does Mourinho deserve more time? Goal runs through the reasons why United should sack him and those why he should be saved.

• Getty
  

  1SAVE HIM: The costly pay-off

  Even if a consensus is reached that firing Mourinho is the right thing to do given the context, the Portuguese’s exit is set to cost Manchester United a huge amount of money. With the best part of two years left on his Old Trafford deal and a club option for a further 12 months, the manager stands to gain a further £33 million during his United stay thanks to his £12m agreement.

  It is believed that there is a clause in his deal though which would allow the club to pay him a £12m settlement should they decide to sack him before the end of the 2019-20 season, cutting between £9m and £21m off their total expected outlay.

  But that would mean the club having to fork out £12m to pay off Mourinho even before considering the cost of taking on a new manager’s salary and signing-on bonuses, which would make it one almighty outlay for the miserly Ed Woodward to countenance.

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• Getty
  

  2SAVE HIM: This is hardly a surprise to United

  What exactly did United expect they were going to get when they appointed Mourinho in 2016? They sacked Louis van Gaal within 48 hours of winning the FA Cup because they wanted the closest thing they could find to guaranteed success at whatever cost.

  They knew what Mourinho had got up to in the past, but they bought into it. They knew he’d demand costly changes to the squad to get them competing, but they bought into it. They knew they risked alienating those fans who want more than anything to see flowing football, but they bought into it.

  Changing now would abandon yet another strategy – a third different vision in little over five years – and the need to develop a new one could be further damaging to a club which is desperately looking to pick a direction and stick to it.

• GETTY
  

  3SAVE HIM: Can a successor be expected to make a huge difference?

  Which brings us to the replacement. United should only sack Mourinho if they are certain they can bring in an upgrade, and that is not necessarily the case right now. Of course, Zinedine Zidane’s name has been widely linked and Mourinho was even asked on Monday whether the Frenchman had called to say he was not after the United job.

  But while Zidane comes with a pedigree having won three straight Champions Leagues, he took the job at Real Madrid with a squad of superstars already waiting for him. At United he would have a promising first XI but not too much else beyond that, leaving him with a far different proposition than the one which saw him achieve unprecedented success at the Santiago Bernabeu.

  United were keen on Mauricio Pochettino before selecting Mourinho in 2016 and the Tottenham boss would be a fair target come next summer. But an immediate change in boss could rule out the Argentine, and the chance to make a considered appointment of a man who puts football first might be spurned as a result.

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• Getty
  

  4SAVE HIM: Mourinho is not the start and end of United's problems

  While there is a clear issue with Mourinho, it is not United’s only area of concern right now… not by a long chalk. Bringing in a new manager will not do anything to resolve the fact that the Glazers’ takeover continues to cost the club around 80 per cent of its operating profit. It will also not address the fact that there is a serious lack of football-savvy decision-makers knocking around the club and executive vice-chair Ed Woodward gives the impression of a man out of his depth in the transfer arena.

  And similarly a change of regime will not automatically fill the gaps in United’s anaemic squad, nor will it bring the bigger names into line without the perfect appointment being made upon Mourinho’s exit. The manager has fought for more care to be placed into the upkeep of the playing staff but the board have not been willing to do that, so why wouldn’t more of the same be in store for the next incumbent without greater support from the boardroom?

GOAL assesses the performances of Aliou Cisse's men following their quarter-final victory at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium on Sunday.

• Getty Images
  

  Edouard Mendy – 7/10

  Mendy was barely tested in Sunday's encounter, however, he was beaten by Equatorial Guinea's first shot on target in the 57th minute.

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• Backpagepix.
  

  Bouna Sarr – 5/10

  With no significant contribution, the Bayern Munich right-back was found wanting when it mattered.

• Backpagepix.
  

  Saliou Ciss – 8/10

  Ciss played a major role in the build-up to the third goal. It started with his fine control then his run into the box before cutting back to set up Sarr to score.

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  Kalidou Koulibaly 7-10

  Another solid performance from the captain and he was lucky to have a penalty call against him ruled out after the restart.

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Everything you need to take your game to the next level in 2023

If you’re anything like us, you make a similar resolution every January: play more football. Whether you’re a seasoned player who just wants to add another weekly game or you’re new to the sport and keen to start playing regularly, now is the time to do it. To help you get equipped for a new year filled with five-a-side matches, a return to Sunday League or just more regular kickabouts with your mates, we’ve pulled together all of your essential items.

• 1. New boots

  Nike Phantom GTII

  Nike / GOAL£72.95-£234.95 at Nike

  As the well-known saying goes, new year, new boots. As well as being arguably the most important part of your kitbag, boots are also the most fun part to buy. 2022 saw some great new releases, with the Nike Phantom GTII line arguably the best to arrive. Whether you’re looking for firm ground or soft ground, elite level or entry-level, the Phantom GTII has a version for you. The boot has proven such a hit that it's worn by a whole host of the world’s best, with the Glacier Ice, Yellow Strike and Sunset Glow colourway proving to be particularly popular.

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• 2. The ball

  Al Rihla football

  adidas / GOAL£15.00-£130.00 at adidas

  There’s every chance your new teammates will have a full selection of match balls ready to go, but it’s also equally likely that it’ll be easily forgotten each week, so it’s worth having your own. Now feels like the perfect time to go for adidas’ Al-Rihla design, best known as being the official match ball at the Qatar World Cup. You can relive the Messi vs Mbappe final for yourself.

• 3. A new kit bag

  Le Coq Sportif bag

  Le Coq Sportif / GOAL€35.00-€39.00 at Le Coq Sportif

  Brands like Nike and adidas all have a number of good and practical kit bags, but you might as well take this opportunity to indulge your inner mid-90s continental player. Le Coq Sportif has the ideal solution, complete with the brand’s iconic logo against the French flag. Altogether it makes the bag look equally good whether you’re reporting for duty at Clairefontaine or packing away your muddy boots on a Sunday morning.

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• 4. The best shirt

  Venezia FC 2022-23 kit

  Venezia FC / GOAL€90.00-€110.00 at Venezia FC

  It doesn’t matter if you’re a newcomer to the game or a veteran of the five-a-side scene, you want to be the best dressed. Ultimately, that comes down to the shirt you wear on the pitch. The World Cup had some of the best on offer, but if you want to scratch deeper than that then the best place to start might be with the best-dressed club in European football, Venezia FC. Another strong effort would be either of Red Star Paris’ Lack of Guidance-designed kits for the 2022-23 season.

Here's where you can watch Seattle Sounders vs Minnesota United in MLS on TV or stream live.

On Saturday, Seattle Sounders will visit Minnesota United in a match between two teams from the top half of the Western Conference.

Both have made solid starts to the new campaign, but they both enter the game coming off losses they will be eager to put behind them.

▶ Watch every MLS match, including the playoffs, here

▶ Buy MLS tickets from Ticketmaster, here

After a confident start to the season that has seen them lose twice and draw once in eight games, Seattle Sounders approach this game in third place.

They will now need to reply to one of those losses, which occurred in their most recent game against Portland Timbers and was a humiliating 4-1 setback.

However, Seattle Sounders are still unbeaten at home, and with three wins and a draw, they have been hard at work turning Lumen Field into a fortress. In those four games, Giovanni Savarese's team has not even conceded a goal, and they will be attempting to maintain that defensive record this time around.

Even though Bongokuhle Hlongwane had given them the lead in the first half of their match against Orlando City, the visitors were also on the losing end of things most recently, going down 2-1.

It was Minnesota United's second straight defeat as two goals in the second half helped the Lions earn all three points. Despite this, the squad might move up to fourth with a win on Saturday.

The fact that Minnesota United has won all three of its games away from home should give them a lot of confidence going into this particular encounter.

GOAL brings you everything you need to know about where to watch the game on TV and stream live online.

• Seattle Sounders vs Minnesota United date & kick-off time

  Game:	Seattle Sounders vs Minnesota United
  Date:	April 22, 2023
  Kick-off time:	10:30 pm ET
  Venue:	Lumen Field

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• Where to watch Seattle Sounders vs Minnesota United on TV & live stream online

  Fans in the United States & across the world can watch MLS with Apple TV MLS Season Pass.

  Country	TV channel	Live stream
  US	TSN	Apple TV

  • Check out GOAL's soccer on U.S. TV guide

• Team news & squads

  Seattle Sounders team news and squad

  Seattle Sounders will be without Joao Paulo, Kelwyn Rowe and Obed Vargas, but the rest of the squad is available. Top scorer Jordan Morris has scored eight goals in seven games and is currently the MLS Top Scorer in 2023.

  Seattle Sounders possible XI: Frei; Roldan, Gomez, Ragen, Nouhou; Rusnak, Atencio, Roldan, Lodeiro, Ruidiaz; Morris

  Position	Players
  Goalkeepers	Frei, Cleveland
  Defenders	Tolo, Arreaga, Andrade, A. Roldan, Cissoko, Ragen
  Midfielders	Lodeiro, Rusnak, Morris, Chu, Roldan, Leyva, Teves
  Forwards	Montero, Heber, Ruidiaz

  Minnesota United team news and squad

  Minnesota United have Bakaye Dibassy and Mikael Marques unavailable for selection. Ryen Jiba could be an option to start the game for United, however, his minutes are to be managed due to his injury concerns.

  Minnesota United possible XI: St. Clair; Taylor, Boxall, Tapias, Lawrence; Trapp, Arriaga, Hlongwane, Lod, Fragapane; Amarilla

  Position	Players
  Goalkeepers	Irwin, Dick
  Defenders	Henry, Taylor, Tapias, Kallman, Valentin
  Midfielders	Reynoso, Lod, Hlongwane, Arriaga, Rosalaes, Fragapane, Trapp
  Forwards	Amarilla, Garcia, Oluwayesi, Weah, Dunbar, Jiba

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• Useful links

  Live soccer on U.S. TV

  Stream MLS matches on Apple TV

  Buy MLS tickets with Ticketmaster

Marcus Rashford scored his 28th goal of the season to give Man Utd a nervy 1-0 win over Brentford on another worrying night for David de Gea.

Marcus Rashford fired Manchester United to a 1-0 win over Brentford on Wednesday and sent Erik ten Hag's side back into the Premier League top four. The forward is now approaching the 30-goal milestone in all competitions – a tremendous potential accomplishment for a man who has completely changed the narrative of his career in a matter of months.

But this was not exactly an emphatic response to Sunday's 2-0 surrender to Newcastle and United still have plenty of problems to surmount to ensure they are in the Champions League places by the end of May.

Number one is David de Gea's kicking, after the Spaniard had another torrid time with the ball at his feet.

GOAL rates the United players from a rain-soaked and uncomfortable evening at Old Trafford.

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  David de Gea (4/10):

  His kicking was very sloppy again while he was inches away from gifting a goal to Ivan Toney. Made amends by blocking a close-range shot from Kevin Schade, though it may have been more a product of poor finishing than standout goalkeeping.

  Diogo Dalot (6/10):

  An improvement on his shoddy display at St James' Park.

  Raphael Varane (6/10):

  Won every header he went for and barely allowed Toney a sniff although was beaten for pace by Schade.

  Lisandro Martinez (8/10):

  Another flawless performance, keeping things ticking over from the back with his precision passing.

  Luke Shaw (6/10):

  Heavily involved in attacking moves but was bizarrely taken off in the 37th minute, perhaps as he was on a booking or experiencing a minor injury.

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• Getty Images
  

  Midfield

  Scott McTominay (7/10):

  Put his body on the line with several crucial blocks and tackles and came close to scoring in the first half. Would have been United's new No.9 if his fizzing shot had stayed on target!

  Marcel Sabitzer (7/10):

  Set up Rashford's goal with a lovely cushioned header and was very active in attacking play.

  Bruno Fernandes (5/10):

  Offered little in attack and picked up a booking.

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  Attack

  Antony (8/10):

  Was one of United's more dangerous players, helping set up the goal and coming close a couple of times to scoring himself.

  Marcus Rashford (7/10):

  It was not his most fluid display but once more he made the difference with a composed finish. Where would United be without his goals?

  Jadon Sancho (5/10):

  Another opportunity missed. He was slow and indecisive on the ball in the first half although improved a bit in the second before going off.

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  Subs & Manager

  Tyrell Malacia (7/10):

  Really confident on the ball and quick to snuff out any danger on his side, keeping Bryan Mbeumo quiet.

  Fred (6/10):

  Came close to doubling the lead but was not as good as Sabitzer.

  Anthony Martial (5/10):

  Could not create many openings despite the game being stretched. Doesn't look back to full sharpness.

  Victor Lindelof (N/A)

  Only introduced for the final few minutes.

  Erik ten Hag (7/10):

  Finally benched Wout Weghorst and was very active with his substitutions to ensure the lead did not slip.

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Make soccer fuss-free for kids

Kids can find laces tricky, so the last thing you want them to contend with when learning a new sport is fiddly strings. This is why laceless soccer cleats are an amazing option for little ones who want to play a beautiful, fuss-free game – laceless cleats can also eliminate the chance to injury if the laces are undone.

They've become increasingly popular, and you might see some top players donning them. But, it's not a style that every brand adopts, adidas and Nike are leaders in laceless soccer cleats, which is why the selections below are mainly from these particular companies.

Click here to skip ahead to our round-up of the best kid's laceless soccer cleats.

Our top three:

Best overall kid's laceless soccer cleats: Nike Junior Air Zoom Mercurial Superfly 9 Pro

Best budget kid's laceless soccer cleats: PUMA Ultra Match

Best kid's black laceless soccer cleats: Nike Nike Junior Zoom Mercurial Vapor 15 KM Academy

FAQs:

Do professional soccer players wear laceless cleats?

Laceless cleats have become a common sight on professional soccer fields across the globe – for a few reasons. One of them is that big brands like Nike and adidas have made them a widely available option, laceless options are almost always part of new boot releases. Laceless cleats are also super easy to slip on and off which players like and the absence of laces, give creative players a bigger strike zone for cleaner shots.

What's the difference between laceless and laced cleats?

The apparent difference is that laceless soccer cleats don't have a lace fastening on the shoe, which means no more laces coming undone whilst you're on the pitch. This means that the very construction of the soccer cleat is designed not to be reliant on laces to fasten and lock you into the cleat.

What are the benefits of laceless soccer cleats?

The main benefit of laceless soccer cleats is that you no longer have to worry about tying the shoes to your foot or the laces becoming loose. Laceless cleats wrap around your foot and are built to easily slip in and out of, making your life easier. They also have a comfort advantage, giving a more sock-like fit around the foot.

Looking for the best kid's soccer cleats in 2023?? GOAL has you covered

• Shop: Best kids laceless soccer cleats

  Best overall kids laceless soccer cleats

  Nike Junior Air Zoom Mercurial Superfly 9 Pro

  Nike$94.99 at Soccer.com

  Suitable for: Firm ground and Multi-Ground

  If you're looking for a pair of cleats, with style and all the modern technology so kids can get the best out of their game – the Zoom Mercurial Superfly 9 Pro has it all. The exceptional NikeSkin mesh upper will add comfort, whilst the new Zoom Air unit gives springy responsiveness for superior ball control.

• Best budget kids laceless soccer cleats

  PUMA Junior Ultra Match

  PUMA$49.99 at Soccer.com

  Suitable for: Firm ground and Artificial Grass

  Get everything you could want from a good quality pair of laceless cleats for an affordable price with the PUMA Ultra Match.

  They're lightweight and have a mesh upper, so not overly heavy for little ones, and also give breathability. The outsole has a Speedplate, which gives you superior traction on natural and artificial surfaces so kids can practice their skills whatever the pitch surfaces.

• Best kids laceless soccer cleats for comfort

  New Balance Junior Tekela v4 Magique

  New Balance $69.99 at Soccer.com

  Suitable for: Firm ground

  There's nothing worse than buying a pair of cleats and realizing they're uncomfortable when you put them on and risk blisters. The New Balance Tekela v4 Magique is great for kids who prioritize comfort to get the best out of their game.

  They provide zonal support in areas like the ankle with the textile collar, adding stability and locking the foot in for a secure fit.

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• Best kids laceless soccer cleats for style

  Nike Junior Zoom Mercurial Vapor 15 KM Academy

  Nike$59.99 at Soccer.com

  Suitable for: Firm ground

  Every aspiring soccer player will know Mbappe as the Paris Saint Germain star that lit up the pitch for both club and country, and now collaborated with Nike to produce a truly stylish pair of Mercurial soccer cleats. The inspiration behind the design comes from Parisian Afropop and the Jordan 7.

  The cleats come in a Dark Beetroot, University Blue, and Metallic Gold colorway. Nike's famous swoosh gets its own unique twist -tweaked with two kinks that showcase the letter M.