Pele vs Sweden

1958 Final

Pelé was only 17 in the 1958 World Cup final, yet he played with a confidence of a veteran.

He scored twice in Brazil’s 5-2 win over Sweden, including a brilliant goal in which he flicked the ball over a defender and finished calmly. What makes the performance so iconic is not just the goals, but the fact he was able to do it on the biggest stage without fear. The teenage forward announced himself to the world and delivered Brazil’s first world title in spectacular fashion.

1966 Quarter-final

Portugal looked finished when North Korea surged into a 3-0 lead in the 1966 World Cup quarter-finals, but Mozambican-born Eusebio responded with one of the great rescue acts in the history of the global finals. He scored four times as Portugal roared back to win 5-3, blending power, intelligence and ruthless finishing. Eusebio dragged his team back into the match almost single-handedly and showed his ability to change a game on his own through his sheer quality.

Diego Maradona vs England

1986 Quarter-final

Maradona’s display against England is probably the most famous individual World Cup performance ever. In one match, he produced two of the sport’s most memorable moments.

First, the controversial Hand of God’ opener that was a clear cheat, and then extraordinary solo run later named the Goal of the Century and with good reason. Beyond those moments, he controlled the tempo, carried Argentina forward under pressure, and looked like the game’s most potent start to finish. It was genius and chaos all in one brilliant, controversial performance.

@the.goatxx

Garrincha vs Chile

1962 Semi-final

With Pelé injured for much of the 1962 World Cup, Brazil needed someone to carry the attack, and Garrincha did exactly that. Against host nation Chile in the semi-finals, he was devastating with his direct, fearless and inventive dribbling that made him nearly impossible to stop in one-on-one situations. He scored twice and constantly destabilised the Chilean defence with his unpredictability. It was the kind of performance that reminded everyone Brazil’s brilliance was not dependent on one superstar alone. It is also the reason why Garrincha is considered one of the greatest dribblers of all time.

Geoff Hurst vs West Germany

1966 Final

A hat-trick in a World Cup final has only happened twice in history, but Geoff Hurst’s performance in the 1966 final matters for more than the statistic alone. He was sharp, composed and decisive in the biggest match England have ever played. His second goal remains one of football’s most debated moments, and evidence now suggests it did not cross the line, while his third, struck late with England pouring forward, sealed the match. Finals are usually tense, cagey affairs, but Hurst shone in this setting and his goals delivered England their only title.

@footballworld9442

Paolo Rossi vs Brazil

1982 Second Group Stage

Brazil’s 1982 side is remembered as one of the most stylish teams ever, which is exactly why Paolo Rossi’s destruction of them deserves such praise. Italy needed a win, and Rossi delivered a hat-trick in a 3-2 victory that shattered one of football’s greatest romantically remembered teams. It was an excellent individual display that showed his predatory instincts and would help him win the Golden Boot, and the Golden Ball, at those finals as he scored six times in all, including the final win over West Germany. In one afternoon in the group stages, Rossi changed the whole narrative of that World Cup.

Oleg Salenko vs Cameroon

1994 Group Stage

Oleg Salenko’s place on this list comes from a statistical achievement so extreme it still seems almost impossible as he scored five goals in a single World Cup match. Against Cameroon, he finished clinically again and again as Russia won 6-1, setting a record that still stands in the men’s tournament. Three of his goals came in the first half, including a penalty, and he then added two more in three second half minutes. With some real minnows in the 2026 tournament, could we see this record matched lor even beaten?

Ronaldo vs Germany

2002 Final

The Brazilian Ronaldo’s two goals in the 2002 final were historic not just because they won the trophy, but because they completed one of football’s great redemption stories. Four years earlier in France, his World Cup final had ended in disappointment. After serious knee injuries threatened his career, he returned to lead Brazil again and scored both goals against Germany. He was sharp, alert and predatory, especially on the rebound for his first. The performance gave Brazil the title and gave Ronaldo back his reputation as one of the greatest strikers to have ever lived.

@evcrlqre

Zinedine Zidane vs Brazil

2006 Quarter-final

This was not a hat-trick performance or a statistical anomaly, but rarely has there ever been a player to so completely control a game on such a big stage.

Against a Brazil team packed with star names, France’s Zinedine Zidane dictated the game with his incredible technical ability. Every touch seemed to slow defenders down and open space for France. He drifted between midfield and attack, repeatedly escaping pressure and creating danger, including the free-kick that led to Thierry Henry’s winner. He was simply unbeatable that day.

Kylian Mbappe vs Argentina

2022 Final

He might have ultimately ended up on the losing side, but Kylian Mappé’s (below) final was an astonishing individual performance as he became the second player after Hurst to score a hat-trick in the showpiece decider. For long stretches France were flat and second-best, then Mbappe exploded into the game and changed everything. He scored twice in quick succession, one from the penalty-spot, to force extra-time, then completed a hat-trick to send the game to penalties. He scored in the shoot-out, but it was not meant to be for France, who fell

Words: Nick Said

Images: IBL/Shutterstock/Hulton Archive/VCG/Getty/Gallo Images

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Pele (Brazil)

In many people’s eyes, Pelé (left) was the greatest player ever, but while that debate can rage on, there is no doubt he has been the most impactful in World Cup history.

He is the only player to win three men’s World Cups, helping Brazil to the titles in 1958, 1962 and 1970. He also scored 12 World Cup goals, which lists him among the top scorers in tournament history. To have lifted the trophy 12 years apart is also a great achievement and shows his longevity, though his title in 1958 did come as a 17-year-old.

He passed away in 2022 at the age of 82.

@allaboutfoodball

Diego Maradona (Argentina)

Another contender for the greatest player ever, Maradona certainly left his mark on the World Cup, for good and bad. His 1986 title triumph with Argentina sums up his career perfectly. He was sublime, a master, and led his team to the trophy with scintillating performances, goals and assists. But there was also the infamous Hand of God goal against England in the quarter-finals that was a clear cheat. In the same game, he scored one of the great goals in World Cup history.

He took Argentina to the final again in 1990, where they lost to West Germany and at the 1994 tournament was banned for drug use. He was, in every sense, a flawed genius.

Zinedine Zidane (France)

Zidane (right) was central to France’s 1998 final win on home soil and managed two headed goals in the final against Brazil. But arguably his best performance came in 2006 in a final that ended in bitter disappointment for him when he was sent off for an infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi and France lost on penalties to Italy. His performance against Brazil in the quarter-finals is regarded as among the best in World Cup history and he won the Golden Ball that year despite his final meltdown. A simply sublime midfielder who you felt could do anything with the ball.

Garrincha (Brazil)

Young Pelé might have dominated many of the headlines during Brazil’s 1958 and 1962 World Cup wins, but there was an equally influential player at both those tournaments in winger Garrincha. He had incredible dribbling skills, perhaps the best of all time, and would bamboozle defences, scoring goals and laying on assists for others.

Pelé was actually injured for part of the 1962 tournament and Garrincha took over as Brazil’s main man.

Amazingly, Brazil never lost a match while fielding both Garrincha and Pelé. Garrincha died in 1983 aged just 49, having succumbed to alcoholism.

Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Messi’s (below) World Cup story is not complete as he hopes to take Argentina to back-to-back titles in 2026 after being central to their success in Qatar four years ago. He won the Golden Ball at that tournament, as he did in 2014 when he took Argentina to the final, but they lost again to the Germans.

He owns the record for the most World Cup appearances with 26 and will play at his sixth finals in 2026, having debuted 20 years ago in Germany.

@zoeimmigration

Johan Cruyff (Nethelands)

Cruyff played in only one World Cup, in 1974, and did not manage to lift the trophy, but the mark he left on the tournament and global football as a whole enhanced his legend status and made him one of the most influential players of all time. The Dutch legend created an astonishing 36 chances in the tournament, the most ever by any player, and his style of play within the Netherlands’ ‘Total Football’ changed the way many people saw the game. West Germany came from behind to beat the Netherlands 2-1 in the final, with Müller netting the winning goal. He died after a battle with cancer aged 68 in 2016.

@goalglobal

Paolo Rossi (Italy)

Rossi completely owned the 1982 World Cup as his six goals helped Italy to the title in the tournament played in Spain. He became one of a select group of players to win the Golden Boot (top scorer), Golden Ball (best player) and World Cup trophy, and later that year claimed the Ballon d’Or as well.

It was a truly dominant display, but he had also scored three goals at the 1978 tournament to take his career tally at World Cups to nine.

@retro.calcio

Gerd Muller (West Germany)

Müller was one of the most efficient World Cup scorers ever, with 14 goals in just 13 appearances, which sets him apart from many strikers. He scored 10 goals at the 1970 finals, before helping Germany lift the title four years later.

Fellow German Miroslav Klose is the all-time leading scorer in the World Cup with 18 goals from 24 appearances, but Müller had a better conversion rate and on his day was deadly. There have been few others more clinical in front of goal.

He died aged 71 in 2021, having scored 68 goals in 62 caps for West Germany.

Ronaldo (Brazil)

Somewhat controversially, we have chosen the ‘original Ronaldo’ from Brazil – R9 – rather than his Portuguese namesake Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal. The Brazilian played a huge part in leading his side to the 2002 title in Japan and South Korea, where he scored eight goals and was undoubtedly the leading forward in the world at the time. Four years earlier he helped Brazil to the 1998 final, and played despite not being fit as they lost 3-0 to France. He is second on the all-time World Cup scorers chart with 15 goals and won the Golden Ball in 1998.

@somosfutbol24

Franz Beckenbauer (Germany)

Beckenbauer (left) won the World Cup as both a player and a coach, one of only three men, alongside Mário Zagallo (Brazil) and Didier Deschamps (France), to do so. His first tournament as a player ended in disappointment when West Germany lost the 1966 final to England, though he was named young player of the tournament that year.

The Germans were undone by the great Brazilian side in 1970, but Beckenbauer finally captained his side to the title in 1974. He later coached West Germany to the title in 1990.

He is regarded as among the greatest defenders ever to play the game and passed away aged 78 in 2024.

[Check out this video of AI choosing the best players over the years]

Words: Nick Said

Photography: Juan Ignacio Roncoroni/BackPagePix/Getty Images

Text courtesy of Soccer Club magazine.

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For those who experience the pull of an engine rev as something almost spiritual, motorsport museums offer more than static displays. They are living archives of human ingenuity, ambition and speed. Across continents, these spaces invite visitors to step into the stories behind the machines, tracing the evolution of racing from gritty endurance trails to cutting-edge technological spectacle. Whether you’re chasing nostalgia, design inspiration or pure adrenaline, this is your passport to the ultimate motorsport pilgrimage

United States: Where speed became spectacle

At the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway, racing history feels almost sacred. Situated inside the famed oval of the Indianapolis 500, its museum captures over a century of American motorsport. Expect to stand inches away from iconic Indy 500 winning cars, each representing a moment when engineering met nerve at 300km/h. It’s not just about speed here – it is about legacy, tradition and the relentless pursuit of victory.

On the West Coast, in LA, the Petersen Automotive Museum offers a broader cultural lens. Sleek, immersive and visually striking. it blends motorsport with design and pop culture. Rotating exhibitions keep things fresh, but the motorsport galleries – featuring everything from F1 cars to endurance racers – highlight how racing innovation trickles down into everyday automotive design.

@petersen_museum

In the South, in Alabama, the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is a hidden gem. Home to the world’s largest collection of motorbikes alongside an impressive array of race cars, it’s a love letter to mechanical craftsmanship. The building is surrounded by a lush racetrack that adds to the sensory experience, making it less like a museum and more like a sanctuary of speed.

Europe: The Heart of Motorsport Heritage

In Stuttgart, Germany, the Mercedes-Benz Museum is (to be expected) an architectural and engineering marvel. Its spiral design takes visitors on a chronological journey through automotive history, with motorsport threaded throughout. From the 1930s-50s Silver Arrows era to modern Formula 1 dominance, the museum captures how Mercedes-Benz has consistently redefined performance and innovation. Italy, of course, delivers pure passion.

@mayson_berliner

The Museo Ferrari in Marinello and the Enzo Ferrari Museum in neighbouring Modena are less museums and more emotional experience. Dedicated to the legacy of Enzo Ferrari, they immerse visitors in the mythology of the Prancing Horse. Expect championship-winning F1 cars on display. interactive simulators and exhibitions that celebrate Ferrari’s fusion of artistry and speed. It’s visceral, loud (even in silence) and unmistakably Italian.

Not far away, in France, the Le Mans 24 Hour Museum captures the endurance spirit of the legendary race – the world’s oldest active endurance sportscar race held annually since 1923. Here, the focus shifts from outright speed to resilience. It’s all about cars that have raced throughout the night, drivers who pushed beyond exhaustion and innovations born from necessity. The rotating display of winning cars, from vintage prototypes to modern hybrids, tell a story of survival as much as success.

@24heuresdumans

A Local Lens: South Africa’s Racing Legacy

Closer to home, Killarney International Raceway in Cape Town offers a gateway into South Africa’s motorsport culture. While not a traditional museum, its on-site displays, historic race events and club culture create a living archive of local racing history. From classic saloon cars to contemporary track days, Killarney embodies the grassroots passion that fuels motorsport in our country.

On race weekends, the atmosphere of roaring engines, braai smoke and devoted fans has become an experience no static exhibition could ever replicate.

Vehicle enthusiasts should also head over to the Franschhoek Motor Museum. Housed on the L’Ormarins Estate in the Cape winelands, it features the extraordinary private collection of the Rupert family, spanning over a century of automotive history, including rare racing machines. It’s quieter and more contemplative, but no less powerful in showcasing the evolution of speed and design.

@itsnot_immo

Words: Aaliyah Omar

Photos: Gall/Getty Images, Shutterstock, Unsplashed

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Ronwen Williams  

Position: Goalkeeper
Club: Mamelodi Sundowns 

Williams is the captain of the team and the last line of defence. One thing that is for sure, is that Williams is likely to be a busy man. He has proven before at major finals that he can carry Bafana Bafana through, and he will have to be at his best again. But more than a great shot-stopper, he is also the leader and the one who organises the defence. He will join the likes of Hans Vonk, Andre Arendse and Itumeleng Khune as the first-choice keeper for Bafana at a World Cup. 

@caf_online Ronwen Williams has become the first goalkeeper to save 4 penalties in a single TotalEnergies AFCON shootout. 🤯🇿🇦 #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 #AFCON2023 #AFCON #SportsOnTikTok ♬ original sound – CAF_Online

Khuliso Mudau  

Position: Right-back
Club: Mamelodi Sundowns 

Mudau is now vastly experienced after his exploits with the national team and Mamelodi Sundowns in Champions League football, and remains a key weapon for the team. He can attack as a wing-back, but is also a very intelligent defender and, against teams that use quick attackers with plenty of skill, he will need to keep his flank quiet. But he also has the ability to create and score goals and loves to get forward. 

@caf_online Khuliso Mudau’s footwork takes QNet_Official #SkillOfTheDay. ✨ #TotalEnergiesCAFCL ♬ original sound – CAF_Online

Mbekezile Mbokazi  

Position: Centre-back
Club: Chicago Fire, United States 

Mbokazi has had such a meteoric rise in both club and international football that it is easy to forget he only really broke into the Orlando Pirates first team in March last year. But once he earned his place, he never let go of it and, within months, was elevated to the Bafana side, where he has also became a regular. Coach Hugo Broos suggested they had been looking for a player of his physicality and quality for some time. He is primarily a defender, but also has an excellent passing range and a rocket shot. His recent move to Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer has exposed him to different styles and, if he does have a solid World Cup, the 20-year-old’s value will only skyrocket. 

@chicagofireWhat a strike from TLB 🇿🇦🔥 #mls #chicago #bafanabafana #soccer #southafrica♬ original sound – Chicago Fire

Teboho Mokoena  

Position: Midfielder
Club: Mamelodi Sundowns 

The engine of the Bafana midfield, Mokoena is like a Rolls-Royce with his high work-rate from box to box and his importance as both an attacking and defensive threat in the side. He scores spectacular goals and is dangerous from range, but can also break up the opposition’s play and be a physical threat in the centre of the park. He now has vast experience, having spent the better part of a decade in the national team, and is also a key player for Mamelodi Sundowns. 

Relebohile Mofokeng  

Position: Winger/attacking midfielder
Club: Orlando Pirates 

If he can stay fit, Themba Zwane could well get the nod as the starting ’10’ in the team because of his experience, but do not discount the impact of Mofokeng when given the opportunity either from kick-off or as an impact player off the bench. Broos has already said he does not see the player as a winger, where he has spent most of his career but rather as a creative force behind the striker, able to provide chances but also score goals. There has long been talk that Mofokeng should be playing overseas; this World Cup will be a chance to test that theory. 

@bucs.lad 😂🏴‍☠️🔥#relebohilemofokeng ♬ Salary Salary – Robot Boii & Mellow & Sleazy & Soul Revolver

Oswin Appollis  

Position: Winger
Club: Orlando Pirates 

Appollis has emerged as Bafana’s most potent attacking weapon over the last 18 months, with no player managing more than the seven goals he has scored during that time. He has also provided several assists with his trickery on the ball and quality in the cross. He can beat a defender and has an end product in the final third that is missing from so many other players in the Premier Soccer League. He is still only 24, so this will be a big audition for him. 

Lyle Foster  

Position: Striker
Club: Burnley, England 

Foster will almost certainly be the lead striker in the squad and be asked to play up front on his own, using his hold-up play to bring others into the game. It is a role he plays very well, even if at Burnley in the Premier League he is used more as a wide attacker. He is into double figures for goals for the national team and is a good finisher, having learnt a lot from his time in France, Portugal and Belgium before moving to England. He was a prodigious talent as a youngster and is now playing in arguably the best league in the world. This tournament is a chance for him to show he has gone to a new level. 

Words: Nic Said
Photography: Gerhaad Durbaan/Muzi Ntombela/Samuel Shivambu/ Richard Sellers/Backpagepix 

Also read: Banyana Banyana: Top 10 players over the years

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Portia Modise  

Modise stands as one of the most iconic figures in African football history, not just for Banyana Banyana. She became the first African woman to score 100 international goals and carried Banyana through periods when the team lacked resources and truly struggled. She finished with 101 goals in 124 caps between 2000 and 2015, and she goes down as comfortably the country’s greatest international scorer in men’s and women’s football. 

Janine Van Wyk  

If Modise fired the imagination, then Van Wyk anchored the team with steel and longevity. As Africa’s most-capped footballer, men or women, Van Wyk became synonymous with Banyana’s defensive identity in her 185 appearances over almost two decades. Her game-reading ability and organizational skills turned her into the natural leader of the back line. She represented Banyana at multiple AFCON tournaments and two World Cups, while also founding JVW FC, a club that develops young talent.   

Thembi Kgatlane  

Kgatlana represents the explosive new era of South African women’s football with her raw pace and increasingly cultured finishing ability. A forward blessed with unique flair, she has become one of Africa’s most recognisable attacking talents and won the CAF Women’s Footballer of the Year prize in 2018. Kgatlana scored South Africa’s first Women’s World Cup goal against Spain in 2019 and her standout performances at the 2023 World Cup, where she created and finished crucial chances, cemented her status as Banyana’s modern superstar. 

Jermaine Seoposenwe  

Seoposenwe was one of Banyana’s most impactful attackers. Powerful, technically gifted and capable of scoring in high-pressure moments, she delivered one of the most important goals in South African football history, the winner against Italy at the 2023 World Cup that sent Banyana into the round of 16. Her relentless work rate, intelligent movement and ability to combine with teammates make her a constant threat across the forward line and a central figure in the team’s modern success before her retirement with 112 caps last year. 

@pefmo_za “We haven’t thanked her enough as a nation.” Coach Desiree Ellis showers Jermaine Seoposenwe with love ahead of the WAFCON 3rd place clash 💛 When others crumbled, she stood tall. When hope faded, she led the way. #BanyanaBanyana #WAFCON #JermaineSeoposenwe #DesireeEllis #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 @Official Banyana Banyana @SAFA @Banyana_banyana @CAF_Online ♬ original sound – PEFMO

Lebogang Ramalepe 

Ramalepe quietly built a reputation as one of Africa’s most reliable defenders. Her consistency, intelligent positioning and fearless tackling made her irreplaceable for Banyana across the past decade. Ramalepe shone during the 2022 WAFCON-winning run, delivering commanding performances against top opposition. She carried that form into the 2023 World Cup, where her discipline and leadership were crucial in South Africa’s historic progression to the knockout stage. 

Desiree Ellis 

Before she became the most successful coach in South African football history, Desiree Ellis was a pioneer midfielder during the national team’s early years. As captain, she shaped Banyana’s identity in the 1990s, helping establish their competitive and foundations for success. But her second act as coach elevated her into true legend status. Ellis guided Banyana to their first WAFCON title in 2022 and their first Women’s World Cup knockout appearance in 2023, showcasing her strategic brilliance and inspirational leadership that she displayed as a player too. 

Refiloe Jane 

Jane has long been the midfield metronome of Banyana Banyana, a player whose intelligence and calm presence binds the team together. Her exceptional passing range, tactical awareness and leadership made her central to South Africa’s historic WAFCON 2022 triumph. Jane’s influence stretches across continents, having excelled at club level in Australia and Italy. Often described as the heartbeat of the side, she adds structure, balance and control, and is also the current captain of the team. 

 

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Noko Matlou  

Few players have reinvented themselves as effectively as Matlou. Originally a prolific striker, and the 2008 CAF Women’s Player of the Year, Matlou later transitioned into a commanding centre-back. Her aerial strength and pace allowed her to excel in both roles, while remaining a constant presence for Banyana. Her versatility and longevity make her one of the team’s most respected figures. She retired last year with 174 caps, just short of Van Wyk’s record. 

Amanda Dlamini  

A hard-working midfielder who won 105 caps over an 11-year period until her retirement in 2018, Dlamini was part of the generation that laid the foundation for the current success of the side. Her experience and calmness on the ball elevated her to captain of the team and she appeared at Olympic Games and WAFCON but retired just before Banyana qualified for a World Cup for the first time. 

@supersportofficial How important is a jersey number in sports? 🤔💭 Amanda Dlamini, Lerato Phago and Smash Hadebe get real about self-identity and purpose in sport ⚽📺 #SportsonTikTok #SuperSportUnplugged #AmandaDlamini #LeratoPhago #SmashHadebe #HereForHer #WomenInSports ♬ original sound – SuperSportTV

Andile Dlamini   

Dlamini has emerged as one of Africa’s finest goalkeepers. Her agility, sharp reflexes and vocal leadership were central to South Africa’s triumph at WAFCON 2022, where she produced several match-winning saves. Dlamini also excelled at the 2023 World Cup, keeping Banyana competitive against world-class opposition. Beyond her performances, her bubbly personality and presence in the dressing room have made her a unifying force, offering confidence and composure from the back. 

Words by: Nick Said 
Photography: Sydney Mahlangu/Backpagepix

Also read: Alcaraz vs Sinner: Battle moves onto clay in Paris
 

The post Banyana Banyana: Top 10 players over the years appeared first on TFG Media.

Get ready for round seven, with Carlos Alcaraz enjoying a slight points advantage as the latest rivalry in tennis begins to take root. So far, in six meetings in Grand Slam events between the two best men’s players on the planet, the 22-year-old world No.1 (Alcaraz) holds a 4-2 winning record over his 24-year-old opponent, ranked No.2, Jannik Sinner. 

Across all competitions dating back to 2021, that scorecard reads 10-6 to Alcaraz. And yes, the Spaniard will arrive in Paris looking to complete a hat-trick of wins on the Roland Garros clay on the back of his performance at the year-opening Australian Open, when he became the youngest man to achieve the career Grand Slam. Alcatraz is a juggernaut, beginning to average two Grand Slam titles a year. He already has seven, and he turns just 23 a fortnight before the first ball is struck at the French Open. 

Let us do a simple projection. Say Alcaraz continues for another 10 years at this level, taking him to 33 – Roger Federer retired at 41, Rafa Nadal at 38, and Novak Djokovic is still going strong at 38 – and wins those two Grand Slams a year, the numbers become staggering. Just FYI, Sinner won three in 2025, so he is not out of the equation either.  

Barring accident or injury, the next decade could conservatively see Alcaraz add 20 to his list of seven. The currency of determining GOAT status, apparently, is Grand Slams, and Djokovic holds that mythical title with 24. Alcaraz needs 17 more to match the GOAT. 

Given their superiority, the reality is that for now, and the foreseeable future, Alcaraz and Sinner are likely to share the Grand Slams. And, when one falls early, like in the semi-finals, the other is there to pick up the pieces. This is what happened with Djokovic at the Australian Open. He won a five-setter against Sinner in the Friday semi-final and 48 hours later was up against Alcaraz in the final. And, as every other player will find out, they are likely to have to beat Alcaraz and Sinner to win a Grand Slam. This is also because they are certain to be seeded No.1 and No.2 on opposite sides of the draw for some time to come. 

Check out this fascinating take on Carlos Alcarez-Jannik Sinner rivalry!  

Although I was watching from the comfort of the sofa, last year’s final at Roland Garros featured the most brutal consistent hitting of a tennis ball I have seen, and while the game itself might not have reached the heights of the 2008 Wimbledon final between Federer and Nadal, it surely ranks in the top three of championship finals ever played. 

Impossible as it is to compare generations, modern equipment, diet and conditioning have led to the sustained power game. Like golf, where things have evolved to the extent that players are now routinely “bombing drives” of 300 metres off the tee, tennis has become a brutal exhibition of power. But Alcaraz and Sinner are also bringing intelligence and artistry that’s far superior to whoever No.3s and 4 are. 

Last year coughed up the longest modern French Open final, all 5 hours 29 minutes of it, with Alcaraz staring at match point 3 hours 43 minutes into the contest. The Spaniard fought back and eventually won 4-6, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6, 7-6. Stats often lie, but of the 385 points played in the match, Sinner won 193 and Alcaraz 192. It was that tight, but the one that mattered most – match point – went the way of the younger man. 

In trying to keep up with Alcaraz, firstly narrowing the gap in their head-to-heads and even going ahead, Sinner has spent the first quarter of 2026 working on improving his serve.  

And getting more physical. When it comes to the tale of the tape, he is slightly the bigger man – 1.91m and 77kg versus 1.83m and 74kg. “I’m trying to get a very solid serve at the moment, which is what we work a lot on,” Sinner said in February. “Also a lot in the gym, the gym sessions are very important. I try to make an extra step forward in that scenario, and that’s it.”  

If you are of a betting persuasion, you might want to take that advice and pencil Sinner in for Wimbledon, but when it comes to the French Open, Alcaraz is going to be the one with the target on his back, like Nadal was on clay. He enjoys being hunted, and he is determined to do what it takes to stay a step ahead of the pack.  

“You have to find the joy in suffering,” Alcaraz said after last year’s epic in Paris. “I think that’s the key, even more on clay here in Roland Garros, long rallies, four-hour matches, five sets, you have to fight, you have to suffer, but as I talked with my team many, many times, you have to enjoy suffering. Thanks to him (Sinner), I push myself to be better, to be a better player.” 

After Alcaraz had mopped up the Australian Open in January, he was asked to look ahead to the rest of 2026 – the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open – and his opinion on picking up all four majors in this calendar year. “It is going to be a big challenge,” he replied. “I just want it to be one at a time. Right now, the next one is Roland Garros. I have great memories of that tournament. I feel really special every time. I go there. I don’t want to put myself in a really pressure position to have to do it.”  

As Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus often says, “pressure is a privilege”. It is indeed, but there is a different pressure when you are a rugby team of 23 players in the squad heading into every match. If you are an individual and having a bad day, you get substituted, and at all times, there are 14 teammates running onto the field with you.  

Standing on hallowed tennis courts like Roland Garros and Wimbledon, it is just you, with your opponent at the other side of the net. There is no place to hide. Drop your standards by the smallest of percentages and you will lose the final, and that is exactly where Alcaraz and Sinner are right now. 

The head-to-head stats show that for now, Alcaraz is starting to edge ahead of Sinner as the rivalry goes into round seven of this heavyweight tennis slugfest. But, it is all a matter of margins, and with men’s tennis Grand Slams being played over the best of five sets, there is always going to be an ebb and flow. Buckle up for the next in the series.  

Words: Gary Lemke 
Photography: Noushad Thekkayil/Landres Martinez Casares 

Also read: Donald Ramphadi: The dynamic wheelchair tennis ace 

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The new electric model will arrive in 2027, and motoring journalists are abuzz with anticipation, predicting that it might be one of the best-driving electric vehicles around based on the specs.

Originally launched in 1986 (as a special for Group A racing), the BMW M3 quickly established the template for what a driver’s saloon should be: light, balanced and direct. The M3’s weight-to power balance, exceptional handling and the way it rewards driver inputs made it the benchmark for decades.   

It combined track credibility with everyday usability, which kept the badge relevant to both purists and buyers who need to carry a briefcase and a bag of groceries. That heritage sets a high bar for any electric successor. 

What changes with electric?

Electric power alters the fundamentals. Batteries add mass and shift the centre of gravity lower, which helps cornering grip but can blunt the agility that comes from a lighter, better-balanced chassis. On average, this can add a few hundred kilograms, roughly 20 to 25% more mass versus comparable internal combustion engine models, a not insignificant factor for handling and tyre load. 

With increased mass comes altered balance, and that, in turn, affects the overall driving experience, especially in the high-performance range where M3 diehards extract the most reward. This is perhaps the biggest drawback. So much of what makes the M3 the M3 is its character. A high-performing phenom that draws its identity from its deeply mechanical roots. The rumble, growl and reaction of internal combustion, in the minds of many, is the defining characteristic and one that cannot be adequately substituted. 

But, for those with somewhat less vehement ties to this particular aspect of the M3’s makeup, the overall experience may still be intact. Electric motors (this model will have four, one for each wheel) deliver instant torque, which improves launch times and in-gear response. 

BMW sees the electric M as a technical opportunity. It has stated that fully electric M cars will set new performance standards, with bespoke battery and cooling systems aimed at repeatable high-performance us 

 Also read: 7 Essential car maintenance tips before you hit the road

Preserving the M personality

Sound, software and interface design will be crucial moving forward. BMW is already recording the sound of heritage M engines to blend with interior acoustics that support driver engagement without pretending to be an old-school internal combustion engine. 

Beyond simply sounding good, the sound element still matters because M drivers rely on what they hear to judge speed, eff ort and momentum. BMW does not need to copy the old engine note, but it does need to give the driver clear feedback that matches how the car is performing. 

Beyond sound, careful tuning of power delivery and driving modes can keep the car feeling playful when you want it to be, and secure and stable when you’re pushing hard. 

@bradparsons95 M3 is so loud it bursts your ears 😮 #fyp #bmw #bmwg81 #m3touring #foryou ♬ original sound – Brad Parsons

Performance & the field

Benchmarks already exist. The Porsche Taycan has shown that an electric performance car can be extremely fast and still deliver that performance again and again without fading. Audi and Mercedes now off er electric saloons with similar straight-line pace. 

For BMW, matching headline acceleration will not be enough. The electric M3 will need to feel consistent when driven hard, stay composed through corners and give the driver confidence to push every time.  

The gains are easy to identify. Electric power brings instant response, strong grip and new ways to shape how a car behaves on the road.  

The losses are more emotional, with extra weight and the absence of the familiar inline six soundtrack. Whether speed and precision can replace that connection will come down to how well BMW tunes the overall driving experience. If the car feels balanced, engaging and confidence-inspiring from behind the wheel, an electric M3 can still live up to its badge. 

Words: Tshiamo Seape 
Photgraphy: Supplied 

Also read: Can your car’s tyres handle winter’s wet conditions? 

The post What going electric means for the BMW M3 appeared first on TFG Media.

Every driver can benefit from a basic understanding of what car maintenance entails. You don’t need to be a mechanic to keep your vehicle in good shape, and with just a few simple habits you can improve the safety of your car, save money, and extend the life of your four-wheeled baby. Here are some essential, practical car maintenance tips to keep in mind before and during your time on the road (especially if you’re heading out over the Easter long weekend).  

1. Ensure that your tyres are road-ready  

Always start with your tyres. They’re literally where your car meets the road, so their condition matters more than most people realise. Check your tyre pressure at least once a month as a general rule of thumb and definitely before a long road trip. Underinflated tyres can reduce your fuel efficiency and will increase the risk of a blowout tyre, while overinflated ones can affect the handling of your car and could result in a tyre blowout. Lastly, keep an eye on the thread depth; worn tyres struggle to grip the road, especially in wet conditions. If you’re not sure how much thread is left, pop over to your nearest tyre specialist to have a look, and they will be able to gauge how many kms you have left before your tyres need replacing.  

@carssouthafrica The right tyre pressure is important, a balanced pressure is good but always check your car’s tyre pressure guideline, either in the petrol cap or inside the driver’s door. For best results check when the tyre is cool and fill it when your car is full, especially if you are going on a long road trip. You can also visit @dunloptyressa they have the best equipment to accurately check and set your tyre pressure! Phew! One less thing to worry about. #dunlop #dunloptyres #car #cartok #southafrica #cars #carscoza #tyresafety ♬ original sound – Cars.co.za

2. Check your car’s fluids 

Your engine relies on several fluids to function properly, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Check these levels regularly and top them up when needed. Engine oil is especially important; low or dirty oil can cause serious engine damage over time. If you’re unsure, follow your car manual for recommended intervals. You can get them checked when you fill up your tank at a petrol station or if you take your car for a pre-trip service. 

3. Make sure all your lights are working 

Lights and signals are another easy but crucial check. Do a pre-trip check by walking around your car to ensure all headlights, brake lights and indicators are working properly. Not only does this help you see clearly at night, but it also ensures other drivers can see your intentions on the road. Replacing a bulb is usually quick and inexpensive, yet often overlooked. 

4. Don’t forget about your wipers and windshield 

Clear visibility is essential for safe driving. If your wipers leave streaks or make noise, it’s time to replace them. Keep your windshield washer reservoir filled, especially during dusty or rainy conditions. A clean windshield can make a big difference in reaction time and overall safety.  

5. Pay attention to unusual noises  

It might sound odd, but you should actually listen to your car. Unusual sounds, vibrations, or warning lights on your dashboard are your car’s way of telling you something is wrong. Ignoring these signs can lead to bigger (and more expensive) problems later. If something feels off, it’s better to check it early rather than wait for a breakdown. 

@rcjmobilemechanics Hear a strange noise? Don’t ignore it, your car is warning you before the breakdown hits. RCJ got you! #CarTips #RCJMobileMechanics #MechanicLife #AutoCare #vehiclemaintenance ♬ original sound – WeAuto | Baton Rouge 📍

6. Keep an emergency kit on hand  

While this may sound a little excessive, it’s a great idea to keep an emergency kit in your car. This doesn’t have to be elaborate, just a few essentials like a flashlight, jumper cables, a first aid kit, bottled water, and a spare tyre with the tools to change it. Being prepared can turn a stressful roadside situation into a manageable one.  

7. Stick to a regular service schedule 

Even if your car seems fine, routine maintenance like oil changes, brake inspections and filter replacements help prevent issues before they start. Think of it as a small investment that pays off in reliability and peace of mind. 

@csautomall Here are 5 important reasons on why you should service your car on time. Warranty Coverage: New cars come with a manufacturer’s warranty, covering repairs and replacements for a set period, which provides peace of mind and saves on maintenance costs. Latest Technology & Features: New vehicles include the most up-to-date safety features, infotainment systems, and fuel-efficient or electric powertrains. Better Reliability & Lower Maintenance: Since everything is brand new, you’re less likely to experience mechanical issues early on, reducing repair costs compared to used cars. Customization Options: You can choose the exact trim, color, and features you want, instead of settling for what’s available in the used market. Better Financing & Incentives:
Automakers and dealerships often offer lower interest rates, rebates, and other promotions that make buying new more affordable than expected. #veichleservice #tips #cardealership #coralspringskia #fyp #salesman #carmaintenance ♬ original sound – Coral Springs Automall

Taking care of your car doesn’t have to be complicated. With a bit of attention and consistency, you can keep your vehicle running smoothly and ensure every trip, whether short or long, is as safe as possible. 

Words: Yashna Balwanth 
Photography: Freepik

The post 7 Essential car maintenance tips before you hit the road appeared first on TFG Media.

@barrettjacksontv Carroll Shelby didn’t just want to dominate #Ferraris on the track, he wanted to beat them on the street, too. That vision gave rise to #LittleRed, an experimental #Shelby #GT500 unlike anything else. For decades, this legendary car was thought to be lost forever … until we found it. Watch more of “The Hunt for Little Red” on @youtube ♬ original sound – Barrett-Jackson

Unfortunately, it was the heart of the man that got to him, with angina pectoris forcing Shelby to retire from racing in 1960. However, this didn’t douse his lust for the fast and furious, as he dreamt of creating something akin to — but more reliable than — the Aston Martins, Ferraris, Jaguars and Maseratis he had driven during his racing career.  

US + UK  

Though in thrall to the speed of these iconic sports cars, Carroll Shelby was less impressed by what he saw as an inherent unreliability, with engines that required frequent maintenance. Why not, he reasoned, pop a good old American V8 engine into one of these lightweight, nimble vehicles?  

His dream became a reality when he learned that British manufacturer AC Motors could no longer source the engine required for their AC Ace sports car. Shelby pitched his idea to AC Motors, who loved it, then to Ford Motor Company, who were taken with the idea of a car that could go head-to-head with the Chevrolet Corvette.  

Thus the newly formed Shelby American and AC Motors set to work, crafting something hitherto unique: a sports car that fused British engineering with American muscle. Shelby dubbed it ‘the Cobra’, a name he said came to him in a dream.  

While the goal was to maintain the lightweight form factor of the Ace, when building the prototype, engineers had to beef up the body somewhat to accommodate the significantly greater power of a V8 engine. That meant fitting a limited-slip Salisbury rear differential, inboard rear disc brakes to reduce unsprung weight and improve handling, and thicker main chassis tubes.  

The result was the prototype Carroll Shelby Experimental 2000 (although just ‘CSX2000’ was engraved on the chassis), which was tested at the Motor Industry Research Association track in England, using the new Ford Fairlane 221 CID V8 engine.  

Finally, in February 1962, the chassis was flown to America to be fitted with a four-speed transmission and one of the very first Ford 260 CID V8 engines, at hot-rodding legend Dean Moon’s auto shop in Santa Fe Springs in California.  

Smoke, mirrors + yellow paint  

Two months later, the Cobra CSX2000 debuted at the New York Auto Show, decked out not in the iconic blue that came to be associated with the car, but in pearlescent yellow paint that Shelby was advised would look striking beneath the harsh glow of fluorescent lighting.  

It was the first of many paint jobs on the sole prototype with which Shelby did the rounds, creating the illusion that the cars were rolling off the production line. 

Thankfully, production did get going and 75 cars were sold by the end of 1962. The performance was truly mind-blowing for a street-legal vehicle, clocking 0-96km/h in four seconds and with a top speed in excess of 265km/h.  

But Shelby didn’t design the Cobra merely to tear up the streets.  

The car emerged as a powerhouse in American motorsport in the early 1960s, winning multiple races in the US Road Racing Championship and Sports Car Club of America events. 

 To compete with Ferrari’s GT cars, Shelby knew that modifications had to be made to the Cobra, resulting in the Shelby Dayton Coupe, which helped the manufacturer clinch the International Championship for GT Manufacturers in 1965. 

One for the dreamers 

With its timeless looks, innovative marriage of steel frame with lightweight aluminium body, and that monster engine — with the consequent eye-watering performance and track success — the Cobra quickly established its legacy as a pioneer of US motorsport excellence. Elvis Presley drove one in the 1966 film Spinout, and the car featured in the hit TV crime series Honey West, cementing its place in popular culture.  

Fewer than a thousand were manufactured, making it a collector’s item of the highest order, with originals selling for more than $1 million today.  

More than that, however, the Cobra remains a symbol of American innovation, an inspiration for designers and engineers the world over… and a reminder of what can happen when dreams become reality.  

@polloloco_cars Mclaren M1A Oldsmobile, amazing V8 sound! #fyp #foryou #foryoupagee #mclaren #mclarenm1a #elvispresley #elvis #v8 #v8power #theicestmoritz ♬ som original – bakura

Words: Anthony Sharpe
Photography: Unsplash, Gallo/Getty images

Also read: These car brands are eager to be the best

The post How the Shelby Cobra drove into the history books appeared first on TFG Media.