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Football Mourns a Titan: AC Milan and Italy Legend Franco Baresi Passes Away Aged 66

The global footballing community is united in profound grief following the heartbreaking announcement that Franco Baresi, the legendary AC Milan and Italy defender, has died at the age of 66. The iconic sweeper, widely regarded as one of the finest defensive minds in the history of the sport, passed away on Friday, 31 July 2026, at the Humanitas di Rozzano clinic on the outskirts of Milan.

Baresi’s death marks the conclusion of a courageous, year-long battle with illness. In August 2025, the beloved former captain underwent major surgery to remove a pulmonary nodule, which was subsequently treated with a rigorous course of immunotherapy. Despite his declining physical condition, Baresi faced his health struggles with the same quiet dignity, stoicism, and grace that defined his extraordinary two-decade career on the pitch.

The news of his passing has triggered an immediate and emotional outpouring of tributes from across the globe, led by the club he devoted his entire professional life to. In a deeply poignant statement released on Friday morning, AC Milan captured the collective heartbreak of millions of supporters: “The entire history of AC Milan is in tears following the passing of Franco Baresi. His example and integrity will be forever etched into the Club’s DNA, just as his iconic number six shirt is”.

A Symbol of Untouchable Loyalty

In a modern sporting era often characterised by lucrative transfers and fleeting allegiances, Franco Baresi stood as the ultimate monument to loyalty. Born in the small town of Travagliato, Lombardy, in May 1960, Baresi overcame immense personal tragedy as a teenager when he and his brother, Giuseppe, were orphaned. This early hardship forged an intense, quiet resilience that would become the hallmark of his entire career.

Affectionately nicknamed “Piscinin” (Little One) in his youth due to his relatively slight stature for a traditional central defender, Baresi joined the AC Milan youth academy in 1974. He made his senior debut four years later, just days before his 18th birthday. What he lacked in raw physical bulk, he compensated for with an extraordinary footballing IQ, peerless positional awareness, and an uncanny ability to read the game long before an opponent could execute a pass.

His unwavering dedication to the Rossoneri was fiercely tested in the early 1980s. During a dark period in the club’s history, AC Milan suffered two painful relegations to Serie B. While other high-profile stars fled the San Siro to maintain their prestige and salaries, a young Baresi steadfastly refused to abandon the shirt. He remained loyal to the club, accepted the captain’s armband at the tender age of 22, and dragged Milan back to the Italian top flight. That unshakeable fidelity earned him the eternal adoration of the Milan faithful, who would later vote him as the club’s Player of the Century. From then on, the nickname “Piscinin” was replaced with a more reverent title: “Il Capitano” (The Captain).

The Architect of Defensive Perfection

When AC Milan eventually returned to the summit of European football, Baresi was the undisputed architect of their dominance. Often described as the “Johan Cruyff of defenders,” he completely redefined the traditional role of the libero (sweeper). He did not rely on bone-crunching tackles or brute force; instead, he utilised elegant anticipation, supreme technical ability, and tactical intelligence to dictate the tempo of matches from deep within his own half.

Under the visionary management of Arrigo Sacchi, and later Fabio Capello, Baresi formed the cornerstone of what is widely considered the greatest defensive unit in football history. Playing alongside Paolo Maldini, Mauro Tassotti, and Alessandro Costacurta, Baresi perfected a suffocatingly high defensive line and a flawless offside trap. This near-telepathic backline spearheaded a historic, legendary 58-match unbeaten streak in Serie A, a benchmark of defensive perfection that remains a cornerstone of Italian football folklore.

His influence was immeasurable as AC Milan swept through domestic and continental competition. He guided the team to six Serie A titles and three European Cups (1989, 1990, 1994). His brilliance was universally acknowledged, culminating in him finishing as the runner-up for the prestigious Ballon d’Or in 1989.

Franco Baresi’s Major Honours

Competition	Titles Won	Years
Serie A	6	1978–79, 1987–88, 1991–92, 1992–93, 1993–94, 1995–96
European Cup / UEFA Champions League	3	1988–89, 1989–90, 1993–94
Supercoppa Italiana	4	1988, 1992, 1993, 1994
European Super Cup	3	1989, 1990, 1994
Intercontinental Cup	2	1989, 1990
FIFA World Cup	1	1982

International Glory and Heartbreak

Baresi’s domestic brilliance was seamlessly translated to the international stage, where he represented the Italian national team with distinction, earning 81 caps and scoring a single goal between 1982 and 1994.

He was a young member of Italy’s victorious 1982 World Cup squad in Spain, though he did not feature on the pitch during that triumph. He later anchored the Azzurri defence to a third-place finish on home soil during the iconic 1990 World Cup, known as Italia ’90.

However, his most defining international moment came four years later at the 1994 World Cup in the United States, in what remains one of the most heroic captain’s performances in the history of the tournament. After suffering a severe injury early in the competition, Baresi underwent meniscus surgery. In an act of sheer defiance and unparalleled willpower, he rushed through a brutal rehabilitation process and returned to the pitch just 25 days after his operation to start the World Cup Final.

Facing a terrifyingly potent Brazilian attack spearheaded by Romário and Bebeto, Baresi put on an individual defensive masterclass. Playing through immense physical agony, he matched every run, intercepted every pass, and single-handedly kept a clean sheet over 120 gruelling minutes. Cruelly, the fairy-tale ending was denied in the ensuing penalty shootout. Exhausted, Baresi missed his spot-kick, alongside teammates Daniele Massaro and Roberto Baggio, as Brazil claimed the trophy. Despite the massive heartbreak, his performance that afternoon in Pasadena cemented his status as a warrior of the highest order.

A Timeless Legacy

When Franco Baresi finally hung up his boots in 1997, after amassing 719 appearances across twenty senior seasons, AC Milan made an unprecedented gesture. The club officially retired his iconic number 6 shirt, ensuring that no other player would ever carry the immense weight of that jersey.

In his post-playing career, Baresi remained inextricably linked to the Rossoneri. He served various roles, from youth coach and director to a long-standing position as a club ambassador. In 2020, he was appointed honorary vice-president of AC Milan, formalising his status as the spiritual figurehead of the institution.

While his illness largely kept him away from the public eye in recent years, his final public appearance was a fittingly poetic farewell. In February 2026, a visibly fragile but immensely proud Baresi stepped onto the grass of a packed San Siro stadium. Alongside his longtime friend and cross-town Inter Milan rival Beppe Bergomi, Baresi carried the Olympic torch during the opening ceremony for the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games. He was greeted by a thunderous, emotional ovation from the crowd, a beautiful tribute to a man who had given his entire life to the city.

The loss of Baresi has caused a profound wave of grief to ripple across the international sporting community. Major clubs, legendary peers, and historic rivals have united to pay their respects to a man who embodied the beautiful game. Juventus released a touching tribute, praising his “class, style, leadership, and respect on and off the field,” noting that his deep humanity would keep him in history forever. Real Madrid also expressed their deep sorrow, honouring his lifelong dedication to a single club.

Paolo Maldini, who formed a near-telepathic partnership with Baresi before inheriting his captain’s armband, has always credited Baresi as his ultimate mentor, highlighting the profound generational impact Baresi had on Italian defending.

Franco Baresi was far more than an elite athlete. He was a symbol of unshakeable fidelity, a tactical pioneer who fundamentally changed how modern defending is played, and the definitive heartbeat of AC Milan. While his physical presence leaves the San Siro today, his spirit, integrity, and timeless example are permanently woven into the very DNA of football history.

Infantino Under Siege: CONCACAF and AFA Join UEFA Mutiny as Pressure Mounts on FIFA President

Global football is witnessing an unprecedented institutional collapse. Just 24 hours after UEFA’s 55 member nations unanimously voted to boycott all FIFA competitions over a multi-billion-dollar privatisation scheme, the administrative mutiny has officially crossed the Atlantic. On Friday morning, the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) and the Argentine Football Association (AFA) formally joined the escalating backlash against FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his deeply controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal.

With at least 90 national federations now publicly rejecting the private-capital project, Infantino is facing the sharpest and most perilous political crisis of his decade-long presidency. As calls for his immediate resignation intensify and his 2027 re-election bid comes under severe threat, the governing body of world football finds itself entirely isolated, desperately attempting to defend a commercial venture that threatens to fracture the sport beyond repair.

The Americas Rebel: CONCACAF and AFA Draw the Line

Infantino’s grand design hinges on raising up to $4.2 billion by selling a minority, non-controlling stake in FFE, a newly proposed commercial subsidiary valuing FIFA’s commercial rights at a staggering $20 billion, to private equity investors. The subsidiary would be tasked with managing broadcasting, sponsorships, licensing, and ticketing for the men’s and women’s World Cups. While European opposition was widely anticipated given the historically strained relationship between UEFA and FIFA, the ferocious pushback from the Americas represents a fatal blow to the president’s consensus-building efforts.

CONCACAF, fresh off co-hosting the 2026 World Cup across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, released a scathing public statement condemning the absolute lack of transparency surrounding the FFE initiative. The North American governing body confirmed it only learned of the monumental privatisation plans through external media reports, rather than through official FIFA consultation channels.

“We are deeply concerned by the lack of due process,” the CONCACAF statement read, echoing the sentiments of a continent blindsided by the boardroom manoeuvring. “A proposal of this magnitude, which permanently reshapes the commercial landscape of global football, was developed and announced publicly without any prior consultation with continental confederations or member associations. We share the profound disappointment echoed by our colleagues globally and demand immediate institutional accountability”.

The situation escalated further on Friday when the AFA officially aligned itself with the opposition. Holding immense political capital as the reigning 2026 World Cup runners-up and acting as a heavy influencer within the South American confederation (CONMEBOL), Argentina’s rejection is catastrophic for FIFA’s ambitions.

AFA executives expressed extreme discomfort with the prospect of surrendering portions of the sport’s most historic tournament to private equity funds. For South American nations, where football is heavily intertwined with national identity and cultural heritage, the concept of the World Cup becoming a tradable asset for international investors is deeply unpalatable. By joining UEFA and CONCACAF, the AFA has effectively ensured that the vast majority of the world’s most lucrative, influential, and successful footballing nations are now actively boycotting FIFA’s commercial expansion.

The Defiant Defence: FIFA Holds Firm

Despite the walls closing in rapidly, FIFA has opted for steadfast defiance rather than diplomatic retreat. Responding to the wave of global condemnation, the Zurich-based organisation released a detailed defence of the FFE project on Friday, attempting to reassure hostile federations that the soul of the sport remains protected.

According to FIFA’s official legal briefings, FFE would possess its own commercial mandate and operational governance structure, but FIFA would strictly retain absolute majority control. Crucially, the governing body insists it will maintain exclusive authority over sporting rules, calendar scheduling, and competition formats. The private investors, FIFA claims, would hold strictly non-controlling minority stakes, stripping them of any power to dictate where or how the World Cup is played.

Furthermore, Infantino’s administration continues to frame the $20 billion valuation as a historic opportunity for global grassroots development. The financial blueprint promises to return the net benefits directly to the sport. Under the FFE structure, each of the 211 national associations would receive a one-off payment of up to $20 million for dedicated infrastructure projects. Additionally, the regular FIFA Forward programme funding for the 2027–2030 cycle would jump significantly from a planned $8 million to $20 million per association, with projections rising to $24 million by the 2035–2038 cycle.

Infantino has previously characterised the FFE project as a “natural step” to strengthen the foundations of the sport, arguing that private investment is absolutely necessary to fund stadiums, youth development, and women’s football in developing nations that cannot independently finance such infrastructure.

However, this immense financial incentive has completely failed to appease the critics. Opponents argue that allowing private equity firms to gain an economic interest in the World Cup’s operational delivery inevitably grants them backdoor influence over future decisions. The fundamental fear remains that the relentless pursuit of profit margins will eventually supersede sporting integrity and tradition.

The Pressure Mounts: Is Infantino’s Reign Over?

The FFE rebellion is merely the latest, albeit most severe, crisis to engulf Gianni Infantino’s presidency. The 56-year-old was already navigating intensely turbulent waters following a 2026 World Cup plagued by unprecedented diplomatic, logistical, and disciplinary scandals.

Infantino was subjected to fierce resignation demands earlier this month after staggering allegations surfaced of improper intervention in a disciplinary case involving the United States national team. Following a direct phone call from US President Donald Trump, FIFA controversially suspended a red card issued to American striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to compete in a crucial knockout fixture against Belgium. The decision bypassed standard judicial protocols, sparking outrage across Europe and prompting widespread accusations of blatant political appeasement.

Coupled with systemic logistical failures, severe visa delays for competing nations like Iran, and the outright denial of entry for a Somalian referee holding a diplomatic passport, Infantino’s post-tournament declaration that the World Cup was “the greatest human, social, and cultural event ever witnessed” was viewed by many federations as dangerously out of touch with reality.

Now, with the private equity scandal merging seamlessly with the lingering resentment from the North American World Cup, Infantino’s grip on power has never been weaker. He currently lacks the necessary majority support to pass the FFE initiative at a FIFA Congress. More pressingly, the 2027 FIFA presidential election is rapidly approaching, and what was once expected to be a seamless coronation has transformed into a critical referendum on his leadership and his vision for the sport.

With UEFA threatening a total tournament boycott, CONCACAF demanding systemic transparency, and the AFA pulling vital South American support, Infantino is rapidly running out of political allies. The historical strategy of leveraging smaller, developing federations with promises of increased central funding to outvote traditional footballing powerhouses appears to have finally reached its breaking point.

Conclusion

As Friday afternoon unfolds in Switzerland, global football finds itself entirely paralysed by administrative warfare. The unified front presented by Europe and the Americas indicates that the game’s traditional stakeholders are no longer willing to tolerate opaque commercial governance or the unchecked centralisation of power.

Gianni Infantino took office in 2016 promising to meticulously restore FIFA’s shattered credibility in the wake of the devastating Sepp Blatter corruption scandals. A decade later, he stands accused of attempting to permanently corporatise the very essence of the sport. Whether he can survive this unprecedented multi-continental uprising remains to be seen, but one reality is absolute: the battle for the future and the soul of the World Cup has officially begun, and the current FIFA administration is losing its grip.

Whites Beaconsfield Launches 50% Off Boots Sale to Celebrate Nationwide Retail Expansion

Teeth Whitening company Whites Beaconsfield has put a smile on customers’ faces with a 50% sale this August.

There’s never been a better time to brighten your smile. To celebrate the first-ever nationwide launch into Boots, award-winning teeth whitening brand Whites Beaconsfield is giving shoppers 50% off its entire product range throughout August, both in Boots stores and online.

The near month-long offer marks the biggest deal in the brand’s history, giving customers the chance to snap up its best-selling products at their lowest prices ever.

Some of the standout offers include:

● Premium Teeth Whitening Strips – Was £11.99, now £5.99 (save £6)

● Advanced Teeth Whitening Kit – Was £49.99, now £24.99 (save £25)

● Teeth Whitening Powder – Was £19.99, now £9.99 (save £10)

● Whitening Toothpaste – Was £11.49, now £5.74 (save £5.75)

Plus, every other Whites Beaconsfield product at Boots is available at 50% off throughout August.

The exclusive summer promotion comes just weeks after Whites Beaconsfield announced its landmark partnership with Boots, with the brand’s award-winning range now available in more than 300 Boots stores across the UK and Ireland, as well as online.

Founded by brothers Ollie and Toby Brittan in 2019 with just £350, Whites Beaconsfield has grown into one of the UK’s fastest-growing oral care brands, generating more than £8 million in annual revenue by making premium, non-peroxide teeth whitening affordable and accessible.

Known for its vegan-friendly whitening formulas and innovative products, the brand has built a loyal following through social media and word-of-mouth, disrupting an industry traditionally dominated by expensive treatments.

Toby Brittan, Co-Founder and CEO of Whites Beaconsfield, said: “We wanted to celebrate our Boots launch in a big way and put a smile on everyone’s face this summer. Offering our entire range at half price in August is something we’ve never done before, making it the best time ever for customers to try our products or stock up on their favourites.

“Whether you’re heading off on holiday, celebrating a special occasion or simply want a brighter smile, there’s never been a better opportunity to experience premium teeth whitening at an incredible price.”

The August promotion is expected to be one of the biggest teeth whitening retail offers of the summer, with customers encouraged to shop early while stocks last.

Whites Beaconsfield has become renowned for its innovative product range, including whitening kits, PAP whitening strips, specialist whitening toothpastes, whitening powders and products specifically developed for veneers, crowns and composite bonding.

The 50% off promotion is available until August 25th, exclusively at Boots stores nationwide and Boots online.

Mazda Motors UK Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Landmark Year of New Model Launches

Founded on the 1^st of August 2001, this year sees Mazda Motors UK Ltd celebrate its 25^th Anniversary. The idea for the company came about in the late 1990s as Mazda Motor Corporation took the decision to connect the European region more closely with the core business in Japan. At the time there were just two national sales companies in Europe, with all the other markets including the UK, served by independent importers.

The story of Mazda in Europe started with the first cars being imported in 1967 followed by Mazda establishing Mazda Logistics Europe (MLE) in Willebroek, Belgium in 1968 as a central hub for the distribution of cars and parts. In 1972 Mazda Motor Deutschland was established to directly control operations in the key German market. However, it was in the late 1980s that Mazda Corporation really ramped up investment in Europe with the founding of Mazda Motor Europe (MME) in 1989 and the creation of a European headquarters in Leverkusen, Germany. This was followed in 1990 with the opening of Mazda Research Europe (MRE) in Oberursel, Germany, which provided Mazda with a R&D and design centre for the crucial European market.

With this kind of investment in the European market, it was not surprising that Mazda Corporation and MME looked to connect more closely with key European markets via wholly owned national sales companies rather than independent distributors, and, as the second biggest sales market in Europe, the UK was at the top of that list.

Mazda’s story in the UK started on a small scale in 1967 with Industria (London) Ltd officially launching the Mazda marque on the 30^th September 1969 at the British Motorshow, then in 1972 Industria (London) Ltd was renamed Mazda Car Imports (GB) Ltd. In the early days the relatively limited recognition of the Mazda brand in the UK and import restrictions on Japanese made cars meant sales were small, but from a few hundred cars a year in the late 1960s, by the end of 1973 sales were at 7,000 per year. Mazda Car Imports (GB) became Mazda Cars UK Ltd in 1975 and then in 1978 Tunbridge Wells based MCL Group Ltd took over distribution rights for Mazda in the UK until 2001.

Mazda Motors UK Ltd (MMUK) was founded on the 1^st August 2001. As part of the process more than 40 staff from MCL Group transferred to the new entity, which from October 2001 was based in Dartford, Kent. The location was chosen as it was roughly equidistant between Tunbridge Wells based MCL Group and Ford Motor Company in Essex, where thanks to the early 2000s Ford share-holding in Mazda Corporation, five directors were sent on assignment from Ford UK to the new Mazda Motors UK Ltd.

Today six members of the founding MMUK staff of 54 remain at Mazda UK, including now Managing Director, Jeremy Thomson. Commenting on the 25^th Anniversary of Mazda UK, he said: “joining the company on its first day of operation 25 years ago, I am hugely proud of the business that every one of us has crafted, and the amazing culture that exists here. It’s a tribute to every single member of staff and not just the leadership team or any single person. Our shared commitment to the Brand, our valued dealer network partners and the over 900,000 new car buyers over those years is our passion and our strength, and I would like to sincerely thank all those who have been part of that journey and continue to craft the exciting years ahead.”

In 2001 the Mazda range featured the Mazda 323, Mazda 626, Mazda Demio, Mazda Premacy, Mazda MPV, Mazda Tribute and Mazda MX-5. During the 2001 transition year Mazda sold just 14,298 cars in the UK, but with the launch of the first-generation Mazda6 in 2002, Mazda Motors UK sold 27,820 cars in its first full year as a company – including 6,315 of the new Mazda6. With the early days of Mazda UK coinciding with a global revitalisation of the Mazda product line-up, the sales growth continued – by 2004 with the new Mazda3 and Mazda2 on sale, plus the rotary powered RX-8 joining the range as a halo sports car – annual sales had reached 47,739. By 2007, sales peaked at 50,947 and the launch of the Mazda CX-7 established Mazda in the developing SUV market, something cemented by the huge success of the subsequent CX-5, which went on sale in 2012.

Having served as both Marketing Director and Sales Director, Jeremy Thomson took the Managing Director role in 2008, which coincided with Ford selling the majority of its stake in Mazda Corporation. “In the early years of MMUK, Mazda was the fastest growing brand in the UK for five consecutive years, and in 2008 with the reduction of Ford’s input, the MMUK structure changed quickly with Ford employees either returning or resigning to stay with Mazda. Since then, we’ve seen the business develop and evolve alongside the launch of key global elements like Skyactiv Technology, Kodo Design and ever more premium oriented products. With the increase in SUV sales at the start of the 2010s, cars like the Mazda CX-5 have been crucial in our success story, as has our icon the Mazda MX-5, and in recent years our multi-solution approach to the product line-up in the UK”, commented Jeremy.

One of the staff who transferred from MCL Group to the new Mazda Motors UK Ltd in 2001 and one of the six who still work for MMUK today, Mazda UK, Sales Director, Laura Brailey, said: “reaching our 25th anniversary is a remarkable achievement and a proud moment for everyone associated with our business. It represents 25 years of hard work, resilience, and commitment to our customers. I would like to thank our employees, customers, and partners for their invaluable contribution to our success. Having been with the organisation for that entire length of time, I am hugely grateful for being part of this journey and I look forward to the next milestone with as much excitement as we felt 25 years ago”.

Now a 39-year veteran of Mazda, MMUK Parts and Accessories Manager, David Elphick, said: “having started my career fresh out of college with Mazda in 1987 as a vehicle technician at Tunbridge Wells Mazda – the retail dealership owned by MCL Group, I was delighted to get the opportunity to be part of an exciting new future for Mazda in the UK with the new MMUK company. I can remember the early days of Mazda UK were great because of the drive for results, passion and can-do attitude across the company – something that remains at MMUK today, which is what makes it such a great place to work”.

Moving into a new headquarters building in 2015, Mazda UK has in recent years faced the challenges of Brexit and Covid, plus the huge changes to the nature of the UK market. “But throughout all of this I have been convinced by the strength of the Mazda brand, our products, our great dealers and the team at Mazda UK”, commented Jeremy Thomson.

Today Mazda UK has 112 employees and a network of 105 dealers, while the 25^th Anniversary year of the business will be one of the busiest in the firm’s history with the launch of three all-new cars: the all-new Mazda6e, the all-new Mazda CX-5, and later this year, the all-new Mazda CX-6e.

Since 2002 MMUK has sold a total of 933,906 passenger cars in the UK, but looking firmly towards an exciting future for Mazda in the UK, Jeremy Thomson, said “this is a great time to thank all our customers, dealer partners and staff for the success of MMUK over the last 25 years and for Mazda UK I’m sure the next quarter of a century will be even more exciting than the last.”

UK Nissan EV Owners Pass Milestone of Three Billion Electric Miles

Nissan is today celebrating a substantial milestone in its EV history, with UK owners of its electric cars and vans having driven a staggering three billion miles between them.

Compiled using DVLA mileage data about electric Nissans registered in the UK, the landmark figure of 3,027,603,142 miles is the equivalent of driving to the moon and back more than 6,000 times – or from Sunderland to Tokyo more than 340,000 times.

The achievement is a testament to Nissan’s 15 years of uninterrupted EV sales in the UK, a record unmatched by any other car maker. LEAF is also the first EV from a major manufacturer to be produced across three separate model generations.

With zero emissions ‘at the tailpipe’, Nissan EV drivers have significantly reduced the environmental impact of their travel in the UK, be it trips to work, school runs or holidays. Had all these journeys instead been made by petrol-powered cars of a similar size, their tailpipe emissions could have totalled more than half a million tonnes of CO2*.

Nissan EVs in the UK: a brief history
The first-generation LEAF went on sale in the UK in 2011, bringing affordable electric motoring to the masses for the first time, and was built at Sunderland from 2013. The e-NV200 electric van followed in 2014, proving that LCV users could also experience the benefits of zero-emission driving.

2018 saw LEAF enter its second generation, with an all-new model that proved even more popular than its first iteration. ARIYA, Nissan’s first electric crossover, arrived in 2022, with buyers loving its sleek looks and spacious, lounge-like interior, and the model earning rave reviews, as well a coveted Car of the Year title from Auto Express.

MICRA joined the lineup in late 2025, bringing an electric supermini to Nissan showrooms for the first time. And now, in 2026, the all-new, third-gen LEAF has arrived, the most advanced, spacious and efficient iteration of the iconic EV to date, which was recently named Auto Express Car of the Year 2026.

All three generations of LEAF have been produced in Nissan’s Sunderland plant in the north east of England, where the new car will soon be joined by an all-electric Juke as part of the brand’s EV36Zero strategy, which includes using renewable energy generated on-site by wind and solar, and battery packs made next door in Nissan partner AESC’s gigafactory.

James Taylor, Managing Director of Nissan Motor GB, said: “Nissan has been a pioneer and leader in electric vehicles for more than 15 years, and figures like this only underscore that point. For our EVs to have covered more than three billion electric miles across the UK is an incredible milestone, and one that everyone at Nissan should be proud of.

“The first-generation LEAF kicked off the EV revolution back in 2011, so it’s fantastic to see in real terms the impact that Nissan’s ever-growing electric model range has had since then. Now, with the all-new LEAF and MICRA in showrooms and on our roads, joining thousands of ARIYA, Townstar and Interstar models, we are helping even more people experience the benefits of all-electric motoring.

“A big thanks must go to our fantastic customers too, who in many cases were real trailblazers in the early days of EVs: believing in our vision of fully electric motoring from day one, and without whom we couldn’t have reached this incredible landmark.”

Prices for Nissan’s new electric passenger car lineup starts from as little as £21,495 for the 40kWh MICRA Engage (including £1,750 electric car grant), while LEAF starts from £28,849 for the 52kWh Engage model (including the full £3,750 electric car grant). MY26 ARIYA is available from £37,000 and is also expected to benefit from the Electric Car Grant when homologated.

* Actual figure calculated as approx. 584,695 tonnes of CO₂, based on emissions of 120g/km (matching an average C-segment petrol-powered hatchback on sale today) multiplied by 3,027,603,142 miles.

Oldham Athletic Sign Young Attacker Favour Fawunmi on Loan from Stoke City

Oldham Athletic are delighted to announce the signing of Favour Fawunmi on a season-long loan from Stoke City.

The attacking player joins after being on loan at Sky Bet League One side, Leyton Orient, in the second half of last season.

Fawunmi, 20, came through the ranks at West Ham United having joined at U15 level. He was part of the FA Youth Cup winning side in 2023, scoring 17 goals in 44 appearances for the Hammers’ U18s over two seasons.

The youngster joined Stoke in 2025, making the first of his two senior appearances for the Potters as a second half substitute in an FA Cup tie against Cardiff in February 2025.

On joining the club, Fawunmi said: “I’m really excited to get started, it’s going to be a good season.

“I’m someone that likes to carry the ball, I like to create chances. Hopefully I’ll score some goals and get a few assists as well.

“The fans can really get behind the players here and be the 12th man at times so I’m looking forward to experiencing that this season.”

Manager Micky Mellon added: “We’re really pleased to bring Favour to the football club. He’s an exciting attacking prospect with plenty of pace, creativity and the ability to make things happen in the final third.

“He’s a young player who has had a taste of senior football and he comes here hungry to keep developing his game.

“We want young players who are ambitious and willing to work and Favour fits that profile. He’s got the attributes to excite supporters, whether that’s taking players on, creating chances or adding a different dimension to our attack.

“Now it’s about helping him settle in, working hard every day and giving him the platform to show what he can do.”

Hull Trains Announces Support for Doncaster Rovers Belles Academy and Doncaster Pride

Hull Trains, the country’s top performing rail operator, has reinforced its commitment to supporting Doncaster with a range of exciting partnerships.

The company has announced that it’s championing the next generation of local football talent, partnering with the Doncaster Rovers Belles Academy. As one of the oldest grassroots clubs in England, the Belles give young people a pathway to a professional career.

The new partnership will see the Hull Trains logo displayed on the back of the Belles Academy shirts. However, the partnership represents much more than that, offering an opportunity for Hull Trains to champion women’s football and to celebrate the important role the club has in the community.

It comes as Hull Trains has also reaffirmed its support for the annual Doncaster Pride, which returns to the city on the 8 August, celebrating the local LGBTQA+ community. Hull Trains is working with organisers to organise for acts around the country to travel to the event on its trains.

This year’s Doncaster Pride is set to be the biggest and best to date with popular girl group Queens of the West End performing, as well as tribute act Sweet Like Sabrina and local transgender rights activists Alexis and Liam Blake.

Hull Trains provides a vital local transport link for the people of Doncaster, offering award-winning services that connect the city with London King’s Cross, as well as destinations including Hull, Selby, Grantham and Retford. The partnerships build on Hull Trains’ track record of championing local events, charities and community initiatives in local communities.

Nathan Rayne, Interim Service Delivery Director at Hull Trains, said: “Doncaster is a vibrant and exciting city full of amazing people and we’re proud to support partnerships that make a real difference here.

“Our support for Doncaster Rovers Belles Academy is about championing opportunity, backing young talent and helping to raise the profile of women’s football locally. The Belles have a proud history and an exciting future. We’re pleased that we can play a small part in their journey.

“We’re also thrilled to reaffirm our support for Doncaster Pride, helping their acts travel to the city for what promises to be a fantastic celebration. Whether it’s through sport, community events or connecting people by rail, we’re proud to champion Doncaster.”

Laura Hemstock, Head of Sales at Club Doncaster, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Hull Trains as a partner of Doncaster Rovers Belles Academy. Their commitment goes far beyond branding on a shirt – it’s about investing in opportunities for young players, championing the growth of the women’s game and supporting the communities we serve. Partnerships like this help us continue to develop the next generation of talent while strengthening the connections between local businesses, organisations and our football club.”

The Doncaster Pride Committee, said: “We are incredibly grateful to once again be working with Hull Trains ahead of Doncaster Pride 2026. Hull Trains continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community through its work with a range of organisations, and we are proud to be one of them. While their support for our event may be just one part of their wider commitment, it makes a significant difference to us.

“This year, Hull Trains has once again kindly supported the transportation of our London-based performers, helping to ensure they arrive in Doncaster comfortably and on time for the event.

“It is also fantastic to see a collaboration between our partners at Hull Trains and Club Doncaster, with Hull Trains proudly featured on the new Doncaster Belles away shirt. Seeing local organisations come together to champion inclusion and representation is incredibly positive, and we are delighted to celebrate that partnership alongside our own.”

Hull Trains recently secured the Gold award for ‘Best One Off Content Campaign’ for its popular English Tourism Week campaign at the Corporate Content Awards. Featuring TV and radio personality, Jack Marriner-Brown, the campaign successfully showcased Doncaster and all it has to offer, including the local Yorkshire Wildlife Park and Viking Axe Throwing.

The Open Access operator, meanwhile, is top of the league table for customer service. Hull Trains recorded an outstanding 94% customer satisfaction score in the recent Rail Customer Experience Survey (RCXS) results.

New Macmillan Cancer Support Centre Opens at Stepping Hill Hospital

New support for people affected by cancer across Stockport and the High Peak is now available, with the opening of a new Macmillan Cancer Support Centre opening on the Stepping Hill Hospital site this week.

The centre is now providing personalised support, advice and guidance for people affected by cancer. A range of information resources is available, with on-site staff who can help users access local services and organisations.

The centre operates on a drop-in basis, with no appointment necessary. It can be found between the rear Medical and Surgical Building entrance and Outpatients Department C at Stepping Hill Hospital, with further signposting toward the centre on site.

Over time, the service aims to expand beyond the hospital site through community-based activities and partnerships, helping more people access support closer to home.

Designed by Arcadis, the centre has been created to provide a welcoming, calming and supportive environment. Thoughtfully designed to maximise natural light and incorporate elements inspired by nature, the space aims to promote comfort and wellbeing for patients, visitors and staff.

Future plans for the centre will include a programme of events and activities, including coffee mornings, wellbeing sessions and visits from partner organisations such as Citizens Advice.

The centre is run by Joe Wiecha, the Macmillan Cancer Support Centre Manager. Joe said; “It’s been fantastic for the centre to finally open and welcome our very first visitors. Whoever you are, and whatever your experience of cancer, you will always receive a warm welcome at our centre. Whether you’re living with cancer, supporting a family member or friend, or adjusting to life beyond treatment, our team is here to listen, support you, and help you access the information, services, and guidance you need.”

The centre is open Monday-Friday, 10:00am – 4:00pm, and can be contacted via email at macmillancentre@stockport.nhs.uk

Aldi Shoppers Race to Buy £2.39 Specially Selected Burrata Up to 30% Cheaper Than Competitors

Savvy shoppers are racing to snap up Aldi’s £2.39 Specially Selected Burrata (150g) as the creamy Italian cheese takes social media by storm.

With #Burrata racking up millions of posts across Instagram and TikTok, and Google searches for ‘burrata recipes’ soaring by a staggering 832%^[1], it’s little wonder foodies are desperate to recreate this summer’s hottest dishes without splashing the cash. What’s more, Aldi has revealed a 56% uplift in Burrata sales since June^[2].

Following a recent @AldiUK Instagram reel highlighting the cheese, fans have been quick to rave about the supermarket’s budget-friendly buy, with one saying: “It’s delicious 😋“ while another added: “Had this loads of times – it’s fantastic.” A third simply wrote: “I want it!”

Coming in at up to 30% cheaper than pricier alternatives³, Aldi’s Specially Selected Burrata (£2.39, 150g) is fresh and irresistibly creamy, with a soft centre of mozzarella strands and cream. It’s the perfect centrepiece for the viral peach and burrata salad that’s been flooding social feeds this summer.

Shoppers can recreate the trending dish for just £1.23 per person (based on six servings) using Aldi ingredients:

Specially Selected Burrata (£2.39, 150g)
Nature’s Pick Peaches (£1.39, 4 pack)
Nature’s Pick Wild Rocket (69p, 60g)
Clear Honey (99p, 454g)
Fresh Basil (50p, 30g)
The Deli Balsamic Vinegar (£1.39, 500ml)

Total: £7.35 (£1.23 per person, 6 servings)

^[1] Google Search Trends: 25/01/2026 – 26/04/2026 vs 27/04/2026 – 27/07/2026

^[2]Based on Aldi sales data

^[3]Based on a comparison with No.1 Italian Burrata Cheese (£3.40, 150g). TOTAL SAVINGS: £1.01, 30%. Prices checked at Waitrose.com 28^th July 2026.