Lionel Messi
Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates with the trophy in front of fans after winning the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Dec. 18, 2022. Argentina won 4-2 in a penalty shootout after the match ended tied 3-3. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
France vs Argentina 12/18/2022

Dec. 20, 2022 09:52 AM EST

Germany's Stephan Leyhe soars through the air during the third stage of the 70th Four Hills ski jumping tournament in Bischofshofen, Austria, Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
AP Photos: In 2022, sports brought every imaginable emotion

By The Associated Press Dec. 20, 2022 09:48 AM EST

AP Sportlight

By The Associated Press Jun. 23, 2022 08:45 PM EDT
June 28 1935 — Alf Perry ties a British Open scoring record with a 283 total at Muirfield in Gullane, East Lothian, Scotland. Perry’s finishes five...

PSG's Lionel Messi, left, and PSG's Neymar prepare to shot a free kick during the French League One soccer match between Paris Saint Germain and Lens at Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, Saturday, April 23, 2022. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
PSG's record-tying 10th French title has bittersweet taste

By Trung Latieule Apr. 24, 2022 04:25 AM EDT

Italy's Jorginho passes the ball as Switzerland's Remo Freuler closes him down during the World Cup 2022 group C qualifying soccer match between Italy and Switzerland at Rome's Olympic stadium, Friday, Nov. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
FIFA publishes shortlists for annual best player awards

Nov. 22, 2021 01:09 PM EST

Barcelona's Pedri, centre, passes the ball challenged by Benfica's Nicolas Otamendi during a Group E Champions League soccer match between Benfica and Barcelona at the Luz stadium in Lisbon, Portugal, Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
Pedri to sign new deal with Barcelona through 2026

Oct. 14, 2021 09:07 AM EDT

Real Sociedad's Joseba Zaldua, foreground, tackles Barcelona's Pedri during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)
Barcelona to give Pedri 2-week break after marathon run

Aug. 20, 2021 12:40 PM EDT

FILE - United States' Kobe Bryant reacts after a dunk during the men's gold medal basketball game against Spain at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, in this Sunday, Aug. 12, 2012, file photo. Bryant wore No. 24 and No. 8 with the Los Angeles Lakers, but he donned No. 10 for USA Basketball when he helped the Americans capture gold medals at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. Jayson Tatum has worn that number as part of U.S. teams several times since — and will wear it at the Tokyo Olympics, where the Americans will aim to capture a fourth consecutive gold medal. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)
The power of 10: Tatum eager to wear Bryant's Olympic number

By Tim Reynolds Jul. 07, 2021 12:44 PM EDT

Clash with European season creates Olympic soccer headache

By Rob Harris Jul. 03, 2021 09:23 AM EDT
Often the event that connects an Olympic host city with the rest of the nation, soccer could be a source of trepidation rather than excitement in Japan. ...

PSG's Neymar celebrates at the end of the Champions League semifinal soccer match between RB Leipzig and Paris Saint-Germain at the Luz stadium in Lisbon, Portugal, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020. PSG won the match 3-0. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Neymar gets his shot at glory in Champions League final

By Tales Azzoni Aug. 22, 2020 05:00 AM EDT

FILE - In this Saturday, March 7, 2020, file photo, Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) talks with guard Donovan Mitchell, left, during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons, in Detroit. Both players have tested positive for the coronavirus. Gobert's test result forced the NBA to suspend the season. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson, File)
The Latest: Kroenke to pay arena employees during shutdown

By The Associated Press Mar. 14, 2020 03:20 PM EDT