BAMBANG PAMUNGKAS, THE HERO WHO UNITED NATIONS

The roar of “BAM-BANG! BAM-BANG!” once echoed through Shah Alam Stadium, uniting Malaysians and Indonesians under one chant. Bambang Pamungkas was not just a footballer, he was a bridge between two nations that rarely stand side by side but share one love: football.

Born on 10 June 1980 in Semarang, Central Java, Bambang rose from humble beginnings. Playing on muddy fields and narrow alleys, his passion and discipline shaped him into one of Southeast Asia’s finest strikers. He made his professional debut with Persija Jakarta in 1999, where his sharp finishing and aerial prowess turned him into an instant hero. By 2001, he had already guided Persija to the Liga Indonesia title and earned the Best Player of the Season award.

In 2005, Bambang crossed the Straits to join Selangor in Malaysia. His arrival transformed the local football scene. Together with his compatriot Elie Aiboy, he inspired Selangor to a stunning treble. The Malaysia Premier League, FA Cup, and Malaysia Cup, all in his very first season. His tally of 23 goals in 24 matches made him a household name across the region.

Representing Indonesia, Bambang earned 86 international caps and scored 38 goals, becoming the nation’s all-time top scorer. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) later honoured him as an Asian Icon, recognizing his influence beyond borders.

When he retired in 2019, fans across Southeast Asia saluted not just a legend, but a symbol of unity. Bambang Pamungkas remains proof that football, at its best, connects hearts across the Nusantara.

as told by: Jeff Karim

3-5-2 FOOTBALL

CHELSEA DESTROYS PSG, CLAIMS WORLD TITLE

Under heavy skies and a humid New Jersey afternoon, Chelsea Football Club rose to global glory. In a performance bursting with fire and precision, the Blues overpowered Paris Saint-Germain 3–0 to win the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, becoming the first English team to conquer the new 32-team format.

As the humid air clung to the pitch, Cole Palmer delivered a masterclass, striking twice and assisting João Pedro in a ruthless first-half blitz. His calm, his vision, his confidence, Palmer earned Player of the Tournament and cemented his place among football’s elite. But this was more than a match. It was a moment of transformation.

Chelsea didn’t just beat PSG, they dominated them. They didn’t just claim a trophy, they completed the rarest of sweeps: Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, and now the Club World Cup.

From Premier League struggles to global supremacy, Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea has risen from the ashes, forged by faith and fueled by youth. This victory isn’t just historic, it’s symbolic. Chelsea have not only reclaimed their throne. They’ve rewritten their destiny.

THE MATCH

RONALDO LEADS PORTUGAL TO GLORY AGAIN

In an unforgettable spectacle that will go down in history, Portugal has conquered the 2025 UEFA Nations League with a nail-biting penalty shootout victory over their fierce rivals, Spain. The final, held in the electric atmosphere of Munich's Allianz Arena on June 8, 2025, ended 2-2 after an epic clash, sending fans into a frenzy before Portugal triumphed 5-3 in penalties.

The drama kicked off early as Spain’s Martín Zubimendi broke the deadlock in the 21st minute, followed by a jaw-dropping second goal from Mikel Oyarzabal just before halftime. But Portugal wasn’t about to let this slip away. Nuno Mendes fired back with a stunning equalizer, and then the legend, Cristiano Ronaldo, delivered once again with his 138th international goal, leveling the game in the 61st minute.

Extra time couldn’t separate the two, and the stage was set for a shootout that would define the tournament. As nerves ran wild, Álvaro Morata’s miss handed Portugal the momentum, and Rúben Neves kept his cool to smash in the winning penalty, sealing Portugal’s thrilling 5-3 victory.

This win cements Portugal’s place at the summit of European football, with Ronaldo leading the charge to claim yet another iconic trophy. The fire still burns in the hearts of these champions!

TSS EVERYWHERE

MOST SUCCESSFUL MANAGERS IN ENGLISH FOOTBALL

English football has seen some of the greatest managerial minds, each leaving a legacy of trophies, innovation, and cultural impact. Among them, Sir Alex Ferguson stands as the most successful manager, amassing an unparalleled 49 trophies in his career. During his 26 years at Manchester United, Ferguson claimed 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, and two UEFA Champions League trophies. His ability to rebuild teams and dominate consistently remains unmatched.

Liverpool’s Bob Paisley follows closely with 20 trophies, including six English First Division titles and a record three European Cups. Paisley took Liverpool to unprecedented heights in the 1970s and 80s, cementing the club’s European legacy. His predecessor, Bill Shankly, is equally revered for transforming Liverpool into a football powerhouse, laying the foundation for its future successes.

Another trailblazer, Arsène Wenger, revolutionized English football during his 22 years at Arsenal. He secured three Premier League titles, including the historic “Invincibles” season, and a record seven FA Cups, reshaping the league with his focus on diet, fitness, and attacking football.

Modern managers like Pep Guardiola continue to redefine success. Guardiola's tenure at Manchester City has brought five Premier League titles, domestic dominance, and a Champions League victory.

From innovators like Herbert Chapman to charismatic leaders like Brian Clough, English football’s history is a testament to the brilliance and enduring influence of these legendary figures. Each left a unique imprint on the game, inspiring generations to come.

RUGBY TRIBE