Real Madrid Are Sports’ New Super Villains

…The December 9 game between the Cowboys and Bengals will feature Bart and Homer on the sidelines, and animated versions of commentators like Mina Kimes and Dan Orlovsky making guest appearances. No one tell the Broncos.

ESPN and Fortnite teamed up to create ESPN Football Island, with Fortnite characters moving a football up and down the field. Getting to the end zone has never looked so tough. 

Nika Mühl, WNBA rookie, was named the league’s most stylish player award by GQ beating out some serious competition as the W went all in on the tunnel fit this year. Hat tip to you, Nika.

Kyle Kuzma is taking part in a star-studded holiday campaign for luxury jewelry brand David Yurman. Kuz might have retired from the tunnel fit game, but he’s still ready to be on the forefront of the style conversation.

Meet the college football fan who is intentionally looking for the worst seat in the house. Some views can’t be beat.

Real Madrid went full heel when they chose to boycott the Ballon D’Or ceremony on Monday. Their star, Vinicius Jr., lost the award and so the awards lost out on them. 

Speaking with Spanish media, the club said of their absence “Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected.”  Folks, Real Madrid is (re)entering its villain era.

It got a little awkward as they racked up awards including, team of the year, and Coach of the Year, but no one was present to accept the honors.

Los Blancos are no stranger to playing this role. Ever since the establishment of the club’s “Galacticos” ethos, in which they spared no expense to constantly bring together the most star-studded rosters on the planet, Real Madrid have been comfortable being a little hated. Their utter domination of Champions League football is all the resume they need to prove their bad boy bona fides.

But now, to steal a Michael Jordan meme, they are taking it personally. Beyond the club’s initial statement, Vini Jr. himself sent a message to the football world over social media, writing in Portuguese “I will do it 10x if I have to. They are not ready.”

Consider your Thanksgiving viewing schedule set.

Does it feel like a changing of the guard? That’s because it is, with the next gen taking center stage. Yesterday produced a bounty of profiles on tomorrow’s stars including…

…Ilona Maher discussing her rules for life, from keeping her mental health in check while maintaining an online presence, to what she’s looking for in a partner (who might soon slide into her DMs.)

…JuJu Watkins breaking down the big year she’s already had and the even bigger one on the horizon. With a Nike shoe deal, Gatorade campaign, and most recently a partnership with makeup brand NYX, the JuJu business is booming.

…Interviews with the former teachers and teammates of Bronny James. It’s clear he’s so much more than just the son of the GOAT.

…Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey turning Rutgers basketball into must-see TV. The game has changed.