Soccer's Biggest Underdogs Show They Got That Dawg In 'Em

LVHM is on the verge of becoming a major sponsor for Formula 1 for the racing series’ next season, fresh off the back of its mega-money Olympics deal. Somehow, a sport that hosts its Super Bowl in Monaco is about to get even fancier.

Simone Biles is freed from the pressure of Olympic competition and ready to fly for the fun of it on her G.O.A.T. tour this fall. Imagine The Eras Tour, but gymnastics.

Bad Bunny has joined the cast of Adam Sandler’s upcoming “Happy Gilmore” sequel. No word yet on who he will be playing—maybe Happy’s twin brother? Whatever the role, it sure would be fun to see him fight Shooter McGavin.

Under Armour shuffled CEOs once again earlier this year, with founder Kevin Plank taking back the role he left in 2019 amid allegations of a toxic workplace culture. Its sportswear's very own take on "Succession". The question on people’s minds: Will it be any different this time around?

Adidas and AS Roma are going big on padel, fashion's new favorite sport. Someone grab us a racket—they look gorgeous. Consider it an entry-level option if you're not ready to drop $2,500 on Prada's high-end padel gear.

In the promotions, relegations, and international qualifications of world soccer, there are plenty of underdogs to be found. And while their stories are plenty fun on their own, they’re even better when they end with a win.

Case in point: San Marino’s national team. Representing a country of just 33,000 people, the team had a losing streak that lasted 34 years. Last week, they broke it with a win over Liechtenstein. Here’s the goal that sealed the 1-0 win.

What does three decades of waiting for a victory look like? A release of joy that is everything we adore about sports.

The win doesn’t mean much in terms of standings—they’re still 210th out of 210 teams in FIFA’s world rankings—but for one day, San Marino got to bask in the glory of victory.

The zero-to-hero story is even more prominent at the club level. Just two years ago, Ipswich Town was two levels down, playing in League One, but after back-to-back promotions, the Tractor Boys are kicking it in the Premier League. Celebrity superfan Ed Sheeran is on board as an investor.

With the rises, come the falls—as Luton Town learned last season, sometimes the dream can only last so long, as their Premier League promotion lasted just one year. Still, relegation just means the journey continues. There’s three more spots up for grabs this spring, and they’re right there for the taking.

@ltfcofficial

We gave everything. 💔

In soccer, and in all sports, there is beauty in the fact that anything can happen. A team that loses for three decades can steal a win. An historic club that’s down on its luck can turn things around. Seven college kids can buy a club for a buck and lead it up the English ladder. Maybe Ted Lasso said it best…

@cc_moviely

Do you believe in miracle?#tedlasso #movieclips #inspirational #jasonsudeikis

Single? In your 20s or 30s? Sprinting away from dating apps? Look no further than your local run club. Nowadays, there's nowhere better to get sweaty with fellow good looking people under the pretense of exercise.

@wallstreetjournal

The hottest (and sweatiest) place to find a date: run club. Come for a jog with Lunge dating app founder Steve Cole and Lunge Run Club hea... See more

Lunge Run Club is a prime example of the phenomenon. Every Wednesday, runners meet, run, and mingle for #BeersAfter once they’ve worked up a good sweat.

While the chance at love is real, so is the drama. No singles’ party can last long without getting a little messy. The singles’ run club era reaching peak saturation inevitably leads to its own set of problems. Running into an ex-lover is hard enough. Running with them seems downright exhausting.

As creator Emily Ann Willcox highlights in her videos, the run club phenomenon isn’t reserved to New York City, and comes with challenges all its own.

@emilyannwillcox

Easily distracted 👀xoxo #running #runclub

Even with the drama, it’s hard to see the run club craze as anything other than a win. People are getting outside, sweating a little bit, and meeting new people. If it results in love every once in a while, even better.

@emilyannwillcox

Run clubs in london 🫶 @runnpac #runtok #running