The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has entered into a high-profile sponsorship agreement with Spanish football giant FC Barcelona, committing to pay over €40 million ($46.37 million) to promote the country as a premier African tourism destination.

According to a contract reviewed by Reuters and dated June 29, the partnership will span four football seasons. Under the terms, a logo branding the DRC as the “Heart of Africa” will be displayed on the back of training and warm-up kits worn by both the men’s and women’s teams. The logo will also feature prominently in club advertising materials, its official magazine, and the annual report.

Although the deal has not been publicly announced by either party, the document shows that Congo will pay Barcelona between €10 million and €11.5 million annually over the four-year period.

This move follows similar partnerships announced last month between the DRC and European football clubs AS Monaco and AC Milan. While details of those agreements remain mostly confidential, Congolese Sports Minister Didier Budimbu confirmed to Reuters that the Monaco deal is worth €1.6 million per season. A separate government source revealed that the AC Milan agreement is valued at €14 million annually.

Congolese Tourism Minister Didier M’Pambia described the initiative as part of a broader strategy to “reposition the DRC on the international stage as an undisputed leader on the African continent,” aiming to attract tourism and investment.

Neither Barcelona nor the Congolese tourism ministry responded to requests for comment.

The deal has drawn comparisons to Rwanda’s “Visit Rwanda” sponsorships with European clubs, which have faced political backlash. Earlier this year, DRC’s Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner called on clubs like Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain to cut ties with Rwanda, labeling the sponsorships “blood-stained” amid Rwanda’s alleged support for M23 rebels in eastern Congo — a claim Rwanda strongly denies.

A recent UN report obtained by Reuters alleges that Rwandan authorities exercised command over the rebels, seeking political control and access to Congo’s mineral-rich territories.

Fauja Singh, the legendary Indian-born marathoner famously known as the Turbaned Torpedo, has died at the age of 114 after being struck by a car in a tragic hit-and-run incident near Jalandhar, Punjab. The accident occurred on Monday as Singh was crossing the street in his hometown. He sustained severe brain injuries and later passed away at the hospital. His death was confirmed by Sikhs In The City, the London-based running club and charity he was closely associated with.

Singh was globally celebrated for becoming the oldest person to complete a full marathon. At age 100, he ran the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 2011, earning him worldwide admiration—even though Guinness World Records could not officially recognize the feat due to the absence of a birth certificate. His British passport listed his birthdate as April 1, 1911, but official birth records from that year were not maintained in India.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute, describing Singh as “extraordinary because of his unique persona and the manner in which he inspired the youth of India on a very important topic of fitness.”

Singh’s journey into long-distance running began at the age of 89, following the heartbreaking loss of his wife and son. His son’s death in 1994 was particularly traumatic—Kuldip was fatally struck by a piece of corrugated metal during a storm while they were inspecting their farm.

Turning to running as a way to cope with grief, Singh completed his first marathon in London in 2000. Over the years, he ran a total of nine marathons, with his best time of 5 hours and 40 minutes set at the 2003 Toronto Marathon. In 2013, at the age of 101, he ran his final competitive race—a 10-kilometer event in Hong Kong—which he finished in 1 hour, 32 minutes, and 28 seconds.

Despite retiring from competitive racing, Singh remained active in the public eye and expressed a deep desire to continue being remembered and invited to events, saying, “I hope people will remember me and not forget me.”

Prime Minister Modi added, “He was an exceptional athlete with incredible determination. Pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and countless admirers around the world.”

Fauja Singh’s legacy as a symbol of resilience, longevity, and the power of perseverance will continue to inspire generations to come.

Liverpool Football Club has announced it will retire the number 20 shirt in tribute to forward Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car accident alongside his brother, André Silva.

The decision, made after consultation with Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, and his family, means the Portuguese international will “forever be Liverpool’s number 20.” The club confirmed the number will be retired at all levels, including the women’s team and academy sides.

In an official statement, Liverpool said the gesture not only reflects Jota’s significant on-field contributions since joining from Wolves in 2020 but also honours the lasting bonds he created with teammates, staff, and fans.

Jota made 182 appearances for the Reds, scoring 65 goals and playing a key role in multiple trophy wins. He helped Liverpool claim the FA Cup and League Cup in 2022, another League Cup title in 2024, and most recently, their 20th top-flight league title in the 2024/25 season. The club marked his legacy with a poignant social media video at 20:20 BST on Friday, captioned “Forever our number 20.”

Michael Edwards, Chief Executive of Football for Fenway Sports Group, said:

“This is the first time in the club’s history such an honour has been given to an individual. Retiring his shirt number is our way of making his legacy eternal. We involved Rute and the family from the start—it was essential they were at the heart of this decision.”

Jota, 28, and his brother were killed in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, after their Lamborghini suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking, causing the vehicle to veer off the road. He was travelling back to Liverpool for pre-season by car and ferry, following medical advice not to fly due to recent minor surgery.

Their funeral took place last Saturday in their hometown of Gondomar, Portugal, with a large Liverpool delegation present.

On Friday, Jota’s wife Rute Cardoso, who had married the player just 11 days before the crash, visited Anfield with their three children to view the memorials left by fans. She was accompanied by Liverpool players, manager Arne Slot, and other staff as they paid their respects.

Liverpool will return to action on Sunday in a pre-season match against Preston North End at Deepdale. A minute’s silence and other tributes are planned to honour both Diogo Jota and André Silva.