Cristiano Ronaldo’s career could have been markedly different, with it being revealed that Chelsea passed on the chance to sign the Portuguese forward for just €3.5 million prior to Manchester United offering him a route to superstardom. Barry Silkman claims to have agreed a deal with Jorge Mendes that would have delivered CR7 to Stamford Bridge rather than Old Trafford.

Chelsea have decided not to fast-track Emmanuel Emegha’s arrival from Strasbourg despite Liam Delap suffering another significant injury setback, with the club maintaining their long-planned timeline for the striker’s summer 2026 arrival. Delap’s shoulder issue leaves Enzo Maresca short of natural No.9 options, but the Blues remain committed to their original transfer plans.

Manchester United could be in line for a cash boost courtesy of Mason Greenwood, with it claimed that a €100 million (£87m/$116m) bid from the Saudi Pro League has been tabled for the 24-year-old forward. If Marseille were to accept that offer, and Greenwood agreed personal terms, then the Red Devils would be due 50 per cent of any fee that is generated from a sale.

Senne Lammens admits he is flattered Manchester United fans are likening him to legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel. The 23-year-old joined from Belgian Pro League side Royal Antwerp and has made a good impression with Red Devils supporters over the past few months. And after these favourable chants from the home faithful, the keeper has sent a grateful message back to them.

Former Manchester City player Joey Barton has received a suspended sentence for 'grossly offensive' social media posts to football pundits Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward and broadcaster Jeremy Vine. The 43-year-old was handed a six-month prison sentence, which is suspended for 18 months. The ex-Newcastle United man claims that he "never meant to hurt anyone" with his electronic communications.

A woman who blackmailed Son Heung-min with a pregnancy claim and extorted the LAFC star for over £150,000 during his Tottenham spell has been sentenced to jail. The South Korean woman allegedly sent an ultrasound of a baby she claimed was Son's in 2024 and blackmailed the former Premier League star for over a year before being detained by Seoul police.

Barcelona's famed La Masia academy has long been the envy of every other top club in Europe, and for good reason. It has forged dozens of legends over the last 46 years, from Pep Guardiola and Albert Ferrer, to Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and a certain Lionel Messi. Every generation produces multiple superstars, with Lamine Yamal leading the current crop after bursting onto the scene as a 15-year-old.

Florian Wirtz's £100 million ($130m) move from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool didn't just upset Bayern Munich. It also hit hard at Koln. After all, Wirtz had come through their academy only to leave for Leverkusen in the summer of 2020 - and for a paltry €300,000 (£265,000/$350,000). Koln were furious. They felt Leverkusen had broken a 'gentleman's agreement' by signing one of the most exciting young players they'd ever produced - but there was nothing they could do about it. Wirtz's contract was expiring and he wanted to leave.

Sweden has a proud modern history of producing elite strikers, from Henrik Larsson and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, to Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres. If the hype is to be believed, then 16-year-old Kevin Filling is the latest sensation off that conveyor belt of talent, and the AIK prospect is already being linked with a transfer to one of the Premier League's big hitters.

Real Madrid figureheads have reportedly held talks over Xabi Alonso's future after a damaging 2-0 loss to Celta Vigo. Los Blancos suffered a disappointing home defeat, which included red cards to Fran Garcia and Alvaro Carreras, putting them further behind La Liga leaders Barcelona. Now, speculation is mounting that their upcoming Champions League clash with Manchester City could be pivotal for the 44-year-old.

Inter head coach Cristian Chivu has warned his squad not to underestimate a faltering Liverpool side in the Champions League, insisting that Mohamed Salah remains a world-class threat despite his public fallout with manager Arne Slot and the Reds' inconsistent Premier League form this season, demanding maximum "intensity" at the San Siro to cope with the English giants' high-pressing style.

Inter head coach Cristian Chivu faces a severe defensive crisis ahead of the pivotal Champions League showdown against Liverpool, as key summer signing Manuel Akanji missed the final training session on Monday, leaving the Nerazzurri dangerously exposed against Arne Slot’s prolific attack.

Romario moved around the penalty area with the stealthy gait and sly gaze of a panther, ready to suddenly accelerate as soon as the ball came his way, to disorient the opposing defenders with a couple of feints, to pounce on the ball, which inevitably ended up at his feet, as if magnetised, and finish with an unstoppable shot of pure technique or power, or alternatively serve up a perfect assist for one of his team-mates. He was a Hall of Fame striker if ever there was one.

Describing Roberto Baggio to those who did not experience him is a sort of generational challenge, an arduous attempt at conveying something that is too difficult to explain in words. But we will try - because Roberto Baggio was, especially for Italians, a symbol, a standard-bearer, an icon and an emotion.

The perfect embodiment of total football, the game wouldn't be what it is today without the former Barcelona maestro

In the latest from our series focusing on players who swam against the tide during their careers, we take a look at one of Germany's great sporting rebels

The Brazilian was tipped to become one of the greats, but he ultimately succumbed to the pressures of sporting fame

In GOAL's new series, we focus on the players who, despite their unbelievable talent, choose to swim against the tide of popular opinion

The list of top goal-scorers through the early weeks of La Liga's season is full of familiar faces. Kylian Mbappe is well out in front having netted 13 times in just 11 games, while Julian Alvarez, Vinicius Jr and Ferran Torres are among the chasing pack. But in amongst those household names is a player in Karl Etta Eyong who has emerged from complete obscurity to being on the transfer radar of Europe's biggest clubs; the true personification of a Hidden Gem...

Bilal El Khannouss is talking to Belgian reporters in the press area of the Cegeka Arena, home of KRC Genk. While the attacking midfielder is discussing the details of a 0-0 draw with Ferencvaros, a journalist from Sporza can no longer contain himself.

The Brazilian striker has been linked with West Ham and Wolves, among others, as he continues to thrive in his homeland