Chris Burton

Cristiano Ronaldo is being backed to complete a successful transition from football player to movie star once record-shattering boots are hung up for the final time. The Portuguese GOAT has already dabbled in the film industry and is - as a “billionaire” superstar - expected to head down that path on a permanent basis, allowing Oscar recognition to be pursued.

Ted Lasso star Toheeb Jimoh, who plays Sam Obisanya in the hit Apple TV+ show, is hoping to see a “revenge arc” delivered in Season 4 that allows the title character to land a much-deserved trophy. Jason Sudeikis and Co are working through production of more escapades in the world of AFC Richmond, with an affable American coach preparing to return to the small screen.

World Cup winner Kleberson, who once played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United and in MLS, has explained to GOAL how Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi can land himself a record-extending ninth Ballon d’Or in 2026. The Argentine superstar is readying himself for another shot at global glory, which could put him in contention for Golden Ball recognition.

Dele Alli has been a free agent since being released by Serie A side Como in September 2025, but he reportedly has four offers from La Liga clubs on the table. The former Tottenham and Everton midfielder has been working on keeping himself in shape and may decide to take on a Spanish adventure after seeing a troubled Italian job cut short.

Roberto Martinez has suggested that Cristiano Ronaldo will not be undroppable when Portugal open their quest for 2026 World Cup glory. The evergreen 40-year-old forward remains captain of his country, and an inspiration to millions across the globe, but he is not immune to a spot of bench duty and will be replaced if remarkable individual standards are allowed to dip.

Sir David Beckham has been told, alongside his wife Victoria, that their “brand” should not “come before your kids”. A former Manchester United team-mate of the ex-England captain has reacted to an explosive statement from Brooklyn Beckham that savages his parents. Rebecca Loos, who once worked for the family, has also spoken up on social media.

Arsenal starlet Ethan Nwaneri has reportedly held “positive” talks regarding a loan move to Ligue 1 giants Marseille. The talented 18-year-old playmaker is eager to find regular game time early in 2026, with fierce competition for places being faced at Emirates Stadium. Any switch to France would see the youngster link up with ex-Manchester United winger Mason Greenwood and former Gunners striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Coleen Rooney is said to have raised girlfriend concerns with son Kai, as the eldest child of Manchester United legend Wayne seeks to forge his own career as a footballer. The 16-year-old is considered to be a hot prospect, but has plenty of distractions to contend with. He has been linked with model Rosa Jackson, with “young love” considered to be a “dangerous” thing.

The new men in charge at Newell’s Old Boys have reiterated how it remains the club’s “dream” to bring home-town hero Lionel Messi back to his native Argentina. Favio Orsi and Sergio Gomez have taken the reins in Rosario and are preparing for their first season at the helm. Messi will not form part of those plans, as he remains tied to MLS Cup winners Inter Miami, but an emotional return to his roots could be made at some stage.

Manchester United legends Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes have snapped back at Lisandro Martinez in their surprising war of words, with the Red Devils defender being advised to “f*cking grow up”. The World Cup-winning Argentine, who has not taken kindly to criticism from former Old Trafford favourites, has also been told that he “shouldn’t be at a big club”.

James McClean has revealed his only regret after bidding farewell to Wrexham. The veteran Irishman has returned to his roots at Derry City, with the enigmatic 36-year-old seeing his contract terminated. He is happy to be heading home, but thoroughly enjoyed his time working with “incredible” Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney during a history-making era for “Disney FC”.

Cristiano Ronaldo will not want to stop without a World Cup win that allows him to emulate eternal rival Lionel Messi, the Portuguese’s former Manchester United team-mate Kleberson has told GOAL. A man who knows all about the mindset of an all-time great has also boldly predicted that evergreen CR7 could play on until the age of 50 if he really wants to.

Kylian Mbappe has sought to defend Real Madrid team-mates Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham from the brutal boos that have come their way. Restless natives at the Bernabeu took to jeering their own players during a La Liga clash with Levante, with certain individuals considered to have contributed to club legend Xabi Alonso losing his job as manager.

It has been revealed when Xabi Alonso will look to get back into management following his shock sacking by Real Madrid. The 44-year-old lasted just seven months, taking in 34 games, at the Bernabeu before being relieved of his duties. He is already being linked with other clubs, including a few in the Premier League, but will not be rushing into another role.

It has been revealed that Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr was rushed to hospital after falling ill during the Africa Cup of Nations final. The 23-year-old had been named among Senegal’s substitutes for a meeting with hosts Morocco. He never made it onto the field and missed post-match celebrations, following a chaotic contest, after requiring medical assistance.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of assault following an incident that took place during a match in the third tier of Welsh football. A shocking video from the fixture has been doing the rounds on social media, with the clip quickly going viral. It shows an unsuspecting player being elbowed in the face, completely unprovoked, by an opponent. The police have now stepped in.

Neymar remains “the most talented player in Brazil”, Kleberson has told GOAL, with Carlo Ancelotti being told that he must find space for the Santos superstar in his 2026 World Cup plans. The man who helped the Selecao to global glory in 2002 has also picked out the natural heir to Neymar’s playmaking crown and explained what a modern day great needs to do in order to join the GOATs.

Thomas Frank remains under intense pressure at Tottenham, but the Dane is reportedly set to remain at the helm for a Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday. Disgruntled supporters have aired their frustration at recent performances, leading to uncomfortable questions being asked of the man in the dugout, but Spurs bosses have no immediate plans to pull the trigger.