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BDO Power Rankings: Diaz & Rice boost chances behind Kane

With the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly presumably disappearing into the rearview mirror, the battle for the Ballon d'Or hasn't felt so open for the best part of 20 years, with countless players now beginning each campaign believing they have a chance of claiming the most prestigious individual prize football has to offer. Ousmane Dembele emerged from a career plagued by injuries and inconsistencies to win the Golden Ball in 2025, and he is among a crowded field of contenders one year on.

Atletico de Madrid v Arsenal FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final First Leg

Alvarez injury update: Simeone provides latest on Atleti star

Diego Simeone has offered a definitive update on Julian Alvarez's fitness following a late injury scare during Atletico Madrid's Champions League semi-final first leg against Arsenal. The Argentine forward was forced off the pitch late in the 1-1 draw at the Metropolitano, sparking fears he could miss the return leg in London next week.

Alvarez bounces back to earn draw for Atletico

Atletico Madrid fought back to earn a 1-1 draw with Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final. Julian Alvarez netted from the penalty spot to equalise Viktor Gyokeres' own spot-kick as a tactical tweak from Diego Simeone helped the Rojiblancos battle back and avoid defeat on home soil in the Spanish capital.

Simeone confirms Arsenal interested in Alvarez transfer

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has addressed reports linking Julian Alvarez with a summer move to Arsenal, acknowledging that the Gunners are among the elite clubs monitoring the Argentine forward. Speaking ahead of their Champions League semi-final first leg against the Premier League leaders, Simeone admitted it is "normal" for his star striker to be targeted by Europe’s top sides.

'Snowball of lies' - Alvarez responds angrily to fresh Barca transfer reports

Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez has hit out at intensifying speculation linking him with a summer move to Barcelona, labelling the reports a "snowball of lies". The Argentine forward broke his silence during the build-up to Atleti's crucial Champions League semi-final against Arsenal, amid claims that the Catalan giants have already made contact over a blockbuster deal.

Barcelona approach Atleti over Alvarez transfer

Barcelona have reportedly opened talks with Atletico Madrid regarding a potential blockbuster move for Julian Alvarez this summer. The Blaugrana have identified the Argentine World Cup winner as a leading target to replace Robert Lewandowski, who is set to leave the club as a free agent.

Alvarez agent issues response to Barca house-hunting rumours

Julian Alvarez's agent, Fernando Hidalgo, has responded strongly to reports claiming the Atletico Madrid star is looking for a home in Barcelona amid rumours of a summer move to the Liga champions. Despite long-standing interest from Hansi Flick's side, Hidalgo branded the rumours "complete nonsense" and "1000% false."

Could Barca really spend big on Alvarez & Bastoni?!

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick doesn't want to get bogged down in questions about the summer transfer window at this particular moment in time, and that's perfectly understandable. The Catalans may be presently nine points clear of Real Madrid in the Spanish title race, but there's still work to be done - possibly without an injured Lamine Yamal - and, as Flick pointed out on Tuesday, "La Liga is not an easy league."

Alvarez's transfer preference revealed amid Barca, Arsenal & PSG interest

Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez is reportedly prioritising a move to Barcelona over Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain. The former Manchester City star is said to be reluctant to return to the Premier League and has identified Camp Nou as the ideal environment for him to take the next step in his career.

Aguero urges Alvarez to pick Barca over Arsenal

Sergio Aguero has weighed in on the growing transfer interest surrounding Julian Alvarez. The former Manchester City striker believes the Atletico Madrid forward would be better suited to Barcelona despite links with Arsenal.

RCD Mallorca v Real Madrid CF - LaLiga EA Sports

Muriqi emerges as Barca's Plan B to Alvarez

Barcelona has finalised its summer frontline strategy, focusing on a specific La Liga profile. While Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez remains the blockbuster priority, the sporting department is actively evaluating heavyweight alternatives should the deal collapse. Mallorca’s Vedat Muriqi has now emerged as the primary candidate to fill the void, offering the physical presence and elite experience the club currently seeks.

Mansfield Town v Arsenal - Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round

Arsenal willing to sell Havertz AND Jesus as Gunners eye €120m forward

Arsenal are reportedly ready to overhaul their attacking options in a sensational summer shake-up that could see Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus depart the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners have identified Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez as their primary target and are prepared to take drastic measures to balance the books for a mega-money deal.

Chelsea's new transfer strategy: 14 PL-proven potential targets

After years of attempting to stockpile some of the best young talent around, it seems Chelsea are finally set for a dramatic shift in their transfer strategy as they struggle to keep pace with their rivals both domestically and abroad. With the Blues out of the Champions League and lagging behind in the gruelling chase for a top-five Premier League finish, the hierarchy is ready to change tack.

Icons Lionel Messi Argentina 2022 World Cup GFX

How Messi completed football at the 2022 World Cup

In the winter of 2022, under the lights of Lusail, Lionel Messi finally realised the dream he'd carried with him his entire life. After years of unrelenting pressure, bitter heartbreak and agonising near-misses, Argentina’s captain rose above expectation on football’s grandest stage to deliver his country the perfect ending - and to fulfill his own destiny. Welcome to the latest episode of Icons - a GOAL podcast that revisits the last 10 World Cups through the moments, characters, and controversies that defined them, bringing the spirit of each tournament vividly back to life.

Real Madrid CF v FC Bayern München - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final First Leg

Bayern’s game plan vs. Real Madrid… Barcelona’s remedy against Atlético’s sting

The Catalan side occasionally lacks quick transitions.

Utter secrecy… How is Barcelona negotiating with Álvarez away from Atlético’s prying eyes?

The Catalan club has identified its preferred striker

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Frequently asked questions

: Erling Haaland is an archetypal striker, a proper fox in the box, and relishes being fed while he uses his intelligent off the ball movement inside the penalty area.
: Although he is a Norwegian, Erling Haaland was born in Leeds, West Yorkshire, in England, given that his father, Alfie Haaland was plying his trade for Leeds United at the time.
: Erling Haaland has been wearing the No.9 jersey for Manchester City, mainly featuring as a traditional striker for the Premier League giants.
: Erling Haaland is among the tallest forwards in the top five European leagues, standing at 1.95m (6ft 4in). Inspite his tall frame, he is renowned for his speed.
: The mighty Norwegian forward weighs 88kg (194 lbs), and yet he is arguably the fastest out and out striker in the business at the moment.
: Erling Haaland moved to his hometown, Bryne, at the age of three and joined the academy of Bryne at the age of five in 2005. He spent almost the entirety of his youth career at Bryne.
: No, Erling Haaland doesn't have any children yet.
: The former Borussia Dortmund striker is yet to marry, but he is currently in a relationship with Isabel Haugseng Johansen, who is a woman footballer herself. The duo reportedly started dating when Haaland was playing for Borussia Dortmund.

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