Chris Burton

Jamie Vardy continues to age like a fine wine, with the Premier League title-winning former England striker reaching 150 career goals across Europe’s top five divisions. He has achieved that feat at 38 years of age and while on the books of Serie A outfit Cremonese. Few can claim to have matched the legendary ex-Leicester frontman, with only Cristiano Ronaldo sitting above him on a notable chart.

Michael Owen, who remains the last Englishman to win the Ballon d’Or, has told GOAL what Harry Kane needs to do in order to land a prestigious Golden Ball in 2026. The prolific Bayern Munich striker is considered to have a "big chance" of claiming that prize as he chases down Champions League glory at club level and a World Cup crown with England.

Roberto De Zerbi has explained why Mason Greenwood was surprisingly substituted prior to Marseille suffering French Super Cup heartache against Paris Saint-Germain in a penalty shootout. The former Manchester United winger had converted from the spot in normal time, but found himself off the field when an epic battle for major silverware was settled by a test of nerves from 12 yards.

Antoine Semenyo’s squad number at Manchester City has been revealed, on the back of his £62.5 million ($84m) transfer from Bournemouth. The Ghana international, who is excited to be taking on a new challenge at the Etihad Stadium, is inheriting an iconic jersey. He is, however, adamant that Blues legend Yaya Toure had no bearing on his decision to take No.42.

Manchester City have announced the signing of Antoine Semenyo on a long-term contract from Premier League rivals Bournemouth. The Ghana international winger has penned a deal at the Etihad Stadium through to the summer of 2031. The transfer package involved is said to come in at £62.5 million ($84m), with it possible that said fee could rise by a further £1.5m if certain targets are hit.

Manchester United legend Roy Keane has revealed who he wants to succeed Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford. The Red Devils are back in the market for a new manager after parting company with a Portuguese tactician, and former captain Keane believes that they should look close to home by trying to prise Eddie Howe away from Premier League rivals Newcastle.

Liverpool’s goalless draw with Arsenal at Emirates Stadium saw the Reds snap a 600-game streak that had extended across 16 years. The defending Premier League champions grew into the game in north London, keeping the current table-toppers pegged back for long periods, but failed to test David Raya in the Gunners’ goal with no shots on target.

Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli has issued an apology to Liverpool defender Conor Bradley after seeing his actions towards the end of a Premier League clash at Emirates Stadium branded "absolutely disgraceful". Martinelli showed no sympathy for Bradley after the Northern Ireland international went down with an injury that ultimately led to him being removed on a stretcher - with the Gunners forward trying to drag his domestic rival off the pitch.

Cristiano Ronaldo is being tipped to complete a remarkable transformation from Ballon d’Or-winning footballer into Hollywood blockbuster superstar. The Portuguese GOAT is already being lined up for cameo appearances, while launching his own movie project, and is considered to be a “no-brainer” when it comes to future collaborations in Tinseltown.

Declan Rice has delivered a typically humble response to claims that he is the “best midfielder in the world” and a serious contender for Ballon d’Or honours in 2026. The Arsenal and England star has become a crucial cog in engine rooms with club and country, leading to his lofty billing, and the 26-year-old is rightly proud of his standing alongside the global elite.

Jude Bellingham and Aitana Bonmati are locking horns with Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi and Trinity Rodman as adidas launches the Predator vs F50 battle and invites fans and players around the world to “choose one”. Two iconic boot designs are being reimagined for 2026, with superstar performers from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Miami and the USWNT already picking their sides.

Barcelona and Real Madrid have been warned off a move for Harry Kane, who has a £57 million ($77m) release clause in his contract at Bayern Munich, as they would be spending “dead money”. Michael Owen has explained to GOAL why the England international striker “gave away his aces too cheaply” when leaving Tottenham and the Premier League in 2023.

Lionel Messi has “made MLS his playground”, according to Dwight Yorke, with the Argentine superstar proving that he still boasts “special X-factor”. The South American icon helped to deliver a historic MLS Cup triumph for Inter Miami in 2025, while helping himself to Golden Boot and MVP awards, and the expectation is that he will illuminate the 2026 World Cup.

Brenden Aaronson was left “devastated” after seeing Leeds suffer a dramatic 4-3 defeat at Newcastle, with the USMNT star scoring two goals and conceding a controversial penalty during an eventful outing at St James’ Park. The American midfielder is enjoying a positive run on an individual basis at the moment, but is being left frustrated by collective results.

Jesse Lingard is being tipped for a “last rodeo” in British football alongside Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac at Wrexham, with the former Manchester United star dropping into the free agent pool after reaching the end of his contract in South Korea with FC Seoul. The ex-England international could be added to an ambitious Premier League promotion-chasing project in North Wales.

Antoine Semenyo appears destined to leave Bournemouth for Manchester City in a £65 million ($87m) deal, but Jamie Redknapp has predicted a “twist” that could yet see the Ghana international end up at Liverpool. No move for the 26-year-old forward has been signed off as yet, meaning that he could still be lured away from the Etihad Stadium and over to Anfield.

Gabby Logan was forced to vacate her Match of the Day presenting post mid-show on January 7, with it being announced that her father Terry Yorath has sadly passed away at the age of 75. Logan had fronted the latest broadcast of the BBC’s Premier League highlights package, but was replaced by Mark Chapman following a family emergency.

Igor Thiago has topped Roberto Firmino, Gabriel Martinelli and Matheus Cunha to make Premier League history. The in-form Brentford striker is now the highest-scoring Brazilian in a single English top-flight campaign. He has taken his tally of goals in 2025-26 to 16, with his exploits coming as a surprise to many - including his own manager, Keith Andrews.