Christian Pulisic endured a testing 2026 World Cup with the USMNT, leading to “a lot of criticism” coming his way for “the first time in his career”, but Brad Friedel has told GOAL that the American superstar made the right career call in signing a new contract at AC Milan and retaining stability in his club career. The talented forward is now tied to terms at San Siro through to 2031.
Gianni Infantino is facing one of the most significant challenges to his leadership as FIFA has finally bowed to pressure from UEFA to release sensitive internal documents. The move follows an intense standoff regarding the collapsed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) project, which sought to sell off stakes in the World Cup to private investors.
Emiliano Martinez has opened up on the harrowing physical toll of his career, admitting that a significant finger injury sustained earlier this year will never truly heal. The Chelsea goalkeeper revealed he was forced to play through extreme pain to help Argentina, leaving him with permanent damage that still affects his game today.
For years, female match officials faced a daunting choice between pursuing their elite sporting ambitions and starting a family. However, a series of FIFA initiatives is now ensuring that referees no longer have to sacrifice their careers for motherhood, providing a blueprint for inclusivity at the highest level of the game.
Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has praised the success of the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Baku after watching 189 member associations compete in a revamped eight-a-side format. Serving as FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development, the Frenchman believes the event bridges the gap between emerging and established nations.
Harry Kane has revealed his plans to treat his Bayern Munich and England colleagues to special gifts following his historic Ballon d'Or triumph in London. The 33-year-old striker enjoyed an incredible 2026, scoring a combined 73 goals for club and country to claim football's most prestigious individual prize.
Japanese football legend Takeshi Okada has sensationally resigned from his position as vice-president of the Japan Football Association (JFA). The former national team manager stepped down citing a fundamental conflict between his personal beliefs and the current political direction of international football governance.
Kylian Mbappe has issued a formal apology after a controversial joke regarding former Chinese leader Mao Zedong sparked a major diplomatic and commercial backlash. The Real Madrid forward saw lucrative sponsorship deals terminated and La Liga face a total broadcasting blackout in the region following his ill-judged remarks.
Harry Kane has returned to Bayern Munich's Sabener Strasse training base to a rapturous reception after his historic crowning as the world's best player. The England captain made history in London by becoming the first Englishman to win the Ballon d'Or in a quarter of a century.
Harry Kane is officially the best player on the planet after claiming the Ballon d’Or, but his trophy cabinet could be about to welcome an even more prestigious honour. The England captain made history in London on Monday night, and the UK Government has now addressed the growing calls for the striker to be knighted.
Harry Kane has firmly addressed the mounting speculation regarding a potential return to the Premier League as he continues his dominant spell in Germany with Bayern Munich. Fresh from winning the 2026 Ballon d'Or, the England captain has outlined exactly where his priorities lie for the remainder of his illustrious career.
Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal fell just short of making history as the youngest-ever Ballon d'Or winner, finishing third in the 2026 rankings behind Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe. Despite claiming a record third Kopa Trophy, the teenage star saw his main prize hopes dampened by a curious case of tactical voting.
Former Real Madrid star Guti has sparked controversy by questioning the legitimacy of Harry Kane’s recent Ballon d'Or victory. The Spaniard suggested that the decision to award the England captain the trophy was conveniently timed with the ceremony's relocation to London.
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has been crowned the world's best player, ending a quarter-century wait for an English Ballon d'Or winner. The 33-year-old beat Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal to the prestigious prize at a dazzling ceremony in London, sparking widespread celebration and high-profile tributes led by Prince William.
Harry Kane made history on Monday night by becoming the first English player in a quarter-century to secure the Ballon d'Or, but the celebrations have been met with a sharp critique from Samir Nasri. Despite a record-breaking debut season in Germany, the former Manchester City midfielder believes the striker lacks the decisive edge required for the game's ultimate individual honour.
Luis de la Fuente has cemented his legacy as one of the modern greats after being named the best coach in world football. The Spanish tactician accepted the prestigious award following a historic campaign that saw his national team reach the summit of the sport.
Twenty years ago, the legendary defender won the most prestigious individual honour in the game, completing an incredible journey that started as a ball boy watching Diego Maradona at Napoli
The most prestigious individual prize in the game will be awarded on Monday, with a whole host of contenders in with a shot of finishing top of the pile
Gianni Infantino has defiantly dismissed suggestions that he should resign from his post as FIFA president following a period of intense institutional turmoil. The Swiss-Italian administrator claims he retains the overwhelming support of the global football community despite facing a backlash over plans to sell off commercial rights.
The football world is preparing to witness a sight many thought impossible as former Barcelona and AC Milan maestro Ronaldinho readies himself for a professional comeback in Italy. More than a decade after his last competitive outing, the Brazilian icon is officially set to lace up his boots for a shock appearance in the third tier.
Gianni Infantino has received a significant boost in his quest for a third term as FIFA president after the Asian Football Confederation performed a dramatic U-turn to endorse his leadership. The move comes just months after the AFC joined other continental bodies in a fierce criticism of the Swiss-Italian official over a controversial World Cup investment plan.
Football icons Hristo Stoichkov and Arsene Wenger have thrown their weight behind the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival ahead of Saturday's kick-off in Azerbaijan. The newly created international tournament brings more than 3,000 young players, coaches and officials to Baku for six days of meaningful competition across roughly 1,000 matches.
FIFA has officially opened the bidding process for the United States television and streaming rights for the historic 2030 World Cup. World football's governing body is actively seeking innovative broadcasting approaches following a massive surge in American viewership during recent international tournaments.
Inter Miami are the “perfect fit” for Neymar, former Brazil international Anderson has told GOAL, with the South American superstar being tipped to reunite with ex-Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi in MLS. Neymar has endured a tough time of late, but a fellow countryman has leapt to his defence in passionate fashion and hopes more critics can be silenced.
Kylian Mbappe has been chasing the Ballon d’Or dream since he was a teenager, with Gilles Grimandi telling GOAL why he was left “embarrassed” when first being made aware of that ambitious Golden Ball target. The ex-Arsenal star formed part of transfer talks at the time, with Mbappe’s family making it clear to the Gunners that the flying frontman intended to become the best player on the planet.
U.S. Soccer has reported surging stadium attendance and television audiences across the first six senior national team fixtures held since the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Over 165,000 supporters turned out to watch the men's and women's sides in action during the autumn international windows as interest in the sport continues to grow.
Thomas Tuchel could soon lose his trusted assistant Anthony Barry, as the England coach is attracting serious interest from several Premier League clubs. Barry recently signed a contract extension ahead of the upcoming European Championship, but an opportunity to become a top-flight manager might tempt him away from the Three Lions setup in the near future.
FIFA has officially handed down significant disciplinary sanctions to Egypt’s head coach Hossam Hassan, team manager Ibrahim Hassan, and forward Mostafa Zico. The punishments stem from a series of controversial events and heated statements following the Pharaohs' dramatic exit from the 2026 World Cup at the hands of Argentina.
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