Topps is celebrating one of football's most memorable images by turning Lionel Messi's famous photo with baby Lamine Yamal into a unique trading card. The announcement comes just a day after the pair faced each other in the World Cup final.
Paris Saint-Germain have halted their pursuit of Lille’s 18-year-old sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi, cooling interest in the highly coveted midfielder. The French champions are opting to look within their current squad, effectively clearing the path for La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona to lead the race for Europe's most promising Moroccan starlet.
Erling Haaland is unlikely to see out the remaining eight years of his contract at Manchester City, Joleon Lescott has admitted to GOAL, but Real Madrid and any other suitors of the Norwegian striker have been warned that any future transfer fee “isn’t going to be small”. The Citizens have their superstar No.9 tied to terms at the Etihad Stadium through to 2034.
Kylian Mbappe will have been left “devastated” and “fuming” at his trophy failings with Real Madrid and France, Jeremie Aliadiere has told GOAL, with the ‘Galactico’ forward desperate to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo in the Champions League-winning department. That prestigious European prize has remained elusive to a man who is now the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has reportedly identified Michael Olise as his top priority for the summer transfer window, viewing the France international as the next potential 'Galactico' at the Santiago Bernabeu. However, the Spanish giants are proceeding with extreme caution to avoid a diplomatic fallout with Bayern Munich.
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 was among a crowded field of contenders again in 2026.
Mateus Fernandes came close to joining Real Madrid after Jorge Mendes reportedly reached a full agreement for the transfer. However, despite Jose Mourinho identifying the midfielder as a priority target, the club's hierarchy refused to approve the deal because of the financial cost.
Barcelona sporting director Deco has admitted he faces a deep conflict of loyalties ahead of Sunday's World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. The former midfielder has travelled to New York for the showpiece event, which will prominently feature both Catalan club icon Lionel Messi and a strong contingent of current Blaugrana players.
Twente youngster Ruud Nijstad has admitted his long-term ambition is to play alongside Pau Cubarsi at Barcelona after being impressed by the Spain international's display against Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the highly rated Dutch defender insists his immediate focus remains on continuing his development with the Eredivisie club.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta believes the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain will showcase the strength of La Masia, with club legends and rising stars on opposite sides. He hailed Lionel Messi's legacy while backing Lamine Yamal as the future, insisting Barcelona's identity will be at the heart of the showpiece.
Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly withdrawn from the race to sign Bayern Munich standout Michael Olise. The French champions are unwilling to engage in a bidding war or match the €200 million asking price, leaving Real Madrid in pole position. Olise is reportedly determined to secure a blockbuster switch to the Santiago Bernabeu after a sensational season in Germany.
Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has firmly responded to Barcelona counterpart Joan Laporta regarding the unfolding transfer saga surrounding Julian Alvarez. The forward publicly requested a summer departure during the World Cup, prompting the Catalan giants to launch a time-sensitive offer that has heightened tensions between the clubs.
Marcus Rashford has rejected several lucrative transfer proposals from interested clubs as his £40 million Manchester United release clause officially expired. The 28-year-old academy graduate will now see any potential summer departure subject to direct negotiations with the Old Trafford board.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has opened up on the demanding early days of Real Madrid’s pre-season, praising the intensity and sky-high standards of returning coach Jose Mourinho. The England defender revealed how he prepared over the summer and set out clear targets for the campaign ahead as the squad builds under the Portuguese at Valdebebas.
Borussia Dortmund are increasingly confident of keeping star striker Serhou Guirassy after a host of European giants failed to activate his cut-price release clause. The Guinea international, who was one of the most prolific scorers in the Bundesliga last term, saw his exit option expire at midnight on Wednesday.
Barcelona are closing in on the signing of Karim Adeyemi after the Borussia Dortmund forward completed his medical in the city. The Germany international is expected to be officially unveiled once the remaining paperwork between the clubs is finalised, before joining Hansi Flick's squad for pre-season preparations.
Robert Lewandowski has officially addressed the media for the first time since completing his high-profile move to MLS with Chicago Fire. The legendary Polish striker opened up about the emotional reasons behind his decision to leave European football behind following his departure from Barcelona.
Roma have rapidly accelerated their summer transfer plans with a highly ambitious swoop for Real Madrid forward Endrick. The Italian club are actively looking to build a formidable new-look attack for Gian Piero Gasperini, hoping to partner the Brazilian youngster with Premier League wingers Crysencio Summerville and Alejandro Garnacho this season.
Barcelona have been left reeling after Frenkie de Jong returned to the club early with a severe knee injury that could sideline him for up to six months. The Catalan giants are reportedly furious with Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman and the Oranje medical staff, feeling they were misled regarding the player's physical condition during the recent international break.
Former Arsenal and Barcelona forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is reportedly on the verge of making a surprise return to Spanish football. After finding himself sidelined at Marseille, the veteran striker is now heavily linked with a move to Deportivo La Coruna as he looks to reignite the final stages of his career with a fresh challenge in a familiar country.
Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise is eager to join Real Madrid this summer following another outstanding season in Germany. The France international has emerged as one of the most sought-after players in world football, and he now views the Spanish giants as the absolute perfect environment to take the next major step in his rapidly accelerating career.
Mason Greenwood has officially completed a move to Turkish giants Fenerbahce, but the transfer has been preceded by a bitter fallout with Atletico Madrid. The Spanish side reportedly felt 'disrespected' by the former Marseille forward after he went silent during negotiations with Diego Simeone.
Frenkie de Jong has suffered a serious knee injury upon returning to Barcelona following the World Cup. The midfielder underwent initial medical checks on Monday, revealing an issue that has caused immense concern. He is now staring at a significant period on the treatment table, dealing a devastating blow to his team's preparations ahead of the upcoming season.
Claude Makelele has revealed he urged Real Madrid president Florentino Perez to sign Michael Olise. The former Los Blancos midfielder also compared the Bayern Munich winger's ability to influence games to Lionel Messi, while insisting Olise should not be compared to Jude Bellingham.