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Legacy Spain 3 GFX

The fall and rise of Spanish football

This is Legacy, GOAL’s podcast following the countdown to the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the world’s game. In this week's episode, we look at how Spain went from defining an era to questioning its very place in the global game. We revisit the brilliance of the golden generation, the abrupt collapse after Brazil 2014, and the struggle of the teams that followed. And we turn to the present: a new coach, new mindset, and a wave of young talent led by Lamine Yamal, the prodigy many believe could carry Spain towards redemption in 2026. This is the journey of a team trying to rediscover itself - and the uncertainty, promise and pressure that comes with chasing a second star.

LegacyWorld Cup
Al Hilal v Al Taawoun: Saudi Pro League

Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El-Hadari has claimed that he anticipated Morocco’s Yassine Bono’s “miraculous” save by 23 years. The veteran shot-stopper, renowned for his experience an

Al-Hadari heaped praise on the performance of the Black Atlas star, singling out his command on the ball, his incisive runs and his ability to unlock defences with a single pass. The veteran goalkeeper underlined the forward’s maturity, noting that he has grown into a complete player capable of influencing games in multiple ways. Al-Hadari stressed that the 23-year-old’s work-rate and off-the-ball movement create headaches for opposition back lines, and he highlighted the player’s willingness to track back and press as a key factor in the team’s recent defensive solidity. He also pointed out that the star’s confidence is contagious, lifting the entire squad and inspiring younger teammates to aim higher. According to Al-Hadari, the forward’s blend of technical ability and physicality makes him a rare talent, and he expressed confidence that bigger stages await the player in the near future.

Al Hilal vs Al KholoodAl Hilal
Atletico de Madrid v Tottenham Hotspur FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg

Video: Atlético Madrid fans chant offensive slogans against Islam ahead of the Barcelona clash In a clip that has sparked widespread condemnation, supporters of Atlético Madrid wer

The unfortunate incident surrounding the Egypt friendly match has repeated itself, prompting fresh concerns within the national team’s camp and among fans. Details remain scarce, but sources close to the federation confirm that the same logistical and organisational issues that marred the previous get-together resurfaced during the most recent gathering, forcing coaches to adjust the training schedule at the last minute. While the exact nature of the problem has not been disclosed, insiders whisper that communication breakdowns between the back-room staff and club representatives played a significant role. As a result, players arrived on different schedules, equipment was misplaced, and the planned warm-up session had to be abbreviated. These glitches, though minor on the surface, underline deeper coordination failures that could affect team harmony heading into crucial qualifiers. Egypt’s football hierarchy is now under pressure to address these recurring problems. Fans have taken to

Barcelona vs Atletico MadridBarcelona
Iran

Egypt and Iran reveal alternative World Cup participation plan With the final whistle on their group stage fortunes blowing, both Egypt and Iran have unveiled a contingency bluepri

Doubts surround the Iranian national team ahead of the World Cup. As the final whistle approaches for football’s showpiece event, observers in Tehran and beyond sense a palpable unease about the team’s readiness. Concerns range from the squad’s defensive fragility to the lingering effects of domestic political pressures that have shadowed its preparations. Analysts point out that the side has struggled to find consistency in high-profile friendlies, and the coaching staff’s public silence only amplifies the uncertainty. Fans, who have seen their team qualify for a record sixth consecutive tournament, now wonder whether the squad can silence the sceptics when the first match kicks off.

Iran vs NigeriaIran
Spain v Egypt - International Friendly

FIFA probe Spanish FA following Islamophobic incidents in Egypt friendly

FIFA has officially opened disciplinary proceedings against the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) following a wave of anti-Muslim chants during last Tuesday's international friendly against Egypt. The match, held at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona, was marred by offensive chanting that has sparked national outrage and a police investigation.

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GFX Vinicius Junior Lamine Yamal 2025-26

Vini Jr speaks out in support of Yamal amid Islamophobia fight

Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior has publicly offered his support to Barcelona's Lamine Yamal as the two rivals put club colours aside to tackle the ongoing issue of racism in Spanish football. Following recent incidents involving both players, the Brazilian forward emphasized the need for high-profile figures to use their platforms to protect those without a voice.

Vinicius JuniorL. Yamal

Betting spotlight

Chelsea vs Manchester City Predictions: City inflict blues at Bridge
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Wilshere claims Spain would call Dowman up for World Cup

Jack Wilshere has made a passionate case for Arsenal’s teenage sensation Max Dowman to be included in England’s 2026 World Cup squad, insisting that rivals like Spain would not hesitate to cap such a precocious talent. The former Gunners midfielder, who now manages Luton Town, believes the 16-year-old possesses a level of natural ability that even exceeds his own breakthrough years at the Emirates.

M. DowmanEngland
FC Barcelona v Elche CF - LaLiga EA Sports

Flick backs Yamal following 'intolerable' anti-Muslim chants

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has reinforced Lamine Yamal’s powerful anti-racism message following the "intolerable" Islamophobic chants that marred Spain’s recent friendly against Egypt. The 18-year-old winger, a practising Muslim, expressed his disgust after spectators at RCDE Stadium aimed derogatory songs at his faith, prompting a formal investigation by local Catalan police.

H. FlickL. Yamal

Frequently asked questions

Der Chelsea Football Club wurde am 10. März 1905 in London-Fulham gegründet.

Der FC Chelsea gehört seit Mai 2022 dem Konsortium BlueCo. Die Eigentümergruppe um den US-amerikanischen Geschäftsmann Todd Boehly und die Investmentgesellschaft Clearlake Capital erwarb den Verein für rund 2,5 Milliarden Pfund von Vorbesitzer Roman Abramovich. 

Die Blues spielen an der Stamford Bridge, einem Stadion im Londoner Stadtteil Fulham. Offiziell eröffnet wurde die Heimspielstätte des FC Chelsea bereits im Jahr 1877 - also noch vor der Vereinsgründung. In 1905 übernahm der Klub die Leichtathletikarena und baute sie in ein Fußballstadion um. 

Im Vergleich der englischen Topklubs ist die Stamford Bridge eines der kleineren Stadien. Die Arena hat eine Kapazität für rund 41.000 Fans.

Mit 34 großen Titeln gehört der Chelsea FC zu den erfolgreichsten Fußballklubs in England. Neben nationalen Pokalen konnten die Blues auch international die größten Wettbewerbe gewinnen: In 2012 und 2021 holten sie die Champions-League-Trophäe nach Hause. 

Der FC Chelsea konnte insgesamt sechsmal die englische Meisterschaft für sich entscheiden. Den ersten Titel holte der Klub in der Saison 1954/55, als die Liga noch First Division hieß, seit 2004/05 kamen noch fünf weitere Trophäen dazu. 

Ron Harris ist Rekordspieler beim Chelsea FC. Zwischen 1961 und 1980 absolvierte der Innenverteidiger 748 Pflichtspiele für die Blues.

Toptorschütze des Vereins ist ein Mittelfeldspieler: Frank Lampard konnte in 648 Einsätzen 211-mal zuschlagen. 

Zahlreiche Weltstars haben bereits das Trikot der Blues getragen, die wohl bekanntesten Namen stammen aus der Erfolgsphase seit den frühen 2000ern. Unter anderem standen Frank Lampard, John Terry, Didier Drogba, Petr Cech, Eden Hazard, Gianfranco Zola, Claude Makelele, N’Golo Kante, Ashley Cole und Michael Ballack für die Londoner auf dem Rasen. 

Auch auf der Trainerbank haben schon einige bekannte Namen gesessen. Den größten Erfolg hatte Chelsea unter Jose Mourinho, mit ihm an der Seitenlinie holte der Verein acht Titel (u. a. 3x Premier League, 3x League Cup, 1x FA Cup, 1x Community Shield). Bei den beiden CL-Trophäen coachten Roberto Di Matteo (2012) und Thomas Tuchel (2021), unter Carlo Ancelotti holten die Blues das Double aus Liga und FA Cup (2009/10).

Aufgrund der Vereinsfarben ist der FC Chelsea auch unter dem Spitznamen "The Blues" bekannt.

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