Aryan Suraj Chadha

The club versus country row between Barcelona and Spain has escalated after Luis de la Fuente called up Lamine Yamal for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers. The Spain boss fired back at Hansi Flick's complaints about player welfare, expressing surprise at the Barca manager's comments and defending his decision to include the teenager.

Bayern Munich legend Manuel Neuer has been hailed as one of the world's top three goalkeepers by his national team successor, Oliver Baumann. The Hoffenheim star, who is currently Germany's No.1, dismissed talk of a national team return for Neuer but praised the 39-year-old's enduring 'world-class' standard and down-to-earth personality.

Federico Valverde has revealed Real Madrid held a series of "rare" crisis talks after their 5-2 derby humiliation against Atletico Madrid. The midfielder slammed his teammates' attitude as Xabi Alonso's men were overpowered in the second half of the encounter despite going in level at half-time with a 2-2 scoreline.

Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus says Serge Gnabry's "outstanding" form is the key to making Harry Kane "even stronger." Matthaus explained the tactical interplay between the pair, which has fired Bayern's attack, has been key to their blistering Bundesliga start. Gnabry's long-term future, however, remains uncertain with his contract expiring next summer.

With the Ballon d'Or ceremony just hours away, a former winner has given his verdict on the two frontrunners. He revealed his vote would go to Barcelona's Lamine Yamal for his "unpredictable" style, but concedes that Ousmane Dembele's Champions League triumph with Paris Saint-Germain might "tip the scales" in his favour.

Harry Kane could win the Ballon d'Or at Bayern Munich if he leads them to Champions League glory, according to the club legend Lothar Matthaus. The German icon explained that he is most impressed by the striker's "playmaker" assists, not just his goals, and urged him to finish his career in the Bundesliga.

Bayern Munich icon Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has backed Thomas Muller's MLS move, suggesting it's the perfect preparation for a future leadership role at the German club. The board member believes Muller "did the right thing" by signing for Vancouver Whitecaps in the summer and hinted that the door is open for the 36-year-old to return to Munich in an off-field capacity.

Ilkay Gundogan has lamented Galatasaray's mental fragility following their 5-1 Champions League thrashing by Eintracht Frankfurt. The ex-Manchester City star claimed his side were superior until the German team equalised, after which their "heads were hanging down". Gundogan admitted they "invited" Frankfurt to score and must improve as a group as they look to bounce back from the humiliation.

Real Madrid's performance manager, Antonio Pintus, has detailed what makes Luka Modric a unique talent at 40. The coach explained that the AC Milan star's professionalism and dedication are key, but it's his 'different mentality' and relentless hunger for victory that truly separates him and fuels his remarkable longevity at the top level.

Rangers manager Russell Martin has been brutally slammed as a 'shallow Pep Guardiola imposter' by pundits following a disastrous start to the season. The criticism comes after a home defeat to Hearts left the Ibrox club languishing in 10th place, with Martin's philosophy branded 'self-sabotage' and 'style over substance'.

Barcelona are finally set to learn the final decision on their plans to return to Camp Nou plans ahead of Sunday’s La Liga fixture against Valencia.

Julian Brandt missed out on Germany's World Cup qualifiers because the Borussia Dortmund player underwent wrist surgery.

Poland's all-time leading scorer, Robert Lewandowski, set out to correct the record after returning to the team following a controversial absence.

Kylian Mbappe has become the latest player to criticise football’s demanding calendar, urging changes for the good after a personal health scare.

Bayer Leverkusen captain Robert Andrich launched a stinging criticism of the team's poor Bundesliga start, with coach Erik ten Hag subsequently fired.

Luis de la Fuente has moved to shield Barcelona star Lamine Yamal from mounting scrutiny

Bayern Munich's pursuit of Nick Woltemade is definitively over, with Stuttgart's hierarchy again shutting down any transfer possibility.

The opening of the Serie A season has been soured by another shameful episode of racism, with Juventus confirming Weston McKennie was targeted.