One of the most outspoken critics of the national setup is Hugo Sánchez - arguably the greatest Mexican to ever play in Europe, a five-time Pichichi winner with Real Madrid. The legendary striker believes that Mexican federation leaders have halted the country’s football growth by withdrawing from Copa América and Copa Libertadores competitions.
Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo has sent out a strong message after scoring twice for his country in a 2-2 draw with Hungary in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday night. His brace means that the 40-year-old superstar has now scored 41 times in World Cup qualifying history, moving past the record of 39 previously held by Guatemala striker Carlos Ruiz, but Portugal still have work to do to qualify.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has revealed how captain Harry Kane delivered a rousing speech to his team-mates after Tuesday's emphatic 5-0 win over Latvia in World Cup qualifying. Kane scored twice in the win as the Three Lions booked their place at World Cup 2026 with two games to spare. Tuchel's side also have a perfect record in qualifying so far, winning all six games and are yet to concede a single goal.
The results didn’t go Mexico’s way under Javier Aguirre during this FIFA window. El Tri had a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Colombia at AT&T Stadium and then drew 1-1 with Ecuador in Guadalajara - two potential World Cup opponents. Despite that, San Diego FC winger Hirving Lozano offered a positive assessment and highlighted some encouraging signs.
Thibaut Courtois has offered an unusual piece of advice to Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens ahead of his daunting Anfield test against Premier League champions Liverpool. With Anfield remaining one of the most intimidating venues in world football, the 23-year-old faces a true baptism of fire as Ruben Amorim's struggling side face Arne Slot's free-scoring Reds.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been handed a major boost in his bid to face former club Liverpool, with the Real Madrid defender’s recovery from a hamstring injury progressing ahead of schedule. The 27-year-old England international has returned to light training and could feature at Anfield on November 4, seven weeks after suffering an injury against Marseille.
Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim has welcomed the public backing he recently received from co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in spite of the team's ragged results this season. The Portuguese claimed he already felt supported by the club's hierarchy even after losing four of United's opening eight games in all competitions. And he revealed the person who puts him under the most pressure.
Ruben Amorim has urged Manchester United fans to calm their expectations of young goalkeeper Senne Lammens, after the 23-year-old shined on his Red Devils debut against Sunderland prior to the international break. The United head coach suggested that the Belgian has not yet earned comparisons with club legend shot-stoppers such as Peter Schmeichel, but that he showed "a lot of composure" and could start against Liverpool on Sunday.
Controversy has erupted in Spain after the television broadcast of Real Oviedo’s clash with Espanyol cut away from the opening moments of play, missing both teams’ planned 15-second protest against La Liga’s decision to move Barcelona’s upcoming league game to Miami. The censorship has drawn fresh criticism of the league’s handling of its controversial U.S. expansion plan.
Ryan Longman failed to convert an easy chance as Wrexham suffered yet another Championship defeat at the hands of high-flying Stoke City. The loss comes as yet another setback for Ryan Reyndols and Rob Mac's side, who continue to remain in the bottom half of the league table. Sorba Thomas scored a stunning goal for the hosts in the 36th minute to seal a key win for his side.
After scoring for the U.S. men's national team during the international break, Folarin Balogun built on that momentum on the club level, scoring his side's only goal in Monaco's 1-1 draw with Angers. The strike is his second of the season, with the first coming back on Aug. 31. Les Monégasques now sit fifth in Ligue 1.
Lionel Messi has claimed Major League Soccer’s Golden Boot, finishing the season with 29 goals to outpace Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge and LAFC’s Denis Bouanga, who each scored 24. It’s the Argentine’s first MLS Golden Boot, after narrowly missing out last year to D.C. United’s Christian Benteke by three goals.
Vincent Kompany was full of praise for Harry Kane after the Bayern Munich forward netted his 400th career goal to seal a 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Klassiker. The England captain's clinical header helped Bayern maintain their perfect start to the season, with Kompany hailing his striker's "complete" display in another statement Bundesliga win.
A drama erupted at San Siro as VAR once again took centre stage in AC Milan’s 2–1 win over Fiorentina. A late, controversial penalty awarded to Milan after Santiago Gimenez went down softly in the box ignited fury from Fiorentina’s camp. Sporting director Daniele Prade called the officiating “scandalous,” while manager Stefano Pioli accused VAR of “encouraging simulation,” reigniting the debate on fairness and football’s integrity.
Tempers flared as Real Madrid battled past Getafe 1-0 in a stormy La Liga clash marked by dismissals, accusations, and drama. Vinicius Jr’s fiery cameo and Jude Bellingham’s exchange with Jose Bordalas stole the spotlight as the Getafe coach accused both of “provoking” his team. However, with Kylian Mbappe’s winner Madrid sit top of La Liga before the looming El Clasico.
Cesc Fabregas showed just how much his side’s stunning win over Juventus meant to him as cameras captured the Como boss delivering a passionate post-match speech to his players on the pitch. The Arsenal and Chelsea icon, who has guided the Serie A underdogs to sixth place, was visibly emotional as he told his players that he is “f*cking proud” of them.
Barcelona are dealing with a mounting injury crisis with key defender Andreas Christensen joining forwards Raphinha and Ferran Torres on the sidelines ahead of Tuesday's crucial Champions League tie against Olympiacos. The growing absentee list, which already includes Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, heaps pressure on Coach Hansi Flick as the Blaugrana prepare for the season's first El Clasico against Real Madrid on Sunday.
Reece James has dismissed talk of a disciplinary crisis at Chelsea despite the Blues receiving their fifth red card in six matches. The captain scored and assisted in a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest before Malo Gusto’s late dismissal took the shine off an otherwise commanding display, leaving Enzo Maresca’s men once again finishing a game with 10 men.
With Ferran Torres and Raphinha doubtful for both the Champions League clash and El Clasico, head coach Hansi Flick confirmed his faith in Marcus Rashford to spearhead the attack. The German coach hailed Rashford as a "good option as a No. 9 or No. 11," emphasising his recent improvement. As Barcelona battle a major injury crisis, the on-loan forward is set to be the crucial focal point against Olympiacos and potentially Real Madrid.
Manchester United star Diogo Dalot has responded to viral fan Frank Ilett - known as TheUnitedStrand - who vowed not to get a haircut until the Red Devils win five games in a row. After United’s back-to-back victories over Sunderland and Liverpool, the Portugal full-back playfully admitted the team hopes to “give him that haircut” with three more consecutive victories needed.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been full of praise for Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone ahead of the Gunners' meeting with the Spanish side in the Champions League on Tuesday. Arteta, whose team have been accused of winning ugly this season, says that Simeone is a coach he looks up to and tries to learn from and reserved special praise for the Atletico manager's "passion."
Arsenal and manager Mikel Arteta have been handed a huge fitness boost ahead of Tuesday's crunch Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners play host to Diego Simeone's side and will be aiming to continue their fine start to the season by making it three wins from three in the Champions League so far in the 2025-26 campaign.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has showered praise on Jose Mourinho ahead of Tuesday's clash with Benfica in the Champions League at St James' Park. Howe has described the self-anointed 'Special One' as a "visionary" and has revealed his admiration for the former Chelsea and Real Madrid coach. Benfica head into the match against Newcastle in search of their first win in the competition this season.
Julián Quiñones has moved past Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League scoring race after netting a hat trick against NEOM SC. The naturalized Mexican forward now has six goals through five matches, one more than the Al Nassr captain. Al Qadsiah sit second in the table with 13 points, two behind Ronaldo’s side.
Switzerland and Como Women’s star Alisha Lehmann has been having some fun on the training ground with Johan Djourou while on international duty. The former Arsenal defender is currently working as the assistant coach of the Swiss women’s team and was taking part in some drills when a simple error saw Lehmann jokingly request some assistance from VAR.
Former Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos has sent a message to Kylian Mbappe ahead of Sunday's Clasico clash against Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu. Real Madrid head into the match against the defending Spanish champions on top of the table and with Mbappe in red-hot goalscoring form. Mbappe has 10 goals in just nine league outings this season and will be out for more against Hansi Flick's side.
After closing out the MLS regular season on a dominant streak, Inter Miami CF star Lionel Messi has been named MLS Player of the Month for October 2025, following a stunning run of five goals and five assists in his last three matches. Thanks to his influence, the Herons finished the month with a perfect record of three wins and no losses, securing third place in the Eastern Conference.