LaLiga news

The Christmas period is upon us, which means we are somehow already more or less at the midway point of the 2025-26 football season. As many of Europe's leading leagues pause for the winter break, it's time to take stock and reflect on four scintillating months of action. It's also the opportune moment to assess those players who completed transfers across the continent in the summer, now that they have a decent sample size of games under their belts.

Barcelona have taken another major step in restoring their iconic home by applying to open more of the newly renovated Spotify Camp Nou in time for their first home match of 2026. The move would significantly boost capacity, revenue and atmosphere, with the stadium increasingly viewed as the 'financial engine' underpinning the club’s long-term recovery.

Robert Lewandowski has reportedly moved a step closer to leaving Barcelona as his representatives prepare to hold a fresh round of talks with the Saudi Pro League over a lucrative move to the Middle East. The Poland international is also being courted by Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire ahead of his contract expiring at the end of the season.

Lamine Yamal’s love of the game knows no bounds as the Barcelona wonderkid was spotted playing beach football with a group of children while enjoying his Christmas time off. The teenage sensation has been taking in plenty of sun, sea and sand while holidaying in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with Spanish football having shut down for the winter break.

With the halfway stage of the season upon us, the time has come to shine a spotlight on the players who have made the biggest impact across Europe's major leagues. But first, let's run through the lay of the land.

Cole Palmer has been advised not to look too far ahead at Chelsea, with Blues legend Frank Leboeuf telling GOAL that the England international has only enjoyed a “two-year career”. It has been suggested that the talented playmaker could one day attract interest from the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona, but he has been told to focus on maximising the potential of both himself and his trophy-hungry colleagues at Stamford Bridge.

Kylian Mbappe has been told, during GOAL’s exclusive interview with Frank Leboeuf, why he “cannot compare” to Zinedine Zidane in any discussion regarding the GOAT of French football. Even a second World Cup win, while becoming Les Bleus’ all-time leading scorer, may not be enough to lift the current Real Madrid superstar above the Blancos “icon” of the past.

Real Madrid have requested Barcelona's financial records from 2010 to 2018 as the Negreira case intensifies. Madrid president Florentino Perez used the club's traditional Christmas address to launch a blistering attack on Spanish football authorities regarding the hotly debated scandal. The club chief labelled the affair the "biggest scandal in football history".

Xabi Alonso is struggling to maintain order in the Real Madrid dressing room because it is full of big-name players who believe they "deserve" to start every game, according to his former Spain team-mate Cesc Fabregas. The Como head coach has laid bare the reason why he believes his compatriot has found himself under pressure at the Bernabeu this season.

Vinicius Jr sent a heartfelt message to Endrick after the Brazilian star sealed a loan move to Lyon. The move represents a decisive step away from the Santiago Bernabeu spotlight and towards regular football. The 19-year-old has struggled to force his way into the picture under new head coach Xabi Alonso and will now spend the remainder of the campaign in Ligue 1 with Lyon, a club eager to harness his raw potential.

Marc Guehi’s future appears to be drifting further away from Barcelona after reports in Spain suggested the reigning champions have cooled their interest in the Crystal Palace captain due to his wage demands. The England international, long admired across Europe, has become one of the most sought-after defenders on the market, but the financial gap between Guehi’s expectations and Barcelona’s limits is now considered too wide to bridge.

Forward Marcus Rashford insists he is working hard to stay at Barcelona following a strong start to life in Spain. Rashford joined the Catalan giants from Manchester United on loan for the rest of the season earlier in the year, and he's made a big impression for Hansi Flick's side. The defending champions end 2025 top of the table as they look to successfully defend their crown.

Sergio Canales put speculation to rest during an emotional tribute from Real Betis, making it clear he is fully committed to Monterrey. The Spanish midfielder addressed recent rumors linking him to a return to Spain after being seen with Racing Santander officials, stressing that he remains under contract and settled in Liga MX.

Real Madrid outcast Endrick has sealed a loan transfer to Ligue 1 side Lyon for the rest of the 2025-26 season. The Brazilian youngster moves in search of regular game time after struggling for minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu under Xabi Alonso. Endrick is clearly thrilled to seal the deal, saying "Christmas has come early" after making the move from the Spanish capital.

Barcelona midfielder Pedri is more than receptive to the idea of playing alongside Lionel Messi again in the future. The two were team-mates at Barca for the 2020-21 season before Messi's contract expired and couldn't be renewed due to financial restrictions, leaving on a free transfer for Paris Saint-Germain instead. Ever since his emotional departure, the Argentine has been linked with a return to Catalunya.

Kylian Mbappe has been told that Paris Saint-Germain would not have won the Champions League had he stuck around in France, with it “fantasy” to believe that European success could ever have been savoured with the France international, Lionel Messi and Neymar lining up in the same starting XI. World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf has explained to GOAL why that is the case.

Barcelona treble winner Rafinha Alcantara has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 32. The former midfielder confirmed his decision through a video posted across his social media platforms, bringing clarity to a prolonged period of uncertainty since he last played competitive football.