Arne Slot knew full well that the first question of his post-match press conference after Tuesday night's Carabao Cup win over Southampton would be about Hugo Ekitike - but he wasn't happy about it.
NFL legend Eli Manning has backed Harry Kane to pursue his dream of swapping football for American football and has left doors open for a move to New York Giants "anytime." The prolific Bayern Munich striker's dream to become an NFL player is no secret, with the Englishman even admitting recently that a possible crossover remains "in the back of my mind."
Tottenham have made no secret of their desire to become a top-tier destination for the world's best young talent. "You can try to sell a vision to someone, but if there's tangible physical evidence of it… Anyone who has watched us since I've joined will have seen the aspirations we have to be the kind of team we want to be. That's not just me saying it, we're actually doing it," said former head coach Ange Postecoglou when he was calling the shots in N17.
Kylian Mbappe was hiding in the background while Xabi Alonso soliloquised. It was just after the opening game of the Champions League group phase. Mbappe had pieced together a remarkable Blancos rescue act, scoring twice to overturn a 1-0 deficit (and he might have had one or two more.) Alonso was singing his praises. He hailed Mbappe's "incredible impact", and promised that they were "just getting started.” And then, as he realised Mbappe was in the room - just out of the shot - he tailed off.
Harry Kane has been praised by Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl for his “special development” under Vincent Kompany’s system. The England captain has been in lethal form at the start of the 2025-26 campaign, scoring 13 goals in just seven games across all competitions, and is already closing in on the 100-goal milestone for the German champions.
For a player so crucial to Manchester City’s most glorious period ever, the manner of Kyle Walker's departure was bizarre to say the least. Pep Guardiola had let the cat out of the bag that the then-captain wanted to leave the club on loan for AC Milan at the end of a press conference after City had hammered Salford City in the FA Cup in early January.
Last time Manchester City fans saw Grace Clinton in action, she was wearing the red of their biggest rivals and kickstarting a Manchester United comeback that allowed the Red Devils to secure Champions League football at their expense. They'll have had much more favourable feelings towards the England international last Friday, then, as she re-introduced herself to those who suffered in the away end at Old Trafford back in May by netting a goal for the other side of the city, one which put them 4-0 up at Tottenham.
Super sub Robert Lewandowski saved goalkeeper Joan Garcia's blushes as Barcelona came from behind to beat a spirited Real Oviedo 3-1 on Thursday in La Liga. The 37-year-old is not getting any younger but he showed once again that his class is undeniable with a clinical finish against the struggling side. Garcia made a mistake he will want to forget quickly but the Poland star saved the day.
FIFA is reportedly unlikely to advance a proposal to expand the World Cup from 48 to 64 teams for 2030, despite recommendations from CONMEBOL, South American FA leaders, and several presidents from the continent. The Guardian reports that while FIFA heard the pitch and will share it with stakeholders, there is internal skepticism about the plan.
Barcelona star Joan Garcia has come under fire on social media after his costly mistake was instantly punished by Alberto Reina's stunning 40-yard strike for lowly Real Oviedo. The goalkeeper was drawn out of his box by a long ball over the top and just when it looked like he had dealt with the danger, his wayward pass was pounced upon by the Oviedo midfielder to give them a 1-0 lead.
Former Arsenal academy forward Billy Vigar has tragically died at the age of 21, after sustaining a serious brain injury while playing for Chichester City. The non-league side confirmed his passing on Thursday, describing him as a much-loved figure. The former Hale End star's tragic death has drawn numerous tributes from former clubs, among others.
England's Lucy Bronze has lifted the lid on Sarina Wiegman's impeccable tactics from the Euro 2025 final win over Spain in July. The Lionesses came from a goal down to beat the World Cup holders on penalties in a dramatic match in Switzerland. Now, Chelsea ace Bronze has opened up on how Alessia Russo's all-important equaliser was planned to a tee by the boss.
Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group are reportedly inching closer to ending their search to own a second football club. FSG have been at the reins for the Anfield outfit since 2010 and after a slow start, they have overseen a hugely successful period in recent years. But their ambition, it appears, does not stop at Liverpool as they have a Spanish team in their sights.
FIFA has unveiled the official mascots for the 2026 World Cup, with each host nation represented by a unique character. Maple the Moose stands for Canada, Zayu the Jaguar for Mexico, and Clutch the Bald Eagle for the United States, reflecting cultural diversity and shared passion for the global game. The 2026 World Cup kicks off next June.
Diego Leon has been training with Manchester United's first-team since his summer move from Cerro Porteno, but the 18-year-old left-back still has plenty to prove before earning Premier League minutes. Despite ambitious claims ahead of his arrival, Leon is far from ready to feature for Ruben Amorim's senior squad.
Senne Lammens has quickly adapted to life at Manchester United since his deadline-day move from Royal Antwerp, with the Belgian praised for his calm presence and maturity in training. However, despite impressing behind the scenes, the 23-year-old goalkeeper is still waiting to make his debut under Ruben Amorim, and it remains uncertain when that chance will arrive.
Liverpool have confirmed that rising star Rio Ngumoha has signed his first professional contract with the club. The forward swapped Chelsea for the Reds a year ago and has enjoyed a rapid rise at the Premier League champions. The 17-year-old grabbed the headlines with his 100th-minute winner against Newcastle United earlier this season and now he has put pen to paper on a new deal.
Mark Clattenburg has lifted the lid on a spat he had with Jurgen Klopp that led to the former Premier League referee telling the German to 'f*ck off'. Joining Adebayo Akinfenwa for episode seven of the Beast Mode On Podcast, Clattenburg explained how Klopp had sought to blame the match official for a 3-0 defeat to Real Madrid, leading to a fiery response from the referee.
UEFA is reportedly set to make a decision next week on whether Israel will be suspended from European competition. There have been calls for the continental governing body to take action amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. A UN Commission of Inquiry has concluded that there are reasonable grounds to conclude that Israel is committing genocide in that region. Sporting institutions are now being urged to take action.
Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has reiterated the club's commitment to Harry Kane, stating that they have no intention of parting ways and are focused on helping him succeed. The comments were prompted by Tottenham manager Thomas Frank, who had publicly expressed his openness to Kane rejoining the Premier League club. Coach Vincent Kompany subsequently declined to comment on the matter.
Former Italy coach Cesare Prandelli praised AC Milan’s Luka Modric and Napoli’s Kevin De Bruyne, insisting that class has no age amid the veteran midfielders' bright starts in Serie A. The duo moved to the Italian top-flight from Real Madrid and Manchester City respectively after their contracts expired and Prandelli says they bring an excitement to the league.
Peter Krawietz worked alongside Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool and has followed the former Anfield boss into the Red Bull ranks as Head of Soccer Philosophy. While a new challenge away from the dugout is being embraced, Krawietz has been casting an eye back over a memorable era on Merseyside - which saw Klopp deliver Champions League and Premier League title triumphs.
Bayern Munich reportedly "hope" that Tottenham will complete a permanent deal for Joao Palhinha, who does not feature in Vincent Kompany's plans. The Portuguese midfielder arrived in Germany from Fulham with high hopes, but his time under the Belgian manager has been nothing short of a disaster. Out of favour and out of his Kompany's plans, Bayern now want rid, and Spurs could be the perfect escape route.