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Yamal admits aim to 'follow in footsteps' of Messi after Laureus award win

Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal admitted he is aiming to "follow in the footsteps" of Lionel Messi after being crowned the Laureus World Young Sportsperson of the Year for 2026. The 18-year-old forward used the prestigious ceremony to pay tribute to the Argentine icon, who remains the only footballer to have ever won the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award.

Alex Iwobi Lionel Messi Beast Mode On Podcast

Ronaldo ‘aura’ & Messi ‘force field’! Iwobi on facing GOATs

Alex Iwobi has explained what it is like to face all-time greats Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, with the former having an “aura” while the latter boasts a “force field”. Speaking on the Beast Mode On Podcast, former Arsenal midfielder Iwobi - who is now on the books of Fulham - has lifted the lid on how he became the unfortunate star of a Messi-themed compilation reel.

Seattle Sounders FC v New England Revolution

USMNT superstars of the future: Twellman names two ‘special’ prospects

Former United States international Taylor Twellman has praised two exceptional teenage prospects currently making waves in Major League Soccer. However, the prominent analyst refused to burden these rising American stars with premature comparisons to legendary footballing figures like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, while also outlining the established core needed for a successful 2026 World Cup campaign on home soil.

Mohamed Salah Lionel Messi 2026

Thiago snubs Messi & Salah in top three team-mates list

Thiago Alcantara has raised eyebrows by omitting Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah when naming the three best players he ever shared a pitch with. Despite playing alongside some of the greatest icons in modern football history, the former midfield maestro opted for a trio of stars that prioritised tactical intelligence and selflessness above raw goalscoring numbers.

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Aguero: Only one player ranks above Yamal

Sergio Aguero has heaped massive praise on Lamine Yamal, sensationally claiming that the Barcelona sensation is already performing at a level that puts him above almost every other player in world football with the exception of a certain superstar. The Manchester City and Blaugrana legend also believes the teenager possesses a rare talent that has not been seen at Camp Nou since the departure of eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi.

Vinicius Junior 2025-26

Vinicius Jr told he's 'far from' Messi and Ronaldo

Despite being a leading figure at Santiago Bernabeu, Vinicius Jr is reportedly missing a vital ingredient required to join the pantheon of footballing greats. Former Brazil and Atletico Madrid defender Joao Miranda has offered a stinging appraisal of the Brazilian winger’s standing in the global game. The Real Madrid star has been told he is still a long way off reaching the legendary heights of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Puerto Rico v Argentina - International Friendly

Messi, Argentina sued for failing to appear in Venezuela friendly

A Miami-based events company has filed a suit against Lionel Messi and the Argentine football federation after the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was rested in a friendly last year. Messi opted not to play in the exhibition against Venezuela, and VID Music Group claim that Messi promised to play a minimum of 30 minutes in the fixture - unless he was injured.

Ballon d'Or 2026 GFX

BDO Power Rankings: World Cup or bust for Mbappe after UCL exit

With the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly presumably disappearing into the rearview mirror, the battle for the Ballon d'Or hasn't felt so open for the best part of 20 years, with countless players now beginning each campaign believing they have a chance of claiming the most prestigious individual prize football has to offer. Ousmane Dembele emerged from a career plagued by injuries and inconsistencies to win the Golden Ball in 2025, and he is among a crowded field of contenders one year on.

Icons Lionel Messi Argentina 2022 World Cup GFX

How Messi completed football at the 2022 World Cup

In the winter of 2022, under the lights of Lusail, Lionel Messi finally realised the dream he'd carried with him his entire life. After years of unrelenting pressure, bitter heartbreak and agonising near-misses, Argentina’s captain rose above expectation on football’s grandest stage to deliver his country the perfect ending - and to fulfill his own destiny. Welcome to the latest episode of Icons - a GOAL podcast that revisits the last 10 World Cups through the moments, characters, and controversies that defined them, bringing the spirit of each tournament vividly back to life.

Frequently asked questions

Erling Haaland is an archetypal striker, a proper fox in the box, and relishes being fed while he uses his intelligent off the ball movement inside the penalty area.

Although he is a Norwegian, Erling Haaland was born in Leeds, West Yorkshire, in England, given that his father, Alfie Haaland was plying his trade for Leeds United at the time.

Erling Haaland has been wearing the No.9 jersey for Manchester City, mainly featuring as a traditional striker for the Premier League giants.

Erling Haaland is among the tallest forwards in the top five European leagues, standing at 1.95m (6ft 4in). Inspite his tall frame, he is renowned for his speed.

The mighty Norwegian forward weighs 88kg (194 lbs), and yet he is arguably the fastest out and out striker in the business at the moment.

Erling Haaland moved to his hometown, Bryne, at the age of three and joined the academy of Bryne at the age of five in 2005. He spent almost the entirety of his youth career at Bryne.

No, Erling Haaland doesn't have any children yet.

The former Borussia Dortmund striker is yet to marry, but he is currently in a relationship with Isabel Haugseng Johansen, who is a woman footballer herself. The duo reportedly started dating when Haaland was playing for Borussia Dortmund.