Jose Mourinho will forever be the ‘Special One’, but does he still possess that unique brand of magic? Carlton Cole worked with the enigmatic Portuguese at Chelsea and has told GOAL why Real Madrid need a familiar face at Santiago Bernabeu to be more of a “father figure” to Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham than an outspoken and demanding leader.
Real Madrid legend Luka Modric has opened up about the immense difficulty of competing against Lionel Messi throughout their storied careers in Spain and on the international stage. Following the former Barcelona captain's decision to retire from international duty with Argentina, the current AC Milan midfielder offered a heartfelt tribute to his long-time rival.
Endrick is reportedly preparing for another temporary departure from Real Madrid after failing to secure a meaningful role under new manager Jose Mourinho. The Brazilian sensation has struggled for minutes in a crowded frontline and is now exploring a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu during the winter transfer window to salvage his development.
Former Real Madrid right-back Dani Carvajal is in talks to join Getafe on a free transfer following his departure from the Spanish giants. The six-time European champion could undergo a medical soon as Jose Bordalas looks to bolster his squad for a demanding campaign across three competitions.
Roma winger Wesley is reportedly taking matters into his own hands to convince Real Madrid starlet Endrick to move to the Stadio Olimpico. The Brazilian duo share a close bond, and the Giallorossi are emerging as the frontrunners to secure a loan deal for the frustrated forward.
Liga president Javier Tebas has launched a scathing attack on Real Madrid TV regarding their continued coverage of the Negreira case. The league chief accused the club's official channel of peddling a false narrative by suggesting the refereeing scandal is still impacting Spanish football today.
Real Madrid have taken another significant step in securing the club's long-term future by reaching an agreement to extend Arda Guler's contract until 2031. The 21-year-old sensation has become a central figure in the Spanish capital, rewarding the club's faith with a series of dazzling performances that have cemented his place in the first-team squad.
Ex-Brazil international Anderson has told GOAL why the likes of Vinicius Junior may have earned “superstar” status prematurely, with any player that has “five good games” suddenly worth “200 million” in modern football. The former Manchester United midfielder continues to use Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the blueprint for what success really looks like.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is “not a really poor defender”, fellow Merseyside native and ex-England B international Alan Stubbs has told GOAL, with the Real Madrid right-back’s critics being accused of ignoring obvious “strengths”. The former Liverpool defender has been welcomed back from the international wilderness, but is yet to convince everybody of his worth.
France manager Zinedine Zidane has vehemently defended former talisman Cristiano Ronaldo following intense media scrutiny over the forward's abrupt walkout from Portugal duty. Recalling their shared historic triumphs at the Santiago Bernabeu, the tactician dismissed suggestions of a tarnished career while detailing his own shift to international management.
Franco Mastantuono has opened up about the significant pressure placed on his shoulders after netting his first senior international goal for Argentina. The Fiorentina midfielder, who is currently on loan from La Liga club Real Madrid, made a significant impact during a dominant 7-0 victory against Burkina Faso at the Estadio Monumental.
Jude Bellingham produced a scintillating performance to guide England to a monumental 7-0 victory over Croatia in the Nations League. Bellingham scored one goal and provided three assists in a dominant display that has led to massive predictions about his future, with the player being backed to cement his legacy as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho is facing a significant selection crisis in the heart of his defense ahead of the upcoming clash against Villarreal. With several key first-team regulars unavailable through a combination of injuries and suspensions, the Portuguese tactician must now explore creative internal solutions to patch up his backline.
Liverpool have been warned that club captain Virgil van Dijk could have his head turned by the lure of a free transfer to Real Madrid. The veteran defender is currently in the final year of his deal at Anfield, and former Reds striker Emile Heskey believes the Spanish giants represent a temptation that is difficult for any player to ignore.
Real Madrid are still grappling with the massive void left by Toni Kroos following the German maestro's decision to hang up his boots two years ago. Despite boasting a midfield packed with world-class talent, Los Blancos have struggled to replicate the unique control and tempo-setting qualities that defined their recent era of dominance. A prominent former coach has now shed light on the issue, suggesting that a Barcelona star possesses the exact profile needed to restore balance.
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly ready to make a significant tactical adjustment by dropping Vinicius Jr to the bench for the upcoming clash against Villarreal. The decision comes as the Portuguese tactician looks to manage the forward’s dip in form before the season's first El Clasico.
Marc Cucurella has called for patience following Real Madrid’s underwhelming start to the new campaign under Jose Mourinho. The Spanish international, who swapped Chelsea for the Santiago Bernabeu in a high-profile summer switch, insists that the team needs time to adapt to their new manager’s philosophy.
Real Madrid defender Marc Cucurella has revealed his playful side ahead of Spain’s upcoming Nations League clash with the Czech Republic. The left-back, who has quickly become a fan favourite for both club and country, shared his humorous take on the prestigious Ballon d’Or race.
Real Madrid believe that Barcelona are finally facing the prospect of severe sporting sanctions from UEFA following the latest developments in the Negreira case. The club hierarchy at the Santiago Bernabeu is reportedly convinced that a significant dossier of evidence will force European football's governing body to act against their rivals.
Real Madrid youngster Carlos Espi has announced himself on the international stage with a truly historic performance for Spain U-21. The clinical forward broke national records during a ruthless 13-0 dismantling of San Marino, proving exactly why he is considered one of the brightest talents in the Spanish capital.
Real Madrid are reportedly keeping close tabs on Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah ahead of a potential summer transfer. The England international has flourished in the Bundesliga since leaving Liverpool, sparking a massive race for his signature among Europe's elite clubs.
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe could face a delayed return to action as Jose Mourinho plans a cautious approach following the player's recent knee injury. The Portuguese manager is reportedly prepared to rest his star attacker in upcoming matches to ensure full fitness for the crucial El Clasico clash against Barcelona.
Barcelona have moved quickly to clarify their legal position following reports that Real Madrid submitted a 'considerable' amount of documentation to UEFA regarding the Negreira case. The Catalan giants are standing firm, insisting that the European governing body has not launched any fresh disciplinary proceedings despite the latest intervention from their fierce rivals.
Ousmane Dembele has firmly dismissed rumours of a fallout with France team-mate Kylian Mbappe following comments regarding the upcoming Ballon d'Or ceremony. Speculation suggested a frosty relationship had developed between the pair after Mbappe spoke to the media, but Dembele insists their close friendship remains completely intact as they reunite on international duty this week.
European football's governing body have officially reopened disciplinary proceedings concerning the Negreira case after receiving thousands of documents from Real Madrid. The Spanish giants are demanding urgent action regarding the historic payments made by Barcelona to a former refereeing official, which could potentially lead to severe sporting sanctions for the Catalan club.