Aditya Gokhale

England captain and Bayern Munich superstar Harry Kane has been placed 13th on the Ballon d'Or standings, and fans are furious with the disgraceful ranking. There was also some outrage that Chelsea' Cole Palmer finished ahead of Kane despite having a forgettable 2024-25 Premier League season, which was covered up by a good Club World Cup campaign.

Vinicius Junior’s dramatic decline in the Ballon d’Or rankings has raised eyebrows, with the Real Madrid star slipping all the way down to 16th in 2025, just a year after finishing runner-up to Rodri. The Brazilian had vowed to come back stronger following last year’s controversy, but his fall from grace has coincided with Real Madrid’s ongoing rift with UEFA and the awards ceremony.

Gary Neville has branded Arsenal a 'one-trick pony' under Mikel Arteta, questioning whether the Gunners truly believe they can win the Premier League. The Manchester United legend criticised Arsenal’s reliance on set pieces following their 1-1 draw with Manchester City, warning that without greater attacking spark, their title push could ultimately fall short.

Jose Mourinho has moved quickly to cool tensions with Porto fans after sparking anger with his unveiling comments at Benfica. The 62-year-old Portuguese coach, who began his career with the Lisbon giants in 2000, stressed that his return is not about 'waging war' on Porto or Sporting, despite admitting he expects a frosty reception when Benfica visit the Dragao in October.

Mikel Arteta has defended Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres after another quiet outing in a big game, as the Gunners bagged a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Manchester City at the Emirates. The £64 million summer signing failed to register a single shot or create any real danger against Pep Guardiola's side, leaving frustrated fans questioning his impact.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has confirmed that Mohamed Salah and four other senior stars will sit out Tuesday’s Carabao Cup third round tie against Southampton. The Reds edged Everton 2-1 in the Merseyside derby at Anfield on Saturday, making it five wins on the bounce in all competitions. But Slot says heavy rotation is coming, with his most-used players to receive a much-needed rest.

Arsenal were dealt a scare during their 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Sunday as Noni Madueke, their most dangerous attacker in the first half, was substituted at the break. Mikel Arteta revealed after the game that the winger, who has impressed in recent weeks while deputising for Bukayo Saka, suffered an injury that prevented him from playing on into the second half.

Sergio Busquets is reportedly set to call time on his legendary career at the end of Inter Miami’s 2025 Major League Soccer campaign. The 37-year-old midfielder, who has lifted 32 trophies with Barcelona and earned 143 Spain caps, has decided to hang up his boots two years after following Lionel Messi to Inter Miami.

Amad Diallo has deleted all of his Instagram posts after sparking backlash from Manchester United fans with a picture alongside former team-mate Alejandro Garnacho. The winger started in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Chelsea but came under fire after sharing a smiling snap with the Argentine, who was booed throughout at Old Trafford following his controversial exit this summer.

Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has been praised for his unique mentality and natural brilliance by former La Masia talent Keita Balde. The ex-Barca winger likened Yamal’s style of play to a carefree kickabout with friends, highlighting the youngster’s spontaneity and joy on the pitch. The 18-year-old is being hailed as one of world football’s best players ahead of the 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony.

Ruben Amorim capped off Manchester United’s hard-fought victory over Chelsea with a classy gesture that has further endeared him to the Red Devils faithful. Despite torrential rain lashing down outside Old Trafford, the United boss stayed until late in the evening to sign autographs and take photos with supporters. The act of appreciation followed a much-needed 2-1 win that lifted pressure and boosted morale.

Alessia Russo has opened up on her footballing journey, admitting that the sport has shaped her life but also teaching her that there is more beyond the pitch. The Arsenal and England striker reflected on the bold decision to leave home for college in the United States, her close bond with Lotte Wubben-Moy, and the painful memory of the 2023 World Cup final defeat.

Manchester United are reportedly willing to sacrifice Kobbie Mainoo in a sensational part-exchange bid for Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde. The Red Devils are said to have put €50 million (£44m) on the table alongside the 20-year-old talent, but Los Blancos see the Uruguayan as a cornerstone of their future plans. Amorim, meanwhile, continues to cast doubts on Mainoo’s role.

Coleen Rooney has poked fun at her husband Wayne after he revealed a cheeky prank she pulled on him during Liverpool’s 2020 Premier League title celebrations. The Manchester United legend admitted he locked Coleen out of their house after returning home to find it draped in Liverpool flags. Now, Coleen has responded with a tongue-in-cheek post on social media.

Premier League executive Karren Brady has hit back at bold claims from Ivan Toney and Cristiano Ronaldo that the Saudi Pro League is on the same level as the Premier League. Brady admitted she was left “gobsmacked” by the comparisons, insisting the Saudi project is far from matching the Premier League’s global standard in quality, support, and stature.

Arne Slot has decided to leave both of his big new signings, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, on the bench for Liverpool's massive Merseyside clash against Everton. Wirtz has started all six games for the Reds this season, while Isak made a 60-minute debut for the Premier League champions in the Champions League earlier this week. Hugo Ekitike starts up top for Slot's side at Anfield instead.

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs has stepped down from his role as Salford City’s director of football as he eyes a return to the dugout after three years away from management. The 51-year-old, who once guided Wales to Euro 2020 qualification, is ready to test himself again, sparking speculation about where his next move could be.

Manchester United’s senior players were forced to stage an intervention to address Alejandro Garnacho’s attitude before the winger’s exile from the first team and eventual move to Chelsea. Garnacho’s self-centred behaviour, both on and off the pitch, left Ruben Amorim and Red Devils players frustrated, ultimately leading to his Old Trafford exit just months after tensions began brewing.