Lists

Samuel Eto'o has claimed that Kylian Mbappe does not receive the level of appreciation his record-breaking performances deserve in his home country. Despite leading France to the brink of another World Cup final, the legendary striker believes the Real Madrid man is held to a different standard than other icons of the game.

Lionel Messi is “more mortal now”, former England international Gary Pallister has told GOAL, with the Three Lions considered to be capable of ending Argentina’s World Cup title defence. Thomas Tuchel’s side are due to lock horns with the reigning champions on Wednesday, with questions already being asked of how best to contain an evergreen all-time great.

A complete guide to the United States' year, including the SheBelieves Cup and fixtures in qualifying for the 2027 Women's World Cup

Manchester United have officially confirmed the signing of Brazilian international Andrey Santos from Chelsea in a blockbuster deal worth £50 million. The 22-year-old midfielder arrives at Old Trafford as the first major addition under Michael Carrick, signaling a bold new direction for the Red Devils' engine room.

The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) has officially announced the return of Slaven Bilic as the head coach of the senior national team. The former West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion manager ends a two-year break from the dugout to succeed Zlatko Dalic, who stepped down following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup.

FIFA’s Creator Correspondent program has given 30 TikTok personalities remarkable access at the World Cup - and offered a glimpse of how social media is reshaping soccer coverage in North America.

Former Liverpool and Fulham defender John Arne Riise has launched a stinging critique of Cristiano Ronaldo, insisting the legendary forward should retire from international football immediately. The Norwegian believes the Al-Nassr star is no longer capable of performing at the highest level and is actively hindering Portugal's progress.

Daniel Farke has fended off the threat of a “big name” appointment at Leeds, but former Whites defender Matt Kilgallon has admitted to GOAL that any manager is only ever “three games” away from losing their job. Having cemented Premier League status at Elland Road, Farke will be given the opportunity to build on those foundations during the 2026-27 campaign.

Pedro Porro has emerged as a vital component of Spain's starting line-up at the 2026 World Cup, forming a formidable partnership with Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal. Despite starting the tournament on the bench, the Tottenham defender has become indispensable for Luis de la Fuente on the right flank, and has now opened up on his connection with Yamal.

Jude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel have “history” and continue to butt heads occasionally, but former England international Gary Pallister has told GOAL why the pair’s latest exchange of words is nothing more than a “storm in a teacup”. The Three Lions’ class of 2026 are chasing down immortality at the World Cup in North America, with it important that no cracks are allowed to form in that camp.

Andoni Iraola has addressed the uncertain future of Harvey Elliott at Liverpool following the midfielder's difficult loan stint at Aston Villa. The 23-year-old has returned to Merseyside ahead of schedule after a season dominated more by contractual red tape than on-pitch action.

New Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has addressed the media for the first time since taking the reins at Anfield, providing a significant update on the club's recruitment strategy. Following the early acquisitions of Victor Munoz and Jeremy Jacquet, the Spaniard has made it clear that the Reds are still "working hard" in the market as they look to build a squad capable of competing on all fronts.

London City Lionesses have continued their impressive summer transfer window with the addition of four-time Champions League winner Mapi Leon, following her departure from Barcelona. The Spain defender is London City's fifth new arrival, joining two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas and former Lionesses star Mary Earps in signing up for Michele Kang's ambitious project.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has expressed his immense admiration for Lionel Messi’s continued brilliance, describing the forward's 2026 World Cup campaign as "extraordinary". Speaking from Dallas ahead of the tournament's semi-finals, Laporta also took the opportunity to evaluate the performances of Lamine Yamal and Anthony Gordon.

Manchester United are set to seal a sensational move for Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans after triggering a £35m release clause in the Belgian's contract. The Red Devils have pivoted quickly in the transfer market to bolster their midfield options under Michael Carrick.

Spain captain Rodri has called on teenage sensation Lamine Yamal to control his "anxiety" and desire to impress as La Roja prepare for a monumental World Cup semi-final against France. The Manchester City midfielder believes the Barcelona youngster remains a vital component of the team but needs to rediscover his composure to reach peak performance.

Evangelos Marinakis boasts big ambition at Nottingham Forest, with Reds legend Des Walker telling GOAL that trophy targets on Trentside can be hit as “dancing” at Wembley is enjoyed. Another new era is about to be opened at the City Ground as, following plenty of movement on the managerial front, Oliver Glasner leads the collective charge in 2026-27.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has spoken out regarding Raphinha’s future at the Spotify Camp Nou amidst heavy interest from the Saudi Pro League and the imminent arrival of Karim Adeyemi. Laporta insists the Brazilian winger remains a fundamental part of Barca's plans for the upcoming campaign.

France have unveiled their kits for the 2026 World Cup - and they’re anything but ordinary.

According to his father-in-law Danny Dyer, West Ham star Jarrod Bowen has made a decision on his future following the club’s heart-breaking relegation from the Premier League. Despite significant interest from top-flight heavyweights, including Liverpool and Aston Villa, the Hammers captain appears set to spearhead the club's promotion charge in the Championship.

Florian Wirtz endured a difficult debut season at Liverpool on the back of his £116 million ($155m) transfer to Anfield, with Danny Murphy telling GOAL that double figures for goals and assists will be the “bare minimum” requirement in 2026-27. The Germany international is aware that patience can only stretch so far when it comes to making a telling contribution to the collective cause.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has sent a firm warning to Atletico Madrid regarding the club's pursuit of Julian Alvarez, insisting that the Catalan giants will not be held to ransom over a timeline. The Blaugrana have identified the Argentina international as a priority target to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new campaign.

Brazil icon Neymar has wasted no time finding a new competitive outlet following the Selecao's disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign. The 34-year-old was spotted at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas just days after his country was eliminated from the tournament by Norway.

It was always known that this was going to be a significant summer for Arsenal. With so many players out of contract, and so many names being consistently linked with a move to north London, mass change has been teased for a while. Now, it's starting to take shape. After the departures of Beth Mead, Katie McCabe and more, the replacements are piling in, with Georgia Stanway and Ona Batlle the stand-out names from four quick-fire announcements so far.

Scott McTominay has enjoyed a remarkable renaissance in Italian football, on the back of leaving Manchester United for Napoli, with ex-Serie A star Des Walker telling GOAL how that success has been enjoyed after “starting from way below” many of those around him. The many challenges of life in Italy have been conquered in style by a title-winning MVP.

Portugal's new head coach Jorge Jesus has wasted no time in addressing the elephant in the room, confirming that Cristiano Ronaldo remains a fundamental part of his international project. The veteran manager, who recently tasted success with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner in Saudi Arabia, insists the legendary forward will continue to lead the line for the Selecao.

Uruguay are preparing to turn to one of their greatest-ever icons to lead the national team following a disastrous 2026 World Cup campaign. Former Manchester United forward Diego Forlan is closing in on a deal to take charge of the Celeste setup after the departure of Marcelo Bielsa.

Cristo Fernandez, the actor who continues to bring the infectious joy of Dani Rojas to life in the hit series Ted Lasso, has officially fulfilled his dream of stepping onto the professional pitch. Two months after signing with El Paso Locomotive, the Mexican forward made his long-awaited debut in the USL Championship.

Cole Palmer’s spectacular debut season at Chelsea saw him earn comparisons with Blues legends Gianfranco Zola and Eden Hazard, but Tony Cascarino has told GOAL what the talented playmaker needs to do in order to emulate icons of the past. Palmer’s output in west London has been heading in the wrong direction, with a fading spark needing to be rekindled.