Chris Burton

Work has been completed on what could become Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez’s retirement home, with a stunning €25 million (£22m/$30m) mansion - which is considered to be the “biggest” in Portugal - boasting a spa, private cinema and views of the Atlantic Ocean. It is yet to be determined whether CR7 will actually move into the property.

Manchester City are considered to have a "freestyle football player” on their hands in Rayan Cherki, with the talented midfielder being likened to Samir Nasri and Adel Taarabt. Former France international Bacary Sagna has told GOAL why his fellow countryman is an “entertainer” cut from similar cloth as Brazilian legend Ronaldinho.

Angel Di Maria admits that Cristiano Ronaldo’s professionalism is “by far” greater than that of Lionel Messi, but the former Real Madrid star still considers his fellow Argentine to be the GOAT having been given “a gift from God to be the best”. World Cup winner Di Maria has also been discussing who he considers to be the finest player on the planet in 2026.

Manchester United have been advised to brace themselves for intervention from Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis if supposed transfer interest in England international midfielder Elliot Anderson is formalised. He is said to be registering on the Red Devils’ radar, but Teddy Sheringham has told GOAL why a big-money deal will be far from straightforward.

Cristiano Ronaldo has sent a loved-up message to fiancee Georgina Rodriguez on the occasion of her 32nd birthday. The Argentine-Spanish influencer and entrepreneur has been back in the United States paying another visit to the White House. She was not joined by her partner on this occasion, with Portuguese superstar CR7 busy doing his day job in Saudi Arabia.

Wrexham have received a huge cash injection from Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac ahead of the January transfer deadline. A further £48 million ($66m) is being pumped into the Championship club. That should allow manager Phil Parkinson to bolster his ranks before the latest window shuts, with the Red Dragons reported to be in the market for a new striker and a couple of wing-backs.

Liverpool have been warned that allowing Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson to leave Anfield would be a huge mistake. Former Reds custodian Brad Friedel has told GOAL why the South American shot-stopper would take years to replace - with Manchester United being used as an example of why “every ounce” must be squeezed out of reliable No.1s.

Fermin Lopez would love to see Lionel Messi welcomed back to Barcelona, even if that means dropping down to the bench. The 22-year-old has become one of the Blaugrana’s most consistent performers this season, but he would happily give up a playmaking post at Camp Nou if an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner could be returned to Catalunya for an emotional farewell tour.

Sir David Beckham and his wife Victoria have made a first public appearance since being on the receiving end of a shock outburst from their eldest son, Brooklyn. The Beckhams - with their other children Romeo, Cruz and Harper in tow - have attended Paris Fashion Week, with former Spice Girls star Victoria picking up a prestigious award at that event.

A positive update has been delivered on Neymar’s recovery from knee surgery, with a return date for the Brazil international said to be “coming soon”. The 33-year-old was forced under the knife after playing through pain towards the end of the 2025 campaign. He has committed to a one-year contract extension at Santos and is hoping to be back in action shortly.

Trent Alexander-Arnold was said to have been told to 'find a new club' by interim Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa, having struggled to settle in Spain on the back of his 2025 move from Liverpool, but those reports have since been rubbished. The truth is now emerging, with the England international considered to still be an important part of Los Blancos’ plans.

USMNT legend Brad Friedel has explained to GOAL why Christian Pulisic returning to the United States would be a terrible idea for MLS at this stage of the talented forward’s career. ‘Captain America’ has stated that he would like to grace domestic competition in his homeland at some point, but is currently enhancing his superstar status with Serie A giants AC Milan.

Wayne Rooney has revealed how a hilarious wardrobe mishap left him watching Kai at Old Trafford while wearing a set of pyjamas. The Manchester United legend was back in familiar surroundings as his son took to the field at the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ with the Red Devils’ Under-18 side. Rooney was a proud parent, but admits to being left red-faced by his fashion choices.

Patrick Dorgu sent a special “learned from the best” message to ex-Manchester United defender Patrice Evra after scoring an absolute screamer for the Red Devils in their 3-2 victory over Arsenal. The Denmark international is producing his best and most consistent form in the Premier League at present, with goals against notable opposition helping to boost his confidence.

Kylian Mbappe is being backed to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, with former France international Bacary Sagna telling GOAL why the Real Madrid superstar is destined to land a prestigious Golden Ball at some stage. He is considered to be the leading contender to claim that prize in a World Cup year, as he prepares to chase down a second global title with Les Bleus.

Pep Guardiola has taken a bizarre dig at his own Manchester City players while quoting his “idol”, Johan Cruyff. The demanding Catalan coach worked under the iconic Dutchman during his playing days at Barcelona. Many of the lessons he took back then have been implemented into his own coaching career. Guardiola is now renowned for demanding nothing but the best, and absolute commitment, from all of those working alongside him.

Harry Kane can achieve GOAT status in 2026, former England striker Teddy Sheringham has told GOAL. The prolific Bayern Munich striker is chasing down more major honours with club and country. If he were to capture the ultimate prize at the 2026 World Cup, then he would undoubtedly go down in history as the greatest player that the Three Lions have ever seen.

Chelsea legend John Terry has brutally trolled Arsenal after seeing the Gunners’ defensive failings against Manchester United ensure that a stunning record posted by Jose Mourinho during his first spell at Stamford Bridge remains intact. The Portuguese tactician pieced together the meanest defence that the Premier League has ever seen, and that remains the case in 2026.