Former Premier League goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has quickly established himself as a vital link within Mark van Bommel's Belgium backroom team. Having transitioned from playing into management at the KBVB, the 38-year-old combines high-level footballing insight with impressive academic credentials to shape the national setup.
AC Milan icon Andriy Shevchenko has delivered a heartfelt message of encouragement to his former employers and Italian football amid their persistent struggles. While the Rossoneri are seeking consistency domestically, the Azzurri are navigating a generational transition following three consecutive World Cup qualification failures to reignite their pedigree.
Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee earned a surprise recall to the Netherlands squad after Brian Brobbey suffered a hamstring injury against Germany. Head coach Xavi Hernandez opted for the 25-year-old ahead of Wout Weghorst and Memphis Depay to bolster his attacking options.
AZ striker Mexx Meerdink made an emotional senior Netherlands debut after replacing the injured Brian Brobbey just 35 minutes into their 1-1 Nations League draw with Germany. The 23-year-old praised new manager Xavi's passion while targeting surpassing his father Martijn's international cap tally.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has explained to GOAL the “only way” that fellow Dutchman Brian Brobbey ends up at Manchester United. The Netherlands international striker continues to impress in the Premier League for Sunderland and has seen a big-money transfer to Old Trafford mooted. The Red Devils are still crying out for a reliable No.9 to lead the line for them.
PSV winger Ruben van Bommel made a dramatic senior Netherlands debut, coming off the bench to set up Cody Gakpo's equalizer in a 1-1 Nations League draw with Germany. The 22-year-old described the moment as his ultimate career highlight while detailing his stunning outside-of-the-boot pass.
Former AC Milan forward Hernan Crespo has urged supporters to remain patient with Goncalo Ramos following his slow start in Italy. While acknowledging the Portuguese forward's relentless work ethic on the pitch, the Argentine insisted the club-record recruit has never been an elite goalscorer and will always divide opinion due to his massive price tag.
Bruno Fernandes has expressed his full commitment to Jorge Jesus’ new tactical vision for Portugal following their hard-fought victory over Wales. The Manchester United captain found himself deployed in a hybrid wide position as the Selecao kicked off their latest UEFA Nations League campaign with a win.
Atalanta forward Charles De Ketelaere has revealed that he held preliminary discussions with Paris Saint-Germain during the summer transfer window. The Ligue 1 champions ultimately prioritised a swoop for Ferran Torres from Barcelona, with the Italian outfit also standing firm on an exorbitant valuation that deterred several interested suitors.
Zinedine Zidane will finally make his highly anticipated debut as the new manager of the France national team when they face Turkey on Friday. Ahead of the crucial fixture, former team-mate Bixente Lizarazu has provided fascinating insight into what makes the legendary midfielder such a meticulous and attentive modern coach.
Dele Alli serves as a warning to Jadon Sancho of what can happen when a promising career goes off the rails, former Aston Villa star Ray Houghton has told GOAL. Having struggled for a spark at Manchester United, Chelsea and Villa, England international Sancho is now a free agent. Fellow former Three Lions star Dele finds himself in a similar position, and has done so for over 12 months.
Cristiano Ronaldo endured a frustrating evening for Portugal after missing a massive chance during their narrow Nations League victory over Wales. Manager Jorge Jesus subsequently substituted the veteran forward in the second half, later explaining the tactical reasoning behind his ruthless decision.
Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival in Saudi Arabia changed the landscape of global football, but a new revelation suggests his impact behind the scenes was even more significant. Former team-mate Alvaro Gonzalez has opened up about a selfless gesture made by the Portuguese icon regarding a dispute over unpaid wages.
Erling Haaland continues to redefine the limits of modern goalscoring after another masterclass for Norway against Denmark. The Manchester City striker took his international tally to a staggering 64 goals in just 56 caps, prompting manager Stale Solbakken to describe his natural ability as something that simply cannot be coached.
Zinedine Zidane is preparing to make his highly anticipated managerial debut for the France national team against Turkey on Friday. The legendary midfielder's arrival has generated immense excitement, with broadcasters desperately hoping the new boss will instantly revitalise declining television audiences.
JJ Gabriel has been advised to not “do something silly” as he forces his way towards the exits at Manchester United. The 15-year-old wonderkid is ready to sever ties with the Red Devils while waiting on his competitive senior debut. He has been linked with leading sides across Europe, with Emile Heskey reacting to that saga during an exclusive interview with GOAL.
Turkey manager Vincenzo Montella evaluated the massive impact of missing injured stars Hakan Calhanoglu and Kenan Yildiz ahead of their Nations League double-header. The Italian coach praised Yildiz's world-class potential while preparing for an emotional clash against former team-mate Roberto Mancini's Italy.
Brighton midfielder Chema Andres has enjoyed a blistering start to life on the south coast following his summer arrival from the Bundesliga. The Spanish youngster scored his first goal for the Seagulls during an emphatic 3-0 victory against Arsenal, admitting that he cannot resist constantly rewatching footage sent over by his family and friends.
Zinedine Zidane is preparing to take charge of the France national team for the very first time when they face Turkey on Friday. Ahead of the highly anticipated debut, former Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane has lifted the lid on what Les Bleus fans can expect from the legendary manager.
Turkey head coach Vincenzo Montella admitted that the Turkish Football Federation could have sacked him following their disappointing World Cup campaign. However, the Italian manager expressed gratitude after TFF officials judged his entire three-year tenure to focus on long-term growth in Nations League A.
Norway head coach Stale Solbakken revealed he met with new Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca to discuss Erling Haaland's heavy workload. Following the striker's admission regarding mental fatigue after the World Cup, Solbakken warned that Haaland will urgently require rest in winter.
Manchester United have reportedly made initial contact with Antonio Conte as they prepare for life after Michael Carrick. The Red Devils have endured a dismal start to the 2026-27 season, prompting club chiefs to line up the experienced Italian manager should they decide to make a change.
Denmark captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg made an honest admission following his side's 3-2 defeat to Norway, stating that his central midfield partnership with Morten Hjulmand does not work. The midfielder urged head coach Brian Riemer to pick one player and drop the other for the team's benefit.
Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has offered warm praise for Manchester United rival Senne Lammens ahead of their Nations League showdown in Rome. However, the Italian stopper insists he hopes the Belgian goalkeeper's progress holds off until after Friday night's crucial international battle at the Stadio Olimpico.
Atletico Madrid Femenino captain Lola Gallardo has announced a high-profile collaboration with content platform OnlyFans to provide fans with unprecedented access to her elite sporting routine and personal milestones. The Spain international goalkeeper aims to bridge the gap between supporters and women's football by documenting her campaign both on and off the pitch.
Norway captain Martin Odegaard reflected on his side's thrilling 3-2 victory over Denmark to kick off their UEFA Nations League campaign. The Arsenal playmaker highlighted the importance of starting with three points following their summer exploits while praising set-piece coach Pal Fjelde for preparing the winning goal.
Xabi Alonso has boldly claimed that Chelsea striker Joao Pedro can be likened to one-time Real Madrid ‘Galactico’ Karim Benzema. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink agrees with that assessment, and the former Blues star has explained - during an exclusive interview with GOAL - four qualities that the Brazil international shares with the legendary French goalscorer.
Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez took time out during international duty to return to his former side Racing Club ahead of their derby clash. The striker, who was warmly greeted by club president Diego Milito, subsequently spoke about the national team's looming transitional phase as Lionel Messi approaches his final farewell match against Benin.
Jurgen Klopp has expressed a mixture of pride and frustration after his first match as Germany head coach ended in a dramatic 1-1 draw against the Netherlands. Despite taking a first-half lead, the Nationalmannschaft were denied a winning start to the Klopp era by a late equaliser at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Diego Forlan endured a painful start to his tenure as Uruguay head coach after two stoppage-time strikes condemned his side to a 3-1 defeat against Japan in Miyagi. The former striker, who was appointed to succeed Marcelo Bielsa, watched his team battle back to parity before defensive lapses in the dying seconds gifted the hosts victory.