Chris Burton

Cesc Fabregas claims that Como sensation Nico Paz is getting Lionel Messi-esque treatment from Serie A rivals. World Cup winner Fabregas once played alongside Messi at Barcelona, with opponents eager to keep the ball away from him as much as possible. Paz is, much like his Argentina international team-mate, considered to be another match-altering talent.

Dele Alli has been warned that, with his form having “fallen off a cliff”, that his next port of call is likely to represent a “last chance” in the professional ranks. The former Tottenham and Everton midfielder finds himself in the free agent pool after being released by Como. There has been talk of EFL clubs, including ambitious Wrexham, showing interest.

Cristiano Ronaldo is unlikely to play in Europe again, says ex-Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen, with the Portuguese committed to a new two-year contract at Al-Nassr. He is already 40 years of age, with the “spectacular” money on offer in the Middle East expected to ensure that CR7 sees out his record-shattering playing career in the Saudi Pro League.

Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has been named “Golden Ball” winner by CIES Football Observatory, with Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe claiming the runner-up spot. There is no place in the top five for Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele despite the World Cup-winning France international being favourite to land the coveted Ballon d’Or in 2025.

Gabriel Martinelli’s fiancee Isabella Rousso predicted the Arsenal winger’s late goal against Manchester City when sending a motivational pre-match text to her partner. Brazil international Martinelli started a crunch Premier League clash at Emirates Stadium among the substitutes, but stepped off the bench to score a dramatic equaliser in a thrilling 1-1 draw.

Vinicius Junior has been warned that his attitude is “not healthy”, with the Real Madrid superstar reacting angrily to being substituted during the Blancos’ 2-0 win over Espanyol. The Brazil international was replaced in the 77th minute of that contest and did not take kindly to seeing his number held up. Jorge Valdano has discussed another show of petulance.

Hugo Ekitike claims to feel no pressure from his £79 million ($107m) transfer fee at Liverpool, with the French forward saying “I don’t care” when asked about the price tag hanging around his neck. The 23-year-old has made a bright start to life at Anfield and remains convinced that he made the right choice in joining the reigning Premier League champions.

Pep Guardiola has joked that Manchester City are now a “transition team”, with the demanding Catalan coach reacting to a battling draw at Arsenal that saw the Blues post the lowest possession stats of his 10-year tenure. Guardiola admits that he needs to get “spirit” back in his team after seeing them make a slow start to the 2025-26 Premier League season.

Benfica have released behind-the-scenes footage from Jose Mourinho’s first game back at the club, with the outspoken Portuguese delivering an X-rated team talk to his players before heading into action against AVS Futebol SAD. The ‘Special One’ is back where it all began for him, having returned to his homeland, and has clearly lost none of his passion for his game.

Harry Kane broke another Bundesliga record when scoring two penalties in Bayern Munich’s crushing victory over Hoffenheim. England captain Kane netted a hat-trick in that contest - his second of the 2025-26 campaign - with a couple of efforts coming from the spot. The prolific frontman has never missed from 12 yards in the German top-flight - with 17 strikes converted.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been told that goalkeepers will want to let in his 1,000th goal, allowing them to join the Portuguese GOAT in the history books. CR7 continues to chase down that personal landmark, with ex-Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen suggesting that the Al-Nassr superstar will be ready to hang up his boots and retire once another record has been broken.

Barcelona have shared previously unseen footage of their stadium redevelopment, with impressive progress appearing to have been made. The project, which is giving Camp Nou a serious facelift, has been running behind schedule. It has, however, been revealed that changing rooms, benches and VIP areas are in, with an emotional homecoming seemingly not far away.

Phil Parkinson has explained how Wrexham were able to contain “best in the league” Josh Sargent when taking on Norwich City. The USMNT striker headed into that contest with six goals to his name, but drew a blank against the Red Dragons as the Welsh outfit claimed a notable 3-2 win at Carrow Road - helping to ease some of the pressure that had been building on their boss.

Ashlyn Castro is back in cheerleader mode at Santiago Bernabeu, with a cropped Real Madrid jersey being donned while heading to an iconic venue to support boyfriend Jude Bellingham. The England international midfielder has returned to action ahead of schedule after making a surprisingly quick recovery from surgery on a long-standing shoulder problem.

Harry Kane claims to have no “limits” to his game, with the Bayern Munich striker being asked if a 50-goal season is possible. The free-scoring England international has already reached 13 through just seven appearances, with his second Bundesliga hat-trick of the 2025-26 campaign being recorded in a thumping victory for Vincent Kompany’s side away at Hoffenheim.

Manchester United dropped their first WSL points of the season when being held to a goalless draw by Arsenal, who had also opened the 2025-26 campaign with back-to-back wins. An emotional afternoon saw tears shed before kick-off as tributes were paid to former Liverpool manager Matt Beard, who passed away on September 20 at 47 years of age.

USMNT star Christian Pulisic put on a clinic for AC Milan in their Serie A clash with Udinese. Having registered two goals and an assist, ‘Captain America’ has been hailed by the Italian media. Pulisic is considered to have been “literally unstoppable” in his latest outing, with the United States international putting in a “majestic” performance that helped to secure a 3-0 win.

Alisha Lehmann has paid an emotional tribute to Matt Beard following the tragic news of the former Liverpool and West Ham manager’s death. Lehmann worked with Beard during her time with the Hammers, which started her career in the WSL and helped to launch her towards stardom, with the Swiss forward saluting “the first person that believed in me”.