Mauricio Pochettino has expressed deep regret over not intervening in the controversial appeal against Folarin Balogun’s red card at the World Cup. The USMNT boss admitted the resulting off-field noise shifted the squad's energy ahead of their devastating defeat to Belgium.
Jude Bellingham has officially been crowned the England men’s Player of the Year for the second consecutive season following his record-breaking exploits on the world stage. The Real Madrid superstar enjoyed a historic summer, cementing his status as the talisman of the Three Lions squad under the bright lights of the World Cup.
Gianluigi Donnarumma has opened up on the lingering trauma within the Italy squad following their devastating failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. As the Azzurri prepare for a fresh start in the Nations League, the goalkeeper admitted that the collective heartbreak remains a taboo subject among the players.
France legend Thierry Henry has heaped praise on the Spanish national team following their historic World Cup triumph, describing their collective approach to the game as a tactical masterclass. The former Barcelona forward believes the side's unique identity makes them the most difficult opponent in world football today.
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz has thrust himself into the Ballon d’Or conversation, citing his immense trophy haul as a primary reason for his candidacy. The Spain international believes his collective success over the past year should place him among the frontrunners for football’s most prestigious individual accolade.
Trent Alexander-Arnold deserves plenty of “praise” for earning an England recall, Emile Heskey has told GOAL, with the Real Madrid defender choosing to remain quiet when being snubbed by Thomas Tuchel for 2026 World Cup duty. The German tactician is not the first international coach to overlook Alexander-Arnold, but the former Liverpool star has mastered the art of biting his tongue.
Jude Bellingham has finally got his hands on his World Cup Bronze Boot, though the Real Madrid superstar admitted he was completely unaware the trophy even existed. The 23-year-old was one of the standout performers in North America, leading the charge for the Three Lions as they secured their best finish at the tournament in six decades.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has called for a culture of respect and dialogue following the kickoff of the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup in Jeddah. The football chief addressed proposed FIFA reforms while praising the host nation as the regional tournament got underway.
Barcelona winger Anthony Gordon has weighed in on the identity crisis surrounding the England national team, insisting that the Three Lions must stop trying to mimic the technical mastery of Spain. Following England's heart-breaking World Cup semi-final exit, the former Newcastle man believes the nation needs to embrace its own chaotic, athletic roots rather than chasing a style that simply does not fit the English DNA.
Anthony Gordon has broken his silence on the controversial tactical decisions that defined England’s World Cup semi-final exit, admitting he was shocked to be substituted by Thomas Tuchel. The Barcelona winger had fired the Three Lions into the lead against Argentina, only to be withdrawn for a defender as the team ultimately collapsed in heartbreaking fashion.
Barcelona midfielder Rodri has strongly backed one of his Spanish international team-mates to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or following La Roja's World Cup triumph. The former Manchester City man named six deserving compatriots while notably snubbing several high-profile candidates like Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane.
Harry Kane has admitted that England's dramatic exit from the 2026 World Cup at the hands of Argentina represents the lowest point of his international career. The Three Lions captain believes the nature of their semi-final collapse was particularly difficult to stomach because the team failed to stay true to their identity.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has launched a fierce defense of his international reputation, branding claims that he influenced the Netherlands' tactical setup at the World Cup as "completely baseless." The veteran defender hit back at suggestions that he was responsible for a shift in formation that contributed to the Oranje's disappointing exit.
Arsenal midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has admitted he is still processing the emotional trauma of his pivotal penalty miss during Brazil's disappointing World Cup exit. Speaking from the Selecao’s training camp in Australia, the 28-year-old emphasized the need for stability and fan support as the five-time world champions begin a fresh cycle under Carlo Ancelotti.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has confirmed he will continue his international career with the Netherlands following crunch talks with new head coach Xavi. The veteran defender had previously hinted at a possible retirement from the Oranje after a disappointing World Cup campaign earlier this summer.
Kylian Mbappe has addressed the growing speculation linking his international colleague Michael Olise with a sensational move to Real Madrid. While the Frenchman admitted that the Bayern Munich winger is a talent coveted by every major side, he stopped short of urging a transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Madrid derby is rarely a quiet affair, but the latest installment saw a long-standing international rivalry boiled over onto the La Liga stage. Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham and Atletico Madrid defender Cristian Romero were involved in a series of heated exchanges as Los Blancos fell to a 2-1 defeat at the Metropolitano.
Newly-appointed Netherlands head coach Xavi has revealed that he is maintaining close contact with Manchester United and Matthijs de Ligt as the defender steps up his recovery. The center-back is nearing a competitive return after a grueling period on the sidelines that saw him miss out on 2026 World Cup.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has opened up on the emotional toll of Gavi's severe knee injury, labelling the incident as the darkest chapter of his managerial reign. The 63-year-old reveals the harrowing scenes that unfolded behind closed doors, offering a glimpse into the profound impact the Barcelona star's setback had on the entire national squad.
