Jose Mourinho revealed that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez sent a message to him upon his return to Benfica. The Portuguese head coach said that his former boss told him he was happy to see him return "to a club of your calibre", reminding fans once again of the mutual love and admiration shared between the two men.
Every month, GOAL brings you the top stories involving teenage wonderkids and the world's best young footballers. During September, there was plenty to be said about the likes of Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid's Franco Mastantuono, but there were also plenty of other headlines made by the planet's emerging stars in both the men's and women's games.
Antoine Griezmann created history for Atletico Madrid on Tuesday in the Champions League during their 5-1 drubbing of Eintracht Frankfurt. After the game, head coach Diego Simeone was delighted with his performance and reserved special praise for the former France international. The Argentine expressed his gratitude to Griezmann and said that "talent has no age."
Barcelona’s summer transfer window had its fair share of drama and speculation, with Manchester City reportedly showing interest in Jules Kounde. The French defender was on Pep Guardiola’s radar after a successful season with the Blaugrana, but sporting director Deco has now explained why the story never went any further.
Kylian Mbappe scored a stunning hat-trick as Real Madrid cruised to a 5-0 Champions League win over Kairat Almaty, bouncing back from their derby defeat to Atletico. Xabi Alonso hailed the Frenchman as “decisive in every game” while stressing that Vinicius Jr. and Arda Guler are still “catching up” to his rare pace as Madrid’s new front line begins to click at European level.
Atletico Madrid have conjured yet another victory over Real Madrid, this time in off-the-field matters, as they have struck a deal to host NFL side Miami Dolphins' training at the Metropolitano. Additionally, Los Rojiblancos will also sell official Dolphins merchandise at their stores, dealing a huge blow to their cross-city rivals as they prepare to host a historic NFL clash at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid took to social media to congratulate Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz on his recent Japan Open triumph. The victory sees Alcaraz strengthen his grip on the world No. 1 spot after recently overtaking Jannik Sinner. A passionate Madrid supporter himself, Alcaraz was praised by the club for his remarkable achievement.
Barcelona sporting director Deco has provided details regarding Marcus Rashford's season-long loan move from Manchester United, confirming that the reigning La Liga champions will not have to pay any penalty should they decide not to sign the Englishman permanently next summer. United have inserted a purchase option for the in-form Rashford but Barca appear set to wait until late in the season before making any decision.
Antony claims to have been “disrespected” by Manchester United before his summer transfer to Real Betis was completed. The Brazil international enjoyed a productive loan spell with the Liga outfit over the second-half of last season and made it clear that a return to Andalusia was his preference. The Red Devils did not make that process easy, with Antony taking to holing up in a hotel at one stage as he endeavoured to push a deal through.
Barcelona’s long-awaited return to Camp Nou appears to be edging closer, with UEFA listing the revamped stadium as the host of their Champions League clash against Olympiacos on October 21. The development comes amid growing optimism that the Blaugrana could also host Girona in La Liga three days earlier. However, final approval from city authorities and UEFA remains the key before the doors officially reopen.
Barcelona have made Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez their top target for the 2026 summer window. He has been identified as the replacement for Robert Lewandowski, who could leave the club in 2026, creating financial room for Barcelona to sign Alvarez. The Argentine has admired the club since childhood, inspired by his Argentina teammate and idol Lionel Messi.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen might have turned 33, but sporting director Deco is of the firm opinion that the German international can still create more history at the club. Ter Stegen was embroiled in controversy throughout the summer, as the reigning La Liga champions decided to sign goalkeeper Joan Garcia from Espanyol, who arrived to displace the long-time servant as the first-choice.
Barcelona sporting director Deco has taken aim at Athletic Club’s Nico Williams following the collapse of a summer transfer, revealing that it was the player’s agent who initiated contact rather than the Catalan club. While acknowledging Williams’ quality, Deco stressed that he was not the type of player Barcelona were looking for. Instead, the former midfielder expressed his admiration for Marcus Rashford, who ultimately arrived as the alternative signing.
Watch 442oons' hilarious take on Real Madrid's dramatic 5-2 derby defeat to Atletico, with the legendary late Diego Maradona making a surprise appearance as Julian Alvarez & Co. humiliate Kylian Mbappe and his Los Blancos team-mates in another hilarious parody video.
Former Arsenal icon Andrey Arshavin will be rooting for minnows Kairat Almaty in the Champions League as he doubled down on his hatred for Real Madrid. The Russian playmaker, famed for his flair at Zenit and individual brilliance in north London, has nailed his colours firmly to the mast; and there is no white included. Having ended his career in 2018 wearing the Kairat shirt, the 43-year-old insisted he will be backing his old side against Real Madrid.
Vinicius Junior was involved in an angry clash with Atletico Madrid star Koke during Real Madrid's 5-2 derby defeat away from home. Julian Alvarez starred for Diego Simeone's side with a brace as Atletico picked up a crucial La Liga victory over their rivals. For Los Blancos, Kylian Mbappe and Arda Guler were on target but it was not enough as they slipped to defeat..
Barcelona sporting director Deco has lifted the lid on contract renewal discussions between the club and key midfielder Frenkie de Jong. The Netherlands international’s current deal expires next summer but the Blaugrana hierarchy have now revealed they are confident fresh terms will be agreed soon as negotiations are set to continue between both parties.
Barcelona are reportedly planning to block Lamine Yamal from being called up by Spain for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria as the fallout from the forward’s recent groin injury continues. The Blaugrana were incensed after discovering the 18-year-old aggravated a groin issue by taking painkillers to play in his country’s international double header earlier this month.
Barcelona and Spain have been warned over the handling of Lamine Yamal following the forward’s return from a groin injury. The 18-year-old came off the bench to help Hansi Flick's side defeat Real Sociedad 2-1 in La Liga on Sunday evening, having missed their previous four games with a groin problem which was aggravated while on international duty.
Former Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu will stand before a judge following allegations he oversaw €30 million in irregular commissions on transfers, including Antoine Griezmann’s move. The complaint, filed by current president Joan Laporta, accuses Bartomeu’s board of disloyal administration, misappropriation, and accounting fraud potentially deepening the shadow over his tenure.
Marc Bernal is delighted to sign a contract extension with Barcelona until 2029 after a gruelling year out with a devastating anterior cruciate ligament injury. The 18-year-old midfielder has opened up about the toughest period of his young career, the unwavering support from teammates, coaches, and the club, and his determination to reclaim his spot in Barca’s midfield under Hansi Flick.
Federico Valverde has revealed Real Madrid held a series of "rare" crisis talks after their 5-2 derby humiliation against Atletico Madrid. The midfielder slammed his teammates' attitude as Xabi Alonso's men were overpowered in the second half of the encounter despite going in level at half-time with a 2-2 scoreline.
Barcelona have officially renewed the contract of teenage midfielder Marc Bernal until 2029, inserting a huge €500 million release clause. The youth academy product only just returned from a serious ACL injury but is still viewed as a cornerstone of the club’s future. His renewal signals Barca’s intent to protect their brightest young stars amid growing European interest.
Real Madrid’s humiliating 5-2 defeat to city rivals Atletico Madrid has sent shockwaves through the Spanish capital, forcing key players to own up to their mistakes. Dean Huijsen publicly apologised to fans, Dani Carvajal urged the team to learn from failure, and Jude Bellingham admitted it was a “bad day” while vowing to refocus ahead of the Champions League outing against Kairat Almaty.
Mesut Ozil has drawn a striking comparison between his iconic link-up with Cristiano Ronaldo and the budding partnership between Arda Guler and Kylian Mbappe. The young Turk impressed with a goal and an assist in the Madrid derby, sparking hope for a bright future despite Real Madrid's 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid.
Marcus Rashford is revelling in his form at Barcelona, with the Manchester United outcast adding another assist to his tally with La Liga heavyweights. The England international has been deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford, allowing him to spend time with Aston Villa and Barca, and the 27-year-old forward is determined to prove to his parent club that he is no spent force.
Dean Huijsen turned down Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Bayern Munich to secure a move to Real Madrid, his father has confirmed. The 20-year-old centre-back joined Los Blancos this summer after an impressive season at Bournemouth, where he featured in 30 Premier League games. His dad revealed how Huijsen waited patiently for the chance to join his "dream club" despite other lucrative offers coming in first.
GOAL runs the rule over the British players earning a living away from their homeland, with plenty more stars deciding to leave the comforts of Great Britain in search of a better footballing life elsewhere. The Premier League is still obviously one of the world's most entertaining divisions and the Championship can prove fantastic for development, but there are more options out there.
Barcelona continue to shine in La Liga with the team topping the table after a 2-1 win over Real Sociedad. Key players like Jules Kounde, Robert Lewandowski, and returning star Lamine Yamal impressed, but it was Pedri who stood out as both a midfield engine and an emerging leader. Hansi Flick praised the Spaniard for his tactical intelligence and influence, highlighting his pivotal role in Barca’s resurgence.
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