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LaLiga news

FC Barcelona v Cultural Leonesa - Copa del Rey - Fourth Round

Ex-Barcelona wonderkid left red-faced after Messi 'trick'

Munir El Haddadi has revisited a humorous yet awkward initiation during his early days at Barcelona, where he was tricked by senior stars into an embarrassing confrontation with Lionel Messi. The former academy graduate was led into a classic dressing room prank involving the legendary 'MSN' trio that left him red-faced in front of the world's best players.

FBL-WC-2022-MATCH58-CRO-BRA

'Most talented player' - Antony hails 'extraordinary' Neymar

Antony has expressed his immense admiration for Neymar, describing the Santos forward as the most gifted individual he has ever witnessed on a football pitch. Now enjoying a career resurgence with Real Betis, the former Manchester United winger is hopeful that both he and his "extraordinary" compatriot can secure their places in Brazil's squad for the upcoming World Cup.

Everton FC v Manchester United - Premier League

Antony 'embarrassed' by Ronaldo during 'complicated' Utd spell

Antony has opened up regarding his turbulent spell at Manchester United, admitting that significant off-field struggles hampered his performances following his high-profile move from Ajax. The Brazilian winger, who has since found redemption in La Liga with Real Betis, also shared a revealing anecdote about feeling humbled by Cristiano Ronaldo’s elite physical condition.

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Jürgen Klopp

Klopp NOT in frame for Real Madrid job

Jurgen Klopp is not a candidate to replace Alvaro Arbeloa at Real Madrid, despite persistent rumors linking him to Santiago Bernabeu. The former Liverpool manager remains committed to his role as Global Head of Soccer for Red Bull while eyeing the German national team job as his next coaching step. Real Madrid are currently exploring other profiles as they look to move on from a difficult campaign.

Real Sociedad v Real Madrid -  Copa del Rey

Endrick admits he was surprised by Bellingham's personality after joining Real

Endrick has opened up on his initial struggles at Real Madrid and the unexpected bond he formed with Jude Bellingham that helped him navigate a difficult transition in Spain. The Brazilian sensation, currently rediscovering his best form on loan at Lyon, admitted that the England international was completely different from what he had originally anticipated before arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Ballon d'Or Power Rankings GFX

BDO Power Rankings: Diaz & Rice boost chances behind Kane

With the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly presumably disappearing into the rearview mirror, the battle for the Ballon d'Or hasn't felt so open for the best part of 20 years, with countless players now beginning each campaign believing they have a chance of claiming the most prestigious individual prize football has to offer. Ousmane Dembele emerged from a career plagued by injuries and inconsistencies to win the Golden Ball in 2025, and he is among a crowded field of contenders one year on.

Michael Olise Bayern Munich 2025-26

PL return for £170m-rated Olise? Alternative transfer predicted

Michael Olise has been posting “crazy” numbers at Bayern Munich, leading to him reportedly having a £170 million ($229m) price tag placed around his neck, and Louis Saha has told GOAL why a return to the Premier League may not be the France international’s next move. Few teams on the planet could afford to put a transfer package in place for Olise, but that does not mean that the former Crystal Palace star is destined to head back to England.

Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid Champions League 2025-26

Will UCL & Ballon d’Or luck change for ‘black cat’ Mbappe?

Kylian Mbappe has been unable to get his hands on Champions League and Ballon d’Or prizes, but former France international Louis Saha has used Cristiano Ronaldo as an example of why fortunes can change quickly for a “black cat”. Luck has not been on Mbappe’s side, despite being a World Cup-winning superstar, but the most prestigious of honours are expected to come his way eventually.

Marcus Rashford Barcelona 2025-26

Man Utd ‘third choice’ for Rashford amid £26m Barca standoff

Marcus Rashford has been told that his “time has passed” at Manchester United, with Louis Saha explaining to GOAL why the England international will have no future at Old Trafford even if Barcelona opt against triggering a £26 million ($35m) permanent transfer option. The 28-year-old forward has spent the 2025-26 campaign on loan at Camp Nou and is expected to complete a move “somewhere” in the next window.

AFC Ajax v SL Benfica - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5

Benfica star hoping 'formidable' Mourinho snubs Real Madrid return

Jose Mourinho is once again at the centre of a whirlwind of speculation as Real Madrid president Florentino Perez reportedly eyes a sensational move to bring the Portuguese tactician back to the Bernabeu. However, Benfica midfielder Richard Rios is hopeful that the ex-Chelsea boss will stay put, having learned a lot from him during his first season back in charge at the Estadio da Luz.

Jose Mourinho Benfica 2026

Mourinho responds to Real Madrid return reports

Jose Mourinho has directly responded to the growing speculation linking him with a sensational return to Real Madrid as a replacement for Alvaro Arbeloa. The legendary Portuguese coach, currently in charge of Benfica, also took a moment to reflect on his emotional tenure at Roma, describing the Italian capital as the standout environment of his illustrious career.

Jose Mourinho Real Madrid GFX

Desperate Madrid would be MAD to reappoint Mourinho

Real Madrid are in trouble. And when Real Madrid are in trouble, Florentino Perez always asks those around him, "Is there anything to be said for bringing back Jose Mourinho?" Why? Because hiring Mourinho worked once before. Kind of. Back in 2010, Madrid had been put in an unbearable position by Barcelona. They weren't just being beaten by their most hated rivals, they were being embarrassed by them. So, Perez turned to Mourinho, the self-anointed 'Special One' who had just upset Pep Guardiola's pass-masters - in every sense - on his way to winning a European Cup with Inter.

Aurelien Tchouameni Bruno Guimaraes Elliot Anderson 2025-26

Man Utd told ‘better fit’ from Guimaraes, Anderson & Tchouameni

Manchester United are being linked with Bruno Guimaraes, Elliot Anderson and Aurelien Tchouameni, with Louis Saha telling GOAL who the “better fit” from that trio would be. More big money is set to be spent by the Red Devils in the next transfer window as a natural successor to Casemiro is sought in the Old Trafford engine room. Raids on Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Real Madrid have been mooted.

Julian Alvarez Atletico Madrid 2025-26

Simeone confirms Arsenal interested in Alvarez transfer

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has addressed reports linking Julian Alvarez with a summer move to Arsenal, acknowledging that the Gunners are among the elite clubs monitoring the Argentine forward. Speaking ahead of their Champions League semi-final first leg against the Premier League leaders, Simeone admitted it is "normal" for his star striker to be targeted by Europe’s top sides.

Jose Mourinho Benfica 2025-26

Mourinho's Real return is on! Perez favours Benfica boss to replace Arbeloa

Jose Mourinho is reportedly the leading candidate to return to Real Madrid as head coach if Alvaro Arbeloa is sacked. Club president Florentino Perez is reportedly driving the pursuit of the current Benfica boss to lift the squad after a difficult campaign. With a manageable break clause in his contract, the 'Special One' could be set for a sensational second act at the Santiago Bernabeu.

FBL-EUR-C1-BARCELONA-ATLETICO MADRID

Barca in talks with Man Utd for second Rashford loan

Barcelona have opened negotiations with Manchester United to secure Marcus Rashford for a second consecutive loan spell. Despite earlier speculation that his time in Spain was coming to an end, Hansi Flick has reportedly given his "green light" for the forward to stay. With financial constraints making a permanent €30m deal difficult, the Blaugrana are hoping to reach a fresh agreement with the Red Devils.

Frequently asked questions

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have won the Ligue 1 title 12 times, more than any other club. Their first win was in 1986, and they claimed their record-breaking 12th title in 2023, surpassing AS Saint-Etienne.

The Ligue 1 consists of 18 teams since the 2023-24 season, prior to which 20 teams took part in the league. The inaugural season of the French first division in 1932-33 also consisted of 20 teams, divided in two groups of 10 teams each.

Mickael Landreau holds the record for the most Ligue 1 appearances, with 618 matches as a goalkeeper. His career spanned nearly two decades, playing for clubs like Nantes, Paris Saint-Germain, Lille, and Bastia.

Delio Onnis holds the record as the all-time top scorer in Ligue 1 with 299 goals. Playing as a centre-forward, his remarkable goal-scoring feats spanned the 1970s and 1980s, where he starred for clubs like AS Monaco and Reims, making him a legend in French football.

As of 2024, Dimitri Payet holds the record for the most assists in Ligue 1 history, with a total of 130 assists. The attacking midfielder achieved this milestone during his successful stints with several clubs, including Marseille and Lille.

Pierre Braine holds the record of being the oldest player in Ligue 1 history, aged almost 45 years in a Ligue 1 game in 1945.

At 15 years and 225 days, Kalman Gerencseri is the youngest player in Ligue 1 history. The Frenchman played for Lens against Monaco in a Ligue 1 game in 1960.

Notable players who have graced Ligue 1 include legends like Zinedine Zidane, George Weah, Thierry Henry, David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ronaldinho, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe.

Prominent managers in Ligue 1 include Arsene Wenger, Laurent Blanc, Carlo Ancelotti, Adi Hutter, Luis Enrique, etc.

The Orange Velodrome in Marseille is the largest stadium in Ligue 1, with a capacity of 67,394 spectators. Home to Marseille since 1937, it is renowned for its electric atmosphere and hosting significant football events in France.

Neymar is indeed the most expensive player in Ligue 1 history. His transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 was valued at a record €222 million, which remains the highest transfer fee ever paid for a player.