Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe has hit back at "untrue" speculation regarding his fitness following a month-long injury layoff. The forward addressed concerns over his knee and defended his decision to seek specialist medical advice in Paris.
UEFA has formally dismissed a proposal from Premier League clubs to expand Champions League squad sizes following a significant backlash from their La Liga counterparts. The rejection comes despite concerns over player burnout and the increased physical demands of the newly expanded tournament format.
Barcelona duo Lamine Yamal and Sydney Schertenleib are the winners of NXGN 2026 after coming out on top in GOAL's annual lists of football's top teenagers (players born on or after January 1, 2007). It marks the second straight year that Barca have provided the No.1 player on both lists, following Yamal and Vicky Lopez's triumphs in 2025.
The annual NXGN lists are back for 2026, as GOAL ranks the world's top teenage talents in men's and women's football, crowning winners that will follow in the footsteps of the likes of Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Vicky Lopez in being recognised as the best young footballers on the planet.
Antonio Rudiger has hit back at accusations that his highly aggressive defensive style makes him a liability for his clubs and country. Following severe backlash over an unpunished challenge during a recent La Liga match against Getafe, the veteran defender firmly defended his on-pitch mentality while also acknowledging that he occasionally crosses the line and must take responsibility.
Jurgen Klopp has strongly dismissed repeated speculation linking him with the managerial position at Real Madrid, labelling the reports as complete "nonsense" invented by "idiots". The former Liverpool manager, who is currently enjoying his executive role at Red Bull, insisted he has had no contact with the Spanish club. However, he also revealed that his coaching career might not be over yet.
Amidst growing speculation regarding a summer departure from Stamford Bridge, Enzo Fernandez has publicly addressed the persistent rumours linking him with a move to Real Madrid. The Argentine midfielder firmly denied that any negotiations have taken place with the Spanish giants, though his comments regarding his commitment to Chelsea have left the door wide open.
Jude Bellingham has delighted Real Madrid fans not just with his return to the pitch after a seven-week injury absence, but with his impressive linguistic skills. Following the recent Madrid derby victory, the talented midfielder conducted a two-minute interview entirely in fluent Spanish, discussing his frustrating spell on the sidelines, praising his teammates, and lauding the fans.
Trent Alexander-Arnold made his England debut in 2018 but has only taken his tally of caps to 34, with Gareth Southgate and Thomas Tuchel taking to snubbing Real Madrid’s former Liverpool defender on a regular basis. Michael Owen, who also spent time at Anfield and Santiago Bernabeu in his playing days, has told GOAL why the buccaneering full-back may have seen his 2026 World Cup dream dashed.
Wayne Rooney has expressed his shock after Trent Alexander-Arnold was omitted from Thomas Tuchel’s latest 35-man England squad. The Real Madrid defender is a high-profile absentee for the upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, leading the former Manchester United captain to suggest a deeper issue. Rooney sparked controversy by questioning if the snub is a tactical move to dismantle a perceived "clique" involving Jude Bellingham.
Trent Alexander-Arnold celebrated Real Madrid's victory over Atletico Madrid on Sunday night and posted a cryptic update on his England future on Instagram after being left out of Thomas Tuchel's latest Three Lions squad. The right-back, who has endured a stuttering international career, is facing a battle to be included for the 2026 World Cup despite enjoying a more productive second half of the season.
Alvaro Arbeloa has admitted to being "intentionally unfair" after leaving superstars Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham on the bench for Real Madrid's thrilling 3-2 derby victory over Atletico Madrid. Despite declaring both players fully fit before the clash, the head coach opted for a cautious approach following their recent injury lay-offs. The decision sparked debate at the Bernabeu as Los Blancos continue their pursuit of La Liga leaders Barcelona.
Real Madrid have again criticised the state of refereeing in La Liga after star midfielder Federico Valverde was sent off during Sunday night's 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid. The Uruguayan was handed a straight red card for a cynical trip on Alex Baena and will now serve a two-game domestic suspension, ruling him out of the upcoming clashes with Mallorca and Girona after the international break.
Nahuel Molina has once again proven why he is one of the most dangerous attacking full-backs in world football after producing a moment of magic in the Madrid derby. The Atletico Madrid star silenced the Santiago Bernabeu with a spectacular long-range strike that left the hosts reeling. Molina's goal comes just a week after he scored another stunner against Getafe.
Vinicius Jr scored twice while Federico Valverde again found the net as Real Madrid saw off Atletico Madrid, 3-2, in a frantic derby on Sunday. At no point was either side truly in control of proceedings, yet Real were clinical at the right moments, and despite finishing the game with 10 men following a red card for Valverde, were good value for a win that keeps them firmly in La Liga's title race.
Trent Alexander-Arnold lost his place in the starting XI for Real Madrid’s high-stakes derby against Atletico Madrid on Sunday night in La Liga. Despite being a regular fixture in the side, the England international was a surprise name on the substitutes' bench as the lineups were announced at the Santiago Bernabeu after being sanctioned by manager Alvaro Arbeloa.
Barcelona players surprised fans at the Spotify Camp Nou by warming up in retro jerseys to celebrate the 46th birthday of club legend Ronaldinho. The Brazilian icon, who won the Ballon d'Or and Champions League during a transformative spell in Catalonia, remains a beloved figure. The tribute bridged the gap between the club's glorious past and its promising current era.
Barcelona maintained their stranglehold on La Liga's title race on Sunday, though they were made to work hard for their 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano. Ronald Araujo scored the only goal of the game for the Catalans, but disappointing performances from their all-star attack meant they were indebted to yet more stunning saves from goalkeeper Joan Garcia.
Bernardo Silva is clinging to the dream of joining Barcelona as a free agent this summer, but serious doubts are being cast over whether a deal will be done. The Portugal international playmaker is preparing to sever ties with Manchester City when his contract expires. He has offers from the Saudi Pro League, Italy and his homeland, but is holding out for an approach from Catalonia.
Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham found themselves in an uncomfortable spotlight this weekend after receiving a hostile reception during a public appearance in the Spanish capital. Despite being on home turf, the Brazil and England internationals were met with a chorus of whistles and jeers that left them looking visibly frustrated.
Former Real Madrid defender Manu Hernando has explained how kicking Cristiano Ronaldo in training led to him temporarily being banished from Los Blancos’ first-team fold. As a product of the fabled Castilla academy system, Hernando was given plenty of opportunities in which to work with senior stars. On one occasion, he delivered a “cruel” blow to Portuguese GOAT Ronaldo.
Alvaro Arbeloa has confirmed that Jude Bellingham is set to return for Real Madrid in their derby clash with Atletico Madrid after a six-week absence. The England international has been called up by Thomas Tuchel for his next squad, and is now set to make his first appearance for Los Blancos since February 1 when the two bitter rivals meet again.
Barcelona are willing to offload Jules Kounde this summer, per a new report, despite the defender signing a long-term contract extension until 2030 last summer. The France international is no longer seen as "untouchable" within the Spotify Camp Nou squad and offers may well be considered should they arrive when the transfer window reopens.
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