Lists

GOAL ranks the top three soccer players produced by every state in the Midwest, including Beasley, Ream and Brian McBride

A London-based bus driver who was mobbed by Chelsea supporters after wearing a Liverpool shirt while on duty has been sacked. In a video which has been widely shared across social media, Isaac - who has declined to reveal his full name - was driving a rail replacement bus when he was swarmed following the conclusion of the match between the two Premier League sides last Saturday.

Adrien Rabiot’s strong criticism of Serie A’s decision to stage AC Milan’s clash with Como in Australia has sparked a fiery response from league CEO Luigi De Siervo. The executive hit back, urging the French midfielder to “respect the money he earns” and “just play football,” defending the move as necessary to promote Italian football globally.

Cristiano Ronaldo has achieved another milestone after becoming the first footballer to become a billionaire. The Portugal superstar has added to his lengthy list of accolades after seeing his net worth reach staggering heights on the back of signing the most lucrative contract extension in sporting history with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr in June.

Popular on-demand delivery service DoorDash has agreed on a strategic multi-year partnership with the Mexican Football Federation as it looks to expand its presence in soccer in the United States. The company will have an expansive presence at Mexican national team matches, with in-stadium ads, fan experiences and exclusive hospitality tickets.

Mason Greenwood snubbed Cristiano Ronaldo for another former Manchester United team-mate when naming the best player he's worked with and chose Lionel Messi in the GOAT debate. While Greenwood briefly played alongside Ronaldo during the Portuguese striker's ill-fated second stint at Old Trafford, tensions reportedly ran high between the two as they struggled to build a successful playing relationship.

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has revealed that his name has been spelled incorrectly since his early days at Sao Paulo and he never changed it out of superstition. The Brazilian explained how a one-time printing error led to a career-long identity that stuck with him across Real Madrid, Brazil and Manchester United.

Harry Kane has reportedly missed training ahead of England's friendly clash with Wales as he struggles with an ankle injury. The Three Lions captain picked up the knock during Bayern Munich’s 3-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend. Now his participation against Wales has been thrown into uncertainty.

Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is hoping he is not the man between the posts when the Catalan giants take on Real Madrid in the highly-anticipated Clasico later this month. Instead, the veteran shot stopper hopes that the injured Joan Garcia is fit in time for the trip to the Santiago Bernabeu as he talked up the world-class potential of the summer signing.

Villarreal have unveiled plans to fly fans to Miami for their La Liga clash against Barcelona, offering free travel for supporters attending the December 20 fixture. CEO Fernando Roig Negueroles defended the controversial move, insisting the game is “about image and the future, not business,” as UEFA reluctantly approved Spain’s first-ever domestic match staged abroad.

Barcelona have created a detailed recovery plan to ensure Lamine Yamal is fully fit for the upcoming Clasico against Real Madrid. The 18-year-old winger has been battling a groin injury but continues to train individually under strict supervision. The club aim to gradually reintroduce him to the team by limiting his playing time in the build up to the showdown against Madrid.

Manchester City could learn the outcome of the hearing into their 115 charges of alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules this month. A new report claims senior officials across the Premier League are now "bracing themselves" amid growing whispers of an impending decision, with the hearing into the charges having taken place between September and December 2024.

Former France international Jerome Rothen was scathing in his criticism of the French Football Federation (FFF) for their handling of Bradley Barcola's injury ahead of the World Cup qualifiers. A feud has erupted between the FFF and Paris Saint-Germain following the winger's injury, resulting in further tension in the wake of similar cases with Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue.

Bayern Munich have reportedly decided to take a risk on Harry Kane's contract extension amid intensifying Premier League and MLS transfer links. Kane, who joined Bayern from Tottenham in 2023, has a €65 million (£57m/$75m) release clause embedded in his contract that would allow him to leave the German club next summer. Kane has until the end of the January transfer window to trigger that option if another club comes in with an offer.

Real Madrid are preparing two key bargain signings for 2026 as part of a long-term squad rejuvenation plan. The Spanish giants are monitoring Stuttgart midfielder Chema Andres, viewed as a potential successor to Aurelien Tchouameni, while also finalising plans to bring back Nico Paz from Como. Both moves could cost under €20 million combined.

Steven Gerrard has labelled himself and his former England team-mates "egotistical losers", with the Liverpool legend making his feelings known on Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher's bubbling friendship post-retirement. The former Liverpool midfielder, now 45, didn’t hold back as he opened up about the toxic culture that plagued England’s dressing room during the 2000s, and why rivalries with Manchester United and Chelsea ruined their chances of glory.

Borussia Dortmund are set to offer Nico Schlotterbeck a huge new contract that could triple his wages as they look to secure his long-term future amid renewed Bayern Munich interest. The German defender, seen as a future captain and leader of the club, remains calm about his decision despite Dortmund’s push to extend his deal until 2030.

Jordan Henderson says he “struggled” after leaving Liverpool for Saudi Arabia, admitting he might have “made different decisions” in hindsight. The England international has opened up about his controversial decision to leave the Reds to play in a country where same-sex relationships are illegal, having previously been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights.

Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund has hailed Vincent Kompany as the "perfect coach" for the reigning Bundesliga champions and explained why the team has enjoyed a terrific start to the 2025-26 season. The Bavarian giants have been in impeccable form, winning 10 games out of 10 and scoring goals for fun despite early fears that the squad didn't have enough depth.

Kingsley Coman has once again been called up by France boss Didier Deschamps for the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches this month after the winger left Bayern Munich in the summer to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr. The 29-year-old has defended the coach's decision to keep him in the squad, claiming he is just as good as he was when called up as an injury replacement in September.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has suggested they will not sign a new striker to replace Robert Lewandowski, calling it “a mistake” to be obsessed with a No.9. Amid ongoing links to Erling Haaland and Serhou Guirassy, Deco insisted that Barca should focus on renewal and internal stability instead of pursuing high-profile transfers.

Jordan Henderson's Brentford transfer has reportedly caused behind-the-scenes trouble at Ajax, with the players disrupted by his exit. After his brief and turbulent stint in Saudi Arabia, Henderson had looked to rebuild his career in the Netherlands. Though his early days at Ajax were rocky, the England international eventually found his footing, becoming a consistent figure in the team’s midfield and a respected voice in the dressing room.

Lionel Messi has admitted it will be “strange” not playing alongside Jordi Alba in an emotional tribute to his Inter Miami team-mate following the defender’s decision to retire from professional football. The Argentina star took to social media to hail his close friend and former Barcelona colleague after he announced he will hang up his boots at the end of the 2025 Major League Soccer season.

Kylian Mbappe’s mother, Fayza Lamari, has opened up on the emotional cost of her son’s fame, revealing how life in Paris “no longer felt human” under the relentless spotlight. Speaking candidly about the pressures that came with superstardom, she reflected on the loneliness, media obsession and the moment she realised her son had “slipped away” during his Paris Saint-Germain years.

Italy head coach Gennaro Gattuso revealed the details of his phone call with former World Cup-winning team-mate Fabio Cannavaro, who was appointed as the new head coach of the Uzbekistan national team earlier this week. The former midfielder had a cheeky dig at the Ballon d'Or winner for taking over a side that has already qualified for the World Cup while the Azzurri are "stuck in the trenches" in the battle to secure a place.

A "nervous" Cristiano Ronaldo has confessed to using AI to craft his speech at the Portugal Football Globes gala after receiving a "special" honour. After a record-breaking career taking him from Sporting CP to Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and now Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, the 40-year-old has rarely been caught off guard. But this time, he needed a little extra help.

Former Juventus and Netherlands winger Eljero Elia explained after he survived a terrifying car crash on the A4 motorway in Netherlands after wrecking his €300,000 Lamborghini. The 38-year-old’s luxury car collided with two others near Leiden, leaving the vehicles badly damaged. Fortunately, no one suffered serious injuries as police launched an investigation into the incident.

Cristiano Ronaldo says he intends to keep playing for a "few" more years, despite his family’s attempts to convince him to retire. The Portugal and Al-Nassr superstar has revealed his loved ones are pushing for him to hang up his boots following an incredible career which has seen him become of the greatest players of all time, but the striker is adamant he still has the desire to pursue more history in the sport.

Joao Palhinha has hit out at Bayern Munich for denying him the chances he “deserved,” describing his time in Germany as one of frustration and lost rhythm. The Portugal international, now thriving on loan at Tottenham, says he feels “happy and trusted” again as he enjoys a fresh chapter in familiar Premier League surroundings.