Juan Roman Riquelme has hailed Lionel Messi following Argentina's run to the 2026 World Cup final, even suggesting the captain may have surpassed Diego Maradona. The Boca president also praised Lionel Scaloni before offering his verdict on Argentina's defeat to Spain.
Michael Olise finds himself at the centre of one of the summer's biggest transfer stories after starring for France at the World Cup, but all is not as it seems. Various reports have claimed that the Bayern Munich dynamo is Real Madrid's priority target, with the move even endorsed by his compatriot and current 'Galactico', Kylian Mbappe. The reality, though, is that any deal is currently a non-starter.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has brushed off transfer speculation linking Rodri with Real Madrid, insisting every manager in world football wants the midfielder. The Spain captain is set to undergo surgery on a back issue following his World Cup triumph, leaving his future unresolved as he enters the final year of his contract at the Etihad.
Nicky Butt has criticised Manchester United's season ticket restrictions after supporters were caught up in the club's anti-touting crackdown. The former Red Devils midfielder believes genuine fans should be allowed to share tickets with family and friends without facing penalties.
Michael Carrick has become the latest manager to take on the challenge of rekindling former glories at Manchester United, but can he achieve a first since Sir Alex Ferguson? The Red Devils have failed to capture the Premier League title after bidding farewell to the iconic Scot, and have also found stability in the dugout hard to come by. Mikael Silvestre has told GOAL that the next man up is capable of enjoying a rare form of longevity.
Christian Pulisic could be the perfect successor to Mohamed Salah at Liverpool, Jonathan Spector has told GOAL, with the USMNT star considered to be a “nightmare” for opposition defences. The United States international forward is currently on the books of Serie A giants AC Milan, but boasts Premier League experience from his four-year stint at Chelsea.
A Premier League transfer for Kylian Mbappe in future windows cannot be ruled out, Mikael Silvestre has admitted to GOAL, with the France international being advised to find the “best platform” on which major silverware can be chased down. Mbappe thought he had found that when becoming a ‘Galactico’ at Real Madrid, but the biggest of honours are proving difficult to secure.
Benjamin Sesko has been set a goal target for the 2026-27 campaign that should be “written in his contract” at Manchester United, with Dwight Yorke explaining to GOAL why the Slovenian striker can “fly” for the Red Devils. Michael Carrick needs his leading marksman to do just that if a return to Premier League title contention is to be enjoyed at Old Trafford.
Cristiano Ronaldo is being backed to make the move into Hollywood movies once his playing career comes to a close, with Mikael Silvestre telling GOAL that CR7 should have no problem cracking that industry “if Vinnie Jones can become an actor”. There is no indication that the Portuguese GOAT is ready to head for Los Angeles just yet, but a new challenge will be sought at some point in the not too distant future.
France are preparing to pass their managerial baton from Didier Deschamps to Zinedine Zidane, with Jeremie Aliadiere telling GOAL that Thierry Henry would “love” to follow that World Cup-winning trend and become the next boss of Les Bleus. The Arsenal legend has dipped his toe into coaching and would welcome the opportunity to take charge of his country.
The Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has appointed former Bayern Munich midfielder Mark van Bommel as the new head coach of the Red Devils. The 49-year-old Dutchman steps into the role following Rudi Garcia's departure after the World Cup, bringing in former Chelsea and Liverpool winger Boudewijn Zenden as part of his technical team.
Jurgen Klopp has wasted no time setting out his expectations after being unveiled as Germany's new head coach. The former Liverpool boss warned both the media and the DFB that he would walk away if trust, respect or support disappeared.
Manchester United have been told that Antonee Robinson “fits the bill” when it comes to left-back reinforcements, with the USMNT star considered to be the ideal candidate to provide competition for Luke Shaw. Jonathan Spector has explained to GOAL why a raid on Premier League rivals Fulham should be considered by Michael Carrick and the Red Devils’ board.
Luis de la Fuente has condemned Argentina's conduct towards Spain's players after the World Cup final, praising his own squad for refusing to react. The Spain boss also reflected on lifting the trophy and the unity he believes the triumph has inspired across the country.
The Argentine defender is Inter’s top target, with the Nerazzurri keen to make their major transfer investment in defence: Tottenham are asking for €50 million.
Boca Juniors captain Leandro Paredes has cast doubt on his international future following Argentina's defeat to Spain in the World Cup final. The midfielder revealed that the squad faces crucial decisions regarding their continuity while also dismissing external conspiracy theories surrounding their painful loss.
Arsenal and Tottenham are both weighing moves for RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa after his impressive World Cup campaign with Norway. The North London rivals face stiff competition from Italy, while Leipzig's £51 million valuation could prove the biggest hurdle.
Michael Olise is being heavily linked with a transfer from Bayern Munich to Real Madrid, potentially with a record-breaking fee changing hands, but Jeremie Aliadiere has told GOAL that the France international should spend “another year” in Germany before considering a change of scenery. The classy winger needs to learn how to handle the added weight of expectation that is being lumped onto his shoulders.
Bayern Munich are set to open formal discussions with Harry Kane regarding a contract extension, with the England captain entering the final year of his current deal. The 32-year-old striker is aware of the German champions' intention to secure his long-term future, as he remains fully settled in Munich following a prolific stint in Germany.
Newcastle United have completed the signing of midfielder Aladji Bamba from Monaco in a deal worth up to £35 million. The 20-year-old French prospect has committed his long-term future to St James' Park on a five-year contract, with manager Eddie Howe highlighting the player's remarkable potential ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.
Jurgen Klopp has been unveiled as Germany's new head coach and addressed his relationship with predecessor Julian Nagelsmann after replacing him. The former Liverpool boss admitted one moment during the World Cup remains one of the worst of his career as he prepares for a fresh challenge.
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