France manager Zinedine Zidane has taken a trip down memory lane to reflect on the first time he encountered a teenage Kylian Mbappe during a trial at Real Madrid. The two icons of French football have seen their paths cross again on the international stage, over a decade after their initial meeting in the Spanish capital.
Harry Kane is the “best of the best” and continues to eclipse former England captain Alan Shearer in the evergreen striker stakes, Emile Heskey has told GOAL. The Bayern Munich frontman and Three Lions skipper is showing no sign of slowing down at 33 years of age. He plundered 73 goals for club and country last season, bringing him into contention for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
Former Premier League goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has quickly established himself as a vital link within Mark van Bommel's Belgium backroom team. Having transitioned from playing into management at the KBVB, the 38-year-old combines high-level footballing insight with impressive academic credentials to shape the national setup.
AC Milan icon Andriy Shevchenko has delivered a heartfelt message of encouragement to his former employers and Italian football amid their persistent struggles. While the Rossoneri are seeking consistency domestically, the Azzurri are navigating a generational transition following three consecutive World Cup qualification failures to reignite their pedigree.
Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee earned a surprise recall to the Netherlands squad after Brian Brobbey suffered a hamstring injury against Germany. Head coach Xavi Hernandez opted for the 25-year-old ahead of Wout Weghorst and Memphis Depay to bolster his attacking options.
Barcelona sporting director Deco denied any concrete interest in the sought-after 15-year-old JJ Gabriel of Manchester United, who wants to leave, at the Portugal Football Summit.
AZ striker Mexx Meerdink made an emotional senior Netherlands debut after replacing the injured Brian Brobbey just 35 minutes into their 1-1 Nations League draw with Germany. The 23-year-old praised new manager Xavi's passion while targeting surpassing his father Martijn's international cap tally.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has explained to GOAL the “only way” that fellow Dutchman Brian Brobbey ends up at Manchester United. The Netherlands international striker continues to impress in the Premier League for Sunderland and has seen a big-money transfer to Old Trafford mooted. The Red Devils are still crying out for a reliable No.9 to lead the line for them.
PSV winger Ruben van Bommel made a dramatic senior Netherlands debut, coming off the bench to set up Cody Gakpo's equalizer in a 1-1 Nations League draw with Germany. The 22-year-old described the moment as his ultimate career highlight while detailing his stunning outside-of-the-boot pass.
Former AC Milan forward Hernan Crespo has urged supporters to remain patient with Goncalo Ramos following his slow start in Italy. While acknowledging the Portuguese forward's relentless work ethic on the pitch, the Argentine insisted the club-record recruit has never been an elite goalscorer and will always divide opinion due to his massive price tag.
Bruno Fernandes has expressed his full commitment to Jorge Jesus’ new tactical vision for Portugal following their hard-fought victory over Wales. The Manchester United captain found himself deployed in a hybrid wide position as the Selecao kicked off their latest UEFA Nations League campaign with a win.
After the draw against Germany (1-1), Netherlands coach Xavi, who like Jürgen Klopp was making his debut, singled out Marc-Andre ter Stegen for special praise.
Right-back Philipp Treu enjoyed a successful debut in the Germany team in the 1-1 draw against the Netherlands. The 25-year-old could solve an eternal problem - and also comes across as pretty likeable.
Atalanta forward Charles De Ketelaere has revealed that he held preliminary discussions with Paris Saint-Germain during the summer transfer window. The Ligue 1 champions ultimately prioritised a swoop for Ferran Torres from Barcelona, with the Italian outfit also standing firm on an exorbitant valuation that deterred several interested suitors.
Zinedine Zidane will finally make his highly anticipated debut as the new manager of the France national team when they face Turkey on Friday. Ahead of the crucial fixture, former team-mate Bixente Lizarazu has provided fascinating insight into what makes the legendary midfielder such a meticulous and attentive modern coach.
Dele Alli serves as a warning to Jadon Sancho of what can happen when a promising career goes off the rails, former Aston Villa star Ray Houghton has told GOAL. Having struggled for a spark at Manchester United, Chelsea and Villa, England international Sancho is now a free agent. Fellow former Three Lions star Dele finds himself in a similar position, and has done so for over 12 months.
Cristiano Ronaldo endured a frustrating evening for Portugal after missing a massive chance during their narrow Nations League victory over Wales. Manager Jorge Jesus subsequently substituted the veteran forward in the second half, later explaining the tactical reasoning behind his ruthless decision.
Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival in Saudi Arabia changed the landscape of global football, but a new revelation suggests his impact behind the scenes was even more significant. Former team-mate Alvaro Gonzalez has opened up about a selfless gesture made by the Portuguese icon regarding a dispute over unpaid wages.
