II Liga Overview

Iker Casillas has attempted to put aside his historic tension with Jose Mourinho after seeing the ex-Chelsea and Inter boss return to Real Madrid for a second spell. The legendary Blancos goalkeeper has issued a blunt statement on the appointment as Mourinho begins work ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres has broken his silence regarding his future at the club following reports that the club could use him as a makeweight to sign Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez. The Sweden international enjoyed a title-winning debut season in north London but now finds his place under scrutiny as Mikel Arteta looks to evolve his attacking options.

The relationship between Julian Alvarez and Atletico Madrid has reached a breaking point, with manager Diego Simeone reportedly losing patience with the Argentine forward. Following a series of public hints regarding a potential move to Barcelona, the Atleti boss is now ready to sanction an exit for a player who no longer seems committed to the cause at the Metropolitano.

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 again in 2026.