Ahead of the Champions League clash with FC Bayern Munich, former professional Toni Kroos is particularly full of praise for one of Real Madrid’s star players.
Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos has singled out Federico Valverde as the indispensable engine behind Los Blancos' pursuit of silverware this season. The retired German maestro believes the Uruguayan has stepped up to 'carry' a star-studded squad featuring the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. As the campaign enters its final stretch, Valverde’s leadership and clinical form have placed him at the heart of the club's post-Kroos era.
Liverpool and Real Madrid legend John Toshack has hit back at claims made by his son, Cameron, regarding his health. Speaking from his home in Spain, the 76-year-old addressed the claims that he is battling dementia.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Raphinha was withdrawn at half-time during Thursday’s 2-1 defeat to France due to a muscle issue. The Barcelona winger, a vital component of the Selecao’s attacking trident, was replaced by Luiz Henrique after a promising opening 45 minutes in the United States. With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, his fitness remains a primary concern for the technical staff.
Barcelona starlet Fermin Lopez has opened up about his decision to reject a move to Chelsea earlier in his career, insisting he is exactly where he wants to be. The Barca academy graduate is currently enjoying a breakout season that has reportedly caught the eye of Manchester United, but his focus remains firmly on domestic and European dominance with the Catalan giants.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has moved to quell concerns regarding the fractured relationship between Lamine Yamal and Dani Carvajal. The Barcelona wonderkid and Real Madrid captain were involved in a heated confrontation following October's feisty El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu. Despite the domestic animosity, the national team boss insists that international duty transcends club rivalries as La Roja prepare for upcoming fixtures.
Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni revealed he reached out to NFL icon Tom Brady before France’s 2-1 friendly victory over Brazil. Playing at Gillette Stadium, the legendary home of the New England Patriots, Les Bleus secured their first win over the Selecao since 2011. Despite being reduced to 10 men, the French side channelled a "clutch" mentality in front of a heavily pro-Brazilian crowd in Foxborough.
The former France captain and Atletico Madrid legend has always been obsessed with American sports. Moving to Orlando City is a bad fit, but the transfer isn't about soccer.
Hansi Flick has largely been credited with instilling a positive and disciplined culture within the Barcelona dressing room since his arrival, but the first signs of internal friction are beginning to emerge. The source of the discord is Roony Bardghji, the highly-rated winger who secured a high-profile move to the Spotify Camp Nou last summer but has struggled to cement a regular place in the starting XI.
Former Argentina defender Pablo Zabaleta believes a romantic Barcelona return for Lionel Messi is not out of the question. The Inter Miami star's ex-teammate has opened up on the unique leadership qualities that make the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner a "rare" talent.
Premier League legend Alan Shearer has caused a stir by omitting Jude Bellingham and Cole Palmer from his predicted England starting line-up for the 2026 World Cup. The former Three Lions striker has instead opted for a selection based on current form and tactical balance.
Manchester United are prepared to entertain offers from Premier League rivals for Marcus Rashford if Barcelona fail to honour the permanent transfer agreement currently in place. The England international has spent the season on loan at Camp Nou, but uncertainty in Catalunya has opened the door for a dramatic return to English football with a different club.
Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe has reportedly reached breaking point with the club's medical department. L'Equipe claims the Frenchman has personally intervened by contacting president Florentino Perez to inform him that he doesn't want Madrid staff to treat him anymore.
Moises Caicedo has appeared to pledge his long-term future to Chelsea despite growing interest from Real Madrid. The Ecuadorian midfielder insists he is focused on building a lasting legacy at Stamford Bridge, where he wants to become "a legend".
Manchester City midfielder Rodri has sent shockwaves through the Etihad Stadium by refusing to rule out a blockbuster move to Real Madrid. The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner, who is currently working his way back to peak fitness following a serious knee injury, admitted that the lure of one of the world’s biggest clubs is difficult to resist.
La Liga has seen its legal challenge against the Spanish Footballers' Association (AFE) dismissed by the National Court's Prosecutor's Office. The lawsuit, spearheaded by Javier Tebas, sought to classify a 15-second on-field protest by players as an "illegal strike." The demonstrations took place earlier this season as players from across the league, including stars from Barcelona and Villarreal, rebelled against plans to move a regular-season fixture to Miami.
Kylian Mbappe has moved to silence the storm surrounding his fitness, categorically denying sensational claims that Real Madrid medical staff examined the wrong knee. The France captain addressed the media ahead of Les Bleus' friendly against Brazil, insisting that his relationship with the Spanish giants remains transparent despite a wave of reports alleging a "monumental mistake" in his diagnosis.
Kylian Mbappé is reportedly said to have been examined on the wrong leg at Real Madrid. Apparently, he’s not the only one in Madrid to have had this happen.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has officially confirmed a one-match suspension for Federico Valverde following his red card in the Madrid derby. Despite Real Madrid attempting to overturn the decision by arguing he was genuinely challenging for the ball, the ruling stands. The midfielder will miss the upcoming La Liga clash against Mallorca but returns for Girona.
Cristian Romero remains the primary defensive target for Atletico Madrid as the club look to bolster their backline following a failed pursuit last summer. Despite the Argentine signing a new long-term deal at Tottenham, a hidden mechanism in his contract could facilitate a move to the Metropolitano.
Kylian Mbappe’s long-standing relationship with Nike appears to be reaching its conclusion just as the forward prepares for the biggest summer of his career. The Real Madrid superstar, who has been the face of the American brand’s football division for years, is nearing the end of his current deal with a seismic shift in the sponsorship market looming.
Vinicius Junior has spoken out on his long-term future at Real Madrid as he prepares to enter the final year of his current contract. The Brazilian forward is currently away on international duty with Brazil, but believes he has been living his "best moment" at club level.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has hailed Lamine Yamal as a singular talent who has been "touched by magic", reinforcing the 18-year-old's status as the crown jewel of the national team. De la Fuente spoke glowingly of the Barcelona winger’s character and development, highlighting the RFEF's long-standing commitment to securing his international future.
Xabi Alonso is reportedly "ready" to succeed Arne Slot as Liverpool manager this summer. While Slot remains in his post for now, Liverpool's terrible Premier League title defence has left the Dutchman’s future looking increasingly untenable beyond the end of the current campaign. Alonso is said to be waiting in the wings, eager for a fresh start on Merseyside following his recent departure from Real Madrid.
Former Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has waded into the debate over who carries the most weight in Hansi Flick's current squad, offering a surprising take on the team's hierarchy. While the world remains fixated on teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and midfield maestro Pedri, the Croatian veteran believes the real difference-maker resides elsewhere on the pitch.