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Wrexham are being tipped to achieve promotion to the Premier League and consolidate a standing among the elite, with former Wales international Rob Earnshaw explaining to GOAL why a meteoric rise from the Red Dragons can be completed. He has also informed Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac how they will need to go about top-flight transfer business.

Eden Hazard has lifted the lid on his refusal to adopt the ultra-professional lifestyle of Cristiano Ronaldo, despite the pleas of a former manager. The former Chelsea star prioritised personal happiness and a "glass of wine" over the relentless discipline that defined the Portuguese star, insisting he has no regrets about his path.

Why does Cristiano Ronaldo always have so much bad luck?!... First, Erik ten Hag didn't recognise his unrivalled ability at Manchester United, then Fernando Santos ruined his 2022 World Cup bid with Portugal. And now, the powers that be in Saudi Arabia are conspiring to make sure his trophy drought in the Middle East extends to three-and-a-half seasons. Give the guy a break!...

Lamine Yamal finished as runner-up in the 2025 Ballon d’Or vote and the Barcelona wonderkid insists that winning a Golden Ball is not something that he gives much thought to. The talented teenager would prefer to focus on collective trophy targets at Camp Nou, rather than individual accolades, with there still plenty for him to try and achieve in 2026.

Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones has provided a hilarious insight into his Premier League picks, pointedly refusing to utter Erling Haaland's name. In a quick-fire Q&A with GOAL, the United coach turned heads by naming summer signing Senne Lammens as the division's premier goalkeeper. Jones also reserved special praise for a rising Carrington star, labelling the youngster a "top, top player" for the future.

Arsenal have been handed a major boost ahead of the 2026 Carabao Cup final, with the EFL delivering its verdict on Manchester City’s claims to seeing rules tweaked for January signing Marc Guehi. The Blues are being prevented from selecting the England international defender in domestic cup competition, and that will remain the case for a showpiece event at Wembley Stadium.

Newcastle United CEO David Hopkinson has issued a resounding vote of confidence in Eddie Howe, dismissing speculation that the head coach’s job is under threat. Despite a lack of January transfer activity and a difficult run of results, Hopkinson insists the club is on the right path as he outlined a plan to win the Premier League by 2030.

Arsenal loanee Ethan Nwaneri, who will be seeing out the 2025-26 campaign on loan at Marseille, has been called out by a rival manager in France after narrowly avoiding a red card. The England U21 international is still adjusting to life with Ligue 1 heavyweights, and was fortunate to escape an early ban after crunching into a tackle during domestic cup action.

Arsenal’s pursuit of silverware has come at a significant cost, with Mikel Arteta’s side facing a brutal fixture pile-up this February. Following their successful progression to the Carabao Cup final, a rescheduled trip to Wolves has been shoehorned into an already congested calendar. The Gunners now face a daunting journey to Molineux just days before a pivotal north London derby.

The glamour, influence and stories behind football’s most captivating WAGs — from red carpets to the pitch

Virgil van Dijk is being backed to spend “even longer” at Liverpool than the terms of his current contract, with Arne Slot seeing a long-term future for the Dutch defender at Anfield. He is set to turn 35 over the summer, with the odd mistake being allowed to creep into his game this season, while £60 million ($82m) is being invested in the potential of talented French youngster Jeremy Jacquet.

Arne Slot has lauded Florian Wirtz as a 'special' talent following the German's spectacular renaissance at Anfield. After a difficult start to life in the Premier League, the midfielder has silenced critics with six goals and two assists in his last 10 games. Slot believes his star man is now truly ready for the top flight thanks to an improved work ethic and a deeper connection with his Liverpool teammates.

Manchester United have bid farewell to a highly-rated Lionesses prospect after Keira Barry ended her 10-year association with the club and joined NWSL side Bay FC. It's the second time this week that head coach Emma Coates has brought a familiar face over to the United States, having left her role in the England's youth national teams to take up this position in December.

Sir David Beckham is being backed to become a Manchester United owner of the future, with Wes Brown claiming it would be a “dream come true” to see the former Red Devils winger back at Old Trafford. Beckham is currently involved with MLS Cup winners Inter Miami, where he works with Lionel Messi, and League Two promotion hopefuls Salford City.

Endrick continues to set French football alight after his latest heroics for Lyon in the Coupe de France. The Real Madrid loanee secured a vital breakthrough against Laval, later admitting the strike allowed him to vent frustrations from previous weeks. With five goals in five games, the Brazilian starlet is quickly becoming the new idol of the Groupama Stadium faithful.

Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven has been told that a move to one of Europe’s true heavyweights is the "right step" for his career as Spurs continue to falter under Thomas Frank. Former Dutch star Eljero Elia has backed the lightning-fast defender for a high-profile transfer this summer, with Liverpool and Real Madrid both recently linked with the centre-back’s signature.

Sandro Tonali generated plenty of headlines on deadline day as the winter transfer window of 2026 came to a close, with Arsenal reported to have made a play for the Newcastle midfielder. No deal was done, but speculation continues to rage. Manchester City are said to be another of Tonali’s many suitors, and Pep Guardiola was spotted in deep conversation with the 25-year-old at the end of a Carabao Cup encounter.

The Football Association (FA) has formally charged both Chelsea and West Ham following a chaotic conclusion to Saturday’s London derby at Stamford Bridge. The Blues’ nail-biting 3-2 victory descended into mayhem during stoppage time, resulting in a red card for Jean-Clair Todibo after he was caught grabbing an opponent by the throat. Both clubs now face significant fines for failing to control their players during the ugly scenes that marred a thrilling contest.

Jesse Lingard remains a free agent after severing ties with FC Seoul, with the former England international waiting on offers. A return to Europe has been speculated on for the 33-year-old midfielder, with reports now suggesting that he could link up with ex-Manchester United team-mate Robin van Persie at Feyenoord - with discussions said to have taken place.

Atletico Madrid are ready to test Tottenham’s resolve for Cristian Romero this summer after the Spurs captain’s relationship with the club hit a new low. The Argentine World Cup winner slammed the board’s transfer inactivity as ‘disgraceful’ on social media, prompting Diego Simeone’s side to revive their interest just months after Romero signed a lucrative new contract in London.

Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly poised to bring his surprising strike action at Al-Nassr to a close, with the Portuguese icon prepared to face Al-Ittihad in a crucial Saudi Pro League fixture on Friday. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner sat out a derby date with Al-Riyadh after supposedly growing frustrated at how transfer funds are being distributed across teams in the Middle East.

Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Manchester City will formally write to the football authorities to demand Marc Guehi be deemed eligible for the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal. The City manager expressed his bewilderment after his £20 million January signing was forced to watch from the stands as his teammates dismantled Newcastle on Wednesday, insisting that the regulations preventing the defender from playing defy logic given the club pays his wages.

Endrick continues to offer parent club Real Madrid timely reminders of what he is capable of, with another spectacular goal being recorded during a productive loan spell at Lyon. The Brazilian wonderkid headed to France at the start of the winter transfer window after finding regular game time in Spain hard to come by. A dream start to life at the Groupama Stadium has been enjoyed.

Jamie Carragher has jumped to the defence of Arne Slot after the Liverpool manager sparked a heated debate with claims that playing "the nicest football to watch" is worth more than winning major trophies. The former defender insisted that while silverware is the ultimate currency at Anfield, Slot’s desire to be remembered for his style of play is a mark of a coach who wants to leave a lasting legacy.

When Manchester City signed Vivianne Miedema on a free transfer from Arsenal in the summer of 2024, it felt like one of the biggest coups in Women's Super League history. The Cityzens were not only signing the league's all-time top-scorer, they were also directly weakening a title rival in the process.

At the 2002 World Cup, Ronaldo arrived looking for redemption. While sporting one of the most unique haircuts in football history, the Brazil striker found exactly what he was searching for. This is ICONS - a GOAL podcast and feature series that revisits the last 10 World Cups from unique perspectives, bringing the spirit of the tournament back to life...

At the tail end of October, Dimitar Berbatov appeared on Rio Ferdinand's podcast and pleaded for patience with Liverpool's struggling superstar summer signing Florian Wirtz. "He will be unbelievable, trust me," the Bulgarian told his former Manchester United team-mate. "I’m sure that everybody [at Liverpool] sees his quality, and they’ll give him that time that he needs to fit into the team. And I guarantee you, he’s going to be a success.

Omar Marmoush has fired a warning to Arsenal ahead of the Carabao Cup final, informing the Gunners that “every medal is important” to Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s side have grown accustomed to picking up trophies on a regular basis in recent times, but those without a major honour at the Etihad Stadium are determined to open their collection in 2025-26.

Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Argentine National Team, led by Lionel Scaloni, will be based in Kansas City for much of the competition. They will play their first match of the tournament against Algeria on June 16th in the city. Although their other two matches will be in Dallas, the Albiceleste chose Kansas City for its convenient location and climate.