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The final round of league phase fixtures in the 2025-26 Champions League is finally upon us, and it promises to be the most dramatic yet. Only table toppers Arsenal and Bayern Munich have already secured automatic qualification for the round of 16, with the former boasting a 100 percent record through their first seven games, while just four clubs have been eliminated so far: Eintracht Frankfurt, Slavia Prague, Villarreal and Kairat.

This is Legacy, GOAL’s podcast following the road to the 2026 World Cup. Every week, we dive into the stories and legacies that shaped football’s greatest nations. Today we look at how one of the game’s most iconic players lost the love of his people, became the most hated man in the land and then won back their hearts in a way only he could. This is the story of David Beckham's rise and fall after England’s dramatic elimination from the 1998 FIFA World Cup...

Asked what was going through his head when he picked the ball up before snatching victory for Manchester United at Arsenal, Matheus Cunha didn't beat around the bush: "I think 'I need to score'." Cunha had received the ball with his back to goal, more than 30 yards out and against the best defence and goalkeeper in the Premier League. But he had only one thing on his mind.

Former Tottenham chairman Lord Alan Sugar has unleashed a scathing attack on his old club, declaring that he would fire the "whole bloody team" if he could. The Apprentice star branded the current squad "useless" as they languish in 14th place under Thomas Frank, and has urged billionaire owner Joe Lewis to finally splash "real money" on elite talent following the significant departure of Daniel Levy.

A positive update has been delivered on Neymar’s recovery from knee surgery, with a return date for the Brazil international said to be “coming soon”. The 33-year-old was forced under the knife after playing through pain towards the end of the 2025 campaign. He has committed to a one-year contract extension at Santos and is hoping to be back in action shortly.

U.S. men’s national team fullback Alex Freeman is reportedly set to sign with Villarreal, with the Spanish side prepared to pay up to $7 million to Orlando City. The move would cap a breakout 2025 in which Freeman’s form saw him rise from MLS prospect to USMNT regular and emerging World Cup hopeful, while also drawing sustained European interest.

GOAL breaks down five key storylines to watch as Emma Hayes’ squad closes January camp, with debuts, leadership roles, and roster spots still up for grabs.

Women's Super League side London City Lionesses have been tipped to complete the 'landmark' signing of Barcelona star Alexia Putellas this month. The 31-year-old has enjoyed a trophy-laden spell with Barcelona since joining the Spanish giants from Levante in 2012, which includes the Primera Division nine times and the Champions League three times.

Cristiano Ronaldo helped Al-Nassr to a 1-0 win over Al-Taawoun on Monday that boosts their title hopes. The result leaves Ronaldo's side just five points behind league leaders Al-Hilal after 17 games played. Ronaldo also had a message for his team-mates after the game as he aims to win the league title for the first time since making the move to the Middle East.

Major League Soccer is formalizing its approach to prediction markets through a new multi-year partnership with Polymarket, a deal that combines fan engagement ambitions with tighter league oversight. Soccer United Marketing, the league’s commercial arm, announced the agreement Monday, naming Polymarket an official partner of MLS and Leagues Cup in the United States.

Memphis Depay is looking to leave Brazilian giants Corinthians this month. The Dutchman secured a switch to the Brasileirao outfit in September 2024 following an 18-month spell with Spanish outfit Atletico Madrid. And having spent the last year-and-a-half with the Sao Paulo based powerhouse, the Dutch striker is keen to leave the South American side.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been warned he "won't have a leg to stand on" if the Reds fail to qualify for the 2026-27 Champions League by Jamie Carragher. The Reds are in the midst of a difficult season and currently sit down in sixth place in the Premier League table. Carragher has shared his thoughts on the team's struggles and says Slot's job is at risk.

Paris Saint-Germain have poached one of Barcelona’s brightest talents, with Dro Fernandez completing a controversial €8.2 million transfer to the French capital. The move has sparked fury in Catalonia, with club president Joan Laporta blasting the teenager's camp for breaking a verbal agreement regarding his future in what he described as an 'unpleasant' surprise for the Spanish giants.

Arsenal hero Emmanuel Petit believes that Bryan Mbeumo is the player the Gunners need to secure Premier League glory. Mikel Arteta's men sit top of the table but their lead has been cut to just four points by Manchester City and Aston Villa following Arsenal's 3-2 loss to Manchester United on Sunday night. The result means the Gunners are now winless in three.

Barcelona have narrowed down their pursuit of Robert Lewandowski's replacement to just two players. Lewandowski's current deal at Spotify Camp Nou expires at the end of the current season and Barcelona are unlikely to extend the 37-year-old's stay in Spain, and it means the Catalan giants are expected to dip into the market for a new striker this summer.

Liverpool have announced a deal has been put in place to sign highly-rated 17-year-old centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Austria Vienna. The teenager is due to link up with the Reds in the summer, subject to international clearance. Ndukwe has been at Austria Vienna since the age of seven, making his way through the youth ranks and catching the eye of Arne Slot's side.

Premier League interest is flattering, but history, health, and World Cup stakes suggest Pepi is better off staying at PSV - at least for now.

Al-Nassr moved level with Al-Ahly and within two points of league leaders of Al-Hilal with a 1-0 win over Al-Taawoun on Monday evening. The home side were all over their visitors from the outset but really struggled to make their dominance count and it ultimately took a first-half Mohammed Al Dossary own goal for Jorge Jesus' side to claim all the spoils and claim a third successive league win.

Lyon boss Paulo Fonseca is said to be 'enamoured' with striker Endrick who has made a flying to start life with the French side. The Brazilian striker made the move to the Ligue 1 giants earlier this month and has gone on to become a mainstay for OL in the opening weeks of his time in France. Indeed, Endrick has been directly involved in four goals in his opening two league outings for Lyon.

Liverpool and manager Arne Slot have been sent a warning about the club's transfer activity by former captain Jamie Redknapp. The Reds have missed out on a move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi who has completed a transfer to Manchester City. Redknapp feels the England international is a "big miss" for his former club and has warned there could be problems ahead at Anfield.

GOAL continues its Meet the USMNT series by examining McKennie, a player at the center of a growing debate as he approaches a career crossroads.

Homesick Cole Palmer would be open to potential switch to boyhood club Manchester United this summer. Palmer left Manchester City for Chelsea in 2023 and has gone on to become a key player for the Blues. However, the England international is reportedly unsettled in London and would welcome the chance to move back to Manchester at the end of the season.

Jean-Philippe Mateta is eager to leave Crystal Palace before the close of the January transfer window after becoming unsettled at the club. Aston Villa and Juventus have already been linked with a move for the striker but the Eagles have now received a hefty bid for the Frenchman from an unlikely source. Crystal Palace have already lost Marc Guehi this winter and are now facing waving goodbye to another key star.

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has made a worrying admission that previous shortcomings may impact the Gunners' title push. The north London side fell to a 3-2 loss to Manchester United on Sunday evening as Mikel Arteta's men suffered their first home reverse of the season. Defeat to United saw their lead at the top of the table cut to just four points.

Liam Rosenior has made his first signing as Chelsea manager since replacing Enzo Maresca at the helm. The 41-year-old has enjoyed a bright start to life at Stamford Bridge, winning four of his first five games in charge of the Blues in all competitions. Rosenior is also working hard on shaping his squad and has added an exciting young talent to the ranks in west London.

GOAL breaks down the key moments from USWNT players abroad, including a dominant performance from Tullis-Joyce for Manchester United.

In the latest episode of the Beast Mode On podcast, Adebayo Akinfenwa sits down with YouTube star KSI to discuss his love of Arsenal, the Gunners' quest to end their 20-year wait for a Premier League title as well as how he turned the recent Lunchly controversy with Mr Beast and Logan Paul into promotion for a DanTDM ‘diss track’ that sparked DMs from Drake.

Chelsea have exercised their right to recall young Argentine centre-back Aaron Anselmino from his loan spell at Borussia Dortmund. The Blues are looking to reinforce their defensive ranks in the January transfer window but have activated an option to bring Anselmino back to Stamford Bridge, a decision that is said to have left the Bundesliga giants 'fuming'.

Bayern Munich's sporting director Max Eberl has offered a fresh update on Harry Kane's future at the club. The England captain's contract at the Allianz Arena expires in 2027, and he has attracted interest from clubs across Europe with his prolific displays for the Bavarian giants. Kane has said he's willing to discuss an extension with Bayern and Eberl says negotiations are now taking place.