Lists

Erling Haaland showed off his eccentric new fashion sense on Instagram as he posed donning a flat cap and holding a bag worth nearly £10,000. Haaland is currently enjoying a brief holiday in Spain after being released from the Norway squad in the middle of the international window. The goal machine scored a hat-trick against Israel in a World Cup qualifying game last week, but will not feature in an upcoming friendly.

Lionel Messi could be faced with the prospect of demolishing his €11 million (£9.5m/$12m) mansion in Ibiza as controversy continues surrounding the 16,000 square metre property, which was built on protected land without the necessary permits. Messi bought the mansion in 2022 but has faced a series of recent issues, such as when climate activist group Futuro Vegetal vandalised the property last year.

Alan Pace, who owns Premier League outfit Burnley, has successfully completed the takeover of Spanish side Espanyol, who are the second-biggest team in Catalunya behind Barcelona. Pace spoke ambitiously about his plans to make the Catalan club into a top six side in La Liga, with his dream not only to win the Champions League, but also to turn them into a global brand.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta is under fresh scrutiny after former presidential candidate Victor Font accused the club of concealing €80 million (£67m/$87m) in losses and mismanaging key projects. Font has urged for elections “as soon as possible,” reigniting tensions ahead of the 2026 race and questioning the transparency of the current regime.

As Sarina Wiegman prepared to announce her first England squad since the Lionesses triumphed at the European Championship back in July, one of the biggest questions surrounded Millie Bright. After missing that triumph, citing physical and mental fatigue as she withdrew from selection, would the Chelsea captain be available again? Three months on, we have our answer.

Viktor Gyokeres has discussed his recent blanks for Sweden following their dismal World Cup qualifying loss against Kosovo on Monday. The defeat led to the sacking of manager Jon Dahl Tomasson as the Swedes are virtually out of contention to qualify for the tournament in North America next summer. This was Sweden's second consecutive home loss during the October international window.

Werder Bremen forward Medina Desic has issued a public apology after celebrating her side’s Frauen Bundesliga derby win against Hamburg by holding up a provocative fan sign featuring a poop emoji and their rivals' crest. The 32-year-old admitted the incident was the result of a “moment of euphoria” and insisted she did not intend to insult or provoke anyone.

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre made it clear that only players with mental toughness will make his roster for the World Cup, saying his project with El Tri isn’t for those who “can’t handle the heat.” Aguirre also addressed the goalkeeping situation, casting doubt on Luis Ángel Malagón’s status as the starter and saying the position is still up for grabs.

On Tuesday, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) officially presented Sonia Bermudez as the new head coach of the Spanish women's national team, who will be succeeding Montse Tome in the role. Bermudez, one of the best players in Spain during her time, addressed the future of veteran striker Jenni Hermoso, who was left out of the Euro 2025 squad.

U.S. international Auston Trusty says he’s in some of the best form of his career, even after missing out on several national team call-ups. Determined to prove he deserves a spot among the U.S. centerbacks, Trusty - appearing on GOAL's The Rondo - noted positive differences between USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino and former boss Gregg Berhalter.

Luca Zidane has received his first-ever Algeria call-up at 27 years old, marking a new chapter in his career. The Granada goalkeeper, son of French legend Zinedine Zidane, switched his international allegiance from France and says he’s “ready to give everything” with the Fennecs already sure of a place at the 2026 World Cup.

Manchester United are reportedly considering keeping hold of veteran Brazilian midfielder Casemiro as Ruben Amorim plans to revamp his team in the summer transfer window. The Portuguese manager is planning a major overhaul in the middle of the park, with one big-name signing on the radar and the Brazilian’s lucrative contract now under the microscope.

Ferland Mendy is finally nearing his Real Madrid return after six months out with a serious thigh injury sustained in the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona last season. The French defender will rejoin partial team training this week but faces a new challenge under Xabi Alonso, with Alvaro Carreras now the undisputed starter at left-back.

Chelsea wonderkid Estevao Willian is being backed to emulate Gianfranco Zola and Eden Hazard by securing legend status at Stamford Bridge, with the Brazilian youngster considered to be “unbelievably good”. He has already been likened to iconic countryman Neymar, with big shoes to be filled there, while also earning the nickname ‘Messinho’ (Little Messi) in his homeland.

Jamal Musiala opened up on his experience of dealing with a long-term injury, claiming that a footballer "learns a lot" while going through the recovery process. Having fractured his fibula in a Club World Cup game in July, it's not yet clear when the 22-year-old will return to the pitch. However, the German international cannot wait to "come back even better" and "have fun" with his Bayern Munich team-mates.

Barcelona have reportedly been keeping tabs on an exciting wonderkid as a potential replacement for Marcus Rashford. The English forward's Barcelona adventure is fast turning into one of football’s most surprising redemption arcs. With three goals and five assists in just ten games, Rashford is finally playing with the freedom and confidence that deserted him in Manchester.

Barcelona’s mounting injury crisis has taken another devastating turn as Raphinha’s recovery has hit a major setback ahead of El Clasico. The Brazilian winger is now at serious risk of missing the headline La Liga showdown against Real Madrid, joining Robert Lewandowski on the sidelines after the striker was ruled out with a thigh injury.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac are ready to spend again at Wrexham, with it claimed that another striker offer is already being lined up. In a bid to reach the Premier League as quickly as possible, Hollywood co-owners in North Wales are said to have sought advice from those that have helped Manchester City to maximise value for money in the transfer market.

Inter have turned down a €50 million (£42m/$55m) bid for 20-year-old striker Francesco Pio Esposito and are preparing to double his salary in a new long-term deal. The Nerazzurri view the young Italian as a cornerstone of their future and a symbol of the Oaktree era after his rapid rise for both club and country.

Moises Caicedo has undergone a major change in recent months, parting ways with the agent who oversaw his club record £115 million transfer to Chelsea in 2023 and instead joining forces with a sports lawyer to look after his affairs. But a statement published on social media implying that trust issues were a problem in his previous arrangement had to be removed.

Borussia Dortmund have been handed a major boost ahead of their Bundesliga clash against Bayern Munich, with Serhou Guirassy back in full training after injury concerns. The Guinean striker, described by Niko Kovac as the team's “life insurance,” looks set to lead the line in Saturday’s highly-anticipated Klassiker clash after overcoming thigh problems.

Brazil surrendered a two-goal lead as a complete second-half collapse resulted in a humiliating 3-2 friendly defeat to Japan in Tokyo on Tuesday. Carlo Ancelotti's side had looked supremely comfortable at the break courtesy of fine strikes from Paulo Henrique and Gabriel Martinelli, but they conspired to throw away their advantage - crumbling under pressure from their spirited hosts. The second defeat of his tenure already, Ancelotti has his work cut out as preparations for the 2026 World Cup ramp up.

Lionel Messi’s bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, appears to have picked up a few tips from the Inter Miami superstar. The former Navy SEAL has shown that he boasts finishing skills of his own, with a stunning volley being fired into the top corner. Unlike Messi, who is usually pretty reserved after hitting the back of the net, Cheuko indulged in a wild celebration after registering a scorching strike.

Alexia Putellas is back to her best for Barcelona Femini after getting rid of her injury woes in the past few years. In the final few days of the transfer window, reports from Spain mentioned that Paris Saint-Germain were ready to make a record-breaking offer for the two-time Ballon d'Or winner. The Spaniard, however, stayed put and has now shed light on PSG's interest as well as her future at Barca.

Brighton chief admitted there was interest from Manchester United for Carles Baleba and revealed why the Red Devils missed out on the £100m transfer. United boss Ruben Amorim had made the Cameroon powerhouse his No.1 midfield target as the Red Devils scrambled for reinforcements before the September 1 deadline. But Brighton refused to budge, slamming the door shut on a potential £100m mega deal that could have filled their coffers.

Karim Benzema could be set for a surprise return to Europe, with Turkish giants Fenerbahce making the ex-Real Madrid striker their top January target. After a slow start to the season and a lack of goals, the Istanbul club are reportedly ready to test the waters for the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, who remains under contract with Al-Ittihad until 2026.

Memphis Depay could remain at Corinthians beyond 2026 despite a dispute over unpaid bonuses. The 31-year-old Dutch attacker has been key for the Sao Paulo giants since arriving from Atletico Madrid and Corinthians are reportedly keen to extend his contract once their current financial obligations are settled.

Barcelona have suffered another injury blow, with Robert Lewandowski picking up a muscle tear while on international duty with Poland. The reigning La Liga champions have put no timescale on the Polish striker’s recovery, but it is being reported that he could be sidelined for several weeks. If that proves to be the case, then the veteran frontman will miss a Clasico clash with Real Madrid on October 26.

Liverpool, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Barcelona have been joined by Serie A heavyweights Inter in the race to sign Marc Guehi. The Crystal Palace star, who will leave the club as a free agent next summer, could arrive at San Siro in January in a surprise transfer exchange, which would see Inter's Yann Bisseck move the other way.