Sportico have released their annual highest-paid athletes list, with Cristiano Ronaldo sitting at the top of that chart. The Portuguese GOAT earned double what eternal rival Lionel Messi pulled in over the course of 2025, with the Al-Nassr forward making $260 million (£194m). There are 13 football players in the top 100, with Brazilian icon Neymar tumbling down the standings.
Noah Allen’s rapid rise at Inter Miami has not gone unnoticed. Still just 21, the versatile defender has become a regular in MLS, won the 2025 MLS Cup and established himself with Greece’s U-21s. He is reportedly now being monitored by European clubs such as Gent and Panathinaikos, according to The Athletic.
Despite San Diego FC’s sporting director and head coach stating that he no longer fits into the club’s plans - and reported interest from Cruz Azul - Hirving “Chucky” Lozano has no intention of leaving the MLS side. Backed by a long-term contract and a record salary, the Mexican winger reportedly wants to remain with the team and is confident he can earn his place, even as the door appears to be closed.
Neymar has revealed that Lionel Messi has expressed an interest in playing in the latter stages of the 2026 Kings League World Cup Nations tournament. The Kings League was set up by Messi and Neymar's former Barcelona team-mate Gerard Pique, and has regularly featured some huge stars.
San Diego FC’s abrupt decision to move on from Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano has raised questions about his future at both club and international level. Once the face of the expansion project, the Mexico international is now weighing his next move as interest grows from MLS and Liga MX. GOAL examines five realistic landing spots as Cruz Azul and Atlanta United lead the race.
The Danish-born Palestinian international made a real impact before suffering a devastating ankle injury last October. Fit and firing again - he's out to prove that his strong run was no fluke.
From knee scooters and crosswords and a World Cup lock screen, USMNT and Houston Dynamo midfielder Jack McGlynn explains how injury recovery sharpened his 2026 push.
Barcelona still consider Robert Lewandowski’s future to be “open”, with the door to an extended stay at Camp Nou not being “completely closed” as yet. The prolific Polish striker, who is now 37 years of age, has entered the final few months of his contract. With free agency beckoning in the summer, it has been suggested that the veteran frontman could head to MLS or the Saudi Pro League.
USMNT star Josh Sargent is considered to have gone from “hero to zero in one text message” at Norwich, with the highly-rated striker pushing for a transfer away from Carrow Road in the January window. With 2026 World Cup dreams in the back of his mind, the 25-year-old has taken to removing himself from contention for selection by the Canaries.
GOAL grades MLS coaching hires, from Michael Bradley’s Red Bulls promotion to Raphael Wicky's rebuilding job in Kansas City and Henrik Rydstrom tasked with replacing Wilfried Nancy.
San Jose Earthquakes are reportedly close to agreeing a deal to sign Timo Werner, according to The Athletic. The German national, who starred for RB Leipzig from 2016-2020, has found himself out of favor in his third stint with the German club, making three appearances this year. He will fill a Designated Player spot for San Jose, who are rebuilding under manager Bruce Arena.
Minnesota United have named Cam Knowles as their new head coach, opting for continuity as Eric Ramsay prepares to return to Europe to take over West Brom. With preseason set to begin, the Loons moved quickly to reward a trusted figure within the club and maintain stability after a successful MLS campaign. Knowles has been in MLS for two decades as a player and coach.
With MLS preseason approaching, GOAL U.S. writers debate the league’s biggest offseason winners - and whether Josh Sargent should make the move to Toronto FC.
Lionel Messi remains “the best in the world” and will hold that title “until he retires”, claims the Argentine’s former Barcelona team-mate David Villa. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is now 38 years of age, but he is showing no sign of slowing down and continues to enhance his standing as the most decorated player of all-time while turning out in the United States for Inter Miami.
San Diego FC have confirmed that club-record signing Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano is no longer part of their sporting plans ahead of the 2026 season. Despite being under contract through 2028 and among the league’s highest earners, the Mexican forward is now expected to depart as the club reshapes its roster and priorities.
Jude Bellingham and Aitana Bonmati are locking horns with Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi and Trinity Rodman as adidas launches the Predator vs F50 battle and invites fans and players around the world to “choose one”. Two iconic boot designs are being reimagined for 2026, with superstar performers from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Miami and the USWNT already picking their sides.
Lionel Messi has “made MLS his playground”, according to Dwight Yorke, with the Argentine superstar proving that he still boasts “special X-factor”. The South American icon helped to deliver a historic MLS Cup triumph for Inter Miami in 2025, while helping himself to Golden Boot and MVP awards, and the expectation is that he will illuminate the 2026 World Cup.
Bryant Lazaro’s playing dream ended at 19. His education in soccer didn’t. Mentored by Bielsa, the American-born coach is now rising at Portugal’s Estoril.
Soccer’s rise in the United States has reached another milestone. According to a recent survey from The Economist, the sport has overtaken baseball to become the country’s third-most popular sport, trailing only American football and basketball - a shift driven in part by the continued growth of Major League Soccer.
Inter Miami are close to securing Tadeo Allende on a permanent transfer from Celta Vigo following a record-breaking MLS season. The Argentine winger was a key figure in Miami’s MLS Cup triumph, and his return would bolster a roster preparing not only to defend the title in 2026, but also to compete on the international stage.
United States international Weston McKennie will reportedly not renew his Juventus contract amid rumours of a Major League Soccer return. The 27-year-old's future has been up in the air for years now, ever since he had an underwhelming loan spell at Leeds United in 2023. The midfielder has spent more than five years at the Italian giants but his spell there may be drawing to a close.
Lionel Messi has opened up on his post-retirement plans in an apparent nod to Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham. The Argentina international is coming towards the end of his career but is still, arguably, one of the best players in the world at the age of 38. While many would love the Miami ace to go into management, the veteran appears to have other ideas.
Lionel Messi has admitted he is "weirder than sh*t" in a revealing interview about his private life and previously getting therapy. The Inter Miami star, who has tended to stay away from the limelight and do his talking on the pitch, has spoken about what home life is like with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and why he sought help for his mental health at Barcelona.
USMNT legend Landon Donovan says Wilfried Nancy paid the price for circumstances beyond his control after Celtic’s Old Firm loss to Rangers in the Glasgow derby set off sweeping changes at the club. The Scottish giants dismissed Nancy just 33 days into his tenure and also parted ways with head of football operations Paul Tisdale.
LA Galaxy confirmed that Riqui Puig will miss the entire 2026 MLS season after undergoing another successful ACL reconstruction on his left knee. The Spanish midfielder described the setback as one of the hardest moments of his life but remains focused on a full recovery, with the club targeting his return for the start of the 2027 campaign.
Sporting KC are nearing an agreement with former Chicago Fire and Young Boys manager Raphael Wicky, according to the Athletic. The Swiss manager, who has previously played and coached in MLS, is set to replace long-time manager Peter Vermes, who parted ways with the club after a winless start to last season. He is the first major appointment from new CSO David Lee.
Inter Miami have further bolstered their ranks with the signing of 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, Dayne St. Clair. The Canada international joins the Herons on a one-year contract that includes the option for a further 12-month extension. He has been joined in South Florida by Facundo Mura, with Lionel Messi welcoming another fellow Argentine on board.
USMNT star Matko Miljevic has confirmed that Inter Miami have expressed interest in his services, with a transfer that would see him link up with Lionel Messi in South Florida being mooted. The attacking midfielder is keeping his options open for now, with the current Huracan star admitting that he would like to remain in Argentina as Racing Club sound him out.
Inter Miami star Lionel Messi's wife has been accused of blocking model Suzy Cortez from attending the MLS Cup final, after she allegedly bombarded Messi with 'sexy messages', according to a new report from The Sun. Messi eventually lifted the trophy, but Cortez was not present to witness his heroics.
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