Chirayu Parmar

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.

Zinedine Zidane has revealed he has rewatched Real Madrid’s 2017 Champions League final against Juventus more than six times, describing the performance as “perfection.” The French legend called it the pinnacle of his managerial career, praising the team’s dominance in what was their second of three European successes under the Frenchman.

Robert Lewandowski’s future at Barcelona has once again come under the spotlight after his agent, Pini Zahavi, refused to rule out a possible departure. With the veteran striker entering the final months of his contract, the club are reportedly assessing long-term replacements. Despite his experience and past success, doubts persist over his role in Hansi Flick’s plans.

Luis de la Fuente has hit back at Barcelona’s criticism over Spain’s handling of Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres after all three players suffered setbacks on international duty. The Spain boss insisted his staff always prioritise players’ health and urged critics not to “make a big deal” out of routine injuries.

Emerson Palmieri has praised Roberto De Zerbi as a “special person” with unmatched passion, revealing how the Marseille coach played a crucial role in his summer transfer from West Ham. The Italy international full-back admitted he once feared the move would collapse, but is now thriving in Ligue 1 under a manager he deeply admires.

Neymar’s camp have approached both Napoli and Inter ahead of a potential free January move, but both Italian clubs have already turned down the chance to sign him. The Brazilian forward, who will be out of contract at the end of 2025, is determined to return to top-level football as he eyes a Brazil recall for next year’s World Cup.

Jude Bellingham has spoken candidly about the negativity and scrutiny that athletes face in the age of social media, admitting he’s had moments of self-doubt while trying to maintain a “macho image”. The Real Madrid and England star called for more openness about mental health in football and revealed why he no longer reads social media comments about himself.

AC Milan are still struggling to part ways with Divock Origi, whose €4 million-a-year contract continues to weigh heavily on the club. Despite not featuring for the Rossoneri since May 2023, the former Liverpool forward earns more than Luka Modric and Adrien Rabiot, a financial headache Milan are desperate to end before his deal expires in 2026.

Ansu Fati’s explosive start to life at Monaco has reignited hopes of a Spain comeback. The Barcelona loanee has rediscovered his scoring touch in Ligue 1, netting six goals in five games. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has now confirmed that the 22-year-old forward is “on their radar” ahead of upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi has praised Lamine Yamal’s meteoric rise from La Masia to the first team, revealing the winger’s potential was obvious from a young age. Despite recent injuries and criticism, Yamal continues to show maturity beyond his years as Barcelona prepare for a crucial stretch after the international break.

Olivier Giroud has revealed that he plans to retire at Lille, calling the French club "most certainly" the last he will play for. The 39-year-old striker, France’s all-time top scorer, returned to Ligue 1 in the summer after a stint in MLS. Despite Lille’s inconsistent form, Giroud remains focused on finishing strong in what could be the final chapter of his storied career.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has lifted the lid on his responsibilities as an advisor to AC Milan’s American owners, RedBird Capital. Since his appointment in December 2023, the former striker has become a key voice behind the scenes shaping the club’s direction, influencing recruitment and representing Milan in elite football circles.

Lucas Vazquez has reflected on his time at Real Madrid, naming Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos as the most “spectacular” teammates he’s ever played with. The 34-year-old, now at Bayer Leverkusen, also picked Zinedine Zidane ahead of Carlo Ancelotti as the coach who left the greatest mark on his career after 18 trophy-laden years with Los Blancos.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan has opened up on his stormy relationship with Jose Mourinho, revealing how the former Manchester United boss once called him a “piece of sh*t” and how the two later reconciled at Roma. The Armenian also shared the intense methods Mourinho used to instil a winning mindset during their UEFA Conference League triumph.

FC Andorra owner Gerard Pique has been added to the official match report after calling a referee “a f*cking disgrace” following a 2-1 defeat to Leganes. The incident, part of a string of recent controversies, underscores mounting tensions within the club as they navigate disciplinary scrutiny and a challenging La Liga Hypermotion season.

Borussia Dortmund have been keeping a close eye on Ecuadorian wonderkid Justin Lerma since striking a deal to sign the teenager back in 2024. The young sensation is set to join the Bundesliga giants next summer once he turns 18 in a €4 million deal and the club's current plan is to immediately thrust him into the senior team after being impressed by his performances in his homeland.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has hailed Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti and Fabio Capello as the coaches who “changed football,” while admitting he always wanted to play under Jurgen Klopp and Sir Alex Ferguson. The AC Milan advisor also backed Ancelotti to lead Brazil to 2026 World Cup glory, saying "everything he touches turns to gold".

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has revealed that his name has been spelled incorrectly since his early days at Sao Paulo and he never changed it out of superstition. The Brazilian explained how a one-time printing error led to a career-long identity that stuck with him across Real Madrid, Brazil and Manchester United.