Chris Burton

Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni has been provisionally suspended by UEFA as an investigation into the events of a Champions League clash with Real Madrid continue. The Argentine stands accused of directing racist comments at Blancos forward Vinicius Junior. He will sit out the second leg of a knockout phase play-off clash at Santiago Bernabeu.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac have been called out for making “very naive” comments about Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson. Hollywood co-owners in North Wales have claimed that a coach looking to deliver a record-extending fourth successive promotion has a “job for life”. There have, however, been suggestions that the Red Dragons would “outgrow” their current boss in the Premier League.

Manchester United have been warned off a stunning transfer swoop for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior. The Brazil international has been making headlines again of late and former Red Devils defender Paul Parker considers the South American to be a “rage baiter”. He is not convinced that Jarrod Bowen should be taken to Old Trafford either, but would like to see a deal done for Aston Villa playmaker Morgan Rogers.

Roberto Martinez maintains that Cristiano Ronaldo should be considered football’s GOAT regardless of whether he leads Portugal to World Cup glory or not. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is yet to get his hands on the most prestigious of international prizes, but will get another shot at that title in 2026. Martinez sees the evergreen frontman being under no pressure to deliver.

Arne Slot has delivered a brutally honest verdict on the role that teen sensation Rio Ngumoha has to play in Liverpool’s first-team squad. The exciting 17-year-old forward has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in 2025-26, recording his first senior goal, and many are calling for the youngster to see more game time as fellow wingers Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo struggle to find a spark.

Neymar has endured a so-called “disaster” with Santos that could leave his World Cup dreams with Brazil hanging by a thread. The Samba superstar has returned to action in his homeland, having recovered from a knee operation, but failed to sparkle early in 2026. He needs to convince Selecao boss Carlo Ancelotti that he is deserving of an international recall.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta claims that Lionel Messi refused to greet him when both men attended the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony. Argentine icon Messi was, on the back of his World Cup triumph with Argentina, the star of the show that night as he collected a record-extending eighth Golden Ball. He had no desire to meet up with a familiar face from Camp Nou.

Ex-USMNT and MLS star Tab Ramos has told GOAL that a stunning transfer which unites Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi at Inter Miami could happen, but has explained why said switch could become a “mess”. A remarkable switch to the United States for Portuguese icon CR7 has been mooted on the back of strike action that he recently took in the Saudi Pro League.

Sam Cox, a star of the hit Apple TV+ show Ted Lasso, has been sacked as head coach of National League side Wealdstone after just eight months at the helm. The 35-year-old, who plays fictional West Ham star Armando on the small screen, was handed the reins at Grosvenor Vale in June 2025. He has been unable to steer the Stones away from relegation danger.

Arsenal forward Olivia Smith was stretchered from the field and taken to hospital when suffering a worrying head injury during the Gunners’ Women’s FA Cup clash with Bristol City. The Canadian star was rushed away for medical checks, having received lengthy treatment on the field. A full diagnosis is yet to be delivered, but Arsenal are “hopeful” that the knock is not too serious.

Raheem Sterling has made his first competitive appearance in nine months, having left Chelsea and completed a shock move to Eredivisie outfit Feyenoord. The 31-year-old forward is pleased to be back on the pitch and will take things slowly for the remainder of the season. That means no thought has been given to a potential England recall in this World Cup year.

Jesse Lingard has been warned that life in Brazilian football is a “hard slog”, with the former Manchester United playmaker seeing a shock switch to South America speculated on. The ex-England international has been a free agent since severing ties with K-League outfit FC Seoul in December 2025. Lingard is waiting on enticing offers, with it being suggested that one has been tabled by Remo.

England are blessed with right-back options heading towards the 2026 World Cup, with a history-making former Three Lions star that once filled that position telling GOAL who he would favour in a bid for global glory. Viv Anderson has also explained who he would “discard”, with Thomas Tuchel facing some tough selection decisions ahead of major tournament action.

Ex-Arsenal star Jack Wilshere had to be dragged away from a confrontation with agitated Luton fans by his own players following a disappointing 1-1 draw with Burton Albion at Kenilworth Road. The Hatters allowed two points to slip through their grasp late on in that contest, leading to some supporters venting their frustration in Wilshere’s direction as he made his way down the tunnel.

Harry Kane has reacted to a surprising transfer claim from Barcelona presidential candidate Xavi Vilajoana, with the prolific Bayern Munich striker seeing a shock move to Camp Nou speculated on. The England international is maintaining remarkable individual standards in German football, with contract extension talks being lined up at the Allianz Arena.

Cristiano Ronaldo has addressed the speculation surrounding his future in the Saudi Pro League. The Portuguese GOAT recently went on strike, amid frustration at how transfer funds are distributed in the Middle East, but has returned to action and is back among the goals. He claims to be happy with Al-Nassr and offered no indication that he will be breaking the most lucrative contract in world football.

Pep Guardiola has showered Manchester City starlet Nico O’Reilly with praise, claiming that the versatile 20-year-old is so complete. The youngster, who had just nine senior career goals to his name prior to facing Newcastle at the Etihad Stadium, bagged a brace in his latest Premier League experience to fire City to within two points of table-topping Arsenal.

Vinicius Junior is said to have found Jose Mourinho’s response to the racism allegations that he levelled against Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni “repulsive”. Former Real Madrid manager Mourinho spoke with Brazil international Vinicius during an unscheduled break in play at Estadio da Luz. The Portuguese refused to condemn his player afterwards, leading to widespread criticism of the so-called ‘Special One’.