Lists

The World Cup has given many players the platform to shine brightly - and then fizzle out. GOAL looks at some of the best.

Lionel Messi may be widely regarded as the greatest player to ever lace up a pair of boots, but even the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner had to pay his dues as a youngster. Former Barcelona teammate Andrea Orlandi has revealed the unique dynamic between the Argentine prodigy and the legendary Ronaldinho during their time together in Catalunya.

Roma have identified Mason Greenwood as their primary summer transfer target and are reportedly ready to test Marseille’s resolve with an opening offer. The Giallorossi are looking to capitalise on their return to the Champions League by handing Gian Piero Gasperini the attacking reinforcements he craves.

Victor Osimhen continues to be the name on everyone’s lips as the summer transfer window approaches, with the Nigerian superstar facing a defining crossroads in his career. While the striker has been a sensation in Turkey, a former Paris Saint-Germain defender believes the time has come for a blockbuster move to the Premier League.

Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has shared an emotional moment with his followers after receiving a special delivery from his long-term idol Cristiano Ronaldo. The Brazilian remains sidelined with a long-term knee injury, but the legendary Portuguese international took the time to send a message of support to the Bernabeu star.

Bruno Fernandes has admitted that his trophy haul at Manchester United has fallen short of his initial expectations since arriving at Old Trafford. Despite winning the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, the Portuguese playmaker remains determined to lead the Red Devils back to the pinnacle of English football.

England legend Alan Shearer has sparked a massive debate ahead of the 2026 World Cup by suggesting that Jude Bellingham should be dropped from the starting XI. As Thomas Tuchel prepares his squad for their opening clash against Croatia, the former Three Lions captain believes a change in midfield is essential to unlocking the full potential of Harry Kane.

As Reece James prepares to lead England's defensive line at the upcoming World Cup, the 26-year-old is determined to finally make his mark on the global stage after the heartbreak of missing out on Qatar 2022. While his sister, Lauren James, has already tasted international success with the Lionesses, the Blues skipper insists he has his own blueprint for success.

Arsenal could be set to launch a sensational move for Marcus Rashford as Mikel Arteta looks to overhaul his attacking options this summer. The Manchester United forward has enjoyed a productive loan spell at Barcelona, but financial constraints in Catalonia have opened the door for a potential return to the Premier League with the Gunners.

Liverpool defender Jeremie Frimpong has called for supporters to "chill" after footage emerged of him wildly celebrating Arsenal’s Champions League final defeat. The Netherlands international was seen in high spirits as the Gunners suffered a devastating penalty shootout loss to Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest.

Portugal boss Roberto Martinez has sensationally refused to rule out Cristiano Ronaldo featuring in the 2030 World Cup. Despite the Al-Nassr superstar being 41 years old, his international manager believes his unique mental drive could see him competing when the tournament reaches Portuguese shores.

Speculation has reached fever pitch regarding a potential blockbuster move that would see Liverpool playmaker Florian Wirtz reunite with his former mentor Xabi Alonso at Chelsea. Despite a challenging debut season at Anfield following a record-breaking move from the Bundesliga, the Germany international remains a top-tier talent linked with the Premier League's biggest projects.

William Saliba is facing a race against time to be fit for the upcoming World Cup in North America after a devastating night in Budapest. The Arsenal mainstay, who has been a pillar of Mikel Arteta’s defence, saw his Champions League dreams crushed before receiving a major blow to his international ambitions.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni included Lionel Messi in his 2026 World Cup squad on Thursday, even though his captain isn't "fully fit". Of course, neither revelation was particularly surprising. Messi was widely expected to be a part of his the Albiceleste's title defence - just as it was always unlikely that he'd been in optimal physical condition.

Gary Lineker has offered a blunt assessment of Arsenal’s standing in European football following their heartbreaking Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Despite Mikel Arteta leading the Gunners to a historic Premier League title, the former England striker believes they still lag behind three continental heavyweights when it comes to pure entertainment.

Thomas Tuchel has revealed that England are tapping into the elite expertise of Team GB to ensure the Three Lions can handle the brutal heat of the 2026 World Cup. As the squad prepares to fly to Florida for a vital acclimatisation camp, the German head coach is leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit of global dominance.

Manchester United have reportedly stepped up their pursuit of West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes as they look to overhaul their engine room this summer. The Red Devils are leading a crowded race for the 21-year-old, who is expected to leave the London Stadium following a difficult campaign for the Hammers.

England will be without Leah Williamson for Friday's huge Women's World Cup qualifying clash with Spain, after the Lionesses captain pulled out of Sarina Wiegman's squad on Monday. It's a major blow for the European champions and one of two withdrawals they are having to deal with, all while Lauren James' fitness is in doubt.

The 2025-26 European season is over, and it ended just as the 2024-25 did 12 months earlier, with Paris Saint-Germain lifting the European Cup at the end of the Champions League final. Saturday's win over Arsenal in Budapest was a much tighter affair than their thrashing of Inter in Munich, but was greeted with no less joy by the French giants and their supporters as they clinched a double having already won Ligue 1.

Scott McTominay has revealed he is showing no mercy to Napoli team-mate Rasmus Hojlund following Scotland’s dramatic path to the 2026 World Cup. The midfielder, who has become a cult hero in Italy, admitted he and Billy Gilmour have been relentlessly reminding the Danish striker of the spectacular overhead kick that helped seal Scotland's qualification at Denmark's expense.

Declan Rice celebrated Arsenal's historic Premier League title triumph by leading the festivities on an open-top bus, but the midfielder was quick to turn his attention toward future glory. Despite the lingering sting of a European defeat just hours earlier, the England international insisted the Gunners are only just getting started.

Mikel Arteta is set to commit his long-term future to Arsenal following a historic campaign that saw the Gunners finally end their wait for a Premier League title. Despite the late heartbreak of a Champions League final defeat on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain, the North London club are moving swiftly to secure their manager's services.

An era of unparalleled longevity has come to a close as James Milner officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 40. The veteran midfielder departs the game as the Premier League's undisputed all-time record appearance holder, ending a remarkable 24-year top-flight journey.

Harry Kane and Michael Olise have been the driving forces behind a dominant season for Bayern Munich, but club legend Thomas Muller believes one holds a distinct advantage in the race for individual glory. Despite the England captain's record-breaking exploits in front of goal, the "magic quality" of his French team-mate may prove more seductive to the Ballon d’Or voters.

Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca has addressed whether Cristiano Ronaldo will still be leading the line for the Selecao when they co-host the 2030 World Cup. The Al-Nassr superstar remains the focal point of the national team, but questions regarding his longevity continue to dominate the headlines.

Declan Rice and Noni Madueke have delivered a stinging response to social media critics following a whirlwind weekend that saw Arsenal balance the euphoria of a Premier League title parade with the agony of Champions League heartbreak. The Gunners duo didn't hold back after Tottenham's Djed Spence attempted to mock their European final defeat on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain.

Arne Slot has bid a heartfelt farewell to Liverpool supporters after his two-year spell at Anfield came to an abrupt end. Despite leading the club to their 20th league title and securing Champions League qualification, the Dutchman was relieved of his duties following a fifth-place finish this season.

Manchester United forward Benjamin Sesko has identified Old Trafford cult hero Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the primary inspiration behind his rise to the top of European football. The Slovenian international, who has become a fan favourite due to his commanding physical presence and a sharpened eye for goal since Michael Carrick took charge, admitted he spent his youth attempting to replicate the Swede's iconic style.

Arsenal’s long-awaited Premier League title celebrations were hit by a string of emergency incidents as thousands of fans descended on north London to toast their heroes. While the atmosphere was largely festive following a 22-year wait for the trophy, emergency services were kept busy by supporters climbing buildings and the use of pyrotechnics in the streets.