Lists

Italian icon Andrea Pirlo has leaped into the defense of Mikel Arteta's tactical approach, insisting the Arsenal manager has cultivated a unique identity that goes far beyond simple physical football. As the Gunners prepare for a historic Champions League final showdown against Paris Saint-Germain, the former AC Milan and Juventus midfield maestro dismissed suggestions that the North London side rely too heavily on set-pieces.

Eintracht Frankfurt defender Nathaniel Brown has refused to distance himself from growing speculation linking him with a summer switch to Bundesliga titans Bayern Munich. The highly-rated Germany left-back is fully focused on his international duties, but his impressive domestic form has reportedly caught the attention of several top European clubs.

Guti believes a “serious and major” incident inside the dressing room led to Xabi Alonso’s shock dismissal by Real Madrid. The former midfielder also criticised the current squad, claiming the team lacks balance, identity and collective strength.

Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot believes that leading Portugal to ultimate glory at the 2026 World Cup would provide a fittingly beautiful finale to Cristiano Ronaldo's iconic career. The versatile full-back emphasised that the entire footballing world, not just their home nation, will be uniting to support the veteran forward's quest.

Liverpool icon John Barnes has boldly claimed that manager Arne Slot does not need to dip into the transfer market to replace outward-bound forward Mohamed Salah. The former England international also took aim at the departing frontman, accusing him of speaking nonsense online after the legendary attacker appeared to criticise Slot’s tactical approach.

Julian Nagelsmann could be heading for the tattoo studio if Germany win the World Cup. David Raum revealed the Germany boss may have backed himself into a corner after joking about getting matching ink should Die Mannschaft lift the trophy.

Legal expert explains the conditions for Al-Abyad's participation in the African Champions League

Barcelona are reportedly plotting an ambitious summer swoop for Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol alongside ongoing negotiations for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez. However, the Catalan giants face fierce European competition from Bundesliga heavyweights Bayern Munich, who have already initiated formal inquiries to lure the versatile Croatian international back to Germany.

As 40-year-old Edin Dzeko enters the late twilight of his career, Bosnian football has a new potential superstar to carry it forward. Kerim Alajbegovic hadn't even been born when the revered striker made his international debut 19 years ago, but the pair are set to shoulder their country's hopes at the 2026 World Cup in North America this summer.

Barcelona are targeting Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie as Hansi Flick searches for a left-footed centre-back. However, Arsenal remain in pole position after securing a £45 million purchase option in the Ecuador international’s loan agreement.

A takeover bid for Sevilla led by former Real Madrid and Spain defender Sergio Ramos has collapsed just three days before a crucial deadline. The 40-year-old was the public face of a major consortium that had previously reached an agreement in principle, but negotiations have now completely broken down following a series of disagreements.

Atletico Madrid have forcefully hit back at mounting speculation linking stellar forward Julian Alvarez with a blockbuster summer move to domestic rivals Barcelona. The hierarchy at the Metropolitano have expressed deep frustration over persistent transfer rumours, firmly shutting down any possibility of a departure by declaring the player strictly not for sale.

Saturday's eagerly-awaited Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest is the classic clash of styles. Arsenal boast the best defensive record in the competition, having conceded fewer goals (six) and kept more clean sheets (nine) than anyone else. The big question is, though, will Mikel Arteta's men be able to contain one of the most talented attacking teams in European football history?

On Sunday, Brighton will play in the Women's FA Cup final for the very first time, taking on Manchester City as they look to win the club's first major trophy, with neither the men nor the women having lifted one before. It will be an historic occasion for the Seagulls and they will be the underdogs, but there are plenty of reasons to believe that they can cause an upset at Wembley.

Florentino Perez has confirmed he is considering two candidates to replace Alvaro Arbeloa at Real Madrid. The club president also addressed speculation over Jose Mourinho’s potential return while launching strong criticism at election rival Enrique Riquelme.

After a week of speculation about Lionel Messi's fitness, Argentina received good news Thursday: the 38-year-old was named to Lionel Scaloni's 26-man World Cup squad. Messi exited Inter Miami's final match before the World Cup break with what the club described as left hamstring muscle overload. His inclusion puts a record sixth World Cup within reach.

Mexico face Australia at the Rose Bowl in a key World Cup tuneup as Javier Aguirre weighs final roster decisions before El Tri unveil their 26-man squad.

Real Madrid and Brazil star Vinicius Junior has admitted that Lionel Messi's presence makes Argentina one of the favourites to win the World Cup again this summer. The Selecao winger believes Messi's unpredictable style of play can still give their arch-rivals an edge when they defend their global crown in North America.

Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate will reportedly leave the club upon the expiry of his contract this summer. Despite months of negotiations and public confidence from the player himself, a final agreement could not be reached to keep the Frenchman at Anfield beyond July 1.

Santos have issued an official statement to clear up a medical dispute regarding Neymar Jr.’s calf injury ahead of the 2026 World Cup. While the club initially diagnosed the problem as a minor oedema, Brazil national team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar revealed a more serious grade 2 muscle strain. Consequently, the star forward will miss Brazil's upcoming warm-up friendlies against Panama and Egypt as a race against time begins for the tournament opener.

A Sweden national team doctor has delivered a new update on Dejan Kulusevski amid the Tottenham and Sweden star's year-long injury absence. Despite Kulusevski missing the entire 2025-26 season, the medical staff provided positive reassurance that he will eventually return to the pitch.

Wayne Rooney has warned Manchester United supporters that they must remain grounded regarding their expectations for the 2026-27 Premier League campaign. Despite the club's remarkable turnaround under Michael Carrick, the legendary former captain believes a title challenge might still be out of reach.

Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori has expressed his long-term desire to return to his boyhood club Roma, admitting he has "unfinished business" in the Italian capital. Despite establishing himself as an indispensable squad player under Mikel Arteta and fresh off clinching the Premier League title, the 23-year-old opened up about his deep connection to the Giallorossi ahead of Saturday’s Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.

The 38-year-old defender wrote himself off years ago, and plenty of others have done the same since then. He is still here, though, against all odds for one final run.

France legend Frank Leboeuf has delivered a scathing assessment of Kylian Mbappe’s leadership credentials as Les Bleus look ahead to the 2026 World Cup. The 1998 world champion believes the Real Madrid superstar is "too selfish" to captain the national side to glory in North America this summer.

Barcelona are making significant strides in their long-standing pursuit of Manchester City star Bernardo Silva, with the Portuguese international reportedly ready to drop his salary to secure a move to Catalunya. The midfielder has decided to call time on his Premier League career and has supposedly prioritised a switch to the Spotify Camp Nou over other European suitors.

Barcelona have officially confirmed that defensive stalwarts Mapi Leon and Ona Batlle will depart the club when their contracts expire at the end of next month. The news marks a significant shift for the European champions, coming just days after club legend Alexia Putellas also announced her intention to seek a new challenge away from Catalunya.

Marseille's newly appointed sporting director Gregory Lorenzi has confirmed that the club are prepared to entertain transfer offers for Mason Greenwood during the summer window. The former Brest chief, who has officially replaced Mehdi Benatia at the Stade Velodrome, admitted that the English forward's future is currently under heavy internal reflection as the club looks to balance its books.

There was no real concern about recent rumors in USMNT camp as players, coaches and executives lock in on World Cup preparation