Arsenal's first-team squad returned to the training pitch on Thursday to begin preparations for their final Premier League outing of a historic campaign. However, there was one notable absentee from the session as 16-year-old sensation Max Dowman was forced to swap his football boots for a ballpoint pen.
Douglas Costa has explained the biggest difference between Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti after working under both managers at Bayern Munich. The former Brazil international also suggested a surprise international role for the Manchester City boss.
Michael Owen has explained to GOAL why comments from Mohamed Salah rock Liverpool like “hand grenades”, with the Egyptian superstar taking aim at Arne Slot and the Reds’ playing style. Having grown accustomed to competing for major silverware under Jurgen Klopp’s “heavy metal” regime, Salah has been delivering departing digs ahead of hitting free agency this summer.
Manchester United are ready to flex their financial muscles this summer as they plot an ambitious double raid for Newcastle's Sandro Tonali and Atalanta enforcer Ederson. With Michael Carrick’s side preparing for a return to the Champions League next season, the Red Devils' hierarchy is determined to provide the tactical upgrades necessary to compete on all fronts.
Harry Kane is in no immediate hurry to put pen to paper on a new deal at Bayern Munich despite the Bavarian's eagerness to secure his long-term future, according to the club's president Herbert Hainer. The England captain is enjoying life in Bavaria but is content to wait until after the World Cup to formalise any extension at the Allianz Arena.
Dan Ndoye continues to star for Switzerland, in World Cup year, but Nottingham Forest are yet to see the best of a winger that they invested £34 million ($46m) worth of faith in during the summer of 2025. A hasty departure from the Premier League has been mooted, but Philippe Senderos has explained to GOAL why his fellow countryman can still be a success in England.
It's finally decision time for Thomas Tuchel, who is set to name his final England squad for the 2026 World Cup. Tuchel's brief for the role was quite simple when he began work in March 2025: ensure the Three Lions lift the trophy for the first time in 60 long years. Now, the German tactician must pick the 26 players who he believes can get the job done in North America as the tournament looms large.
Southampton are facing further disciplinary action after the FA launched an investigation into the Championship ‘spygate’ scandal. The Saints have already been expelled from the play-offs and handed a points deduction after admitting to observing opponents’ training sessions.
Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique has provided a rare glimpse into his long-term future, outlining exactly when he plans to hang up his whistle. The Spaniard, who has enjoyed a trophy-laden spell in the French capital, is currently expected to commit his future to the club with a significant new deal.
Francesco Farioli has launched a scathing attack on Ajax’s hierarchy after opening up on the reasons behind his departure from the Eredivisie giants. The Italian coach cited political infighting and poor decision-making as key factors behind his exit.
Football’s biggest stage could be set for its most radical transformation yet, as fresh proposals to expand the 2030 World Cup have returned to the FIFA boardroom. Despite the upcoming 2026 tournament already jumping to 48 nations, governing bodies are now discussing a move to a massive 66-team format.
Erling Haaland and Harry Kane are undoubtedly two of the finest and most prolific strikers in world football, but which of the Manchester City and Bayern Munich superstars can be considered the best No.9? Former Premier League star John Arne Riise has answered that question during an exclusive interview with GOAL and explained the thinking behind his decision.
Arsenal are preparing a major new contract for Mikel Arteta after the club’s Premier League title triumph. The Gunners are also pushing ahead with ambitious summer transfer plans, with Eli Junior Kroupi and Julian Alvarez among their leading targets.
Paris Saint-Germain star Warren Zaire-Emery has called for total focus as his side prepares for a historic Champions League final showdown against Arsenal, as the 20-year-old midfielder believes the clash in Budapest will be won and lost on the finest of margins against the newly-crowned Premier League champions.
Rangers are being backed to “trust” Danny Rohl, rather than join Celtic in the market for a new manager, with Alan Hutton telling GOAL why the German deserves time at Ibrox after inheriting “a mess”. A demanding fan base in Glasgow has been airing its frustration, with questions being asked of those on and off the field, but the Gers are being urged to favour stability in the dugout.
Barcelona have reportedly agreed personal terms with Marcus Rashford as Hansi Flick pushes to keep the Manchester United forward. However, the Red Devils remain firm on their €30 million (£25m/$34m) valuation despite the player’s desire to stay in Catalunya.
Marcus Rashford has received a major vote of confidence from within the Barcelona dressing room as his loan spell from Manchester United nears its conclusion. Frenkie de Jong has publicly called for the club to secure the forward on a permanent basis following a season that saw the Englishman play a pivotal role in the Blaugrana's title success.
Brazil superstar Neymar has suffered a fresh injury setback with Santos just days after being named in the Selecao squad for the 2026 World Cup. The forward was diagnosed with a calf problem, sparking immediate concern regarding his readiness for the tournament in North America.
John Arne Riise has explained to GOAL why Arne Slot appears set to fend off sack threats at Liverpool, with it being claimed that Xabi Alonso “would have waited” for the Reds if they were interested. The World Cup winner is heading back to the Premier League, but his next port of call will be Stamford Bridge with Chelsea - rather than the familiar surroundings of Anfield.
Albanian international Marash Kumbulla has provided a fascinating insight into the challenge of defending against the world's best attackers. Currently on loan at Mallorca from Roma, the centre-back has experienced the unique difficulty of facing both Barcelona's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid's superstar Kylian Mbappe.
Former Germany defender Markus Babbel has criticised Julian Nagelsmann over his handling of the national team's goalkeeper situation ahead of the World Cup. The Mannschaft boss has selected Manuel Neuer as part of the squad despite the goalkeeper having retired from international football almost two years ago.
Morgan Rogers has helped Aston Villa back into the Champions League, but would offers of £100 million-plus ($134m) for the England international be listened to in the next transfer window? Alan Hutton admits that nine-figure fees for the talented playmaker may prove difficult to turn down, with the Villans able to reinvest those funds in a bid to become regulars at European football’s top table.
Marash Kumbulla has opened up on his time working under Jose Mourinho at Roma, revealing the defensive “smart” tricks he learned from the Portuguese coach. The defender also explained how Mourinho’s mood changed dramatically after defeats, while recalling the support he received during a serious injury lay-off.
Morgan Rogers has revealed the relentless instructions from Unai Emery that paved the way for his starring role in Aston Villa's historic Europa League triumph. The forward played a pivotal part in the 3-0 demolition of Freiburg, ensuring the Villans ended their 30-year wait for a major trophy in style.
Xabi Alonso has backed Chelsea’s long-term vision after speaking publicly about his move to Stamford Bridge. The Spaniard dismissed concerns over the club’s absence from Champions League and described the role as a “beautiful project”.
Emiliano Martinez has revealed that his presence in Aston Villa's historic Europa League final victory was nearly derailed by a painful injury just minutes before kick-off. The Argentine shot-stopper managed to battle through the pain barrier in Istanbul to help the Villans end their 30-year wait for a major trophy.
For the fourth time in seven years, Lyon and Barcelona will go head-to-head in the Women's Champions League final on Saturday. The eight-time winners and three-time winners, respectively, are developing something of a rivalry in Europe's premier competition, with this season providing further support to the belief that they are the two best teams in the women's game right now.
What was once unthinkable is about to become a reality for Manchester City, as Pep Guardiola prepares to call time on a glittering decade at the Etihad Stadium. The revered manager is widely expected to step down at the end of the season, bringing the curtain down on a revolutionary era for both City and the English game as a whole. It is an impossible act to follow, but former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is waiting in the wings.
When Barcelona won their seventh successive Liga F title last month, Alexia Putellas was reminded of the many doubts that were raised about her team prior to the season. Financial restraints produced serious obstacles in the transfer market and prevented the club from building the sort of squad one would hope for when competing on four fronts, leading many to wonder how they would fare this season, especially in the Champions League. That the Catalans are back in the final on Saturday and just one win away from a quadruple, then, is quite the rebuttal.