Chris Burton

Ex-Arsenal and Spain star Santi Cazorla has explained why he prefers Pedri to Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal. The two-time European Championship winner admits to having a “huge crush” on Barca’s classy midfielder. He is also a big fan of Yamal, who continues to wow global audiences, but will always side with ball players over goal scorers.

Ester Exposito, one of the stars of Netflix show ‘Elite’, has broken her silence on a supposed romantic relationship with Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe. The 26-year-old actress was spotted enjoying VIP hospitality at the recent Madrid derby date between Real and Atletico at Santiago Bernabeu. She has previously been seen heading to Paris with World Cup winner Mbappe.

A stunning move to Wrexham for Cristiano Ronaldo is being ruled out as the Portuguese superstar does not need Ryan Reynolds’ assistance in order to achieve his Hollywood dream. CR7 has stated a desire to get into the movie business, leading to surprising transfer talk being sparked, but James Chester cannot see the Manchester United and Real Madrid legend heading to North Wales.

Ronald Araujo admits that Uruguay may require divine intervention when facing Lamine Yamal and Spain at the 2026 World Cup, telling his international colleagues: “If they know how to pray, they better.” Araujo knows all about the threat that the teenage wonderkid will pose when they lock horns on the grandest of stages at a major tournament this summer.

Mohamed Salah has, as he prepares to leave Liverpool as a free agent, been warned off a move to join Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi in MLS. The Egyptian forward has been told that he would be “too far out of the spotlight” in America, with the director of his national team informing the 33-year-old forward that he should instead consider a switch that sees him follow Cristiano Ronaldo to the Saudi Pro League.

Former Wales international James Chester has explained why Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac may be “the best owners in football”. A couple of Hollywood superstars arrived at Wrexham when completing a stunning takeover in 2021. They have overseen three successive promotions across a five-year reign, with huge investment being made in the football club and local community.

Former Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel has told GOAL why he would have sided with Harry Redknapp or Glenn Hoddle over Roberto De Zerbi as another managerial merry-go-round is set in motion. With Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor passing through north London this season, Premier League survival hangs in the balance without a familiar face being turned to for inspiration.

USMNT World Cup hopeful Yunus Musah has been given transfer advice by Massimo Ambrosini, with the AC Milan legend telling GOAL what the American midfielder needs from his next club. Musah is currently taking in a loan spell at Atalanta, but that move has not played out as planned and the versatile 23-year-old could find himself heading out of San Siro in a different direction over the summer.

Freddy Adu has explained to GOAL when - amid chats with NBA legend Kobe Bryant and completing a “crazy” transfer - things felt “real” for him and as though he had bucked the trend by cracking Europe as an American soccer player. Having burst onto the scene as a 14-year-old wonderkid, Adu helped to pave the way for the likes of Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie to follow in his footsteps.

Golden Glove leader David Raya and Emi Martinez have been snubbed as Mark Crossley draws up his list of the top three Premier League goalkeepers for GOAL. The former Nottingham Forest and Wales shot-stopper has explained the skill set that an “ideal” No.1 must possess, with superstar performers at Manchester City and Liverpool considered to boast those qualities.

Cesc Fabregas has been told why his career path could lead back to Chelsea or Barcelona, with the World Cup winner doing a “remarkable” job as manager of Como. The former Spain international stepped into the dugout after hanging up his boots in Italy. He is now chasing down Champions League qualification, with Massimo Ambrosini telling GOAL why a return to familiar surroundings could be agreed at some stage.

Daniel Munoz is considered to be one of the Premier League’s most complete right-backs, but the Crystal Palace defender has been told who ranks above him in those stakes and why a dream transfer to Manchester United “might not happen”. That assessment has been delivered to GOAL in an exclusive interview by former Eagles striker Clinton Morrison.

England legend Wayne Rooney considers it to be “strange” that Harry Kane has never received greater recognition on the Ballon d’Or front. The prolific Bayern Munich striker, who is the all-time leading scorer for Tottenham and the Three Lions, has never finished higher than 10th in any Golden Ball vote. That situation could change in 2026, with Kane considered to be a leading contender for the most prestigious of prizes.

Javier Saviola has named the “fantastic captain” that should replace Lionel Messi as Argentina skipper when the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner walks away from international football. That could happen after this summer’s World Cup in North America, with Messi yet to confirm whether he will be chasing down a second global title with the Albiceleste.

Wrexham continue to set their sights on reaching the Premier League, with Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac reportedly working on the identification of transfer targets ahead of a potential step up into the top-flight. More big money would need to be spent if the Red Dragons were to secure a fourth successive promotion, with Leeds forward Mateo Joseph said to be in their sights.

Igor Tudor has been sacked by Tottenham after just seven games across 44 days at the helm, with his forgettable spell as interim boss being brought to a close. The former Juventus and Marseille manager was appointed by Spurs on February 13 as successor to Thomas Frank, but has been moved on with the threat of Premier League relegation continuing to loom over the north London outfit.

Manchester United’s pre-season plans for teenage wonderkid JJ Gabriel have been revealed, with the 15-year-old preparing to make his senior breakthrough at Old Trafford. The highly-rated youngster has been prevented from doing that in 2025-26 by Premier League rules, but a springboard that launches him towards superstardom could be found this summer.

Barcelona and Brazil legend Romario has made his pick between Vinicius Junior and Lamine Yamal, with two superstar wingers continuing to wow audiences around the world. Both Vinicius and Yamal have become contenders for Ballon d’Or recognition, while remaining talismanic figures on opposing sides of the fierce Clasico divide that separates Real Madrid and Barca.