Lists

Paul Parker has told GOAL that “UEFA want Manchester United in the Champions League final”, but will the Red Devils hit that target across the next 10 seasons after enduring a 15-year barren run? One of the biggest clubs in world football have not graced the grandest showpiece in European competition since 2011, with a humbling fall from grace being suffered.

Mauricio Pochettino can't take everyone to the World Cup, so which players are fighting for those spots?

Southampton have seen the likes of Sadio Mane and Virgil van Dijk pass through St Mary’s, but could Shea Charles - who has already been compared to Jude Bellingham while heading down a similar career path to Morgan Rogers - become their latest superstar? Saints legend Shane Long has attempted to answer that question during an exclusive interview with GOAL.

There are more opportunities to play soccer in the United States than ever before, but a fractured system and high price of entry make it immensely difficult to succeed

Chelsea stand accused of “building a very ugly house” on the back of their surprising decision to sack Enzo Maresca, with Paul Parker admitting to GOAL that said call may represent the Blues’ biggest mistake. Two major honours were delivered to Stamford Bridge in 2025, but they are now in danger of going trophyless in 2026 and missing out on Champions League qualification.

Roberto De Zerbi believes his past as a creative midfielder has helped him form an immediate bond with Xavi Simons at Tottenham. The new Spurs boss praised the playmaker’s "great" performance against Brighton last time out, but has also demanded even more as the club bids to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Former England manager Fabio Capello has issued a stern warning to Thomas Tuchel regarding the psychological and physical hurdles facing the Three Lions ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The Italian suggests that Tuchel must urgently address a deep-seated culture of "fear" and fatigue if England are to compete for the trophy in North America.

Hansi Flick has provided a candid update regarding his future at Barcelona following the club's recent exit from the Champions League. The German manager, who has enjoyed a trophy-laden spell in Catalonia, admitted that while he intends to sign a new deal, his primary focus remains on securing a second consecutive La Liga title.

Rodri has been ruled out of Manchester City's Premier League trip to Burnley with a groin injury. Pep Guardiola confirmed the midfielder has been sidelined after limping out of City's win over Arsenal, with no clear return date set.

Arsenal striker Stina Blackstenius has signed a new contract with the club, just months before her current deal was due to expire. The Gunners have a long list of first team players who are set to become free agents this summer but the Sweden international is no longer one of them, after she committed her future to the north London club.

Arsene Wenger has offered a defiant message of support for Arsenal's title ambitions following a bruising domestic defeat against Manchester City. The legendary Frenchman believes the Gunners displayed sufficient attacking intent at the Etihad to suggest they can still overcome Pep Guardiola's side during what promises to be a dramatic final run-in.

Barcelona are preparing for a significant squad overhaul this summer, which could see five high-profile players depart the Camp Nou, including Marcus Rashford and Frenkie de Jong. Despite their domestic dominance in La Liga, the Catalan giants are looking to balance their books and refresh the first-team following another disappointing exit from the Champions League at the hands of Atletico Madrid.

Newcastle are reportedly prepared to discuss Anthony Gordon’s departure if Bayern Munich meet their eye-watering £75 million ($101m) valuation. The England international is a top target for the German giants and the Magpies could be open to a sale as they seek to fund a squad overhaul in the summer.

As bitter as Serge Gnabry’s absence is for Bayern Munich in the final stretch of the season, Jamal Musiala is at least hitting top form just in time. Kompany, however, issued a warning and raised one final big question.

Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos has firmly dismissed suggestions of a sensational return to professional football two years after his retirement. During an appearance at the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards, the 36-year-old insisted that he has no intention of reversing his decision despite ongoing speculation regarding the current atmosphere in Madrid.

Mason Greenwood could reportedly be placed on the transfer list this summer as Marseille officials grow tired of his "nonchalant" attitude. Despite another productive season on paper, the former Manchester United forward’s body language has caused friction behind the scenes.

Raheem Sterling is set to leave Feyenoord at the end of the season after the Dutch giants reportedly ruled out a contract extension for the former Manchester City and Chelsea winger. The 31-year-old arrived in Rotterdam with significant fanfare in February but has struggled to live up to sky-high expectations during a difficult short-term stint.

Romelu Lukaku and Napoli have held "constructive" talks to resolve a dispute over his injury rehabilitation. The striker will remain in Belgium to continue his recovery before returning to Italy ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has dismissed growing speculation that Argentina winger Alejandro Garnacho will be sold during the upcoming summer transfer window. The 21-year-old has struggled to find his best form since his move from Manchester United, leading to reports that the Blues could offload him after just one year.

Baroness Karren Brady has confirmed she is leaving her role as West Ham vice-chairman. The departure ends 'The Apprentice' star's 16-year tenure in East London, highlighted by the move to the London Stadium and European silverware.

At FC Bayern Munich, manager Vincent Kompany is doing an excellent job. His services are therefore in demand even off the touchline, but the Belgian has turned down any offers. Here are the latest news and rumours about FCB.

Brazil legends Ronaldinho, Adriano, and Kaka turned on the style during a star-studded exhibition match against Mexico. Despite some vintage goals from the Selecao icons, the hosts staged a dramatic second-half comeback.

Dutch legend Ruud Gullit has issued a stark warning to Barcelona and Spain regarding the physical demands placed upon teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. The Ballon d'Or winner expressed his deep concern that the 18-year-old is being overused at both club and international level.

Barcelona have been handed a huge boost in their chase for the quadruple with the news that Aitana Bonmati has returned to training. The three-time Ballon d'Or winner has been sidelined since late November after suffering a leg fracture that required surgery but she is back with the team now, just days before Barca's Champions League semi-final showdown with Bayern Munich.

Holidays instead of the World Cup: Kompany makes it clear that he will definitely not be available for a surprise role this summer.

Leonardo Bonucci has identified Pep Guardiola as the ideal candidate to lead a revolution for the Italy national team. The legendary defender believes the Manchester City boss is the only man capable of modernising Gli Azzurri after their third successive failed World Cup qualification campaign.

Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez is reportedly prioritising a move to Barcelona over Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain. The former Manchester City star is said to be reluctant to return to the Premier League and has identified Camp Nou as the ideal environment for him to take the next step in his career.

Endrick has played down talk of a rift with Lyon boss Paulo Fonseca following his match-winning performance against Paris Saint-Germain. The Real Madrid loanee insists he has no issues with his manager despite recent public criticism.

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has predicted that Eddie Howe will not be in the dugout next season following a significant slump in form at St James' Park. The former striker claims that the current squad has "chucked" their manager "under the bus" with the Magpies now languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table.