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Erling Haaland is being tipped to snub any future interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona as he is already at a club that will allow him to land major silverware and smash countless records on the goalscoring front. Ex-Premier League forward Marlon Harewood has told GOAL why the prolific Norwegian is likely to honour an extraordinary 10-year contract at the Etihad Stadium.

Gary Lineker has responded to reports of his World Cup deal with Netflix, and the potential to front future Premier League programming, being a "revenge" mission against former employers at the BBC. The ex-Tottenham and England striker has a reported £14 million ($19m) agreement in place to front The Rest Is Football podcast on American soil next summer. He insists talk of getting one over on the Beeb is "utter nonsense".

After Chelsea's hard-fought Carabao Cup win in Cardiff on Tuesday, Enzo Maresca went to applaud the travelling support. They responded by singing the Italian's name. At most clubs, there would be nothing remotely remarkable about a pretty perfunctory display of mutual affection between a fan base and a trophy-winning manager. Chelsea are not most clubs, though.

The life of a professional footballer is a dream for most people. You get paid handsomely to play the most popular sport in the world. The fame and notoriety are to die for. Yet even this high of highs isn't enough to completely satisfy the one percent who actually make it to the top of the game, and Nicklas Bendtner is walking, talking proof of that.

Viktor Gyokeres has capped a remarkable year by being crowned Sweden’s best striker for the third season running, edging out Liverpool’s Alexander Isak for the honour. Following his high-profile move to Arsenal, the 26-year-old reflected on an "eventful year" that included trophies in Portugal, a major summer transfer and personal recognition back home.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta admits the long-running Lionel Messi saga, which started in 2021 when the Argentine GOAT left for Paris Saint-Germain, has made him "sad". He does, however, hope that a crossing of paths will take place at some stage, saying: "Hopefully we meet again." A fitting tribute to Messi, be that an exhibition game or statue, is still being planned.

Manchester United have reportedly softened their stance on Kobbie Mainoo ahead of the January transfer window, with the club now prepared to listen to offers after previously shutting down all interest. While Ruben Amorim still wants to keep the midfielder at Old Trafford, reduced game time and growing outside noise mean United are no longer ruling anything out.

Lennart Karl the 17-year-old attacking midfielder, has experienced a remarkably rapid ascent at Bayern Munich, quickly transitioning from the academy to the first team and earning significant praise from superstar team-mate Harry Kane who has hailed the youngster’s positive impact with the Bavarian giants. The England captain has also offered some advice to his young colleague.

Selected first overall by D.C. United in Thursday’s MLS SuperDraft, the imposing center back joined GOAL Convo to explain why a rebuild doesn’t intimidate him.

There are plenty of top talents, from the United States and abroad, who are expected to make their mark for the first time at the 2026 World Cup

Chelsea have been offered some advice on potential signings ahead of the January transfer window. Enzo Maresca's side spent heavily once again in the summer but currently sit down in fourth place in the Premier League table and already eight points behind current leaders Arsenal. The Blues have been told to strengthen their defence and that it may be wise to bring a familiar face back.

Gabriel Jesus has insisted he wants to stay at Arsenal and fight for his future, sending a clear message to Mikel Arteta amid speculation over his long-term role and future at the club. The Brazilian says he has unfinished business in north London, stressing his desire to win titles and help “wake up the sleeping giant” rather than seek a move elsewhere.

Kobbie Mainoo is currently in a challenging situation at Manchester United, grappling with a lack of consistent playing time under head coach Ruben Amorim this season, a dynamic made more public by a controversial t-shirt display from his half-brother. But he has been urged to focus on football and prove everyone wrong, rather than leave the club on loan in January, by club legend Roy Keane.

D.C. United selected North Carolina State center back Nikola Markovic with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft, turning to the Generation adidas defender to address defensive needs after a difficult 2025 season. The 21-year-old helped lead the Wolfpack to their first NCAA national championship appearance.

U.S. international Christian Pulisic and AC Milan saw their Supercoppa Italiana title defense end with a 2-0 semifinal loss to Napoli in Saudi Arabia. Milan entered the match as defending champions after lifting the trophy earlier this year with wins over Juventus and Inter Milan, marking Pulisic’s first - and so far only - silverware with the club.

Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman has picked up the Coach of the Year award at the 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony following another Euros success for England. Wiegman finished top of the pile in the voting for the award after guiding England to a second straight European Championship victory in Switzerland last summer. Michelle Agyemang was also celebrating after being named the Young Sports Personality of the Year.

Leandro Trossard has been in brilliant form for Arsenal this season, establishing himself as a vital and often decisive presence in Mikel Arteta’s team. His intelligence and goal involvements have elevated the team's performances and helped maintain their title challenge, earning him high praise from an Arsenal legend, who has also claimed the Belgium international has more to offer.

West Ham United Women have parted company with head coach Rehanne Skinner after a difficult run in the Women’s Super League, with just one win from their opening 11 matches of the 2025-26 season. Sitting second from bottom and struggling at both ends of the pitch, the Hammers have opted for a mid-season reset as they search for a new direction in a bid to improve results.

With the 2026 World Cup just months away, GOAL looks at the state of the midfielders vying for spots next summer

Manchester United are reportedly preparing to go all out for Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo in January and believe they have a genuine chance of beating rivals Manchester City to his signature. With the winger’s £65 million ($87m) release clause about to come into play and amid uncertainty surrounding Pep Guardiola’s future, the Red Devils sense an opportunity to beat their city rivals to the punch.

Born in Spain to a Moroccan father and Equatoguinean mother, Lamine Yamal has taken world football by storm after rising quickly through Barcelona's famed La Masia youth academy. But while his decision to represent Spain on the international stage has already delivered a European crown for the youngster, one Morocco legend says he made the wrong decision.

Arsenal’s injury problems have deepened after Kai Havertz suffered a frustrating setback in his recovery, delaying his long-awaited return until mid-January. The German forward had been just one week away from rejoining the Gunners' matchday squad before suffering yet another setback in training, dealing Mikel Arteta another blow during a congested title run-in.

Perceived refereeing injustices have been a recurring theme for Manchester United this season, drawing strong reactions from the club's management, players, and pundits. Such is the resentment felt at Old Trafford the club now reportedly plan to formalise their grievances with the head of the referees' governing body PGMOL, Howard Webb in a key meeting.

A generational showdown is officially on the calendar as Spain and Argentina prepare to contest the Finalissima in Qatar, setting up a first-ever senior meeting between Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi. With the European and South American champions colliding at Lusail Stadium, the one-off clash promises symbolism, history and World Cup-level intensity just months before the 2026 tournament.

Mason Greenwood has enjoyed a prolific run of form at Marseille since he joined from Manchester United in the summer of 2024. He finished as the joint-top scorer in Ligue 1 with 21 goals, a stunning return that helped secure the club's Champions League qualification. His form has led to speculation he could be tempted away from the French side, and club president Pablo Longoria has now offered an update on the situation.

The Premier League title race is tighter than last year where Liverpool secured the title with four games to spare. Several teams are vying for the top spots, a more protracted three-way battle for the trophy on the cards. Arsenal lead the race, with Manchester City hot on their tail, and Gunners legend Thierry Henry has delivered his verdict on the stars of the season so far.

GOAL U.S. writers take a look at some of the biggest storylines in European soccer, including Mo Salah's future, Vinicius Jr's exit rumors, and the Premier League title race

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has admitted there are “worrying signs” over Tino Livramento’s fitness after the full-back was forced off with a knee problem in midweek. With the Magpies' defensive options already stretched, the 23-year-old is now a major doubt to face Chelsea, casting uncertainty over Howe’s plans for the crucial Premier League clash.

The Uruguayan legend can still offer value, but only if he accepts a reduced role to justify his contract extension.