Barcelona have reportedly come under investigation for allegedly avoiding taxes linked to the signing of Brazilian winger Malcom in 2018. The club are accused of paying €10 million to intermediaries for “non-existent” services, with police also probing former president Josep Maria Bartomeu and several ex-executives for financial misconduct.
Adrien Rabiot has branded Serie A’s plan to stage AC Milan’s league clash with Como in Australia as “completely crazy” and “truly absurd.” UEFA has “reluctantly” approved the move amid global regulatory loopholes, but the Frenchman slammed the idea of flying across continents for domestic matches, calling it “beyond reason.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold's girlfriend Estelle Behnke shared a loved-up snap with the "amazing" Real Madrid star to mark his 27th birthday. The German model, who commands an Instagram following of over 155,000, took to her stories to share a dreamy photo of herself locking lips with Alexander-Arnold against a tranquil waterside backdrop.
Steven Gerrard admits he is still haunted by failing to win the Premier League title with Liverpool, saying the memory of his infamous slip against Chelsea still rears its head from time to time. The Reds legend remains one of the greatest midfielders to ever grace the game but was unable to lead his boyhood club to a league title during an illustrious spell at Anfield.
It has been nearly seven months since Manchester United revealed their plans to build an ambitious new 100,000-seater stadium on the same site as Old Trafford with a glitzy video presented by world-famous architect Norman Foster. "Today marks the start of an incredibly exciting journey to the delivery of what will be the world’s greatest football stadium," said an excited Sir Jim Ratcliffe in March.
And then there was one. According to RAC1, Barcelona have withdrawn their support for the European Super League (ESL), leaving Real Madrid as the only remaining member of the original 'Dirty Dozen' still supporting the controversial project.
It was always going to be interesting to see which way Frank Lampard would turn when his ill-advised, ill-fated second spell in interim charge of Chelsea came to a sorry end in May 2023. With his managerial reputation in tatters following his January sacking by Everton, would he throw himself at the next Premier League vacancy that cropped up, or would he take stock and aim to come back stronger? Two years on, he will be overjoyed that he pipped for the latter.
Álvaro Fidalgo, one of Liga MX’s standout talents, could be eligible to represent Mexico in March 2026 after five years in the country and obtaining citizenship. The Club América midfielder’s vision and control could provide the creativity El Tri currently lacks beyond Marcel Ruiz. The Spaniard began his career at Real Madrid.
Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre believes Tijuana's rising star Gilberto Mora needs a new challenge abroad. After the 16-year-old’s standout performances for club and country, Aguirre urged him to “push into a different environment” by joining a European team competing in the Champions League, Europa League or Conference League.
Ex-Chelsea star Joe Cole has taken aim at football's administrators, claiming that the over-saturation of the football calendar is putting stars at heightened injury risk, and diluting the quality of the overall product. Cole pointed towards PSG and Chelsea's current injury problems, as well Rodri's persistent fitness issues and Lamine Yamal's concerns, as examples of players being 'flogged for financial reasons'.
After a heartbreaking loss in the Champions League final against Arsenal last season, Barcelona have made it their mission to regain the European crown as they kicked off the new campaign with a thumping 7-1 win over Bayern Munich on Tuesday. Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati contributed with an assist while Alexia Putellas scored the opening goal of the match.
Former Real Madrid star Gareth Bale believes MLS would be more appealing if salaries for international stars matched what they could earn in Europe. He added that the league’s infrastructure and life in major North American cities are otherwise major selling points. Bale had a brief but successful stint with Los Angeles FC, lifting the MLS Cup in 2022.
Crystal Palace hero Jean-Philippe Mateta has hinted he could leave the club in the near future as he wants to compete for the "Champions League and the biggest trophies". Mateta has displayed sublime form for Palace in recent years, having scored 30 Premier League goals in the last two seasons. The Frenchman also played a key role in the Eagles winning the FA Cup, beating Manchester City in the final.
Harry Maguire's ongoing legal troubles in Greece may finally be resolved almost five years after his arrest and original conviction. His retrial is scheduled to start on Wednesday. This is the fourth attempt to restart proceedings, after his original conviction for assaulting a police officer and attempted bribery was automatically quashed under appeal Greek law.
Just six months after Arsenal stunned Lyon on their own patch in the Champions League semi-finals on their way to a second European triumph, the French giants got some revenge on Tuesday night as they spoiled the start of the Gunners' title defence with a 2-1 victory that, in truth, flattered the holders. Alessia Russo gave the hosts the lead with seven minutes on the clock but once Melchie Dumornay had quickly cancelled that out, it was all Lyon as two goals from the Haitian star secured all three points for the eight-time winners.
West Ham have been told that they missed their chance to sign Jose Mourinho as their head coach, but they have signed the next best option in Nuno Espirito Santo, who has replaced Graham Potter at the helm. The Hammers made a disastrous start to the 2025-26 campaign as they lost four out of their first five Premier League matches and were languishing in 19th position.
Antoine Semenyo could be set for a reunion with Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, with the ex-Bournemouth chief considering signing the Ghanaian for the second time. Semenyo has displayed terrific form at the start of the 2025-26 season as he has scored six league goals and is just behind Manchester City goal machine Erling Haaland in the Golden Boot race.
Senior executives at Manchester United are convinced that the squad is behind embattled head coach Ruben Amorim. CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox have held informal discussions with members of the senior leadership team, including Bruno Fernandes. Those conversations have left the hierarchy at Old Trafford convinced there is genuine support for Amorim.
Joshua Zirkzee is reportedly desperate to exit Old Trafford in the January transfer window as his 'frustration has escalated significantly' over his lack of game time under Ruben Amorim this season. The Dutch attacker has featured in just three Premier League games in 2025-26 and is yet to start in any of their matches. His total accumulated game time is 82 minutes.
Embattled Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch was dealt a crushing insult by LBC radio presenter Nick Ferrari on Tuesday, when he gleefully compared her tenure to that of Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim. Badenoch and Amorim both took on their respective roles in November 2024, and have presided over some of the worst results in the history of two of the UK's most successful institutions.
USMNT defender Alex Freeman faced Texas Longhorns defensive tackle Hero Kanu in a lighthearted cross-sport juggling challenge at the University of Texas athletic complex. The showdown highlighted the surprising footwork of the German-born football player against the refined technique of the rising American soccer prospect.
Chelsea fans have accused Arsenal of sabotaging the Blues' renovations after news emerged of their Emirates Stadium expansion plans that would see the Gunners play at Wembley while the works are ongoing. Arsenal could be making a shock move to the national stadium, with a brief relocation to the home of English football being considered as part of plans to increase the capacity of their current home.
Columbus Crew captain Darlington Nagbe has announced he will retire at the end of the 2025 season, concluding an illustrious 15-year MLS career. The 35-year-old midfielder is among the most decorated players in league history, with four MLS Cup titles and the fifth-most regular-season appearances (444). He also has 25 USMNT caps.
Sergio Busquets, Riqui Puig, and FC Barcelona led the tributes to Jordi Alba after the Inter Miami full-back announced he will retire at the end of the MLS season. The 35-year-old’s decision marks another emotional moment for the club’s famed Barcelona core, with Alba set to join longtime teammate Busquets in closing out a remarkable chapter that bridged La Liga and MLS.
Cole Palmer is looking to cash in on his signature celebration and nickname, as he has successfully trademarked the term 'Cold Palmer'. The granting of the trademark means nobody can use the Chelsea star's nickname for commercial reasons without his permission, and allows him to make financial gain on the phrase. Palmer's application included a number of products he intends to sell.
Ronald Koeman has outlined his plans for the Netherlands’ upcoming World Cup qualifier against minnows Malta. The former Barcelona head coach confirmed that Memphis Depay, the Oranje’s all-time leading scorer, will not be in contention to start after arriving late to the national team’s training camp. The ex-Manchester United forward reported that his passport was stolen while in Brazil, causing a delay in his travel.
Liverpool have confirmed that fans have successfully raised more than £225,000 in Diogo Jota's memory, with the club also revealing their plans to create a permanent memorial sculpture at Anfield. Jota tragically lost his life in a road traffic accident on July 3, 2025. He passed away, alongside his brother Andre Silva, while travelling to return to the United Kingdom for pre-season training.