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GOAL US writers discuss USMNT expectations for October camp as Pochettino continues to refine his squad ahead of the World Cup

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.

GOAL looks at what's required from Reyna, Musah, Josh Sargent, Joe Scally and Damion Downs to secure USMNT roles

Steven Gerrard has fired a stern warning to full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold as the Liverpool legend revealed his own transfer links to Real Madrid when Jose Mourinho was managing the Spanish giants. Alexander-Arnold rejected a new contract from the Reds and parted ways with the club this summer to join Los Blancos for a meagre fee of £10 million ($13m).

Inter Miami left back Jordi Alba announced that he will walk away from professional soccer at the end of the 2025 season. The former Spain international, who won 25 trophies over the duration of his career, will go down as one of the best fullbacks of all-time and a stalwart on numerous teams alongside Lionel Messi. The Spainard will turn 37 next year.

Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton have been delayed in reporting for Brazil international duty, as the plane carrying the two Newcastle team-mates was forced to turn around due to a broken window. Both players are part of Carlo Ancelotti's squad to face South Korea and Japan and were expected to report in time for a training session this afternoon in Seoul.

Ivan Rakitic has revealed the "biggest regret of his career" is the decision to pass up the chance to team up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus. The former Croatian midfielder, who enjoyed successful spells with Sevilla and Barcelona during the era when the Portuguese icon was starring for Real Madrid, says Ronaldo personally called him in 2019 in an attempt to lure him to Italy – an offer he ultimately had to decline.

Inter president Giuseppe Marotta has shared a striking anecdote about Cristiano Ronaldo’s obsessive attention to detail during his brief time at Juventus. The Portuguese superstar, Marotta revealed, would even analyse bottles of water with club doctors to optimise his performance. His relentless focus on health and intelligence sets him apart, explaining why Ronaldo continues to excel at 40 with Al-Nassr.

Manchester City star John Stones has revealed that he considered announcing his retirement from professional football last season amid his persistent injury problems. Stones appeared in just 11 Premier League matches for the Cityzens in 2024-25, having to remain sidelined for a long period with foot and hamstring problems. He played his last game of the 2024-25 season in February.

Napoli head coach Antonio Conte is delighted with the performances of Rasmus Hojlund, who is spending the 2025-26 season on loan from Manchester United. According to the Italian, the 22-year-old still has "significant room for improvement", but believes that he "has the potential to be a star" and is proving his quality after scoring four goals in his first six games for the Partenopei.

Bayern Munich have stepped up their pursuit of Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, making contact with his representatives. Reports from Germany claim the 25-year-old is “very interested” in a move, with the Bundesliga champions exploring a potential free transfer next summer amid ongoing uncertainty over their striker options.

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has been rewarded for his impressive form with an improved contract. It has been reported that the Spanish international's new deal represents an increase in remuneration from his reported £100,000-per-week wages. He has not agreed to extend his time at the north London club, with the new agreement expiring in 2028.

Former Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has praised his compatriot, AC Milan midfielder Luka Modric, saying the Croatian’s intelligence puts him a step ahead of everyone else. Rakitic also attributes Modric’s longevity to his unique lifestyle, noting that he approaches football differently from most players and genuinely enjoys the game as he tipped the Rossoneri to challenge for the Serie A title.

Former Real Madrid and England manager Fabio Capello hailed Antonio Conte bringing Rasmus Hojlund to Napoli as a "clever decision" as the Manchester United flop's "desire for redemption" is becoming evident. After being included in Ruben Amorim's 'bomb squad' in pre-season, the Danish forward completed an initial loan move to the Italian champions late in the transfer window.

Inter president Beppe Marotta believes that Luka Modric thriving in Serie A at the age of 40 is not a bad thing, but in fact a "positive advert" for Italian football. Marotta highlighted the financial disparity between clubs in Serie A and those in leagues like the Premier League and La Liga, pointing to Real Madrid's big-money signing of Argentine teenager Franco Mastantuono as a prime example.

GOAL ranks the top three soccer players produced by every state in the South, including Dempsey, Richards and Graham Zusi

Borussia Dortmund are keen to ensure that Nico Schlotterbeck signs a new long-term deal with them as they see the centre-back as their "future captain". However, Germany legend Lothar Matthaus has urged his former club and Dortmund's rivals Bayern Munich to make a move for the German international, stating that he will form a great centre-back partnership with Jonathan Tah.

Inter’s 20-year-old Italian striker Pio Esposito has won widespread praise from fans and pundits for his performances this season. However, his agent, Mario Giuffredi, has tried to temper the hype, urging fans and media to keep expectations realistic while ensuring Esposito stays grounded. Giuffredi also emphasises that Esposito must continue proving himself to secure a spot in the Italian national team.

Wojciech Szczesny has opened up on his challenging start to life at Barcelona, admitting he “didn’t fit” the team's playing style as he came out of retirement to join the Spanish giants. The Polish goalkeeper revealed how adapting to Hansi Flick’s high-risk system required mistakes, ego-checks and relentless effort, culminating in last season's domestic treble.

Harry Kane is “not a player that is really exciting”, Matt Jansen has admitted to GOAL, but the prolific Bayern Munich striker could still end up going down in history as the England GOAT. One of the most consistent forwards on the planet is already the Three Lions’ all-time leading goalscorer and has their appearance record in his sights during the countdown to another World Cup.

Anthony Gordon has compared Nick Woltemade to England "quarterback" Harry Kane and explained how Newcastle's £69 million ($93m) frontman has positively impacted his game. Woltemade has exploded onto the scene at Newcastle with four goals in his first six appearances, three of which came in the span of just seven days against Arsenal, Union Saint-Gilloise, and Nottingham Forest before the international break.

Bayern Munich are nearing a contract extension with Dayot Upamecano, but a dispute over the signing bonus has put talks on hold. The French defender reportedly wants a bonus similar to the package Alphonso Davies received when he last extended his deal, while Bayern hesitate due to recent big-money renewals. Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool and Manchester United are monitoring developments closely.

Piers Morgan, who has always been a loyal Cristiano Ronaldo supporter, has revealed the identity of the one sportsperson that he ranks higher than CR7. That honour goes to Australian cricket legend Shane Warne, with Morgan of the opinion that Ronaldo “would understand” having to play second fiddle to an iconic bowler that liked to make headlines on and off the field.

England star Anthony Gordon has shockingly admitted that he's only performed at "50 per cent" on the international stage, despite featuring in all of Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions squads so far. The Newcastle United winger, who dazzled during last month’s 5-0 World Cup qualifying demolition of Serbia, has been one of the standout names in England’s recent squads. But while giving a brutally honest assessment of his form, Gordon insisted there’s “much more to come” from him in an England shirt.

Lionel Messi’s nephew and godson, Tomas, admits that his family has “suffered a lot” down the years as a result of the Inter Miami superstar’s global celebrity status. After bursting onto the scene at Barcelona, it did not take Messi long to take up a standing alongside the greats. He is now an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and the most decorated player of all-time, with many highs and lows being experienced over the course of a remarkable career.