Neymar has been branded âwashedâ, with fans reacting to the âsad watchâ of seeing the Brazilian icon botch two attempted rainbow flicks during Santosâ surprising win over Palmeiras. Neymar is considered to have performed admirably in that fixture, but questions are being asked of whether the 33-year-old still possesses the kind of magic in his boots that once allowed him to illuminate the world stage.
It's no wonder Camilla Kuver can't stop smiling. After making her Champions League debut only a couple of weeks prior, the 22-year-old has just won her first and second caps for Germany, starting both games against France over the last international break to help her country qualify for the Nations League final. These would be milestones worth celebrating for any player, but they are particularly special for the Wolfsburg defender, given the incredible bad luck she has had with injuries over the past four years.
Barcelona have informed Athletic Club that no away supporters will be permitted at Saturdayâs La Liga clash at the partially reopened Camp Nou. The Catalan club say safety regulations under the current licence prevent sectorised access for visiting fans, prompting an unusual restriction just days before their long-awaited homecoming.
Manchester United have reportedly learned the current price tag for a long-term midfield target who has been billed as a replacement for Casemiro. Ruben Amorim wants to invest in a new central midfielder after identifying the position as a weak spot in his lineup. United have prepared a six-man shortlist for the January transfer window.
Karim Benzema has revealed his true feelings about former Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo after taking in a supposedly frosty reunion with the Portuguese legend during their respective spells in the Saudi Pro League. Benzema and Ronaldo, who were once colleagues at Santiago Bernabeu, are now in the Middle East with Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr.
The comedian Dylan Moran once joked that Silvio Berlusconi was "so thoroughly corrupt that every time he smiles, an angel gets gonorrhoea". The former Italian Prime Minister was certainly a dubious character, right until the end of a life that was as extraordinary as it was controversial. Even while battling the health problems to which he eventually succumbed, he continued to generate headlines, in football and far beyond.
Thomas Tuchel has never looked as happy as during the eight months in which he has been in charge of the England team. But now comes the sad part: being away from the players he has grown so fond of until the next international window in March. Despite the cynicism around his appointment, the German has proved to be a fine choice of coach and has given the Three Lions the shake-up they needed.
Alisha Lehmann has seen her house in Italy burgled, with the Como Women star sharing a video on social media of her ransacked bedroom. The Switzerland international was not in at the time of the incident, but is being forced to clean up the mess left behind. Lehmann had been embracing a new challenge with Como, but will now be asking questions of her living arrangements.
Former Real Madrid and France striker Karim Benzema has heaped praise on Kylian Mbappe's performance, but at the same time, he has acknowledged that he needs more support from his teammates. After emerging as the top goal-scorer in La Liga last term, the French forward has been in steaming form this season, already topping the scoring charts.
U.S. Soccer has appointed Dan Helfrich, former Chair and CEO of Deloitte Consulting LLP, as its next Chief Operating Officer, effective Jan. 1, 2026. Helfrich will report to CEO and Secretary General JT Batson and oversee the federationâs day-to-day operations. His hiring comes shortly after his retirement from Deloitte in December 2025.
FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket holders traveling to matches in the United States will be able to receive prioritized U.S. visa interview appointments under a new initiative announced at the White House on Monday. The program - the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) - was introduced by the U.S. Department of State in coordination with the White House Task Force and FIFA.
Liverpool's British record signing Alexander Isak has been warned he must fight for his place after former World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf insisted Hugo Ekitike is the only striker who deserves to start under Arne Slot right now. The Frenchman believes Isak's fitness and form issues mean the ÂŁ125 million star cannot be guaranteed the starting role ahead of his in-form team-mate.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has confirmed that a game will return to Spain in the foreseeable future. The Santiago Bernabeu, home of La Liga giants Real Madrid, hosted the meeting between the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders on Sunday, in which Miami claimed a 16-13 overtime win in the final international game of the 2025 season.
ITV confirmed earlier this month that it is in preliminary discussions to sell its broadcasting business to Sky for ÂŁ1.6 billion. The talks come as the television industry faces fierce competition from the rise of streaming services such as Disney+, Prime Video and Netflix. The former platforms already own rights to show one Champions League and one La Liga match per gameweek.
Karim Benzema has admitted he is unsure whether he will stay at Al-Ittihad beyond this season, confirming European offers are on the table while insisting he has no intention of retiring any time soon. As he approaches 38, the 2022 Ballon dOr winner wants clarity over the club's sporting plans before deciding where he will play next, as he remains determined to continue for at least two more years.
Texoma FC rejects the idea of âself-relegation,â yet their drop to USL League Two and surprise second club have pushed them into an unexpected multi-club future.
The USMNT are playing some of their best soccer under Pochettino, but the focus stays on the bigger picture as Uruguay offers their toughest test yet on the road to the 2026 World Cup.
Germany needed only to avoid defeat to guarantee their 2026 World Cup spot when they faced Slovakia at the Red Bull Arena on Monday night. Following a sub-par campaign, which included a 2-0 loss in Slovakia back in September, Die Mannschaft booked their trip stateside in fine fashion as Julian Nagelsmann's side slaughtered the Falcons, easing to a 6-0 victory.
Matheus Cunha has proven he truly knows what it means to be a Manchester United player. Cunha moved to Old Trafford over the summer, joining for ÂŁ62.5 million from Wolves as United won the race to sign the Brazil international. The 26-year-old has quickly established himself as a fan favourite for the Manchester powerhouse and has done so further with his off-field commitments.
Alan Shearer has revealed he is happiness for Elliot Anderson after the midfielder's departure from Newcastle for Nottingham Forest sparked a rapid rise to becoming an England regular. With Manchester United now linked with a big-money move, Anderson has gone from Tyneside home-grown hope to one of the Premier League's most in-demand talents.
Arsenal are prepared to entertain offers for four players in January provided the right offers comes in. The Gunners spent big over the summer, splashing the cash to land the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke and Martin Zubimendi. In a bid to balance the books, the Premier League leaders are prepared to trim their squad in the New Year despite battling on a number of fronts.
Manchester United have received a major boost after scans confirmed Benjamin Sesko has avoided a serious knee injury, despite the striker being forced to withdraw from Slovenia duty last week. The former RB Leipzig striker is expected to miss no more than a month, easing fears of a long-term absence as the Red Devils enter a crucial winter schedule.
England and Spain will renew rivalries in April 2026, less than a year after their Euro 2025 showdown. The Lionesses successfully defended their continental crown in Switzerland as they avenged their 2023 World Cup final loss to La Roja, winning 3-1 on penalties. Now the pair will face off at Wembley in a 2027 World Cup qualifier as Spain look to retain that trophy in Brazil in two years' time.
It has been reported how much Premier League suitors have to pay to trigger Antoine Semenyo's release clause ahead of the January transfer window. Semenyo is a wanted man by a number of the division's big hitters, with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United among those keen on the Bournemouth star. The Ghanaian was linked with a recent summer move away from the south coast but penned a five-year deal with the Cherries.
Brazil starlet Estevao Willian has been warned by national team boss Carlo Ancelotti that he must follow instructions or risk losing his place, after the Chelsea sensation was berated in front of his team-mates during training. The teenager has shone for his country, but the former Real Madrid coach has now made it clear he will be ruthless if the winger persistently does his own thing.
Neymar and his father are set to to acquire the Pele brand through their company NR Sports. Neymar returned to Santos at the start of January having left the Brazilian side for La Liga giants Barcelona in 2013, where he'd go on to win La Liga and the Champions League. And the Brazil star is prepared to continue Pele's legacy as the player and his father acquire the brand rights.