Cristiano Ronaldo has surprisingly called on Irish fans to boo him as the Portugal superstar is ready for a hostile reception during the World Cup qualifying clash in Dublin. The talismanic forward has never shied away from pressure, and this time, he was asking for it as Portugal gear up to seal World Cup qualification against the Republic of Ireland on Thursday.
Free-scoring striker Erling Haaland has landed another coveted title by having a dish named in his honour at a popular Chinese restaurant in Manchester. Haaland posed for pictures with restaurant staff and was later given the honour of the 'Haaland Special' being added to the menu, although there was a key detail which the City forward may not be too impressed with.
Former Premier League goalkeeper and U.S. star Tim Howard has praised Gio Reyna ahead of November’s international friendlies, highlighting the midfielder’s unique technical qualities that set him apart from the typical American player. The 22-year-old playmaker has been included in Mauricio Pochettino’s squad for matches against Paraguay and Uruguay later this month.
Ronaldinho's son, Joao Mendes, has claimed that he is not burdened by the pressure to emulate his legendary father and is working hard to make a name for himself with Hull City. He featured in the Premier League Cup against Bournemouth last month, and the youngster is keeping his feet firmly on the ground as tougher challenges await him in the EFL.
Former United States men's national team goalkeeper Tim Howard expressed bewilderment at Weston McKennie’s omission from the squad for the upcoming November friendlies. The Juventus midfielder’s absence from Mauricio Pochettino’s roster has raised eyebrows as the U.S. prepares for matches against Paraguay and Uruguay later this month.
Arsenal squandered a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to German giants Bayern Munich on a thrilling night at the Allianz Arena in an early blow to the holders' Champions League hopes. The Gunners dominated the first 45 minutes, and seemed comfortably on course for a vital three points, but they capitulated in the second half as Bayern turned the game on its head and will be left to rue three dropped points in Bavaria.
With the USMNT set to kick off their first match of the November break this Saturday, GOAL's writers discuss the biggest storylines revolving around the team.
Chelsea skipper Reece James has sent a warning to FIFA ahead of the 2026 World Cup as he urged the football’s governing body to rethink kick-off times to protect players from potentially "dangerous" heat conditions. The 25-year-old defender, who lifted the Club World Cup with Chelsea in the United States earlier this year, described the sweltering temperatures during the tournament as "super difficult" and believes that matches played in similar conditions next summer could put players’ health at risk.
Ederson have revealed the reasons behind his Manchester City exit as the goalkeeper insisted that he "needed this change". The Brazilian became one of Pep Guardiola’s most trusted lieutenants and a cornerstone of City’s domestic dominance during his eight-year stay in Manchester. However, he brought his time at the Etihad to an end this summer. His farewell closed a chapter filled with silverware, which included six Premier League titles, five domestic cups, and the crowning glory in City’s first-ever Champions League triumph.
After taking time to consider his stinging comments, Wayne Rooney has conceded he was wrong to claim Virgil van Dijk had "downed tools" after signing a new deal at Liverpool. The row had threatened to boil over as the pair clashed live on TV, but the former England and Manchester United star has moved to cool the disagreement and also offered Van Dijk advice on how to get the champions' faltering season back on track.
Real Madrid are close to finalising a loan move for out-of-favour striker Endrick as rumoured suitors Manchester United fall behind in the pursuit of the Brazilian wonderkid. The 19-year-old has struggled to find minutes under Xabi Alonso, and a temporary transfer has been arranged to relaunch his career after a frustrating few months at the Spanish capital.
U.S. international Walker Zimmerman, a cornerstone of Nashville SC since its inaugural MLS season, is set to leave the club this winter when his contract expires, according to The Athletic. The two-time MLS Defender of the Year and team captain’s departure will close a six-year chapter in Nashville as he heads into free agency.
Thomas Tuchel faces some tough decisions ahead of next year’s World Cup, with the England boss revealing some players will be omitted as they won’t all fit into his playing system. The Three Lions head coach has warned a big-name trio they can’t start a game together as he puts the final touches to his plans ahead of the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Barcelona centre-back Andreas Christensen addressed his future at the club, claiming that he doesn't "have a Plan B" in case he doesn't receive a contract extension from the reigning La Liga champions. Persistent struggles with injuries have prevented the defender from becoming a vital player for Hansi Flick, with the club reportedly wanting him to leave as a free agent next summer.
After missing out in October, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden are back in the England squad. Are they worth backing to score against Serbia and Albania?
One of the world's most beloved bands, the Colorado folk-rock group have linked up with GOAL on their 20th anniversary for a soccer jersey collaboration that will support charitable causes in their home state.
Columbus Crew manager Wilfried Nancy is reportedly being considered for the vacant Celtic FC job following Brendan Rodgers’ departure last month. The Scottish club has appointed Martin O’Neill as interim boss but is expected to move quickly to secure a permanent head coach. Nancy, who has led Columbus since 2023, is among the names on their shortlist.
A prominent German journalist has launched an impassioned defence of struggling Liverpool signing Florian Wirtz, and taken aim at jealous ex-Manchester United stars for their perceived unjust criticism. The Reds' blockbuster summer signing from Bayer Leverkusen has also been tipped to become the biggest star in the Premier League despite his slow start at Anfield.
Wolves could reportedly swoop in for Wrexham star Conor Coady as new manager Rob Edwards is keen to reunite with the defender. The Molineux club have turned to a familiar face in a desperate bid to rescue their season by bringing Edwards in on a three-and-a-half-year deal following the sacking of Vitor Pereira. The former Luton and Middlesbrough boss now inherits a team who are sitting rock bottom of the Premier League table with just two points from 11 games, and are staring relegation squarely in the face.
Nico Schlotterbeck’s future at Borussia Dortmund is up in the air. With Bayern Munich and Liverpool both pushing to sign the defender and contract talks at Dortmund stalling, his Germany teammate Jonathan Tah has stepped in, offering advice and support as the 25-year-old weighs a crucial decision about his next move.
Former Bayern Munich and veteran Bundesliga head coach Felix Magath has issued a warning to Die Roten boss Vincent Kompany and striker Harry Kane, claiming that Jamal Musiala's imminent return from injury could become "problematic". The 22-year-old is nearing recovery from the fractured fibula injury he suffered against Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup.
Barcelona presidential hopeful Xavier Vilajoana has accused Joan Laporta’s board of “lying” about the club’s financial situation and called for transparency over Lionel Messi’s 2021 exit. A new independent report commissioned by the former board member claims that Barca’s debt has ballooned to €4.12 billion, sparking questions about the club’s claims of economic recovery and whether Messi’s departure was really driven by finances at all.
Kylian Mbappe has cheekily hinted that his France teammate Dayot Upamecano could find “better teams” than Bayern Munich in a playful invitation to join him at Real Madrid. The defender is out of contract in 2026, and talks with Bayern remain unresolved. With Los Blancos searching for a long-term defensive anchor, Mbappe’s comments have reignited talk of a blockbuster French reunion in Madrid.
Former Manchester United scout Piotr Sadowski has blasted the Red Devils for letting some top talents leave the club in recent years. The Red Devils have a proud history when it comes to developing young players and bringing them into the first team at Old Trafford, but Sadowski says some bad mistakes have been made and highlighted one player in particular who has been allowed to leave for a small fee.
Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha has discussed how he's grown as a player and a person since being overlooked for Brazil's squad for the 2022 World Cup. The likes of Antony, Gabriel Jesus and Pedro were selected ahead of the 26-year-old by then-Selecao manager Tite, although Cunha is back in favour under Carlo Ancelotti and has a strong chance of making the cut this time around. Click the play button above to hear what the former Wolves attacker had to say about dealing with the "very painful" experience of being snubbed three years ago ⬆️