After retiring from football, former Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng is leading a disciplined life and preparing to begin his journey into coaching. He has had a word with Vincent Kompany and has confirmed he plans on undertaking an internship at the club in order to get first-hand experience working alongside top stars as a coach.
Marcus Rashford has reportedly been made aware of the key flaw that he must overcome in order to earn a permanent transfer to Barcelona. The loan deal which took the England international away from Manchester United and over to La Liga includes the option for a £30 million ($40m) deal to be pushed through in the summer of 2026. Rashford does, however, have much to prove before an extended stay in Catalonia can be considered.
Germany's current No. 1, Oliver Baumann, has dismissed speculation over a sensational Manuel Neuer return as "unhelpful" to the team. With Marc-Andre ter Stegen injured, Baumann has stepped in but insists he will support the Barcelona star upon his return, while Neuer's incredible club form sparks contract talks and fuels the international debate.
Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown has backed Roy Keane to make a sensational return to management — this time as a more balanced figure ready to lead the Republic of Ireland. Brown believes Keane’s intensity has mellowed with time and experience, making him perfectly placed to inject passion and discipline into an Irish side struggling for identity and direction.
Erling Haaland is a menace in competitive action and during training, with the Manchester City striker leaving fans in hysterics after being mic’d up for a session alongside his international team-mates. The prolific frontman was put through his paces ahead of a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Israel. Unsurprisingly, the larger-than-life 25-year-old made a point of dominating proceedings and teasing his colleagues.
Ferran Torres has left the Spain squad due to a muscle complaint, ruling him out of the Bulgaria qualifier and severely deepening Barcelona's injury crisis ahead of the season's first El Clasico. The forward's setback, which follows an injury to Dani Olmo, leaves coach Hansi Flick with a major attacking headache before facing Real Madrid on October 26.
Rasmus Hojlund is relishing his impressive form for Napoli and the Denmark national team following the striker's departure from Manchester United. With six goals in his last five games for club and country, the Dane says his excellent run proves that "goals are like ketchup" as he celebrated his effort in a vital World Cup qualifying win against Greece.
AC Milan winger Rafael Leao has been dismissed from Portugal duty by the head coach Roberto Martinez due to ongoing fitness issues following a recent injury. Leao will miss the World Cup qualifier against Hungary and now returns to his club to begin an individual training program, racing to be fit for Milan's upcoming clash with Fiorentina.
Harry Kane has been told that he should “definitely” be open to the idea of joining Barcelona if the opportunity to link up with La Liga heavyweights presents itself in 2026. Clauses have been revealed in Kane’s contract at Bayern Munich, meaning that he could be on the move when another transfer window swings open next summer. Barca are being credited with interest as questions are asked of how much longer Robert Lewandowski will be spending in Catalonia.
Juventus have launched an ambitious two-year plan aimed at winning the Champions League and Serie A . The club’s top priority is securing the long-term future of Turkish prodigy Kenan Yildiz, whose contract renewal until 2030 is central to the project. Backed by a capital increase and extending key players like Khephren Thuram, the vision signals Juve's firm intent to reclaim their elite status.
Jude and Jobe Bellingham face a potentially unwelcome distraction away from the field, with the Daily Mail reporting that their parents have parted ways. It is claimed that Mark and Denise Bellingham have separated, having spent much of the last five years living apart as their time has been split between England, Germany and Spain - as they helped Jude and Jobe to thrive at club level. It is claimed that Mark is “growing close” to another woman.
Kylian Mbappe has revealed the Real Madrid players are starting to understand what new manager Xabi Alonso wants from them. The French international wants to make sure Alonso has a great debut campaign as the Spanish giants battle for the Champions League and La Liga titles and has also compared his methods to those of former boss Carlo Ancelotti.
Mario Balotelli says his experience in the Premier League 'shaped' him as a person as he dealt with constant media attention during his time at Manchester City, culminating in his famous 'Why always me?' celebration. The 35-year-old striker, now a free agent, is currently looking for a new club after leaving Genoa and even has his heart set a return to the Italy squad.
Crystal Palace stunned Liverpool by cancelling Marc Guehi’s £35 million ($47m) deadline day move to Anfield, with Palace chairman Steve Parish revealing his side's maiden European campaign was the key factor. Parish stressed that keeping the England captain was crucial for the Eagles’ season, despite the allure of a big-money transfer, highlighting the unique circumstances behind the dramatic last-minute U-turn.
Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeness has not minced words about the club's "risky" decision to sell star striker Nick Woltemade late in the summer window without securing a replacement. The decision to sell the forward late in the summer transfer window has resulted in a drop in quality, the coach argued. With top scorer Ermedin Demirovic now sidelined by injury, Hoeness says the task has become "significantly more challenging".
Paul Pogba has been sent a motivational “hurry up” message by former Manchester United team-mate Jesse Lingard as the World Cup winner waits on his debut for Monaco. The French midfielder has not made a competitive appearance of any kind since September 2023. He was stung with a four-year ban for an alleged doping violation at that stage, which was later reduced to 18 months on appeal.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta admits that the club’s relationship with Lionel Messi became 'strained' after an unfortunate financial crisis led to the Argentine superstar having to leave Catalonia. Bridges have, however, been rebuilt since then and an emotional return to a spiritual home for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to be discussed - potentially in an exhibition match at the recently upgraded Camp Nou.
Bundesliga heavyweights Borussia Dortmund are exploring defensive options in case star defender Nico Schlotterbeck leaves the club for Bayern Munich next summer. They have identified one strong candidate in the form of Chelsea defender Axel Disasi and a past connection with Dortmund coach Niko Kovac might help them in securing his services.
Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior have taken their partnership to the next level this season, with the French forward insisting their chemistry is "much better this year". Mbappe dismissed claims in the media of issues with the Brazil star, who has been dropped to the bench by coach Xabi Alonso on occasion this season while the ex-Paris Saint-Germain man shines up front.
AC Milan captain Mike Maignan has joined the player backlash against plans to move their Serie A home game against Como to Perth, Australia. The goalkeeper branded the move a mistake driven by finance, echoing Adrien Rabiot's "completely crazy" comments. The criticism comes despite a sharp rebuke from the Serie A chief, as the controversial fixture moves closer to confirmation.
England captain Harry Kane has showcased that he isn't just good at football, as the Bayern Munich captain showed off his quarterbacking skills. Kane made an over the top pass to Eberechi Eze with his hands during a Three Lions training session, as the Arsenal star scored a 'touchdown'. England are set to take on Latvia up next in a crucial World Cup qualifier.
Ronald Koeman says he has 'difficult' decisions to make as the Netherlands coach attempts to find the right balance in his midfield with the likes of Tijjani Reijnders, Frenkie de Jong and Ryan Gravenbech all fighting for a spot. It was the Manchester City signing who missed out on a starting XI spot as the Dutch demolished Finland on Sunday, with Justin Kluivert getting the chance to shine in attacking midfield.
Marcus Rashford is reportedly facing a £15 million ($20m) bill as construction of his dream home becomes a nightmare. The Manchester United outcast, who is currently on loan at Barcelona, has been working on a project in Cheshire since 2020. The piece of land in question was purchased for £2.25 million, but progress on site has been slow and costs continue to rise.
Thomas Muller continued his sensational start to life in MLS with a dramatic 97th-minute winner to defeat Orlando City. His incredible goal contribution keeps the Vancouver Whitecaps top of the Western Conference and puts them in pole position for the top seed heading into Decision Day, with his manager hailing his 'magical' impact on the title contenders.
Pepe has backed Cristiano Ronaldo to keep playing for "many more years", insisting the 40-year-old is still capable of breaking records and defying expectations. Speaking about his former Real Madrid and Portugal team-mate, Pepe said he hopes fans won’t have to face the day the five-time Ballon d'Or winner retires anytime soon, highlighting the enduring impact of the football legend.
Serge Gnabry's superb performance in Germany's 4-0 win over Luxembourg has sparked high praise from coach Julian Nagelsmann, who lauded the winger's 'feistiness' and work rate as a crucial role model for 'top players.' The German coach declared the display Gnabry's best international game in a long time, noting his hunger both offensively and defensively.
"We are not collecting the most talented players, we are trying to build a team. Teams win trophies, no-one else." If anyone was in any doubt as to whether England manager Thomas Tuchel planned to stick to his fairly unpopular selection policy with the World Cup fast approaching, those pointed words ahead of the friendly victory over Wales more or less confirmed it.
Mark Bellingham, the father of Jude and Jobe, has seen some of his behaviour branded “an absolute joke” by England legend Sir Geoff Hurst. Bellingham senior has been billed as “the most powerful man in English football”, given the prominence of his two sons, but has also generated lively debate with his antics behind the scenes - with officials at Borussia Dortmund being confronted at one stage after Jobe was substituted at half-time.
The United States made a deep run into the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup, but that came to a halt in the quarterfinals - their fifth tournament in a row reaching that round - as Morocco won 3-1 on Sunday. Despite Cole Campbell's first-half equalizer, Morocco advanced to the semifinals with a second-half own goal from Joshua Wynder and a late counterattack strike.