Lionel Messi has thrown his weight behind former team-mate Neymar, insisting the Santos superstar "deserves" to be part of Brazil's World Cup squad despite his recent struggles with injury. The Inter Miami captain described his close friend as a "very special" talent who remains one of the finest players on the planet.
Liverpool have released first-look images of a permanent memorial dedicated to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, following the tragic death of the pair last year. The tribute, set to be situated on 97 Avenue outside Anfield, serves as a lasting testament to the Portuguese forward's impact on the club and the deep bond he shared with his sibling.
Mason Greenwood is being tipped to attract interest from “quite a few clubs” as exit doors begin to swing open at Marseille, with Chris Waddle telling GOAL why the ex-Manchester United forward has been a “definite success” in France. The one-cap England international moved to Stade Velodrome in the summer of 2024 and has delivered under immense pressure.
Robert Lewandowski has admitted that he would consider a spell in the "lower leagues" if he leaves Barcelona this summer. The Polish striker, who celebrated winning his second successive La Liga title with Barca on Sunday, has been linked with a move to MLS when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa provided a blunt assessment of Kylian Mbappe's fitness situation following a devastating Clasico defeat that saw Barcelona crowned La Liga champions. The Frenchman was a high-profile absentee as the Blaugrana celebrated domestic glory on their home turf, leaving Los Blancos to pick up the pieces of a fractured season.
Neymar Jr. proved once again that Vila Belmiro is his backyard by leading Santos to a 2-0 victory over Red Bull Bragantino. In an inspired performance, the number 10 not only scored a goal but also took an important step towards potentially securing his place on the final list of players called up for the Brazil national team for the 2026 World Cup.
Liverpool are in the market for defensive reinforcements, with Glen Johnson telling GOAL why raids on Nottingham Forest and Tottenham for Murillo and Micky van de Ven make a lot of sense for the Reds. Another transfer window will swing open this summer, with Premier League heavyweights at Anfield needing to strengthen across the heart of their back four.
According to reports in the Spanish newspaper AS, Liverpool have contacted Real Madrid to enquire about Xabi Alonso and to gain insight into his brief, underwhelming spell as manager at the Bernabeu. With uncertainty growing around Arne Slot's long-term future, Alonso has been linked with taking over at Anfield.
Barcelona star Gavi has opened up on his fiery confrontation with Vinicius Junior during Sunday's decisive Clasico at Camp Nou. The midfielder played a key role as the Blaugrana secured a 2-0 victory to clinch the La Liga title, but the match included several high-tension flashpoints between the two rivals.
Former Chelsea player and manager Ruud Gullit has explained to GOAL why the Blues are no longer appealing for top bosses and would be snubbed by the likes of Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho and Jurgen Klopp. The Premier League heavyweights were once in the market for the best players and coaches available, but the lack of stability in west London has seen their mass appeal wane.
Joao Cancelo has written his name into the history books following Barcelona’s clinical 2-0 victory over Real Madrid to secure the La Liga title. While the Blaugrana celebrated domestic dominance at the Camp Nou, the Portuguese defender reached a milestone that has eluded the greatest icons of the game.
Marcus Rashford has admitted he is unsure on his Barcelona future despite helping the Catalan giants secure the La Liga title with a sensational goal in their Clasico victory over Real Madrid. The Manchester United loanee, who has enjoyed a career resurgence in Spain, admitted his long-term fate remains out of his hands as his temporary spell at Camp Nou nears its conclusion.
Mason Greenwood has addressed the mounting speculation regarding his relationship with Marseille head coach Habib Beye following his decisive performance against Le Havre. The 24-year-old forward netted the only goal of the game from the penalty spot to secure a 1-0 victory for the Ligue 1 giants.
Vinicius Junior ensured the Barcelona faithful knew exactly who remain the kings of the Champions League despite Real Madrid suffering a painful Clasico defeat on Sunday. As Los Blancos struggled to a 2-0 away defeat to their arch-rivals, the Brazilian winger took it upon himself to silence the jeering home crowd with a pointed reminder of the trophy cabinet in the capital.
It's official: Barcelona are La Liga champions once again - and in the end it was all very predictable. The runaway leaders only needed a point as the fixture schedule gave them the unique opportunity to retain their crown against Real Madrid in El Clasico, but they never looked like settling for a draw against their rudderless rivals, who are in the midsts of a dressing room crisis. The victory was swift and brutal, as Hansi Flick's side required just 20 minutes to put the game and the title beyond their old foes at Spotify Camp Nou.
Nico O’Reilly has been tipped to nail down England’s left-back berth for “the next decade”, with Michael Gray explaining to GOAL why the Manchester City star is an “incredible talent”. With the versatile 21-year-old expected to become a mainstay in the Three Lions’ defence over the course of a 10-year period, what does that mean for United full-back Luke Shaw?
Lionel Messi has shared an emotional message of congratulations after watching his former club Barcelona secure back-to-back La Liga titles in historic fashion. The Argentine legend was among the first to react as the Blaugrana dismantled Real Madrid at the Spotify Camp Nou to move into an unassailable lead at the top of the table.
Gary Neville has referred to Sunday's 95th-minute VAR call that went Arsenal's way against West Ham as a historic turning point that could decide the title. "It's an earthquake, a tremor that lasts just a moment," Neville declared while commentating on the Hammers' 1-0 defeat at the London Stadium. For the Manchester United legend, it was clear: "This is the biggest moment in the history of VAR in the Premier League."
Christian Pulisic missed AC Milan’s 3-2 defeat to Atalanta due to a glute injury, though ESPN reported his absence was largely “precautionary.” No timeline has been given for his return, but the timing is far from ideal: Milan have two league matches left and are clinging to fourth place, the final Champions League qualifying spot, on head-to-head over Roma.
GOAL reviews the major takeaways from Americans playing in Europe, including Pulisic and AC Milan facing the prospect of missing the Champions League...again.
Joshua Zirkzee’s future at Old Trafford is under intense scrutiny following a toothless performance during Manchester United’s disappointing 0-0 draw at Sunderland. The Dutch forward has been heavily criticised for his lack of physicality and impact, with pundits and former players suggesting that he lacks the necessary profile to succeed in a Red Devils shirt.
Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel has launched a scathing attack on the officiating following Arsenal's controversial 1-0 victory over West Ham. The former goalkeeper was left furious after a late equaliser for the relegation-threatened Hammers was disallowed by VAR, claiming the Gunners benefit from a double standard and would not be leading the Premier League without it.
Chelsea forward Joao Pedro has admitted his astonishment at the defensive prowess of Gabriel Magalhaes, naming the Arsenal centre-back as his toughest opponent this season. The Brazilian striker confessed that, despite facing elite defenders across Europe, the "inspired" form of his compatriot has posed the ultimate test to his attacking instincts.
Vinicius Jr went missing and Real Madrid turned in a spirited yet ineffective performance against Barcelona, losing 2-0 and watching their rivals lift the league trophy in the process. Los Blancos were outplayed throughout, and could never recover from an early deficit in a game that more or less summed up the massive gulf in quality between the two teams.
Nottingham Forest manager Vitor Pereira has admitted that he cannot guarantee midfielder Elliot Anderson will remain at the club next season. The highly sought-after England international is currently attracting intense interest from both Manchester United and Manchester City following his exceptional performances, as his valuation reportedly reaches a staggering £120 million mark.
Barcelona retained their league title in dream circumstances on Sunday night, comprehensively defeating fierce rivals Real Madrid in El Clasico on home soil. La Liga's runaway leaders only needed a point from the showdown at Spotify Camp Nou and would have expected a stern contest against their old foes, but in truth this was a routine victory over a Madrid side in disarray after a week of chaos behind the scenes.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided a candid explanation for his tactical U-turn after substituting Martin Zubimendi just 39 minutes after bringing him on against West Ham. The Gunners boss admitted that the initial reshuffle following Ben White’s first-half injury disrupted the team’s rhythm, forcing him to make a ruthless decision to protect Arsenal's slender lead in the Premier League title race.
Sam Coffey lifted the WSL trophy with Manchester City, Lindsey Heaps scored as OL Lyonnes won the Coupe de France, and Emily Fox helped Arsenal cruise past Aston Villa.
Marcus Rashford emulated Lionel Messi during Sunday's Clasico, scoring a magnificent direct free-kick to help Barcelona establish a 2-0 half-time lead against Real Madrid. The Manchester United loanee found the top corner from range in the ninth minute, becoming the first Blaugrana player to score a free-kick in the fixture since Messi in 2012.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised the match officials for their "brave" decision to disallow a late West Ham equaliser in a tense 1-0 victory for his team on Sunday. The Spaniard insisted that the VAR intervention to award a foul on David Raya was the correct call, one that provided necessary clarity amidst the chaotic final moments at the London Stadium.