It's that time of year where leagues around Europe begin to wind down for their winter breaks. Some countries allow their top-flight teams an extended period off around Christmas, while others will only be missing from the schedules for a week or so. All the while, the Premier League will continue throughout the festive period as the title race continues to hot up.
Real Madrid have been advised to do "everything possible” to sell Vinicius Junior if he demands a contract similar to Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi. The Brazilian forward is not considered to be deserving of such terms, with the Blancos needing to move him on - amid interest from the Saudi Pro League - as no player is bigger than the Liga heavyweights.
Real Madrid are reportedly set to join Manchester City in the race for Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise, with Europe’s elite circling one of the Bundesliga’s standout performers. However, Die Roten have made their stance clear as they view the France international as untouchable amid plans to secure his long-term future at the Allianz Arena.
Real Madrid’s stance on a sensational transfer swoop for Erling Haaland has been revealed. The Blancos have been heavily linked with the prolific Norwegian for some time, as he is considered to fit the ‘Galactico’ mould at the Bernabeu, but no imminent raid on Manchester City is being lined up as Kylian Mbappe is delivering the goods in Spain.
Vinicius Junior jetted off to Dubai less than a day after he was booed and jeered by Real Madrid fans at the Bernabeu during their 2-0 win over Sevilla in La Liga on Saturday. After a series of poor results at the start of this month, Madrid are finally showing some consistency as they have now won three matches in a row across all competitions, including their last two league outings.
Cruz Beckham has angrily shut down reports saying his parents Sir David and Victoria have unfollowed his brother Brooklyn on Instagram, claiming they have actually been blocked by their eldest son on the social media platform. The latest chapter in what has fast become a bitter public feud has been written, with there appearing to be no sign of an immediate end to the family saga.
Kylian Mbappe sent a heartfelt message to “idol” Cristiano Ronaldo after copying the Portugal superstar’s iconic celebration following his landmark goal in Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Sevilla. The France forward had a birthday to remember as he found the back of the net to help Xabi Alonso’s men move to within a point of La Liga leaders Barcelona on Saturday.
Jude Bellingham scored the opener and Kylian Mbappe added a second from the spot as Real Madrid cruised to a 2-0 win over 10-man Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu. Los Blancos weren't always spellbinding, but they turned in a composed performance to pick up another league win and put pressure on Barcelona at the top of the table.
Kylian Mbappe has received a birthday message from an unlikely source after winning a court case against Paris Saint-Germain over unpaid wages and bonuses. The Real Madrid star sought £231.5 million (€264m/$310m) from his former club, while the French giants counter-sued the France captain for £211m (€243m/$282m). Not long after the forward came out on top in this long-running dispute, PSG appear to be taking the high road.
Endrick has been told to join Tottenham by ex-Brazil star Sandro to reignite his flailing career. Signed from Palmeiras in 2022 in a deal that could rise to €60 million (£52.5m/$70.5m), the Brazilian forward was heralded as one of the most exciting teenagers in world football. His first season in Spain hinted at that promise, with seven goals across 37 appearances under Carlo Ancelotti. However, since the Italian left the Spanish capital, things have not gone according to plan for Endrick.
Arsenal have been warned that they face the threat of enduring a bleak Harry Kane-esque scenario if major silverware is not captured soon. The Gunners have remained in contention for top honours across recent seasons, only to be left empty-handed. Frank Leboeuf has told GOAL why that lack of tangible success could lead the likes of William Saliba to explore transfer opportunities elsewhere.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has escalated tensions with Real Madrid after launching a furious public attack that accused their rivals of breaching ethical and moral standards. Speaking at a club event, Laporta claimed Barcelona are victims of smear campaigns, singling out Real Madrid’s media output and insisting Barca will not tolerate what he described as lies and institutional intimidation.
Transfer fees have been creeping up for some time, with Neymar blowing the doors off that particular market when joining Paris Saint-Germain for €222m (£195m/$261m) in 2017. It appears to be only a matter of time before a defender moves for nine figures, with Marlon Harewood telling GOAL of why Nottingham Forest star Murillo could be the man to make history.
Erling Haaland is being tipped to snub any future interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona as he is already at a club that will allow him to land major silverware and smash countless records on the goalscoring front. Ex-Premier League forward Marlon Harewood has told GOAL why the prolific Norwegian is likely to honour an extraordinary 10-year contract at the Etihad Stadium.
GOAL U.S. writers take a look at some of the biggest storylines in European soccer, including Mo Salah's future, Vinicius Jr's exit rumors, and the Premier League title race
Mohamed Salah’s struggles at Liverpool, which led to him aiming an explosive outburst in the Reds’ direction, are being blamed on the summer departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold. Dean Saunders has explained to GOAL why the ‘Egyptian King’ at Anfield has found the going tough during the 2025-26 campaign and ultimately felt the need to air his grievances in public.
Arsenal have identified Real Madrid teenager Victor Valdepenas as a serious long-term target, with plans reportedly forming for a move in 2026 that could test the resolve of the Spanish giants. Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta view the 19-year-old defender as an ideal fit for their evolving squad, with the north London club prepared to play the long game in their pursuit.
Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of one of Brazil’s brightest young forwards is facing a formidable obstacle, with Real Madrid reportedly preparing to muscle in on the race for Vasco da Gama sensation Rayan. The 19-year-old has emerged as one of South America’s most coveted prospects this season, and interest from Europe’s elite is now beginning to crystallise into concrete plans.
Kylian Mbappe scored two and set up another as Real Madrid unconvincingly saw off Spanish third-tier side Talavera 3-2 to reach the last-16 of the Copa del Rey. The 26-year-old converted a penalty, forced the hosts into an own-goal, and scored a fortuitous long-range strike, but that nearly wasn't enough as the underdogs made it a tense finish with two late goals on Wednesday.
Real Madrid and England star Jude Bellingham shared pictures of girlfriend Ashlyn Castro on her birthday on Wednesday. The couple have been dating since January and have kept their relationship relatively low profile, with few posts referencing each other on Instagram. However, Castro has been spotted in the stands at the Santiago Bernabeu in support of Bellingham.
Modernising the role of a full-back 30 years ago, Roberto Carlos undoubtedly set the benchmark. A tactical genius and a physical specimen, the Real Madrid and Brazil legend won countless trophies at club and international level, contributing bucket loads of goals and assists. No one in the past, present or future can ever claim to be his equal - he was that good.
Dayot Upamecano is literally 'on the move' in Munich, but his change of address could signal a major blow to his international suitors. While Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain circle the French defender ahead of the January window, Upamecano’s decision to relocate within the Bavarian capital offers the biggest hint yet that his long-term future lies at the Allianz Arena rather than the Bernabeu or the Parc des Princes.
Paris Saint-Germain have been ordered to pay Kylian Mbappe over €60 million in unpaid wages and bonuses, but the legal battle may not be over yet. The French champions have confirmed they will execute the initial judgment while pointedly refusing to rule out a future appeal, insisting they have always acted with "good faith and integrity" throughout the bitter dispute.
England are being advised to drop Jude Bellingham from their starting XI at the 2026 World Cup, with the Real Madrid superstar being informed that Aston Villa playmaker Morgan Rogers currently has “more of an influence” on games. Thomas Tuchel has warned all of those at his disposal that no places in his plans for a shot at global glory next summer are guaranteed.
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