Chris Burton

Former Arsenal academy prospect Billy Vigar has been placed in an induced coma after suffering a "significant brain injury” while turning out for his current club. The 21-year-old forward, who severed ties with the Gunners when leaving on a permanent basis in 2024, is now on the books of Isthmian League Premier Division side Chichester City.

Lamine Yamal’s father has branded Ousmane Dembele’s Ballon d’Or win the “greatest moral harm” in football, with the Paris Saint-Germain forward walking away with a prestigious Golden Ball in 2025. Barcelona wonderkid Yamal had to settle for a runner-up finish despite those in Catalunya being of the opinion that the 18-year-old is undoubtedly “the best player in the world”.

Ousmane Dembele has joined the likes of Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho and Zinedine Zidane in an elite trophy club after being named the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner. The Paris Saint-Germain forward was crowned the best player on the planet at a glitzy ceremony in the French capital, with the France international fending off competition from Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal.

Harry Kane admits that an NFL crossover remains “in the back of my mind”, but says a move into American football remains “a long way away”. The prolific Bayern Munich and England striker has never hidden the fact that he would like to test himself as a placekicker. There is, however, plenty left for him to achieve in his sport of choice before considering any switch into another.

AC Milan’s offer of a new contract remains on the table ready for Christian Pulisic to sign, but the Serie A giants have “no meetings scheduled” with the USMNT star. The United States international was expected to have committed his future to the Rossoneri by now, but the relevant paperwork remains incomplete and discussions regarding fresh terms have ground to a halt.

The terms of a “secret” release clause in Harry Kane’s contract at Bayern Munich have been revealed, with it possible that the former Tottenham striker could return to the Premier League in 2026. In order for that to happen, two key conditions must be met - with any suitors in English football likely to be keeping a close eye on events in Germany.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have been assured that “Wrexham won’t struggle” this season, meaning that they can relax a little, but the Red Dragons have been told what they need to do in order to be competitive in the Championship. Phil Parkinson is being backed to steer the Welsh outfit away from any kind of danger during the 2025-26 campaign.

Cesc Fabregas claims that Como sensation Nico Paz is getting Lionel Messi-esque treatment from Serie A rivals. World Cup winner Fabregas once played alongside Messi at Barcelona, with opponents eager to keep the ball away from him as much as possible. Paz is, much like his Argentina international team-mate, considered to be another match-altering talent.

Dele Alli has been warned that, with his form having “fallen off a cliff”, that his next port of call is likely to represent a “last chance” in the professional ranks. The former Tottenham and Everton midfielder finds himself in the free agent pool after being released by Como. There has been talk of EFL clubs, including ambitious Wrexham, showing interest.

Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has been named “Golden Ball” winner by CIES Football Observatory, with Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe claiming the runner-up spot. There is no place in the top five for Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele despite the World Cup-winning France international being favourite to land the coveted Ballon d’Or in 2025.

Gabriel Martinelli’s fiancee Isabella Rousso predicted the Arsenal winger’s late goal against Manchester City when sending a motivational pre-match text to her partner. Brazil international Martinelli started a crunch Premier League clash at Emirates Stadium among the substitutes, but stepped off the bench to score a dramatic equaliser in a thrilling 1-1 draw.

Vinicius Junior has been warned that his attitude is “not healthy”, with the Real Madrid superstar reacting angrily to being substituted during the Blancos’ 2-0 win over Espanyol. The Brazil international was replaced in the 77th minute of that contest and did not take kindly to seeing his number held up. Jorge Valdano has discussed another show of petulance.

Hugo Ekitike claims to feel no pressure from his £79 million ($107m) transfer fee at Liverpool, with the French forward saying “I don’t care” when asked about the price tag hanging around his neck. The 23-year-old has made a bright start to life at Anfield and remains convinced that he made the right choice in joining the reigning Premier League champions.

Pep Guardiola has joked that Manchester City are now a “transition team”, with the demanding Catalan coach reacting to a battling draw at Arsenal that saw the Blues post the lowest possession stats of his 10-year tenure. Guardiola admits that he needs to get “spirit” back in his team after seeing them make a slow start to the 2025-26 Premier League season.

Benfica have released behind-the-scenes footage from Jose Mourinho’s first game back at the club, with the outspoken Portuguese delivering an X-rated team talk to his players before heading into action against AVS Futebol SAD. The ‘Special One’ is back where it all began for him, having returned to his homeland, and has clearly lost none of his passion for his game.

The Manchester United fan refusing to cut his hair until Ruben Amorim’s side win five games in a row was branded an “attention-seeking c***” during an angry exchange with another Red Devils supporter at Old Trafford. Frank Ilett was in attendance to watch a much-needed victory over Chelsea, but his presence ruffled a few feathers behind the scenes as he attracted some unwanted attention.

Harry Kane broke another Bundesliga record when scoring two penalties in Bayern Munich’s crushing victory over Hoffenheim. England captain Kane netted a hat-trick in that contest - his second of the 2025-26 campaign - with a couple of efforts coming from the spot. The prolific frontman has never missed from 12 yards in the German top-flight - with 17 strikes converted.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been told that goalkeepers will want to let in his 1,000th goal, allowing them to join the Portuguese GOAT in the history books. CR7 continues to chase down that personal landmark, with ex-Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen suggesting that the Al-Nassr superstar will be ready to hang up his boots and retire once another record has been broken.