Chris Burton

AC Milan striker Santiago Gimenez has jokingly declared that he is prepared to “kill” club colleague Christian Pulisic if Mexico cross paths with the USMNT on 2026 World Cup duty. The pair have struck up quite the bond at San Siro, as they regularly watch NFL action together, but friendship will be put to one side if they lock horns in the international arena.

Dominic Solanke scored a stunning scorpion kick goal for Tottenham as they battled back from two goals down to level matters against Manchester City. The England international striker was responsible for digging Spurs out of a hole in that contest, with his second effort of the game seeing the ball flicked home despite it dropping behind him.

Manchester United hero Benjamin Sesko, fresh from netting a dramatic winner in a five-goal thriller with Fulham, admits that Michael Carrick has improved “work rate” in the Red Devils ranks - allowing an impressive run of results to be enjoyed. United edged out Fulham 3-2 at Old Trafford and have now taken maximum points from three games under their interim head coach.

Mohamed Salah has taken a Premier League record off Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney and Arsenal great Thierry Henry, with the Egyptian superstar further highlighting his value to the Liverpool cause following a testing time at Anfield. Salah teed up one of the Reds’ four goals as they recovered from falling behind on home soil to see off Newcastle.

Lionel Messi recreated an iconic scorpion kick with legendary goalkeeper Rene Higuita ahead of Inter Miami’s latest friendly outing. The Herons, fresh from their historic MLS Cup triumph in 2025, are readying themselves for the start of a new campaign. Javier Mascherano’s side are working their way through a pre-season programme in South America.

Noni Madueke has been awarded an Olimpico goal that has brought his 12-month drought in the Premier League to a close. The Arsenal winger was a threat throughout the Gunners’ 4-0 victory over Leeds at Elland Road, having only been drafted into Mikel Arteta’s starting XI following an unfortunate injury to Bukayo Saka. He forced a first-half goal direct from a corner.

Enigmatic Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez has seen his behaviour criticised again, with supposed “arrogance” on the Argentine’s part being called out by an international goalkeeping rival. Uruguayan shot-stopper Sergio Rochet does not “like the way” a fellow South American is - despite the World Cup winner being considered “phenomenal” at his job.

Jude Bellingham has suffered a serious injury scare during England’s countdown to the 2026 World Cup. The Real Madrid midfielder was left clutching at his hamstring during a La Liga clash with Rayo Vallecano. He was clearly in some pain, after crumpling to the turf, and has handed untimely fitness concerns to Blancos boss Alvaro Arbeloa and Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel.

Declan Rice has set a “legacy” challenge for his team-mates at Arsenal, with the Gunners’ class of 2025-26 continuing to chase down major honours on multiple fronts. In the Premier League, they are seeking to become the first side since the fabled ‘Invincibles’ of 2003-04 to deliver a top-flight title to north London. Rice is determined to become an immortal in that department.

Lionel Messi is considered to already be acting like Inter Miami’s owner, with former MLS star Bacary Sagna telling GOAL of why the Argentine icon has found the perfect home at this stage of his career. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to enjoy success on the field in the United States, while also enhancing his global brand away from the pitch.

Mykhailo Mudryk is being prevented from doing his day job at the moment, with a suspension being served at Chelsea due to alleged doping violations, but he is keeping himself amused away from the football field. The Ukrainian winger has indulged in some playful flirting with American actor and social media star Jordyn Jones, with a possible romance on the cards there.

Maya Jama and Ruben Dias are said to have been left “devastated” after seeing their Cheshire mansion broken into while they were away on Love Island and Manchester City duty. It is claimed that a “number of items” were stolen from the property during a break-in on January 28. A police investigation has been opened, with the hope being that culprits can be found.

Jack Grealish has seen injury heartache bring his loan spell at Everton to a premature conclusion, while potentially dashing his World Cup dreams, with David Moyes admitting that the England international is likely to miss the remainder of the season with a stress fracture in his foot. The Manchester City-owned forward is likely to require an operation, with a lengthy rehabilitation programme being worked through after that.

Real Madrid will be reunited with Jose Mourinho’s Benfica in the Champions League knockout play-off round, while title holders Paris Saint-Germain must overcome domestic rivals Monaco in order to reach the last-16 and Newcastle face a tough test against Qarabag. A number of European heavyweights are paying the price for failing to secure a top-eight finish in the league phase.

Paul Pogba is being sensationally tipped to make France’s 2026 World Cup squad, with Bacary Sagna telling GOAL why the mercurial midfielder remains in contention for selection by Didier Deschamps. Pogba is now on the books at Monaco, but remains short on match sharpness after serving an 18-month doping ban. He has 91 international caps to his name.

Arsenal have moved to ensure that they remain the ones to benefit from Max Dowman’s undoubted potential, with the Gunners agreeing pre-contract terms with the teenage wonderkid. Records have already tumbled for the talented 16-year-old, with the promise of more senior achievements to come as he prepares to sign a long-term deal in north London.

Jamie Carragher has sought to defend Raheem Sterling from any criticism, following his release by Chelsea, with the England international considered to be seriously “underrated”. The Premier League title-winning ex-Manchester City star is now looking for a new challenge at 31 years of age, with a former team-mate from his days at Anfield hoping that a “fitting finale” to a distinguished career can be found.

Jose Mourinho oversaw “the miracle of Da Luz”, as Benfica prevailed in dramatic fashion against Real Madrid to keep their Champions League dreams alive, with it being revealed how the ‘Special One’ made that possible. The Portuguese stunned his former employers from the Bernabeu as another impressive entry was added to his distinguished coaching CV.