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Legendary striker Robert Lewandowski could be set to leave Barcelona when his contract expires next summer, as the Catalan giants are not expected to offer a new contract to the 37-year-old ahead of the expiry of his current deal in June 2026. Lewandowski has struck four times in seven La Liga appearances so far this season, but has often been limited to substitute appearances and the club reportedly believe now is the time to seek his successor.

Ethan Nwaneri produced a scintillating performance to help England Under-21s secure an impressive 4-0 victory over Moldova in a European Championship qualifier. The Arsenal attacking midfielder recorded two assists on the night, including setting up a stunning effort from Chelsea winger Jamie Gittens, as the Three Lions maintained their perfect record in qualifying after two matches.

Christian Pulisic has been told why he is world-class, with USMNT colleague Tyler Adams claiming that "an American is the best player in Serie A". Pulisic has earned that billing at AC Milan, with personal bests being posted in Italy while becoming a talismanic presence at San Siro. There is the promise of even more to come, with the hard-working forward considered to form part of the global elite.

Alan Shearer has come to the defence of under-fire Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou, calling his tactical tweaks "really unusual" but insisting he shouldn't be sacked despite a dismal start. Postecoglou is yet to win a game since taking charge, but Shearer believes it's "ridiculous" to judge him so soon - even as Sean Dyche waits in the wings.

Manchester United came from behind to win in convincing fashion as Everton were put to the sword 4-1 in the first Women's Super League fixture to take place at Hill Dickinson Stadium, largely thanks to goals by Melvine Malard and substitute Jess Park. The Toffees had taken the lead in the first half through Honoka Hayashi, but Malard equalised before Hikaru Kitagawa put through her own net to turn the game around. It would then be Park who sealed the day with two strikes off the bench.

Lamine Yamal has taken the opportunity to spend quality time with girlfriend Nicki Nicole during an injury-enforced break from domestic and international football. The Barcelona wonderkid is nursing a groin complaint that has him stuck on the sidelines. He is, however, fit enough to have jetted off for a break with rap star partner Nicole. They have been sharing kisses, cuddles and a private helicopter ride.

Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies has revealed that he is nearing a return to action after a gruelling ACL injury that sidelined him for over six months. The Canadian left-back, who tore his Anterior Cruciate Ligament in March while on international duty, has admitted the recovery process has been “mentally difficult” but insists “the hardest part is behind me” as he inches closer to full fitness.

Keira Walsh's stunning strike gave Chelsea a 1-0 win over Tottenham on Sunday as the defending Women's Super League champions maintained their position at the top of the table. The Blues huffed and puffed a lot in this game, producing a lot of nice build-up play without the incisive final ball. And so, up stepped Walsh just past the hour mark to rifle an effort from range into the bottom corner of Lize Kop's goal and secure all three points in some style.

Five Premier League players - including Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey - were among those to endure flight chaos after jetting out of Nigeria's latest 2026 World Cup qualifier. There was midair mayhem during that journey as a cracked windscreen forced the plane that the Super Eagles were travelling on to make an emergency landing. Said trip was eventually completed some 12 hours later than initially planned.

Bayern Munich are reportedly planning to hold one final round of talks with Dayot Upamecano as pressure mounts over the French defender's unresolved contract situation. With negotiations stalling over salary demands and signing fees, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Real Madrid are monitoring developments closely - raising the prospect of another Bayern star walking away for free.

England manager Thomas Tuchel would reportedly not be considered for the Manchester United job if Ruben Amorim is sacked at Old Trafford. Tuchel is 'fully expected' to see through his contract to after the 2026 World Cup, while the German was 'unimpressed' with the Red Devils' hiring process when he was previously contacted as a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag.

Cristiano Ronaldo remains untouchable in his homeland as the Portuguese GOAT, with the all-time great being told that he has nothing to apologise for after missing a penalty against the Republic of Ireland. The Al-Nassr superstar fluffed his lines from 12 yards during a 2026 World Cup qualifier, with former Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher keeping out his spot-kick before Ruben Neves snatched a dramatic stoppage-time winner.

Ryan Reynolds has explained how he and Rob Mac have changed the mindset of a football club and community in North Wales, with people now proud to say: “I’m from Wrexham motherf*cker!” That was not the case when two Hollywood stars completed a stunning takeover of then National League Red Dragons in 2021, with a record-shattering rise to prominence having been enjoyed since then.

Vinicius Junior's role at Real Madrid has taken a surprising downturn under Xabi Alonso, but the Brazilian forward has responded in spectacular fashion. Despite starting fewer games and spending more time on the bench than ever before, he's producing record-breaking numbers by his own standards - proving his worth even as pressure mounts on Alonso amid questions about team balance and results.

Lionel Messi has made more history in MLS, with the Argentine GOAT pulling clear of legendary Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was at his brilliant best for Inter Miami when helping them to a 4-0 victory over Atlanta United. He bagged a brace in that contest, registering his ninth multi-goal performance of the season - a new record in MLS competition.

England can secure their qualification for the 2026 World Cup with two matches to spare if they beat Latvia on Tuesday, with Thomas Tuchel's side taking the trip at Daugava Stadium boasting a 100% record in their qualifying campaign thus far. Victory would secure the Three Lions' place at the tournament in North America next summer, while a draw would all-but seal qualification due to a superior goal difference over second-placed Albania.

Tottenham Hotspur star Joao Palhinha has always been known for his incredible understanding of the game on the pitch, and he has now showcased that he has elite ball knowledge as well. The Bayern Munich loanee aced the Lilywhites' 'guess the career path: Portugal edition' challenge after correctly guessing 11 players by looking at their clubs over the years.

There may soon be a new qualification process for the World Cup and European Championships, as UEFA are reportedly considering adopting a Champions League-style format to combat declining fan interest in the current qualifiers. The move to a league-style format would open the door for bigger games to take place, while smaller nations still get to enjoy lucrative clashes with big names. Using the Nations League as part of qualifying has also been considered.

Jude Bellingham's difficult season at Real Madrid has taken another surprising twist after the England midfielder was left out of Los Blancos' 2026 calendar. The 22-year-old, once the face of Los Blancos' marketing and a guaranteed starter, is nowhere to be seen in next year's edition - a baffling omission that comes amid questions over his fitness, form, and future under Xabi Alonso.

Barcelona are believed to be delighted with Marcus Rashford's progress and are considering sealing a permanent transfer for the Englishman next summer, following an impressive start to life in Catalunya. Rashford joined on an initial loan deal from Manchester United in August, with Barca bosses said to be wary that the deal seemed "too good to be true". The 27-year-old has proven his worth, particularly as he fired La Blaugrana to victory at Newcastle in the Champions League, and he may see his Barcelona story stretch beyond next summer.

Harry Maguire is reportedly prepared to reject a staggering £500,000-a-week offer from Saudi Arabia to stay at Manchester United - but only if the club give him the assurances and new contract he's looking for. The England defender, whose deal expires next summer, is said to be open to extending his stay at Old Trafford if United make clear he remains part of their long-term plans.

Folarin Balogun’s performance in a 1-1 draw with Ecuador marked his true breakthrough moment with the USMNT, according to ESPN analyst Herculez Gomez. The former USMNT forward praised Balogun’s intelligent movement and composed finishing, saying the display cemented his place as the frontrunner for the starting striker role heading into the 2026 World Cup.

Lionel Messi scored twice and added an assist, while Jordi Alba also found the net as Inter Miami cruised to a 4-0 win over Atlanta United on Saturday night. Messi was a threat from the start, skipping Argentina duty to feature for the Herons - and showing exactly why that decision paid off. Miami remain in the hunt for the second seed in the Eastern Conference.

Former USMNT star Alexi Lalas has tempered expectations after the United States’ impressive 3-0 victory over Italy in the Round of 16 at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Lalas acknowledged the achievement but emphasized that American youth teams have reached similar stages before. The U.S. secured their fifth straight trip the quarterfinals.

Football fans from across the world have been showing their emotion after Ruben Neves' late winner for Portugal against Ireland. Neves' header in the 91st minute was not only his first for his country, but it also marked the first goal the Selecao had scored at home since the death of Diogo Jota, Neves’ best-friend and team-mate with Portugal and Wolves, in July.

Manchester United are lining up a shock move for Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton as they gear up for a midfield reshuffle. United had looked to bolster in the middle of the park over the summer but were rebuffed in their efforts to sign Brighton's Carlos Baleba. However, they have since turned their attention to Wharton, with Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro both on the Old Traffford chopping block.

Former USMNT star Alexi Lalas praised midfielder Diego Luna for his substitute appearance against Ecuador in a 1-1 draw on Friday, highlighting the Real Salt Lake star’s unique flair and presence in midfield. Lalas noted that Luna offers a different look than No. 10 Malik Tillman, bringing a commanding touch to the U.S. attack.

Steven Gerrard has made his decision on returning to management with Rangers after the Scottish giants approached the Liverpool legend to replace sacked head coach Russell Martin. Martin had to step down from his role earlier this month and his disastrous reign came to a close after just 17 games.

Chelsea are holding their breath after key midfielder Enzo Fernandez withdrew from international duty with a knee problem. Fernandez joined up with the Argentina squad earlier this week having played the full 90 in Saturday's 2-1 win over Liverpool. The Blues star, who played 78 minutes of Argentina's 1-0 win over Venezuela in the early hours of Saturday morning, has since returned to London.