Lists

England boss Thomas Tuchel has sounded an alarming warning for England and Chelsea star Cole Palmer, saying his persistent injury issues are threatening his World Cup hopes. And, what’s more concerning, the German boss fears Palmer’s groin problem could become chronic and impact his career longer-term.

Rafael Leao’s inconsistent return for AC Milan has sparked tensions behind the scenes, including a fiery exchange with coach Massimiliano Allegri. The Portuguese winger was reportedly scolded in front of his team-mates following missed chances against Juventus, with his starting role now under threat as Milan’s boss demands greater intensity and maturity.

Seattle Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas has been named the No. 1 player on Major League Soccer’s 2025 22 Under 22 list, which recognizes the league’s top young talent. The annual rankings, voted on by MLS coaches, general managers, sporting directors, MLS Season Pass broadcast talent and select media members, highlight a growing wave of homegrown players.

FC Andorra owner Gerard Pique has been added to the official match report after calling a referee “a f*cking disgrace” following a 2-1 defeat to Leganes. The incident, part of a string of recent controversies, underscores mounting tensions within the club as they navigate disciplinary scrutiny and a challenging La Liga Hypermotion season.

Orlando City reportedly attempted to sign Brazil and Tottenham forward Richarlison last summer, but their pursuit stalled after being quoted a transfer fee at $46.4 million, according to ESPN. The MLS club viewed the 28-year-old as a potential face of the franchise ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Richarlison remains under contract with Spurs until 2027.

Nottingham Forest star John Victor felt that his Brazil national team call-up was a "scam" as he initially did not believe that Carlo Ancelotti had included him in the Selecao squad for the October friendlies at the last moment after ex-Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson picked up a hamstring injury while playing for Fenerbahce in the Turkish Super Lig.

Fans have reacted furiously after Hashtag United announced the signing of two AI players, called Holly and Harvey. Hashtag are known for their unique blend of traditional football and esports, and claimed that while the technology for the duo's debut on the pitch may still be in development, the AI footballers will immediately begin creating content and representing the club.

Former Paris Saint-Germain star Rafinha has explained why the era of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe in the French capital never worked. The trio played together at PSG for two years from 2021, when Messi joined the club from Barcelona on a free transfer, and lasted until 2023 when both the Argentine and Neymar left for Inter Miami and Al-Hilal respectively.

Adrien Rabiot didn't hold back while speaking about his AC Milan team-mate Rafael Leao, stating that "it would be a shame if he were to remain just a potentially great player" amid the Portuguese's middling performances for the Rossoneri. After spending more than a month on the sidelines due to an injury he picked up in August, Leao missed golden opportunities to help Milan clinch all three points against Juventus last weekend.

Ex-Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira has taken a swipe at his former club’s training facilities after hailing the quality of those at his new club Palmeiras. Pereira spent 11 years in Manchester, which included a whole host of time away on loan, and has now revealed Man Utd’s training base wasn’t a patch on the offering at his new club in Brazil.

Joao Felix’s Saudi Arabian adventure has started with fireworks and controversy over his decision. The 25-year-old former Benfica prodigy sparked debate over his career direction when he joined Al-Nassr in July while former team Benfica were chasing him. However, coach Jorge Jesus insists the move was the right call, claiming the Saudi league is “much stronger” than Portugal’s, and says Félix’s link-up with Cristiano Ronaldo can boost Portugal’s World Cup hopes.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has vowed not to take any risks with Lionel Messi during the October international friendlies against Venezuela and Puerto Rico. Messi is doubtful for the Venezuela clash, which will be played on Saturday, only a day before Inter Miami face Atlanta United in a crucial MLS fixture. He will link up with his Argentine team-mates after playing seven matches in 21 days.

Borussia Dortmund have been keeping a close eye on Ecuadorian wonderkid Justin Lerma since striking a deal to sign the teenager back in 2024. The young sensation is set to join the Bundesliga giants next summer once he turns 18 in a €4 million deal and the club's current plan is to immediately thrust him into the senior team after being impressed by his performances in his homeland.

EXCLUSIVE: GOAL sat down with the USMNT midfielder to discuss fatherhood, World Cup ambitions and his incredible form for Lyon

Stuttgart midfielder Chema Andres has drawn comparisons to Rodri following his impressive start in Germany, with rumours now stating that Real Madrid are considering re-signing him next summer. While the former Real Madrid youngster is "privileged" to be compared to the Manchester City midfielder, he is not particularly a big fan of the comparisons.

Pep Guardiola has been urged to leave Manchester City and seek a new challenge by one of his most trusted confidants. The Catalan coach has enjoyed remarkable success since moving to England in 2016, lifting 18 major honours during the greatest period in City’s history, and is under contract at the Etihad Stadium until 2027.

Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich are drawing plaudits across Europe after a flawless start to the season. Former Germany star Matthias Sammer hailed the ex-Manchester City captain for his calm authority and leadership, saying Bayern have become “untouchable” under his guidance, echoing similar praise from Philipp Lahm recently, crediting Kompany for restoring stability and dominance at the club.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has hailed Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti and Fabio Capello as the coaches who “changed football,” while admitting he always wanted to play under Jurgen Klopp and Sir Alex Ferguson. The AC Milan advisor also backed Ancelotti to lead Brazil to 2026 World Cup glory, saying "everything he touches turns to gold".

Thomas Tuchel has surprisingly called a Manchester United wonderkid into England training despite the 18-year-old still waiting for his senior club debut. Shea Lacey has been making waves for United’s under-21s, and was given the chance to train with England’s first team following a series of standout performances.

GOAL ranks the top three soccer players produced by every state in the Midwest, including Beasley, Ream and Brian McBride

A London-based bus driver who was mobbed by Chelsea supporters after wearing a Liverpool shirt while on duty has been sacked. In a video which has been widely shared across social media, Isaac - who has declined to reveal his full name - was driving a rail replacement bus when he was swarmed following the conclusion of the match between the two Premier League sides last Saturday.

Adrien Rabiot’s strong criticism of Serie A’s decision to stage AC Milan’s clash with Como in Australia has sparked a fiery response from league CEO Luigi De Siervo. The executive hit back, urging the French midfielder to “respect the money he earns” and “just play football,” defending the move as necessary to promote Italian football globally.

Cristiano Ronaldo has achieved another milestone after becoming the first footballer to become a billionaire. The Portugal superstar has added to his lengthy list of accolades after seeing his net worth reach staggering heights on the back of signing the most lucrative contract extension in sporting history with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr in June.

Popular on-demand delivery service DoorDash has agreed on a strategic multi-year partnership with the Mexican Football Federation as it looks to expand its presence in soccer in the United States. The company will have an expansive presence at Mexican national team matches, with in-stadium ads, fan experiences and exclusive hospitality tickets.

Mason Greenwood snubbed Cristiano Ronaldo for another former Manchester United team-mate when naming the best player he's worked with and chose Lionel Messi in the GOAT debate. While Greenwood briefly played alongside Ronaldo during the Portuguese striker's ill-fated second stint at Old Trafford, tensions reportedly ran high between the two as they struggled to build a successful playing relationship.

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has revealed that his name has been spelled incorrectly since his early days at Sao Paulo and he never changed it out of superstition. The Brazilian explained how a one-time printing error led to a career-long identity that stuck with him across Real Madrid, Brazil and Manchester United.

Harry Kane has reportedly missed training ahead of England's friendly clash with Wales as he struggles with an ankle injury. The Three Lions captain picked up the knock during Bayern Munich’s 3-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend. Now his participation against Wales has been thrown into uncertainty.

Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is hoping he is not the man between the posts when the Catalan giants take on Real Madrid in the highly-anticipated Clasico later this month. Instead, the veteran shot stopper hopes that the injured Joan Garcia is fit in time for the trip to the Santiago Bernabeu as he talked up the world-class potential of the summer signing.

Villarreal have unveiled plans to fly fans to Miami for their La Liga clash against Barcelona, offering free travel for supporters attending the December 20 fixture. CEO Fernando Roig Negueroles defended the controversial move, insisting the game is “about image and the future, not business,” as UEFA reluctantly approved Spain’s first-ever domestic match staged abroad.