Lists

Belgium have been warned that they will be in “big trouble” when the day comes for Romelu Lukaku to retire, with Philippe Albert telling GOAL that the record-setting frontman is “one of the best strikers ever”. That big billing is supported by an impressive goal tally and enviable collection of major trophies, with the current Fenerbahce star boasting a weighty counter argument to any critics.

Moises Caicedo has, due to the position that he fills, drawn obvious comparisons with Chelsea legend Claude Makelele. Is the Ecuadorian deserving of such a big billing? Former Blues star Gus Poyet has explained to GOAL why another talismanic holding midfielder has a vital role to play at Stamford Bridge and how he can follow in the footsteps of some title-winning icons.

Cole Palmer has rediscovered his spark at Chelsea, with Blues legend Gus Poyet explaining to GOAL why the “happy” Stamford Bridge star can go on to scale the same heights as Gianfranco Zola and Eden Hazard. Palmer appeared destined to tread that path after moving to west London, but endured a testing 2025-26 campaign that saw exit talk generated.

Darwin Nunez is now 27 years of age and should be at the peak of his powers. The ex-Liverpool forward decided against returning to European football, and potentially the Premier League, during the last transfer window and remains in Saudi Arabia. Gus Poyet has explained to GOAL why his fellow Uruguayan took that stance, with a “crazy” contract being factored into the equation.

Alexis Mac Allister has sensationally claimed that new Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has successfully repaired the fractured atmosphere within the squad left behind by his predecessor, Arne Slot. The 2022 World Cup winner spoke candidly after the Reds secured a thrilling 4-3 victory over Villarreal in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will undergo surgery after suffering a severe anterior cruciate ligament injury during Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League victory over Barcelona. The Georgia international was forced off in the second half as PSG were handed a major triple injury blow.

The Basque Country representative team will return to international action next month after confirming a special friendly fixture against South American opposition in Bilbao. Euskal Selekzioa are set to welcome Venezuela to Athletic Club's iconic home ground on November 14 for a contest steeped in cultural significance.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has delivered a stern reminder to breakout star Rio Ngumoha, warning the teenager that his meteoric rise will eventually face difficult moments. The 18-year-old was the catalyst for a stunning European turnaround at Anfield, but his coach is determined to keep the youngster’s feet firmly on the ground.

Jamie Carragher has heaped praise on Youri Tielemans following his impressive performance in a more advanced role during Manchester United's draw with Leeds. Michael Carrick's tactical adjustment allowed the Belgian midfielder to dictate play higher up the pitch and provide a crucial assist.

Former England midfielder Joe Cole has lavished praise on Paris Saint-Germain playmaker Fabian Ruiz after the Spaniard struck late to sink Barcelona at the Parc des Princes. The television pundit believes the versatile midfielder rarely receives the credit his performances warrant following another decisive display on Tuesday night.

Kylian Mbappe has been chasing the Ballon d’Or dream since he was a teenager, with Gilles Grimandi telling GOAL why he was left “embarrassed” when first being made aware of that ambitious Golden Ball target. The ex-Arsenal star formed part of transfer talks at the time, with Mbappe’s family making it clear to the Gunners that the flying frontman intended to become the best player on the planet.

Real Madrid are reportedly seeking financial compensation from the Premier League's 'Big Six' following the dramatic collapse of the European Super League. The Spanish giants believe that the English clubs who initially signed up for the breakaway project remain liable for a significant portion of the start-up expenses.

Lyon sporting director Matthieu Louis-Jean has dismissed rumours linking Karim Benzema with a summer return to his boyhood club. The chief clarified the reality behind the transfer chatter and explained why the proposed deal was never feasible.

Luis Enrique has lifted the lid on the tactical masterclass that saw Paris Saint-Germain end Barcelona’s perfect start to the season in a thrilling Champions League encounter. The former Blaugrana boss orchestrated a statement 4-2 victory, proving that even Hansi Flick’s rampant side can be vulnerable when faced with elite-level defensive pressure.

Michael Carrick insists he has no concerns over his job security despite Manchester United enduring their worst start to a league season in 40 years. The head coach takes his side to face Cesc Fabregas’ Como targeting a crucial Champions League victory.

Barcelona captain Raphinha has delivered a defiant message following his side's first defeat of the season, a 4-2 Champions League loss at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain. The Brazilian forward insists that the setback in France will have no bearing on the Blaugrana's mentality as they prepare for a high-stakes El Clasico showdown against Real Madrid this weekend.

Gus Poyet knows what Tottenham supporters are like, having represented the club, and has told GOAL that “80 per cent” of Spurs fans will have feared that their team were set to “draw” with Coventry when heading into the final 10 minutes of that contest. In the end, Roberto De Zerbi’s side picked up a 3-1 win - with the north London outfit savouring their first Premier League success of 2026-27.

U.S. Soccer has reported surging stadium attendance and television audiences across the first six senior national team fixtures held since the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Over 165,000 supporters turned out to watch the men's and women's sides in action during the autumn international windows as interest in the sport continues to grow.

James Maddison has reached out to Coventry City supporters to apologise for the way he celebrated his opening goal in Tottenham’s recent 3-1 victory. The England international, who grew up supporting the Sky Blues, was seen kissing the Spurs badge after finding the net on his first competitive start in over 500 days.

Jose Mourinho has firmly rejected the idea that any Real Madrid player, including Vinicius Junior, is guaranteed a starting spot. Speaking ahead of their Champions League clash with RB Leipzig, the Portuguese manager insisted that performances on the pitch dictate selection.

Barcelona are sweating over the fitness of attacking midfielder Dani Olmo after the Spain international limped out of Tuesday's Champions League defeat away to Paris Saint-Germain. Early medical assessments indicate the playmaker is facing a spell on the sidelines that will rule him out of Sunday's showdown against Real Madrid.

Barcelona have reportedly lodged a complaint with UEFA following a controversial fan display during their Champions League trip to the French capital. The Catalan giants were left furious after Paris Saint-Germain supporters unveiled a graphic, horror-themed tifo before their European encounter on Tuesday night.

If Manchester City are hit with Financial Fair Play (FFP) sanctions that result in them being relegated out of the Premier League, could Arsenal be tempted to raid the Etihad Stadium for another winger? Gilles Grimandi has told GOAL he is “not convinced” that the Gunners would move for fleet-footed Belgian star Jeremy Doku or hard-running Ghana international Antoine Semenyo.

Manchester United's continental ambitions have hit a literal roadblock in Italy as severe weather conditions threaten to derail their latest Champions League fixture. The Red Devils have arrived in Lombardy only to be greeted by torrential downpours that have placed their clash with Como under significant threat of postponement.

Jose Mourinho has warned Real Madrid against complacency ahead of their Champions League clash with Leipzig at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Portuguese coach insists the European powerhouse must focus on qualifying for the next phase before dreaming of silverware.

Manchester City’s ownership could face the ultimate sanction after the chair of Independent Football Regulator (IFR) confirmed he possesses 'absolute' authority to force a sale of the club. The stunning revelation comes as the Etihad giants continue to deal with the fallout of being found guilty of massive Premier League financial rule breaches.

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has praised Julian Alvarez after the Argentine forward ended his six-month goal drought to rescue a battling Champions League draw at Stuttgart on Tuesday. The Spanish visitors recovered from a first-half deficit before holding firm with ten men to claim a vital point in Germany.

Paris Saint-Germain are sweating over the fitness of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia after the winger suffered a suspected anterior cruciate ligament injury against Barcelona. The Georgian star was forced off in agony before the hour mark, sparking fears of a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Paris Saint-Germain may have secured a thrilling victory over Barcelona in the Champions League, but the celebrations at the Parc des Princes have been muted by a devastating injury crisis. Luis Enrique saw three of his most vital assets forced off the pitch on a night where the medical room became busier than the scoresheet.