Lists

Before last season, very few casual fans would have been aware of Pafos FC's existence. The Cypriot outfit played in Europe for the first time in their 11-year history, reaching the last 16 of the Conference League, and followed up that impressive run by clinching their maiden league title. The latter achievement earned Pafos a spot in the Champions League qualifying rounds, and helped attract one of the most famous footballers of his generation.

This is Legacy, GOAL’s podcast and feature series following the road to the 2026 World Cup. Every week, we dive into the stories and legacies that shaped football’s greatest nations. Today we look at Spain’s search for a new symbol, 16 years after the golden glow of 2010. From Andres Iniesta’s magic in Johannesburg to the rise of a fearless teenager lighting up Barcelona, it’s the story of Lamine Yamal, and how one young prodigy could lead La Roja back to the top of the world...

Manchester United legends Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes have snapped back at Lisandro Martinez in their surprising war of words, with the Red Devils defender being advised to “f*cking grow up”. The World Cup-winning Argentine, who has not taken kindly to criticism from former Old Trafford favourites, has also been told that he “shouldn’t be at a big club”.

Tottenham star Destiny Udogie has been hit with another crushing blow after thieves broke into his £150,000 Range Rover. The defender was an unused substitute in Spurs' 2-1 home defeat to West Ham at the weekend, and when he came back to his car, he saw the back window had been smashed, and glass was everywhere. This comes months after he was allegedly threatened with a gun by a football agent.

Gabriel Jesus has urged Arsenal to extend his contract, while opening up on his injury struggles at Emirates Stadium. The Brazilian forward is out of contract at the Gunners in 2027, and as his contract ticks down, he has been credited with interest from Palmeiras. But it seems the former Manchester City ace wants to stay with Mikel Arteta's team in a bid to win big trophies.

Out-of-favour Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is reportedly set for a loan move to Girona. The German international was Barca's first-choice stopper for the best part of a decade but an untimely injury has led to him falling down the pecking order. With Joan Garcia now charged with starting between the sticks for the Blaugrana, Ter Stegen is nearing a January exit.

The January 2026 FIFA World Ranking was heavily influenced by the conclusion of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, with several African nations making major gains. Senegal’s strong tournament run pushed them up seven places to 12th overall, directly affecting both the USMNT and Mexico, who dropped to 15th and 16th, respectively.

With the 2026 World Cup just months away, GOAL looks at the state of Canada's full back positions.

GOAL looks at how the top USWNT players did abroad across the weekend, from Thompson at Chelsea to Tullis-Joyce at United and Fox at Arsenal.

Kobbie Mainoo is reportedly no longer considering a January exit from Manchester United following Michael Carrick's arrival as interim boss. The England international fell out of favour under former Red Devils head coach Ruben Amorim but started in Carrick's first game in charge at Old Trafford in the Manchester derby. And following that 2-0 win over Manchester City, it appears the midfielder is going nowhere for now.

Brooklyn Beckham has launched an astonishing attack on his parents Sir David and Victoria, insisting he "does not want to reconcile" with his family, and has accused his mother and father of trying to "ruin his relationship" with his wife Nicola Peltz.

Morocco star Brahim Diaz admits his "soul hurts" after missing a crucial penalty in his country's Africa Cup of Nations final loss to Senegal. The Real Madrid ace won Morocco a controversial penalty deep into stoppage time, but his tame Panenka was easily saved by Edouard Mendy. As Diaz reflects on their 1-0 defeat, Morocco are said to be considering legal action in light of Senegal's in-game walk-off protest.

As the Champions League picks back up again, GOAL's writers look at the state of the competition and make some big predictions as the group phase draws to a close.

The Champions League, Europa League and Conference League are back and GOAL breaks down what's at stake for Americans playing in the competitions.

Jack Grealish has been told he would be "perfect" in Major League Soccer despite impressing on loan at Everton. The winger's career looked to be on the decline as he struggled for game time at Manchester City but he has looked rejuvenated this season at the Toffees. Amid speculation over whether or not he will join David Moyes' side permanently, the England international has been backed to head to North America.

“He’s a joke,” says Arsenal youngster Charles Sagoe Jr when asked to describe what it’s like working with Bukayo Saka. “What you see on the TV is how he's applying himself every day in training. It’s very inspiring.” And when it comes to inspirational figures, there are few better around for Sagoe Jr to learn from and work alongside than Saka.

Jurgen Klopp says he "doesn't expect" to change his mind and go back into management amid links with Real Madrid. The German hasn't been in the dugout since leaving Liverpool in 2024, and despite showing no signs of returning to coaching, the managerial links keep coming. Now, Red Bull's global head of football has addressed his future, and whether or not he considers himself "world class".

The Finalissima 2026, set to be contested between Argentina and Spain, will headline a series of high-profile international matches which will be held in Qatar during March 2026.

Fulham have made a $35 million (€30 million) offer for U.S. men's national team star Ricardo Pepi, GOAL can confirm, and, despite seeing that bid rejected, several English clubs remain interested in the forward. The offer comes despite Pepi's recent arm injury, which hasn't prevented Premier League clubs from making a push to sign the striker this January.

Tottenham have confirmed that defender Ben Davies is set to undergo surgery after fracturing his ankle in his side's 2-1 loss to West Ham. Pressure is mounting on Spurs boss Thomas Frank after a damaging home defeat to the relegation-threatened Hammers at the weekend. To make matters worse, Wales international Davies picked up the injury in the derby defeat and now he faces a lengthy lay-off.

Marc Guehi has officially signed for Manchester City after completing a £20m ($27m) move from Crystal Palace. The England defender has penned a contract with City until 2031 and immediately boosts the team's injury-ravaged defence, with Pep Guardiola's side having lost Josko Gvardiol for the rest of the season while also missing Ruben Dias and John Stones.

James McClean has revealed his only regret after bidding farewell to Wrexham. The veteran Irishman has returned to his roots at Derry City, with the enigmatic 36-year-old seeing his contract terminated. He is happy to be heading home, but thoroughly enjoyed his time working with “incredible” Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney during a history-making era for “Disney FC”.

Former West Ham and England striker Carlton Cole has lifted the lid on a hilarious but painful dressing room prank that left him writhing in agony on a bathroom floor. The cult hero revealed how mischievous international team-mates tricked him into trying 'snus' for the first time, assuring him it would "settle him down" before the nicotine pouch caused a severe physical reaction that had the rest of the squad "laughing their heads off".

Cristiano Ronaldo will not want to stop without a World Cup win that allows him to emulate eternal rival Lionel Messi, the Portuguese’s former Manchester United team-mate Kleberson has told GOAL. A man who knows all about the mindset of an all-time great has also boldly predicted that evergreen CR7 could play on until the age of 50 if he really wants to.

Gianluigi Donnarumma’s agent has dropped a stunning transfer bombshell, admitting that the Italy captain would jump at the chance to return to Serie A despite only joining Manchester City six months ago. While Enzo Raiola insists his client is currently finding "serenity" in England, he revealed that they would "seize" the opportunity to head home if a suitable offer arose, putting long-term admirers Juventus and Inter on red alert regarding the goalkeeper's future.

Kylian Mbappe has sought to defend Real Madrid team-mates Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham from the brutal boos that have come their way. Restless natives at the Bernabeu took to jeering their own players during a La Liga clash with Levante, with certain individuals considered to have contributed to club legend Xabi Alonso losing his job as manager.

Manchester United have dealt a blow to Roma’s hopes of signing Joshua Zirkzee, with the Italian club’s director confirming Old Trafford chiefs have issued a firm "no" to any deal. Despite the injured Dutch forward’s desire to leave in search of regular game time to boost his international prospects, United are refusing to sanction an exit, leaving caretaker boss Michael Carrick with an unhappy player as he prepares for a crucial trip to Arsenal.

It has been revealed when Xabi Alonso will look to get back into management following his shock sacking by Real Madrid. The 44-year-old lasted just seven months, taking in 34 games, at the Bernabeu before being relieved of his duties. He is already being linked with other clubs, including a few in the Premier League, but will not be rushing into another role.

Chelsea have received a major boost regarding Levi Colwill's recovery from a devastating knee injury, with optimism growing that the defender will return before the season ends. However, the Blues are refusing to stand still, accelerating plans to sign a £60m-rated replacement this month to address the defensive crisis that contributed to Enzo Maresca's mid-season exit.