Lists

Harry Kane has become Lionel Messi-esque for England in terms of his value to the collective cause, with Stan Collymore explaining to GOAL why that is a good thing and how the Three Lions’ record goalscorer is benefitting from a mindset that others have lacked. The prolific Bayern Munich frontman is leading another bid for World Cup glory at present, with a star-studded squad often being carried on his back.

Luka Modric criticised VAR after Croatia's World Cup exit to Portugal, insisting his side were unfairly treated following a controversial penalty and a disallowed equaliser. The Croatia captain questioned the consistency of officiating and suggested bigger nations receive more favourable decisions.

Rennes are close to finalising a major coup in the transfer market after agreeing a €28 million deal to sign highly rated defender Charlie Cresswell from Toulouse. The former England Under-21 European champion has negotiated an exceptional salary package to move to Brittany, following a stellar two-year spell on the banks of the Garonne.

FIFA have explained why Croatia's dramatic stoppage-time equaliser against Portugal was ruled out after VAR intervened. Connected Ball Technology detected the slightest touch from Igor Matanovic in the build-up, allowing officials to confirm an offside offence and sending Portugal through while Croatia crashed out.

Cristiano Ronaldo retains the ability to make “people shut their mouth”, Louis Saha has told GOAL, with a former Manchester United team-mate of CR7 explaining why the Portuguese superstar attracts more criticism than fellow GOAT Lionel Messi. Both men are currently on 2026 World Cup duty, with more questions being put to an evergreen European frontman than his eternal South American rival is facing.

The German Football Association (DFB) has confirmed their intention to open managerial talks with Jurgen Klopp following Julian Nagelsmann's resignation. The governing body announced that the former Liverpool boss has already signalled his willingness to inherit the national team vacancy, opening the door for a sensational return to the dugout.

Lionesses star Georgia Stanway has opened up on her decision to join Arsenal, after the Gunners' announced her arrival on Friday morning. It's a move that ends Stanway's four-year spell in Germany with Bayern Munich and she has now explained why she wanted to return to England and what made her choose Arsenal, amid interest from both Chelsea and Lyon.

Napoli have officially confirmed the appointment of Massimiliano Allegri as their new head coach following his departure from AC Milan. The highly decorated tactician steps into the dugout to replace Antonio Conte, signalling the start of a fresh chapter for marquee stars Scott McTominay and Kevin De Bruyne.

Riyad Mahrez has announced his retirement from international football after Algeria's 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32. The former Manchester City winger brings the curtain down on a distinguished 12-year international career that included AFCON glory and 119 caps.

Former Arsenal and Sweden midfielder Stefan Schwarz has told GOAL that while Viktor Gyokeres may not be a “classy attacker”, he is finding his feet in the Premier League - as a title winner - and should be closer to his “best” during the 2026-27 campaign. The powerful frontman enjoyed a productive debut campaign at Emirates Stadium, but continues to see more forwards linked with big-money moves to north London.

Farioli has drafted Nuno Tavares into the Porto squad.

Julian Nagelsmann is no longer Germany manager following the nation's bitter World Cup exit in the round of 32. The tactical mastermind initially insisted he would not run away from the job, but he has now agreed to vacate his position after senior DFB officials withdrew their support during a tense crisis meeting.

Tottenham Hotspur have decided against signing Joao Palhinha on a permanent deal after his loan spell, with the Portugal midfielder now set to return to Bayern Munich. Spurs have shifted their focus after major investment in midfield, while Palhinha's long-term future in Germany remains uncertain.

Barcelona are pushing to complete a deal for Brazil international forward Kerolin which would represent a club-record transfer. The reigning European champions have already had two bids rejected by Manchester City but the two clubs are working to finalise the move, with Kerolin reported to be open to the transfer and City having no objection to selling the 26-year-old.

The France national team are no strangers to World Cup soap operas, with some bizarre headlines being made down the years, but Louis Saha has told GOAL that Rayan Cherki’s apparent snubbing of head coach Didier Deschamps is “not drama”. The enigmatic Manchester City playmaker has seemingly not taken kindly to the lack of game time being passed his way at FIFA’s flagship event.

Real Madrid have moved swiftly to shut down mounting speculation linking them with a sensational summer move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez. The Spanish giants issued a firm public statement to distance themselves from the Argentine World Cup winner, despite recent comments from the player's representative hinting at a Stamford Bridge exit.

Cristiano Ronaldo paid an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota after Portugal's dramatic World Cup win over Croatia. Wearing a shirt bearing Jota's old No.21 after the final whistle, the Portugal captain dedicated the victory to his late international team-mate.

Roberto Martinez has revealed how the memory of the late Diogo Jota inspired Portugal during their dramatic World Cup knockout victory over Croatia. The national team manager pointed out several emotional coincidences linking the narrow triumph directly to the former forward, who tragically passed away alongside his brother in a car accident last year.

Nicky Butt has questioned Thomas Tuchel's management after England's unconvincing World Cup win over DR Congo. The former Manchester United midfielder criticised the head coach's squad selection, tactical approach and reluctance to deviate from his plan, warning that those decisions could prove costly later in the tournament.

Lionel Scaloni has defended Argentina's attacking variety ahead of their World Cup knockout opener against tournament surprise package Cape Verde in Miami. The manager insists he remains completely unconcerned by his talismanic captain's heavy goalscoring burden, despite the veteran forward netting six goals during the group stage.

Croatia's dramatic late equaliser against Portugal was ruled out after VAR detected the slightest touch from Igor Matanovic before the ball crossed the line. The striker questioned the decision, while head coach Zlatko Dalic criticised the officiating after Croatia's painful elimination.

"Football's coming home again, with Tommy Tuchel" were the words that rang around the exterior of Atlanta Stadium as tens of thousands of fans walked out into the Georgia heat following England's 2-1 win over DR Congo. The mood was jubilant. Everyone was happy. England won, DR Congo lost. England are now four victories away from ending 60 years of hurt and winning a long-coveted World Cup.

Kylian Mbappe is capable of completing a clean sweep on the trophy front in 2026, Louis Saha has told GOAL, with the France international in contention for World Cup, Golden Boot, Golden Ball and Ballon d’Hor honours. The Real Madrid forward has been starring on the grandest of stages, with the perfect response being delivered to some “strange criticism”.

Lionesses star Georgia Stanway has been unveiled as Arsenal’s first signing of the summer transfer window, following her departure from Bayern Munich. The England international made it known in January that she would be leaving the club at the end of last season and her move to the Gunners has finally been confirmed after months of speculation.

Luis de la Fuente has acknowledged that Lamine Yamal has not yet reached his absolute peak at the 2026 World Cup, despite Spain's dominant victory over Austria. The national team manager remains completely unfazed by the teenager's lack of goals in the tournament, firmly backing his prized prodigy to make a defining impact very soon.

Liverpool have unveiled a permanent memorial to Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, at Anfield ahead of the first anniversary of their deaths. The 'Forever 20' tribute stands on 97 Avenue, where supporters gathered to leave flowers and messages following the tragedy, creating a lasting place of remembrance for fans and the brothers' family.

It's fair to say that France's forward line has taken the 2026 World Cup by storm. After winning all three of their group games, Les Bleus defeated Sweden 3-0 in the round of 32 to become the tournament's top scorers at the time of writing, with 13 goals. Unsurprisingly, Kylian Mbappe has accounted for the majority of those goals, with the Real Madrid superstar striking six times in four outings so far.

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to bring down the curtain on his legendary international career at the conclusion of the current World Cup tournament. The Portugal captain's sister went public with the definitive retirement update, revealing that the 41-year-old forward has no intention of extending his record-breaking international career to Euro 2028.

Manchester United have opened talks with West Ham over a move for Crysencio Summerville as they look to strengthen their attack this summer. However, any deal for the Dutch winger is likely to depend on Marcus Rashford's future, with uncertainty over the England international continuing to delay the Red Devils' transfer plans.