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World Cup winner Kleberson, who once played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United and in MLS, has explained to GOAL how Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi can land himself a record-extending ninth Ballon d’Or in 2026. The Argentine superstar is readying himself for another shot at global glory, which could put him in contention for Golden Ball recognition.

Dominik Szoboszlai has revealed he spoke to Mohamed Salah "almost every day" during the Africa Cup of Nations but refused to clarify the forward's future following his explosive interview about Arne Slot. The midfielder insisted the ongoing saga regarding the Egyptian's broken relationship with his head coach is strictly "between the manager and the club," as uncertainty around the star's situation lingers.

Dele Alli has been a free agent since being released by Serie A side Como in September 2025, but he reportedly has four offers from La Liga clubs on the table. The former Tottenham and Everton midfielder has been working on keeping himself in shape and may decide to take on a Spanish adventure after seeing a troubled Italian job cut short.

Michel Platini is undoubtedly one of the greatest footballers of all time. Playmaker, assister, goal-scorer: Platini was a complete player, capable of leaving an indelible mark on world football between the late 1970s and mid-1980s. He was the perfect No.10, embodying the true essence of the shirt number both then and now.

Herve Renard has heaped praise on Sadio Mane for his "heroic" intervention during the chaotic Africa Cup Of Nations final against Morocco. The former Liverpool star is credited with saving the match from abandonment after refusing to leave the pitch and convincing his team-mates to return, with Renard declaring that no other player "comes close" in terms of status in the West African nation.

Roberto Martinez has suggested that Cristiano Ronaldo will not be undroppable when Portugal open their quest for 2026 World Cup glory. The evergreen 40-year-old forward remains captain of his country, and an inspiration to millions across the globe, but he is not immune to a spot of bench duty and will be replaced if remarkable individual standards are allowed to dip.

Jamie Carragher has delivered a brutal verdict on Michael Carrick’s chances of landing the Manchester United job permanently, claiming the interim boss lacks the "special" quality required to win the Premier League. Despite a recent derby win over City, the Liverpool legend omitted Carrick from his final four-man shortlist, instead tipping a current international manager to take the reins at Old Trafford this summer.

Sir David Beckham has been told, alongside his wife Victoria, that their “brand” should not “come before your kids”. A former Manchester United team-mate of the ex-England captain has reacted to an explosive statement from Brooklyn Beckham that savages his parents. Rebecca Loos, who once worked for the family, has also spoken up on social media.

Thomas Frank insists he retains the full backing of the Tottenham board despite fans calling for his head after the West Ham defeat. The Dane revealed he held a "friendly lunch" with club chiefs on Monday, claiming the atmosphere remains normal ahead of a crucial Champions League tie against Borussia Dortmund. He faces the Germans with a decimated squad featuring only 11 fit outfield players.

Raheem Sterling is reportedly ready to snub interest from Italian champions Napoli as he pushes for a move to a Premier League rival. The Chelsea outcast, who has been frozen out at Stamford Bridge, is desperate to remain in the capital for personal reasons and has identified Fulham as his preferred destination.

GOAL's Front Three duo Jules and Yani put their ball knowledge to the test in a Football Jeopardy quiz challenge. Who will come out on top? And will host DSK make sure they don't come to blows?! Find out by watching the video above!

Arsenal starlet Ethan Nwaneri has reportedly held “positive” talks regarding a loan move to Ligue 1 giants Marseille. The talented 18-year-old playmaker is eager to find regular game time early in 2026, with fierce competition for places being faced at Emirates Stadium. Any switch to France would see the youngster link up with ex-Manchester United winger Mason Greenwood and former Gunners striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Hansi Flick has been dealt a fresh injury blow ahead of Barcelona's critical Champions League trip to Slavia Prague, with Ferran Torres ruled out for approximately 10 days with a hamstring issue. The Spaniard joins the suspended Lamine Yamal on the sidelines, leaving the Catalans short in attack. However, there is positive news for the Blaugrana as Raphinha returns to the squad, providing a timely boost as the club chases a top-eight finish to avoid the dreaded play-off round.

Coleen Rooney is said to have raised girlfriend concerns with son Kai, as the eldest child of Manchester United legend Wayne seeks to forge his own career as a footballer. The 16-year-old is considered to be a hot prospect, but has plenty of distractions to contend with. He has been linked with model Rosa Jackson, with “young love” considered to be a “dangerous” thing.

Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz has been subjected to a withering attack by Jerome Rothen following his disastrous Panenka penalty in the African Cup Of Nations final. The former Paris Saint-Germain winger accused Diaz of "wanting to humiliate" Senegal and claimed the "scandalous" attempt showed a total lack of respect for the Moroccan people's 50-year wait for silverware.

The new men in charge at Newell’s Old Boys have reiterated how it remains the club’s “dream” to bring home-town hero Lionel Messi back to his native Argentina. Favio Orsi and Sergio Gomez have taken the reins in Rosario and are preparing for their first season at the helm. Messi will not form part of those plans, as he remains tied to MLS Cup winners Inter Miami, but an emotional return to his roots could be made at some stage.

Former Chelsea and Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata has reportedly separated from his wife, Alice Campello, for a second time, marking a sad end to their attempts to salvage their seven-year marriage. The 33-year-old forward has moved out of the family home in Milan just a year after the couple reunited, with reports confirming he is now living in a separate property in an exclusive area of the city.

Cristiano Ronaldo has emerged victorious in his long-running dispute with former employers Juventus regarding wages that initially went unpaid. The Portuguese superstar, along with his team-mates in Turin, agreed to defer certain salary payments during the Covid-19 pandemic. He has since taken matters to court in a bid to keep £8.5 million ($11m) that was owed to him.

Manchester United have reportedly contacted Borussia Dortmund boss Niko Kovac as they explore potential long-term successors in the dugout. The 54-year-old, who famously rejected Tottenham Hotspur years ago, is understood to be high on the Red Devils' shortlist. With close links to United executive Christopher Vivell, the Bundesliga manager is said to be open to a future Premier League move.

"We’ve known Jobe [Bellingham] for several years, and of course we have followed his progress very closely. He has taken another huge step forward in his development over the last year, and even at the age of 19 he has become a real leader," Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl said after Bellingham's £28 million ($37m) transfer from Sunderland in June. "His commanding presence in central midfield is remarkable, and he will improve our team in various systems."

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...

Erling Haaland has already conquered most Champions League records, but Manchester City's trip to Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday offers him a chance to break new ground by becoming the first Norwegian player to score against a Norwegian team in the competition's history. Even though Bodo is a 24-hour drive from Haaland's hometown of Bryn and way up in the Arctic circle, this is still a homecoming for the nation's most famous athlete.

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.