Spanish football could be on the brink of a groundbreaking moment and it’s FC Barcelona leading the charge. According to reports in Sport, the Catalan club is pushing for its December league fixture against Villarreal to be staged not in Spain, but under the Florida sun at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. If approved, it would mark the first official La Liga match ever played outside Spain.
Robert Lewandowski has made it clear he is not ready to walk away from Barcelona, turning down approaches from Saudi Arabia and setting his sights firmly on continuing his career in Catalonia. The veteran striker is determined to see out his current deal, and possibly extend it, despite being linked to a lucrative move to the Middle East.
Barcelona have confirmed Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been reinstated as club captain after resolving a dispute over his medical records following back surgery. The Germany international had initially refused to sign an authorisation form for La Liga, resulting in the temporary removal of his captaincy and the opening of disciplinary proceedings. The matter has now been settled, with the goalkeeper back in his leadership role.
Barcelona launched disciplinary action against Marc-Andre ter Stegen and stripped him of the captaincy earlier this week after a dispute over a medical consent form related to his injury. The German goalkeeper has now broken his silence, calling the rumours around his intentions 'unfounded' while expressing willingness to resolve the matter with the club.
Tension is said to be building in the Barcelona dressing room as team-mates Fermin Lopez and Gavi are at loggerheads due to their girlfriends, who repotedly do not get along. Gavi and Lopez are known to be close friends since childhood as they spent a significant amount of time at La Masia together, before featuring for Barcelona's senior side. Gavi, who recently celebrated his 21st birthday, notably did not receive any message from Lopez.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot, Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman and Paris Saint-Germain's Luis Enrique are among the prominent nominees for the Johan Cruyff awards that will be given away at the 2025 Ballon d'Or. Both Chelsea coaches, Enzo Maresca and Sonia Bompastor, have been nominated as well, along with Barcelona's Hansi Flick, who inspired the Blaugranas to a domestic treble.