1. Sorry, Xabi - player power still reigns at Real Madrid

    The final image of Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid manager - and one that tells the story of his time in charge at the Bernabeu - was of someone else telling him what to do. After Sunday's Supercopa de Espana loss to Barcelona, Alonso gestured to his players that they should give a guard of honour to their victorious opponents as they went to collect the trophy. Kylian Mbappe, though, was having none of it, and insisted his team-mates follow his lead. They did just that - and so too did Alonso.

  2. Mario Basler

    Rebel United: Bayern icon who got drunk before the UCL final

    Teddy Sheringham. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. "Football, bloody hell!" The 1999 Champions League final is one of the greatest dramas in the history of Bayern Munich. The German giants led for a long time in Barcelona before Manchester United snatched the trophy they thought was theirs in stoppage time. But according to one member of the Bayern team, he actually won that final. "Actually, I'm a Champions League winner," claims the latest member of GOAL's Rebel United, Mario Basler.

  3. Salah vs Mane: The final battle in a great rivalry

    While Arne Slot seems to think that Liverpool's starting line-up is stronger without Mohamed Salah, the winger has been conspicuous by his absence in recent weeks, with the Reds struggling to score goals without their talisman. It's clear that they need their Egyptian King back at Anfield as quickly as possible. Salah, though, is desperate to extend his stay at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Indeed, he's not even attempting to hide just how much the tournament means to him.

  4. LEGACY: France '98 - The birth of a legend

    This is Legacy, GOAL’s podcast and feature series tracking the countdown to the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the world’s game. Today we look back at France '98; from the heartbreaks of Seville and Bulgaria to the night Zinedine Zidane lifted the trophy in Paris, this is the story of how France broke its curse and forged a winning identity that still defines Les Bleus today.

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Videos

  1. Watch Amorim's 'not the coach' press conference that led to sacking

    Ruben Amorim has been sacked by Manchester United after just 14 months in charge, with his post-match press conference after Sunday's 1-1 draw with Leeds United proving the final nail in the coffin for the Portuguese. Watch the above clip as the former Red Devils boss clarifies that he's the "manager, not the coach" and that his tenure was "going to finish in 18 months and then everyone is going to move on".

  2. 🎥 | 'Sh*t, it's Ronaldo!' - Beast Mode On Podcast with Ola Aina

    Nottingham Forest full-back Ola Aina is the latest big-name guest to join Adebayo Akinfenwa on the Beast Mode On Podcast. The talented Nigeria international, who left Chelsea in a permanent move to join Serie A side Torino in 2019, discusses life under Jose Mourinho with the Blues, his decision to return to the Premier League, the challenge of taking on Cristiano Ronaldo and much, much more

Transfers

  1. Klopp would 'seriously consider' ditching Red Bull for Madrid

    Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp would reportedly "seriously consider" replacing Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid if they come calling. Alonso has left the Bernabeu after just eight months in charge, with Alvaro Arbeloa taking charge of the team. Klopp is currently working as the Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull, but it has been claimed he could be tempted back into football management by Real Madrid.

  2. Enrique & Pochettino on Man Utd's four-man shortlist

    Manchester United have come up with a four-man shortlist of potential candidates to replace Ruben Amorim as the club's next permanent head coach. Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique and USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino are on the Red Devils' radar, while Michael Carrick is expected to be handed the job on an interim basis until the end of the 2025-26 season.

  3. Why Bayern Munich expect Kane stay despite ‘no new talks’

    Bayern Munich are “increasingly confident that Harry Kane will sign a contract extension” despite seeing the England international striker continue to generate transfer talk. The 32-year-old’s current deal is set to expire in 2027, and includes release clauses that can be triggered this year, but fresh terms are being mooted as a productive working relationship is enjoyed.

  4. Explained: Why Barcelona DELETED all traces of Cancelo transfer

    Barcelona fans were left confused on Tuesday after the club announced the return of Joao Cancelo only to immediately wipe all evidence from their social media channels. The Portuguese full-back had been pictured signing a contract to seal his loan move from Al-Hilal, but a delay in paperwork led to a hasty retreat by the club's media team as they wait for the final green light.

  5. Barca 'open' to keeping Lewandowski amid MLS & Saudi links

    Barcelona still consider Robert Lewandowski’s future to be “open”, with the door to an extended stay at Camp Nou not being “completely closed” as yet. The prolific Polish striker, who is now 37 years of age, has entered the final few months of his contract. With free agency beckoning in the summer, it has been suggested that the veteran frontman could head to MLS or the Saudi Pro League.

Premier League

  1. Mainoo in Man Utd dreamland as Carrick quotes resurface

    Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo may just be in dreamland after some old quotes from Michael Carrick offering advice to Ruben Amorim resurfaced ahead of the former midfielder's appointment as interim manager at Old Trafford. Carrick has previously spoken highly of Mainoo and highlighted the importance of having academy graduates in the first-team squad at Old Trafford.

  2. Wrexham draw with Liverpool in secret match featuring Mullin

    Wrexham took a trip to Liverpool on Tuesday afternoon for a friendly clash at the Premier League champions' AXA Training Centre. Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac's side faced an Under-21 Liverpool team and returned home after a 1-1 draw. Club legend Paul Mullin, who has been recalled to Wrexham after a loan spell with Wigan Athletic, featured along with former Red Conor Coady and ex-Burnley man Jay Rodriguez.

  3. Man Utd urged to make 'huge move' into $50 BILLION NBA Europe

    Manchester United are being urged to explore potential routes into the exciting new NBA Europe project that could be worth around $50 billion (£37bn). A potentially lucrative venture is being pitched by the National Basketball Association, with the plan being to create 12 franchises - and four teams that qualify without owning equity - which would be valued at up to $1 billion (£743m) each. Premier League giants United have been advised to join discussions regarding a crossover enterprise.

  4. Spurs' misery continues as star faces months out after surgery

    Tottenham’s nightmare season has gone from bad to worse with the confirmation that midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has undergone surgery on a hamstring injury and is set to miss at least three months of action. The news comes as a devastating blow to under-fire manager Thomas Frank, who is already grappling with a squad depleted by sales and injuries, whilst facing open revolt from a fanbase furious at the club's perceived lack of ambition and slide down the Premier League table.

  5. Ekitike equals incredible Dalglish record at Liverpool

    Hugo Ekitike has etched his name into Liverpool history alongside King Kenny Dalglish after a goalscoring return to action. The French forward came off the bench against Barnsley to complete a unique scoring set in his debut season. He has now found the net in five different competitions this term, a feat only achieved once before by the legendary Scot back in the 1977-78 campaign.

  6. 'Probably talking to him' - Amorim backed for shock PL return

    Ruben Amorim is being backed to make a sensational return to the Premier League a matter of days after his departure from Manchester United was announced. The Portuguese lasted just 14 months at Old Trafford, as he refused to change his tactical approach, but is being mooted by Sol Campbell as a potential Tottenham manager of the not too distant future.

Primera División

  1. 'What a load of sh*t!' - Bellingham rages at reports of Alonso bust-up

    Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham has hit back angrily at reports that he did not support manager Xabi Alonso during his tenure at Real Madrid. Alonso parted company with Los Blancos in the wake of their Spanish Super Cup defeat to Barcelona after just eight months in charge. There has been speculation about problems in the dressing room at Madrid but Bellingham insists he is not involved.

  2. Bellingham branded a 'snake' for comments after Alonso's exit

    Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham has been branded a "snake" for posting a delayed response to Xabi Alonso's exit. The former midfielder has left his role as manager after just eight months in charge, with Bellingham taking his time before posting a farewell message to the coach. The move has not gone down well with some supporters who have expressed their feelings on social media.

  3. Revealed: Cancelo's new Barcelona shirt number after loan move confirmed

    Barcelona have confirmed the return of Portuguese star Joao Cancelo, who has rejoined the Catalan giants on a loan deal until the end of the season from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. The versatile full-back, who impressed during the 2023-24 campaign, was unveiled on Tuesday alongside president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco, where it was revealed he will wear the No. 2 shirt for his second spell at the club.

  4. Mbappe absent from first Real training session after Alonso axe

    Kylian Mbappe played no part in Real Madrid’s first training session since taking the decision to part with head coach Xabi Alonso. He was relieved of his duties in the wake of a Spanish Super Cup final defeat to Barcelona, with the axe falling within 24 hours of that setback in Saudi Arabia being suffered. Reins have been passed to Alvaro Arbeloa on an interim basis, but he is not yet working with French superstar Mbappe.

  5. Alonso speaks out after Real Madrid dismissal!

    Xabi Alonso has broken his silence following his abrupt departure from Real Madrid, issuing a dignified statement that addresses his time in the dugout. The Basque tactician was relieved of his duties just a day after a painful Super Cup defeat to Barcelona, but he refused to show bitterness, instead sending a clear message of gratitude to his squad and the Bernabeu faithful.

UEFA Champions League

  1. Madrid, beware! Raphinha more than a one-season wonder

    It's never a good idea to pay much attention to football's annual awards ceremonies. These glorified popularity contests drag on for far too long and trying to wrap your head around the lack of logic involved in the voting process is an exercise in futility. However, it was impossible to ignore The Best FIFA Men's 11 for 2025 - because the omission of Raphinha made so little sense.

  2. 'Big chance' - Kane told what he needs to win Ballon d'Or

    Michael Owen, who remains the last Englishman to win the Ballon d’Or, has told GOAL what Harry Kane needs to do in order to land a prestigious Golden Ball in 2026. The prolific Bayern Munich striker is considered to have a "big chance" of claiming that prize as he chases down Champions League glory at club level and a World Cup crown with England.

  3. Football's 20 biggest winners and losers of 2025

    New Year's Eve is almost upon us, meaning 2025 is about to be consigned to the past - but how will it be remembered by the football world? It was certainly an unforgettable year for some players, coaches and clubs. Paris Saint-Germain, for example, finally got their hands on the trophy they craved above all others, the Champions League, thus vindicating a sensible change in recruitment strategy by the club's owners, who went from signing superstars to investing millions in youth.

  4. Ousmane Dembele

    Dembele rounds off incredible 2025 with 'Best Male Player' at GSA

    An almost perfect 2025 for Ousmane Dembele was completed on Sunday, as the Paris Saint-Germain forward was crowned 'Best Male Player' at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai. This was the latest in a series of personal accolades for the Ballon d'Or winner, who inspired PSG to winning the Champions League for the first time ever last season. Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal also picked up a pair of awards on the night.

  5. RANKED: The 10 best signings of the European season so far

    The Christmas period is upon us, which means we are somehow already more or less at the midway point of the 2025-26 football season. As many of Europe's leading leagues pause for the winter break, it's time to take stock and reflect on four scintillating months of action. It's also the opportune moment to assess those players who completed transfers across the continent in the summer, now that they have a decent sample size of games under their belts.

Serie A

  1. Brits Abroad: 'Super' McTominay steps up for Napoli again

    GOAL runs the rule over the British players earning a living away from their homeland, with plenty more stars deciding to leave their comfort zones in search of a better footballing life elsewhere. The Premier League is still obviously one of the world's most entertaining divisions and the Championship can prove fantastic for development, but there are more options out there.

  2. Clasico king Raphinha leads weekend's winners & losers

    On the weekend that the Bundesliga returned after its winter hiatus and two of Serie A's top three met in a crucial clash in the fight for the Scudetto, much of Europe was focused on cup competitions of varying degrees of importance. England and France played host to the latest rounds of their domestic tournaments while Spain and Turkey followed France's lead from earlier in the week in crowning their Super Cup champions.

  3. Livid Conte screams in fourth official's face after red card at Inter

    A furious Antonio Conte screamed in the face of the fourth official after being sent off in the second half of Napoli's top-of-the-table Serie A clash against Inter at San Siro on Sunday. The Napoli boss kicked a spare ball up the pitch in anger after seeing his side concede a late penalty, and was then shown a red card, but that only exacerbated his foul mood, with club officials eventually intervening to usher him down the tunnel. The game ended in a 2-2 draw, with Scott McTominay grabbing both goals for the visitors.

  4. Zlatan's son in talks to join ANOTHER of his father's old clubs

    Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s son Maximilian is reportedly in talks to leave AC Milan and join another one of his father’s former clubs. Ibrahimovic Snr was widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers of his generation, representing a host of Europe’s biggest clubs including Milan, Inter and Juventus in Serie A, as well as Premier League heavyweights Manchester United and La Liga champions Barcelona.

  5. Spurs reject Dragusin loan bid

    Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly rejected a loan bid from Roma for centre-back Radu Dragusin, who recently returned from nearly a year out with an ACL injury and had been targeted for a return to Serie A. The 23-year-old has been included in Thomas Frank's last six matchday squads despite coming off the bench just once, and the club may decide to keep him around this January after knocking back Roma's approach.