Raphinha has officially made history by becoming the first Brazilian player to be named as the permanent captain of Barcelona. Following the departures of key leadership figures, manager Hansi Flick and the first-team squad have chosen the in-form attacker to wear the armband and lead the reigning Spanish champions throughout the upcoming 2026-27 campaign.
Marc Casado has completed a late summer loan move to Deportivo de A Coruna, but the midfielder has already caused a stir with his initial assessment of his new surroundings. The La Masia graduate, who found himself surplus to requirements under Hansi Flick, was caught on camera making a bold comparison between the newly-promoted side and his parent club.
Real Madrid suffered a frustrating 1-0 defeat to Real Betis after Kylian Mbappe missed a crucial penalty. Betis defender Marc Bartra has since revealed the clever tactical secret behind his decisive clearance following the save, admitting he consulted a former referee to exploit the encroachment rules.
Barcelona have reportedly unveiled their five-man leadership group for the 2026-27 campaign, marking a new era at the Catalan club. Hansi Flick has reshuffled the pack following notable summer departures, with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal notably stepping into a formal captaincy role alongside the likes of Raphinha and Pedri.
Barcelona have been rocked by a late fitness scare as Lamine Yamal was reportedly a notable absentee from the club's final training session on Saturday. The 19-year-old winger is now a major doubt for the Blaugrana's upcoming La Liga trip to face Valencia at Mestalla.
Manuel Pellegrini has hit back at Jose Mourinho’s assessment of Real Betis’ dramatic victory over Real Madrid, dismissing claims that his side merely rode their luck to secure the three points. The Chilean tactician watched his side bounce back from a disappointing defeat to Levante by defeating the Spanish giants at La Cartuja.
Real Madrid suffered a frustrating 1-0 defeat to Real Betis after Kylian Mbappe missed a stoppage-time penalty to rescue a point. Troy Parrott scored a late winner for the hosts on an evening that saw Jose Mourinho heavily question the officiating.
Jose Mourinho did not hold back following Real Madrid's first major stumble of the season against Real Betis. Although the Portuguese manager initially maintained a calm tone, he ultimately pointed to his players' lack of savvy compared to the cunning of the Betis side.
Real Madrid suffered their first defeat of the season in a dramatic clash against Real Betis at La Cartuja, but the post-match talk has been dominated by a single moment of officiating controversy. Despite claims that Marc Bartra encroached on Kylian Mbappe's late penalty, the officials correctly stood by their decision not to order a retake.
Barcelona have moved to protect their latest crop of academy graduates following a series of sensational breakthroughs into the first-team set-up. The Catalan giants have initiated negotiations to significantly improve the contractual terms of Hamza Abdelkarim, Xavi Espart, and Brian Farinas to ward off potential suitors.
Julian Alvarez is set to make his return to the Atletico Madrid matchday squad this weekend following a turbulent period defined by a failed attempt to force a move to Barcelona. The Argentine forward has been reintegrated into Diego Simeone's plans after missing significant training time and the club's recent league fixture against Sevilla.
Chelsea are reportedly ready to dive back into the transfer market this January to secure a direct replacement for Enzo Fernandez. Following the Argentine's high-profile departure to Manchester City, manager Xabi Alonso has identified a Atletico Madrid star to restore balance to his midfield engine room.
Anthony Gordon has enjoyed a truly spectacular start to life at Barcelona following his blockbuster summer transfer from Newcastle United. The England international winger has not only dazzled supporters with his immediate impact on the pitch, but he has also rapidly earned the deep respect of his new team-mates behind the scenes through his grounded approach.
Barcelona's pursuit of World Cup-winning defender Aymeric Laporte broke down after Athletic Club demanded a massive transfer fee. The Catalan giants hoped to secure the 32-year-old for under €15 million to solve their defensive problems. However, strained relations between the two Spanish clubs ultimately scuppered the late summer deal.
Jose Mourinho has finalised his Real Madrid squad for the new Champions League campaign, making a ruthless call to exclude experienced defender Ferland Mendy. The French left-back continues to recover from a long-term muscle injury and has subsequently lost his place in the European squad to a highly rated teenage midfielder.
Former Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has given his full backing to the club's acquisition of Rodri, believing the Spanish midfielder will bring essential experience and leadership to Hansi Flick's squad. The Polish veteran, who recently swapped Europe for Major League Soccer with the Chicago Fire, also reflected on his memorable four-year spell in Catalonia.
AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit has opened up on his decision to reject a summer transfer, with the highly rated youngster reportedly attracting strong interest from Real Madrid. Despite speculation over a blockbuster move to bolster Los Blancos midfield, Smit ultimately opted to remain in the Eredivisie following crucial behind-the-scenes talks with his current club.
Barcelona are planning to build a state-of-the-art indoor theme park inside the Spotify Camp Nou complex under an ambitious commercial partnership. The Catalan giants have reached an agreement with international entertainment operator Babylon Park Spain SL, with the multi-year concession set to be put before club members for formal ratification later this month.
Kylian Mbappe is only a “top three” player in the world at present, Bacary Sagna has told GOAL, with the Real Madrid and France superstar expected to miss out on Ballon d’Or recognition again in 2026. Harry Kane is a leading contender to land that prize, but Sagna has snubbed the Bayern Munich striker when revealing his pick for Golden Ball glory.
Barcelona have announced record-breaking financial results for the 2025-26 season, surpassing the €1 billion income barrier for the first time in their illustrious history. The Catalan giants will present these historic figures at a virtual Ordinary General Assembly on 19 September, underlining their ongoing financial recovery.
Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho has delivered a firm warning to defender Raul Asencio following his recent off-field disciplinary issues. While the 23-year-old was cleared of charges relating to an explicit video, a separate traffic conviction has left his manager visibly frustrated.
Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe reportedly acted as an unofficial consultant for Xabi Alonso during Chelsea’s frantic search for midfield reinforcements. The French forward was asked to provide a character reference for Roma's Manu Kone as the Blues prepared to sanction Enzo Fernandez's departure to Manchester City.
FIFA's latest International Transfer Snapshot has revealed a record-breaking summer window for both men's and women's football following the 2026 World Cup. English clubs led the way in global spending, as over 12,500 international transfers were registered in the men's game alone, totalling a staggering $9.89 billion.
Former Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti paid a special visit to Real Madrid City to meet Jose Mourinho and the first-team squad. The current Brazil head coach backed Mourinho to succeed at the Bernabeu as crucial LaLiga and Champions League fixtures approach.
Atletico Madrid star Marcos Llorente has shocked the footballing world by announcing his immediate retirement from international football. Despite being just 31 years old and coming off the back of a historic World Cup victory, the versatile midfielder has decided to hang up his boots for La Roja.
Real Madrid defender Raúl Asencio has been fully acquitted by a Spanish court of charges related to the distribution of an explicit video involving a minor. While his former youth teammates received suspended prison sentences for their involvement in the June 2023 incident, Asencio was cleared of all charges after prosecutors formally withdrew their case against the 23-year-old.
AC Milan veteran Luka Modric has opened up on his admiration for Real Madrid’s current crop of superstars, admitting he saw something special in Jude Bellingham from the moment he arrived. The Croatian maestro, who enjoyed a trophy-laden decade at the Bernabeu, remains a keen observer of the talent currently lighting up the Spanish capital.
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has admitted that football will always miss Lionel Messi following the Argentine's international retirement. Mourinho also addressed Julian Alvarez's situation at Atletico Madrid after a failed summer move.
