Lists

Soccer’s rise in the United States has reached another milestone. According to a recent survey from The Economist, the sport has overtaken baseball to become the country’s third-most popular sport, trailing only American football and basketball - a shift driven in part by the continued growth of Major League Soccer.

Legendary former player and manager Kevin Keegan, famed for his time at Liverpool and in charge of Newcastle and England, has been diagnosed with cancer, his family have revealed. The 74-year-old was recently admitted to hospital after experiencing symptoms, and will continue to be monitored. Keegan's last managerial role was in 2008 when he completed a fairy tale return to Newcastle, only to fall out with owner Mike Ashley.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has admitted he partly agrees with comments that his team are 'drab' and 'boring', as the Reds prepare for their huge showdown with Premier League leaders Arsenal on Thursday night. The Dutchman has come under criticism for how his team play, and while there were no real arguments from the manager, he does claim he would word it differently.

The truth behind a proposed €150 million (£130m/$175m) bid from Chelsea for Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior has been revealed after reports the Premier League giants were planning a mammoth offer for the Brazil star ahead of the January transfer window, amid claims he is unsettled in the Spanish capital since head coach Xabi Alonso's arrival back at his old club.

Chelsea are set to be disappointed in their pursuit of AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, as the Italian giants edge closer to tying their captain down to a new contract. Maignan was a transfer target for the Blues last summer and they were expected to renew their interest this year given the Frenchman would be available on a free transfer. However, Milan are now in advanced talks to keep the highly-rated stopper at San Siro.

Inter Miami are close to securing Tadeo Allende on a permanent transfer from Celta Vigo following a record-breaking MLS season. The Argentine winger was a key figure in Miami’s MLS Cup triumph, and his return would bolster a roster preparing not only to defend the title in 2026, but also to compete on the international stage.

The 2026 SheBelieves Cup will feature four teams: The USWNT, Argentina, Colombia and Canada and will be held across Nashville, Tenn., Columbus, Ohio and Harrison, N.J. The 2026 SheBelieves Cup games will be a trio of domestic games that will prove to be a proper preparation and test ahead of the qualifications for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has been named as the most valuable player on the planet in the 2026 CIES' Football Observatory top 100 list. Barca's young forward has seen his stock continue to grow in the last 12 months, earning second place in the Ballon d'Or rankings, behind Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembele. Bizarrely, however, the latest winner of the prestigious award has not been included in the top 100.

GOAL begins its Meet the USMNT series by examining the rise, pressure, and expectations surrounding Christian Pulisic as the U.S. prepare for a home World Cup.

Former Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has opened up on his feud with Andre Onana after infamously calling the Cameroonian one of the Red Devils' "worst-ever goalkeepers". The two traded barbs in the lead-up to United's Europa League quarter-final clash with Lyon last season, before the Premier League side won a dramatic knockout tie. Now, the ex-Chelsea ace has revisited that thorny issue.

West Ham United have reportedly decided to stick with under-fire manager Nuno Espirito Santo despite calls for his head growing louder following a damaging 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest. The Hammers are mired in a relegation battle, sitting 18th in the Premier League and seven points from safety, but the hierarchy is preparing to back their coach in the market rather than show him the exit door.

United States international Weston McKennie will reportedly not renew his Juventus contract amid rumours of a Major League Soccer return. The 27-year-old's future has been up in the air for years now, ever since he had an underwhelming loan spell at Leeds United in 2023. The midfielder has spent more than five years at the Italian giants but his spell there may be drawing to a close.

Bayern Munich CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen has responded to Harry Kane's admission that he could extend his stay at the Allianz Arena beyond 2027. The club chief emphasised the striker's value to the side while confirming that fresh talks regarding his future will take place at the "appropriate time" as the Englishman continues to enjoy life in Bavaria.

Ruben Amorim reportedly knew Manchester United players wouldn't win one game early in his tenure after 'watching how his players tied their laces' before the warm-up. The Portuguese was sacked by the Red Devils earlier this week, ending an ill-fated 14-month spell in charge. While the Old Trafford outfit are sixth in the Premier League, the 40-year-old is said to have previously aired his concerns that the club was already 'broken'.

Neymar has flaunted his latest extravagant purchase on social media, revealing a custom-made Batmobile worth £1.3 million that he cannot even drive on the road. The Brazilian superstar, who is a self-confessed superhero fanatic, parked the menacing vehicle alongside his £10m Batman-themed helicopter and £37m private jet to complete a stunning collection worth nearly £50m.

Michael Owen has delivered his verdict on Manchester United’s ambitious plans to become Premier League champions again by 2028, with the Red Devils plotting raucous 150th anniversary celebrations. Owen has told GOAL what needs to happen in order for a first domestic crown since 2013 to be captured by a team that is without a permanent manager at present.

United States international Gio Reyna has weighed in on the transfer rumours surrounding compatriot and AC Milan star Christian Pulisic. The 27-year-old is, arguably, in enjoying the best spell of his career but there is no guarantee his long-term future is with the Italian giants. Amid links with Manchester United, Borussia Monchengladbach man Reyna has praised Pulisic's "flying" form.

Ruben Amorim's explosive exit from Manchester United was triggered by a fierce disagreement over transfer strategy, with the Portuguese coach left furious after seven key targets were blocked by the hierarchy. From World Cup winners to teenage sensations, the full list of players denied to the former boss has now been revealed following his sacking.

Roma sporting director Ricky Massara has admitted that the club's pursuit of Joshua Zirkzee has been complicated by the dismissal of Ruben Amorim at Manchester United. The Serie A side had been keen on the Dutch forward, but the sudden change in the dugout at Old Trafford has altered the landscape, potentially offering the player a fresh start in England under new management.

Harry Kane has been urged to reject any potential advances from Barcelona as Dwight Yorke believes the England captain would struggle to replicate his prolific form in Spain. The former Manchester United striker claims the tempo of La Liga makes it a "much more difficult" environment than the Bundesliga, warning that a move at this stage of his career carries significant risk.

Lionel Messi has opened up on his post-retirement plans in an apparent nod to Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham. The Argentina international is coming towards the end of his career but is still, arguably, one of the best players in the world at the age of 38. While many would love the Miami ace to go into management, the veteran appears to have other ideas.

Bayern Munich sensation Lennart Karl has apologised to club chiefs after sparking controversy with comments about his desire to join Real Madrid. The 17-year-old winger was forced to clarify his stance following an interview where he named the Spanish giants as his "dream club", but he put the noise behind him on Tuesday by scoring twice in a dominant 5-0 friendly victory over Red Bull Salzburg.

Arne Slot has confirmed that Hugo Ekitike faces a late fitness test ahead of Liverpool's showdown with Premier League leaders Arsenal. The forward has yet to train fully since missing the recent draw with Fulham, leaving his participation in doubt. The Reds boss admits his side have been too inconsistent this term but believes a win against the "complete package" of the Gunners could spark a revival.

Lionel Messi has admitted he is "weirder than sh*t" in a revealing interview about his private life and previously getting therapy. The Inter Miami star, who has tended to stay away from the limelight and do his talking on the pitch, has spoken about what home life is like with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and why he sought help for his mental health at Barcelona.

Wayne Rooney has admitted his time in the dugout could well be over after revealing the strict conditions required for him to accept another managerial role. The Manchester United legend, who was sacked by Plymouth Argyle over a year ago, says he is no longer willing to live away from his family, conceding that such a stance makes a return to the touchline highly unlikely given his recent track record.

Ruben Amorim's right-hand man has become the first member of the coaching staff to address the Portuguese manager's departure from Old Trafford. Carlos Fernandes issued a dignified message to the squad and supporters just days after the board pulled the trigger. Meanwhile, reports suggest the sacked boss left the training ground in high spirits as the club narrows its search for an interim replacement down to two club legends.

Manchester United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly in contract talks over a sensational return to the dugout at Old Trafford. Days after Ruben Amorim was sacked by the Red Devils, the Norwegian is in negotiations with his old employers to return for a second managerial stint. It is said that the former Besiktas boss could even be back in charge by Friday.

Barcelona's preparations for the Spanish Super Cup have been thrown into chaos just 24 hours before kick-off. While teenage sensation Lamine Yamal sat out the final training session due to illness, the club has been rocked by the sudden departure of Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The veteran goalkeeper has flown back to Spain after suffering a fresh injury setback, leaving Hansi Flick's squad depleted.

Neymar has signed a longer contract extension than expected with Santos ahead of this year's World Cup. The 33-year-old has been the subject of intense transfer speculation, linked to Brazilian Serie A winners Flamengo and a host of other clubs. But the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star has put pen to paper on a new deal with his boyhood club, while stating he wants to "conquer the dreams that are missing".