Lists

Ollie Watkins has revealed that being left out of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad earlier this year was the catalyst for the best form of his career. The Aston Villa striker saw his World Cup dreams hang in the balance after missing the March camp, but he believes the setback provided the necessary fire to prove his worth on the big stage.

Lionel Messi has added yet another illustrious trophy to his unparalleled collection after being named the winner of the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports. The Inter Miami superstar succeeds tennis legend Serena Williams in receiving one of Spain's highest distinctions, sparking a wave of congratulations from across the globe, including from his former home at Barcelona.

Recently retired England stalwart Kyle Walker has cast doubt on Thomas Tuchel’s maiden tournament squad by naming three players he believes were unfairly omitted. The 36-year-old, who earned 96 caps for the Three Lions, suggested that the German manager has taken a massive gamble on the fitness and form of his defensive line.

Harry Kane will “half want to come back” to the Premier League once his adventure at Bayern Munich is over, Peter Reid has told GOAL. An England icon of the past would like to see one of the present make his way to Everton, but appreciates that may be slightly ambitious and has explained what makes the Three Lions’ all-time leading goalscorer special.

Bayern Munich's rising star Lennart Karl has revealed the unique way he keeps his footballing idol close to him during every match. The Germany international, who is rapidly becoming one of the most talked-about talents in the Bundesliga, has admitted to carrying a secret tribute to Lionel Messi onto the pitch.

Brad Friedel has - during an exclusive interview with GOAL - sought to play down expectations around “poster boy” Christian Pulisic, but considers four other players to sit alongside ‘Captain America’ in the USMNT’s “undroppable” pool. The United States are considered to be working with a ‘Golden Generation’ of talent as a home World Cup is taken in.

France are preparing to head across the Atlantic in search of World Cup glory, but the squad has already managed to go viral before touching down in the United States. During a formal photo session with President Emmanuel Macron, Manchester City star Rayan Cherki stole the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.

Thomas Tuchel is preparing to hand Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott his international debut during England's final World Cup preparations. Despite not being named in the final 26-man tournament squad, the 22-year-old has been thrust into the spotlight for the upcoming friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica.

Harry Kane will be leading England’s quest for World Cup glory in 2026, but can the prolific Bayern Munich striker make history by becoming the first man to win two Golden Boots? Ex-Three Lions frontman Robbie Fowler has told GOAL that target can be hit while moving ever closer to an exclusive club that is currently occupied by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Everything you need to know about the new Real Madrid kits for the 2026-27 season.

Manchester United have officially confirmed that Rasmus Hojlund has completed a permanent move to Napoli following a productive loan spell in Italy. The Denmark international, who arrived at Old Trafford from Atalanta in 2023, returns to Serie A on a full-time basis after the Neapolitans triggered a mandatory purchase clause.

Harry Kane has enjoyed a landmark moment in his career off the pitch after being immortalised at Madame Tussauds London. The England captain described the unveiling of his waxwork as a "proud moment" for his family as he prepares to lead the Three Lions into the upcoming World Cup.

Nottingham Forest star Chris Wood endured a bittersweet evening in Fort Lauderdale as he officially became the most-capped player in New Zealand men's football history. However, the veteran striker's record-breaking night against Haiti was completely overshadowed by a shambolic performance from the All Whites.

Rayan Cherki is being backed to justify comparisons with Zinedine Zidane, as Louis Saha tells GOAL why the enigmatic Manchester City playmaker can become even better now that Pep Guardiola has left the Etihad Stadium. The most demanding of coaches helped to keep a tight leash on Cherki, but the World Cup-bound midfielder should benefit from a little more leeway when working under a new manager in the Premier League.

Jordan Henderson has spoken out to defend Thomas Tuchel’s controversial selection decisions as England begin their World Cup preparations in the United States. The veteran midfielder, a questionable inclusion himself, addressed the public outcry regarding the absence of several high-profile Premier League stars from the final 26-man roster.

Chelsea are prepared to sanction the sale of Marc Cucurella this summer after reportedly naming their asking price, with Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid actively monitoring the defender's situation. Despite establishing himself as a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge, the Spain international is understood to be open to a fresh challenge away from west London.

Jude Bellingham at Liverpool is a transfer that could be agreed at some point in the future, Reds legend Robbie Fowler has told GOAL, with the England international midfielder being told where his game can still improve. The all-action 22-year-old remains on the books of Real Madrid for now, but a Premier League challenge may be sought once his Spanish adventure comes to a close.

Tottenham playmaker Xavi Simons has sparked excitement among the Spurs faithful after dropping a significant hint regarding a potential reunion with former teammate Savinho. The north London club are actively working on a deal to bring the Manchester City winger to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium following a difficult campaign for the Brazilian at the Etihad.

Kobbie Mainoo has credited Michael Carrick with saving his international career after being named in England's 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup. The Manchester United starlet admitted he is "very grateful" to the newly-permanent Old Trafford boss for the faith shown in him since he took the reins.

Paul Pogba has, following a disappointing return to competitive action at Monaco, been given two reasons why moves to MLS or the Saudi Pro League may be perfect at this stage of his career. John Arne Riise is among those to have been left frustrated at seeing the former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder flop in France and fail to reignite a lost spark.

Cole Palmer appears to be making the most of his unexpected summer break, having been spotted relaxing in Ibiza alongside Wayne Lineker following his omission from the England squad. The Chelsea star was a high-profile absentee from Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man selection for the upcoming World Cup.

Salford City co-owners David Beckham and Gary Neville have made the ruthless decision to sack head coach Karl Robinson. Despite leading the Ammies to their highest-ever league finish and a trip to Wembley, the former MK Dons and Oxford United boss has been relieved of his duties with immediate effect.

Switzerland’s World Cup preparations have been thrown into chaos after star striker Breel Embolo was sensationally blocked from travelling to the United States. The Rennes forward was forced to remain behind while the rest of Murat Yakin’s squad jetted off to their training base in San Diego.

Real Madrid have moved decisively to secure their first major signing of the summer, reaching a full agreement to bring Inter's Denzel Dumfries to the Bernabeu. The Spanish giants have opted to bypassed lengthy negotiations by triggering a remarkably low release clause to land the Netherlands international.

Cristiano Ronaldo does not want to win the World Cup “because of Lionel Messi”, Eric Djemba-Djemba has told GOAL, with the Portuguese GOAT driven by an insatiable desire to succeed. A global title on North American soil this summer would, however, complete the 41-year-old’s medal collection and see him emulate the achievements of his eternal rival.

Leon Goretzka is on the hunt for a new home as his departure from Bayern Munich looms. The German international, once destined for a move to Italy, is now looking toward the Premier League after a series of collapsed negotiations with Serie A clubs.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has voiced his confusion over the club’s managerial direction following the shock dismissal of Arne Slot. With Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola now the frontrunner to take the hotseat, Carragher believes the Reds have missed a massive trick by allowing Xabi Alonso to slip through their fingers and join Premier League rivals Chelsea.

Barcelona have been handed a significant boost in their pursuit of a permanent deal for Joao Cancelo, with Al-Hilal reportedly softening their financial demands. The Portuguese international has made it clear he has no intention of returning to the Saudi Pro League after a successful loan spell in Catalonia.

Robert Lewandowski is about to hit free agency, as his Barcelona contract expires, with Louis Saha telling GOAL why the prolific Polish striker could be a useful addition for Manchester United. The Frenchman believes a similar impact to that made by Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be enjoyed at Old Trafford, but the addition of a Kylian Mbappe-esque forward is considered to be of more pressing importance to Premier League heavyweights.