Lists

Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund has hailed Vincent Kompany as the "perfect coach" for the reigning Bundesliga champions and explained why the team has enjoyed a terrific start to the 2025-26 season. The Bavarian giants have been in impeccable form, winning 10 games out of 10 and scoring goals for fun despite early fears that the squad didn't have enough depth.

Kingsley Coman has once again been called up by France boss Didier Deschamps for the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches this month after the winger left Bayern Munich in the summer to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr. The 29-year-old has defended the coach's decision to keep him in the squad, claiming he is just as good as he was when called up as an injury replacement in September.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has suggested they will not sign a new striker to replace Robert Lewandowski, calling it “a mistake” to be obsessed with a No.9. Amid ongoing links to Erling Haaland and Serhou Guirassy, Deco insisted that Barca should focus on renewal and internal stability instead of pursuing high-profile transfers.

Jordan Henderson's Brentford transfer has reportedly caused behind-the-scenes trouble at Ajax, with the players disrupted by his exit. After his brief and turbulent stint in Saudi Arabia, Henderson had looked to rebuild his career in the Netherlands. Though his early days at Ajax were rocky, the England international eventually found his footing, becoming a consistent figure in the team’s midfield and a respected voice in the dressing room.

Lionel Messi has admitted it will be “strange” not playing alongside Jordi Alba in an emotional tribute to his Inter Miami team-mate following the defender’s decision to retire from professional football. The Argentina star took to social media to hail his close friend and former Barcelona colleague after he announced he will hang up his boots at the end of the 2025 Major League Soccer season.

Kylian Mbappe’s mother, Fayza Lamari, has opened up on the emotional cost of her son’s fame, revealing how life in Paris “no longer felt human” under the relentless spotlight. Speaking candidly about the pressures that came with superstardom, she reflected on the loneliness, media obsession and the moment she realised her son had “slipped away” during his Paris Saint-Germain years.

Italy head coach Gennaro Gattuso revealed the details of his phone call with former World Cup-winning team-mate Fabio Cannavaro, who was appointed as the new head coach of the Uzbekistan national team earlier this week. The former midfielder had a cheeky dig at the Ballon d'Or winner for taking over a side that has already qualified for the World Cup while the Azzurri are "stuck in the trenches" in the battle to secure a place.

A "nervous" Cristiano Ronaldo has confessed to using AI to craft his speech at the Portugal Football Globes gala after receiving a "special" honour. After a record-breaking career taking him from Sporting CP to Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and now Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, the 40-year-old has rarely been caught off guard. But this time, he needed a little extra help.

Former Juventus and Netherlands winger Eljero Elia explained after he survived a terrifying car crash on the A4 motorway in Netherlands after wrecking his €300,000 Lamborghini. The 38-year-old’s luxury car collided with two others near Leiden, leaving the vehicles badly damaged. Fortunately, no one suffered serious injuries as police launched an investigation into the incident.

Cristiano Ronaldo says he intends to keep playing for a "few" more years, despite his family’s attempts to convince him to retire. The Portugal and Al-Nassr superstar has revealed his loved ones are pushing for him to hang up his boots following an incredible career which has seen him become of the greatest players of all time, but the striker is adamant he still has the desire to pursue more history in the sport.

Joao Palhinha has hit out at Bayern Munich for denying him the chances he “deserved,” describing his time in Germany as one of frustration and lost rhythm. The Portugal international, now thriving on loan at Tottenham, says he feels “happy and trusted” again as he enjoys a fresh chapter in familiar Premier League surroundings.

Luka Modric has been hailed as "an inspiration" and "a true example for everyone" by his AC Milan midfield partner Adrien Rabiot. The Croatian midfielder, who joined as a free agent after spending 13 years at Real Madrid, has had a phenomenal start to life at the San Siro, with the Rossoneri emerging as early contenders to win the Serie A this season.

Cristiano Ronaldo has risked an Al-Nassr backlash by admitting he would only play for Portugal if he could. Ronaldo is showing no signs of slowing down despite being at the tail-end of his career at the age of 40. But in a candid interview, the iconic forward expressed a deep passion for representing his country above all else.

Barcelona have reportedly come under investigation for allegedly avoiding taxes linked to the signing of Brazilian winger Malcom in 2018. The club are accused of paying €10 million to intermediaries for “non-existent” services, with police also probing former president Josep Maria Bartomeu and several ex-executives for financial misconduct.

Adrien Rabiot has branded Serie A’s plan to stage AC Milan’s league clash with Como in Australia as “completely crazy” and “truly absurd.” UEFA has “reluctantly” approved the move amid global regulatory loopholes, but the Frenchman slammed the idea of flying across continents for domestic matches, calling it “beyond reason.”

Trent Alexander-Arnold's girlfriend Estelle Behnke shared a loved-up snap with the "amazing" Real Madrid star to mark his 27th birthday. The German model, who commands an Instagram following of over 155,000, took to her stories to share a dreamy photo of herself locking lips with Alexander-Arnold against a tranquil waterside backdrop.

Steven Gerrard admits he is still haunted by failing to win the Premier League title with Liverpool, saying the memory of his infamous slip against Chelsea still rears its head from time to time. The Reds legend remains one of the greatest midfielders to ever grace the game but was unable to lead his boyhood club to a league title during an illustrious spell at Anfield.

It has been nearly seven months since Manchester United revealed their plans to build an ambitious new 100,000-seater stadium on the same site as Old Trafford with a glitzy video presented by world-famous architect Norman Foster. "Today marks the start of an incredibly exciting journey to the delivery of what will be the world’s greatest football stadium," said an excited Sir Jim Ratcliffe in March.

It was always going to be interesting to see which way Frank Lampard would turn when his ill-advised, ill-fated second spell in interim charge of Chelsea came to a sorry end in May 2023. With his managerial reputation in tatters following his January sacking by Everton, would he throw himself at the next Premier League vacancy that cropped up, or would he take stock and aim to come back stronger? Two years on, he will be overjoyed that he pipped for the latter.

And then there was one. According to RAC1, Barcelona have withdrawn their support for the European Super League (ESL), leaving Real Madrid as the only remaining member of the original 'Dirty Dozen' still supporting the controversial project.

Álvaro Fidalgo, one of Liga MX’s standout talents, could be eligible to represent Mexico in March 2026 after five years in the country and obtaining citizenship. The Club América midfielder’s vision and control could provide the creativity El Tri currently lacks beyond Marcel Ruiz. The Spaniard began his career at Real Madrid.

Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre believes Tijuana's rising star Gilberto Mora needs a new challenge abroad. After the 16-year-old’s standout performances for club and country, Aguirre urged him to “push into a different environment” by joining a European team competing in the Champions League, Europa League or Conference League.

Ex-Chelsea star Joe Cole has taken aim at football's administrators, claiming that the over-saturation of the football calendar is putting stars at heightened injury risk, and diluting the quality of the overall product. Cole pointed towards PSG and Chelsea's current injury problems, as well Rodri's persistent fitness issues and Lamine Yamal's concerns, as examples of players being 'flogged for financial reasons'.

After a heartbreaking loss in the Champions League final against Arsenal last season, Barcelona have made it their mission to regain the European crown as they kicked off the new campaign with a thumping 7-1 win over Bayern Munich on Tuesday. Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati contributed with an assist while Alexia Putellas scored the opening goal of the match.

Former Real Madrid star Gareth Bale believes MLS would be more appealing if salaries for international stars matched what they could earn in Europe. He added that the league’s infrastructure and life in major North American cities are otherwise major selling points. Bale had a brief but successful stint with Los Angeles FC, lifting the MLS Cup in 2022.

The USMNT may struggle without Adams, but Pochettino has plenty of options to consider in a pair of winnable friendlies

Crystal Palace hero Jean-Philippe Mateta has hinted he could leave the club in the near future as he wants to compete for the "Champions League and the biggest trophies". Mateta has displayed sublime form for Palace in recent years, having scored 30 Premier League goals in the last two seasons. The Frenchman also played a key role in the Eagles winning the FA Cup, beating Manchester City in the final.

Harry Maguire's ongoing legal troubles in Greece may finally be resolved almost five years after his arrest and original conviction. His retrial is scheduled to start on Wednesday. This is the fourth attempt to restart proceedings, after his original conviction for assaulting a police officer and attempted bribery was automatically quashed under appeal Greek law.

Just six months after Arsenal stunned Lyon on their own patch in the Champions League semi-finals on their way to a second European triumph, the French giants got some revenge on Tuesday night as they spoiled the start of the Gunners' title defence with a 2-1 victory that, in truth, flattered the holders. Alessia Russo gave the hosts the lead with seven minutes on the clock but once Melchie Dumornay had quickly cancelled that out, it was all Lyon as two goals from the Haitian star secured all three points for the eight-time winners.