Lists

Aitana Bonmati has won each of the last three Ballons d'Or Feminin - but the accolade will go to someone else in 2026. Will it be two-time winner and fellow Barcelona star Alexia Putellas who reasserts herself as the best player in the women's game? Or could there be a new name on the honour roll when the Golden Ball is handed out in Paris in October?

Chelsea have reportedly rejected multiple formal approaches for young defender Josh Acheampong after handing him an elite status at Stamford Bridge. The 20-year-old academy graduate has apparently been deemed completely untouchable by club officials, safeguarding his long-term future in west London despite growing interest from several Premier League rivals.

Real Madrid's pursuit of Jose Mourinho has become significantly more expensive after a key release clause in his Benfica contract expired. The Spanish giants had the opportunity to secure the Portuguese coach for around €6 million, but administrative delays linked to the club's presidential election mean the final cost could now rise to €15m.

Liverpool are advancing in talks to appoint former Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola as their new manager following the dismissal of Arne Slot. Anfield sporting director Richard Hughes is spearheading the negotiations, with the club determined to finalise the agreement and make a formal announcement before the World Cup begins on June 11.

Arsenal defender William Saliba could be forced to undergo back surgery immediately after the upcoming World Cup as his ongoing physical discomfort continues to intensify. Despite successfully managing the issue to play a starring role for the Gunners, recent medical assessments indicate that the centre-back requires long-term surgical intervention.

Chelsea could face a major setback in the transfer market after reports suggested Marc Cucurella is open to leaving Stamford Bridge. Barcelona and Real Madrid are both monitoring the Spain international, whose reputation has soared following an impressive resurgence at club level and a standout Euro 2024 campaign.

Chelsea home kit revealed with lion rampant crest.

Lamine Yamal will wear the No.19 shirt at his first World Cup after Spain confirmed their squad numbers. The announcement has sparked debate among supporters, with midfielder Gavi handed the iconic No.9 jersey and Dani Olmo taking the prestigious No.10 shirt ahead of the tournament.

Mason Greenwood could be set for a swift return to Europe's elite club competition after emerging as the absolute priority transfer target for both rival presidential candidates at Fenerbahce. The 24-year-old former Manchester United forward looks increasingly likely to leave French club Marseille this summer, with a potential move to Turkey offering another crack at the Champions League.

Liverpool have deemed goalkeeper Alisson untouchable this summer despite the uncertainty following the official sacking of head coach Arne Slot from Anfield. The Brazilian international continues to attract significant transfer interest from Serie A giants Juventus, but the Merseyside club remain determined to retain their long-serving No.1.

Arsenal are planning for the future after their Premier League title success, with Morgan Rogers emerging as a genuine transfer target. However, the Gunners still regard Julian Alvarez as their ideal attacking addition, while a number of player sales could be required to fund a major summer rebuild.

It's here. The 2026 summer transfer window has arrived and it promises to be an extremely eventful one in the women's game, with stars like Alexia Putellas, Sam Kerr and Beth Mead all set to be on the move in the coming weeks and months. There are plenty of deals that have been rumoured and reported for some time, with only the official announcements seemingly left to be done, but there will be some shocks along the way too, as always.

Thomas Tuchel’s England squad has touched down in Florida to begin a hot-weather training camp ahead of the upcoming World Cup tournament. Captain Harry Kane has firmly embraced the manager's collective ethos, insisting that the clear expectation for the Three Lions is to finally cross the line and bring home football's ultimate prize.

'Golden Generation'. Football has Adam Crozier, the former chief of the Football Association, to blame for the term, after he famously dubbed the England team as such following their 5-1 battering of Germany in a World Cup qualifier in Munich. It was a remarkable performance, but also a potentially catastrophic turn of phrase.

Real Madrid have stepped up their interest in Inter wing-back Denzel Dumfries as they look to strengthen their defensive options. With a reported €25 million release clause in his contract, the Dutch international has emerged as a realistic target, while Inter are already exploring a replacement.

We are now just over a week out from the 2026 World Cup finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with all 48 teams making their way to North America with dreams of glory driving them. All of the pre-qualifying favourites made it safely through, including Spain, Brazil, England, France and defending champions Argentina.

The tears began to flow down Cristiano Ronaldo's cheeks as soon as the full-time whistle blew at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha on the night of December 10, 2022. The forward was so upset by Portugal's shock World Cup quarter-final loss to Morocco he couldn't even bring himself to acknowledge his side's supporters. The pain was too great. So great, in fact, that he wasn't able to properly express his devastation until the following day - and even then only in a social media post.

This is Legacy, GOAL’s podcast and feature series that is counting down to the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the world’s game. This week, we revisit the matches that shaped Morocco's identity, the coaches and players who carried the hope of a nation, and the moment that proved nothing is impossible when a country decides to dream together.

It's officially transfer season. Europe's biggest competitions have concluded, new champions have been crowned and now attention turns to who will be on the move ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, with there plenty of big names in the women's game set for summer switches in what promises to be an entertaining and exciting few months.

Sergio Ramos has fiercely defended his integrity following the dramatic collapse of his consortium's multi-million takeover bid for Sevilla just days before a crucial financial deadline. The 40-year-old former Spain defender denied accusations of deception, hitting back at critics after a late change to the investment structure caused negotiations to break down completely.

Ansu Fati's Barcelona career is set to come to an end after Monaco decided to trigger the purchase option in his loan deal. The transfer gives the Catalan giants an immediate financial boost and creates significant room within their wage structure ahead of the summer window.

FIFA has launched its Female Health and Performance Project, an initiative aimed at advancing research, education and support for women’s soccer players at every level of the game, with a focus on training methods, health resources and performance guidance designed specifically for female athletes as the women’s game continues to grow globally.

Houston Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell has been called into U.S. women’s national team camp as an injury replacement for Manchester United’s Phallon Tullis-Joyce ahead of two June friendlies against Brazil. Tullis-Joyce was ruled out after suffering an injury during the World Sevens Football tournament in London, opening the door for Campbell’s return.

Javier Aguirre’s Mexico roster mixes history, trust, and risk, with Guillermo Ochoa chasing a sixth World Cup and German Berterame left out despite a late push.

Robbie Keane has emerged as a serious contender for the vacant Celtic job after holding formal talks with the club hierarchy in London. The former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland striker is pitching an ambitious project to the Hoops board as they weigh up a long-term appointment following a turbulent campaign.

Former Inter Miami midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi has reportedly made his Parma move permanent, after the Serie A club picked up his buy option for just under $5 million. The American made nine appearances for the Italian side before suffering a season-ending meniscus injury in March. His permanent departure would seem to open roster flexibility for the Herons.

Chelsea have reportedly rejected multiple approaches for rising defensive star Josh Acheampong as the club looks to secure the long-term future of their academy graduate. The 20-year-old has emerged as a key component of the project at Stamford Bridge, with the hierarchy determined to keep him in West London despite growing interest from Premier League rivals.

Alejandro Garnacho could be set for a swift exit from Chelsea just one year after his high-profile move from Manchester United. The Argentine international has failed to live up to expectations in London, prompting the Blues to explore a sale that has caught the attention of Italy's biggest clubs.