Lists

Kylian Mbappe is being backed to play in the Premier League at some point, with Louis Saha telling GOAL why Manchester United would be a “good destination” for his fellow Frenchman. The World Cup-winning frontman is currently on the books of La Liga giants Real Madrid, but another high-profile transfer in upcoming windows could see a path that leads to England open up.

England have never come up against Lionel Messi, and Robbie Fowler has told GOAL why the 2026 World Cup could be the perfect occasion in which to cross paths with the Argentine GOAT. The ex-Three Lions frontman says the 2022 champion should not scare Thomas Tuchel’s side, while a reunion with old adversaries Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal should also be embraced.

The MLS All Star initial XI has been revealed, and the big names have made it - along with a few well-deserved surprises. GOAL's writers break it all down in the latest Rondo.

Declan Rice is “up there” with the best midfielders that England have ever produced, Peter Reid has told GOAL, as the Arsenal talisman has joined a talent bracket that includes the likes of Steven Gerrard and Bryan Robson. That is a big billing, but the newly-crowned Premier League title winner will want to justify it when starring at the 2026 World Cup.

Fresh off a win over Senegal, the USMNT face their toughest pre-World Cup test yet against Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz and Germany. GOAL breaks down five key storylines.

Lionel Messi has been selected to the MLS All Star team, and highlights a stacked roster after the initial round of fan, player and media voting. LAFC star Son Heung-Min was also selected, while USMNTers Tim Ream and Sebastian Berhalter also earned selections. With the initial XI selected, head coach Dean Smith and Commissioner Don Garber will round out the roster.

Luka Modric could be considered unique, given all that he has achieved, but Ivan Perisic has told GOAL that Croatia are capable of producing another Ballon d’Or winner in the future. The most decorated performer to emerge from that part of the world collected a prestigious Golden Ball in 2018. More “great talent” continues to drop off the production line, leaving hopes high when it comes to creating another member of the global elite.

Tottenham have completed the signing of veteran left-back Andy Robertson on a free transfer following his departure from Liverpool. The Scotland captain will officially move to London this summer, bolstering manager Roberto De Zerbi’s squad after a drama-filled pursuit that originally collapsed during the winter transfer window.

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak has pledged to speak openly about the club’s long-running legal battle with the Premier League once a verdict is delivered. More than 18 months after an independent hearing concluded, City are still waiting for a decision on 115 alleged breaches of financial regulations while maintaining their innocence throughout the process.

Graham Potter has leapt to the defence of his star striking duo Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak, insisting that both players remain elite talents despite receiving mixed reviews in England. The Sweden head coach, who is preparing for a World Cup campaign after a dramatic qualification play-off, believes the external perception of his forwards doesn’t match the reality of their contributions.

Southampton have completed the permanent signing of goalkeeper Daniel Peretz from Bayern Munich on a four-year contract for a reported £6 million fee. The Israeli international enjoyed a successful loan spell on the south coast last season, playing an instrumental role in securing a Championship play-off position before the club’s subsequent disqualification.

Brentford have suffered a major transfer blow after a proposed €50 million deal for Koln winger Said El Mala collapsed at the final hurdle. Despite both clubs reaching an agreement over the historic valuation, the 19-year-old's mother, who acts as his primary advisor, ultimately pulled the plug on the move to London.

Nike has unveiled its new "Rip the Script" campaign ahead of the 2026 World Cup, bringing together some of football's biggest names and global celebrities. Cole Palmer, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior headline the film, which promotes creativity and instinctive play while showcasing the brand's latest football innovations.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has conceded that winning the Ballon d'Or was never a personal childhood dream because he simply deemed the achievement impossible. The Spain international reflected on his historic individual triumph while tipping international team-mate Lamine Yamal to eventually claim football's ultimate individual accolade.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is reportedly preparing a major move for PSG midfielder Vitinha ahead of the club’s presidential election. The Portuguese star has emerged as the leading candidate for a marquee signing, with Jorge Mendes' influence viewed as a potentially decisive factor in any negotiations with the French champions.

Bayer Leverkusen have pulled off a surprise managerial appointment by naming former Toulouse boss Carles Martinez Novell as their new head coach on a two-year contract. The 42-year-old replaces the departing Kasper Hjulmand at the BayArena after the Bundesliga side saw moves for Andoni Iraola and Filipe Luis fall through.

Brazil forward Endrick has opened up about his testing spell at Real Madrid, revealing how Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold sustained him through regular phone calls. The teenage striker credited their unwavering support for rebuilding his confidence ahead of a transformative six-month loan spell with French outfit Lyon, even though he struggles to understand the pair.

Antony has opened up on the advice he received from Cristiano Ronaldo during their time at Manchester United and revealed how Erik ten Hag played a decisive role in bringing him to Old Trafford. The Brazilian also reflected on the pressure of English football and the challenges that eventually led him to seek a fresh start in Spain.

Former England midfielder Nicky Butt has warned Jude Bellingham that manager Thomas Tuchel will ruthlessly ignore player reputations at the upcoming World Cup. Butt believes the Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers possesses the ultimate X-factor and could completely outshine established superstars like Bellingham and Harry Kane on the global stage.

Breel Embolo's World Cup travel uncertainty has finally come to an end after the Switzerland striker received approval to enter the United States. The 29-year-old missed the squad's departure to their training camp in San Diego earlier this week, but is now set to link up with his team-mates ahead of the tournament.

Marquinhos has revealed the words he shared with Gabriel Magalhaes after the Arsenal defender's costly penalty miss in the Champions League final. The PSG captain put celebrations on hold to console his Brazil team-mate, insisting one moment should not overshadow an outstanding campaign.

Former Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin has agreed a deal to join Major League Soccer outfit Charlotte FC following a brief stint in Ligue 1. The French attacker is set to move to North Carolina as a Designated Player, cutting short his successful comeback in his homeland with Lens.

Schalke are moving to secure the futures of Loris Karius and Edin Dzeko after the experienced duo played key roles in the club's return to the Bundesliga. The goalkeeper is reportedly close to agreeing fresh terms, while the striker has been offered a new deal but will delay a decision until after his international commitments with Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada has refused to entirely rule out a summer departure for club captain Bruno Fernandes. While the Red Devils are determined to retain their influential playmaker, the Portuguese midfielder's mixed messages regarding his long-term future have sparked fresh speculation over his career at Old Trafford.

Fenerbahce president Sadettin Saran has been handed a prison sentence of two years and six months following a trial over illegal betting charges. The dramatic court ruling comes at a critical moment for the Istanbul heavyweights, arriving just days before the club's upcoming Extraordinary Elective General Assembly this weekend.

Florentino Perez has dismissed speculation linking Real Madrid with Erling Haaland and Harry Kane, while hinting that a €150 million signing will be unveiled next week. The club president used a television appearance to underline Los Blancos' financial strength as he faces growing pressure in the race for the presidency.

Jordi Alba has credited Unai Emery with changing the course of his career after the Aston Villa boss converted him from a winger into a left-back at Valencia. The former Barcelona and Spain star admitted he initially resisted the move but believes it ultimately helped him reach the highest level of the game.

A quick scroll through the Spain squad to face England in a crucial Women's World Cup qualifier on Friday and there is one team represented more than any other: Barcelona. Eleven of the 25 names selected by Sonia Bermudez are based in Catalunya, with La Roja able to tap into that familiarity in a very impactful way over the years. But a lot is going to change at Barca this summer.

"Who else?!" Those were the words of Jude Bellingham as he careened away in celebration after his quite remarkable bicycle kick had drawn England level in the 95th minute of their Euro 2024 round-of-16 game against Slovakia. The Three Lions had been terrible up to that point, but Bellingham’s heroic moment had kept them alive, continuing a season where he had been the difference-maker for Real Madrid again and again.