'The Chaaaaampions'. That's right - the most famous anthem in world football is set to ring out around Europe yet again as the 2025-26 Champions League season gets under way this week. Thirty-six teams are vying it out to lift the European Cup in Budapest on May 30, but can any of them take Paris Saint-Germain's crown away from them?
Ed Sheeran is set to become the latest musical artist to feature on the front of Barcelona shirts when the Liga giants take in a Clasico clash with old adversaries Real Madrid. That rivalry is set to be rekindled on October 26, with Sheeran - who recently released his new album ‘Play’ - forming part of the long-term sponsorship agreement that Barca have in place with Spotify.
Samuel Umtiti has officially announced his retirement from football at just 31 years old, bringing an end to a career that saw him win the 2018 World Cup with France and multiple trophies at Barcelona. The defender, once regarded as one of the best centre-backs in Europe, has been forced to hang up his boots after years of knee problems limited his playing time.
Robert Lewandowski has recalled the difficulty he had when speaking with Sir Alex Ferguson about a potential move to Manchester United. The Polish striker had been linked with a move to Old Trafford for some time during his Borussia Dortmund days and has explained why such no such deal materialised before he ended up heading to Bayern Munich and then Barcelona.
Former Barcelona and France defender Eric Abidal has been forced to release a statement confirming he is "alive and well" after a cruel rumour of his death circulated on social media. The 46-year-old took to Instagram to slam the false reports, which exploited his real-life battle with liver cancer from 2011.
Real Madrid have escalated their refereeing battle by preparing a complaint to FIFA, linking recent controversies with the Negreira case. The breaking point came on Saturday when Dean Huijsen was sent off against Real Sociedad - a decision the club argued was harsh, with Eder Militao covering the play. For Madrid, the red card was not an isolated error but latest in a series of questionable calls.
Barcelona are set to hold high-level talks with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to resolve the feud over Lamine Yamal's injury. The move follows manager Hansi Flick's public criticism of Spain for playing the teenager while he was carrying an injury, which has now ruled him out of key club fixtures including this week's Champions League clash.
GOAL runs through the best and worst of British players plying their trade on foreign soil. Now more than ever, British players are finding that the grass can be greener elsewhere. The lure of the Premier League remains grand, but it's not the be-all and end-all. In fact, some of the home nations' biggest stars have decided to take their talents abroad to the mainland continent and beyond.
After starring with two goals in Barcelona's 6-0 thrashing of Valencia, Fermin Lopez has insisted he "never had any doubts" about rejecting a summer move to Chelsea. The Premier League side made an attempt to sign the midfielder but he was convinced to stay as the club stood firm on their €90 million (£78m/$106m) valuation for the Spanish international.
The reasons for Raphinha being unexpectedly dropped by Barcelona for their La Liga clash with Valencia have been revealed. Hansi Flick removed the Brazilian forward from his starting XI, with the South American - who fills the captain’s armband for the Blaugrana - being punished for off-field misdemeanours that left his demanding German coach frustrated.
Barcelona ran riot against Valencia as they defeated their domestic rivals 6-0 in La Liga on Sunday. Coach Hansi Flick praised the team's performance, highlighting winger Roony Bardghji's mentality as he dropped Raphinha and gave the Swedish winger a start ahead of Raphinha, who was reportedly dropped as a disciplinary measure after arriving late for a pre-match activation session.
Fermin Lopez stole the day while Raphinha and Robert Lewandoswki struck a devastating brace off the bench each to brush aside Valencia 6-0, as Barcelona returned to winning ways in La Liga. La Blaugrana put on a true five-star display as the visitors were put to the sword.
The Spanish football federation has hit back at Barcelona after Hansi Flick accused the national team of ignoring the possibility of Lamine Yamal suffering a potential injury. The teenager will not be available for the game against Valencia, which made Flick furious. However, the Spanish FA has clarified that they conducted all medical checks on Yamal.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has criticised Spain’s handling of Lamine Yamal after revealing the winger took painkillers to play in their World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Turkey. Flick confirmed the teenager will subsequently miss the Blaugrana’s La Liga clash with Valencia on Sunday evening with a groin injury.
Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has received his very own F50 boots as adidas launch the teenager’s second exclusive collection, just days after unveiling his personal logo. The 18-year-old attacker, who already boasts over 100 appearances for Barca, will debut the striking purple-and-pink design this week as his meteoric rise continues both on and off the pitch.
Newcastle United have sensationally pulled the plug on 45 tickets allocated to pupils from the High School of Dundee for their blockbuster Champions League showdown against Barcelona, sparking a storm of controversy. But just days after news of their planned adventure broke, the Magpies confirmed the seats were being stripped away, bowing to mounting fury from their own loyal supporters.
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