Lists

Ivan Rakitic has leapt to the defence of Lamine Yamal amid growing scrutiny over the teenager’s behaviour and comments. The former Barcelona midfielder insists the young star should be allowed to express himself while continuing to develop on the biggest stage.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has outlined a series of radical proposals aimed at revolutionising football to ensure the sport remains attractive to younger audiences. The 76-year-old suggests that the current 90-minute format is too slow for a generation raised on video games, advocating for shorter halves and the total abolition of yellow and red cards.

Jorginho has withdrawn his criticism of pop star Chappell Roan following a hotel security incident involving his daughter. The former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder clarified that the guard involved was not part of the singer’s team. He has since called the situation a "misunderstanding" and urged an end to online hostility.

Max Dowman has made Premier League history at Arsenal, with the 16-year-old wonderkid rewriting the record books, but Gareth Barry has told GOAL why the exciting youngster is likely to miss out on a place in England’s 2026 World Cup squad. There has been talk of the teenager becoming a wild card for the Three Lions, but questions are being asked of whether he needs to be fast tracked through that system.

Manchester City are weighing up a summer move for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Ibrahim Maza.

Paolo Di Canio has launched a scathing attack on Rafael Leao, claiming the Portugal international has allowed his off-field interests to compromise his performances for AC Milan. The former Rossoneri striker suggested that a lack of mental energy and a perceived "lazy" attitude have left the 26-year-old struggling to adapt to a central role at San Siro.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has warned Antonio Conte that he would be "killing his baby" if he leaves the club to take the reins of the Italy national team. The outspoken owner has expressed his confidence that the coach will continue the project he has built in Naples rather than walking away at a crucial stage.

The Ghana Football Association has officially appointed Carlos Queiroz as the new head coach of the Black Stars to lead their 2026 World Cup campaign. The former Manchester United assistant manager replaces Otto Addo just 58 days before the tournament begins, bringing a wealth of elite international experience to the West African giants.

Union Berlin have firmly defended Marie-Louise Eta after misogynistic criticism followed her historic promotion to head coach. Sporting director Horst Heldt condemned the backlash as “insane” and “embarrassing” while insisting the club has complete faith in her leadership.

Bruno Fernandes echoed the famous words of Jose Mourinho as he vented his frustration following Manchester United's home defeat to Leeds United. The captain was left incensed by the dismissal of Lisandro Martinez, refusing to discuss the performance of referee Paul Tierney for fear of facing disciplinary action from the authorities.

Liverpool have been informed of the only way that they could prise Michael Olise away from Bayern Munich, with the Reds about to scour the transfer market for a suitable successor to Mohamed Salah. Ex-Crystal Palace star Olise would fit the mould, but Stan Collymore has explained to GOAL why it will be almost impossible to bring the France international back to the Premier League.

1. FC Köln looks set to keep its coveted forward Said El Mala for the upcoming campaign.

Bayern Munich have identified Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon as a key attacking target. Vincent Kompany wants more competition for Luis Diaz, with Die Roten reportedly ready to test Newcastle’s resolve with a £50 million bid.

Paulo Fonseca has revealed that his recent public critique of Endrick was a deliberate tactic designed to spark a reaction from the Brazil international. The Real Madrid loanee responded emphatically during Lyon’s 2-0 Ligue 1 victory over Lorient, playing a pivotal role in both goals after being challenged by his manager to take more responsibility on the pitch.

Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has expressed his hope that Neymar will represent Brazil at the 2026 World Cup. The Spain international described the veteran forward as his "idol" and one of football’s most inspiring entertainers.

Former Chelsea and England captain John Terry is preparing to lead a transformative new era at Colchester United as a multimillion-pound acquisition of the League Two outfit reaches its final stages. The legendary defender is reportedly part of an investment group in advanced negotiations to purchase the club, where he is expected to be granted full authority over all major sporting choices.

This is Legacy, GOAL’s podcast following the countdown to the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the world’s game. In this week's episode, we look at how Spain went from defining an era to questioning its very place in the global game. We revisit the brilliance of the golden generation, the abrupt collapse after Brazil 2014, and the struggle of the teams that followed. And we turn to the present: a new coach, new mindset, and a wave of young talent led by Lamine Yamal, the prodigy many believe could carry Spain towards redemption in 2026. This is the journey of a team trying to rediscover itself - and the uncertainty, promise and pressure that comes with chasing a second star.

Manchester City have been offered transfer advice when it comes to Rodri, with it possible that he could be replaced by “the best holding midfielder in England”. Real Madrid continue to be linked with a Ballon d’Or-winning star at the Etihad Stadium, with Gareth Barry telling GOAL what he would like to see happen in the summer window of 2026.

Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund are close to securing the transfer of FC Famalicao centre-back Ibrahima Ba, according to a Portuguese media report.

Barcelona have raised concerns with UEFA about the grass length at Atletico Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium ahead of their Champions League quarter-final decider. Hansi Flick was seen discussing the issue with the UEFA match delegate during the team’s final training session.

Michael Carrick was left incensed by officiating standards after Manchester United fell to a home defeat against Leeds at Old Trafford. The manager hit out at a "shocking" VAR intervention that saw Lisandro Martinez sent off, marking a significant setback for his side in their quest for a top-four Premier League finish.

Striker Gonzalo Garcia, who is reportedly attracting interest from the Bundesliga and elsewhere, appears to have no future at Real Madrid.

Liverpool are still alive in this season's Champions League. Nobody quite knows how, of course. Arne Slot's side were played off the pitch by Paris Saint-Germain last week but managed to escape from the Parc des Princes with a 2-0 defeat that Jamie Carragher acknowledged actually felt like a "great result" for the visitors, given the chasm in cohesion and confidence between the two teams.

For much of the campaign, Arsenal were viewed as the team to beat in the race for silverware. Bayern Munich and Vincent Kompany discovered that fact the hard way. Even the quadruple appeared within Mikel Arteta’s reach. Now, though, the tide has turned, and the Gunners face the prospect of a humiliating collapse.

Germany’s record international, Lothar Matthäus, argues that Real Madrid currently lacks the star players who once defined the club’s identity.

BVB faces a potentially disastrous financial shortfall this summer.

FC Bayern Munich may be in a weak position if Nico Schlotterbeck switches clubs after the World Cup. Latest FCB news and rumours.

BVB have reportedly sounded out a move for super-talent Kennet Eichhorn. Nevertheless, the club could still face a hefty financial hit over another player this summer. The latest news and rumours surrounding Borussia Dortmund.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has addressed the controversial incident that saw Lisandro Martinez sent off during Leeds United's historic 2-1 victory over Manchester United. The striker insists he holds no resentment towards the defender following the bizarre hair-pulling altercation, instead choosing to focus entirely on the crucial three points secured in their relegation fight.