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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.

The rumour mill has been in overdrive since Monday evening: is Anthony Gordon set to join FC Bayern this summer? It seems plausible, yet remains unlikely.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot remains resolute that his squad can overturn a two-goal deficit against Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield on Tuesday. Despite trailing 2-0 after a challenging first leg in France, Slot firmly believes his players have the pedigree and attacking prowess to stun the reigning European champions and secure a place in the Champions League semi-finals.

Hansi Flick remains confident that Barcelona can overturn their 2-0 first-leg deficit against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals. The German manager insists his side are historically the better team in this fixture and has demanded tactical bravery from his players to secure a famous comeback victory at the Metropolitano on Tuesday.

Manchester United sunk to their first home defeat under Michael Carrick as the Red Devils were beaten 2-1 at home by local rivals Leeds United on a dramatic and feisty evening at Old Trafford. Noah Okafor struck twice in the first half after defensive errors from Leny Yoro and Lisandro Martinez, who was then sent off early in the second period.

Dominik Szoboszlai has moved to clear the air with the Liverpool faithful following a heated exchange in the aftermath of their crushing 4-0 FA Cup defeat to Manchester City. The Hungarian midfielder explained his controversial actions and apologised, while declaring his belief in a historic Champions League comeback against Paris Saint-Germain this week.

The USWNT defeated Japan 2-1 in the first game of the three-game series and will field a different squad in the next match as Emma Hayes continues testing the group ahead of qualifying.

Manchester United's evening at Old Trafford went from bad to worse as Lisandro Martinez was shown a straight red card for a bizarre incident involving Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The defender was dismissed after appearing to pull the striker's hair during a physical exchange, leaving his side with an impossible mountain to climb.

Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi has publicly addressed his referral to a French criminal court over alleged rape for the first time. Speaking ahead of a crucial Champions League quarter-final second leg, the Morocco international firmly denied the accusations, insisting they are completely false and expressing confidence in his legal team.

Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal has drawn inspiration from NBA icon LeBron James as he prepares to lead a Champions League rescue mission against Atletico Madrid. The teenage sensation believes the Blaugrana are capable of overturning a two-goal deficit from the first leg of the tie, insisting that his side will fight until the very end to secure a spot in the semi-finals.

Results were all over the place, and a few big-name managers turned in the kind of coaching performances that could make or break seasons.

Chelsea and Barcelona have emerged as serious suitors for Twente wonderkid Ruud Nijstad as the battle for his signature intensifies. The 18-year-old has quickly become one of the most talked-about defensive prospects in the Eredivisie, catching the eye of Europe's elite. However, his future remains uncertain as his club push for a contract extension.

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are sure to put on a show, but there are plenty of other big matchups to watch in the second legs of the quarterfinals.

On the pitch, Didier Drogba was a firebrand; off it, a peacemaker. The long-serving Chelsea striker played a pivotal role in the peace process in the Ivory Coast. Part 12 of our Rebel United series.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has delivered a brutally honest verdict on his team's chances of overturning a 2-0 deficit against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals. Speaking ahead of Tuesday's crucial second leg at Anfield, the Dutch defender warned that a dramatic improvement is required and called upon the home fans to inspire a special night.

It is widely accepted that FC Bayern are seeking an alternative to Luis Díaz. Now, another surprising name has surfaced.

Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal has updated his Instagram profile picture to an iconic photo of LeBron James from the 2016 NBA finals. This highly symbolic gesture signals the 18-year-old's profound belief that his team can overcome their two-goal deficit in the Champions League quarter-final against Atletico Madrid and deliver a miraculous comeback.