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This is Legacy, GOAL’s podcast and feature series to mark 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. This week, we travel to Mexico, the only country to host three World Cups. From Pele’s triumph in 1970 to Diego Maradona’s magic in 1986, and now to the celebration set for 2026, it’s the story of a nation where football is not just played, but lived; a land of goals, history, and unending passion.

Liverpool fans never fully appreciated Luis Diaz. Indeed, most of them seemed to welcome the Colombian's departure to Bayern Munich last summer, believing that his sale was necessary to accommodate £116 million ($158m) signing Florian Wirtz, with Cody Gakpo still on hand to fill the first-choice role on the left flank.

Marcus Rashford has seen a summer return to Manchester United speculated on - once a loan spell at Barcelona comes to a close - but it is claimed that the Red Devils are “still planning for the future without” the England international in mind. The expectation for now is that a purchase option on the 28-year-old forward will be taken up by La Liga title hopefuls.

U.S. Men's National Team full back Alex Freeman made his Villarreal debut on Monday in a 4-1 win over Espanyol, entering the match as a substitute for his first appearance in Europe. The now-former Orlando City star joined Villarreal during the January transfer window after a breakout 2025 with the national team.

Harry Kane has been targeted by Saudi Pro League clubs ahead of the summer transfer window, per a new report from Kicker. The England captain has a contract until 2027 but the new report states that a release clause may well exist in his current deal. Kane has impressed again this season with Bayern, scoring 24 times in just 21 Bundesliga games for the Bavarians.

Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos has defended his former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo over his Al-Nassr strike, insisting "no-one would watch the Saudi Pro League" if he were not playing in the country. The Portugal international is poised to end his two-game strike and return to competitive attack with Jorge Jesus's side after returning to training this week.

GOAL's writers debate Christian Pulisic’s form, Weston McKennie’s rise, and what it all means for Americans Abroad right now.

Chelsea have announced that Paul Green, the club's head of women's football, has left the club after 13 years with the Blues. Green departs after a period of huge success in west London that has seen Chelsea Women claim 19 trophies. Green departs just days after the club announced manager Sonia Bompastor has signed a new contract that will run until 2030.

Manchester United boss Michael Carrick appears to have rejected the prospect of the Red Devils travelling to the Middle East for a lucrative mid-season friendly, per a new report. The Red Devils had held tentative talks over plans to travel, after previous manager Ruben Amorim had revealed his willingness, but the plans have instead been "put on the backburner".

Everton star Jack Grealish has confirmed he has undergone surgery on a stress fracture in his foot and will now miss the rest of the 2025-26 season with the Toffees. The 30-year-old joined the club on loan from Manchester City and had been enjoying life on Merseyside but has seen his campaign ended prematurely. He's now sent a message from his hospital bed as he begins the recovery process.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac are celebrating five years at Wrexham and say they are "just getting started" as they continue to dream of back-to-back-to-back-to-back promotions. The Welsh club have been dragged out of non-league and into the Championship under their wealthy Hollywood owners, who have set their sights firmly on Premier League football.

Endrick's agent has confirmed where the Brazilian superstar will play his football in 2026-27 after enjoying a great start to life in France on loan at Lyon. The forward has hit the ground running in Ligue 1, scoring a hat-trick in a big win over Metz, which has led to speculation Lyon could try to keep him at the club. His agent, Tiago Freitas, has now offered an update on the situation.

Eniola Aluko has bitten back at fellow pundit Laura Woods amid an ongoing feud over Ian Wright's presence in women's football punditry. The former England international has claimed that Wright should "sacrifice" his own work to allow her opportunities to step in front of the camera.

GOAL breaks down the key moments from USWNT players abroad, including Thompson getting back in form.

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has sent out a positive message to supporters after undergoing surgery on a fractured foot. The Spain star has been forced to go under the knife and is now facing some significant time on the sidelines. However, he appears to be in positive mood and will be hoping he can still play a part in Arsenal's 2025-26 season.

Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique has sent out a pointed message on his future, amid talk that he could become a summer target for Manchester United. The head coach has a contract until 2027, and is expected to reject the interest of the Red Devils to remain in the French capital. United are expected to appoint a permanent manager at the end of the season.

Former Chelsea star Alvaro Morata admits that his relationship with his influencer wife Alice Campello is over, insisting the two "don't understand each other". The Como striker, on loan from AC Milan, had attempted to rekindle the romance, but it appears that his efforts have failed. Morata also had some strong words as he responded to rumours of infidelity.

If Ruben Amorim had stayed in charge of Manchester United, Kobbie Mainoo would be speaking to prospective clubs right now about leaving - if he hadn't departed already. Instead, the homegrown midfielder is thriving under Michael Carrick and looks every bit United’s present as well as its future. With every game he plays, Mainoo is making Amorim’s decision to disregard his talent seem all the more ridiculous.

Former Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster has showered owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac with praise as the duo celebrate five years at the club. The ex-stopper believes the impact the pair have had on the club will never been seen again after overseeing a rapid rise up the divisions. Wrexham are currently flying high in the Championship and dreaming of another promotion to the Premier League.

Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly ready to end his strike at Al-Nassr as he prepares to return for the Saudi Arabian club. The former Real Madrid and Manchester United superstar had refused to play for his side in protest at their transfer dealings in January, missing the team's last two matches, but Al-Nassr have now pencilled in the date for their superstar's return.

Mikel Merino has undergone surgery on the foot injury that he suffered at the end of Arsenal's 3-2 defeat to Manchester United. The Spain international could well return before the end of the season, but he faces a race against time to feature in the conclusion of what could be an immensely tight title race. Arsenal currently top the table and are six points clear of Manchester City.

Marcus Rashford appears to be playing his way towards a long-term future at Barcelona, as he enjoys an impressive loan from Manchester United, but upcoming presidential elections at Camp Nou could impact whether or not a purchase option on the England international is taken up. The expectation is that said clause will be triggered if Joan Laporta remains at the helm.

Manchester City defender Marc Guehi admits he was left baffled by the hostile reception he received from Liverpool fans during Sunday’s dramatic win at Anfield. The England star played a key role in ending City’s 23-year wait for a win in front of the Kop but was jeered throughout, a reaction he claims to not understand despite rejecting a move to Merseyside in favour of the champions last summer.

Former England international Gary Lineker has jokingly suggested that Kobbie Mainoo should “sue” former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim for taking a year off his career. The 20-year-old midfielder struggled for game time under the Portuguese tactician, leading to transfer talk being generated, but has enjoyed a welcome return to prominence and form under interim Red Devils boss Michael Carrick.

Erling Haaland has brutally assessed his own recent performances for Manchester City, refusing to use burnout as an excuse for his ongoing goal drought from open play. The Norwegian striker fired City to a dramatic victory at Anfield to reignite the title race but insists he must be "sharper" and deliver goals rather than looking for easy outs regarding the schedule.

Joan Laporta has officially resigned as Barcelona president, but his departure is merely a strategic procedural move ahead of the upcoming club elections. The Catalan chief is seeking a fresh mandate from club members on March 15, leaving a management commission in charge as he prepares to battle Víctor Font and three other candidates for the top job at Camp Nou.

A former Manchester United midfielder believes the club would be mad to not make Michael Carrick manager on a permanent basis following his incredible start to the job since succeeding Ruben Amorim - unless they can lure one of two Champions League-winning coaches to Old Trafford. Carrick has won all four of his matches since being named United boss for the remainder of the season in January.

Kylian Mbappe was fuming at the match officials during Real Madrid’s win over Valencia, with the France international caught on camera calling the fourth official a “d*ckhead” during a heated half-time exchange. The World Cup winner wanted some questionable decisions to be explained to him at the Mestalla, but was left frustrated by a lack of communication from those calling the shots.

Michael Carrick has spoken about Manchester United fan Frank Ilett ahead of Tuesday's game against West Ham, where a Red Devils win will allow the long-suffering supporter to get his first haircut in 28 months. Ilett went viral for pledging in 2024 to not get a haircut until United won five consecutive games, a feat they are on the verge of finally pulling off.