This is Legacy, GOAL’s podcast and feature series 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. This week, we explore the rise, the fractures, the fading aura and the new stars who still haven’t claimed the spotlight for Brazil, and the question hanging over this World Cup cycle: what remains for Neymar - and for a national team that spent 20 years depending on him?
Real Madrid and Brazil star Rodrygo has told GOAL why he continues to be inspired by fellow countryman Neymar, with hero worship being enjoyed while on international duty. Blancos forward Rodrygo will not be gracing this summer’s World Cup due to an unfortunate injury, but the Selecao’s all-time leading goalscorer remains in contention to earn a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s plans.
Neymar’s hopes of securing a place in the Brazil squad for the upcoming World Cup have hit another hurdle following his absence from Santos training on Sunday. The forward was a notable absentee at the CT Rei Pele as the squad prepares for continental action, having been laid low with a viral infection.
Neymar has been the face of Brazilian football for over a decade, but the mercurial forward has suffered a major blow ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The 34-year-old has been officially omitted from the iconic Panini sticker album, marking the first time in four editions that he will not be featured among the world's elite players.
Real Madrid and Brazil have been hit with a devastating injury blow as defender Eder Militao has been ruled out of the 2026 World Cup. According to reports, a recurrence of a hamstring injury suffered against Alaves will require surgery, ending his season and his hopes of representing the Selecao this summer.
Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus has provided a candid assessment of his international standing as he fights to secure a place in Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad. The 28-year-old admitted that a lack of regular game time at the Emirates Stadium has complicated his path back into the Selecao setup.
Manchester United, often simply referred to as "United," are one of the most iconic and successful football clubs in the world, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, England. The club was founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878 by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway depot at Newton Heath. The team changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to its current home, Old Trafford, in 1910.
Famous players
Manchester United have been home to some of the greatest footballers in history. Sir Bobby Charlton, a World Cup winner with England in 1966, is arguably the most iconic figure in the club's history. Other legendary players include George Best, known for his flair and skill, and Eric Cantona, who brought a winning mentality to the club during the 1990s. More recent stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, and Paul Scholes have also contributed significantly to the club's success.
Honours
Manchester United are one of the most decorated clubs in English football, having won a record 20 Premier League titles (formerly the First Division). They have also lifted the FA Cup 12 times, the League Cup five times, and the UEFA Champions League three times. The club's dominance in English football was particularly evident during the 1990s and early 2000s under manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Managers
Sir Alex Ferguson is undoubtedly the most successful manager in Manchester United's history. He spent 26 years at the club, leading them to an unprecedented era of success. Before Ferguson, managers like Matt Busby and Wilf McGuinness played crucial roles in shaping the club's identity. More recent managers, including David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, and José Mourinho, have faced the challenge of maintaining the club's high standards.
Stadium
Old Trafford, often referred to as the "Theatre of Dreams," is one of the most famous stadiums in the world. With a capacity of roughly 75,000, it is among the largest football stadiums in the United Kingdom. The stadium has hosted numerous major matches, including UEFA Champions League finals and FIFA World Cup matches.
Location
Manchester United are based in the city of Manchester, which is located in the northwest of England. The club's home ground, Old Trafford, is situated in the Trafford borough. Manchester is a major industrial city with a rich footballing heritage.
Owners
In February 2024, British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe's company, INEOS, acquired a significant 25% stake in Manchester United. This acquisition granted Ratcliffe sporting control over the club, placing him in a position to influence key decisions related to its operations.
Ratcliffe has already made a substantial financial commitment to Manchester United. His large investments demonstrate his dedication to the club's success and his willingness to provide the necessary resources for its growth.
Frequently asked questions
Wann wurde der FC Liverpool gegründet?
Gegründet wurde der Liverpool Football Club im Jahr 1892.
Wer ist/sind der/die Besitzer des FC Liverpool?
Der Liverpool FC befindet sich im Besitz der US-amerikanischen Fenway Sports Group. Führende Figur der Eigentümergruppe ist der Unternehmer John W. Henry als Mehrheitseigner.
Die FSG übernahm den Traditionsklub im Jahr 2010 und hält darüber hinaus Beteiligungen an weiteren Sportteams, darunter die Boston Red Sox aus der Major League Baseball.
Wie wird das Stadion des FC Liverpool genannt?
Das Stadion des Liverpool FC heißt Anfield und ist seit der Gründung die Heimspielstätte der Reds.
Wie viele Zuschauer passen ins Stadion des FC Liverpool?
Das Anfield Stadium bietet Platz für 61.276 Zuschauer und verfügt ausschließlich über Sitzplätze.
Wie viele Titel hat der FC Liverpool gewonnen?
Der Liverpool FC gehört mit 52 Titeln zu den erfolgreichsten Fußballklubs Englands und der Welt. International triumphierte der Verein sechsmal in der Champions League. Hinzu kommen vier UEFA-Supercups und eine FIFA-Klub-Weltmeisterschaft.
Wie viele nationale Meisterschaften hat der FC Liverpool gewonnen?
Mit 20 englischen Meisterschaften teilt sich der Liverpool FC den Rekord als erfolgreichster Klub Englands mit Manchester United.
Wer hat die meisten Spiele für den FC Liverpool absolviert?
Ian Callaghan (1960-1978) ist mit 855 Pflichtspielen Rekordspieler beim FC Liverpool.
Wer ist der beste Torschütze in der Geschichte des FC Liverpool?
Ian Rush ist der Rekordtorschütze in der Geschichte der Reds und brachte es in seiner Karriere auf insgesamt 339 Pflichtspieltore für den Klub.
Welche berühmten Stars haben für den FC Liverpool gespielt?
Im Trikot des FC Liverpool standen im Laufe der Jahre zahlreiche Weltstars wie Steven Gerrard, Ian Rush, Robbie Fowler, Luis Suarez, Fernando Torres, Virgil van Dijk und Mohamed Salah.
Welche berühmten Trainer hatte der FC Liverpool?
Die Geschichte des Liverpool FC ist von zahlreichen herausragenden Trainern geprägt. An der Spitze steht Bob Paisley als erfolgreichster Trainer der Vereinsgeschichte (u.a. 6x englische Meisterschaft und 3x Champions League), während auch Joe Fagan, Rafael Benitez und Jürgen Klopp den Klub nachhaltig prägten.
Wie lautet der Spitzname des FC Liverpool?
Aufgrund seiner roten Vereinsfarben ist der FC Liverpool unter dem Spitznamen "The Reds" bekannt und wird im Alltag oft schlicht "LFC" genannt.