Chris Burton

Cole Palmer has been advised not to look too far ahead at Chelsea, with Blues legend Frank Leboeuf telling GOAL that the England international has only enjoyed a “two-year career”. It has been suggested that the talented playmaker could one day attract interest from the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona, but he has been told to focus on maximising the potential of both himself and his trophy-hungry colleagues at Stamford Bridge.

Paul Pogba has been told that he has virtually no chance of making France’s World Cup squad, despite returning to action at Monaco, with Frank Leboeuf rating the former Manchester United and Juventus star as a “five per cent” shot to get the call from Didier Deschamps. A man that captured a global crown in 1998 has jokingly told GOAL that Zinedine Zidane stands as much chance of getting the nod as Pogba does.

Frank Leboeuf knows what it takes to win the World Cup and he has told GOAL that he hopes 2026 “is dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo” when it comes to another bid for global glory. FIFA’s flagship event is heading to the United States, Canada and Mexico, with Portugal being advised on how best to handle their evergreen frontman when it comes to collective efforts to steal a prestigious trophy away from Lionel Messi and Argentina.

Kylian Mbappe has been told, during GOAL’s exclusive interview with Frank Leboeuf, why he “cannot compare” to Zinedine Zidane in any discussion regarding the GOAT of French football. Even a second World Cup win, while becoming Les Bleus’ all-time leading scorer, may not be enough to lift the current Real Madrid superstar above the Blancos “icon” of the past.

West Ham fanatic Danny Dyer is being backed to support son-in-law Jarrod Bowen with whatever career choice he makes in upcoming transfer windows. Former Hammers forward Marlon Harewood has been discussing some big decisions with GOAL as Bowen mulls over options that could see him push for a move that would make certain members of his family unhappy.

Kylian Mbappe has been told that Paris Saint-Germain would not have won the Champions League had he stuck around in France, with it “fantasy” to believe that European success could ever have been savoured with the France international, Lionel Messi and Neymar lining up in the same starting XI. World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf has explained to GOAL why that is the case.

Ryan Reynolds has been dubbed “the real version of Ted Lasso”, with the Hollywood superstar overseeing “unbelievable” work at Wrexham alongside co-owner Rob Mac. They have funded a remarkable rise for the Red Dragons, while chasing the Premier League dream, and have built a global fan base courtesy of an award-winning documentary series.

Lionel Messi has been a sporting sensation in the United States, with the history books being rewritten by the Argentine at Inter Miami, but MLS has been told that Cristiano Ronaldo would have made an even greater impact than his “very quiet” eternal rival. Portuguese GOAT CR7 favoured a Saudi Arabian adventure over pursuit of the American dream.

Maya Jama and Ruben Dias have decided to enjoy a Disney Christmas, with the Love Island presenter and her Manchester City star boyfriend enjoying a festive trip to Paris. A romantic break has allowed them to relax outside of professional commitments, with thrills being sought when heading to the French capital for some fun and frolics on roller coasters and hair-raising rides.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a timely boost in his bid for Saudi Pro League title glory, with Al-Nassr seeing a transfer ban lifted by FIFA. World football’s governing body had announced that a number of teams in the Middle East would be prevented from registering new players across several windows. Ronaldo and Co no longer form part of that pack.

Alexander Isak may have suffered a fractured fibula, but a broken leg may not have brought his 2025-26 campaign to a close. Liverpool boss Arne Slot has delivered a recovery update on the most expensive player in British football. He is confident that the £125 million ($169m) Sweden international striker will play Premier League football again this season.

Lionel Messi’s sister, Maria Sol, has reportedly been injured in a road traffic accident. The 32-year-old is said to be “out of danger”, as she begins her recovery, but has been left nursing broken bones and burns. Maria Sol had been due to marry a member of Inter Miami’s coaching staff in the new year, but those January nuptials have been postponed indefinitely.

Fulham defender Joachim Andersen suffered a gruesome injury during the Cottagers’ Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest. The Denmark international tangled with Reds forward Igor Jesus during a top-flight contest at Craven Cottage. He was left sporting a nasty blow to his left hand, with one of his fingers having to be snapped back into place. WARNING: This article includes graphic images of an injury that some people may find disturbing.

Former Barcelona defender Dani Alves is reportedly set to purchase a Portuguese club and register himself as a player at the age of 42. The former Brazil international saw a rape conviction overturned by a Spanish court in March 2025. He has been freed to rebuild his life away from football, but is considering a return to action in somewhat surprising surroundings.

Wrexham have added fit-again former England international Jay Rodriguez to their squad for the second-half of the 2025-26 campaign. The veteran frontman picked up an unfortunate injury in pre-season. He was left out of Phil Parkinson’s 25-man EFL ranks as a result, but has now been drafted in with immediate effect after seeing Elliot Lee head for the treatment table.

Rasmus Hojlund has aimed a brutal dig at Manchester United after winning the first trophy of his loan spell at Serie A title holders Napoli. The 22-year-old striker departed Old Trafford over the summer after enduring two testing campaigns in England. He is now enjoying his football again alongside Scott McTominay, with Supercoppa Italiana success being savoured.

The Front Three boys have taken on their Canadian challengers from Box2Box in an epic Battle Royale challenge that put their football knowledge to the test. From tic tac toe to career paths via quickfire number and alphabet games, whose quiz skills held up under pressure? Watch the full video to find out!

Vinicius Junior has been advised to “not do what Neymar did” when it comes to pushing for a move away from a European superpower. The Brazil international remains tied to Real Madrid for now, but talk of a transfer to the Saudi Pro League being completed refuses to go away. Fellow countryman Sandro believes Vinicius should stay put and compete for future Ballons d’Or.