Lists

Former Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo endured an outing to forget for Racing Club in their Copa Libertadores showdown with Flamengo. The combative ex-Argentina international was partly to blame for the only goal of that game being recorded, while he also cracked the skull of an unfortunate team-mate after challenging for a high ball with his arms flailing.

Bayern Munich are hoping Vincent Kompany's recent contract extension will play a pivotal role in helping them reach an agreement with Dayot Upamecano. The pressure is mounting at the club as contract negotiations could potentially stall over disagreements for salary and release clause, with the French centre-back free to enter pre-contractual talks with Europe's biggest clubs in a few months.

Lionel Messi has been told the one reason why eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo is the GOAT, with Danny Simpson explaining that to GOAL during an exclusive interview. Premier League title winner Simpson worked with CR7 at Manchester United and considers him to boast unique qualities that separate him from any other player in history - including Argentine icon Messi.

Seventeen-year-old Lennart Karl made history for Bayern Munich in the Champions League, scoring a sensational solo goal on his first start and earning comparisons to Franck Ribery from German legend Didi Hamann. The former Bayern midfielder praised Karl’s “carefree” flair and fearless one-on-one style as the teenager’s breakout performance lit up Europe.

Hakim Ziyech has completed a stunning return to Moroccan football, joining Wydad Casablanca on a free transfer after being linked with a move to La Liga side Sevilla last month. The 32-year-old, who famously helped Chelsea lift the Champions League in 2021, now returns to his homeland for the first time in his club career.

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso is willing to sell anyone except French forward Kylian Mbappe to sign Juventus' star Kenan Yildiz, according to agent Giovanni Branchini. The Turkish international has garnered interest from multiple European clubs, and Alonso, who was winding down his playing career at Bayern Munich while the winger was coming through the German side's youth academy, is eager for a reunion.

Harry Kane returning to the Premier League "isn't even a question" at the moment, claims ex-Bayern Munich star Dietmar Hamann, but "things can change quickly" when it comes to movement in the transfer market. Prolific former Tottenham striker Kane is said to have a release clause in his contract at the Allianz Arena that can be triggered during the summer of 2026.

Liverpool are reportedly monitoring Michael Olise's contract situation at Bayern Munich after being made aware of how much it would cost to prise Antoine Semenyo away from Bournemouth. The Premier League title holders continue to scour the global transfer market for a potential long-term successor on their right wing to Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah.

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has ignited pre-Clasico controversy by claiming Real Madrid “steal” during a cheeky exchange on Twitch. The 18-year-old made the remark while chatting with streamer Ibai Llanos, comparing Madrid to a Kings League team known for benefiting from refereeing decisions. The comment comes just days before El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Bayern Munich have reportedly held talks with the representatives of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi as they step up plans to sign the England international. The 25-year-old Eagles skipper, who will be free to negotiate a move away to foreign clubs in January, has attracted serious interest from Real Madrid and Liverpool, with Der Rekordmerister now making the first concrete move to secure his signature.

Barcelona forward and England international Marcus Rashford has formed a deep relationship with Swedish winger Roony Bardghji. Both players joined the Catalans before the start of the season, one on loan from Premier League giants Manchester United and the other on a permanent deal from Danish heavyweights Copenhagen.

Manchester City's youth academy is one of the most productive talent factories in the world, although the reality is the vast majority of graduates end up having to seek their fortune away from the Etihad Stadium. Phil Foden is the pride and joy of City's youth system, but for many years he was the exception that proved the rule.

Marcus Rashford is looking forward to gracing his first Clasico, with the Barcelona loanee picking out his favourite memory from previous meetings between the Blaugrana and Real Madrid. Unsurprisingly, Lionel Messi figures prominently as collective minds are cast back to iconic moments from the past - with the Argentine GOAT having often starred against the Blancos.

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has urged his players to "stay humble" after their surprising 1-0 defeat to Cypriot side AEK Larnaca in the Conference League. On a night that was supposed to celebrate Selhurst Park's first-ever European fixture, the Eagles' dream turned sour as the visitors spoiled the occasion with a second-half winner and a stark reminder for the Premier League side.

When it comes to a country's player pool, Sarina Wiegman is certainly one of the more blessed international managers in the women's game right now. The England boss can call upon world-class players across various positions and has incredible depth in her squad, with the names on her bench making for enviable reading for most of her peers. However, that is not to say that the Lionesses do not have gaps in their squad, and even their starting line-up, that they need fresh faces to step up and fill as attention turns towards the 2027 Women's World Cup.

Liverpool's 5-1 rout of Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League came as a major boost for Arne Slot's side after four successive defeats, but one man didn't seem in the mood to celebrate after the final whistle. Mohamed Salah clapped the away fans at Deutsche Bank Park, but then headed straight for the tunnel instead of revelling in the final result with his euphoric team-mates.

With the title race having already swung back and forth while the top-four and relegation battles are as open as they have been for a few years, the Premier League is becoming increasingly difficult to predict. Sure, the odd match still follows the formbook, but a number of teams are proving tough to pin down and figure out what to expect from them on a game-to-game basis.

Morgan Gibbs-White helped Nottingham Forest to a welcome win under new manager Sean Dyche and admitted afterwards that it feels like he and the rest of the Reds squad can "finally breathe" as they put Ange Postecoglou's disastrous spell as head coach behind them. Dyche's first game at the helm delivered an impressive 2-0 victory over Porto in the Europa League.

The USWNT, having never conceded in 11 previous all-time matches against Portugal, were stunned by a pair of set pieces in 2-1 loss

The U.S. opened a three-match international break with a frustrating defeat with few positives after the game's first 33 seconds

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has confirmed that Lionel Messi will be available for Friday’s MLS Cup Playoffs opener against Nashville SC, easing concerns after the Argentine missed training earlier in the week with a back injury. Mascherano said Messi returned to full training on Wednesday and Thursday, clearing him to feature at Chase Stadium.

Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, one of San Diego FC’s brightest stars in the 2025 MLS season, was a surprise omission from the lineup in the club’s recent Matchday 34 clash against the Portland Timbers. What first appeared to be a tactical decision by head coach Mikey Varas now seems to stem from a deeper disciplinary issue, according to reports.

Scott Carson has officially retired from professional football, ending a remarkable 22-year journey that saw him lift two Champions League titles, win four England caps, and become a beloved figure in the Manchester City dressing room. The veteran goalkeeper, 40, departs the game as one of English football’s most respected professionals and a cult hero among City fans.

Marcus Rashford has signalled that he wants to extend his successful spell at Barcelona and has revealed the three team-mates who have made life so enjoyable for him since joining the Catalan giants. Rashford made the difficult decision to forge a career away from his boyhood club Manchester United earlier this summer, but it’s a decision he certainly doesn’t regret.

Ajax’s fall from grace in both domestic and European competition has taken another grim turn, with Remko Pasveer claiming the club still hasn’t recovered from the loss of Jordan Henderson. The goalkeeper has claimed that the ex-Liverpool captain’s leadership “held everything together” and his departure to Brentford has left a void the Dutch giants can’t seem to fill.

With Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba retiring and Luis Suarez' slowing, its time for Messi and Miami to deliver

Sofyan Amrabat has hailed Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes as a “real winner” and one of the best players he’s ever shared a dressing room with. The Moroccan midfielder, now at Real Betis, looked back fondly on his time at Old Trafford, singling out the Portuguese playmaker for his leadership, talent, and professionalism despite enduring his own difficult loan spell.

New Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche has made an instant impact since taking the helm at the City Ground, where one of his first moves was to ban a once very popular item of clothing favoured by players during the winter months. Dyche has become the club’s third manager despite the season just being a couple of months old, and the former Forest youth player is already laying down the law with his players.

U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone has been named to Forbes’ America’s Most Powerful Women in Sports list for 2025, recognizing her leadership and influence across U.S. athletics. She ranked No. 14 in the 25-person list. The honor comes as Cone guides the federation through major structural reforms and preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil.