Jose Mourinho is preparing for an emotional reunion as his Benfica side host Real Madrid in a high-stakes Champions League play-off on Tuesday. With "The Special One" dominating the pre-match narrative, speculation is mounting over a potential return to the Santiago Bernabeu. Amidst the noise, the Portuguese manager has finally addressed the rumours and clarified the existence of a unique clause in his contract that has Europe’s elite on high alert.
Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman is confident that the topic of her future with the team will not be a distraction as England begin their bid to qualify for the 2027 Women's World Cup. Wiegman, who has overseen back-to-back European Championship triumphs with the Lionesses, is under contract until the end of next year's tournament and says there is "no update" on any renewal, but that it is not a situation that she believes is concerning her staff or players right now.
Gordon Ramsay insists that close friend Sir David Beckham is an “incredible dad” and believes time will heal a rift that has torn one of the world’s most famous families apart. Brooklyn Beckham has become engulfed in a stunning feud with his iconic parents, claiming that he has no plans to reconcile. Ramsay is confident that bridges will be rebuilt.
For a particular generation of AC Milan fans, those who grew up in the early 2000s, one name stands out above any other. Andriy Shevchenko combined technical skill with a ruthlessness in front of goal that made him one of the best strikers the game has ever seen, a Ballon d'Or winner and a worthy entrant into GOAL's Hall of Fame...
Medhi Benatia is set to remain at Marseille despite publicly announcing his resignation just days ago in a stunning U-turn confirmed by the club's owner. The former Juventus and Bayern Munich defender has not only been convinced to stay by owner Frank McCourt but has also been handed the keys to the castle as the club navigate a period of intense institutional turmoil.
Victor Osimhen claims that Napoli “treated me like a dog” prior to severing ties with the Serie A champions in 2024. Despite being a prolific presence for the Italian outfit, helping them to a domestic title in 2023, the Nigeria international striker was brutally mocked by his own club in a racist social media video that ultimately paved the way for him heading out of Naples.
Robin van Persie has gone to great lengths to accommodate Raheem Sterling at Feyenoord as the ex-Manchester City and Chelsea winger continues to wait on a work permit. The Dutch coach has moved the squad to a training camp outside of the Netherlands so that Sterling can start training with his new team-mates.
Hannah Hampton, Leah Williamson, Alex Greenwood and Lauren James are all back in the England squad after missing the Lionesses' final camp of 2025 due to injury, dealing Sarina Wiegman's side a real boost as they cope with some new absentees ahead of the start of qualifying for the 2027 Women's World Cup. England are without four members of the Euro 2025-winning squad for the upcoming window, including Ella Toone and Beth Mead.
Jadon Sancho and his rap star girlfriend Saweetie have made their first public appearance together. The Manchester United-owned winger, who is taking in a loan spell at Aston Villa, has been romantically linked to the American musician for some time. Their relationship has remained under wraps, but they have now stepped out holding hands during a trip to France.
Girona star Claudio Echeverri has confessed he may have fouled Jules Kounde in the buildup to Fran Beltran’s decisive goal during Monday's fiery Catalan derby. Barcelona were left fuming as the 86th-minute strike stood despite a VAR check, eventually falling to a 2-1 defeat at Montilivi. The result sees Hansi Flick's side slip two points behind Real Madrid in the title race, as Lamine Yamal's penalty miss proved costly on a night of intense controversy.
Alvaro Morata has broken his silence following a brief but nightmarish display in Como’s 2-1 defeat to Fiorentina. The Spanish striker, introduced from the bench to chase the game, received two yellow cards in under a minute during stoppage time, leaving manager Cesc Fabregas fuming. After the Como boss suggested Morata should "change careers" if he can't handle provocation, the forward has hit back on social media and admitted his error.
Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeness has declared war on player agents following the protracted contract negotiations with Dayot Upamecano. The 74-year-old is no longer willing to tolerate the immense power wielded by representatives and has threatened to create a "blacklist" to ban those who behave unfairly from future dealings with the club. Hoeness believes the financial demands of agents have become disproportionate and is ready to take radical steps to curb their influence at the Allianz Arena.
Tottenham have slumped into the bottom half of the Premier League table again, with former Spurs striker Bobby Zamora telling GOAL when the north London heavyweights will no longer be considered a ‘Big Six’ club. Major silverware was secured last season, in the Europa League, but more struggles in 2025-26 have led to another managerial change.
Former Manchester United star Anthony Martial was stretchered off during his latest Liga MX outing for Monterrey after suffering a horror injury, which required hospital treatment. The Frenchman was withdrawn just before half-time in his side's 1-0 win over Club Leon after dislocating his shoulder, and is now set for a spell on the sidelines.
Hansi Flick refused to blame a controversial refereeing decision for Barcelona's shock 2-1 defeat to Girona, instead lamenting his side's defensive errors. The Blaugrana took the lead through Pau Cubarsi but crumbled late on, with Fran Beltran netting a controversial winner after a potential foul on Jules Kounde. The result leaves Barca trailing Real Madrid in the title race, compounding a miserable week after their 4-0 Copa del Rey defeat against Atletico Madrid.
Former Manchester United coach Steve McClaren has revealed the cause of friction between Cristiano Ronaldo and Erik ten Hag, with that “standoff” eventually leading to CR7 severing ties with the Red Devils. The Portuguese GOAT butted heads with a Dutch tactician at Old Trafford, with the pair rarely seeing eye-to-eye. An explosive exit for CR7 was confirmed in November 2022.
Harry Kane’s future beyond the summer of 2026 may have already been decided, with a huge update being delivered on the release clause that existed in his contract at Bayern Munich. There were suggestions that the England international striker could be on the move this summer, but Bundesliga title holders appear confident that an extended stay at the Allianz Arena will be agreed.
Barcelona’s title defence hit a massive stumbling block on Monday as Hansi Flick’s side suffered a damaging 2-1 defeat at Girona. Despite producing a string of world-class saves, goalkeeper Joan Garcia was furious at full-time, blasting his team's defensive frailties and the officials after a controversial late winner was allowed to stand. The result leaves the Blaugrana trailing arch-rivals Real Madrid in the race for the Liga crown.
Nicolas Jackson is reportedly set to return to Chelsea in the summer, with Bayern Munich refusing to trigger the purchase clause in his loan deal. The Senegal international has struggled to force his way into Vincent Kompany's starting XI since moving to Allianz Arena, and the German champions have no plans to make his stay permanent.
Jude Bellingham has handed England a pre-World Cup selection headache, with it reported that the Real Madrid superstar’s hamstring injury is worse than first feared. It is being suggested that the 22-year-old midfielder will sit out the Three Lions’ final camp before Thomas Tuchel settles on his 26-man squad for a shot at global glory in North America this summer.
No one can create a siege mentality like Jose Mourinho. Benfica were almost universally written off when they welcomed Real Madrid to Estadio da Luz in the final round of league phase fixtures for this season's Champions League, having lost five of their first eight games, including a shocking 3-2 home defeat to Azerbaijani minnows Qarabag.
This is Legacy, GOAL’s feature and podcast series that counts down 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 through the most emotional legacy in football history: Argentina’s journey from wounds to glory. From the heartbreak of lost finals to the joy of Qatar, this is the story of a team that turned suffering into strength, and passion into destiny. A nation that doesn’t just play the World Cup - it feels it.
Pep Guardiola has told Phil Foden to just relax amid his latest slump in form, but that is easier said than done, given his place in the Manchester City line-up is less certain than ever while his status in the England squad also at risk. Foden appeared to have put last season's struggles behind him towards the end of 2025, but he now appears to be suffering another dip at the worst possible time.
USMNT star Haji Wright hit a stunning hat-trick for Coventry against fellow promotion hopefuls Middlesbrough, firing Frank Lampard’s side back to the top of the Championship table. The Sky Blues have thrown away a commanding lead at the summit of the English second tier, but remain on course to reach the Premier League.
With just weeks until Mexico face Portugal in a high-profile friendly, Portuguese media report growing concern over renovation delays at Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca, now renamed Estadio Banorte. While organizers insist the venue will be ready for March 28, uncertainty has sparked speculation about a potential change of site for the match - and even future World Cup fixtures.
Club América captain Henry Martín admitted the Clásico Nacional defeat to Chivas left the squad hurt and embarrassed, conceding the team failed to rise to the occasion. The veteran striker framed the loss as a “wake-up call” from Guadalajara - one he believes can help América regroup and respond over the remainder of the Clausura 2026 campaign.
Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman were left stunned by the FA Cup fifth round draw on Monday night, as Wrexham were paired with Premier League giants Chelsea. The Welsh club have reached the fifth round for the first time since 1997 and are now preparing to take on one of the biggest clubs in England for a place in the quarter-finals of the competition.
Girona sprung a huge shock in the race in La Liga as they beat Barcelona 2-1 at Montilivi on Monday. Lamine Yamal missed a penalty and Hansi Flick's side were left fuming by a controversial late goal, as the Catalan side dropped important points in the title race amidst a fierce battle with bitter rivals Real Madrid at the summit.
Manchester United have been told that Michael Carrick could bring Marcus Rashford back to Old Trafford. That is according to a former England and Red Devils masseuse, Rod Thornley, who believes that the current Barcelona loanee could head back to Manchester at the end of the season after a bright campaign with the Catalan giants in La Liga.
Former Arsenal star Oleksandr Zinchenko has sent out a heartfelt message to supporters after seeing his season ended by a serious injury. The Ukraine international sustained the problem on his home debut for Ajax after making the switch to the Eredivisie side this winter. Zinchenko is now set to undergo surgery and is facing a long spell on the sidelines.