FEATURES

Following his much-talked-about departure from Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso is taking charge of another club in turmoil: Chelsea FC. Is this a bold move or a suicide mission?

It's actually happening! After repeatedly threatening to bring Jose Mourinho back to the Bernabeu, Florentino Perez has only gone and done it. On Monday, widespread reports confirmed that Real Madrid had agreed a deal with Mourinho for him to return for a second spell as coach, 13 years after his first ended in acrimony.

Twenty-five years ago, Schalke 04 were German champions for four minutes. Gerald Asamoah recalls the moment.

Unsurprisingly, Manchester City dominate GOAL's 2025-26 Women's Super League Team of the Season, after Andree Jeglertz's side comfortably clinched their first title triumph in 10 years without even needing a result on the final day. How the rest of the XI looks, though, sums up what an interesting campaign it has been.

And so another Women's Super League season is in the books. After six years of dominance by Chelsea, this was one that shook things up, too, as Manchester City claimed a first title in 10 years and Arsenal, the last team to win the trophy before this past season, proved to be the side that ran them closest.

Lionel Messi scored and assisted in the first half, and Inter Miami kept a valuable clean sheet in a convincing 2-0 win over Portland to secure their first home win at Nu Stadium. They leaned on their star Argentine for attacking quality in the big moments and were defensively resolute in a comfortable victory against a spirited Portland side.

Auston Trusty helped Celtic seal the title, while Christian Pulisic delivered a much-needed assist

Emily Fox starred in Arsenal’s win over Liverpool, while Alyssa Thompson, Lindsey Heaps, Lily Yohannes and other USWNT regulars made their mark across a busy weekend in Europe.

Bruno Fernandes equalled the Premier League assists record as Manchester United secured a third-placed finish with a hugely controversial 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday. Michael Carrick's men took a fifth-minute lead at Old Trafford thanks to Luke Shaw, but Morato deservedly drew the visitors level shortly after half-time when he headed in a fine cross from the impressive Elliot Anderson.

As the Women's Super League season came to a close on Saturday, a team other than Chelsea lifted the trophy for the first time in seven years, with the Manchester City's scenes of celebration bringing the curtain down on a year of action that has had its fair share of shocks and surprises.

Antoine Semenyo ensured Manchester City wrapped up a domestic cup double at Wembley on Saturday, as his sublime flick 18 minutes from time decided the FA Cup final at Chelsea's expense. Conversely, the 1-0 defeat was the confirmation of another miserable season for the Blues, whose hopes of qualifying for any form of European football are now in serious jeopardy.

Leon Goretzka celebrated an emotional farewell at the Allianz Arena during Bayern Munich's 5–1 victory over 1. FC Köln, going out of his way to connect with the fans.

Manuel Neuer appears set to return to the Germany squad, a move that would cast Oliver Baumann into the role of unfortunate spectator—a situation for which coach Julian Nagelsmann would bear the blame. The Bayern Munich goalkeeper's comeback would also undermine the national coach's credibility, creating a communications disaster that could have been avoided with clearer planning. An editorial.

Chelsea's quest for FA Cup glory fell just short as they were beaten 1-0 by Manchester City in Saturday's final despite a battling display at Wembley. Antoine Semenyo's sublime flick proved to be the winner in the 72nd minute, as the Blues' stubborn resistance was finally ended by a moment of sheer individual quality.

Manchester City secured their second trophy of the season as Antoine Semenyo's second-half goal secured a 1-0 win over Chelsea in Saturday's FA Cup final. Pep Guardiola's side edged what was a pretty lifeless affair at Wembley, and Semenyo's sublime flick, scored with 18 minutes left on the clock, proved to be the difference as City won the competition for the eighth time in their history.

Manchester City closed out their title-winning Women's Super League season in style on Saturday, the new English champions finishing the league campaign with a 4-1 win at West Ham before lifting the trophy for the first time in 10 years. City's triumph was confirmed earlier this month, when Arsenal failed to beat Brighton, and so they could enjoy something of a victory lap in the capital, as a packed out away end watched a Khadija Shaw double help deliver another win in a wonderful season.

Enzo Fernandez faces a date with destiny in Saturday's FA Cup final. His future at Chelsea is far from certain in the wake of some all-too-public flirting with a transfer to Real Madrid, but the midfielder can give the Blues the ideal parting gift as he prepares to line up against another of his potential suitors in Manchester City. If the stand-in captain can lead the manager-less side to victory, that would go some way to salvaging his tainted legacy.

Liverpool's disastrous title defence hit a new low on Friday night as they were thumped by Champions League-bound Aston Villa to put their own hopes of qualification in jeopardy. The Reds were tormented by Ollie Watkins throughout, with the striker bagging a brace and laying on another. The 4-2 defeat leaves Arne Slot's side fifth in the Premier League, four points clear of Bournemouth in sixth having played a game more.

GOAL looks at the biggest names in MLS to watch at the World Cup this summer, and the list expands far beyond the reigning MVP winner

The Serbian manager has had to wait a long time for his first club head coaching job, but has proven to be a shrewd appointment for the revived Revs.

GOAL looks at the biggest storylines among Americans Abroad, including a historic title decider and some big pushes for European places.

Harvey Elliott is ineligible to play for Aston Villa against parent club Liverpool on Friday night. But Unai Emery wouldn't have picked him anyway. And not to save him for next week's Europa League final against Freiburg. Elliott hasn't seen a single minute of game time since March because he's one appearance away from triggering the clause in his loan agreement that would oblige Villa to buy him for £35 million ($46m) - and they've absolutely no intention of allowing that to happen.

At Palmeiras, Endrick, Estevao, Luis Gulherme, Vitor Reis and Luighi became known as 'The Billion Generation' - a reference to the colossal amount of money four prodigiously gifted players were expected to generate for the Brazil club. However, it now feels as if another name should be added to that illustrious list of outstanding academy products, that of Eduardo Conceicao.

Next Thursday, national team manager Julian Nagelsmann will announce Germany's squad for the 2026 World Cup. Which names might make a surprise appearance in the squad?

Tom Bischof is enjoying a promising debut season at FC Bayern, drawing comparisons with Joshua Kimmich. The 20-year-old utility man's future role will hinge on transfer-market developments, while a World Cup call-up remains unlikely at this stage.

As World Cup buzz builds, Hollister and Kappa are bringing soccer into youth fashion. GOAL spoke with Abercrombie & Fitch Co.’s Corey Robinson on the collab.

Philadelphia Union’s season has gone sideways, but Cavan Sullivan’s first MLS goal offered a glimpse of why the club’s patient approach with its teenage star may still pay off.

From partnerships with clubs big and small to their role representing some of the game's top stars, Roc Nation is aiming to build brands in new ways all over the world.

Zavier Gozo wants Europe, and clubs are watching. But sources tell GOAL RSL’s huge asking price and a potential USMNT World Cup push could shape what comes next.