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LaLiga news

Xabi Alonso Real Madrid 2025-26

Alonso told why he was destined to fail as Real Madrid boss

Xabi Alonso has been bluntly told following his sudden departure why he was never going to succeed as Real Madrid's manager. The Spaniard swapped Bayer Leverkusen for his former club last summer but his time at the Spanish giants was abruptly brought to an end on Monday. Now, a legend of La Liga has given his take on the 44-year-old's short stint at the Santiago Bernabeu.

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Spurs hijack Aston Villa's deal for £35m La Liga ace

Tottenham appear primed to hijack Aston Villa's proposed move for Atletico Madrid star Conor Gallagher. Unai Emery's side have been on the lookout for more strength in depth as they try to keep touch in the Premier League title race, while also competing for cups this season. But it seems Spurs may pip them to the post on one recruit, days after losing to the Villans in the FA Cup.

Alonso

Madrid bombshell! Alonso leaves after Super Cup loss

Real Madrid have announced the departure of manager Xabi Alonso following their Spanish Super Cup final loss to rivals Barcelona. Speculation has not gone away about the ex-midfielder's position at Los Blancos, with reports suggesting the 44-year-old is not an entirely popular figure among the dressing room. Now, Madrid state Alonso has left by "mutual consent".

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📽️ | Cancelo arrives in Barcelona to complete loan

Joao Cancelo has been spotted arriving in Barcelona ahead of a loan move from Al Hilal. The Portugal international spent the 2023-24 season with the Catalan outfit after falling out of favour at Manchester City. More than two years later, the experienced full-back is temporarily pausing his time in the Middle East to head back to the defending La Liga champions.

Xabi Alonso Real Madrid 2025-26

Real Madrid to stick with Alonso after Supercopa defeat

Real Madrid’s stance when it comes to the future of under-fire manager Xabi Alonso has been revealed. The World Cup-winning former Los Blancos midfielder only returned to the Bernabeu in the summer of 2025 as he succeeded legendary Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti. He has endured a baptism of fire in the Spanish capital, leading to inevitable sack speculation being generated.

Lionel Messi Inter Miami 2025

‘Until he retires’ - Why Messi will remain ‘best in the world’

Lionel Messi remains “the best in the world” and will hold that title “until he retires”, claims the Argentine’s former Barcelona team-mate David Villa. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is now 38 years of age, but he is showing no sign of slowing down and continues to enhance his standing as the most decorated player of all-time while turning out in the United States for Inter Miami.

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TOPSHOT-FBL-EUR-C1-BAYERN MUNICH-BRUGGE

Kompany addresses Karl's bombshell Real Madrid admission

Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany insists he has not spoken to Lennart Karl over his recent transfer remarks regarding Real Madrid after reiterating that the teen sensation has apologised for his “communication mistake”. The Bavarians' head coach has come to the aid of the 17-year-old, who raised eyebrows earlier this month by revealing it is his “dream” to play for the Spanish giants.

ter Stegen

Barcelona's Ter Stegen makes huge transfer decision

Marc-Andre ter Stegen could close his Barcelona chapter this month as the German goalkeeper looks to secure a move away from the La Liga's leaders. The player has fallen out of favour at the club under the management of fellow countryman Hansi Flick and is below Joan Garcia and Wojciech Szczesny in the pecking order between the sticks, yet could find a way to kickstart his career elsewhere in Spain.

Raphinha Barcelona GFX

Madrid, beware! Raphinha more than a one-season wonder

It's never a good idea to pay much attention to football's annual awards ceremonies. These glorified popularity contests drag on for far too long and trying to wrap your head around the lack of logic involved in the voting process is an exercise in futility. However, it was impossible to ignore The Best FIFA Men's 11 for 2025 - because the omission of Raphinha made so little sense.

Kobbie Mainoo Marcus Rashford Manchester United Barcelona 2025-26

Agent Rashford?! Mainoo 'might be in contact' with Barcelona

Former Barcelona midfielder Gaizka Mendieta has suggested that Marcus Rashford may be acting as an agent at Camp Nou, with Kobbie Mainoo another of those to be seeing a move from Manchester United to Catalunya speculated on. If the Blaugrana are keen, then loan star Rashford could be used to help talk a fellow England international into treading a similar career path.

Nike Tiempo revival culture gfx 16:9

Rebirth of a legend: Nike breathes new life into the Tiempo

We have been waiting for some time to see how Nike would react to the juggernaut that is adidas' Predator revival campaign, and the American sportswear behemoth is finally set to deliver a serious on-pitch response following the relaunch of cultural phenomenon Total90 as a streetwear silo in 2025. With the new year upon us, the iconic Nike Tiempo has been revamped for the modern creator-in-chief.

Wrexham Ramos

‘Why not Ramos?' - Real Madrid icon 'an option' for Rob & Ryan

Former Barcelona star Gaizka Mendieta says that Sergio Ramos could be an interesting transfer option for Wrexham after leaving Liga MX club Monterrey. The 39-year-old, who won four Champions League titles and five La Liga crowns during his 16 years at the Santiago Bernabeu, is now available as a free agent, with Mendieta explaining why he could be tempted to north Wales.

Arsenal v Chelsea - The Emirates FA Cup Final

Reporter claims Costa 'coughed in her face' during Covid interview

A female reporter has claimed former Chelsea star Diego Costa once coughed in her face during an interview at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Helene Hendriks was on media duties for Liverpool's Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid in March 2020, and the striker was playing for the Spanish club at the time. After the knockout fixture took place, Costa allegedly did something the 45-year-old will never forget.

GFX Xabi Alonso Jude Bellingham

Bellingham: Madrid players support Xabi Alonso to the death!

Jude Bellingham has passionately defended Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, insisting the squad is with the coach "to the death" while dismissing reports of dressing room fractures as "invented" nonsense. The England star claims the club's current situation is "no disaster" and believes external criticism has been "blown out of proportion" despite recent stumbles.

Borussia Dortmund v TSG Hoffenheim - Bundesliga

Madrid to step up Schlotterbeck pursuit as Upamecano nears Bayern deal

Real Madrid are set to intensify their efforts to sign Nico Schlotterbeck from Borussia Dortmund after suffering a major blow in their pursuit of Dayot Upamecano. The Bayern Munich defender was identified as the club's primary target but is now on the verge of signing a new deal in Bavaria, forcing Los Blancos to pivot towards the German international who could cost upwards of €50 million.

Jude Bellingham Lamine Yamal adidas Predator F50

Bellingham vs Yamal: adidas launches Predator vs F50 battle

Jude Bellingham and Aitana Bonmati are locking horns with Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi and Trinity Rodman as adidas launches the Predator vs F50 battle and invites fans and players around the world to “choose one”. Two iconic boot designs are being reimagined for 2026, with superstar performers from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Miami and the USWNT already picking their sides.

Harry Kane Bayern Munich 2025-26

'Dead money' - Barcelona & Real warned off Kane transfer

Barcelona and Real Madrid have been warned off a move for Harry Kane, who has a £57 million ($77m) release clause in his contract at Bayern Munich, as they would be spending “dead money”. Michael Owen has explained to GOAL why the England international striker “gave away his aces too cheaply” when leaving Tottenham and the Premier League in 2023.

Cadiz CF v Villarreal CF - LaLiga EA Sports

'Barca took four years to pay me!' - Ex-coach slams La Liga club

Former Barcelona manager Quique Setien has revealed that the Catalan giants took nearly four years to finally settle his unpaid wages following his dismissal in 2020. The 67-year-old opened up on the staggering delay while also dropping a bombshell regarding a separate, ongoing legal battle with another La Liga club that has left him waiting for a settlement for almost three years.

RCD Espanyol de Barcelona v FC Barcelona - LaLiga EA Sports

Flick in the dark over Lewandowski's Barca future

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has admitted he is uncertain about Robert Lewandowski’s future at the club beyond this summer, casting doubt on the veteran striker's long-term status. The comments came after a stunning 5-0 demolition of Athletic Club in the Spanish Super Cup, a match where the Polish international was surprisingly left among the substitutes.

RCD Espanyol de Barcelona v FC Barcelona - LaLiga EA Sports

Why Ter Stegen may see Barca exit scuppered as transfer limbo continues

Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s hopes of a January exit from Barcelona hang in the balance after the goalkeeper suffered a fresh knee injury. The German recently agreed to a loan move to Girona to boost his World Cup chances, but his departure is now complicated by fitness concerns and a significant financial hurdle regarding the percentage of his wages that the Catalan giants must cover.

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Bayern star Kane sent strong Barcelona transfer warning

Harry Kane has been urged to reject any potential advances from Barcelona as Dwight Yorke believes the England captain would struggle to replicate his prolific form in Spain. The former Manchester United striker claims the tempo of La Liga makes it a "much more difficult" environment than the Bundesliga, warning that a move at this stage of his career carries significant risk.

Red Carpet - 2023 Laureus World Sport Awards Paris

Messi admits he's weird in revealing interview

Lionel Messi has admitted he is "weirder than sh*t" in a revealing interview about his private life and previously getting therapy. The Inter Miami star, who has tended to stay away from the limelight and do his talking on the pitch, has spoken about what home life is like with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and why he sought help for his mental health at Barcelona.

Al Hilal v CF Pachuca: Group H - FIFA Club World Cup 2025

Flick confirms Barca changed transfer plan to re-sign Cancelo

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has revealed the club are closing in on a deal to re-sign Joao Cancelo on loan. The full-back spent the 2023-24 season with Barca after being forced out of the first-team picture at Manchester City, but the Catalan side declined the chance to sign him permanently. But Cancelo is set to return to Camp Nou for the rest of 2025-26.

Frequently asked questions

Since the Conference League's inception in 2021, three teams have lifted the trophy: Roma, West Ham United, and the current champions, Olympiacos.

The newest format, introduced ahead of the 2024-25 season, features 36 teams, four more than in the previous format.

Mainz 05 midfielder Hong Hyun-seok and Gent captain Sven Kums have made 39 appearances each in the Conference League, making them the players with the most appearances in the competition.

As for top goalscorers, Arthur Cabral leads the list with 21 goals to his name, including those scored in the qualifying phase. However, without taking into account goals scored in the qualifying phase, three players have scored the joint-most goals in Conference League with 12 each to their names: Arthur Cabral, Eran Zahavi, and Vangelis Pavlidis.

Darian Males, Gavriel Kanichowsky, and Cristiano Biraghi have the most assists in Conference League history, registering eight assists each.

Veteran Spanish goalkeeper Pepe Reina, while playing for Villarreal in 2023, became the oldest player to feature in the Conference League at 40 years and 175 days.

Lille wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi holds the record as the Conference League's youngest-ever player at the tender age of 16 years and 3 days.

Stars such as Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Tammy Abraham, Declan Rice, Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins,Co Mario Gotze, Kasper Schmeichel, Cody Gakpo, Stephan El Shaarawy, James Maddison, Jonathan David, and Edin Dzeko have played in the Conference League.

Manuel Pellegrini, Jose Mourinho, Unai Emery, David Moyes, and Ange Postecoglou are among the most famous managers to have managed in the Conference League.