Kylian Mbappe is considered to be out of the running for Ballon d’Or recognition in 2026, with Jeremie Aliadiere conceding to GOAL that World Cup heartache with France is likely to have dashed those dreams. Les Bleus’ all-time leading goalscorer has never got his hands on the Golden Ball, and will need to wait another 12 months before staking another claim to the most prestigious of individual honours.
Pep Guardiola has revealed he is currently experiencing no desire to return to football management following his departure from Manchester City. The 55-year-old Catalan tactician explained that he is focusing on personal reflection and family life after spending nearly two decades under the intense pressure of elite-level coaching.
Twente youngster Ruud Nijstad has admitted his long-term ambition is to play alongside Pau Cubarsi at Barcelona after being impressed by the Spain international's display against Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the highly rated Dutch defender insists his immediate focus remains on continuing his development with the Eredivisie club.
Argentina’s comeback against England demonstrated the belief surrounding Lionel Messi. Now Spain stand between the holders and a historic second straight World Cup title.
John Barnes has defended Thomas Tuchel's tactical decisions in England's World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, insisting the German coach made the correct substitutions. The former Liverpool midfielder believes criticism of Tuchel ignores England's standing in world football and the realities of tournament football.
The threat of Financial Fair Play (FFP) sanctions continues to hang over Manchester City, but could they end up working in favour of new boss Enzo Maresca? Joleon Lescott has addressed that issue during an exclusive interview with GOAL, as points penalties at the Etihad Stadium would relieve some Premier League title-chasing pressure on Pep Guardiola’s successor.
Jude Bellingham has urged England fans to maintain their incredible unity after the Three Lions suffered a devastating 2-1 defeat against Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals. The 23-year-old midfielder admitted he struggled to find the words to process the heartbreak before sharing an uplifting poem given to him by the team's driver, Michael Chandler.
Ipswich Town remain in talks with FC Volendam over a deal for goalkeeper Kayne van Oevelen after their opening offer was rejected. The newly promoted Premier League side face competition from Valencia, who have reportedly already agreed personal terms with the 22-year-old.
Graeme Souness has pulled no punches in his assessment of Declan Rice following England's agonizing semi-final elimination from the World Cup. The 27-year-old Arsenal midfielder started all but one game during the tournament but fell short as the Three Lions suffered a late 2-1 defeat at the hands of old foes Argentina.
Bruno Guimaraes continues to see a transfer to Arsenal speculated on, with Jeremie Aliadiere telling GOAL how the Newcastle midfielder could be fitted into Mikel Arteta’s side while influencing some big decisions on Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice. The ambitious Gunners continue to bolster a squad that savoured Premier League title glory last season.
Jose Mourinho has reportedly stepped in to block the summer departure of Real Madrid academy graduate Gonzalo Garcia ahead of the upcoming campaign. The Portuguese manager holds tactical reservations regarding the central suitability of Kylian Mbappe and Endrick, prompting him to evaluate the physical young striker as a genuine option to lead the line.
Inter are stepping up their pursuit of Tottenham full-back Djed Spence after his impressive World Cup displays strengthened the club's belief that he is the ideal fit for Cristian Chivu's system. The Serie A giants are now prepared to increase their budget as they seek to avoid competition for the England international.
Spain’s World Cup final clash with Argentina will see Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi go head-to-head for a global title and Ballon d’Or honours. Gaizka Mendieta has told GOAL why Barcelona’s teenage wonderkid can get the better of an all-time great. An epic battle is about to play out in New Jersey, with eyes from every corner of the planet descending on MetLife Stadium.
Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller have shared a light-hearted reunion on social media following the sudden postponement of their scheduled MLS encounter. The veteran Polish striker was due to make his competitive debut for Chicago Fire against the Vancouver Whitecaps before dangerous air quality levels forced league officials to call off the fixture, forcing the former Bayern Munich stars to meet up off the pitch.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta believes the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain will showcase the strength of La Masia, with club legends and rising stars on opposite sides. He hailed Lionel Messi's legacy while backing Lamine Yamal as the future, insisting Barcelona's identity will be at the heart of the showpiece.
England “can’t complain” about being on the receiving end of another masterclass from Lionel Messi as “no-one’s ever been able to stop” the Argentina GOAT, ex-Three Lions international Joleon Lescott has told GOAL. Another bid for international trophy glory has come to a close, in agonising fashion, with semi-final heartache being endured at the 2026 World Cup.
Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly withdrawn from the race to sign Bayern Munich standout Michael Olise. The French champions are unwilling to engage in a bidding war or match the €200 million asking price, leaving Real Madrid in pole position. Olise is reportedly determined to secure a blockbuster switch to the Santiago Bernabeu after a sensational season in Germany.
Anthony Gordon has expressed his deep heartbreak following England's dramatic elimination from the World Cup at the hands of Argentina. The Barcelona winger scored the opening goal in the semi-final clash before Thomas Tuchel's side conceded twice late on, shattering the Three Lions' dreams of reaching a first final since 1966.
Jhon Duran is on the verge of returning to European football as Benfica close in on a loan agreement with Al-Nassr for the Colombian international. The 22-year-old forward has struggled to settle in Saudi Arabia following his expensive transfer from Aston Villa, prompting all parties to facilitate a move ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Kylian Mbappe remains the right man to captain France heading forward, Jeremie Aliadiere has told GOAL, despite admissions that skippers do not “have to be the best player”. That is the case at present with Les Bleus, as their record goalscorer fills the armband, and any questions of character will continue to be ignored as the fearsome frontman leads by example.
Arsenal are being heavily linked with a move for Spain international shot-stopper Misa Rodriguez following her departure from Real Madrid. The Gunners’ goalkeeping department is already well-stocked, thanks to Daphne van Domselaar and Anneke Borbe, but it appears it is going to be strengthened even further with the addition of the highly-rated 26-year-old.
The 2026 World Cup is set to feature a historic first, with FIFA confirming that the winning squad will receive NFL-style championship rings alongside their traditional gold medals. Embracing the sporting culture of host nations Canada, Mexico, and the United States, this flashy new addition promises to bring a touch of North American flair to the pinnacle of international football.
Robert Lewandowski has seen his MLS debut delayed after Chicago Fire’s marquee clash against Vancouver Whitecaps was officially postponed. The star-studded fixture at Soldier Field was called off due to hazardous air quality stemming from Canadian wildfires, forcing league officials to reschedule the blockbuster encounter for October.
Global music icon Shakira has praised Lionel Messi following his inspirational performance in Argentina's World Cup semi-final victory. The Colombian singer took to social media to hail the 39-year-old forward's extraordinary longevity on the pitch, while also reserving a special mention for his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo.
It was a surprise, in truth, that it took reporters so long to ask Harry Kane about his future. The England striker stood there in the mixed zone, after a devastating 2-1 loss to Argentina, faced with the damning end to a remarkable season. And not until the third question did someone ask the England captain what might be next for him.
The pros and cons of Arsenal potentially making a move for Marcus Rashford have been highlighted to GOAL by ‘Invincibles’ squad member Jeremie Aliadiere. The Gunners have allowed Leandro Trossard to leave Emirates Stadium, as questions are asked of Gabriel Martinelli’s future, with obvious reconstruction work to be carried out in the summer transfer window.
Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has firmly responded to Barcelona counterpart Joan Laporta regarding the unfolding transfer saga surrounding Julian Alvarez. The forward publicly requested a summer departure during the World Cup, prompting the Catalan giants to launch a time-sensitive offer that has heightened tensions between the clubs.
Marcus Rashford has rejected several lucrative transfer proposals from interested clubs as his £40 million Manchester United release clause officially expired. The 28-year-old academy graduate will now see any potential summer departure subject to direct negotiations with the Old Trafford board.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has opened up on the demanding early days of Real Madrid’s pre-season, praising the intensity and sky-high standards of returning coach Jose Mourinho. The England defender revealed how he prepared over the summer and set out clear targets for the campaign ahead as the squad builds under the Portuguese at Valdebebas.