It's hard to overstate the degree to which Chloe Kelly captured the attention of a nation this past summer. Her pivotal performances in the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final of the 2025 European Championship helped drive England on to a second successive continental crown while also catapulting her name into the limelight like never before, even surpassing the levels achieved after her extra-time goal won Euro 2022. Yet, fans tuning into the Women's Super League this season hoping to see Kelly's magic in action for Arsenal, will have been disappointed.
Pep Guardiola once described Tottenham as 'the Harry Kane team', but amid Manchester City's ridiculous reliance on their own superstar striker this season, it has been suggested that his side could be renamed 'the Erling Haaland team'. But after Phil Foden pulled off a miraculous escape act against Leeds United on Saturday, a fairer description might be 'the Haaland AND Foden team'.
Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa has been left out of the DR Congo squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, which is slated to commence on December 21. Although the decision will be a shock for the forward, it should benefit the Magpies, who are still waiting to see their £55 million summer signing in action. The 29-year-old has not featured for the Premier League club since arriving from Brentford due to a knee injury suffered on international duty just days after completing his move.
Desire Doue, who bagged a brace for Paris Saint-Germain in their historic Champions League final victory over Inter, has collected his Golden Boy award for 2025. Tuttosport announced the winners of their prestigious prizes in November. England’s teenage striker Michelle Agyemang, who helped the Lionesses to European Championship glory, has landed the Golden Girl gong.
Cat Macario shined, Jaedyn Shaw delivered a statement, and Emma Hayes couldn’t stop smiling as the USWNT capped 2025 with another dominant win over Italy.
Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank risks losing the dressing room if he fails to trigger a turnaround in fortunes in the club's upcoming fixtures. It has been claimed that several players are starting to lose faith in the Dane due to his tendency to make late tactical adjustments, which often leaves the players confused about their responsibilities during games.
Out-of-favour Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford reportedly wants to leave the club, just five months after returning to the Etihad Stadium. The 23-year-old played a crucial role in helping Burnley earn promotion to the Premier League last season, but he has struggled to gain regular minutes following his summer switch to Pep Guardiola’s side.
Christian Benteke has publicly thanked D.C. United and its supporters after the club declined his contract option for 2026, he said in messages to fans. The club had previously indicated it was in talks over a potential new deal, but the 34-year-old Belgian - who has spent three seasons in the nation’s capital - posted a farewell note, signaling his departure.
Goalkeeper Andre Onana has suffered another crushing blow after being left out of Cameroon’s squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. The 29-year-old has endured a torrid 2025-26 season, having lost his position as Manchester United’s No. 1 before being allowed to move to Turkish side Trabzonspor on a season-long loan in September.
Daniel Farke has reportedly been handed an ultimatum by authoritative figures at Leeds United, with a new report revealing that the German head coach could risk losing his job if he doesn't manage to eke out a win in his side's upcoming fixtures against Liverpool and Chelsea this week. Farke has been under tremendous pressure in recent weeks after Leeds dropped into the relegation zone.
The USMNT Transfer Notebook tracks American player movements, with the latest developments for those in the U.S. national team pool, including rumors tying Pulisic with a move back to the Premier League.
Captain Ronald Araujo has been granted indefinite leave by Barcelona following a request for a period of absence. The Uruguay international's representatives held discussions with club sporting director Deco on Monday after the defender was not part of the matchday squad for Saturday's 3-1 La Liga victory over Alaves at Spotify Camp Nou.
New York Red Bulls II head coach Michael Bradley has emerged as the leading candidate to take over the New York Red Bulls first team, according to The Athletic. While no final decision has been made and contract talks are ongoing, the expectation is that the former U.S. men’s national team captain will be appointed in the near future. Bradley also lifted the MLS Next Pro title in his first year with NYRB II.
Lionel Messi and Thomas Müller strolled into the final, but the semifinals still left us plenty to unpack - including fresh questions about Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano’s future in San Diego.
New Balance have unveiled a stunning new boot which has been co-designed by Arsenal and England star Bukayo Saka. The American footwear company have launched the special edition '7egacy’ boot, featuring a custom colourway of the Furon v8, which the winger wore for the first time in the Gunners’ 1-1 Premier League draw with Chelsea on Sunday evening.
Arsenal might just have landed two of South America's most exciting young talents in Independiente del Valle's Quintero twins, Edwin and Holger. The duo, who are currently 16 years old, are set to complete their paperwork in London this week and will officially complete their switch from the Ecuadorian side in August 2027, when they will have turned 18.
Kylian Mbappe has officially joined Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in one of world football’s rarest elite clubs after hitting 60 goals in the 2025 calendar year during Real Madrid’s draw with Girona. His penalty at Montilivi not only marked an extraordinary milestone but also cemented his place in French football history as the first since Just Fontaine to reach such a total.
Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson is reportedly a wanted man, with Manchester City said to have scouted the England international “more than 10 times”. They have been impressed by the 23-year-old’s performances for club and country, with Anderson becoming a top transfer target at the Etihad Stadium. He will, however, come with a £100 million ($132m) price tag.
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s long-term future at Crystal Palace remains unclear with negotiations over a new contract believed to have stalled. The France international has become one of the best strikers in the Premier League under the stewardship of manager Oliver Glasner, whose own future remains uncertain as his current terms expire at the end of the season.
Thomas Frank said Tottenham are “nothing without our fantastic fans” as he looked to build bridges with supporters after criticising them for booing Guglielmo Vicario in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat against Fulham. Spurs suffered their fourth home loss in all competitions in a game which saw the Italian goalkeeper jeered for his mistake in the build up to the second goal.
Liverpool are reportedly considering a move for Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, whose contract with the club expires in 2029. Despite splashing a mind-boggling $595 million on transfers over the summer, including back-to-back British record transfer fees on Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, the club's collapse has forced them to enter the market once again.
Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeness says the club gained a “huge advantage” by deciding against pursuing big-money moves for Benjamin Sesko, Xavi Simons and Jamie Gittens. The Bundesliga heavyweights were strongly linked with all three players before their respective switches to Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea in the summer.
Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeness says he “assumes” Harry Kane will see out the remainder of his contract with the club, despite having the option to trigger an early exit in January. The England captain continues to be linked with La Liga giants Barcelona after revealing he is yet to open talks over an extension to his current deal, which expires in 2027.
Neymar is being backed to reunite with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami as the Brazilian remains a “huge name” around the world and a notable coup for MLS. As things stand, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain playmaker is running down his contract at Santos. Brad Friedel has told GOAL why a deal for the Samba superstar makes sense for those in North America.
Trouble may be brewing at Real Madrid, with Los Blancos’ dressing room said to be divided when it comes to head coach Xabi Alonso and the methods that he has introduced since taking the reins in the Spanish capital. Precious points have been dropped over recent weeks, leading to uncomfortable questions being asked of those underperforming on and off the field.
The USMNT have been told what represents a successful 2026 World Cup, with Brad Friedel looking ahead to the tournament in an exclusive interview with GOAL. Mauricio Pochettino’s side are being challenged to reach the knockout stages on home soil, but there will be “no shame” in falling short if they come unstuck against a heavyweight rival such as England or Brazil.
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