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Spain

Spain news

Lionel Messi Lamine Yamal Ballon d'Or

Ninth for Messi? Argentine GOAT & Yamal told how they win BdO

Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has been informed of what needs to happen in order for him to become a Ballon d’Or contender in 2026, while Ruud Gullit has told GOAL why a ninth triumph for Argentine GOAT Lionel Messi cannot be ruled out. The title of best player on the planet will likely be bestowed upon a superstar performer that illuminates this summer’s World Cup.

Real Madrid CF v Levante UD - LaLiga EA Sports

Arbeloa defends Mbappe commitment at Real Madrid

Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has jumped to the defence of Kylian Mbappe as the French superstar faces mounting scrutiny over his dedication to the club side. With the forward struggling for consistency and fitness ahead of the season's climax, his manager insists that there are no doubts regarding his professional spirit.

Athletic Club v Valencia CF - LaLiga EA Sports

Nico Williams avoids serious injury before World Cup

Nico Williams has received incredibly positive news regarding the hamstring injury sustained during Athletic Club's recent clash with Valencia. While initial fears suggested the winger could miss the upcoming World Cup, medical tests have confirmed he should be fit in time for the tournament in North America.

Athletic Club v Valencia CF - LaLiga EA Sports

First Yamal, now Williams! Another major injury scare for Spain

Spain’s World Cup preparations have suffered a devastating blow after Nico Williams was forced off with a muscular injury during Athletic Club's La Liga match against Valencia. Coming just weeks before the tournament and following Lamine Yamal's season-ending injury, the winger's distress on the pitch has sparked major fears over his availability for the national squad.

FC Barcelona v RCD Espanyol de Barcelona - LaLiga EA Sports

‘He’ll be in good shape’ - World Cup boost for Yamal fans

Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez has provided a reassuring update on Lamine Yamal’s fitness as the teenage sensation races against time to be ready for the 2026 World Cup. Despite being sidelined for the remainder of the domestic season with a muscle tear, Yamal is expected to be a focal point for Luis de la Fuente’s Spain side this summer.

GFX Lamine Yamal Lionel Messi

Messi picks Barca star Yamal as his heir

Lionel Messi has officially weighed in on the meteoric rise of Lamine Yamal, naming the Barcelona teenager as his natural successor. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner believes the La Masia graduate is already operating at a level that puts him above the rest of the pack in world football.

lamine yamal

Boost for Spain! Yamal ALREADY back training on grass

Lamine Yamal has taken a major step in his recovery after returning to grass training at Barcelona’s facilities. The teenage forward is following a strict rehabilitation programme after suffering a muscle tear in April. Spain boss Luis de la Fuente is hopeful the winger will still play a key role at the 2026 World Cup.

Spain v Egypt - International Friendly

Henry 'amazed' by Yamal's footballing 'intelligence'

France legend Thierry Henry has lauded Barcelona and Spain sensation Lamine Yamal, admitting he is "amazed" by the teenager's decision-making on the pitch. Speaking ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the former Barcelona striker expressed his desire to see the La Roja wonderkid at his absolute "peak" at the tournament, as he battles back from a serious injury.

FC Barcelona v RC Celta de Vigo - LaLiga EA Sports

Barcelona confirm Yamal ruled OUT for rest of season

Barcelona have released a statement to confirm that Lamine Yamal will miss the remainder of season due to a hamstring injury. The Spain star suffered the issue in the action of scoring a penalty during his side's 1-0 win over Celta Vigo, with Barca issuing an update on the 18-year-old's World Cup prospects.

Legacy Spain 3 GFX

The fall and rise of Spanish football

This is Legacy, GOAL’s podcast following the countdown to the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the world’s game. In this week's episode, we look at how Spain went from defining an era to questioning its very place in the global game. We revisit the brilliance of the golden generation, the abrupt collapse after Brazil 2014, and the struggle of the teams that followed. And we turn to the present: a new coach, new mindset, and a wave of young talent led by Lamine Yamal, the prodigy many believe could carry Spain towards redemption in 2026. This is the journey of a team trying to rediscover itself - and the uncertainty, promise and pressure that comes with chasing a second star.

Frequently asked questions

Fifteen players from the Aston Villa Wesleyan Chapel cricket team formed the Aston Villa Football Club in the 1870s.

Aston Villa are owned by V Sports, a joint venture between billionaires Nassef Sawiris and Wesley Edens. Atairos, an investment company based in the UK, became a minority partner of V Sports in April 2024.

Aston Villa play all their home games at the Villa Park since 1897.

Villa Park has a capacity of over 42,000 and has hosted more FA Cup semi-final games than any other stadium in history.

Aston Villa have won 22 titles throughout their history, including seven English top-flight titles, one European Cup (now known as the Champions League), and seven FA Cups.

Aston Villa have won seven top-flight titles, but have failed to clinch a league trophy in the Premier League era. They last won the first division in the 1980-81 season.

Former Scottish left-back Charlie Aitken has made the most appearances for Aston Villa, featuring in 660 games for the club from 1961 to 1975.

One of the greatest players to ever play for Aston Villa, Billy Walker is the club's record goalscorer of all-time with 244 goals to his name.

Jack Grealish, Dwight Yorke, Emiliano Martinez, Gordon Cowans, and Gareth Barry are among the most respectable players in Aston Villa history, with the club also luring legends like Peter Schmeichel and Paul McGrath.

Steven Gerrard, Steve Bruce, Gerard Houllier and Unai Emery are among the big names to have led Aston Villa during its illustrious history.

Aston Villa are famously known as The Villans. The name 'Villa' is derived from the Villa Cross Wesleyan Church, whose former cricket club passed on the name to the club.