Chris Burton

Jose Mourinho claims to be in a “negative” wage position at Benfica, with the Portuguese tactician saying he would “earn more” if he stayed at home and enjoyed time with his family. The ‘Special One’ has chosen not to do that, with the 62-year-old heading back to where it all began for him in a managerial capacity after taking the reins for a second time at Lisbon giants.

Paul Scholes claims that Marcus Rashford “quit on Manchester United” and has branded the England international’s attitude a “disgrace”. A product of the Red Devils’ famed academy system spent time on loan at Aston Villa last season, having slipped out of favour under Ruben Amorim, before linking up with La Liga giants Barcelona for the 2025-26 campaign.

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has asked a “what are you doing with this girl” question of the Gunners after seeing USWNT star Jenna Nighswonger exiled from Renee Slegers’ plans. The United States international moved to north London in January but has seen limited game time across her spell in England, with the 24-year-old defender failing to make WSL matchday squads.

Ousmane Dembele has been paid a special tribute by adidas in the wake of his Ballon d’Or triumph, with a nod being offered to the Paris Saint-Germain star’s Steph Curry-inspired goal celebration. The France international, who is clearly a big fan of NBA icons, has been named the best player on the planet in 2025 - allowing a place in the history books to be secured.

Roberto De Zerbi has threatened Mason Greenwood and his Marseille squad after seeing them claim a notable Classique victory over arch-rivals Paris Saint-Germain. A battling win in a rearranged fixture at Stade Velodrome underlined the title credentials of De Zerbi’s side, but he has pointed out that said win will count for little if it does not set a standard for the rest of the season.

Former Leeds United and MLS star Mateusz Klich claims Inter Miami have become a “disaster” for players and coaching staff as Lionel Messi’s father "basically runs the club” and nothing happens at Chase Stadium without the “consent” of talismanic figures. Argentine GOAT Messi has been in the United States since bidding farewell to Paris Saint-Germain in 2023.

Harry Maguire was caught on camera deploying dark arts after being substituted out of Manchester United’s Premier League clash with Chelsea at Old Trafford. With the Red Devils hanging onto a narrow lead in that contest, their experienced England international defender made a point of kicking away spare match balls - helping to slow down any restarts.

Former Arsenal academy prospect Billy Vigar has been placed in an induced coma after suffering a "significant brain injury” while turning out for his current club. The 21-year-old forward, who severed ties with the Gunners when leaving on a permanent basis in 2024, is now on the books of Isthmian League Premier Division side Chichester City.

Lamine Yamal’s father has branded Ousmane Dembele’s Ballon d’Or win the “greatest moral harm” in football, with the Paris Saint-Germain forward walking away with a prestigious Golden Ball in 2025. Barcelona wonderkid Yamal had to settle for a runner-up finish despite those in Catalunya being of the opinion that the 18-year-old is undoubtedly “the best player in the world”.

Harry Kane admits that an NFL crossover remains “in the back of my mind”, but says a move into American football remains “a long way away”. The prolific Bayern Munich and England striker has never hidden the fact that he would like to test himself as a placekicker. There is, however, plenty left for him to achieve in his sport of choice before considering any switch into another.

AC Milan’s offer of a new contract remains on the table ready for Christian Pulisic to sign, but the Serie A giants have “no meetings scheduled” with the USMNT star. The United States international was expected to have committed his future to the Rossoneri by now, but the relevant paperwork remains incomplete and discussions regarding fresh terms have ground to a halt.

The terms of a “secret” release clause in Harry Kane’s contract at Bayern Munich have been revealed, with it possible that the former Tottenham striker could return to the Premier League in 2026. In order for that to happen, two key conditions must be met - with any suitors in English football likely to be keeping a close eye on events in Germany.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have been assured that “Wrexham won’t struggle” this season, meaning that they can relax a little, but the Red Dragons have been told what they need to do in order to be competitive in the Championship. Phil Parkinson is being backed to steer the Welsh outfit away from any kind of danger during the 2025-26 campaign.

Cesc Fabregas claims that Como sensation Nico Paz is getting Lionel Messi-esque treatment from Serie A rivals. World Cup winner Fabregas once played alongside Messi at Barcelona, with opponents eager to keep the ball away from him as much as possible. Paz is, much like his Argentina international team-mate, considered to be another match-altering talent.

Dele Alli has been warned that, with his form having “fallen off a cliff”, that his next port of call is likely to represent a “last chance” in the professional ranks. The former Tottenham and Everton midfielder finds himself in the free agent pool after being released by Como. There has been talk of EFL clubs, including ambitious Wrexham, showing interest.

Cristiano Ronaldo is unlikely to play in Europe again, says ex-Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen, with the Portuguese committed to a new two-year contract at Al-Nassr. He is already 40 years of age, with the “spectacular” money on offer in the Middle East expected to ensure that CR7 sees out his record-shattering playing career in the Saudi Pro League.

Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has been named “Golden Ball” winner by CIES Football Observatory, with Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe claiming the runner-up spot. There is no place in the top five for Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele despite the World Cup-winning France international being favourite to land the coveted Ballon d’Or in 2025.

Gabriel Martinelli’s fiancee Isabella Rousso predicted the Arsenal winger’s late goal against Manchester City when sending a motivational pre-match text to her partner. Brazil international Martinelli started a crunch Premier League clash at Emirates Stadium among the substitutes, but stepped off the bench to score a dramatic equaliser in a thrilling 1-1 draw.