Chris Burton

Hugo Ekitike claims to feel no pressure from his £79 million ($107m) transfer fee at Liverpool, with the French forward saying “I don’t care” when asked about the price tag hanging around his neck. The 23-year-old has made a bright start to life at Anfield and remains convinced that he made the right choice in joining the reigning Premier League champions.

Pep Guardiola has joked that Manchester City are now a “transition team”, with the demanding Catalan coach reacting to a battling draw at Arsenal that saw the Blues post the lowest possession stats of his 10-year tenure. Guardiola admits that he needs to get “spirit” back in his team after seeing them make a slow start to the 2025-26 Premier League season.

Benfica have released behind-the-scenes footage from Jose Mourinho’s first game back at the club, with the outspoken Portuguese delivering an X-rated team talk to his players before heading into action against AVS Futebol SAD. The ‘Special One’ is back where it all began for him, having returned to his homeland, and has clearly lost none of his passion for his game.

The Manchester United fan refusing to cut his hair until Ruben Amorim’s side win five games in a row was branded an “attention-seeking c***” during an angry exchange with another Red Devils supporter at Old Trafford. Frank Ilett was in attendance to watch a much-needed victory over Chelsea, but his presence ruffled a few feathers behind the scenes as he attracted some unwanted attention.

Harry Kane broke another Bundesliga record when scoring two penalties in Bayern Munich’s crushing victory over Hoffenheim. England captain Kane netted a hat-trick in that contest - his second of the 2025-26 campaign - with a couple of efforts coming from the spot. The prolific frontman has never missed from 12 yards in the German top-flight - with 17 strikes converted.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been told that goalkeepers will want to let in his 1,000th goal, allowing them to join the Portuguese GOAT in the history books. CR7 continues to chase down that personal landmark, with ex-Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen suggesting that the Al-Nassr superstar will be ready to hang up his boots and retire once another record has been broken.

Barcelona have shared previously unseen footage of their stadium redevelopment, with impressive progress appearing to have been made. The project, which is giving Camp Nou a serious facelift, has been running behind schedule. It has, however, been revealed that changing rooms, benches and VIP areas are in, with an emotional homecoming seemingly not far away.

Phil Parkinson has explained how Wrexham were able to contain “best in the league” Josh Sargent when taking on Norwich City. The USMNT striker headed into that contest with six goals to his name, but drew a blank against the Red Dragons as the Welsh outfit claimed a notable 3-2 win at Carrow Road - helping to ease some of the pressure that had been building on their boss.

Ashlyn Castro is back in cheerleader mode at Santiago Bernabeu, with a cropped Real Madrid jersey being donned while heading to an iconic venue to support boyfriend Jude Bellingham. The England international midfielder has returned to action ahead of schedule after making a surprisingly quick recovery from surgery on a long-standing shoulder problem.

Manchester United dropped their first WSL points of the season when being held to a goalless draw by Arsenal, who had also opened the 2025-26 campaign with back-to-back wins. An emotional afternoon saw tears shed before kick-off as tributes were paid to former Liverpool manager Matt Beard, who passed away on September 20 at 47 years of age.

USMNT star Christian Pulisic put on a clinic for AC Milan in their Serie A clash with Udinese. Having registered two goals and an assist, ‘Captain America’ has been hailed by the Italian media. Pulisic is considered to have been “literally unstoppable” in his latest outing, with the United States international putting in a “majestic” performance that helped to secure a 3-0 win.

Alisha Lehmann has paid an emotional tribute to Matt Beard following the tragic news of the former Liverpool and West Ham manager’s death. Lehmann worked with Beard during her time with the Hammers, which started her career in the WSL and helped to launch her towards stardom, with the Swiss forward saluting “the first person that believed in me”.

Joao Felix has boldly claimed Al-Nassr will be "closer to the title" in the Saudi Pro League this season, with the Portuguese thriving in an "amazing" team alongside countryman Cristiano Ronaldo. CR7 sounded a "we want more" message after helping to extend a perfect start to the 2025-26 campaign, with Felix very much on board when it comes to trophy chasing.

Lionel Messi surprisingly stood aside after seeing Inter Miami awarded a penalty against D.C. United, with Mateo Silvetti being allowed to step up to the spot. He fluffed his lines when hitting the crossbar, but Messi still had the final say when wrapping up a crucial victory for the Herons in their ongoing bid to secure a place in the MLS play-offs.

Liverpool and Everton could be in danger of seeing another Merseyside derby postponed due to stormy weather conditions in the United Kingdom. The Reds and Toffees had to reschedule one of their meetings in the 2024-25 campaign, with questions being asked of whether their latest clash - scheduled to take place at Anfield on Saturday - will go ahead as planned.

Wrexham's non-executive director Shaun Harvey has rubbished reports suggesting that Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are considering showing record-breaking head coach Phil Parkinson to the door at SToK Racecourse. Questions have been asked of the Red Dragons' boss, but said speculation has been branded an "absolute disgrace" by a man on the inside.

Lionel Messi is being urged to follow David Beckham's example and become an owner when his playing career in MLS is over. A new contract for the Argentine superstar at Inter Miami is being speculated on, with American soccer eager to see the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner remain part of their brand for the foreseeable future. It could be that he stays on for many years to come.

Coleen Rooney reportedly wants fellow WAGs Victoria Beckham, Abbey Clancy. Toni Terry and Alex Gerrard to attend husband Wayne's 40th birthday bash. The Manchester United and England legend will reach a notable personal landmark on October 24. His long-time partner is said to be organising a lavish celebration that will have no "budget limitations".