FEATURES

Including coach Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid have invested €90 million in their squad so far this summer. At first glance, the income, by contrast, was very modest – but on closer inspection, the picture looks very different.

He once banged them in in the district league, today he negotiates deals worth millions for Borussia Dortmund: who is the 31-year-old Simon Rödder, for whom BVB created a new position especially a year ago?

GOAL takes a look at the big storylines and takeaways leading up to the All-Star Game.

Commercial pressures in the picture: the toughest turning point in the career of Brazil's all-time top scorer

The Zaeem manages the transfer window in a strange way

Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson could be about to give a whole new meaning to 'the Chelsea Pensioners'. In a staggering pivot away from the youth-driven transfer policy that has defined BlueCo's stewardship since their takeover in 2022, Chelsea are remarkably considering bringing in both the 35-year-old striker and 36-year-old midfielder this summer.

At the World Cup, Rodri once again impresses as the best player – and is reportedly putting Real Madrid on alert. But in truth, he stands in stark contrast to new coach Jose Mourinho’s idea.

Mic'd Up: Fox's Jenny Taft praised the camaraderie of the USMNT and insisted that the World Cup can be a launching pad for future soccer fans.

Sam Kerr scores her first Gotham FC goal as the Bats draw Portland Thorns FC 2-2, while Sofia Cantore lifts Washington Spirit past Lindsey Heaps and Denver Summit FC 1-0. GOAL ranks all 16 NWSL teams in this week’s Power Rankings.

Return of the legend or a risky adventure?

Sacking Pirlo reopens the Azzurri's black file