Lists

England’s Lionesses are set to dominate the New Year’s Honours List after their dramatic European Championship triumph, with several key players and staff poised to be recognised by the King. From match-winning heroes to the architect of back-to-back continental success, a rare haul of gongs is expected to underline a historic year for women’s football.

In recent months, Orlando Pirates have sold two of their gems, and another has been tipped to follow in their footsteps soon. Despite the fact he is one of the most promising South African stars, Mofokeng is yet to seal a big move. It started with Nkota before Mbokazi followed suit, but what is holding back President Yama 2000 has been explained.

Former Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard says he is “open” to new opportunities in the January transfer window as he looks to continue his playing career following an emotional departure from FC Seoul earlier this month. The England international has opened up about the “strong legacy” he has left behind in South Korea following his near two-year spell in Asia.

Scott McTominay has once again been billed as the standout performer in Serie A. Said standing was recently made official when landing the division’s Player of the Year award for 2025 - with the history books being rewritten. A club colleague at title holders Napoli, Sam Beukema, has now explained what makes the former Manchester United midfielder special.

The 29-year-old forward is enduring a frustrating campaign, having struggled for regular game time this season. Despite enjoying a brief spell in which he impressively found the back of the net, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has increasingly overlooked him in his selection. With the Buccaneers mentor showing little faith in the player, it remains to be seen whether the attacker will still be at the club next season.

The subject of whether the Bafana Bafana defender should have waited to play in AFCON first before choosing his next club has been quite a hot topic. Broos was the first one to publicly question the move to the Major Soccer League. According to the experienced tactician, Mbokazi should have at least waited to play in the AFCON and World Cup finals before considering a move.

The cost of owning grass graced by Argentine GOAT Lionel Messi has been revealed, with Inter Miami joining the trend of selling turf as they prepare to move into a new stadium. The Herons are bidding farewell to Chase Stadium, having savoured a historic MLS Cup win in that venue, and will be heading to Freedom Park next season. Fans can snap up a piece of the pitch that Messi has trodden since deciding to chase the American dream in 2023.

Alejandro Garnacho was fortunate not to receive a red card for a “really nasty” tackle in Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Newcastle United, according to the Magpies’ former goalkeeper Shay Given. The Argentina winger avoided receiving his marching orders in a game full of contentious moments, with Toon boss Eddie Howe criticising the match officials after the full-time whistle.

Frank Lampard was forced to apologise after a heated post-match melee erupted following Coventry City’s hard-earned draw at Southampton. The Sky Blues boss appeared to inflame tensions with a sarcastic gesture towards the home crowd, triggering confrontations between players and staff and overshadowing a resilient display from his Championship leaders.

Cruz Beckham has angrily shut down reports saying his parents Sir David and Victoria have unfollowed his brother Brooklyn on Instagram, claiming they have actually been blocked by their eldest son on the social media platform. The latest chapter in what has fast become a bitter public feud has been written, with there appearing to be no sign of an immediate end to the family saga.

As the experienced striker faces an uncertain future with the Soweto giants, his club rival has been described as one of the best strikers. Mabasa has fallen down the pecking order under Abdeslam Ouaddou, as either Evidence Makgopa, Boitumelo Radiopane, or Yanela Mbuthuma has been preferred to him in most cases. Now, he has been told to consider a move to Amakhosi, but is the new sensation in town his replacement?

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini pulled no punches after his side’s defeat to Juventus, openly questioning Evan Ferguson’s impact and admitting the Republic of Ireland striker is not convincing him. The blunt assessment has intensified scrutiny on Roma’s January plans, with Gasperini hinting at attacking reinforcements while insisting his selection calls were the right ones.

Kylian Mbappe sent a heartfelt message to “idol” Cristiano Ronaldo after copying the Portugal superstar’s iconic celebration following his landmark goal in Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Sevilla. The France forward had a birthday to remember as he found the back of the net to help Xabi Alonso’s men move to within a point of La Liga leaders Barcelona on Saturday.

Jack Grealish has lifted the lid on an unexpected off-pitch passion he has developed alongside girlfriend Sasha Attwood, revealing that life away from football has taken a surprisingly wholesome turn. The England international explained how tending vegetable gardens at their Cheshire home has become a shared hobby, offering a glimpse into a calmer side of the Everton loanee’s life.

Matt Doherty says he and his Wolverhampton Wanderers team-mates run the risk of being called “cowards” if they do not show more accountability as the club’s woeful Premier League season plunged to new depths. The Molineux club equalled an unwanted record as they suffered their 15th top-flight defeat of the campaign in a 2-0 reverse against Brentford on Saturday afternoon.

The Chilli Boys custodian has long been linked with a move to Amakhosi, but the transfer has yet to materialise. Even at the peak of his career, he reportedly attracted interest from the English Championship, Scotland and the Middle East. However, he has remained in Gqeberha, with calls growing for the Soweto giants to still consider making a move for him.

Hansi Flick has spoken openly about his future at Barcelona amid reports that the club are considering offering him a new contract until 2028. The German coach made it clear that he is happy at Camp Nou, stressing the importance of the trust from president Joan Laporta and praising the working relationship he enjoys with sporting director Deco and the wider sporting structure.

Ruben Amorim says Manchester United are ready to enter the January transfer market but only if the “perfect” player is available. The Red Devils continue to be linked with a host of central midfielders but the Portuguese head coach has suggested the club are even prepared to strengthen in another area of the pitch, provided the signing is one for the long term.

There were worrying scene at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as Liverpool's marquee summer signing Alexander Isak was helped off the pitch after picking up an injury in the process of scoring the Reds' opener against Spurs. The Sweden international's time at Anfield has been hampered by injury and boss Arne Slot has issued a brief update on the situation.

Former England midfielder Karen Carney made history on Saturday night as she won Strictly Come Dancing and lifted the iconic glitter-ball trophy. The ex-Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder put an end to stereotypes surrounding footballers and their ability to perform on the dance floor with some fantastic performances throughout the season, which received widespread praise.

Liverpool's star forward Hugo Ekitike insisted that he did not foul Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero before scoring the winner for Liverpool in a crazy Spurs clash in the Premier League on Saturday. Alexander Isak opened the scoring for the champions before Ekitike doubled the team's lead. Towards the end of the game, Richarlison pulled one back for the hosts but the Reds eventually walked away with a win.

Arsenal regained top spot in the Premier League courtesy of a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Everton at the Hill Dickson Stadium. The slender win was decided in the first-half after Viktor Gyokeres fired home from the penalty spot after Jake O’Brien handled in the box. Everton had two massive penalty appeals turned away in the second-half, but the Gunners held on for the three points.

Jude Bellingham scored the opener and Kylian Mbappe added a second from the spot as Real Madrid cruised to a 2-0 win over 10-man Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu. Los Blancos weren't always spellbinding, but they turned in a composed performance to pick up another league win and put pressure on Barcelona at the top of the table.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was left furious after his side were denied what he claims was a certain penalty during the entertaining two-all clash with Chelsea, calling it a "stonewall penalty" and a "clear error" that should have been overturned by VAR. The incident occurred when Anthony Gordon was challenged in the box by Trevoh Chalobah, sending the Toon forward crashing to the ground, but the appeals were waved away.

Chelsea and England legend Frank Lampard sparked a Championship melee after celebrating Coventry City's hard-fought draw against Southampton on Saturday. The Sky Blues were reduced to 10 men at the start of the second half, but they managed to hold Southampton to a draw to extend their unbeaten run to nine matches, with their last loss coming in November against Wrexham.

Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak both scored in a crazy clash at Tottenham which ended 2-1 to Liverpool and with the hosts playing with just nine men. There were worrying signs for the Reds after Isak had to be substituted straight after scoring the opener and Thomas Frank’s side saw Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero sent off.

After making only four signings at the start of the 2025/26 season, Fawaaz Basadien, Tsiki Ntsabeleng on loan from FC Dallas, Nuno Santos and Miguel Reisinho, one feels Masandawana are still searching for the perfect balance to sustain their dominance. The Brazilians remain strong contenders, but the Premier Soccer League CAF Champions League demands more depth and fresh energy.

Alexander Isak limped out of Liverpool's clash with Tottenham just seconds after scoring the opening goal of the game, after appearing to injure his ankle. The Sweden international came off the bench at half-time but was withdrawn shortly after a lunge from Micky van de Ven left him writhing in agony on the turf.

Aston Villa are considering a move for Barcelona and Germany goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen as a potential replacement for Emiliano Martinez, whose future at the club remains uncertain. Martinez, a World Cup winner and key figure in Villa's recent success, has been linked with moves to various European clubs, creating a pressing need for a top-tier successor should he depart.