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Joan Laporta has hit back at Real Madrid president Florentino Perez with a scathing diagnosis, claiming the Spanish capital is suffering from a case of "acute Barcelonitis". The Barcelona chief dismissed recent attacks regarding the Negreira scandal as proof of an obsession, suggesting Los Blancos are more concerned with their rivals than their own internal issues.

Jose Mourinho has been hailed as a genius, with former Benfica striker Dean Saunders explaining his “spoil” tactics to GOAL. The self-anointed ‘Special One’ is, however, considered to face plenty of challenges in modern day management due to player power - with it being pointed out that delivering a “rollicking now is dangerous” and can lead to sackings.

With Masandawana struggling to find a winning consistency that is always associated with them, pressure has been piling on the tactician. The Premier Soccer League title race is expected to be a tough one, and with that in mind, the big question for the Pretoria giants is whether to stick with or sack their coach. However, Downs have been advised that parting ways with the former Esperance head coach would be a risky move.

Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has thrown his full weight behind Florentino Perez in the ongoing war over the Negreira case, insisting that the lack of punishment for Barcelona is viewed with total shock across the rest of Europe. The Madrid president described the ongoing controversy as the biggest scandal in football history as he criticised Spanish football's authorities over a lack of action.

Manchester United played as they can and as they should in their utterly thrilling 4-4 draw with Bournemouth. Monday's epic at Old Trafford was dubbed the game of the season by Jamie Carragher and everyone who made it into the Theatre Of Dreams got their money's worth, even at today's inflated prices. And yet in the cold light of day the result should concern United fans and the club's hierarchy.

Former Paris Saint-Germain No.1 Gianluigi Donnarumma, who now plays for Manchester City, has been named the 2025 Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper, with Lionesses star Hannah Hampton bagging the Women's prize. Donnarumma and Hampton were both part of treble-winning sides last season, while the latter also played a key role in England's successful European Championship defence.

Paul Doyle, who drove his car into crowds of people at Liverpool’s Premier League title-winning parade, has been sentenced to 21 years and six months in prison. The 54-year-old ploughed his vehicle into groups of more than 100 people as the Reds celebrated with fans on May 26. Doyle pleaded guilty to 31 offences relating to seriously injuring members of the public.

Kylian Mbappe has emerged victorious in his bitter legal war with Paris Saint-Germain after a French court ordered the club to pay him €60 million (£50m/$63m) in unpaid wages and bonuses. The ruling marks a significant blow to the Ligue 1 champions, who saw their own staggering counter-claim of a €440m payment from their former player dismissed by the court.

Alyssa Thompson's transfer to Chelsea featured all the hallmarks of a marquee signing. First reported to be in the works over a week before it was done, allowing the hype and excitement to build, it was given a dramatic conclusion by being completed right at the Women's Super League's transfer deadline, and for a bumper fee surpassing £1 million ($1.4m) which set a new world record for the women's game at the time. Brought out to greet the fans of her new club at Stamford Bridge, as Chelsea opened their WSL title defence with a statement win over Manchester City, Thompson was given the stage of a true star. But would she be?

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Lionel Messi has seen a return to his roots in Argentina speculated on in the recent past, with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner boasting emotional ties to Newell’s Old Boys. A presidential candidate there - ahead of elections being held - has explained what would need to happen in order for the Inter Miami superstar to leave MLS and head back home to Rosario.

Jamal Musiala has returned to first-team training at Bayern Munich after six months out with a fractured fibula. The 21-year-old Germany international stepped onto the grass at Sabener Strabe for an outdoor session, drawing a line under a painstaking rehabilitation process that began after he suffered a brutal injury against Paris Saint-Germain at the Club World Cup in July.

Alarm bells are ringing loud and clear at Signal Iduna Park as Borussia Dortmund external advisor Matthias Sammer has launched a stinging attack on the club’s culture. The former Ballon d'Or winner has backed Nico Schlotterbeck’s recent brutal assessment of the squad, claiming the Bundesliga giants are suffering from a debilitating 'addiction to harmony' and a distinct lack of genuine leadership.

It has been revealed that Jose Mourinho once aimed a brutal weight jibe at Luke Shaw during his time as Manchester United manager, with the England international full-back being billed as “James Corden”. The Red Devils’ enigmatic former boss also stated that he “would do everything” in his power to ensure that French forward Anthony Martial left Old Trafford.

The departure of the 20-year-old centre-back to North America may have left a void that the Buccaneers will need to address. The Soweto giants have enjoyed a season built on being tight at the back and will be keen to ensure they do not suddenly become porous. Maintaining that defensive solidity will be key to their bid to add more silverware this season.

As days progress towards the continental finals, the Bafana camp has been hit with a number of issues, mainly off-pitch ones. Hugo Broos has also had to prepare for AFCON with a squad without all players summoned because they are still attached to their clubs. However, the Mamelodi Sundowns star is confident Bafana will overcome all these issues and fully concentrate on the job ahead.

Anyone that manages to carve out a career for themselves in professional football is ridiculously talented. The standard at the highest level is just so high that it is simply impossible to 'fake it 'til you make it'. However, not everyone is as prodigiously gifted as Lionel Messi or Lamine Yamal. Your average player will require some time to get to grips with the rigours of the elite game.

Mason Greenwood faces the prospect of losing one of his most trusted allies at Marseille this January, with reports from Italy suggesting Juventus are ready to launch a move for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. The Serie A giants, now managed by Luciano Spalletti, have identified the Danish international as the ideal midfielder to dictate play in Turin, leaving Roberto De Zerbi fighting to keep his squad intact.

Atletico Madrid icon Saul Niguez has sparked controversy by claiming bitter rivals Real Madrid have "no fans" compared to his current club Flamengo. The midfielder, now playing under former teammate Filipe Luis in Brazil, launched a stinging attack on the Bernabeu atmosphere while praising the passion of the South American giants ahead of their clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

Marcelo's son is set to make his debut with Real Madrid Castilla after impressing head coach Alvaro Arbeloa. The weight of a legendary surname has followed Enzo Alves since his earliest touches of a football, but this week, the 16-year-old has edged closer to forging an identity of his own as he has been summoned to the Castilla squad for the first time ahead of Tuesday night’s Premier League International Cup clash against Manchester City’s Under-21s at the Joie Stadium.

Bruno Fernandes admits to being left “hurt” by Manchester United as they opened the door for him to complete a transfer to the Saudi Pro League during the summer of 2025. The Red Devils made it clear to their club captain that it would not be “so bad” for all concerned if a deal was done. Fernandes ultimately decided to remain at Old Trafford, but exit talk continues to rage.

Barcelona have reportedly identified Borussia Dortmund defender Julian Ryerson as a shock transfer target to bolster their defensive options. The Catalan giants are scouring the market for reinforcements amid growing fears that Manchester City could launch a swoop for Jules Kounde, forcing Hansi Flick to draw up contingency plans for the right-back position.

Inter Miami will not be resting on their laurels after savouring a historic MLS Cup success, with domestic rivals being warned that Lionel Messi and Co have their “bar reset to a higher level” ahead of a bid for more major honours in 2026. The Herons are kings of North America for now, with the plan being to cement that status when going back-to-back.

Gary Neville lavished praise on Ruben Amorim for bringing back "entertainment" to Manchester United after their "stunning" clash with Bournemouth as the Portuguese coach earned comparisons to Sir Alex Ferguson. Neville believes the manager reignited the sense of adventure and attacking freedom that once defined the club’s identity in the breathless 4-4 draw at Old Trafford on Monday night.

As the experienced tactician is preparing his players for the continental finals, his selections continue to be placed under scrutiny. There was noise when players like Thembinkosi Lorch were snubbed, but Broos has always defended his decision. Now, his squad has been described as unbalanced and a disgrace to the country just days before the finals begin in Morocco.

Micky van de Ven claims that Ange Postecoglou’s sacking at Tottenham came as something of a surprise as he still believes in the much-maligned “system” that saw the Australian coach attract plenty of criticism. Postecoglou did end Spurs’ 17-year wait for major silverware when landing the Europa League trophy, but was still relieved of his duties.

Newcastle United have been dealt a massive injury blow, with Dan Burn suffering a punctured lung and a broken rib during Sunday’s bruising Wear-Tyne derby defeat to Sunderland. The England international was forced from the field just before half-time following a heavy collision with Sunderland right-back Nordi Mukiele, and is now facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The national team coach acted swiftly to resolve an issue that had the potential to unsettle his camp to ensure his men remain focused on the upcoming continental tournament. He is now looking to lead a highly motivated squad to Morocco, determined to improve on the third-place finish they achieved at the previous edition.

Former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has, after enduring a missing dog ordeal in Mexico, aired his surprise at seeing Liga MX side Pumas rip up his contract. The Wales international played just six games for the Central American outfit after stepping out of his comfort zone in Europe. He returned to the UK after seeing his beloved pet go missing in October.