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Jude Bellingham has long been considered the crown jewel of English football, but Gary Lineker has now taken the hype to a historic new level. Following a masterclass in the Nations League, the former Three Lions striker has tipped the Real Madrid sensation to eventually surpass every legend in the nation's history.

The race to be crowned the best young player in world football has reached its final stage following the announcement of the 25-man shortlist for the 2026 Golden Boy award. Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi has emerged as the frontrunner to succeed current holder Desire Doue after a sensational year for club and country.

Barcelona dominate: a special appearance for the Bayern Munich star

The Turkish midfielder has completed his rehabilitation period and is available to Cristian Chivu.

Tottenham Hotspur face an anxious wait over the fitness of Micky van de Ven following an injury scare during the international break. The central defender picked up a hand injury during the Netherlands' recent Nations League victory over Serbia, sparking fears he could miss the upcoming Premier League trip to Old Trafford.

Real Madrid have taken another significant step in securing the club's long-term future by reaching an agreement to extend Arda Guler's contract until 2031. The 21-year-old sensation has become a central figure in the Spanish capital, rewarding the club's faith with a series of dazzling performances that have cemented his place in the first-team squad.

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The Buccaneers head coach has expressed his readiness for the upcoming MTN8 final. The French-Moroccan tactician is aiming to secure the first piece of silverware for the 2026/27 season as Pirates look to retain their crown in Durban.

Lionel Messi is preparing for an emotional farewell in front of his home supporters as Argentina take on Benin at the Estadio Monumental. However, the visitors have no intention of playing the role of generous guests during the legendary forward's final appearance on Argentine soil.

Piers Morgan has launched a scathing attack on Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus, accusing the veteran tactician of showing "shocking disrespect" toward Cristiano Ronaldo. The outspoken broadcaster drew a direct comparison between Jesus and former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, suggesting the coach is prioritising his own reputation over the legendary forward's status.

Everton and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is set to appear in court following a high-speed incident involving his luxury Lamborghini Urus. The 32-year-old shot-stopper was reportedly pursued by police after a driving manoeuvre nearly resulted in a multi-car collision near his home in Cheshire.

The debate over South Africa’ starting shot-stopper has gained fresh momentum after an impressive showing by the Orlando Pirates star in Cairo. Former national team goalkeeper coach Alex Heredia has now weighed in, with Chaine’s display adding another talking point to the competition for the No.1 jersey.

Ex-Brazil international Anderson has told GOAL why the likes of Vinicius Junior may have earned “superstar” status prematurely, with any player that has “five good games” suddenly worth “200 million” in modern football. The former Manchester United midfielder continues to use Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the blueprint for what success really looks like.

Thomas Tuchel has offered a fascinating insight into the psychological makeup of Harry Kane as the England captain stands on the brink of international history. The Three Lions boss believes his star striker possesses a unique internal engine that prioritises individual benchmarks as much as collective success at Wembley.

AS Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has revealed why Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not attend Lionel Messi’s final match for Argentina. The Italian boss explained that the lengthy trip would disrupt preparations for a crucial run of club fixtures.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has provided a detailed update on Ezri Konsa after the defender was forced to withdraw from the Three Lions squad ahead of their Nations League clash with Czechia. The Arsenal centre-back has returned to London to begin treatment on two separate fitness concerns, leaving Mikel Arteta sweating over his availability for the upcoming Premier League restart.

Alejandro Balde has seen his Barcelona game time drastically reduced under head coach Hansi Flick this season. The dramatic drop in minutes has sparked rumours of a January exit, with Paris Saint-Germain and both Manchester clubs closely monitoring the defender's situation.

Mika Godts has sent a defiant message ahead of Belgium's Nations League clash with France, insisting the team will stick to their principles despite the absence of key leaders. The Paris Saint-Germain youngster is expected to start in his new home city as Mark van Bommel’s side look to make a statement on the international stage.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has told GOAL why Leeds were right to take a calculated transfer “risk” on Dominic Calvert-Lewin and explained when the Whites will be able to start dreaming about European qualification. For now, their talismanic No.9 remains on international duty with England - as he fills back-up duties behind record-shattering captain Harry Kane.

Harambee Stars head coach has delivered a blunt assessment of his team’s current standing, suggesting that overcoming continental giants like South Africa remains an almost insurmountable challenge. As the Harambee Stars continue their long-term project toward the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, the former Manchester United assistant coach is urging realism regarding the technical divide between his squad and the elite.

Antonio Conte has addressed rumours linking him with the Manchester United job after Michael Carrick's difficult start to the season. The Italian manager is currently on a sabbatical after leaving Napoli but has refused to rule out a future return to the Premier League.

Portugal manager Jorge Jesus has heaped praise on striker Goncalo Ramos, tipping the forward to become a vital asset for Ruben Amorim at AC Milan. Following a productive international break, the veteran coach believes the former Benfica star is reaching a new level of maturity in his game.

Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta has heaped praise on Lamine Yamal, claiming the teenager's incredible start to the current Liga season is far from normal. Having previously witnessed the rise of Lionel Messi firsthand, the iconic Spanish midfielder admitted he is completely blown away by the young winger's extraordinary talent.

Cristiano Ronaldo's international future hangs in the balance following a public fallout with head coach Jorge Jesus during the latest Nations League window. However, Portuguese federation (FPF) president Pedro Proenca has moved to play down the rift, describing the situation as a misunderstanding that will be resolved internally.

Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta has admitted that life in the dugout is proving to be far more demanding than his illustrious playing career. The World Cup winner is currently cutting his teeth in management and has opened up about the challenges of transitioning from the pitch to the touchline.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is “not a really poor defender”, fellow Merseyside native and ex-England B international Alan Stubbs has told GOAL, with the Real Madrid right-back’s critics being accused of ignoring obvious “strengths”. The former Liverpool defender has been welcomed back from the international wilderness, but is yet to convince everybody of his worth.

The Glamour Boys' habit of settling for a share of the spoils has become a concern as the Soweto giants look to keep pace with the teams leading the Betway Premiership. Amakhosi legend Neil Tovey has called for patience with the head coach, but believes the Naturena-based team must start turning draws into wins if they are to stay in the title conversation.