Lists

Leeds United have been advised against inviting offers for USMNT star Brenden Aaronson, with Matt Kilgallon explaining to GOAL why the American forward was “like Lionel Messi” at times last season after finding his feet in English football. The all-action playmaker has finally won over a sceptical fan base at Elland Road, but is entering the final year of his contract.

Les Rouges coach has opened up on the tactical blueprint that allowed his team to neutralise Bafana Bafana's key threats during their narrow World Cup knockout victory. The co-hosts booked their place in the next round by stifling Bafana's creative hub in Los Angeles.

Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres has broken his silence regarding his future at the club following reports that the club could use him as a makeweight to sign Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez. The Sweden international enjoyed a title-winning debut season in north London but now finds his place under scrutiny as Mikel Arteta looks to evolve his attacking options.

There are very few players left who play like the 25-year-old, and Pochettino has given him a role that lets him attack without fear

Juan Mata has completed a formal agreement to purchase a minority stake in A-League giants Melbourne Victory, further cementing his ties to Australian football. The deal also sees the ex-Man Utd star appointed as the chair of a newly established football committee, though he is yet to confirm if he will hang up his boots for good.

Everyone associated with Nottingham Forest is desperate to see the club continue to call the City Ground home for the foreseeable future. Peter Shilton knows how special that venue is, but has told GOAL why he - along with supporters and prominent boardroom members - will be wrestling with “wrench” and “necessity” emotions in an era of rising matchday revenues.

The relationship between Julian Alvarez and Atletico Madrid has reached a breaking point, with manager Diego Simeone reportedly losing patience with the Argentine forward. Following a series of public hints regarding a potential move to Barcelona, the Atleti boss is now ready to sanction an exit for a player who no longer seems committed to the cause at the Metropolitano.

South Africa's head coach has offered a sobering assessment of the gap between domestic football and the global stage following his side's exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While the nation celebrated a historic run to the knockout rounds, the Belgian tactician believes the defeat to Canada highlighted a significant disparity in quality that must be addressed at club level.

Manchester United’s class of 2026 are not yet ready to compete for the Premier League title, Gary Pallister has told GOAL, but Michael Carrick is being credited with returning two crucial qualities to Old Trafford. The Red Devils surged back into the top four last season, securing Champions League qualification, and are in the hunt for a first domestic crown since 2013.

A leading refereeing analyst has sparked controversy by claiming that Les Rouges defender Niko Sigur was fortunate to stay on the pitch during his side’s World Cup clash against South Africa. While the co-hosts secured a historic 1-0 victory to reach the knockout rounds, the officiating during the Round of 32 encounter has come under heavy fire.

Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo has officially been named the new captain of Ecuador after Enner Valencia made the shock decision to step down from the role mid-tournament. The veteran striker handed over the armband in an emotional ceremony following the nation's successful progression to the 2026 World Cup knockout stages.

Former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan has delivered a blunt critique of Cristiano Ronaldo, claiming the legendary forward is currently a hindrance to Portugal’s World Cup ambitions. Despite leading his nation into the knockout stages, the 41-year-old’s performances have sparked debate among pundits and former colleagues alike.

Former England internationals Gary Neville and Ian Wright have voiced their serious "concern" for Bukayo Saka’s physical condition as the Three Lions prepare for the business end of the 2026 World Cup. The Arsenal star has been managing a persistent injury that appears to be limiting his impact on the global stage.

The South Africa midfielder has revealed the devastating atmosphere within the national team's camp following their exit from the global showpiece in North America. Their historic run was brought to a crushing end by Canada in the Round of 32, leaving Hugo Broos’ side to reflect on a missed opportunity.

Cole Palmer has been made aware of what he needs to do in order to become a “great player”, with Frank Leboeuf admitting to GOAL that the Chelsea star’s World Cup snub with England will feel like a “big slap in the face”. The enigmatic playmaker remains a match-winner at Stamford Bridge, but his numbers have dipped year on year after making a dazzling start to his spell in west London.

Kai Havertz has issued a defiant response to Gary Lineker after the England legend labeled the current German squad as "one of the weakest" in the nation’s history. The Arsenal forward insisted that Julian Nagelsmann’s side are blocking out the noise as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup knockout rounds in the United States.

The atmosphere for the World Cup round of 32 tie between Brazil and Japan heated up off the field after controversial statements from Kento Shiogai. Marquinhos, captain of the Brazilian national team, did not shy away from responding to comments from Shiogai questioning Neymar's current level and the Selecao's collective strength.

The 25-year-old defender has expressed his immense pride after Les Rouges secured a historic 1-0 victory over Bafana Bafana to reach the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Bavarians star returned to the side from the bench to help his nation navigate a tense encounter that was settled by a dramatic stoppage-time winner.

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has called on Thomas Tuchel to make a ruthless selection call by dropping Declan Rice for England’s World Cup knockout campaign. The former midfielder believes the Three Lions must adopt a more aggressive tactical approach if they are to bridge the gap to tournament heavyweights like France and Argentina.

Peter Shilton has explained to GOAL how VAR would have changed the course of history had it been around in 1986, as there would have been no ‘Hand of God’, individual wonder goal or World Cup win for Diego Maradona. Argentina’s mercurial No.10 quite literally carried his nation to global glory single-handedly on Mexican soil, with his most memorable performance being delivered against England at the quarter-final stage.

Jesse Marsch has delivered a defiant response to any critics who might see his management style as "performative" after Canada secured their first-ever World Cup knockout win. The former Leeds United boss was seen delivering an emotional huddle speech on the pitch following the dramatic round of 32 victory over South Africa.

The young defender emerged as the breakout star of South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, with his elite performances at the heart of the defence drawing high praise from former professionals. Despite Bafana Bafana’s exit in the knockout stages, the 20-year-old’s stock has never been higher as he looks destined for a move to the bright lights of European football.

South Africa’s historic journey came to a devastating end in Los Angeles as a 92nd-minute winner from Stephen Eustaquio sent Canada through to the Round of 16. Despite the heartbreak of a late exit, the Belgian tactician has indicated that he is not ready to officially walk away from the national team just yet.

Brian Brobbey would be a “great signing for Manchester United”, former Sunderland defender Matt Kilgallon has told GOAL, with a £50 million ($66m) transfer making sense for all concerned. The powerful Netherlands international striker is currently on 2026 World Cup duty, but he is now Premier League proven and could be on the move at club level before the latest window closes.

Manchester United starlet Kai Rooney has sent a clear message to his followers as he prepares to return to action following a frustrating period on the sidelines. The teenage sensation took to Instagram to share vibrant holiday snaps, proving he has been working tirelessly on his fitness while recharging his batteries.

It’s time for the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup, which means it’s time for penalty shootout drama. Generally, England have a terrible reputation when it comes to spot-kicks, winning just four of the 11 shootouts they’ve participated in. But the signs suggest the tide is turning, with three of those wins coming in their last four.

Lionel Scaloni is set to extend his legendary tenure as Argentina head coach after reportedly reaching a verbal agreement to remain in charge until 2031. The news comes as the Albiceleste prepare for their 2026 World Cup knockout clash against Cape Verde in Miami.

Barcelona have sensationaly reached out to the representatives of Harry Kane as they look to pull off one of the most ambitious transfers in recent memory. The Catalan giants are reportedly exploring a move for the England captain, who is currently starring at the World Cup, as they search for a long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski.

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Neymar is in "good shape" but suggested the forward will once again start on the bench for Monday’s World Cup round of 32 clash against Japan. The Santos star made his long-awaited return to the international stage as a late substitute in the Selecao's final group game against Scotland.