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In-form Manchester City star Rayan Cherki scored an absolute piledriver against Brentford from the edge of the box to hand his team a first-half lead in their Carabao Cup quarter-final clash. After converting the world-class strike, the Frenchman emulated team-mate Erling Haaland's signature 'meditation' pose to celebrate the goal at Etihad Stadium.

FIFA approved a landmark financial package for the 2026 World Cup on Friday, confirming a record USD 727 million in prize money for the expanded 48-team tournament. The decision, made by the FIFA Council ahead of this weekend’s Intercontinental Cup final in Qatar, was described by FIFA as part of a broader series of measures shaping the future of the World Cup and global youth football.

Enzo Maresca has explained why he has "no time" as Chelsea boss ahead of his side's upcoming clash with Newcastle United. The Italian head coach revealed that the run-up to his team's win over Everton was the "worst" he had endured during his time with the Blues. But following their Carabao Cup victory over Cardiff City, the former Leicester City man cut a more jolly figure heading into Christmas.

Lionel Messi received an incredibly rare $1.1 million gift from an Indian billionaire during his 'GOAT Tour' of India. The Argentina and Inter Miami star, who recently won his maiden MLS Cup in the U.S., was in the country on a four-day visit which kicked off chaotically in Kolkata last Saturday. The 38-year-old travelled across four cities in India during his stay.

The senior national team was excellent in the qualifiers, where they got their ticket without tasting defeat, and now they want to go all the way and win the title for the first time since their maiden one in 1996. Before the biennial competition, South Africa beat Zambia and Ghana in recent build-ups.

Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain held their nerve to come through a penalty shootout to claim victory over Brazilian side Flamengo in the Intercontinental Cup final on Wednesday, with goalkeeper Matvei Safonov the hero as he saved four of five shots from the spot to help PSG outscore the Copa Libertadores winners 2-1 on penalties. The game had ended 1-1 in normal time after strikes from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Jorginho.

South African football has never been short on opinions, outrage or drama - but as Bafana Bafana march toward the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco, the noise around the Belgian has reached a fever pitch. From squad selection debates to player controversies, the veteran coach remains unshaken.

Arsenal are reportedly 'confident' of tying Jurrien Timber down to a new contract amid an impressive season. The Netherlands international has been hailed as the Premier League's best full-back this term after playing a key role in the Gunners topping the Champions League and Premier League tables so far. Now, the north London team want to extend the defender's stay with Mikel Arteta's side.

United States men's national team star Christian Pulisic is set to be joined by Premier League flop at AC Milan in a shock transfer as the Rossoneri's desperate search for a new striker nears conclusion. The German forward has failed to settle in London since joining from Borussia Dortmund and is understood to be keen on an immediate exit in the next window.

The two regional rivals are set to meet again on the continental platform on Monday, whereby Hugo Broos' men come into the match as favourites. In the recent five meetings across all competitions, Palancas Negras have managed three wins and two draws, while South Africa have secured three victories as well, but in the 10 meetings in all tournaments.

Chelsea's transfer plans for the next year or so have been revealed as the club look to further strengthen their squad. The Blues have enjoyed a reasonably strong Premier League campaign so far this season, sitting fourth in the table, but have identified one playing area in particular where reinforcements are required to take the team to the next level.

Former Manchester City star Scott Sinclair has been labelled as a "piece of sh*t" by ex-partner and Coronation Street actor Helen Flanagan after the 36-year-old missed their son's nativity to attend the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Flanagan took to social media to slam the footballer, whom she has since unfollowed on Instagram, for his insensitivity.

The defender has been excellent since his move to the Romanian heavyweights two seasons ago, winning the top tier and other domestic cups. The South Africa international has also been competing with the best in Europe, as his exploits continue to attract suitors who want to acquire his services to bolster their squads.

South Africa are set to leave the country for Morocco to take part in the biennial continental competition that will run from December 21 to January 18. A total of 24 teams will be competing for the crown, where the Belgian's men are aiming at going all the way for the first time since 1996 when they hosted it.

Santos' contract talks with Neymar are reportedly at an 'advanced' stage but rivals Flamengo could potentially hijack that deal. The 33-year-old is set to be out of contract at his boyhood club despite helping them maintain their status in the Brazilian top flight this season. As his current terms tick down, it seems Santos and Flamengo are in a battle to secure the forward's services for the 2026 campaign.

Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai was forced off during the 2-0 win over Brighton after suffering an ankle injury, prompting concerns over his availability during the hectic Christmas schedule. The Hungary international has been one of the Reds' leading performers in an otherwise disappointing Premier League title defence so far and there are doubts over his availability for Saturday's trip to Tottenham.

Brazil superstar Neymar donned a balaclava as he jetted off on a wintery New York holiday with partner Bruna Biancardi amid his uncertain future at Santos. The 33-year-old returned to his boyhood club in January 2025, following an injury-plagued spell in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal, but has been linked with an exit as his current contract expires at the end of the month.

Georgina Rodriguez has opened up on her engagement to Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo after nearly nine years together. The 31-year-old announced the news on Instagram back in August, posting a picture of a large diamond ring alongside the caption: "Yes I do. In this and in all my lives." The couple met in a Gucci shop in Madrid where Rodriguez was working while Ronaldo was playing for Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Cristiano Ronaldo's son showed off finishing prowess as he scored the only goal for Al-Nassr Under-16s in a draw with Al-Ittihad on Tuesday. Cristiano Jr's football career continues to progress in the Middle East after he followed in his legendary father's footsteps and joined the Saudi giants' youth system in 2023.

The 32-year-old attacking midfielder enjoyed a highly credible spell with the Sea Robbers, where he played a pivotal role in helping Orlando Pirates lift three MTN8 Cups. He also tasted success in domestic cup football, contributing to the club’s Nedbank Cup triumph. Beyond the local scene, Makaringe had the privilege of showcasing his talents on the continental stage, featuring in the CAF Champions League and testing himself against some of Africa’s top clubs. Known for his creativity, vision, and knack for key moments, he established himself as a respected and influential figure during his time at Mayfair.

United Kingdom prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has warned Roman Abramovich "the clock is ticking" for the former Chelsea owner to donate £2.5 billion ($3.35bn) of the sale of the Blues to Ukraine. The Russian oligarch pledged to give the proceeds of the transaction to the people of Ukraine back in 2022, having been forced to sell the club after being sanctioned following Vladimir Putin's invasion earlier that year.

With the 2026 World Cup just months away, GOAL looks at the state of the central defenders vying for spots next summer

Andreas Christensen faces a decisive period in his career as he enters the final six months of his Barcelona contract. With no renewal on the table and his future hanging in the balance, the Danish defender has attracted interest from the Premier League and the Saudi Pro League, leaving him with a stark choice: fight for his place in Catalonia or pursue a fresh challenge elsewhere.

Former Wolves starlet Ethan McLeod has tragically died in a car crash at the age of just 21. The youngster was travelling back from a National League North game with current side Macclesfield Town at Bedford Town when his car collided with a barrier on the M11 motorway. Macclesfield have confirmed McLeod's passing and offered their condolences to his family and friends.

Bruno Fernandes has shed light on his relationship with "very serious" Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim, who has converted him into a holding midfielder since replacing Erik ten Hag at the helm. Five goals and seven assists in 16 Premier League appearances this season underline Fernandes' enduring influence, helped by the building of "boundaries" between him and Amorim.

Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo has set a date for his return to training after completing a spiritual pilgrimage to Israel. The Uruguayan international, who was granted indefinite leave to cope with significant mental health struggles following a traumatic period on the pitch, has informed the club he intends to report back for duty on December 29 with an eye on the Catalan derby.

Manchester United and Roma are locked in a tense standoff over the transfer of Joshua Zirkzee, with the two clubs seemingly miles apart in their valuation of the struggling Dutch striker. While the player is reportedly keen on a return to Serie A, negotiations have hit a wall over the structure of the deal, forcing Roma sporting director Frederic Massara to line up a list of alternatives.

The 27-year-old produced a series of impressive displays in the Premier Soccer League during his time with Masandawana, from which he is now beginning to show at Spanish second-tier side Cultural Leonesa. Despite a slow start with his new club, he has attracted growing interest in recent weeks after finally finding his scoring touch and winning over the club's supporters.

Manchester City have offered an update on the club's 115 FFP charges amid talk a verdict could be returned imminently. The Cityzens are still yet to discover if they will face sanctions after being slapped with the charges for allegedly breaching financial rules during a nine year period between 2009 and 2018. A hearing concluded over a year ago but a verdict is still yet to be announced.