Lists

AC Milan striker Santiago Giménez believes Mexico can defy expectations and lift the World Cup in 2026. Motivated by missing out on Qatar 2022, Giménez embraces his role as a dreamer and leader, convinced that belief, unity, and attacking partnerships - including a potential duo with Raúl Jiménez - can push El Tri toward a historic summer on home soil.

Fulham have reportedly made another bid for U.S. men's national team forward Ricardo Pepi, who continues to draw interest despite a recent arm injury. The bid is not Fulham's first for the PSV star but, to date, the Dutch club has been open about its desire to keep hold of the striker. Pepi has been radar for Premier League clubs for quite some time.

Virgil van Dijk is eager to see “my vice-captain” Andy Robertson remain at Liverpool. Mounting speculation during the January transfer window suggests that the Scotland international left-back has emerged as a shock target for Tottenham. Van Dijk is hoping that a fellow two-time Premier League title winner will not be allowed to leave Anfield.

The blow has come at a time when the South African's multiple-title dream was boosted by a domestic trophy won a few days ago. Although Mokwena's campaign on the domestic front looks promising, he has struggled to find good form in the continental competition. Now, his side is facing what looks like an imminent elimination from Africa's premier inter-club competition.

Swiss star Alisha Lehmann suffered defeat on her Leicester City debut on Sunday as the Foxes were beaten 2-1 by West Ham in the Women's Super League. The result leaves Leicester down in ninth place in the table and just two points ahead of bottom side Liverpool after 13 games. Leicester now face a tricky run of fixtures as they battle to avoid relegation.

Barcelona were far from convincing in their meeting with Real Oviedo at Camp Nou, as they toiled for long periods against rock-bottom opponents, but the Blaugrana returned to the La Liga summit courtesy of a 3-0 win. Dani Olmo, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal dug them out of a hole on home soil, with class eventually shining through as a collection of impressive finishes delivered three hard-fought points.

Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has explained why Cole Palmer missed Sunday's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The talisman was expected to feature but did not make the squad for the 3-1 victory. Rosenior also responded to recent transfer speculation amid claims Palmer is unsettled in London and is hankering after a return to Manchester.

Manchester City may be in need of a new captain next season, with Bernardo Silva’s contract running down towards free agency, and a prediction has been made regarding who will take the armband. Portuguese defender Ruben Dias and prolific Norwegian striker Erling Haaland are reported to be among those in contention to take over skipper duties at the Etihad Stadium.

The league is taking an interesting turn as Masandawana try hard to close the gap between them and runaway Bucs. On the other hand, Amakhosi suffered a huge setback after they suffered a defeat after a rather long period of point collection.

Chelsea's young Brazilians were the stars of the show on Sunday as the Blues beat Crystal Palace 3-1 at Selhurst Park to move above Liverpool in the Premier League's top four race. Estevao Willian opened the scoring in style before Joao Pedro made it 2-0 just after half-time. An Enzo Fernandez penalty then put the game out of reach, while Palace finished with 10 men after Adam Wharton saw red in the second half.

The Soweto giants picked their first maximum set of points in this CAF Confederation Cup Group D after edging Zega Mambo away at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Sunday. It was a crucial victory on the road which renewed Amakhosi's hopes of reaching the knockout stage of this continental competition.

Former Argentina international Javier Zanetti considers fellow countryman Lionel Messi to be “the essence of football” as he is capable of doing “crazy things”. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has proved as much over the course of his career, with the South American GOAT still going strong at the age of 38 with MLS Cup winners Inter Miami.

Manchester United have reportedly held internal discussions regarding the possibility of bringing Mason Greenwood back to the club from French side Marseille. The forward was sold to the Ligue 1 side in 2024 but the Red Devils included a buy-back clause in the transfer. Greenwood has gone on to become a key player for Robert De Zerbi's side which has sparked speculation he could move on.

Sunderland star Granit Xhaka allegedly told a West Ham fan he would "see them outside" following his side's 3-1 Premier League loss at London Stadium. The Swiss international missed the defeat through injury on Saturday, and during his time in the stands, it seems he was on the receiving end of some stick. Now, one supporter has opened up on their supposed interaction.

Pep Guardiola’s future remains the subject of lively debate at Manchester City, with it being suggested that the Catalan coach could walk away from the Etihad Stadium in the summer of 2026. An update on his plans claims that no decision has been made as yet, with it being pointed out that the ex-Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss has “never broken a contract”.

Khadija Shaw's late goal ensured Manchester City went nine points clear at the top of the Women's Super League with a battling 2-1 win at London City Lionesses. Kerolin gave the visitors an early lead but the hosts levelled after the hour mark in deserved fashion from Freya Godfrey's thunderbolt. But Shaw ensured the league leaders came away with all three points to inch them closer to their first WSL title since 2016.

Christian Pulisic is “the best player at AC Milan right now” and the only American that would feature on a list of the “top 150 players in the world”, claims one of his former coaches. The United States international is considered to have benefited from playing “street soccer” in England as a youngster, with those early experiences putting him on a path to superstardom.

England have found out where they will likely be based for the 2026 World Cup. With the tournament less than six months away, preparations for the showpiece event in North America are beginning to ramp up. Now, the Three Lions have requested to make a base, that cost around £15 million ($21m) to build in Kansas City, their own this summer.

Pressure is mounting on the Brazilians’ coach as he struggles to convince supporters that he can deliver success at the club. Having gone into the 2025 AFCON break already under fire from fans, the Portuguese tactician is back in the furnace after failing to beat the Sudanese giants on Friday. Now, his players are being accused of actions that could amount to sabotage.

After a long-awaited inclusion, the 23-year-old playmaker finally made his Kaizer Chiefs debut just before the Africa Cup of Nations break, slotting in seamlessly and making his presence felt immediately. For Velebayi, however, the road to that moment was mentally challenging — a true test of patience and resilience.

Manchester United's academy stars and their parents are reportedly delighted that Michael Carrick has replaced recently sacked head coach Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese hit out at the "entitlement" of some of the club's youth products, while defending his decision to keep young talent Kobbie Mainoo out of the first team. Now that Carrick is at the helm, some families have been encouraged by his "lovely and welcoming" style.

There is always a scramble to secure Lionel Messi’s shirt whenever he takes to the field for Inter Miami or Argentina, with the South American GOAT facing plenty of requests. Alan Cantero was the lucky recipient of an iconic No.10 jersey following Messi’s first outing of 2026. The Alianza Lima striker broke down in tears after landing a prized momento at the end of a friendly fixture.

Xabi Alonso has reportedly received a “first call” from Liverpool, with his interest in a future managerial role on Merseyside being sounded out. The World Cup winner is available at present after seeing a testing spell in charge of Real Madrid cut short after seven months. Arne Slot continues to oversee events at Anfield for now, but questions are being asked of his future.

The girlfriend of West Ham star Aaron Wan-Bissaka could face jail time after allegedly causing "serious injury by dangerous driving". Essex Police have confirmed that April Francis is set to appear in court after officers were called to Brentwood in light of a pedestrian being knocked over by a car. The force say the victim has suffered "life-changing injuries" and now a court date has been set.

After a shaky start earlier in the week, Babina Noko held the Sea Robbers to a goalless draw on Saturday - a performance that earned praise from the 55-year-old tactician. However, he also flagged concerns over the team’s consistency.

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner says he is "100% committed" to the club until the end of the season despite launching a scathing attack on the Eagles' hierarchy. The Austrian announced this campaign would be his last earlier this month, before expressing his disdain at the decision to sell captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City. Now, however, it seems he has held positive talks with chairman Steve Parish.

Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor has conceded her side are unlikely to win the Women's Super League this season after defeat to Arsenal left them six points behind leaders Manchester City having played a game more. The Blues were beaten for the second time in their last three home games.

Kylian Mbappe dedicated his successful Panenka penalty against Villarreal to Real Madrid team-mate Brahim Diaz following his Africa Cup of Nations nightmare. The Morocco international had a brilliant AFCON but crucially missed his Panenka spot-kick in their final loss to Senegal. Nearly a week on from that heartbreak, Mbappe paid tribute to the 26-year-old at Villarreal in a 2-0 win.

Amakhosi make the trip to Zambia knowing there is no room for error as they look to revive their continental campaign and keep their hopes alive. The Soweto giants are staring at a must-win scenario, but the task ahead is far from straightforward. They will need to produce a disciplined, all-round performance to outmuscle a home side that is equally desperate for points and strengthened by a dominant record in previous meetings.