Lists

Enzo Fernandez has been reflecting on how he helped Lionel Messi to complete “unfinished business”, with an “incredible” experience being savoured at the 2022 World Cup. The Albiceleste captured a global crown at that tournament, allowing their talismanic captain to complete his medal collection and emulate the achievements of fellow GOATs Pele and Diego Maradona.

Lamine Yamal has been told that relentless comparisons with Lionel Messi are “not helping” his development, with “unnecessary pressure” being lumped onto the teenager’s shoulders. The Barcelona wonderkid has cleared every hurdle put in front of him so far, but he is only 18 years of age and could do without being asked to follow in the footsteps of an all-time great.

Aitana Bonmati's season seems to be all but over after she underwent surgery on her fractured fibula, as Barcelona confirmed a lengthy recovery timeframe for the three-time Ballon d'Or winner. She landed awkwardly in Spain’s final training session before the second leg of the Nations League final. Medical tests carried out shortly after the injury confirmed the grim diagnosis, ending any possibility of her featuring in Tuesday’s decisive match against Germany in Madrid.

A report into the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, which claimed the lives of 97 Liverpool supporters, has stated that 12 police officers would have faced gross misconduct proceedings had the case been handled properly. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) report has detailed how "fundamental failures" and "concerted efforts" to blame fans led to justice never being served.

Carlo Ancelotti has warned Neymar and Vinicius Junior that they must be at "100 per cent" to make Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad. The manager delivered his clearest message yet to Brazil’s biggest names, insisting that neither reputation nor past achievements will secure anyone a seat on the plane to the United States, Canada and Mexico. His comments arrive at a particularly delicate moment for Neymar, whose turbulent return to Santos has been overshadowed by persistent physical setbacks.

Dele Alli has been warned that his future may now rest on the outcome of trial spells, with it “scary” how far he has fallen. That is the opinion of former Tottenham star Stephen Carr, who has been telling GOAL about what happens next for an ex-England international who has suffered a humbling tumble from grace and finds opportunities “very slim” despite becoming a free agent.

Former USMNT star Brad Friedel has, in an exclusive interview with GOAL, explained why “workaholic” Mauricio Pochettino could walk away from international management after the 2026 World Cup. The Argentine tactician holds the honour of leading the United States into another major tournament on home soil, but inevitable questions are being asked of his future.

Wrexham have received around £18 million ($24m) in funding for their stadium redevelopment project, despite the personal wealth boasted by the club’s Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac. The iconic Racecourse Ground is undergoing a serious facelift, with it revealed that said project is being paid for by tax-paying members of the public.

Pep Guardiola has made it clear he will not be pulling Gianluigi Donnarumma aside for a warning despite the goalkeeper amassing four bookings in just ten Premier League appearances. The Manchester City manager insisted the Italian is old enough to recognise that his temperament on the pitch must be reined in, even as he edges toward a disciplinary record no goalkeeper in the competition has ever reached.

Scott McTominay continues to rewrite the history books in Italy, with the Napoli midfielder being named Serie A’s footballer of the year for 2024-25. The Scotland international has picked up that prize after being joined at a glitzy ceremony by girlfriend Cam Reading. Another individual award for McTominay has allowed him to emulate the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Brentford have a remarkable record when it comes to replacing their star players. Over the last six years, the Bees have continued to progress despite seeing the likes of Ezri Konsa, Ollie Watkins, Said Benrahma, Neal Maupay, David Raya and Ivan Toney all move on, thanks to the meticulous work of the club's recruitment department. Their latest success story is Brazilian powerhouse Igor Thiago, who has emerged as a genuine rival to Erling Haaland for the Premier League's Golden Boot during the first half of the 2025-26 campaign.

'Baby Lukaku'. That is the nickname, coined by Romelu Lukaku's former team-mate Kevin Mirallas, that Belgian journalists love to use when they write about Promise David. It's easy to see why, too, with the Union Saint-Gilloise striker one of European football's most unsung talents, a true Hidden Gem.

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that William Saliba and Leandro Trossard are major doubts for a London derby meeting with Brentford on Wednesday night. Both players missed the Gunners' 1-1 draw with Chelsea at the weekend. Arteta also delivered updates on Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhaes as they remain in the treatment room with more serious knocks.

Chiefs are spreading their wings by taking some of their home games beyond Gauteng and into other provinces. The Soweto giants are confident in their nationwide appeal, knowing they attract huge crowds wherever they play. Their widespread following ensures that even on “away” turf, they enjoy overwhelming backing from their supporters across South Africa.

Manchester United have been told that a sensational January swoop for Brazilian superstar Neymar could offer them a “boost”. Questions are, however, being asked of whether the Santos playmaker is cut out for life in the Premier League at Old Trafford after reaching 33 years of age and suffering a number of injury issues over the last couple of seasons.

Dani Dyer is in danger of seeing her worst nightmare become a reality, with Jarrod Bowen facing a huge transfer call at West Ham. Nigel Winterburn has been discussing the Hammers captain’s future with GOAL, in an exclusive interview, with the England international being likened to Premier League legend Matt Le Tissier when it comes to mulling over personal ambition.

Arne Slot has revealed the date on which Mohamed Salah will join the Egypt squad for AFCON, while admitting that the Liverpool star was "not happy" with his benching at West Ham over the weekend. The Dutchman said that the club, Salah and the Egyptian FA jointly agreed on the final date, following a swirl of rumours that the forward might depart earlier than expected after Egypt arranged a friendly against Nigeria on December 14.

Former Chelsea star Jeremie Boga and Nice team-mate Terem Moffi have reportedly been placed on leave after allegedly being assaulted by the club’s own supporters in an “unbelievable and scary” incident. Disgruntled fans took their anger out on senior players after a frustrating 3-1 defeat at Lorient, with many descending on the team’s training base.

The 31-year-old has been one of the most trusted figures at the back in Chiefs’ continental campaign, making five appearances and completing the full 90 minutes in both group-stage clashes against Al Masry and Zamalek. The consistent game time has boosted his confidence, and he’s delighted to be trusted with such responsibility—embracing the pressure, gaining valuable lessons and experience. However, he’s fully aware that turning these performances into crucial points remains a priority.

Harry Kane’s unique talent has been explained by Wes Brown in an exclusive interview with GOAL. The Bayern Munich striker is one of the most fearsome No.9s in world football, with the record books being rewritten in domestic and international competition. Kane is currently waiting to discover who England will face in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup.

Thomas Frank is not concerned about losing his job at Tottenham, expressing unwavering confidence that the club’s "intelligent" owners will remain patient amid the team's dismal run of form. The Spurs manager cut a composed figure in the wake of Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Fulham, even as frustration inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium boiled over and supporters turned on goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.

Antony was caught on camera taunting Sevilla supporters during Real Betis’ derby victory over their arch-rivals. The Brazil international was unable to play any part in said contest as he served a suspension. The former Manchester United winger did, however, make a point of winding up fans that were sat in his vicinity, with objects being thrown in his direction.

Thiago Silva’s son Isago is following in the footsteps of his famous father, with the teenage wonderkid signing his first professional contract with Chelsea. The 17-year-old, who is also a defender, is held in high regard by Premier League giants at Stamford Bridge. They are hoping to see him become another commanding presence at the heart of their back four.

Jamie Vardy scored his first Serie A brace as Cremonese snapped Bologna's 12-game unbeaten run in a rain-soaked encounter at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. The 38-year-old forward, who left Leicester City in the summer after more than a decade of folklore-defining moments, including a Premier League title win, stole the show and then joked that the UK weather is now following him to Italian shores.

The Glamour Boys are yet to find convincing results in their CAF Confederations Cup group campaign. They opened their account with a 2–1 defeat to Al Masry in Egypt, before managing only a single point in their home fixture against Zamalek on Saturday — a match in which they had hoped to capitalise on home advantage. Interestingly, in both encounters, Chiefs’ only moments of real threat came from an unexpected source, with right-back Dillan Solomons popping up as the unlikely goal contributor.

A former England international, who played Premier League football, has reportedly been arrested on suspicion of attempted rape. The suspect, who is said to have represented the Three Lions in the 2010s, was detained when passing through Stansted Airport following an allegation from an ex-partner that is now being investigated by the relevant authorities.

Cristiano Ronaldo could play for Portugal beyond the 2026 World Cup, Wes Brown has said in an exclusive interview with GOAL. Ahead of the group stage draw for next summer’s finals, a former Manchester United team-mate of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has explained why he could have more Hollywood storylines and another major tournament left in him.

It's hard to overstate the degree to which Chloe Kelly captured the attention of a nation this past summer. Her pivotal performances in the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final of the 2025 European Championship helped drive England on to a second successive continental crown while also catapulting her name into the limelight like never before, even surpassing the levels achieved after her extra-time goal won Euro 2022. Yet, fans tuning into the Women's Super League this season hoping to see Kelly's magic in action for Arsenal, will have been disappointed.

Pep Guardiola once described Tottenham as 'the Harry Kane team', but amid Manchester City's ridiculous reliance on their own superstar striker this season, it has been suggested that his side could be renamed 'the Erling Haaland team'. But after Phil Foden pulled off a miraculous escape act against Leeds United on Saturday, a fairer description might be 'the Haaland AND Foden team'.