Not since David and Victoria Beckham began their relationship in the late 1990s had there been a football couple as high profile as Gerard Pique and Shakira when they got together in 2010. Defender Pique was a key cog in Pep Guardiola's all-conquering Barcelona side of the late noughties and early 2010s, while Shakira had been a global pop sensation since the release of hit single 'Hips Don't Lie' in 2005. This was the kind of story the tabloids thrive off - and even more so when it goes badly wrong.
Television presenter Laura Woods has shared a positive update following a worrying collapse during live coverage of the Lionesses' friendly against Ghana on Tuesday evening. Woods was taken ill ahead of kick off when she fell and was caught by pundits Ian Wright and Anita Asante, and ITV immediately cut to an advertising break. The presenter has now taken to social media to reassure fans and thank those who helped her.
Several players showed up for the pair of friendlies vs. Italy, led by Cat Macario's three goals, Jaedyn Shaw's first goal on the year, and a two-game shutout from Claudia Dickey.
With FA president Gilbert Martina - once a fish farm investor and health-care CEO - at the helm, Curacao have risen fast. GOAL explores how a near-impossible dream came true.
Steven Gerrard has been told to be on standby for a phone call from Liverpool as Arne Slot's future hangs in the balance at Anfield. The Reds have been on a dismal run that has seen them win just two of their last five Premier League games, and Rio Ferdinand believes Gerrard could be drafted in to right the ship.
Vincent Kompany played down links with Manchester City after Bayern Munich chief tipped the Belgian coach to replace Pep Guardiola at Etihad Stadium in future. Kompany played under Guardiola at City for three seasons and is heavily influenced by the Spanish coach's style and philosophy. The 39-year-old joined the Bavarian club in the summer of 2024.
Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid 3-1 at the Camp Nou on Tuesday evening, as they came from behind, and shrugged off a missed Robert Lewandowski penalty, to record a vital three points. Raphinha, Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres all found the net, after Alex Baena had fired Atletico into an early lead.
FIFA are all set to push ahead with a major VAR rule change for the 2026 World Cup despite facing initial rejection from stakeholders and members. The new changes in the law will be applicable for VAR checks on corner kicks during the flagship competition. The International Football Association Board convened a meeting in October, where they reached an agreement that VAR could be expanded.
Erling Haaland brought up a century of Premier League goals and Phil Foden continued his impressive scoring streak in a hugely entertaining 5-4 win for Manchester City over Fulham. But Pep Guardiola's side will be hugely concerned about his side's defending as they conceded three goals and almost threw away a victory for the second time in four days.
Tottenham are ready to ramp up their interest in Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo as the north London club prepare to rival both Liverpool and Manchester City for the winger in January. Semenyo has a release clause worth £65 million ($86m) in his contract, something his suitors are acutely aware of ahead of the reopening of the market.
Mexico have officially confirmed upcoming friendlies against Portugal and Belgium as part of their preparations for the 2026 World Cup. The match against the Portuguese side is set for March 28 at the newly renovated Estadio Banorte (Azteca), while the clash with Belgium will take place on March 31 at Soldier Field in Chicago.
Lucia Kendall's fairytale goal helped the Lionesses see off Ghana on Tuesday night, with one of England's most exciting young prospects scoring the opening goal in a 2-0 win and doing so at St Mary's Stadium, home of the Southampton side she represented for 10 memorable years. It was with the Saints that Kendall broke into senior football and when she made her international debut in October, she became the club's first ever Lioness, so it was fitting that she would find the back of the net on her return to a special venue.
U.S. Soccer have confirmed the U.S. men's national team's final four opponents ahead of next summer's World Cup. The road to the tournament will continue in March as the U.S. host Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal and Belgium before clashes with Germany and another yet-to-be-named opponent in two pre-tournament friendlies next summer.
Famous presenter Piers Morgan has begged Arsenal to win the Premier League, and kick off an era of dominance that will see them become the Premier League's best-ever team. The Gunners have not won the title since 2004 under Arsene Wenger but Mikel Arteta's side are top of the league in December, and are dreaming of lifting silverware in May.
The Glamour Boys have been away from domestic action for the last two weeks, doing battle in continental football, where they had little success. Chiefs only managed a solitary point from a possible six in their two CAF Confederations Cup matches against Egyptian opponents.
After a gruelling start to the CAF Confederation Cup group stage campaign, Amakhosi return to undertake their Premier Soccer League duties. At the top of their agenda is to win both games before the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) break in order to keep their winning run in the league going. Should the Glamour Boys manage to collect maximum points from the two games ahead, they will go level with Orlando Pirates point-wise.
Former Crystal Palace chief John Textor has revealed an interesting partnership with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis that allows the pair to 'adjust' transfer fees in deals between clubs. Textor previously owned a 43 per cent stake in Crystal Palace, which he sold in June this year for £190million. Textor considers Marinakis to be a close aide and a 'partner' in the world of football.
Lionesses star Chloe Kelly limped off with an injury in England's clash with Ghana on Tuesday night, casting doubt over her availability moving forward as Arsenal prepare to enter a very important part of their season. The Gunners have two huge Champions League games coming up this month, as the holders bid to qualify for the knockout stages, but they could well have to take on those challenges without Kelly.
Former Leicester City star Jamie Vardy's Italian breakfast has been revealed as Cremonese head coach claimed that the former England striker's diet is being embraced in Italy. Having left the Foxes at the end of the 2024-25 season when his contract expired, 38-year-old Vardy signed an initial 12-month deal with the Serie A outfit to cover the 2025-26 campaign.
Erling Haaland became the fastest player ever to score 100 Premier League goals as he struck the opening goal in Manchester City's epic 5-4 win at Fulham on Tuesday. The Norwegian hitman reached a century of goals in 111 games, smashing Alan Shearer's previous record of 100 strikes in 124 matches.
ITV presenter Laura Woods was taken ill during ITV's broadcast of England Women's friendly against Ghana on Tuesday. While speaking with Ian Wright and Anita Asante, Woods fell forward, and the Arsenal legend appeared to try to catch her. The broadcaster then cut to an extended break, with Woods replaced by Katie Shanahan ahead of kick-off.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Cole Palmer is set to make his return after two months out against Leeds in midweek. The Blues star has been absent since the club's defeat to Manchester United on September 20, and while he returned to the bench against Arsenal at the weekend, he did not come on, with the England international being eased back into action.
Manchester United and Bayern Munich icon Bastian Schweinsteiger is getting divorced. Schweinsteiger and former tennis star Ana Ivanovic are all set to split after a nine-year marriage. The sporting power couple met in 2014 and started a romantic relationship, before tying the knot in 2016 in Venice. Schweinsteiger and Ivanovic reportedly broke up earlier this month due to 'irreconcilable differences'.
A huge chunk of players that will represent Mzansi in the continental showpiece come from the Soweto giants. But before the players leave for AFCON, they have a crucial duty for the club. A date with destiny awaits them as they will face Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout Cup final.
Former Premier League star Luke Moore has told Wrexham fans that they shouldn't hold their breath over the prospect of promotion, as the club aim to find a way out of the Championship and into the promised land of the top-tier. The Welsh side have enjoyed back-to-back-to-back promotions from the National League, but Moore thinks they will simply run into too much resistance to climb out of the second-tier at the first time of asking.
Despite taking the lead, Chiefs allowed their opponents to fight back in a game held at Thorpe Arch Training Ground. After the game, Amakhosi now shifts their focus to the next encounter against a Championship outfit. The London-based club is home to South Africa's African champion and has already earned a call-up from Hugo Broos.
Chelsea players are performing a new on-field ritual in the 2025-26 campaign led by captain Reece James. The new norm has been introduced to the squad in a bid to instil a unified mentality at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have started the new season on a bright note as they are currently third in the Premier League, one point behind Manchester City and six behind league leaders Arsenal.
The Denmark-based player continues to be overlooked by South Africa coach Hugo Broos despite his consistent performances overseas. Even when the 27-year-old wing-back hits top form for his club, the 2017 AFCON-winning trainer shows little trust in including him in his plans. It has become increasingly clear that Broos does not hold him in high regard, leaving many to question what more the player must do to earn a call-up.
West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo insists that Lucas Paqueta is still affected by the spot-fixing investigation the Football Association (FA) opened against him last season. The midfielder was sent off at the weekend against Liverpool, and later hit out at the governing body for their conduct and their lack of support while the case was being looked into.