Thibaut Courtois has dropped a bombshell on the Belgian national team by confirming he will not take part in the upcoming Nations League campaign. The Real Madrid goalkeeper reached the decision following a private meeting with new head coach Mark van Bommel, where the two discussed his long-term fitness and role within the squad.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick was without Luke Shaw for Wednesday's training session ahead of their Champions League return against Sabah FK. The defender's absence sparked immediate concern given the club's lack of left-back reinforcements, but supporters can safely breathe a sigh of relief.
Liam Delap has been billed as the “next Harry Kane” for some time, but former England striker Andy Cole has told GOAL why he is “not sure” that the £50 million ($68m) Nottingham Forest new boy can become the heir to that throne. The Three Lions are crying out for a suitable successor to their record-shattering captain to step up, with an iconic No.9 shirt set to become available at some point in the not too distant future.
The 27-year-old is facing a pivotal crossroads in his career as his contract with Abafana Bes'thende approaches its conclusion. The Ivorian forward, who has become a key figure in the Premier Soccer League, is now being encouraged to prioritise his financial future while his stock remains high.
For the former England international Danny Murphy (49), Liverpool’s fluctuating performances are not due to the displays of the outrageously expensive new signings Florian Wirtz (23) and Alexander Isak (26).
Enzo Maresca has jumped to the defence of Gianluigi Donnarumma after the Italian goalkeeper endured a difficult night during Manchester City's Champions League victory over Porto. Despite the Premier League champions securing a 2-0 win, the former PSG man looked uncomfortable with the ball at his feet throughout the contest at the Estadio do Dragao.
The Premier League has officially admitted to a significant refereeing error during Arsenal's recent 1-0 victory against Aston Villa at Villa Park. Key Match Incident (KMI) Panel has now ruled that Mikel Arteta's side were incorrectly denied a stoppage-time penalty following a reckless challenge by Ian Maatsen, who should have been sent off.
Taiwo Awoniyi became something of a Premier League relegation specialist at Nottingham Forest and, following his transfer to Coventry City, Clinton Morrison has told GOAL why the powerful striker looks “hungry” in his bid to secure top-flight survival and rejoin Victor Osimhen in the Nigeria national team fold. A £9 million ($12m) move has taken him from the East to West Midlands.
During the Champions League match against Villarreal, Borussia Dortmund star Konstantinos Karetsas collapses on the pitch without any contact. There are now initial indications as to the possible cause.
Former Amakhosi star Mokete Tsotetsi has delivered a scathing assessment of the club's current defensive struggles, claiming the backline lacks the requisite confidence and leadership. The retired defender, who now coaches at the University of Free State, voiced his concerns following a series of shaky performances from the Soweto giants’ defence.
Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho has offered a blunt assessment of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s potential as a regular midfielder following his experiment in the Champions League. The England international was deployed in the engine room during Los Blancos' narrow victory over Inter Milan, sparking renewed debate over his best position.
The African champions have emerged as the frontrunners to secure the signature of highly-rated Colombian midfielder Josen Escobar. The Tshwane giants appear to be the only club willing to meet America de Cali's strict demands for a permanent transfer rather than a loan arrangement.
Federico Valverde has conceded that Real Madrid failed to follow Jose Mourinho's tactical orders during their Champions League victory over Inter. Despite securing three points at the Bernabeu, the Uruguay international was highly critical of his team's second-half performance after letting their Italian opponents back into the contest.
Harry Kane has his “hat in the ring” when it comes to Ballon d’Or recognition, ex-England striker Andy Cole has told GOAL, but the prolific Bayern Munich striker is not considered to be a guaranteed pick for Golden Ball glory in 2026. The Three Lions captain does figure on the list of nominees, but faces fierce competition from the likes of Rodri, Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, Michael Olise and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
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