Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac has praised stand-in captain Waldemar Anton after setting high standards across the squad ahead of their Champions League opener against Villarreal. The central defender has taken over the armband following a serious knee injury to club captain Emre Can, with Kovac highlighting his leadership at Signal Iduna Park.
The Usuthu forward has emerged as the early season sensation in the Premier Soccer League, earning high praise from club legends. After a blistering start to the 2026/27 campaign, the young striker is being tipped to secure the prestigious Golden Boot award.
Dominik Szoboszlai believes that Liverpool must rediscover the ferocious tempo that defined their previous success if they are to overhaul Arsenal in the Premier League title race. The Hungarian midfielder, now serving as one of the club's vice-captains, insists that recapturing that relentless energy is the missing ingredient for the current squad.
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez has insisted that the Nerazzurri are fully focused on their upcoming Champions League test against Real Madrid, downplaying the narrative surrounding Jose Mourinho's presence in the opposing dugout. The Argentine forward acknowledged the Portuguese manager's legendary status at San Siro but shifted the attention toward the formidable task of facing the Spanish giants.
Injuries at Chelsea mean Beever-Jones is the focal point of the attack for the time being, presenting the England star with a huge opportunity to impress ahead of next summer's World Cup
Ayyoub Bouaddi can “reach world-class Rodri level easily”, former Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna has told GOAL, with the teenage wonderkid expected to become a global superstar on the back of his £86 million ($116m) transfer to the Etihad Stadium. At just 18 years of age, the Morocco international is already being likened to World Cup-winning Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets.
Levante captain Roger Brugue is confident that his team can halt Barcelona's perfect start to the Liga season this weekend. The forward stressed that the Granotas will approach Sunday's encounter without any inferiority complex, banking on their formidable home form to derail the high-flying league leaders at Ciutat de Valencia.
Pheko Phago is already making waves away from Naturena after a stellar start to his loan spell with Hope FC, earning rave reviews from his new manager. Meanwhile, Samkelo Zwane has opened up about his own immediate impact at the club after netting a crucial debut goal in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. The former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder is determined to rebuild his career following a frustrating lack of consistent game time at senior level.
Lille head coach Davide Ancelotti has lavished praise on Real Betis counterpart Manuel Pellegrini ahead of their Champions League league phase opener on Tuesday. The Italian tactician highlighted the Chilean's exceptional longevity and achievements while insisting the La Liga outfit remain formidable opposition despite a 21-year absence from Europe.
Mohamed Salah has proven that class is permanent by shattering a long-standing Turkish Super Lig record during his sensational debut campaign with Trabzonspor. The Egyptian forward, who ended his iconic nine-year association with Liverpool this summer, has hit the ground running in the Black Sea region despite his new club's turbulent start to the season.
Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac has urged his squad to stay grounded ahead of their Champions League opener against Villarreal at Signal Iduna Park. Despite the Spanish visitors enduring a winless domestic start and losing 4-0 in this exact fixture last term, Kovac insists the Yellow Submarine retain elite tactical and technical quality.
Alvaro Morata has insisted he is not closing the door on his international career after missing Spain's triumphant 2026 World Cup campaign. The veteran forward admitted that fierce competition in attack makes a recall difficult but reflected warmly on watching his former team-mates lift the trophy following a candid phone call from Luis de la Fuente.
There are a number of iconic left wingers plying their trade at the very highest level, but who is the best of the bunch? With Luis Diaz in the frame, former Bayern Munich star Dietmar Hamann has answered that question during an exclusive interview with GOAL. He sees Paris Saint-Germain enigma Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior forming part of that conversation.
Jose Mourinho is no stranger to mind games and iconic imagery, but the Real Madrid boss was left chuckling during his latest media appearance for a very different reason. Ahead of a heavyweight Champions League clash against Inter, the Portuguese tactician was presented with a garden sprinkler in a cheeky reference to one of the most famous nights of his career.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has admitted he is ready to pull his weary superstars out of the firing line to prevent a mid-season injury crisis. The Italian coach, who has enjoyed a perfect start to the new campaign, acknowledged that the physical demands on his squad are reaching a breaking point following a summer of international commitments.
RB Leipzig midfielder Ezechiel Banzuzi has decided to switch his international allegiance and represent DR Congo over the Netherlands at senior level. The 21-year-old former Jong Oranje star, who is contracted in Germany until 2030, has chosen to pledge his long-term future to the African nation following their impressive 2026 World Cup campaign.
Graeme Souness has once again voiced his concerns over Declan Rice’s credentials as an elite midfielder, delivering a scathing review of the Arsenal star's tactical approach. Despite Rice’s instrumental role in the Gunners' recent successes, the Liverpool legend remains entirely unconvinced by the England international’s positioning on the pitch.
Italian side Como 1907 have displayed remarkable solidarity by extending striker Roberta Picchi's contract until 2028 following her breast cancer diagnosis. The 34-year-old forward is preparing to begin immediate medical treatment, with the Serie A outfit guaranteeing full institutional backing to ensure her professional future remains completely secure.
