FEATURES

Every sport is answering similar questions about its All-Star games, but this week is about something bigger for MLS

Interest that reshapes the picture even if the deal does not go through

Another Champions League final is likely to take place at Munich’s Allianz Arena as early as 2028. That is surprising only at first glance.

The other side of Moroccan football's renaissance: a major crisis awaiting a solution

Including coach Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid have so far invested €90 million in their squad this summer. The income, by contrast, appeared very modest at first glance – but on closer inspection things look very different.

He once scored goals in the Kreisliga, now he negotiates deals worth millions for Borussia Dortmund: who is 31-year-old Simon Rödder, for whom BVB created a new position especially a year ago?

GOAL takes a look at the big storylines and takeaways leading up to the All-Star Game.

Commercial pressures in the picture: the toughest turning point in the career of Brazil's all-time top scorer

The Zaeem manages the transfer window in a strange way

Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson could be about to give a whole new meaning to 'the Chelsea Pensioners'. In a staggering pivot away from the youth-driven transfer policy that has defined BlueCo's stewardship since their takeover in 2022, Chelsea are remarkably considering bringing in both the 35-year-old striker and 36-year-old midfielder this summer.

At the World Cup, Rodri once again impresses as the best player – and is reportedly putting Real Madrid on alert. But in truth, he stands in stark contrast to new coach Jose Mourinho’s idea.

Mic'd Up: Fox's Jenny Taft praised the camaraderie of the USMNT and insisted that the World Cup can be a launching pad for future soccer fans.

Sam Kerr scores her first Gotham FC goal as the Bats draw Portland Thorns FC 2-2, while Sofia Cantore lifts Washington Spirit past Lindsey Heaps and Denver Summit FC 1-0. GOAL ranks all 16 NWSL teams in this week’s Power Rankings.

Return of the legend or a risky adventure?

Sacking Pirlo reopens the Azzurri's black file

Arijon Ibrahimovic is planned as Luis Diaz’s backup at Bayern Munich next season. The 20-year-old has impressed with his pace and is benefiting from developments in the transfer market.

Portugal legend faces a new reality

Dream mercato turns into a nightmare

Why has taking action become an urgent necessity?

With the World Cup still lingering in the rear view mirror, the MLS All Star game is in a precarious spot - yet it still carries something of a charm.

According to consistent media reports, VfB Stuttgart are on the verge of making a statement in the transfer market.

Arsenal are weighing up what would be one of the most sensational transfers of all time, but the odds are stacked against them in their bid to pull it off. Over the weekend, it emerged that the Gunners are considering an approach for Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior, while Los Blancos were, in turn, intensifying their efforts to land RB Leipzig's €120 million-plus-rated breakout talent, Yan Diomande.

The Frenchman lights the fire

Chaos in Italy: Andrea Pirlo will not become national team manager, while his backer Paolo Maldini is threatening to resign.

Around a month after his departure from Bayern Munich, Raphael Guerreiro is still without a club. There are a few vague rumours, but nothing concrete yet.

Luis Enrique may perhaps be the only manager capable of bringing out the Portuguese player’s true potential.

A hot summer transfer window after the World Cup

Adin Licina joined Juventus from Bayern Munich’s youth set-up on a free transfer in the winter. After half a year with the Under-23s, the 19-year-old attacking player is now making his first mark with the senior side.

GOAL runs down the major storylines of the week in MLS, with new stars struggling for rhythm and old ones proving their quality