FEATURES

The Ivorian star differs in his technical characteristics from Vinicius Junior.

VfL Wolfsburg are doing in the second division what they always liked doing most in the Bundesliga: spending money hand over fist. Only the financial differences in the lower tier are even more extreme. Is that simply mad, or already a distortion of competition?

Son Heung-Min scored twice, and the MLS All-Stars overcame some rocky defending to beat the Liga MX All-Stars 4-3 in a chaotic back-and-forth contest. The LAFC man was dominant in his 35 minutes of action, but Dean Smith's side struggled as they rotated and required some late heroics in defense to see off a Liga MX outfit that improved as the game wore on.

With Mauricio Pochettino reportedly nearing a new deal through 2030, GOAL examines the player-pool decisions, expanded role and club links that could define his second USMNT cycle.

A strange coincidence linking two football legends

The Egyptian Pharaoh left Liverpool at the end of last season

Gianni Infantino’s move to sell stakes in FIFA’s commercial rights is part of a disheartening trend stripping the soul from professional sports.

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

Arsenal's pursuit of Vinicius Junior always seemed like a stretch. It emerged in a bombshell revelation over the weekend that the Gunners were 'exploring' the possibility of striking a deal for the Real Madrid superstar as they seek to make a marquee left-wing signing, but at this stage it looks as though those explorations are going to come to nothing. So, where do they turn next?

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.