With the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly presumably disappearing into the rearview mirror, the battle for the Ballon d'Or hasn't felt so open for the best part of 20 years, with countless players now beginning each campaign believing they have a chance of claiming the most prestigious individual prize football has to offer. Ousmane Dembele emerged from a career plagued by injuries and inconsistencies to win the Golden Ball in 2025, and he is among a crowded field of contenders again in 2026.
There is “only” one move that Trent Alexander-Arnold would consider if he fancied heading back to the Premier League, ex-Liverpool full-back Stephen Warnock has told GOAL, with the Real Madrid defender seeing an Italian job in Serie A speculated on. The buccaneering England international is into his second season at Santiago Bernabeu, having bid farewell to Anfield in 2025.
Kylian Mbappe has broken his silence on France’s painful exit from the 2026 World Cup, refusing to label the semi-final defeat to Spain as the lowest point of his illustrious career. The Real Madrid superstar remains defiant despite the setback, insisting that the Les Bleus' hunger for international glory remain completely intact.
Julian Alvarez has been included in Atletico Madrid's travelling squad to face Liverpool in their Champions League opener at Anfield on Wednesday. The Argentine forward recently returned to competitive action following intense transfer speculation over the summer, as Diego Simeone's side prepares for another demanding European test on Merseyside.
Barcelona have reportedly instructed Hansi Flick to maintain total silence regarding Jose Mourinho following the Portuguese manager's return to Real Madrid. The Catalan giants are desperate to avoid being dragged into Mourinho's trademark media battles as the historic rivalry threatens to boil over once again.
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.
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.
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.
Rodri Hernandez did not hold back his assessment of Valencia’s dismal form during Barcelona’s comprehensive victory at Mestalla on Sunday. The Spanish midfielder was caught by television cameras delivering a scathing verdict on the opposition while resting on the bench following his substitution.
Real Madrid have taken the unusual step of issuing a public statement to address growing rumors regarding fan conduct at their iconic stadium. The club has moved quickly to dismiss claims that supporters are being prevented from displaying national symbols during matches.
Gabriel Jesus has expressed his immense pride and joy after pulling on the famous Blaugrana shirt for the first time during Barcelona's dominant victory over Valencia. The Brazilian striker, who arrived from Arsenal in the final hours of the summer transfer window, was handed his debut by Hansi Flick at Mestalla.
Chelsea may be left to rue a massive missed opportunity in the transfer market as Fermin Lopez continues his sensational rise at Barcelona. The Spanish midfielder, who has become a focal point for Hansi Flick, was reportedly available to the Blues last summer, but a deal collapsed over a valuation dispute.
Bayern Munich CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen has addressed the growing speculation surrounding Michael Olise's future at the Allianz Arena. Despite the Frenchman's meteoric rise in the Bundesliga, the club chief admitted that guarantees are difficult to provide in the modern transfer market.
