Thomas Tuchel has thrown his full weight behind Harry Kane to become the first Englishman in over two decades to claim the Ballon d’Or. The Three Lions boss believes his captain is only getting better with age and sees no reason why the prolific striker cannot remain the focal point of the national team for years to come.
Former Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll has made a shocking revelation about his record-breaking transfer to Liverpool, admitting he desperately hoped to fail his medical. In his new autobiography, the English forward opens up on how he felt forced out of his boyhood club and the struggles he faced with his lifestyle after securing a massive pay rise at Anfield.
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz has thrust himself into the Ballon d’Or conversation, citing his immense trophy haul as a primary reason for his candidacy. The Spain international believes his collective success over the past year should place him among the frontrunners for football’s most prestigious individual accolade.
Karim Benzema has seen a planned promotional photoshoot with Nike cancelled at the last minute. The sportswear giant abruptly ended the potential collaboration after concluding that the former Real Madrid forward's off-pitch history did not align with their brand values, scrapping a scheduled streetwear campaign filming session in London before he could even travel.
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has confessed that his time in the dugout may be over unless one of his former clubs comes calling. The iconic ex-striker, who has transitioned into a successful punditry career, named only two vacancies that could tempt him back to the touchline.
Cole Palmer does not “play games” and will be nursing an injury, Chelsea legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has told GOAL, with the Blues star facing England withdrawal questions. Having been snubbed by Thomas Tuchel for 2026 World Cup duty, the Stamford Bridge talisman has ruled himself out of action after earning a UEFA Nations League recall.
Manchester United boast a “fantastic attack”, Michael Owen has told GOAL, but more transfer “surgery” may be required as head coach Michael Carrick continues his experiment with a ‘false nine’ approach. Matheus Cunha, who is more of a deep-lying forward, has been leading the line this season ahead of established central striker Benjamin Sesko.
Trent Alexander-Arnold deserves plenty of “praise” for earning an England recall, Emile Heskey has told GOAL, with the Real Madrid defender choosing to remain quiet when being snubbed by Thomas Tuchel for 2026 World Cup duty. The German tactician is not the first international coach to overlook Alexander-Arnold, but the former Liverpool star has mastered the art of biting his tongue.
AC Milan are preparing to offer star midfielder Adrien Rabiot a brand new long-term contract extension to keep him at San Siro until 2030. Rossoneri owner Gerry Cardinale will personally oversee the negotiations in October to secure the Frenchman's future on a potential 'forever' deal.
Jude Bellingham has finally got his hands on his World Cup Bronze Boot, though the Real Madrid superstar admitted he was completely unaware the trophy even existed. The 23-year-old was one of the standout performers in North America, leading the charge for the Three Lions as they secured their best finish at the tournament in six decades.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti sent a direct message to Chelsea regarding starlet Estevao ahead of their international friendly against Australia down under. The Italian manager insisted he will select the teenager regardless of his playing time at Stamford Bridge before cheekily leaking his entire starting line-up.
Anthony Gordon has delivered his verdict on the heated race for the Ballon d'Or, identifying Barcelona teammate Lamine Yamal and England captain Harry Kane as the two primary frontrunners for football's most prestigious individual accolade. The winger, who recently completed a high-profile move to the Catalan giants, believes both players have put forward historic cases to be crowned the world's best.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has called for a culture of respect and dialogue following the kickoff of the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup in Jeddah. The football chief addressed proposed FIFA reforms while praising the host nation as the regional tournament got underway.
Tennis superstar and lifelong Madridista Carlos Alcaraz has delivered a blunt assessment of Real Madrid’s difficult start to the season under Jose Mourinho. The multi-time Grand Slam champion confessed to feeling a sense of unease while watching his beloved club struggle for consistency in the early stages of the La Liga campaign.
Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembele has proposed a hilarious solution to solve the club's 2026 Ballon d'Or dilemma. The reigning award winner has heaped praise on his attacking team-mate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, claiming the Georgian winger deserves to take home this year's ultimate individual honour.
Reece James and Emi Martinez have been set a leadership challenge at Chelsea, with Frank Lebouef telling GOAL that the Blues have become “too nice” as a collective. He wants to see senior figures, especially those donning the captain’s armband, ask questions of those around them when individual standards are allowed to slip - with clean sheets proving hard to come by at present.
Gabriel Martinelli opted for a radical change of scenery this summer, snubbing interest from fellow Premier League clubs to complete a lucrative move to Al-Hilal. The Brazilian winger brought his long-standing association with Arsenal to an end after being informed he was surplus to requirements by Mikel Arteta.
Former Real Madrid defender David Alaba is set to complete a surprising free transfer to Serie A side Udinese after passing his medical tests in Rome. The Austrian international chose the Italian club despite interest from Inter Miami and Union Berlin following his Santiao Bernabeu exit.
Juventus are reportedly plotting a January transfer move for Manchester City full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri following his lack of regular playing time this season. The Serie A giants have already contacted the defender's entourage as they look to capitalise on his frustrating situation at the Etihad Stadium.
Real Madrid defender Marc Cucurella has finally broken his silence regarding the intense speculation that linked him with a return to Barcelona during the summer transfer window. The Spanish international, who has established himself as a key figure under Jose Mourinho at the Bernabeu, also revealed a cheeky attempt to lure Rodri to the Spanish capital before the midfielder opted for a move to Catalonia instead.
Roma and Milan are reportedly lining up a January loan approach for Real Madrid forward Endrick following his lack of game time in Spain. Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has publicly expressed his frustration over the 20-year-old's situation, demanding that the talented youngster gets regular minutes to develop properly.
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