Enzo Maresca has jumped to the defence of Gianluigi Donnarumma after the Italian goalkeeper endured a difficult night during Manchester City's Champions League victory over Porto. Despite the Premier League champions securing a 2-0 win, the former PSG man looked uncomfortable with the ball at his feet throughout the contest at the Estadio do Dragao.
The Premier League has officially admitted to a significant refereeing error during Arsenal's recent 1-0 victory against Aston Villa at Villa Park. Key Match Incident (KMI) Panel has now ruled that Mikel Arteta's side were incorrectly denied a stoppage-time penalty following a reckless challenge by Ian Maatsen, who should have been sent off.
Taiwo Awoniyi became something of a Premier League relegation specialist at Nottingham Forest and, following his transfer to Coventry City, Clinton Morrison has told GOAL why the powerful striker looks “hungry” in his bid to secure top-flight survival and rejoin Victor Osimhen in the Nigeria national team fold. A £9 million ($12m) move has taken him from the East to West Midlands.
Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho has offered a blunt assessment of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s potential as a regular midfielder following his experiment in the Champions League. The England international was deployed in the engine room during Los Blancos' narrow victory over Inter Milan, sparking renewed debate over his best position.
Federico Valverde has conceded that Real Madrid failed to follow Jose Mourinho's tactical orders during their Champions League victory over Inter. Despite securing three points at the Bernabeu, the Uruguay international was highly critical of his team's second-half performance after letting their Italian opponents back into the contest.
Harry Kane has his “hat in the ring” when it comes to Ballon d’Or recognition, ex-England striker Andy Cole has told GOAL, but the prolific Bayern Munich striker is not considered to be a guaranteed pick for Golden Ball glory in 2026. The Three Lions captain does figure on the list of nominees, but faces fierce competition from the likes of Rodri, Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, Michael Olise and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Luka Modric has proven once again that age is just a number after the midfield maestro confirmed his intention to continue playing for both AC Milan and the Croatian national team. As he celebrates his 41st birthday, the veteran remains a pivotal figure for club and country, defying expectations of a post-World Cup retirement.
Xabi Alonso has delivered a ruthless assessment of Chelsea’s squad depth by banishing one of the club's most expensive young prospects from first-team duties. The Spaniard, who has enjoyed a mixed start to life at Stamford Bridge, made it clear that certain players will have to look elsewhere for minutes as he refines his tactical project in west London.
The “shared legacy” that exists between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi means that both men will want to reach 1,000 competitive career goals, former MLS star Shaka Hislop has told GOAL. CR7 is closest to hitting that milestone at present, while turning out for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, but a fellow GOAT on the books of Inter Miami is not far behind.
Cristian Chivu refused to let a narrow defeat dampen his spirits after Inter fell to a 2-1 loss against Real Madrid in their Champions League opener. The Nerazzurri boss insisted he saw enough quality and character at the Santiago Bernabeu to remain optimistic about his side's European journey this season.
Nicolas Jackson has opened up on his pride after netting his first goal for Aston Villa during a pulsating 3-2 victory over Club Brugge. The Senegalese striker played a pivotal role as Unai Emery’s side secured a winning start to their UEFA Champions League campaign in Belgium.
Manchester United icon Ryan Giggs has opened up about a desperate, failed attempt to persuade Elliot Anderson to snub a move to Manchester City in favour of a switch to Old Trafford. The former Welsh international revealed that he relentlessly "peppered" the midfielder during a chance encounter on a golf course, only to be told to mind his own business by the now-City star.
JJ Gabriel is playing a patient waiting game at Manchester United, with the 15-year-old wonderkid hoping to make his senior breakthrough at some point in the not too distant future. He did figure in a friendly fixture during the summer of 2026, but Red Devils legend Andy Cole has told GOAL that a competitive bow for the talented teenager “might not be this season”.
Gabriel Jesus has launched a scathing attack on the Arsenal hierarchy, detailing his frustration over the manner of his sudden departure to Barcelona. The Brazilian forward claimed he was left completely in the dark by the Premier League club before being forced to train away from the first-team squad during his final days in north London.
Jude Bellingham refused to hide behind Real Madrid's victory on Tuesday night, delivering a brutally honest assessment of his own performance in front of goal. Despite Los Blancos securing a vital three points in their Champions League opener, the England international was left frustrated by his failure to convert clear-cut opportunities.
Wayne Rooney has delivered a chilling warning to his former team-mate Michael Carrick, suggesting the Manchester United manager is already skating on thin ice after a disappointing start to the season. The Red Devils legend believes the club’s hierarchy will not tolerate mediocrity despite the lack of defensive reinforcements during the summer transfer window.
Has Jurrien Timber become the best right-back in world football? A man who once filled that position for Arsenal, Bacary Sagna, has explained the Dutch defender’s best qualities to GOAL - while admitting to seeing similarities with his own game. The Gunners are looking forward to welcoming another proven performer back into their ranks following a brief injury absence.
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