Lists

Carlo Ancelotti has lifted the lid on why his final season at Real Madrid unravelled despite Kylian Mbappe’s blockbuster arrival. Speaking from Brazil, the legendary coach detailed the defensive crisis that derailed Los Blancos’ campaign and forced tactical improvisation in key moments as the campaign ended without a major trophy.

Atletico Madrid star Andrea Medina suffered a “traumatic brain injury” during a Women’s Champions League clash with Juventus. She required urgent medical attention on the field before being rushed to hospital. A positive update on her condition has been delivered as the 21-year-old starts out on the road to recovery - with the wider footballing world wishing her well.

Bayern Munich have reportedly decided to offer veteran goalkeeper and club legend Manuel Neuer a contract extension for another year, which would see him remain at the Allianz Arena until June 2027. The 2014 World Cup-winning custodian has reiterated that he wants to take his time before reaching a decision over his future, however, with the club set to hold talks in December.

Morten Hjulmand’s stock continues to rise after a standout Champions League display against Juventus, but Sporting CP have warned that even an €80 million bid won’t be enough to buy him in January. With his release clause currently deactivated, clubs like Manchester United, Manchester City and Juventus will have to wait until summer to make a move for the Danish midfielder.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has brutally admitted that signing for Chelsea in 2022 was a “f*cking big mistake,” reflecting on a move that marked the lowest point of his career. The Gabonese striker revealed that personal turmoil at Barcelona and his desperation for a fresh start pushed him into joining the West London side, a decision he now deeply regrets.

Thomas Tuchel is ready to pit childhood friends Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers against one another, with the battle on to become England’s playmaking No.10 at the 2026 World Cup. Phil Foden also forms part of that discussion, with the Three Lions’ German coach making it clear that he will not force all of the “best players” into his starting XI.

The schedule for Euro 2028 has been released, with England - if they qualify - set to take in their first game of that tournament away from Wembley at the Etihad Stadium. The home of Manchester City will play host to the Three Lions after a competition opener that heads to Wales and the Principality Stadium - with the countdown on to an event that will also see fixtures take place in Scotland and Ireland.

Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has admitted he let standards at the club slip during his final season in charge, accepting blame for their decline after early success. The club legend reflected on his spell at the helm at Camp Nou with self-criticism, acknowledging the team’s attitude and respect dwindled after winning La Liga and explaining why he’s taking time before returning to management.

If Phil Foden were able to replicate his strike rate for Manchester City when he put on an England shirt, then he would be keeping company with team-mate Bukayo Saka and Paul Scholes in the top 40 of the Three Lions' all-time goal-scorers. Instead, one has to scroll through the archives, past players whose photos are in black and white or even from an era when there was no photography to find him on the list.

Winning trophies and top-scorer awards might be routine to Erling Haaland, but this week the striker stands on the brink of what could be a once-in-lifetime opportunity: to qualify for the World Cup with Norway. Since Haaland was born in 2000, Norway have never competed on the world's biggest stage. Their six attempts have all fallen flat, only reaching the play-offs on one occasion.

Mainz have lost their legal battle against former player Anwar El Ghazi after a court ruled that the Dutch winger’s dismissal over pro-Palestine social media posts was invalid. The verdict upholds an earlier decision made in the summer of 2024, forcing the Bundesliga club to honour his full salary for his time with them.

Álvaro Fidalgo’s chances of representing Mexico appear closer than ever, as Javier Aguirre confirmed he intends to call up the América midfielder once he becomes eligible in March 2026. The Spanish-born playmaker, who has spent nearly five years in Liga MX, is on track to join Mexico’s growing group of naturalized players.

Son Heung-Min has dismissed speculation linking him with a winter loan move away from Los Angeles Football Club, stating that he remains committed to the MLS side as they prepare for their conference semifinal. The South Korean international addressed the rumors this week, saying he intends to stay with his current club.

Fresh off being named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, St. Clair joined GOAL Convo to reflect on his breakout campaign and why Minnesota United could be a postseason threat.

Neymar has been reportedly offered an escape route from Santos as a Brazilian club is looking to beat Lionel Messi's Inter Miami to unite him with Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea legend Thiago Silva. The 32-year-old’s time at Santos appears to be winding down, and potential suitors are already lining up for the former Barcelona forward's signature.

Never far from the headlines, Brazilian superstar Neymar has now started writing his own after an expletive-laden attack on a journalist on social media over a newspaper report he claims was "all lies". The incident came following Neymar's shocking reaction to being substituted for Santos and reports he phoned his manager to say sorry - a call which the Brazil international strongly denies.

Ross Barkley has revealed his struggles with alcohol and also opened up on Frank Lampard's punishment after a night out before a match during his Chelsea stint. He was once tipped to be English football’s next big superstar as he showed promise in his early days that drew comparisons to the greats. However, he never quite reached his potential, and behind the scenes, he was battling problems with drinking.

Manchester United made it three wins from three in their first-ever Champions League campaign, courtesy of a thrilling 2-1 victory over Paris St-Germain in the inaugural women’s European match at Old Trafford. Former England goalkeeper Mary Earps was booed throughout in the PSG goal as the French giants conversely suffered a third defeat in the competition this season.

MLS is reportedly poised to make significant changes to its season calendar and competition structure, with owners expected to vote Thursday on a shift to a fall-spring schedule that could begin as early as 2027.. The league’s Board of Governors is set to meet soon and is expected to finalize proposals that also include moving to a single league table with divisions - a major evolution for MLS.

Cristiano Ronaldo has surprisingly called on Irish fans to boo him as the Portugal superstar is ready for a hostile reception during the World Cup qualifying clash in Dublin. The talismanic forward has never shied away from pressure, and this time, he was asking for it as Portugal gear up to seal World Cup qualification against the Republic of Ireland on Thursday.

Free-scoring striker Erling Haaland has landed another coveted title by having a dish named in his honour at a popular Chinese restaurant in Manchester. Haaland posed for pictures with restaurant staff and was later given the honour of the 'Haaland Special' being added to the menu, although there was a key detail which the City forward may not be too impressed with.

Former Premier League goalkeeper and U.S. star Tim Howard has praised Gio Reyna ahead of November’s international friendlies, highlighting the midfielder’s unique technical qualities that set him apart from the typical American player. The 22-year-old playmaker has been included in Mauricio Pochettino’s squad for matches against Paraguay and Uruguay later this month.

Ronaldinho's son, Joao Mendes, has claimed that he is not burdened by the pressure to emulate his legendary father and is working hard to make a name for himself with Hull City. He featured in the Premier League Cup against Bournemouth last month, and the youngster is keeping his feet firmly on the ground as tougher challenges await him in the EFL.

Former United States men's national team goalkeeper Tim Howard expressed bewilderment at Weston McKennie’s omission from the squad for the upcoming November friendlies. The Juventus midfielder’s absence from Mauricio Pochettino’s roster has raised eyebrows as the U.S. prepares for matches against Paraguay and Uruguay later this month.

Arsenal squandered a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to German giants Bayern Munich on a thrilling night at the Allianz Arena in an early blow to the holders' Champions League hopes. The Gunners dominated the first 45 minutes, and seemed comfortably on course for a vital three points, but they capitulated in the second half as Bayern turned the game on its head and will be left to rue three dropped points in Bavaria.

With the USMNT set to kick off their first match of the November break this Saturday, GOAL's writers discuss the biggest storylines revolving around the team.

Chelsea skipper Reece James has sent a warning to FIFA ahead of the 2026 World Cup as he urged the football’s governing body to rethink kick-off times to protect players from potentially "dangerous" heat conditions. The 25-year-old defender, who lifted the Club World Cup with Chelsea in the United States earlier this year, described the sweltering temperatures during the tournament as "super difficult" and believes that matches played in similar conditions next summer could put players’ health at risk.

Ederson have revealed the reasons behind his Manchester City exit as the goalkeeper insisted that he "needed this change". The Brazilian became one of Pep Guardiola’s most trusted lieutenants and a cornerstone of City’s domestic dominance during his eight-year stay in Manchester. However, he brought his time at the Etihad to an end this summer. His farewell closed a chapter filled with silverware, which included six Premier League titles, five domestic cups, and the crowning glory in City’s first-ever Champions League triumph.

After taking time to consider his stinging comments, Wayne Rooney has conceded he was wrong to claim Virgil van Dijk had "downed tools" after signing a new deal at Liverpool. The row had threatened to boil over as the pair clashed live on TV, but the former England and Manchester United star has moved to cool the disagreement and also offered Van Dijk advice on how to get the champions' faltering season back on track.