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This is Legacy, GOAL’s podcast and feature series tracking the countdown to the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the world’s game. Today we look back at France '98; from the heartbreaks of Seville and Bulgaria to the night Zinedine Zidane lifted the trophy in Paris, this is the story of how France broke its curse and forged a winning identity that still defines Les Bleus today.

The final image of Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid manager - and one that tells the story of his time in charge at the Bernabeu - was of someone else telling him what to do. After Sunday's Supercopa de Espana loss to Barcelona, Alonso gestured to his players that they should give a guard of honour to their victorious opponents as they went to collect the trophy. Kylian Mbappe, though, was having none of it, and insisted his team-mates follow his lead. They did just that - and so too did Alonso.

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has refused to criticise his players despite suffering a shock elimination from the Coupe de France at the hands of local rivals Paris FC on Monday night. The Spaniard insisted the 1-0 defeat was "unfair" given his side's dominance, though the result has officially ended the capital club's hopes of securing a historic back-to-back treble this season.

Kylian Mbappe was the first high-profile Real Madrid star to address Xabi Alonso’s sudden departure as the club’s manager. It was announced on January 12, less than 24 hours after a Super Cup defeat to Clasico rivals Barcelona, that a change in the dugout was being made at Santiago Bernabeu. Mbappe, who is said to have clashed with Alonso, has posted a message on social media.

GOAL looks at the top USWNT performances abroad, from Thompson's one-touch tap-in finish to Heaps' signing with NWSL expansion side Denver Summit FC.

Xabi Alonso has been bluntly told following his sudden departure why he was never going to succeed as Real Madrid's manager. The Spaniard swapped Bayer Leverkusen for his former club last summer but his time at the Spanish giants was abruptly brought to an end on Monday. Now, a legend of La Liga has given his take on the 44-year-old's short stint at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Dominik Szoboszlai masterminded and nearly undid Liverpool's 4-1 win over League One side Barnsley to progress to round four of the FA Cup. The Hungarian scored a screamer, gifted the Tykes a goal, and was fortunate to not concede a penalty on Monday night. But classy goals from Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike got him out of trouble.

GOAL grades MLS coaching hires, from Michael Bradley’s Red Bulls promotion to Raphael Wicky's rebuilding job in Kansas City and Henrik Rydstrom tasked with replacing Wilfried Nancy.

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has admitted he would be interested in returning to the club as an assistant coach, working under former teammate Michael Carrick. The retired midfielder is expected to be named interim manager imminently and Rooney, who hasn't held a coaching position since being fired as Plymouth Argyle manager, would love to join him.

The Mexican international was lauded as a top signing for the expansion franchise, but the club now face a massive task to move him on

Tottenham appear primed to hijack Aston Villa's proposed move for Atletico Madrid star Conor Gallagher. Unai Emery's side have been on the lookout for more strength in depth as they try to keep touch in the Premier League title race, while also competing for cups this season. But it seems Spurs may pip them to the post on one recruit, days after losing to the Villans in the FA Cup.

San Jose Earthquakes are reportedly close to agreeing a deal to sign Timo Werner, according to The Athletic. The German national, who starred for RB Leipzig from 2016-2020, has found himself out of favor in his third stint with the German club, making three appearances this year. He will fill a Designated Player spot for San Jose, who are rebuilding under manager Bruce Arena.

Aaronson is producing the best stretch of his career at Leeds - and forcing a rethink of his USMNT role as the World Cup approaches.

A number of players will be happy to see the back of the former Bayer Leverkusen coach after an unsuccessful spell at the Santiago Bernabeu

Cristiano Ronaldo is facing another trophy-less season at Al-Nassr after his team threw away a one-goal lead in their 3-1 loss to title rivals Al-Hilal. The Portugal international put his side ahead shortly before half time but a second half to forget may have again ended their hopes of winning the league title. The former Real Madrid man is yet to win any major silverware since moving to the Middle East three years ago and now they are seven points behind Al-Hilal after 14 games.

Carlo Ancelotti's son, Davide, reportedly put his name forward for the Strasbourg managerial role after Liam Rosenior's move to Chelsea. The former Botafogo boss is said to have been keen on the coaching position but was eventually pipped to the post by ex-Wolves manager Gary O'Neil. It seems the 36-year-old does not want to be out in the coaching wilderness for a while.

U.S. Women’s National Team captain Lindsey Heaps is returning to her home state of Colorado, set to join NWSL expansion side Denver Summit FC in a blockbuster signing. The midfielder will link up with the club following the conclusion of her season with OL Lyonnes, expected in June 2026. Heaps has 170 international caps and has scored 38 goals.

Minnesota United have named Cam Knowles as their new head coach, opting for continuity as Eric Ramsay prepares to return to Europe to take over West Brom. With preseason set to begin, the Loons moved quickly to reward a trusted figure within the club and maintain stability after a successful MLS campaign. Knowles has been in MLS for two decades as a player and coach.

Macclesfield FC will welcome the Premier League's Brentford to their Moss Rose home in the next round of the 2025-26 FA Cup after the fourth round draw handed the non-league side another glamorous tie against top flight opposition. The Silkmen sensationally beat holders Crystal Palace in the third round to complete one of the greatest FA Cup shocks of all-time.

Macclesfield boss John Rooney is hoping to upset more Premier League opposition after dumping FA Cup holders Crystal Palace out of the competition. The non-league side produced arguably the biggest upset in FA Cup history with their 2-1 win over Oliver Glasner's team at the weekend. The National League North club are 117 places below the Eagles but were more than a match for them, and now Wayne Rooney's brother wants another eye-catching tie in the fourth round.

Real Madrid have announced the departure of manager Xabi Alonso following their Spanish Super Cup final loss to rivals Barcelona. Speculation has not gone away about the ex-midfielder's position at Los Blancos, with reports suggesting the 44-year-old is not an entirely popular figure among the dressing room. Now, Madrid state Alonso has left by "mutual consent".

Manchester United are tipped to name Michael Carrick as the club's new interim manager by Wednesday, having spent recent days weighing up who to appoint to lead the team until the end of the season in the wake of Ruben Amorim's sacking. Fellow ex-players Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Darren Fletcher were also under consideration but now seem to have missed out.

With MLS preseason approaching, GOAL U.S. writers debate the league’s biggest offseason winners - and whether Josh Sargent should make the move to Toronto FC.

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has issued a public apology to Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior and club president Florentino Perez following a heated touchline altercation during the Spanish Super Cup semi-final, admitting his behaviour "was not appropriate" while stopping short of asking for forgiveness.

Joao Cancelo has been spotted arriving in Barcelona ahead of a loan move from Al Hilal. The Portugal international spent the 2023-24 season with the Catalan outfit after falling out of favour at Manchester City. More than two years later, the experienced full-back is temporarily pausing his time in the Middle East to head back to the defending La Liga champions.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has formally opened disciplinary proceedings following a series of ugly incidents that marred the quarter-final stages of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Officials have confirmed that investigations are underway regarding "unacceptable behaviour" from players and staff during the high-profile clashes involving the hosts, Cameroon, Algeria and Nigeria.

Eddie Howe has taken aim at a rule change allowing Manchester City’s £65 million signing Antoine Semenyo to face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup. The forward played for Bournemouth earlier in the tournament, but new regulations have scrapped ‘cup-tied’ rules. It leaves Howe rueing his luck as he battles a severe defensive injury crisis ahead of the semi-final first leg at St James' Park.

Harry Kane remains an almost unstoppable force for Bayern Munich, with remarkable individual standards being maintained by the prolific striker. The England captain scored another stunning goal for the German title holders as they crushed Wolfsburg 8-1 last time out. That effort took him to 20 league goals for the season and saw a Bundesliga record matched that has stood for almost 60 years.

The toxic atmosphere engulfing Manchester United reached a new nadir on Sunday as director of football Jason Wilcox was subjected to a barrage of boos and abuse from furious supporters upon his arrival at Old Trafford, foreshadowing a disastrous afternoon that saw the Red Devils crash out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle for the first time in over a decade.