Paul Pogba has been sent a motivational âhurry upâ message by former Manchester United team-mate Jesse Lingard as the World Cup winner waits on his debut for Monaco. The French midfielder has not made a competitive appearance of any kind since September 2023. He was stung with a four-year ban for an alleged doping violation at that stage, which was later reduced to 18 months on appeal.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta admits that the clubâs relationship with Lionel Messi became 'strained' after an unfortunate financial crisis led to the Argentine superstar having to leave Catalonia. Bridges have, however, been rebuilt since then and an emotional return to a spiritual home for the eight-time Ballon dâOr winner continues to be discussed - potentially in an exhibition match at the recently upgraded Camp Nou.
Bundesliga heavyweights Borussia Dortmund are exploring defensive options in case star defender Nico Schlotterbeck leaves the club for Bayern Munich next summer. They have identified one strong candidate in the form of Chelsea defender Axel Disasi and a past connection with Dortmund coach Niko Kovac might help them in securing his services.
Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior have taken their partnership to the next level this season, with the French forward insisting their chemistry is "much better this year". Mbappe dismissed claims in the media of issues with the Brazil star, who has been dropped to the bench by coach Xabi Alonso on occasion this season while the ex-Paris Saint-Germain man shines up front.
AC Milan captain Mike Maignan has joined the player backlash against plans to move their Serie A home game against Como to Perth, Australia. The goalkeeper branded the move a mistake driven by finance, echoing Adrien Rabiot's "completely crazy" comments. The criticism comes despite a sharp rebuke from the Serie A chief, as the controversial fixture moves closer to confirmation.
England captain Harry Kane has showcased that he isn't just good at football, as the Bayern Munich captain showed off his quarterbacking skills. Kane made an over the top pass to Eberechi Eze with his hands during a Three Lions training session, as the Arsenal star scored a 'touchdown'. England are set to take on Latvia up next in a crucial World Cup qualifier.
Ronald Koeman says he has 'difficult' decisions to make as the Netherlands coach attempts to find the right balance in his midfield with the likes of Tijjani Reijnders, Frenkie de Jong and Ryan Gravenbech all fighting for a spot. It was the Manchester City signing who missed out on a starting XI spot as the Dutch demolished Finland on Sunday, with Justin Kluivert getting the chance to shine in attacking midfield.
Marcus Rashford is reportedly facing a ÂŁ15 million ($20m) bill as construction of his dream home becomes a nightmare. The Manchester United outcast, who is currently on loan at Barcelona, has been working on a project in Cheshire since 2020. The piece of land in question was purchased for ÂŁ2.25 million, but progress on site has been slow and costs continue to rise.
Thomas Muller continued his sensational start to life in MLS with a dramatic 97th-minute winner to defeat Orlando City. His incredible goal contribution keeps the Vancouver Whitecaps top of the Western Conference and puts them in pole position for the top seed heading into Decision Day, with his manager hailing his 'magical' impact on the title contenders.
Pepe has backed Cristiano Ronaldo to keep playing for "many more years", insisting the 40-year-old is still capable of breaking records and defying expectations. Speaking about his former Real Madrid and Portugal team-mate, Pepe said he hopes fans wonât have to face the day the five-time Ballon d'Or winner retires anytime soon, highlighting the enduring impact of the football legend.
Serge Gnabry's superb performance in Germany's 4-0 win over Luxembourg has sparked high praise from coach Julian Nagelsmann, who lauded the winger's 'feistiness' and work rate as a crucial role model for 'top players.' The German coach declared the display Gnabry's best international game in a long time, noting his hunger both offensively and defensively.
"We are not collecting the most talented players, we are trying to build a team. Teams win trophies, no-one else." If anyone was in any doubt as to whether England manager Thomas Tuchel planned to stick to his fairly unpopular selection policy with the World Cup fast approaching, those pointed words ahead of the friendly victory over Wales more or less confirmed it.
Mark Bellingham, the father of Jude and Jobe, has seen some of his behaviour branded âan absolute jokeâ by England legend Sir Geoff Hurst. Bellingham senior has been billed as âthe most powerful man in English footballâ, given the prominence of his two sons, but has also generated lively debate with his antics behind the scenes - with officials at Borussia Dortmund being confronted at one stage after Jobe was substituted at half-time.
The United States made a deep run into the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup, but that came to a halt in the quarterfinals - their fifth tournament in a row reaching that round - as Morocco won 3-1 on Sunday. Despite Cole Campbell's first-half equalizer, Morocco advanced to the semifinals with a second-half own goal from Joshua Wynder and a late counterattack strike.
Endrick could make a shock move to the Serie A as Juventus are reportedly keen on signing the out-of-favour Real Madrid youngster. After a difficult debut campaign at Santiago Bernabeu, which saw the teenager struggle for game time under Carlo Ancelotti, things have worsened under Xabi Alonso as the Selecao star has yet to feature in a La Liga or Champions League in the new season.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has no regrets after being sent off for his wild celebration following his sideâs 2-1 victory over Liverpool, saying the emotion of the affair meant that his dismissal was âworth itâ. The Blues boss was given his marching orders after running down the touchline to join in the euphoria at Stamford Bridge after Estevao Willianâs dramatic late winner.
Former Manchester United star Michael Carrick is in frame to take over as Rangers manager after Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard decided to step away from the race to replace Russell Martin at the Scottish club. After a poor start to the 2025-26 campaign, which saw fans protesting against Martin and demanding his removal, the head coach was finally sacked from his position earlier this month.
Manchester United were mocked over social media as Rasmus Hojlund continued his fine goalscoring form since leaving the club in the summer. The striker found the back of the net once again in Denmarkâs World Cup-qualifying clash with Greece on Sunday evening, having also made a brilliant start to life with Serie A champions Napoli following his departure from Old Trafford in September.
Real Madrid have been told that they can re-sign their youth player Nico Paz 'whenever they want' as Como president reveals their transfer plan. Madrid sold Paz to Como in 2024 but they have the option in the deal to re-sign the wonderkid for âŹ9m in 2026 or âŹ10m in 2027, a fraction of his current market value. Since moving to Italy last year, Paz has thrived under Cesc Fabregas.
In-form striker Erling Haaland is on his way back to Manchester City after the Norwegian Football Association announced he has been released from international duty. Fresh from scoring a hat-trick to help his country take a major step towards qualifying for next summer's World Cup, the 25-year-old will not feature when Stale Solbakkenâs men take on New Zealand in an international friendly.
Manchester United have been sent a message over their interest in Adam Wharton's transfer as Crystal Palace chief admitted that the midfielder would want to play in the Champions League in the future. The Red Devils have been linked with a move for the English midfielder as they look to replace an ageing Casemiro, while Kobbie Mainoo could also exit Old Trafford due to lack of game time.
Alisha Lehmann issued a heartfelt message to Juventus after she helped Como to a shock victory over her former club in the Serie A Femminile. Having spent the 2024-25 season with the Bianconeri, the 26-year-old made a winning return with her new club thanks to team-mate Nadine Nischlerâs late strike at the Stadio Comunale Vittorio Pozzo Lamarmora on Saturday.
Kylian Mbappe has opened up on what it was like to play with Lionel Messi at Paris Saint-Germain and also revealed why he 'wants to thank' the Inter Miami star. Mbappe played alongside Messi for two seasons in the French capital after the Argentina captain moved to the Ligue 1 giants on a free transfer after leaving boyhood club Barcelona in the summer of 2021.
Haji Wright has been in impressive form for Coventry City, suggesting that there is a Premier League future for him somewhere, but the USMNT star has been advised to shun any interest shown during the January transfer window. The American frontman will be registering on recruitment radars after starring under Chelsea and England legend Frank Lampard in the Championship.
Manchester City made it six successive wins in all competitions as they came from behind to defeat Liverpool 2-1 in the Womenâs Super League on Sunday evening. Second-half goals from Iman Beney and Aoba Fujino cancelled out Cornelia Kapocsâ opener and saw Andree Jeglertzâs side close the gap on title rivals Chelsea and Manchester United at Anfield.
Cristiano Ronaldo is âthe biggest brand in the worldâ, according to the vice president of his former employers at Sporting, with the Portuguese GOAT becoming a âone-man showâ. CR7 has become footballâs first billionaire, allowing him to emulate the achievements of legendary figures such as Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, LeBron James and Tiger Woods. There is no sign of the evergreen Al-Nassr striker slowing down.
Accusations of Harry Kane stat-padding for England by filling his boots against lesser opposition have been rubbished by former Three Lions striker Chris Sutton. Bayern Munich frontman Kane, who continues to captain his country, has taken his historic tally of international goals to 74. He will be looking to join Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in an exclusive club by reaching 100.
Zinedine Zidane has outlined his plan to become the next manager of the France national team as the former Real Madrid boss opened up on how his 'life changed' after retirement. Zidane has managed Los Blancos over two stints and enjoyed overwhelming success, which includes winning the Champions League three times and La Liga twice at Santiago Bernabeu.
Kylian Mbappe has opened up about the strong relationship he has forged with ârole modelâ Cristiano Ronaldo, saying he regularly receives advice from the Portugal superstar. The France forward has made no secret of his admiration for the Real Madrid legend over the years, having followed in his footsteps by becoming the star attraction at the Santiago Bernabeu.