The appointment of Fabien Barthez to Zinedine Zidane's new-look France backroom staff has sparked a heated debate regarding coaching qualifications at the highest level of international football. While critics have questioned the French Football Federation’s decision to hire a coach without the required diplomas, legendary figures have jumped to the defense of the iconic former shot-stopper.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised the benefits of global football investment during a visit to the Dominican Republic for the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) U-14 Challenge Series. Meeting with regional leaders, he reaffirmed his commitment to narrowing the gap between major footballing nations and the rest of the world.
Aston Villa wonderkid Brian Madjo has been advised to use Manchester City striker Erling Haaland as the perfect role model, with Emile Heskey telling GOAL why the 17-year-old striker could end up being England’s long-term successor to Harry Kane in their No.9 berth. Such a standing remains a long way off for now, but there is plenty of potential to be unlocked.
Cristiano Ronaldo is fast closing in on 1,000 competitive career goals, but could the Portuguese GOAT retire once that milestone has been reached? Former Manchester United team-mate Giuseppe Rossi has attempted to answer that question for GOAL, with future questions being asked of the legendary frontman in Al-Nassr and Portugal camps.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has sensationally ruled himself out of the running for the FIFA presidency, but he has not pulled his punches regarding the future of Gianni Infantino. The Slovenian official insists that the current head of world football must either resign or prepare for a fierce leadership challenge at the upcoming FIFA Congress.
The match ball used in Argentina's infamous 1986 World Cup quarter-final win over England has sold for $3.35 million (£2.6m) at auction. Despite initial pre-sale estimates reaching up to $10m, the artefact from Diego Maradona's legendary "Hand of God" performance drew substantial interest before the hammer fell on Saturday evening.
