Real Madrid have taken another significant step in securing the club's long-term future by reaching an agreement to extend Arda Guler's contract until 2031. The 21-year-old sensation has become a central figure in the Spanish capital, rewarding the club's faith with a series of dazzling performances that have cemented his place in the first-team squad.
Ex-Brazil international Anderson has told GOAL why the likes of Vinicius Junior may have earned “superstar” status prematurely, with any player that has “five good games” suddenly worth “200 million” in modern football. The former Manchester United midfielder continues to use Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the blueprint for what success really looks like.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is “not a really poor defender”, fellow Merseyside native and ex-England B international Alan Stubbs has told GOAL, with the Real Madrid right-back’s critics being accused of ignoring obvious “strengths”. The former Liverpool defender has been welcomed back from the international wilderness, but is yet to convince everybody of his worth.
France manager Zinedine Zidane has vehemently defended former talisman Cristiano Ronaldo following intense media scrutiny over the forward's abrupt walkout from Portugal duty. Recalling their shared historic triumphs at the Santiago Bernabeu, the tactician dismissed suggestions of a tarnished career while detailing his own shift to international management.
Franco Mastantuono has opened up about the significant pressure placed on his shoulders after netting his first senior international goal for Argentina. The Fiorentina midfielder, who is currently on loan from La Liga club Real Madrid, made a significant impact during a dominant 7-0 victory against Burkina Faso at the Estadio Monumental.