1. BDO Power Rankings: Diaz & Rice boost chances behind Kane

    With the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly presumably disappearing into the rearview mirror, the battle for the Ballon d'Or hasn't felt so open for the best part of 20 years, with countless players now beginning each campaign believing they have a chance of claiming the most prestigious individual prize football has to offer. Ousmane Dembele emerged from a career plagued by injuries and inconsistencies to win the Golden Ball in 2025, and he is among a crowded field of contenders one year on.

  2. Diaz masterclass puts even more pressure on Gakpo to produce

    Paris Saint-Germain's exhilarating 5-4 win over Bayern Munich on Tuesday was a joy to behold. It was a timely and thrilling exhibition of 'The Beautiful Game', a captivating contest between two teams completely committed to playing fearless, free-flowing football. For Liverpool supporters, though, it was also a painful reminder of what could have been.

  3. Desperate Madrid would be MAD to reappoint Mourinho

    Real Madrid are in trouble. And when Real Madrid are in trouble, Florentino Perez always asks those around him, "Is there anything to be said for bringing back Jose Mourinho?" Why? Because hiring Mourinho worked once before. Kind of. Back in 2010, Madrid had been put in an unbearable position by Barcelona. They weren't just being beaten by their most hated rivals, they were being embarrassed by them. So, Perez turned to Mourinho, the self-anointed 'Special One' who had just upset Pep Guardiola's pass-masters - in every sense - on his way to winning a European Cup with Inter.

  4. Arsenal score SEVEN! Rotated Gunners run riot in WSL thrashing

    Arsenal's rotated cast cruised to victory over Leicester on Wednesday, thrashing the Women's Super League's bottom side 7-0 to move into the Champions League places and increase the pressure on league leaders Manchester City. With two more games in hand, the Gunners are all-but-mathematically the only team that can still chase down the champions-elect, and goals from all over the pitch ensured that remained the case in a comfortable victory.

  5. LEGACY: How Brazil came to rely solely on Neymar

    This is Legacy, GOAL’s podcast and feature series following 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. This week, we explore the rise, the fractures, the fading aura and the new stars who still haven’t claimed the spotlight for Brazil, and the question hanging over this World Cup cycle: what remains for Neymar - and for a national team that spent 20 years depending on him?

  6. Williamson a risk worth taking in Arsenal's UWCL charge

    As Arsenal hosted Lyon in the first leg of their Women's Champions League semi-final, there was no shortage of bad news when it came to team news. Steph Catley hadn't recovered from a calf injury in time to participate, with Beth Mead also ruled out of the game due to personal reasons. Then, on the day, Chloe Kelly was absent due to a minor muscle issue. Fortunately, there was one huge returnee to cushion the various blows: Leah Williamson.

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Videos

  1. 🎥 | Iwobi on leaving Arsenal, facing Messi & more

    Abebayo Akinfenwa is joined by Alex Iwobi on the Beast Mode On Podcast as the Fulham winger discusses his journey from the Arsenal academy to becoming a regular in the Premier League and making his mark on the international stage with Nigeria. The 29-year-old also talks about his duels with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as well as a host of other compelling topics.

Premier League

Must-read opinion and expert analysis

  1. Arteta must prioritise EPL push - even if he sacrifices UCL hopes

    Arsenal are about to experience a whole new level of pressure. After wrestling their teetering Premier League title chase back on course with a much-needed victory over Newcastle, the Gunners are now preparing to enter Atletico Madrid's Metropolitano cauldron in the Champions League semi-finals. However, while the prospect of a domestic and European double is tantalising, head coach Mikel Arteta must see the bigger picture.

La Liga

Serie A

  1. Inter agree personal terms to sign Tottenham star

    Inter have moved into a commanding position to sign Guglielmo Vicario after successfully agreeing personal terms with the Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper. The Italian giants have outpaced domestic rivals to secure a deal for the 29-year-old, following a strategic decision by the North London club to sanction his departure this summer.

Transfers

  1. PL icon tells Palmer to leave 'toxic' Chelsea amid Man Utd links

    Cole Palmer has been warned that his long-term career prospects could be stunted by the "toxic" environment at Chelsea following the sacking of Liam Rosenior. Despite the England international’s public commitment to the club, Premier League legend Gareth Barry believes the ongoing turmoil in west London may force the forward to reconsider his future amid persistent links to Manchester United.

  2. Marseille set Greenwood price tag amid Juventus transfer interest

    Juventus are reportedly ready to accelerate their long-standing interest in Mason Greenwood as they look to overhaul their attacking options for next season, with Marseille having set their asking price for the ex-Manchester United forward. Greenwood has enjoyed another prolific season with the Ligue 1 giants, but his future depends on whether they qualify for the Champions League.

  3. Barca in talks with Man Utd for second Rashford loan

    Barcelona have opened negotiations with Manchester United to secure Marcus Rashford for a second consecutive loan spell. Despite earlier speculation that his time in Spain was coming to an end, Hansi Flick has reportedly given his "green light" for the forward to stay. With financial constraints making a permanent €30m deal difficult, the Blaugrana are hoping to reach a fresh agreement with the Red Devils.

Betting