Manchester United defender Leny Yoro has snubbed club icon Rio Ferdinand in a battle of defensive legends, crowning Sergio Ramos as his ultimate centre-back instead. In a viral social media video, the French teenager explained his decision-making process, admitting his own playing style mirrors Ferdinand’s but ultimately giving the nod to the Real Madrid hero.

Liam Rosenior has offered a shock lifeline to Axel Disasi, welcoming the defender back into first-team training after a year in the wilderness. The move comes as Chelsea suffer a significant defensive blow with Tosin Adarabioyo ruled out for several weeks due to a hamstring injury. However, there is no such reprieve for Raheem Sterling, who remains exiled from the main group as the club frantically seek a permanent exit before the January transfer window shuts.

Arne Slot joked he would be losing his job at Liverpool to Xabi Alonso during a bizarre moment in a pre-match press conference ahead of his side's clash with Marseille in the Champions League. The Dutchman led the Reds to the Premier League title in his debut campaign at Anfield but things have been tougher in his second season. Alonso, meanwhile, recently left Real Madrid after struggling to implement his tactical ideology on the star-studded squad at the Bernabeu.

German Berterame has been warned that a move to join Lionel Messi at MLS Cup winners Inter Miami would be a “step backwards”. The Mexico international forward is said to be the subject of a transfer bid from South Florida, with discussions now taking place. He has, however, been advised to remain at Monterrey and make a decision on his future after the World Cup.

World Cup winner Kleberson, who once played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United and in MLS, has explained to GOAL how Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi can land himself a record extending ninth Ballon d’Or in 2026. The Argentine superstar is readying himself for another shot at global glory, which could put him in contention for Golden Ball recognition.

The new men in charge at Newell’s Old Boys have reiterated how it remains the club’s “dream” to bring home-town hero Lionel Messi back to his native Argentina. Favio Orsi and Sergio Gomez have taken the reins in Rosario and are preparing for their first season at the helm. Messi will not form part of those plans, as he remains tied to MLS Cup winners Inter Miami, but an emotional return to his roots could be made at some stage.

Chelsea have come up with a new plan to sign Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes as the Blues aim to beat off competition to land the €60 million-rated (£52m/$70m) defender from the Ligue 1 side. Liam Rosenior's side are eager to bolster their backline in the January transfer window and have identified the exciting 20-year-old as a top target. Liverpool are also thought to be interested after missing out on Marc Guehi.

Former Manchester United star Angel Gomes is set to leave Marseille in January after just six months with Roberto De Zerbi's side. The midfielder has struggled to make an impact at the Stade Velodrome so far in the 2025-26 campaign and is being pushed towards the exit so that the Ligue 1 side can make room for some new recruits to bolster the first-team squad.

Birmingham City have reportedly moved into pole position to sign Brighton & Hove Albion winger Jeremy Sarmiento, dealing a significant blow to ambitious rivals Wrexham. The Championship club are closing in on a permanent deal for the Ecuador international, with Blues owner Tom Brady seemingly getting one over on Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac in the battle of the high-profile American owners.

Alisha Lehmann has been linked with a return to the Women's Super League, just over 18 months after she left for Italy. The Swiss international ended a three-year stint at Aston Villa in mid-2024 before signing for Juventus with then-boyfriend Douglas Luiz. Last summer, she made the switch to Como after struggling for game time, and now Lehmann could be coming back to English football.

Long-time U.S. Women’s National Team midfielder Rose Lavelle has been voted U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year after a year packed with adversity.

Defending champions Chelsea opened up their Women’s FA Cup campaign with a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday. The free-scoring Blues booked their place in the fifth round thanks to a brace from Sam Kerr and goals from Millie Bright, Guro Reiten and Alyssa Thompson, with Sonia Bompastor's side a class above their WSL 2 opponents at Kingsmeadow.