Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has broken his silence following a sensational public statement from national team captain Cristiano Ronaldo. The Al-Nassr superstar previously published a detailed explanation for his shock decision to abandon the international camp, which included heavy criticism of his manager’s honesty.
Jose Mourinho will forever be the ‘Special One’, but does he still possess that unique brand of magic? Carlton Cole worked with the enigmatic Portuguese at Chelsea and has told GOAL why Real Madrid need a familiar face at Santiago Bernabeu to be more of a “father figure” to Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham than an outspoken and demanding leader.
Real Madrid legend Luka Modric has opened up about the immense difficulty of competing against Lionel Messi throughout their storied careers in Spain and on the international stage. Following the former Barcelona captain's decision to retire from international duty with Argentina, the current AC Milan midfielder offered a heartfelt tribute to his long-time rival.
Slaven Bilic has voiced his frustration following Croatia's narrow 2-1 Nations League defeat to Spain, hitting out at the antics of Marc Cucurella. Despite an improved performance from the Vatreni, the head coach felt his side were hard done by following a series of controversial refereeing calls in Rijeka.
Jack Grealish will become a free agent in the summer of 2027 when his contract at Manchester City expires. Having rejoined Everton on a second season-long loan, does his long-term future lie on Merseyside? Ex-Toffees star Alan Stubbs has sought to answer that question for GOAL, with the England international playmaker needing to shake a bit of ‘rust’ in the present.
Ronaldinho has shared a poignant tribute to his former Barcelona protege Lionel Messi following the legendary forward's emotional decision to retire from international football. The Brazilian icon, who acted as a mentor to the young Argentine during his early years at Camp Nou, reflected on their unique bond and the incredible legacy Messi leaves behind with the Albiceleste.
Nicolas Otamendi and Exequiel Palacios expressed immense gratitude following Lionel Messi's final match for Argentina. Otamendi revealed his delight at scoring from a Messi assist during the 3-0 victory against Benin.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has opened up about the immense emotional weight surrounding Lionel Messi's final match for the national team. The legendary playmaker bid farewell to the international stage following a victory over Benin, marking the end of an era that redefined Argentine football history.
Mikel Merino was the man of the hour for Spain once again, coming off the bench to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia in Split. Despite his match-winning brace, the Arsenal midfielder has opened up about the personal challenges he faces while playing a secondary role for both club and country.
Former MLS star Shaka Hislop has explained to GOAL why an ‘MSN’ reunion for Neymar, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Inter Miami may not be beneficial to the North American game as a whole. There have been plenty of rumours to suggest that a Brazilian superstar could link up with a couple of former Barcelona team-mates in South Florida when becoming a free agent.
Lionel Messi has officially called time on his legendary international career, bidding a tearful goodbye to the Argentina national team at the Estadio Monumental. The Inter Miami superstar used his final moments on the pitch to address the stinging criticism and conspiracy theories that followed the Albiceleste’s World Cup 2026 final defeat to Spain.
France manager Zinedine Zidane has heaped praise on Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia following his standout performance during Belgium's Nations League encounter with Les Bleus. Despite France emerging as 4-1 victors in Paris, the Real Madrid icon was quick to acknowledge the technical excellence of the young Blues star.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente praised his side's competitive spirit after watching them fight back to beat Croatia 2-1. The head coach highlighted half-time substitute Mikel Merino as one of the world's best in his position.
Mikel Merino came off the bench to score twice as Spain fought back to defeat Croatia 2-1 in Split. The Arsenal midfielder reacted to his match-winning performance that sent the world champions into the Nations League quarter-finals.
Spain midfielder Pedri has offered an intriguing insight into the elite mentality of teammate Lamine Yamal following La Roja's recent victory. Despite another influential performance on the international stage, the young winger was reportedly far from satisfied with his own display.
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has pulled no punches when reflecting on his time playing alongside Carlos Tevez at Old Trafford. Despite their success as a strike duo, the former England captain has sensationally labelled the Argentine forward an "absolute disgrace" during daily sessions at Carrington.
Moises Caicedo’s injury-enforced absence is akin to Chelsea “losing John Terry or Gianfranco Zola”, former Blues star Frank Leboeuf has told GOAL. The all-action Ecuadorian midfielder is considered to be crucial to the collective cause at Stamford Bridge, with only 14 minutes of game time being taken in at the start of the 2026-27 campaign.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing a fresh wave of scrutiny following allegations that world football’s governing body permitted an ineligible player to feature for DR Congo during their successful World Cup qualification campaign. The revelation has sparked outrage from rival nations who were eliminated by the Leopards, leading to potential legal challenges that could overshadow the tournament's legacy.
Erling Haaland has been reportedly granted a period of emergency rest by Manchester City after returning from international duty in a state described as "thoroughly spent." The prolific forward asked to be substituted during Norway’s defeat to Portugal, leading to fears of muscle fatigue just as the Etihad giants prepare for a massive showdown against Liverpool amid financial charges guilty verdict.
Bruno Fernandes has become a talismanic presence for Manchester United in the middle of the park, but can the Portuguese playmaker be likened to Red Devils legend Paul Scholes? Anderson, who once played alongside a superstar graduate from the Class of ‘92, has told GOAL why an 11-time Premier League title winner remains a “different level” to the current captain at Old Trafford.
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has opened up on his decision to swap Aston Villa for Chelsea, admitting that a painful international defeat sparked his desire for a fresh start. The veteran goalkeeper secured a bargain move to Stamford Bridge following a summer of major upheaval for both club and country.
Jude Bellingham, Vladimir Coufal, and Santi Denia united to shower Harry Kane with praise following his record-equalling 125th cap. Teammates and opponents alike hailed the striker as an unmatched world-class talent and leader.
Chelsea star Morgan Rogers has revealed that England manager Thomas Tuchel was far from satisfied with his performance during the Three Lions' Nations League victory over Czechia. Despite providing a crucial assist for captain Harry Kane, the former Aston Villa man admitted he received a stern look from the touchline following a series of misplaced deliveries.
England captain Harry Kane described his 125th international appearance as a perfect night after scoring twice against Czechia. The forward praised England's fluid attacking football and the healthy competition across Thomas Tuchel's squad.
Enzo Fernandez was reduced to tears during Lionel Messi's emotional farewell speech at the Monumental Stadium. The Manchester City midfielder subsequently published a moving open letter detailing how he transformed from a teenage fan into a world champion alongside his idol.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni offered a heart-felt assessment of Lionel Messi following the captain's final international match. Scaloni admitted that replacing the forward's unique brilliant aura will be an impossible challenge for the coaching staff.
Argentina secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Benin at the Monumental Stadium to close the international break. Second-half goals from Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Paz, and Lionel Messi extended the world champions' remarkable friendly winning streak.
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