A player from the Brazil national team could leave the Premier League and follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo to the Saudi Pro League.

The Saudi Pro League continues its push to become one of the most competitive leagues in the world. With Cristiano Ronaldo as the main figure, clubs are aggressively pursuing more top European talent each transfer window. In this case, the target is a Brazilian midfielder making a mark in the Premier League.

“Newcastle United star Joelinton is back on the radar for the Saudi Pro League, with powerful clubs now very much looking into a possible deal in the January window,” TeamTalk recently reported.

Joelinton has appeared in 20 matches this season, scoring three goals across the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and Carabao Cup. He remains a key piece in coach Eddie Howe’s plans, but that would not necessarily prevent a potential transfer.

“Newcastle would consider a permanent deal for the player, despite Howe having made it clear to the board that he does not want to weaken his squad in the New Year,” the report added. The Brazilian midfielder is under contract with Newcastle until June 30, 2028.

This is not the first time Joelinton has attracted interest from Saudi Pro League clubs. Last summer, there was a possibility he would follow stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Riyad Mahrez, and N’Golo Kante in leaving the Premier League for Asia. That move ultimately fell through, as Newcastle decided to retain one of their top players. Now that could change, with the club seemingly willing to at least consider offers.

Joelinton aiming for a World Cup spot with Brazil

As with all soccer stars, career decisions in this January transfer window will be heavily influenced by the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With the tournament less than six months away, no player wants to miss out.

Players who aren’t getting regular minutes at their current clubs often look for moves that increase their chances of making their national team’s 26-man roster. Even those receiving lucrative offers weigh the potential impact of a transfer on their World Cup hopes.

For Joelinton, he has been an established player at Newcastle for years and, barring anything unusual, will have enough matches in the next six months to convince Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti that he deserves a spot in the squad.

How Joelinton has fared under Ancelotti

Under the new coach, Joelinton has struggled to find his place in the national team. He was not included in Ancelotti’s first squad in June and missed the September international break due to injury. In October, he finally got a chance, staying on the bench in a friendly against South Korea and playing 33 minutes against Japan.

However, further physical setbacks kept him out of Brazil’s squad in November. That leaves a less-than-optimistic record for Joelinton: under Ancelotti, he has been called up to only one of four FIFA breaks and played just one match, coming off the bench. His upcoming career decisions could therefore be crucial in securing—or missing—a place in the 2026 World Cup.

Amid uncertainty surrounding his future with Barcelona, Robert Lewandowski offered an honest admission.

For months, Robert Lewandowski’s situation at Barcelona has been under the spotlight in the soccer world. One of the best strikers of this century has yet to define his future beyond the current season, a scenario that has attracted interest from clubs across multiple continents. In that context, he delivered a candid response.

“Right now, I don’t know where I want to play,” Lewandowski said during an interview on Friday with journalist Bogdan Rymanowski, shared on YouTube. “I don’t know which direction to take, but I have no pressure… I have time to make a decision.”

Those comments come at a pivotal moment, as the Polish striker’s contract with Barcelona is set to expire on June 30, 2026. That means that, starting January 1, Robert will be free to negotiate with any club in the world, as FIFA regulations allow players with fewer than six months remaining on their contracts to do so.

“Maybe I’ll start talking about it in some time,” Lewandowski added. “But for now, I had a difficult start to the season. I got injured twice. It also took me time to find my rhythm, knowing how many matches await us in January, February, and March through the end of the season. I’m thinking that in the second half of the season it will probably be good to prepare myself physically, avoid health issues, and simply give everything.”

Finally, the 37-year-old outlined which factors will be key when deciding where he will play in the 2026–27 season. “It’s not about cutting my salary in half,” he said. “A lot depends on the club’s plan and what I want.”

The World Cup is a major goal for Lewandowski

As he weighs his future with Barcelona, Robert Lewandowski is also focused on the Poland national team. They finished second in Group G of the World Cup qualifiers behind the Netherlands and will now have to navigate the European playoffs in hopes of securing a spot in next summer’s FIFA tournament.

Albania will be the first obstacle along that path, and if they advance from the semifinals, they will face either Sweden or Ukraine in the decisive matchup. “They are tough opponents for the Polish national team,” Lewandowski acknowledged in the same interview. “It won’t be easy. But we play Albania at home, with the support of our fans, and that gives us an extra boost.”

If they successfully make it through those rounds and secure a World Cup berth, Poland would be placed into Group F of the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia. It would mark Lewandowski’s third appearance at the sport’s biggest tournament, following Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022.

Lewandowski’s ambition

In the middle of the season with Barcelona, and with decisive matches for the Poland national team coming up in March, Robert Lewandowski is unwilling to prioritize one objective over another. “I hope we play these two matches in a way that helps us qualify for the World Cup,” he said. “I want to have it all: qualify for the World Cup, win the Spanish title, the Champions League. I’m aware that these are my final years in soccer.”

Egypt have secured qualification to the round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which means Mohamed Salah will remain unavailable for Liverpool for a longer period.

While Mohamed Salah has recently lost his unquestioned status at Liverpool, he remains one of the most important players in the squad. However, head coach Arne Slot cannot count on him at the moment because he is competing in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt.

Salah and his teammates opened the tournament on Monday with a 2-1 win over Zimbabwe, thanks to goals from Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush and Mo himself. That result was followed by another victory on Friday, a 1-0 win over South Africa, once again sealed by a goal from the Liverpool winger.

With those results, Egypt have officially clinched a spot in the round of 16, even though they still have one group-stage match remaining. They will face Angola on Monday knowing that nothing can take away either their qualification or their position at the top of Group B.

In the round of 16, Egypt will face one of the teams that advance as the best third-place finishers from Groups A, C, or D. While it is still too early to know for sure, based on the current standings the potential opponents are Mali, Tanzania, or Benin. That match is scheduled for Monday, January 5, at Adrar Stadium in Agadir.

How many more Liverpool matches will Salah miss?

Egypt’s strong run at the Africa Cup of Nations was expected, given that they are considered one of the favorites to win the tournament. Still, confirmation that they have safely navigated the group stage is unwelcome news for Liverpool, who will have to wait longer to get one of their biggest stars back.

So far, Salah’s absence has only affected one match for the Reds, last Saturday’s game against Tottenham. That impact will grow in the coming weeks, however. The winger will obviously miss this Saturday’s match against Wolverhampton, as well as the next two Premier League fixtures against Leeds United and Fulham.

If Egypt were to be eliminated in the round of 16 — an unlikely scenario — Salah could return to England in time for the following match, which would be against current league leaders Arsenal on Matchday 21.

But if Egypt continue their winning run and advance to the semifinals, Salah would not return to Liverpool before January 18. In that case, he would miss at least two additional matches: against Barnsley in the FA Cup and Burnley in the Premier League. He could potentially be available when the UEFA Champions League resumes on January 21, with Liverpool set to face Olympique Marseille.

Atletico Madrid have removed an honor previously given to Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Thibaut Courtois is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, a status he continues to prove week after week with Real Madrid. He was once a key figure for Atletico Madrid, but his legacy with the club has been clouded by later controversies, which have now led to a significant decision.

Courtois’ name had been displayed in the surroundings of Metropolitano Stadium alongside those of other Atletico Madrid legends, in recognition of his years as the club’s goalkeeper. However, the Spanish club announced a change in its criteria for granting such honors, and Thibaut was left out under the new guidelines.

Until now, simply having played 100 matches for Los Colchoneros was enough to receive that distinction. That requirement has now been eliminated, and the new commemorative plaques will instead be chosen by club members through a voting process. The final selection will come from a shortlist of 200 candidates chosen by the club. Courtois is not among them, meaning he will definitively lose his place of honor.

The voting system will consist of four categories of players, divided by different eras. In each category, members will select five players and assign them points ranging from five to one. Once voting is complete, the total points for each player will determine the final honorees.

Atletico Madrid stated that the criteria used to preselect players were based on “various factors such as qualitative merit, red-and-white values, recognition and legacy across generations, historic moments, and behavior toward our club and our supporters.” That final factor appears to be decisive in Courtois’ exclusion.

What happened between Courtois and Atletico Madrid?

In 2011, Thibaut Courtois joined Atletico Madrid from Belgian club Genk and quickly established himself as the team’s starting goalkeeper. Over three seasons, he made 154 appearances and delivered outstanding performances that helped the club win four trophies, including the 2011–12 UEFA Europa League and the 2013–14 La Liga title.

After leaving for Chelsea, the goalkeeper returned to Spain in 2018 to join Atletico Madrid’s city rivals, Real Madrid. That move angered Los Colchoneros supporters, who from that point adopted a hostile attitude toward Courtois. This included vandalism of his commemorative plaque, chants telling him to “die,” and banners that read “Thibu, rat.”

The final breaking point in Courtois’ relationship with Atletico Madrid came this year following the controversial penalty of Julian Alvarez that was ruled out for an alleged double touch. In response to complaints from Los Colchoneros, the goalkeeper said days later: “I’m tired of this victim mentality, of always crying about things like this.” That statement marked the point of no return and ultimately led to the decision to remove his honor.

Why can’t Griezmann be honored by Atletico Madrid?

The new system for awarding honors at Atletico Madrid not only eliminates the 100-match benchmark as a selection criterion, but also introduces another restriction: players who are currently active with the club cannot be included.

As a result, Antoine Griezmann is excluded from the vote despite being one of the most important players in the modern history of Atletico Madrid. Like other stars such as Koke and Jan Oblak, he will have to wait until he leaves the club or retires before becoming eligible.

Barcelona are searching for a defender and have reportedly shown interest in a World Cup winner with Lionel Messi’s Argentina national team.

For weeks, Barcelona have been at the center of transfer rumors. The Spanish club is looking for a top-level defender and has reportedly targeted a teammate of Lionel Messi with the Argentina national team who won the FIFA World Cup in Qatar 2022.

“FC Barcelona are scanning the market in search of an affordable center back with leadership qualities who can strengthen the squad in January… one of the names that fits that profile is Argentine defender Nicolas Otamendi,” Mundo Deportivo reported on Friday.

Otamendi, who is approaching his 38th birthday, remains one of the most reliable defenders in Europe and has continued to shine with Benfica in the Portuguese Primeira Liga. He has made 28 appearances this season across domestic league play, the Portuguese Cup, the Portuguese Super Cup, and the UEFA Champions League.

The main obstacle surrounding a potential move for Otamendi is his contract situation. The defender is under contract with the Portuguese club until June 30, 2026, and “Benfica will not make things easy for him to leave during this winter window,” according to Mundo Deportivo.

“Jose Mourinho, the team’s head coach, has urgently requested the renewal of his captain to avoid a possible move to Barcelona in the winter transfer market,” the report added. “A scenario that would also have the approval of Rui Costa, president of Benfica.”

Otamendi focused on the 2026 World Cup

As is the case with many elite soccer stars, in the coming months Nicolas Otamendi will be focused on playing as much as possible and, above all, staying healthy in order to be in peak condition for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. There, Argentina will attempt to defend the title they won in Qatar in 2022, when Lionel Messi led them to the third trophy in the nation’s history.

For Otamendi, it would also represent his final major tournament with Argentina and his fourth World Cup overall, after appearing at South Africa 2010, Russia 2018, and Qatar 2022. He has already announced that he will not begin another World Cup cycle after 2026 and, like Messi, is expected to retire from international duty following the FIFA tournament.

Barcelona searching for a center back

Nicolas Otamendi is the latest name added to a long list of players who are rumored to be closely monitored by Barcelona ahead of the January transfer window. Another Argentine defender reportedly on the Catalan club’s radar is Marcos Senesi, who currently plays for Bournemouth and is also attracting interest from Atletico Madrid.

In addition, several Premier League defenders such as Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace, Nathan Ake of Manchester City, and Murillo of Nottingham Forest have also been mentioned as possible targets for Barcelona.

Pep Guardiola had issued a warning to the Manchester City players, and Erling Haaland responded in an unexpected way.

Manchester City are at a crucial point in the season and cannot afford to relax. Sitting just two points behind Arsenal in the Premier League standings, every match matters, and head coach Pep Guardiola knows it. That is why he issued a warning to the squad, which sparked an unexpected reaction from Erling Haaland.

Last Saturday, after the 3-0 win over West Ham United, Guardiola revealed that the previous day the players had been weighed in order to keep track of their physical condition ahead of the Christmas break, which ran through December 25.

The coach warned them that when they returned to training, they would be weighed again to make sure they had not overindulged during their time off. “They come back on the 25th and I will be there controlling how many kilos come up. The moment they arrive after three days, I want to see how they come back,” Guardiola said, according to ESPN.

“They can eat, but I want to control them… I have to make a selection against Nottingham Forest. Imagine one player and now he’s perfect but he will arrive with three kilos more. He will stay in Manchester. He will not travel to Nottingham Forest,” Pep warned.

All good!! pic.twitter.com/M3XyPsptVX

— Erling Haaland (@ErlingHaaland) December 25, 2025

Haaland’s funny response

After the Christmas break, Manchester City players returned to training, and Erling Haaland shared a humorous post on his official X account joking about head coach Pep Guardiola’s warning.

“All good,” wrote the Norwegian striker alongside a photo showing his feet on a scale reading 94.4 kilos (approximately 208 pounds). Clearly, the Citizens superstar took care of himself to avoid excesses during the three days off and proudly showed the results.

Key match for Manchester City

After a season that began with some uncertainty and several disappointing results, Manchester City have rediscovered their best form in recent weeks, putting together a string of consecutive wins that have allowed them to close in on the top spots in the standings.

Across the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League, the Citizens have won seven straight matches. Excluding the European clash against Real Madrid, they have recorded six consecutive league victories, helping them close the gap on Arsenal.

Now just two points separate them from the top of the table, meaning a win this Saturday against Nottingham Forest would make them, at least temporarily, the new Premier League leaders. They would then have to wait for the result between Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion to see if they can hold on to that spot.

A UEFA Champions League winner could be joining the Saudi Pro League, following in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo.

With the January transfer window approaching, rumors and speculation are already swirling. Now a forward who won the UEFA Champions League is being linked with a move to a Saudi Pro League club, potentially following the path of Cristiano Ronaldo.

According to journalist Nicolo Schira, cited by Mundo Deportivo, Al Ettifaq are interested in Mario Balotelli as reinforcement for their squad heading into the decisive stage of the 2025-26 season.

Al Ettifaq are currently in 7th place in the Saudi Pro League standings, with 15 points from 30 possible after four wins, three draws, and three losses. That places them 12 points behind the leaders, Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo’s club, who have won all nine games they have played so far.

Balotelli would add another name to the growing list of European superstars choosing to play in Saudi Arabia. The 35-year-old forward was long considered an elite player in Europe, with stints at clubs including AC Milan, Manchester City, and Liverpool. He also won the Champions League in the 2009-10 season with Inter Milan during his early professional years.

Where is Balotelli currently?

That glorious past at Europe’s top clubs is now far removed from Balotelli’s current situation. After a period in which his goals were highly sought after across Europe, the Italian forward has struggled in recent years to maintain a place at the elite level.

Since 2018, Mario has changed clubs almost every year, moving without success through Brescia, Monza, and Sion of Switzerland, among others. His most recent experience was with Genoa in Serie A, where he played just six matches in the 2024-25 season and did not score. Since then, he has been a free agent, going a full year without playing in an official match.

Balotelli has been a controversial figure

Mario Balotelli’s undeniable talent made him a top-level player for years, but his global reputation was also shaped by his eccentric behavior, which frequently made headlines for reasons unrelated to soccer.

During his time at Inter Milan, the forward was coached by Jose Mourinho, who led the team to the 2010 Champions League title. When asked about his relationship with Balotelli, the Portuguese coach described him as “unmanageable,” even though he used him in 40 matches that year.

“We had a good relationship, but our personalities were difficult to manage. We had clashes of ideas,” Balotelli reflected on Mourinho years later. “Once I argued with him at Appiano (Inter’s training center) before a game against Catania. I don’t remember the reason, but I got off the bus, got in the car, and went home.” Attitudes like that marked Balotelli’s career, often making it difficult for him to maintain a position among the world’s elite players.

With uncertainty surrounding the future of Mohamed Salah, Liverpool are reportedly interested in a UEFA Champions League winner with Paris Saint-Germain.

Liverpool have faced weeks of uncertainty. Disappointing results in both the UEFA Champions League and the Premier League have raised questions about coach Arne Slot, while putting Mohamed Salah in the spotlight due to his potential exit from the club. In this context, a player from Paris Saint-Germain has emerged as a potential target.

“Bradley Barcola is now emerging as a prime alternative for either the January window or next summer,” CaughtOffside recently reported. “The Reds’ recruitment team are understood to have intensified their monitoring of the French international, viewing him as a long-term solution capable of elevating their attacking options.”

Barcola is a highly talented winger with notable differences compared to Salah. The first, of course, is age. While the Egyptian star is approaching the twilight of his career at 33, the French player is a decade younger and still developing his skills.

Additionally, Barcola has a different playing profile from Salah. He is right-footed and typically operates on the left wing, whereas Mo is left-footed and plays on the right. This shift in profile would give Liverpool the chance to explore new attacking strategies. “Slot is known to be a strong admirer of Barcola’s profile,” added CaughtOffside.

Barcola’s performance at Paris Saint-Germain

Barcola’s youth makes him a long-term investment, as his talent is expected to evolve over the coming seasons while he gains more maturity and game intelligence. However, that does not mean the winger’s present form is insignificant.

He was an important part of Paris Saint-Germain last season, contributing three goals and four assists during their Champions League title run, in addition to 35 other goal contributions across all competitions.

This season, Barcola has continued to play a key role at PSG, particularly with injuries affecting Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue. So far, he has appeared in 21 matches, recording five goals and three assists across all tournaments.

Other Liverpool options

Liverpool’s initial target to strengthen their attack was Antoine Semenyo. However, the Bournemouth forward now appears closer to Manchester City, who could cover his roughly $88 million release clause, beating other Premier League giants like Manchester United and Chelsea to his signature.

In this scenario, Bradley Barcola has emerged as an appealing alternative for Liverpool, along with Karim Adeyemi. The German forward is reportedly seeking an exit from Borussia Dortmund, and the Reds could be a tempting destination, according to Anfield Index.

With a contract renewal for Tadeo Allende increasingly complicated, Inter Miami are reportedly interested in a former teammate of Lionel Messi who won the FIFA World Cup with Argentina.

Rebuilding the roster for the 2026 Major League Soccer season is proving to be a difficult task for Inter Miami. Tadeo Allende, one of the most decisive players during the club’s 2025 title run, may not return next year, and as a result, a FIFA World Cup champion alongside Lionel Messi with Argentina has now emerged as a potential alternative.

According to ESPN’s Raza Deportiva, Inter Miami are interested in signing Angel Correa. The 30-year-old forward has a similar playing profile to Allende and is already familiar with several players on the roster, which would be a significant advantage when projecting his integration into the team.

However, signing Correa will not be easy for the Herons. Tigres UANL of Mexico signed him this summer after more than a decade with Atletico Madrid, handing him a five-year contract that runs through June 30, 2030, with a reported salary of around $4 million per year.

With 15 goals in 27 matches in Liga MX, Angel Correa has become a key figure for the club, which only complicates any attempt to pry him away at this stage. Additionally, his high salary could pose a challenge for Inter Miami given Major League Soccer’s strict financial regulations.

Correa knows Messi well

Angel Correa fits perfectly into the type of player Inter Miami are targeting. Like Rodrigo De Paul, he is a star who accompanied Messi at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where Argentina claimed the title after defeating France on penalties in the final.

However, Correa’s role in that triumph was minimal. He was added to the 26-man squad at the last minute as a replacement for the injured Nicolas Gonzalez, and he played just four minutes during the semifinal victory over Croatia.

Overall, Angel Correa has made 28 appearances for the Argentina national team between 2015 and 2025, scoring three goals. He also holds the unusual distinction of being the player who has worn Argentina’s No. 10 shirt most often in the absence of Lionel Messi, doing so five times, all in World Cup qualifiers.

Inter Miami face stiff competition for Allende

Inter Miami’s reported interest in Angel Correa is directly tied to the difficult negotiations surrounding Tadeo Allende. The forward was crucial to the MLS title, especially because of his goals during the playoffs, and now that his loan has ended, he must return to Celta Vigo of Spain.

While the Herons remain in talks with the Spanish club in hopes of reaching an agreement for Allende, reports indicate that the financial gap between the sides remains significant. In that context, Diario Ole claims that River Plate of Argentina have submitted a $2.5 million offer for 50 percent of the player’s rights and are awaiting a response.

Additionally, another MLS club such as Austin FC has entered the race for Allende. While Austin may lack Inter Miami’s global profile, they can reportedly offer more favorable contract conditions due to Texas’ more flexible tax laws, according to Diario AS, which could prove decisive in negotiations.

Spain will face Argentina in the Finalissima and then follow a series of additional plans as part of their preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

National teams that have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup are entering a decisive phase of preparation ahead of the FIFA tournament in North America. Spain are considered one of the favorites, and for that reason they are approaching the coming months with the necessary seriousness to arrive in peak condition. In addition to the Finalissima against Argentina, they are already planning their next commitments.

On March 27, the team coached by Luis de la Fuente will face Argentina at Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar, with their first title of the year on the line. The trophy is contested by the champions of the two strongest confederations in world soccer: Europe and South America. Spain qualified for the Finalissima as winners of UEFA Euro 2024, while their opponents lifted the Copa America 2024.

That match will represent their final major test ahead of the World Cup, as well as their last official game before the June 15 opener against Cape Verde. Still, that does not mean Spain will be idle in the months leading up to their trip to North America.

“It has yet to be definitively confirmed whether it will be Monday the 30th or Tuesday the 31st (of March), but Luis de la Fuente’s national team will face Egypt in their first friendly before the World Cup,” Mundo Deportivo reported on Wednesday, confirming reports that have pointed in the same direction for weeks, indicating that Mohamed Salah’s team will be Spain’s opponent.

The key update is that there is now a clear picture regarding the venue for that potential friendly: Qatar. FIFA regulations require national teams to play their matches during an international break on the same continent, making Asia a fixed destination. In that context, remaining in Qatar to play the friendly emerged as the most logical option.

Spain’s plans ahead of the World Cup

The March international break will be crucial for all national teams, as it represents the final opportunity to experiment before final World Cup rosters must be submitted. The next time teams gather will be in the weeks leading up to the tournament in North America, when squads are expected to be largely finalized.

However, during that window before the World Cup opener, teams will still have the chance to play a couple more friendlies, allowing coaches to put the finishing touches on their lineups. Spain’s plans for that stage have also been revealed.

“It is planned that in June La Roja will play two more preparation matches before the World Cup,” Mundo Deportivo reported. “One will be in Spain and the other in the Americas, preferably in the United States, although that has not yet been confirmed.”

Spain will play their first two group-stage matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, against Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia. They will then travel to Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Mexico, for the decisive match against Uruguay. Based on that itinerary, the team is currently looking to establish its base during the tournament, preferably close to those cities.

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are reportedly interested in a teammate of Lionel Messi on the Argentina national team who currently plays in the Premier League.

A teammate of Lionel Messi with the Argentina national team could soon leave the Premier League to continue his professional career in La Liga, with reports suggesting interest from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. The 2026 FIFA World Cup could play a decisive role in the potential move.

“Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are ready to battle it out for Bournemouth star Marcos Senesi,” TeamTalk reported this week. The Argentine defender has been a key figure for the Cherries at the start of the 2025–26 season, starting 16 of the club’s 17 Premier League matches.

However, at 28 years old and with his contract nearing its expiration, Senesi is reportedly open to a move to a club with greater European exposure than Bournemouth. As a result, he “has informed the Cherries he is leaving the club in 2026,” according to TeamTalk.

That situation places the Premier League side in a dilemma. Refusing to negotiate the Argentine defender’s early departure in the winter transfer window would allow them to keep him for the remainder of the season but risk losing him for free afterward. A transfer now, on the other hand, would at least ensure some financial compensation.

Senesi sets his sights on the World Cup

Marcos Senesi has been on the radar of the Argentina national team since 2022. He made his debut that year in a friendly against Estonia, playing 28 minutes in a 5–0 win in which Lionel Messi scored all five goals. Since then, however, the defender has struggled to remain in head coach Lionel Scaloni’s plans.

In fact, after that match in June 2022, more than three years passed before Senesi saw the field again for Argentina. That came during the 2025 October international break, when he played the full match against Venezuela in a friendly in the United States. After that, he was an unused substitute against Puerto Rico and again in November against Angola.

Senesi’s profile — a left-footed center back with strong physical presence — makes him an intriguing option for Scaloni. Still, the imminent return of Lisandro Martinez from injury represents a significant obstacle to Senesi’s World Cup aspirations. For that reason, a potential move away from Bournemouth to a higher-profile club such as Barcelona or Atletico Madrid could be crucial in boosting his chances of earning a spot at the FIFA tournament.

Barcelona are looking for a defender

The reported interest from Barcelona in Marcos Senesi is not surprising, given the defensive issues the team coached by Hansi Flick has faced in the first half of the season. The club never fully replaced Iñigo Martinez after his departure to Al Nassr last summer and is now looking to address that gap with a new signing.

After links to players such as Pau Torres and Marc Guehi, speculation has now shifted toward two other Premier League defenders: Manchester City’s Nathan Ake and Chelsea’s Axel Disasi. In that context, Senesi could emerge as a more affordable option — a key factor given Barcelona’s ongoing financial challenges.

Roberto Martinez sent a strong message about Portugal’s chances of reaching — and winning — a potential final at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is drawing closer, and there is growing consensus about which teams are considered title favorites. Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Portugal are firmly in that conversation for many observers, and head coach Roberto Martinez has shown no shortage of confidence in his squad’s potential.

During an interview with Marca, Martinez was asked what wish he would make right now. “To play in the World Cup final,” was his initial answer, before adding with complete confidence: “If we play it, we win it, for sure.”

The coach’s comments reflect the strong belief he has in his players and in his own work, which over the past three years has produced solid results, including winning the UEFA Nations League after defeating Spain in the final.

“I would love to play in a final,” the Portugal coach admitted. “Emotionally, you have to show a lot of respect for where we come from, but professionally the work is always focused on what we can achieve. If we can play another final, like we did in the Nations League, that would be fantastic… Playing eight matches would be a success.”

Martinez explains why Portugal are not favorites to win the 2026 World Cup

In the same interview, Roberto Martinez discussed which teams he believes have the best chance of lifting the trophy at the next World Cup. “This is where you see the difference between being a favorite and being a contender. I think only teams that have previously won a World Cup can truly be considered favorites,” said the Spanish coach.

“Psychologically, knowing that a previous generation has won that tournament gives you a special strength,” added the Portugal coach. “Right now, I see national teams arriving in very good shape, like Spain. Germany are also well prepared because of what happened to them at home in the Nations League… And they are the only European national team to have won a World Cup in the Americas (in Brazil in 2014). France, in my opinion, are built for major tournaments, and also, because of proximity, Brazil and Argentina.”

Based on that theory, Martinez places Portugal in a second tier of teams that he refers to as “contenders.” The absence of World Cup titles in the country’s history is, for him, a decisive factor when competing for the trophy. The numbers back it up: in the last 11 editions of the World Cup, only twice have champions been teams that had never won it before (France in 1998 and Spain in 2010).

Martinez proposes a format change for the World Cup

The 2026 edition will be the first World Cup in history to feature 48 teams, a 50 percent increase compared to previous tournaments. “I love it. The World Cup is for everyone, and making it easier for fans and players to have the chance to reach the World Cup should be a good thing,” Roberto Martinez said.

“What I don’t like is the format. There are too many matches, and all of them should matter,” added the Portugal coach, before proposing a change for the future. “I would like group winners, as happens in the Champions League, to automatically advance one round. That way, we would avoid situations where the third group-stage match becomes an opportunity to see which path is more appealing in terms of logistics or opponents.”

Thomas Muller spoke about how he saw Lionel Messi in Major League Soccer and, based on that, shared his thoughts on Leo’s chances of competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Lionel Messi had an almost perfect season with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer 2025, which culminated in the championship after defeating Vancouver Whitecaps in the final. Thomas Muller experienced the talent of the Argentine forward firsthand in that match and, based on that experience, offered his perspective on the role Leo could play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

During a recent interview with Magenta TV, Muller was asked about the speculation regarding whether Messi will be part of the Argentina squad next summer in North America. “It would be an interesting project from my point of view if he were there,” the German player began.

However, Thomas made it clear that Messi’s presence would not necessarily provide a boost for Argentina. “That could, of course, change the whole balance of the team, whether for better or for worse,” he said.

These comments relate to a topic often debated about Messi’s role on the field. He remains a decisive player, even at 38, in the creative aspects of the game, but his defensive contributions are minimal, forcing his teammates to work harder to compensate. When Muller refers to Argentina’s “balance,” he is undoubtedly alluding to this dynamic.

Muller reflects on Messi’s MLS performance

After facing each other for more than a decade at the international level and in European soccer, Thomas Muller and Lionel Messi met again this year in the United States, in the Major League Soccer final between Vancouver Whitecaps and Inter Miami.

There, Messi delivered a standout performance with two assists for the victory and the championship for the Herons, something Muller observed up close. “When he was on the ball, he just absolutely burst into life in the right areas and then really initiated a lot of things,” the German star recalled.

Still, Muller emphasized that the level of competition in MLS is far from what the World Cup demands, being the most important tournament in soccer. “Whether that would work like that off the cuff at top international level, I doubt,” explained the Bayern Munich legend.

Thomas Muller on the 2026 World Cup

In the same interview, reflecting on Lionel Messi, Thomas Muller shared his thoughts on Argentina’s chances of repeating their 2022 World Cup title, acknowledging that the South American team is “high on the list” of favorites.

Finally, he also spoke about his country’s own prospects. “At first glance, when you read the names of the opponents, it is of course a must to go through,” he said, referring to Ecuador, Ivory Coast, and Curacao, Germany’s Group E rivals.

“With Ivory Coast we have the African champions, and with Ecuador the runners-up from South American qualifying. But when you then look again at the overall set-up, that the eight best third-placed teams from 12 groups also go through, then going through is again a must,” Muller added.

Al Nassr dominated Al Zawraa in the AFC Champions League Two, and Cristiano Ronaldo provided a brilliant assist to Joao Felix.

Al Nassr displayed their full strength in the AFC Champions League Two. After winning their first five matches, they dominated Al Zawraa with a 5-1 victory to secure first place in Group D. Cristiano Ronaldo contributed with an impressive assist to Joao Felix for the fourth goal.

Things got off to a strong start for Jorge Jesus’ team from the opening moments. It took Kingsley Coman just 12 minutes to open the scoring with a delicate left-footed touch that left the opposing goalkeeper with no chance.

That was followed by two more goals that cemented Al Nassr’s lead and gave them the confidence to approach the rest of the match with composure. Wesley scored the second goal in the 19th minute after pouncing on a rebound inside the box, while Abdulelah Al-Amri extended the lead with a header.

To cap off a dream first half, Cristiano Ronaldo provided a brilliant assist for Joao Felix, subtly lofting the ball over the defenders to put the young Portuguese forward one-on-one with the goalkeeper, allowing him to finish with a precise strike.

🚨🚨| GOAL: JOAO FELIX MAKES IT FOUR WITH AN ASSIST FROM CRISTIANO RONALDO!!

Al Nassr 4-0 Al Zawraapic.twitter.com/nE1lVEsnsS

— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) December 24, 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo is substituted at halftime

With the score at 4-0, Jorge Jesus decided to make a change before the start of the second half to give his most important player some rest. Cristiano Ronaldo did not return to the field after the break with the rest of his teammates and was replaced by Mohammed Maran.

Without CR7 on the pitch, Al Nassr seemed to ease off in the early minutes of the second half and conceded a goal to the visitors through Ibrahim Gbadamosi. However, that brief response from Al Zawraa was quickly erased when, six minutes later, Kingsley Coman scored to make it 5-1.

What’s next for Al Nassr?

The victory over Al Zawraa allowed Al Nassr to finish their group stage in the AFC Champions League Two perfectly. With six wins from six matches, they now turn their attention to the knockout stages, confident as clear favorites to claim the title.

However, Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates’ main ambition this season is not the continental title but the Saudi Pro League. They have also had an impressive run there, currently leading the standings with 27 points from a possible 27 across nine matches.

After a break of more than a month in the tournament, Al Nassr will return to Saudi Pro League action this Saturday, December 27, against Al Akhdoud, aiming for their tenth consecutive win. The proximity of this match likely explains Jorge Jesus’ decision to substitute Ronaldo at halftime today.

A member of the Brazil national team staff alongside head coach Carlo Ancelotti could continue his career in Italy’s Serie A, just months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With less than six months remaining until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Carlo Ancelotti could lose one of his collaborators on the Brazil national team staff due to a potential offer from a Serie A club.

With just one win in 16 matches in the Italian league, Pisa are experiencing a disappointing 2025–26 season. They sit second-to-last in the standings with 11 points, in the relegation zone, sparking heavy criticism of head coach Alberto Gilardino.

“Pisa have already moved forward and are working on a succession plan,” reported La Gazzetta dello Sport on Tuesday. “With a decidedly original idea: giving young Davide Ancelotti, Carlo’s son and fresh from his first experience as head coach with Botafogo in Brazil, his Italian debut.”

Although Davide has limited experience leading a team, his background—and lineage—make him an attractive option. “The usual names of coaches awaiting appointments have been explored but haven’t particularly excited the owners,” the Italian outlet explained. “The opportunity to bring in a big name like Ancelotti Jr., who grew up in his father’s shadow and is now embarking on a personal career, had a very different effect.”

Davide Ancelotti’s departure would be a problem for Carlo Ancelotti

If the reports from Italy come true, this would be a significant loss for Carlo Ancelotti. His son is part of the staff and, especially since leaving Botafogo at the end of the 2025 season, has reportedly taken a much more active role in supporting his father.

With the World Cup approaching, every bit of support is welcome, given the enormous task ahead: turning around years of disappointing results and positioning Brazil again as one of the favorites to win the title, alongside Argentina, Spain, and France.

Davide Ancelotti’s only head coaching experience

After nearly a decade working alongside his father at clubs like Bayern Munich, Everton, and Real Madrid, Davide launched his career as a head coach this year. The opportunity came with an offer from Botafogo in Brazil, who hired him in July to take charge of the team, then reigning Copa Libertadores champions.

While the Brazilian side under Ancelotti had acceptable results—15 wins, 11 draws, and 7 losses, with a 45.5% win rate—the early Copa Libertadores exit was a decisive blow to his tenure. Once the season ended, the club decided to part ways with the Italian coach.

Portugal national team head coach Roberto Martinez spoke about Cristiano Ronaldo.

Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing to face the second half of the season, which will conclude with the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Expectations around the Portugal national team ahead of the tournament are enormous, and head coach Roberto Martinez addressed the role of the veteran forward.

During an interview with Marca, Martinez was asked why Ronaldo remains an undisputed figure in the national team despite his advanced age. “His attitude,” the coach began. “That maximum level of demand he places on himself to be available and to help is what allows the team captain to always be included in the squad.”

Cristiano Ronaldo will turn 41 on February 5, an unusually advanced age for an elite international player. And yet, he continues to show a high level of commitment and motivation every time he plays for Portugal, whether in crucial matches such as World Cup qualifiers and the UEFA Nations League, or in friendlies.

“That hunger to be the best is transmitted on the field. It’s contagious… He’s at a very good moment in his career,” the coach said. Those words are backed up by the numbers: since Martinez took over as head coach, Cristiano Ronaldo has appeared in 30 of Portugal’s 36 matches.

Cristiano Ronaldo shows his commitment through goals

Over nearly three years under Roberto Martinez, Cristiano Ronaldo has not only demonstrated his commitment by featuring in almost every national team match, but has also delivered outstanding performances.

“Twenty-five goals in 30 matches playing as a ‘number nine’ shows that what he does on the field generates a lot for the national team,” Martinez reflected in the same interview. “Cristiano affects the opponent. When he’s on the field, space opens up because there are always two players focused on marking him.”

Finally, the coach addressed the records Ronaldo could break—particularly the milestone of 1,000 career goals—if he maintains his current approach. “What he has achieved is because he lives day to day. When he talks about his goals, he moves far away from the long term: from reaching 1,000, from playing a certain number of matches,” Martinez explained. “His secret is being the best today and enjoying the present. Then the number will simply be a consequence of the day he decides to stop. I don’t think it’s a goal.”

Ronaldo’s longevity

If nothing unexpected happens in the coming months, Cristiano Ronaldo will become the first player—likely alongside Lionel Messi—to appear in six World Cups. That remarkable achievement will be accompanied by another notable detail: he would do so at 41 years old, an extremely rare age at that level of competition.

In fact, Cristiano Ronaldo would become the fourth-oldest player in World Cup history. At 41 years and 126 days, he would trail only Essam El Hadary of Egypt (45 years, 161 days), Faryd Mondragon of Colombia (43 years, 3 days), and Roger Milla of Cameroon (42 years, 39 days).

Pedri addressed the rumors surrounding a potential return of Lionel Messi to Barcelona.

Speculation about a possible return of Lionel Messi to Barcelona has intensified in recent weeks following a visit the Argentine forward made to Camp Nou. Now Pedri, one of the Spanish club’s biggest stars, has addressed the situation publicly.

During a recent interview with Esquire, Pedri was asked how he learned about Messi’s visit to Barcelona during the November international break, when the forward traveled to Spain with the Argentina national team. “Through social media, because it started showing up everywhere. It was hard not to find out,” the midfielder explained.

The Spanish player then expressed his regret at not being able to see Messi in person. “I wish we could have spent some time together,” he said, while acknowledging that he has not spoken with Leo for quite some time. The two were teammates between 2020 and 2021.

Pedri was later asked whether he would like a second spell alongside Messi at Barcelona before the Argentine forward retires. “Of course, without a doubt,” he said, before offering high praise for Leo. “He’s the best in history, and he helped me a lot during the year we played together.”

Messi and Pedri shared a brief spell together

Pedri joined Barcelona in the summer of 2020 at just 17 years old after breaking through at Las Palmas. At the time, Lionel Messi was the undisputed star of the Catalan side and was preparing to begin what would be his final season at the club.

Throughout the 2020–21 campaign, Pedri earned a regular place in the team despite his young age, giving him the opportunity to play extensively alongside the Argentine legend. In total, they shared 47 matches across La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the UEFA Champions League, and the Spanish Super Cup. Together, Messi and Pedri combined for three goals that season and lifted the Copa del Rey trophy.

Pedri sees a possible clash against Messi at the World Cup

In the same Esquire interview, Pedri also discussed his expectations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Spain will arrive as one of the main contenders. “Winning a World Cup is always very difficult; there are great national teams,” he began. “Argentina will be there, the reigning champions. And also England, Germany, France, and Brazil, who are always strong. But we are strong too.”

Finally, Pedri mentioned the players he would like to face at the FIFA tournament next summer. “Mbappe, Lamine, Salah, Haaland, Raphinha, or Julian Alvarez are the best players in the world. I want to play against all of them—except Lamine, because he’s on our team,” the Spanish midfielder said. “Especially Haaland and Salah, because I haven’t faced them yet.”

Beyond the possibility of meeting at the World Cup, Spain are already set to face Messi’s Argentina in the near future. On Friday, March 27, the two national teams will contest the 2026 Finalissima in Doha, Qatar, competing for the intercontinental title between the champions of Europe and South America.

Christian Pulisic’s AC Milan have agreed to part ways with a player from their roster who was a UEFA Champions League winner.

AC Milan are making significant changes to their roster to approach the second half of the season with renewed energy. Among these changes is the departure of a UEFA Champions League winner, who will no longer be a teammate of Christian Pulisic and must find a new club.

“Divock Origi, available as a free agent from January as he’s just signed his contract termination at AC Milan,” reported journalist Fabrizio Romano on his X account. “30-year-old striker was out of AC Milan squad and project since summer 2024.”

The Belgian striker joined the club in the summer of 2022 from Liverpool on a four-year contract. In his first Serie A season, he played 36 matches and scored just two goals, leading the Italian side to loan him to Nottingham Forest.

Origi’s stint in England was also disappointing, as he could not replicate the performances he had during his time at Liverpool, where he won the 2018-19 UEFA Champions League with a scoring average of 0.33 goals per game.

Origi’s fall from favor

Several consecutive seasons of poor performance left Divock Origi in an undesirable position. He returned to AC Milan ahead of the 2024-25 season but was not considered part of the main squad, instead being relegated to the reserve team.

As a result, Origi spent the past year and a half without official competition at club level. His last professional match was on April 21, 2024, in a 2-0 Premier League defeat for Nottingham Forest against Everton. His last official goal came on February 7 of that year, when he scored in the FA Cup against Bristol City.

AC Milan move for other strikers

Despite recent issues with their forwards, including Santiago Gimenez’s injury, bringing Divock Origi back was never an option for head coach Massimiliano Allegri. In this scenario, the Italian side have recently advanced negotiations for German striker Niclas Fullkrug from West Ham United.

Another forward could join in the coming days. “AC Milan have agreed personal terms with talented striker Andrej Kostic from Partizan Belgrade,” Fabrizio Romano confirmed on X on Tuesday. “Club-to-club talks well underway to get the deal done under €5m package, add-ons included.”

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami have reportedly agreed to the signing of an Argentine defender who was also targeted by South American giants River Plate.

Amid intense negotiations to shape the 2026 roster, Inter Miami reportedly prevailed over a South American powerhouse and secured the signing of another Argentine player to join Lionel Messi.

Racing Club defender Facundo Mura had been on Inter Miami’s radar for weeks, but the negotiations appeared to hit an unexpected obstacle when River Plate from Argentina expressed interest in signing him. However, the situation seems to have ended positively for the MLS side.

“Facundo Mura thanked River for their interest but will play for Inter Miami,” said transfer expert Cesar Luis Merlo on Tuesday in a post on his X account. “The defender will sign a contract through June 2029.”

For Javier Mascherano’s team, Mura represents an important addition. Despite being only 26 years old, he is an experienced player, having accumulated nearly 200 professional appearances in the Argentine league with Estudiantes, Colon, and Racing Club. In the 2025 season, he played 34 matches, scoring 4 goals and providing one assist.

Additionally, the terms of the signing are extremely favorable for Inter Miami, as Mura’s contract with Racing Club expires on December 31. This allows him to join the MLS side as a free agent, saving Inter Miami the effort and cost of negotiating with another club.

Inter Miami’s defense taking shape

Among the departures following Inter Miami’s MLS title win, Jordi Alba stood out, though he was not the only one. Alongside the Spanish star, who announced his retirement, Marcelo Weigandt also left, returning to Boca Juniors after his loan ended.

To replace Alba, Inter Miami acted quickly and secured the signing of another European star, Sergio Reguilon. At right-back, they extended Ian Fray’s contract, and with the reported addition of Mura, that area of the field now appears well-covered.

The question remains whether Inter Miami will pursue a top-level center-back to boost internal competition. Maximiliano Falcon was the standout in that position, but his colleagues—Gonzalo Lujan, Noah Allen, and Tomas Aviles—did not perform at the same convincing level.

Another player with international experience

Since Lionel Messi’s arrival, Inter Miami have signed many Spanish-speaking players with international experience to support the forward. Facundo Mura fits this profile, as he is another Argentine with a youth international credentials.

While Mura has not played for the senior national team, he represented Argentina at youth levels. He was part of the squad at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup alongside stars like Julian Alvarez, exiting in the round of 16. In 2020, he won the Pre-Olympic tournament with Argentina U-23, earning qualification for the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, though he was not called up for the Olympic squad.

The continuity of an Argentine player in the upcoming 2026 Major League Soccer season reportedly depends on Inter Miami paying nearly $5 million.

As the year comes to a close, Inter Miami are gradually gaining a clearer picture of their roster for the 2026 Major League Soccer season. However, one unresolved issue involves an Argentine player for whom the club would need to pay a significant fee in order to keep him.

“Inter Miami are negotiating with Racing Club to purchase Baltasar Rodriguez,” DSports Radio reported in a post on X. The Argentine midfielder joined the club earlier this year from Racing Club at the direct request of head coach Javier Mascherano, who previously coached him with the Argentina U-20 national team.

After a difficult start that included several consecutive muscle injuries, Rodriguez overtook Telasco Segovia and earned a place in the starting lineup during the final stretch of the MLS regular season. In the playoffs, he started all six matches for Inter Miami, including the final against the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Overall, Rodriguez made 22 appearances for the Herons in 2025 across Major League Soccer, the Leagues Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup, recording three goals and three assists. While those numbers are not eye-catching, his upward performance curve, combined with his young age and promising future, makes him an attractive long-term target.

Inter Miami can negotiate for Baltasar Rodriguez

When Baltasar Rodriguez joined Inter Miami at the start of 2025, the agreement with Racing Club was a loan deal with a mandatory purchase option triggered by specific performance targets. Injuries during the first half of the year prevented those benchmarks from being met, leading to contractual consequences.

“The obligation was not activated because the player did not reach the required minutes threshold,” DSports Radio reported. As a result, the loan spell with the Herons is set to expire at the end of the year, and Rodriguez would be expected to return to the Argentine club at the start of 2026.

However, without that clause in effect, Inter Miami now have the opportunity to negotiate freely with Racing Club to reach a new agreement. “The operation would be worth $5 million, a figure close to the original purchase obligation included in the loan,” the report added.

Inter Miami’s transfer moves so far

From the roster that won the 2025 MLS title, several players are no longer part of Inter Miami. The most notable cases are Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, both of whom decided to bring their professional careers to an end.

They are joined by players whose contracts expired and will not be renewed: Marcelo Weigandt, Fafa Picault, and Ryan Sailor. A similar situation could apply to Allen Obando, Oscar Ustari, and Rocco Rios Novo, although it remains unclear whether the Herons will attempt to retain them.

On the other hand, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Ian Fray, and Noah Allen have recently signed contract extensions and are secured for next season under Javier Mascherano. Rodrigo De Paul will also be permanently acquired in a multimillion-dollar transfer from Atletico Madrid.

As for new additions, the only signing so far is left back Sergio Reguilon, who arrived to fill the void left by Alba. Through the draft, Inter Miami also selected defenders Abdel Talabi and Alex Barger, midfielder Kenan Hot, and forwards Mamadi Jiana and Maximilian Kissel.

Porto have agreed to sign Thiago Silva, who will aim to set an all-time record with the Brazil national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

After several days of speculation, Thiago Silva left Fluminense and finalized his move to Porto to take on the decisive stretch of the 2025–26 season. The 2026 FIFA World Cup appears to be a crucial objective for the defender, who could reach a historic milestone with the Brazil national team.

“An infinite desire to write a new story with us. Thiago Silva is once again a Dragon,” read the post on X (formerly known as Twitter) that Porto shared on Saturday to announce the defender’s return to the club after 21 years. His previous stint came during the 2004–05 season, when he made 14 appearances for the reserve team.

At 41, Silva’s career appeared destined to end with Fluminense, the Brazilian club he rejoined in 2024. There, he delivered strong performances, scoring five goals in 66 appearances across two seasons. However, the defender chose to abruptly end that chapter in order to pursue a return to Europe.

After speculation that included a potential return to AC Milan, the Brazilian star opted for the Portuguese giants to take on this new stage of his career, where he faces the challenge not only of competing at the club level but also of earning a historic return to the national team.

Uma vontade infinita de escrever uma nova história connosco ♾️

Thiago Silva é outra vez Dragão 🐉 💙 pic.twitter.com/yvVhUextEL

— FC Porto (@FCPorto) December 20, 2025

The World Cup remains a dream for Thiago Silva

Just a few weeks ago, Thiago Silva gave an interview to France Football in which he hinted at his desire to return to the Brazil national team. “Can you imagine finishing with a World Cup title?” he said, making it clear that such an achievement would be the ideal ending to his career.

“Ancelotti knows he can count on me. I’m at his disposal,” the defender added in a direct message to the Italian head coach, who has been in charge of Brazil since mid-year with an eye on the 2026 World Cup.

Thiago Silva has extensive experience with the national team. He ranks fifth all-time in appearances with 113 caps, trailing only Cafu (143), Neymar (128), Roberto Carlos (127), and Dani Alves (126). He has also appeared in four World Cups between 2010 and 2022.

The Brazil World Cup record Thiago Silva could break

If his performances with Porto prove convincing and he manages to earn Carlo Ancelotti’s trust ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Thiago Silva would achieve a historic milestone: becoming the oldest player ever to represent Brazil at the FIFA tournament.

Silva turned 41 in September, placing him ahead of the current record holder, Dani Alves, who played at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar at age 39. Second on that list is, fittingly, Thiago Silva himself, who featured in the same tournament at 38. Prior to that, the record belonged to Djalma Santos, who played at the 1966 World Cup in England at age 37.

Manchester United are reportedly targeting a teammate of Cristiano Ronaldo on the Portugal national team ahead of the January transfer window.

In just a few days, the transfer window will open across Europe’s top leagues, allowing clubs to strengthen their squads for the decisive stretch of the season. Manchester United have that goal in mind and are said to be interested in a Portugal international who plays alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.

“Manchester United are monitoring Al Hilal’s Ruben Neves,” The Guardian reported on Saturday. The possibility aligns with recent rumors suggesting the Red Devils are looking to reshape their midfield, amid speculation over the potential departures of stars such as Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, and Mason Mount.

“Amorim’s preference is to sign players with Premier League experience,” the report added. In that sense, Neves fits the profile perfectly given his extensive spell with Wolverhampton between 2017 and 2023. During his time with the English club, he made 253 appearances and scored 30 goals.

Those performances helped establish him as an important figure for the Portugal national team, alongside stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Rafael Leao. Ruben Neves competed at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, as well as Euro 2021 and Euro 2024, and won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.

A potential obstacle to Ruben Neves joining Manchester United

In the summer of 2023, Ruben Neves was part of the first major wave of players to leave Europe for the Saudi Pro League, following in Cristiano Ronaldo’s footsteps. He signed a three-year contract with Al Hilal that runs through the end of the 2025–26 season.

After the World Cup, Neves will become a free agent and will be able to choose his next club without negotiating with Al Hilal. However, Manchester United’s pursuit is more urgent, as the club is aiming to add reinforcements this winter. In that context, money becomes a decisive factor in any negotiations.

“Neves, who is 28 and out of contract at the end of the season, would cost about £20m,” The Guardian added. That figure—roughly $26.5 million—would come on top of the player’s high salary, reported to be around £350,000 per week (approximately $460,000). It represents a significant investment for a player who could be signed on a free transfer in just six months.

Other midfield targets for Manchester United

Speculation surrounding Ruben Neves is joined by interest in another former Premier League midfielder currently playing outside England: Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher. “He is valued at about €40m–€50m by the Spanish club, whose preference is a sale, whereas United would rather sign him on loan,” The Guardian explained.

A third midfield option is Tyler Adams. The American midfielder has impressed with Bournemouth and has also become a key figure for the USMNT under coach Mauricio Pochettino. However, a recent injury makes Adams an unlikely option for the January transfer market.

With the retirement of Sergio Busquets, Inter Miami are reportedly interested in a South American midfielder to join Lionel Messi.

Inter Miami are active in the transfer market as they shape the squad for the 2026 season. One of their top priorities is finding a midfielder to replace Sergio Busquets, and sources say the club led by Lionel Messi has set its sights on a South American player.

Nicolas Fonseca, from Club Leon in Mexico, appears to be the target. “According to Super Deportivo, the Mexican club received a formal offer from the Herons amid ongoing talks between the parties seeking an agreement,” reported TyC Sports.

Fonseca is a 27-year-old Uruguayan defensive midfielder who began his professional career with Novara FC in Italy. He later played for River Plate and Montevideo Wanderers in Uruguay, before joining River Plate in Argentina in 2024. After a short spell there, Club Leon acquired him for $2 million.

In the current 2025–26 season, Fonseca has played 15 matches with the Mexican side in the Apertura tournament of Liga MX. He started in 13 games and came off the bench in two, without registering goals or assists.

Nicolas Fonseca has international experience

Fonseca’s recent performances with Club Leon have earned him a place in the Uruguay national team. He received his first call-up in March 2024 but made his debut in September of the same year, coming on in the final minutes of a World Cup qualifier against Venezuela.

Overall, the defensive midfielder has 6 caps under coach Marcelo Bielsa, including qualifiers and friendlies. This places him among the players considered for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, although his spot is far from guaranteed.

If Fonseca joins Inter Miami, he would join a large group of Spanish-speaking players who play alongside Lionel Messi. The current roster includes eight other Latin American players in addition to Messi: Tomas Aviles, Gonzalo Lujan, Maximiliano Falcon, Rodrigo De Paul, Mateo Silvetti, Telasco Segovia, David Ruiz, and Luis Suarez. Several others’ futures remain uncertain, including Baltasar Rodriguez, Allen Obando, Oscar Ustari, and Rocco Rios Novo.

Fonseca reportedly has other offers

Although Inter Miami may be an attractive option as the reigning Major League Soccer champions, they will face competition from other clubs for Nicolas Fonseca during this January transfer window.

“Interest has also emerged from Real Oviedo (part of the Pachuca Group, the same conglomerate that owns Club Leon),” reported TyC Sports. “Although the intention would be to negotiate outside the group due to potential economic compensation.” It remains to be seen whether Inter Miami can make a financially compelling offer for Fonseca.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Premier League goal-scoring record was broken this Saturday by Erling Haaland in the Manchester City vs. West Ham United match.

Erling Haaland continues to demonstrate week after week a goal-scoring ability that can only be compared to the great legends in soccer history. This weekend, the striker surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo’s Premier League goal record.

At Etihad Stadium, Manchester City defeated West Ham United 3-0 in Matchday 17 of the English league. Haaland was once again decisive for his team’s victory, scoring the opener in the 5th minute and putting the finishing touch on the score with the third goal in the second half. He also assisted Tijjani Reijnders for the second goal.

With his brace on Saturday, Erling Haaland reached 104 Premier League goals, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored 103 goals during his two spells with Manchester United.

What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the short time it took the Norwegian striker to reach this milestone. CR7 needed 236 matches over seven and a half years with the Red Devils to reach 103 goals, averaging 0.44 goals per game. Haaland, by contrast, achieved 104 goals in just 114 matches since 2022, with an impressive average of 0.91 goals per game.

🤯 @ErlingHaaland's 149th City goal! pic.twitter.com/sxov8x1Hc6

— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 20, 2025

Haaland on track to be Premier League top scorer this season

Erling Haaland’s two goals against West Ham United allowed him to extend his lead in the Premier League’s top scorers table. He now leads the ranking with 19 goals in 17 matches, ahead of Brentford’s Igor Thiago (11) and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo (8).

At this pace, the Manchester City striker is on course to win the Premier League Golden Boot for the third time in four years. He previously claimed the award in 2023 and 2024, while last year he was surpassed by Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.

Haaland is also competing against himself to break the record for most goals in a single Premier League season. He currently holds the record with 36 goals in the 2022–23 campaign. Before his arrival at Manchester City, the record was shared by Andy Cole and Alan Shearer, both with 34 goals. However, that record was set during a 42-game season, compared to the current 38 matches, which highlights Haaland’s achievement even more.

Can Haaland become the Premier League’s all-time top scorer?

Erling Haaland’s 104 Premier League goals place him 32nd in the league’s historical scorers list, tied with Chelsea legend Didier Drogba. His closest rival is Darren Bent with 106, while further up are Paul Scholes (107), Peter Crouch (108), and Ryan Giggs (109).

Among active players, Haaland ranks third. Only Raheem Sterling (123) and Mohamed Salah (190) are ahead of him. Being clearly the youngest of the three, Haaland has a strong chance of surpassing both, provided he stays in England long enough.

However, if Haaland’s ultimate goal is to become the Premier League’s all-time top scorer, he still has a long way to go. Alan Shearer leads the list with 260 goals in 441 matches for Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United. At his current pace, the Manchester City striker would need about five more years to reach that milestone.

The absence of Raphinha among the players honored at the FIFA The Best Awards prompted a strong reaction from Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick.

Raphinha has been one of Barcelona’s most decisive players over the past year, a run of form that placed him among the world’s top forwards. That level of performance was not reflected at the FIFA The Best ceremony, and Hansi Flick addressed the issue directly.

“I don’t want to single out who is better, but Raphinha is not in FIFA’s Best XI and that surprises me. I think it’s a joke,” Flick said during Saturday’s press conference ahead of Barcelona’s La Liga match against Villarreal, according to Diario AS.

“Raphinha’s influence was incredible. We see his goals, his matches, his assists — it was incredible,” the coach said while evaluating the Brazilian winger’s performances with Barcelona during his year and a half in charge of the team. “It’s a joke that he’s not in the Best XI. It’s not fair and I have to say it. I can’t believe it.”

For the The Best Awards, performances from the 2025 calendar year were taken into account, including the decisive stretch of the 2024–25 season and the first half of the current campaign. Raphinha was instrumental in Barcelona’s titles earlier this year in La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup, as well as the club’s run to the UEFA Champions League semifinals.

Throughout 2025, the Brazilian star scored 23 goals and formed a formidable attacking trio alongside Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski, helping Barcelona secure three trophies. However, the second half of the year proved more difficult, as a hamstring injury sidelined him for nearly half of the matches.

Who was selected for FIFA The Best XI?

Hansi Flick’s criticism of FIFA over the selection of the 2025 Best XI came despite the fact that two of his players were included. Pedri and Lamine Yamal represented Barcelona in the lineup in Raphinha’s absence.

As expected, the majority of selected players came from Paris Saint-Germain, winners of the UEFA Champions League and the dominant force in French soccer. Six players from Luis Enrique’s squad were named: Gianluigi Donnarumma (now with Manchester City), Achraf Hakimi, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, and Ousmane Dembele.

The remaining standouts recognized by FIFA for their performances this year were Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk, Chelsea star Cole Palmer, and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham.

Raphinha had already been snubbed at the Ballon d’Or

The controversy surrounding Raphinha did not begin with the FIFA The Best Awards. A similar situation occurred a few months earlier at the Ballon d’Or ceremony. Ousmane Dembele was named the world’s best player, with Lamine Yamal finishing second.

Raphinha placed fifth, behind Vitinha and Mohamed Salah. That outcome led several stars, including Neymar, to criticize France Football, and Raphinha himself addressed the matter, making it clear he expected a better result. “I deserved much more,” he said.

FIFA has announced a harsh sanction against Cristiano Ronaldo’s club Al Nassr FC.

As he prepares to return to action following nearly a month without official matches, Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates have received troubling news. FIFA has confirmed a severe sanction against Al Nassr that could have serious consequences for the club’s future.

On Friday, FIFA updated its list of clubs prohibited from registering new players and added Al Nassr to that register. While the specific reason for the sanction has not been disclosed, FIFA did note December 19 as the start date of the suspension.

However, no end date has been provided. The list includes a category showing how many registration periods the ban will last, but FIFA simply stated “Until lifted.” That indicates the decision is open-ended.

This is not the first time Al Nassr have faced a similar situation. In July 2023, just months after Ronaldo’s arrival, the Saudi club received the same type of sanction—though at that time it was limited to three transfer windows—due to irregularities in the signing of Ahmed Musa from Leicester City.

On that occasion, Al Nassr did not remain barred from registering new players for three consecutive windows. Instead, the club resolved the issue by paying approximately €2 million (about $2.3 million), which led FIFA to lift the ban. It remains to be seen whether a similar outcome can be reached this time.

What is the FIFA Registration Ban List?

The sanction against Al Nassr was made public on Friday through the FIFA Registration Ban List. This is a digital platform regularly updated by the global governing body and accessible to the public worldwide.

“The FIFA Registration Ban List is a vital resource for the football community, detailing clubs worldwide that currently face registration bans imposed by FIFA,” reads the introduction on the official website. “This list includes clubs that are temporarily prohibited from registering new players due to various infractions, such as financial disputes or regulatory breaches.”

Other clubs facing trouble

Al Nassr are not the only club from Saudi Arabia currently listed on the FIFA Registration Ban List. More than a dozen teams from different divisions in the country are also temporarily barred from registering new players, including Al Shabab, Al Riyadh SC, and Damak.

Outside Saudi Arabia, several other clubs are currently dealing with the same issue. In Europe, Boavista of Portugal is one of the most notable cases, as financial problems have pushed the club out of the Primeira Liga, the country’s top division. The FIFA Registration Ban List also includes well-known teams such as FK Partizan Belgrade of Serbia, San Lorenzo of Argentina, and Corinthians of Brazil.

Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly set to receive significant support with the Brazil national team as preparations continue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Brazil national team are preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they expect to compete as one of the tournament favorites. The work of head coach Carlo Ancelotti will be essential in pursuit of that goal, and he could now be getting some additional help.

Earlier this week, Davide Ancelotti, Carlo’s son, was dismissed from his position as head coach of Botafogo after the conclusion of the 2025 season, in which the club finished sixth in Serie A and was eliminated in the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores by LDU Quito of Ecuador. That decision opened the door for him to consider offers from other clubs, but also created another possibility.

“The Italian coach is attracting interest from European clubs,” Daily Sports reported, citing Fabrizio Romano. “For now, he will work alongside his father Carlo Ancelotti to help prepare the Brazil national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”

That means Davide’s unexpected departure from Botafogo—less than six months after being hired—could also have a positive side. It would allow Carlo Ancelotti to count on his son’s full collaboration on the coaching staff during the road to the World Cup in North America, with the goal of making the national team one of the top contenders alongside Argentina, Spain, and France.

Father and son share an extensive track record together. Davide has worked as Carlo Ancelotti’s assistant in several of his most recent club jobs, beginning in 2016 at Bayern Munich and continuing at Napoli, Everton, and Real Madrid before arriving in Brazil.

Davide Ancelotti drawing interest from several clubs

Despite his brief stint at Botafogo, Davide Ancelotti left a positive impression. In his first experience as a head coach, he posted a 45.4% win rate, with 15 victories, 11 draws, and 7 losses across 33 matches in all competitions.

That performance has attracted interest from clubs on multiple continents. According to Diario AS, Davide is now being closely followed by teams in Latin America such as America of Mexico and Atletico Nacional of Colombia. In Europe, he has also been mentioned as a potential option for Fiorentina and Real Sociedad.

The most surprising rumors, however, involve Real Madrid. With Xabi Alonso’s future uncertain amid inconsistent results and performances, Davide Ancelotti has been mentioned as a possible interim replacement.

His experience alongside Carlo at the club between 2021 and 2025 works in his favor, given his close knowledge of most players on the current roster. Still, his limited experience as a head coach and the absence of a playing career leave him behind established Real Madrid figures such as Alvaro Arbeloa and Santiago Solari.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup drawing closer, several Argentine players—including Franco Mastantuono—are reportedly considering moves in search of more playing time to secure a place on Argentina roster alongside Lionel Messi.

Seasons that end with a World Cup are often different from any other. The FIFA tournament is the most important competition in soccer and is held only once every four years, so no player wants to miss out. As a result, many make key career decisions in the months leading up to it. According to reports, Franco Mastantuono and two other young stars are now doing exactly that as they aim to join Lionel Messi with Argentina in 2026.

“Mastantuono, the talented 18-year-old attacking midfielder, has formally requested a move away from Real Madrid this January,” Fichajes reported this week, a claim also echoed by El Nacional de Catalunya.

The reason behind the request is tied to the limited role Franco has played recently with the Spanish side. After a strong start to the season, with several appearances as a starter, a groin injury sidelined him. Since then, he has made just one start in the last 10 matches.

The lack of minutes at Real Madrid could seriously damage Mastantuono’s hopes of making Argentina’s final roster for the 2026 World Cup. “The main driver behind this desire for change is the need to convince Lionel Scaloni ahead of the international tournament,” Fichajes added. “Staying on the Argentina radar requires competing at the highest level every Sunday, something that now seems distant at the Santiago Bernabeu.”

Two other Argentine gems who could change clubs before the World Cup

Much like Franco Mastantuono, two other Argentine players are reportedly eager to change clubs this winter to improve their chances of playing at the World Cup. “Bayer Leverkusen and Manchester City have agreed to terminate Claudio Echeverri’s loan deal from January,” reporter Fabrizio Romano said on his X account.

The talented 19-year-old midfielder barely played in Germany, which cost him his place with the national team, to the point that Lionel Scaloni did not call him up during the most recent FIFA international windows. As a result, Echeverri is now planning his next step at a club where he can see more regular action. “The Argentinian talent returns to Man City for a new loan, with Girona and River Plate both keen,” Romano added.

There is a similar case in Serie A. “Valentin Carboni’s loan to Genoa is expected to be interrupted as he will return to Inter in January. A new loan will follow, as Inter want Carboni to play on a regular basis and get more game time,” Romano also reported this week.

Argentina face intense internal competition ahead of the World Cup

The situations involving Mastantuono, Carboni, and Echeverri also apply to more established players such as Paulo Dybala, who has also been linked with a potential move this winter. This wave of midseason changes may seem surprising, but it is directly tied to the ambition of playing at the World Cup.

Argentina boast a squad packed with top-level talent, especially in attack, and the 26 available spots for the FIFA tournament will not be enough for everyone. Lionel Messi obviously has his place secured—if he ultimately decides to play in the World Cup—while stars such as Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, Thiago Almada, Giovani Lo Celso, Nicolas Gonzalez, Julian Alvarez, and Lautaro Martinez also appear close to locks.

Behind them, however, is a long list of players who will be closely evaluated by coach Scaloni. Young talents like Mastantuono, Carboni, and Echeverri have been considered in the past and remain in contention, but they also face competition from peers such as Nicolas Paz, Alejandro Garnacho, Facundo Buonanotte, Matias Soule, and Gianluca Prestianni. None of them are guaranteed a World Cup spot, making their club performances over the coming months decisive.

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann reportedly made an unusual request to Barcelona coach Hansi Flick linked to preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The approaching 2026 FIFA World Cup is impossible to ignore in the soccer world. The tournament’s top stars will be present, and this naturally affects preparations in the months leading up to it. Reports indicate that Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann reached out to his Barcelona counterpart Hansi Flick with an unusual request.

Last Tuesday, Barcelona defeated Guadalajara 2-0 in the third round of the Copa del Rey. The standout moment was the presence of Marc-Andre Ter Stegen in goal for Barcelona, taking the position many had assumed would go to Wojciech Szczesny, and returning to official action after a long spell on the sidelines.

“The German Football Association, led by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, called Hansi Flick to ask him to play Ter Stegen so they could assess his condition after the injury,” reported Sport, citing Catalunya Radio and German media sources.

This relates to the long time the goalkeeper had been out of action following a back injury that required surgery. This season, he had only been on the bench in two Barcelona matches: against Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Champions League and against Osasuna in La Liga, both in the last week.

Germany need Ter Stegen

It is unusual for a national team coach to directly request a club manager to give minutes to a player for evaluation purposes. If the reports about Nagelsmann and Flick are accurate, it highlights how important Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is for Germany at this moment.

“With Manuel Neuer retiring from the national team, the Barcelona goalkeeper is the favorite to defend the German goal at the next World Cup,” Sport noted. Indeed, the absence of the Bayern Munich superstar has left a gap that is hard to fill with the same reliability as Ter Stegen can provide.

Neuer ended his international career after Euro 2024. Since then, the Barcelona player has appeared as the natural successor, but his physical issues have forced Nagelsmann to rely on Oliver Baumann, who played much of the World Cup qualifiers, with Alexander Nubel and Finn Dahmen as alternatives.

It is clear that Ter Stegen remains Germany’s most prestigious goalkeeper. His return to full fitness and form in the coming months will be crucial ahead of the World Cup. Additionally, it is likely a personal priority for him, considering he has never played a minute in the FIFA tournament despite being part of the squad in Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022.

Inter Miami are reportedly interested in a player who was a teammate of Lionel Messi at two FIFA World Cups with Argentina.

Inter Miami are currently reshaping their roster ahead of the 2026 Major League Soccer season. In their search for top-level talent, a former teammate of Lionel Messi from two World Cups with the Argentina national team is reportedly among the names being considered.

“The team led by Javier Mascherano is looking for a center back for 2026, and Rojo has emerged as a priority on the list,” TNT Sports reported, citing information from journalist Cristian Camiño. The report refers to Marcos Rojo, the 35-year-old defender who currently plays for Racing Club of Argentina.

“Although his contract with Racing expires in June 2026, Rojo has the option to leave at the end of this year,” TNT Sports added regarding the defender’s contractual situation. Rojo joined the club in mid-2025 after a stint with Boca Juniors. “Inter Miami are evaluating a move for him.”

The Herons have suffered several key departures since the final they won against Vancouver Whitecaps a couple of weeks ago. However, defense is the area with the fewest changes, as the major loss of Jordi Alba was quickly addressed with the signing of Sergio Reguilon.

Even so, Javier Mascherano has struggled to find the ideal center-back pairing. Maximiliano Falcon has been the best performer in that role, but neither Tomas Aviles, Gonzalo Lujan, nor Noah Allen have been able to establish themselves alongside him. That is why the option of a proven star like Rojo could be appealing.

Messi knows Rojo well

Since Messi joined Inter Miami in July 2023, the club has adjusted its transfer strategy with the goal of surrounding the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner as effectively as possible. That approach led to the arrivals of several former Barcelona players and, in particular, a strong emphasis on Spanish-speaking players, especially Argentines.

Marcos Rojo fits that profile. He also brings another key factor when considering meaningful reinforcements: experience and pedigree. The 35-year-old defender has an extensive European résumé that includes six seasons at Manchester United, along with a significant international career with Argentina.

Rojo spent many years as Messi’s teammate with the national team. His run began in 2011 and lasted through 2019, spanning three Copa America tournaments—2011, 2015, and 2016—and two World Cups. At Brazil 2014, Rojo was a key piece of the squad that reached the final, while at Russia 2018 he scored the decisive goal against Nigeria that sent Argentina to the round of 16, where they were eliminated by France.

Rojo’s recent track record

While Marcos Rojo’s experience and quality are undeniable—traits that make him a viable option for Inter Miami ahead of the 2026 MLS season—his recent form has been less convincing.

Rojo left Boca Juniors last summer after losing his place in the starting lineup, to the point that he did not play a single minute at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. That situation prompted his move to another major Argentine club, Racing Club. However, things did not go smoothly there either, as he appeared in just eight matches and finished the season on the bench.

A teammate of Christian Pulisic on the USMNT has suffered a serious injury.

Just over five months before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Christian Pulisic received troubling news with the confirmation of a severe injury to one of his key teammates on the USMNT, an issue that will result in a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Last Monday, Tyler Adams was forced to come off just five minutes into the Premier League match between Manchester United and Bournemouth due to a problem with his left knee. Initial impressions were concerning, and medical tests later confirmed the worst fears.

“Tyler, like we expected… has done his MCL, and definitely he has to go through the process,” said Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola during Friday’s press conference, as reported by Football Insider. “Straight away, when you see the mechanism of the injury and the action itself, we felt it could be something serious.”

Iraola later expressed his frustration over Adams’ absence, given the midfielder’s importance to the English side. “Tyler is very valuable for us and very unique in what he does. We do have options, but it’s true that Tyler is difficult to replace,” said the Spanish coach. “He will definitely be out for some time.”

“Tyler is injured and has torn his MCL, so he will definitely be out for some time."

An injury update on Tyler Adams from the boss ahead of #BOUBUR

— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) December 19, 2025

How long will Tyler Adams be sidelined?

While an injury is never welcome, the proximity of the 2026 World Cup makes it preferable for it to happen now rather than in the weeks leading up to the FIFA tournament. In that sense, Tyler Adams is not at risk of missing out on representing the USMNT next summer.

“From our previous experience with MCL injuries, it is normally around two or three months,” Iraola explained in the same press conference, offering a clear outlook on what to expect from the American midfielder’s recovery process. “If you are optimistic, it’s going to be two. If you are pessimistic, it’s going to be three. Something in between, probably.”

In the most optimistic scenario, Adams would miss around 10 matches for Bournemouth across the Premier League and FA Cup if he is able to return by mid-February. If his recovery timeline stretches closer to the maximum estimate, that number could rise to 15 games.

Adams is a key piece for the USMNT

Tyler Adams’ injury primarily impacts Bournemouth rather than the USMNT. That is because his rehabilitation will coincide with a lengthy stretch without international matches: the next FIFA international window is not until late March, which should give the midfielder enough time to recover and be available for selection by head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

That said, the situation has still raised concerns. Alongside Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie, Adams is arguably the most important player on the USMNT right now. He serves as the team’s captain and has cemented his role through consistent performances.

During 2025, Tyler Adams appeared in 10 matches for the USMNT across friendlies, the CONCACAF Nations League, and the Gold Cup. It was during the latter competition that he put together his longest run of consecutive appearances, starting four of the six matches in the tournament, including the final against Mexico.

A FC Barcelona presidential candidate has spoken about the economic impact that the return of Lionel Messi would have on the club.

With elections at Barcelona drawing closer, the name of Lionel Messi has been more present than ever since his departure from the club in 2021. Now, one of the presidential candidates has discussed the potential financial impact of the Argentine forward returning.

“Messi’s return would generate 200 million euros,” Marc Ciria said during a recent interview with Que t’hi Jugues, as cited by Diario AS. “The increase in revenue that this deal would provide is essential. An agreement with Messi is almost vital for Barca.”

Ciria also discussed the status the Argentine star still holds at age 38. “If we step outside Barcelona, Leo Messi is still the most highly regarded athlete in the world,” he said, pointing not only to what the forward would mean on the field, but also to factors such as marketing, media exposure, and financial revenue.

“I’m talking about Messi as indispensable in the sense that he is structural if we want Barca to maintain their member-owned model,” the Barcelona presidential candidate added. “He wants to come back home, so let’s make it happen and implement a strategic plan in which Barca also clearly benefit.”

Ciria delivers subtle criticism of Laporta over Messi treatment

Like Marc Ciria, another club presidential candidate, Victor Font, spoke several weeks ago about the possibility of a “last dance” for Lionel Messi at Barcelona. In both cases, the discussion focused on the chance of the forward returning as an active player, which is clearly the role in which Messi would have the greatest impact.

This contrasts with the stance taken by Joan Laporta. The current Barcelona president has consistently avoided giving fans hope about a future in which Messi wears the club’s No. 10 jersey again. Instead, Laporta has shown enthusiasm for other initiatives related to the Argentine star, such as tributes that include a statue outside Camp Nou.

On that point, Ciria drew a clear line when discussing the possibility of Messi returning as a player, with a statement that subtly criticized Laporta’s approach: “This isn’t a plan about tributes or statues, it’s a strategic plan for a strategic partner.”

A Messi return to Barcelona appears unlikely

Despite the initiatives floated by different presidential candidates, the idea of Messi returning to Barcelona as a professional player appears increasingly remote. Time is relentless: Leo is currently 38 years old and will be 39 by the start of the 2026–27 La Liga season.

In addition, the Argentine forward is not free of commitments. Just a few months ago, he signed a contract extension with Inter Miami for three more years. That means he will remain tied to the Major League Soccer club at least until December 31, 2028 — a date by which he will already be 41 years old.

The decision by Lamine Yamal to play for Spain instead of Morocco has been criticized by an African icon.

At just 18 years old, Lamine Yamal has already established himself as one of the brightest stars in world soccer. He is a standout player for Barcelona and a key figure for the Spain national team, which he chose to represent despite also being eligible to play for Morocco.

Yamal was born in Spain in July 2007, but his parents are immigrants from Africa. His father, Mounir Nasraoui, is from Morocco, while his mother, Sheila Ebana, was born in Equatorial Guinea. That background gave the young winger the option of choosing which national team to represent, either through his roots or his place of birth. The latter was the path Yamal ultimately chose, allowing Spain to secure one of the game’s most promising talents.

“I would have liked him to play for Morocco, he will always remain Moroccan,” Mustapha Hadji said in a recent interview with Al Arabiya Sports, as cited by Sport. “Even if he plays for Spain, the affection Spaniards will have for him will never be the same as what Moroccans would give him.”

The former midfielder, who retired in 2010, expressed regret over the Barcelona star’s decision to choose Spain. “It’s a shame he didn’t choose Morocco, because if he had, it would have been different,” Hadji said.

Elaborating on his view, the Moroccan icon added: “It’s sad because, as I read recently in a Spanish newspaper, some journalists were saying, ‘We have Pedri, we love Pedri, we love Yamal, but we don’t love him as much as Pedri.’” He then concluded: “That means Lamine made a mistake.”

Who is Mustapha Hadji?

Hadji’s comments about Yamal carry particular weight for two reasons. On one hand, he was a star for the Morocco national team throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, appearing in two FIFA World Cups — 1994 and 1998 — and scoring 13 goals at international level. At club level, he stood out with Nancy in Ligue 1, as well as with Sporting CP and Aston Villa. In 1998, Mustapha was named African Footballer of the Year.

In addition, Hadji himself faced a situation similar to Yamal’s early in his career. Born in Morocco in 1971, Mustapha emigrated with his family to France at the age of 10, which also made him eligible for French nationality.

After beginning his career in Ligue 1 with Nancy, the midfielder could have chosen to turn down Morocco and wait for a call-up from the France national team. Instead, he opted to honor his family tradition and roots, committing to the African side.

Yamal explains his decision to choose Spain

Several months ago, Lamine Yamal publicly addressed the reasons behind his choice to represent Spain. “Yes, I had in my head that I could play for Morocco,” he acknowledged during an interview with CBS. “Morocco had just reached the World Cup semifinals, but when it came down to it, I never doubted.”

Yamal then explained why Spain was always his priority. “Being at Barcelona, I wanted to win a European Championship, which thank God I’ve already achieved, and now play in a World Cup with a chance to win it,” the young winger said. “With all my affection and respect for Morocco, I’ve always wanted to play in a European Championship, to play here in Europe. European soccer is watched more and is closer to the international spotlight.”

Finally, addressing his identity and ties to multiple countries, Yamal was clear: “I will always have affection for Morocco. It’s also my country. Honestly, it wouldn’t have been strange or wrong to play for them, but Spain were playing in the European Championship. I was raised in Spain, and I also feel that it is my country.”

Inter Miami selected defender Abdel Talabi in the 2025 Major League Soccer SuperDraft, making him a new teammate of Lionel Messi.

Since winning the Major League Soccer final by defeating Vancouver Whitecaps, Inter Miami have made several roster moves. A number of players left the club, others renewed their contracts, and new faces have gradually begun to arrive. Now, defender Abdel Talabi joins Lionel Messi’s squad through the draft.

The Herons held the final pick of the first round of the 2025 MLS SuperDraft. With the No. 30 selection, it was clear that the top options had already been taken by other clubs, but the South Florida side still opted to add a young defender as another option to Javier Mascherano’s roster.

Talabi is 24 years old and a product of the Bryant University men’s soccer program, where he made 80 appearances between 2020 and 2025, with a pause during the 2022 season due to injury. This past year, the defender played 22 matches — all as a starter — recording three goals and two assists.

Now the question will be whether Talabi is considered for a spot on Inter Miami’s first-team roster heading into next season. In recent years, there have been few examples of players selected in the MLS SuperDraft who have gone on to establish themselves with the club.

With the No. 30 pick in the 2025 MLS #SuperDraft, @InterMiamiCF select defender Abdel Talabi out of @Bryantmensoccer.

That's a wrap on Round 1! 🤝 pic.twitter.com/zLDfGw8aua

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) December 18, 2025

Yannick Bright is without question the player who has made the biggest impact. He was selected by the Herons ahead of the 2024 season and has since appeared in 72 matches across Major League Soccer, the CONCACAF Champions Cup, and the Leagues Cup. Other players who saw some professional minutes include Leo Afonso, Ryan Sailor, and Robbie Robinson.

Do Inter Miami need a defender?

Defense is probably the area where Inter Miami have been least affected since the end of the season. The most significant departure was Jordi Alba, and it was immediately addressed with the signing of Sergio Reguilon.

Marcelo Weigandt saw his loan expire and returned to Boca Juniors, leaving a gap at right back that, for now, is covered only by Ian Fray. However, reports indicate that Facundo Mura is expected to join the club once his contract with Racing Club of Argentina expires.

The center backs who featured during the 2025 MLS season have so far remained with Inter Miami. Among them, Maximiliano Falcon logged the most playing time, with Tomas Aviles, Gonzalo Lujan, and Noah Allen rotating alongside him.

Inter Miami selected four more players

In the following rounds of the Draft, Inter Miami selected four more players: 21-year-old midfielder Kenan Hot, 22-year-old forward Mamadi Jiana, 20-year-old defender Alex Barger, and 23-year-old forward Maximilian Kissel. According to reporter Jose Armando, none of them will have a guaranteed contract.

Top picks from the 2025 MLS SuperDraft

Beyond Inter Miami’s selection of Abdel Talabi with the No. 30 pick, the main storyline of the 2025 MLS SuperDraft was Nikola Markovic, a defender taken first overall by DC United. FC Dallas held the No. 2 and No. 3 picks and used them to select forwards Ricky Louis and Nicholas Simmonds.

Mauricio Pochettino’s method for working with USMNT players was praised by Landon Donovan, who emphasized that Christian Pulisic should be considered an exception.

After some moments of criticism and disappointing results, Mauricio Pochettino seems to have set the USMNT on the right path ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. On the coach’s approach, Landon Donovan explained why the exception must be Christian Pulisic.

“What he’s done over time very successfully is he brought real pride back in playing for your country and your national team,” Donovan praised Pochettino during a recent interview on the Colin Cowherd podcast. “I think he’s done a fantastic job of it. Now every time someone comes into camp, they have to fight and earn and scrap for every minute. I think that’s good.”

To illustrate the importance of this method for building a national team, Donovan referenced the coach’s roots. “Where he comes from in Argentina, if you decline an invite to the national team, it’s like sacrilegious. You might as well never show up in Argentina again. Because people there would cut off their fingers to play for their national team,” explained the former LA Galaxy star.

Immediately afterward, Landon highlighted the contrast between that culture in Argentina and what had occurred in the United States until recently: “A few players at different times, and I’m excluding Christian (Pulisic) from this argument because he’s a different case… But when a few players said, ‘Well, I’m a little tired. I don’t want to go to the national team,’ his mind is just like, ‘What are you talking about!? You don’t want to play for your national team!?’”

Donovan criticizes the attitude of USMNT stars

In the same conversation, Donovan discussed why, in his opinion, it was necessary for coach Mauricio Pochettino to enforce a change in the mindset of USMNT players. He used Pulisic as an example.

“From Christian’s standpoint, he has done a ton already at 27 years old. But this is challenging for players in all sports, where you feel like, ‘I’ve done the work, I’ve proven myself, I should be on the team, I should be a starter, this should be the way it is,’” Donovan noted.

“Unfortunately, not so much with Christian, but a lot of his colleagues with the national team sort of took that same attitude and mentality, and then got their butt kicked during the beginning part of this year in the summer,” Donovan added, concluding with a sharp reflection: “Pochettino has coached Mbappe, Harry Kane, Neymar, Messi. Some random American player isn’t gonna fluster him.”

Pulisic was the subject of USMNT controversies

When Landon Donovan discussed the commitment of American players to the USMNT under Mauricio Pochettino, he explicitly excluded Christian Pulisic from his evaluation. The AC Milan forward, however, was not without controversy after missing the 2025 Gold Cup.

At that time, Pulisic explained he preferred to take a break over the summer to recharge and prepare for a demanding 2025–26 season with Milan, culminating with the FIFA World Cup on home soil.

This led Mauricio Pochettino to leave him out of the June FIFA break friendlies, despite Pulisic expressing his willingness to participate. After several months of speculation, Christian returned to the national team, and both he and the coach made public statements aimed at putting the controversies behind them.

The Finalissima between Lionel Messi’s Argentina and Lamine Yamal’s Spain has been officially confirmed.

After months of speculation, the Finalissima between Argentina and Spain — the champions of the two strongest confederations in world soccer — has been confirmed. This means Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal will finally face each other on the field in a long-awaited showdown.

This Wednesday, the official accounts of the Royal Spanish Football Federation and CONMEBOL announced the confirmed date and venue for the match. It will be played on Friday, March 27, during the next FIFA international break, at Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar.

The Finalissima is an intercontinental tournament organized by the confederations of Europe and South America. It serves as the successor to the Artemio Franchi Cup, which was played in the 1980s and 1990s, and in some ways as a replacement for the FIFA Confederations Cup, which was discontinued after 2017.

Argentina qualified for the tournament as the reigning CONMEBOL champions after winning the 2024 Copa America, successfully defending the title they first captured in 2021. Spain, meanwhile, will represent Europe after lifting the trophy at Euro 2024.

¡Tenemos Finalissima! ¿Quién se la lleva esta vez? 🔥🏆https://t.co/EwClZBIVt0 pic.twitter.com/MBM2TV6Gbv

— CONMEBOL Copa América™️ (@CopaAmerica) December 18, 2025

Another key detail surrounds the venue selected for the Finalissima. Lusail Stadium in Doha holds special significance for Messi and his teammates, as it is the same venue where the 2022 FIFA World Cup final was played. There, Argentina claimed the third World Cup title in their history, defeating France on penalties after a dramatic 3–3 draw through extra time.

The Finalissima is crucial for Argentina and Spain

The Finalissima will not only give Argentina and Spain the opportunity to add another official trophy following their continental success in 2024. It will also serve as the final major test for both teams ahead of the World Cup in North America.

By then, just over two months will remain before the start of the tournament, with even less time for head coaches Lionel Scaloni and Luis de la Fuente to announce their final 26-man squads. As a result, the match represents a critical date for final evaluations as both teams look to fine-tune their rosters.

In that context, the March international break will also include friendly matches to be played ahead of the Finalissima, also in Asia. Argentina are reportedly set to face Qatar, while Spain’s opponent is expected to be Egypt.

Messi and Yamal, face to face

Since the emergence of Lamine Yamal at Barcelona, his undeniable talent with his left foot has made comparisons to Lionel Messi inevitable. His rapid rise to the top of world soccer — along with inheriting the iconic No. 10 shirt of the Blaugrana, worn for so many years by Leo — has only intensified those parallels.

However, until now, Messi and Yamal had never had the chance to face each other on the field. That opportunity will arrive with the Finalissima, in a matchup that could also symbolize a passing of the torch — from a legend nearing the end of his career to a rising star who is emerging as a leading candidate to claim the throne of world soccer.

A major South American club is reportedly willing to compete with Santos for Neymar.

Neymar finished the 2025 season delivering when Santos needed him most. A hat trick in a decisive match against Cruzeiro proved crucial in helping the club avoid relegation and remain in Brazil’s top division. Now, the forward must decide his future, with a South American giant reportedly interested in signing him.

“Santos want to renew Neymar’s contract for another season, and negotiations are fairly advanced,” transfer specialist Matteo Moretto reported on Wednesday in Marca. “There is still no concrete date for the parties to meet and finalize the deal 100 percent, but the feeling is that there is a verbal agreement in place to build on together.”

That report aligns with recent comments from Marcelo Teixeira, who last week delivered a strong message regarding the club’s intentions. “Renewing Neymar’s contract is a priority for Santos right now,” said the president of the Brazilian club.

“However, it is only fair to point out that there are other clubs trying to get between Santos and Neymar right now, such as Flamengo,” Moretto added. “Several players on Flamengo’s roster are pushing for Neymar to sign with the club.”

Flamengo could pose a threat to Santos

While Neymar has a deep connection to Santos, dating back to his childhood and playing a key role in making his return to the club possible this year, the emergence of a competitor like Flamengo in the race for the forward could change everything.

At the moment, Flamengo are the strongest team in Brazil. They won the Serie A with a three-point advantage over Palmeiras, whom they also defeated in the Copa Libertadores final to become continental champions and qualify for the Intercontinental Cup. That run allowed them to face Paris Saint-Germain in the final, where they lost on penalties after a 1–1 draw.

Flamengo currently have far greater financial power than Santos, and that is reflected in their future ambitions as well. In 2026, they will compete once again in the Copa Libertadores as clear title favorites, while Santos will take part in South America’s secondary continental competition, the Copa Sudamericana.

Flamengo’s plan to lure Neymar

It has long been known that one of Neymar’s main priorities is to recover physically and competitively in order to rejoin the Brazil national team and play in his fourth World Cup at North America 2026. To achieve that, he needs stability and to prove he can compete consistently at the highest level.

Flamengo are reportedly factoring that into their strategy to attract Neymar. Moretto notes in Marca that some of Flamengo’s stars are pushing for the forward’s signing “with the idea of helping him get the best out of himself so he can arrive at the World Cup in the best possible condition.”

It is also worth noting that Flamengo currently have several players who have been teammates of Neymar in the past. Danilo, Alex Sandro, Everton, and Pedro all played alongside him for the Brazil national team, as has head coach Filipe Luis.

With their victory over Flamengo in the Intercontinental Cup final, Paris Saint-Germain secured the sixth title of their calendar year.

This Wednesday, Paris Saint-Germain defeated Flamengo on penalties thanks to an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Matvey Safonov after the match finished 1–1 in regulation, capturing the Intercontinental Cup. It marked the sixth trophy of the year for the French club, a feat rarely seen in the history of soccer.

Over the course of the year, PSG swept every domestic trophy available: the 2024–25 Coupe de France, the 2024–25 Ligue 1 title, and the 2025 Trophee des Champions. On the continental stage, they lifted the UEFA Champions League, which earned them a place in the UEFA Super Cup—where they defeated Europa League champions Tottenham—and ultimately the Intercontinental Cup.

An achievement of this magnitude has only been accomplished twice before in soccer history. The first came in 2009, when Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona dominated Spain and Europe by winning every competition they entered. Later that year, they also captured the FIFA Club World Cup, which at the time was held annually and is considered the predecessor of the current Intercontinental Cup.

The same path was followed by Bayern Munich in 2020. The German side won all three domestic trophies and added the two major European titles, earning qualification for the Club World Cup. That tournament, however, was played in early 2021 due to calendar adjustments caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

PSG came close to a septuple

The sextuple refers to a club winning the six trophies it competes for during a single calendar year. Some of those titles—such as the Super Cup or the Intercontinental Cup—require winning another competition beforehand in order to qualify, which adds an extra layer of difficulty.

However, the organization of competitions in each country, as well as the calendar year itself, means the total number of tournaments a club plays can vary. For example, while teams in Spain compete in La Liga and the Copa del Rey, clubs in England play in the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the EFL Cup (also known as the Carabao Cup), giving them the opportunity to add an extra trophy.

In addition, beginning in 2025, the FIFA Club World Cup was introduced in an expanded 32-team format. As a tournament held every four years, it will exceptionally allow certain clubs to increase the total number of titles they can win in a single calendar year.

Paris Saint-Germain had that opportunity this summer in the United States and came very close to lifting that trophy as well. Luis Enrique’s team advanced convincingly all the way to the final, but there they were defeated 3–0 by Chelsea, ending their chance to become the first club ever to achieve a septuple.

Luis Enrique knows what it takes to win multiple titles

A large part of Paris Saint-Germain’s success this year can be attributed to the influence of Luis Enrique. The coach led the French club to break its historic European drought and continues to guide the team toward titles it had never won before.

While Luis Enrique had never achieved a sextuple in his coaching career, he already had significant experience winning multiple trophies in a single season. During his time in charge of Barcelona, he captured a quintuple by winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup. Only a defeat to Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish Super Cup prevented him from completing the sextuple at that time.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic spoke about who could become the successor to Lionel Messi, and it is not Lamine Yamal.

Next summer, Lionel Messi will turn 39. Time is relentless, and while he continues to perform at an elite level, it is clear that the end of his career is drawing closer. While many point to Lamine Yamal as the potential heir to the Argentine forward, Zlatan Ibrahimovic offered an unexpected alternative.

“If you want to see a miniature version of Messi, you have to watch Ciro Messi,” Ibrahimovic said, according to Sport. The Swedish legend was referring to the youngest of Leo’s three sons, born in early 2018 and set to turn eight in the coming months.

Zlatan was in Florida attending a U-8 tournament in which a youth team from Inter Miami participated, with Ciro among its players. Wearing the iconic No. 10 jersey made famous by his father, the youngster was the standout performer of the competition and finished as the tournament’s top scorer.

“I’m happy to give him this award,” Ibrahimovic said. And as if the praise were not enough, the former AC Milan and LA Galaxy striker added an optimistic prediction about Ciro: “This kid will go far in the future.”

🚨🗣️ Zlatan ibrahimovic :

"If you want to see a miniature version of Messi, you have to watch Ciro Messi. I'm happy to give him this award (Top Scorer) this kid will go far in the future." ❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/JfPmtIm1kq

— MessiXtra  (@MessiXtraHQ) December 16, 2025

Ibrahimovic knows Messi well

The comments about Ciro carry particular weight given who they come from. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is not only one of the great forwards of the 21st century, but also someone who knows Lionel Messi extremely well after playing alongside him at Barcelona.

They were teammates during the 2009–10 season with the Spanish club, when Pep Guardiola was the head coach. Although their time together was brief, they formed an effective attacking partnership that allowed both to shine: Messi scored 47 goals that season, while Zlatan added 21. Together, they won five trophies, including La Liga and the FIFA Club World Cup.

The pressure of being Messi’s successor

Since Lionel Messi became a global soccer icon, every young player with similar traits has been quickly labeled as the potential successor to the Argentine star. That even happened during Messi’s early years at Barcelona, when Bojan Krkic began making his first-team appearances alongside him. Years later, Ansu Fati was given the same label. In both cases, time proved the comparisons to be exaggerated, as neither player reached a level comparable to Messi’s.

The latest name added to that list is Lamine Yamal. Unlike those before him, the Barcelona winger has established himself at both club and international level despite being just 18 years old, already becoming a key player for the Spain national team and finishing second in the 2025 Ballon d’Or voting. Even so, Yamal still has a long road ahead, and it remains to be seen how he handles the pressure of being, for many, “the new Messi.”

Amid rumors surrounding Robert Lewandowski, Inter Miami are reported to have made a firm decision ahead of the 2026 Major League Soccer season.

In the midst of a roster rebuild following their 2025 Major League Soccer title, Inter Miami find themselves surrounded by speculation and rumors. The most eye-catching of them all involves Robert Lewandowski, given the global stature of his name in the world of soccer.

For several days, reports have suggested a possible move by the Polish striker to the reigning MLS champions, with some outlets even claiming that the Herons were actively looking for a home in Miami for Lewandowski.

However, the club’s direction now appears to be completely different. “Inter Miami have no intention of signing Robert Lewandowski,” Sport reported on Wednesday. “The club led by David Beckham has completely ruled out this option.”

One of the main reasons behind that decision, according to the Spanish outlet, has to do with the type of signings the Herons are currently targeting. “The profile of the Polish striker does not fit Inter’s sporting plans, as they are looking for a different kind of addition for the coming seasons,” Sport added.

Suarez and Lewandowski do not appear compatible

One key obstacle to a potential move for Robert Lewandowski to Inter Miami is tied to the club’s current roster options. At center forward, head coach Javier Mascherano already has a top-level striker who is in the final stage of his professional career.

Luis Suarez recently renewed his contract with the Herons and will remain with the team for at least one more season. As a result, it is hard to imagine Lewandowski joining the squad, as opportunities for both players to feature regularly—alongside Lionel Messi—would be limited.

That situation is clearly linked to Lewandowski’s age. At 37, he is approaching the end of his career, and it is unclear how many more years of elite-level production he has left. That factor has not stopped the Herons in the past, as they signed players such as Messi, Alba, Busquets, and Suarez to strengthen the squad. However, stacking too many veterans at once—especially in the same area of the field, like the attack—does not appear to be a smart strategy.

Could Lewandowski remain in Barcelona?

While speculation around Lewandowski’s future has intensified in recent months, it is not guaranteed that he will leave Barcelona once the 2025–26 season comes to an end. In fact, the Catalan side now has a potential ace up its sleeve if it wants to keep him.

La Liga recently approved changes to its financial regulations that will take effect immediately. One of the most significant measures is a type of “wild card” that allows each club to renew the contract of one player without being subject to financial controls, as long as the salary does not exceed 8% of the Squad Cost Limit.

This rule, which can be used once per season for a single player, could fit Barcelona’s needs perfectly. Year after year, the club has struggled to finalize its squad due to long-standing financial issues. If Barcelona choose to renew Lewandowski’s contract, this mechanism would give them added flexibility at the negotiating table.

FIFA announced the prize money for the 2026 World Cup, confirming a significant increase compared to Qatar 2022.

The 2026 World Cup, the most important sporting event on the planet, is drawing closer. As the key moment approaches, major details continue to be revealed by FIFA. This time, the organization has confirmed the exact amount of money that will be distributed.

“The FIFA Council approved a record-breaking financial contribution of USD 727 million to be distributed as a result of the FIFA World Cup 2026,” the world soccer governing body announced on Wednesday in a statement published on its official website.

Of that impressive total, the majority—approximately USD 655 million—will be distributed as prize money among the 48 participating teams. That figure represents a 50% increase compared to the amount FIFA awarded for the same purpose at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Much of that increase is tied to the tournament’s expanded format, as the World Cup will feature 48 teams instead of 32 beginning in 2026.

“The FIFA World Cup 2026 will also be groundbreaking in terms of its financial contribution to the global football community,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino when the new figures were revealed.

FIFA Council approves record-breaking FIFA World Cup 2026™ financial contribution 🏆

– USD 727 million, 50% more than for Qatar 2022™, to be distributed to Participating Member Associations as a result of next year’s showpiece

– FIFA Council confirms pioneering FIFA U-15… pic.twitter.com/XHS6Rv8f1n

— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) December 17, 2025

How will the money be distributed at the 2026 World Cup?

The USD 655 million FIFA announced as prize money will be distributed among the 48 teams competing in the World Cup. Naturally, the team that wins the tournament will receive the largest financial reward. However, all participating teams will earn prize money, with substantial amounts that vary depending on how far each team advances.

Below is the breakdown of prize money for the 2026 World Cup:

• Champions: USD 50 million
• Runners-up: USD 33 million
• Third place: USD 29 million
• Fourth place: USD 27 million
• Fifth–eighth place: USD 19 million
• Ninth–16th place: USD 15 million
• 17th–32nd place: USD 11 million
• 33rd–48th place: USD 9 million

In addition to those amounts, FIFA will also provide an equal contribution of USD 1.5 million to each of the 48 teams to help cover preparation costs. “This means that all participating member associations are guaranteed at least USD 10.5 million each for their participation in next year’s tournament,” FIFA explained in its statement.

What comes next on the road to the World Cup?

With prize money announced and ticket prices for each match already confirmed, fewer details remain to be revealed ahead of the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That does not mean, however, that all issues have been resolved.

In fact, one of the most important pending matters is purely sporting. With less than six months remaining before the tournament begins, the full list of qualified teams has not yet been finalized. Those spots will be decided during the March international break.

On one side, the final four European representatives will emerge from their respective playoff paths. Denmark, North Macedonia, the Czech Republic, and Ireland will compete for a spot in Group A; Italy, Northern Ireland, Wales, and Bosnia and Herzegovina will battle for a place in Group B; Turkey, Romania, Slovakia, and Kosovo will fight for qualification into Group D; and the final place in Group F will be decided among Ukraine, Sweden, Poland, and Albania.

Meanwhile, the intercontinental playoffs will determine the final two qualified teams. Iraq, Bolivia, or Suriname will join Group I, while DR Congo, New Caledonia, and Jamaica will compete for a spot in Group K.

Tadeo Allende is set to return to Celta Vigo in 2026, but Inter Miami are doing everything possible to keep him.

The 2025 Major League Soccer title is now in the past, and Inter Miami are fully focused on preparing for the upcoming season. One of their top priorities involves Tadeo Allende’s future, as his loan spell has ended and he is scheduled to return to Celta Vigo in January.

“Inter Miami have already expressed their interest and have made initial contact,” acknowledged Marco Garces, sporting director of the Spanish club, according to reporter Jose Armando on his X account. However, he immediately added a crucial clarification: “But we are still very far apart financially.”

Celta Vigo signed Allende in 2024 from Godoy Cruz of Argentina for approximately $5 million and gave him a four-year contract running through June 30, 2028. While he did not deliver standout performances in La Liga, the level he showed during his time in MLS has led the Spanish club to expect more convincing offers.

In that sense, Inter Miami could face a difficult dilemma. MLS financial regulations are far stricter than those in most leagues around the world, making a major financial outlay difficult. That would also likely involve a significant salary increase for the player, which could further complicate matters.

At the moment, the Herons have two Designated Players: Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul. That leaves just one slot available. If keeping Allende requires giving him Designated Player status, the club will have to decide whether it is worth using that final slot on the Argentine forward or saving it for the potential signing of another superstar.

Tadeo Allende set to return to Spain

While negotiations between Celta Vigo and Inter Miami continue, Allende is clear about his immediate future. “He is scheduled to report for training on January 2,” Garces explained in the same exchange shared by reporter Jose Armando.

However, the Spanish side is unsure whether Allende will be part of its attacking options for the second half of the La Liga season or if he will be allowed to leave again. “The transfer window hasn’t opened yet, and we need to be patient,” Garces added. “We’ll see what happens between now and January 2 or afterward—we have all of January.”

Inter Miami refuse to give up on Allende

It is clear that the Herons intend to keep Allende, given the impact he had during the playoffs, scoring nine goals in six matches. One sign of that intention can be found on the club’s official website, specifically in the roster currently displayed there.

After the season ended, Inter Miami trimmed the list of players shown on the website as part of the squad. Players such as Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, both retired at the end of the season, are no longer listed. Neither are others whose futures are clearly elsewhere, such as Fafa Picault and Ryan Sailor. Allende, however, remains on the roster despite the fact that his loan deal expires in just a few weeks.

FIFA has announced a new ticket tier for the 2026 FIFA World Cup amid widespread controversy over high prices.

Over the past several weeks, the high cost of tickets for matches at the 2026 World Cup has sparked major backlash around the world. In that context, FIFA announced a decision this Tuesday aimed at easing the situation and responding to complaints from fans.

“With demand in the current sales phase achieving 20 million ticket requests, FIFA has confirmed that fans of the national teams that have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 will benefit from a dedicated ticket pricing tier,” the organization said in a statement published on its official website.

FIFA then added that the new ticket pricing tier “has been designed to make following their teams on football’s greatest stage more affordable.” The move includes a specific allocation of tickets priced significantly lower than those initially made available.

“Supporter Entry Tier tickets set at USD 60 each and available for all 104 matches,” the statement explains. That represents a stark contrast to the first three tiers previously announced by FIFA, which ranged from $4,185 for the lowest-priced option to $8,860 for the most exclusive tier.

New ticket pricing tier introduced for fans of qualified teams at FIFA World Cup 2026™

🎟️ Supporter Entry Tier tickets set at USD 60 each and available for all 104 matches

🎟️ Initiative designed to further support travelling fans following their national teams across the… pic.twitter.com/QGfzdLgSR2

— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) December 16, 2025

How will fans be able to access the Supporter Entry Tier?

In the same announcement, FIFA provided details on how the allocation process for these World Cup tickets will work: “The entry tier tickets will be allocated specifically to supporters of qualified teams, with the selection and distribution process managed individually by the Participating Member Associations (PMAs).”

However, the world soccer governing body later added an important clarification. “Each PMA will define its own eligibility criteria and application process. They are requested to ensure that these tickets are specifically allocated to loyal fans who are closely connected to their national teams,” the statement adds.

Finally, FIFA detailed how ticket quantities will be distributed across price categories. The newly created Supporter Entry Tier will account for 10 percent of each PMA’s allocation, 40 percent will go to the next lowest category, the Supporter Value Tier, and the remaining 50 percent will be divided between the two most expensive categories: the Supporter Standard Tier and the Supporter Premier Tier.

FIFA’s reaction to criticism and boycott calls

FIFA’s announcement reflects a response to mounting criticism over ticket prices in recent days. Organizations such as Football Supporters Europe released statements describing the pricing model as “a monumental betrayal of the tradition of the World Cup,” arguing that the costs make attendance inaccessible for a significant portion of fans.

Tensions escalated further when a member of the England Supporters Travel Club even encouraged the possibility that The Football Association and other World Cup participants could refuse to accept ticket allocations as a way to pressure FIFA into taking action.

That response has now arrived, although it remains to be seen whether it will be enough to calm the controversy. Ultimately, FIFA’s announcement covers a limited number of affordable tickets, representing just 10 percent of the allocations assigned to each Participating Member Association. That means only a small fraction of the total tickets available for each World Cup match will fall into the lowest-priced tier.

The Argentina and Spain will face each other in the 2026 Finalissima, but before that match, both sides will play additional games during the March FIFA international break.

With the end of 2025 also comes a long pause in international soccer. After the November FIFA break, four months will pass before national teams reunite to play new matches. In March, Argentina and Spain will contest the 2026 Finalissima, and before that, they will each play another match.

Reports indicate that final confirmation of the Finalissima, including the date and venue, will arrive in the near future after the Argentine Football Association gave its definitive approval. The match is expected to take place on Friday, March 27, at Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar.

However, that will not be the only game played during that period. Both Argentina and Spain will take advantage of their stay in Asia to play a friendly match that will serve as valuable preparation for the FIFA World Cup, which begins in June.

“The Argentines will face Qatar, while Luis de la Fuente’s team will play Egypt,” Diario AS reported this Tuesday. “Both matches will also be confirmed at the same time the Finalissima is officially announced.”

The choice of opponents is not a coincidence. FIFA regulations prevent a national team from playing matches on two different continents during the same international break. As a result, both teams were required to look for alternatives within the region, against opponents that were also planning to play there in March.

Argentina against Asian opponents

While Argentina’s main focus in March will be winning the Finalissima title, the World Cup—just three months away—will also be a major consideration for head coach Lionel Scaloni. Because of that, the opportunity to play an additional friendly match is an attractive option.

Argentina will face Jordan in the World Cup group stage, so playing against an Asian opponent during the March FIFA break will allow them to test themselves against a team with similar characteristics. The last time they faced an Asian opponent was in June 2023, when they played against Indonesia and Australia.

Qatar will represent an interesting test for Lionel Messi and his teammates. After making their World Cup debut as hosts in 2022, they secured a spot in the tournament for the first time through the qualifiers this year. At the FIFA tournament in North America, Qatar will share Group B with Canada, Switzerland, and the winner of the intercontinental playoff between Italy, Northern Ireland, Wales, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

A tough test for Spain

Just as Argentina will benefit from facing an Asian opponent, Spain need to play against African national teams. In Group H of the World Cup, they will face Cape Verde—along with Uruguay and Saudi Arabia—and gaining prior experience against teams from the Confederation of African Football will be useful.

The last time Spain played against an African national team did not go well. In the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup, they drew 0-0 against Morocco and were eliminated on penalties. Now they will have the chance to face another of the continent’s strongest teams, Egypt, who have also secured qualification for the World Cup and will face Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand.

Inter Miami are preparing for the 2026 Major League Soccer season, and according to reports, Lionel Messi has advised on the signing of two players from La Liga.

2025 will be remembered as the year Inter Miami won the Major League Soccer title for the first time. They are now looking to strengthen their squad for 2026, and according to reports, Lionel Messi recommended signing two La Liga stars.

“Leo Messi has conveyed to the sports management the need to bolster the midfield and attack,” a Fichajes report stated this week. “It is not about flashy signings but functional pieces.”

The two players reportedly recommended by the Argentine forward have stood out for years at Atletico Madrid, where they were Messi’s rivals during his time at Barcelona. The midfielder is Koke, while the forward is Antoine Griezmann, with whom Messi also played briefly.

“For Leo Messi, Koke represents order, tactical reading, and continuity in circulation. An ideal profile to support the team from the core of the game,” Fichajes adds. “Messi believes that Antoine Griezmann would be the perfect complement in attack. Mobility, intelligence, and the ability to link up in tight spaces.”

What is the situation of Koke and Griezmann at Atletico Madrid?

Koke is a historic player for Atletico Madrid. He has spent his entire career at the Spanish side, making his debut in 2009. Since then, the midfielder has played 706 matches, scoring 49 goals and winning 8 titles, including two La Liga trophies.

Now approaching 34 years old, Koke is near the end of his contract, which will expire in July 2026. He remains an important piece for head coach Diego Simeone, having started 15 of Atletico’s 22 matches in the 2025-26 season.

Antoine Griezmann’s situation is somewhat different. He will turn 35 in March and, although he is under contract with Atletico Madrid until June 30, 2027, his role in the team is no longer the same as in previous years. Across La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the French forward has started just 8 matches this season, scoring 6 goals and providing 1 assist.

Inter Miami need new stars

Reports of Inter Miami’s supposed interest in signing Koke and Antoine Griezmann align with the squad’s needs. The end of the 2025 season also saw the departure of key players like Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, both retired, while uncertainty remains regarding other stars such as Tadeo Allende.

To replace Alba, the Herons secured the signing of Sergio Reguilon. However, they still need a central midfielder to replace Busquets, and Koke could fit perfectly alongside Rodrigo De Paul, with whom he played for years at Atletico Madrid.

Griezmann has different characteristics than Tadeo Allende. The French star is not a pacey winger like the Argentine player; over the years, he has evolved into forward with vision for distributing the ball and a frequent scoring presence. On Griezmann’s side, the experience of playing two seasons with Messi at Barcelona could help him integrate quickly into Inter Miami‘s structure.

The world of soccer has two awards that stand above the rest: the Ballon d'Or, presented by France Football, and The Best, organized by FIFA. What are the key differences between the two?

This Tuesday, The Best awards will be handed out, honoring the top male and female players in world soccer for 2025. The ceremony takes place just months after the Ballon d’Or was awarded, the sport’s other major individual prize. That timing naturally raises an obvious question: what is the difference between the two awards?

The first major contrast has to do with who organizes each prize. The Best is FIFA’s official award. FIFA is the governing body that oversees all national soccer federations worldwide and is also responsible for organizing some of the sport’s most important tournaments, including the World Cup.

By contrast, the Ballon d’Or was created by France Football magazine, which means it has no official connection to the organization of soccer competitions and tournaments at the global level.

Another difference between the two trophies is the time period each one considers when selecting its winners. While the Ballon d’Or follows the calendar of Europe’s top leagues—generally starting in September and ending the following summer—The Best is based on the calendar year, from January to December.

The voting system of The Best and Ballon d’Or

Perhaps the most significant difference between the two awards is the voting process. France Football awards the Ballon d’Or based solely on a vote by journalists. Each of the top 100 countries in the FIFA men’s soccer rankings is represented by one journalist, and those votes are used to calculate the final results.

FIFA’s system, on the other hand, is a mixed voting model. The total score used to determine the winners is divided into four equal parts: national team head coaches, national team captains, a panel of media representatives, and fan voting. Each group accounts for 25 percent of the total score, and the final results are calculated by combining all four components.

FIFA and France Football once shared an award

The Ballon d’Or holds a clear advantage over The Best when it comes to history. France Football created the award in 1956, and it has only grown in prestige and global recognition ever since. FIFA’s trophy, by comparison, is much newer, having been introduced in its current name and format in 2016.

However, there was a period when both awards were combined into one. In 2010, FIFA and France Football reached an agreement to merge their annual ceremonies and created the FIFA Ballon d’Or. That partnership lasted just six years, through the 2015 ceremony. After that, FIFA launched The Best, while the Ballon d’Or returned to its traditional format under the sole organization of France Football.

Ballon d’Or and The Best share the same dominant figure

Despite their differences, the Ballon d’Or and The Best share one major similarity: both have been dominated by the same player. Lionel Messi is the most decorated winner in the history of both awards, with eight Ballon d’Or trophies awarded by France Football and three The Best honors from FIFA. Notably, he won four of the six editions that were jointly organized.

The player with the second-most trophies is also the same in both awards: Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese star won the Ballon d’Or five times and The Best twice. In the latter, he shares that distinction with Robert Lewandowski.