Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are clashing for the 2026 Copa del Rey semifinal, so don't miss a single detail of the first leg in our live coverage.

Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona are facing off at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Thursday in the first leg of the 2026 Copa del Rey semifinals. Stick with our minute-by-minute coverage so you don’t miss a single detail as the Spanish giants clash with a spot in the final on the line.

The Colchoneros reached this stage after a dominant 5-0 win over Real Betis, the same team that beat them 1-0 at home last Sunday, clear proof of their inconsistent form. Currently in third place in La Liga with 45 points, Atletico Madrid enter the matchup against the Blaugrana as the underdog.

On the other hand, Barcelona, despite dealing with the absence of several key players, is in excellent form with a streak of six consecutive wins across all competitions. After advancing to the semifinals with a narrow 2–1 victory over Albacete, Atletico will be the first La Liga side Hansi Flick’s team faces in the 2025-26 Copa del Rey.

Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona will be clashing on Thursday for the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals.

Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona will face off at the Metropolitano on Thursday in the first leg of the 2025-26 Copa del Rey semifinals. With both teams dealing with several key absences, the Colchonero and the Blaugrana will be eager to take the first step toward reaching the final in what promises to be a thrilling matchup.

The team coached by Diego Simeone heads into the clash in inconsistent form, having missed out on the UEFA Champions League top eight after a 2-1 home defeat to Bodo/Glimt, and posting four wins, three draws, and three losses over its last 10 games. Although Atletico reached the semifinal stage with a dominant 5-0 win over Real Betis, the Madrid side was stunned at home last Sunday with a 1-0 defeat by the Canaries, further evidence of its recent inconsistency.

On the other hand, Barcelona is in excellent form, sitting atop La Liga while riding a stretch of 17 wins and one loss over its last 18 matches. The Blaugrana reached the semifinals after a 2-1 win over Albacete, which had previously knocked out Real Madrid, and will face a top-flight Spanish side in the competition for the first time this edition.

For Atletico, USMNT standout Johnny Cardoso and Pablo Barrios are the most notable absences, while Barcelona will be without top-tier stars such as Raphinha, Marcus Rashford, and Pedri. Even so, both teams are expected to go all out with a potential Copa del Rey final against either Real Sociedad or Athletic Bilbao at stake.

Atletico Madrid looking to reverse the trend against Barcelona

Recently, Barcelona has been a major problem for Simeone’s side. In the last 10 meetings across La Liga and the Copa del Rey, Barcelona has recorded eight wins, with Atletico’s last victory coming in December 2024, along with a thrilling 4-4 draw last season.

However, the history of direct knockout ties between the clubs is more balanced. In 23 head-to-head knockout matchups (excluding this one), Barcelona has advanced 14 times, while Atletico Madrid has done so nine times, offering a glimmer of hope for the capital club.

Confirmed lineups for Atletico Madrid and Barcelona

Atletico Madrid’s confirmed lineup (4-3-3): Juan Musso, Nahuel Molina, Marc Pubill, David Hancko, Matteo Ruggeri; Marcos Llorente, Koke, Antoine Griezmann; Giuliano Simeone, Julian Alvarez, Ademola Lookman.
Head coach: Diego Simeone.

FC Barcelona’s confirmed lineup (4-2-3-1): Joan García; Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, Eric García, Alejandro Balde; Frenkie de Jong, Marc Casado; Lamine Yamal, Fermín López, Dani Olmo; Ferran Torres.
Head coach: Hansi Flick.

With the Brazil friendlies in less than two months, Neymar's return with Santos has been reportedly delayed to avoid an injury setback.

Neymar‘s fitness has been one of the main storylines for Santos at the start of 2026, with the star beginning a recovery process to address the meniscus injury he suffered last year. Despite now training alongside the team, Neymar’s return to the pitch has reportedly been postponed to avoid a setback and ensure he is fit to rejoin the Brazil national team.

After undergoing surgery in December, Neymar has not appeared in any of the nine games Santos has played since the start of the year. The former Barcelona star has progressed steadily and is now taking part in training sessions with the rest of his teammates, but stadium conditions have led to his return being delayed.

As reported by Globo Esporte, Santos has decided to rest Neymar for Thursday’s Brasileirao game against Athletico Paranaense. The primary reason is the synthetic surface at Arena da Baixada, the opponent’s stadium, as the club looks to avoid any potential injury risk to its star.

The same situation applies to marquee signing Gabriel “Gabigol” Barbosa, who, unlike Neymar, did not participate in Wednesday’s training session and is dealing with muscle soreness. That leaves Santos without two key players after opening the 2026 Brazilian top-flight season with one draw and one loss.

While Neymar has already recovered from arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, skipping matches played on synthetic surfaces has been team policy since last season. Back on November 6, with the Peixe still in the relegation zone, the forward missed a match against Palmeiras that ended in a 2-0 defeat, as Allianz Parque uses turf.

After his standout performances helped Santos avoid relegation, Neymar’s last appearance came against Cruzeiro on December 7, meaning he has now gone more than two months without game action. His return is currently expected on Sunday the 15th, when Santos hosts Velo Clube in the final round of the Campeonato Paulista.

Will Neymar make it back to the Brazil national team?

With seven matches in the Campeonato Paulista and two in the Brasileirao already played, Neymar has missed nine games, and if he also sits out against Athletico Paranaense, that total will rise to 10. With the March international break less than two months away, questions are growing about whether the 34-year-old star will finally make his return to the national team.

Brazil, coached by Carlo Ancelotti, is set to travel to the United States to face France on the 26th and Croatia on the 31st. Before then, Santos has matches against Velo Clube, Vasco da Gama (02/26), Mirassol (03/10), Corinthians (03/15), Internacional (03/18), and Cruzeiro (03/22) — six opportunities, or possibly five given the tight schedule, for Neymar to convince the Italian manager to call him up and return to the Canarinha after more than two years.

With reports revealing interest from Premier League giants, an FC Barcelona captain has opened the door for Julian Alvarez to join them.

Julian Alvarez’s future at Atlético Madrid has come into question in recent weeks, not only because of his current form but also due to his role within the team, where he is far from the undisputed focal point. While several Premier League giants have reportedly shown interest in signing him, the Argentine has once again been linked with FC Barcelona after a team captain opened the door to a potential move.

Despite his status as one of the most complete strikers in the world, Alvarez’s 2025-26 season has fallen short of expectations. He has featured in 32 games for Atlético Madrid across all competitions but completed the full 90 minutes in only three of them, scoring 11 goals and currently sitting on a 100-day La Liga goal drought.

Unable to reach his full potential under coach Diego Simeone’s system, and with the club no longer seen as a top contender for major trophies (last season was his first without silverware since arriving in Europe), speculation about a possible departure has inevitably grown. One of the clubs most frequently linked with him is FC Barcelona, a team he has admitted he supported as a child when Lionel Messi was still at the club.

In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Barca captain Ronald Araújo shared his thoughts on Alvarez’s situation and a possible move after the World Cup: “He’s a great player — for me, he’s one of the best forwards in the world. You can see the quality he has. The best players should be at the best club, which is us. That’s obvious. But it’s not up to me to do that job or make that decision.“

Barcelona face several hurdles to sing Alvarez

Alvarez’s current situation at Atlético Madrid and Barcelona’s need to strengthen at striker next season make the idea of a move understandable. Star forward Robert Lewandowski, one of the highest-paid players in the squad, has a contract that expires at the end of the season, and at 37 years old, expectations point toward a possible departure.

Even if Barcelona free up significant salary space, they would still face major obstacles. Alvarez is under contract with Atlético until June 2030 and has a €500 million release clause, while reports suggest the Madrid club would demand a fee in the region of €100 million to sell, a figure widely considered out of reach for Barcelona unless a major sale takes place.

Chelsea and Arsenal also interested in Julian Alvarez

In addition to financial challenges, Barcelona would also face fierce competition from Premier League powers pursuing Alvarez. According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal and Chelsea have maintained steady contact regarding the striker, with both clubs receiving “positive reports” as they evaluate a potential blockbuster move in the summer window.

The outlet adds that the fee discussed could come in below £100 million, a range more manageable for clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea. Barcelona’s only potential edge is that one factor behind Alvarez leaving Manchester City was his desire to leave England for lifestyle reasons in Spain, though a strong sporting project could ultimately tilt the balance toward any suitor.

With less than 48 hours for the game against Independiente del Valle, Inter Miami issued a discouraging injury update on Lionel Messi, prompting the postponement of the last preseason friendly.

Lionel Messi raised alarms over the last few hours ahead of the final preseason friendly after not being spotted at Wednesday’s training session in Fort Lauderdale. With less than 48 hours before the clash against Independiente del Valle, Inter Miami have now issued a discouraging injury update on the star’s condition.

With media attending the training ground in Fort Lauderdale, one of several stars absent during Wednesday’s session — from the first 15 minutes open to reporters — was Messi. Reports quickly began to surface, even putting into question the star’s availability for Friday’s game in Puerto Rico against IDV.

Later on Wednesday, Inter Miami released a statement addressing the player’s condition: “Messi did not participate in training this Wednesday, February 11, due to a muscle strain in his left hamstring sustained during the match against Barcelona SC in Ecuador, which has persisted since then.“

Messi played 56 minutes in the match in Guayaquil against Barcelona, the fewest among the three friendlies Inter Miami have played so far, and now concerns over his fitness have surfaced. “His gradual return to training will depend on his clinical and functional progress in the coming days,” the statement added, without providing a specific recovery timeline.

Tadeo Allende, who finally joined Inter Miami after completing his paperwork to play for the team, spoke to the media on Wednesday and revealed he spoke with Messi. “Yes, Leo was here today, he did some indoor work and we talked a lot, he asked me about my vacation and we discussed other topics. He welcomed me very well, it was great to see him again,” the forward said, without offering any update on his condition.

In the friendly against Alianza Lima, the Argentine star played until the 63rd minute, and against Atlético Nacional until the 76th, with head coach Javier Mascherano previously outlining a plan to gradually increase his minutes during upcoming matches. After recording one goal and one assist in Ecuador, he was subbed off early in the 58th minute for Luis Suárez.

Messi’s injury prompts game postponement

With the friendly against Independiente del Valle originally scheduled for Friday, Messi’s injury has prompted a sudden change of plans in Inter Miami’s schedule. The squad had been set to travel to Puerto Rico on Thursday, hold a training session open to the public, and then play at Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium in Bayamón.

Minutes after releasing Messi’s injury update, Inter Miami announced the postponement of the game against Independiente del Valle. The Herons will still travel to Puerto Rico to face the Ecuadorian side, but the match has now been rescheduled for February 26.

Will Messi be available for the MLS opener vs. LAFC?

Currently at the end of their preseason tour that took the team to several countries across South America, anticipation is building for Inter Miami’s 2026 MLS opener against Son Heung-min’s Los Angeles FC. With the match set to be played at the LA Memorial Coliseum, questions remain about whether Messi could miss the season opener.

While Inter Miami has not specified the severity of the strain, data from the UEFA Elite Club Injury Study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, indicates that the average recovery time for a professional footballer with a hamstring injury is approximately 17 to 21 days. Given the club’s ‘gradual return’ protocol, a similar timeline would place Messi’s availability right at the doorstep of the MLS season opener against LAFC on February 21.

With the 2026 World Cup as a main target, Endrick has taken a key decision on his future between Olympique Lyon and Real Madrid.

Endrick has reignited his career with his move to Olympique Lyon, a switch that was also encouraged by Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti as the striker pushes for a spot at the 2026 World Cup. While currently in strong form, the forward has now made a final decision on his future between Lyon and Real Madrid following the tournament in North America.

After falling out of head coach Xabi Alonso’s plans at Real Madrid, Endrick decided to leave the Spanish side in search of minutes to strengthen his chances with the Brazil national team. In less than two months, the striker has already adapted to Paulo Fonseca’s squad and established himself as a key contributor.

With five goals and one assist in the six matches he has played so far for the French club, Lyon have won every game in which Endrick has featured. Reports have even raised the possibility of extending the Brazilian striker’s loan, with financial factors seen as the only obstacle to a potential new agreement.

Speaking to the podcast Win Win, Thiago Freitas was asked about Endrick’s future after his six-month loan expires, and the player’s agent was clear: “Endrick was loaned to Lyon for six months. The decision has already been made, and he will return to Real Madrid at the end of the season. There’s no ambiguity or secrecy about it. The agreement is only a loan, with no option to buy, so he will return.“

Despite finding his best form at Lyon, Endrick remains eager to return and succeed with Los Blancos. “What will happen next season? I can’t predict it, but I can tell you that at the end of this season Endrick will once again be a Real Madrid player,” the agent concluded.

After completing his move to Lyon, Alonso was dismissed days later, with Álvaro Arbeloa appointed as Real Madrid’s new head coach. Still, the plan remains for Endrick to make the most of these six months in France before fighting for a place in Madrid’s squad.

Ancelotti’s role in Endrick’s move

Endrick has long spoken publicly about his ambition to make Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, and after appearing in only three matches during the first half of the 2025-26 season, a move became inevitable. Although the decision ultimately belonged to the 19-year-old, Ancelotti also played a role in encouraging it after managing him at Real Madrid last season.

The youngster’s agent revealed he held talks with the Brazilian coach, which helped shape the decision: “Endrick spoke with Ancelotti and, of course, he also spoke with Xabi Alonso about this topic. He’s a young player, and both are very experienced coaches, great winners as players and as managers, so any advice that comes from them carries enormous value.“

In addition to conversations with the coaches, Freitas said Real Madrid and Brazil stars Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo also spoke with Endrick. “Endrick is friends with them and, of course, talks with them daily. He also has other friends on the Brazil national team, such as Lucas and Bruno, who play at Lyon. He spoke with them about the club, the fans, and the city, and they help him a lot,” the agent added.

Ahead of the last preseason friendly in Puerto Rico, Lionel Messi's Inter Miami has unveiled the new away kit for the 2026 MLS season.

Lionel Messi is in the final phase of Inter Miami’s preseason tour, building peak fitness ahead of a demanding 2026 MLS season with the World Cup on the horizon. With the final preseason friendly against Independiente del Valle set for Puerto Rico, the Herons will unveil their new away kit.

After a successful 2025 campaign that ended with an MLS Cup title, Inter Miami have already added their first star above the badge and will display it on the pink home kit throughout the 2026 season. However, a new away strip has also been unveiled, and it’s expected to debut in the upcoming friendly.

On Wednesday, Inter Miami revealed Presagio, a black jersey featuring gray striping along the shoulders and a sleek collar design. Replacing the Fortitude kit, the new strip features the club crest in pink topped with a silver star, representing the franchise’s historic 2025 MLS Cup triumph.

Named Presagio, the club said the title “captures the anticipation and tension that Inter Miami CF’s arrival generates.” With Messi’s presence, the Herons have broken attendance records across MLS, and during their preseason tour, large local crowds have attended matches despite their friendly status.

Entering the final days of the Club’s Champions Tour, Inter Miami will travel to Puerto Rico to face Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle next Friday, February 13. It is scheduled to be the last friendly before the start of the 2026 MLS season, with the opener set for Saturday the 21st against LAFC.

Will Messi play in the friendly?

Inter Miami are set to travel to Puerto Rico on Thursday and face IDV on Friday, but questions about Lionel Messi’s availability have emerged. The Argentine star was absent from Wednesday’s training session, and no reason has been provided, casting doubt on whether he will travel.

In addition, Maximiliano Falcón, Telasco Segovia, and Germán Berterame are all expected to miss the match. Segovia and Falcón are finalizing paperwork to obtain their green cards, which kept them out of training in Fort Lauderdale, while new signing Berterame is awaiting his U.S. work visa, meaning only a last-minute change would make any of them available.

Coach Enzo Maresca has left the door open for the departure of a $60M Chelsea signing, citing a lack of playing time as the January transfer window approaches.

When Enzo Maresca joined Chelsea from Leicester City in July 2024, one of the biggest challenges was managing the massive squad of 43 professional players eligible for the first team at the start of the season. With the winter transfer window approaching, the Italian coach has left the door open for a $60M signing to depart due to a lack of playing time.

One of the significant acquisitions during Roman Abramovich’s ownership was Ben Chilwell. The left-back, who had established himself as one of the Premier League’s best during his time at Leicester City and with the England national team, joined Chelsea in August 2020 for €50M ($60M at the time). Despite his early promise, Chilwell has struggled to find a place in Maresca’s system, prompting speculation about his future.

In Friday’s pre-match press conference, Maresca didn’t shy away when asked about unhappy players in the squad. “There are players that unfortunately didn’t play a lot with us in all the competitions, like Chilwell, like Carney (Chukwuemeka). Probably they are the first ones who want to leave because they work every day, they train every day, and they want to play games. If they don’t play games, probably they’re thinking about leaving.”

The contrast between Chilwell’s role this season and last season is striking. Despite missing significant time during the 2023-24 campaign due to injuries, the left-back was still a key starter under Mauricio Pochettino, logging 1,172 minutes across 21 games, and being the second captain of the team.

This season under Maresca, Chilwell’s situation has been drastically different. Despite remaining fit and training consistently, he has been relegated to the sidelines. Excluded from Chelsea’s UEFA Conference League roster, Chilwell has only played 45 minutes across all competitions this season—coming on as a second-half substitute in a 5-0 EFL Cup win against AFC Barrow.

Early signs of Chilwell’s marginalization

Maresca hinted at Chilwell’s diminished role during the preseason. When asked about the left-back’s position, the coach said, “The reason he did not play versus Inter was because, with Chilly (Chilwell), it is quite clear. Even though I love the way he is, the problem is that he is struggling a bit to find the right position.

“This morning we had 22 players training and if you ask all of them they will say they want to play against City on Sunday. But that is impossible. When you train every day and do not get any minutes it is not good for them or for me. I need to make a decision and probably it is better to leave and go and get minutes. The transfer window is open so we’ll see what happens,” Maresca said, already hinting Chilwell to look for a future out of Chelsea.

More Chelsea players on the way out

Chilwell isn’t the only player facing an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge. According to Fabrizio Romano, Carney Chukwuemeka and Cesare Casadei are also exploring January exits in search of more minutes. Meanwhile, Marc Guiu’s situation remains unresolved.

Casadei has attracted interest from multiple Serie A clubs and could leave on loan or through a permanent transfer. Chukwuemeka, on the other hand, has suitors across Europe, including Italy. AC Milan, who pursued the midfielder during the summer, could reignite their interest in January.

With the Sporting Lisbon-Manchester City duel in the UEFA Champions League on sight, Pep Guardiola praised Ruben Amorim's job in Portugal.

Excitement is building for the UEFA Champions League clash between Sporting Lisbon and Manchester City, a match poised to be pivotal in securing a top spot for both teams. Beyond the competition, fans are anticipating the strategic face-off between managers Pep Guardiola and Ruben Amorim, soon to be the next Manchester United coach. When asked about Amorim, Guardiola had only words of admiration.

Guardiola and Amorim last faced each other in the 2021-22 Champions League Round of 16, where City dominated with a 5-0 win in the first leg. However, in discussing the upcoming matchup, Guardiola expressed a note of caution.

“It’s the same manager, the patterns are pretty similar, they changed players. In that game, it wasn’t easy, but we arrived in the first half four, five times and scored four, five goals. We were clinical, but I think they improved,” said Guardiola in an interview with TNT Sports.

Though he has yet to meet Amorim personally, Guardiola expressed his respect and enthusiasm for Amorim’s move to the Premier League: “I don’t know him, but from outside, he looks like a lovely guy. When I see him in the dugout he behaves much, much better than me. Honestly, I am really pleased that he is coming to England to play (with) United. I think both clubs have a lot of respect in the hierarchy.”

Amorim will lead Sporting for two final matches before moving to Manchester United, giving both managers a preview of each other’s tactics ahead of future encounters in England.

Amorim: “Guardiola is the best coach in the world”

Since their last encounter, Amorim has built an impressive reputation, establishing Sporting as one of Portugal’s top teams and holding his own against Europe’s elite. Before the game, he made a comment about Guardiola that might stir mixed feelings among United fans.

“It’s a massive game, for me he’s the best coach in the world – I know it’s tough for Manchester United fans- and I think it’s the best team in the world. So it’s going to be a tough game, we are near the qualification for playoff, so this game is very important,” Amorim said on talks with TNT Sports.

The occasion holds special significance for Amorim, as it will be his last home game with Sporting at Estádio José Alvalade: It’s also my last game in Alvalade, so that’s the focus; the objectives of Sporting, my last game in Alvalade. I know everybody in England are taking ideas for this game, but for me it’s just that.

With Santiago Gimenez's future at AC Milan being a discussion topic, the Italian side is reportedly targeting a four-time Premier League winner.

Santiago Gimenez’s 2025-26 season has fallen well short of expectations, with the striker eager to fight for a place at AC Milan and reluctant to leave during the summer transfer window, but now sidelined through injury. With his future up in the air, reports have surfaced that the Rossoneri are targeting the signing of a four-time Premier League winner.

With Massimiliano Allegri taking over as head coach, Gimenez began the season as the team’s starting striker. However, an ankle issue in October developed into a serious hematoma problem, ultimately leading him to undergo surgery in December, a decision that will cause him to miss most of the season.

After the draw against AS Roma on January 25, Allegri addressed the striker’s condition: “As for Giménez, he’s progressing well. He’ll undoubtedly be a major asset for the end of the season, since he still has a long way to go before returning.” With fitness concerns lingering and the striker still short of the expectations set when he arrived from Feyenoord, speculation about a potential departure has begun to grow.

AC Milan targeting Gabriel Jesus

As reported by Tuttosport, Gabriel Jesus has been shortlisted as a target for AC Milan. Convinced that Santiago Gimenez could be sold after the 2026 World Cup, the Rossoneri are eager to strengthen their frontline with an established player, identifying the Brazilian striker as an ideal fit.

His current situation at Arsenal could also ease the possibility of a move away from the Premier League side. After recovering from the ACL injury he suffered last season, Gabriel Jesus has appeared in only 16 games for the Gunners, including four starts, scoring four goals and providing one assist so far in the 2025-26 campaign.

Currently, head coach Mikel Arteta has Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz ahead of him in the pecking order, leaving the Brazilian as the manager’s third option. Set to turn 29 in April, Jesus still has several years left at the highest level, and a move to Serie A could help reignite his career.

Fiorentina’s Moise Kean has also emerged as another potential target for AC Milan, although he too has struggled for form while battling with his club near the relegation zone in Serie A. However, with four Premier League titles in his trophy cabinet (all won with Manchester City) and a Transfermarkt valuation of €20 million, Gabriel Jesus would represent a first-class replacement if Gimenez ends up leaving the Italian side.

Lamine Yamal has suffered his first squad blow for both the Finalissima against Argentina and the 2026 World Cup as one of the prospects in Spain suffered a severe injury.

Lamine Yamal has become one of the players to watch for the 2026 World Cup, not only because it will be his first appearance at just 18 years old, but also because of the question of whether he can help lead Spain through the tournament. However, with less than five months before the competition kicks off, Yamal has been dealt a squad blow for both the World Cup and the Finalissima as one of Spain’s prospects has suffered a serious injury.

With Yamal covering the right flank and Nico Williams the left, Spain boast two of the best wingers in the world right now, while the central striker role has rotated in recent matches. While Mikel Oyarzabal is viewed as the first choice, one player who had been earning more minutes is Samu Aghehowa, who despite his ambitions won’t be taking part in either the Finalissima or the World Cup.

FC Porto released a statement on Tuesday revealing that Samu Aghehowa sustained a sprain in his right knee along with an anterior cruciate ligament injury during the last game. With a recovery timeline expected to exceed six months, his participation in the 2026 World Cup has effectively been ruled out.

The Dragões faced Sporting CP on Monday in a clash for the top of Liga Portugal. In the match, which ended in a 1-1 draw at the Estádio do Dragão, Samu was substituted at halftime for Denis Gül after sustaining the injury, and the following day the club confirmed its severity.

Samu made his debut with the Spain national team in November 2024 against Switzerland in the UEFA Nations League. While the 21-year-old striker has logged only 131 minutes across four appearances and has yet to score, he’s been a regular in head coach Luis de la Fuente’s call-ups, most recently earning his first start against Bulgaria back in October.

During the 2025-26 season with Porto, Samu has emerged as one of the team’s breakout performers, tallying 20 goals in 32 games across all competitions, while in 2024-25 he recorded 27 goals in 45 matches. This new ACL injury represents a major setback in the striker’s career, not only disrupting his strong form but also eliminating his chance to feature for Spain in both the March Finalissima against Argentina and the World Cup in June.

Who will be the striker for Spain?

Spain have produced multiple attacking stars throughout their history, particularly over the past few decades, with strikers such as David Villa, Fernando Torres, Raúl González, and Fernando Morientes dominating the stage. Although talents like Yamal are the visible face of the current generation, no clear long-term figure has emerged to lock down that central role.

With Álvaro Morata falling out of favor under De la Fuente, Oyarzabal is currently Spain’s first-choice striker. La Roja also have Ferran Torres as a more mobile option through the middle, along with 33-year-old Borja Iglesias as a more physical alternative, a profile closer to Samu’s but with far more experience.

With an AFC Champions League Two match up next, Al Nassr’s head coach revealed why Cristiano Ronaldo will not return to the team following his SPL boycott.

Cristiano Ronaldo appears to have reached common ground with the Saudi Pro League after reportedly agreeing to end his brief strike. However, with Al Nassr set to play an AFC Champions League Two match, head coach Jorge Jesus explained why the Portuguese star will still miss the upcoming fixture.

After sitting out Al Nassr’s last two matches amid tensions with the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Ronaldo has reportedly reached an agreement to return to both training and match action. Still, questions surfaced over whether he would feature against Turkmenistan’s FK Arkadag on Wednesday, February 11.

Speaking at Tuesday’s pre-match press conference, Jorge Jesus confirmed that Ronaldo will not be included in the squad for the AFC Champions League Two clash. “We decided to rest Cristiano Ronaldo and the main starting players due to the heavy match schedule and the upcoming important clash against Al Fateh,” he stated.

Addressing expectations of Ronaldo’s return after two consecutive absences, Jesus pointed to a familiar pattern behind the decision: “Resting Cristiano Ronaldo for this match is nothing new. The player often does not take part in matches played outside Saudi Arabia.“

With that clarification, attention now shifts to Al Nassr’s Saudi Pro League matchup against Al Fateh, where Ronaldo is expected to return. After missing games against Al Riyadh, Al Ittihad, and now FK Arkadag, the Portuguese star is set to be back on Saturday, 15 days after his last appearance against Al Kholood in January.

Other stars to miss Al Nassr game

Ronaldo will not be the only notable absence for Al Nassr on Wednesday, as Jesus confirmed several other key players will also be rested. Among the high-profile names unavailable are Marcelo Brozović, Iñigo Martínez, João Félix, Kingsley Coman, Sadio Mané, and Mohamed Simakan.

Currently second in the Saudi Pro League with 49 points, one behind leaders Al Hilal, Al Nassr are prioritizing their league ambitions. The second leg of the Round of 16 against FK Arkadag will be played next Wednesday, February 18, at Al Awwal Park, where the availability of the club’s stars could depend on the outcome of the first leg.

As Inter Miami look to bolster the squad, Lionel Messi has reportedly received a disappointing update regarding the potential return of an Argentine teammate who helped the club win the 2025 MLS Cup.

Lionel Messi has begun preparations for the 2026 season, with Inter Miami’s front office making significant investments in new signings to strengthen the squad in pursuit of international success. However, the Argentine icon has reportedly been dealt disappointing news regarding the potential return of an Argentine teammate who also lifted the MLS Cup with the Herons.

Following their successful 2025 MLS Cup run, Inter Miami secured the returns of striker Tadeo Allende and goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo, two players who played key roles late in the campaign. Still, while the club explored bringing back another Argentine MLS Cup winner, it now appears the Herons will be without one important piece.

According to transfer expert César Luis Merlo, club sources indicate that Baltasar Rodríguez’s return to Inter Miami is “practically ruled out.” Despite the MLS side pushing for a deal, the current outlook points to the midfielder remaining at Racing Club in Argentina.

Rodríguez’s future became uncertain after his one-year loan expired, despite finishing the season as a regular in Inter Miami’s first team. The club initially chose not to activate his purchase option, but later reopened talks in an attempt to bring him back.

With negotiations revived, Inter Miami reportedly reached personal terms with Rodríguez in January and then focused on agreeing a transfer fee with Racing. While a deal valued at around $5 million was discussed, talks have now stalled, leaving Rodríguez’s future far from Fort Lauderdale.

Who will replace Rodríguez?

After dealing with fitness issues early in the 2025 season, Rodríguez worked his way into Javier Mascherano’s starting lineup and finished his stint with three goals and three assists in 22 appearances. While not a primary contributor in terms of scoring, he played an important tactical role on the left side of midfield, providing balance and ball progression as Messi operated on the right.

It remains unclear whether Inter Miami will pursue another midfield signing, but Mascherano has already tested internal options. The Argentine coach has deployed Telasco Segovia on the left side during Inter Miami’s recent friendlies, suggesting the Venezuelan could become the primary option there, with 21-year-old Kenan Hot serving as depth.

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami have claimed the top spot in MLS valuations at $1.45 billion, raising questions about where Son Heung-min’s LAFC and Thomas Müller’s Vancouver Whitecaps rank.

Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami has fueled exponential growth for the franchise over the past few years, culminating in the club reaching the top of Major League Soccer in overall valuation. With Inter Miami now valued at $1.45 billion, questions naturally arise over where other star-linked franchises, such as Son Heung-min’s LAFC and Thomas Müller’s Vancouver Whitecaps, rank across the league.

Sportico, the sports business publication, released its annual MLS franchise valuation rankings for 2026, and for the first time in the list’s history, Inter Miami sits atop the league. The club’s valuation of $1.45 billion places it ahead of every other MLS franchise, reflecting both on-field success and rapid commercial growth.

Compared to the 2025 edition of Sportico’s rankings, the Messi-captained side ranked second with a valuation of $1.19 billion. Following their MLS Cup triumph and with the opening of Miami Freedom Park approaching, the Herons posted a one-year valuation increase of 22 percent, the largest jump in the league, ahead of Chicago Fire FC, which recorded a 20 percent rise.

Where do LAFC and the Whitecaps rank?

With Inter Miami now leading MLS in valuation, attention shifts to where the rest of the league’s marquee clubs fall in the rankings. Son Heung-min’s LAFC, which had topped Sportico’s MLS valuations in every previous edition, now sits second with a valuation of $1.4 billion.

Despite losing the top spot, LAFC have hardly experienced a downturn. After being valued at $1.28 billion in 2025, the club posted a 9 percent annual increase, reinforcing its status as one of the league’s most financially successful and stable franchises.

Rounding out the top 10 are LA Galaxy ($1.17 billion), Atlanta United ($1.14 billion), New York City FC ($1.12 billion), Seattle Sounders FC ($915 million), Austin FC ($910 million), Columbus Crew ($800 million), and FC Cincinnati ($790 million). Meanwhile, despite being one of the headline moves of the 2025 summer transfer window, Vancouver Whitecaps are notably absent from the league’s top tier.

In fact, the Thomas Müller-led Whitecaps saw a decline year over year, both in position and valuation. Vancouver ranks 29th among MLS franchises at $450 million, reflecting a 4 percent annual decrease, ahead of only CF Montréal, which sits last at $430 million.

How much were Inter Miami worth before Lionel Messi?

Since their founding in 2018, Inter Miami’s most recognizable figure had been co-owner David Beckham, with the club steadily growing but remaining outside the league’s top valuation tier. In Sportico’s 2022 report, the Herons ranked 10th in MLS with a valuation of $585 million.

Messi’s arrival in 2023 proved transformative. Inter Miami surged to a $1.02 billion valuation in the 2024 report, and with nearly another half-billion added since then, Messi’s impact has extended well beyond the pitch, reshaping the club’s global profile and financial standing.

With the Copa del Rey semifinal against Atletico Madrid in less than 3 days, FC Barcelona star Raphinha has provided a key update on his injury.

Raphinha raised concerns at FC Barcelona last week after suffering an injury that kept him sidelined for the club’s last two matches. With the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals against Atlético Madrid less than a week away, the Brazilian winger provided an update on his fitness and addressed whether he expects to be available for the game.

Concern spread among supporters when Barcelona released a statement confirming Raphinha had suffered an overload in the adductor muscle of his right leg. With an initial recovery timeline of one week, the Brazilian missed the match against Albacete as well as the La Liga clash with RCD Mallorca, and with Atlético looming, his availability has become a major talking point.

After being named Best Sportsman of the Year at the Toresky Awards, organized by Cadena SER, Raphinha spoke with reporters and was asked directly about his injury status: “I’m feeling better, we’re taking it day by day. We’ll see if I’m ready for Thursday, but we’re waiting. There are options, but we already know how injuries go. I miss being with the team.”

Despite acknowledging progress in his recovery, the forward stopped short of confirming his availability for the high-stakes matchup against Atlético Madrid. “I can’t lie, I’d love to say I can play on Thursday, but I’m cutting it a bit close,” Raphinha added, offering a more cautious assessment.

Barcelona will face Atlético Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals on Thursday, February 12, at the Estadio Metropolitano. With the return leg scheduled for March 3 at Camp Nou, having Raphinha available (the winger has scored 13 goals and added five assists in 22 appearances) could prove decisive and tilt the balance in Barcelona’s favor.

The Champions League or the World Cup?

While the 2025-26 season is in full swing, attention is already drifting toward what comes next, including the 2026 World Cup set to kick off in June. Brazil, led by Carlo Ancelotti and hoping for the return of Neymar, will enter the tournament with lofty expectations, and Raphinha is very much part of that picture as he continues to enjoy one of the best stretches of his career.

At the same time, the UEFA Champions League remains one of the few major trophies missing from his résumé, and when asked which title he would rather win, Raphinha refused to choose: “I can’t choose. Since I arrived at Barcelona, I’ve set out to win everything with this club. The Champions League is a personal goal, something I really want. Being able to win the World Cup with the Brazil national team is also something very special.“

With the Serie A game against Pisa on the horizon, AC Milan have taken a key decision to assess star Christian Pulisic's injury.

Christian Pulisic’s 2025-26 season has taken a significant turn in recent days, not only due to a dip in form but also because of the fitness issues he has been dealing with in recent weeks. With the club focused on getting one of its key players back to full strength ahead of the next Serie A match against Pisa, AC Milan have made an important decision regarding the USMNT star’s recovery.

Prior to last week’s match against Bologna, head coach Massimiliano Allegri addressed Pulisic’s condition, which ultimately sidelined him from the matchday squad for the first time since the game against Lazio in November. “Pulisic has bursitis that’s bothering him,” the Italian coach admitted in his pre-match press conference, adding that the club hoped to get him “back on track in the coming days.“

With the match against Como postponed, Milan, and Pulisic in particular, were given an additional week of rest before their next Serie A fixture. Taking advantage of the brief pause in the schedule, the Rossoneri made a key decision to better assess the condition of one of their most influential players.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Christian Pulisic has been placed on an individualized training program with the aim of having him available for the upcoming league match. While the rest of the Milan squad returned to training on Monday, Pulisic, along with Alexis Saelemaekers, who is also nursing an injury, trained separately on Sunday and then completed a double training session on Monday.

Milan’s next match is scheduled for Friday, February 13, when they travel to face Pisa on Matchday 25 of the 2025-26 Serie A season. The Rossoneri currently sit second in the table with 50 points, while league leaders Inter Milan, who have played one additional game, hold 58. The coaching staff’s objective is to reintegrate both Pulisic and Saelemaekers into full team training by the middle of next week, though their availability for the match remains uncertain.

Why did AC Milan not play during the weekend?

Originally scheduled for February 8, the Serie A clash between AC Milan and Como drew attention in recent months amid speculation that the match could be moved to Perth, Australia. Although that proposal was ultimately rejected in December, questions remained as to why Milan were the only club not in action last weekend while the rest of the league played Matchday 24.

San Siro was set to host the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games on February 7, leaving the stadium unavailable and not in suitable condition to stage the match. As a result, the idea of moving the game abroad was explored before being dismissed. The Milan-Como fixture will now be played at San Siro, having been rescheduled for Wednesday, February 18.

After scoring against Liverpool and making his way back to the 2025-26 Golden Boot race with Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane, Erling Haaland made a bold claim over his goalscoring form: "I haven’t scored enough goals."

Erling Haaland has emerged as one of the frontrunners for the 2025-26 Golden Boot after one of the strongest starts of his career, placing him alongside Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé in the race for Europe’s top individual scoring honor. After snapping his most recent scoring drought, the Manchester City striker made a blunt assessment of his form: “I haven’t scored enough goals.“

After matching his own mark of scoring 10 or more goals in the first eight Premier League matches, Haaland has struggled to consistently find the net in recent weeks. Following his goal against Brighton on January 7, the Norwegian didn’t return to the scoresheet until February 8, when he scored against Liverpool four matches later.

With just two Premier League goals in 2026 and one in the Champions League, Haaland addressed his scoring form while speaking to reporters in the mixed zone: “I haven’t scored enough goals since the start of this year, you can say, and I know that I need to improve. I know I need to be more sharp, better at all of this, and this is something that I have to work on.“

Manchester City have played 12 matches across all competitions since the start of the year, with Haaland featuring in every one, but he has found the net only three times. Notably, both of his Premier League goals in that span came from the penalty spot, with his last open-play goal dating back to December 20, when he scored twice against West Ham United.

While declining to go into detail about the reasons behind his dip in form, Haaland pointed to the physical demands of the schedule. “It’s a lot of games. Look at the schedule, it’s not easy, and for me, it’s about staying fit, don’t get injured. That’s the most important thing. And try to be ready to help the team,” as City have averaged just over three days between matches during a 38-day stretch.

With his goal against Liverpool, Haaland has now taken his personal tally to 41 goals in 40 matches across all competitions for Manchester City and the Norway national team. Despite those eye-catching numbers, the striker made clear that he remains unsatisfied and determined to raise his level as 2026 progresses.

How’s the Golden Boot race so far?

Kylian Mbappé claimed the Golden Boot in the 2024-25 season, his first year at Real Madrid, and remains in contention to repeat the feat. However, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland, both previous winners, are firmly in the hunt to prevent the French star from claiming the award in consecutive seasons.

Harry Kane currently leads the race after scoring 24 goals in 21 Bundesliga matches, placing him first with 48 points under the competition’s scoring system. Mbappé sits second with 23 goals in 23 La Liga appearances for Real Madrid, totaling 46 points, while Haaland rounds out the top three with 21 goals from 25 Premier League games, giving him 42 points.

Trailing the leading trio is Brentford striker Igor Thiago, who has scored 17 Premier League goals but remains some distance behind the top contenders. With more than half of the 2025-26 season still to play, the Golden Boot race remains wide open.

With Cristiano Ronaldo in a dispute with the PIF, a Real Madrid legend and former teammate has backed the Portuguese star over the "disrespect" shown by the Saudi Pro League.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence from Al Nassr’s last two matches has caused turmoil in Saudi Arabia, exposing growing tensions between the Portuguese star and the Saudi Pro League. While the situation now appears close to a resolution, a former teammate and Real Madrid legend has publicly backed Ronaldo amid the “disrespect” shown by the league.

As Ronaldo sat out those matches in protest, the SPL issued a statement warning that no player stands above a club’s interests. However, that response did not sit well with Toni Kroos, who, amid the uncertainty, chose to side with his former Real Madrid teammate.

Speaking on his podcast Einfach mal Luppen, the German addressed the issue directly and questioned the league’s stance: “The Saudi league is a strange phenomenon. No one had ever heard of it before Cristiano Ronaldo arrived, and now they’re showing disrespect to the man who put it on the global map.”

Ronaldo’s arrival in December 2022 made him the face of Saudi Arabia’s push to expand its soccer profile. Following his move, several elite players joined the SPL, while the country also secured hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup.

Despite that investment, Kroos was firm in his view that the league’s appeal still hinges on Ronaldo’s presence. “If Cristiano leaves tomorrow, this league will lose all of its appeal. Without Ronaldo, no one would watch the Saudi league,” the former German midfielder concluded.

Ronaldo has not addressed the dispute publicly, though reports indicate he has reached an agreement with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and is set to return to league play. Still, amid the uncertainty, Kroos’ comments reinforce the belief that Ronaldo remains the central figure sustaining the SPL’s global relevance.

Cristiano Ronaldo and a major attendance boost since joining Al Nassr

Ronaldo’s impact on the SPL extends beyond headlines, influencing recruitment and fan engagement at Al Nassr. Head coach Jorge Jesus and new signings João Félix, Iñigo Martínez, and Kingsley Coman have all acknowledged Ronaldo’s role in encouraging their moves to Saudi Arabia.

According to Transfermarkt, Al Nassr averaged 8,202 fans per match at Al Awwal Park during the 2021-22 season, prior to Ronaldo’s arrival. That figure jumped to at least 16,292 after he joined and has climbed to 19,399 this season, placing Al Nassr among the top three SPL clubs in attendance, behind only Al Ahli and Al Ittihad.

With the Premier League aspirations still alive in the 2025-26 season, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have set the roadmap to call the Wrexham project a success.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have brought Hollywood to English soccer, specifically to Wrexham AFC, where they have overseen a remarkable run of four consecutive promotions. With Premier League ambitions still alive during the 2025-26 season, the ownership duo have outlined a clear roadmap for sustained success for the Red Dragons.

It has been five years since Reynolds and McElhenney made the bold decision to enter the soccer world by purchasing Wrexham, a club that was a non-league side in 2021. Fast forward to today, and the Welsh team has not only returned to professional soccer but now sits just steps away from reaching England’s top division for the first time in its history.

In an exclusive interview with The Athletic’s Richard Sutcliffe, the Hollywood duo touched on several topics, including their decision to sell minority stakes in the club to attract outside investment. McElhenney was clear on the reasoning: “Let’s game this out, we find a way to pump in enough capital to get Premier League players and wind up in the Premier League. Hell, we even finish top of the Premier League, (but then) the whole thing falls apart because it is an unsustainable model you can’t keep going for generations.“

The Allyn family and U.S.-based investment firm Apollo Sports Capital have become minority owners of Wrexham over the past 16 months, holding roughly 15% and 10% stakes, respectively. The primary motivation behind both deals was to support infrastructure growth, including funding the new 7,500-seat Kop stand that will expand the Racecourse Ground’s capacity to 28,000 and help move the club toward long-term self-sustainability.

“A huge part of the things we talk about now are, yes, infrastructure within the club, but also within the town,” McElhenney said, while also highlighting plans with Glyndŵr University to launch an “arts and entrepreneurship” program aimed at attracting students to the area. “We want to draw people in who then stay in Wrexham, taking that artistic spirit and building something within the town using arts and business.“

Sustainability as the road to the Premier League

Currently sitting sixth in the EFL Championship with 47 points, Wrexham occupy the final playoff spot. While leaders Middlesbrough and Coventry City (occupying the two direct promotion spots with 61 and 59 points respectively) appear out of reach, another postseason run similar to last season remains a realistic pathway to promotion.

However, the owners remain focused on infrastructure as the foundation for lasting success rather than short-term results. “From day one, we said we want to build a sustainable model,” McElhenney said. “If anyone looks at the economics of the club right now, by nature of how we got here, it’s not sustainable—but that’s because the infrastructure hasn’t been in place for generations.“

Describing the process as planting seeds that will “become trees and a fully sustainable model” in the coming years, McElhenney closed with a grounded message that balances ambition with responsibility. “Do I want to see us win the Premier League? Yes. Do I want to win the Champions League? Yes. But if Wrexham, as a town, is unsuccessful while we are thriving, then we’ve failed.“

Cristiano Ronaldo will be facing a long break due to FIFA calendar until his next game with Al Nassr.

Cristiano Ronaldo, even at 40 years old, remains a central figure for both his club, Al Nassr, and the Portugal national team. Still drawing global attention, the key question now is when the legendary striker will take the field again.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s next game is scheduled for Friday, February 14, when Al Nassr will be visiting Al Fateh for Matchday 22 of the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League at the at Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Stadium. After reaching an agreement with the PIF, the Portuguese has ended his dispute and will be returning to the pitch.

Regarding the Portugal national team, Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to return during the March international break. After having his suspension lifted ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the veteran forward will be available for selection for Portugal’s two friendlies, one of which is reportedly set to be against the USMNT.

So far this season, the Portuguese icon has scored 18 goals and provided 3 assists in 22 games for Al Nassr, while netting 5 goals in 5 UEFA World Cup qualifiers for Portugal. With the World Cup set for the USA, Canada, and Mexico at the end of the campaign, Ronaldo will be determined to arrive at what will likely be his final major tournament in top form.

Ronaldo and a long break due to FIFA schedule

After his stunning bicycle-kick goal against Al Khaleej, Cristiano Ronaldo was rested for Al Nassr’s midweek AFC Champions League Two match. But from that point forward, the Portuguese star will endure a 24-day gap without competitive action, a result of the upcoming FIFA competition schedule.

From December 1 through 18, Qatar will host the second edition of the FIFA Arab Cup, with the final set for Lusail Stadium, the same venue as the 2022 World Cup final. With several Saudi Pro League players involved, including stars of the Saudi Arabian national team, clubs, including Al Nassr, will be unable to meet domestic player requirements, forcing the SPL into a temporary pause during the tournament.

With nearly a month separating matches until the December 21 showdown against Al Najma SC, local reports say Al Nassr’s players will receive nine days of rest. Afterward, Ronaldo and his teammates will begin training at the club’s new first-team facility, developed in partnership with King Saud University.

After reaching an agreement with the PIF, Cristiano Ronaldo's return date with Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League has been reportedly revealed.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been at the center of controversy in the Saudi Pro League in recent days, sitting out Al Nassr matches as part of a boycott of the competition. Now, with the situation reportedly taking a significant turn, Ronaldo’s return date to the pitch has come into focus.

Following a quiet 2026 winter transfer window for Al Nassr, tensions between Ronaldo and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) escalated after Karim Benzema completed a move to Al Hilal. Unable to block the deal, the Portuguese star chose to sit out matches against Al Riyadh and Al Ittihad to express his dissatisfaction with the club’s lack of investment.

The Saudi Pro League responded with an official statement addressing Ronaldo’s stance, but it did little to alter his position. Additional friction reportedly emerged as Ronaldo also raised concerns over delayed salary payments to several club employees and staff members.

According to ESPN, Ronaldo has now concluded his protest and is set to return to action for Al Nassr. The forward is expected to be back on the field on Saturday, February 14, when Al Nassr visit Al Fateh for Matchday 22 of the Saudi Pro League.

Ronaldo has not publicly commented on the situation, but he has shared social media posts showing his return to training with Al Nassr. Despite reaching an agreement, Portuguese outlet A Bola reports he will not feature in the club’s upcoming AFC Champions League Two match against Arkadag on Wednesday, instead targeting the league fixture for his return.

Ronaldo and a major shift in Al Nassr’s management

In its statement, the Saudi Pro League emphasized the independence of its clubs in transfer decisions, despite all four top teams being majority-owned by the PIF. Still, Al Nassr’s internal situation reportedly remained a key concern for Ronaldo.

Following his contract extension in June 2025, Al Nassr underwent several structural changes, including the appointment of Jorge Jesus as head coach and the arrivals of Simão Coutinho and José Semedo as sporting director and CEO. In recent months, however, both executives were reportedly sidelined by the PIF, limiting the club’s ability to pursue top reinforcements.

Amid pressure from Ronaldo, the PIF has now restored management autonomy to Al Nassr’s leadership, reinstating Coutinho and Semedo’s authority. Although the transfer window has closed, Ronaldo is said to have laid the groundwork for a more aggressive summer window, reasserting his influence within the club’s long-term project.

Karim Benzema has signed a new lucrative deal with his move to Al Hilal, prompting questions if he's come closer to Cristiano Ronaldo's $246M salary at Al Nassr.

Cristiano Ronaldo signed a new two-year contract with Al Nassr in June 2025, maintaining his status as the highest-paid athlete in the world, not just in soccer. With an annual salary of $246 million, and with Karim Benzema emerging as the Saudi Pro League’s other marquee star, questions have surfaced over whether Benzema’s move to Al Hilal brings him anywhere close to the Portuguese legend’s earnings.

After Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in 2022, Benzema followed a similar path by committing to Saudi Arabia’s football expansion project. Fresh off winning the Ballon d’Or with Real Madrid, the French striker completed his move to Al Ittihad in June 2023. Since then, the former teammates have faced each other multiple times, often sharing moments that reflected on their years together in Spain.

Across all competitions, including the Saudi Pro League, King’s Cup and Saudi Super Cup, Ronaldo and Benzema have met on the pitch on six occasions. Notably, the head-to-head record is evenly split, with three wins apiece. Benzema has contributed three goals and one assist in those matches, while Ronaldo has scored four goals and added one assist.

Both stars were central figures in a controversial episode during the January 2025 transfer window. Benzema, whose contract with Al Ittihad was set to expire at the end of the season, was reportedly offered a renewal without a guaranteed base salary, relying instead on image-rights compensation. The proposal created tension between player and club, prompting Benzema to seek clarity on his future.

Al Hilal quickly emerged as the leading contender to sign Benzema, meeting his financial expectations. Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly attempted to block the move as a form of protest toward the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), citing Al Nassr’s lack of investment. Despite those efforts, Benzema completed the transfer, making an immediate impact by scoring a hat trick and providing an assist on his debut.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema’s salaries

Cristiano Ronaldo’s initial contract with Al Nassr in 2022 was already among the most lucrative deals in sports history, and his renewed agreement has raised the bar even further. According to Capology, a website specializing in soccer finances, Ronaldo’s current gross salary stands at $246,144,520 per year, with bonuses of up to $50,551,754, bringing his total annual earnings to nearly $297 million.

Karim Benzema, meanwhile, has received a significant salary increase with his move to Al Hilal, though he remains well behind Ronaldo. His new contract reportedly includes a base gross salary of $144,627,622, with performance bonuses of up to $36,153,953, totaling approximately $180,781,575 per year.

Benzema’s previous deal with Al Ittihad was valued at roughly $59 million annually, according to Capology, a substantial gap compared to his new contract with Al Hilal, which runs through June 2027. While both players are expected to serve as ambassadors for the 2034 World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to stand alone as the highest-paid figure in Saudi Arabian soccer.

While Manchester United are reportedly targeting a $136M star as his replacement, Casemiro could end up joining Lionel Messi at the Major League Soccer.

Casemiro’s situation has raised eyebrows, as despite playing a pivotal role for Manchester United during the 2025–26 season, the midfielder has already announced he will leave the club at the end of the campaign. With the Red Devils reportedly targeting a $136 million replacement, Casemiro could soon find himself facing Lionel Messi in Major League Soccer.

With the four-year contract he signed in 2022 set to expire in 2026, Casemiro has publicly stated that the 2025–26 season will be his final one at Manchester United. Several clubs have emerged as potential destinations, but one option has gained particular traction, especially due to the possibility of reigniting a rivalry with Messi, a familiar opponent from his Real Madrid days against Barcelona.

According to Daily Mail reporters Chris Wheeler and Nathan Salt, the LA Galaxy are considering a move for Casemiro once his United contract expires. The report states that the MLS club is prioritizing his signing, although competition is expected from teams in Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and Europe.

One of the main reasons United are unwilling to renew Casemiro’s deal is his age and substantial salary, factors that could also complicate a move to LA Galaxy. Currently, the club’s Designated Player slots are occupied by Riqui Puig, Gabriel Pec, and Joseph Paintsil. However, with Puig once again sidelined by a season-ending injury, he could be placed on the inactive list, opening a slot that would allow the Galaxy to register the Brazilian midfielder.

United plan major midfield revamp

According to The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, Sandro Tonali has emerged as one of Manchester United’s top targets to replace Casemiro. With the veteran midfielder expected to depart, the Red Devils view the former AC Milan star as a strong long-term fit, particularly given that he is just 25 years old.

Tonali was linked with a move during the 2026 winter transfer window, with Juventus, Arsenal, and Manchester City all reportedly monitoring his situation. However, no deal materialized, and the Italian midfielder ultimately remained at Newcastle United.

Manchester United had already been exploring midfield reinforcements earlier in the season under former head coach Ruben Amorim, with names such as Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson, and Adam Wharton discussed internally. Now, under Michael Carrick, the club’s focus has shifted toward Tonali. Given recent precedent — including the transfers of Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo, and Declan Rice — Newcastle are expected to demand a fee in the region of £100 million ($136 million).

Tonali’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, recently addressed his client’s future in an interview with Tuttosport: “Newcastle are having a hard time letting go of Sandro, and he wants to lead the club to the Champions League. We’ll evaluate and decide what to do in the summer. These transfer discussions will take place later. We’ll see how the season ends and then we’ll decide what to do.“

Riso also highlighted Tonali’s strong bond with Newcastle, the club that stood by him during his 10-month suspension for betting violations. “There’s no preference right now. It’s still early,” he added. “What we say today may not apply tomorrow. Newcastle couldn’t let him go now, and there’s no reason to move, especially given how attached Sandro is to the club.“

Álvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid head coach and former Cristiano Ronaldo's teammate, stated that a current player of the team could end up surpassing the Portuguese legend.

Cristiano Ronaldo cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players not only in soccer history, but in Real Madrid’s storied past, a club with more than 100 years of history and countless legends. Still, according to former teammate and current club coach Álvaro Arbeloa, there is one player in the current squad who could eventually surpass what the Portuguese superstar achieved in white.

A World Cup and two European Championships winner with Spain, Arbeloa spent most of his playing career at Real Madrid, appearing in 238 matches before leaving for West Ham in 2016. During that stretch, he won two UEFA Champions League titles (2013–14 and 2015–16) alongside Ronaldo. Now in a coaching role, the Spaniard believes he is witnessing a similarly special talent within the club.

After Sunday’s 2–0 win over Valencia, Arbeloa was asked about Kylian Mbappé — what it is like to coach him, and whether the French star could ever surpass Ronaldo’s impact at the club. “We’re very lucky to have him. He’s the best player in the world right now based on what he shows match after match,” Arbeloa said. “What Cristiano did seemed otherworldly, impossible to match, and like no one could even come close.“

The Spanish coach then expanded on his point. “Kylian still has a long way to go because Cris spent many years here, but he has the qualities to follow in his footsteps. Why not surpass him? It’s not easy, but if anyone can, it’s Kylian,” Arbeloa added.

Mbappé played a decisive role against Valencia, sealing the 2-0 victory in stoppage time with a finish from close range after a perfectly weighted cross from Brahim Díaz. The goal underlined his current form, as the Frenchman now holds the best scoring run in Europe’s top five leagues, with seven goals in his last six La Liga matches.

By the end of 2025, Mbappé had already begun closing in on Ronaldo’s record for most goals scored by a Real Madrid player in a single calendar year, and he recently surpassed the Portuguese icon as the club’s top scorer in the Champions League group phase. While he has yet to lift the trophy with Los Blancos, Arbeloa believes that at 27 years old, Mbappé has the tools to build a legacy that could rival, or even eclipse, Ronaldo’s.

Mbappé keeps writing history at Real Madrid

The 2025-26 Golden Boot race continues to intensify, with all three leading contenders finding the net on Sunday: Harry Kane leads the way with 24 goals, followed closely by Mbappé on 23, while Erling Haaland sits third with 21. Even so, Mbappé’s dominance in La Liga remains unmatched, as he continues to etch his name into Real Madrid’s record books.

With his goal against Valencia, Mbappé reached 23 goals in the first 23 matchdays of the 2025-26 La Liga season, averaging exactly one goal per game. Only a handful of Real Madrid legends, including Pahiño, Alfredo Di Stéfano, Ferenc Puskás, Hugo Sánchez, and Cristiano Ronaldo, have achieved that mark, with Ronaldo being the only player to do it four times.

With his latest strike with FC Barcelona, Robert Lewandowski joined an elite goalscoring club alongside legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Robert Lewandowski has become a cornerstone for FC Barcelona since arriving in 2022, and even at 37 years old, he continues to perform at the highest level. With his latest goal for the Blaugrana, Lewandowski has entered an elite goalscoring club, joining legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Last Saturday, Barcelona secured a crucial 3-0 win over RCD Mallorca to extend their lead at the top of La Liga, now sitting on 58 points through 23 matches. The victory was sparked by Lewandowski, who capitalized on a rebound in the 29th minute and calmly finished from close range with both his marker and the goalkeeper on the ground, reinforcing his status as one of the defining strikers of the modern era.

That goal against Mallorca made Lewandowski just the third player in the history of Europe’s top five leagues to score at least 10 league goals in 15 consecutive seasons. After appearing in 18 La Liga matches during the 2025–26 campaign, the Polish striker reached double digits once again, a milestone previously achieved only by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Messi and Ronaldo began their streaks in the 2006–07 season, with Ronaldo scoring 17 goals in 34 Premier League matches for Manchester United and Messi netting 14 goals in 26 La Liga appearances for Barcelona. While Messi’s run ended in the 2020–21 season, Ronaldo extended his streak to 16 seasons after returning to Manchester United in 2021–22, a record that remains unmatched.

Lewandowski’s run began in the 2011–12 season, when he scored 22 Bundesliga goals in 34 matches for Borussia Dortmund. He maintained that consistency throughout his years at Bayern Munich and has continued it during his three-and-a-half seasons at Barcelona, reaching 15 consecutive campaigns across two leagues.

At 37, questions remain about Lewandowski’s future at Barcelona, where he is currently in the final year of his contract and renewal talks have yet to advance. However, if he can sustain this level for even two more seasons, he would surpass both Messi and Ronaldo in this category, strengthening his case as one of the greatest strikers of the century.

Who had the best goalscoring record across those 15 seasons?

One of the key differences among the three players lies in the leagues where their streaks were achieved. Messi completed his entirely in La Liga with Barcelona, Lewandowski did so across the Bundesliga and La Liga with three clubs, and Ronaldo spread his run across three leagues: the Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A.

According to data collected from Transfermarkt, Cristiano Ronaldo scored 458 goals in 492 league matches from the 2006–07 to the 2020–21 seasons, averaging 0.93 goals per game. Including his 2021–22 campaign, his totals rise to 476 goals in 522 matches, with a slight dip in efficiency.

Lionel Messi, during his streak from 2006–07 to 2020–21, recorded 467 goals in 496 La Liga appearances, averaging 0.94 goals per game. Unlike the others, Messi achieved the entire run within a single league.

Lewandowski’s streak, which remains active, began in 2011–12 and now spans through the 2025–26 season. Following his goal against Mallorca, he has totaled 383 goals in 439 league matches across the Bundesliga and La Liga, averaging 0.87 goals per game. With 15 league matches still remaining this season, the Polish striker has room to further extend his tally.

Set to face Valencia for a key La Liga game, Real Madrid won't be counting with stars Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham.

Real Madrid are set to face Valencia in a key La Liga clash on Matchday 23 as they look to close the gap on leaders FC Barcelona. However, with the season already past its midpoint, Los Blancos will be without two of their biggest stars, as both Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham will miss the trip to Mestalla.

Vinícius Jr. will not be available against Valencia due to suspension. In the previous match against Rayo Vallecano, which ended in a dramatic win, the Brazilian winger was shown a yellow card, his fifth of the league campaign, triggering a one-match ban.

Bellingham’s absence, however, is more concerning. The English midfielder will miss the Valencia match after suffering an injury in the win over Rayo Vallecano, where he was visibly emotional as he left the pitch.

Medical tests conducted the following day confirmed that Bellingham has sustained a tear in the semitendinosus muscle of his left leg. The injury is expected to sideline him for approximately one month, ruling him out not only against Valencia but also for the upcoming UEFA Champions League playoff series against Benfica.

Real Madrid currently sit second in La Liga with 54 points, nine clear of third-placed Atlético Madrid and four behind Barcelona. A victory at Mestalla would cut the deficit at the top to just one point, but without two of their most influential players, it remains to be seen whether an in-form Kylian Mbappé can tip the balance in Madrid’s favor.

Real Madrid’s lineup to face Valencia

In addition to Vinícius and Bellingham, Éder Militão and Rodrygo are also unavailable due to injury and were left out of the squad. As a result, head coach Álvaro Arbeloa is expected to field a rotated lineup, which will include the La Liga debut of 21-year-old right back David Jiménez.

Real Madrid’s confirmed lineup (4-3-1-2): Thibaut Courtois; David Jiménez, Raúl Asencio, Dean Huijsen, Álvaro Carreras; Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga; Arda Güler; Gonzalo García, Kylian Mbappé.

With his latest goal with FC Barcelona, Lamine Yamal has now reached the top of a young goalscoring record by surpassing Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé.

Lamine Yamal is on track for the most productive season of his young career, delivering performances that continue to break long-standing records. With his latest goal for Barcelona, the 18-year-old has moved to the top of a young goalscoring mark previously held by Kylian Mbappé.

On Saturday, Barcelona faced RCD Mallorca on La Liga Matchday 23, looking to extend their advantage at the top of the table. In a dominant 3-0 victory, Yamal made his mark by scoring the second goal, firing a left-footed strike from outside the box in the 61st minute after a pass from Dani Olmo, a goal that secured his place in the history books.

With his strike against Mallorca, Yamal became the player with the most goals scored in Europe’s top five leagues before turning 19 in the 21st century. Mbappé previously held the record with 23 goals, but the Barcelona winger has now moved ahead with 24.

Mbappé made his Ligue 1 debut at just 16 during the 2015-16 season, scoring once before exploding onto the European scene the following year. In his second campaign, he recorded 15 goals and 11 assists in 29 appearances for AS Monaco. After moving to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017-18, he added seven more goals before turning 19, cementing his status as one of world soccer’s brightest prospects.

Since making his Barcelona debut during the 2022-23 La Liga season, Yamal has steadily earned his place not only as a regular starter, but as one of the game’s most impactful young players. Across 92 appearances in Europe’s top five leagues (all in Spain’s top flight) he has tallied 24 goals and 31 assists, highlighting his influence as both a scorer and creator.

Why was Yamal subbed off?

Yamal’s record-setting rise is no coincidence, but rather the result of his current peak form. Riding a streak of five consecutive matches with a goal, the teenager has posted 15 goals and 13 assists in 30 appearances across all competitions during the 2025-26 season, though concern emerged when he was substituted against Mallorca.

Asked about the decision, head coach Hansi Flick explained the move after the match: “We also have to manage his minutes. At the moment he’s enjoying playing football, but in the first half he wasn’t at his very best. He saved his energy for the second half and scored, and that’s OK.

“I asked him for the change, he gave a thumbs up, and he was fine,” Flick added. Barcelona now turn their attention to the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals against Atlético Madrid, where the German coach will be hoping to have Yamal operating at full strength.

With his goal against Albacete in the Copa del Rey, Lamine Yamal has now reached a goalscoring feat at FC Barcelona which was last seen when legend Lionel Messi was still at the club.

Lamine Yamal opened 2026 in strong form, not only lifting the Spanish Super Cup but also extending a scoring run that could mark the most productive goalscoring season of his young career at FC Barcelona. With his current form, the Spanish prodigy has reached a goalscoring milestone at the club that had last been achieved by Lionel Messi.

Already cementing his legacy in just his fourth professional season at only 18 years old, Yamal recently matched Diego Maradona’s Barcelona scoring mark with a goal against Elche. But his latest strike in the Copa del Rey win over Albacete did more than place him alongside one Argentine legend—it also tied him with another.

By opening the scoring in Barcelona’s 2-1 victory over Albacete, Yamal found the net in four consecutive matches across three different competitions. Showing consistency against varied opponents and in different contexts, the last Barcelona player to achieve that feat was not a current squad member, but club icon Lionel Messi.

Yamal’s scoring run began on January 25 with a goal against Real Oviedo in a 3-0 La Liga win, followed by a strike (and an assist) against Copenhagen in the UEFA Champions League. He then scored again in league play versus Elche before capping the streak against Albacete in the Copa del Rey on February 3. In a span of just nine days, the winger recorded four goals and one assist across four matches.

Despite missing time earlier in the season due to pubalgia, Yamal has not lost momentum and remains on pace for his most productive campaign in front of goal. Last season (his best to date) he posted 18 goals and 21 assists in 55 appearances. In the 2025-26 season, he already has 14 goals and 12 assists in 29 matches, a remarkable rate that puts his personal best well within reach.

Messi’s longest goalscoring streak

Lionel Messi authored a singular legacy at Barcelona, highlighted by record-breaking goal totals, including the most goals in a single calendar year and the most goals in club history. While Yamal remains far from those benchmarks, his current run places him roughly halfway toward Messi’s longest consecutive scoring streak.

According to Transfermarkt, Messi’s longest streak of scoring in consecutive matches reached 10 games. Beginning on December 9, 2012, against Real Betis, Messi scored in seven La Liga matches and three Copa del Rey games, with the streak ending in the Copa del Rey semifinal first leg against Real Madrid on January 30.

Across three different competitions, Messi’s streak extended to nine matches, or even 10 when including a friendly with Argentina against Brazil. During a separate run in 2010 with Barcelona, Messi scored in five consecutive La Liga matches (netting 10 goals) along with three Champions League games and one Copa del Rey appearance.

Set to face Benfica in the Champions League playoffs, Kylian Mbappé will suffer a squad blow as UEFA handed a heavy suspension to one of his star teammates at Real Madrid.

Kylian Mbappé and Real Madrid fell short of securing direct qualification to the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 and are now headed for the newly introduced playoff round. After slipping into the playoff zone, the French superstar has now been dealt an additional setback, as UEFA handed down a heavy suspension to one of his key teammates ahead of the decisive ties.

On Matchday 8 of the Champions League, Real Madrid dropped from third to ninth in the standings following Benfica’s dramatic 4-2 victory, sealed by an unlikely stoppage-time goal from the goalkeeper. With Benfica finishing 24th overall, the two sides are set to meet again in the knockout phase, though Los Blancos will do so without a crucial attacking option.

Following UEFA’s disciplinary ruling, Rodrygo Goes has been suspended for two matches after receiving a red card against Benfica, ruling him out of the entire playoff series. The Brazilian forward was sent off after protesting referee Davide Massa’s decisions, picking up two yellow cards in less than a minute.

Although the dismissal stemmed from two cautions, UEFA’s disciplinary committee upgraded the punishment to a two-game ban by invoking the article covering “insults or abusive language toward the officiating team,” extending Rodrygo’s absence beyond the standard one-match suspension.

Rodrygo addressed the incident the following day on social media, issuing a public apology: “Yesterday I let myself get carried away in the moment when I complained about time-wasting. That’s not who I am. I had never been sent off playing for Real Madrid, and I am aware of the consequences. I apologize to the fans, the club, my teammates, and the coach. We will stay united and keep fighting for this badge and for this Champions League!“

The first leg against Benfica will be played on February 17 at Estádio da Luz, with the return leg scheduled for February 25 at the Santiago Bernabéu. After an uneven group-stage campaign, Real Madrid now face an even steeper challenge as they attempt to keep their Champions League hopes alive.

Rodrygo isn’t the only absence

With head coach Alvaro Arbeloa under pressure to steady the ship, having a full squad available would have been crucial to avoiding another setback in Europe, specially following the shocking Copa del Rey elimination against Albacete. Instead, Real Madrid will be forced to navigate the playoff round significantly shorthanded.

Jude Bellingham will also miss the series after suffering an injury in the club’s most recent match against Rayo Vallecano. Medical tests revealed damage to the semitendinosus muscle in his left leg, sidelining the English midfielder until early March and compounding Real Madrid’s problems at a critical stage of the season.

Still pushing to strengthen the squad for the 2026 season, Lionel Messi could see the return of a key Argentine player, as Inter Miami reportedly reignites talks to bring back a 2025 MLS Cup winner.

Lionel Messi has begun preparations for the 2026 MLS season with the World Cup also on the horizon, as Inter Miami continues to reshape its roster following the most active transfer window in club history. With the winter window still open, the Herons have reportedly reignited talks to secure the signing of an Argentine key player who was part of the club’s 2025 MLS Cup–winning squad.

With Sergio Busquets replaced by David Ayala and the additions of Germán Berterame and Dayne St. Clair, Inter Miami have significantly reinforced the core of the team, finding balance after several departures at the end of last season. However, one of the flaws exposed during the last two friendlies was the team’s difficulty progressing the ball from defense to attack, lacking a fundamental creative presence in midfield.

According to Argentine outlet TyC Sports, Inter Miami have resumed negotiations to bring Baltasar Rodríguez back to the club. The MLS side recently submitted a counteroffer of $4.5 million to Racing Club, but talks stalled at the time. Now, the Herons are once again pushing to finalize the midfielder’s signing.

After joining Inter Miami on a one-year loan and initially struggling with injuries, Rodríguez established himself as a regular starter late in the 2025 season. He played a key role in the MLS Cup run, finishing the campaign with 22 appearances, three goals, and three assists. The midfielder returned to Racing Club for preseason training in Paraguay after Inter Miami opted not to trigger his purchase option.

Inter Miami reopened negotiations once the buy clause expired, forcing both clubs back to the table. In January, the Herons reportedly reached personal terms with the 22-year-old but failed to agree with Racing. Now, a deal valued at around $5 million is expected to be completed, which would see Rodríguez reunite with Messi’s squad.

In the first two preseason matches against Alianza Lima and Atlético Nacional, Inter Miami dominated possession but struggled to generate penetration in the final third. With Telasco Segovia still short of his early-2025 form following injury, Rodríguez’s return as a left-sided midfielder could provide both depth and a familiar tactical piece from the MLS Cup–winning side.

Could Inter Miami secure Rodríguez’s signing?

Racing Club are currently undergoing their own squad rebuild, particularly in midfield. Agustín Almendra has joined Liga MX side Necaxa, while top prospect Juan Nardoni is expected to move to Brazilian club Grêmio in a deal worth around $10 million. While those changes could open opportunities for Rodríguez, his role has remained limited.

With the Argentine Primera División already underway, Rodríguez has appeared as a substitute in two of Racing’s first three matches, totaling just 49 minutes of action. If head coach Javier Mascherano maintains the role Rodríguez held late last season, the midfielder would likely return as a regular starter alongside Messi, making a convincing offer enough for Inter Miami to bring back a key contributor from its 2025 MLS Cup triumph.

While dismissing the transfer claims for Al Nassr, the Saudi Pro League issued a major warning to Cristiano Ronaldo after his stance of boycotting the competition by sitting down in the last league game.

Cristiano Ronaldo has found himself at the center of controversy after sitting out Al Nassr’s last match in what was widely interpreted as a protest against Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) over a lack of transfer activity during the winter window. Now, not only have those claims been dismissed, but Ronaldo has also received a firm warning from the Saudi Pro League in its latest statement.

As the face of the league, Ronaldo reportedly chose to make his stance clear by withdrawing from the lineup, first against Al Riyadh and potentially again for the upcoming clash with Al Ittihad. The situation has sparked significant turmoil, with speculation growing over whether the Portuguese star could consider a summer departure.

The SPL responded forcefully, downplaying the role of the PIF in day-to-day football operations. In a statement released Thursday, a league spokesperson emphasized the league’s structure: “The Saudi Pro League is structured around a simple principle: every club operates independently under the same rules.“

Despite the PIF holding majority stakes in four of Saudi Arabia’s biggest clubs (Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli) the league stressed that decision-making authority rests with each team. “Clubs have their own boards, their own executives and their own football leadership. Decisions on recruitment, spending and strategy sit with those clubs, within a financial framework designed to ensure sustainability and competitive balance. That framework applies equally across the league,” the statement read.

The statement also addressed Ronaldo directly, while taking a clear stance on his reported boycott: “Cristiano has been fully engaged with Al Nassr since his arrival and has played an important role in the club’s growth and ambition. Like any elite competitor, he wants to win. But no individual — however significant — determines decisions beyond their own club.

Claims over transfer activity dismissed

Al Hilal were the most active club during the 2026 winter transfer window, loaning out João Cancelo (FC Barcelona) and Kaio César (Corinthians), while completing the signings of prospects Kader Meïté (€30 million) and Saïmon Bouabré (€23 million). Late-window reports linking Karim Benzema to a move also fueled Ronaldo’s frustration, though the deal ultimately went through despite his objections.

While Al Nassr did not complete a single international signing, the SPL addressed accusations of unequal treatment head-on: “Recent transfer activity demonstrates that independence clearly. One club strengthened in a particular way. Another chose a different approach. Those were club decisions, taken within approved financial parameters.“

The league also pointed to the standings as evidence of competitive balance. “The competitiveness of the league speaks for itself. With only a few points separating the top four, the title race is very much alive. That level of balance reflects a system that is working as intended,” the statement detailed, with Al Nassr sitting in 3rd with 46 points, 4 afar from Al Hilal who have one more game.

“The focus remains on football — on the pitch, where it belongs — and on maintaining a credible, competitive competition for players and fans,” the statement concluded. As Ronaldo weighs the possibility of missing a second straight match, league officials appear unmoved, making clear their position as tensions continue to simmer.

With new PIF problems reportedly surfacing, Cristiano Ronaldo is now set to miss Al Nassr's key SPL game against Al Ittihad.

Cristiano Ronaldo has dominated headlines in Saudi Arabia in recent days after deciding to sit out Al Nassr’s last match as a form of protest toward the country’s Public Investment Fund. With a new issue reportedly emerging, Ronaldo is now also set to miss the crucial Saudi Pro League clash against Al Ittihad.

The situation came to light last Monday, when Ronaldo was left out of the squad for the match against Al Riyadh despite having no reported injury or personal issue. Subsequent reports revealed that the decision was linked to his dissatisfaction with the PIF, specifically over what he views as a lack of investment in Al Nassr during the now-closed winter transfer window.

Al Nassr are scheduled to face Al Ittihad on Matchday 21 in a pivotal SPL fixture, with Ronaldo’s side currently sitting third on 46 points, four behind leaders Al Hilal, who have played one more game. Al Ittihad sit sixth, and a win would significantly tighten the title race, but despite the importance of the matchup, Ronaldo appears poised to maintain his stance.

When Al Nassr released their squad list for the Al Ittihad match, Ronaldo was again absent, confirming he will miss his second consecutive league game. According to Fabrizio Romano, the forward’s frustration with the PIF has not eased, and while no further signings are possible with the transfer window closed, Ronaldo’s position remains unchanged.

The legend only grows. Your commitment, mentality, and leadership drive our dreams forward. 🟡🔵
Happy Birthday, @Cristiano! 🐐 pic.twitter.com/hOAu42yeK0

— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) February 5, 2026

Now 41, Ronaldo has previously emphasized his desire to maintain peak fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which he has said will be his final major tournament. This marks only the second SPL match he has missed this season, but the ongoing boycott could impact not only his pursuit of the 1,000-goal milestone, but also his long-term match readiness.

New issues rise between Ronaldo and the PIF

With the PIF overseeing Saudi Arabia’s four biggest clubs (Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli) Ronaldo’s frustration reportedly centers on what he perceives as preferential treatment toward Al Hilal. Tensions recently escalated when Ronaldo’s protest was said to be aimed at preventing Karim Benzema’s move from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal, an effort that ultimately failed, and new complications have since emerged.

According to A Bola, the PIF is now dealing with significant delays in salary payments. The Portuguese outlet reports that Ronaldo intends to wait for the situation to be resolved before making his return to competitive action.

Al Nassr’s next fixture beyond the Al Ittihad match is scheduled for Wednesday, February 11, against Turkmenistani side FK Arkadag in the AFC Champions League Two Round of 16. With that match falling outside the SPL, it remains unclear whether Ronaldo’s boycott will extend into continental competition as well.

With Portugal expecting to establish their base camp in Miami for the 2026 World Cup, questions rose over the possibility of Cristiano Ronaldo to be in Lionel Messi's Inter Miami training center.

Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to play in his final World Cup in 2026, which would represent his last chance to lift the most coveted trophy in soccer. Preparations are already underway, and with Portugal expected to establish its base camp in Miami, questions have emerged about the possibility of Ronaldo training at the same facility Lionel Messi uses with Inter Miami.

Messi’s Argentina has already confirmed that it will set up its base in Kansas City, a decision made with the group-stage venues in mind. A similar process has led Portuguese officials to consider Miami as their preferred location, a city that has been transformed by the presence of Ronaldo’s longtime rival.

Speaking at the Portuguese Soccer Congress, head coach Roberto Martínez was asked about Portugal’s base camp. While he left the door open for changes, he did reveal the federation’s current preference: “I can’t confirm, because FIFA will only confirm it in two weeks, but I can say that our idea is to stay in Florida, in Miami.”

Drawn into Group K at the 2026 World Cup, Portugal does not yet know all of its opponents, but the match venues are set. The team will open its campaign on June 17 against the winner of the FIFA International Playoff, followed by a match against Uzbekistan on June 23, with both games scheduled for NRG Stadium in Houston. The final group match, against Colombia on June 27, will be played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

Given that setup, the Spanish coach supported the logic of remaining on the East Coast. “We have two games in Houston, but in a closed stadium. So, the idea is not to train in Houston, it’s to train in the conditions of the third game, which is against Colombia, in Miami,” he said. “So, it makes sense that our base camp is in Miami and we can go to Houston for the first two games, come back, and work with the conditions of the third game,” Martinez concluded.

Could Ronaldo use Inter Miami’s training center?

Despite publicly expressing a desire to base the team in Miami for logistical reasons, official confirmation has yet to arrive, and Martínez did not specify whether the camp would be located within the city itself or in the surrounding area. That distinction leaves multiple training sites in play for Portugal.

According to the Miami Herald’s Michelle Kaufman, Inter Miami’s Florida Blue Training Center, the same facility that hosted Argentina during the last October international window, is one potential option. However, the report noted that it “seems unlikely” Portugal would establish its base at the same complex where Messi and Inter Miami train daily.

If Portugal opts for the broader Miami area, other viable options include Gardens North County District Park in Palm Beach Gardens or Beyond Bancard Field on the campus of Nova Southeastern University in Davie. FIFA is expected to officially announce the base camps for all 48 teams in the coming weeks.

After completing his move to Al Hilal, Karim Benzema made a bold comparison with his new club and Real Madrid, snubbing Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr.

Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo have developed one of the most heated rivalries in Saudi Arabia, fueled largely by recent events involving both stars and rising tensions within the Saudi Pro League. Now set to wear the Al Hilal shirt, the French striker appeared to snub Ronaldo’s Al Nassr by drawing a bold comparison between his new club and Real Madrid.

Notably, Benzema and Ronaldo were both central figures during the most successful era in Real Madrid’s history, lifting four UEFA Champions League titles together as part of their combined five overall triumphs. However, Saudi Arabia has now become the stage for their rivalry to continue, both on and off the pitch, following Benzema’s move from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal.

After completing the transfer on the final day of the window, Benzema spoke for the first time as an Al Hilal player on the club’s official website: “It’s good. I’m happy to be here. After my first training with the team, with the coach, I’m so happy and glad to be a part of this team.“

The Frenchman then drew a comparison between his new club and the team where he spent the prime of his career and won the Ballon d’Or. “It’s a good team, with a good history. They have won a lot of trophies. It’s similar, like Real Madrid in Asia. Everything is good, the fans are good, they play well, they have good players, they have a good mentality,” Benzema stated.

The striker concluded by reflecting on his past encounters with Al Hilal, setting high expectations for his new chapter: “I liked this team from before. I used to play against them with Madrid and it was not an easy game. It was a good game so I have good memories. Today I’m happy because I’m a player of Al Hilal.“

While Cristiano Ronaldo’s reported frustration has grown over the Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) level of support for Al Nassr, Al Hilal’s successful push to sign Benzema only added fuel to the situation. With Ronaldo skipping Al Nassr’s most recent match and Benzema now settled at his new club, the Frenchman’s comments appeared to elevate Al Hilal above their domestic rivals.

When could Ronaldo and Benzema face each other?

Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema were originally set to cross paths again next Friday, when Al Nassr host Al Ittihad, but Benzema’s sudden transfer changed those plans. With Ronaldo also reportedly considering missing Al Nassr’s next match, their reunion may now be delayed until later in the season.

Al Nassr and Al Hilal are scheduled to meet on May 7 for Matchday 32 of the Saudi Pro League, a clash that could prove decisive in the title race with just one point separating the two clubs. The matchup would mark another chapter in the rivalry between Ronaldo and Benzema, adding extra edge to what is already shaping up to be one of the league’s most anticipated fixtures.

After expressing his discomfort over the club transfer spendings, Pep Guardiola's future at Manchester City has been reportedly revealed.

Pep Guardiola has turned Manchester City into one of the most dominant teams in world soccer, delivering the sustained success Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed envisioned when he acquired the club in 2008. However, after recently voicing frustration over the club’s transfer spending, questions have resurfaced about Guardiola’s long-term future with the Sky Blues, and reports suggest clarity may be emerging.

Following a disappointing 2024-25 campaign, City currently trail Arsenal in the Premier League title race with 47 points, sitting six points off the top. Determined to rebound after a trophyless season, Guardiola has navigated a year plagued by injuries, prompting the club to secure Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guéhi during the January 2026 transfer window.

Asked during Tuesday’s press conference about those additions, Guardiola delivered a pointed message toward the club’s hierarchy: “Yeah, really good. I’m a little bit sad and upset because in net spend in the last five years we are seventh in the Premier League. I want to be the first. I don’t understand why the club don’t spend more money. I am a little bit grumpy with them.“

Despite January reinforcements, Guardiola widened his perspective to the broader financial landscape of the past five seasons. While Manchester City’s net spend is estimated at around €460 million, six Premier League clubs, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, and Liverpool, have spent more in the transfer market, even as City continue to lead the league in wage expenditure.

“But like we won in the past because we spent a lot, now six teams have to win the Premier Leagues, Champions Leagues and FA Cups because they spend more in the last five years,” Guardiola added. “These are facts. It’s not an opinion. Good luck to the six teams ahead of us in net spend over the last five years,” the City boss concluded, issuing a clear challenge to his rivals.

Guardiola’s long-term future at City in doubt

Amid speculation linking him to the Brazil national team job following the 2024–25 season, Guardiola ultimately signed a two-year contract extension with Manchester City. Still, with his current deal set to expire in June 2027, the club is already preparing for a future in which the Spanish manager may no longer be at the helm.

According to BBC Sport, there are growing doubts internally over whether Guardiola will remain beyond next season, despite having another year left on his contract. Even if he chooses to stay through its expiration, the report suggests it is “improbable” that he would agree to another extension.

With City still competing on multiple fronts, second in the Premier League, qualified for the Champions League Round of 16, and set to play in the Carabao Cup final, no immediate decision is expected. The report adds that clarity on Guardiola’s future is more likely to come near the end of the season or shortly after the campaign concludes.

Potential successors have already been discussed, including Xabi Alonso following his departure from Real Madrid, Enzo Maresca, and Como head coach Cesc Fàbregas. As City approach a decade under Guardiola’s leadership, the club’s hierarchy is quietly weighing long-term options for life after the most successful manager in its history.