Cristiano Ronaldo could see his squad boosted for next season as Al Nassr are reportedly pushing to complete the signing of Portugal international Pedro Goncalves on a $35M deal.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been a driving force behind Al Nassr‘s transformation into one of the most dominant sides in Saudi Arabia, with a series of high-profile signings helping to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts. The latest addition could be another Portuguese face, with reports claiming the club is closing in on a $35 million deal for Portugal national teammate Pedro Goncalves.

According to Saudi outlet Al-Wiam, Al Nassr officials are in advanced discussions over the signing of Goncalves. Currently at Sporting CP, the club where Ronaldo was raised and made his professional debut, the winger would represent the marquee addition of the upcoming summer transfer window.

Goncalves is contracted with Sporting through June 2030 and carries a release clause of 80 million euros. With his market value estimated at €28 million by Transfermarkt, Al Nassr have reportedly tabled an official offer of €30 million, approximately $35 million, in an attempt to get the deal over the line.

The 27-year-old has been a regular presence in Portugal’s recent squads under head coach Roberto Martinez, including the team that lifted the 2025 UEFA Nations League. While his role has been limited, totaling just 24 minutes across the last 18 matches, he has consistently featured among the substitutes for the side led by Ronaldo up front.

On the club level, Goncalves has already claimed seven trophies with Sporting CP, including three Liga Portugal titles. In the 2025-26 season, he has appeared in 39 games, registering 15 goals and eight assists, with two fixtures remaining including the Taca de Portugal final against Sport Clube Uniao Torreense.

How could Goncalves fit into Al Nassr’s system?

The potential signing of Goncalves comes as something of a surprise, not because of any doubt about his quality, but because Al Nassr’s attack has been functioning at an exceptionally high level this season. Under Jorge Jesus, the club has scored 132 goals across all competitions, with Ronaldo accounting for 28 of them, while Sadio Mane, Joao Felix and Kingsley Coman have all contributed significantly to reduce the team’s dependence on any single player.

The issue becomes apparent, however, when one of those key figures is unavailable. Mane in particular has proven to be a decisive variable: Al Nassr have suffered just one defeat in the 34 games he has started this season, but have lost five of the 13 matches in which he was absent through injury or international duty.

Finding a reliable replacement for Mane has been one of Jorge Jesus’ most persistent challenges, and at 34 years old with his Al Nassr contract running through June 2027, planning for the future on the left wing is becoming increasingly urgent. Goncalves, who can also operate in the No. 10 role behind the striker in a similar fashion to Joao Felix, offers a versatile and internationally proven solution to that problem in the medium to long term.

Kylian Mbappe has been drawn in the eye of the storm once again, claiming that Alvaro Arbeloa told him he was Real Madrid's "fourth forward," a statement quickly denied by the coach.

Kylian Mbappe has sparked another controversy at a Real Madrid side that has been unable to find any peace in the final stretch of the 2025-26 season, claiming that Alvaro Arbeloa told him he was the “fourth forward” in the squad. The Spanish coach was quick to fire back, flatly denying the Frenchman’s account in yet another episode of turbulence at the club.

Real Madrid were hosting Real Oviedo on Thursday in a La Liga fixture, with FC Barcelona already crowned champions following their El Clasico victory over the weekend. Mbappe, who had been absent from the squad for the Barcelona match, was included in the group for the Oviedo game but was left out of the starting lineup by Arbeloa.

The coach opted for a 4-4-2 formation, with Gonzalo Garcia and Vinicius Junior leading the attack and Brahim Diaz and Franco Mastantuono operating on the wings. Mbappe came off the bench in the 69th minute to replace Gonzalo and made an immediate impact, assisting Jude Bellingham’s goal in the 80th minute to seal a 2-0 victory, but his mood in the aftermath was anything but celebratory.

Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone, Mbappé explained his position on the bench directly: “I’m doing very well. At 100%. I didn’t start because the coach told me that, for him, I am the fourth forward in the squad, behind Vinícius, Mastantuono, and Gonzalo. I accept it and I play the time that I’m given. We played well, and I gave an assist to Jude. We won, and it’s important to win at home.“

When pressed on whether he had any issue with being assigned that role, Mbappe directed the question back to the manager. “Ask the ‘mister’ (the coach). What do you want me to tell you? I was ready to be a starter, but it’s his decision and I cannot be angry with him. You have to respect it. I have to work together and work hard to be a starter,” he declared in the mixed zone.

Mbappe on missing El Clasico and the reception from fans

Mbappe’s Italian getaway during his injury recovery had already drawn criticism in recent weeks, forcing him to address the situation publicly. His last-minute withdrawal from El Clasico only deepened the frustration among supporters, who made their feelings clear when he came on against Oviedo, greeting his entrance from the bench with a cascade of whistles from the Santiago Bernabeu crowd.

Addressing the moment directly, Mbappé did not shy away from the subject: “It was a shame for me not to play in the Clásico. That’s life. We cannot change people’s opinions. It’s just how they see things, and I don’t take it personally. I’ve had moments in my career where I’ve been whistled. It’s part of the business and part of life. Sometimes they aren’t happy, but they are always here (supporting).“

Arbeloa denies Mbappé’s account

Because Mbappe’s comments came before Arbeloa’s post-match press conference, the coach was given a direct opportunity to respond, and he wasted no time doing so.

“I did not say such a phrase to him; he must not have understood correctly. I decide who plays as long as I am sitting in this chair; I don’t care if they disagree, no matter what their name is. And if not, let them wait for the next coach. I wish I had four forwards; I don’t know what to tell you because I don’t even have four forwards, nor have I said such a phrase to him,” Arbeloa said as soon as he sat down in the Bernabwu press room.

The Spanish coach also emphasized that just four days earlier, Mbappe had not even been fit enough to make the bench for El Clasico, underscoring how quickly the situation had shifted. While Arbeloa kept his focus on the team’s next fixture three days away, the episode adds yet another combustible chapter to what has been a deeply turbulent end to Real Madrid’s season.

Minnesota United confirmed that James Rodriguez played his last MLS game before joining the Colombia national team camp ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

James Rodriguez became one of the most high-profile signings of the winter transfer window when he joined Minnesota United FC ahead of the 2026 MLS season. However, the Loons have now confirmed that the star midfielder has played his final game for the club as he prepares to join the Colombia national team camp for the 2026 World Cup.

After his contract with Mexican side Club Leon expired in December 2025, Rodriguez became one of the most coveted free agents on the market. While he spent the winter training on his own, Minnesota emerged as the winner in the sweepstakes for his signature, officially pulling off the blockbuster move in early February.

Due to the timing of his arrival, Rodriguez missed Minnesota’s first three matches before making his highly anticipated MLS debut on March 15 in a disappointing 6-0 loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps. Exactly two months later, the Loons announced that Wednesday’s clash with the Colorado Rapids served as the Colombian’s farewell performance.

In an official statement, the club confirmed the departure: “Minnesota United today announced that the club will release midfielder James Rodríguez following tonight’s Colorado Rapids game to join the Colombian National Team camp in preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The club is proud to support James as he represents his country on the world’s biggest stage and wishes him success during camp and throughout the tournament.“

NEWS | Minnesota United today announced that the club will release midfielder James Rodríguez following tonight’s Colorado Rapids game to join the Colombian National Team camp in preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The club is proud to support James as he represents his… pic.twitter.com/jXTAXaVEdQ

— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) May 13, 2026

Rodriguez now heads to training camp under manager Nestor Lorenzo, meaning he will miss Minnesota’s upcoming fixtures against the New England Revolution and Real Salt Lake. With his current deal set to expire in June 2026, it is highly likely that the midfielder has played his final minutes in a Loons uniform.

Expected to captain Colombia this summer, Rodriguez has stated he isn’t considering retirement just yet, claiming he still has “a couple of years left” in the tank. Despite that optimism, his club future remains a massive question mark as he prepares to hit free agency for what would be the seventh time in his storied career.

A look back at James Rodriguez’s brief tenure with the Loons

Despite the massive expectations surrounding his short-term deal, Rodriguez struggled to find his footing during his stint in the Twin Cities. The Colombian featured in only eight of Minnesota’s 15 matches this season, logging six MLS appearances and two in the US Open Cup while failing to find the back of the net.

His time with the club was plagued by fitness issues, largely due to his lack of a proper preseason. The situation worsened in March when a call-up to the national team resulted in a severe case of dehydration that required hospitalization, a setback that prevented him from ever reaching peak match fitness with Minnesota.

Coach Didier Deschamps released the France squad list for the 2026 World Cup headlined by stars Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, with Eduardo Camavinga being the most notable absence.

The 2026 World Cup field is officially taking shape, with France becoming the first major powerhouse to unveil its roster for the upcoming tournament. While superstars Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele headline the star-studded list, Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga provided the shock of the day after being left out of the squad entirely.

In a high-production reveal video, head coach Didier Deschamps named the 26 players tasked with conquering North America this summer. Les Bleus find themselves in Group I, widely considered one of the tournament’s “Groups of Death,” where they will battle Sadio Mane’s Senegal, Iraq, and Erling Haaland’s Norway.

France will lean heavily on 2024-25 Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappe and 2025 Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele to spearhead the hunt for a third star. Along with Lucas Hernandez, this duo will be the only players on the roster to feature in three consecutive World Cups, a run that includes the 2018 title in Russia and the 2022 final in Qatar.

The omission of Eduardo Camavinga stands as the most glaring storyline of the selection process. “I imagine his disappointment. He is coming off a difficult season where he played less and dealt with injuries. I have choices to make, a squad structure (to maintain),” commented Didier Deschamps on TF1.

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒄𝒖𝒏 𝒂 𝒖𝒏 𝒓𝒐̂𝒍𝒆 𝒂̀ 𝒋𝒐𝒖𝒆𝒓 🇫🇷🌎

Voici nos 26 Bleus qui représenteront la France à la 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐞 𝐝𝐮 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 ! 🔥#FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/CqKUzJpSK0

— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) May 14, 2026

In a move that caught many by surprise, RC Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser earned a spot on the final 26-man roster. The 21-year-old’s inclusion marks his first-ever call-up by Deschamps, as he beat out the likes of PSG’s Lucas Chevalier and West Ham’s Alphonse Areola, both of whom struggled for consistent minutes this season.

France’s full 2026 World Cup roster

• Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Robin Risser (RC Lens), Brice Samba (Stade Rennes).
• Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Vila), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (PSG), Theo Hernandez (Al Hilal), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Jules Kounde (FC Barcelona), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace), Wiliam Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich).
• Midfielders : N’Golo Kante (Fenerbahce), Manu Kone (AS Rome), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaire-Emery (PSG).
• Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche (AS Monaco), Bradley Barcola (PSG), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Ousmane Dembele (PSG), Desire Doue (PSG), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan).

More than half of the 2022 squad will miss the 2026 trip

France entered the 2022 World Cup aiming to become the first repeat champions since Brazil in 1962, but those dreams were dashed by Lionel Messi’s Argentina in an epic final. Since that heartbreak, Deschamps has overseen a massive rebuilding process for what is expected to be his final World Cup on the French touchline.

The turnover is staggering; of the 26 players who traveled to Qatar four years ago, 14 will not be joining the team in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. Most notably, the entire 2022 goalkeeping core of Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda, and Alphonse Areola has been completely phased out in favor of new blood.

The following 14 players from the 2022 squad were excluded due to international retirement or tactical decisions:

• Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola, Hugo Lloris, and Steve Mandanda.
• Defenders: Axel Disasi, Benjamin Pavard, and Raphael Varane.
• Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga, Youssouf Fofana, Matteo Guendouzi, Jordan Veretout.
• Forwards: Kingsley Coman, Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann, and Randal Kolo Muani.

Real Madrid will be hosting Real Oviedo for La Liga, but Kylian Mbappe's absence in the starting XI raised eyebrows among fans.

Real Madrid return to the Santiago Bernabeu this Thursday, May 14, to host Real Oviedo for Matchday 36 of the 2025-26 La Liga season. While several of Los Blancos’ heavy hitters made the cut, the glaring omission of Kylian Mbappe from the starting XI has sent shockwaves through the Madridista fanbase.

Mbappe will begin today’s match on the bench due to a tactical decision by manager Alvaro Arbeloa. While the Frenchman has officially recovered from the last-minute injury that kept him out of El Clasico against Barcelona, Arbeloa has opted to ease the superstar back into action rather than handed him a starting role.

After battling back from a torn muscle fiber, Mbappe reportedly felt minor discomfort in the final training session before the duel with Barcelona, according to Marca. He has since resumed full training with the squad at Valdebebas and is said to be eager to see the field as the season reaches its final days.

Per reports out of Spain, Mbappe is determined to play a part in Real Madrid’s final three fixtures against Oviedo, Sevilla, and Athletic Club. With the 2026 World Cup just weeks away, the forward is focused on regaining his match fitness and sharpness before joining the French national team in June.

📋✅ ¡Nuestro XI inicial!
🆚 @RealOviedo
👉 @UnicajaBanco pic.twitter.com/1KNmE4GlJL

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) May 14, 2026

The move to include him in the squad comes as a surprise following reports from The Athletic suggesting Mbappe wanted to skip the remaining home games to avoid the hostile atmosphere and jeers from the Bernabeu crowd. However, it appears his priority has shifted toward being physically ready for France’s World Cup defense.

Real Madrid deal with two more significant absences

Arbeloa is still fielding a competitive side, with regulars like Thibaut Courtois, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Vinicius Junior all named to the starting lineup. However, with Real Madrid mathematically out of the La Liga title race, the manager is taking some notable risks with his team selection.

The most shocking exclusion alongside Mbappe is Jude Bellingham, who will also start the match on the bench. Furthermore, Federico Valverde, a pillar of the squad this season and frequent captain, is missing from the squad list entirely following the training ground clash with Tchouameni.

The Brazil Football Federation has announced that Carlo Ancelotti will remain at the head coaching role until the 2030 World Cup.

Carlo Ancelotti originally committed his future to the Brazil national team back in May 2025, tasked with bringing stability to the Selecao during a period of transition. Nearly a year into his tenure, the Italian tactician has doubled down on his commitment, signing a new contract extension that keeps him at the helm through the 2030 World Cup.

On Thursday, May 14, the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) released an official statement announcing the four-year extension for Ancelotti. While his initial agreement was only set to carry the national team through the 2026 tournament, he is now fully integrated into the federation’s long-term vision for the program.

In a video released by the CBF, Ancelotti reflected on his first year in South America and the significance of the role: “I arrived in Brazil one year ago. From the first minute, I understood what football means to this country. For a year, we have been working to bring the Brazilian National Team back to the top of the world. But the CBF and I want more. More victories, more time, more work.“

Now officially leading the project that will take Brazil into the World Cup’s centennial celebration, Ancelotti expressed his gratitude for the support he has received from the fans. “We are very happy to announce that we will continue together for four more years. We are going together to the 2030 World Cup. I want to thank the CBF for their trust. Thank you, Brazil, for the warm reception and for all the affection,” he added.

Brasil 🤝 Carlo Ancelotti até 2030!

O Brasil segue no comando de um dos maiores treinadores da história!
Compromisso, continuidade e confiança para levar a Seleção Brasileira ainda mais longe.
A caminhada continua. Nosso sonho também.

Saiba mais em https://t.co/pkHuBcm04I pic.twitter.com/DZdRZofPpN

— brasil (@CBF_Futebol) May 14, 2026

In less than a year in charge, Ancelotti has overseen ten Brazil matches, including the final stages of the CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup qualifiers and six friendly fixtures, compiling a record of five wins, two draws and three defeats. Beyond the 2026 World Cup, his remit now includes the 2028 Copa América and the 2030 World Cup.

How old will Ancelotti be at the 2030 World Cup?

More than 30 years have passed since Ancelotti first stepped into the dugout with Italian side Reggiana in 1995, a journey that has made him one of the most decorated managers in the history of the game. The Brazil role holds a unique distinction in that history, representing his first experience managing a national team, and the extension means he will now lead that project for the better part of a decade.

Born on June 10, 1959, Ancelotti will turn 71 by the time his new contract concludes. The 2030 World Cup will feature inauguration matches in South America before shifting to Spain, Portugal and Morocco, and the Italian has made clear his intention to add to the Pentacampeões’ legacy before his tenure is done.

Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad announcement imminent

The extension announcement comes at a critical moment, with Ancelotti set to reveal his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup in just days. The official unveiling is scheduled to take place at the Museu do Amanhã in Rio de Janeiro on May 18.

A preliminary list of 55 players has already been submitted to FIFA, with Neymar’s inclusion among the most closely watched names on the longlist. While the former Barcelona and PSG star’s potential participation has captured significant public attention, Ancelotti has been unambiguous in stating that fitness will be the deciding factor for every player on the list, Neymar included.

Lionel Messi could've added his 61st career hat-trick, but the MLS has denied it in the last Inter Miami game against FC Cincinnati.

Lionel Messi was the driving force behind Inter Miami‘s thrilling comeback against FC Cincinnati on Wednesday, May 13th, but Major League Soccer declined to credit him with what would have been the 61st hat-trick of his career.

Visiting Cincinnati for a regular-season MLS match, Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute by pressing high, winning the ball from a poor Matt Miazga pass and finishing clinically. After the hosts fought back to lead 2-1, Messi restored parity with a composed finish set up by a key cross from Rodrigo De Paul.

Evander put Cincinnati back in front at 3-2 in the 64th minute, but Messi quickly responded, this time as a creator, threading an assist to Mateo Silvetti to level the score. Then, in the 89th minute, after a defensive miscommunication in Cincinnati’s backline left German Berterame with a rebound, Messi capped off the comeback by sliding home after a Silvetti cross to complete what many in attendance believed was a hat-trick.

MESSI HAT TRICK 🎩🎩🎩 pic.twitter.com/r89IPOglLZ

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 14, 2026

A hat-trick denied by MLS

With the comeback sealed, all eyes turned to Messi, who had contributed three goals and an assist to guide Inter Miami to victory, a result that lifted the Herons to second place in the Eastern Conference with 25 points from 13 games. But MLS moved to clarify the official record.

On its official website, the league attributed the 89th-minute goal to an own goal by Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano. The ball had deflected off the post and appeared destined to stay out, but Celentano made slight contact with it on the way through. Because the ball was not crossing the line without his touch, he was credited as having turned it into his own net, stripping Messi of what would have been a historic moment.

Messi keeps producing, but his hat-trick tally stands

The performance moved Messi to 12 goals and four assists in 14 appearances during the 2026 MLS season, a run of form that bodes well for Argentina’s title defense at the upcoming World Cup. His all-time career totals now stand at 909 goals and 411 assists across 1,153 games, though his official hat-trick count remains frozen at 60 following MLS’s ruling.

Messi currently sits second among active players in career hat-tricks, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo, who leads with 66. Wednesday’s performance would have trimmed that gap to five, but with the goal officially credited to Celentano, the chase will have to wait for another night.

Reports indicate that Rodrigo De Paul is planning to leave Inter Miami once Lionel Messi takes the decision to retire.

Rodrigo De Paul was one of Inter Miami‘s most high-profile recent signings, with Lionel Messi‘s influence playing a significant role in bringing him to the club. However, reports have emerged suggesting that De Paul’s stay in South Florida may have a built-in expiration date, with the Argentine midfielder planning to leave once Messi hangs up his boots.

The two players first formed a bond as teammates with the Argentina national team, a friendship that has endured to this day. When De Paul parted ways with Atletico Madrid last summer, Inter Miami moved quickly to secure one of the most expensive signings in MLS history, but it appears the board may eventually be bracing for a double departure down the line.

As reported by ESPN Argentina‘s Tomas Davila, De Paul has made a personal decision that he will leave Inter Miami once Lionel Messi retires from professional soccer. While that timeline is not in his hands, it is a development the club’s front office will need to keep in mind as it plans for the future.

Davila, who is also a well-connected insider at Racing Club de Avellaneda, reports that the motivation behind De Paul’s eventual exit is a long-awaited return to his boyhood club. An academy product of Racing, De Paul left in 2016 and has spent his career since in Europe, across spells at Valencia, Udinese and Atletico Madrid, before his arrival in MLS, with a homecoming always on his mind.

Currently 31 years old, De Paul is set to line up alongside Messi at the 2026 World Cup as Argentina defend their title, in what could be his final major tournament in the Albiceleste jersey. His contract with Inter Miami runs through December 2029, by which point he will be 35, but it is increasingly clear that Fort Lauderdale will not be his final destination in professional soccer.

When could De Paul leave?

Whether on the Argentina national team or at Inter Miami, Messi and De Paul share a connection that extends well beyond the pitch, and the report suggests the midfielder intends to follow his captain’s lead when it comes to the timing of his own exit.

Messi is currently balancing his first half of the 2026 MLS season with preparations for the upcoming World Cup, though the physical demands of professional soccer at the highest level will inevitably catch up with him in the years ahead. His current deal with Inter Miami runs through December 2028, when he will turn 41.

If Messi chooses to retire at the end of that contract, De Paul could walk away alongside him, cutting his own stay at Inter Miami short by at least a year despite being the club’s third-highest-paid player. Should Messi decide to call it a career even earlier, De Paul’s timeline would shorten accordingly, but either way, his time in Fort Lauderdale appears to have an expiration date firmly attached.

FIFA will reportedly scrap the NBA-style player entrances used in the 2025 Club World Cup, opting for a different presentation for the 2026 World Cup.

The 2026 World Cup is less than a month away, yet FIFA has several logistical determinations and announcements still pending. One of the most discussed changes involves the pre-match spectacle; reports now indicate that soccer’s governing body will scrap the NBA-style player entrances first piloted during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

The Club World Cup held in the United States served as a testing ground for several matchday innovations, including these “NBA-style” walkouts. Under that format, every player was introduced individually, walking through the tunnel as their name was announced to the entire stadium, rather than appearing as a collective unit.

Traditionally, players from both teams emerge from the tunnel together, led by the officiating crew and accompanied by youth mascots. This classic presentation was temporarily shelved by FIFA during the Club World Cup trials as the organization looked for ways to modernize the game’s presentation ahead of its return to North America.

However, according to Ben Jacobs, FIFA has decided to move away from the individual walkouts for the upcoming tournament. While the concept generated significant crowd engagement during the Club World Cup, officials have reportedly deemed the approach impractical for a World Cup that features a massive 104-game slate across the entire competition.

The individual introductions certainly made an impact during the Club World Cup opener between Inter Miami and Al Ahly, particularly when Lionel Messi was announced to a deafening ovation. While that euphoria at Hard Rock Stadium suggested the format could be a hit for national teams, the idea has ultimately been shelved before reaching the world stage.

FIFA exploring new entrance protocols

Even though the NBA-style format is out, FIFA is still looking to break new ground regarding team presentations. Ben Jacobs also reports that the governing body is currently trialing an alternative walkout method, signaling a clear desire to move away from soccer’s traditional entry protocols.

The goal for FIFA is to highlight every player without the time-consuming individual introductions seen at the Club World Cup. For years, the V-formation entrance alongside children carrying national flags has been the standard protocol for the modern era, and fans are now waiting to see if the 2026 edition will finally break that mold.

Middlesbrough’s spying accusations against Southampton could reportedly result in the Saints being expelled from the EFL Championship playoffs.

The 2025-26 EFL Championship campaign is reaching its dramatic conclusion, with the playoff final set between Hull City and Southampton for May 22 at Wembley Stadium. However, the Saints’ trip to the capital remains shrouded in uncertainty, as Middlesbrough could reportedly take their place while spying accusations against the South Coast club continue to be reviewed.

On May 8, ahead of the first leg between Middlesbrough and Southampton at the Riverside Stadium, Boro officials leveled charges against their rivals after allegedly being victims of an espionage attempt. The English Football League (EFL) promptly released a statement addressing the incident, though they stopped short of detailing potential disciplinary actions against the Saints.

“Southampton Football Club has today been charged with a breach of EFL Regulations, and the matter will be referred to an Independent Disciplinary Commission. This follows a request from the EFL for the Club’s observations after a complaint from Middlesbrough relating to alleged unauthorised filming on private property ahead of the two Clubs meeting in Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi-Final First Leg,” the EFL statement confirmed.

Speculation regarding the consequences for Southampton has ranged from heavy fines and points deductions to the ultimate sanction of playoff expulsion. Despite the cloud of controversy, the semifinal series proceeded on the pitch, with Shea Charles netting a late winner to send Southampton through to the final against Hull City while the legal battle continues behind the scenes.

Middlesbrough awaits a potential EFL lifeline

Even though they were officially eliminated on the aggregate scoreline (2-1), Middlesbrough remain hopeful that the situation will be overturned, granting them a sensational second chance at Premier League promotion. As reported by The Telegraph, manager Kim Hellberg has given his Boro players two days off to recover from the Southampton clash, but the squad will return to training Friday to stay match-fit in case the EFL panel determines Southampton’s conduct warrants a forfeit.

According to reports, the next 24 hours will be critical for the resolution of the case, as the independent panel looks to expedite the hearing. With the final at Wembley scheduled for May 22, the EFL is working against a ticking clock to deliver a verdict that avoids a massive logistical and competitive setback for the teams involved.

Photos of alleged Southampton spy emerge

As this new “spygate” continues to draw comparisons to Marcelo Bielsa’s infamous 2019 incident with Leeds United, new evidence has surfaced online. One of the most significant developments involves a leaked photograph of a Southampton staff member who is allegedly at the center of the espionage case.

Images circulating on social media reportedly show Southampton performance-analysis intern William Salt loitering near a tree while recording a Middlesbrough training session. These images are being reviewed by the EFL panel to determine if the staff member was indeed filming tactical drills prior to the semifinals, a finding that would weigh heavily on the final decision.

Manchester City are hosting Crystal Palace to keep their hopes alive in the 2025-26 Premier League title race.

Manchester City host Crystal Palace on Wednesday, May 13, at the Etihad Stadium in Matchday 31 of the 2025-26 Premier League. Five points behind leaders Arsenal, the Citizens are looking for a positive result to keep their fading title hopes alive.

The fixture was originally scheduled for March 21 but had to be moved after the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal was played at Wembley the following day. With the trophy secured, City and Palace now finally meet in one of the final fixtures of the season for both clubs.

City head into the game having not lost a Premier League match since their defeat to Manchester United on January 17, posting nine wins and four draws since that result. Crystal Palace, meanwhile, have been prioritizing their run in the UEFA Conference League, where they are at the final stage, and have struggled domestically, managing just one win in their last five league games while sitting 15th in the standings.

How a Man City win affects the Premier League title race

A victory over Crystal Palace would cut Arsenal’s lead to just two points, with City moving to 77 points from 36 games while the Gunners sit on 79. The gap would be tight, but the situation would still favor Arsenal.

In that scenario, City would need the Gunners to drop points in at least one of their two remaining games, as Guardiola’s side would not control their own destiny. Goal difference could also come into play as a tiebreaker, but one thing is clear: Manchester City cannot win the 2025-26 Premier League on their own. That power rests entirely with Arsenal.

How a Man City draw affects the Premier League title race

A draw against Crystal Palace would be a significant blow to City’s already slim title chances. It would leave them on 75 points from 36 games, four behind Arsenal, and needing a near-perfect combination of results to have any hope of overtaking them.

In that scenario, a single Arsenal win from their final two matches would be enough to clinch the title for the first time since the “Invincibles” season of 2003-04. The Gunners close out the league campaign against Burnley on May 18 and Crystal Palace on May 24, before the Champions League final against PSG, and they are heavy favorites in both fixtures.

How a Man City loss affects the Premier League title race

If Crystal Palace pull off an upset at the Etihad, City’s title hopes would be all but mathematically extinguished. A defeat would leave them on 74 points from 36 games, five behind Arsenal, and dependent on a remarkable sequence of events to have any chance of catching up.

To still have a theoretical shot at the title without relying purely on goal difference, City would need to win both of their remaining matches against Bournemouth and Aston Villa, while Arsenal would need to lose both of theirs. For goal difference to become the deciding factor, City would still need two wins while hoping Arsenal lose one game and draw the other, a scenario that, given the Gunners’ run-in and current form, borders on the unrealistic.

Cristiano Ronaldo could end up receiving another squad blow during the push for the Saudi Pro League and AFC Champions League Two with Al Nassr star Marcelo Brozovic having to come off against Al Hilal due to injury.

Cristiano Ronaldo was unable to clinch the Saudi Pro League on Tuesday and put an end to Al Nassr‘s long trophy drought, but both the title and the AFC Champions League Two remain within reach. However, a significant obstacle has emerged in that double pursuit, with star midfielder Marcelo Brozovic picking up an injury during the match.

Al Nassr hosted a pivotal game against Al Hilal that ended in a 1-1 draw, denying Ronaldo the chance to lift the SPL trophy on the night. Mohamed Simakan had put the hosts in front in the 37th minute, but a costly goalkeeping error from Bento in stoppage time allowed Al Hilal to equalize, and a separate moment during the match raised alarm bells for Al Nassr’s immediate future.

Around the 68th minute, Brozovic began showing signs of discomfort in the groin area, noticeably unable to sprint at full speed while tracking back against Al Hilal’s attackers. Shortly afterward, with the opposition still in possession, the Croatian turned toward the coaching staff on the sideline and gestured to be replaced.

Brozovic was withdrawn in the 72nd minute, with Jorge Jesus sending on Nader Al-Sharari in his place. Up to that point, the former Inter Milan midfielder had completed 26 passes and won the ball back five times, once again demonstrating his value as a cornerstone of the team’s midfield structure.

What did Jorge Jesus say about Brozovic?

No official injury update has been issued on Brozovic’s condition, but the apparent groin complaint that cut his night short leaves little room for optimism. Jesus addressed the impact of his substitution in the post-match press conference without specifying an expected recovery timeline.

“After Brozovic’s injury, I brought on Nader, but after those substitutions the team became more defensive-minded,” Jesus said. “As a result, we were unable to attack and score the second goal. We tried to protect our lead, but everyone saw the way the equalizer was conceded,” he added.

A key injury at the worst possible time

Brozović has been one of Al Nassr‘s most consistent performers throughout his time alongside Ronaldo at the club. In the 2025-26 season, the Croatian has appeared in 40 games, contributing one goal and five assists, but his numbers barely scratch the surface of his true value. It is the structure and authority he provides in the midfield that makes him indispensable, both in build-up play and in the team’s defensive shape.

While Al Hilal’s late equalizer has kept the title race alive, Al Nassr have a crucial appointment on Saturday, May 16, when they face Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final, giving Ronaldo the chance to lift his first continental club trophy in the Middle East.

Then, on the 21st, Al Nassr host Damac FC in what could be the title-deciding game of the Saudi Pro League season, depending on how Al Hilal fare in their remaining fixtures. With midfielders Angelo and Abdullah Al-Khaibari already sidelined by hamstring injuries ahead of the Al Hilal derby, the prospect of Brozovic, who is also expected to feature for Croatia at the 2026 World Cup, missing the run-in could represent a serious blow to Ronaldo’s hopes of completing the double.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti praised the development made by Neymar to reach full fitness once again, but also highlighted that he has "no pressure" on including him in Brazil's roster for the 2026 World Cup.

Neymar’s potential inclusion in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad has become the flashpoint of sports debate across South America. With less than a month until the tournament kicks off, head coach Carlo Ancelotti has lauded the Santos star’s recent progress but made it clear he feels “no pressure” to include the veteran forward on his final 26-man list.

Lingering fitness concerns have forced Ancelotti to omit Neymar from recent international windows, meaning the legendary attacker hasn’t suited up for Brazil national team since suffering a devastating ACL injury in October 2023. However, a vocal contingent of fans and teammates has aggressively lobbied for his return, putting the Italian manager in a delicate position where sentimental value and match fitness are at odds.

In an interview with Reuters on Tuesday, Ancelotti acknowledged the forward’s recovery while emphasizing that a final decision is still pending: “When you have to choose, you have to consider many things. Neymar is an important player for this country because of the talent he has always shown. But he has had problems ​and is working hard to recover. He has improved a lot recently and is playing regularly. It is, obviously, not ⁠such an easy decision for me. We have to weigh up the pros and cons carefully.“

While Ancelotti took the initial step of naming Neymar to the preliminary roster, he remains cautiously optimistic about the playmaker’s 2026 form. “He has improved his fitness a lot in recent matches. He has played some very good matches lately. His fitness has improved. He can maintain a high intensity in a match. But there are matches and matches,” he stated.

Since recovering from knee surgery in late 2025, Neymar has logged 13 appearances for Santos in 2026, tallying six goals and three assists. Most notably, between April 28 and May 10, Neymar featured in three out of four Santos games, scoring twice and logging 262 minutes, which are encouraging numbers for the demands of a World Cup schedule.

Ancelotti refuses to bow to outside influence

Raphinha, Casemiro, Lamine Yamal, and even Lionel Messi have recently joined a growing list of global stars eager to see Neymar suit up for the 2026 World Cup, backed by unwavering support from the Brazilian faithful. While Carlo Ancelotti has been repeatedly pressed for answers, his stance remains unchanged: if Neymar is fit, he will play.

The Italian tactician doubled down on his independence, insisting that the final roster will be his and his alone: “I haven’t been pressured by anyone to ​call up Neymar. I have complete autonomy. The decision will be 100% professional. I will only take into account how he is performing as a footballer. Nothing else.“

While Ancelotti respects the immense affection for Neymar within the locker room, he is confident that his final decision, whatever it may be, won’t fracture the team’s chemistry. “I think it’s normal for the players to express their opinion. I’m grateful to everyone who has given me advice; I thank you all. But ultimately, the right person to make this decision, the one best placed to do so, is me,” he stated.

Barcelona star Gavi has positioned Lionel Messi's Argentina as the top contender for the 2026 World Cup, even above Spain national team.

The 2026 World Cup is just one month away, and with European club seasons wrapping up, Barcelona are celebrating their latest La Liga crown. Amid the festivities, star midfielder Gavi made waves by naming Lionel Messi’s Argentina as the tournament favorites, even placing them ahead of his own Spanish side.

After being sidelined for 40 matches following an arthroscopy earlier this campaign, Gavi returned just in time to crack Barcelona’s starting XI for El Clasico. Following a 2-0 victory over Real Madrid, the Blaugrana were crowned 2025-26 La Liga champions, with the young midfielder playing a central role in the celebrations at a rocking Camp Nou.

Speaking with DSports after the match, Gavi was asked about the top contenders for the upcoming tournament in North America: “In the end, obviously, Argentina won the last one; I believe they are the favorites because they won the previous World Cup.“

Beyond their status as defending champions, the midfielder was quick to cite his admiration for Argentina’s legendary captain. “For me, Leo Messi is the best; wherever he is, that will be the best national team—that’s just how it is,” Gavi added.

Messi and Gavi never officially shared the pitch in Barcelona, as the Spaniard’s debut came in August 2021, just months after Messi’s emotional departure. Nevertheless, the influence the Argentine left on the club’s next generation remains undeniable, as evidenced by Gavi’s glowing endorsement of the Inter Miami star.

Gavi still likes Spain’s chances on the world stage

While Argentina are the defending champions, they recently slipped from the top of the FIFA Rankings, overtaken first by Spain and currently by France. Now sitting as the No. 3 team in the world according to FIFA, Argentina still face a stiff challenge from a resurgent Spanish side.

Coming off a Euro title, Gavi believes La Roja have the talent to go all the way in North America. “But obviously, Spain also has very good players, and hopefully we can take home the World Cup,” said the midfielder, who was recently named to Luis de la Fuente’s preliminary roster.

Argentina’s World Cup path

Argentina headlines Group J as Messi prepares to make history by competing in his record-breaking sixth World Cup. The Albiceleste open their journey against Algeria on June 17, followed by a clash with Austria on the 22nd, before wrapping up group play against Jordan on June 28.

Spain’s World Cup path

Spain finds itself in Group H, kicking off their campaign against Cape Verde on June 15. They move on to face Saudi Arabia on June 21 and finish the opening stage against Uruguay on June 26. Interestingly, should one team win its group and the other finish second, these two heavyweights could meet as early as the Round of 32.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been unable to claim the Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr after the 1-1 draw against Al Hilal.

Cristiano Ronaldo saw his chances to secure the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title with Al Nassr fading away with a thrilling 1-1 draw against Al Hilal. By splitting the points with only a fraction of the schedule remaining, Al Nassr have left the door wide open at the top of the table.

Tuesday’s showdown between Al Nassr and Al Hilal carried massive title implications, with the hosts needing a win to effectively wrap up the race. Conversely, had the side led by Karim Benzema managed even a draw, they would have maintained control of their own destiny to potentially leapfrog Al Nassr in the final week.

The match turned on a series of pivotal moments, starting with a Benzema strike that was ultimately wiped off the board for offside. In the 37th minute, Al Nassr capitalized on a corner kick as Kingsley Coman found Mohamed Simakan in the heart of the box for the opening goal, but the drama peaked in stoppage time. Following a late throw-in, a rare lapse from goalkeeper Bento allowed Al Hilal to snatch a 1-1 draw and silence the Al Awwal Park crowd.

How do the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League standings look after Al Nassr’s win?

The stalemate keeps Al Nassr at the summit of the table, moving them to 83 points through 33 games in the 2025-26 SPL campaign. Meanwhile, Al Hilal remains in second place with 78 points through 32 matches, remarkably maintaining their unbeaten status through the current league season.

The late-season drama now shifts entirely to Al Hilal’s critical game in hand. That last-minute equalizer handed Benzema’s side a legitimate lifeline to snatch the title away from Ronaldo; while they trail by five points, a negative result from the leaders could open the opportunity to claim the league trophy. If they win their final two matches, Al Hilal will need for Al Nassr to drop points in their last matchup.

With the trophy still very much up for grabs, Al Nassr will play their final league game against Damac FC on Thursday, May 21, just weeks before the 2026 World Cup kickoff. Al Hilal, now sensing blood in the water, must regroup for a May 16 clash with Neom SC before concluding their domestic hunt against Al Fayha on the 21st.

Ronaldo eyes continental glory before SPL resolution

While the domestic title remains in limbo, Cristiano Ronaldo is still searching for his first major trophy since arriving in Riyadh. A league title would be Al Nassr’s first since 2018-19, but before that is decided, the Portuguese icon has a chance to secure a massive piece of silverware on the continental stage.

On Saturday, May 16, Al Nassr will host Japanese side Gamba Osaka at Al Awwal Park for the AFC Champions League Two final, where Ronaldo will hunt for his first continental title in Asia. While the domestic league was always the primary objective, a victory on Saturday would secure Al Nassr’s fourth international trophy and cap off a historic week for the club.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez confirmed the clash between Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni, claiming that "it’s very bad, and even worse that it became public."

Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni have dominated headlines over the past several days following two physical altercations on consecutive days, one of which resulted in Valverde being taken to the hospital. At a press conference on Tuesday, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez confirmed the incident, stating that what made it “even worse” was that it became public knowledge.

Reports of the first confrontation emerged last Wednesday during a training session at Valdebebas, where teammates had to physically intervene to separate Tchouameni and Valverde. The situation escalated the following day, with another clash that turned physical, culminating in Valverde requiring hospital treatment following training.

In the aftermath, Valverde issued a statement in which he did not deny the argument but pushed back against reports of a fistfight with his teammate. “During the argument, I accidentally hit a table and cut my forehead a little, which required a routine trip to the hospital,” he said. Perez, however, confirmed more of what had originally been reported.

At Tuesday’s press conference, called to announce anticipated club elections, the Real Madrid president was asked for his reaction to the incident: “I think it’s very wrong, and even worse that it has come to light. In 26 years, I think it’s terrible that they’ve put this out there. The chaos that some of you (the journalists) have wanted to convey is horrible.“

Rather than focusing on the confrontation itself, Perez directed his sharpest criticism at whoever had leaked the information to the press. “The leak itself is worse because it implies there is something more going on than just a fight, when the very next day they are friends again. The leak seems worse to me—in my 26-year history, it’s the first time I’ve ever seen it,” he added.

Perez over Real Madrid’s upsetting 25-26 season

The 2025-26 season has been a massive letdown for Real Madrid, with the club failing to secure silverware in the Copa del Rey, La Liga, and the UEFA Champions League. It marks the first time since the 2020-21 campaign that Los Blancos have finished a season empty-handed, a jarring result given the star-studded roster assembled at the Bernabeu.

President Perez recently weighed in on the club’s shortcomings, while also reminding supporters of the standard established under his leadership: “I share the frustration because we haven’t been able to win anything this year. But I have to tell you and show you that with me as president, we have won 66 titles in football and basketball, including seven European Cups in football.“

While he remains to be president Florentino Perez's favorite candidate for the coaching role, Jose Mourinho has reportedly made two demands to complete his return to Real Madrid.

The search for Real Madrid‘s next head coach is already underway, with Florentino Perez reportedly zeroing in on Jose Mourinho as his preferred choice to lead the club. However, an agreement is far from imminent, with reports now revealing the two conditions the Portuguese manager has put forward before he will entertain taking the role.

Following Xabi Alonso’s dismissal, Alvaro Arbeloa has struggled to maintain authority over a fractured dressing room, with a string of controversies exposing deep tensions within the squad. Brawls involving Alvaro Carreras and Antonio Rudiger, the reported incident in which Aurelien Tchouameni sent Federico Valverde to the hospital, and Kylian Mbappe’s unauthorized trips out of Spain have all contributed to a squad environment that has steadily eroded the interim coach’s standing.

As recently reported by The Athletic, Real Madrid‘s president Florentino Perez has identified Jose Mourinho as his top target for the head coaching position heading into next season. While other names, including Mauricio Pochettino, Jürgen Klopp and Massimiliano Allegri, have been mentioned, reports indicate that preliminary discussions have already taken place between the club and Mourinho’s representatives.

Mourinho dismisses Real Madrid contact

Currently at Benfica, Mourinho is focused on finishing the 2025-26 campaign with a Champions League qualification spot, with the club sitting third and two points behind Sporting CP. The swirling speculation about a potential return to Real Madrid, the club he managed between 2010 and 2013, has already reached him and the press in Portugal.

At his pre-match press conference ahead of Benfica’s game against Braga on Sunday, Mourinho flatly denied any contact with Real Madrid: “I want to clarify one thing. In football, it is not the professionals who decide if they have an interest in leaving or staying. When something happens, it is the clubs that show interest and initiate—or don’t—the procedures to sign the people they want. There is continued talk about Real Madrid, and I continue to sincerely avoid the subject. I have had no contact with the president or any other club director.”

Mourinho also made clear the terms under which he would be willing to explore his options after the season concludes. “At the end of the season, I don’t talk to anyone. I haven’t had any contact with Real Madrid and I won’t have any until after the final league match against Estoril. After that, there is a one-week period in which I will have the freedom to speak with whomever I deem appropriate,” he explained.

Mourinho’s demands to become Real Madrid’s next coach

Mourinho signed with Benfica in September 2025 on a contract running through June 2027, which reportedly includes a release clause worth three million euros, active for a ten-day window following the club’s final game of the season. Despite that, Real Madrid’s leadership is intent on pursuing him, though the Portuguese coach has already outlined what he would need before agreeing to return to the Spanish capital.

According to Diario AS, Mourinho’s first demand is to have meaningful input on the club’s transfer strategy, not in terms of naming specific targets, but in identifying the positions that need to be strengthened. His early assessment of the squad has led him to conclude that the current group is significantly unbalanced across different areas of the pitch, with the midfield standing out as the most pressing area of concern.

The second condition, as reported by the Spanish outlet, relates to the structure and authority within the club. While Mourinho is mindful of Real Madrid’s institutional hierarchy, he is insistent that the first-team’s footballing decisions fall exclusively within the remit of him and his coaching staff, eager to avoid the kind of institutional friction that reportedly undermined the relationship between the club and Vinicius Junior during Alonso’s tenure.

Kylian Mbappe made more headlines now with reports claiming that he'd rather miss the last Real Madrid games at the Santiago Bernabeu in order to avoid the fans' boing.

Kylian Mbappe’s 2025-26 campaign at Real Madrid has taken a toxic turn in its final weeks, with supporters increasingly targeting the Frenchman as the face of the club’s struggles. In a stunning new development, reports now suggest Mbappe would rather miss the team’s remaining home fixtures at the Santiago Bernabeu to avoid the jeers from Madrid fans.

While Mbappe’s debut season in Spain showed promise, highlighted by a Golden Boot despite the club missing out on major silverware, expectations for his sophomore year were sky-high. However, despite a prolific start in the Champions League, Los Blancos have faltered across all competitions, resulting in their first trophyless season in recent memory.

Recent incidents have only fanned the flames, including a controversial trip to Italy while allegedly nursing an injury and a last-minute withdrawal from the recent El Clasico. Fans were further incensed by a poorly timed “Hala Madrid” Instagram post made while the team was already trailing 2-0 to Barcelona, a move widely viewed as tone-deaf as rivals celebrated a title on Madrid’s doorstep.

The relationship has deteriorated to the point where, according to The Athletic’s Mario Cortegana, Mbappe is believed to want to “avoid playing at the Santiago Bernabeu again” for the remainder of the season. The player is reportedly shaken by the consistent boos and whistles directed at him by the home crowd during recent outings.

If this stance holds, Mbappe would feature in just one of Real Madrid’s three remaining matches this season. The club hosts Real Oviedo on May 14 followed by a season finale against Athletic Bilbao at the Bernabeu, with only a road trip to Sevilla on May 17 offering a respite from the hostile home environment.

Statistically, Mbappe remains a force, tallying 41 goals and six assists in 41 games this season and reaching 100 total appearances for the club. Yet, the standard at Real Madrid transcends mere box scores; for the Madridismo, trophies and perceived commitment to the badge are the only currencies that matter, and Mbappe is currently bankrupt in both.

‘Mbappe Out’ online petition reaches 70 million signatures

The friction between the star and the stands began as early as the 2024-25 season, when both Mbappe and Vinicius Junior were criticized for a lack of defensive work rate under then-coach Carlo Ancelotti. That lingering frustration eventually manifested in the “Mbappe Out” website, a fan-driven platform dedicated to calling for the Frenchman’s departure.

While the petition lacks a formal verification process for its signatories, the numbers are nonetheless staggering. After originally setting a modest goal of 200,000 signatures, the count has reportedly skyrocketed past 70 million.

While a digital petition has no legal bearing on Mbappe’s lucrative contract, the sheer volume of the movement serves as a loud indictment of his standing in the Spanish capital. It is a glaring symptom of a fractured relationship that may have already reached the point of no return.

Ahead of the key SPL clash against Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr, Karim Benzema will be counting with Al Hilal star teammates Theo Hernandez and Yassine Bounou.

Karim Benzema has been tasked with stopping Cristiano Ronaldo from clinching the Saudi Pro League title when the two icons clash on Tuesday. As the massive showdown draws closer, the Frenchman has received a well-timed squad boost with stars Theo Hernandez and Yassine Bounou officially cleared to join Al Hilal’s matchday squad.

Currently trailing Al Nassr by five points, Al Hilal hold a critical advantage with a game in hand. While Ronaldo’s side has only two fixtures remaining, Benzema’s squad has three, creating a must-win scenario for the visitors to keep their title hopes alive. If Al Nassr secure the victory on home turf, they will mathematically end the race and be crowned champions.

Following the high-stakes derby at Al Awwal Park on Tuesday, May 12, Al Nassr will have only one remaining league fixture against Damac FC on May 21. Conversely, Al Hilal will have two games left, a May 16 meeting with Neom SC and a season finale against Al Fayha, meaning a win over Ronaldo’s side would put the Blue Waves in a position to control their own destiny.

Theo Hernandez and Yassine Bounou cleared for Al Hilal

In major team news, former AC Milan standout Theo Hernandez and Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou have been confirmed as available for Simone Inzaghi’s squad. Both players have been foundational to Al Hilal’s campaign, contributing to a remarkable run that has seen the club suffer only one defeat across 45 matches this season.

Concern over Hernandez’s fitness surfaced during the King’s Cup final against Al Kholood on May 8, when the Frenchman was forced off in the 83rd minute with an apparent injury. However, per Al Arriyadiyah, subsequent medical examinations revealed the issue was minor, clearing the defender to participate in tomorrow’s winner-take-all Derby.

Koulibaly stands as the only major absence

With only one month remaining before the 2026 World Cup kicks off, neither Ronaldo nor Benzema are considering rest with such a massive trophy on the line. However, Al Hilal will have to navigate this clash without defensive anchor Kalidou Koulibaly, an absence that could tip the scales in Al Nassr’s favor.

Koulibaly has reportedly failed to reach full fitness as he continues his rehabilitation for a thigh injury sustained just before the team traveled to Jeddah for the AFC Champions League Elite knockout rounds. He remains sidelined alongside Hamad Al Yami, who is recovering from knee surgery, leaving Inzaghi with a significant void to fill in the heart of his defense.

Set to host a potential title-clinching showdown against Karim Benzema’s Al Hilal, Cristiano Ronaldo called on Al Nassr fans to turn their home stadium into a fortress.

Cristiano Ronaldo is just one step away from securing his first Saudi Pro League title and ending Al Nassr‘s trophy drought in the Middle East. Set to face Karim Benzema’s Al Hilal in a match that will likely determine the champion, the Portuguese forward has issued a rallying cry to Al Nassr fans ahead of the massive showdown.

Al Nassr will host Al Hilal at Al Awwal Park on Tuesday, May 12, for Matchday 32 of the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League campaign. Ronaldo’s side currently sits in first place with 82 points through 32 games, while Benzema’s squad trails with 77 points in 31 games; a home victory would mathematically secure the title for Al Nassr.

With the championship on the line, Ronaldo took to social media to deliver a personal message to the supporters expected to pack Al Awwal Park.. “Your support has pushed us every single week. In the stadium, at home and everywhere around the world. That energy is with us on the pitch,” the legendary striker wrote.

“Let’s make it count. For us. For you. For Nassr. See you tomorrow,” Ronaldo concluded. The home-field advantage has been undeniable this season, as Al Nassr have claimed all three points in 14 of their 15 league matches played at Al Awwal Park.

The club’s only blemish at home came back on January 8, a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Al Qadsiah. Despite that lone slip-up, the nearly perfect home record has defined their 25-26 campaign, and Ronaldo is eager to harness that atmosphere one more time for a potentially historic night.

Ronaldo and Benzema: Face to face once again

After spending nine years together at Real Madrid as part of the lethal “BBC” trio alongside Gareth Bale, the Frenchman and the Portuguese icon meet again as rivals in Saudi Arabia. The two superstars have faced off six times since arriving in the kingdom, maintaining a perfectly balanced head-to-head record that could be broken tomorrow.

Since Benzema‘s initial move to Saudi Arabia in 2023, he has claimed three victories over Ronaldo, while the Portuguese star has matched him with three wins of his own. Ronaldo holds the slight edge in individual production during these matchups with four goals and an assist, while Benzema has recorded three goals and one helper in these high-stakes encounters.

This clash carries extra intrigue as it marks Benzema’s first game since joining Al Hilal, following rumors of Ronaldo’s attempts to block the Frenchman’s move to his club’s biggest rivals. Ronaldo currently holds a difficult record against Al Hilal with six losses in nine games, but with the SPL title up for grabs, he will be desperate to flip the script.

Mauricio Pochettino suffer the first major absence in the USMNT as Johnny Cardoso is set to miss the 2026 World Cup due to a new injury.

Mauricio Pochettino has entered the final stage of defining the 26-man roster that will represent the U.S. Men’s National Team at the 2026 World Cup. With just one month before the tournament kicks off on home soil, the Argentine coach received a massive blow as Johnny Cardoso is now expected to miss the World Cup due to a significant ankle injury.

Last Thursday, Atletico Madrid released a statement confirming that Cardoso sustained an ankle injury during a training session that he was unable to complete, immediately setting off alarm bells within the USMNT camp. “Johnny Cardoso suffers a high-grade sprain in his right ankle,” the official statement from the Spanish club read.

Following the initial diagnosis, Atletico outlined the next steps for the midfielder as he entered the final phase of the 2025-26 season. “He will undergo physiotherapy and rehabilitation sessions in the gym, and the progress of his recovery will determine his return to competition,” the club stated.

However, the outlook darkened significantly on Monday when Atletico Madrid reported that the injury was more severe than initially feared, involving joint damage. “Johnny Cardoso will have to undergo surgery to address the injury to his right ankle,” the updated statement read, delivering a heartbreaking update on the midfielder’s condition just weeks before the World Cup opener.

With Cardoso now forced to undergo a surgical procedure, his timeline for a return has effectively ended his World Cup dreams. As reported by Ben Jacobs, the USMNT has remained in constant contact with the club, but sources from Atletico Madrid expect the midfielder to miss the tournament and target a return during the European preseason.

Cardoso to miss second consecutive World Cup

Since his debut in 2020, Johnny Cardoso has been viewed as a cornerstone of the next generation of USMNT talent, a status solidified by his high-profile move to Atletico Madrid. However, persistent injuries have plagued the midfielder, frequently sidelining him during the early stages of the Pochettino era.

Cardoso’s fitness struggles began early in Pochettino’s tenure, as a knee injury forced him out of the manager’s first camp in October 2024. Since then, Pochettino has overseen 24 USMNT matches, yet Cardoso has only been able to feature in six of them, logging just 212 minutes and failing to establish a consistent rhythm in the central midfield.

During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Cardoso was left off the roster as a 21-year-old still developing at Brazilian side Internacional. Now 24 and reaching his prime in Spain, the midfielder faces the devastating reality of missing a second consecutive World Cup just as he seemed poised to play a major role for his country.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been hit with a piece of bad news as coach Jorge Jesus has now put his future in Al Nassr for next season up in the air.

Cristiano Ronaldo has watched Al Nassr transform into one of the most dominant forces in both Saudi Arabia and the wider Asian continent since Jorge Jesus took over as head coach. However, the 70-year-old Portuguese manager has now cast serious doubt over whether he will be at the club beyond the current season.

When Stefano Pioli departed last summer, Ronaldo used his influence following his contract renewal in June 2025 to help reshape the club’s direction, and one of the most consequential decisions was the choice of the next head coach. As Jesus himself has revealed, Ronaldo called him personally to take the job at Al Nassr after his stint at Al Hilal, an offer the coach accepted on a one-year deal.

That short-term arrangement is now at the center of the uncertainty. At Monday’s press conference ahead of the pivotal clash against Al Hilal that could decide the Saudi Pro League title, Jesus was asked directly about the possibility of renewing his contract. “As I have always done with my previous teams, I sign one-year contracts,” he said.

The Portuguese manager then revealed that other clubs have been in contact, leaving the door firmly open for a departure. “Fortunately, I have offers from many clubs. It is possible that I may not renew my contract with Al Nassr, and it is also possible that the club may not want me next season. I will evaluate everything at the end of the season,” he added.

The partnership between Ronaldo and Jesus has been a productive one for both parties, with the manager giving the forward carefully managed rest periods to ensure he arrives at the 2026 World Cup in peak condition. Jesus also set a new record for the longest winning streak in Al Nassr’s history, both in the Saudi Pro League at 16 games and across all competitions at 20.

With Joao Felix, Kingsley Coman and Iñigo Martinez among the standout signings of the summer, Jesus is now on the brink of ending Al Nassr’s long wait for silverware, with both the SPL title and the AFC Champions League Two within reach. For Ronaldo, whose contract runs through June 2027, an eventual Jesus departure would mean yet another managerial transition during what could prove to be the final year of his professional career.

Jesus focused on winning the SPL

From the outset of the campaign, with Al Nassr absent from the AFC Champions League Elite, the Saudi Pro League became the primary domestic focus. The team made the best-ever start in the club’s league history, winning each of the first 11 games, before three consecutive defeats temporarily knocked them off the top of the table.

After sliding to third place in late January, Al Nassr clawed their way back to the summit in late February and have not relinquished it since. “Our mindset since the beginning of the league has been to win only. Two matches remain, and our focus is on winning both of them,” Jesus said, with Al Hilal and Damac FC standing between Ronaldo and company and the title.

With his stunning strike against Real Madrid on Sunday, Marcus Rashford became just the second Barcelona player this century to net a direct free kick in El Clasico, joining the legendary Lionel Messi in an exclusive two-man club.

Marcus Rashford was one of the standout performers in FC Barcelona‘s title-clinching win over Real Madrid on Sunday, opening the scoring with a stunning free kick. Beyond the significance of the goal itself, Rashford’s strike brought an end to Lionel Messi‘s distinction as the only Barcelona player to score a direct free kick against Real Madrid in the 21st century.

With Lamine Yamal sidelined through injury and Raphinha still working his way back to full fitness, coach Hansi Flick turned to Rashford as a starter on the right wing. The Englishman had last started in La Liga back on April 4 against Atletico Madrid, when he also scored, and Flick’s faith was rewarded almost immediately.

After Antonio Rudiger fouled Ferran Torres on the edge of the box, Rashford stepped up to take the free kick from the right side. Opting to drive the ball toward Thibaut Courtois’s near post, Rashford caught the Belgian goalkeeper with a step to his left, and the thunderous effort was impossible to stop, opening what would become a 2-0 victory in just the ninth minute.

In doing so, Rashford ended Messi’s unique status as the sole Barcelona player to score a direct free kick against Real Madrid in the 21st century. Messi had achieved that feat twice during his time at the club, making the record all the more exclusive.

As highlighted by OptaJose on X (formerly Twitter), Rashford’s effort was the third free kick goal Barcelona have scored against Real Madrid in this century, and the first since October 2012, when the previous one had also come in a La Liga fixture at Camp Nou.

Since Messi’s departure in 2021, Barcelona have converted just three direct free kicks from over 100 attempts, with Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski and Pablo Torre each netting one. Rashford’s goal brings that tally to four, a figure that underscores the significant drop in free kick precision the club has experienced since the Argentine’s exit.

Messi’s free kick goals against Real Madrid

Lionel Messi is currently closing in on the top tier of all-time free kick goalscorers, with 71 to his name and just one behind Juninho Pernambucano for a place in the top three. Two of those goals came against Real Madrid while wearing the Barcelona shirt.

The first arrived in the Spanish Super Cup in August 2012, when Messi curled a stunning long-range free kick past Iker Casillas at the Santiago Bernabéu in the second leg, with Barcelona claiming the trophy. The second came just two months later in a La Liga match at Camp Nou, in a 2-2 draw in which both Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo each scored a brace.

FC Barcelona claimed the 2025-26 La Liga title against Real Madrid on Sunday, and legends Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez celebrated the trophy on their social media.

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez remain inextricably linked to the fabric of FC Barcelona, having spent years cementing their status as the most iconic duo in club history. In a heartfelt display of their enduring loyalty, both legends took to social media to celebrate the Blaugrana clinching the 2025-26 La Liga title following a decisive victory over Real Madrid.

Barcelona entered Sunday with a golden opportunity to wrap up the league title in a high-stakes edition of El Clasico. Marcus Rashford opened the scoring with a breathtaking free kick before Ferran Torres finished off a clinical team move to secure the 2-0 win and ignite a trophy celebration at a packed Camp Nou.

Immediately following the final whistle, Messi shared his excitement with millions of followers to commemorate the club’s latest milestone. “Campeones!!! Visca el Barca!!!” the Argentine posted on his Instagram story alongside an image of the current squad hoisting the trophy.

Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez was equally vocal, adding to the digital celebration with his own brand of South American intensity. He dropped an emphatic “VAMOS” in the comments of the team’s victory post, a gesture that quickly went viral among the Barcelona faithful.

Despite Suarez departing in 2020 and Messi following a year later, both strikers maintain a deep-rooted emotional connection to the Catalan institution. This bond remains especially strong for Messi, who returned to the Camp Nou last year to the club that raised him.

How many trophies have Barcelona won in the post-Messi era?

While Barcelona have always been a global powerhouse, Lionel Messi’s era brought a level of unprecedented parity with Real Madrid. Between his 2004 debut and his 2021 departure, the Argentine legend led the club to a staggering 35 trophies.

The initial years following his exit were defined by transition and turmoil, as the club managed only two trophies in the first three seasons. However, the trajectory shifted under Xavi Hernandez and has reached new heights with Hansi Flick at the helm.

Under Flick’s disciplined leadership and the rise of stars like Lamine Yamal, Barcelona have re-established their domestic dominance. After sweeping the domestic treble in 2024-25, they have now secured both the La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup in the current 2025-26 campaign.

This brings the club’s total to seven trophies since Messi’s departure five years ago. While international glory in the Champions League remains the final frontier, the foundation of this competitive roster looks stronger than it has in years.

Lamine Yamal has claimed the 7th title of his career while being just 18 years old, prompting questions on how Lionel Messi's and Cristiano Ronaldo's trophy cabinet looked at the same age.

Lamine Yamal has added yet another piece of silverware to his illustrious young career, securing the 2025-26 La Liga title to bring his trophy count to seven, all before his 19th birthday. With such unprecedented production at such a tender age, the question naturally arises: how do these numbers stack up against the early-career hauls of legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo?

On Sunday, May 10, Barcelona secured a 2-0 victory over Real Madrid in the final El Clasico of the 2025-26 campaign, a result that officially clinched the La Liga crown for the Blaugrana at home. Barcelona currently sit at the summit with 91 points through 35 matches; with a 14-point cushion and only three games remaining, they have mathematically eliminated Los Blancos from title contention.

The 2025-26 La Liga triumph marks Yamal’s second trophy of the season, following the Spanish Super Cup victory in January where Barcelona edged Real Madrid 3-2 in the final. While the Cules fell short in both the Copa del Rey and the Champions League, stifled in both competitions by a resilient Atletico Madrid, the team’s evolution into a powerhouse under manager Hansi Flick is undeniable.

Furthermore, Yamal’s meteoric rise hasn’t been a one-season fluke; his statistical output has climbed alongside his tactical importance. The 2025-26 campaign has been a career year for the youngster, as he has racked up 24 goals and 17 assists. No longer just a creative playmaker, Yamal has transformed into Barcelona’s primary scoring threat and the most dangerous attacker in the league.

Yamal’s trophy breakdown

With his 19th birthday not arriving until July 13, Yamal’s trophy cabinet currently holds seven major honors at just 18 years and 10 months old. His collection includes six titles with Barcelona and one historic triumph with the Spanish national team:

• 2022-23 La Liga (Barcelona).
• 2024 Euro (Spain).
• 2024-25 Spanish Super Cup (Barcelona).
• 2024-25 Copa del Rey (Barcelona).
• 2024-25 La Liga (Barcelona).
• 2024-25 Spanish Super Cup (Barcelona).
• 2025-26 La Liga (Barcelona).

Lionel Messi’s trophy cabinet at 18 years old

As left-footed graduates of La Masia, Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal share more than just a developmental pedigree. However, at Yamal’s current age, the Argentine was still in the early stages of establishing himself as a regular starter, rather than the undisputed face of the franchise.

Before turning 19 in June 2006, Messi had captured four major trophies with Barcelona—three fewer than Yamal. His haul included back-to-back La Liga titles (2004-05, 2005-06), the 2005 Spanish Super Cup, and the 2005-06 UEFA Champions League. While he featured in six matches during that European run, a hamstring injury forced him to watch the final stages of the tournament from the sidelines.

Internationally, Messi also secured silverware at the youth level. In 2005, he led Argentina to a victory over the Netherlands to claim the FIFA U-20 World Cup. He famously swept the individual honors at that tournament, taking home both the Golden Boot as top scorer and the Golden Ball as the competition’s best player.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s trophy cabinet at 18 years old

Compared to the Barcelona duo, Cristiano Ronaldo’s breakthrough into the elite tier of trophy winners occurred slightly later in his professional development. At 18 years of age, the Portuguese star held only the 2002 Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira (Portuguese Super Cup) with Sporting CP, a match in which he was an unused substitute during a 5-1 rout of Leixões.

Ronaldo also claimed the Toulon Tournament with Portugal’s U-20 side in June 2003. Unlike Yamal and Messi, Ronaldo’s birthday falls mid-season (February 5), meaning he turned 19 in early 2004, just as the European season reached its business end.

If we account for his age-19 season (2003-04), he added the FA Cup with Manchester United to his resume, marking his second major trophy. That year remains a famous footnote in soccer history; while Ronaldo was finding his feet at Old Trafford, the Red Devils were bounced from the Champions League by Jose Mourinho’s Porto, and the Arsenal “Invincibles” denied him a Premier League title in his debut English campaign.

Christian Pulisic has been excluded from AC Milan's squad for the game against Atalanta due to a new muscular injury, setting the alarms for the USMNT ahead of the World Cup.

AC Milan host Atalanta on Sunday, May 10, in Matchday 36 of the 2025-26 Serie A season, with the Rossoneri‘s Champions League qualification hopes hanging in the balance. The occasion has been complicated by the late withdrawal of Christian Pulisic due to injury, a development that has also set off alarm bells for the USMNT with the World Cup just over a month away.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Pulisic felt discomfort in his glute during AC Milan’s final training session on Sunday morning. Head coach Massimiliano Allegri chose not to risk the forward given the nature of the complaint and the timing of the issue.

The decision to protect Pulisic went beyond simply leaving him out of the starting lineup. Allegri excluded him from the squad entirely, meaning the American will watch the Atalanta match from the stands. With the World Cup now roughly a month away, the USMNT will be hoping the injury is minor and that the natural end of the club season will allow for a full recovery before the tournament begins.

In Pulisic’s absence, Allegri has opted to pair Santiago Gimenez with Rafael Leao in attack. A defeat against Atalanta would drop Milan from fourth to fifth place, pushing them out of the Champions League qualification spots with just two Serie A games remaining.

Pulisic faces another fitness hurdle ahead of international duty

Injuries have undoubtedly taken a toll on Pulisic during the 2025-26 campaign, derailing his momentum just as he hit his stride late last year. The forward previously missed the November international window featuring marquee matchups against Paraguay and Uruguay, and this latest setback serves as a haunting reminder of his physical struggles ahead of the summer’s big stage.

While AC Milan have yet to release a formal medical bulletin, updates are expected in the coming hours regarding a definitive diagnosis and recovery timeline. Per Transfermarkt, early projections suggest the USMNT star could return by May 16, potentially making him available for the following day’s away fixture against Genoa.

However, the timing remains disastrous for Pulisic, who is currently fighting to rediscover his clinical edge. His last goal dates back to a December 28 clash with Hellas Verona, and he hasn’t recorded a goal contribution since an assist against Torino on March 21, a concerning dry spell for the man expected to wear the captain’s armband for the United States in the 2026 World Cup this summer.

Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong have been excluded from the starting lineup for Barcelona's game against Real Madrid.

FC Barcelona welcome Real Madrid to the Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday, May 10, for a high-stakes Matchday 35 clash that could effectively decide the 2025-26 La Liga title. However, as the lineups were announced, the notable absences of superstars Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong from the starting XI immediately sent shockwaves through the Blaugrana faithful.

Regarding Raphinha, the Brazilian winger’s omission from the lineup is a calculated risk by manager Hansi Flick. Despite his status as one of the team’s most explosive offensive weapons, Raphinha is still working his way back from a lingering hamstring strain in his right thigh. While he is healthy enough to make the squad, Flick has opted to keep him on the bench as an impact sub rather than risking further injury from the opening whistle.

This marks the second consecutive matchday Raphinha has been included in the match-day squad since his injury layoff. He traveled for last week’s 2-1 road victory against Osasuna but remained an unused substitute. Fans are now watching the clock to see if he will make his first appearance for the club since a March 22 victory over Rayo Vallecano.

Frenkie de Jong finds himself in a similar predicament, with Flick deciding that the Dutch midfield maestro isn’t quite ready for a full 90-minute shift in a match of this intensity. De Jong spent the entirety of March sidelined with his own hamstring issue; over the last five fixtures across La Liga and Champions League play, he has been eased back into action exclusively as a second-half substitute to preserve his long-term fitness.

An El Clasico edition plagued by absences

El Clasico remains the pinnacle of club soccer, a global spectacle fueled by a century of rivalry and a galaxy of world-class stars. However, this latest installment—one with massive title implications—finds both Spanish giants significantly shorthanded, with injuries and internal turmoil stripping the marquee matchup of some of its biggest names.

Beyond the restricted roles for De Jong and Raphinha, Barcelona are reeling from the loss of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, whose hamstring injury has reportedly sidelined him for the remainder of the season. In a move that stunned many, Robert Lewandowski has also been relegated to the bench, though his exclusion appears to be a strictly tactical gamble by Flick rather than a fitness concern.

The situation is even more dire for Real Madrid, whose injury list reads like a medical ward. In addition to long-term absences for Rodrygo, Eder Militao, and Ferland Mendy, Los Blancos are without Arda Guler and Dani Carvajal. Most shockingly, Kylian Mbappe was a last-minute scratch, while Federico Valverde was ruled out after a training ground altercation with Aurelien Tchouameni left him needing stitches and unfit for duty.

In the last edition of El Clasico in the 2025-26 season, FC Barcelona could end up lifting La Liga title in front of Real Madrid's faces.

FC Barcelona are on the verge of another La Liga title, and in the 2025-26 season they have the chance to clinch it in the most dramatic fashion imaginable, right in front of Real Madrid‘s faces. Sunday’s El Clasico at Camp Nou could prove to be the night the Blaugrana are officially crowned champions, depending on how the result plays out.

Camp Nou has been an impenetrable fortress for Barcelona this season, with the Blaugrana winning all 17 home games played at their revamped stadium in the 2025-26 campaign. The Blaugrana also carry a 10-game La Liga winning streak into the match, while Real Madrid have won just two, drawn one and lost two of their last five, and have endured a turbulent week off the pitch, headlined by the confrontation between Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni.

Even with the title potentially on the line, several key players will be absent from this edition of El Clasico. Lamine Yamal’s injury ruled him out for Barcelona, while Valverde’s knock kept him out for Real Madrid, and Kylian Mbappe was added to the absentee list in a last-minute blow for Los Blancos.

How a Barcelona win affects the La Liga standings

A victory for Barcelona on Sunday would officially hand the Blaugrana the 2025-26 La Liga title. Three points would move them to 91 points, leaving Real Madrid on 77 with only three games remaining, a gap too large to bridge even if Barcelona were to lose every remaining fixture and Real Madrid win all of theirs.

It would be Barcelona’s second consecutive La Liga title and their fifth in the last ten years. The win would also level the all-time head-to-head record between the two clubs, bringing both sides to 106 wins apiece across 264 meetings, with 52 draws.

How a Barcelona draw affects the La Liga standings

Even if the two sides share the spoils at Camp Nou, Barcelona would still be crowned La Liga champions on Sunday. Their current 11-point advantage over Real Madrid, 88 to 77, means the nine points still available to the Madrid side are not enough for them to overhaul the leaders, regardless of how the remaining fixtures play out.

A draw between these two clubs has become something of a rarity in recent years. The last 20 editions of El Clasico have all produced a winner, nine for Barcelona and 11 for Real Madrid, with the last draw dating back to December 2019 when the fixture at Camp Nou ended 0-0.

Adding to the occasion, Mundo Deportivo reports that La Liga would present the trophy directly at Camp Nou rather than waiting for the final round of fixtures, meaning that a win or a draw on Sunday could see Barcelona lift the title on the same night and on the same pitch as their greatest rivals.

How a Barcelona defeat affects the La Liga standings

A defeat for Barcelona on Sunday would delay their coronation but would by no means put the title in doubt. Real Madrid would need to win all three of their remaining games while Barcelona could still clinch the title by picking up just two more points from their final nine.

The next opportunity for Barcelona to seal the title could come as soon as next Thursday, when Real Madrid face Real Oviedo. Anything less than a win for Los Blancos would hand the Blaugrana the title, with Barcelona also due to face Deportivo Alaves, Real Betis and Valencia in their remaining fixtures.

Lionel Messi received a piece of good news in the Argentina national team as Cristian Romero is reportedly expected to recover for the June friendlies prior to the 2026 World Cup.

Lionel Messi has had to watch several key Argentina players pick up injuries during the final stretch of the 2025-26 club season. But a piece of encouraging news has emerged surrounding Cristian Romero, with reports indicating the center back is on track to be fit before the June friendlies that serve as Argentina’s final warm-up ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The alarm was sounded when Romero was forced off in tears during Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League match against Sunderland on April 12, following a knee injury. Medical assessments quickly ruled out any ligament tear that would have threatened his World Cup participation, though his season with Spurs came to an early end.

According to Argentine insider Lucas Gatti of Pagina 12, Romero’s recovery from a lateral ligament sprain in his right knee is being closely tracked by Lionel Scaloni’s coaching staff. The report indicates the defender is expected to be available in time for the June friendly schedule ahead of the tournament.

Gatti’s report also revealed that a member of Argentina‘s senior team medical staff traveled to London in recent weeks to personally monitor Romero’s progress. The Córdoba-born center back is regarded as one of the cornerstones of the Albiceleste, with Argentina losing just three of the 49 matches in which he has featured.

Argentina’s pre-tournament schedule includes two friendlies before their World Cup opener against Algeria on June 16. The Albiceleste face Honduras first on June 6 at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, followed by the clash against Iceland on June 9 at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama.

Four other Argentina players to monitor

Lionel Messi has three more MLS games remaining before the club season gives way to World Cup preparations, mirroring the timeline for Argentina’s European-based players who are also wrapping up their domestic campaigns. While Romero’s situation has brought some relief, several other key names remain under close watch.

Nicolas Gonzalez is one of those players, having suffered a muscle tear in the rectus femoris of his left leg during the Champions League semifinal first leg between Atletico Madrid and Arsenal. Lautaro Martinez is another concern, with the Inter Milan striker managing recurring muscular problems and logging just 30 minutes in the Serie A title-clinching victory last weekend.

The situation at Atletico Madrid has also added further anxiety, with Julian Alvarez hobbling off in the clash against Arsenal with ligament discomfort in his left ankle, and Giuliano Simeone also picking up an injury in the same match. Four players with distinct and important roles within the Albiceleste squad, their fitness will be among the most closely monitored storylines between now and the start of the tournament.

Cristiano Ronaldo has returned from injury and is fit to play for Al Nassr.

Cristiano Ronaldo, even at 41 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 with Al Nassr is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, when they’ll be hosting Gamba Osaka for the AFC Champions League Two final at Al Awwal Park in a title-deciding game. The Portuguese legend heads to the match after a 1-1 draw against Al Hilal that denied him to lift the Saudi Pro League.

Regarding the Portugal national team, Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to return during the June international window. Before the World Cup gets underway, the Selecao will play two friendlies on home soil: the first against Chile on June 6 and the second against Nigeria on June 10.

So far this season, the Portuguese icon has scored 28 goals and provided 5 assists in 35 games for Al Nassr, while netting 5 goals in 5 UEFA World Cup qualifiers for Portugal, with his personal account in 971 career goals. 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 faced 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 endured a 24-day gap without competitive action, a result of the upcoming FIFA competition schedule.

From December 1 through 18, Qatar hosted the second edition of the FIFA Arab Cup, with the final between Morocco and Jordan played at 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, were unable to meet domestic player requirements, forcing the SPL into a temporary pause during the tournament.

With the 2026 MLS season already underway, questions are being raised about when Argentina and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi will play his next game.

Lionel Messi is still making history at 38 years old, remaining a cornerstone and captain for both Inter Miami and the Argentina national team. With the 2026 Major League Soccer season now underway, fans are wondering when they’ll see the forward back in action.

Lionel Messi’s next match with Inter Miami is scheduled for Sunday, May 17, when the Herons will be hosting Portland Timbers in the MLS at the Nu Stadium. The Argentine legend enters the fixture after netting two goals and delivering one assist to complete a thrilling 5-3 comeback against FC Cincinnati.

As for international duty with Argentina national team, Lionel Messi is set to return to action during the June international window. Before the World Cup gets underway, the Albiceleste will be facing Honduras on June 6th, and Iceland on June 9, leaving Messi and company just one week to regroup before their tournament opener against Algeria on the 16th.

The 2026 MLS campaign has just begun for Messi, who has featured in 14 official matches so far across all competitions, scoring 12 goals with 4 assist registered thus far. The opener came against LAFC, who handed Inter Miami a 3-0 defeat in front of a packed crowd at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Lionel Messi and the task of defending the World Cup title

The year 2026 will be especially significant for Messi, not only because of Inter Miami’s ambitions but also because he’ll head into the 2026 World Cup aiming to defend the title. The triumph in Qatar in 2022 marked one of the defining peaks of his career, and now in North America he’ll enter another tournament wearing the champions’ badge for the first time.

Drawn into Group J, Argentina will open its campaign against Algeria on Tuesday, June 16, in Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium. The second match will be against Austria on Monday the 22nd in Arlington at AT&T Stadium, before closing the group stage against Jordan on Saturday the 27th, also in Texas.

The Argentina FA has announced that the national team will base itself in Kansas City during the tournament, though training facilities have yet to be confirmed. Expected to be his final World Cup appearance, Messi will have a chance to add to his record haul with a squad coached by Lionel Scaloni that remains one of the strongest in international soccer after winning the last World Cup and back-to-back Copa América titles.