Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has provided an injury update ahead of the Carabao Cup fourth-round clash against Wolves on October 29, 2025. Following Chelsea’s surprising 2-1 defeat to Sunderland at Stamford Bridge, as reported by Softfootball, the Blues are keen to bounce back in the knockout competition. Squad rotation and careful player management will be key as Maresca looks to balance competitiveness with player fitness.
Joao Pedro (Photo Credit: Chelsea Official Website)
Maresca offered insights on João Pedro in a post shared by Fabrizio Romano on his official X account, stressing the importance of full fitness for his forward line:
The physical part is important. When you are not 100%, it is difficult to compete.
He also highlighted Pedro’s creative role:
João’s going to score goals and give us assists. He is not going to score 20 goals a year. He’s a different striker profile.
Pedro is expected to feature in some capacity, though minutes may be managed carefully given the busy fixture schedule.
Maresca on João Pedro: “The physical part is important. When you are not 100%, it is difficult to compete”.
“João’s going to score goals and give us assists. He is not going to score 20 goals a year. He's a different striker profile”. pic.twitter.com/gEmPKD04QJ
He’s back, he’s available for tomorrow. But 90 minutes, not yet. He’s been out for months and has to be managed well now.
Delap trained fully on October 27 and is likely to come off the bench, while Marc Guiu is expected to start up front.
Liam Delap (Photo Credit: Chelsea media)
Maresca also suggested that Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo, and João Pedro could be rested to protect them for upcoming matches. Wolves, under Vítor Pereira, provide a challenging home test, with Chelsea needing to adapt quickly and execute efficiently to progress to the last eight. It’s worth noting that careful rotation and squad depth could be decisive in this knockout encounter.
Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid’s captain and reliable right-back, had surgery on his right knee today. The operation was an arthroscopy, done by Dr Manuel Leyes with the club’s medical team watching closely, as posted on the club’s official X account. The goal was to remove some loose material in the joint. Carvajal got hurt during Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Barcelona, as reported by Softfootball.
Daniel Carvajal (Photo Credit: Daniel Carvajal via Instagram)
As Softfootball previously reported, Carvajal’s injury was diagnosed after post-match tests revealed a loose body in the same knee where he suffered a serious ACL and LCL rupture in October 2024. That earlier setback sidelined him for nearly a full season, making this latest issue another unfortunate blow in what has been a turbulent two years for the veteran defender.
Now, Real Madrid has to rethink things at right-back. Fede Valverde stepped in during El Clásico, and he might keep that spot for a while. Trent Alexander-Arnold, recently back from injury, is another option. Losing Carvajal hurts, especially with big La Liga matches and Champions League games on the horizon.
Daniel Carvajal (Photo Credit: Daniel Carvajal via Instagram)
Everyone is hoping he bounces back strong. Carvajal brings experience, leadership, and calm at the back—a captain in every sense. His teammates will feel the gap. For now, Madrid must navigate the coming weeks without him. Slowly but surely, though, all eyes will be on his recovery. If all goes well, he will be back stronger, sharper, and ready to lead the defense again.
Alejandro Garnacho (Photo Credit: Alejandro Garnacho via Instagram)
Garnacho revealed, in a post shared by Fabrizio Romano on his official X account, that Chelsea’s vision under Maresca was what ultimately convinced him to make the switch. He said:
When I spoke with the club and Maresca, it’s important also the style of play we have. He explained a lot to me in a video call with him.
For Garnacho, joining Chelsea represents more than just a change of clubs, as it is a leap in his development. He said, describing the Blues as the best team in the world after watching their Club World Cup triumph:
It’s a big chance to improve as a player in a team like Chelsea.
He praised the club’s winning mentality, the competition for places, and the high standards that now define life at Stamford Bridge.
Garnacho on why he joined Chelsea: “When I spoke with the club and Maresca, it’s important also the style of play we have. He explained a lot to me in a video call with him”.
“It’s a big chance to improve as a player in a team like Chelsea”, told Sports Illustrated. pic.twitter.com/OciJaqq2Pg
The winger also admitted that a familiar face helped ease the transition. He said:
I spoke to Enzo Fernández during the summer… he had been asking, ‘When are you coming?’
Since arriving at Cobham, Garnacho has impressed staff with his work ethic and willingness to adapt. Sources close to the club say Maresca has already praised his attitude and commitment in training. The 20-year-old appears determined to repay the faith shown in him not just by Maresca, but by a club that believes he can become one of the Premier League’s most exciting wide players
Cologne take on Bayern Munich this Wednesday night at the RheinEnergieStadion, and to be honest, it’s a mountain to climb. The hosts have not beaten Bayern in over a decade, and with the visitors flying under Vincent Kompany, it’s looking like another long evening for the Billy Goats. Still, football’s beauty lies in surprises, and Cologne will cling to that hope.
Micheal Olise for Bayern Munich (Photo Credit: Bayern Munich website)
For Cologne, it’s been rough lately. They have picked up only four points from their last five Bundesliga games and are still recovering from that gut-wrenching 96th-minute loss at Dortmund. No shots on target, no joy, no luck. And now Bayern. That’s football’s cruel sense of humour.
Kristoffer (Photo Credit: Cologne via X)
Team News
Cologne’s injury list remains long. Jan Thielmann, Luca Kilian (ACL), Rav van den Berg, and Timo Hübers are all sidelined, while Cenk Özkacar faces a late fitness test. Kilian’s absence in particular leaves them short of defensive options.
For Bayern, Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies remain out, but Kompany confirmed several key returns in his pre-match press conference that was shared on the club’s official X account:
Things are looking good. Raphaël Guerreiro is back to full fitness, with Josip Stanišić and Serge Gnabry also back. The squad is where it needs to be going into the next three games.
Sporting Director Christoph Freund added that young goalkeeper Jonas Urbíg will start, praising his development:
He’s already at a very high level at a young age… He’s on the perfect path right now.
Still, Bayern’s depth and sharpness make them heavy favourites. Freund echoed that ambition:
Everyone wants to come back to Berlin — but we know we must earn it first.
Cologne will fight with spirit, but Bayern’s rhythm and quality should tell. Expect the visitors to control possession and punish defensive lapses late on.
Arsenal face Brighton at the Emirates on Tuesday night in the Carabao Cup fourth round, and it’s coming at a tricky time for Mikel Arteta’s side. The Gunners are unbeaten in ten matches and flying high in the Premier League, but the squad’s looking thinner than he’d like right now.
Manchester United vs Brighton (Photo Credit: Brighton via X)
Team News
Arsenal’s injury list keeps growing. Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, and Gabriel Jesus are all out with mostly knee or ligament issues, and Jurriën Timber might not make it either. Truth be told, that’s a big blow for Arteta, but he’s managed worse. His team have kept five clean sheets in a row, showing just how organised they have become.
Expect Kepa Arrizabalaga to stay in goal behind Ben White, Christian Mosquera, Piero Hincapie, and 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly. Norgaard will anchor midfield with Eze and Merino. Up front, Ethan Nwaneri, Leandro Trossard, and Viktor Gyökeres should lead the attack.
Viktor Gyrokeres after scoring for Arsenal (Photo Credit : Arsenal X handle)
Brighton aren’t in perfect shape either. Adam Webster, Solly March, and Jack Hinshelwood are long-term absentees, while doubts remain over Kaoru Mitoma, Joel Veltman, and Diego Gómez. Fabian Hurzeler might stick with Simon Adingra, Georginio Rutter, and Danny Welbeck, who’s always up for a big night in North London.
Arsenal, via their official X account, posted Eberechi Eze’s first Premier League goal for Arsenal, a stunning volley against his former club Crystal Palace which marked a significant moment in Arsenal’s 1-0 victory, extending their unbeaten run to seven matches and securing their 700th Premier League win.
There’s a sense this could go either way. Brighton have hit some wild form in the cup—those back-to-back 6–0 wins show their depth—but Arsenal at home are a different animal. They have got structure, patience, and that bit of swagger you only get from an unbeaten run.
Few would have imagined Sunderland AFC being here today. After back-to-back relegations in 2017 and 2018, the club’s fall from grace felt endless. Fast-forward to October 2025, and the Black Cats are suddenly one of the Premier League’s brightest stories. Their recent 2–1 triumph over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, which was reported by Softfootball, wasn’t just a win; it was a statement that Sunderland are no longer here to make up the numbers.
Chelsea vs Sunderland (Photo Credit: Softfootball Media)
Their story has been building quietly. Promotion from League One came in 2022 under Alex Neil, but things really changed when Le Bris arrived in 2024. He brought a clear identity of high pressing, bold football, and faith in young players. In May 2025, that belief paid off when Sunderland edged Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final, sealing their long-awaited return to the top flight.
Sunderland players (Photo Credit: Sunderland via X)
Now, they are not just surviving; they are competing. As of October 28, 2025, Sunderland sits 4th in the Premier League table, level on 17 points with Tottenham and just behind Bournemouth on goal difference. They have won five, drawn two, and lost only twice in nine matches, scoring 11 and conceding 7.
Veterans like Granit Xhaka and Reinildo Mandava have given balance to a side built around fearless youth. Sunderland, via their official X account, posted a feature on Reinildo Mandava praising teammate Granit Xhaka, highlighting an unexpected cultural and professional synergy on the pitch.
Reinildo: 'Granit has so much quality, not only on the pitch but off it. In training, he pushes us, he shares his experience – that’s very special. I’m very proud to play with him.' pic.twitter.com/Av5sqr2eMX
Xhaka, ever the leader, already has three assists to his name. Wilson Isidor has scored four times, while Talibi and Daniel Ballard have chipped in crucial goals. Nordi Mukiele has been rock solid at the back, and young keeper Robin Roefs keeps growing in confidence every week.
What’s happening at Sunderland feels genuine and not a lucky streak or a short-term miracle. It’s eight years of hard work, smart recruitment, and patient rebuilding finally paying off. The Stadium of Light feels alive again, louder, prouder, and full of belief.
Sunderland fans (Photo Credit: Sunderland via X)
From relegation despair to the edge of Champions League qualification, Sunderland’s journey is a reminder that football still rewards vision, courage, and a bit of stubborn faith.
Rio Ferdinand has come to the defence of Casemiro, praising the veteran midfielder’s resurgence and leadership at Manchester United after a difficult spell earlier in the season. Speaking on his Rio Presents podcast, as shared on the official X account, Ferdinand discussed how the 33-year-old has silenced critics through strong performances and determination.
Rio Ferdinand (Photo Credit: Rio Ferdinand via Instagram)
The former United captain pointed out how Toby Collyer, a younger midfielder, was once selected ahead of Casemiro earlier this season, which could have damaged the Brazilian’s pride. Instead, he responded like a champion, re-establishing himself as a key figure in Rúben Amorim’s side. His commanding performances in games such as United’s dramatic win at Anfield, reported by Softfootball, have shown why experience still matters in top-level football.
Casemiro (Photo Credit: Casemiro via Instagram)
Ferdinand said:
Casemiro is at the back of the pack. Toby’s being called upon before him. Do you know how embarrassing that would have been for Casemiro? But for him to roll his sleeves up and say, ‘No, no, no, it ain’t happening,’ that’s what fans wanted to see.
Ferdinand then referenced Jamie Carragher’s previous comments, where the pundit suggested Casemiro should consider retirement before his form declined. Rio countered:
That was highly disrespectful. You’re talking about a five-time Champions League winner. Players can lose confidence or form, but that doesn’t erase their quality or character.
Casemiro (Photo Credit: Casemiro via Instagram)
Casemiro’s recent form supports Ferdinand’s view. United have recorded five wins, one draw, and just one loss in the Premier League when he starts as compared to a poor record in his absence. His leadership, communication, and ability to control midfield transitions have helped restore order to a side that had been struggling for consistency. The importance of experienced players like Casemiro cannot be overstated in maintaining balance and discipline within the team.
For Ferdinand, Casemiro’s response is the perfect example of resilience. When faced with doubt, he chose to fight, and in doing so, reminded everyone why class, professionalism, and pride still define him.
After the defeat against Real Madrid, FC Barcelona have received a positive injury update on star Robert Lewandowski's condition.
Robert Lewandowski was one of the biggest absentees for FC Barcelona during Sunday’s El Clásico against Real Madrid. After falling 2–1 at the Santiago Bernabéu, the Blaugrana have received a major boost regarding the Polish striker’s recovery.
Following the October international break, Lewandowski became the center of controversy after suffering a torn biceps femoris in his left thigh during Poland’s match against Lithuania. The most debated point was that the striker reportedly sustained the injury midgame but decided to play all 90 minutes, with only a light bandage applied to the affected area at halftime.
According to Spanish outlet Diario Sport, Lewandowski completed Monday’s training session with his teammates, a significant step forward in his recovery. The session, led by head coach Hansi Flick, was geared toward players who didn’t feature against Real Madrid, and Lewandowski’s participation is an encouraging sign for the matches ahead.
The veteran forward has struggled with fitness issues since preseason and has yet to hit top form, totaling just 431 minutes across nine appearances this season. That means, in addition to missing four of Barcelona’s 13 games in the 2025–26 campaign, he’s averaged under 48 minutes per outing, a considerable setback for someone who’s been the team’s top goalscorer last season.
Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona scores a goal.
Lewandowski’s contract with Barcelona expires at the end of the current season, and with reports suggesting he could leave the club next summer, his future remains uncertain. Still, with four goals so far in the 2025–26 campaign, the 37-year-old’s focus will be on returning to the pitch and finding consistency, especially with the 2026 World Cup looming on the horizon.
What’s next for Barcelona?
October has been a rough month for Barcelona, who began with a 2–1 loss to Paris Saint-Germain, followed by a 4–1 defeat to Sevilla, and capped it off with Sunday’s El Clásico loss to Real Madrid. Now sitting second in La Liga with 22 points from 10 games, and outside the top eight in the UEFA Champions League, Barca are eager to bounce back.
Their next test comes on Sunday at home against Elche, a match that could mark Lewandowski’s return, either as a starter or off the bench. After that, Flick’s side will travel to Belgium to face Club Brugge on Wednesday, November 5, in a matchup where they’ll be clear favorites, an opportunity to turn the page after a difficult stretch.
Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring a goal.
Lionel Messi put his presence in the 2026 World Cup in the air, revealing the criteria he'll use to make the decision to take part in the Argentina national team.
Lionel Messi has been reluctant to confirm his participation in the 2026 World Cup, despite being asked about it repeatedly in recent years. With less than seven months until the tournament kicks off, the Inter Miami forward explained how and when he’ll decide whether to join the Argentina national team.
After leading Argentina to glory at both the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa América, Messi has once again guided the reigning champions to the top of the CONMEBOL qualifiers. The forward continues to play a pivotal role under Lionel Scaloni, who has already made it clear that the decision to take part in the next World Cup will rest entirely with Messi.
NBC News’ Tom Llamas asked Messi whether he plans to play in the 2026 edition, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and the Argentine icon didn’t hide his enthusiasm: “It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup, and I would love to.”
The 38-year-old then explained the criteria he’ll use to make his final call. “I would like to be at the World Cup in good form and be an important part in helping my national team, if I am there. I will evaluate this day by day when preseason starts with Inter Miami and see if I can really be 100%, if I can be useful to the group, to the national team, and then I will make a decision,” Messi stated.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF poses with the Icon of the Match Award.
As he has stated before, Messi won’t make a decision unless he feels fully fit and capable of contributing. While he has continued to feature in recent call-ups and has starred in the 2025 MLS season, his physical condition, and the fact that he’ll turn 39 during the tournament, will be key factors in his decision-making process.
Messi closed by reflecting on Argentina’s strong run over the past year and his motivation to keep competing: “Obviously, I am very excited because it’s about the World Cup. We come after winning the last World Cup, and being able to defend it on the field again is incredible, because it’s always a dream to play for the national team, especially in official tournaments.”
Messi and a dream fulfilled in 2022
After years of heartbreak and even a brief retirement from international play, Messi finally completed his lifelong mission by winning the World Cup with Argentina in Qatar in 2022. Since then, the pressure has lifted, and in the twilight of his career, he’s still playing with the same joy that defined his early years.
Reflecting on that triumph, Messi didn’t hide what it meant to him: “It was the dream of my life. It was also true that it was the only thing missing at a professional level because I had been lucky enough to have achieved everything at an individual level, at a team level with Barcelona, and I think that’s every player’s dream. When you ask a player what their dream is, it’s to be world champion.”
When discussing the GOATs besides himself, Lionel Messi didn’t hold back, comparing a soccer legend to Michael Jordan.
Lionel Messi has been one of the defining figures in soccer over the past two decades, breaking countless records and establishing himself as the most decorated player in history. Yet the Argentine icon still holds deep admiration for the legends who came before him. When asked about the Greatest of All Time (GOATs), Messi didn’t hesitate to compare a soccer legend to NBA icon Michael Jordan.
Throughout his career, Messi has often spoken about his admiration for former Argentina midfielder Pablo Aimar, someone he idolized growing up. Still, when it comes to the true “GOAT” debate, the Inter Miami star believes only a few transcendent figures belong in that conversation, and he included one from soccer and one from basketball.
In an interview with NBC News’ Tom Llamas, Messi was asked about the GOATs he’s studied or looked up to. His answer was clear: “Of course, for us Argentinians, (Diego) Maradona was always the one, our greatest legend, the greatest player for what he represented to all of us. Although I was young and saw him play live only a little, Diego transcended everything, he was something bigger than any boundaries.“
The Inter Miami star then shifted the conversation beyond soccer, immediately drawing a parallel with another icon. “If we talk about another sport, I think it was similar with Michael Jordan, yes,” Messi said, likening Maradona’s influence on soccer to Jordan’s legendary status in basketball.
Diego Maradona lifting the 1986 World Cup.
Messi was just 10 years old when Maradona retired in 1997 and was coming through La Masia in 2003 when Jordan played his final NBA game. Still, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner recognizes that their legacies continue to shape their sports, a feeling he’ll undoubtedly experience himself once he decides to hang up his boots.
Messi on the GOATs of other sports
Since his debut at FC Barcelona, Messi’s focus has always been on soccer, rarely crossing paths with other sports. Now at Inter Miami, the Argentine legend has broadened his horizons, attending events like Super Bowl LIX, a surreal moment that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago.
When it comes to tennis, Messi didn’t hesitate to praise the “Big Three”: “I also greatly admire tennis players like Nadal, Federer, Djokovic because they made the competition much greater than it was. Competing all this time to be the best and trading the top spot among themselves made everything more spectacular. I don’t know, I’m sure I forgot to mention many athletes, but to highlight a few, I think I’d choose these.“
He also shared his thoughts on basketball, mentioning two current NBA superstars and future Hall of Famers. “In basketball, for example, LeBron James and Steph Curry are players I’ve admired a lot, and I think they’ve contributed so much to the sport they each play in their own field,” Messi concluded.
Michael Jordan #23 of the Washington Wizards and Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami.
After more than two years at Inter Miami, Lionel Messi reflected on his impact on the Major League Soccer, and what the league needs to make the next big step.
Lionel Messi has arguably made the biggest impact of any player in Major League Soccer history, not only through his on-field performances, but also by transforming TV deals, attendance figures, and the league’s global visibility. More than two years after joining Inter Miami, the Argentine legend reflected on his influence in the United States and shared his thoughts on what MLS must do to take the next step forward.
On Thursday, October 23, Inter Miami announced the renewal of Messi’s contract, extending his stay with the Herons through 2028. The decision represents a landmark moment not just for the club, but for the league as well, which continues to benefit from the presence of its most recognizable face. Messi’s performances have redefined expectations for a Designated Player, and another MLS MVP award already seems within reach.
In an interview with NBC News, journalist Tom Llamas asked Messi whether he believes he has succeeded in elevating Inter Miami’s global profile: “I think so, yes. Today, the Inter Miami brand has become very strong, not only in the USA but also on a global level. I believe the club has undergone a significant transformation and has grown in every aspect: athletically, institutionally, and organizationally. And I think there is even more room for it to continue growing and improving in all aspects.”
Messi also addressed the development of MLS itself, emphasizing that the league’s potential depends on taking bolder steps. “As for the development of football in the USA, I see it as possible, but major changes are necessary for teams to continue growing. The clubs are ready and genuinely want to achieve this growth, and I believe the time is right for it now,” he stated.
Inter Miami announcement of Lionel Messi’s contract extension.
Among the changes he believes are essential, Messi highlighted one major rule that could reshape the league: “For this development to begin, every team must have the freedom to bring in the players they want and sign them without restrictions or regulations limiting that.
“Today, all the teams and clubs in the USA have the resources and capability to do so, and I believe that if they were given this freedom, many great players would come, which would greatly help in the development of football in America,” Messi concluded.
MLS salary cap: Messi’s biggest complain
Messi’s impact in MLS has been magnified by the arrival of other global stars like Son Heung-min and Thomas Müller, both of whom have expressed admiration for the Argentine. However, one of the most consistent frustrations voiced by Inter Miami players, including Messi, has been the league’s strict salary cap.
Then, in an April interview with the Simplemente Fútbol YouTube channel, Messi himself admitted that the league’s growth was being slowed by “many restrictions” on player acquisitions. Despite these limitations, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has committed his future to Inter Miami, but he made it clear that he believes the rules must evolve for MLS to reach its full potential.
Deutsche Bank Park is all set for what feels like a cup final way too early, as Eintracht Frankfurt welcome Borussia Dortmund in the second round of the DFB-Pokal. Both sides have had mixed starts to the season, and this one could swing either way depending on who turns up sharper.
Team News
Frankfurt head into this match with a bit of confidence after finally ending a poor run that included a 5-1 thrashing by Liverpool in the Champions League by beating St Pauli 2–0 last weekend, their first clean sheet in 11 matches. Softfootball understands that Dino Toppmöller’s men looked more composed defensively and played with a little swagger too. They sit sixth in the Bundesliga with 13 points, four behind Dortmund, but still 11 off Bayern Munich, who are already running away again.
The Eagles will take some encouragement from their Pokal history; they reached the final in 2022–23 (losing 2–0 to RB Leipzig) and have made the round of 16 twice since. Still, consistency has been a problem, especially at home, where they’ve struggled to control games.
Karim Adeyemi of Borussia Dortmund (Photo Credit: Dortmund via X)
Dortmund, though, are beginning to find their rhythm under Niko Kovač. After losing 2–1 to Bayern earlier this month, a game that rival striker Harry Kane claimed to enjoy a lot, they bounced back nicely with wins over FC Köln (1–0) and Copenhagen (4–2) in the Champions League. Their defence has tightened up too, with just six goals conceded in the league so far.
The win against FC Köln was very dramatic as dortmund enjoyed a late winner from Maximilian Beier, a goal that sent the whole stadium ablaze. Dortmund posted a video of that feeling in a post made via the official X account.
Toppmöller is expected to name a strong side again, with Jonathan Burkardt leading the attack. Hugo Larsson, who came off the bench against St Pauli, might start this time, his calmness and passing could be key in midfield. There’s still a bit of talk about the goalkeeping position, though; Michael Zetterer kept a clean sheet on Saturday, so he’s probably earned another go ahead of Kaua Santos.
For Dortmund, Niklas Süle should return to the starting lineup after sitting out against Köln. Marcel Sabitzer is pushing to start in midfield, likely alongside Felix Nmecha. Julian Brandt could slot in behind Serhou Guirassy, who’s been in fine goal-scoring form lately.
It’s not an easy one to call. Frankfurt’s home advantage counts, but Dortmund just seem more balanced right now. Expect a tough battle with a few nervy moments at both ends. Maybe Frankfurt will nick an early goal, but Dortmund’s quality might tell late on.
Giuliano Simeone (Photo Credi: Atletico Madrid via X)
It took Atlético barely three minutes to strike. Giuliano Simeone, son of the coach, smashed in a well-taken volley after Betis failed to deal with a long throw from Dávid Hancko. It was a proper Simeone-style goal, scrappy, quick, and full of hunger. Betis, for all their possession and intent, couldn’t find a way through. They ended the night with more shots and the ball for longer spells, but Atleti’s defence, led superbly by José María Giménez and Robin Le Normand, never looked like cracking.
Just before halftime, Álex Baena put the game to bed with a classy finish. Julián Álvarez burst forward on the counter and slipped the ball wide, and Baena did the rest by cutting inside and curling a beauty into the far corner. That goal summed up what Atleti were about on the night: calm, clinical, and patient. It’s no wonder Simeone recently hailed Álvarez’s work rate and loyalty to the club, as Softfootball earlier reported.
Ricardo Rodriguez (Photo Credit: Real Betis via X)
Real Betis missed the spark of Isco, who is still recovering from a long-term fibula injury, and struggled to create much despite the efforts of Giovani Lo Celso and Abde Ezzalzouli. The latter came closest when his free kick smashed against Jan Oblak’s crossbar, a moment that drew gasps from the home crowd. Pellegrini’s side tried, but it wasn’t their night.
Oblak’s clean sheet bolsters Atletico’s nine-game unbeaten streak, positioning them as frontrunners in the 2025-26 title race after rebounding from a midweek Champions League loss. Atletico Madrid, via their official X account, shared an insightful video clip of goalkeeper Jan Oblak executing a pivotal save to deny a clear scoring chance and keep his team leading.
By the end, Atlético were in full control, managing the game the way Simeone loves—disciplined, compact, and efficient. The win lifts them into fourth place with 19 points, while Betis stay sixth on 16. It also extends Atlético’s dominance in this fixture, as they have now beaten Betis in four of their last six meetings.
A gritty response, a clean sheet, and a reminder that under Simeone, Atlético always find a way back.
FIFA has opened a new round of tickets for the 2026 World Cup, with some exclusive slots reserved for specific groups of fans.
Excitement for the 2026 World Cup continues to build ahead of what’s set to be the biggest edition of the tournament so far, with national teams currently securing qualification. With several spots still up for grabs, FIFA has now opened a new ticket window for fans, including some exclusive options available for a limited time.
On Monday, October 27, FIFA launched the second phase of ticket sales, offering one million tickets. This phase, compared to the first, includes an exclusive window for fans residing in the host countries, the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
This latest ticket phase will run until Friday, October 31, at 11 a.m. Eastern Time. While there is a domestic exclusivity period for residents of the host nations, the window will still be open to fans worldwide. Successful applicants will receive confirmation emails between mid-November and early December.
In a statement published on FIFA’s website, World Cup Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi said: “We already have seen massive interest from around the world for this tournament, and especially from within the host countries as Canada, Mexico and the United States prepare to host the biggest FIFA World Cup yet. This second phase, with its host country domestic exclusivity time slot, will allow us to say ‘thank you’ to these local fans, while ensuring global opportunity as well.“
Lionel Messi and the 2022 World Cup.
Following the October international break, the number of national teams that have qualified for the World Cup rose to 28. With 20 spots still available and the tournament set to kick off on June 11, fans now have another opportunity to secure their place at what promises to be a historic edition of the competition.
World Cup tickets: One major phase still to come
The first phase of ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup, which opened in September, was reserved exclusively for Visa cardholders aged 18 and older. The second phase now gives priority to fans in the host countries. However, fans who miss out on these rounds will still have another chance to buy tickets.
According to FIFA, Phase 3 of ticket sales will open after the World Cup group-stage draw on December 5. With most national teams already qualified and the remaining playoff rounds still to be played, fans will soon be able to purchase tickets for specific matches — with opponents, dates, and venues already set.
After years of struggle, Manchester United are apparently recovering their form in the 2025-26 Premier League with a dynamic style. For that reason, English legend Wayne Rooney has lauded a standout recent arrival in Ruben Amorim's squad, leaving no doubt about his admiration.
In a bid to revitalize their prospects, Manchester United revamped their roster during the recent transfer window. Initially, the Red Devils struggled to gain momentum, but they have since secured three consecutive victories, showcasing a dynamic style that could shift their fortunes. Wayne Rooney, a club legend, eagerly praised Ruben Amorim’s latest signing, a player who has been unstoppable since joining the team.
Bryan Mbeumo joined Manchester United from Brentford in a much-criticized $94 million transfer but has quickly silenced critics with his stellar performances. The Cameroonian star has emerged as the Red Devils’ top scorer early in the season, netting five goals and adding an assist in just ten games under Ruben Amorim. His remarkable form even caught the attention of club legend Wayne Rooney, who lauded the forward’s impact.
“His energy, his work-rate, his desire, is what you need to be a United player. I did say that I was a little bit unsure, but I think what he’s shown is he belongs there… He’s been consistent with his performances, I think that’s the main thing. If you’re consistently getting into the right positions, and getting chances, you will score 20 goals a season,” Wayne Rooney said in this podcast.
While Bryan Mbeumo thrives as a goalscorer, he’s not your typical center forward. From his Premier League debut, he has excelled as a second striker, needing a leading partner to maximize his impact. Coach Ruben Amorim understands this dynamic perfectly, pairing him with Matheus Cunha behind Benjamin Sesko, allowing him to shine.
Bryan Mbeumo of Manchester United during the Premier League match.
Man United coach Ruben Amorim praises Mbeumo, highlighting his chemistry with key teammate
Bryan Mbeumo has emerged as a crucial figure at the start of the 2025-26 Premier League season, showcasing his prowess not just as a goalscorer. His presence fills the gap in the Red Devils’ inside game, crucially complementing Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro in midfield while keeping as a scoring powerhouse. Acknowledging his dual impact, coach Ruben Amorim praised his synergy with Amad Diallo, highlighting the Cameroonian’s influential role.
“He’s a working machine. He’s so good in transitions. He’s improving when we are organizing the final third,” Ruben Amorim said, after the lastest victory. Then, he deepens on his on-field chemistry with Amad Diallo, saying: “[It] is really hard to beat these two guys because they change positions, they are really fast, they are good in one against one.”
Diallo may not boast eye-popping statistics, but his impact on the team is undeniable. Transitioning seamlessly from right winger to right wing-back, the Ivorian has cemented his status as a vital asset for the Red Devils. As one of Mbeumo’s premier partners in attack, he skillfully creates the space that enables the striker to flourish. This dynamic duo promises to spearhead Manchester United’s rebuilding journey.
Wayne Rooney of Manchester United applauds the crowd in 2017.
Kylian Mbappé has already received bad news following Real Madrid’s El Clásico win over FC Barcelona, as one of his star teammates has suffered a major injury setback.
Kylian Mbappé was one of the standouts in Real Madrid’s win over FC Barcelona in Sunday’s El Clásico, marking his name on the scoresheet. However, bad news didn’t take long to strike Los Blancos, as one of their key players has now suffered a major injury setback.
El Clásico at the Santiago Bernabéu ended Barcelona’s run of four consecutive wins in the 2024-25 season, setting a new tone for the 2025-26 campaign. Real Madrid now sit at the top of La Liga with 27 points from 10 games, but they’ve been dealt yet another significant blow within the squad.
Real Madrid have confirmed that right back Dani Carvajal will be sidelined due to another injury to his right knee. The Spanish defender missed most of the 2024-25 campaign after suffering an ACL tear, and despite a careful recovery, Carvajal has suffered an unexpected setback upon his return to the field.
The club released an update on their captain Monday, detailing the severity of the issue and outlining the next steps. “Following tests carried out on our captain Dani Carvajal by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with the presence of a loose body in his right knee joint. Carvajal will now undergo an arthroscopy,” the statement read.
Daniel Carvajal of Real Madrid.
Carvajal entered El Clásico in the 72nd minute, replacing Federico Valverde, who appeared to have picked up a knock. Having logged just 443 minutes across eight matches (an average of 55 per game) in the 2025-26 season, reports from Spanish outlets suggest that, due to the nature of the injury, Mbappe could be without one of his captains for between two and three months.
Dani Carvajal confronts Yamal in El Clásico
Despite discomfort with the role, Federico Valverde had been assigned by Xabi Alonso to play at right back due to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury, with Carvajal only fit enough to serve as a substitute. The Spanish defender featured for 18 minutes with the score still 2-1, helping to secure the win, but he also became the center of controversy once the final whistle blew.
With Lamine Yamal having stirred up tension before the match, Carvajal immediately confronted the 18-year-old after the game, appearing to gesture that he “talks too much.” Soon after, Vinicius Junior, Thibaut Courtois, and other Real Madrid players followed Carvajal’s lead, with Yamal ultimately escorted to the locker room as tempers flared.
Real Madrid convincingly defeated Barcelona, highlighting their ongoing defensive issues. Surprisingly, former Barcelona player Rafinha criticized Lamine Yamal, stirring controversy with his remarks before the game.
Amidst a wave of injuries, Barcelona was decisively defeated by Real Madrid, who, despite not dominating possession, commanded the offensive play. While the defensive sector left many questions unanswered, it was Lamine Yamal who bore the brunt of the criticism after his regular performance. Even former player Rafinha joined in, leaving his clear perspective on his pre-game statements.
On DAZN’s broadcast, former Barcelona player Rafinha analyzed Lamine Yamal’s situation, offering a clear perspective. “He sinned through youth and a lack of maturity in saying what he said. His words gave extra motivation to Madrid,” he said. Adding to the opinion, former Real Madrid star Guti said, “Lamine Yamal is too young to know the history of Real Madrid and Barça. I too would have called him out on his words.”
Ahead of the match, Lamine Yamal participated in a Kings League Spain event, representing La Capital CF. During his speech, he criticized Real Madrid, saying they ‘stole and complained a lot,‘ a remark that incensed both fans and players like Vinicius and Dani Carvajal, who confronted him post-game. For that reason, Rafinha Alcantara noted that his comments inadvertently spurred Real Madrid players, fueling their motivation to secure a victory.
Blaming an 18-year-old for Barcelona’s defeat, despite Lamine’s imprecise words, seems misguided. Moreover, Yamal has been dealing with groin pain, which understandably affects his performance, highlighting the unfairness of criticism focused on pressure instead of his physical condition. On top of that, the absence of standout players like Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha notably impacted the Culers’ chances.
Dani Carvajal of Real Madrid clashes with Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona.
Is Lamine Yamal still with physical discomfort? New report reveals details on the Barcelona star condition
Following his injury during the UEFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers with Spain, Lamine Yamal made his return on October 18, featuring in pivotal matches against Girona and Olympiakos. Despite his offensive contributions, his physical sharpness seemed lacking, a fact underscored in the recent clash with Real Madrid. Now, a report sheds lights on his physical readiness previous the last game.
According to Gerard Romero at Jijantes FC, Lamine Yamal’s entourage informed Barcelona 15 days ago about the young player’s serious pubic discomfort. In response, the club is actively consulting medical specialists to prevent a potential injury relapse. Consequently, he might miss upcoming games to focus on a full recovery, with Raphinha targeting a November 1 return and the promising emergence of Roony Bardghji.
Rafinha, while playing fort Barcelona in 2012, and Lamine Yamal.
David Beckham has heaped praise on Trent Alexander-Arnold, drawing striking parallels between their styles of play and calling the Real Madrid and England star a modern-day reflection of himself. Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast in a video uploaded on X, Beckham admitted that among today’s players, Trent reminds him the most of his own approach to football.
He said:
I suppose if there was one player where I look at and think, ‘he’s very similar in the way he delivers the ball, crosses or passes,’ it has to be Trent.
David Beckham via Instagram
When Ferdinand suggested Kevin De Bruyne as a possible comparison, Beckham disagreed slightly, noting that while the Belgian is exceptional, Alexander-Arnold’s technique and passing vision feel more personal to him.
He explained:
It’s the way he puts the ball in, those long passes balls some players don’t even think about. That’s what I love about him.
The comparison carries even more weight given Alexander-Arnold’s evolution. Softfootball understands that since leaving Liverpool for Real Madrid in May 2025, he has hoped to redefine the full-back role much like Beckham redefined the wide midfielder’s position at Manchester United decades ago; however, muscle problems continue to hinder his progress at the club.
Watch the video below:
David Beckham describes the current Real Madrid player who is most similar to his playing style
During his Liverpool career, Trent registered 60 Premier League assists (a record for a defender) and 23 goals in 354 appearances, helping the Reds win two league titles (2020, 2025) and a Champions League (2019).
Beckham, who notched 142 goals and assists as a non-forward during his own Premier League era, clearly sees a kindred spirit two players who turned dead balls and long passes into art forms. Softfootball even wrote an article suggesting that Salah’s struggle this season might be as a result of Trent’s move to Madrid.
From Beckham’s right foot to Trent’s, the tradition of English precision and flair seems alive and well. As Beckham put it, Trent has that kind of vision that changes games.
Wycombe Wanderers head into this Carabao Cup fourth-round clash at Adams Park in confident mood. The Chairboys are unbeaten in their last four matches across all competitions, including a commanding 3-0 victory over Huddersfield at the weekend, a result that has revived belief among their supporters, Softfootball reports.
That run has come at the perfect time as they prepare to face Premier League opposition, with the club eyeing a first quarter-final appearance in nearly two decades. Manager Michael Duff’s men have been well-drilled defensively and increasingly efficient in front of goal, setting the tone for what could be a memorable night in Buckinghamshire.
Wycombe Wanderers players (Photo Credit: Wycombe Wanderers FC facebook page)
Still, Wycombe know the magnitude of the challenge. Despite their encouraging momentum, the gulf in quality remains vast. Fulham’s top-flight pedigree and squad depth mean any lapse in concentration could prove costly.
The hosts are expected to rely heavily on quick transitions and set-pieces to threaten the visitors, hoping to channel the spirit of the cup and deliver a shock result against a side desperate to rediscover form.
In what is going to be one of their biggest match in recent history, Wycombe Wanderers FC via its official X handle, posted the gaffer’s take on what to expect from premier league Fulham, fans will be hoping the team can cause a huge upset. They posted:
Fulham arrive at Adams Park under growing pressure following a miserable Premier League run that has seen them lose five consecutive league games, including a narrow 1-0 defeat to Arsenal during that stretch. The Cottagers have struggled for creativity and confidence in recent weeks, scoring just twice in those five outings while conceding nine times.
For manager Marco Silva, this Carabao Cup tie represents more than just progression, it’s a much-needed chance to reset morale and remind fans of the team’s potential after a worrying dip in domestic form.
Fulham player Josh King in training (Photo Credit: Fulham X handle)
Despite their struggles, Fulham have shown glimpses of promise in the cup, comfortably defeating Bristol City and Cambridge United in earlier rounds. The Portuguese boss is likely to name a stronger-than-expected lineup as he seeks a response from his side.
They’ll need to start fast, dominate possession, and avoid the sluggish play that has plagued them recently. Anything less than a professional performance could see Wycombe sense weakness and pounce on the Premier League side’s frailties.
Fulham’s coach Marco Silva spoke to the media ahead of the fourth round tie tomorrow, which was shared via the club’s official X handle. Watch the video below:
Marco previews tomorrow's #CarabaoCup Fourth Round.
Wycombe Wanderers are expected to stick with the core of the team that produced their recent unbeaten run. With no major injury concerns reported, Michael Duff could name a similar XI to the one that dispatched Huddersfield. Attacking options like Dale Taylor and Luke Leahy are likely to feature prominently as Wycombe look to maintain their positive rhythm.
Ahead of the game, Wycombe wanderers via its official X handle, shared an exclusive highlight video containing some of the most remarkable upset the club has had against premier league oppositions, fans and players will be excited and hoping one of this happens in tomorrow’s clash. Watch video below:
It could be one of those nights.
Our cup adventure continues at Adams Park against Fulham on Tuesday evening.
Fulham, meanwhile, remain without key players including Antonee Robinson and Joachim Andersen, while Rodrigo Muniz faces a late fitness test. Marco Silva may rotate slightly but will keep several first-team regulars involved to ensure control and stability. Notably, Alex Iwobi, who recently reached a milestone 300 Premier League appearances, is also in contention to start. The Nigerian international could provide much-needed creativity in Fulham’s attack, players like Harrison Reed and Adama Traoré could also get valuable minutes.
Wycombe’s strong home form and fearlessness make them dangerous underdogs, but Fulham’s superior individual quality should eventually tell. That said, the Premier League side’s fragile confidence adds a layer of intrigue, and an early goal for the hosts could turn this into a real battle.
Real Madrid have confirmed that right-back Dani Carvajal has suffered another injury setback, with medical tests revealing the presence of a joint free body in his right knee. The Spanish full-back will undergo an arthroscopy procedure and is expected to be sidelined until January, Softfootball reports.
The injury news comes as a huge blow for Los Blancos, especially after Carvajal’s commanding performance in the El Clásico victory over Barcelona last weekend. The defender was outstanding both defensively and offensively, helping Madrid secure a 2-1 win at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Dani Carvajal Injury (Photo Credit: Real Madrid’s Media)
According to Real Madrid’s official X handle, the club confirmed in a medical report that Carvajal has been diagnosed with a joint free body in his right knee and will undergo surgery, They posted;
Softfootball earlier reported that Carvajal, who had only just returned from injury during Madrid’s 5-2 defeat to Atlético Madrid, is now set for another extended spell on the sidelines. His recurring injuries have become a growing concern for both the player and the club’s medical staff.
Dani Carvajal (Photo Credit: real Madrid X handle)
With Carvajal ruled out, Trent Alexander-Arnold who joined Madrid from Liverpool last summer will be mostly tasked with the right-back duties during this crucial stage of the season.
Madrid’s medical team will continue to monitor Carvajal’s recovery closely, with hopes he could return earlier if rehabilitation goes smoothly.The defender’s leadership and experience will be sorely missed in the coming fixtures, particularly with crucial La Liga and Champions League games fast approaching.
Manchester City fans can finally breathe a bit easier, as midfield general Rodri is back in full training. The former Ballon d’Or winner, who’s been out once again following his return from his brutal ACL and meniscus injury suffered in 2024.
His absence had left a gaping hole in City’s structure. Without him, Guardiola’s side often looked disjointed, control faded, rhythm broke down, and that trademark midfield balance was gone. Rodri isn’t just another holding midfielder; he’s the heartbeat of the team, the one who breaks up play and starts attacks with frightening calmness.
Rodri receiving treatment from Manchester City medical staff (Photo Credit: Premier league X handle)
Losing him derailed City’s campaign last season; they stumbled out of the Champions League early and couldn’t hold on to their Premier League crown. Even since the start of the new season, Softfootball reports that the team have been struggling badly with him, recently losing 1-nil to Aston Villa away from home.
Manchester City revealed that the team has switched focus to their upcoming EFL Cup game against Swansea in a post via the team’s official X account:
Interestingly, Manchester City will be looking to preserve their midfield maestro; they won’t rush him back to the thick of things, opting instead to focus completely on his fitness. Rodri’s return couldn’t come at a better time. Manchester City have looked short of control in midfield and know they can’t afford another slow start; they are already six points off early league leaders Arsenal.
If Rodri rediscovers his rhythm quickly, City might just look like City again, fluid, composed, and terrifyingly efficient, which will be bad news to Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal Faithful.
A Chelsea fan has voiced his frustration on X following the team’s 2–1 home loss to Sunderland, blaming manager Enzo Maresca’s tactical choices and the team’s lack of creativity in attack, Softfootball reports.
The defeat, which exposed glaring issues in defence and decision-making, has once again left supporters questioning the club’s direction under the Italian coach.
Tosin Adarabioyo (Photo Credit:Chelsea X handle)
After the game Chelsea posted on their official X handle, a post match photo with the caption “defeat” which gave a lot of fans the room for give their reactions. They posted:
Removing Achempong for uncle Tosin is not wise at all .Chelsea is so bad in breaking defensive side , only Palmer is good with one on one situation, decision making in the final third in not encouraging, joao Pedro doesn't even remember he is an attacker . Chelsea missing Palmer…
A supporter identified as Chelsea Diehard sparked the conversation under the post online after, criticising Maresca’s choice to replace Acheampong with Tosin Adarabioyo during the game, he posted;
Removing Acheampong for uncle Tosin is not wise at all. Chelsea is so bad in breaking defensive sides. Only Palmer is good with one-on-one situations. Decision making in the final third is not encouraging. João Pedro doesn’t even remember he’s an attacker. Chelsea are missing Palmer’s creativity to be honest.
His post quickly gained traction as fellow fans echoed his frustration.
One user, ChelseaFan Boy, replied:
He did well against Xhaka in 1v1 defending but no — let’s put uncle Tosin that has conceded in 1v1 countlessly.
Son of Thunder was even more direct:
You need a goal and you’re substituting your defenders? The defender who saved the team from two clear goals! It seems Maresca placed a bet on Chelsea to lose.
Josh Acheampong after scoring his first goal for chelsea (Photo Credit: Chelsea X handle)
Another fan, Oasis, lamented Chelsea’s inconsistency:
We’re bad at breaking defensive sides and equally bad at breaking attacking sides. After we scored, Sunderland pressed high to equalise, but instead of finishing the job, we relaxed like it was already over.
Mister Koto added:
Acheampong was gassed and it was evident… But Tosin, man, I have no words for that guy. It’s just pathetic.
Josh Acheampong and Enzo Maresca (Photo Credit: Fabrizio Romano X handle)
While Andromen summed up the general mood:
I seriously don’t know what Tosin is doing as a professional defender… I’ve said that countless times.
Chelsea’s 2–1 loss to Sunderland at Stamford Bridge has reignited fan frustration over Maresca’s tactics and squad choices. Many pointed to the ongoing absence of Levi Colwill, who remains out with a long-term injury, as a key reason for the team’s defensive frailty.
The defeat leaves supporters questioning whether Maresca’s methods are truly working and once again, it was Cole Palmer’s absence and creativity that dominated post-match discussions among the Blues faithful.
Set to face Karim Benzema’s Al Ittihad once again in the 2025-26 season, Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly set to lose an Al Nassr star teammate for the game.
Cristiano Ronaldo is enjoying a brilliant start to the 2025–26 season with Al Nassr, currently riding a 10-game winning streak. However, with Karim Benzema’s Al Ittihad posing their next major challenge on Tuesday, Ronaldo will reportedly be without one of the team’s key players.
After losing the Saudi Super Cup final on penalties earlier this season, Al Nassr have responded with an impressive run across the Saudi Pro League, King’s Cup, and AFC Champions League Two. Now set to face Al Ittihad in the round of 16, Jorge Jesus’s side will have to do so without a crucial midfield presence.
According to journalist Ali Alabdallah, Marcelo Brozović has been left out of the squad by head coach Jorge Jesus for the game against Al Ittihad. The Croatian midfielder participated in group training on Monday, but the Portuguese manager opted to rest him to avoid aggravating his injury.
Brozović was forced off with an injury on October 18 during Al Nassr’s match against Al Fateh, leaving the field in the 19th minute for Abdullah Al-Khaibari. Medical tests later revealed that the midfielder had sustained a minor tear in his adductor muscle.
Marcelo Brozovic of Al Nassr.
The Croatian star, who had featured in nearly every match this season, has already missed games against FC Goa and Al Hazem. With Abdullah Al-Khaibari and Angelo expected to anchor the midfield, Al Nassr will face a significant challenge without one of their most experienced players.
Al Nassr in top form
With the arrivals of Kingsley Coman, João Félix, and Iñigo Martínez, plus Jorge Jesus at the helm, expectations were high for Al Nassr to contend for every title this season. Since their Saudi Super Cup defeat, Ronaldo’s side has done just that.
In the Saudi Pro League, Al Nassr remain the only club with a perfect record of six wins in six matches, scoring 21 goals and conceding just twice. They also top their AFC Champions League Two group and remain alive in the King’s Cup. Having already beaten Benzema’s Al Ittihad twice this season, 2–1 in the Super Cup semifinals and 2–0 away in the league, Al Nassr enter Tuesday’s matchup as clear favorites.
Real Madrid have managed to maintain a solid performance, with Vinicius Jr remaining a key player in the starting lineup. Despite this, the El Clasico game against Barcelona made the Brazilian consider his options for the future, opening the door to a possible departure.
After reaching peak performance in the 2023/24 season, Vinicius Jr has struggled to maintain his form with Real Madrid, drawing criticism from fans. With Kylian Mbappe firmly established as the team’s cornerstone, the Brazilian has been relegated to the background. Moreover, the recent El Clásico against Barcelona, despite being a win, has prompted Vinicius to reconsider his future with Xabi Alonso’s team.
Vinicius Jr.’s contract with Real Madrid runs through 2027, with both parties initially keen on a renewal despite differing salary expectations. The Brazilian forward was open to negotiating terms to secure his future with the club. However, after being substituted in the 72nd minute against Barcelona, the 25-year-old star reportedly had a change of heart, potentially altering his plans for continuity with the team.
According to Diario As, Vinicius Jr feels Xabi Alonso undervalues his contributions to the team, despite his defensive improvements. He believes he deserves an irreplaceable spot in the starting lineup, akin to Mbappe’s status. Frustrated by the situation, the Brazilian star views the ongoing scenario as unsustainable and is contemplating a departure in the summer of 2026 if the coach’s perspective on his role remains unchanged.
While Real Madrid have consistently backed Vinicius, his reaction to being substituted stirred unrest within the team. “Me? Me? Coach, coach! Me? … Always me! I’m leaving the team! I’m leaving, I’d better leave!“ he exclaimed. The front office expressed displeasure over his behavior, reports Diario As, leadingXabi Alonso to deliver a pointed message to Vinicius post-game. With this in mind, the Brazilian’s continuity may not be as clear as it was supposed to be days ago.
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid shoots whilst under pressure from Pau Cubarsi of FC Barcelona.
Vinicius Jr vs Rodrygo Goes: Brazilian stars battle for the left winger spot at Real Madrid
Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo Goes have been staples in Real Madrid’s lineup for several years, with Rodrygo shifting to an unnatural right-wing role to accommodate both talents. However, this compromise wasn’t viable long-term. With Xabi Alonso now at the helm, the dynamic has shifted, prompting increased competition and a rotation strategy that hasn’t sat well with Vinicius, highlighting tensions in maintaining harmony on the pitch.
Although Vinicius has thrived as a disruptive left winger, Kylian’s arrival has curtailed his freedom on the pitch. In response, Xabi Alonso may look for a player who complements the French star more effectively. Rodrygo Goes stands out as a potential game changer, with his dribbling skills, inside play, and creativity. Despite having only 316 minutes compared to Vinicius’ 880, contract renewal discussions might give Rodrygo an edge in securing more playing time.
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid reacts during the LaLiga EA Sports match.
FIFPro released the shortlist of nominees for the 2025 Best XI, featuring legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as two of the options for the forward positions.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo may have stepped away from the European spotlight in recent years following their moves to Inter Miami and Al Nassr, respectively. Still, the two legends remain firmly among the elite, earning nominations for the FIFPro 2025 Best XI alongside several of the game’s biggest stars.
On Monday, FIFPro, the international players’ union representing professional footballers worldwide, released the shortlist for the 2025 FIFPro Men’s World 11. The 2024–25 season has already sparked plenty of debate over who deserves top individual honors, with Ousmane Dembélé recently winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or. Now, the discussion shifts to who will make this year’s Best XI.
In a nominee list dominated by Paris Saint-Germain players, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo stand out as two of the eight forwards in contention for the 2025 Best XI. Remarkably, they are also the only two candidates not currently playing in Europe, a testament to their enduring quality and global influence despite plying their trade elsewhere.
Joining Messi and Ronaldo on the forwards shortlist are PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé, Barcelona’s Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah. Notably, Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane was left off the list, an omission that has raised eyebrows among fans.
Forwards nominated for the 2025 FIFPRO Men’s World 11.
For last year’s FIFPro World 11, the attacking trio consisted of Mbappé, Haaland, and Vinícius Júnior. The 2025 winners will be revealed on November 3, and given the dip in form of some previous selections, this year’s edition could see a completely new forward line, possibly featuring Messi and Ronaldo once again.
Full FIFPro 2025 Best XI shortlist
The FIFPro Best XI carries prestige as it is voted on exclusively by professional players from more than 70 affiliated countries. Voters select one goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders, and three forwards, who together form the final team.
The players will have to choose between the next list of stars:
Christian Pulisic is progressing well in his recovery from his USMNT injury. However, with his full fitness yet to return, AC Milan have reportedly urged the USMNT to exercise caution regarding his involvement in the upcoming friendlies.
Christian Pulisic, opting out of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup to concentrate on his AC Milan commitments, drew criticism from fans and former players alike. Yet, the 27-year-old standout participated in the USMNT‘s October friendlies, sustaining an injury he’s still recovering from. In light of this, the Italian side has reportedly issue a strong request to coach Mauricio Pochettino ahead of the following friendly games.
According to Calciomercato, AC Milan are actively negotiating with the United States Soccer Federation to prevent Christian Pulisic from being called up by USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino for November’s international friendlies. With this move, they are focused on allowing the 27-year-old to recuperate fully, ensuring he’s in top form for the pivotal derby clash against Inter Milan on November 23rd.
Even though Christian Pulisic is sidelined for AC Milan’s match against Atalanta on October 28, he could return to face AS Roma on November 2. However, the Italian side prioritizes a meticulous recovery plan to ensure he regains peak form without risking setbacks. This strategy aligns with their advisory to the USMNT, especially as the U.S. team already holds a 2026 World Cup spot as hosts.
Mauricio Pochettino, recognizing Christian Pulisic’s vital role for the USMNT, might still call him up to spearhead the offense. However, as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, AC Milan aim to negotiate with Pochettino, proposing that the 27-year-old star plays only the November 15 match against Paraguay. This arrangement would allow Pulisic to return promptly, ensuring he remains fit and well-rested for the crucial Derby against Inter Milan.
Christian Pulisic of the United States leaves the game after picking up an injury vs Australia.
Christian Pulisic remains a key figure at AC Milan despite Rafael Leao’s resurgence in form
Since Massimiliano Allegri’s arrival, Christian Pulisic has become a pivotal force in the offense, amassing six goals and two assists to lead the team’s scoring chart. Rafael Leao, capitalizing on the USMNT star’s absence, struck three goals in his last two matches, sparking rumors about Pulisic’s potential displacement. Despite these speculations, Allegri reportedly has definitive plans for the lineup, signaling Pulisic’s position remains secure upon his return.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reveals that Allegri’s trust in Santiago Gimenez has waned, with their relationship reportedly at an all-time low. Consequently, Christian Pulisic will join forces with Rafael Leao in an effort to revitalize AC Milan’s attack, as the team grapples with a recent goal drought. With the Rossoneri trailing leaders Napoli and AS Roma by just one point, they are determined to string together crucial victories to bolster their Serie A title hopes.
Christian Pulisic of AC Milan and Head coach of United States Mauricio Pochettino.
Atalanta will be eager to finally turn their long unbeaten run into a meaningful victory when they host AC Milan in what promises to be a tense midweek Serie A encounter. Gian Piero Gasperini’s men were heavy favourites against Cremonese on Saturday but had to battle back from a goal down to salvage a point in a frustrating 1-1 draw.
That result means they’ve now gone four consecutive league matches without a win, with all ending in draws, despite being the only unbeaten side in Serie A this season. Their consistency has been admirable, but six draws from eight games have left them short of the pace in the title race.
Atalanta players celebrate after scoring against Cremonese (Photo Credit: Atlanta X handle)
The reigning African Player of the Year has yet to make a tangible impact since reintegrating into the squad, but his flair and directness could prove vital against a Milan side that has looked vulnerable at the back in recent games. Ivan Juric will hope Lookman rediscovers his spark as Atalanta aim to finally secure a much-needed win.
Ahead of the game Atalanta via its official X handle, shared the link to the pre match press conference, with coach Ivan Juric talking about what to expect from Milan as they travel down to face them at home. They posted;
La conferenza stampa integrale di mister Jurić alla vigilia di #AtalantaMilan
For AC Milan, the 2-2 home draw against newly promoted Pisa on Friday night felt like two points dropped rather than one gained. The result not only halted their momentum but also saw them slip from the top of the Serie A table, an outcome that will sting given how well they’ve started the campaign.
Despite that setback, Milan remain unbeaten in eight matches across all competitions, since their shock opening-day loss to Cremonese. The Rossoneri have been excellent away from home so far this term, keeping three consecutive clean sheets on the road, and will be eager to extend that run as they look to reclaim their place at the summit.
AC Milan’s Luka Modric and Luka Jovic in training (Photo Credit: AC Milan X handle)
Massimiliano Allegri’s men have shown plenty of resilience in recent weeks, but they’ve also struggled to assert early dominance in games, with Milan boasting one of the lowest first-half goal averages in Serie A this season. They’ll need a sharper edge in attack, particularly with Christian Pulisic their top scorer still sidelined.
Allegri will once again turn to Santiago Giménez, who is yet to open his Serie A account this term but remains a proven late-game threat, with all five of his previous league goals coming after the 70th minute.
Ac Milan Players training ahead of the game (Photo Credit: Ac Milan x handle)
Team News
Both sides came through their weekend fixtures without any new injuries. Atalanta remain at full strength and will be hoping that Charles De Ketelaere, facing his former club, can deliver another decisive performance after scoring a brace on four of his last five scoring appearances. The Belgian also opened the scoring in this same fixture last season.
Interestingly Atalanta posted on its official X handle, highlights of the goals scored against Ac Milan the last time they played at the New balance arena. They posted
For AC Milan, Christian Pulisic remains out injured, meaning Rafael Leão and Santiago Giménez will carry the attacking burden. Allegri may also tweak his midfield setup to regain control early, having watched his side surrender a lead twice against Pisa.
Possible Lineups
Atalanta BC possible starting lineup:
Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Ahanor; Bellanova, Ederson, De Roon, Zalewski; De Ketelaere, Lookman; Scamacca
Ahead of the game, Ac Milan shared an exclusive video via its official X handle, from the pre match conference of manager Allegri addressing the press and fans on what to expect from Atalanta and how the team manages that tomorrow. They posted:
With both sides unbeaten in their last eight matches, this clash promises tactical discipline and defensive structure, but Milan’s superior cutting edge might tilt the balance slightly in their favour. Atalanta’s draw streak could continue unless Lookman or De Ketelaere produce something special. Expect a tense, low-scoring affair decided by fine margins.
Barcelona returned to training on Monday, at Ciutat Esportiva, just a day after their 2–1 loss to Real Madrid in El Clásico. With the disappointment still fresh, focus quickly turned to the upcoming La Liga clash against Elche at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Sunday evening.
Players who didn’t feature heavily in Madrid, including Jules Koundé, Ferran Torres, and youngsters Dro, Toni Fernández, and Jofre Torrents, led the session with high intensity as Hansi Flick looked to lift the team’s mood.
Robert Lewandowski (Photo Credit: Barcelona X handle)
On the downside, Raphinha remains unavailable. Softfootball understands that the Brazilian winger has suffered a setback in his recovery from a right hamstring injury and will now be out for another month. He hasn’t trained with the group since testing himself last Friday and is officially ruled out for the Elche game.
Meanwhile, Koundé, who participated in the game against Real Madrid despite still nursing a knock, is expected to make the squad. Flick, however, fresh from serving his touchline ban after receiving a red card against Girona, will be hoping to lead his team to victory as he could only watch on from the stands as his team got beaten.
With Gavi, Ter Stegen, Dani Olmo, and Joan García still sidelined, Barça’s injury list remains long, but the sight of Lewandowski back among the group offers a welcome lift and renewed belief heading into the next stretch of the season.
Juventus have announced the appointment of Massimo Brambilla as interim manager following the dismissal of Igor Tudor, whose tenure came to an abrupt end after a 1–0 defeat to Lazio extended the club’s winless run to eight matches. The decision, confirmed on October 27, 2025, leaves the Bianconeri sitting in eighth place in Serie A , far below expectations for a team of their stature.
Softfootball earlier reported that Juventus had sacked Igor Tudor. His departure comes just 218 days after replacing Thiago Motta, marking another short-lived chapter in Juventus’ ongoing managerial merry-go-round. According to the club’s official statement, the decision was based on poor results and repeated public complaints, including Tudor’s frustrations over refereeing decisions and fixture congestion, comments that reportedly irritated the board.
In the meantime, Brambilla who has impressed while managing Juventus Next Gen, will step up to lead the senior squad in their upcoming Serie A clash against Udinese. The club emphasized its commitment to continuity and stability, thanking Tudor and his backroom team, Ivan Javorcic, Tomislav Rogic, and Riccardo Ragnacci , for their professionalism and service.
Igor Tudor. Photo Credit: Juventus Media.
However, attention has already turned to the long-term picture. Reports from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano in a video analysis released on his official YouTube handle suggest that Luciano Spalletti has emerged as the leading candidate for the permanent job. Talks are said to be well underway, with Spalletti expressing full willingness to take over. The veteran coach is reportedly seeking an 18-month contract, though he would accept a shorter deal running until the end of the 2025–26 season with an option to extend.
Watch the video below:
Spalletti’s recent success at Napoli, where he guided the team to the 2023 Scudetto, makes him a strong favourite. Still, Juventus have alternative plans, with Raffaele Palladino and Roberto Mancini also under consideration.
For now, though, it’s Brambilla’s moment, a caretaker spell that could shape Juve’s direction as the club looks to rediscover its edge and restore pride in Turin.
Football fans across the globe were left stunned as England captain Harry Kane was omitted from the 2025 FIFPRO Men’s World 11 shortlist, despite a record-breaking spell at Bayern Munich that has seen him rack up a jaw-dropping 74 goals in 71 appearances since his switch from Tottenham Hotspur, Softfootball reports.
The announcement sparked widespread debate across social media, with many supporters and pundits alike questioning how one of Europe’s most consistent finishers could be overlooked after such a prolific run of form.
Harry Kane of Bayern Munich (Photo Credit: Kane via X)
According to the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPRO), the 26-man shortlist was officially unveiled via their X handle earlier today, setting the football community abuzz.They posted;
The 26-player shortlist for the 2025 FIFPRO Men's World 11 – as voted by players worldwide.
Among the dazzling nominees is Ousmane Dembélé, the newly crowned 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, whose exciting displays for Paris Saint-Germain have elevated him into world-class territory. Once plagued by inconsistency, the Frenchman has enjoyed a redemption arc this year, combining flair with end product in a way that has finally silenced his critics.
There’s also room for football’s enduring legends, as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo two ever-present names in global football’s elite—once again make the cut, joined by Kylian Mbappé, who continues to shine since joining Real Madrid.
FIFPRO 2024 World Xi (Photo Credit FIFPRO X handle)
Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah, a three-time PFA Player of the Year, maintains his place among the world’s best after another brilliant campaign with Liverpool, proving once again that consistency is his superpower.
Other notable inclusions are Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, Kevin De Bruyne, and teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal, who continues to dazzle for Barcelona.
Kylian Mbappe with the fifpro award (Photo Credit: Real Madrid X handle)
The FIFPRO World 11 remains unique as the only global football award decided entirely by players themselves, making it one of the most respected recognitions in the sport.
The final Best XI will be revealed on November 3, and while Kane’s absence will undoubtedly fuel debate, the blend of legends, leaders, and new stars ensures this year’s lineup will be nothing short of spectacular.
Napoli have been dealt a major blow as Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is set to spend months on the sidelines following a serious muscle injury. The 34-year-old, who joined the Italian champions in the summer, had been in impressive form before the setback.
The news has come as a huge concern for Napoli fans, especially after De Bruyne’s seamless adaptation to life in Serie A and his growing influence under Antonio Conte. His absence will undoubtedly test the team’s depth and creativity in midfield.
Kevin De Bruyne injured (Photo Credit: Napoli Facebook page)
According to reports, the Serie A side made the official announcement earlier today via the club’s X handle, with the club wishing their star man a speedy recovery. They posted;
Softfootball understands that Napoli are already evaluating tactical adjustments to manage De Bruyne’s absence, with Conte considering possible short-term rearrangement in midfield ahead of a demanding winter schedule.
Despite being one of the world's top players, Marc Andre ter Stegen has been replaced as Barcelona's starting goalkeeper by Joan Garcia. This change has caught the attention of a major Premier League team, which sees the German as a possible loan option.
Over the past decade, Marc Andre ter Stegen has cemented his status as one of the world’s top goalkeepers, playing a pivotal role in Barcelona‘s recent title wins. Despite his contributions, the team has opted for Joan Garcia as the new starting goalkeeper, sidelining the German from their plans. In response, a major Premier League club is eyeing a loan move for ter Stegen in the upcoming transfer market.
According to Sky Sports, Chelsea are eyeing Marc Andre ter Stegen and are readying a loan proposal for the Barcelona goalkeeper. This move could mean leaving Robert Sanchez with a secondary role, as he has faced significant criticism for his lack of confidence on the field. Ter Stegen’s potential addition would fulfill their quest for a seasoned veteran since Edouard Mendy’s departure, marking a strategic advancement for the team’s ambitions.
While it may seem counterintuitive, a loan move for Marc-André ter Stegen could benefit Barcelona. Although not directly profitable, relocating his substantial salary would ease financial pressure on the club. His full wage is temporarily exempt from official accounts due to a long-term injury, but remaining on the roster may complicate registration. Thus, a loan emerges as a pragmatic solution to navigate both financial and administrative challenges.
Not only Barcelona but also Ter Stegen stands to benefit significantly from a loan move. With Joan Garcia and Wojciech Szczesny commanding the goalkeeper position for the Culers, the German faces relegation to a secondary role. German national team coach Julian Nagelsmann has cautioned him that his status as a starter is crucial for a spot in the 2026 World Cup. Consequently, a transfer might be his best option to secure his international future.
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen of FC Barcelona embraces Hansi Flick, Head Coach of FC Barcelona.
Marc Andre ter Stegen reportedly facing tension at Barcelona after Joan Garcia’s arrival
After tearing his patellar tendon, Marc Andre ter Stegen faced an extended absence from Barcelona, paving the way for Szczesny’s arrival. Despite returning late in the season, the German star didn’t secure the desired playing time, prompting his agent to reportedly voice concerns to the front office. This move supposedly displeased Hansi Flick, prompting a strong commitment to Joan Garcia as the starting goalkeeper, with Wojciech backing him up.
Marc’s decision to undergo back surgery blindsided Barcelona, leaving the club in turmoil when he revealed his intentions publicly. Adding to the tension, Ter Stegen initially refused to sign a medical consent form aimed at easing his salary burden with LaLiga, reports Mundo Deportivo. Though he eventually agreed, the incident strained their relationship, casting doubt on his long-term future with the team.
Given that Barcelona no longer requires his services and cannot afford his enormous salary, Marc Andre ter Stegen could leave the team this winter on loan, with a potential permanent transfer in the summer. For that reason, the German goalkeeper must now deliver standout performances to secure a move to a top team in a long term.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen of FC Barcelona warms up prior to the LaLiga match.
Amid a string of poor results, Juventus dismissed coach Igor Tudor, leaving Weston McKennie without a major ally. Tudor’s exit adds to the growing list of coaches cycling through the Italian club in recent years.
Juventus kicked off the 2025-26 season with high hopes following improvements to their roster, yet they find themselves struggling, winless in eight straight games and far from the top of the standings. In response, the club has parted ways with coach Igor Tudor, leaving Weston McKennie without a crucial supporter.Tudor’s exit marks another addition to the Bianconeri’s revolving door of coaches in recent years, underscoring a significant issue within the organization.
“Juventus FC announces that it has today relieved Igor Tudor of his duties as head coach of the Men’s First Team, along with his staff consisting of Ivan Javorcic, Tomislav Rogic and Riccardo Ragnacci,” the team stated on its website. Tudor’s tenure lasted only 24 games, marking him as the official coach, no acting coach, with the fewest games managed before termination.
Following Igor Tudor’s dismissal, six coaches have taken the helm at Juventus: Massimiliano Allegri, Maurizio Sarri, Andrea Pirlo, Paolo Montero (acting), Thiago Motta, and the recently ousted Croatian coach. Remarkably, only Allegri enjoyed a long tenure, spanning 2,861 days across two terms, underscoring the club’s struggle with maintaining a cohesive sports strategy and clear direction.
Weston McKennie faces uncertainty following Tudor’s dismissal, which has left a significant impact on his playing time. As a key figure for the USMNT star, McKennie consistently featured in lineups, either as a starter or sub. With his contract set to expire at season’s end and no clear renewal plan, the front office might opt not to renew, casting doubt on his future.
Weston McKennie of Juventus Turin runs with the ball.
Who will be Juventus’ acting coach after Igor Tudor’s dismissal?
After Juventus dismissed Igor Tudor as head coach, the team swiftly appointed Massimo Brambilla, the Juven Next Gen coach, to lead the squad in the interim. Although he lacks extensive elite-level experience, he might hold the reins for several months while the front office searches for a permanent successor. In the ongoing quest to fill the top spot, two prominent candidates have emerged as frontrunners in the discussion.
According to Fabrizio Romano, General Manager Damien Comolli has set his sights on Luciano Spalletti and Raffaele Palladino to helm the team. As free agents, both coaches are viable options for Juventus to pursue during the current season. However, Spalletti, with his track record of winning Serie A titles, especially resonates with fans as the preferred choice.
Aston Villa defender, Matty Cash has extended his contract with the club until 2029 following some outstanding performances this season, Softfootball reports.
Matty Cash Celebrates after scoring for Aston Villa against Manchester City (Photo Credit: Aston Villa X handle)
Aston Villa through their official X handle announced that the defender has penned a new deal that would see him stay at the club for more years.
Aston Villa is delighted to announce that Matty Cash has signed a new contract with the club. The defender has agreed a deal that will keep him at Villa until 2029.
Cash has played in almost 200 appearances for Aston Villa, scoring his fourth goal of the season for club and country against Manchester City, where he was also voted Man-of-the-Match.
Cash represented Poland at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and has continued to improve since he joined Claret and Blue from Nottingham Forest in 2020.
Aston Villa shared the highlights of their match against Manchester City where Matty Cash scored the winning goal via their official X handle. Watch below.
Brentford players celebrating after scoring the third goal against Liverpool (Photo Credit: Brentford X handle)
Grimsby are unsurprisingly very excited by this fixture as they have advertised on their official X handle ahead of the match with a quarter-final place at stake.
They have faced each other 59 times with Grimsby Town winning 30 of the matches while Brentford won 25 and four ended in a draw.
Star player
Fabio Carvalho is not a regular starter for Brentford in the premier league but he is always given the nod in Carabao Cup matches and he is the star of the show and even scored in the last round. Brentford will be banking on him to seal a quarter-final spot.
Fabio Carvalho. Photo Credit: Brentford Media.
Grimsby Town play more as a unit and have no star players as they all work hard for each other and fight for everything because they know they have nothing to lose especially against top premier league oppositions.
Team News
Doug Tharme and Cameron Gardner are still sidelined by injuries for Grimsby Town. Jaze Kabia wand Jamie Walker are expected to be the front two for the home side.
Charles Vernam, who got on the scoresheet in their win over Manchester United and boasts five goals and five assists in league action this season is expected o start while Kieran Green and George McEachran are certain for a midfield role.
For Brentford, Keith Andrews may opt to rotations his squad with Josh Dasilva, Aaron Hickey and Antoni Milambo confined to the treatment room. Yehor Yarmolyuk is doubtful for the encounter. So, there might be starting roles in midfield for Frank Onyeka and Vitaly Janelt.
Also, Keane Lewis-Potter, Fabio Carvalho and Reiss Nelson could start against Grimsby, allowing the manager to rest key man Dango Ouattara, Igor Thiago and Kevin Schade.
The journey may end for Grimsby at this stage of the competition as Brentford are a very good team and with premier league experience, they are overwhelming favourites. Grimsby 1- 3 Brentford.
Juventus have informed Coach Igor Tudor of his sacking following a series of poor results in the 2025/26 season, Softfootball reports.
The Turin giants lost 1-0 to Lazio in Rome on Sunday night which followed their 1-0 defeat against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League. A closer look at the domestic form, Tudor has won three matches, drawn three match and lost just two out of eight matches.
Igor Tudor. Photo Credit: Juventus Media.
According to football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano via his official X handle and in two separate tweets informed that Juventus and Tudor will part ways imminently. He wrote:
Juventus are on the verge of sacking head coach Igor Tudor after recent poor results. The club has decided to change with formal steps to follow on new manager soon.
He added: Igor Tudor has been personally informed about Juventus decision to sack him this morning. Massimo Brambilla will be the interim coach ahead of club’s decision on new manager.
Tudor replaced Thiago Motta as head coach of Juventus. His appointment marked the first time Juventus had appointed a foreign manager since Didier Deschamps in the 2006–07 season. However, he couldn’t deliver what Juventus wanted which has led to his recent sack.
Juventus are current eight on the Serie A table with 12 points after eight matches, six points adrift of league leaders and defending champions Napoli.
Serie A defending champions, Napoli look to consolidate on the top spot as they travel to face Lecce at the Stadio Via del Mare on Tuesday evening, Softfootball reports.
Kevin DeBruyne and Antonio Conte after he was substitued during the AC Milan game (Photo Credit: Fabrizio Romano X handle)
Lecce lost 3-2 to Udinese at the weekend and are already plotting how to get points from Napoli and has shared information for fans via their official X handle on how to continue to show support to the team and get vital details for the encounter.
Lecce have lost all of their last five home games against Napoli and the defending champions are massive favourites to win this game.
Lecce and Napoli have faced each other 39 times, with Napoli having the advantage: 18 wins, against seven victories for Lecce.
At the Stadio Via del Mare, Napoli has an advantage in the clashes against Lecce: seven wins in 20 games. Lecce has five victories.
In the Italian League, there have been 28 matches between the two teams, with Lecce winning five, nine draws, and 14 victories for Napoli.
Star player
Scott MCTominay is the key man for Napoli and currently the Most Valuable Player in the Serie A after helping the Partenopei win the Serie A last season. No key man for Lecce as the whole team is struggling for form and that is why they are in 16th position on the table
Team News
Lecce are still without injured pair Filip Marchwinski and Gaby Jean, but Riccardo Sottil could recover in time to make the bench.
Francesco Camarda, who is on loan from AC Milan recently became the Salentini’s youngest Serie A scorer, aged 17 years and six months, however, he must compete with Serbian striker Nikola Stulic for a starting spot.
Napoli players Kelvin Bruyne, Hojlund and McTominay during their warm-up session on Wednesday. (Credit: sscnapoli on X).
Napoli will be wtout strikers, Romelu Lukaku and Rasmus Hojlund while former Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne suffered a muscular injury last weekend.
Napol centre-back Amir Rrahmani, midfield fulcrum Stanislav Lobotka are also not available while goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic will continue to deputise for Alex Meret.
Brazilian winger David Neres played as a false nine at the weekend, but misfiring striker Lorenzo Lucca may be given a chance to kickstart his campaign against Lecce.
Robert Lewandowski has revealed in a podcast with Manchester United legend, Rio Ferdinand that he was blown away at his first sight of Lamine Yamal, Softfootball reports.
The Polish international, who was missing from the El Clasico yesterday where Real Madrid beat Barcelona 2-1 revealed he was shocked at the amount of talent possessed by the Spanish winger despite his young age.
Robert Lewandowski (Photo Credit: Barcelona X handle)
Rio Ferdinand presents is the name of the official podcast and it had Robert Lewandowski as guest where he touch on the Yamal topic. He said:
First time, when I saw him in our training, he was 15. I have seen a lot of young talented years but he was different. When he was 16, I said to myself, it is impossible to be so good and so clever at this age.
Here is a video of the interview between Rio Ferdinand and Robert Lewandowski talking about Yamal. Watch below.
Robert Lewandowski describes his first training session with Lamine Yamal at Barcelona
Yamal graduated from the famous Barcelona academy, LA Masia and has not looked back ever since, becoming the youngest player to appear in and score at a major international tournament, winning the Kopa Trophy, and being a key player in Barcelona’s domestic treble.
Yamal was the youngest goalscorer in an El Clásico, Copa del Rey, and for Barcelona’s first team at just 16 years old. He was also the youngest player to start a La Liga game and provide an assist in La Liga.
Yamal was a key member of the Barcelona team that won La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de España in 2024/25. And claimed the Kopa Trophy for the best young player in the world in 2024 and 2025.
Lamine Yamal and Lewandowski celebrates (Photo Credit: Barcelona via X)
Also, Yamal became the youngest player to make 100 appearances for Barcelona. And at just 16-year-old played at UEFA Euro 2024 with the Spanish national team. He went on to become the youngest player to appear in the tournament.
Yamal was also the youngest goalscorer in the tournament’s history and became the youngest player to play in the final and win a major international trophy.
Yamal was named the Young Player of the Tournament and his goal against France was the Goal of the Tournament. Not forgetting that he was also the youngest assist provider in the European Championship.
Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta has promised fans that they would enjoy new signing Piero Hincapié because he is a very good player, Softfootball reports.
The Ecuadorian centerback made his premier league debut as a substitute as Arsenal defeated Crystal Palace 1-0 courtesy a first half goal by former Eagles midfielder, Eberechi Eze.
Piero Hincapié and Mikel Arteta. Photo Credit: Arsenal Media.
In a post shared by football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano via his official X handle, Arteta was praising the player and made a promise to Arsenal fans.
Arteta: Our fans are gonna love Piero Hincapié, mark my words. It’s great to have Piero on the pitch. You could sense immediately his aggression, his commitment in every action that he does.
Piero Hincapié joined Arsenal on a season-long loan from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer. The deal includes an option to buy the 23-year-old defender for £45m (around €52 million). If the option is triggered, Hincapié has reportedly agreed to a five-year contract.
Hincapié enjoyed a fine debut against Crystal Palace, playing alongside Gabriel in the heart of Arsenal defense, they managed to keep a clean sheet. With William Saliba set to be out for a few matches after he picked a knock at the weekend, Arsenal fans will hope Hincapié can deliver top performance every week.
Arsenal are currently four points clear on top of the premier league and will return to action on Wednesday when they host Arsenal in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup at the Emirates.
After confronting with FC Barcelona's Lamine Yamal in El Clasico, Vinicius Junior opened up to Real Madrid fans reflecting on the episode.
Vinicius Junior found himself at the center of controversy once again after Real Madrid’s 2–1 victory over FC Barcelona in El Clásico. The Brazilian winger clashed with Lamine Yamal and several Barcelona players after the final whistle, but later addressed the incident with a message to Real Madrid fans.
TV cameras caught Vinicius confronting Yamal directly after the final whistle. The Brazilian appeared to tell him, “You talk too much,” while gesturing with his hands like a talking mouth, a gesture the Barcelona youngster clearly didn’t appreciate.
Yamal invited Vinicius to continue the exchange in the locker room, but both players were separated and escorted off the field. What should have been a moment of celebration for Real Madrid, who struggled to win any Clásicos last season, ended with an unnecessary dose of drama between two of the game’s brightest stars.
Lamine Yamal is escorted off the pitch as Vinicius Junior gestures towards him.
Vinicius’ message to Real Madrid fans
Vinicius had been one of Madrid’s top performers on the night before being substituted in the 72nd minute for Rodrygo. Still, his reaction toward coach Xabi Alonso and his post-match confrontation with Yamal overshadowed his otherwise strong display.
After the match, Vinicius spoke to the media, delivering a more composed message aimed at calming the situation: “A message to all Madridistas, especially those who came to Bernabeu and supported us passionately. This is how the Clásico is; there are many things happening on and off the pitch. We try to maintain balance, but that’s not always possible.“
The Brazilian closed with a note of humility and sportsmanship. “We didn’t want to offend anyone, neither the young players nor the fans. We know that when we step onto the pitch, we have to play our role, and that’s how it was today. Hala Madrid,” the Brazilian stated.
Lamine Yamal (L) of FC Barcelona and Vinicius Junior (R) of Real Madrid.
Julián Álvarez has been at the center of rumors about a potential exit from Atlético Madrid, and head coach Diego Simeone has now addressed the contract talks surrounding the Argentine star.
Julián Álvarez has found himself at the center of attention, not because of his performances, but due to growing reports suggesting a possible departure from Atlético Madrid. With new rumors now pointing toward a contract renewal, head coach Diego Simeone has addressed the Argentine star’s situation.
Despite spending more than $200 million in the 2025 summer transfer window, Atlético Madrid have endured a difficult start to the 2025-26 season. Los Colchoneros sit fifth in La Liga, 11 points behind leaders Real Madrid, and have recorded one win and two defeats in the Champions League, just a point away from falling out of the playoff zone.
In Sunday’s press conference, Simeone was asked about Álvarez’s future and provided a clear update on the player: “I don’t get involved in contract matters, but the club knows what it has to manage for the good of the team and the institution. I see Julián as absolutely committed — the other day he could have scored twice against Arsenal, in the only two chances where the team managed to create real danger in the opponent’s half.“
The Argentine coach also praised Álvarez’s attitude, expressing optimism ahead of the upcoming match against Real Betis. “I always expect the best from him. I see him motivated, happy, and committed. Hopefully tomorrow he can have a great game,” Simeone stated.
Julian Alvarez celebrates with Diego Simeone, Head Coach of Atletico de Madrid.
Last season, Álvarez established himself as one of Atlético Madrid’s brightest stars, scoring 29 goals and providing eight assists in 57 appearances. However, it was also his first campaign in Europe without winning a trophy. The 25-year-old has made a strong start this season with seven goals and three assists in 11 games, but the team must respond quickly to avoid another trophyless year, and potentially losing one of its key players.
Álvarez’s agent addresses exit rumors
With a €500 million release clause, reports have linked Álvarez with a move to FC Barcelona ahead of the 2026-27 season, amid claims that he’s frustrated by Atlético’s struggles to compete for titles. Other rumors have suggested that the Argentine forward rejected a contract extension offer from the club.
Amid the speculation, Álvarez’s agent Fernando Hidalgo stepped in to set the record straight. “None of what has been written is true — they’re just fanciful speculations,” Hidalgo told Calciomercato.it when asked about his client’s future, bringing some calm to the Spanish side.
After suffering their fourth Premier League defeat in a row, captain Virgil van Dijk issued a wake-up call to his Liverpool teammates.
Liverpool suffered yet another setback on Saturday against Brentford and are currently enduring one of their toughest stretches in recent history. Following a run of four straight defeats in the 2025-26 Premier League season, team captain Virgil van Dijk has issued a wake-up call to his teammates.
The Reds entered the match on the back of a dominant 5-1 away win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Champions League, hoping that result would mark a turning point. However, Liverpool failed to carry that momentum into domestic play, falling 3-2 away to Brentford. The Reds once again struggled to create clear chances compared to the home side, extending their streak to nine games without a clean sheet.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Van Dijk addressed the team’s poor run with a message aimed at both his teammates and himself: “It’s difficult to say (what is most concerning). The fact is that we didn’t keep clean sheets for nine games. It’s easy then to blame a particular person or the back line or set-pieces, but it’s a collective thing in the end as well. Everyone has to look in the mirror, including myself.“
The Dutch defender also called on Liverpool fans to stay behind the team during this difficult spell. “We need the people who were celebrating with us last year to be with us now even more. We will get out of this because we have the quality offensively and defensively,” he added.
Virgil van Dijk was responsible of a penalty over Dango Ouattara that Brentford ended up converting.
Liverpool’s concerning Premier League record
After lifting the 2024-25 Premier League title under Arne Slot in his debut season as manager, expectations were high, especially following heavy investment during the 2025 summer transfer window. But the 3-2 defeat at the Gtech Community Stadium not only dropped Liverpool to seventh in the table, it also highlighted a worrying statistical decline compared to last season.
The loss to Brentford marked Liverpool’s fourth defeat in the Premier League, matching their total number of losses from the entire 2024-25 campaign. The concern is how quickly that total was reached: by Matchday 9 this season, compared to just four losses across all 38 matches last term. It’s a stark contrast that underlines the Reds’ struggles.
Another big test in midweek
With both their Champions League and Premier League campaigns faltering, Liverpool will return to action on Wednesday for the EFL Cup fourth round against Crystal Palace at Anfield. The Eagles have already proven a difficult opponent this year, having beaten Liverpool in the Community Shield and handed them their first league defeat of the season.
Van Dijk issued a strong warning ahead of the matchup: “We have the next game on Wednesday against an opponent who already made our life difficult this season. We have to turn our mindset pretty quickly to be ready for that. They will come to Anfield to hurt us even more, but this is a tough one to take. We can’t deny that. It’s not an easy moment. We were trying to build on that performance against Frankfurt and this was not a nice evening to have.”
After scoring his 950th goal, Cristiano Ronaldo left an inspiring message.
On Saturday, Al Nassr defeated Al Hazm 2-0, maintaining their position as leaders of the Saudi Pro League 2025-26 with a perfect record. The standout moment of the day was Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal, which sealed the victory and also allowed him to reach an incredible milestone.
CR7 became the first player in the history of soccer to score 950 official goals over the course of his professional career, counting those scored at the club level (with Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al Nassr) as well as those for the Portugal national team at the international level.
After the match, Ronaldo shared a message on his official social media accounts, both Instagram and X, reflecting on the victory and his personal milestone. “Happy to help the team win and to hit 950 goals!” he began, before clearly laying out his future ambitions: “Always hungry for more!”
With those four words, the Portuguese forward showed he is far from satisfied with what he has accomplished so far. At 40 years old, he still has the drive to work daily toward the goals he has yet to achieve in his professional career, both individually and collectively.
Happy to help the team win and to hit 950 goals! 🙏🏽⚽️ Always hungry for more! 💪🏽 pic.twitter.com/2DxNA0XVTp
On a personal level, it has long been clear that Cristiano Ronaldo’s main goal is to become the first player in the history of soccer to reach four digits in official goals. He is already the top scorer in the history of the sport, but a staggering number like 1,000 would only further cement his legacy.
During the 2024-25 season, CR7 played 50 matches — 41 with Al Nassr and 9 with Portugal. Across those games, he scored 43 goals — 35 at the club level and 8 internationally. Those numbers, impressive for any player in the world, and especially for a 40-year-old, give an indication of how long it might take him to reach 1,000.
So far in the current campaign, Ronaldo has played 8 matches for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League and Saudi Super Cup, while he has 4 appearances with Portugal. In those 12 matches, Cristiano scored 12 goals. That one-goal-per-game average is even higher than last season’s, suggesting he could reach his goal in the medium term.
The Ronaldo vs Messi rivalry
For more than 15 years, Cristiano Ronaldo has continued competing week after week to stay ahead of Lionel Messi in career numbers. While CR7 scored his 950th goal on Saturday with Al Nassr, a few hours earlier Leo had also found the net with Inter Miami.
The Argentine forward scored a brace for the Herons in their 3-1 win against Nashville SC in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs of Major League Soccer. With that performance, Messi reached 891 goals in his professional career, including both club and Argentina national team goals. That puts him just 59 behind Ronaldo, despite being a year and a half younger.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 950th career goal last Saturday.
Music superstar Ed Sheeran and Barcelona legend Carlos Puyol watched the El Clasico between Real Madrid and Barcelona in New York City together, Softfootball reports.
Earlier this year, Ed Sheeran partnered with FC Barcelona and Spotify, and his album logo, “Play,” appeared on the team’s jerseys for the El Clásico match. This collaboration is part of Barcelona’s ongoing partnership with Spotify to merge music and football, with Sheeran becoming the first male British solo artist to feature on the shirt. The special kit was also worn by the women’s team during their game against Granada earlier this month.
Interestingly, English players made impact in the El Clasico, Marcus Rashford playing in the derby for the first time since he joined Barcelona on loan from Manchester United provided the assist for Fermin Lopez’s equaliser while Jude Bellingham scored the winner for Real Madrid.
Barcelona are now five points behind Real Madrid on the LaLiga table. The Los Blancos has 27 points after 10 matches while Barcelona are second with 22 points after 10 matches so far this campaign.
Toma Basic scored the only goal in Rome as Lazio defeated Juventus 1-0 in the Match-day 8 of the Italian Serie A on Sunday night, Softfootball reports.
The home side took an early advantage when Toma Bašić pounced on a mistake by new signing Jonathan David to give Lazio the lead.
However, David almost made up for his earlier error when he collected a pass from Teun Koopmeiners but Lazio’s goalkeeper, Ivan Provedel rushed off his line to parry his dinked.
In the second half, the Old Lady star player Kenan Yildiz replaced Cambiaso as Juve looked for a way back in the game. The switch in formation almost paid off as Kelly slammed a powerful shot off the crossbar from 12 yards after receiving an assist from Yildiz.
Former Arsenal midfielder, Matteo Guendouzi who made his 100th appearance for Lazio was strong in midfield and atimes at the center of controversial moments but his tenacity paid off as he helped his side defend their 1-0 lead until the final whistle.
Juventus are still above Lazio on the Serie A table but the points difference is just one. The Old Lady’s are currently placed eighth with eight points while Lazio sit 10th with seven points after eight matches so far this season.
For Madridista Gabriel Lucin @GabrielLucin1 on X, the win was more about exposing Barcelona’s overconfidence than anything else. His tone was cutting, maybe even taunting. Gabriel’s post captured the rivalry’s essence, pride in victory and a jab at Barça’s endless pre-match talk.
He posted:
Be thankful that Madrid wasn’t on point and on top of that Mbappé missed a penalty because otherwise you’d have gotten thrashed They spent months talking and talking about how they were gonna smash Madrid and now they gotta talk about refs and the hospital
On the other side, Great Ike @GreatIke7 on X sounded irritated by what he saw as Madrid’s exaggerated celebrations. His words were blunt and a bit chaotic, teasing the los balncos over the board celebration. He referenced Lamine Yamal, the teenage Barcelona forward who continues to haunt Madrid despite his age.
He tweeted:
Madrid won the World Cup why are they celebrating like someone who have won you 4 times last season and you’re jubilating for winning today ,you guys don’t have sense ..18 years guy giving you guys a nightmare
El LeoTumbatecho @lesq1978 on X offered a more heartfelt take, shifting the spotlight from goals to comebacks as one of the returning stars, Militao, played a very huge role in the victory. For him, the match meant more than points, it was about resilience and relief.
He posted;
The best news of all is Militão’s return. He’s coming back after 2 fucking torn ligaments!!! It’s soon but it looks good. Hopefully they don’t force him like last year.
Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid (Photo Credit: Real Madrid via X)
Meanwhile, Mateo369 @MateoXXIw on X expressed deep worry about Barcelona’s direction. His tone was mournful, almost poetic, lamenting the clubs decision to sanction Inigo Martinez’s move to Saudi Arabia, claiming that team lack a natural defensive leader and a solid defensive identity.
He tweeted:
Getting rid of Inigo Martinez without a fight No Raphinha No Lewandowski No Gavi No defensive general No team heart No team scorer No team lungs The club and its fans will only fully appreciate this when they lose it completely.
The same sentiment was shared by عبدالمحسن العَسيري @asmd_85 on X, calaiming that the team needs goo options and Capabale alternatives in defenc.
He wrote:
We need to find solutions in defense, since continuing with this situation will cost the team dearly. There must also be an effective alternative, and the team must not be affected by the absence of a player due to injury or suspension.
Then came Bader alharbi @mw_bader on X, frustrated by young Yamal’s recent comments in interviews. He wanted discipline and respect for tradition from the youngstar who has been careless with his post-match interview.
He lamented:
I hope the club and the coach put an end to Yamal’s childish statements. He has caused unnecessary pressure on his teammates on the field. Everyone who has worn the number 10 has been a legend of the club, so I ask Laporta’s management to respect the Barça badge and the number 10
And finally, Madrid supporter RealMadrid 9ja @RealMadrid9ja on X summed up the night with quiet confidence, claiming that the unfortunate loss to Atletico has been the only blemish to their campaign so far.
We deserve to be at the top. The loss to Athletico Madrid was quite unfortunate though.
In the end, the reactions tell the full story, Madrid’s redemption, Barcelona’s frustration, and the unfiltered noise that makes El Clásico more than just a game. It’s pride, Its rivalry, its chaos, and its love, all the things that makes the round leether game very beautiful.
Aston Villa fans were in full voice after a sensational 1-0 victory over Manchester City, marking another high point in what’s becoming a defining season under Unai Emery. While Villa supporters flooded social media with praise for the team’s spirit and tactical precision, Manchester City fans turned their frustration toward Pep Guardiola’s constant rotation and puzzling tactical calls, Sotfootball reports
Villa Fans Ecstatic After Complete Team Display
It was a night of near perfection for Aston Villa, who outplayed the defending champions with a blend of discipline, intensity, and individual brilliance. Fans hailed the team’s balance, from André Onana’s midfield dominance to Matty Cash’s inspired performance.
Aston Villa players celebrate after scoring (Photo Credit: Aston Villa X handle)
What a Cash! What a match! Villa in the soundly beating Man City era. What a time to watch this club. Small shout to Martinez… despite being a lil’ grumpy with him still… damn it if he isn’t a great keeper.
Aston Villa took to their official X handle shortly after the final whistle to celebrate the performance, posting a short clip of André Onana’s commanding display, they posted:
Gigantic defensive performance. By far Onana’s best game for us, one of the most complete DM showings you’ll ever see. Cash once again superb — handled two very different wingers incredibly well and scored a beauty. And Konsa with one of his best ever displays. Incredible stuff.
I could not fault a single Aston Villa player or coach today. Absolutely flawless. Onana set his standard for the rest of the season today. Cracking goal Cash. City simply can’t navigate McGinn’s big backside. Konsa, Barkley crucial interceptions late.
Matty Cash, who scored the only goal and put in a tireless defensive shift, shared his excitement with Villa TV, which was shared via the team’s official X handle, they posted;
For Manchester City supporters, the night was one of deep frustration. Many fans on X questioned Guardiola’s decisions, particularly his decision to experiment once again with Stones in midfield and to bench several key players.
Manchester City’s Captain Ruben Dias greeting the fans and thanking them for their support after the game (Photo Credit: Manchester City X handle)
Can someone tell Pep there are no small teams in the league anymore? You can’t keep benching your best players and expect consistency. Nico O’Reilly has shown more in limited minutes than some regular starters. This loss is on him.
Got exactly what we deserved from that starting lineup. We simply can’t be lining up with such a weak midfield. Nothing learned from the previous two games away at Villa when Stones was rolled out again in midfield. We are a midtable team without Rodri or Nico G on the field.
Following the loss, Manchester City posted on their official X account to thank traveling supporters for their unwavering backing:
O’Riley, Cherki, and Marmoudh should have started or come on early in the second half. Gvardiol and Dias — why change them? Savinho was anonymous in the second half yet Pep kept him on. Nobody knew how to get the ball to Haaland.
This is all on Pep. Aston Villa is not a division 2 team to gamble your lineup. Bobb is not City’s standard — he should go play in the Championship. Whoever stopped that Savinho-to-Tottenham deal needs to be sacked from the board. Nonsense.
For Aston Villa, this result cements their growing reputation as genuine contenders for European qualification. With André Onana finding his rhythm in midfield, Matty Cash rediscovering top form, and Unai Emery’s system thriving, optimism is sky-high at Villa Park.
For Manchester City, however, the pressure is mounting. Guardiola’s rotation policy and experimental setups have come under heavy fire from fans, and the Blue side of Manchester will need to rediscover their focus quickly to stay in the title race.
In just over a decade, Kylian Mbappe has emerged as one of the world's top players, despite not yet securing a Ballon d'Or. Marcel Desailly, a 1998 World Cup winner, discusses a key attribute the Real Madrid star needs to elevate to clinch the desired award.
Kylian Mbappe has dominated the soccer world since debuting at 15 with AS Monaco, quickly attracting Paris Saint-Germain’s attention and becoming their star player. He established himself as the team’s leader, and many expected him to clinch the Ballon d’Or following his move to Real Madrid. However, that accolade remains elusive. According to 1998 World Cup winner Marcel Desailly, there’s something crucial missing that could propel Mbappe to that pinnacle.
“Mbappe. Wow, he made the move that eventually allowed him to be that Ballon d’Or (Move to Real Madrid)… So I believe that he’s that key player. The problem he has is the association… So the association with Vinicius is not that great. They have these new players in the midfield. Xabi [Alonso] is giving him the opportunity to become that important offensive player. So I don’t know, it depends on the others also to have that extra,”France legend Marcel Desailly said, via GOAL.
Kylian Mbappé stood out at a young age, but the Frenchman has never been known for creativity or creating space for teammates. However, this trait is shared with Cristiano Ronaldo, which is not negative given the Portuguese player’s success if he continues his impressive scoring prowess that has already earned him a European Golden Shoe with Los Blancos. Consequently, Desailly’s argument faces heavy criticism from fans worldwide.
Even though Marcel Desailly faced heavy criticism, recent Ballon d’Or winners affirm the 1998 World Cup champion’s perspective. From Luka Modric in 2018 to Ousmane Dembele in 2025, these stars excelled in scoring and creativity, playing pivotal roles in their teams’ tournament finals besides scoring. This lends weight to Desailly’s advice for Kylian Mbappé: To contend for the Ballon d’Or, he must cultivate connections and develop all-around skills.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid against Getafe.
Kylian Mbappe enters one of his best opportunities to win the Ballon d’Or in Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappe is on the cusp of his most promising opportunity yet to clinch his first Ballon d’Or. The French superstar recently captured his inaugural European Golden Shoe and kicked off the 2025-26 season in scintillating form at Real Madrid, netting 11 goals in La Liga and 5 in the UEFA Champions League. Now fully embraced as a striker, he stands poised as a formidable contender for the coveted award, especially if he triumphs in key competitions.
In case Kylian Mbappé combines a solid performance at Real Madrid with a stellar performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with France, he could catapult himself to Ballon d’Or glory. Dominating the tournament and securing a win, alongside clinching titles with his team, would significantly bolster his candidacy. As he reaches the pinnacle of his career, this represents a prime opportunity for Mbappé to finally capture the prestigious award he has long coveted.
Marcel Desailly shined with France in the 1998 World Cup, crafting a legendary career
Many may not immediately recall Marcel Desailly, yet his legacy as an anchor in France’s 1998 World Cup victory remains undeniable. Known more for his imposing physical presence than flashy technical skills, Desailly established himself as a formidable defensive force. His influence extended beyond the French national team, becoming integral to the storied success of AC Milan and Olympique de Marseille.
Desailly’s career saw him clinch not only the World Cup in 1998 but also two Confederations Cups (2001 and 2003) and the UEFA Euro 2000 championship. His consistent pivotal performances in these tournaments bolstered his reputation. While he never captured a Ballon d’Or, Desailly’s experience alongside numerous legends grants him unparalleled insight, particularly relevant when discussing Kylian Mbappe’s potential avenues for advancement.
Marcel Desailly of France during the 1998 World Cup and Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid.
Vinicius Junior reacted angrily after being subbed off against FC Barcelona, which prompted Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso to deliver a clear message to the Brazilian star.
Real Madrid claimed victory in El Clásico for Matchday 10 of the 2025-26 La Liga season on Sunday, but part of the spotlight was stolen by Vinicius Junior, who was visibly frustrated after being substituted. Following the win over FC Barcelona, head coach Xabi Alonso issued a clear message to the Brazilian star regarding the incident.
In a tense and evenly matched contest, Vinicius proved to be one of Real Madrid’s most dangerous players, constantly threatening down the left wing. He was also involved in a controversial first-half moment when Lamine Yamal appeared to foul him inside the box, a play that went unpunished by the referee.
In the 72nd minute, Alonso made a double change, replacing Federico Valverde with Dani Carvajal and bringing on Rodrygo in place of Vinicius. While Valverde seemed to pick up a knock, Vinicius reacted angrily upon seeing his number on the board.
As he left the pitch, he was caught on camera muttering “Always me,” frustrated at being withdrawn once again, and walked straight past Alonso without acknowledging him before heading to the locker room. Minutes later, he returned to the bench to celebrate with his teammates, before clashing again with Yamal after the final whistle.
Vini Jr. was heated and went straight down the tunnel after getting subbed off. pic.twitter.com/Hkivs3g8Uk
Despite being one of the team’s marquee players, Vinicius’ role under Xabi Alonso has seen some adjustments amid inconsistent performances. Out of the 13 games he has featured in this season (10 in La Liga and 3 in the UEFA Champions League), he has started 11, been subbed off in 8 of them, and completed the full 90 minutes just three times in league play.
Xabi Alonso’s response to Vinicius
Although Real Madrid secured a 2-1 win over Barcelona, Vinicius’ reaction quickly became a talking point among fans and media, fueling speculation of tension between the winger and Alonso, who is in his first full season in charge at the Santiago Bernabéu. After the match, the manager downplayed the situation but made it clear he plans to address it internally.
“There are many positive things I take away from the match — a lot of good things from Vini,” Alonso said in the post match press conference. “We’ll talk about that, of course, but I don’t want to lose focus on what really matters. These are things we’ll discuss, but within the context of what was a great game, Vini also contributed a lot.”
The Spanish coach also praised his team’s collective effort, making it clear his priority was on the result rather than the controversy. “All the other players, many of the things we wanted to do were achieved, and it’s an important, well-deserved win — even a bit short, because we had chances like the penalty. This victory will give us again that feeling of being a competitive team in big games. The rest, we’ll talk about it,” he concluded.
The heated ending to the match between Real Madrid and Barcelona resulted in several players from both sides being sanctioned by the referee.
Sunday’s El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium was a spectacle for several reasons. For 90 minutes, Real Madrid and Barcelona delivered a thrilling contest filled with goals and dangerous chances. And once it was over, clashes, arguments, and on-field altercations added even more drama to the story.
Goals from Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Fermin Lopez, along with the VAR decisions — including multiple disallowed goals for Los Blancos — and Wojciech Szczesny’s penalty save were among the highlights of a match between the two strongest sides in La Liga.
In that context, referee Cesar Soto Grado and his assistants paid close attention as they tried to determine which players were responsible for inappropriate behavior during the chaos — a process later reflected in the official match report, which confirmed disciplinary action for several stars.
Referee Cesar Soto Grado shows a yellow card to Pedri of FC Barcelona.
What does the referee’s report say?
The final report reveals that Soto Grado issued eight yellow cards and two red cards in El Clasico. Interestingly, only three of those bookings came during actual gameplay: the two yellow cards (and subsequent red) shown to Pedri, plus a yellow card for Fermin Lopez after shoving an opponent.
One player from each team was booked for incidents that occurred after being substituted. That includes Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, both cautioned “for confronting an opponent without using insults or threats from the bench.”
Additionally, three more players were booked for their behavior after the final whistle — two from Los Blancos (Eder Militao and Rodrygo) and one from Los Blaugranas (Ferran Torres) — for the same reason as Balde and Vinicius.
Who was sent off for Real Madrid after the match against Barcelona?
Among all the players involved in the post-match incidents, one faced the harshest consequence: Andriy Lunin. The Real Madrid backup goalkeeper was shown a red card, as reflected in the official report shared by Marca.
Referee Cesar Soto Grado justified Lunin’s dismissal as follows: “For leaving his technical area and approaching the opposing bench with an aggressive attitude, having to be restrained by his own teammates.” Although Real Madrid are expected to appeal the decision in the coming days, Lunin is likely to face a significant suspension following his red card.
Dani Carvajal of Real Madrid clashes with Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona.
Although the game began evenly, Real Madrid shocked Barcelona with a decisive victory, solidifying their lead in LaLiga. This win also snapped a long El Clasico losing streak, marking a strong start to the Xabi Alonso era.
Real Madrid proved that it is not necessary to maintain possession of the ball to dominate a match. With only 32% possession, Xabi Alonso’s team beat Barcelona, also outscoring them in shots on goal and clear scoring chances. Maintaining a solid defense and dominance in midfield, they managed to end a losing streak that had been going on for some time in El Clasico, ushering in a new era that promises to be dominant.
According to Misterchip on X (formerly Twitter), Real Madrid ended an 18-month winless streak against Barcelona with their latest victory. This crucial win not only breaks their losing spell but also bolsters confidence in coach Xabi Alonso, who had faced criticism for his struggles against top-tier teams. With this triumph, they now stand at 27 points, solidifying their position as the leader of La Liga.
Not only did Real Madrid secure a consistent victory, but they also showcased their scoring prowess while preserving Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold, both fresh from injuries. Moreover, Dean Huijsen’s solid performances further reassured fans eager for the return of their starting center back. With a nearly fully recovered squad, they are set to keep a solid performance during the next games.
Jude Bellingham stood out in the game against Barcelona. After several matches without making an impact and being surpassed by Arda Guler, the Englishman dominated the midfield, once again becoming an offensive threat by scoring a goal and providing an assist. This performance confirms he is back to his best form after overcoming injuries and physical problems. It also underscores how Coach Xabi Alonso’s project is evolving into a significant force.
Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid is challenged by Eric Garcia of FC Barcelona.
Real Madrid continue to dominate the historical El Clasico results against Barcelona
Even if Barcelona managed to stay undefeated for the past 18 months in El Clasico, Real Madrid continues to dominate historically. As reported Misterchip on X, formerly Twitter, Xabi Alonso’s team has amassed 106 wins, surpassing Hansi Flick’s squad, which stands at 104. For that reason, the Culers just missed a pivotal opportunity to close this gap and level the all-time series.
Unlike Real Madrid, Barcelona faced a significant challenge with seven key absences, including the crucial Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, impacting their offensive performance. Criticizing coach Hansi Flick seems unjust, as he maintained competitiveness and nearly secured a draw despite these setbacks. However, defensive improvements remain essential for Barcelona to reach the competitive level exemplified by Xabi Alonso’s squad.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match.
Arsenal defender, Jurrien Timber says he is happy with the consistency of his team and hopes something great could happen for them this season, Softfootball reports.
The former Ajax star was in action for 90 minutes on Sunday as Arsenal beat Crystal Palace 1-0 inside the Emirates stadium. The victory against the Eagles pushed the Gunners four points clear at the top of the Premier League and they’ve now kept five consecutive clean sheets in all competitions.
Jurrien Timber (Photo Credit – Arsenal via X)
Speaking in the post-match interview shared via Arsenal’s official X handle. Timber said:
Everyone plays a part in it, but it’s a good thing and a good foundation to build on. From that standard, you just have to keep getting better and be consistent in what we do, and then throughout the whole season, hopefully we’ll turn into something beautiful.
It gives you confidence and it shows that we’re doing really well, and also, if it’s for multiple games in a row, I think it says something about consistency. We just have to keep that going game-by-game, keep improving, look at what we can do better still, but also take that feeling with you, that confidence and go into the next game with the same mindset.
Former Crystal Palace midfielder, Eberechi Eze scored the alone goal of the match in the first half of the encounter through an audacious half volley. The Gunners tried to extend their lead but the Eagles held firm and also could not get a goal as it ended 1-0.
Meanwhile, there was a little concern for Arsenal as France international William Saliba went off with a knock. Mikel Arteta will hope it is not too serious as they prepare to face Brighton in the fourth round of the English FA Cup on Wednesday.
Real Madrid players. Photo Credit: Real Madrid Media.
Writing on his official X handle after the victory, Rodrygo was obviously elated by what he and his teammates achieved in the game. He wrote:
Una gran victoria en nuestra casa HALA MADRID Y NADA MÁS . This in English means: A great victory at our home HALA MADRID AND NOTHING MORE.
Interestingly, Rodrygo started from the bench as fellow Brazilian Vinicius Junior was preferred in the left side of attack for Real Madrid. The home side took the lead through new signing Kylian Mbappe after his initial effort was ruled out for offside.
Barcelona fought their way back into the match as Spain international Fermin Lopez equalised for the away side but the Los Blancos had the last laugh as English star, Jude Bellingham scored to make it 2-1. Barcelona finished the game with 10-men as Pedri was sent off late in the match.
Real Madrid extends their lead ontop of LaLiga to 27 points while Barcelona remain second with 22 points after 10 matches so far this season.
Tottenham Hotspur finally looked like a team rediscovering their rhythm as they became the first away side to ever win at Hill Dickinson Stadium, ending a six-match winless run against Everton with a convincing 3-0 victory, Softfootball reports.
Everton under David Moyes, came into the game looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Manchester City last weekend. Their new home ground had been a fortress so far this season, but Spurs wasted no time in testing that reputation.
Mohammed Kudus and Micky Van der Ven both celebrate after scoring (Photo Credit: Tottenham X handle)
The Toffees had prided themselves on not conceding from a set-piece all season, but that record didn’t last long. Rodrigo Bentancur kept Mohammed Kudus’ corner alive at the far post, and Micky van de Ven was on hand to head home from six yards out ,a simple goal, but a huge blow for the hosts.
Everton thought they had found an instant reply when Jake O’Brien rose highest to head in Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s corner just minutes later, sparking wild celebrations. But those cheers quickly died down after VAR ruled that Iliman Ndiaye, standing in an offside position, had obstructed Guglielmo Vicario’s view. The goal was chalked off, and the atmosphere inside the stadium turned tense.
Micky Van der Ven both celebrate after scoring (Photo Credit: Tottenham X handle)
To their credit, Spurs handled the hostility brilliantly. Bentancur almost doubled their lead with a brilliant volley that curled agonizingly wide, and moments later, they got their second — again from a set-piece. This time it was Pedro Porro’s wicked corner delivery that caused the damage, and Van de Ven, full of confidence, nipped in front of Jordan Pickford to flick home his second of the night and fifth of the season.
Tottenham came into this game desperate to find some consistency after a patchy run of results in both the Premier League and Europe. Their most recent outing a frustrating goalless draw against Monaco in the UEFA Champions League summed up their struggles to turn dominance into goals. But here, everything seemed to click.
Everton started the second half with more intent. Ndiaye came close with a clever backheel flick that drifted just wide, and there were flashes of life from the Toffees’ attack. But for all their effort, they couldn’t find a way past a disciplined Spurs defence.
Pape Malang Sarr after scoring for Tottenham (Photo Credit: Tottenham X handle)
Their best chance to get back into the game fell to Richarlison against his former club. A loose header from James Tarkowski gifted the Brazilian a golden opportunity, but his shot was straight at Pickford. It felt like the moment Everton’s fight fizzled out.
The hosts continued to push late on, but the result was sealed when Pape Matar Sarr raced through in the final minutes to slot home a composed third goal for Spurs, putting the game well and truly beyond doubt.
After the convincing victory, Tottenham shared an historic achievement with the spurs fans via their official X handle, confirming that the team becomes the first away side to win at the Everton’s new Hill Dickson stadium. They posted:
For Tottenham, it was a statement win their most complete performance in weeks and one that moves them up to third in the Premier League table ahead of a massive London derby against Chelsea next weekend.
For Everton, however, the reality bites: their new home fortress has been breached, and Moyes will know he has plenty of work to do to steady the ship.
Xabi Alonso on Vini’s reaction to the change: Let me focus on beautiful things, good things. We did great and Vini was a big part of it, he did very well. We will talk about his reaction, for sure we will… we will do it in private. Now I want to focus on good things.
Madrid were sharper on the night, pulling five points clear at the top of LaLiga. Kylian Mbappé was amongst the heroes of the night as he opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, finishing coolly after Jude Bellingham sliced through the Barça defence with a neat pass; this was Mbappé’s 12th goal in just nine games against the Catalans.
Barcelona did respond, though. Fermín López pounced on a sloppy touch from Arda Güler to equalise in the 38th minute. But their joy didn’t last long; five minutes later, Bellingham tapped home from close range after Éder Militão nodded Vinícius’ teasing cross back across the goal.
Xabi Alonso and Vinicius jr (Photo Credit: Real Madrid website)
Vinícius was electric before the change came in the 72nd minute. He’d completed five of six dribbles, drawn fouls, and created chances that kept Barça guessing. When Alonso decided to replace him, though, the Brazilian didn’t take it well; he gestured angrily and walked straight down the tunnel. Assistant coach Sebas Parrilla tried to calm him, while Rodrygo offered a quick word on the bench, but Vini wasn’t having it.
Still, Alonso played down any tension afterwards, insisting the matter would be handled quietly within the dressing room.
Softfootball reports that the win was Madrid’s 12th in 13 games this season, a strong response after their shock 5-2 defeat to Atlético earlier this month. Barça, meanwhile, slumped to their third league loss, once again guilty of wasting too many chances. Mbappé missed a second-half penalty, Szczęsny guessed right, and Pedri saw red late on, sparking a mini scuffle on the sidelines.
All told, it was another fierce night in Madrid, drama, goals, tempers, everything you’d expect from El Clásico.
After the match, Unai Emery revealed during his post match interview that he values Elliot but had to leave him out for tactical reasons. Fabrizio Romano shared via his official X handle. He wrote:
Unai Emery on Harvey Elliott left out of Villa squad: I told him to keep going. We signed Harvey because I believe in him. I am happy with him, he’s training well. His commitment is fantastic, he’s a good guy. It was a tactical decision.
Elliot joined Aston Villa on transfer deadline day on loan from Liverpool. But he has struggled for game time with Villa and Emery dropping him against Manchester City when he is fully fit is not good news for the midfielder.
Elliot left Liverpool because he wanted more playing time as he was a fringe star at Anfield but his situation hasn’t changed with places for the 2026 World Cup reducing by the day, the England youngster is desperate for more game time.
As a result of the win, Aston Villa moved into eighth position on the Premier League table with 15 points while Manchester City sit fifth with 16 points.
Arteta also praised his players for their stability and determination, while acknowledging that his team had to dig deep to secure the clean sheet and vital three points.
Arteta (Photo Credit – Official Arsenal Website)
Speaking in his post match presser shared via the club’s X handle, Arteta had a lot to reflect on the importance of this victory, he stated;
I just told the boys that I probably value this victory more than any other victory this season, because we knew the difficulty of it after playing every three days. We had a big opportunity as well with the things that happened during this weekend and I knew we played against a team that, in my opinion, has been one of the best recently in terms of organisation, how difficult they make it, how frustrated they can make you, and the moment that you lose that concentration, they will punish you.
Mikel Arteta (Photo Credit: Arsenal Website)
We have managed to be very stable, playing the game that we have to play. In the first half we were a bit stuck, but we found a way to score a goal and in the second half we attacked better and were more fluent. But with 1-0, we knew that we had to suffer because a team has to score goals to beat any other opponent this season, so to keep the clean sheet is very important.
The club posted the link to the full post-match press conference via its official X handle , inviting fans to read Arteta’s complete reflections on Ebere Eze’s performance, player fitness, and the significance of the result,
Eze’s performance Player fitness The importance of today's win
Arsenal remain top of the Premier League table following the win and continue to impress in the UEFA Champions League, having beaten Atlético Madrid 4-0 to stay perfect in their European campaign. As the season progresses, Arteta insists that maintaining focus and momentum will be key, adding that his players must continue to stay humble, work hard, and take every opportunity to improve.
Since joining Arsenal from Crystal Palace for £67.5 million in August 2025, Eberechi Eze has quickly become the creative spark that Mikel Arteta’s side seemed to be missing. Wearing the iconic No. 10 shirt, a number steeped in North London history, Eberechi Eze has injected flair, unpredictability, and a calm confidence into Arsenal’s attacking play, easing some of the creative burden once shouldered by Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard.
Softfootball understands Eze’s influence has gone beyond numbers, though the stats still impress, with three assists and two goals already, and a 87% pass accuracy, and 2.3 key passes per match. It’s very easy to see why Arteta compared his style to that of Santi Cazorla and Tomáš Rosický, as it is evident that the 27-year-old reads the game like few others.
Against Crystal Palace, Eze was just unplayable and was rightfully voted the best player of the match in a voting poll set by Arsenal via their official X account.
Tactically, the Spaniard has reshaped his system to get the best out of him. With Viktor Gyökeres drifting into wide channels and Piero Hincapie or Riccardo Calafiori pushing high up the flanks, Eze finds those half-spaces where he can turn, glide, and dictate tempo.
At 27, Eze looks like a man entering his prime. His blend of finesse and fearlessness is giving Arsenal something they’ve missed since the Özil days. And with 22 points from nine matches, it feels like something special is brewing again in North London.
Real Madrid finally got one over Barcelona again, grinding out a tense 2–1 win at the Santiago Bernabéu on October 26, 2025. It wasn’t the cleanest performance, but it was enough, as Softfootball reports that the result sends Los Blancos five points clear on top of LaLiga.
In the pre-game reports Softfootball predicted a 2-2 draw. And despite Madrid’s win, the game saw 3 goals in a very frantic encounter. Kylian Mbappé, who just seems to live for nights like this, opened the scoring in the 22nd minute after a perfect pass from Jude Bellingham split Barça’s line wide open. Cool finish, no nerves, and that’s already 16 goals this season, numbers we have gotten to expect from a superstar of his standards.
However, Barcelona looked to react immediately and they did. In the 38th minute, as Arda Güler gave the ball away cheaply, Fermín López made them pay with a low drive into the corner, sending the Bernabéu quiet for a bit. However the momentum to the defending champions didn’t last long, though. Barely five minutes later, Bellingham was there to tap home after Éder Militão headed Vinícius Júnior’s cross back across goal.
Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid (Photo Credit: Real Madrid via X)
The game got scrappy in the second half as tempers flared and legs got heavy. Kylian Mbappé had the chance to extend Real Madrid’s lead but missed a penalty following Eric García’s controversial handball, with Szczęsny guessing right and keeping the scoreline respectable. Barça tried pushing late, but Madrid’s backline stayed solid.
And then came the chaos. Pedri was sent off deep in stoppage time after a clumsy tackle. and the game up till the end was marred by brawls and shoves, as Madrid players tried to confront Lamine Yamal following his provocative rant against the capital-based team. Fabrizio Romano posted the video via his official X account.
After the game, team captain Dani Carvajal appreciated the fans for the magical atmosphere they created at the Santiago Bernabéu in a video uploaded via the team’s official X account.
Watch the video below:
@DaniCarvajal92: "Hello Madridistas, we witnessed an incredible atmosphere today! Thank you so much, a part of this victory belongs to you. We have to keep going, we stay top of the table and let's go for more!" pic.twitter.com/Nk731rch1m
For Barcelona this is their third league loss already, and the frustration is starting to show on the pitch, in the dugout, and everywhere as fans and pundits highly condemn this timid performance.
Following Real Madrid's win in El Clasico, Jude Bellingham delivered a subtle 6-word jab to FC Barcelona star Lamine Yamal.
Jude Bellingham stole the spotlight in the first El Clásico of the 2025–26 season, as Real Madrid defeated FC Barcelona 2–1 at the Santiago Bernabéu. After sealing three crucial points, the English star took the opportunity to deliver a subtle six-word jab at Lamine Yamal.
Before the highly anticipated clash between the Spanish giants, Yamal stirred controversy during a Kings League broadcast. The 18-year-old was asked whether Ibai Llanos’ team, Porcinos FC, reminded him of Real Madrid, and he ended up making a heated message. “Yes, of course… They steal and complain,” said the Spanish wonderkid.
According to reports from Spanish outlets, the remark quickly reached the Madrid dressing room, leaving several players “furious” and labeling Yamal as “disrespectful and immature.” During the match at the Bernabéu, Barcelona players were booed throughout, but the jeers grew louder each time Yamal touched the ball.
After the final whistle, and some heated exchanges between players, Bellingham couldn’t resist firing back. “Talk is cheap. HALA MADRID SIEMPRE!!!” the English midfielder wrote in an Instagram post, clearly referencing Yamal’s comments in the lead-up to the game.
Jude Bellingham’s Instagram post directed to Lamine Yamal.
Bellingham’s post included a fitting soundtrack: Elvis Presley’s classic “A Little Less Conversation.” With Real Madrid players confronting Yamal after the match, Bellingham’s words added fuel to the fire, delivering the perfect response to Barcelona’s young star while celebrating a massive win.
Bellingham sets another record with Real Madrid
The 2024–25 season was defined by Barcelona’s dominance in El Clásico, as Real Madrid fell short in all four encounters. This season, however, the tide appears to be turning, led by a fully fit Jude Bellingham, who continues to etch his name into Madrid’s history books.
With a brilliant assist to Kylian Mbappé and the winning goal in the 43rd minute, Bellingham became the youngest Real Madrid player in the 21st century to both score and assist in an El Clásico. At 22 years and 119 days old, the Englishman continues to prove not only his maturity but also his standing as one of football’s brightest stars for the future.
Lamine Yamal (L) of FC Barcelona and Jude Bellingham (R) of Real Madrid.
With his goal against FC Barcelona, Kylian Mbappe joined legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldinho in elite El Clásico club.
Kylian Mbappé entered El Clásico against FC Barcelona in top form after a fantastic start to the 2025–26 season, and he delivered again by scoring for Real Madrid. With his goal at the Santiago Bernabéu, the Frenchman joined legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldinho in a truly elite club.
After seeing an early strike ruled out for offside in the 13th minute, Mbappé made amends just eight minutes later. Jude Bellingham split Barcelona’s midfield and back line with a perfectly timed through ball, leaving the French star one-on-one with Wojciech Szczęsny. Mbappé made no mistake, firing past the keeper to open the scoring for Real Madrid.
By scoring against Barcelona on Sunday, Mbappé became just the third player ever to find the net in four consecutive El Clásico matches, a feat previously achieved only by Cristiano Ronaldo for Real Madrid and Ronaldinho for Barcelona. Mbappé’s streak includes a hat trick in last season’s La Liga clash, one goal in the Spanish Super Cup final, one in the Copa del Rey final, and now another in the first Clásico of the new campaign.
The first to accomplish the feat was Ronaldinho, who scored five goals across four consecutive La Liga encounters during the 2004–05 and 2005–06 seasons. In that stretch, Barcelona recorded two wins (3–0 and 3–0), one draw (1–1), and one loss (4–2).
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid scores his team’s first goal against Barcelona.
Cristiano Ronaldo later matched and surpassed that record, scoring seven goals across five straight Clásicos between April 2012 and February 2013. His streak began in La Liga (2–1 win for Madrid), continued with goals in both legs of the Spanish Super Cup (3–2 loss and 2–1 win), and included braces in La Liga (2–2 draw) and the Copa del Rey semifinals (3–1 win).
Mbappé ends negative record against Barcelona
Mbappé has long been a nightmare for Barcelona, especially during his time at Paris Saint-Germain, where he recorded two wins, one draw, and one loss — scoring six goals in those four matches. However, since joining Real Madrid, the balance had swung in Barca’s favor.
In the 2024–25 season, his first in Spain, Mbappé featured in all four Clásico matchups, but Barcelona came out on top each time, including victories in both domestic finals. This time, in the first El Clásico of the 2025–26 campaign, Real Madrid flipped the script. Mbappé’s goal not only helped secure the win but also marked a turning point in his personal record against Barca, underlining his blistering form at the start of the new season.
Cristiano Ronaldo (L) and Kylian Mbappe (M) of Real Madrid, and Ronaldinho (R) of Barcelona.
Barcelona lost El Clasico to Real Madrid, and after the final whistle, Lamine Yamal was involved in heated exchanges with several opposing players, including Thibaut Courtois, Dani Carvajal, and Vinicius.
Real Madrid secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, extending their lead in the La Liga standings. After the final whistle, players from both teams were involved in tense confrontations on the pitch, with Lamine Yamal at the center of the incidents.
The young Spanish winger had been in the spotlight in the days leading up to El Clasico due to controversial comments he made about Real Madrid, comparing them to Porcinos FC from the Kings League by saying, “they steal and complain.”
On the pitch, however, Yamal did not live up to expectations, with a poor performance that failed to help Barcelona avoid a 2-1 loss at the Santiago Bernabeu. Still, it appeared that the Real Madrid players hadn’t forgotten his words.
The final minutes of the match were dramatic, with Barcelona desperately attacking in search of an equalizer and Real Madrid defending their lead. In that context, Pedri received a red card for a second yellow in stoppage time, adding further fuel to the fire.
Once referee Cesar Soto Grado blew the final whistle after 9 minutes of added time, the Real Madrid players naturally gathered on the field to embrace and celebrate, while the Barcelona players slowly made their way toward the locker room.
However, along the way, tensions flared and led to a massive confrontation. TV cameras, as well as fan footage from the stands, captured these moments of heightened tension, with players from both teams involved in the dispute.
Which Real Madrid players did Lamine Yamal argue with?
As expected, Lamine Yamal was at the center of the controversy. A video shared on X (formerly Twitter) shows the exact moment when Dani Carvajal gestures toward Yamal, seemingly telling him that he talks too much—clearly referring to the controversial remarks Yamal made about Real Madrid a few days prior.
The footage then shows players from both teams converging in a heated altercation in the middle of the field, with Yamal being pulled away by his teammate Marc Casado.
After exchanging gestures and insults with Thibaut Courtois, Yamal then has another confrontation with Vinicius Junior, with Real Madrid staff stepping in to prevent the Brazilian forward from approaching the Barcelona player on his way to the locker room.
Wojciech Szczesny denied Kylian Mbappe on a crucial penalty to keep Barcelona in the match against Real Madrid.
Real Madrid and Barcelona are delivering a thrilling La Liga encounter. Los Blancos went into halftime leading 2-1, and early in the second half, they had a chance to extend their advantage with a penalty from Kylian Mbappe. However, Wojciech Szczesny came up big and stopped the shot.
In the first half, Real Madrid showed clear superiority over their rivals, controlling possession for much of the match and creating numerous scoring opportunities. VAR played a key role early on, denying Xabi Alonso’s side both a penalty and a goal from the French striker.
However, Mbappe had his revenge in the 22nd minute, receiving a brilliant assist from Jude Bellingham and finishing with a powerful shot. Madrid’s dominance continued in the following minutes, with another goal from Kylian ruled out for offside. Surprisingly, Barcelona found an equalizer through Fermin Lopez, who was set up inside the box and finished calmly.
Barcelona’s joy was short-lived. Just five minutes later, with halftime approaching, Vinicius Jr. delivered a cross from the left that found Bellingham, who restored Real Madrid’s lead with a composed finish.
SZCZENSY SAVES MBAPPE'S PEN AFTER ERIC GARCIA'S HANDBALL!
The second half unfolded in much the same way. Real Madrid continued to dominate and create chances until the 52nd minute, when VAR called Cesar Soto Grado to review a possible handball by Eric Garcia. The referee awarded a penalty to Los Blancos.
Kylian Mbappe stepped up to take it, sending a powerful, curling shot. However, Wojciech Szczesny guessed correctly, stretching out his right arm to intercept the ball and deny the French striker his second goal of the night.
Szczesny has a history of stopping penalties from top stars
That Wojciech Szczesny was able to deny Kylian Mbappe with such an impressive strike is no coincidence. The Polish goalkeeper has extensive experience in this aspect of the game and, over the years, has saved penalties from a wide range of top-level players.
Throughout his career, Szczesny has faced penalty kicks 96 times during regulation, stopping 21 while conceding 75. This gives him a save rate of 21.8%, a remarkably high figure that highlights his talent in these high-pressure situations. There’s no doubt that the penalty save against Mbappe will rank among the standout moments of Szczesny’s career.
In the same category is the penalty he stopped from Lionel Messi during the Argentina vs. Poland match at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Other stars Szczesny has denied from the spot include Neymar, Victor Osimhen, and Gonzalo Higuain.
Kylian Mbappe reacts during the LaLiga match between Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Despite the retirements of his teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, Lionel Messi has signed a contract extension with Inter Miami until 2028. Amid rumors of stepping away from soccer, the Argentine star revealed the reasons behind his decision to remain in MLS.
Lionel Messi is enjoying his most remarkable season since joining Inter Miami in 2023. Propelling his team to the 2025 MLS playoffs, he secured the Golden Boot with an impressive 29 goals. Despite speculation about his future following the retirements of teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, Messi defied expectations by renewing his contract with the Herons, sharing insightful reasons behind this pivotal decision.
“I’ve always said that I base my decision on how I feel day to day and how I feel physically and mentally to continue playing and remain part of this club. And the truth is that I felt very good during the year, I’m happy living in Miami, as is my family,” Lionel Messi said, via NBC News.
Jordi Alba’s contract extension months before his retirement serves as a reminder that staying with a club doesn’t guarantee playing until that year, as players may still opt for early retirement. Nonetheless, Lionel Messi finds contentment in Miami, harmoniously blending family life with his pivotal role in elevating the Herons to prominence. His influential presence is reshaping a project that initially faced skepticism.
Not only has Lionel Messi decided to renew his contract, but Inter Miami are also strategically building a robust sporting project around him. The signings of Tadeo Allende, Telasco Segovia, and Rodrigo De Paul have already made waves in MLS, showcasing a clear intent to chase titles and keep Messi driven. Meanwhile, the Herons are betting on the promising talent of Mateo Silvetti, underscoring their commitment to a bright future.
Lionel Messi #10 and Tadeo Allende #21 of Inter Miami celebrating a goal.
Lionel Messi stands out as one of the most influential players in MLS history
Lionel Messi, despite his veteran status, has quickly become Inter Miami’s top scorer while setting new benchmarks in MLS history. His influence transcends scoring, highlighted by his record-breaking feats, including the most assists in a single match, with five, and the highest number of goal contributions—six in one game. Furthermore, Messi reached 40 goal contributions faster than anyone else in league history, amid more records that underscore his remarkable impact.
With his arrival in 2023, the Herons transformed from a team at the bottom of the table into one of the top favorites for the 2025 MLS Cup. After qualifying for the postseason in two consecutive seasons, they have finally managed to establish a balanced team. Messi stands out on offense, scoring 31 goals so far, making it his best season since arriving in MLS and marking his already historic run.
Inter Miami may keep reinforcing their roster after Busquets and Jordi Alba’s retirement
The retirements of Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets bring both a challenge and a golden opportunity for Inter Miami to refresh their roster. Both retirements at the season’s end will open substantial salary cap space, enabling the pursuit of promising young talent or marquee signings. Sergio Reguilón is reportedly a top target, expected to join on a free transfer after the 2025 MLS playoffs to seamlessly step into Alba’s role, reported Fabrizio Romano.
With Sergio Busquets firmly anchoring Javier Mascherano’s lineup, the Herons need a natural defensive midfielder to bolster their roster after his retirement. While Yannick Bright and Rodrigo De Paul can fill in, their strengths lie as inside midfielders. Federico Redondo would have been the ideal replacement had he stayed, underscoring the urgency to address this glaring gap. Although no specific names have emerged, expect potential candidates to surface soon.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF looks on during the 2025 MLS Cup Playoff.
Manchester City’s unbeaten Premier League run since August came to an end with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa, a result that reminded the cityzens of how fine the margins can be at the top level. Despite dominating large spells of the game, City couldn’t find a way past a resilient Villa side who defended with heart and discipline, Softfootball reports.
The loss comes just days after Pep Guardiola’s men delivered an impressive 2-0 win over Villarreal in the UEFA Champions League. The City boss and his players will now be aiming to regroup quickly and return to winning ways as they look to stay within reach of the league’s summit.
Pep Guardiola (Photo Credit: Manchester City via website)
Following the game, Manchester City shared a statement from the post-match press conference on their official X handle, iwhere Guardiola reflected on the defeat, and how the team plans to respond. Guardiola stated;
We played a really good team and a good game. We played aggressively.
In general, we were there. The shots, crosses, blocks. They defended really well and the goalkeeper is fantastic. In general I don’t have much complaint. Little details but good.
While the defeat stings, Guardiola’s composed reaction signals belief in his squad’s mental toughness. With tough fixtures ahead, the City boss will hope the setback serves as fuel for his side’s continued push for domestic and European glory.
Aston Villa continued their remarkable turnaround under Unai Emery, becoming just the second team in top-flight history to follow a five-game winless start with four straight victories, after Matty Cash’s first-half strike handed Manchester City their first Premier League defeat since August, Softfootball reports.
City, who seemed to have regained momentum after a convincing 2-0 win over Everton, last weekend, were stunned early on when Villa took the lead inside 20 minutes. A cleverly worked short corner found its way to Matty Cash on the edge of the area, and the Polish full-back shifted past Bernardo Silva before rifling a low, left-footed drive beyond an unmoved Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Matty Cash Celebrates after scoring for Aston Villa against Manchester City (Photo Credit: Aston Villa X handle)
Erling Haaland almost provided an immediate response when he broke into the Villa box, but the Norwegian’s effort was brilliantly denied by Emiliano Martínez, a moment that set the tone for the night.
Villa’s first-half joy was dampened by an injury to Emiliano Buendía, forcing an early change that introduced Jadon Sancho for his first Premier League home appearance in a Villa shirt. The Manchester United loanee quickly made an impression, linking up with John McGinn to create a deflected chance that fizzed narrowly wide.
Aston Villa Players celebrate after full time whistle (Photo Credit: Aston Villa X handle)
Trailing at the break for the first time in an away Premier League game this season, Pep Guardiola’s men returned with renewed intent. Savinho’s quick feet forced two desperate defensive blocks from Villa before the hour mark as City piled on the pressure. Guardiola then turned to his bench, introducing Nico González, Nico O’Reilly, and Jérémy Doku in search of an equaliser.
Among the substitutes was young Rayan Cherki, whom Pep once described as one of the greatest talents I’ve ever seen. But tonight simply wasn’t City’s day. Despite being brought on for Tijjani Reijnders, Cherki struggled to find the spark his manager hoped for as Villa stood firm.
Matty Cash Celebrates after scoring for Aston Villa against Manchester City (Photo Credit: Aston Villa X handle)
At the other end, Sancho nearly doubled Villa’s advantage when he wriggled into the box and forced Donnarumma into a sharp save before seeing his rebound pushed away as well. That missed opportunity almost came back to haunt them when Haaland thought he had grabbed a stoppage-time equaliser, only for the assistant’s flag to cut short City’s celebrations.
After the game, Aston villa posted on their official X handle, the players reactions to the victory on the road as the head back to the dressing room. Watch below:
The win whichh was Villa’s third consecutive home triumph over City lifted Unai Emery’s side to seventh, just a point behind Pep Guardiola’s men in fourth. For the cityzens, the defeat snapped a nine-match unbeaten run across all competitions and served as a sobering reminder that even the very best can be undone by a side playing with Villa’s belief, resilience, and hunger.
Bournemouth’s impressive run just keeps getting better. The Cherries climbed to second place in the Premier League after a convincing 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the Vitality Stadium, stretching their unbeaten streak to seven matches across all competitions. Softfootball predicted a win for the Cherries in the pregame report but won’t have expected Sean Dyche’s side not to put up an impressive fight.
From the first whistle, Andoni Iraola’s side looked sharper and hungrier. Their early pressure paid off midway through the first half when Marcus Tavernier’s curling corner somehow looped over goalkeeper Matz Sels and dropped straight into the net. It was a strange one; replays showed the ball may have brushed off Forest’s Neco Williams before deflecting back onto Tavernier, raising eyebrows and frustration on the away bench.
Bournemouth players celebrating (Photo Credit: Bournemouth via X)
Sean Dyche, taking charge of his first league game as Forest manager, cut a frustrated figure on the touchline. Many expected this game to be the continuance of a resurgence following their 2-nil victory over Porto in the Europa League. His side barely had time to regroup before Bournemouth struck again.
In the 40th minute, 19-year-old Eli Junior Kroupi lit up the stadium with a thunderous 30-yard strike, the kind of goal that gets fans out of their seats. The French youngster now has four goals in his last three games, becoming the first Frenchman to score in three straight Premier League appearances since Jean-Philippe Mateta in 2023.
Bournemouth were very excited about the result, and the feeling was evident in the reactions of the players after the final whistle in a video uploaded via the club’s official X account.
Forest did rally after the break, with Taiwo Awoniyi and Omari Hutchinson adding more energy, but it wasn’t enough. Morgan Gibbs-White came close with a stinging shot that forced an excellent save from Djordje Petrovic, yet the visitors remain winless in eight league outings and stuck in the relegation zone.
Bournemouth, on the other hand, are flying. Fast, fearless, and full of belief, Iraola’s men continue to impress — and with owner Bill Foley in attendance, the buzz around a potential new contract for the Spanish coach is growing louder by the day.
Eberechi Eze was the hero for Arsenal in the premier league match-day 9 as he scored the winner against his former side Crystal Palace at the Emirates to help the North London side record its 700th win in the competition, Softfootball reports.
Eze moved to the Emirates for £67m in the summer and has already integrated with his new teammates. His first half goal came from another trademark Arsenal set-piece. Former West Ham Captain, Declan Rice curled a free-kick into the area which was knocked down by Gabriel before Eze finished acrobatically.
The Eagles, who lost to AEK Larnaca on Thursday night pushed for the equalizer with Jean-Philippe Mateta battling against the solid Arsenal defence but the Gunners stayed solid as David Raya in goal kept another clean sheet this season.
Arsenal celebrated their 700th premier league win in the premier league via their official X handle.
However, at the other side of the pitch Arsenal nearly doubled their lead in the second half when Gabriel hit the crossbar with a powerful header before England international, Bukayo Saka curled an effort from the edge of the penalty area but it went off target.
Arsenal held on for the all important three points. The Gunners are now unbeaten in 10 matches in all competitions. The North London side are top of the table with 22 points followed by Bournemouth with 18 points while Crystal Palace sit 10th with 13 points.
Speaking to the media, the Argentine tactician assessed Betis’ recent form and emphasized the need for focus as Atlético aim to bounce back from their 4-0 UEFA Champions League defeat to Arsenal earlier this week, a result that left fans demanding a strong response from the team.
Diego Simone (Photo Credit: Atletico Madrid X handle)
According to Atlético Madrid who shared an excerpt from the manager’s press conference via their official X handle, Simeone said:
El Betis has a brave attack, dynamic players in the final stretch of the game, and is defending well.
SoftFootball understands that Atlético also shared the full press conference on their official YouTube channel, giving fans an inside look at Simeone’s pre-match thoughts, tactical insights, and reflections on the team’s current form.
A victory against Betis would provide a timely morale boost for Los Rojiblancos, as they look to regain momentum in La Liga and reassert themselves among the title contenders under Simeone’s guidance.
Additionally, Atlético will have a golden opportunity to close the gap on league leaders Real Madrid and Barcelona, who face each other in this weekend’s El Clásic, meaning one of the two Spanish giants is guaranteed to drop points.
Atlético Madrid boss Diego Simeone has played down any contract speculation surrounding Julián Álvarez, insisting the Argentine forward remains fully focused and happy at the club.
Softfootball understands that Simeone, however, didn’t seem too interested in the noise and replied that he isn’t bothered about the Argentine’s contract; he is only happy that the player is happy, he was quoted by Fabrizio Romano in a post made via the sports analyst’s official X account.
He tweeted:
Diego Simeone on Julián Álvarez’s contract situation: I don’t get involved in contracts but I see him happy to be here. The club knows what’s best for the club. I see Julián fully committed.
Julian Alvarez (Photo Credit: Atletico Madrid media)
That commitment has been evident on the field. Álvarez has not only adapted quickly to Simeone’s intense system but also brought fresh energy to Atlético’s attack, often dropping deep to link play and pressing tirelessly off the ball, exactly the kind of attitude the coach demands. He even earned praise from his manager earlier after that hat trick against Rayo Vallecano.
For Simeone, what matters isn’t whether Álvarez signs a new deal this week or next season, but that the player keeps giving his all in red and white. As long as he’s smiling, training hard, and delivering, that’s what counts, and with Atlético pushing to stay in the title race, Simeone’s trust in Álvarez’s dedication could prove key in keeping the team united amid all the outside chatter.
Real Madrid face Barcelona in an important game for the LaLiga lead. Despite some absences and players who are not in top form, Kylian Mbappe, Fermin Lopez and Jude Bellingham are already leading the scoring side to lead each team in El Clásico.
Real Madrid have managed to impose a competitive pace on the game against Barcelona, dominating the offense and controlling the rival team’s attacks. In the opening minutes of the game, Xabi Alonso’s team has put possession aside to make way for counterattacks that have truly made a difference in the game. In a closely contested match, Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Fermin Lopez score goals to add to the scoreboard in El Clásico.
Dominating the ball from midfield, Jude Bellingham controlled the ball and found Kylian Mbappe breaking through the Barcelona defense. With his impressive speed, the Frenchman outran the opposing defense, finding himself alone in front of Wojciech Szczesny, whom he beat decisively to score the first goal of the game.
JUDE BELLINGHAM WITH AN INCREDIBLE ASSIST TO MBAPPE TO OPEN THE SCORING IN ELCLASICO 🔥 pic.twitter.com/sicrWIX82V
Although Real Madrid scored first, Barcelona quickly equalized, showcasing the intense competition when both teams capitalize on their strengths. Marcus Rashford made a dynamic run down the left wing and found Fermin Lopez alone in the box, where he finished with masterful class to tie the game. However, his joy was short-lived.
FERMIN LOPEZ STRIKES AGAIN AFTER HIS HAT TRICK IN MIDWEEK! BARCELONA ARE BACK!
Barcelona dominated possession with impressive ball control, but their defensive vulnerabilities stood exposed. Mere minutes into the match, Vinicius Jr. surged down the left wing, delivering a precise cross to Eder Militao. The Brazilian nodded it down to Jude Bellingham, who capitalized on the opportunity with a decisive strike, exploiting Barcelona’s lapses at the back and leaving them defensively stranded.
Barcelona continue to struggle defensively in the 2025-26 season under Hansi Flick’s helm
Despite Barcelona’s offensive injuries, their attack continues to impress, overshadowed by the persistent defensive woes even with fewer absences. Coach Hansi Flick depends on Pau Cubarsi as the defensive anchor, but both Araujo and Eric have struggled to provide reliable support. Frequent lapses in aerial contests and defensive reads have led to costly goals, as demonstrated by today’s strikes from Mbappe and Bellingham.
Along with the center-back issues, Jules Kounde’s current form at right back falls short of his stellar 2024-25 season, where he ranked among the world’s elite. In today’s match, Vinicius outpaced him, leading to Bellingham’s decisive goal. His struggles, coupled with Ronald Araujo’s benching and Iñigo Martinez’s departure, have left a leadership void and heightened defensive uncertainties.
Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid with Fermin Lopez of Barcelona.
Real Madrid fans have been especially hostile toward Barcelona star Lamine Yamal during El Clasico.
Real Madrid and Barcelona are playing the first Clasico of the 2025–26 La Liga season, one of the biggest matchups in world soccer. Millions of viewers around the globe are tuned in to every moment, but one detail stands out: Real Madrid supporters at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium are booing Lamine Yamal every time he touches the ball.
It’s normal for fans to show displeasure toward rival players—especially in a clash between two clubs with such a deep historical rivalry. However, the hostility from the home crowd in this Clasico is particularly sharp toward the young Spanish winger. And there’s a reason for that.
In the days leading up to the match, Yamal sparked controversy with a comment about Los Blancos. During a Kings League broadcast with Spanish streamer Ibai Llanos and former soccer star Gerard Pique, Lamine was asked if Ibai’s team, Porcinos FC, reminded him of Real Madrid. “Yes, of course… They steal and complain,” he replied, catching everyone off guard.
Amid the controversy, Lamine Yamal posted a motivational message on his social media accounts just hours before the match. First, he shared a video about the challenges faced by players who grow up in difficult environments—and how that background drives them to overcome massive moments like El Clasico.
“The player who comes from the neighborhood doesn’t compete for fame. He competes for the future. He doesn’t play for the spotlight; he plays to never go back,” reads one of the quotes from the video. “The real pressure isn’t in the stadium—it’s in the eyes of those who never stopped believing.”
Moments later, the Spanish winger posted a photo of himself playing at the Santiago Bernabeu wearing Barcelona’s jersey, with several Real Madrid fans in the background staring at him with obvious disapproval. The image was taken during Barcelona’s last visit to the Bernabeu—a match that ended in a 4–0 victory, with Lamine scoring one of the goals.
Barcelona have managed to maintain an impressive competitive pace in the last two games, staying competitive. However, they face a big challenge today as they take on Real Madrid today without Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski in their starting lineup.
Despite a string of setbacks, Barcelona maintain top form by showcasing their scoring prowess. Coach Hansi Flick has expertly implemented a robust rotation, ensuring all players, even less regulars like Roony Bardghji and youth stars Toni Fernandez and Dro Fernandez, stay competitive. Today, however, the Culers face a formidable challenge against Real Madrid without the crucial presence of Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski.
Raphinha sustained a hamstring injury on September 25 that sidelined him for several games. Although he made promising strides in his recovery, Gerard Romero of Jijantes FC reported that the Brazilian couldn’t complete the latest training session and experienced a minor relapse. Thankfully, a severe setback, such as a tear, was avoided. Consequently, he will miss the upcoming matches, leaving a gap in the team’s offense.
In a significant blow to Barcelona, Robert Lewandowski will sit out the upcoming clash against Real Madrid due to a torn biceps femoris in his left thigh, sustained during Poland’s recent UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. His absence leaves an indefinite recovery timeline and thrusts Ferran Torres into the spotlight. Torres, however, has exceeded expectations with his impressive scoring performance in the early season, offering a glimmer of hope for the Culers.
With Raphinha and Lewandowski sidelined, Barcelona have found promising offensive leaders in Fermin Lopez and Marcus Rashford. Both players have stepped up, driving the Culers’ recent performances with scoring prowess and playmaking ability, markedly elevating their teammates’ game. The team now looks to Lopez and Rashford, alongside the exceptional talent of Lamine Yamal, to steer their success.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid passes the ball under pressure from Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona.
Barcelona are struggling with injuries: Which other key players will miss the clash vs Real Madrid?
While Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski are Barcelona’s most notable absences, the team also grapples with the sidelining of Joan Garcia, Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, Andreas Christensen, Gavi, and Dani Olmo, which strains their sporting structure ahead of today’s clash with Real Madrid. Facing these challenges, coach Hansi Flick turns to youth and less-utilized players, tapping into their talent and offering them a pivotal chance to prove themselves on this big stage.
Barcelona’s injury concerns are easing, with several key players nearing return. Andreas Christensen is set to rejoin the squad on October 27. Joan Garcia and Raphinha are expected by November 1, followed by Dani Olmo on November 4. Robert Lewandowski and Marc-André ter Stegen aim to be back on November 11 and December 1, respectively. Meanwhile, Gavi’s recovery extends to February 2026, potentially limiting his season impact to prioritize full healing.
Barcelona face Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, but head coach Hansi Flick is not on the bench as usual.
Real Madrid and Barcelona face off in one of the most important matches of the European soccer season. They’re meeting in the first Clasico of the 2025–26 campaign at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, but one detail stands out: Hansi Flick is not on the bench alongside the substitutes and the Blaugrana staff.
Flick has been banned from entering the field or sitting on the bench as he normally does, after receiving a one-match suspension for being sent off during Barcelona’s previous game against Girona on Matchday 10 of La Liga.
In that match, the score was tied 1–1 when the fourth official showed the electronic board indicating four minutes of added time. The German coach felt that wasn’t enough and protested to the officials, prompting referee Jesus Gil Manzano to send him off after showing a second yellow card.
Ironically, that extra time proved enough for Barcelona, who sealed the victory with a goal from Ronald Araujo in the 93rd minute. Moments after the goal, TV cameras caught Flick making gestures that some interpreted as a provocation toward the officials.
Referee Jesus Gil Manzano shows a red card to Hansi Flick during the match between Barcelona and Girona.
What did Flick say about his expulsion?
After that game against Girona, Hansi Flick was asked about the circumstances that led to his dismissal. “My reaction wasn’t directed at the referee. And I don’t know why he showed me the second card,” the head coach said. “I don’t do anything against anyone and I won’t. I accept the referee’s decision. It wasn’t against him. I applauded to get the team to react.”
Flick later admitted that he tried to clear up the situation after the match, but wasn’t successful. “I tried to talk to the referee, but I couldn’t. He went his way, and I couldn’t,” Hansi explained. “I accept the referee’s decisions; he makes the calls. What I did had nothing to do with him. If he doesn’t want to talk to me, that doesn’t make me sad; I accept it.”
In the days following Flick’s suspension, Barcelona attempted to overturn the decision through official administrative channels, arguing that the referee had misinterpreted the coach’s gestures and that they weren’t directed at the officials. However, that appeal was rejected at every level, and the suspension was upheld.
Who is replacing Flick on Barcelona’s bench?
The suspension didn’t prevent Hansi Flick from working with the squad during the week, but he was unable to hold his usual pre-match press conference. Instead, Flick’s top assistant, Marcus Sorg, took charge of speaking to the media on Saturday and is taking his place on the bench for today’s game.
“You always miss Hansi when he’s not around because he’s an important part of the team, but we all know what we have to do,” Sorg told reporters during the press conference. He also admitted it’s “an honor” to lead Barcelona in El Clasico vs. Real Madrid and said he’s “very proud to be there.”
Despite a wave of relentless injuries, Real Madrid host Barcelona in a crucial LaLiga showdown. Fans of both teams eagerly watch the status of Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal, their standout stars leading up to the match.
Real Madrid have launched their LaLiga campaign in stellar fashion, holding the top spot in the standings while remaining undefeated in the Champions League. Under Coach Xabi Alonso’s guidance, the team has maintained its competitiveness despite significant absences. Today, they clash with Barcelona in El Clasico, a match pivotal to the aspirations of both teams. Fans will closely watch the statuses of Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe as the game unfolds.
Heading into this high-stakes encounter, Mbappe and Lamine have overcome recent injuries to be in prime condition, ready to spearhead the attacks for Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively. Both players delivered key performances in recent matches, contributing decisively to their teams’ goal or assists tallies. As top contenders for the Ballon d’Or, their showdown promises an electric display, adding to the excitement surrounding this iconic rivalry.
Despite suffering significant absences at the start of the season, Real Madrid have recovered most of their defensive players, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Daniel Carvajal, Dean Huijsen, and Ferland Mendy, but not all of them will be able to start because they lack playing time. However, they will be without David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger, meaning there will still be some absences in their lineup.
Barcelona will benefit from Lamine Yamal’s availability, marking a major positive alongside Fermin Lopez’s impressive form. However, a wave of injuries, including to Robert Lewandowski, Joan Garcia, Dani Olmo, Andreas Christensen, Raphinha, Gavi, and Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, poses a challenge. Facing this adversity, the Culers must rotate their lineup, assigning Marcus Rashford a crucial role in attack while turning to academy players for necessary depth.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid (L) celebrates scoring a goal with Vinicius Jr.
Real Madrid lineup vs Barcelona
Although Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold have returned to the team, Real Madrid will opt for Federico Valverde at right back due to his high competitive rhythm, unlike the recently recovered players. Moreover, coach Xabi Alonso will start Dean Huijsen in central defense alongside Eder Militao and keeping the rest of the lineup similar to the previous games.
Considering this, Real Madrid will lineup as follows: Thibaut Courtois; Federico Valverde, Eder Militao, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras; Aurelien Tchouameni; Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler, Vinicius Jr; Kylian Mbappe.
Barcelona lineup vs Real Madrid
Barcelona face Real Madrid at a crucial juncture marked by a slew of injuries, including key absences like Lewandowski and Raphinha. Coach Hansi Flick will retain the successful lineup from their last two victories, only adding Ferran Torres, who is back from injury. Moreover, the Culers will likely lean on their youth talent for support, with Dro Fernandez and Toni Fernandez poised for significant substitute roles.
With this, Barcelona will play as follows: Wojciech Szczesny; Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Alejandro Balde; Frenkie de Jong, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Marcus Rashford; Ferran Torres.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid and Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona.
Everton will face Tottenham in a Matchday 9 clash of the 2025/2026 Premier League season. Here’s everything you need to know, including kickoff details and how to watch the action on TV or online.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Everton vs Tottenham on US television and via legal streaming:
Matchday 9 of the Premier League concludes with a high-stakes showdown as Tottenham and Everton collide in North London. Spursare aiming to strengthen their push toward the top of the standings, with a victory potentially keeping them within striking distance of the title race.
Everton, meanwhile, arrive looking to shake things up in the table and prove they can hang with one of England’s elite. With both sides hungry for points and momentum, this one promises plenty of intensity—don’t miss the action when these two square off.
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In the latest episode of Rio Ferdinand Presents, shared on the official X account, the former Manchester United captain dissected how Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo caused chaos for Liverpool’s defence during the 2–1 victory at Anfield. As reported by Softfootball, the win—sealed by a late Harry Maguire header—marked United’s third straight league triumph under Rúben Amorim, showcasing a new attacking sharpness led by Cunha and Mbeumo.
Matheus Cunha (Photo Credit: Matheus Cunha via Instagram)
Ferdinand highlighted how both forwards drifted into half-spaces, forcing Liverpool’s centre-backs into uncomfortable positions and breaking their defensive rhythm. Their constant interchanging made it difficult for Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté to decide whether to track tightly or hold their line.
Centre-halves don’t really want to go wide or step into midfield. You’ve got to take short, sharp steps in there — big centre-halves hate that. These guys drag you into those areas but still threaten to run in behind, so you’re constantly second-guessing. You’re thinking, ‘Is he pulling me here to spin behind me, or to get the ball at his feet?’ It’s mental warfare for defenders.
He went on to describe how United’s shape pins opponents down:
Mbeumo comes inside from the right, Cunha drifts from the left, and suddenly full-backs are stuck. Amad’s pushed up, the full-back can’t help, and the centre-half’s caught in no man’s land. You can’t win — that’s what makes them so dangerous.
Watch the video below:
Why Cunha & Mbeumo are a nightmare for centre backs to defend against
With Amorim’s system giving both players licence to roam and combine, Cunha and Mbeumo have added unpredictability and pace to United’s front line — qualities that make them a nightmare for even the best defenders in the league.
Real Madrid clash with Barcelona in a Matchday 10 showdown of the 2025/26 La Liga season. Here’s everything you need to know, including kickoff details and how to watch the action live on TV and streaming platforms.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Real Madrid vs Barcelona on US television and via legal streaming:
The stage is set for another thrilling chapter of one of soccer’s most storied rivalries as Real Madrid and Barcelona square off in “El Clásico.”Real Madrid arrive sitting atop the La Liga standings with 24 points from 27 possible, powered by Kylian Mbappe’s explosive form and a squad brimming with confidence.
Barcelonatrail by just two points and know a win would catapult them past their fiercest rivals while sending a message across Europe. With first place, bragging rights, and momentum all at stake, fans can expect an electric showdown from start to finish—don’t miss a second of this blockbuster matchup.
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Feyenoord will take on PSV in Matchday 10 of the 2025/2026 Eredivisie. Fans in the United States can tune in for full coverage, with kickoff times and broadcast information available across both TV and streaming platforms.
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The Eredivisiespotlight turns to Rotterdam for a blockbuster clash that could have major implications in the title race. Feyenoord, still unbeaten with eight wins and one draw, are firing on all cylinders after a convincing 3-1 win in the Europa League and will look to keep their hold on the top spot.
PSV, sitting just three points behind, arrive in top form following a stunning 6-2 demolition of Napoli in the Champions League. With both sides boasting world-class talent and plenty at stake, this matchup promises high drama from start to finish—don’t miss a minute of the action.
More details on how to watch
With ESPN+, you can watch Feyenoord vs PSV and tons more soccer games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, Apple, Android, and Amazon Fire devices, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, Chromecast, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Oculus Go.
Now with ESPN+, you can stream Bundesliga, LaLiga, FA Cup, Eredivisie, NWSL, USL and more.
Even better, ESPN is now offering The Disney Bundle that includes ESPN+, Hulu and Disney+ for only $14.99 per month. Not only do you get all of the soccer with ESPN+, but you also get hit movies and TV shows with Hulu AND you get Disney+ that features Star Wars, Marvel movies, Disney movies and shows, films from Pixar and feature documentaries from National Geographic.
In addition to all of the soccer coverage, ESPN+ also includes UFC, MLB, MLS, NHL, select PGA TOUR golf, Top Rank Boxing, cricket and Grand Slam tennis from Wimbledon to the US Open and Australian Open. Plus you get instant access to your favorite college sports like football, basketball, lacrosse, softball and more.
There’s also the daily ESPN FC show, 30 For 30 documentaries, exclusive access to studio programs and more.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full ESPN+ soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
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There’s something special brewing in Seville this Tuesday night as Real Betis welcome Atletico Madrid to the Estadio de La Cartuja for a pivotal Matchday 10 encounter. Both sides are level on 16 points, sitting fifth and sixth, respectively, and while it’s still early in the season, this feels like a match that could shape their European hopes.
Meanwhile, Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Betis are quietly flying. They battled to a 2–2 draw with Villarreal, then ground out a 0–0 away at Genk in the Europa League—stretching their unbeaten run to eight matches. Betis look confident, and their home form has been superb, with just one defeat in their last twelve La Liga home fixtures.
Marc Bartra (Photo Credit: Real Betis via X)
Team News
Real Betis: Isco remains out with a fractured fibula. Antony, in good touch with three goals, will likely start on the right. Amrabat could return after missing midweek action. Atletico Madrid: Johnny Cardoso is doubtful, but Koke, Oblak, and Gimenez are ready to go. Simeone might not change much tactically despite that Arsenal defeat.
Jan Oblak (Photo Credit: Jan Oblak via Instagram)
Possible Lineups
Real Betis (4-2-3-1): Valles; Ruibal, Bartra, Gómez, Rodríguez; Altimira, Deossa; Antony, Lo Celso, Riquelme; Bakambu. Atletico Madrid (4-4-2): Oblak; Llorente, Gimenez, Le Normand, Hancko; Simeone, Barrios, Koke, Gonzalez; Sorloth, Alvarez.
Real Betis posted on their official X account to build excitement for their LaLiga home match against Atlético Madrid, highlighting the emotional return to familiar grounds after recent away fixtures.
Betis have not lost in their last eight and look sharp at home. Atletico’s away form of no wins in six remains a concern. Expect intensity, maybe a bit of chaos. Betis might just snatch it.
Liverpool’s 2025–26 Premier League campaign has taken a worrying turn under head coach Arne Slot. After starting the season with five straight wins, the Reds have now lost four consecutive league matches, and most recently Brentford, who beat them 3–2 as reported by Softfootball. The slump equals their total number of defeats from the entire previous season, signalling a serious regression for the reigning champions.
Brentford vs Liverpool (Photo Credit: Liverpool via X)
Slot admitted the performance at the Gtech Community Stadium was up there among his most disappointing since taking charge, as posted on the club’s official YouTube account. He said:
You are always hoping for a better result. But I was also hoping and expecting a better performance, because the performance was far from what we are used to.
Despite goals from Milos Kerkez and Mohamed Salah, Liverpool could not recover after conceding early to Dango Ouattara and Kevin Schade. The manager conceded that basic errors and poor duelling cost his side dearly, saying:
It’s hard to win a game of football if the other team wins more duels and more second balls than you.
Virgil Van Dijk of Liverpool (Photo Credit: Liverpool via X)
The Dutch coach also revealed that Liverpool spent their final training session focusing solely on defending long throws from Brentford’s Kayode. He said:
It’s the only thing we did yesterday on the training pitch. Yet we conceded from that after five minutes.
Watch the video below:
Slot admitted that tactical preparation alone means little without concentration and communication, insisting that defending is a collective job of all 11 players.
Frustrated but not defeated, Slot urged patience, noting that summer changes and a difficult run of five away fixtures from their last six have affected rhythm. He said:
I didn’t expect it to go with four losses in a row. But we have to stay together, work harder, and find our answers quickly.
Following Liverpool’s poor run of form, captain Virgil van Dijk has delivered a candid and introspective message to his teammates and fans alike. The Dutch defender admitted that everyone in the squad must take responsibility, saying:
Everyone has to look in the mirror, including myself.
Virgil Van Dijk of Liverpool (Photo Credit: Liverpool via X)
Van Dijk’s message, however, went beyond tactics. The 34-year-old urged unity within the dressing room and called on fans to stand by the team during this rough patch, as posted by Fabrizio Romano on his official X account. He said, reminding supporters of last season’s title celebrations at Anfield:
It’s not only us as players but also together with our fans and everyone who wants us to win.
Van Dijk: “Everyone has to look in the mirror including myself”.
“I am sure we will get out of this. But we won't do it just by talking about it. We will try to improve”.
Despite the growing criticism from pundits like Jamie Carragher and Craig Burley, Van Dijk remains steadfast:
We won’t get out of this just by talking about it. We will try to improve.
With key Champions League and Premier League fixtures on the horizon, his leadership and composure could be crucial in guiding Liverpool back to stability.
Chivas host Atlas in Matchday 15 of the Liga MX Apertura 2025. Here’s all the key information you need about the matchup, including kickoff times and complete broadcast details for TV and streaming in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Chivas vs Atlas on US television and via legal streaming:
WHO
Chivas vs Atlas
WHAT
Liga MX
WHEN
11:05pm ET / 8:05pm PT • Saturday, October 25, 2025
The race toward the Liga MX playoffs intensifies this weekend as Chivas and Atlas collide in a high-stakes rivalry showdown that could shape the postseason picture. Chivascome into the match with 20 points and a spot in the play-in zone but are chasing a top-six finish to lock up a direct playoff ticket.
On the other side, Atlas—currently at 16 points—find themselves fighting to stay alive in the postseason race, needing a statement victory to keep their hopes alive. Don’t miss this crucial clash as both sides battle for more than just bragging rights.
More details on how to watch
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Still shining in the elite of world soccer at 40, Cristiano Ronaldo spoke about a key tool.
Cristiano Ronaldohas had a professional career spanning more than two decades, and even now, approaching his 41st birthday, he remains one of the most outstanding players in the world. Recently, he discussed his remarkable longevity and revealed a crucial factor behind it.
“Sleep is the most important tool that I have,” Ronaldo began in a video posted on Instagram by Whoop this week. In it, the Portuguese forward emphasized the importance of rest as an essential factor for staying healthy. “It is the most important thing that we have probably in terms of health-span.”
Next, Cristiano detailed specific aspects of his personal care. “To be consistent with the time that I go to bed and that I wake up. I mean, like example, I go to bed around 11-12 and I wake up around 8.30,” he said. “It is my routine.”
It’s clear that to remain in the elite of world soccer for 23 years, talent alone isn’t enough. In addition to his natural abilities, Ronaldo has added an enormous amount of discipline, which includes not only intense physical and ball training but also special attention to rest and nutrition.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 950th career goal on Saturday.
How much longer will Cristiano Ronaldo play?
Right now, Cristiano Ronaldo seems to have three major goals in mind. The first is individual: reaching 1,000 goals in his professional career, a milestone he is just 51 goals away from. The other two are team goals: winning theSaudi Pro LeaguewithAl Nassr and competing in the FIFA World Cup 2026 with Portugal.
To achieve this, it’s clear that CR7 will need to continue playing at least through next summer. By then, he will have completed the season in Saudi Arabia—where Al Nassr have a strong chance to compete for the title based on their current performance—while also having the opportunity to play in his sixth World Cup.
The 1,000-goal milestone, however, appears further on the horizon. Based on the scoring pace he has maintained in recent years, Ronaldo will likely need to play at least one more season to reach that mark. By then, he will have turned 42, making his personal care routine critical to staying in peak physical condition.
Ronaldo talks about retirement
In recent years, Cristiano Ronaldo has often been asked about his potential retirement, a topic that becomes more relevant with the age of the forward. However, he has always been clear that he has no set timeline for ending his career and remains focused on taking on new challenges.
“I want to keep playing for a few more years — not many, I have to be honest. I’m still producing good things, helping my club and Portugal. So… why stop now?” Ronaldo said a few weeks ago. “When I retire, I’ll do so satisfied, knowing I gave everything.”
Jack Grealish will be back in Everton’s starting line-up when they host Tottenham Hotspur at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday, Softfootball reports.
They have been a total of 190 matches between these two sides with Tottenham Hotspur winning 72, Everton 58 and they’ve drawn 60 times.
David Moyes led Everton to their most recent win in January 2025, where a late Spurs fightback was fruitless in a 3-2. Spurs previously thumped Everton 4-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in August 2024.
Star player
For Everton, the star of the team is Jack Grealish. He is playing like a different player since he joined Everton on loan from Manchester City and enjoying the freedom he gets. The England international has four assists for the Toffees and would be hoping for more against Tottenham.
Kudus (Photo Credit – Ghana via X)
Spurs will rely on Mohammed Kudus to cause damage to Everton despite playing away from home. The Ghanaian is very good with creating chances and dribbles out of tight spaces easily.
Team News
David Moyes will be happy to have Jack Grealish back to the matchday squad after he was ineligible to face parent club Man City last time out. Carlos Alcaraz might drop to the bench as a result.
Jarrad Branthwaite needs surgery to correct a troublesome hamstring injury and faces an indefinite period on the sidelines while Nathan Patterson is also likely to spend the next few weeks out due to a combination of a foot problem and a hernia.
Here Moyes gives update on his squad as shared via Everton’s official X handle. Watch Video below.
Thomas Frank will be without nine first team players on Sunday, Destiny Udogie (knee), Cristian Romero (adductor), James Maddison (ACL), Ben Davies (muscle), Radu Dragusin (ACL), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), Kota Takai (foot), Dominic Solanke (ankle) and Yves Bissouma (ankle).
Some good news as Mathys Tel is back and Randal Kolo Muani may also be considered for a full debut.
Listen to Frank give further updates on his squad in a video shared by Spurs official X handle.
Liverpool’s Premier League title defence is going from bad to worse, as Arne Slot’s men slumped to a fourth straight league defeat, losing 3-2 to a spirited Brentford side in west London, Softfootball reports.
Fresh from a confidence-boosting 5-1 win over Frankfurt in the UEFA Champions League, many expected Liverpool to build on that result. But instead, they were stunned just five minutes in when Michael Kayode’s long throw caused chaos in the box, Kristoffer Ajer flicked it on, and Dango Ouattara smashed home a superb volley to put the Bees ahead.
Brentford players celebrating after scoring the third goal against Liverpool (Photo Credit: Brentford X handle)
Liverpool tried to hit back immediately. Mohamed Salah forced a sharp save from former Reds goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher, while new boy Florian Wirtz still chasing his first goal for the club,scuffed wide from a promising position. But Brentford, coming into the game high on confidence after their 2-0 win last weekend where Igor Thiago also found the net, refused to sit back.
The hosts kept pushing, and Giorgi Mamardashvili had to pull off a sensational one-handed save to deny Mikkel Damsgaard. Moments later, Damsgaard turned creator, slipping a clever pass through to Kevin Schade, who raced clear and made no mistake with a composed finish to make it 2-0.
Kevin Schade after scoring Brentford Second goal (Photo Credit: Brentford X handle)
Just when it looked like Liverpool were sinking, they grabbed a lifeline in controversial circumstances. Deep into first-half stoppage time — two minutes after the added time had expired — Milos Kerkez popped up at the far post to turn in Conor Bradley’s cross and halve the deficit before the break.
Any hopes of a comeback were quickly dashed, though. Brentford continued to look dangerous after the restart, and their pressure paid off again when VAR ruled that Virgil van Dijk had brought down Ouattara right on the edge of the box. Igor Thiago stepped up and coolly slotted home from the spot for his fourth goal in as many games, restoring the Bees’ two-goal cushion.
Milo Kerkez after scoring his first ever goal for Liverpool (Photo Credit: Liverpool X handle)
Arne Slot emptied his bench, bringing on four players in quick succession in a desperate attempt to spark a revival. Salah gave Liverpool a glimmer of hope late on with a thunderous strike that went in off the underside of the bar ending his six-game goal drought at club level but it proved too little, too late.
Interestingly after the game, Brentford via its official X handle posted the post match reactions of the players to this well earned victory over the current PL champions in front of their home fans. They posted:
The final whistle confirmed another disappointing night for Liverpool, who have now lost five straight matches in London for the first time since 1970. Brentford, meanwhile, celebrated a famous win, their third victory in four league games as the Bees continue to buzz their way up the table and leave the champions searching for answers.
Bayern Munich goalkeeper Jonas Urbig says he is satisfied with the team’s performance after a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach, Softfootball reports.
He shared his thoughts on the game with Bayern Munich’s official X handle. He said:
We defended well, one or two situations aside. The team made it easy for me, I had almost nothing to do. It was a typical game of patience. We had to wear down our opponents in the first half, even though we had some chances we could have taken. We rewarded ourselves in the second half, we scored the goals and won. It was a bit of a derby for me personally, as a former Köln player, I’m particularly glad about it. I have a really good feeling ahead of the cup game at Köln. We turned in a strong team display, we’ll build on that.
Topscorer, Harry Kane had a goal disallowed in the first half but it was no problem as the Bavarians scored three second half goals to win the match. Joshua Kimmich scored the first goal, Raphaël Guerreiro made it 2-0 before 17-year-old Lennart Karl made it 3-0 after Mönchengladbach’s Kevin Stöger had missed a penalty.
The win made Bayern became the second club in Europe’s top five leagues to start a domestic season with 13 straight victories, after AC Milan (1992/93) in all competitions as they stay top of the Bundesliga table with a 100% record.
It was another long and frustrating night at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea slumped to a 2-1 defeat against newly-promoted Sunderland their second home league loss in just nine games this season, following the earlier 1-3 setback against Brighton.
While Sunderland supporters celebrated a remarkable comeback, Softfootball understands that Chelsea fans were left furious at Enzo Maresca’s decisions, with many questioning his substitutions, tactical approach, and inability to adapt when under pressure.
Sunderland players celebrate after wining against Chelsea (Photo Credit: Sunderland X handle)
Chelsea Fans Furious Over Maresca’s Decisions
Chelsea’s inability to manage a game after taking the lead has become a recurring theme this season, and the latest defeat only amplified growing frustration among supporters.
Never ever play Pedro as our 10, it is even better to play Enzo there. That guy was missing all through the 1st half. Tosin had no business on that pitch, he is not fully ready to be introduced.
@danielregha was equally critical of the team’s lack of direction:
Chelsea already losing points to smaller clubs when the season hasn’t even gone halfway; the team fails to utilize chances, and barely shows any serious coordination especially once Chelsea has taken the lead. Imagine losing to Sunderland — it’s nothing but embarrassing.
The defeat was one of pain for Chelsea and their supporters, the team via its official YouTube channel posted the full post match reaction of head coach Enzo Maresca speaking about what went wrong and areas of improvement for the team going ahead. They posted:
For @thineytips, the problem runs deeper than tactics:
Chelsea doesn’t have a creative midfielder except Palmer. We don’t have a playmaker that can create chances from tight spaces. Joao Pedro was never a midfielder or striker, he played from LW and Maresca is just trying hard to fit him there.
Chelsea doing what they do best — turning Stamford Bridge into a rehab centre for struggling teams. Sunderland came for a visit, left with hope, goals, and maybe even belief in miracles. At this point, Chelsea should start charging for therapy sessions instead of match tickets. Pure generosity FC.
The recruitment strategy also came under fire. @chelsearealist vented:
Starting to think even Man United will finish above us. The board cost us massively in the summer. We went from Felix, Nkunku, Sancho, Neto to Gittens, Garnacho, Buonanotte — a downgrade. We got into the Champions League and won the CW only for our team to be dismantled and regress.
@chelseadiehard was particularly frustrated with Maresca’s substitutions:
Removing Acheampong for uncle Tosin is not wise at all. Chelsea is so bad at breaking defensive sides. Only Palmer is good one-on-one. Joao Pedro doesn’t even remember he’s an attacker. We’re missing Palmer’s creativity to be honest.
Chelsea posted on its official YouTube channel the full match highlights for the blues fans to rewatch incase that missed the game. They posted:
For @valentine, the issue is Maresca’s rigid game plan:
A very immature coach always approaching every game the same way. A better coach would have changed his game seeing how Sunderland parked the box. But no — always pass, pass, and pass to achieve nothing. Disappointing.
And @joesphakpos summarized the performance bluntly:
Poor performance from Chelsea, largely because of poor decisions from the coach. Wrong changes, poor game management. Imagine having 72% possession with just 6–7 touches inside the opponents’ box and still losing the game.
Sunderland players celebrate with fans after wining against Chelsea (Photo Credit: Sunderland X handle)
Sunderland Fans Celebrate a Famous Victory
While Chelsea fans fumed, Sunderland supporters were in ecstasy after a historic win in London.
Fantastic result. Showed composure, tactical discipline, and a great attitude to ride out the pressure. The recruitment has been first-class — can’t speak highly enough of the job RLB has done and the efforts of the players.
Sunderland is amazing! To come back from behind like that away! Talbi is a true gem. A club like Sunderland is the perfect environment for him to develop. BRAVO.
After the game ended , Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris in a video released via their team official X handle, spoke to the press about the huge victory away at Stamford Bridge and what it means for both the players and supporters of the club.They posted:
@georgeskyyy praised one of the club’s key summer signings:
Granit Xhaka to Sunderland has got to be signing of the summer. What a player! Sunderland now sit 2nd in the league.”
Sunderland players celebrate with fans after wining against Chelsea (Photo Credit: Sunderland X handle)
Even the trolls were out in full force. @jimmykafangi joked:
Daily medicine, my weekly energy, my yearly motivation — Chelsea losing is the only reason I’m still alive. I was born to love and enjoy their failures.
Sunderland really sitting pretty at no. 2 like they’ve conquered Europe Calm down lads, it’s October not May — trophies aren’t handed out for being runners-up halfway through the season But hey, enjoy it while it lasts!
After the game, Sunderland official X handle posted the fans reaction to the stoppage time winner scored by Chemsdine Talbi. They posted:
For Chelsea, the loss to Sunderland adds another dent to an already worrying campaign under Maresca. Two home defeats in the first nine games,both to sides outside the traditional top six underline a lack of tactical flexibility and consistency. With pressure mounting, Maresca will need an immediate turnaround to quiet growing unrest among fans.
For Sunderland, it’s another statement result under RLB’s management. With a balanced squad, composed performances, and rising stars like Chemsdine Talbi stepping up, the Black Cats look ready to fight for a European spot and perhaps even dream bigger.
Matheus Cunha has claimed that it is his dream come true to score for Manchester United and tells the fans that he is one of them, Softfootball reports.
After the match, Cunha expressed his delight in an interview that was shared via Fabrizio Romano’s official X handle. He wrote:
Matheus Cunha: My message to Man United fans… I am one of them. This is the club I grew up watching and to be here is a mix of sensations. To help them, it is my dream come true.
Manchester United’s official X handle also posted a video of Cunha’s first goal for the club. Watch below.
Cunha joined Manchester United from Wolves in the summer but was yet to score before the Brighton game and many question his acquisition considering the fact that Bruno Fernandez also plays the number 10 role and Bryan Mbeumo was also drafted in for the same purpose.
The Brazilian was even benched against Chelsea for England international, Mason Mount but he stayed calm and believed in his own abilities. Now, its paying off and he is beginning to earn more respect as a player that can handle his own in a top club. He was one of the best players against Liverpool last week and won the Man-of-the-Match Award against Brighton.
Manchester United fans will hope that his first goal for the club will be first of many just like he did for Wolves, especially in his final season where he scored 15 premier league goals with six assists.
Al-Nassr continued their flawless start to the Saudi Pro League with a 2-0 triumph over Al-Hazem, moving three points clear at the top of the table. Goals from Joao Felix and Cristiano Ronaldo secured the three points, extending their perfect run, Softfootball reports.
João Félix shines in Al-Nassr’s 2-0 win (Photo Credit: Al Nassr X)
Joao Felix opened the scoring in the 25th minute, heading Aiman Yahya’s cross into the top-right corner. He came close to doubling his tally before halftime, only to see a left-footed effort cleared off the line, while Angelo also struck the crossbar with a long-range attempt.
Joao Felix and Aiman Yahya (Photo Credit: Al Nassr via X)
Al Hazm’s goalkeeper, Bruno Varela, played a crucial role early on, denying both Kingsley Coman and Angelo to keep the sheet intact.
As the second half unfolded, Cristiano Ronaldo worked tirelessly to unlock the opposition defense, threading quality passes to teammates Kingsley Coman and Sadio Mane, though Al-Nassr’s potent attack failed to find another goal.
Sadio Mane (Photo Credit: Al Nassr Media)
Mane drove forward from midfield, played a perfect pass to Coman, who delivered a low cross into the box. Ronaldo finished calmly from close range, scoring his 950th career goal and sealing Al-Nassr’s 2-0 victory.
Ronaldo celebrates his goal for Al Nassr (Photo Credit: Al Nassr – X)
Al-Hazem struggled to find a foothold in the game, with limited chances and few threatening moments. Their defensive line was consistently tested by Al-Nassr’s pace and precision, and they were unable to capitalize on the few opportunities they created.
Al-Nassr shared the final result of their clash with Al-Hazem on their official X handle:
With this result, Al-Nassr maintain their perfect record, sending a strong statement to the rest of the league as they aim to extend their winning streak and continue their challenge for the title.
The team now looks ahead to their next league fixture with confidence, knowing they have started the season in ideal fashion.
Xabi Alonso is reportedly interested in a Serie A player and could be willing to let go of any Real Madrid star — except Kylian Mbappe — to bring him in.
Real Madrid have long been known for assembling some of the best players in world soccer. That’s clear once again with a squad full of stars like Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Junior. Now, a standout from Serie A appears to be on Xabi Alonso’s radar.
“Xabi Alonso wants Yildiz at Real Madrid,” said Giovanni Branchini in a recent interview with Tuttomercato. The renowned agent, who once represented Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo Nazario, was referring to Kenan Yildiz, the forward who has been shining for Juventus.
The coach’s reported interest in the young Turkish player is said to be so strong that he would even consider parting ways with several Real Madrid stars to secure him. “Xabi is willing to let anyone go to get him,” explained Branchini, before adding one important clarification: “Except Mbappe.”
The performances of Kylian Mbappe since joining Real Madrid, and especially this season, make that exception understandable. The French forward has scored 15 goals in 12 matches during the 2025–26 campaign, across La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. In fact, he leads the scoring charts in both competitions.
Kenan Yildiz of Juventus
Those numbers — combined with Los Blancos’ clear strategy of building their attack around Mbappe’s strengths — have cemented him as the team’s biggest star. It’s an even greater achievement considering the caliber of players Kylian has surpassed to claim that spotlight, including Vinicius and Bellingham.
How much is Kenan Yildiz worth?
At just 20 years old, Yildiz has already built a reputation as one of Serie A’s most promising young talents. Since making his professional debut with Juventus in 2023, the forward has scored 18 goals in 94 appearances and is already a key member of the Turkish national team as they aim to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
“Juventus are currently asking for €100 million,” said Giovanni Branchini in the same interview with Tuttomercato. That figure is striking — even higher than the €75 million valuation listed by specialist site Transfermarkt — and would make Yildiz one of the most expensive signings in Real Madrid’s history.
What has Xabi Alonso said about Yildiz?
All this speculation surrounding Kenan Yildiz’s potential move to Real Madrid stems from reports of Xabi Alonso’s growing admiration for the player and his desire to bring him in the near future. Interestingly, the Spanish head coach has spoken publicly about the young Turkish star before.
This past week, Real Madrid faced Juventus in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League, and during the pre-match press conference, Alonso discussed his opponents. “They have very good players and Yildiz is one of them,” the coach said, according to Marca. “His development has been fantastic. I know him from our time together at Bayern, and seeing his progress makes me very happy.”
Amid uncertainty surrounding his future with Manchester United, Bruno Fernandes has admitted that he spoke with Cristiano Ronaldo about a possible move to the Saudi Pro League.
For years, Bruno Fernandes has been one of Manchester United’s biggest stars and one of the Premier League’s standout performers. However, like many other elite players, he has received offers from clubs in the Saudi Pro League. Now, he has confirmed that he discussed the possibility with Cristiano Ronaldo.
“I had conversations with Al Hilal, everyone is aware of that,”Fernandes admitted this week during a press conference shared by Sky Sports. “From Europe I had some people talking to me but we never got into the place where we would have offers on the table or not.”
The 31-year-old midfielder went on to explain the steps he took when considering the offer from Saudi Arabia. “I spoke with Cristiano about the situation, Saudi and everything,” revealed Bruno, who has been Ronaldo’s teammate on the Portugal national team since 2017 and played alongside him at Manchester United for a season and a half.
“Cristiano told me his opinion on what I should do. It was important for me obviously, with all the experience he has and everything, it was important for me to hear what he thought,” added Fernandes, who ultimately decided to reject the proposal and remain in England.
Bruno Fernandes has played 300 games with Manchester United.
Why Bruno Fernandes stayed at Manchester United
Reports indicate that those talks with Al Hilal included an eye-catching salary offer worth around £700,000 per week — roughly $45 million per year. That would have been nearly triple what Bruno Fernandes currently earns at Manchester United.
But the massive sums on the table weren’t enough to sway the Portuguese midfielder, who explained why he chose to stay in the Premier League. “I wasn’t eager to move to Saudi because I wanted to stay at the club,” he revealed.
“As I’ve always said, I feel good here, I want to achieve my dreams still,” Fernandes added. “Every season I come back, I always have the belief that we can achieve something. Everyone knows my aim is to win the Premier League and the Champions League.”
What’s next for Fernandes?
Turning down Al Hilal last summer doesn’t mean Fernandes has ruled out leaving Manchester United in the future. He admitted he could consider other options later on — but under one important condition. “My agent knows how I work, so if he wants to talk to me it will be after the World Cup because until then, I won’t speak to anyone.”
Finally, when asked about reports suggesting his departure from Manchester United is already set for the end of the 2025–26 season, Bruno was clear: “I’ve seen a lot of news, I’ve seen people talking that I had an agreement to go already next season. If the club has done that agreement, it wasn’t made with me.”
Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo are teammates at the Portugal National Team.
Al Nassr defeated Al Hazm 2-0 in the Saudi Pro League, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring one of the goals.
Cristiano Ronaldo found the net on Saturday in Al Nassr’s 2-0 win over Al Hazm in the Saudi Pro League, a result that keeps them at the top of the standings. Joao Felix scored the other goal of the match.
The start of the 2025–26 season has been extremely positive for Al Nassr. After the disappointment of losing the Saudi Super Cup to Al Ahli, they bounced back both mentally and on the field, stringing together an impressive series of victories across all competitions.
While in the AFC Champions League Two they have won all three of their matches — even without Ronaldo playing in any of them — in the Saudi Pro League they lead the standings with a perfect record, having won all six games. They now hold a three-point advantage over Al Taawoun, who sit in second place.
This Saturday, Jorge Jesus’ side faced an opponent that looked easy on paper but proved to be far from it once the match began. Al Hazm are among the weakest teams this season, yet they managed to make life difficult for Al Nassr throughout the game.
Even so, individual quality made the difference. In the 24th minute, Ayman Yahya delivered a cross from the left that Joao Felix met with a header to open the scoring. It was the ninth goal of the season for the young Portuguese forward, who remains the league’s top scorer.
Cristiano Ronaldo nets his 950th career goal
With the lead in hand, Al Nassr controlled possession comfortably, though they struggled to create as many scoring chances as usual. In fact, Ronaldo hadn’t had a single opportunity to score until his strike in the closing moments.
In the 87th minute, with Al Hazm pushing forward in search of an equalizer, Wesley found space down the right flank, drove into the box, and cut the ball back for Ronaldo, who finished with a delicate shot to make it 2–0.
Beyond securing Al Nassr’s victory and strengthening their position atop the Saudi Pro League, the goal carried special meaning for the Portuguese forward: it marked Cristiano Ronaldo’s 950th career goal, counting both club and international competitions with Portugal. At 40 years old, CR7 is now closing in on becoming the first player ever to reach 1,000 official goals.
What’s next for Ronaldo?
After the victory over Al Hazm, Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates will have three days of rest before a crucial matchup: on Tuesday, they will face Al Ittihad in the Round of 16 of the King Cup of Champions.
That will be followed by a Saudi Pro League clash against Al Feiha, another AFC Champions League Two game against Goa, and finally a league match against Neom before the November international break, when Portugal will look to secure their spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr celebrates after scoring a goal.
Bryan Mbeumo expressed delight after scoring a brace for Manchester United as they humbled Brighton 4-2 at Old Trafford on Saturday night, Softfootball reports.
The Cameroon is quick turning into a firm fan favourite since he completed his summer move to Ruben Amorim’s side. He scored the third and fourth goal in Manchester United’s 4-2 win over Brighton to increase his tally to four this season.
Bryan Mbeumo. Photo credit: Man United Media.
In the excerpts of his interview shared via Manchester United’s official X handle, Mbeumo had a huge smile on his face while talking about his goals and vital three points for his team.
Mbuemo has had 33 goals contribution since last since, only Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah has more than the former Brentford winger, who has continued to paint the premier league red with goals.
Interestingly, Mbeumo has scored this season against Liverpool, Sunderland and Brighton. He almost got a hat-trick against the Seagulls but his second half shot went off the right-hand post.
Here is Mbeumo and Amad Diallo doing the victory dance after securing a win over Brighton at Old Trafford. The video was shared on Manchester United’s official X handle to the delight of fans.
Manchester United are currently in fourth position courtesy of the Brighton win, which was their third consecutive win under Ruben Amorim for the first time since he took charge of the club last season.
Sunderland star Chemsdine Talbi was all smiles after his decisive goal fired the Black Cats to a stunning 2-1 victory over Chelsea, a result that sent shockwaves through English football, Softfootball reports.
Despite Chelsea’s confidence heading into the clash after their emphatic 5-1 Champions League win over Ajax, it was Sunderland who showed more grit and composure when it mattered most.The Stadium of Light erupted when Talbi found the net, sealing what could be one of Sunderland’s biggest wins of the season and a crucial confidence boost moving forward.
chemsdine talbi after scoring the winner for Sunderland (Photo Credit: Sunderland Facebook page)
Speaking to club media via the team’s official X handle after the game, Talbi shared his delight and praised the team’s spirit and their passionate supporters, he stated:
“I am feeling great. We have fantastic fans. We knew with Chelsea we would have an occasion to score and when Brian got the ball I knew I had to follow. I then had a good finish.
“We know we are Sunderland. We have a great team with great players. We knew we could do the job and we showed it today.”
With the win, Sunderland continue to show that belief and teamwork can go a long way against top opposition and Talbi’s confidence perfectly captures the growing momentum around the club.
Sunderland posted via official X handle shared the full post match interview of the match winner, talking about the goal and the focus ahead for the team. They posted:
The victory not only lifts Sunderland’s spirits but also serves as a statement to the rest of the league that they can compete with anyone on their day.
Talbi’s heroics, combined with the team’s discipline and determination, showcased a side ready to punch above its weight. As the Black Cats look ahead to their next fixtures, fans will be hoping this win marks the beginning of a consistent run of form built on courage, unity, and belief.
Paris Saint Germain returned to Ligue 1 summit with a commanding 3-0 victory over Brest at Stade Francis-Le Ble. Achraf Hakimi bagged a well-taken double to start his season’s tally, while Desire Doue rounded off the win with a stoppage time goal, Softfootball reports.
They dominated in possession and territory dominance at the start of the game, but finding a way past Radosław Majecki proved difficult.
Senny Mayulu dribbles past Brest goalkeeper Radoslaw Majecki (Photo Credit: Paris Media)
Brest created the first real chance of the match when Junior Dina Ebimbe squared the ball to Pathe Mboup in the box, but the forward’s effort was straight at Lucas Chevalier. At the other end, Radosław Majecki kept Senny Mayulu at bay with a smart save.
PSG broke the deadlock just before 30 minutes through Achraf Hakimi, who volleyed home Vitinha’s lofted pass to the back post.
Hakimi struck twice in the space of 10 minutes in the first-half. (Photo Credit: PSG – X )
The Morocco international doubled PSG’s advantage in the 39th minute, converting a lucky rebound from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s mishit into the top-right corner.
Brest nearly pulled one back in a quiet second half when Lee Kang-In was penalized for handball after a lengthy VAR check. Del Castillo, however, lost his footing and sent his shot over the bar.
Desire Doue attempts to score (Photo Credit: PSG Media)
In stoppage time, PSG sealed the win as Désiré Doué, after twice hitting the woodwork, finally found the net in the sixth minute. Played through by Warren Zaire-Emery, he finished emphatically past Majecki.
Désiré Doué (Photo Credit: PSG via X)
Paris Saint Germain also took to their official X handle to share the 3-0 final result.
PSG displayed remarkable composure, looking like a side rediscovering its confidence. The victory extended their unbeaten run against Brest to 33 games, a streak dating back to 1985, underscoring why they continue to lead the French football scene.
With Hakimi in fine form, Dembele’s return, and the squad beginning to click again, Paris Saint-Germain appears to be hitting their stride at just the right moment.
Bruno Fernandez made his 300th appearance for Manchester United as they defeated in-form Brighton 4-2 in the premier league match-day 9 played at Old Trafford, Softfootball reports.
The Red Devils followed up on their 2-1 away win over Liverpool at Anfield last weekend, making it three consecutive wins in the premier league for the first time under Ruben Amorim’s reign. But most importantly, Manchester United have NEVER lost a Premier League game at Old Trafford when leading at half time with the record standing at 301 wins, 25 draws and zero defeats in 326 games.
Bruno Fernandez. Photo credit: Man United media.
Manchester United’s official X handle posted this after the encounter.
Manchester United played some beautiful football in the first half and took a deserved lead through Matheus Cunha after he received the ball from fellow Brazilian, Casemiro on the edge of the box, he masterfully placed a right footed shot into the bottom right corner of the net. It was his first goal for Manchester United since he joined at the summer from Wolves.
Casimiro made it 2-0 with a shot that deflected off Bart Verbruggen and that got the fans inside Old Trafford jumping and the noise increased. The Red Devils didn’t let off in the second half as Benjamin Sesko set up Bryan Mbeumo to score Manchester United’s third goal.
Matheus Cunha with his Man of the Match Award. Photo Credit: Man United Media
However, the visitors reduced the deficit through former Manchester United striker, Danny Welbeck as he curled a beautiful freekick past the Manchester United goalkeeper to make it 3-1. And soon, it was 3-2 as 18-year-old Greek forward, Charalampos Kostoulas headed in a corner kick inside the seven minutes injury time.
At the end of the encounter, Manchester United official X handle shared a video of players and coaches enjoying the victory with fans. Watch below.
With pressure mounting on the Manchester United defense, the 20-time premier league champion found a way. Substitute, Ayden Heaven played a neat pass forward and Mbeumo ran onto it and applied a fierce left foot finish that made it 4-2 with virtually the last kick of the match and gained all three points for the home side.
Manchester United finished the day in fourth position with 16 points after nine matches while Brighton sit 15th with 10 points.
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has spoken ahead of tomorrow’s El Clásico showdown against Barcelona, underlining the magnitude of the fixture and the need for full intensity from his players and supporters alike.
The Spanish tactician has enjoyed a strong start to life at the Santiago Bernabéu and will be eager to extend that form in one of football’s biggest rivalries.
Xabi Alonso of Real Madrid (Photo Credit: Real Madrid via X)
Real Madrid via its official X handle shared an excerpt from the pre match conference. Alonso, who has been praised for restoring confidence and structure to the Madrid squad, emphasized the emotional weight of the encounter during his press conference. They posted:
Real Madrid posted the Pre Match Conference link on their official X page, the los blancos fans can catch the full interview of head coach Xabi Alonso speaking about the El Classico coming up tomorrow. They posted:
With both teams separated by just a few points at the top of the table, tomorrow’s clash could have a major say in the La Liga title race. The Bernabéu faithful are expected to create a charged atmosphere as Alonso aims to continue his impressive run and solidify Real Madrid’s dominance under his new era
Real Madrid have struggled in recent years against Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
This Sunday, Real Madrid will host Barcelona in the first El Clasico of the 2025–26 season, a matchup that captures the attention of millions of fans around the world. Recent history at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium seems to give Los Blaugranas a clear edge.
Although Real Madrid were historically the dominant force in Spanish soccer, Barcelona have done enough this century to flip that trend and change the balance of power. A golden generation led by Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez, and Andres Iniesta helped the Catalan side establish an upper hand over the past few decades.
That dominance is also reflected in the numbers from the last 10 Clasicos played at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium — eight in La Liga and two in the Copa del Rey. In that span, Barcelona hold a clear advantage with six wins and four losses. They’ve scored 20 goals, while Real Madrid have managed only half as many — 10.
The last 10 Real Madrid vs. Barcelona matches at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium:
La Liga 2017–18: Real Madrid 0–3 Barcelona
Copa del Rey 2018–19: Real Madrid 0–3 Barcelona
La Liga 2018–19: Real Madrid 0–1 Barcelona
La Liga 2019–20: Real Madrid 2–0 Barcelona
La Liga 2020–21: Real Madrid 2–1 Barcelona
La Liga 2021–22: Real Madrid 0–4 Barcelona
La Liga 2022–23: Real Madrid 3–1 Barcelona
Copa del Rey 2022–23: Real Madrid 0–1 Barcelona
La Liga 2023–24: Real Madrid 3–2 Barcelona
La Liga 2024–25: Real Madrid 0–4 Barcelona
Hansi Flick has won all four matches vs. Real Madrid as Barcelona coach.
What is the overall head-to-head record between Real Madrid and Barcelona?
El Clasico has a history that stretches back more than a century. The first meeting between Real Madrid and Barcelona took place on May 13, 1902, and ended in a 3–1 victory for the Catalan side. Since then, 123 years have passed, and the rivalry has remained remarkably balanced.
Los Blancos and Los Blaugranas have faced each other 261 times in official competitions, most of them in domestic tournaments — La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa de España, Copa de la Liga, and Copa Coronacion — and only eight in European contests.
In total, Real Madrid hold a narrow edge with 105 wins compared to Barcelona’s 104, while 52 matches have ended in draws. The capital club also lead slightly in total goals scored, 440 to 435.
Barcelona look to extend their positive run
During last season, Barcelona’s superiority over Real Madrid was particularly evident. They won all four meetings across three different competitions — and two of those victories came with trophies attached for the Catalan side.
In La Liga, Los Blaugranas earned two impressive wins: 4–0 at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium and 4–3 at the Estadio Olimpico Lluis Companys in Montjuic. They followed that with a 5–2 triumph in the Supercopa de España final and a 3–2 extra-time victory in the Copa del Rey final.
Al Nassr face Al Hazm in the Saudi Pro League, with Cristiano Ronaldo once again at the center of attention.
Al Nassr have enjoyed an almost perfect start to the 2025–26 season. They currently sit atop the Saudi Pro League standings with a flawless record, and this Saturday they will look to extend their winning streak when they take on Al Hazm, with all eyes on Cristiano Ronaldo.
CR7 wasn’t even part of the squad that traveled to India earlier this week for Wednesday’s AFC Champions League Two matchup against Goa, where the team secured a crucial 2-1 victory thanks to goals from Angelo Gabriel and Haroune Camara.
In the three campaigns Cristiano has spent in Saudi Arabia, Al Nassr have been unable to capture the league title, which went twice to Al Ittihad and once to Al Hilal. However, under Jesus, the team has started this season strongly and looks well-positioned to finally break that streak.
Al Nassr coach Jorge Jesus.
At the moment, Al Nassr lead the standings with 15 points, having won all five of their matches. Al Taawoun have the same total but have played one more game. A victory this Saturday against Al Hazm would allow Al Nassr to take sole possession of first place.
Confirmed lineup for Al Nassr
On Wednesday against Goa in the AFC Champions League Two, Jorge Jesus fielded a largely rotated lineup that featured only a few regular stars such as Inigo Martinez and Bento. That allowed most of the usual starters to rest — Joao Felix, Sadio Mane, and Mohamed Simakan came on in the second half, while Kingsley Coman didn’t play a single minute and Cristiano Ronaldo stayed back in Riyadh.
Based on that, Al Nassr are able to field a strong team this Saturday against Al Hazm. The confirmed XI: Nawaf Al Aqidi; Nawaf Al Boushal, Mohamed Simakan, Inigo Martinez, Ayman Yahya; Abdullah Al Khaibari, Angelo; Kingsley Coman, Joao Felix, Sadio Mane; Cristiano Ronaldo.
Confirmed lineup for Al Hazm
Unlike Al Nassr, Al Hazm have had an inconsistent start to the Saudi Pro League, with just one win, two draws, and two losses, leaving them in 13th place with five points. The confirmed lineup for Saturday: Bruno Varela; Ahmed Al Nakhli, Sultan Tanker, Abdulrahman Al Dakheel, Al-Shanqiti, Abdulaziz Al Harbi; Loreintz Rosier; Fabio Martins, Basil Alsayyali, Sayoud; Omar Al Soma.
The first El Clásico of the season arrives with Real Madrid sitting two points clear of their arch-rivals Barcelona at the top of La Liga, and they’ll look to strengthen their grip on the title race with a statement victory at the Santiago Bernabéu. Xabi Alonso’s men are in outstanding form, having won four straight matches across all competitions, conceding just once in that span, Softfootball reports.
Their most recent outing, a 1-0 UEFA Champions League victory over Juventus showcased their growing defensive solidity and composure under pressure. That resilience followed their only defeat of the campaign, a humbling 5-2 loss to Atlético Madrid, which now feels firmly behind them.
Madrid players Celebrating (Photo Credit: Real Madrid via X)
Alonso, who famously played in 20 Clásicos during his career, will be keen to break a managerial curse, seven of Real’s last eight managers have lost their first league game against Barcelona. But home advantage could prove decisive, as Los Blancos have won eight consecutive home league matches, their longest such streak since 2015.
A mix of experience and attacking brilliance led by Kylian Mbappé, who has scored 11 goals in just eight games against Barcelona, could see Madrid edge another chapter in this historic rivalry.
Real Madrid player Dean huijsen in training ahead of El Classico (Photo Credit: Real Madrid X handle)
Defending champions Barcelona travel to Madrid with renewed confidence after a resounding 6-1 UEFA Champions League victory over Olympiacos, and with an extra day of rest on their side. Despite a string of injuries to key forwards, Hansi Flick’s men continue to fire up front leading the league in goals scored while showing mental strength after conceding first in four of their nine league games.
That fighting spirit will be crucial at the Bernabéu, where Barca will seek to avoid back-to-back league defeats on the road after their 4-1 loss to Sevilla, a result that ended their impressive 15-match unbeaten away run.
Barcelona players celebrates (Photo Credit: Barca via X)
The Catalan side have dominated this fixture recently, winning all four El Clásicos last season, including two in finals, scoring at least three goals in each. A fifth successive victory over Real would mark a new modern-era milestone for the Blaugrana.
Lamine Yamal, who tormented Madrid last season with three goals and two assists across their meetings, will again be a key figure, especially if he can exploit Madrid’s high defensive line. With attacking fluency restored and their title rivals within touching distance, Barcelona will arrive in Madrid hungry to reclaim top spot.
It’s no doubt it’s a massive moment for Sunderland beating Chelsea at home despite being a goal down, this means a lot for Sunderland as it’s evident in the post match reaction shared by the team’s official X handle showing the players and fans emotions after the full time whistle, They posted:
Real Madrid have received positive injury news ahead of the clash, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal, and Dean Huijsen all nearing full fitness. Xabi Alonso will again turn to Kylian Mbappé, who has been prolific in this fixture and will look to continue his fine form in front of goal. The Frenchman’s combination with Vinícius Júnior has been central to Madrid’s recent attacking dominance.
The los Blancos side shared an update with fans through its official X handle, posting the official squad list of the players to face Barcelona tomorrow. They posted:
Barcelona, meanwhile, are hopeful that Raphinha will be fit to make his return after training with the squad this week. Xavi will count on the creativity of Pedri and the composure of Frenkie de Jong in midfield to control the tempo. Expect Lamine Yamal to start on the right, where his pace and trickery could again cause problems for Madrid’s backline.
Szczesny; E Garcia, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Fermin, Rashford; Ferran
The blaugrana club through its official X handle shared an exclusive video of the team arriving at Madrid airport ahead of the clash tomorrow. They posted:
With both sides in free-scoring form and packed with attacking talent, this edition of El Clásico promises fireworks. Real Madrid’s home advantage and defensive discipline under Alonso could be the deciding factor, but Barcelona’s sharpness and belief after their Olympiacos rout make them dangerous opponents. Expect a tight, high-intensity clash with both teams likely to score.
Sunderland pulled off a shock result at Stamford Bridge, coming from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 and climb to second place in the Premier League table, ending the Blues’ four-game winning streak across all competitions, Softfootball reports.
Chelsea entered the contest brimming with confidence after a commanding 5-1 win over Ajax in the UEFA Champions League, and that momentum seemed to carry over early on. Within just four minutes, Pedro Neto sparked a lightning counter-attack and fed Alejandro Garnacho, who raced down the left flank before slotting a low strike through Robin Roefs’ legs.
Alejandro Garnacho after celebrates after scoring his first PL goal for chelsea (Photo Credit: Chelsea X handle)
But Sunderland weren’t rattled. Régis Le Bris’ side gradually grew into the game, and their persistence paid off when a long throw caused chaos in the Chelsea box. Wilson Isidor reacted quickest to the loose ball, flicking it past Robert Sánchez to level the scores. The visitors nearly turned things around before halftime, with Isidor again going close, while Garnacho came inches from restoring Chelsea’s lead before the break, only for Roefs to deny him brilliantly.
William Isidor after equaliziinf for Sunderland (Photo Credit: Sunderland X handle)
Sensing frustration creeping in, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca turned to his bench midway through the second half, introducing young Brazilian star Estêvão for Garnacho. The substitute almost made an instant impact, hammering a deflected shot just wide to lift the Stamford Bridge crowd. But Sunderland, disciplined and compact in their first outing with a back five this season, stood firm under pressure and waited for their chance.
That moment came deep into stoppage time. Substitute Brian Brobbey held up play superbly before laying off for Chemsdine Talbi, who coolly swept home a composed finish to seal a dramatic victory for the visitors.
It’s no doubt it’s a massive moment for Sunderland beating Chelsea at home despite being a goal down, this means a lot for Sunderland as it’s evident in the post match reaction shared by the team’s official X handle showing the players and fans emotions after the full time whistle. They posted:
The result extends Sunderland’s remarkable unbeaten run in London to 14 away league games while Chelsea’s defeat sees them drop to seventh, three points adrift of the high-flying Black Cats, who continue to defy expectations at the top of the table.
Borussia Mönchengladbach missed a penalty and went down to 10-men as they lost 3-0 to Bayern Munich in the match-day 8 of the Bundesliga played on Saturday, Softfootball reports.
Harry Kane, who recently scored his 400th career goal during Bayern Munich’s 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund last week did not register a goal as his effort in the first half was ruled out for offside but the Bavarians maintained their perfect start to the season.
Bayern Munich players celebrate a goal. Photo credit: Bayern Media
It was a delightful win for Bayern Munich and they celebrated it via their official X handle in style.
Interestingly, the first half of the encounter ended goalless as the home side defended very well against a dangerous Bayern Munich frontline. But Captain, Joshua Kimmich broke Gladbach’s resistance with the opening goal of the game. Former Arsenal winger, Gnabry played a clever pass into the path of Kimmich and although his first shot was blocked, he found the bottom corner on the follow-up.
Bayern carve out a two-goal cushion with a lovely team move as former Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise threaded a pass into the penalty area for Raphaël Guerreiro and he swept the ball beyond Nicolas in goal for the home side to make it 2-0.
Joshua Kimmich celebrates a goal. Photo Credit: Bayern Media
Mönchengladbach had the opportunity to reduce the deficit when VAR awarded them a penalty after review but Kevin Stöger’s effort came back off the upright despite sending the Bayern goalkeeper the wrong way.
The Bavarians then wrapped up the game with a third goal from 17-year-old, Lennart Karl, who bends a stunning finish into the far corner. After the win, Bayern became the second club in Europe’s top five leagues to start a domestic season with 13 straight wins, after AC Milan (1992/93) in all competitions.
Bayern Munich remain top of the table with 24 points after winning all their eight matches in the Bundesliga and scoring a whopping 30 goals while Borussia Mönchengladbach are rock bottom with just three points.
Ahead of Villa’s clash with City, Unai Emery shared his thoughts on the challenges of facing the Cityzens during a pre match conference interview shared on the club’s official X handle.
Unai Emery (Photo Credit: Aston Villa mEDIA)
He emphasized on the importance of the team’s collective focus on Erling Haaling saying:
Firstly, collectively we should try to be very, very focused to stop [Haaland]… we will need some cover with other players, and then tactically we can stop him in different ways… everything that happened yesterday is learning… now focusing Premier League, Manchester City on Sunday.
Emery also explained his approach for selecting players while focusing on central midfielders.
Harvey is a 10 number in our structure… his performance was not enough (up to this point)… he has to continue working like he is doing in the training session and getting his confidence in the performance we need through him.
The Villans, via their official X handle, celebrated Unai Emery’s three-year tenure at Aston Villa. They shared a special video montage to commemorate his time in charge, highlighting memorable European nights, tactical milestones, and the remarkable transformation he has led since taking over in 2022. Watch below:
From touchline passion to special European nights at Villa Park – the best moments after three years of Unai Emery.
City’s manager Pep Guardiola during his pre-match press conference interview that was shared on the club’s official YouTube channel provided updates ahead of their clash with the Villans.
Pep Guardiola (Photo Credit: Manchester City MEDIA)
On the squads fitness, Guardiola confirmed that Nico Gonzoles, who was substituted during City’s 2-0 away win over Villarreal with a foot injury, would be accessed before the clash. Abdukodir Khusanov and Rodri would still be sidelined.
The manager also praised Matheus Nunes, who has been impressive since the departure of Kyle Walker. He said:
He can be an incredible right-back. Matheus is a holding midfielder with incredible physicality… he has special attributions to play in the sides, and in the last two or three games he has played unbelievable.
Discussing City’s league position and the bigger picture for the title race, Guardiola added:
I know the pundits and specialists… Always you wait 10-15 games to know exactly what’s going on. Obviously Liverpool and Arsenal will be there, someone else will be there and hopefully we can be there too.
The Cityzens official X handle, highlighting the squads preparation for the game ahead as they shared:
In a clip seen on the club’s official X handle, Erling Haaland was seen mimicking former defender Aleksander Kolarov as he showed his versatility, precise crossing, and ball control. Watch below:
Aston’s Villa’s strong home form under Unai Emery faces Manchester City’s dominant record and unbeaten run. They hold 31 Premier League wins and 101 goals against Villa. While the Villans resilience suggests a tight game, City’s unbeaten steak gives them the edge.
Key battles will feature Haaland testing The Lion’s defense, Nunes pressing down the left flank, and a fierce midfield duel where City will look to control possession.
The Lions however rests their hopes on Ollie Watkins, Donyell Malen, and Emiliano Buendía to create decisive moments, while Emery’s tactical setup will aim to disrupt City’s rhythm and exploit transitions.
Expected Lineups
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Emiliano Martinez; Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, Lucas Digne; Boubacar Kamara, Amadou Onana; Evann Guessand, Morgan Rogers, John McGinn; Donyell Malen.
Manchester City (4-1-4-1): Gianluigi Donnarumma; Matheus Nunes, Rúben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Nathan Aké; Rico Lewis; Phil Foden, Tijjani Reijnders, Bernardo Silva, Savinho; Erling Haaland.
Predictions
While Villa have the home advantage and a rejuvenated squad under Emery, City’s experience, depth, and recent form make them favorites.
Expect tactical battles across midfield and wide areas, with Haaland likely to be decisive. A closely fought match seems likely, but City may edge it with quality and clinical finishing.
Just when it seemed Barcelona might finally have some good news on the injury front, Raphinha’s relapse has delivered a major blow ahead of Sunday’s El Clasico against Real Madrid.
Just when it seemed Barcelona might finally have some good news on the injury front, Raphinha’s relapse has delivered a major blow ahead of Sunday’s El Clasico against Real Madrid. The Brazilian winger, once expected to make his comeback for the highly anticipated clash, will now miss the trip to the Santiago Bernabeu after suffering a recurrence of his hamstring problem.
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick confirmed the news on Saturday morning, admitting that the timing and management of Raphinha’s recovery have backfired. The 34-year-old manager, who has already been serving a touchline suspension from the previous match, now faces his biggest selection headache since taking over the Blaugrana.
With Robert Lewandowski still unavailable, the German tactician must once again reshuffle his attacking options — a tough task against a Real Madrid side riding high on confidence and top of La Liga.
The setback was confirmed after tests conducted on Friday afternoon revealed a relapse in Raphinha’s right hamstring, the same area injured in the match against Real Oviedo last month. According to Diario AS, “The new injury is relatively more optimistic than the previous one,” but it is still serious enough to sideline him for around three weeks.
Raphinha of FC Barcelona warms up prior a game.
That means the 28-year-old will miss several key fixtures, including league matches against Elche and Celta Vigo, and the Champions League clash with Club Brugge. His earliest possible return could come after the November international break, most likely in the away fixture against Athletic Club on November 22. The relapse comes barely a week after the winger had returned to full training, fueling questions about whether the Catalans may have pushed him too soon.
Flick admits the truth — and points fingers
In a candid moment with journalists at the club’s Ciutat Esportiva training ground, Hansi Flick privately acknowledged that Raphinha’s recovery was rushed. Diario AS reported that the German coach “organized an informal briefing” and admitted that the club’s eagerness to have the Brazilian back in time for El Clasico played a part in the relapse.
While Flick did not name anyone directly, Spanish outlets described his comments as “pointing fingers at an ironic culprit” — the club’s own medical and technical staff. According to Mundo Deportivo, “Barcelona are internally accepting a mea culpa for accelerating his return.”
Raphinha and Hansi Flick
That admission echoes what many feared: the urgency to face Real Madrid may have come at the expense of Raphinha’s health. Barca, however, has reportedly decided not to issue a formal medical statement to avoid further controversy. The club wants to “close the chapter quietly” before the crucial derby in Madrid.
The 28-year-old winger’s relapse means he will spend nearly two full months out of action since the original injury in late September. For a player whose intensity and creativity often spark Barcelona’s attack, this is a devastating setback.
Messi led the club to a 3-1 playoff victory over Nashville SC, scoring twice and assisting another, yet it was the goal he didn’t score that captured the imagination of millions.
Even after rewriting the record books time and again, Lionel Messi continues to chase soccer’s rarest moments. On Friday night, playing for Inter Miami, the 38-year-old maestro once again proved that even legends can still surprise. Messi led the club to a 3-1 playoff victory over Nashville SC, scoring twice and assisting another, yet it was the goal he didn’t score that captured the imagination of millions.
Messi’s Inter Miami began its MLS Cup Playoff campaign with style, dismantling Nashville in the opening match of their Eastern Conference first-round best-of-three series. It was a masterclass from start to finish.
The Argentine opened the scoring in the 19th minute after exchanging passes with his long-time strike partner, Luis Suarez, who whipped in a pinpoint cross for Messi to meet with a rare diving header. It was a rare headed goal and the 29th of his career, sparking wild celebrations at Chase Stadium.
Tadeo Allende doubled Inter Miami’s lead in the 62nd minute, while Messi added a third deep into stoppage time, capitalizing on a spilled cross from goalkeeper Joe Willis. Nashville’s Hany Mukhtar managed a late consolation, but by then, Javier Mascherano’s men had already sealed the result. But it was what happened in the 84th minute that drew gasps from the crowd — a moment that could have completed the most impossible checklist in soccer history.
Lifelong challenge for Messi
While Messi’s brace secured victory, his attempt from a corner late in the game nearly made history. The Argentine curled the ball from the flag, and for a heartbeat, it looked destined to drop perfectly inside the near post — only to drift just inches wide. That strike represented more than just a routine effort. It was a glimpse of the one goal Messi has yet to score: the Olimpico.
An Olimpico — a goal scored directly from a corner kick — combines technique, audacity, and a touch of fortune. It’s a move few dare to try and even fewer master. Over his career spanning Barcelona, PSG, Argentina, and now Inter Miami, Messi has attempted the feat countless times — each near-miss feeding the myth further.
As ESPNnoted, “Messi has accomplished everything in soccer. Almost.” He’s conquered every frontier: Champions League titles, Copa America trophies, Ballon d’Ors, and the 2022 World Cup. But despite reaching 890 career goals, an Olimpico remains the missing gem from his collection.
It’s not for lack of trying. During his Barcelona years, Messi often forced goalkeepers into acrobatic saves from corners. For Argentina, his curling deliveries have rattled the post — notably against Paraguay in 2023. Even earlier this year, while facing FC Dallas, he came agonizingly close again, his corner effort tipped over by the goalkeeper’s desperate reflexes.
Messi has been trying to score the goal from corner for long long time now 😂🫶🏻
Fittingly, the Olimpico traces its roots back to Argentina itself. The first-ever recorded Olimpico was scored in 1924 by Cesareo Onzari, an Argentine winger, against Uruguay, the reigning Olympic champions at the time. A century later, another Argentine is still chasing the same piece of magic.
In Messi’s case, it’s become a personal obsession, a final challenge in a career defined by artistry and perfectionism. Fans around the world have dedicated compilation videos to his near-misses, treating each attempt like an unfolding story. The anticipation grows every time he steps over a corner flag.
Could Son Heung-Min and Christian Pulisic form AC Milan's future front line from January? That question has set the soccer world buzzing after reports suggested that Son Heung-Min may be considering a loan move during the MLS offseason.
Could Son Heung-Min and Christian Pulisic form AC Milan’s future front line from January? That question has set the soccer world buzzing after reports suggested that Son Heung-Min may be considering a loan move to Milan during the MLS offseason — a deal that could reunite him with elite European competition and potentially pair him with Pulisic at San Siro.
The idea first surfaced in Italy earlier this week, when multiple outlets hinted that Son, currently shining at Los Angeles FC, could follow the path once taken by David Beckham, who famously joined Milan on loan during his MLS years. As the Rossoneri sit near the top of Serie A but grapple with injuries to key players, including Pulisic, the possibility of a short-term reinforcement of Son’s caliber feels more tempting than ever.
The 33-year-old Korean captain has enjoyed a stellar debut in the United States, scoring nine goals and registering three assists in just ten matches. But as the 2026 World Cup approaches, Son is believed to be seeking a return to Europe to maintain peak fitness ahead of what could be his final major tournament.
In 2007, Beckham became a pioneer when his LA Galaxy contract allowed him to temporarily rejoin Europe during the MLS break — a provision that became known as the “David Beckham Clause.” This clause enabled Beckham to play for AC Milan in 2009 and again in 2010 to stay sharp ahead of the World Cup in South Africa.
David Beckham at Milan
Now, reports claim that Son’s contract at LAFC includes a similar clause, allowing him to negotiate a short-term loan to a European side between seasons. If confirmed, that opens the door for a winter return — and Milan, with its rich history and attacking needs, stands as the most likely destination. “Son could follow Beckham’s footsteps and play for Milan during the MLS offseason,” wrote Gazzetta dello Sport, adding that “the Rossoneri are evaluating the cost and feasibility of the move.”
What did Son’s international teammate Oh Hyeon-Gyu’s say?
The rumor gained even more traction after an exclusive interview between MilanNews.it and Oh Hyeon-Gyu, Son’s national teammate and KRC Genk forward. When asked about the possibility of Son joining AC Milan, Oh gave a cryptic but telling response. “I confirm, but it’ll be up to him to decide”, he said — a 10-word comment that instantly sent social media into overdrive, before adding, “Anything is possible”.
ESCLUSIVA MN- Oh Hyeon-gyu (Corea del Sud): “Son al Milan, è possibile. Ha ancora il livello per i rossoneri”https://t.co/JH3xObZyBY
Oh went on to praise the LAFC forward’s enduring quality, despite his age. “He still has the quality! And that makes me think he could do well at a big club like Milan or somewhere else,” he added.
Son Heung-min (left) and Christian Pulisic (right)
Al Hazm receive Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr for Matchday 6 of the 2025–26 Saudi Pro League. Here’s everything you need to know to follow the action live, including kickoff times and complete broadcast information for TV and streaming platforms in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Al Hazm vs Al Nassr on US television and via legal streaming:
WHO
Al Hazm vs Al Nassr
WHAT
Saudi Pro League
WHEN
2:00pm ET / 11:00am PT • Saturday, October 25, 2025
Al Nassr enter Matchday 6 riding a wave of momentum after a flawless start to their Saudi Pro League season, collecting five straight victories and making a statement with a dominant performance against title contenders Al Ittihad.
Cristiano Ronaldo leads a side that looks every bit like a championship favorite, but the Riyadh powerhouse knows that consistency is the real test in a long campaign. Now they’ll square off against Al Hazm, a club battling near the bottom of the table and eager to pull off an upset that could shift their season’s direction.
More details on how to watch
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espite months of planning, India’s dream fixture has been derailed — and the reason behind it reveals the complexity of hosting a FIFA-sanctioned event.
For weeks, excitement gripped Kerala as Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team were set to make their long-awaited return to India. The World Cup champions were scheduled to play a historic friendly match at Kochi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on November 17, a fixture that promised to bring the magic of Messi to Indian soil for the first time in over a decade.
However, Argentina’s visit has now been postponed, leaving Indian fans heartbroken. Messi, the global icon and captain of the Albiceleste, will not be coming to Kerala this November. The Argentina Football Association (AFA) confirmed that the team will play only in Angola during the upcoming international window, effectively cancelling their Indian leg.
The disappointment runs deep in Kerala, where passion for Argentina and Messi rivals that of Buenos Aires itself. For many, this was to be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see their hero in person.
The announcement came from Anto Augustine, Managing Director of Reporter Broadcasting Company and Emraj Group International, who was among the chief organizers of the event. In a Facebook post, Augustine wrote, “Considering the delay in receiving FIFA’s permission, after discussions with the Argentine Football Association (AFA), it has been decided to postpone the match from the November window.”
🚨 JUST IN: Argentina National Team will travel to Spain in November just to train and will play the only match of the tour against Angola on 14th November.
He added that the match will now be played in the next FIFA international window, with the new date to be announced soon. The decision came after consultations with AFA representatives, who had earlier conducted inspections at the Kochi stadium and local hotels to ensure readiness. Despite months of planning, India’s dream fixture has been derailed — and the reason behind it reveals the complexity of hosting a FIFA-sanctioned event.
The real reason behind the delay
According to Augustine, and later confirmed by AFA officials quoted in La Nacion, the delay in receiving FIFA’s final approval was the primary cause for the postponement. Organizers in Kerala had reportedly submitted the required documents late, while the AFA cited “repeated regulatory breaches” and “logistical shortcomings” on India’s part.
An AFA spokesperson explained, “We made every effort to organize the match in November. A delegation even visited India to inspect the stadium and hotels, but unfortunately, India could not fulfill the required conditions. Repeated breaches of regulations forced us to restructure the agreement and decide on a new date.”
Kerala’s Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman also confirmed the issue, saying FIFA’s approval remained the final obstacle: “Even though the All India Football Federation and the Asian Football Confederation recommended it, and we met FIFA’s vice-president, the approval is still pending.” He added that while the Kochi stadium had passed most audits, minor issues like lighting delays and documentation gaps stalled the process.
Lionel Messi celebrates Argentina’s goal with his teammates.
When will the match take place instead?
The organizers have hinted that the friendly will be rescheduled to the next FIFA international window, with reports suggesting March 2026 as the potential new date. However, that period coincides with Kerala’s Assembly elections, which could complicate logistics and scheduling once again.
Still, optimism remains. Augustine assured fans that “the match will happen — it’s only postponed, not cancelled.” For now, La Albiceleste’s November schedule includes training in Spain and a friendly against Angola on November 14, after which the squad will return to South America.
This week, Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi once again reminded the world why he’s still rewriting history at 38 years old, while Cristiano Ronaldo’s name inevitably entered the conversation once more.
In soccer, there are few constants — but Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been two of them. The eternal debate over who deserves the title of the greatest of all time remains alive even in the final quarter of 2025, as both continue to stretch the limits of longevity and brilliance. This week, Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi once again reminded the world why he’s still rewriting history at 38 years old, while Cristiano Ronaldo’s name inevitably entered the conversation once more.
On a glittering Friday night in Miami, Messi was honored before kickoff with the 2025 MLS Golden Boot, awarded for scoring 29 goals in 28 regular-season games — a phenomenal feat that crowned him as the league’s top scorer. The pregame ceremony, led by MLS Commissioner Don Garber, was met with chants of “Messi! Messi! Messi!” echoing throughout Chase Stadium.
But the Argentine wasn’t done collecting accolades. In true Messi fashion, he celebrated the award with a performance to match his reputation. Facing Nashville SC in the first match of the MLS Cup Playoffs, the Argentine scored twice and assisted another in the Herons’ 3-1 win, giving his side a commanding 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series.
He opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a diving header — a rarity in his career — after linking up beautifully with his long-time teammate Luis Suarez. Later, he provided the assist for Tadeo Allende’s goal in the 62nd minute and sealed the victory in stoppage time with a trademark curling finish. It was a night of dominance, and yet, the headline belonged to something far greater than the match itself.
Who did it faster?
With that opening goal, Messi reached an astonishing 890 career goals — a number that cements his place among soccer’s immortals. According to multiple reports, including ESPN, Messi achieved this landmark at the age of 38 years and 122 days, doing so faster and younger than Cristiano Ronaldo, who reached the same milestone at 39 years and 89 days.
Moreover, Messi needed 1,131 games to hit 890, while Ronaldo required 1,220 matches — meaning the Argentine reached it in 89 fewer games. “With today’s first goal, Leo Messi has become the fastest and youngest player in soccer history to reach 890 goals,” reported One Football. “Messi did it in 89 fewer games than Ronaldo.”
🚨RECORD !!! Los NUMEROS NO MIENTEN !
Lionel Messi se convierte hoy 24 de Octubre del 2025, en el jugador mas rápido y "mas joven" en la historia del futbol en llegar a los 890⚽️, lo hizo en 89 partidos MENOS que Cristiano Ronaldo !
For years, Carlos Vela’s offensive brilliance had been the benchmark in MLS. But on this night in Fort Lauderdale, Messi raised the bar once again.
In the electric atmosphere of Chase Stadium, Lionel Messi reminded Major League Soccer why he’s still soccer’s most transcendent figure. Facing Nashville SC in the first leg of their MLS Cup Round One playoff series, the Argentine superstar delivered another masterclass, scoring twice and leading Inter Miami to a commanding 3-1 victory. For years, Carlos Vela’s offensive brilliance had been the benchmark in MLS. But on this night in Fort Lauderdale, Messi raised the bar once again.
The night began with a sense of ceremony and destiny. Before kickoff, MLS commissioner Don Garber stepped onto the pitch to honor Messi with the Golden Boot award for finishing as the league’s top scorer with 29 goals in 28 matches. “I’m here tonight not just to attend the game but to present Leo with the Golden Boot,” Garber said. “I don’t think we ever could have imagined that Leo would have been able to deliver for this club, for this city, and for this league the way he has.”
Minutes later, Messi proved why. In the 19th minute, after a swift exchange with Luis Suárez, Messi drifted into the center of the box and connected with a diving header that sent Chase Stadium roaring. The partnership between the two South American icons once again proved lethal, a throwback to their Barcelona days.
After halftime, Inter Miami continued to press forward. Tadeo Allende doubled the lead in the 62nd minute, nodding home a well-placed cross from Ian Fray after a set-piece sequence. With Nashville reeling, Messi struck again deep into stoppage time — this time a left-footed finish from distance after a one-two with Jordi Alba.
“We’re happy to have won the first one, but this is just the beginning,” said Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano after the game. “Now it’s time to rest and prepare for Saturday’s match, which will also be a very tough one. The opponent has great players, and we need to minimize our mistakes.”
It wasn’t just another brace. With his two goals against Nashville, Lionel Messi shattered one of Major League Soccer’s most impressive records — one previously held by Carlos Vela. The Argentine legend became the first player in MLS history to reach 39 goals across all competitions in a calendar year, surpassing both Vela’s 38 in 2019 and Denis Bouanga’s 38 in 2023.
🚨 NEW RECORD:
Lionel Messi has now scored the MOST goals for an MLS club in a calendar year:
1️⃣ 39 ⚽️: Lionel Messi 🔥🆕🔥 2️⃣ 38 ⚽️: Dénis Bouanga 3️⃣ 38 ⚽️: Carlos Vela 4️⃣ 35 ⚽️: Josef Martínez 5️⃣ 33 ⚽️: Josef Martínez
The achievement is remarkable not just for its scale but for how quickly Messi accomplished it. Since arriving in Miami in 2023, he has redefined what individual dominance looks like in American soccer. His 30 goals in the 2025 MLS season alone (regular season and playoffs combined) now lead the league, ahead of Bouanga and Nashville’s Sam Surridge, both on 24.
For comparison, Vela’s record-breaking 2019 season was considered unrepeatable. Yet, Messi has done it at 38 years old, balancing club success with international duty and still delivering decisive performances when it matters most.
Manchester United will host Brighton in a Matchday 9 showdown of the 2025/2026 Premier League season. Here’s everything you need to know, from kickoff details to where you can watch the action live on TV or streaming platforms.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Manchester United vs Brighton on US television and via legal streaming:
WHO
Manchester United vs Brighton
WHAT
English Premier League
WHEN
12:30pm ET / 9:30am PT • Saturday, October 25, 2025
After a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the English Derby, Manchester Unitedare looking to turn that momentum into a sustained run of form as they gear up for a pivotal clash with Brighton. The Red Devils finally found some rhythm after a rocky stretch, but they know there’s still work to be done to stay in the Premier League’s top tier.
Brighton, meanwhile, have battled inconsistency throughout the season and will be determined to make a statement against a resurgent United side. With both teams chasing valuable points, this matchup promises high intensity and plenty of storylines—don’t miss a minute of the action.
More details on how to watch
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Bruno Fernandes (Photo Credit – Bruno Fernandes via X)
Fernandes stated firmly in an interview posted by Fabrizio Romano on his official X account:
My focus is Manchester United. My agent knows my way of working. If he wants to talk to me, it will be after the World Cup. Until then, I won’t speak to anyone.
The 31-year-old also dismissed rumours of a pre-arranged deal with a Saudi club, clarifying:
If the club has done that agreement, it wasn’t made with me. I haven’t spoken with anyone.
Bruno Fernandes and Ruben Amorim (Photo Credit – Manchester United via X)
Last summer, Al Hilal reportedly offered between £80m and £100m to sign Fernandes, with a four-year deal worth €25m per year — triple his current wage. However, the United skipper turned down the move after speaking with Amorim, Omar Berrada, and Jason Wilcox. He even sought advice from Cristiano Ronaldo, who told him to value legacy over money. Fernandes added:
My family feels very well here. My kids love school. We feel at home.
Bruno Fernandes on links for next summer: “My focus is Manchester United. My agent knows my way of working”.
“If he wants to talk to me, it will be after the World Cup. Until then, I won't talk to anyone!”, told The Athletic. pic.twitter.com/WwFV6YMnN0
Marcus Rashford has shared a glimpse into his calm and methodical pre-match routine in a video posted by Barcelona on their official X account, offering fans a more personal look at how he prepares for game day. The England international, who joined Barcelona after a turbulent Manchester United spell, has been open about his renewed focus and mindset since moving to Spain, as Softfootball reported about his revived confidence and joy for the game.
Rashford scored a brace against Newcastle (Photo Credit: FC Barcelona media)
In the video, Rashford begins with a typical morning rhythm. He said with a grin:
I’ll probably wake up maybe 45 minutes before breakfast, open the curtains, relax for a minute, take a shower, then go for breakfast. I’ll have some porridge and eggs.
The forward explained that after team meetings and tactical briefings, he returns to his room to rest — sometimes napping, sometimes just lying back. He laughed, prompting the interviewer’s surprise:
Then I’ll probably take another shower.
Marcus Rashford (Photo Credit: Marcus Rashford via X)
That light moment quickly turned into talk of nutrition. He added:
We’ll have our pre-match meal — maybe some pasta or a bit of protein, something like that.
Rashford admitted he hadn’t eaten lunch yet, before noting that music and the team bus journey usually round off his preparation.
Wrexham square off with Birmingham City in Matchday 12 of the 2025–26 EFL Championship. Here’s all the key information for this clash, including kickoff times and complete broadcast details for TV and streaming in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Middlesbrough vs Wrexham on US television and via legal streaming:
WHO
Middlesbrough vs Wrexham
WHAT
EFL Championship
WHEN
10:00am ET / 7:00am PT • Saturday, October 25, 2025
Wrexhamfaces a tough test as they try to build momentum after a challenging start to the season. The Welsh side has inched up the standings, but the top spots remain a distant target in a long campaign that still offers opportunities to climb higher.
To make a serious push, Wrexham will need to maintain a winning rhythm against a red-hot Middlesbrough squad. Sitting second with 24 points, just a point shy of league leaders Coventry City, Middlesbrough will be aiming to extend their strong run and seize the top spot, setting the stage for a high-stakes clash.
More details on how to watch
With Fubo, you can watch Middlesbrough vs Wrexham and tons more games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast.
Now with Fubo, you can stream USA Network, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS, CBS Sports Network, FS1, FS2, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS Connect, beIN SPORTS XTRA, NBC (in select cities), CNBC, USA, FOX (in select cities), FOX Soccer Plus, FOX Deportes, Telemundo, Universo and Galavision.
Plus Fubo, the legal streaming service, also streams Liga MX, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League (in Spanish), Europa League (in Spanish), Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, NWSL, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and more.
The Fubo app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhones, Android phones, Amazon Fire TV, Android Mobile, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Hisense TVs, iOS devices, LG TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, Vizio Smartcast TVs and Xbox One.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Fubo soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
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If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
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Nottingham Forest, via their official X account, posted a video of the new manager discussing soaking in the “Mull of Kintyre” rendition and contrasts it with past playing struggles, underscoring football’s fleeting successes.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, continue to thrive under Andoni Iraola. The Cherries are fourth in the table with 15 points from eight matches (W4 D3 L1) and remain unbeaten in seven league outings. Their thrilling 3–3 draw at Crystal Palace last weekend saw 19-year-old Eli Junior Kroupi bag a brace, while Ryan Christie added the third before a late equaliser spoiled the party.
Team News
Evanilson (calf) misses out, David Brooks (hamstring) is doubtful, and Enes Ünal has returned to full training but won’t feature. For Forest, Chris Wood and Oleksandr Zinchenko are fitness doubts, while Ola Aina and Bakary Koné remain sidelined.
AFC Bournemouth vs Fulham (Photo Credit: AFC Bournemouth X handle)
Mikel Arteta has again underlined his evolving football philosophy, insisting he doesn’t separate open play from set pieces but views the sport as one continuous flow. Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace on October 26, 2025, the Gunners’ boss said, as posted by Fabrizio Romano on his official X account:
Look, I don’t see the game in open play and set pieces. I see the game in a different way.
Arteta on Arsenal and set pieces: “Look, I don’t see the game in open play and set-pieces. I see the game in a different way”. pic.twitter.com/zyw8Qmv59d
Arteta believes football does not stop, stressing that transitions between phases are connected. That belief has driven Arsenal’s remarkable form this term. The Gunners have scored 10 set-piece goals in just eight league games — the earliest any team has hit double digits in Premier League history. Their precision was also evident in the 4–0 demolition of Atlético Madrid in the Champions League, as reported by Softfootball.
Arteta’s focus on dead-ball dominance started a decade ago. He revealed:
Ten years ago, I said it’s a massive thing to do. I started to have a vision, implement a method, and surround myself with the best people to deliver that.
That’s how Nicolas Jover, Arsenal’s set-piece coach, became a vital figure in the project.
Arteta (Photo Credit – Official Arsenal Website)
Despite critics saying Arsenal rely too heavily on set plays — with only five open-play goals this season — Arteta remains unmoved. He said:
No, not at all. Football’s not open play and set pieces. It’s one whole game.
Gabriel Magalhães (Photo Credit: Arsenal via X)
With just three league goals conceded, Arsenal boast the best defensive record in the Premier League. Arteta believes that’s no coincidence. He said:
The teams with the best defensive records, most of the time, win the title. The stronger we are with the foundations, the more probability we have of winning.
His message is clear — for Arsenal, set pieces are not shortcuts; they are part of a bigger, flowing idea. Football, as Arteta sees it, is never static. It’s always learning, always moving.
Premier League leaders Arsenal host Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, 26 October 2025, for a London derby that promises fireworks. The Gunners, under Mikel Arteta, have made a blistering start to the campaign, winning six of eight of their opening league matches and extending their dominance in Europe with a 4–0 thrashing of Atlético Madrid in midweek.
Viktor Gyrokeres after scoring for Arsenal (Photo Credit : Arsenal X handle)
Arsenal, via their official YouTube account, posted Mikel Arteta’s pre-match press conference for their upcoming Premier League clash with Crystal Palace, highlighting his focus on maintaining a defensive record of just three goals conceded in 12 games.
Watch the video below:
Confidence is sky-high in north London, but Arteta will demand focus against a Palace side capable of springing surprises. The Eagles, led by Oliver Glasner, have shown flashes of brilliance — notably Jean-Philippe Mateta’s hat-trick against Bournemouth — yet their form remains inconsistent with just one win from their last five outings.
Arteta (Photo Credit – Official Arsenal Website)
Team News
For Arsenal, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Noni Madueke remain long-term absentees. Magalhães is a doubt after limping off against Atlético, while Jurriën Timber and Riccardo Calafiori are also under assessment. Arteta admitted while providing the latest injury update as posted on the team’s official X account:
Gabi had to leave the pitch with an issue… We’ll see how it evolves in the next 24 hours.
Crystal Palace are without Chadi Riad (ACL), Cheick Doucouré (knee), and Caleb Kporha, though Tyrick Mitchell is expected to return to the starting XI.
Arsenal 2–1 Crystal Palace. The Gunners’ defensive solidity and home form—unbeaten in six at the Emirates—should edge them through, though Palace’s pace on transitions could cause a scare or two. Expect a lively clash, a few nervy moments, and probably another Gyökeres goal to keep Arsenal’s perfect start alive.
If there was any pressure, Messi didn’t show it. He opened the scoring in the 19th minute, leaping to head home a perfectly measured cross from Luis Suárez after a clever buildup involving Sergio Busquets and Rodrigo De Paul. That goal sent the home fans into a roar and gave Miami the platform they needed to control the match.
The hosts looked confident from then on. Tadeo Allende doubled the lead in the 62nd minute, ghosting in at the far post to nod in Ian Fray’s delivery, with Messi again involved in the move. Nashville rarely looked threatening, managing just two shots on target all evening, while Miami dictated the tempo through Busquets’ calm passing and De Paul’s energy in midfield. The visitors’ best chance before the break came from Jacob Shaffelburg, but his low strike was easily stopped by Rios Novo.
As posted on the club’s official X account, Messi then sealed the win deep into stoppage time (90+6′) when Nashville keeper Joe Willis spilled Jordi Alba’s cross, leaving the Argentine to calmly slot home his second. It was another statement moment from the captain, who continues to shape MLS to his rhythm. Hany Mukhtar’s late free kick in the 101st minute made it 3–1, but it did little to change the narrative—this was Messi’s night, once again.
Lionel Messi scored a header for Inter Miami against Nashville SC — a type of goal Cristiano Ronaldo has long been known for mastering.
On Friday, Inter Miami took a key step toward advancing to the Eastern Conference semifinals of Major League Soccer. The team secured a convincing 3–1 victory over Nashville SC at Chase Stadium, with Lionel Messi scoring twice, including one from a header. It’s an area of the game in which Cristiano Ronaldo has also made his mark throughout his career.
In the 19th minute of the first half, Messi exchanged passes with Luis Suarez, who waited for Leo to make his run into the box before sending in a precise cross that allowed the Argentine forward to head home the opener. It was the 29th header goal of Messi’s professional career.
Two of those goals came with Argentina, while the remaining 27 were scored at the club level — most of them, unsurprisingly, with Barcelona. Over his 17 seasons with the Catalan side, Messi scored 24 headers. The first came against Real Zaragoza in 2006, and the last against Celta in 2021. But without a doubt, the most iconic was in the 2008–09 UEFA Champions League final against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United.
During his two years with Paris Saint-Germain, Messi scored 32 goals — none of them headers. Since joining Inter Miami, he has now scored three with his head: one against Orlando City in 2024, one against Atlanta United in the 2024 playoffs, and one this Friday against Nashville SC, also in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Lionel Messi scores a header for Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League final against Manchester United in 2009.
How many header goals has Cristiano Ronaldo scored?
Across his 23-year professional career, Cristiano Ronaldo has scored more goals than any other player in soccer history. And headers have played a huge part in that record: the Portuguese forward has netted 152 goals with his head, combining his club and international career.
Ronaldo’s first header goal came with Sporting CP — the only one of that type he scored for the Portuguese club — against Moreirense in 2002. He then joined Manchester United, where he played in two stints between 2003 and 2009, and again from 2021 to 2022. In England, CR7 scored 23 header goals.
It was at Real Madrid, however, where the Portuguese star truly excelled in that department, scoring 70 headers, including two against Barcelona. With Juventus, he added 16 more in just three seasons, and since joining Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia in 2023, he has already scored 12. The remaining 28 came with the Portugal national team.
Messi vs. Ronaldo: Header goal comparison
Given the physical and stylistic differences between the two players, it’s logical that Cristiano Ronaldo holds a significant edge over Lionel Messi when it comes to goals scored with headers. While the Argentine forward has 29, CR7 stands at 152. Moreover, Cristiano has scored six braces (two headers in the same match) in his career, while Messi has never done so.
That advantage becomes even clearer when looking at the proportion of header goals relative to their total career tallies. For Ronaldo, headers represent 16.02% of his goals (152 out of 949), while for Messi, they account for just 3.25% (29 out of 891).
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami and Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr.
Lionel Messi scored two goals for Inter Miami in the first round of the Major League Soccer playoffs against Nashville SC.
Inter Miami and Nashville SC kicked off their Eastern Conference playoff journey on Friday night in Major League Soccer, with Lionel Messi scoring twice in a 3–1 win at Chase Stadium.
After the traumatic experience of the 2024 season — when the Herons finished first in the regular season but were then eliminated in the opening round of the playoffs by Atlanta United — Inter Miami know they must approach these matchups with maximum focus.
However, in the opening minutes, they showed some defensive lapses that could have proved costly. Noah Allen lost possession dangerously to Jacob Shaffelburg, who broke away toward Rocco Rios Novo’s goal, but his shot lacked precision, allowing the goalkeeper to make a comfortable save.
In that context, Inter Miami found the opener before they had fully settled into the match. In the 19th minute, Lionel Messi received the ball in the attacking half with enough space to drive toward the box. There, he passed it to Luis Suarez, who took his time to wait for Messi to reach a good scoring position, then delivered a perfect assist that allowed the Argentine forward to head home the first goal of the night.
Inter Miami could have extended their lead before halftime
Messi’s goal seemed to completely change the flow of the match, as from that moment on, Javier Mascherano’s team took control, dominating possession and preventing their opponents from finding any rhythm. Coincidentally, Nashville struggled to create dangerous chances or even win the ball back from the hosts.
In that scenario, the Herons could have extended their lead with a couple of clear opportunities. First through Ian Fray, whose shot narrowly missed. Then near the end of the first half, Suarez had a chance after a corner kick, forcing a strong save from goalkeeper Joe Willis.
The Herons’ dominance from the first half carried over after the break and was finally reflected on the scoreboard in the 61st minute, when Ian Fray sent in a cross from the right that found Tadeo Allende unmarked inside the box. The Argentine winger met the ball with a header and made it 2–0.
Messi scores again
With a two-goal lead, Inter Miami focused on controlling the match and avoiding any scares, running down the clock to secure the win. In stoppage time, Messi took advantage of a mistake by goalkeeper Joe Willis, pouncing on the loose ball inside the box and calmly finishing to make it 3–0. A few minutes later, Hany Mukhtar scored for Nashville with a free kick.
Mazatlan will clash with Club America in Matchday 15 of the Liga MX Apertura 2025. Here’s everything you need to know about this matchup, including kickoff times and complete broadcast information for TV and streaming in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Mazatlan vs Club America on US television and via legal streaming:
WHO
Mazatlan vs Club America
WHAT
Liga MX
WHEN
11:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT • Friday, October 24, 2025
As the Liga MX regular season nears its conclusion, the race for playoff positioning is heating up, and every point counts. Club America enter this clash as one of the frontrunners to lock in a direct quarterfinal spot, but their ambitions go beyond that—they’re gunning for the top seed.
To keep that goal within reach, Las Aguilas can’t afford to slip. Mazatlan, meanwhile, finds itself in a do-or-die situation, with its postseason hopes fading fast. Only a win will keep their playoff chances alive, making this a must-watch battle between desperation and dominance—don’t miss a minute of the action.
More details about watching the game on DirecTV Stream
With DirecTV Stream, you can watch Mazatlan vs Club America and tons more Liga MX games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick as well as Google TV, Samsung and Peloton.
DirecTV Stream offers a free trial, and often shares with you a variety of different packages to choose from, so you can pick what suits you the best. That also includes packages filled with sports other than soccer including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and more.
DirecTV Stream has 140+ channels of live TV and unlimited DVR. That includes all of the most important soccer-related channels such as NBC, FOX, ESPN, TNT, CBS as well as more niche soccer channels including FOX Deportes, Telemundo, Univision, TUDN and GolTV.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full DirecTV Stream soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
On Thursday, during an appearance on the Kings League broadcast with Ibai Llanos and Gerard Pique, Yamal spoke strongly when asked if Llanos’ team, Porcinos FC, reminded him of Real Madrid. “Yes, of course… They steal and complain,” said the young winger with a smile.
These words sparked outrage among Los Blancos fans, journalists, and even players, with some considering concrete measures to address what they see as a disrespectful remark unworthy of a player of Lamine Yamal’s status.
“From the club, there is an intention to speak with the Barcelona player,” reported Mundo Deportivo this Friday. “It will be Real Madrid captain Daniel Carvajal who does so once the match concludes next Sunday at Santiago Bernabeu.”
Lamine Yamal playing for Barcelona.
If these reports are confirmed, it will be interesting to see how Real Madrid players interact with Yamal during El Clasico, as there will have been no discussions beforehand, making their first face-to-face encounter on the pitch under the scrutiny of millions of fans worldwide.
Problems for the Spain national team?
The supposed anger of Real Madrid players toward Lamine Yamal is not limited to a rivalry between colleagues competing in the same league who occasionally face off on the pitch. This conflict also extends to the national team, given that these stars share a roster internationally.
“At Madrid, they understand that these words from the Barcelona player put at risk the great harmony that exists in the Spain national team,” added Mundo Deportivo. Indeed, Yamal has been an important piece for Spain for the past few years, alongside other Barcelona players like Pedri, Gavi, Dani Olmo, and Ferran Torres. There, they are teammates with Carvajal, who returned this year to Luis de la Fuente’s squad after suffering a serious injury in 2024.
How has Lamine Yamal fared vs Real Madrid?
This Sunday at Santiago Bernabeu will be Lamine Yamal’s eighth match against Real Madrid in his professional career. The previous seven encounters came in La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de España, with Barcelona winning four and losing three. In those matches, the winger scored three goals and provided two assists.
Dani Carvajal and Lamine Yamal are teammates at the Spanish National Team.
Leeds United secured an important Premier League victory as they defeated West Ham United 2-1, Softfootball reported. The club manager Daniel Farke praised the teams spirit and resilience after a challenging week.
Daniel Frake Post Match Reaction (Credit: Leeds Media)
Farke admitted that winning under such circumstances was never easy. He said:
To win the momentum back is always a difficult game and then you have to dig in and grind out a result. We had a difficult week in terms of illnesses, injuries—many players were struggling individually
Despite these challenges, the team showed determination, with several players stepping up to make key contributions. The manager also highlighted the team’s strong start and improved performance after halftime.
We corrected some issues at halftime and were way better in the beginning of the second half,
he explained, while noting that the players were visibly tired in the final stages.
In the last 20 minutes, you could feel that the lads were getting tired… We didn’t have the substance to go for 90 minutes on full strength, but we wanted to bring this over the line.
Brenden Aaronson gives Leeds the lead (Photo credit: Leeds United – X)
Farke was pleased with Leeds’ finishing after previous criticism of their conversion rate. Highlighting goals from Joe Rodon and Brenden Aaronson, the latter earning man-of-the-match recognition, he said:
There was lots of criticism with our conversion rate. Today we were clinical, especially with the first chances.
He also stressed the importance of teamwork and confidence.
It was a real team performance… The boys should be proud of themselves. It’s important in the Premier League that you keep planting the flag every few games. You can’t let runs go on too long.
Despite the challenges of injuries and fatigue, Farke believes this win will boost morale and momentum.
The only thing that matters today are the three points, and we’re pretty happy with them,
Leeds United held on for a vital 2–1 win over West Ham in a game full of energy, drama and late tension. There was a bright start from Leeds and a tense finish.
Softfootball reported that Leeds United had a tough start this season with only two wins in their first eight matches, including a match they lost to Burnley recently with a 2-0 result. So, tonight’s victory was a much needed boost for their season and would help them bounce back on track.
Brenden Aaronson gives Leeds the lead (Photo credit: Leeds United – X)
Leeds took on dominance as early as the third minute when Brenden Aaronson reacted first to a loose ball and calmly sent the ball home to make 1-0.
That first goal established confidence in Leeds and they had control of the game at the onset, pressing high and creating chances. The second goal from Leeds came from a carefully drafted corner.
Rodon doubles the lead (Photo credit: leeds media)
In the 15th minute, Sean Longstaff swung in a set piece and Joe Rodon quickly gave the goal that made it 2-0. There was joy from the spectators and Leeds continued to defend strongly with Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu assisting numerous times.
West Ham gradually started making a comeback and frustrated Leeds a few times. Alphonse Areola made a sharp save which denied a wonderful kick from Jarrod Bowen.
Lucas Paquetá and Bowen began to create more openings as the match continued. West Ham’s recent form hasn’t been so strong, having suffered back to back losses, including a 2-0 defeat in a match against Arsenal.
Leeds team had a couple of injury concerns and had to make some replacements. Gabriel Gudmundsson was replaced by James Justin in the first half and Noah Okafor was replaced by Jack Harrison.
There were other changes made to secure the lead like Dominic Calvert-Lewin being replaced by Luka Nmecha. About the time it seemed Leeds was going to take on another goal, West Ham finally hit just at the stoppage time.
Fernandes goal against Leeds (Photo Credit: West Ham Media)
In the 90th minute Jarrod Bowen crossed and Mateus Fernandes headed past Lucas Perri to make it 2-1. The final minutes were heavy but Leeds didn’t back down.
The Leeds team are now filled with so much excitement and they have shared the video on their official X handle:
It was a strange, restless evening at San Siro, one that started like a stroll and ended with AC Milan fans rubbing their eyes in disbelief.
For most of the match, the Rossoneri had everything under control, yet somehow they let a bottom-placed Pisa side walk away with a 2–2 draw. As covered by Softfootball, Milan were a few minutes away from another three points before everything suddenly went sideways.
AC Milan player (Photo Credit: AC Milan via X)
Rafael Leão got things moving early, scoring a classic solo goal in just the seventh minute — that cut inside, that curling finish, it was pure Leão. Luka Modrić and Youssouf Fofana kept the tempo sharp, and for a while, it felt like Milan could score whenever they wanted.
Fikayo Tomori (Photo Credit: Fikayo Tomori via Instagram)
But then, football happened. Around the 60th minute, a messy VAR check found Koni De Winter’s hand in the wrong place. Juan Cuadrado didn’t blink, calmly sending Maignan the wrong way. Out of nowhere, Pisa were level, and the mood in the stadium dipped from control to concern.
The shock deepened late on. In the 86th minute, M’Bala Nzola slipped behind Milan’s defence and fired in to make it 2–1. You could almost hear the disbelief — a pin-drop moment at San Siro.
But Milan refused to die quietly. Zachary Athekame, on as a sub and barely in the spotlight until then, pounced in the 93rd minute to hammer home the equaliser.
His first goal for the club, as posted on the club’s official X account, and what a time to get it. There was even a gasp at the very end when Saelemaekers’ solo run nearly turned into a winner, but it just wasn’t meant to be.
So, 2–2. Not the night Milan expected, not at all. They stay top for now, though this draw will sting. A game that should have been wrapped up long before the chaos. For Pisa, it’s a different story: their first point of the season and maybe a spark for something bigger.
As the playoffs of Major League Soccer kick off with Inter Miami, Lionel Messi received a message from a league legend.
This Friday, Inter Miami will begin their participation in the Eastern Conference playoffs of Major League Soccer, facing Nashville SC at Chase Stadium. An MLS icon spoke about what Lionel Messi should do at this stage.
Bradley Wright-Phillips recently gave an interview to Apple TV, where he was asked about the challenges facing the Herons on their path to the MLS Cup, a title the team has never won in its history. In that interview, the former English player set the bar high for Messi and his teammates: “You can’t assemble The Avengers and not win the MLS Cup.”
This is, of course, a reference to Marvel. The main superheroes in the franchise, like Captain America, Iron Man, Hulk, and Thor, come together to form The Avengers — essentially a dream team. In that comparison, Wright-Phillips puts the Inter Miami squad this year on the same level, with stars like Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Rodrigo De Paul.
With a squad of that quality, expectations are high for them to make a deep playoff run, unlike last year when they led the regular season but exited the postseason early after losing to Atlanta United.
Former New York Red Bulls star Bradley Wright-Phillips.
“I understand it’s very difficult to win it, and their time over here will still be filled with success,” Wright-Phillips immediately acknowledged, “but as far as not winning a cup, we’re going to judge that.”
Who is Bradley Wright-Phillips?
The message for Inter Miami and Lionel Messi carries weight considering who it comes from. Bradley Wright-Phillips was a standout English player who shined for years in Major League Soccer, earning fans’ respect through his performances and results.
The former striker began his professional career at Manchester City, where he played two seasons before moving to other English teams such as Southampton and Brentford. The biggest step in his career came in 2013 when he joined MLS to play for New York Red Bulls. There, he found his place, scoring 126 goals in 240 matches over seven seasons, before briefly playing for Los Angeles FC and Columbus Crew.
Wright-Phillips was the league’s top scorer twice, in 2014 and 2016, and was also selected as an MLS All-Star and to the Best XI on two occasions. Collectively, he won four titles: three Supporters’ Shields and one Campeones Cup.
Messi has an unfinished challenge in MLS
No one can deny that Lionel Messi’s time in MLS has already been outstanding. He has generated global attention that the league has never seen, and on the field, he has dazzled with goals, assists, and dribbles, being this year the top scorer and top assister, with serious chances to win league MVP for the second year in a row.
However, at the collective level, it’s clear Messi has one unfinished business: leading Inter Miami to the MLS title. While he has already won the Leagues Cup and the Supporters’ Shield, the most important trophy still eludes him. In that sense, Wright-Phillips makes a valid point: at the end of the day, it will be judged whether he won the cup or not.
Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring a goal for Inter Miami.
Inter Miami take on Nashville SC in the first leg of the 2025 MLS first-round playoffs. Find out all the key details on when, where, and how to watch this can't-miss matchup live in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Inter Miami vs Nashville SC on US television and via legal streaming:
The MLSplayoffs kick off with a blockbuster showdown as Lionel Messi and Inter Miami aim to make a statement in their pursuit of the league title after finishing just one point off the top spot in the regular season.
Inter’s star-studded lineup has shown flashes of brilliance despite some uneven stretches, while Nashville SC arrives ready to spoil the party. Built on discipline and resilience, Nashville thrives in the underdog role and will look to frustrate Inter in what promises to be a fierce, high-stakes clash.
Details on how to watch
MLS Season Pass is the new home for Major League Soccer – where you can watch Inter Miami vs Nashville SC and every MLS game. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, Apple TV, smartphone, tablet, Roku, and other smart streaming devices.
MLS Season Pass is part of a 10-year rights deal with Apple, MLS Season Pass is a service direct from the league available through Apple TV that will stream every MLS game – including MLS Cup Playoffs and Leagues Cup – with no blackouts.
The service also features MLS NEXT Pro (MLS 3rd division reserve league) and MLS NEXT games (youth development league), as well as exclusive team and league content available nowhere else.
MLS Season Pass is available via the Apple TV app on all Apple iOS devices, Mac, PC, Amazon Fire TV and Fire Stick, Android TV, Google TV, LG smart TVs, Panasonic smart TVs, Playstation 4 & 5, Roku streaming devices and smart TVs, Samsung smart TVs, Sony smart TVs, Vizio smart TVs, and Xbox One, One S, Series X and Series S. In addition, you can AirPlay or cast from your phone or computer to any compatible screen.
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This Friday, the playoffs of Major League Soccer will begin, featuring a format unlike most tournaments around the world.
Major League Soccerhas been one of the fastest-growing leagues in recent decades. The arrival of top-tier players has helped elevate soccer in the United States, and that’s reflected in the league’s competitiveness today. This Friday, the playoffs will kick off, showcasing a format that differs from what’s used in most other countries.
Unlike in Europe, for example, MLS combines a regular season — where every team plays each other and accumulates points in the standings — with a postseason knockout phase. Philadelphia Union finished at the top of the standings in the regular season, and in most leagues, that would be enough to secure the title. However, in MLS, it only earns them the Supporters’ Shield trophy and a more favorable matchup to open the postseason.
Once the regular season ends, teams face off in direct elimination rounds until there’s one representative from each conference. Those two teams will then meet in the MLS Cup final on December 6. However, that’s not the only unique aspect of this system — even the knockout stages operate very differently from other elimination tournaments such as the UEFA Champions League.
How does the first round of the MLS playoffs work?
After the regular season concluded, the first step was determining the Wild Card winners, which turned out to be Chicago Fire in the East and Portland in the West. They now face a tough challenge against the top teams from the regular season in each conference: Philadelphia Union and San Diego FC, respectively.
MLS Cup trophy.
In those matchups — as well as the rest of the first-round pairings — the format features either two or three games. The first match is played at the home of the higher-seeded team, and a few days later, the second leg is played at the other team’s stadium. Each game must have a winner. If the score is tied after 90 minutes, the match goes directly to penalty kicks. A shootout win counts the same as a win in regulation.
If one team wins both games, it advances directly to the conference semifinals, eliminating its opponent. But if each side wins one match, a decisive third game will be played — again at the home of the higher seed — to determine who moves on. That match will also go to penalties if it ends in a draw after regulation.
The MLS playoffs format from the semifinals onward
Once the opening round is complete, the format changes significantly. From the conference semifinals onward, each matchup is decided by a single game hosted by the higher-seeded team from the regular season.
The winner moves on to the next round. But if the match is tied after 90 minutes, it won’t go straight to penalties. Instead, two 15-minute extra-time periods will be played. If the score remains level after extra time, then a penalty shootout will determine the winner. The same rules apply to the conference finals and the MLS Cup final.
Chelsea has announced that midfielder Reggie Walsh has signed his first professional deal. The 17 year old academy midfielder made the deal shortly after his birthday, making it a big milestone in a journey that started when he joined the club as an Under-8. The Blues have secured another of their talented young prospects, Softfootball reports.
Reggie Walsh made his debut last season with the senior team. He left a lasting impression that got many thinking. He started in Chelsea’s UEFA Conference League Semi-Final against Djuragaden, making him the thirds youngest player in club’s history.
In Chelsea’s 5-1 victory over Ajax, Softfootball reported how Chelsea showcased their emerging talents and the promise of a new generation stepping up. Tyrique George made an impact in the game. The 19 year old scored after his shot deflected off a defender and worng-footed Pasveer, helping the club dominate the game.
Jamie Gittens won the Man of the Match, as confirmed on the club’s official X handle, while Walsh also got to experience the Champions League at Stamford Bridge, becoming the youngest player in the competition.
Mikel Arteta has sent a heartfelt message to Arsenal fans before Sunday’s game against Crystal Palace, asking them to bring their energy and support to the Emirates Stadium, Softfootball reports.
At Mikel Arteta’s pre-match press Conference at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, he emphasized the crucial role supporters play in helping the team perform at their best.
Mikel Arteta (Photo credit: arsenal media)
The Gunners shared an insightful perspective from head coach Mikel Arteta, via their official X handle;
"The atmosphere is one of the most important things, and I love that."
The Gunners shared a video of Arteta on their official X handle, urging supporters to be in their seats early, showing energy and positive body language from the very first whistle. Watch below:
After a big midweek performance, Arteta knows the team will need another strong push from the stands. He acknowledges the physical and mental toll of recent games and sees the upcoming match as a test of resilience and focus.
He hopes the Emirates will once again be full of noise, colour, and passion, turning the fans’ support into a driving force for another important win.
Al-Nassr have been in brilliant form, enjoying a strong winning streak that they’ll be eager to extend. The team has triumphed in their last five matches and remain unbeaten so far this season. Their attack has been sharp and relentless, with goals coming from all directions in recent games.
Al Nassr players (Photo Credit: Al Nassr X handle)
Al-Hazm have had a tough season so far, struggling to find good form and consistency. They’ve scored a few goals, but their home record has been poor, and results have not gone their way. Facing an in-form Al-Nassr side makes their task even harder.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Photo Credit: Al Nassr via X)
Al-Nassr, on the other hand, are full of confidence. They’ve been unbeaten this season and have dominated recent meetings between the two sides. A major boost for Al Nassr will be the return of Cristiano Ronaldo. The superstar sat out the ACL away game, as is common in these matches, but he will start against Al Hazem.
Ronaldo has a special history against this team, having scored his 850th professional goal against them last season. Al Nassr FC shared an inspiring glimpse into the dedication of their star player, Cristiano Ronaldo on the club’s official X handle;
Al-Hazm will hope to stay compact in defense and use quick counterattacks to cause problems, but it won’t be easy
Al Nassr will be without Marcelo Brozovic, who is sidelined with a muscle injury. Defender Saad Al Nasser will miss the match due to a knee problem, while goalkeeper Nawaf Alaqidi is out with a hamstring issue.
In a pre-match press conference shared on the club’s official X handle, Al-Hazem coach Jalal Qadri expressed confidence in securing a victory over league leaders Al-Nassr. Speaking about the influence of top players, he said:
Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest player in history and a lesson for young players.
Watch the video below:
جانب من المؤتمر الصحفي للسيد "جلال قادري" قبل مواجهة #الحزم_النصر
Al-Nassr (4-4-2): Bento; Nawaf Boushal, Mohamed Simakan, Iñigo Martínez, Aiman Yahya; Angelo Gabriel, Abdullah Al Khaibari, Kingsley Coman, Sadio Mané; João Félix, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Al-Hazm (4-1-4-1): Bruno Varela (GK); Ahmed Al Nakhli, Sultan Tanker, Abdulrahman Al Dakheel, Abdulaziz Al Harbi; Loreintz Rosier; Fabio Martins, Nawaf Al Habashi, Basil Al Sayyali, Elias Mokwana; Omar Al Somah.
Prediction:
Al-Nassr are the favourites. They have a strong record which has already given them an edge. Al-Hazm might not win because of their poor records and so Al-Nassr might end up winning with a 3-0 result.
In a heartfelt chat ahead of his 300th Manchester United appearance against Brighton on October 25, 2025, captain Bruno Fernandes opened up about his journey, ambitions, and loyalty to the club.
"This is far [bigger] than anything I dreamed about."@B_Fernandes8 on the prospect of making his 300th United appearance tomorrow pic.twitter.com/aXVzhIX8Vk
My aim is to win the Premier League and Champions League at Manchester United. I haven’t been able to give the success that this club wants and deserves, and also the success that I wanted in my head when I signed for United… so my mission is clear.
Since arriving in January 2020, Fernandes has registered 100 goals and 87 assists in 299 matches, collecting two domestic cups along the way. Yet, he admits the biggest prizes are still missing. He added:
People will see me as a better player when I win something bigger with the team.
Bruno Fernandes: “My aim is to win the Premier League and Champions League at Manchester United”.
“I haven't been able to give the success that this club wants and deserves, and also the success that I wanted in my head when I signed for United… so my mission is clear”. pic.twitter.com/H1X1DgIHDl
The midfielder revealed he turned down a £100 million offer from Al Hilal last summer, after consulting Cristiano Ronaldo and club chiefs. He said firmly, dismissing talk of a pre-agreement for 2026:
I wasn’t eager to move… I wanted to stay at the club.
The United captain reflected on his milestone moment, saying that playing 300 times for the club is far beyond anything I dreamed of. He added:
As a kid, I played football 24/7. That same kid is still inside me, hungry and happy every time I step on the pitch.
Bruno Fernandes (Photo Credit – Bruno Fernandes via X)
Liverpool is set for a Premier League clash with Brentford this Saturday at the Gtech Community Stadium. The Reds are looking to build on their recent boost of confidence, while Brentford aim to continue their strong home form.
For Brentford, it’s been a bit of a roller coaster season with some good times and some bad times. Softfootball reported how they pulled in a big win against West Ham, defeating them 2-0 away from home. Under Keith Andrews, the Bees aim to play a clever, tactical game to frustrate stronger opponents, while also using their pace to catch teams off-guard.
Arne Slot (Photo Credit – Liverpool Official Website)
Speaking in a press conference ahead of the match between Liverpool and Brentford, Arne Slot highlighted the status of his players, Mohammed Salah’s form and the challenges of the match.
Arne Slot and Mohammed Salah (photo credit: Liverpool media)
Slot spoke in favor of Salah who has played a few matches without scoring, classifying the Egyptian star as one of the most reliable players in the team. He said:
The main thing is that Mo has always scored goals for our club. The last thing I worry about is Mo starting to score goals again because that’s what he’s done his whole life and what I expect him to do in the upcoming weeks and months for our club as well
When asked about the squad changes affect Salah’s form, the manager reflected on summer changes and their possible impact, saying:
It could. Not particularly maybe the right full-back, but it could [be]… for every player if you have quite a few changes in your squad during the summer then everyone needs to find new connections again… Mo is not an exception to this because he’s also a human being like all the others…
Curtis Jones (Photo Credit: Liverpool media)
Slot noted Curtis Jones’ commanding midfield display against Frankfurt, explaining the tactical setup behind his influence:
I’m not so surprised that he touched the ball a lot because I positioned him and Dom a bit lower… Curtis has played a very good game against Frankfurt.
Speaking on the challenge of selecting the best XI, Slot said:
It’s not only about new signings… It’s about a lot of very good players, so what is your best line-up? The team you face, the tactics the other team plays with, the form of the player and the connections between the players… you can also have moments in the season where things are a bit more difficult.
He added that integrating new signings in matches also plays a role:
It was maybe also the first time there was an opportunity to play with both Alex and Hugo because of Alex missing out for so long… certain players bring different characteristics.
Keith Andrews, the head coach of Brentford also spoke ahead of the match. As shared in the club’s verified X handle, He sounded positive on the team’s recent performance and talked about the need for improvements.
The performance levels of so many aspects on Monday were very pleasing. There’s always things you can tweak. Naturally you can become a little bit more demanding, and fine tune, when everybody is in a good place. We need to build on that
He also spoke about his team’s preparation for the match against Liverpool. He admitted that the game will be tough but his players are ready.
Keith Andrews on Liverpool gameplan
"We have to manage the game. We are well aware of the strengths that they have. We’ll see what their teamsheet brings tomorrow evening. We’ll be prepared for it and are really looking forward to it" pic.twitter.com/aqE8az4jRp
For Liverpool, Alexandra Isak’s coming back is in doubt especially as he had come off at half-time in the game with Eintracht Frankfurt because of his groin injury. It is also not certain if Ryan Gravenberch will be playing in the match because of his ankle injury. Jeremie Frimpong, Alisson Becker, and Giovanni Leoni remain out.
For Brentford, Antoni Milambo and Paris Maghoma will not play because of an ACL and thigh injuries respectively. There is doubt about Aaron Hickey because of a knock to his knee.
Possible Lineups:
Brentford (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Collins, Van den Berg, Pinnock; Kayode, Henderson, Yarmolyuk, Lewis-Potter; Damsgaard; Schade, Thiago
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Bradley; Konaté; Virgil van Dijk; Robertson; Mac Allister; Jones; Salah; Szoboszlai; Gakpo; Ekitike.
Prediction:
With Liverpool’s superior quality, they could win with a 2-1 scoreline but Brentford will still make the game tough for them because of their strength at home.
Manchester United will look to stretch their winning run to four games when they face Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on Saturday, October 25, 2025. Rúben Amorim’s men have started to click, and the mood around the club is beginning to change—especially after that stunning 2–1 win over Liverpool at Anfield, as reported by Softfootball. It was United’s first league victory there in a decade and probably the most defining result of Amorim’s early reign.
Manchester United vs Liverpool (Photo Credit: Softfootball Media)
The Red Devils have now won three straight Premier League matches for the first time under the Portuguese boss. Confidence is back at Old Trafford, where they have taken three wins on the bounce. Defender Matthijs de Ligt, as reported by Softfootball, said he is hitting his prime years at Manchester United and has quietly become a rock at the back. Amorim’s tactical structure is working — solid, sharp, and focused — but Brighton’s visit won’t be a stroll.
Brighton, led by Fabian Hürzeler, arrive unbeaten in four league games after seeing off Newcastle 2–1. They have got the youngest average starting XI in the league, full of energy and ideas. Still, one clean sheet in twenty matches tells its own story. Oddly, Brighton have dominated this fixture — six wins in the last seven meetings and three straight at Old Trafford. No side has done that since Manchester City in the late ‘60s.
Matthijs de Ligt of Manchester United (Photo Credit: United via X)
Team News
Manchester United: Lisandro Martínez is still recovering from an ACL injury but has resumed partial training. Harry Maguire and Mason Mount are being checked for minor issues, while Noussair Mazraoui and Ayden Heaven are available.
Brighton: Adam Webster, Solly March, Jack Hinshelwood, and Brajan Gruda are ruled out. Joel Veltman and Kaoru Mitoma could return after light training, while Diego Gómez remains a doubt.
Bryan Mbeumo celebrates scoring for Manchester United against Liverpool (Photo Credit: Manchester United X handle)
Possible Lineups
Manchester United (3-4-2-1): Lammens; De Ligt, Maguire, Shaw; Amad, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dalot; Mbeumo, Cunha; Šeško.
Brighton (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Wieffer, Dunk, Van Hecke, Kadioglu; Baleba, Ayari; Minteh, Rutter, De Cuyper; Welbeck.
Manchester United, via their official X account, announced their Premier League match against Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford following a morale-boosting 2-1 win over Liverpool, which could shift momentum for new manager Ruben Amorim amid fan pressure.
It feels like United are finally finding rhythm under Amorim, but Brighton’s movement and bravery in attack make them tricky to contain. Bryan Mbeumo, who’s been involved in six goals in his last four starts against Brighton, could be decisive again. On the other end, Danny Welbeck, fresh off four goals in three matches, would love to remind his old fans what they once had.
Softfootball tips a 2–1 win for Manchester United, but don’t rule out a draw — Brighton’s record at Old Trafford speaks for itself.
As the Rossoneri prepare to host the newly-promoted Tuscan side at the San Siro, one of its brightest stars is nowhere to be seen.
When Christian Pulisic’s name didn’t appear on Milan’s team sheet ahead of its Serie A clash with Pisa, fans were left puzzled. After all, the American forward has been one of their most consistent performers since the start of the campaign. Yet, as the Rossoneri prepare to host the newly-promoted Tuscan side at the San Siro, one of its brightest stars is nowhere to be seen.
For Milan, the task seems simple on paper — first place versus last. But without Pulisic, the team’s dynamic in attack is set to be tested. The Rossoneri enter the eighth round of Serie A sitting at the top with 16 points, just ahead of Inter, Napoli, and Roma. A victory against Pisa would temporarily give Massimiliano Allegri’s men a four-point cushion before the weekend’s heavyweight clashes.
For the Pisa clash, Allegri named a rotated side. With Christopher Nkunku only fit enough for the bench, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Pervis Estupinan, and Adrien Rabiot still unavailable, the manager had to rely on young players like Samuele Ricci and Davide Bartesaghi to fill the gaps. But the big question lingers: why isn’t Christian Pulisic playing?
The reason for Pulisic’s absence revealed
As reported by the club, Pulisic suffered a low-grade tear in his right hamstring while on international duty with the United States. The incident occurred during a friendly against Australia, where he felt discomfort and was forced off early.
Christian Pulisic of the United States leaves the game after picking up an injury vs Australia.
The Italian side confirmed the diagnosis after an MRI scan, noting that he would be re-evaluated in approximately 10 days. The expected recovery window is around three weeks, which rules him out not only for the Pisa game but also for the next few Serie A fixtures. In fact, manager Allegri has already resigned himself to being without the winger until after the next international break.
“It’s highly unlikely he’ll be back before November,” the coach admitted. The club’s cautious approach reflects a desire to avoid aggravating the injury, knowing that a premature return could lead to a longer absence.
When could Pulisic return?
The most optimistic timeline suggests that Pulisic could make his comeback against Parma on November 8, or eventually in time for the derby against Inter on November 23, a match that could have major implications for the title race. For now, Milan’s medical staff are prioritizing rest and controlled recovery.
The 27-year-old USMNT star’s absence leaves a void, not just in performance but also in mentality. His influence on and off the pitch has been clear since joining from Chelsea, helping the Red and Blacks blend experience with intensity in attack.
Christian Pulisic of AC Milan celebrates after scoring.
As the clock ticks toward another fierce El Clasico, Lamine Yamal has once again become the center of attention — but this time, it’s not for his dazzling footwork
As the clock ticks toward another fierce El Clasico, Lamine Yamal has once again become the center of attention — but this time, it’s not for his dazzling footwork. Just a day before Barca travels to the Santiago Bernabeu, the 18-year-old prodigy has set Spanish soccer ablaze with comments that reignited the historic tension between Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Barcelona heads into the match under pressure. After a shaky start to the season and a dramatic win over Girona thanks to Ronald Araujo’s late goal, all eyes have turned to the club’s young star. Yamal has often been the light in dark moments for the Blaugrana, especially when facing Real Madrid — the team he’s performed against more than any other in his short but explosive career.
But the anticipation for his next El Clasico appearance took a sharp turn after Yamal’s recent remarks — ones that quickly crossed the white lines separating rivalry from controversy. Statistically, Yamal has turned the historic derby into his own stage. Across seven appearances against the Whites, he has played 492 minutes, scored three goals, and provided two assists — a tally that makes Madrid one of his most productive opponents.
He’s helped the Catalans to four wins in those seven clashes, an impressive record considering his age. His 15 shots on target out of 20 total against Madrid mark his highest efficiency against any side, while his six key passes underline his creative importance.
Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe
These numbers highlight not just consistency, but a tendency to thrive under pressure — a hallmark of players destined for greatness. Yet, it’s that same confidence that has now led him into hot water.
The moment that set Spain on fire
During a lighthearted Kings League broadcast with Ibai Llanos and Gerard Pique, Yamal was asked whether Ibai’s team, Porcinos FC, reminded him of any club. The young forward didn’t hesitate. “Yes, of course… They steal and complain,” Yamal said with a grin. The moment, intended as a joke, immediately went viral. Los Blancos fans saw it as a provocation, while Barcelona supporters defended it as playful banter. The reaction, however, was swift and furious.
Within hours, the comment was trending across Spain. Marca reported that Real Madrid players were “furious”, describing Yamal’s remark as “disrespectful and immature.” According to the outlet, captain Dani Carvajal is expected to speak with the youngster after Sunday’s match to calm the situation. “He doesn’t realize what he represents,” raged pundit Edu Aguirre on El Chiringuito.“He’s 18 and already acts like the king of football. You can’t say something like that about an institution.”
Divided reaction in Spain
The fallout didn’t end there. Radio Marca journalist Pilar Losantos criticized the teenager for “drawing more attention off the pitch than with the ball at his feet,” while Paul Tenorio warned that Yamal had “motivated Real Madrid” ahead of the clash. Inside Barcelona, opinions were mixed. While some within the club privately saw the comments as “stupid,” according to Mundo Deportivo, others dismissed the uproar as part of the El Clasico theater.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid and Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona.
With Santiago Gimenez still settling into life at San Siro and Luka Modric anchoring the midfield, fans have begun to wonder: if a crucial penalty were awarded, who would step up to the spot for the Rossoneri?
When Christian Pulisic went down injured on international duty, it wasn’t just Milan’s attacking rhythm that took a hit — it also opened up an unexpected question for Massimiliano Allegri and his coaching staff. With Santiago Gimenez still settling into life at San Siro and Luka Modric anchoring the midfield, fans have begun to wonder: if a crucial penalty were awarded, who would step up to the spot for the Rossoneri?
The conversation, seemingly simple, arrives at a time of unease. Pulisic’s injury, sustained during the United States’ friendly against Australia, has left Milan temporarily without their designated penalty taker and arguably their most consistent performer of the season. But the debate over who takes his place has only grown louder following the club’s troubling penalty record — the worst in Europe’s top five leagues since 2024.
The problem began when Pulisic, who had been managing a minor ankle issue, started for the U.S. despite Milan’s medical warnings. He lasted just 31 minutes before limping off with a hamstring strain. According to various Italian outlets, the Red and blacks were “furious with the handling of Pulisic’s condition” by USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino, who downplayed the injury after the match.
Following tests in Italy, the club confirmed that the 27-year-old had suffered a “low-grade hamstring tear”, ruling him out for at least three weeks. That absence will see him miss several key fixtures — and, crucially, any potential penalty opportunities.
Christian Pulisic of the United States leaves the game after picking up an injury vs Australia.
This is no minor issue for Milan. As Calciomercato pointed out, since January 2024, the Rossoneri have missed seven of their last 13 penalties, a staggering 54% failure rate. That statistic places them dead last among Europe’s elite clubs in terms of penalty conversion.
Allegri’s trust and problem of confidence
Despite his miss against Juventus earlier this month, his second since arriving at San Siro, Allegri was quick to defend his player. “Pulisic is our penalty taker. One miss doesn’t change that,” the coach told reporters post-match. “I just need to figure out who takes them when he’s not there.”
That declaration reflected both faith and frustration. While Pulisic’s composure has been a constant feature of Milan’s resurgence under Allegri, his absence now leaves the team searching for stability in a department that has cost them dearly in the title race.
Christian Pulisic misses a penalty during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and AC Milan.
The alternatives: Gimenez, Modric, or another player?
The two obvious candidates are Santiago Gimenez and Luka Modric, each with their strengths and weaknesses. Gimenez, Milan’s Mexican striker, brings power and confidence from the spot. According to Transfermarkt, he’s converted 15 of 20 penalties in his career, giving him a 75% success rate. But fans haven’t forgotten his miss against Napoli last March, when Alex Meret denied him from 12 yards — a moment that symbolized the club’s ongoing spot-kick curse.
Still, many supporters see the logic in letting a striker handle penalties. As one fan told Calciomercato, “Old school on that one — the striker should take penalties.” Others argue for flexibility: “If Pulisic is out, Gimenez, as the starting forward, should take them. Otherwise, share it depending on the situation.”
Then there’s Luka Modric, the veteran playmaker whose experience speaks for itself. The Croatian has taken 30 penalties throughout his career, converting 24 and missing six — a record that’s reliable, if not flawless. His calmness under pressure and ability to read the goalkeeper’s movement make him a safe option, especially in high-stakes matches.
Luka Modric of AC Milan celebrates after scoring
Given his background and skill set, Rafael Leao also stands out among the projected starting lineup as a player who may take the lead. His career penalty conversion rate is three goals with one missed.
Christian Pulisic (left), Luka Modric (center), Santiago Gimenez (right)
What was shaping up to be a decisive clash between Hansi Flick’s men and Real Madrid has now turned into a test of resilience, as the Catalan giant faces yet another setback — and it’s not just Robert Lewandowski’s absence that’s troubling the coach.
The mood at Barcelona has shifted dramatically in the build-up to this weekend’s El Clasico. What was shaping up to be a decisive clash between Hansi Flick’s men and Real Madrid has now turned into a test of resilience, as the Catalan giant faces yet another setback — and it’s not just Robert Lewandowski’s absence that’s troubling the coach.
The injury crisis that began weeks ago shows no signs of easing. Just as Barcelona seemed to be getting players back from the treatment room, another key figure has been ruled out on the eve of the most anticipated fixture of the Spanish soccer calendar.
Growing list of absentees
For Flick, this latest blow could not have come at a worse time. The German tactician has already been forced to navigate a demanding schedule without Lewandowski, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Dani Olmo, and Gavi. Now, on the eve of the trip to the Santiago Bernabeu, another star has joined that unwanted list — a player the German manager had been counting on to inject pace, creativity, and leadership into the attack.
According to reports from Jijantes FC journalist Gerard Romero, Barcelona’s influential winger Raphinha has been ruled out of El Clasico after suffering a relapse in training. The 28-year-old had missed five consecutive matches due to a hamstring injury sustained in late September against Real Oviedo. He had returned to partial training earlier this week and was expected to be declared fit for Sunday’s showdown, but events on Friday morning told a different story.
The winger reportedly arrived at the Ciutat Esportiva only to leave before the team’s training session began, a sign that his recovery had hit a snag. Sources close to the club later confirmed that he had experienced fresh discomfort and would not be included in the squad to face Real Madrid.
“He started feeling unwell on Thursday and was unable to complete the session,” reported Jijantes FC.“This morning, he did not train with the group, and after medical consultations, he has been ruled out of El Clasico.”
Setback and concern for Barcelona
The development is a crushing one for Barcelona, given the winger’s impressive start to the season, which included three goals and two assists in his first seven appearances across all competitions. Before his injury, he was one of the side’s most reliable performers and had been expected to play a major role against Real Madrid. As Diario AS notes, “If a relapse of the hamstring injury is confirmed, he could be out for another month — missing key fixtures against Elche, Club Brugge, and Celta Vigo.”
Raphinha and Hansi Flick
Such an absence would be a tactical headache for Flick, who has already been experimenting with makeshift line-ups to compensate for missing personnel. Without the Brazilian’s dynamism on the right flank, the Blaugrana may once again have to turn to Lamine Yamal, Marcus Rashford, or Ferran Torres to provide the attacking spark.
Flick, serving a touchline ban following his red card against Girona last weekend, will have to orchestrate his strategy from the stands — another unwelcome twist in what has become a testing week for the German manager.
The Brazilian winger, who had been recovering from a hamstring injury, looked close to returning in time for the clash — only for fresh doubts to emerge over his fitness just days before kickoff.
Just when optimism had begun to return to Hansi Flick’s Barcelona after a resounding Champions League win, the mood quickly shifted. The team’s preparations for El Clasico against Real Madrid suffered a major setback, with Raphinha once again at the center of concern. The Brazilian winger, who had been recovering from a hamstring injury, looked close to returning in time for the clash — only for fresh doubts to emerge over his fitness just days before kickoff.
Following Barcelona’s 6-1 demolition of Olympiakos, Flick and fans alike had reason to smile. The return of Raphinha to full training on Wednesday, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, was seen as the perfect boost ahead of Sunday’s trip to the Bernabeu. His recovery from a right thigh hamstring injury that had sidelined him for almost a month was progressing well, and early indications suggested he might finally be cleared to play.
But optimism quickly turned to frustration. Two days before the match, Spanish outlets including Diario Sport and Jijantes FC journalist Gerard Romero reported that the Brazilian left training early, before the session had even begun. He had arrived at the Ciutat Esportiva training ground but departed before joining his teammates on the pitch.
“Raphinha was close to getting the green light after returning to Barcelona training, but he’s now expected to miss Sunday’s El Clasico,” said Romero’s update. The sudden absence sparked concern among the coaching staff, with Flick left scrambling to readjust his plans for the season’s biggest domestic fixture.
By Friday morning, the worst fears were confirmed. Raphinha had suffered a relapse of his hamstring injury, forcing Barcelona’s medical team to rule him out of El Clasico altogether. According to Mario Cortegana and Javi Miguel of Diario AS, tests revealed that the 28-year-old had aggravated the same muscle problem that had kept him sidelined for weeks.
“If a relapse of his hamstring injury is confirmed, the winger could be out of action for an additional month,” reported AS, noting that Barca may have to do without one of their most influential attackers for a run of crucial fixtures.
Before the setback, the Brazilian had already missed five matches in all competitions, including the Champions League tie against PSG. During his absence, the right flank — an area typically energized by his pace and creativity — has lacked its usual spark.
How long will Raphinha be ruled out for?
Raphinha’s relapse is not just a blow for the weekend; it also threatens to derail Barcelona’s momentum in the coming weeks. Should his absence indeed stretch further, the winger could miss several key fixtures, including La Liga clashes against Elche and Celta Vigo and the Champions League group stage meeting with Club Brugge.
Before his injury, the winger had played seven matches this season, scoring three goals and providing two assists, reaffirming his status as one of Barcelona’s most valuable attacking assets. His creativity and intensity on the right flank were vital to Flick’s early tactical plans — and his absence will force a reshuffle that could see Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres sharing more attacking responsibility.
It’s another frustrating twist for Barcelona, as Raphinha’s long-awaited comeback looks set to be delayed again. The Brazilian winger walked off Friday’s training session on October 24, 2025, after feeling a new discomfort that left fans worried all over again, as reported by Fabrizio Romano on his official X account.
Raphinha’s story this season has been stop-start. The first injury came on September 25 against Real Oviedo, and after weeks of rehab, things looked promising. Now, medical staff believe he will be out for about another month. It’s tough luck for a player who has been desperate to help the team, especially with such a massive fixture ahead.
Flick’s problems keep piling up. He’s missing Gavi, Ter Stegen, Lewandowski, and Dani Olmo, and to make matters worse, he’ll be watching El Clásico from the stands due to his suspension. Without Raphinha, Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres might get the nod, though both have their own knocks and moments of inconsistency.
Raphinha left today’s training session after good feelings yesterday to get the green light.
At this point, Barcelona can only hope the injury doesn’t linger too long. Raphinha brings energy, flair, and that bit of chaos defenders hate. Losing him again right before Real Madrid feels like déjà vu for Flick and his squad.
AC Milan will take on Pisa in Matchday 8 of the 2025/2026 Serie A campaign. Find out all the key details on when, where, and how to watch this can’t-miss showdown live in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch AC Milan vs Pisa on US television and via legal streaming:
Matchday 8 kicks off with a high-stakes showdown as Serie A leaders, AC Milan, aim to extend their dominant run against bottom-placed Pisa. Milanenter the contest riding the momentum of a strong Matchday 7 performance that kept them atop the standings.
The Rossoneri will look to secure another win to solidify their position. Pisa, on the other hand, are desperate for points as they look to climb out of the relegation zone in what promises to be a battle between two teams fighting for very different goals.
More details on how to watch
Paramount+ is now offering a 7-day free trial promotion for new subscribers, giving fans the ability to watch a ton of soccer fans (and other content) for free.
After the 7-day trial, Paramount+ is just $7.99 per month.
Paramount+ features more than 2,000 live matches each year. In addition to Serie A, the extensive portfolio of soccer properties also includes Coppa Italia, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League; English Football League; Carabao Cup; NWSL; Argentina’s Liga Profesional de Fútbol, and more.
Paramount+ includes exclusive original programs such as: Halo, Star Trek: Discovery, Frasier, Lawmen: Bass Reeves, and Evil, as well as movies including Mean Girls, Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning and more. You can also stream CBSN (CBS News), CBS Sports HQ and ET Live, as well as — with the Premium Plan — your local CBS network.
Paramount+ is available on PC or Mac as well as Roku, iPhone and Android phones, Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, PlayStation 4, Samsung smart TV, Vizio and XBOX One.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Paramount+ soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
Here are the steps to sign up for your 7-day free trial to Paramount+:
1. After clicking the ‘Try It Free’ button, you’ll see the following page that explains the two choices you’ll find. Click ‘Continue’ to be presented with the options:
2. Choose between the ‘Paramount+ Essential’ or ‘Paramount+ With Showtime’ options. If you want to save over 15% with an annual plan, click the Annual option. Then hit ‘Continue’ to move on.
3. Next, you’ll need to create a free Paramount+ account:
4. Enter your contact details, and click ‘Continue’ to move to the next step.
5. The following page explains the free 7-day trial:
6. Enter your payment details and then click ‘Start Paramount+’ to begin your free trial.
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
The moment has arrived for Inter Miami, the club led by Lionel Messi, to begin its 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs campaign — and yet, a familiar question lingers over Fort Lauderdale: will he play?
The moment has arrived for Inter Miami, the club led by Lionel Messi, to begin its 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs campaign — and yet, a familiar question lingers over Fort Lauderdale: will he play? After a season defined by records, trophies, and breathtaking goals, the Argentine’s fitness has once again taken center stage on the eve of a crucial postseason clash.
On Friday night, Miami will host Nashville SC in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference Round One best-of-three series at Chase Stadium. For Javier Mascherano’s side, this match is not only about redemption after last year’s early exit but about proving that this era of global stars — Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets — still has one more historic run left in it.
The Herons entered the playoffs riding a wave of optimism. Just days before the opening match, the club announced that Messi had signed a three-year contract extension, tying him to South Florida through 2028. The deal ensures that he will remain the face of the franchise when Miami Freedom Park opens next season.
But there’s no time for sentiment in October soccer. Miami, led by coach Javier Mascherano, now turns its focus to the MLS Cup — the only major trophy missing from the club’s short but glittering Messi-era resume.
The Herons finished third in the Eastern Conference with 65 points, nine fewer than their record-breaking tally last year. They are now chasing redemption after a shocking Round One exit to Atlanta United in the 2024 Playoffs — a defeat many considered the biggest upset in MLS history.
Nashville SC: Quiet confidence and high stakes
For Nashville SC, this is the chance to prove it belongs among the elite. Under coach B.J. Callaghan, the club enjoyed one of its best seasons to date, finishing sixth in the East with 54 points and lifting the 2025 U.S. Open Cup — the first major trophy in franchise history.
Their strength lies in the lethal pairing of Sam Surridge and Hany Mukhtar, who combined for 40 goals this season. Still, the Coyotes’ history against Inter Miami is daunting. Since Messi’s arrival, they’ve never beaten the Herons — zero wins, six losses, and two draws across all competitions. Their defensive leader, Walker Zimmerman, and goalkeeper Joe Willis will need to deliver the performance of their careers to keep Messi and Luis Suarez quiet.
Lionel Messi starts vs. Nashville SC
In the buildup to Friday’s clash, fans grew uneasy when Messi missed Tuesday’s training session. Rumors quickly spread about a possible setback, especially after such an intense run of matches to close the regular season. Reporter Jose Armando later revealed that the Argentine captain was suffering from mild back pain, not a new injury. The club confirmed that he was simply being rested as a precaution.
By Wednesday, Messi was back at Miami’s training facility, smiling, shooting, and, most importantly, pain-free. What’s more, Inter Miami posted photos of him on social media with the caption: “Back and ready.”
Mascherano soon addressed the media to clarify the situation.“On Monday, when we returned to training, he was dealing with some back discomfort,”he said. “On Tuesday, we preferred that he rest to avoid making it worse, but yesterday he trained normally and completed the entire session with the group.” The coach ended the suspense with a simple statement:“He’s fully fit and ready to play the full 90 minutes — and even more if necessary.”
Inter Miami vs. Nashville SC: Confirmed lineups
Inter Miami’s XI (4-4-2): Rocco Rios Novo; Ian Fray, Maximiliano Falcon, Noah Allen, Jordi Alba; Tadeo Allende, Rodrigo De Paul, Sergio Busquets, Baltasar Rodriguez; Lionel Messi; Luis Suarez.
Nashville SC‘s XI (4-4-2): Joe Willis; Andy Najar, Walker Zimmerman, Jeison Palacios, Daniel Lovitz; Jacob Shaffelburg, Bryan Acosta, Edvard Tagseth, Patrick Yazbek; Hany Mukhtar, Sam Surridge.
Leones FC, Lionel Messi’s family club, has been promoted to Argentina’s professional ranks.
Lionel Messi’s legacy in Argentina has already been cemented after breaking records with the national team and capturing two Copa América titles and one World Cup. Now, that legacy is set to grow even further as his family-owned club, Leones FC, prepares to turn professional for the first time in its history.
Leones de Rosario Fútbol Club was founded in 2015 in Messi’s hometown of Rosario, located in Argentina’s Santa Fe province. With the Messi family leading the project, Lionel’s brother Matías Horacio Messi serves as the club’s top executive, his sister María Sol is an alternate board member, and his nephew Tomás Matías Messi acts as an alternate auditor.
Since its founding, the club has competed in local tournaments while steadily working its way toward Argentina’s professional ranks. That journey now appears to have been fast-tracked following a resolution published on the same day Lionel Messi signed his new contract with Inter Miami.
According to Official Bulletin No. 6752 from the Argentine Football Association (AFA), the document reads: “Affiliation of Leones Fútbol Club (Rosario, Province of Santa Fe) to compete in the Primera ‘C’ Division starting from the 2026 season [in accordance with Article 10, Section 1, Subsection d), Article 11, and Article 25, Subsection m) of the Statute].”
Leones Fútbol Club badge.
As a result of the resolution, Leones de Rosario FC will skip the Torneo Promocional Amateur (Argentina’s fifth division) and move directly into Primera C, the country’s fourth tier. The decision has sparked mixed reactions among fans, with some questioning the legitimacy of the move, while others see it as a gesture of appreciation toward Messi’s family for his contributions to the national team.
Messi shares ownership project with Suárez in Uruguay
Although Lionel Messi has no direct involvement with Leones de Rosario FC, his influence extends elsewhere in South American soccer. In 2025, the Argentine star partnered with his Inter Miami teammate Luis Suárez to found Deportivo LSM (representing their initials) in Uruguay.
Deportivo LSM currently sits atop Uruguay’s Divisional D (the country’s fourth and lowest tier) alongside Rincón FC, boasting six wins and two losses. Both Messi and Suárez have shown their support through videos and motivational messages on social media, emphasizing their commitment to building a club that could one day compete at the professional level.
With Real Madrid hosting El Clasico on Sunday against FC Barcelona, star Kylian Mbappe will be looking forward to turn around his negative record against wonderkid Lamine Yamal
Real Madrid will host the first El Clásico of the 2025–26 season against FC Barcelona on Matchday 10 of La Liga next Sunday, a six-point clash where the winner could move to the top of the table. The spotlight will also be on the generational duel between Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal, with the French star looking to overturn his poor record against the Spanish wonderkid.
Mbappé has been one of the biggest sensations in European soccer over the past few years, winning the 2018 World Cup at just 19 years old. Now 26, he’s firmly established as one of the best players in the world. Yamal, meanwhile, appears to be at the start of a similar path, ending as runner up in the 2025 Ballon d’Or with just 18, and surprisingly, he holds a dominant record over the renowned French striker.
Mbappé and Yamal have already faced each other eight times, with Yamal boasting an impressive seven wins, while the Frenchman has managed victory on just one occasion. Even though the 2025–26 campaign marks only Yamal’s second full season, he’s already built a remarkable record against one of the sport’s biggest names.
The first time Mbappé and Yamal met was in the first leg of the 2023–24 UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, when Barcelona earned a 3–2 win at the Parc des Princes against Paris Saint-Germain. However, in the return leg at the Lluís Companys Olímpic Stadium, Mbappé starred with a brace in PSG’s 4–1 victory — his only win so far against Yamal, who was still finding his rhythm at that stage of his career.
Their next meetings club-wise came after Mbappé’s move to Real Madrid, when Yamal’s dominant run continued. Across four El Clásico matchups during the 2024–25 season, Barcelona came out on top each time: twice in La Liga (0–4 and 4–3), once in the Spanish Super Cup final (5–2), and again in the Copa del Rey final (3–2).
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid passes the ball under pressure from Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona.
The remaining two Yamal victories came on the international stage between Spain and France. The first was at UEFA Euro 2024, where Yamal scored in Spain’s 2–1 semifinal win. The second came in the UEFA Nations League semifinals, when Spain edged France 5–4 to reach another final.
Across all competitions, club and international, Yamal holds a six-win advantage over Mbappé. On Sunday, Mbappé will have the chance to narrow that gap against the 18-year-old, who’s quickly become one of the toughest opponents of his career.
Mbappé ahead in the goalscoring battle
Despite Yamal’s winning record, their styles and strengths differ significantly. Mbappé is more of a fearless finisher, while Yamal thrives as a dribbler and playmaker. That contrast has allowed Mbappé to lead the scoring tally, but only slightly.
In their eight meetings, Mbappé has scored eight goals compared to Yamal’s six. Assists have been nearly identical, with both registering four, giving Mbappé 12 goal contributions to Yamal’s 10.
Kylian Mbappe (L) of Real Madrid and Lamine Yamal (R) of FC Barcelona.
Franco Mastantuono has a chance to play in his first El Clasico between Real Madrid and Barcelona, and he could surpass a record held by his Argentina teammate Lionel Messi.
This Sunday, the first Clasico of the 2025–26 season will take place at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. The matchup between Real Madrid and Barcelona offers no shortage of storylines — from the battle for the top spot in La Liga standings to the much-anticipated showdown between Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe. However, Franco Mastantuono and Lionel Messi, teammates on the Argentina national team, will also be in the spotlight.
Mastantuono has quickly established himself at Real Madrid since arriving from River Plate this summer, coinciding with his 18th birthday. Despite his young age, he’s managed to compete for a place in the starting lineup alongside superstars like Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo Goes.
So far, the young Argentine has become such a valuable option for Xabi Alonso that the head coach has used him in 11 of Real Madrid’s 12 matches this season across La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. In eight of those appearances, the winger started.
With such a crucial match ahead against Barcelona, Franco has a strong chance to feature — whether from the opening whistle or coming off the bench. If he does play, Mastantuono will surpass Messi in the ranking of the youngest players ever to appear in a Real Madrid vs. Barcelona clash.
Lamine Yamal is the youngest player ever to appear in El Clasico.
The youngest players to appear in El Clasico
In October 2023, Lamine Yamal came on as a substitute for Joao Cancelo and became the youngest player ever to appear in a Barcelona–Real Madrid match, at just 16 years and 108 days old. That record broke an 82-year mark held by Vicenç Martinez, who had played at 16 years and 280 days.
In that ranking, Ansu Fati sits third, having debuted in El Clasico at 17 years and 48 days. Further down the list is the first Real Madrid player to appear — none other than Raul Gonzalez, who faced Barcelona for the first time in 1995 at 17 years and 198 days.
Mastantuono chasing Messi’s mark
Lionel Messi also appears on the list of the youngest players to feature in a Clasico between Spain’s two giants. On November 19, 2005, he played his first Clasico against Real Madrid in a memorable 3–0 victory for Los Blaugranas, with two goals from Ronaldinho and one from Samuel Eto’o. That day, Messi started at 18 years and 148 days old before being replaced by Andres Iniesta in the second half.
Franco Mastantuono has progressed even faster than his Argentina teammate. If he steps onto the pitch for even a moment this Sunday, he will move past Messi in the all-time ranking. The former River Plate winger will be just 18 years and 65 days old at the time of the match.
After only 6 months in the club, defender Kyle Walker admitted he shouldn't have left Manchester City to join Christian Pulisic’s AC Milan.
Kyle Walker was one of AC Milan’s headline signings in the 2025 winter transfer window, but after six months that didn’t go as planned, the defender returned to England. Now at Burnley, Walker has admitted he shouldn’t have left Manchester City to join Christian Pulisic’s side.
During the 2024-25 season, Walker began to play a secondary role under Pep Guardiola following the emergence of young right-back Rico Lewis. Frustrated by a lack of minutes, the then–City captain decided to join Milan on loan until the end of the season.
In an interview with Sky Sports, the defender opened up about his decision to leave Manchester City: “At that time in the season, should I have left? Looking back at it now, probably no. I should have stood by or next to my team-mates, next to my friends and people who I class as my family. But for the first time probably in my career I was selfish and I thought about myself and I wanted to play football.”
Walker also explained how Milan’s offer came at a moment of vulnerability. “I don’t see it as a bad reason, but I wasn’t happy sitting on the bench and getting a game here or there whenever I could. I felt that I still had a point to prove, I felt that I could still play football at a high level and when a club like AC Milan comes, I didn’t think I could turn it down knowing that I was on the bench,” he added.
Kyle Walker of AC Milan in Coppa Italia final.
Walker initially earned a key role at AC Milan, but a fractured elbow proved a major setback during his time in Italy. With Pulisic’s side dropping to ninth place in Serie A, missing out on European competition, and facing financial limitations, I Rossoneri ultimately decided not to trigger the buy option for the English defender.
Walker doesn’t directly regret joining Milan
In less than a year, Walker went from being one of Manchester City’s captains to a short stint at AC Milan, and now to recently promoted Premier League side Burnley. While some fans might see it as a step back in his career or the result of a series of poor decisions, the defender sees it differently.
Reflecting on his decision to join Milan, Walker made his stance clear: “But again, I don’t regret it because I’ve always wanted to play abroad and I’ve always wanted to experience playing abroad. I’ve experienced it, but I’m glad that I did the six months.”
Although he admitted there was room for improvement, Walker emphasized the positives from his time in Italy. “I probably could have done a little bit better as well, but I think everyone associated with the club would probably hold their hands up and say ‘that was a season to just put behind us’ and they’ve set off pretty well. I’ve still got friends there and still look out for their results,” he concluded.
Kyle Walker (L) and Christian Pulisic (R) of AC Milan.
The FIFA World Cup 2030 will be held primarily across Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, but the venue for the final match has yet to be determined.
While the next major event on the calendar is the FIFA World Cup 2026, set to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada next summer, much of the attention is already shifting toward the 2030 edition — another multi-nation tournament. Spain, Portugal, and Morocco will host the majority of matches, though the location of the final remains unclear.
Reports suggest there are currently three possible scenarios for the championship match. Two of them are in Spain, at the country’s most iconic stadiums: Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu Stadium and Barcelona’s Camp Nou. However, Morocco has expressed a strong desire to stage the final in Casablanca.
The president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation gave a firm response when asked about the issue. “I think it would be impossible to explain that Spain is not the host of the World Cup final,” said Rafael Louzan during a talk at the Nueva Economia Forum, according to Marca.
“Spain has 55% of the organizational weight. It’s only natural that Spain should host the final,” Louzan continued, outlining his main argument. “There will be a five-billion-euro impact on GDP and 2.5 billion euros invested in stadium renovations… those of us involved in soccer need to stay united.”
The Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is one of the possible venues for the World Cup 2030 final.
A historic World Cup in 2030
Just as the World Cup 2026 will make history as the first tournament featuring 48 teams — and the first hosted by three different nations — the 2030 edition could take things even further. Regarding the format, there are proposals to expand participation to 64 teams, though that idea has sparked heated debate.
One thing is certain: the World Cup 2030 will be the largest in history in terms of geographic reach. To commemorate the centennial of the first-ever World Cup, several matches will take place in South America, with Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay selected as host nations.
The majority of games will then move to the three main host countries: Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. This setup brings two unprecedented milestones — it will be the first World Cup hosted by six different countries and the first ever played across three continents: South America, Europe, and Africa.
Potential venues for the World Cup 2030
During his appearance at the Nueva Economia Forum, Royal Spanish Football Federation president Rafael Louzan also discussed the selection process for the 2030 venues, emphasizing that “the final decision will rest with FIFA.”
Still, speculation continues to swirl around the cities and stadiums most likely to host tournament matches. In South America, Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Estadio Centenario in Montevideo (which hosted the entire 1930 World Cup), and Estadio Osvaldo Dominguez Dibb in Asunción appear to be the top candidates.
In Morocco, six cities are in contention to host games — Agadir, Casablanca, Fez, Marrakesh, Rabat, and Tangier. In Casablanca, the construction of the Hassan II Stadium, with a projected capacity of 115,000 spectators, positions it as Spain’s main rival for the right to stage the final.
In Portugal, the spotlight will fall on three storied grounds: Estadio da Luz (Benfica) and Estadio Jose Alvalade (Sporting CP) in Lisbon, and Estadio do Dragao in Porto, each representing one of the nation’s soccer powerhouses.
Finally, Spain is expected to feature around eight host cities for the World Cup 2030. Two of them may have multiple venues: Madrid, with Santiago Bernabeu Stadium and Metropolitano Stadium (Atletico Madrid), and Barcelona, with Camp Nou and Estadi Cornella-El Prat (Espanyol). The other cities include La Coruña, Bilbao, Las Palmas, San Sebastian, Seville, and Zaragoza.
Lamine Yamal, Cristiano Ronaldo and Achraf Hakimi.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, several national teams have already punched their tickets to the tournament. While others await confirmation, 2002 World Cup champion Ricardo Kaka has identified four frontrunners for the title, even though only two have qualified so far.
The race to qualify for the 2026 World Cup is heating up, with 28 of the 48 national teams already securing their spots. CONMEBOL nations are emerging as potential powerhouses, while England stand as the sole UEFA team to have qualified so far. With numerous national teams still vying for a chance, 2002 World Cup champion Ricardo Kaka has boldly shared his picks for favorites to win the tournament.
“I really believe in our national team. I consider Brazil one of the favorites. I hope they win the championship. I hope Brazil brings home the Hexa. As for favorites, I think Spain is a very strong team, Yamal is on a huge roll, with very talented young players. France is an excellent team, it’s not new, it’s been around for many years with the same team, coach, it was world champion, it reached another final. Argentina too, without a doubt, the current champion,” Kaka said, via ESPN.
Although they have not yet secured their direct place, France and Spain remain clear protagonists in UEFA tournaments in recent years, winning the 2025 Nations League and 2024 Euro, respectively. Both national teams boast standout players such as Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappe, Pedri, and Lamine Yamal, among other that make them strong favorites. It makes perfect sense that they were chosen by Kaka.
Argentina, likewise, are in impressive form, winning consistently in recent years with a squad that continues to renew itself. With Lionel Messi performing at a high level and several young players shining, they also feature prominently in Kaka’s ranking. However, the inclusion of Brazil came as a surprise. They are not in their best form and have not won this tournament for years, with several uncertainties remaining, even in their squad selection.
TRIONDA, the Official Match Ball of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
With Argentina and Brazil already in, what do Spain and France need to do to reach the 2026 World Cup?
France and Spain continue to dominate the UEFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers, maintaining their undefeated streak and positioning themselves strongly for tournament qualification. On November 15, Lamine Yamal’s national team can clinch its spot with a victory over Georgia. To secure the top spot in its group, a win against Turkey on November 18 becomes crucial.
Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe’s national team faces Ukraine on November 13, needing a win to ensure its tournament berth. A subsequent victory over Azerbaijan on November 16 is essential for France to claim the group leader position. Both national teams are on course for qualification, undoubtedly positioning them as formidable contenders for the title, given their impressive performances in recent years.
Kaka of Brazil in action during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Neymar has been constantly snubbed by coach Carlo Ancelotti in the Brazil national team, but legend Kaká delivered a hopeful message to the star ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Neymar‘s absence from the Brazil national team has been one of the most discussed topics since Carlo Ancelotti took over as head coach, with the star still yet to make his debut under the Italian manager. While Neymar recovers from an injury, Brazilian legend Kaká offered a hopeful message to the forward ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
At just 20 years old, Kaká was part of the Brazil squad that won the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan. He went on to have a distinguished club career, most notably with AC Milan, where he won the Ballon d’Or in 2007. Now 43, he is still remembered as one of the standout talents of the 21st century and a precursor to the era dominated by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
In an interview with ESPN, the former Orlando City star addressed Neymar’s situation with optimism: “I think Neymar’s call-up at this point isn’t really up to the coach to decide. This is just my personal opinion. I believe it has more to do with his situation as an athlete. If he’s healthy, performing well, and injury-free, I have no doubt he’ll be called up and will play in the World Cup.“
Kaká also expressed hope for Neymar’s participation in what could be his final World Cup. “The hope now is that he can fully recover from this period of injuries, keep a good rhythm of games, and be ready for the World Cup. My expectation, and that of the fans, is that he’ll be fit and present at the 2026 World Cup,” he emphasized.
Neymar last appeared for the Brazil national team in October 2023.
Since taking over in June, Ancelotti has not called up Neymar even once, making it clear he will only select the Santos star when he is 100% fit. The decision has raised eyebrows in the national team, and there has reportedly been some tension between Neymar and Ancelotti over the reasons for his exclusion.
Currently, Neymar is recovering from an injury to the rectus femoris of his right thigh and is expected to resume training in early November. His last appearance was on September 14 against Atlético Mineiro. With the November international break approaching, it seems unlikely he will return to La Canarinha in 2025, but Kaká remains confident that, if fit, Neymar will be ready for the 2026 World Cup.
Kaká pleased with Ancelotti’s arrival
Despite the tension surrounding Neymar, Kaká has praised Ancelotti’s arrival as Brazil’s coach. The Italian managed Kaká during his six seasons at AC Milan between 2003 and 2009, leaving a lasting impression on the Ballon d’Or winner.
Under Ancelotti, Kaká believes Brazil can contend for another World Cup: “I’m happy with Ancelotti’s arrival; I think he’s an excellent coach. He’s fully capable of organizing the team, building a competitive squad, and leading it toward a sixth championship.“
Kaka (L) speaks with Carlo Ancelotti (R), manager of AC Milan.
Kaká also highlighted Ancelotti’s leadership qualities. “I really appreciate leadership like Ancelotti’s. I believe the role of a coach is very important within a football environment, within a team. Therefore, I’m super optimistic, believing strongly in Brazil and that our team will bring great joy in the next World Cup,” he added.
Harry Kane continues to shine among the world's elite players after joining Bayern Munich. Throughout his storied career, the Englishman has battled numerous soccer stars, yet he boldly identifies two who have challenged him the most.
After several years with Tottenham Hotspur, Harry Kane made the bold move to leave the Premier League for Bayern Munich, embracing a major challenge. Despite this transition, the Englishman has maintained his status as one of the world’s elite players. Reflecting on his storied career, Kane identified two opponents who have stood out among the many legends he has faced.
In a short video for GOAL, Harry Kane participated in an activity where he had to select the best player he ever faced. The Englishman avoided choosing just one, naming both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, letting clear these two legends have defined the recent era of soccer, dominating the sport for over a decade and sharing numerous individual awards.
Although the Bayern Munich star avoided the debate, he has previously expressed his admiration for Lionel Messi, calling him one of the greatest players in history. On ESPN in November 2024, he mentioned having wanted to play with Messi, believing the Argentine’s playmaking skills would have greatly increased his goal tally. As a striker, he saw more potential in partnering with him than with Cristiano Ronaldo.
In an interview with ESPN, Harry Kane explained that the career trajectories of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi influenced his move to Bayern Munich. He noted that both legends peaked around age 30, motivating him to pursue similar greatness. Recently, Kane has surpassed their goal-scoring records, cementing his status as a top scorer. Ronaldo’s impressive scoring prowess before turning 30 also serves as a key inspiration for the English star future endeavors.
Harry Kane of Bayern Munich.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo gear up for their next biggest challenge: 2026 World Cup
Though both stars have eclipsed the age of 37, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo remain at the pinnacle of their games. The Argentine star is enjoying a standout season with Inter Miami, matching his best statistical performances, while the Portuguese star continues his reign as Al Nassr’s leading scorer over the past two seasons. Furthermore, each continues to excel on the international stage, gearing up for what might be their final World Cup appearances.
While Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo haven’t confirmed their participation in the 2026 World Cup, their commanding performances in qualifiers suggest they’re poised for the prestigious event. Their involvement could see both setting the record for the most tournament appearances. Notably, Messi is just four goals away from becoming the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer, whereas Ronaldo has a steeper climb with only eight goals to his name.
Harry Kane of Bayern Munich looks on during the Bundesliga game.
LDU Quito will face Palmeiras in the first leg of the 2025 Copa Libertadores semifinals. Fans in the U.S. can watch all the action live—here’s everything you need to know about the matchup, including broadcast and streaming details.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch LDU Quito vs Palmeiras on US television and via legal streaming:
WHO
LDU Quito vs Palmeiras
WHAT
Copa Libertadores
WHEN
8:30pm ET / 5:30pm PT • Thursday, October 23, 2025
WHERE
Fubo, Fanatiz, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español and beIN SPORTS Connect
The stage is set for a high-stakes showdown as Liga de Quito and Palmeirassquare off in the decisive second leg of the Copa Libertadores semifinals. Liga de Quito arrive brimming with confidence after dismantling Sao Paulo 3-0 in their last outing, while Palmeiras enter with swagger following a 5-2 aggregate victory over River Plate.
With both sides packed with talent, history, and a hunger for continental glory, this matchup promises the kind of intensity and drama that define South America’s biggest club competition. Don’t miss a minute of this must-watch battle for a place in the Copa Libertadores final.
More details on how to watch
With Fubo, you can watch LDU Quito vs Palmeiras and tons more games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast.
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Plus Fubo, the legal streaming service, also streams Liga MX, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League (in Spanish), Europa League (in Spanish), Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, NWSL, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and more.
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If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Fubo soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
How to watch anywhere with VPN
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
Barcelona will play the first Clasico of the season against Real Madrid, and Marcus Rashford spoke about Lionel Messi as one of his main sources of inspiration.
Real Madrid and Barcelona will face off on Sunday in the most important match so far of the 2025–26 La Liga season. At stake, among other things, will be the top spot in the standings — but also the pride of both teams. For Marcus Rashford, it will be the first Clasico of his career, and he admitted that Lionel Messi inspires him as he prepares for the match.
During a recent interview with Barcelona’s official YouTube channel, Rashford was asked about how meaningful Sunday’s game is for him. “It’s my first Clasico and I’m looking forward to it because it’s maybe the biggest game there is,” he said. “It’s the most watched game in the world.”
Expanding on that thought, Marcus explained that matches like this are great opportunities to learn, both on and off the field. “It’s just that big of a game that is important, if you want to learn from the best players, especially how to be so good in the most pressured moments, you have to study these games,” the English forward said.
When asked about his very first memory of a Barcelona vs Real Madrid clash, Rashford paused for a moment and recalled a historic match. “I remember, for example, Messi’s hat trick in his early days in El Clasico,” he said.
Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his second goal during the match between Barcelona and Real Madrid on March 10, 2007.
The game Rashford referred to took place on March 10, 2007, in La Liga at Camp Nou. It was arguably Messi’s first truly stellar performance with Barcelona. Until that day, he had never scored against Real Madrid, but he found the net three times in a 3–3 draw, marking the beginning of a glorious run that would only grow stronger in the years to come.
Messi’s record against Real Madrid
That hat trick in 2007 marked the start of an extraordinary streak for the Argentine forward. From that moment until his departure from Barcelona in 2021, Messi scored a total of 26 goals against Real Madrid — making him theall-time top scorer in El Clasico history.
Messi struck another hat trick against Real Madrid in 2014, in a 4–3 victory at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. In addition to those two unforgettable performances, Leo scored braces on five other occasions. His last goal against Los Blancos came in 2018, in a 2–2 draw.
Real Madrid is also the team Messi has faced the most in his professional career. With Barcelona, he played them 45 times across domestic and international competitions, recording 19 wins, 11 draws, and 15 losses. Later, with Paris Saint-Germain, he met them twice more, earning one win and one defeat.
Rashford knows what Barcelona must do against Real Madrid
In the same interview, Marcus Rashford shared his thoughts on what Sunday’s Clasico at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium will be like. “I expect the atmosphere to be really good,” he said. “These games are fantastic to watch. And it’s great because you don’t have to be a Barcelona or Real Madrid fan to enjoy this game. It’s a special game.”
When discussing the mindset Barcelona should have going into the match against Real Madrid, the English forward was clear. “We have to keep continuing and keep pushing to be the best version of us,” he said. “For our team it’s also important to control the game as much as possible. We’ll do what we always do and try to win.”
As Lionel Messi's contract extension has been announced, Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham delivered a heartfelt message to the Argentine star.
Lionel Messi’s decision to extend his contract with Inter Miami has brought a sense of calm and excitement to the Major League Soccer franchise — and to the ownership group still driving the club’s ambitious expansion. Following the announcement, Inter Miami co-owner and global icon David Beckham shared a heartfelt message for the Argentine star.
As one of the most influential figures in world soccer, Beckham played a pivotal role in bringing Messi to Miami in the first place. The bold move has proven to be a massive success — both for the league, which gained unprecedented global attention, and for the club, which captured its first trophies since Messi’s arrival.
Speaking to Inter Miami’s official website, Beckham reflected on Messi’s new deal: “Our vision was to bring the best players to Inter Miami and to this city, and that’s exactly what we have done. We brought the best player to have ever played the game to our city. That shows our commitment to Miami, but it also shows Leo’s commitment to the city, to the Club, and to the game.“
The English legend also praised Messi’s professionalism and continued drive. “He’s still as committed as he’s ever been and he still wants to win. As owners, to have a player that loves the game as much as he does, and who has done as much for the game in this country and to inspire the next generation of young talent as he has, we feel very lucky,” he concluded.
Co- Owner David Beckham of Inter Miami CF looks on as Lionel Messi trains.
Among the club’s owners, Beckham remains the most closely connected to the players, largely due to his background as a former professional. Frequently seen at games and training sessions, his influence continues to be significant, both in the locker room and now in shaping Inter Miami’s long-term identity alongside Messi.
Co-owner Jorge Mas also reacts to Messi’s decision
Businessman Jorge Mas, another key figure in Messi’s arrival, has maintained a close relationship with the player’s camp and confirmed that talks over the renewal had been ongoing for months.
In his role as Inter Miami CF managing owner, Mas reflected on the club’s growth in recent years: “We promised our fans that we would dream big to build an iconic club. A club that represents the passion, hard work and dedication of all those that came before us to create a Miami built on dreams.”
Mas also highlighted the timing of Messi’s extension, just ahead of the new Miami Freedom Park stadium opening in 2026. “Leo signing through 2028 is an ode to our amazing city. We very much look forward to writing new chapters at our stadium at Miami Freedom Park. Together we will continue building and dreaming,” he concluded.
Lionel Messi (L) #10 and David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami CF.
Lamine Yamal, battling through discomfort, once again shines as Barcelona's standout, positioning himself as the key player ahead of El Clásico. For that reason, a Real Madrid legend praises the young talent, underscoring his remarkable impact on the field.
Barcelona have resiliently navigated a challenging injury spell and regained their winning momentum. Despite initial setbacks, Lamine Yamal‘s return against Girona and Olympiakos showcased his brilliance on the field, even under limitations. As El Clásico approaches, expectations mount for this young talent to play a pivotal role. For that reason, a Real Madrid legend weighed in ahead of the encounter, offering keen insights into Yamal’s rising caliber.
“He’s a great player, he’s breaking down a lot of barriers, and on the pitch he’s doing things that very few have done. He’s very young and now he has to consolidate everything he’s doing. I think he can be a very important player for his club right now and also for the Spanish national team,” Raul Gonzalez said in Desafío Nacex, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
Lamine Yamal, despite managing some playing time, faces ongoing constraints due to a lingering groin injury that heals slowly. He has not showcased his usual explosiveness and dribbling prowess. However, his productivity remains undeniable—delivering two assists and scoring one goal across his two games post-injury. This highlights his significant impact on the pitch and underscores Raul’s belief in his barrier-breaking talent.
Although a Real Madrid legend, Raúl has not shied away from praising Lamine Yamal, acknowledging the young star’s extraordinary talent. At just 18, he earned a second-place finish in the 2025 Ballon d’Or, establishing himself as one of the world’s elite players. For that reason, his presence on the field could significantly enhance Barcelona’s chances and drive their pursuit of the LaLiga title.
Raul Gonzalez of Real Madrid celebrates scoring a goal.
Raul Gonzalez could be a model for Lamine Yamal in a specific aspect in the coming years
Throughout his professional career, Raul Gonzalez became one of the best players in Spain and at Real Madrid, going down in history for his scoring prowess. Although his profile is quite different from that of Lamine Yamal, who is a complete winger, the young Spaniard could use Raúl as a role model in one specific aspect to help consolidate his sporting career.
Lamine has already demonstrated the talent necessary to become a once-in-a-generation player, yet he faces the significant challenge of maintaining this high standard over the long haul, as Raúl did. The Real Madrid legend amassed 323 goals, consistently ranking among the team’s top scorers and emerging as a prominent figure in European soccer. Lamine, the budding Barcelona star, has ample time to prove himself at this level.
Rather than criticizing, Raúl González chooses to applaud Lamine while underscoring a crucial truth: Consistency over the years is what will secure his place in the annals of Spanish and world soccer history. The young Barcelona star possesses undeniable talent, but replicating this performance over a decade remains the toughest challenge.
Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports.
Just days before El Clasico between Real Madrid and Barcelona in La Liga, a key player for the Catalan side is facing an unexpected issue.
Barcelona will face their first major challenge of the 2025-26 La Liga season this Sunday when they visit Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, aiming for a win that could help them reclaim the top spot in the standings. However, the availability of a key player is in doubt.
According to Marca, Frenkie De Jong was unable to join training on Thursday with his teammates due to a physical discomfort. The Dutch midfielder was present at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper training complex but was given special permission to return home and rest.
This unexpected situation has raised alarms at Barcelona, as with only three days remaining before the match against Real Madrid, it’s unclear if De Jong will be able to play. “His presence against Los Blancos will depend on his progress over the coming hours,”Marca reported.
Without a doubt, De Jong’s potential absence would be a huge problem for Hansi Flick. In fact, the head coach was so eager to have De Jong available for Sunday’s match that he rested him during Tuesday’s game against Olympiacos in the UEFA Champions League, keeping him on the bench and playing him only for the last 30 minutes.
Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong stands prior a game.
The importance of De Jong for Barcelona
During his early seasons in La Liga, Frenkie De Jong faced harsh criticism. Expectations were high for him to deliver performances exceeding what he showed on the field, and above all, to demonstrate the leadership and impact on the game that he had during his years at Ajax.
After Sergio Busquets left in 2023, the Dutch player fully assumed that role and became the midfield cornerstone for Barcelona. Since then, the criticism has quieted and no one questions his performance anymore, as he has become a key player for Hansi Flick.
This is evident in his numbers this season. De Jong has played in 10 of Barcelona’s 12 matches so far, starting in 8 and coming off the bench in 2. He has also captained the team in 4 matches when Ronald Araujo was not in the starting lineup.
Barcelona’s injury concerns
Frenkie De Jong’s unexpected physical issue adds to a long list of players currently not at full fitness for Barcelona. The first is Robert Lewandowski, who will miss the match against Real Madrid due to a muscle injury suffered during the October international break with Poland.
Adding to Lewandowski’s absence are other players who will also miss the first Clasico of the season: Marc Andre Ter Stegen, Joan Garcia, Gavi, and Dani Olmo are all ruled out. The good news is that Ferran Torres, who was on the bench Tuesday against Olympiacos, and Raphinha, who has trained with the team this week, could both return on Sunday.
Barcelona stars Frenkie De Jong and Robert Lewandowski.
After weeks of controversy, protests, and political maneuvering, the project has been abruptly called off — leaving Barcelona, facing a multimillion-euro setback, in a way, thanks to its arch-rival Real Madrid.
When La Liga announced its ambitious plan to stage a regular-season fixture between Barcelona and Villarreal in Miami, the move was hailed as a bold step toward globalizing Spanish soccer. Yet, after weeks of controversy, protests, and political maneuvering, the project has been abruptly called off — leaving Barcelona and its stars Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, and Marcus Rashford, facing a multimillion-euro setback, in a way, thanks to its arch-rival Real Madrid.
The game was scheduled for December 20 at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, where nearly 70,000 tickets had already been reserved, marking what would have been a record-setting turnout for a European league match on U.S. soil. It was meant to be the first time La Liga staged an official fixture abroad — a long-gestating dream first proposed in 2018 under a 15-year deal with Relevent Sports, the U.S. promoter also involved in the Miami Dolphins and Formula 1’s Miami Grand Prix.
But that dream unraveled this week. La Liga confirmed that the event was “postponed indefinitely” after discussions with Relevent and Spanish soccer authorities, citing “uncertainty that has arisen in Spain over the past few weeks.”
The decision came amid mounting domestic opposition. Players staged protests across Spain’s top flight, standing motionless for 15 seconds after kickoff to demonstrate against the overseas match. “Teams should play home and away,” Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois told reporters. “Playing on the road at Villarreal’s field is very tough. Every team has to play at home and away unless there is a major reason for that not to happen.”
The players’ union, the AFE, backed these protests, calling the match “a disruption to the integrity of competition.” Meanwhile, Real Madrid reportedly lobbied against the plan behind the scenes, appealing to soccer’s governing bodies — including FIFA, UEFA, and even CONCACAF — to block the move.
Barcelona’s U.S. dream turns costly
For Barcelona, the cancellation was more than a scheduling issue — it was a financial and branding blow. The club had projected revenue between $5.8 and $7 million from the event, including ticketing, sponsorship activations, and media rights. Those funds had already been factored into the club’s short-term financial outlook as part of its ongoing economic recovery plan.
The club had also lined up an extensive commercial and marketing campaign in the U.S., led by primary sponsor Spotify and financial partner Goldman Sachs, with activations planned across Miami, Los Angeles, and New York. The trip was also expected to strengthen ties with American fans and investors, many of whom were eager to see stars like Robert Lewandowski,Lamine Yamal, and Marcus Rashford in action.
Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona (R) celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Lamine Yamal (L).
“The club appreciates the support and unconditional affection it has received from our fans in the United States and deeply regrets that they are unable to attend the official match in the country,” Barcelona said in an official statement.
The match was also expected to serve as a cultural event — a celebration of soccer’s growing presence in North America, just months before the 2026 World Cup takes place in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
Robert Lewandowski (left), Marcus Rashford (center), and Lamine Yamal (right)
In a new interview that has sent shockwaves through Catalonia, former club vice-president Jordi Mestre opened up about the Argentine’s strained relationship with Joan Laporta, while also revisiting Neymar’s controversial 2017 departure — and Messi’s emotional wish to bring him back.
The wounds of Lionel Messi’s Barcelona exit refuse to close. In a new interview that has sent shockwaves through Catalonia, former club vice-president Jordi Mestre opened up about the Argentine’s strained relationship with Joan Laporta, while also revisiting Neymar’s controversial 2017 departure — and Messi’s emotional wish to bring him back. The revelations paint a portrait of mistrust, unhealed tensions, and decisions that changed the club’s course forever.
For Messi and Neymar, the Barcelona era defined a golden age of soccer. Yet, for those who built that legacy, the scars of its collapse remain raw. Speaking to Sports360, Mestre admitted that Messi’s relationship with Laporta has deteriorated even further since the Argentine’s 2021 departure. The former vice-president — who served under Josep Maria Bartomeu from 2015 to 2019 — revealed that sources close to the Messi family told him the tension has not eased over time.
“I’ve been told by third parties that Leo Messi and his family are very, very, very angry with Laporta. Very angry,” Mestre confessed. “Whatever we do for Leo will never be enough. What he gave us is incredible, not only on a sporting level. Financially, the tours with him were one thing — without him, completely another.”
The Argentine’s exit in 2021 was one of the darkest moments in Barcelona’s modern history — a departure forced by financial chaos rather than soccer decline. Despite Laporta’s public insistence that the club would find a way to renew Messi’s contract, the superstar was told days before the announcement that no deal could be registered due to La Liga’s financial restrictions.
The fallout, as Mestre reveals, runs deeper than fans imagined. The nine-word claim — “Messi and his family are very angry with Laporta” — underscores a fractured bond between the club’s greatest ever player and its president, one that continues to cast a shadow over any potential reconciliation.
The missing tribute
For Mestre, what hurts most is Barcelona’s failure to properly honor Messi’s legacy. The man who once lifted four Champions Leagues and ten La Liga titles with the club still has not received an official farewell. “I don’t know what the club is planning, but whatever it is, it won’t be enough,” Mestre lamented. “I’d do something historic — for example, naming the main stand of the new Spotify Camp Nou after Leo Messi, so his name is passed down from generation to generation.”
He emphasized that no player has given Barcelona so much, not only in soccer terms, but in global impact. “Yes, he earned a lot, but he made the club earn far more. Even world-class players came just to play alongside Messi,” Mestre added.
The comments come after Laporta recently hinted at a “tribute match” for Messi, though the details remain vague. For fans, the idea of reconciliation still feels distant — and Mestre’s words only confirm why.
Neymar and Messi playing for Barcelona.
Neymar: The unfinished story
Mestre also revisited another wound from Barcelona’s past — Neymar’s record-breaking move to PSG in 2017. The Brazilian’s $258 million exit, the most expensive transfer in soccer history, left Messi devastated. “It really hurt that Neymar didn’t work out because he was extraordinary,” Mestre admitted. “He was supposed to be Leo Messi’s heir. Messi himself told me he wanted him back. And I get it — having Neymar made things easier for him.”
The revelation confirms years of rumors that Messi personally pushed for Neymar’s return in 2019. The pair’s on-field chemistry, part of the legendary “MSN” trio with Luis Suarez, brought 302 goals and a 2015 Champions League crown. Their separation marked the beginning of the club’s decline, as Barca struggled to replace the balance and brilliance they shared.
Mestre also revisited his infamous claim that he was “200% sure Neymar wouldn’t leave” — a statement made days before the player joined PSG. “At that time, not even the players knew he was going. They had been at Leo Messi’s wedding, sitting at the same table, and Neymar said nothing,” he explained.
Lionel Messi (L) and FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta (R).
After battling years of inconsistency and injuries, Christian Pulisic has hit peak form at AC Milan, emerging as their top scorer. His undeniable impact has even drawn surprising praise from a legendary team player and World Cup winner, underscoring the USMNT star's vital role on the roster.
Christian Pulisic arrived at AC Milan after a few inconsistent years during which injuries played a crucial role in his career. Because of this, his arrival at the team faced heavy criticism, but his performance quickly silenced his detractors. After two consecutive seasons reaching double digits, Pulisic has become a key part of the lineup. His level of play has been so pivotal that a team legend and 1998 World Cup winner has offered surprising praise, highlighting his significance.
“I was very happy to see him coming to Milan… He has an amazing talent. He is part of the player that you expect him to lead that animation… I would say that I’m pleased that now he’s turned around with the quality that will eventually boost him to become the leader that AC Milan is looking after,” Marcel Desailly, 1998 World Cup winner with France said, via GOAL.
With the arrival of Massimiliano Allegri as the team’s coach, the USMNT star has solidified his position as the team’s most influential player, capable of making an impact on both the creative and defensive sides of the game. For this reason, he has earned the starting position ahead of Rafael Leao, who, a few years ago, was the cornerstone of the Italian team, showing that it is now Christian who is the leader on the field, improving even the performance of his teammates.
Christian Pulisic has transformed his AC Milan tenure into the pinnacle of his career, tallying 38 goals and 25 assists in just 108 appearances. He has already surpassed his stats at Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea that elevated him to the global scene. At 27, the USMNT star still needs to steer Milan to a Serie A triumph and restore their status as a powerhouse in the UEFA Champions League, cementing his legacy at a club that has struggled to shine in recent years.
Christian Pulisic of AC Milan celebrates after scoring.
Marcel Desailly became a true AC Milan legend during the club’s golden era
Marcel Desailly may not be the most recognized name in AC Milan’s storied history, but the Frenchman left an indelible mark as a standout defensive midfielder. Over 186 appearances, he anchored the team to two Serie A championships (1993-94, 1995-96), a UEFA Champions League title (1993-94), and a European Super Cup (1994-95). His contributions helped define one of the club’s most triumphant periods.
Although not as flashy as Savicevic or Massaro, Desailly’s remarkable adaptability transformed him from a center back into an indispensable midfield anchor, becoming a defensive wall for his team. Moreover, he became the first player to win consecutive Champions League titles with two different clubs, further solidifying his legendary career by helping France clinch the 1998 World Cup.
Can Christian Pulisic guide AC Milan to the 2025-26 Serie A title under coach Massimiliano Allegri?
Under the seasoned guidance of Massimiliano Allegri, AC Milan have transformed into a formidable force in Serie A this season. With only one loss since Allegri’s arrival, they lead the league and remain undefeated against powerhouses like Napoli and Juventus. Christian Pulisic has emerged as a pivotal player, igniting fans’ hopes for a long-awaited Scudetto after last clinching it in 2022.
AC Milan boast a potent offense, led by standout Christian Pulisic, and a versatile midfield. However, their defensive lineup presents a glaring weakness, with only Fikayo Tomori, Matteo Gabbia, Strahinja Pavlovic, David Odogu and Koni De Winter covering their three-man defense. This limited depth leaves them vulnerable to injuries and suspensions, making them susceptible to rivals with stronger and more balanced rosters.
Despite these difficulties, Christian Pulisic’s ability to make an impact on the team allows Massimiliano Allegri to build a squad capable of competing to return to the top of Europe. However, the USMNT star must at least match or exceed his performance from last season. Doing so could bring them closer to winning the Serie A championship, given the versatility on the bench and the coach’s experience.
Christian Pulisic of AC Milan celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match.
Multiple reports suggest that Ronaldo has urged Al-Nassr to make a major move for Lewandowski once his Barcelona contract expires, a transfer that could have a major ripple effect across Europe.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski, two of soccer’s most prolific forwards, may soon share a dressing room in the Saudi Pro League. Multiple reports suggest that Ronaldo has urged Al-Nassr to make a major move for Lewandowski once his Barcelona contract expires, a transfer that could have a major ripple effect across Europe. But as the Saudi Pro League’s ambitions grow, Manchester United’s plans for their summer rebuild may hang in the balance.
At 40 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo remains the heartbeat of Al-Nassr, both on and off the pitch. The Portuguese legend recently signed a lucrative two-year extension worth around $237 million per year, a deal that also gave him a 15% ownership stake in the club and an increasingly influential voice in transfer policy.
According to Fichajes, Ronaldo has directly requested that the club sign Robert Lewandowski to form what he views as a “championship-winning strike partnership.” The veteran forward, who has already netted 105 goals in 118 total appearances since his move to Saudi Arabia, is reportedly pushing to bring more world-class players to the Riyadh-based side as part of a long-term vision to elevate both the team and the league’s global standing.
“Ronaldo sees Lewandowski as an elite signing who can take Al-Nassr to the next level,” the Spanish outlet wrote. This would not be the first time Ronaldo has leveraged his influence to bring talent from Europe to the Middle East. El Nacional notes that he was “key in convincing Inigo Martinez to leave Barcelona for Al-Nassr earlier this year.”
Cristiano Ronaldo and Inigo Martinez
Lewandowski’s uncertain Barcelona future
For Robert Lewandowski, time is running short at Barcelona. Though the Polish striker has scored over 100 goals since joining from Bayern Munich in 2022, injuries and tactical changes under Hansi Flick have gradually reduced his role.
His current deal runs until June 2026, but reports indicate that the Blaugrana is unlikely to extend his contract at the same high salary level. With the club’s financial constraints and desire for a “generational change” in attack, Flick is said to support Lewandowski’s eventual departure.
“At Barca, there’s recognition of Lewandowski’s commitment, but also an understanding that the team needs a new direction,” wrote El Nacional. The Catalan giants are already scouting Dusan Vlahovic and Serhou Guirassy as possible successors. For Lewandowski, who turns 37 next summer, the choice is clear: remain in Europe — with potential interest from Milan and Atletico Madrid — or take on a new challenge in Saudi Arabia, possibly alongside one of soccer’s greatest icons.
The twist: Ronaldo’s move could derail United’s plans
And here lies the twist — Ronaldo’s plan for Lewandowski could ruin Manchester United’s summer ambitions.According to reports in England, United has also been monitoring Lewandowski’s situation closely, hoping to sign him as a free agent to mentor rising star Benjamin Sesko and provide depth for manager Rúben Amorim’s attacking system.
The Red Devils’ strategy was simple: offer Lewandowski a short-term Premier League adventure he once dreamed of. The Polish forward himself confirmed in a 2023 interview with BBC Sport that he had previously agreed to join Sir Alex Ferguson’s United during his Borussia Dortmund days.
But now, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s influence — backed by Saudi Arabia’s massive financial power — could turn Lewandowski’s head. Reports claim the Riyadh side is prepared to offer an astronomical salary package and the chance to partner with Ronaldo in one of soccer’s most marketable duos.
Robert Lewandowski (left) and Cristiano Ronaldo (right)
While Christian Pulisic’s injury absence is a blow, Allegri still has decisions to make — particularly over veterans like Luka Modric and forward Santiago Gimenez, whose potential inclusion has been the talk of the city.
San Siro will once again be the stage where Massimiliano Allegri’s red-hot Milan looks to consolidate its grip at the top of Serie A. The Rossoneri, unbeaten in seven matches, welcome struggling Pisa, and while Christian Pulisic’s injury absence is a blow, Allegri still has decisions to make — particularly over veterans like Luka Modric and forward Santiago Gimenez, whose potential inclusion has been the talk of the city.
Milan’s recent 2-1 win over Fiorentina was more than just another three points — it marked the club’s return to the Serie A summit, reclaiming first place 743 days after its last stint as leader. But with great momentum comes danger. Winning against Pisa, especially as the opening fixture of the weekend, would allow the Rossoneri to apply early pressure on rivals Inter, Napoli, and Roma.
The upcoming fixture also represents a logistical puzzle for coach Allegri. Milan’s injury list remains long, with Christian Pulisic, Adrien Rabiot, Pervis Estupinan, Ardon Jashari, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek all unavailable.
Sky Italia reported that Loftus-Cheek, still nursing a muscle issue, will not feature, while Estupinan continues individual therapy after an ankle injury sustained on international duty. In better news, Christopher Nkunku has returned to full training and is expected to be on the bench.
For Alberto Gilardino’s Pisa, the task at San Siro looks monumental. The Tuscan side are bottom of the table with just three points and three goals — their worst-ever start in Serie A. Their last match, a goalless draw with Verona, summed up their struggles: solid in defense, blunt in attack. Pisa has faced Milan 12 times in Serie A history, losing 10 and drawing two. The Nerazzurri have failed to score in nine of those encounters.
Modric and Gimenez decisions loom large
And here lies the central question: Will Allegri start Luka Modric and Santiago Gimenez? After weeks of speculation, both will play a pivotal role against Pisa. Modric, 40, has been a revelation since his summer move, dictating the midfield tempo with the calm precision only he can provide. His partnership with Youssouf Fofana and Samuele Ricci gives Milan a balance of experience and energy.
Up front, Santiago Gimenez continues to grow in importance. With Pulisic sidelined, the Argentine-born Mexican striker willa agin lead the line alongside Rafael Leao, who rediscovered his scoring touch with a brace against Fiorentina.
Christian Pulisic and Santiago Gimenez of AC Milan.
Milan vs. Pisa: Confirmed lineups
Milan confirmedXI (3-5-2): Maignan; De Winter, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Fofana, Modric, Ricci, Bartesaghi; Gimenez, Leao.
Lionel Messi broke the silence after confirming his contract extension with Inter Miami until 2028.
Lionel Messi has officially renewed his contract with Inter Miami after months of speculation surrounding the star’s future. By putting pen to paper on a deal that extends his stay in Miami through 2028, the Argentine icon has finally broken his silence on the new agreement.
Since arriving in 2023, Messi has quickly become the face of both Inter Miami and Major League Soccer, shattering attendance records wherever the team travels. With the franchise continuing to grow, including the construction of a new stadium, the star’s commitment further strengthens the foundation of the Herons and the city’s soccer culture.
Speaking to Miami Freedom Park’s official website, Messi opened up about his decision to sign the extension: “It makes me really happy to stay here and to continue with this project that, besides being a dream, has become a beautiful reality — playing in this stadium, at Miami Freedom Park. Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here.“
The Argentine legend also highlighted his excitement about the club’s upcoming stadium. “We’re all really excited about the moment when we can finally play at Miami Freedom Park. We can’t wait for it to be finished — to experience it from the inside, in our new home, and for the fans to enjoy it as well. It’s going to be something very special to play at home in such a spectacular stadium,” he concluded.
The retirements of Inter Miami teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba had raised questions about Messi’s future and his continued involvement in the project. Defying those doubts, the Argentine forward signed a three-year deal instead of two, giving the MLS franchise a major boost as it continues to build around one of the greatest players in soccer history.
Messi looks ahead to Miami Freedom Park inauguration
In Thursday’s announcement, Inter Miami unveiled Messi’s extension through a video featuring the star at the site of what will soon be the club’s new home. As the team prepares to leave Chase Stadium behind, all eyes are now on the grand opening of Miami Freedom Park ahead of the 2026 season.
The new venue is expected to become one of Major League Soccer’s architectural landmarks, featuring a 25,000-seat roofed stadium equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Located in the heart of Miami and just steps away from the airport, the facility will be surrounded by convenient public transit access and 5,000 parking spaces, setting the stage for a new era in Miami soccer.
After UEFA’s latest intervention, the ambitious plan that was once seen as a done deal now hangs in uncertainty.
When Milan returns to Serie A action early next year, all eyes may not be on the pitch but rather 8,500 miles away, in Australia. The club, featuring Christian Pulisic in its ranks, finds itself at the centre of a major debate about the future of domestic league fixtures abroad. Yet, after UEFA’s latest intervention, the ambitious plan that was once seen as a done deal now hangs in uncertainty. Coming hot on the heels of a similar move by Spain’s La Liga, it has raised serious questions: will Milan’s scheduled game against Como in Perth still go ahead?
The proposal to stage the league game in Perth arose due to logistical complications back home. With the San Siro Stadium occupied for the Winter Olympics preparations in February, Serie A looked for an alternative venue. What began as a practical solution soon became a global marketing opportunity, with the league reportedly set to earn $14 million from the one-off match — the majority of which would go to the Rossoneri.
Earlier this month, UEFA granted special permission for the game to be played overseas, echoing a similar green light it had briefly given to La Liga’s Villarreal vs. Barcelona fixture planned for Miami. But when Spain’s league later cancelled its Miami plan following backlash from fans, players, and Real Madrid, the ripple effect was immediate. Suddenly, what seemed an approved adventure for Serie A no longer looked certain.
That uncertainty deepened when reports from The Guardian revealed a growing sentiment within UEFA that the feasibility of Milan vs. Como being held in Australia is “receding.” The European governing body, once reluctantly supportive, is now pressuring Serie A to reconsider its plan. Though UEFA had initially allowed the move, the body’s stance is now firm. It does not want a precedent set that could open the door for more leagues to relocate matches abroad, Corriere della Sera confirms.
The hidden twist
Midway through the growing debate, UEFA’s real decision emerged: it had begun to pressure Serie A to reconsider the Milan vs. Como plan entirely. What had once been a formal approval was now under heavy scrutiny, with UEFA citing fan opposition, competitive integrity, and the recent La Liga decision as key factors.
The move leaves Serie A in an increasingly isolated position. According to The Guardian, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is now facing “external pressure” to block the match from going ahead, while FIFA has yet to give final approval. Without those signatures, the Perth plan cannot proceed.
Christian Pulisic of AC Milan celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and AC Milan at Stadio Friuli on September 20, 2025 in Udine, Italy.
There is light at the end of the tunnel — and Pulisic himself has delivered a seven-word update that’s lifted spirits in both Milan and the United States.
When Christian Pulisic left the pitch clutching his leg during the United States’ friendly win over Australia, the collective gasp from both AC Milan and USMNT supporters was impossible to ignore. The American winger, who had been in exceptional form at the start of the 2025-26 season, saw his momentum halted by what appeared to be a worrying hamstring injury. Now, however, there is light at the end of the tunnel — and Pulisic himself has delivered a seven-word update that’s lifted spirits in both Milan and the United States.
Before the setback, the 27-year-old was one of Serie A’s brightest performers, with six goals and two assists in his first eight matches across all competitions. He had become one of Milan’s key attacking weapons under Massimiliano Allegri, helping the Rossoneri stay locked in a tight title race alongside Inter, Napoli, and Roma.
But the story took a cruel turn during the international break. While representing the U.S. national team in a friendly against Australia, Pulisic lasted just 31 minutes before limping off in visible discomfort. The match ended 2-1 in favor of the USMNT thanks to two goals from Haji Wright, but the injury overshadowed the result.
According to La Repubblica, the club’s medical team had warned that its player was already managing a minor ankle issue before joining the national side. Their frustration reportedly grew after he was named in the starting lineup against Australia, just days after playing 17 minutes versus Ecuador. The club viewed the decision as unnecessarily risky. “The Rossoneri were furious with the U.S. coaching staff for fielding Pulisic despite recent medical warnings,” the outlet reported.
Multiple Italian sources have confirmed that Pulisic will miss at least two weeks of action. He is expected to sit out the team’s upcoming clashes with Pisa, Atalanta, and Roma, but there’s cautious optimism that he could be available for Parma on November 8, just before the international window.
If recovery continues to go well, Pulisic could also rejoin the USMNT squad for their friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay in mid-November — a scenario that would be welcomed by U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino, who has been under pressure after a mixed run of results. However, Milan’s priority remains ensuring that the American is fully fit for the Derby della Madonnina against Inter Milan on November 23, a match that could have major implications for the Serie A title race.
Christian Pulisic of the United States leaves the game after picking up an injury vs Australia.
What did Pulisic say?
While fans and analysts debated the timeline of his recovery, Pulisic himself broke his silence this week through an Instagram story that instantly went viral among Milan and USA supporters. The update revealed both relief and determination: “It’s been a tough couple of weeks. But recovery is going great and I’m hungry to get back out there.”
Inter Miami CF revealed Lionel Messi’s final decision regarding the future of his professional career.
The future of Lionel Messi had been the subject of constant speculation in recent months, as his contract with Inter Miami was set to expire at the end of the 2025 season. In that context, the club finally made a long-awaited announcement on Thursday through a video shared on social media, confirming the signing of a new deal with the Argentine star.
The Herons have developed a clear dependence on Messi over the past few years, both on and off the field. Leo arrived in the summer of 2023 and forever changed the club’s history, turning it into one of the most powerful teams in Major League Soccer and one of the most popular in the world.
That’s why the uncertainty surrounding the future of the 38-year-old forward had become such an important issue for them. Two very different scenarios were on the horizon, depending on whether Messi agreed to extend his contract beyond the end of the current season.
Those doubts were cleared up on Thursday when Inter Miami shared a video on social media showing Messi signing a contract. As the camera pulls back, it reveals him sitting at a desk in the middle of Miami Freedom Park, the stadium currently under construction.
During the one-minute video, no words are spoken by Messi; instead, a slogan repeats: “Freedom 10 Dream.” The post also includes another phrase to accompany the video: “He’s home,” referring to Messi being at what will be Inter Miami’s new stadium.
When will Inter Miami’s new stadium open?
The expectation is that the 2025 season will be Inter Miami’s last playing at Chase Stadium. Construction at Miami Freedom Park is progressing rapidly, with the most important part of the work nearly complete, as the stands’ structure is almost finished. Remaining tasks include installing the seats, finalizing the locker rooms, and, of course, preparing the playing field.
Given this timeline, it’s likely that the Herons will be ready to debut in the 2026 MLS season playing in their new home — and that will be with Lionel Messi on the team.
“My anticipation is that we’ll see the team’s captain and number 10, Lionel Messi, in the new stadium,” said Jorge Mas, Inter Miami’s owner, in April. He didn’t stop there, also expressing a strong desire for Messi’s future: “We want Messi to finish his career here.”
Will Messi retire at Inter Miami?
Inter Miami’s brief announcement didn’t specify the length of Lionel Messi’s new contract. It will be at least one year, meaning the forward will be with the Herons during the FIFA World Cup 2026 and will stay through the end of the MLS season. By then, Leo will be 39 years old and obviously approaching the final stages of his professional career.
However, it’s unclear how much longer he intends to keep playing. If he extends his career further, he will eventually have to choose between staying in Miami for good or seeking a new destination — with the Argentine league being an unresolved chapter he himself has acknowledged.
Neymar Jr.'s return to the Brazilian league hasn't met expectations due to injuries and poor results. His future hangs in the balance as he aims for the 2026 World Cup. Amidst this uncertainty, Santos FC’ s Marcelo Teixeira has clearly outlined his intentions for the veteran star.
Neymar Jr.‘s stint at Al Hilal was plagued by injuries, prompting his return to Santos FC, the club where he rose to stardom. Initially viewed as a dream homecoming, his return has been marred by persistent minor injuries and the team’s lackluster performance. As speculation swirls around his future, Santos president Marcelo Teixeira has stepped forward, clarifying his intentions about the star’s continuity.
“We haven’t discussed the renewal yet, but it’s a priority for everyone because his mind is set on being in the next World Cup… Unless something different or unusual happens, if nothing out of the ordinary occurs, the possibility is that the renewal will take place,” Marcelo Teixeira said, as reported by Diario Sport.
Since Neymar Jr. arrived at Santos FC in January 2025, the team’s struggles have persisted, currently placing 16th in the Brasileirao standings. The 33-year-old star has contributed 6 goals and 3 assists in 23 appearances, but the team’s shortcomings extend beyond his inconsistent level. A lack of investment in competitive talent amidst a high-spending league has left the squad without standouts, unfairly placing the weight of criticism on their veteran star.
Although Marcelo Teixeira emphasized his desire for Neymar to renew his contract with Santos FC, uncertainty looms over whether the veteran forward views this as his best move. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, the 33-year-old star might seek a more competitive environment to elevate his game, aiming for a spot on Brazil’s roster—a challenging endeavor given the formidable competition from Lucas Paqueta and Raphinha.
Neymar of Santos celebrates after scoring the team´s first goal.
Where could Neymar Jr. play next if he leaves Santos FC as a free agent?
Over the past few months, Neymar Jr.’s future has been swirling with rumors of a potential return to Europe. After Inter Milan denying any connection to the veteran’s possible arrival, thereby seemingly closing the doors to Europe’s elite leagues. Nonetheless, the 33-year-old star forward continues to be a magnet for attention, especially if he opts to leave as a free agent in December.
According to O Globo, Inter Miami are eyeing Neymar Jr as a free agent to potentially reunite the iconic MSN trio that dazzled at Barcelona. With Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba retiring, the Herons may have the financial leeway to secure his signing. However, Neymar’s decision hinges on the role coach Javier Mascherano offers him, as his primary focus remains on preparing for the 2026 World Cup with Brazil.
Neymar of Santos reacts during the Brasileirao 2025.
After shining in the MLS regular season final, Lionel Messi missed a training session this week due to discomfort. Questions arose about his playoff opener status, prompting Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano to quickly update on the Argentine's condition.
Inter Miami have surged into top form for the MLS playoffs, fueled by an impressive winning streak and the revitalized offense led by Luis Suarez’s return to the front line. However, Lionel Messi’s absence from a recent training session due to physical discomfort has cast uncertainty over his availability for the next match. For that reason, coach Javier Mascherano has addressed these concerns, breaking his silence on the Argentine superstar’s condition.
“He (Lionel Messi) is fine. On Monday, when we returned to training, he had some discomfort in his back. Because of this, on Tuesday we decided to let him rest and not add any more work so that he wouldn’t aggravate it. But yesterday he trained normally and did the entire workout,” Javier Mascherano said, via Jose Armando Rodriguez. Then, the coach confirmed that Messi is physically able to play 90 minutes or more in the playoff opener.
Given his exceptional fitness, the Herons will undoubtedly rely on Lionel Messi to lead the offense alongside Luis Suarez. Javier Mascherano only needs to adjust for the continued absence of Allen Obando, as he continues to train separately. Consequently, the coach might stick with the same starting eleven that has excelled in recent MLS regular season games.
Lionel Messi is entering the MLS playoffs at the peak of his form since joining Inter Miami. With 29 goals and 16 assists, he has secured the Golden Boot and is poised to claim a second straight MVP title. In this stellar condition, the Argentine star aims to guide the Herons to their first-ever MLS Cup victory in the final season for his teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, who have declared their plans to retire from professional soccer.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates after scoring the team’s fourth goal.
Inter Miami face Nashville SC in MLS playoffs with strong track record boosting their chances
Inter Miami, despite having never won an MLS Cup, enter the playoffs in top form and face Nashville SC, a team they have dominated recently. The Herons last fell to their rivals in May 2023 and have since racked up nine straight unbeaten matches against them. With this momentum, they have their best opportunity yet to achieve a historic season.
In this 2025 playoffs, the Herons face a significant challenge in maintaining defensive consistency. While they’ve shown solid performance, their heavy reliance on Gonzalo Lujan, Maximiliano Falcon, and Sergio Busquets leaves them vulnerable to disruptions from injuries or suspensions. If Inter Miami can uphold their defensive prowess, they stand a chance of advancing to the conference semifinals, setting up a potential clash with FC Cincinnati or Columbus Crew.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami celebrates after a goal scored.
Real Madrid and FC Barcelona will be clashing on Sunday for the first El Clasico of the 2025-26 season, and Pau Cubarsí warned his teammates on a Real Madrid star that wasn't Vinicius Junior.
The La Liga clash between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid is just around the corner, with the game at the Santiago Bernabéu set to take place on Sunday. With both teams battling for the top spot in the league, young defender Pau Cubarsí has issued a warning to his teammates, and it wasn’t about Vinicius Junior.
Vinicius remains one of Real Madrid’s biggest weapons, but the winger has struggled to find his best form under Xabi Alonso. Among Los Blancos’ many stars, one continues to shine brightest, Kylian Mbappé, who has taken the lead as Madrid’s main offensive threat with his consistent goalscoring performances.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Cubarsí was asked about the challenge of defending the French striker and delivered a clear message to his teammates. “Everyone knows who Mbappé is. We have to keep an eye on him and on all of Real Madrid’s players, who are world-class,” said Cubarsí, who is expected to start at the heart of Barcelona’s defense.
The Spanish defender also acknowledged the risks of playing with such a high defensive line: “We’ve adjusted four things, and it should work well for us. We’ll have to stop him in the best way possible, but above all, we need to focus on ourselves.“
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid against Getafe.
Mbappé currently sits atop both the La Liga and Champions League scoring charts, with 10 and 5 goals respectively. Although his 11-game scoring streak recently came to an end against Juventus on Wednesday, the French star remains one of Real Madrid’s biggest threats heading into El Clásico.
Barcelona riding positive momentum ahead of El Clásico
While Mbappé is in great form, he and Real Madrid will face a tough test against a Barcelona side that has dominated recent encounters. During the 2024-25 season, Los Blancos lost all four meetings against their archrivals across all competitions, including two finals (the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup), and suffered a humiliating 0-4 defeat at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Cubarsí also recalled the 5-2 win in the Supercopa but emphasized that the locker room is staying grounded despite fan excitement: “We want to play a good game and take all three points. The fans enjoy the ‘manita,’ but we’re calm. We want to score as many goals as possible while keeping a clean sheet.”
Pau Cubarsí (L) of FC Barcelona and Vinicius Junior (R) of Real Madrid.
A former teammate of Lionel Messi on Argentina’s FIFA World Cup 2022–winning squad is set to return to soccer after serving a lengthy suspension for doping.
On December 18, 2022, Argentina defeated France in a penalty shootout to capture the FIFA World Cup title. Lionel Messi was the inspirational leader of that historic team, but one of his fellow champions later faced a major setback after being handed a doping ban, which has now officially come to an end.
Alejandro ‘Papu’ Gomez appeared in two matches during Argentina’s 2022 World Cup campaign. He started in the group stage opener against Saudi Arabia — a shocking 2–1 defeat — and again in the round of 16 against Australia, a 2–1 win for the South Americans.
That match turned out to be Gomez’s last appearance for Argentina. He didn’t feature in the quarterfinals, semifinals, or final, and was surprisingly left out of head coach Lionel Scaloni’s call-ups for the celebratory friendlies played in Argentina in March 2023.
Speculation about his absence took an unexpected turn in mid-2023, when Gomez was found guilty of using a banned substance in 2022, during his time with Sevilla. The Argentine midfielder received a two-year suspension and managed to play just two matches for Monza in Serie A before the ban took effect.
Alejandro Gomez of Argentina walks past the The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Winner’s Trophy.
The return of Papu Gomez
On October 20, the two-year suspension for Alejandro Gomez officially expired, allowing him to return to professional soccer. Now 37 years old, he is far removed from the elite level that saw him shine at the World Cup and play key roles for top clubs in La Liga and Serie A.
His comeback, however, will take place at a more modest European club: Calcio Padova. The Italian side competes in Serie B, Italy’s second division, and currently sit 11th in the standings with three wins, two draws, and three losses through eight matches.
Calcio Padova played their last game on Sunday, October 19 — the final day of Gomez’s suspension. Their next match will be Sunday, October 26, at home against Juve Stabia, and Papu Gomez is expected to be part of the squad. His debut is likely to generate major excitement for the club, given the rare presence of a reigning World Cup champion in Serie B.
Papu Gomez’s record with Argentina
Few players in history can match the honors Alejandro Gomez achieved with Argentina. He is a two-time world champion, a Copa America winner, and a Finalissima champion. His first title came at the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada, where he played alongside future stars like Angel Di Maria, Sergio Aguero, and Ever Banega.
However, it would take many years for Gomez to earn a place with the senior national team. As a creative midfielder or winger, he faced fierce competition for playing time, often overshadowed by superstars like Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria.
Gomez made his senior debut for Argentina in 2017 at the age of 29 but only became a regular under Lionel Scaloni starting in 2020. From that point forward, he was heavily involved in the run-up to the 2022 World Cup and secured his roster spot after Giovani Lo Celso was ruled out due to injury.
In total, Gomez made 17 appearances for Argentina between 2017 and 2022, scoring three goals and providing four assists. He won the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 Finalissima against Italy, and, of course, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Lionel Messi of Argentina holds the FIFA World Cup trophy.
After another goal for Bayern Munich, Harry Kane has surpassed the stellar goalscoring records of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Harry Kane is enjoying one of his best starts to a season with Bayern Munich, proving pivotal as the club has won every game of the 2025-26 campaign so far. On a hot streak finding the back of the net, the Englishman has now outshined legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo with a stellar goalscoring record.
Bayern hosted Club Brugge on Wednesday for Matchday 3 of the UEFA Champions League, aiming to climb to the top of the group table. The German side dominated the game, winning 4-0, with Kane scoring a tap-in after a precise cross from Konrad Laimer in the 14th minute, reaching a unique milestone.
With the goal against Club Brugge, Kane has scored 20 goals in 12 games for Bayern across all competitions in the 2025-26 season, surpassing the pace of records previously set by Messi and Ronaldo. The goals are distributed as follows: 12 in the Bundesliga, 5 in the Champions League, 2 in the DFB-Pokal, and 1 in the DFL-Supercup.
In Messi’s case, the Argentine’s best start of a season occurred on three occasions, with his fastest run to 20 goals for Barcelona taking 17 games. Cristiano Ronaldo’s best start came in the 2014-15 season with Real Madrid, reaching 20 goals in 13 games.
Harry Kane of Bayern Munich scores his team’s second goal against Club Brugge.
Kane currently leads both the Bundesliga and Champions League goalscoring charts, establishing himself as Europe’s standout scorer once again. With an average of almost 1.7 goals per game, only time will tell if the Englishman can maintain this run and break more records in the 2025-26 season.
Kane climbing up the Champions League historic scoreboard
Kane continues to extend his legacy in the Champions League, first appearing with Tottenham Hotspur and now with Bayern Munich. The Englishman has surpassed Antoine Griezmann and Didier Drogba, moving into 18th place on the all-time list with 45 appearances.
Taking into account the current Champions League season, Kane has an average of 1.67 goals per game (5 goals in 3 games). If he reaches the final, stays fit, and maintains this form, Kane could play 15 games this season, bringing his total to 25 goals, a remarkable record if he continues at this prolific pace.
Cristiano Ronaldo (R) Al Nassr, Harry Kane (M) of Bayern Munich, and Lionel Messi (R) #10 of Inter Miami.
Barcelona, helped by stars like Lamine Yamal, have claimed the No. 2 spot in a ranking of youth academies worldwide. Real Madrid also hold a notable position.
For years, Barcelona have stood out largely thanks to the talent developed in their youth academy. Today, their most prominent example is Lamine Yamal, who at just 18 years old has already become one of the best players in the world. In a recent ranking, the Catalan side secured second place — ahead of Real Madrid.
The International Centre for Sports Studies (known as CIES for its initials in French) recently published the results of its annual analysis on the performance of players developed in youth academies around the world, which forms the basis for this ranking.
Several factors were considered in compiling the list, with key criteria including the number of academy graduates from each club, the competitiveness of the leagues those players currently participate in, and their level of involvement during the most recent season.
Barcelona ranked second on the list, with a total of 76 players developed by La Masia currently playing professionally across the globe. That includes, of course, the current stars on Hansi Flick’s squad, as well as many others who have moved on from the club.
Fermin Lopez of Barcelona celebrates after scoring a goal with Lamine Yamal.
Lamine Yamal, Gavi, Fermin Lopez, Alejandro Balde, and Pau Cubarsi are some of the clearest examples of how Barcelona’s academy continues to supply top talent to the first team. But there are also former players who now shine elsewhere, like Ansu Fati at AS Monaco and Marc Guiu at Chelsea.
The world’s top youth academies, ranked
According to the CIES study, Benfica topped the global youth academy rankings for the second consecutive year. The Portuguese giants have produced 93 players who are still active professionals worldwide. Unlike Barcelona, Benfica are known for selling their academy talent to more competitive leagues, often at a young age — as was the case with Joao Felix.
Behind Barcelona, the top three is rounded out by River Plate. The Argentine powerhouse is one of three clubs from the South American country in the top 10, along with Boca Juniors (5th) and Velez Sarsfield (10th). Other clubs on the list include Ajax (4th), Sporting CP (6th), Dinamo Zagreb (7th), Defensor SC (8th), and Real Madrid (9th).
Barcelona’s edge over Real Madrid
Barcelona’s advantage over Real Madrid in the youth academy rankings not only reflects the current state of affairs but also highlights a long-term trend that has become increasingly evident in recent decades. Los Blaugranas have consistently prioritized their academy talent, while Los Blancos haven’t done so to the same extent.
For Real Madrid players, breaking into the first team as academy graduates is often more difficult. Many are sent to other clubs to gain experience, and only if they succeed might they return. One potential example is Nico Paz, whose impressive performances with Como 1907 in Serie A have sparked talk of a possible return to Madrid.
In contrast, Barcelona made a long-term commitment years ago to build their squad around homegrown players. In fact, the club’s success this century has been built on that foundation — with iconic academy graduates like Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Carles Puyol, Victor Valdes, Gerard Pique, and Sergio Busquets leading the way.
Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona warms up prior to the LaLiga match.
Chelsea, fresh off their 2025 Club World Cup triumph, continue to assert dominance with a stunning series of wins. Marc Guiu and Estevao shattered a historic club record in their Champions League clash against Ajax, reinforcing their status as one of England's elite teams.
Despite some early setbacks in the 2025-26 season, Chelsea have asserted themselves as one of England’s top teams. Coach Enzo Maresca has steered the team back on course with three consecutive victories, cementing its status in the Premier League’s upper echelon. Moreover, Marc Guiu and Estevao shattered a remarkable club record in the Champions League match against Ajax, highlighting the Blues’ resurgence.
In an electrifying Champions League clash between Chelsea and Ajax, Marc Guiuetched his name into the history books by netting the opening goal and becoming the youngest Blues player to score in the competition at 19. Yet, just thirty minutes later, 18-year-old Estevao shattered that freshly-minted record, scoring the team’s fourth goal and claiming the title of the youngest Chelsea player to score in the Champions League, reported Fabrizio Romano.
Chelsea have demonstrated that patience and hard work can lay the foundation for a promising project. Initially, the influx of new players left the Blues struggling to find cohesion. However, coach Enzo Maresca successfully assembled a competitive roster, highlighting youth, versatility, and talent, which has enabled them to navigate the current wave of injuries with ease with Estevao leading as the most promising player in the team.
At the start of the season, Marc Guiu found himself without prominence or space on the roster, unlike Estevao. The arrival of Liam Delap, the rise of Joao Pedro and Tyrique George edged the Spaniard out, resulting in a loan to Sunderland. However, Delap’s injury sidelined him for several months, prompting the Blues to recall Guiu. With his immediate impact, he has now earned a place in the team as Joao’s backup.
Chelsea players celebrating a goal against Ajax in the Champions League.
Chelsea are facing serious defensive issues amid their influx of talent in midfield and attack
Although Chelsea have built a fairly solid team in midfield and up front, coach Enzo Maresca experiences serious defensive problems at the start of the season. The Blues have tried various options in defense, but no combination has been successful, as they do not have an established starting center back pair, leading to only four games without conceding a goal in the 2025-26 season.
Not only have their central defenders struggled, but the team also lacks a reliable right back. Reece James, one of their standout players, faces persistent injury issues that hinder his progress. Additionally, Malo Gusto hasn’t delivered the necessary impact on defense or offense, raising concerns within the squad. With much of the season ahead, Enzo Maresca must address these defensive challenges to maintain competitiveness.
In an exclusive interview, former MLS Rookie of the Year Tesho Akindele discusses his Nigerian heritage, quitting school to pursue professional soccer, his treasured $300 check, Lionel Messi's impact on MLS, and his new career in real estate development.
At 33 years of age, Tesho Akindele has lived in a number of different locations across the United States from Colorado to Texas to Florida to North Carolina. However, his journey began not in the USA, but Canada.
Born in Calgary to a Nigerian father and a Canadian mother, Akindele bounced around from Calgary to Mississauga to Toronto before moving to Thornton, Colorado at seven years of age, where he began playing for the Northglenn High School soccer team. Similar to many other members of the diaspora like Callum Hudson-Odoi, Jerome Opoku, and Daryl Dike, Akindele remained in touch with his West African roots despite living on the other side of the world.
“I think my Nigerian roots played a huge role in my career,” stated Akindele in an exclusive World Soccer Talk interview. “Starting with the reason I play soccer, it’s in my Nigerian dad’s blood. As soon as I could walk, we were playing soccer. One of my earliest memories is us playing balloon soccer in our living room. I remember my dad, he’d balance the ball on his head, and I’d be slamming into him, trying to get the ball off his head while he’s walking towards my goal. So I remember that part, and then as I got older as well, it helped me a lot.”
“Back then, long-distance phone calls were a big deal. Once a month, we’d make some early morning phone calls with family from Nigeria. I’m on one end, and the phone is just getting passed around on the other end. And then I think another thing that my dad did really well, especially when we moved to Colorado, there were groups of Nigerian meetups. We would be going to these functions, two or three times a year where there were hundreds of Nigerian people. So, we’d be there, traditional clothes, parties, dances, and traditional food. And the older I got, my dad’s family started coming over. My cousins, aunts and uncles started coming over from Nigeria, so my dad definitely did a good job connecting us to that heritage.”
He rejected an offer to join Colorado Rapids’ academy at 17 in order to enroll at the Colorado School of Mines, where he emerged as their all-time leading scorer (76 goals) and a four-time All-American. It’s why, just a few months away from achieving an electrical engineering degree, Akindele decided to quit his studies and put all of his eggs into one basket – that of becoming a professional soccer player. Eventually, his gamble paid off; on January 16, 2014, FC Dallas selected Akindele with the sixth overall pick of the MLS SuperDraft, making him the highest-drafted NCAA Division II player in MLS history.
“When I was in school, my parents would give me money every month for food, but then, I told them that I withdrew from school. At that point, I didn’t even know if I was going to be invited to the Draft Combine or if I was going to get drafted, but I felt that it was my chance to make it as a professional. I asked my parents to give me money for food for three more months in case I didn’t get picked and needed to find a USL team. I wasn’t sure if I would make it to the MLS or not. They said, ‘No, we’re giving you money just to go to school. If you don’t want to be in school, that’s fine, but that’s a decision that you’ve got to make and figure out for yourself.’ I was worried, but luckily, I got drafted, and it ended up not being a problem.”
“My mom gave me one check for $300 or something like that, and it was like, ‘Okay, if you actually do need it, here’s one last check.’ And I still have that check in my room to this day. I didn’t have to cash it, but I was down to the end and really betting on myself. I appreciate that my parents put me in that position, because it was like, ‘Do you really believe in yourself and want this, or not?’ They weren’t disappointed that I left, but they also weren’t anticipating me to go down that path.”
Three months after being drafted, Akindele made his professional debut for Dallas. He quickly went from a benchwarmer to a key figure in attack, scoring 8 goals and 5 assists in 32 appearances and winning the 2014 MLS AT&T Rookie of the Year. He continued his impressive form in 2015, scoring 6 goals and 1 assist in 32 appearances for Dallas, in addition to making his international debut for Canada. Akindele scored 3 goals in 19 caps and competed in the 2015 and 2021 Gold Cups, serving as a valuable figure in attack as Canada went from the laughingstock of the region to one of North America’s strongest sides. And after returning to the World Cup after 36 years in 2022, Canada will be competing in their third World Cup in 2026 and co-hosting the biggest tournament in sports alongside the USA and Mexico. “I think Canada will do great, assuming players can stay healthy. They’ve got so many talented players,” added Akindele.
After an impressive spell in Texas that saw him score 28 goals and 13 assists in 164 appearances and spearhead Dallas to their first trophy in 19 years with the 2016 U.S. Open Cup and 2016 Supporters’ Shield, Akindele left for Orlando City in December 2018, where he enjoyed a career resurgence. Akindele led Orlando to their first-ever trophy with the 2022 U.S. Open Cup and racked up 21 goals in 121 appearances before retiring from soccer at the end of the 2022 campaign and moving to Charlotte. But while he’s no longer playing soccer at the professional level, Akindele remains closely connected with the beautiful game, whether that’s watching Lionel Messiplay in MLS or mentoring his son on the pitch or playing alongside his friends in the local parks.
“Lionel Messi has had a great impact in MLS, bringing so many people to all of his games, breaking records, and, when I go to the park with my son after school, I see more Messi jerseys than Charlotte FC jerseys,” Akindele said.
“I still love soccer and still watch a lot of games. I just love being a soccer dad right now, I love going and watching my oldest son play real soccer games, watching him just figure it out out there on the field. That’s been exciting. I’ve played a little bit here in Charlotte. The guy who owns the coffee shop here at Camp North End plays on an adult team, and every once in a while, he’s like, ‘Dude, we have no players, can you come out and play with us?’ So I’ve played with them a few times, and I’ve also played street soccer with Uptown FC, who will meet every Sunday and play 3-a-side or 4-a-side on these little mini-pitches, playing in a parking lot or under a bridge, and I’ve enjoyed that. Honestly, my biggest worry with playing soccer is getting injured. I’m a little bit older now and I’m worried about people tackling me too hard. If I play on an 11v11 field, I’m worried about sprinting and pulling my hamstring or something like that. I like the small-sided games, where people don’t tackle too hard, and I don’t have to go full-out sprint and worry about my hamstrings.”
Since hanging up his boots at the age of 30, Akindele has made just one fleeting return to professional football, playing once for Des Moines Menace in a U.S. Open Cup match against Union Omaha in April 2024. Today, his main focuses are raising his two young sons with his wife Taylor, and working as a Development Analyst for Camp North End, a renovated 76-acre industrial complex in Charlotte with food, retail, art, and entertainment, including murals, sculptures, and diverse food options.
“I work at a place called Camp North End, which is a mile north of Uptown Charlotte. It’s a huge area, about the size of 14 square blocks of a downtown, and we’re taking these old buildings and constructing new stuff on the site. We’re redeveloping these buildings that were built in the 1920s and 1940s and also building brand new apartments here. The way I frame it is, ‘We’re building a neighborhood here,’ because at the end of the day, we’re gonna have 2,000 apartments on this property, and 2 million square feet of offices and small businesses and coffee shops. There are so many layers to real estate development, but it’s like being a project manager in some sense because you need to just gather people. There are the architects, the city engineers, the investors, and the general contractors, and a developer’s job is to corral those people and point them in the right direction to make sure the project gets completed, so that I’m not the only one taking on this whole gigantic project, but I’m one of the members on the team. Basically, we’re project managing towards building a better neighborhood.”
Flamengo take on Racing Club in the first leg of the 2025 Copa Libertadores semifinals. Fans in the U.S. can watch all the action live—here’s everything you need to know about the matchup, including broadcast and streaming details.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Flamengo vs Racing Club on US television and via legal streaming:
WHO
Flamengo vs Racing Club
WHAT
Copa Libertadores
WHEN
8:30pm ET / 5:30pm PT • Wednesday, October 22, 2025
WHERE
Fubo, Fanatiz, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español and beIN SPORTS Connect
Racing Club and Flamengo are gearing up for a thrilling Copa Libertadores semifinal clash that promises drama and intensity from start to finish. The Argentine club arrives full of confidence after dispatching Velez Sarsfield and is dreaming of a long-awaited return to the tournament’s grand stage.
On the other side, Flamengobring their trademark experience and star power, eager to make its home crowd count in the opening leg after surviving a tough battle with Estudiantes in the previous round. Don’t miss a minute of this South American showdown.
More details on how to watch
With Fubo, you can watch Flamengo vs Racing Club and tons more games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast.
Now with Fubo, you can stream USA Network, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS, CBS Sports Network, FS1, FS2, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS Connect, beIN SPORTS XTRA, NBC, CNBC, USA, FOX, FOX Soccer Plus, FOX Deportes, Universo, Telemundo and Galavision.
Plus Fubo, the legal streaming service, also streams Liga MX, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League (in Spanish), Europa League (in Spanish), Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, NWSL, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and more.
The Fubo app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhones, Android phones, Amazon Fire TV, Android Mobile, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Hisense TVs, iOS devices, LG TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, Vizio Smartcast TVs and Xbox One.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Fubo soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
How to watch anywhere with VPN
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
Inter Miami are monitoring the status of Lionel Messi ahead of their Major League Soccer playoffs opener vs. Nashville SC.
Less than a week after wrapping up their 2025 Major League Soccer regular season, Inter Miami will begin their journey through the Eastern Conference playoffs with a matchup against Nashville SC. In that context, all eyes are on the physical condition of Lionel Messi.
The Argentine forward was absent from Tuesday’s training session, raising concern among fans given the short turnaround before the next match. Reporter Jose Armando later shared on his X account that Leo’s absence was due to minor back discomfort that required special treatment.
Just one day later, the Herons received major news, as Messi was back on the training pitch Wednesday, working alongside the rest of the squad — easing doubts about his availability for the clash vs. Nashville SC.
Inter Miami even highlighted his return with a social media post featuring two photos of Messi training in full club gear, both with the ball at his feet, and a brief but optimistic caption: “Back and ready. Full steam ahead.”
On Wednesday, the first two decisive matches in the chase for the MLS Cup will take place. Chicago Fire and Orlando City will face off for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, while the same is on the line in the West as Portland take on Real Salt Lake.
Once those matchups are decided, the playoffs in both conferences will officially begin. Inter Miami will kick things off in the opener, hosting Nashville SC on Friday night (8 PM ET) at Chase Stadium. All opening-round matches will be played between Friday and the following Wednesday, with second-leg games beginning next Saturday.
Messi receives another MLS honor
Amid the uncertainty surrounding his physical condition, Lionel Messi received another accolade from MLS this week. The 38-year-old forward was named October Player of the Month following his dominant performances in the final stretch of the regular season, recording 5 goals and 5 assists in just 3 matches.
It’s the third time Messi has won the award in 2025, having also claimed it in July and May. Additionally, the Argentine forward finished as the league’s top scorer (29 goals) and tied for most assists (19, alongside San Diego FC’s Anders Dreyer).
Liverpool are enduring one of their worst season starts in years, suffering four straight defeats. Mohamed Salah, often criticized for his slump in form, faces scrutiny. Amid this, the Reds reportedly eye a promising Premier League winger to bolster their attack.
After clinching the 2024-25 Premier League title, Liverpool kicked off the new season with high expectations. Despite an early display of consistency, they stumbled into a four-game losing streak, drawing criticism for key players like Mohamed Salah, who has struggled to find the back of the net. For that reason, rumors are swirling that the Reds are eyeing a dynamic Premier League winger to bolster their attack in the near future.
Mohamed Salah‘s recent signing of a contract extension until 2027 brought high expectations, yet the start of the 2025-26 season has been underwhelming. In eleven games, the Egyptian star has managed just three goals and three assists, and he’s now on a six-game goal drought. This slump is concerning, especially since Salah has been the team’s top scorer for years. Consequently, the Reds are actively scouting for an impressive Premier League winger.
According to Mark Douglas in The iPaper, Liverpool are actively eyeing African talent Antoine Semenyo, a standout at AFC Bournemouth. In just nine games this season, Semenyo has netted six goals and provided three assists. His influence, however, extends beyond the stats, with his remarkable speed and dribbling skills propelling Bournemouth to third place in the Premier League.
Liverpool may find Antoine Semenyo’s arrival enticing, but AFC Bournemouth’s steep $133 million asking price presents a formidable hurdle. Furthermore, Mohamed Salah’s status as the Premier League’s all-time leading foreign goalscorer ensures his indispensability to coach Arne Slot. While adding Semenyo could bolster the lineup, it raises questions about his role as a starter, complicating the transfer dynamics.
Antoine Semenyo of AFC Bournemouth reacts during the Premier League game.
Liverpool just need time to fit all the pieces together amid major roster changes
Although Arne Slot managed to win the Premier League title in his debut season with Liverpool, he did so with a roster built by Jurgen Klopp. Following the difficult departures of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luis Diaz, the Reds made significant additions to their lineup, including Florian Wirtz, Jeremy Frimpong, Hugo Ekitike, and Alexander Isak. Despite these changes, not all the newcomers have hit the ground running, raising several doubts among fans.
Teams navigating significant roster changes require time to coalesce, as evidenced by Chelsea’s journey to the 2025 Club World Cup title despite early setbacks. Their transformation underscores the payoff of patience and perseverance in building a championship-caliber squad. Liverpool now face a similar transition, integrating newcomers who must align with the team’s style while the current lineup adjusts to fresh dynamics.
Coach Arne Slot has proven he can lead major initiatives, yet crafting his own team is a formidable new challenge that requires time. Despite a recent losing streak, Liverpool’s roster boasts impressive talent capable of revitalizing this project and steering it to success, mirroring the achievements seen under Klopp’s leadership.
For the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League game against Eintracht Frankfurt, Liverpool fans were left in shock as star Mohamed Salah has been left out of the starting lineup.
Liverpool are set to visit Germany to face Eintracht Frankfurt on Matchday 3 of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League at Deutsche Bank Park, looking to turn their current losing streak around. However, when the lineups were revealed, fans were shocked to see star forward Mohamed Salah left out of the starting XI.
The Reds have been enduring one of their worst stretches in recent years, heading into the game against Frankfurt after four consecutive defeats across the Premier League and Champions League. In such a critical scenario, Salah’s presence on the bench has raised eyebrows among fans.
Mohamed Salah will not start for Liverpool against Frankfurt due to a tactical decision. Head coach Arne Slot has opted to tweak his system, selecting Cody Gakpo on the left, Hugo Ekitike on the right, and marquee signing Alexander Isak as the lone No. 9 leading the line, leaving the Egyptian star on the bench.
The Egyptian forward was also left out of the starting lineup in Liverpool’s previous Champions League match against Galatasaray, coming on as a substitute for Cody Gakpo in the 62nd minute. However, this dip in form marks the first time since joining the club in 2017 that Salah has started on the bench in back-to-back Champions League fixtures for Liverpool.
Liverpool’s starting lineups against Eintracht Frankfurt.
From a Ballon d’Or contender to a slow start of season
Despite winning only the Premier League title in the 2024-25 campaign, Mohamed Salah still managed to earn a spot in the 2025 Ballon d’Or conversation after producing 34 goals and 23 assists in 52 appearances. Following his contract renewal with the Reds and a fourth-place finish in the Ballon d’Or voting, his form has suffered a noticeable setback.
So far in the 2025-26 season, Salah has featured in 11 matches across all competitions but has managed just three goals and three assists. The winger is currently enduring one of the longest goal droughts of his Liverpool career, five games without finding the back of the net, with his last goal coming against Atlético Madrid on September 17.
Barcelona are preparing to face Real Madrid in La Liga, and Raphinha is a key talking point.
On Sunday, October 26, Real Madrid and Barcelona will meet in the first Clasico of the 2025–26 season. Given the magnitude of the matchup, Los Blaugranas are hoping to have most of their stars available — and right now, Raphinha’s status is one of the most closely watched storylines.
The Brazilian winger suffered a right hamstring injury nearly a month ago during Barcelona’s September 25 match against Real Oviedo on Matchday 6 of La Liga. The injury sidelined him for the following six games, including two in the UEFA Champions League, and also kept him out of action for Brazil during the last international break.
Now, just days before the clash with Real Madrid, there’s positive news for Los Blaugranas. According to reports from Sport and Marca, Raphinha trained alongside his teammates on Wednesday and reportedly left a strong impression on the coaching staff — increasing his chances of featuring in Sunday’s El Clasico.
Initially, his recovery timeline was set at three weeks, which pointed to a mid-October return. However, that timeline was extended slightly to ensure the player made a full recovery — especially considering the importance of the upcoming match against Real Madrid.
As news of Raphinha’s progress lifts fan hopes ahead of the showdown with Real Madrid, Barcelona themselves have dropped subtle hints. On Wednesday, the club’s official X account posted a photo of the Brazilian winger with a short caption: “Raphinha. Soon.”
While that doesn’t confirm his availability for El Clasico, it’s certainly a positive sign that his recovery is on track and that his return to the squad — after nearly a month out — is imminent.
“We hope he’s fit for El Clasico, that’s the plan. Sometimes there are setbacks in the recovery process, but things are going well,” Hansi Flick said a few days ago when asked about Raphinha’s status. And it looks like everything is going according to plan.
Barcelona’s injury concerns ahead of Real Madrid match
Barcelona have had to deal with several injuries in recent weeks, raising questions about the lineup Hansi Flick will be able to field at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu against Real Madrid. It’s already confirmed that Robert Lewandowski will miss the match due to an injury sustained during the FIFA break with Poland.
Ferran Torres, who has also just recovered from injury and did not play a single minute against Olympiacos on Tuesday, could step in at center forward. However, Marcus Rashford is the more likely option to lead the line — even if it’s not his preferred position. If Rashford does start up top, it could open the door for Raphinha to slot in as the left winger, with Lamine Yamal on the opposite flank.
Raphinha of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring a goal.
Once untouchable both on and off the pitch, the Inter Miami superstar now faces unexpected competition from two global icons: Son Heung-min of LAFC and Thomas Muller of the Vancouver Whitecaps.
As the 2025 Major League Soccer season heads toward its climax, a curious question has started to echo across the soccer world — Is Lionel Messi’s dominance in the United States beginning to fade? Once untouchable both on and off the pitch, the Inter Miami superstar now faces unexpected competition from two global icons: Son Heung-min of LAFC and Thomas Muller of the Vancouver Whitecaps.
In a league that has revolved around Messi since he arrived in 2023, the balance of power, both commercial and sporting, appears to be shifting. Son’s arrival in Los Angeles ignited a wave of popularity unseen since the days of David Beckham, while Muller’s late-summer arrival in Vancouver has shaken up one crucial MLS performance metric that even the Argentine no longer leads.
It began with a signing that stunned both Europe and North America. In July, Son Heung-min swapped Tottenham for Los Angeles Soccer Club, instantly becoming the face of MLS’ next global chapter. Within days of his debut, the South Korean captain scored a hat-trick and turned BMO Stadium into a sea of black and gold No. 7 shirts.
According to LAFC’s general manager, John Thorrington, Son’s arrival created an unprecedented commercial explosion. “This is now the second week where we’re not just talking about the highest-selling soccer jersey in the MLS,” Thorrington told talkSPORT.“It is the highest-selling jersey of any sport in the world right now. From when he signed at LAFC to now, he has sold more jerseys than any athlete in the world.”
Son Heung-Min’s LAFC jersey is the highest selling jersey of any athlete in the world right now. It outsells Lebron James and even Lionel Messi's shirt sales. 😳🔥🇰🇷 (LAFC co-president and GM John Thorrington)
Son’s jersey has outsold not only Messi’s but also those of LeBron James and Stephen Curry, a statistic that underlines the scale of his influence. In Los Angeles, home to the largest Korean community outside South Korea, Son has become more than a player. He is a cultural phenomenon.
Son Hueng-Min of Los Angeles Football Club poses with his jersey.
Muller’s impact: Outscoring the king
If Son has conquered MLS off the pitch, Thomas Muller is shaking it up on it. The German World Cup winner joined the Vancouver Whitecaps in August 2025 after ending a storied career at Bayern Munich — and immediately started rewriting MLS statistics. Despite playing just seven matches, Muller has registered seven goals and three assists, showcasing his trademark efficiency and intelligence. His smooth adaptation has surprised even seasoned observers.
According to official MLS data, Muller now leads the league in a crucial goalscoring metric — goals per 90 minutes — with 1.16 goals per game, surpassing both Messi’s 1.08 and Son Heung-min’s 1.00.
That detail, while seemingly minor, paints a revealing picture: Muller is currently the most efficient scorer in MLS, outperforming the man many consider the greatest of all time. For a player who joined just two months ago, it’s a remarkable statement.
Messi’s grip still strong — But tested
None of this means Lionel Messi’s star is fading completely. The Inter Miami captain remains the league’s top scorer, with 29 goals in 28 games during the 2025 season. His influence on the pitch continues to define the tempo and ambition of David Beckham’s club.
However, the cultural winds around him are shifting, and it’s not just about numbers. It’s about perception. Messi is no longer the only global superstar lighting up MLS — and that competition, while healthy, signals a turning point.
Lionel Messi (left), Son Heung-min(center), and Thomas Muller (right)
As part of Real Madrid’s rebuilding plan for 2026, Xabi Alonso has reportedly excluded a Champions League winner from his plans for the upcoming season, who is now set to leave.
Xabi Alonso has given Real Madrid a breath of fresh air following Carlo Ancelotti’s departure at the end of last season, adding key pieces to start a new winning cycle at the Spanish club. As part of the rebuilding process, Alonso has reportedly excluded a UEFA Champions League winner from his future plans, with the player expected to leave the club in the summer of 2026.
Entering the 2025-26 season, Xabi Alonso made it clear that developing young talent would be a priority, leaving little room for veterans such as Luka Modrić and Lucas Vázquez. With one of those veterans nearing the end of his contract, another key player, a two-time Champions League winner with the club, is now set to play his final season at the Santiago Bernabéu.
According to Fabrizio Romano, David Alaba is expected to depart Real Madrid at the end of the current season. The journalist reported that there have been no talks between the club and the player regarding a renewal, and with his deal expiring in June 2026, the decision appears to have already been made.
After a decorated spell at Bayern Munich, Alaba became a key figure alongside Antonio Rüdiger in forming one of Europe’s most reliable backlines, helping Real Madrid capture Champions League titles in 2021-22 and 2023-24. Now, however, he finds himself in a secondary role behind Éder Militão and new signing Dean Huijsen, signaling that his time with Los Blancos will come to an end after the 2025-26 campaign.
Injuries: Alaba’s biggest burden in recent years
David Alaba joined Real Madrid from Bayern Munich in 2021 on a free transfer, already established as one of the world’s premier center-backs. His start in Spain was promising, but recurring injuries have since become the biggest obstacle in his career.
Since suffering a serious ACL injury during the 2023-24 season, Alaba has struggled to stay fit: he featured in only 17 matches that year, 14 games in 2024-25, and just four so far this season. With only 35 appearances in nearly two and a half years, his repeated absences have weighed heavily on Real Madrid’s decision to exclude him from Alonso’s future plans.
Barcelona face significant challenges ahead of El Clasico against Real Madrid. Key players are sidelined, and coach Hansi Flick, who received a red card in the last match, is currently suspended. However, the Culers have appealed the suspension and have reportedly received a crucial decision.
After a string of defeats, Barcelona have managed to get back on the winning track, racking up two consecutive victories. However, they face one of their biggest challenges as they take on Real Madrid, with several players missing from the roster. Not only will some players be absent, but Hansi Flick also faces a suspension after being sent off in the last game. The Culers appealed the suspension and have already received a decisive response ahead of El Clásico.
In Barcelona’s latest LaLiga triumph vs Girona, referee Jesus Gil Manzano sent off Hansi Flick after he received a second yellow card. While his first warning came from sarcastic applause, the dismissal followed alleged gestures of protest. The team, however, lodged an appeal, arguing that Flick was not protesting but motivating player Frenkie De Jong, contending that the referee’s report misrepresented the situation.
According to Gerard Romero of Jijantes FC, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has opted to deny Barcelona’s appeal involving Hansi Flick. The RFEF stated, “It is appropriate to dismiss the request to nullify the double booking that is the subject of this appeal… Consequently, it is decided to uphold the disciplinary consequences arising from the expulsion of Mr. Hans-Dieter Flick, proceeding with the imposition of a one-match suspension,” stated the leaked statement.
In Flick’s absence, Barcelona may see Thiago Alcantara stepping into an acting coach role on the sidelines, a first since his arrival. Despite his brief departure, the former midfielder rejoined the team, quickly becoming integral in training sessions and positioning himself as a top candidate to fill in for the German coach. Meanwhile, Marcus Sorg, Toni Tapalovic, Heiko Westermann, and Arnau Blanco also remain strong contenders for the role.
Fermin Lopez of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Lamine Yamal.
Barcelona could recover two key players ahead of El Clásico vs Real Madrid
Barcelona face tough losses in their starting lineup ahead of El Clasico against Real Madrid. After initial injuries to Marc Andre Ter Stegen and Gavi, the team will also be without Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo, and Joan Garcia. Despite these challenges, not all news is grim. The Culers are reportedly welcoming back two key players as they aim for their second consecutive LaLiga victory.
According to Roger Torelló in Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona will be able to count on Ferran Torres and Raphinha against Real Madrid. With several key players absent, their starting roles aren’t confirmed but seem likely. These two have emerged as vital contributors, displaying impressive scoring prowess early in the season. Nonetheless, Marcus Rashford and Roony Bardghji impressive level may impose doubt on coach Hansi Flick.
Hansi Flick, Head Coach of FC Barcelona, looks on from the bench.
Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Dani Carvajal are all missing from the matchday squad, leaving Xabi Alonso’s side to face the Italian giants with a depleted backline.
When Real Madrid returns to UEFA Champions League action against Juventus, it does so with momentum — and a major headache. Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Dani Carvajal are all missing from the matchday squad, leaving Xabi Alonso’s side to face the Italian giants with a depleted backline. The Santiago Bernabeu will host one of the most anticipated fixtures of the Champions League group stage, asReal Madrid — unbeaten in Europe this season — takes on a Juventus side still searching for its first victory.
Under Alonso’s guidance, Los Blancos have looked dominant, opening their campaign with a 2-1 win over Marseille and a 5-0 demolition of Kairat Almaty. The team sits comfortably in the top ten of the European standings, boasting both defensive control and attacking flair. Kylian Mbappe continues to lead the charge, scoring in 11 consecutive matches across all competitions.
Juventus, meanwhile, finds itself in trouble. The Bianconeri have drawn both their opening fixtures — 4-4 against Borussia Dortmund and 2-2 away to Villarreal — and now face the daunting task of visiting a Madrid side that has scored seven goals in two European outings. Coach Igor Tudor called the clash “a defining night,” acknowledging that a defeat could place serious pressure on their knockout hopes.
With Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Dani Carvajal all unavailable, Alonso’s defensive plans have been thrown into disarray. Madrid will rely on Eder Militao and Raul Asencio at the back, with Fede Valverde continuing at right-back. Each absence tells its own story — and together, they paint a worrying picture for the club’s depth.
Dean Huijsen, who was looking forward to facing his former club Juventus, suffered a muscle injury earlier this month and has yet to recover. The Dutch defender’s progress since joining Madrid from Bournemouth this summer has been remarkable, and his absence is a blow for both the player and Alonso.
According to Calciomercato, “Huijsen had hoped to feature against his former team but remains sidelined after a setback in training.” The injury has kept him out for several games as he continues his rehabilitation, but he is expected to return for Sunday’s El Clasico.
Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid reacts after picking up an injury.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, is still managing the effects of a hamstring injury sustained on September 16 during Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Marseille. Despite rejoining group training earlier this week, medical staff opted not to risk him. The English defender is expected to make his return against Barcelona instead. Alonso emphasized the importance of patience: “We’re going to take it day by day. Trent and Carvajal did part of the session today, but I don’t think they’ll be ready for Juventus.”
As for Dani Carvajal, his absence comes as a result of both a calf injury and a suspension carried over from the previous round. The Spanish veteran suffered a soleus muscle injury during Madrid’s 5-2 defeat to Atletico in late September and has only recently resumed light training. Like Alexander-Arnold, he is being prepared for the upcoming domestic clash rather than this European tie.
Dean Huijsen (left), Dani Carvajal (center), and Trent Alexander-Arnold (right)
As Santiago Gimenez recently revealed, the Croatian veteran found a way to win over the entire dressing room in a way few could have imagined.
When Luka Modric arrived at Milan this summer, the excitement around his signing was already immense. A Ballon d’Or winner, a five-time Champions League champion, and one of the most respected playmakers of his generation — yet at 40 years old, many wondered how much he still had to offer. They soon got their answer. Modric didn’t just bring his magical right foot to San Siro — he brought leadership, humility, and an unexpected gesture that would instantly make him a favorite among his new teammates. As Santiago Gimenez recently revealed, the Croatian veteran found a way to win over the entire dressing room in a way few could have imagined.
Since joining from Real Madrid on a free transfer, Luka Modric has been nothing short of transformative. He quickly became the centerpiece of Massimiliano Allegri’s tactical setup, orchestrating Milan’s midfield with the calm precision that defined his years in Spain.
His statistics have stunned even the skeptics: a 91% pass accuracy, over 560 touches in seven matches, and 90% completion against Fiorentina, where he also won six duels and created four chances — a masterclass in control and vision. He has already contributed a goal and an assist, but more than that, he has restored a sense of authority and balance to the Rossoneri’s midfield.
His passion is undeniable. When Milan beat Napoli earlier this month, cameras captured Modric’s emotional celebration — fists clenched, eyes glistening, roaring like a man half his age. It was a glimpse of how much the game still burns inside him, even after two decades at the top.
What did Santiago Gimenez say about Luka Modric?
But according to Santiago Gimenez, Modric’s impact wasn’t limited to the pitch. In an interview on ‘Jorgio & Rubio’ and later through a TikTok clip that went viral, the Mexican striker shared the story that melted the hearts of Milan fans everywhere.
“We arrived in the locker room and each player had a new iPhone in his place,” Gimenez revealed. “Modric gave it to us. When a player arrives at a new team, he has to sing in front of everyone. Instead of singing, he decided to buy everyone phones.”
Santi Gimenez: "We arrived at our dressing room and each player had the new IPhone in his place, Modrić gave it to us. He bought each of us a phone. When a player arrives at a new team he has to sing in front of everyone. Instead of singing, he decided to buy everyone phones." ❤️ pic.twitter.com/7EkPutRE5O
The room reportedly burst into laughter and disbelief when the players discovered the gifts. In the Red and Blacks’ locker room, it is a long-standing ritual that every newcomer — no matter their fame — must perform a song in front of the team. But the Croatian veteran, never one for theatrics, chose generosity instead.
“He didn’t want to sing, but he wanted to do something special,” Gimenez continued. “And this was his way of saying thank you and showing respect to everyone.” It was a small gesture on the surface, but it spoke volumes about Modric’s humility — and about how easily he blends greatness with grace.
Napoli’s Champions League loss in Eindhoven sparks controversy as another player publicly clashes with Antonio Conte, following Kevin De Bruyne’s earlier fallout.
Another star has fallen out with Antonio Conte after Kevin De Bruyne. Napoli’s Champions League collapse in Eindhoven didn’t only leave the Italian champions bruised on the scoreboard — it also exposed cracks behind the scenes. Just months after De Bruyne’s own public frustration with the manager, Dutch winger Noa Lang has followed a similar path, launching what many are calling a “Jose Mourinho-style tirade” in the aftermath of a humiliating defeat.
Antonio Conte and conflict are nothing new to each other. From Diego Costa’s brutal text-message exit at Chelsea to fiery standoffs with Mauro Icardi and Tanguy Ndombele, his managerial career is filled with moments where discipline met defiance. Now, just weeks after Kevin De Bruyne’s angry reaction to being substituted against Milan, it seems Napoli is living through a sequel.
The 6-2 Champions League defeat to PSV marked one of the worst nights of Conte’s reign. It also marked the night Noa Lang lost his patience. The 26-year-old winger, who joined from PSV this summer, was expected to bring flair and unpredictability to the reigning Serie A champions. Instead, he has found himself on the bench — appearing only as a substitute in six matches, totaling just 110 minutes this season.
After being left out of the starting lineup against his former club, Lang entered the match in the 58th minute, with his side already trailing heavily. The Partenopei were dismantled, their defense shredded, their spirit broken. When the final whistle blew, the player’s frustration boiled over.
What did Noa Lang say?
Speaking to Pickx Sportsafter the loss, Lang delivered a cutting but restrained message. “I better not say anything,” he said, clearly seething. “The result says it all. Losing 6-2 to PSV? That’s just scandalous. We didn’t even get a chance. We were simply outplayed.”
He continued, “I wasn’t allowed to play? I don’t know what else to do. I’m training hard. I have no other choice. I signed a contract here, so I have to accept it as it is right now.”
But the most striking revelation came when Lang admitted he had spoken to Conte just once since joining Napoli. “I don’t speak to him very often. I spoke to him once. I’m a bit confused now after this result. It’s better not to say anything.”
It was a five-word tirade that immediately went viral among Italian fans and pundits — a moment that carried echoes of Mourinho’s infamous press-room restraint: saying nothing, while saying everything.
Antonio Conte fires back
If Lang’s outburst was calculated, Conte’s reply was characteristic — sharp, cold, and authoritative. Speaking to Ziggo Sport, the Italian manager dismissed any notion of favoritism or miscommunication. “Lang spent the full pre-season with us and played some games, but he was never a starter,” Conte began. “I repeat, we must talk about the team and not about individuals, otherwise it would be harmful. Noa has to work, and he’ll go onto the pitch when I decide. Otherwise, he’ll stay on the bench.”
🎤🕺 Antonio Conte vindt Noa Lang een 'goede zanger en danser', maar:
"Voor mij is het heel belangrijk dat hij een goede voetballer is."
He also made a broader point about the dangers of self-centered thinking in a collective sport. “We need to talk about the team, not just one player,” the experienced manager said firmly. “It’s dangerous if you become selfish. That’s not good for our season.”
Kevin De Bruyne (L) and Head Coach Antonio Conte (R) of SSC Napoli.
Prior to completing his move to Vancouver Whitecaps, Thomas Müller revealed he was open to joining an European giant after departing from Bayern Munich.
Thomas Müller has proven to be one of Major League Soccer’s standout signings, leading the Vancouver Whitecaps to second place in the Western Conference. However, before completing his move, the German legend admitted he was open to joining a European giant ahead of his departure from Bayern Munich.
At 36 years old, and with his contract at Bayern set to expire at the end of June 2025, Müller was facing a major career decision — whether to stay in Europe or take on a new challenge abroad. Despite interest from the Whitecaps, the German star also considered the possibility of joining one of his former rivals.
Speaking to Blickpunkt Sport, Müller revealed the one scenario that could have convinced him to remain in Europe: “I wanted to leave Europe… maybe I had one or two options in mind to stay. For example, I could’ve imagined a future at Barcelona.”
The former Bayern star went on to explain how a familiar face might have played a decisive role in that move. “If Hansi Flick, who knows me very well, had called me and said he liked the project there, I could’ve imagined it,” he said, referring to Flick, who coached him at Bayern from 2019 to 2021 and later with the German national team between 2021 and 2023.
Thomas Mueller of FC Bayern Munich celebrates with teammate Serge Gnabry after scoring against FC Barcelona.
Müller concluded by praising the Catalan side: “Barcelona is a top-level club where you know exactly what people expect from you.” The veteran also acknowledged that his former teammate, Robert Lewandowski, could have played a big part in pushing for his potential signing on a free transfer.
Müller: A headache for Barcelona
In recent years, Bayern Munich have dominated Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League, becoming one of the Spanish club’s toughest opponents. At the center of that rivalry stood Thomas Müller, a long-time nightmare for the Blaugrana.
Müller faced Barcelona 10 times in the Champions League, winning eight of those matches with Bayern and losing only two. The German midfielder scored eight goals and provided two assists in those encounters, including the unforgettable 8–2 victory in the 2019–20 campaign, one of the most lopsided results in Champions League history.
Ousmane Dembele, fresh from clinching the UEFA Champions League with PSG, has been awarded the 2025 Ballon d'Or for his stellar performance. Back from injury, he named his favorite to claim next year's honor, surprisingly omitting Lamine Yamal.
Paris Saint-Germain are coming off their best season ever, clinching their first UEFA Champions League title. Leading the charge was Ousmane Dembele, who emerged as the team’s standout player amidst an influx of young talent. His exceptional performance earned him the 2025 Ballon d’Or. Interestingly, instead of favoring himself for a repeat, the French star endorsed another player for the award—notably, it is not Lamine Yamal.
In the mixed zone after PSG’s latest match, Ousmane Dembele was asked whether he considers that Kylian Mbappe will win the Ballon d’Or. The PSG star expressed high hopes for his friend, saying, “He absolutely deserves it for his career. He’s had an excellent start to the season, consistently finding the back of the net. I hope he keeps this momentum and someday wins the Ballon d’Or.“
Despite early criticisms during his initial days at Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappe has become the team’s cornerstone, outshining even Vinicius Jr. Winning the 2025 European Golden Boot and kicking off the 2025-26 season in remarkable form, the French star is now a leading contender for the Ballon d’Or. This prestigious award, which has remained out of his reach for over a decade in professional soccer, might finally be within his grasp.
Although Ousmane may bet for Kylian to clinch the Ballon d’Or, Lamine Yamal has emerged as his fiercest competitor for the prestigious award. At just 18, Yamal claimed second place in the voting, showcasing his impressive level. With Barcelona performing at peak levels, the young Spaniard aims to elevate his game further and guide the team to a Champions League title. Achieving this could solidify his status as the award’s winner.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid celebrates scoring a goal vs Getafe.
The Ballon d’Or faces backlash over unclear criteria for selecting the winner
For over 15 years, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi reigned supreme, clinching the Ballon d’Or in an era marked by their undeniable dominance. Now, with both icons having exited European soccer, the award faces growing scrutiny due to its ambiguous criteria. Critics argue that individual performance and collective success have become secondary, having the UEFA Champions League title as a standard, which appears to heavily influence the choice of the winner.
The criteria, according to France Football, for the prestigious award include individual performance, team achievements, and sportsmanship. Despite Nuno Mendes and Vitinha having won the same titles with PSG, they added the 2025 Nations League, having a distinct fact to earn the award. Having picked Dembele instead, raised doubts on whether the critecia was being followed.
With this in mind, if Lamine or Kylian want to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, they need to secure the Champions League and be their team’s top scorer, as this appears to be the deciding factor in the latest edition. Additionally, their performance in the World Cup could be crucial, as excelling with both their club and national team could tip the balance in their favor.
Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint-Germain and Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona.
The finalists for the African Player of the Year have been announced, with a Major League Soccer star set to challenge Mohamed Salah and Achraf Hakimi for the prestigious honor.
As 2025 draws to a close, it’s time to look back and reflect on the year’s top performances. Recently, Ousmane Dembele won the Ballon d’Or, and the awards recognizing the best players and teams from Africa are just around the corner. Among the finalists, a Major League Soccer standout will go up against Achraf Hakimi and Mohamed Salah.
On Wednesday, CAF revealed the lists of finalists for the 2025 awards through its official social media channels. Unsurprisingly, the most anticipated category is African Player of the Year, which includes 10 nominees.
Mohamed Salah headlines the list thanks to his outstanding performances with Liverpool during the 2024-25 season, in which the Reds won the Premier League title. The Egyptian winger scored 29 goals in that campaign, finishing as the league’s top scorer ahead of stars like Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Newcastle’s Alexander Isak.
The other leading contender is Achraf Hakimi. The Moroccan right-back played a key role for Paris Saint-Germain in their historic 2024-25 season, during which Luis Enrique guided the team to titles in the UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, and Coupe de France.
Salah and Hakimi were so dominant during the 2024-25 season that both finished in the top ten of the Ballon d’Or rankings awarded by France Football last month. The Liverpool winger placed fourth, behind only Dembele, Lamine Yamal, and Vitinha, while the PSG defender came in sixth.
A star from MLS among the finalists for African Player of the Year
Joining Mohamed Salah and Achraf Hakimi are eight other players hoping to take home the prestigious award. Most of them also play in Europe: Napoli’s Frank Anguissa, Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy, Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen, Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye, and Tottenham’s Pape Sarr.
However, three players have earned their place despite not playing in one of the world’s top leagues. Oussama Lamlioui, a forward for RS Berkane in Morocco, and Fiston Mayele, also a forward, who plays for Pyramids FC in Egypt, are the only finalists still playing in African domestic leagues.
The final name on the list comes from MLS: Denis Bouanga. The 30-year-old forward, born in France but representing Gabon, has had an outstanding 2025 campaign with Los Angeles FC, earning him a nomination for African Player of the Year. He recorded 30 goals and 9 assists across all competitions in 2025 and finished second in the MLS scoring chart, just behind Lionel Messi.
Who has won the African Player of the Year?
CAF introduced the African Player of the Year award in 1992, and since then, it has annually honored the continent’s most outstanding stars. The first winner was Abedi Pele, a Ghanaian midfielder who starred for Olympique Marseille at the time. In the years that followed, legends such as George Weah and Nwankwo Kanu claimed the prize.
Samuel Eto’o and Yaya Toure share the record for most wins, with four each, while other global icons like Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Didier Drogba have each won it twice. The most recent recipient is Ademola Lookman, who had a standout year with Atalanta in 2024.
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and PSG's Achraf Hakimi.
As Christian Pulisic’s Milan prepares for its own potential overseas fixture, questions now swirl around whether Italy’s Serie A might be next to face the same storm that forced Spain to back down.
Some saw it as a celebration of global soccer — Barcelona in Miami, the United States embracing La Liga. But instead, it has become the latest reminder of how the sport’s growing commercial ambitions can clash with its roots. As Christian Pulisic’s Milan prepares for its own potential overseas fixture, questions now swirl around whether Italy’s Serie A might be next to face the same storm that forced Spain to back down.
La Liga’s decision to cancel the Barcelona vs. Villarreal match scheduled for December in Miami sent shockwaves through the soccer world. The game, set for Hard Rock Stadium, would have been the first-ever competitive European league fixture played outside the continent, a milestone moment in the global expansion of Spanish soccer.
But by Tuesday night, that dream was over. La Liga cited “the uncertainty that has arisen in Spain over the past few weeks” as the reason behind the sudden cancellation. Its U.S.-based partner, Relevent Sports, admitted defeat as well, saying there was “insufficient time to execute an event of this scale properly” and that “it would be irresponsible to begin selling tickets without a confirmed match in place.”
Behind those diplomatic words, however, was chaos. Real Madrid led a fierce protest against the idea, calling it an “adulteration of the competition.” Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois added bluntly: “They put it in because it’s in their interest… it adulterates the competition, plus it doesn’t comply with the players’ agreement.”
🚨 NOTA INFORMATIVA.
LALIGA informa de la cancelación del Partido Oficial en Miami, una oportunidad histórica para la internacionalización del fútbol español. Seguiremos trabajando por una competición global, moderna y competitiva.https://t.co/DpsR4PnXLf
Across stadiums in Spain, fans and players joined in rebellion. Supporters unveiled banners declaring “Our League, Our Home,” while teams stood motionless for 15 seconds at kick-off in silent protest. Even Villarreal, which was supposed to be the designated home team in Miami, expressed frustration, noting that the match would have felt like a de facto home game for Barcelona.
What about Serie A?
While Spain’s domestic crisis was unfolding, eyes turned toward Italy — and toward Christian Pulisic andAC Milan. The Rossoneri are slated to play a Serie A match against Como at Perth’s Optus Stadium in February 2026, a proposal that immediately sparked its own wave of controversy.
Christian Pulisic of AC Milan playing at the Coppa Italia.
The match, backed by Serie A’s CEO Luigi De Siervo, has already been sanctioned by UEFA, though not without hesitation. According to the governing body, the move was “exceptional” and should not be seen as precedent-setting. The reason behind the relocation is practical: San Siro will be closed for the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina between February 6 and 22.
Still, critics view it as a worrying step toward commercial overreach. Adrien Rabiot reportedly called the idea “absurd,” and his France teammate and Milan captain Mike Maignan agreed; while Italian fans have begun displaying anti-globalization banners during league matches.
🗣️ Maignan on Milan-Como being played in Australia:
“I totally agree with Rabiot. Nowadays we consider a lot the financial aspect and forget other things. It’s a Serie A match. I don't understand why it's being played abroad.”pic.twitter.com/N5qz9S2ok9https://t.co/3o9xbNutKX
The Western Australian government, however, remains bullish. Deputy Premier and Sports Minister Rita Saffioti insists that Serie A had promised not to follow La Liga’s footsteps. “We’ve had some very supportive comments overnight from the Italian league, so we’re very confident.” She added that local authorities were simply waiting for “final sign-off from FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation.”
Unpaid transfer fees have once again come back to haunt Barcelona, worsening an already fragile economic situation that shows no sign of easing.
Unpaid transfer fees have once again come back to haunt Barcelona, worsening an already fragile economic situation that shows no sign of easing. After years of lavish spending and ambitious projects — including moves for top players like Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha — the Catalan side is now facing short-term payment obligations that could shape its future both on and off the pitch.
The latest financial report confirms that the Spanish club owes a staggering $168.4 million in unpaid transfer fees. The revelation comes as the team, still recovering from the aftermath of Lionel Messi’s departure, continues to chase domestic and European glory while juggling massive financial commitments.
Mounting debt and the true cost of rebuilding
According to Marcaand reports presented at Barcelona’s Members’ Assembly, the club’s total debt exceeds $2.27 billion, a figure that includes expenses from player acquisitions, stadium redevelopment, and long-term financing deals. The most pressing issue, however, lies in the $168 million owed to other clubs for transfers completed between 2022 and 2025.
These outstanding payments can be traced back to the team’s expensive 2022 rebuild, when the club embarked on an aggressive recruitment drive following Lionel Messi’s departure. That summer saw the arrivals of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Jules Kounde, all intended to usher in a new era of competitiveness. Three years later, the price of that ambition is clearer than ever.
Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Lamine Yamal of Barcelona
The Blaugrana still owes around $46.9 million to Leeds for Raphinha, $27.2 million to Sevilla for Jules Kounde, and $10.6 million to Bayern Munich for Lewandowski. Meanwhile, recent deals have only added to the strain — with $17.1 million due to Leipzig for Dani Olmo and $13.8 million to Manchester City for Ferran Torres.
Even players who have already left the club are part of the financial burden. Despite selling Vitor Roque to Palmeiras last year, Barcelona still owes $18.9 million to Athletico Paranaense for the young Brazilian forward. Smaller amounts are also pending for clubs such as Real Betis, Valencia, and Osasuna for players including Emerson Royal and Abde Ezzalzouli.
Stadium dream that turned into financial nightmare
The club’s problems go far beyond transfer-related debts. The Camp Nou renovation project, part of the ambitious “Espai Barca” plan, was designed to modernize the stadium and generate $267 million in annual matchday revenue. Instead, delays, rising costs, and COVID-era financial shocks have turned the dream into a financial headache.
Barcelona took on a $1.55 billion debt package to fund the redevelopment, which now stretches repayment obligations until 2050. The club is currently playing at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, where reduced capacity and lower ticket sales have led to a sharp decline in income.
This shortfall has made it harder for the club to meet its immediate financial responsibilities — including the transfer payments due this season. According to Marca, $148 million of the $168 million debt must be paid by the end of the 2025 fiscal year, a figure that dwarfs the $48 million paid under the same category last year.
Following Karim Benzema's departure from Real Madrid, Endrick emerged as an exciting striker prospect. However, he has not played a single minute this season, relegated to a secondary role. As a result, sources suggest that the Brazilian has made a decision about his future.
In Real Madrid‘s generational change, Endrick arrived as one of the most exciting prospects in the forward line. The Spanish club invested $40 million in the Brazilian sensation, with potential bonuses pushing the fee to $83 million. However, he has found himself sidelined, overshadowed by youth talent Gonzalo Garcia in the rotation not having played this season a single minute. In response, Endrick has reportedly made a decision regarding his future.
At a recent press conference, coach Xabi Alonso emphasized that both Gonzalo Garcia and Endrick have shown no desire to leave the team, and he intends to rely on them for the rest of the season. However, The Athletic highlighted an incident in Real Madrid’s last game against Getafe, where Brahim Diaz and Rodrygo entered as substitutes, sidelining Endrick.This decision reportedly frustrated the young Brazilian, prompting him to reconsider his future.
According to Fabrizio Romano on X, formerly Twitter, Endrick is eager to pursue a loan move from Real Madrid during this winter transfer window. He aims to play a leading role on the pitch to enhance his chances of making Brazil’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, a spot that’s uncertain with Vitor Roque, Richarlison and Joao Pedro impressing. While seeking more playing time, Endrick remains committed to Real Madrid and isn’t looking to exit permanently.
Since arriving at Real Madrid, Endrick has played in just 37 games, contributing seven goals and one assist, yet consistently showcasing his exceptional talent every chance he gets. He’s proven to be impactful not only as a scorer but also as a creator, resembling the multifaceted style of Karim Benzema. Despite his ability to influence games, both Carlo Ancelotti and Xabi Alonso surprisingly did not gave him enough playing time to fully integrate to the lineup.
Endrick of Real Madrid reacts during the Copa del Rey semifinal match.
Endrick linked with several leading European clubs as winter transfer market approaches
Endrick, despite limited playtime since arriving in European soccer, has displayed exceptional talent, establishing himself as a standout young Brazilian. With 14 appearances and three goals for Brazil’s senior team, he has drawn significant attention. Some top European clubs are eager to secure a loan deal for him in the winter transfer window, aiming to rejuvenate their offense and help him reach peak form.
Olympique de Marseille are gearing up to make a loan proposal to Real Madrid for Endrick, according to L’Equipe. Coach Roberto De Zerbi aims to bolster an attack soon to be depleted by the Africa Cup of Nations absences of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Amine Gouiri, giving him an important role in his potential arrival.
Despite Marseille’s frontrunner status, Bein Sports reports that several European team like Juventus, West Ham United, and Manchester United are also closely eyeing the young star. Having the 2026 World Cup closer, Endrick may chase the opportunity that secures him more important role, to bolster his level and clinch a spot in Brazil.
Endrick of Real Madrid warms up prior to the LaLiga EA Sports game.
Real Madrid receive Juventus in the league stage Matchday 3 of the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League. Check out the kickoff times and details on how to watch the match live on TV or stream it online in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Real Madrid vs Juventus on US television and via legal streaming:
Matchday 3 of the League Stage features a marquee showdown as Real Madrid, the competition’s most successful club, look to continue their flawless run against a Juventus team still hunting for its first win. Led by Kylian Mbappe and a roster loaded with world-class talent, Madrid enter brimming with confidence and intent to tighten their grip on the top spot.
Juve, on the other hand, come in under pressure after back-to-back draws and will treat this as a must-win to keep their campaign from slipping away. Don’t miss this heavyweight battle between two European giants—it’s shaping up to be one of the can’t-miss matches of the round.
More details on how to watch
Paramount+ is now offering a 7-day free trial promotion for new subscribers, giving fans the ability to watch a ton of soccer fans (and other content) for free.
After the 7-day trial, Paramount+ is just $7.99 per month.
Paramount+ features more than 2,000 live matches each year. In addition to Serie A, the extensive portfolio of soccer properties also includes EFL Championship, EFL League One, EFL League Two, Coppa Italia, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League; NWSL; and much more.
Paramount+ includes exclusive original programs such as: Halo, Star Trek: Discovery, Frasier, Lawmen: Bass Reeves, and Evil, as well as movies including Mean Girls, Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning and more. You can also stream CBSN (CBS News), CBS Sports HQ and ET Live, as well as — with the Premium Plan — your local CBS network.
Paramount+ is available on PC or Mac as well as Roku, iPhone and Android phones, Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, PlayStation 4, Samsung smart TV, Vizio and XBOX One.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Paramount+ soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
Here are the steps to sign up for your 7-day free trial to Paramount+:
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
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Monaco take on Tottenham in the league stage Matchday 3 of the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League. Check out the kickoff times and details on how to watch the match live on TV or stream it online in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Monaco vs Tottenham on US television and via legal streaming:
Tottenhamand Monaco meet in a clash that highlights two teams heading in opposite directions. Spurs have started strong, earning four points from their first two matches, though a 2-2 draw at Bodo Glimt.
Monaco, meanwhile, find themselves in a tough spot after managing only a single point from their first two games. Don’t miss the game where Tottenham will be aiming to solidify their spot near the top and Monacodesperate for their first win.
More details on how to watch
Paramount+ is now offering a 7-day free trial promotion for new subscribers, giving fans the ability to watch a ton of soccer fans (and other content) for free.
After the 7-day trial, Paramount+ is just $7.99 per month.
Paramount+ features more than 2,000 live matches each year. In addition to Serie A, the extensive portfolio of soccer properties also includes EFL Championship, EFL League One, EFL League Two, Coppa Italia, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League; NWSL; and much more.
Paramount+ includes exclusive original programs such as: Halo, Star Trek: Discovery, Frasier, Lawmen: Bass Reeves, and Evil, as well as movies including Mean Girls, Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning and more. You can also stream CBSN (CBS News), CBS Sports HQ and ET Live, as well as — with the Premium Plan — your local CBS network.
Paramount+ is available on PC or Mac as well as Roku, iPhone and Android phones, Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, PlayStation 4, Samsung smart TV, Vizio and XBOX One.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Paramount+ soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
Here are the steps to sign up for your 7-day free trial to Paramount+:
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
Free resources available to you
World Soccer Talk is the number one destination in the United States for soccer television and streaming information. We recommend that you bookmark our soccer games on TV today page as well as subscribing to our free daily email newsletter that includes TV schedules and the latest soccer news and opinion from around the world.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
Eintracht Frankfurt play against Liverpool in the league stage Matchday 3 of the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League. Check out the kickoff times and details on how to watch the match live on TV or stream it online in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Eintracht Frankfurt vs Liverpool on US television and via legal streaming:
Liverpoolwill be eager to rediscover their rhythm after a rough stretch that’s seen them lose three straight Premier League games, including a tough derby defeat to Manchester United, along with a setback against Galatasaray in Champions Leagueplay.
Their next challenge comes against Eintracht Frankfurt, who are licking their wounds following a heavy 5-1 loss and looking to steady their own form. With both teams hungry to bounce back, this matchup promises plenty of intensity—don’t miss the action!
More details on how to watch
Paramount+ is now offering a 7-day free trial promotion for new subscribers, giving fans the ability to watch a ton of soccer fans (and other content) for free.
After the 7-day trial, Paramount+ is just $7.99 per month.
Paramount+ features more than 2,000 live matches each year. In addition to Serie A, the extensive portfolio of soccer properties also includes EFL Championship, EFL League One, EFL League Two, Coppa Italia, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League; NWSL; and much more.
Paramount+ includes exclusive original programs such as: Halo, Star Trek: Discovery, Frasier, Lawmen: Bass Reeves, and Evil, as well as movies including Mean Girls, Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning and more. You can also stream CBSN (CBS News), CBS Sports HQ and ET Live, as well as — with the Premium Plan — your local CBS network.
Paramount+ is available on PC or Mac as well as Roku, iPhone and Android phones, Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, PlayStation 4, Samsung smart TV, Vizio and XBOX One.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Paramount+ soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
Here are the steps to sign up for your 7-day free trial to Paramount+:
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
Free resources available to you
World Soccer Talk is the number one destination in the United States for soccer television and streaming information. We recommend that you bookmark our soccer games on TV today page as well as subscribing to our free daily email newsletter that includes TV schedules and the latest soccer news and opinion from around the world.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
Chelsea face off against Ajax in the league stage Matchday 3 of the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League. Check out the kickoff times and details on how to watch the match live on TV or stream it online in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Chelsea vs Ajax on US television and via legal streaming:
Chelseaand Ajax meet in a pivotal league-stage showdown with both sides hungry to change their early-season trajectory. After a humbling defeat to Bayern Munich, Chelsea steadied the ship with a 1-0 victory over Benfica, but questions remain about their consistency and attacking sharpness.
Ajax’s struggles have been even more severe, with the Dutch club surrendering six goals in two games while still searching for their first score of the campaign. With both teams desperate for a spark, this matchup promises to be exiting, so make sure you don’t miss a moment of the action.
More details on how to watch
Paramount+ is now offering a 7-day free trial promotion for new subscribers, giving fans the ability to watch a ton of soccer fans (and other content) for free.
After the 7-day trial, Paramount+ is just $7.99 per month.
Paramount+ features more than 2,000 live matches each year. In addition to Serie A, the extensive portfolio of soccer properties also includes EFL Championship, EFL League One, EFL League Two, Coppa Italia, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League; NWSL; and much more.
Paramount+ includes exclusive original programs such as: Halo, Star Trek: Discovery, Frasier, Lawmen: Bass Reeves, and Evil, as well as movies including Mean Girls, Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning and more. You can also stream CBSN (CBS News), CBS Sports HQ and ET Live, as well as — with the Premium Plan — your local CBS network.
Paramount+ is available on PC or Mac as well as Roku, iPhone and Android phones, Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, PlayStation 4, Samsung smart TV, Vizio and XBOX One.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Paramount+ soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
Here are the steps to sign up for your 7-day free trial to Paramount+:
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
Free resources available to you
World Soccer Talk is the number one destination in the United States for soccer television and streaming information. We recommend that you bookmark our soccer games on TV today page as well as subscribing to our free daily email newsletter that includes TV schedules and the latest soccer news and opinion from around the world.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
Josh Acheampong of Chelsea celebrates with teammates
After a strong start in the AFC Champions League, Al Nassr take on Goa, aiming to stay atop Group D. In a surprising move, coach Jorge Jesus has opted to rest Cristiano Ronaldo, leaving fans astounded.
Al Nassr, under the helm of Jorge Jesus, have surged into a formidable start in the 2025-26 season, showcasing an impressive unbeaten run. They march into today’s clash against India’s Goa in the AFC Champions League 2, eager to claim a win that would solidify their position atop Group D. In a surprising tactical decision, Jesus has chosen to discard Cristiano Ronaldo for today’s game, despite his recent goal-scoring prowess.
In the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League season,Cristiano Ronaldo has remained in top shape, steering clear of any significant injuries. The veteran has netted five goals in just as many matches, showcasing his exceptional form. Yet, coach Jorge Jesus announced in a press conference that the 40-year-old star will sit out games played outside Saudi Arabia to maintain his fitness for the long haul.
Cristiano’s absence from the lineup isn’t the only surprise; star forwards Joao Felix, Sadio Mane, and Kingsley Coman found themselves on the bench. Jorge Jesus opted for an unconventional front line, featuring Haroune Camara and Mohammed Marran. Despite these significant offensive shifts, the team struck early, with young standout Angelo continuing to prove himself as a vital asset.
After failing to qualify for the AFC Champions League Elite, Al Nassr shifted to the AFC Champions League 2, with Cristiano Ronaldo yet to make an appearance. Although there’s a possibility he could play in a home fixture, Ronaldo won’t be central to their strategy. Facing an opponent they should easily defeat, head coach Jorge Jesus plans to rest key players and provide opportunities for less regular squad members.
Kingsley Coman celebrating with Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr FC’s fourth goal.
Al Nassr lineup vs Goa in AFC Champions League 2 showdown
Al Nassr entered their third AFC Champions League match with just one player sidelined due to injury: Nawaf Al-Aqeedi, nursing a thigh issue. In a surprising strategic shift, coach Jorge Jesus made significant rotations, notably excluding Cristiano Ronaldo from the squad. Moreover usual starters like Sadio Mane, Joao Felix, Mohamed Simakan, Kingsley Coman, and Nawaf Boushal found themselves on the bench.
With this, Al Nassr are playing as follows against Goa: Bento Krepski; Sultan Al Ghanam, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Inigo Martinez; Wesley Gassova, Ali Al Hassan, Angelo, Abdulrahman Ghareeb, Ayman Yahya; Mohammed Marran, Haroune Camara.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr FC celebrates scoring a goal.
With his contract with CF Monterrey close to expiring, star defender Sergio Ramos broke the silence on his future at Mexico.
Sergio Ramos has quickly established himself as the leader of CF Monterrey since arriving in February 2025, following an illustrious career in Europe. With his contract now nearing its expiration, the Spanish defender has broken his silence on his future in Mexico.
After a two-year stint at Paris Saint-Germain, Ramos returned to Sevilla, where his professional career began. However, ahead of the 2024–25 season, his contract was not renewed, prompting a surprising move, leaving Europe to join Liga MX side Monterrey on a one-year deal running through December 2025.
Speaking to the Spanish program El Chiringuito, Ramos reflected on his time so far in Monterrey with the Apertura in full swing: “I’m doing very well, I can’t complain. Mexico is a country that treats me wonderfully, and Rayados is a club with a very interesting project. Hopefully, things go well for us this year.”
The veteran defender was then asked about his contract situation, which expires in less than three months, and made his intentions clear. “Yes, it’s true that my contract ends in December, but hopefully we can stay here because we’re very happy and comfortable,” Ramos candidly stated.
Sergio Ramos of Monterrey kicks a penalty against Pumas UNAM.
After working to regain fitness in the early stages of 2025, Ramos quickly became a key figure for the team, leading Monterrey to the FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 after a strong group-stage performance. With 26 appearances and seven goals so far, the Spaniard now wears the captain’s armband for a side managed by former Pep Guardiola assistant Domènec Torrent, and he’s eager to extend his stay for at least another year.
What’s next for Monterrey?
With the 2025 Apertura underway, Monterrey have emerged as one of the top teams in Liga MX, currently sitting fourth with 27 points from 13 matches. Securely in playoff position, Rayados aim to capture their first league title since 2019 — this time with Ramos leading the charge.
As the regular season nears its conclusion, Monterrey have four matches remaining to strengthen their position. On Wednesday, Oct. 22, they’ll host FC Juárez before visiting second-place Cruz Azul on the 26th. In early November, they’ll face Tigres on the 1st and close the regular season against Chivas Guadalajara on the 8th, key matchups that will test the team’s firepower heading into the final stretch.
A former Argentina and Barcelona player has weighed in on the possibility of Lionel Messi playing in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The countdown is on for the FIFA World Cup 2026, set to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. With just eight months to go, many national teams have already secured their spots—including Argentina. However, Lionel Messi has yet to make an official decision about whether he’ll participate, and now a former Barcelona teammate has offered his take.
In a recent interview with El Grafico, Javier Saviola was asked if he believes Messi will be available for the upcoming World Cup. “I always try to imagine myself in his shoes,” the 43-year-old former player began. “I don’t think even Leo knows yet.”
However, Saviola quickly made his own position clear. “I think he will go to the World Cup; I’m more than sure of that,” he said. “He’s playing, and it’s obvious he wants to build confidence and get minutes so he’s in top shape for the World Cup. I see him motivated, involved, and enjoying himself.”
The former forward added that Messi deserves a proper send-off with the national team. “I feel like we’re close to the end of a wonderful story,” he said. “I hope he gets the kind of ending worthy of everything he’s given us. After winning the World Cup, after making all of us happy—not just Argentines, but the entire soccer world that wanted to see Leo win it.”
Javier Saviola playing for Barcelona in 2003.
Finally, Saviola reflected on the legacy Messi has created for Argentine soccer over the last two decades. “For us as a country, especially, after Diego (Maradona) we thought we’d never see another player like him—and then Leo came along,” he said. “We’ll have to see who comes next.”
Who is Javier Saviola?
Few players are as qualified as Javier Saviola to speak on this topic. He was a major figure in Argentine soccer for over 15 years, first rising to stardom at River Plate before FC Barcelona paid around $40 million to sign him.
At the Catalan club, Saviola scored 70 goals in 168 matches, though he never fully secured a starring role. He went on to play for clubs including Real Madrid, AS Monaco, Sevilla, Benfica, and Malaga before retiring at River Plate in 2015.
During his prime years, Saviola was also a regular fixture with the Argentina national team. He played alongside Lionel Messi for several years, most notably at the 2006 World Cup in Germany—Messi’s first and Saviola’s only. That same year, they were also teammates at Barcelona until Saviola’s departure in mid-2007.
Will Messi play in the 2026 World Cup?
Despite still being a key figure for Argentina with just over six months until the World Cup, Lionel Messi has maintained a degree of uncertainty about his participation. “Given my age, the logical thing would be not to make it. But I’m hopeful, motivated, and as always, I take it day by day, match by match,” he said in September.
That’s a fair assessment, considering Messi will turn 39 during the tournament—a rare age for an outfield player, especially in a competitive national team like Argentina. But Messi is no ordinary case, and with the tournament drawing closer, the chances of seeing him in the 2026 World Cup appear to be growing stronger.
Lionel Messi won the World Cup with Argentina in Qatar 2022.
Head coach Pep Guardiola dismissed Erling Haaland, and spoke candidly over another Manchester City star by calling him "one of the biggest talents" he’s seen in his career.
Pep Guardiola has managed some of the biggest stars in world soccer throughout his career, and now at Manchester City, he continues to work with elite talent. While Erling Haaland has already proven to be a striker destined to define an era, the Spanish coach recently turned his praise toward another City player, calling him “one of the biggest talents” he’s ever seen.
From FC Barcelona to Bayern Munich and now Manchester City, Guardiola has built a reputation as one of the game’s greatest tacticians while coaching legends such as Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski, Sergio Agüero, and Kevin De Bruyne, among others. Although he sees Haaland as a generational player, Guardiola made it clear he’s equally impressed by another rising star in his squad.
In his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Villarreal, Guardiola was asked about Rayan Cherki, who has been struggling with injuries, and his response was emphatic: “Rayan is one of the huge talents I’ve ever seen in my career; technically, individually – he’s top.”
The Spanish manager also highlighted the progress the Frenchman has made so far with the team. “The question is how he settles in what we want to do, how he reads every action and this started really well in the (Club) World Cup, but after had a few weeks off and step by step. I have the feeling most of times, not all the time, the ball comes to him, the situation is better,” Guardiola stated.
Rayan Cherki of Manchester City.
After pointing to Cherki’s assist to Haaland against Everton, Guardiola praised the player’s personality and style: “And he is a guy I like a lot that he doesn’t feel pressure, always wants to play with the ball, like a street player, ‘Give me the ball, give me the ball!’ But it’s a short time here, and he needs a little bit of time.”
Cherki’s 2025-26 season so far
Among the notable deals of the 2025 summer transfer window, Manchester City took advantage of Olympique Lyon’s financial struggles to sign Rayan Cherki. The deal was finalized for €36.5 million ($41.7 million), a bargain considering what the 22-year-old has shown in recent seasons.
After battling injuries early in the campaign, Cherki has only featured in four matches for City, scoring once, against Wolverhampton Wanderers. On the other hand, hamstring issues have forced him to miss seven games, while he was an unused substitute in the 1-0 win over Brentford.
Known for his exceptional dribbling, Cherki’s playing style has drawn comparisons to Riyad Mahrez, whose creativity played a key role during Guardiola’s earlier years at City. At just 22, the Spanish coach believes he’s witnessing one of the brightest young talents in world soccer, and with more than half the season still to play, Cherki’s full impact could be yet to come.
Head coach Pep Guardiola (L) and Erling Haaland (R) of Manchester City.
While breaking into the top 10 all-time scorers in the UEFA Champions League, Erling Haaland also equaled one of Cristiano Ronaldo’s career records.
Erling Haaland has been breaking scoring records since bursting onto the world soccer scene, and despite a challenging campaign last year, the Norwegian striker is rediscovering his best form at the start of the 2025-26 season. By breaking into the top 10 of the UEFA Champions League’s all-time scorers list, Haaland has now equaled one of Cristiano Ronaldo’s remarkable career records.
Manchester City visited Villarreal for Matchday 3 of the Champions League looking to climb toward the top of their group. After a brilliant build-up play, Rico Lewis delivered a precise cross that Haaland finished clinically inside the box, opening the scoring in the 17th minute. City went on to win 2-0, while Haaland once again etched his name into the history books.
The goal against Villarreal marked Haaland’s 12th consecutive game finding the back of the net across all competitions, equaling Cristiano Ronaldo’s career record. A feat previously achieved only by Ronaldo during his time with Real Madrid and the Portugal national team has now been matched by Haaland through his performances with Manchester City and Norway.
Haaland’s scoring streak began on August 31 against Brighton & Hove Albion, when he found the net in City’s 2-1 defeat. Since then, he has scored 21 goals and provided 3 assists in his next 11 appearances, 4 of them with Norway and 7 with City across the Champions League and Premier League.
Erling Haaland of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team’s first goal against Villarreal.
Haaland’s 12-game scoring streak:
Premier League game vs. Brighton: one goal.
International friendly vs. Finland: one goal.
UEFA World Cup qualifiers vs. Moldavia: five goals.
Premier League game vs. Manchester United: two goals.
UEFA Champions League game vs. Napoli: one goal.
Premier League game vs. Arsenal: one goal.
Premier League game vs. Burnley: two goals.
UEFA Champions League game vs. AS Monaco: two goals.
Premier League game vs. Brentford: one goal.
UEFA World Cup qualifiers vs. Israel: three goals.
Premier League game vs. Everton: two goals.
UEFA Champions League game vs. Villarreal: one goal.
Haaland breaks into Champions League top 10
Haaland’s streak has also propelled him to the top of the 2026 UEFA World Cup Qualifiers scoring chart with 12 goals, as well as to the top of the 2025-26 Premier League with 11. Though currently just one goal behind Kylian Mbappé in this season’s Champions League scoring race, the Norwegian continues his rapid climb up the competition’s all-time rankings.
Haaland’s latest strike against Villarreal took his Champions League tally to 53 goals in 51 games, surpassing Mohamed Salah for 10th place on the all-time list. His next target is Thomas Müller, who sits ninth with 57 goals for Bayern Munich. At just 25 years old, if Haaland maintains this prolific form, he’s well on track to challenge the top spots in the coming years.
Erling Haaland (L) of Manchester City and Cristiano Ronaldo (R) of Al Nassr.
Harry Kane has emerged as one of the top strikers of the decade, delivering impressive numbers at Bayern Munich. Yet, he singles out four forwards he deems the greatest in history, notably excluding Cristiano Ronaldo in favor of a surprising choice.
In a stunning move, Harry Kane left Tottenham Hotspur after a lengthy career to join Bayern Munich, catching the world off guard. Despite initial concerns about his adaptation, the English star has not only sustained but elevated his performance, making a significant impact on the field. Reflecting on soccer legends, he named his four greatest strikers of all time, notably excluding Cristiano Ronaldo to include an unexpected name.
In an interview with GOAL, Harry Kane was asked about the four players he would put on a Mount Rushmore, and his answer was surprising as he left out Cristiano Ronaldo. “Brazilian Ronaldo. Wayne Rooney, one of the best strikers to do it. Raul – love watching Raul grow up in Real Madrid, clever player, great finisher. Teddy Sheringham – watched him growing up and a very clever footballer, had an amazing career and just someone who I felt like I watched a lot.”
From the start of his career, Kane made his admiration for Ronaldo Nazario evident, modeling his game after the playmaking and scoring prowess of the Brazilian legend. Like Rooney, whom he has surpassed as England’s all-time top scorer, Harry excels in creating plays. In contrast, Raúl González focused solely on scoring, becoming one of the most prolific scorers in the history of Spain and Real Madrid, making sense as his best strikers picks.
The shock decision to choose Teddy Sheringham over Cristiano Ronaldo raised eyebrows. Sheringham, despite his impressive stints at various Premier League clubs—most notably Tottenham—scored 340 goals and clinched a single Champions League title. In stark contrast, Ronaldo nears the 1000 career goals and stands as one of the most successful players in history, significantly impacting the Premier League and beyond.
Harry Kane of Bayern Munich
Harry Kane vs Cristiano Ronaldo: how close is the English star to reach the Portuguese scoring record?
Harry Kane has been one of the most prolific strikers in recent years, consistently leading his teams’ scoring charts. Moreover, the Englishman achieved a milestone by becoming Tottenham’s all-time leading scorer with 280 goals just before moving to Bayern Munich. Although he has amassed an impressive career total, he still lags significantly behind Cristiano Ronaldo in goals scored.
Throughout his career, Kane has scored 487 goals in 731 appearances for club and country. In stark contrast, Cristiano has reached an astounding 949 goals, eclipsing the English striker by 462. At 32, Kane still has time to chase the Portuguese icon, but overcoming that gap is monumental. Ronaldo continues to shine at Al Nassr with a contract extending until 2027, allowing his record to grow even further.
Bayern Munich star Harry Kane and Al Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo.
Vinicius Junior is once again in the spotlight, and his Real Madrid teammate Thibaut Courtois came to his defense with a blunt statement.
For years, Vinicius Junior has been under constant scrutiny from the media, fans, and even his fellow players. His on-field performances have often been overshadowed by controversies, earning him the animosity of many. Now, his Real Madrid teammate Thibaut Courtois has spoken out on the matter.
“Many have mocked him—he arrived as a kid,” Courtois said, according to AS, during Tuesday’s press conference ahead of the UEFA Champions League match against Juventus. “He’s been improving.”
The comments came in response to the latest controversy surrounding Vinicius. On Sunday, during Real Madrid’s 1–0 win over Getafe, he came off the bench in the second half and delivered a standout performance, playing a key role in the red cards shown to Alex Sancris and Allan Nyom.
“That’s why everyone hates you,” was the remark Getafe defender Juan Iglesias reportedly directed at Vini during the match, after a foul drawn by the Brazilian winger. “When there’s no respect, things like this happen,” Iglesias said after the game, referring to the heightened tensions directed at Vinicius.
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid argues with Mauro Arambarri of Getafe.
But on Tuesday, Thibaut Courtois struck a very different tone, firmly backing his Real Madrid teammate. “The other day, he wasn’t provoking anyone, but they were trying to get under his skin,” the Belgian goalkeeper said. “His performance was really good… He just has to stay focused on his game.”
Courtois compares Vinicius to two past stars
In the same press conference, Thibaut Courtois was asked whether Vinicius’s frequent involvement in controversies had more to do with a tendency to get into those situations on purpose—as a way of boosting his performance.
Courtois disagreed with that take and defended his teammate. “It’s not always easy when the whole stadium is against you, when players are constantly fouling you…They try to take you out of the game,” said Thibaut.
“I think he’s learned to live with it and even to frustrate his opponents, and I’m okay with that,” the Real Madrid goalkeeper added, before drawing a comparison with two of his former teammates. “It’s what Diego Costa did when I was at Atletico Madrid, or what (Eden) Hazard did at Chelsea.”
Vinicius struggling to secure his place at Real Madrid
After being Real Madrid’s top star in recent years—especially following Karim Benzema’s departure to Al Ittihad in 2023—Vinicius now faces a new challenge. Since the arrival of Xabi Alonso as head coach, the spotlight has shifted to Kylian Mbappe, who has quickly become the team’s undisputed leader through his goals and performances.
This new reality has placed Vinicius in an uncomfortable position. Real Madrid’s play is no longer centered around him, nor is he the go-to attacking option when the team needs a spark. So much so, the Brazilian winger no longer has a guaranteed spot in the starting lineup and now finds himself competing with Rodrygo and Franco Mastantuono.
Vinicius Junior and Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid.
La Liga has announced the cancellation of the match that was set to be played between Barcelona and Villarreal in Miami.
For months, European soccer had been stirred by the plan to host an official La Liga match outside Spanish territory for the first time. The United States was the chosen destination, with Hard Rock Stadium in Miami selected as the venue for Barcelonavs. Villarreal. But that idea has now been scrapped.
La Liga confirmed the decision on Tuesday through an official statement published on its website. “Following conversations with the promoter of the Official LALIGA Match in Miami, the decision has been made to cancel the organization of the event due to the uncertainty that has arisen in Spain over the past few weeks,” the statement began.
This move comes largely in response to strong opposition from several Spanish clubs, as well as from many of the players competing in the league. In fact, over the weekend, protests took place during La Liga matches, with players refusing to play during the opening seconds of each game.
“La Liga deeply regrets that this project, which represented a historic and unparalleled opportunity for the international expansion of Spanish soccer, will not be able to move forward,” the statement released Tuesday continued. “Holding an official match outside our borders would have been a decisive step in the global growth of the competition.”
La Liga president Javier Tebas.
The message also emphasized the broader impact this cancellation will have on Spanish soccer. “Renouncing such opportunities hinders the generation of new income, limits clubs’ capacity to invest and compete, and reduces the international projection of the entire Spanish soccer ecosystem,” La Liga said.
Real Madrid, the leading opponents
In recent weeks, several voices across Spain expressed their opposition to La Liga’s decision to stage the match between Barcelona and Villarreal in another country. Real Madrid emerged as the most vocal opponents, with several players even speaking out publicly.
“I think it’s a clear distortion of the competition that means not all La Liga teams are competing under the same conditions,” said Dani Carvajal this week, according to Marca. “I believe it’s essential that we, the players, the clubs, and the league itself, be fair. We have to stand for what’s right, and I don’t think this is it.”
Last-minute cancellation from La Liga
Despite the backlash surrounding the match, La Liga officials had remained firm in their plans to take the game to Miami in recent weeks. Even Joan Laporta, president of Barcelona, had responded to the controversy earlier on Tuesday by saying, “Real Madrid can say what they want—we’re going to Miami.”
In fact, La Liga’s official social media channels continued to promote the match in the United States as recently as Monday. However, it’s clear that widespread discontent among Spanish clubs and players—along with the strong opposition from Real Madrid, one of the country’s most powerful teams—forced a sudden reversal.
When and where will Barcelona vs. Villarreal be played?
The match between Villarreal and Barcelona is part of Matchday 17 of La Liga and, along with the other nine games of that round, is scheduled to take place during the weekend of December 20–21. The original plan was for both teams to face off at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Saturday, December 20, but that will no longer happen.
Now, it’s a matter of waiting for official updates from La Liga regarding the rescheduling of the match. However, with the U.S. venue off the table, all signs point to Villarreal and Barcelona playing at the originally designated location: Estadi de la Ceramica.
Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and Villarreal's Gerard Moreno.
With a hat trick in the last UEFA Champions League game, Fermín López has outshined Lamine Yamal and claimed a historic FC Barcelona record to his own.
Fermín López emerged as the star for an injury-hit FC Barcelona side in their UEFA Champions League clash against Olympiacos. The midfielder stole the spotlight with a hat trick on Matchday 3 of the 2025–26 campaign, outshining Lamine Yamal and writing a new chapter in Barca’s storied history.
With key attacking players like Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski sidelined through injury, head coach Hansi Flick turned to López and 17-year-old Dro Fernández to join Lamine Yamal and Marcus Rashford in the attack. The gamble paid off, as the Spanish midfielder struck three times in a 6–1 victory at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium.
With his hat trick against Olympiacos, Fermín López became the first Spanish player ever to score a hat trick for FC Barcelona in the history of the UEFA Champions League. Luis Enrique had previously scored three goals in a single European match, but that came in the UEFA Cup (now the Europa League), meaning López has written his own piece of history for the Catalan giants.
Several Spanish stars have shaped Barcelona’s legacy, from midfield icons like Xavi Hernández and Andrés Iniesta to forwards such as David Villa. Yet none of them ever managed to record three goals in a single Champions League match. And with a rising star like Yamal sharing the field, López’s performance stood out even more as he claimed the record for himself.
Fermin Lopez of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Lamine Yamal.
After the match, López reflected on the milestone with a heartfelt message in his postgame interview: “My first hat trick with Barca, a dream come true. Now it’s time to keep working. Having the players sign the ball too, it’s thanks to them as well.”
Lamine Yamal still chasing first hat trick with Barcelona
Yamal’s rise on the international stage has sent shockwaves through world soccer, to the point that the young winger was even shortlisted for the 2025 Ballon d’Or alongside Ousmane Dembélé. However, despite his talent, the 18-year-old is still waiting for his first hat trick with Barcelona.
Yamal has made 113 appearances for the Blaugrana, scoring 28 goals and providing 40 assists — numbers that highlight his influence as a playmaker rather than a pure finisher. In fact, he has only recorded two braces in his career so far: one in February 2024 against Granada, and another against Girona in September 2024, meaning he’s had few chances to bag three goals in a single game.
Lamine Yamal (L) and Fermin Lopez (R) of FC Barcelona.
While Milan’s frustration grew, Landon Donovan and Tim Howard — two of American soccer’s greatest icons — launched a fierce defense of both Pochettino and his staff, dismissing the outrage with a powerful six-word claim that has reignited the country-versus-club debate.
When Christian Pulisic limped off just 30 minutes into the United States’ friendly against Australia, Mauricio Pochettino found himself in the eye of a storm. His decision to start the Milan star — despite ongoing ankle issues — sparked outrage from the Italian club, which accused the U.S. national team of recklessly endangering their most influential player. But while Milan’s frustration grew, Landon Donovan and Tim Howard — two of American soccer’s greatest icons — launched a fierce defense of both Pochettino and his staff, dismissing the outrage with a powerful six-word claim that has reignited the country-versus-club debate.
For AC Milan, the international break was supposed to offer rest and recovery — not another injury crisis. Instead, Pulisic returned to Italy with a hamstring injury, ruling him out for three to four weeks. Italian outlets La Gazzetta dello Sport and La Repubblicareported that the Rossoneri were “furious” with Pochettino for risking the winger in a friendly match that held “no competitive value.”
The 27-year-old winger had already missed league fixtures earlier in the season with an ankle problem, which the club’s medical staff feared could worsen under physical strain. Yet Pochettino chose to start him against Australia, only for the forward to go down clutching his leg after two heavy tackles.
The injury was later confirmed as a low-grade tear, meaning the current Serie A leader will likely be without its top scorer for crucial fixtures against Atalanta and Roma, with a possible return just before the Derby della Madonnina in late November.
This is not a hard tackle. He barely touches him. Pulisic injures himself when he stretches out to complete a pass while crashing into the ground pic.twitter.com/nfdKqLbwUJ
The timing couldn’t have been worse. The American star had been enjoying a blistering start to the season, tallying six goals and two assists across all competitions and earning Serie A Player of the Month honors in September. His form had established him as Milan’s attacking heartbeat, and his absence could disrupt a team already struggling for consistency in front of goal. That, however, didn’t sway Donovan or Howard, who believe the club’s anger is misplaced.
What did Landon Donovan and Tim Howard say?
Speaking on Unfiltered Soccer, the two USMNT legends made their position clear — Milan’s complaints, in their view, miss the bigger picture. “Every game for the U.S. matters,” Howard said firmly. “They don’t have World Cup qualifying, so actually this was essentially a World Cup qualifier for us. It was an opportunity to get our team together and fight for points.”
Howard added that muscle injuries are part of soccer — and blaming national teams for them was both unrealistic and unfair. “Muscle injuries happen,” he said. “I think it’s crazy for Milan to suggest that he shouldn’t have played.”
Donovan went even further, calling the club’s reaction “ridiculous” and reminding them of the cooperation the U.S. has shown in the past. “Go back and look at what Pochettino did in the past in letting Christian go. He didn’t bring him to the Gold Cup, and he even let him fly back early from Mexico duty last year. So he goes and he gets injured — it happens. It’s part of the game.”
Howard also pointed out that this period is essential for national team cohesion. “This can’t happen to the U.S. where [Pulisic] gets himself fit a week and a half before the next international break, plays for Milan, and then Milan says, ‘Yeah, well, he can’t go to the November internationals.’ That’s crazy talk.”
When Benjamin Cremaschi left Inter Miami, few expected that within months he would find himself mentioned alongside soccer royalty such as Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland.
When Benjamin Cremaschi left Inter Miami, few expected that within months he would find himself mentioned alongside soccer royalty such as Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland. The 20-year-old midfielder, now on loan at Parma, has enjoyed a breakout international tournament — and after the final whistle of the FIFA U-20 World Cup, he added his name to an exclusive list shared by some of the game’s biggest icons.
After struggling for playing time in Miami’s star-studded lineup — one that featured Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and more recently, Rodrigo De Paul — Cremaschi sought a fresh start in Europe. His loan move to Parma was seen as a risk, but it was during the U-20 World Cup in Chile that his potential truly came alive.
The United States reached the quarter-finals before falling to eventual champions Morocco, but Cremaschi’s individual brilliance did not go unnoticed. He scored five goals and registered two assists in five matches, leading his nation’s charge with confidence and composure well beyond his age. His standout performances came in the 9-1 thrashing of New Caledonia, where he bagged a hat-trick, and a 3-0 knockout win over Italy, where he scored twice.
The U-20 World Cup ended with Morocco defeating Argentina 2-0 to claim their first-ever title, thanks to a dazzling display from Yassir Zabiri and Othmane Maamma, who took home the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. Yet while Morocco celebrated their historic win, Cremaschi quietly achieved something that placed him in elite company.
The American midfielder earned the Golden Boot — awarded to the tournament’s top scorer — finishing level on five goals with France’s Lucas Michal and Colombia’s Neiser Villarreal. The tie was broken by assists, where Cremaschi’s two proved decisive. It was only in the middle of the post-tournament celebrations that FIFA confirmed the honor — the Golden Boot, previously won by none other than Lionel Messi in 2005 and Erling Haaland in 2019.
The achievement places Cremaschi in a remarkable lineage of winners, including Sergio Aguero (2007), Cesare Casadei (2023), and Eddie Johnson (2003) — the only other American to claim the award.
World Cup U-20 Golden Boot winners in the 21st century:
— Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) October 20, 2025
For the Florida-born playmaker, who once idolized Messi from the same training pitch in Miami, it’s a surreal full-circle moment. “Whenever I saw the chance, I would try to learn from him [Messi],” Cremaschi said after the tournament. “I would try to absorb everything that he does: the way he takes care of himself, the way he manages himself. Great guy, even better player, and it was a very, very good experience playing with him.”
Those lessons clearly took root. His calmness on the ball, vision between the lines, and maturity in key moments mirrored the very traits he once studied in the Argentine legend.
Lionel Messi (left), Benjamin Cremaschi (center), and Erling Haaland (right)
Following their Champions League loss to PSG, Barcelona faced Olympiakos with a must-win mindset. They not only clinched victory, but Fermin Lopez also matched a noteworthy record, underscoring his key role in the lineup.
Barcelona burst into the 2025-26 season with an exceptional start, stringing together eight unbeaten matches. Their momentum faltered against PSG, cascading into a troubling defeat by Sevilla. Despite this dip, the Culers rebounded in LaLiga, facing mounting pressure to triumph over Olympiakos. Not only did they secure the win, but Fermin Lopez also matched an impressive team milestone in the Champions League, solidifying their resurgence.
According to Misterchip on X, formerly Twitter, Fermin Lopez has become the first Spanish player at Barcelona to score a hat trick in European competitions since Luis Enrique’s feat against AEK in the 2000-01 UEFA Cup. This achievement solidifies the young talent as a key team member.
With his stunning hat trick, Fermin enters an elite group of Spanish players in UEFA Champions League history, joining: Raúl González (Real Madrid), Gerard López (Valencia), Fernando Morientes (Valencia), Fernando Llorente (Villarreal), Roberto Soldado (x2, Valencia), Álvaro Negredo (Manchester City), and Lucas Pérez (Arsenal), reports Misterchip via X. Remarkably, the 22-year-old standout is the only midfielder among them, underscoring his exceptional level of play.
Since his 2023 debut, Fermin has tallied 94 appearances for Barcelona, notching 24 goals and 11 assists. Despite the club’s $60 million investment in Daniel Olmo, who competes in the same position, his impressive form has propelled him past the big signing in the pecking order. Alongside Frenkie De Jong and Pedri, the 22-year-old star commands a starting role in the midfield.
Fermin Lopez of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring a goal in the Champions League.
Fermin Lopez has emerged as a key Barcelona player amid injury crisis
At the outset of the 2025-26 season, Barcelona faced a wave of injuries that threatened their ambitious goals. With Pablo Gavi sidelined and Dani Olmo’s play hampered by minor injuries, Fermin has risen to the occasion, taking charge of the team’s creative duties. His impressive performance has erased any doubts about his capabilities and has intensified the competition, leaving his teammates scrambling to secure spots in the starting lineup.
Fermin Lopez has rapidly transformed from a youth prospect to an essential starter under the guidance of Hansi Flick. Since stepping onto the field, the Spaniard has exhibited exceptional skill, combining creativity, speed, and a keen scoring touch. Emerging alongside talents like Gavi and Pedri, many initially pegged the 22-year-old as a rotation player. However, his remarkable performances have secured his position as a key player.
Fermin Lopez of FC Barcelona shinning in the UEFA Champions League.
Christian Pulisic, Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, and Kylian Mbappe have recently faced injuries during the international break, reigniting the club vs. country debate, as Napoli’s president proposes a radical solution
Could Christian Pulisic’s injury with the U.S. Men’s National Team have been avoided? That’s the question echoing around Europe as the international break has recently left some of the world’s biggest stars — Christian Pulisic, Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, and Kylian Mbappe — on the treatment table or in doubt for crucial club fixtures. The so-called “FIFA virus” has once again infected the sport’s delicate balance between national pride and club responsibility, forcing coaches, players, and fans to question just how much soccer is too much soccer.
The timing couldn’t be worse. With domestic leagues heating up and continental competitions reaching key stages, the endless cycle of matches has begun to take its toll on even the fittest athletes. Real Madrid, Barcelona, and AC Milan are all feeling the strain as international duty sends their stars back injured — or dangerously close to it.
For Milan, the latest setback came in the form of Christian Pulisic’s hamstring tear during the USMNT’s 2-1 friendly win over Australia. The American winger left the field after just 30 minutes, his face betraying a mix of pain and disbelief. According to La Repubblica,the Rossoneri are “furious” with the U.S. coaching staff for fielding Pulisic despite recent medical warnings. The 27-year-old had been struggling with ankle issues before the international break and had only played 17 minutes against Ecuador days earlier.
Yet he was named in the starting XI for what the Rossoneri viewed as an unnecessary friendly. Mauricio Pochettino, in charge of the U.S. squad, downplayed the incident after the match. The damage, however, was already done — scans confirmed a low-grade tear that could keep Pulisic sidelined for up to a month.
This is not a hard tackle. He barely touches him. Pulisic injures himself when he stretches out to complete a pass while crashing into the ground pic.twitter.com/nfdKqLbwUJ
For Milan, which is locked in a title race with Inter, Napoli, and Roma, the timing is devastating. Pulisic has been one of Serie A’s standout performers, with six goals and two assists; his chemistry with Santiago Gimenez has driven the team’s attack. His absence adds to a mounting injury list that’s testing Massimiliano Allegri’s squad depth.
Lewandowski controversy deepens the debate
Meanwhile, in Spain, Robert Lewandowski’s injury has sparked a bizarre war of words between Barcelona and the Polish national team. The veteran striker was diagnosed with a left hamstring strain after returning from international duty, but Poland coach Jan Urban questioned the club’s medical report. “For me, a muscle tear doesn’t allow you to run at full speed,” Urban told Catalunya Ràdio. “He wasn’t injured at all. We simply decided to rest him in the first game to give minutes to others.”
The coach’s comments have only deepened the confusion, with Barcelona insisting Lewandowski faces weeks out, likely missing El Clasico and multiple Champions League games. Urban’s defense — that the striker “played 90 minutes and was fine” — has done little to calm the club’s frustration over what they perceive as reckless player management.
Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Lamine Yamal of Barcelona
The tension doesn’t stop there. Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal had also been caught in similar storms. France’s captain suffered an ankle knock before joining Les Bleus this month, and though coach Didier Deschamps assured reporters that “it’s not serious,”Real Madrid reportedly privately expressed concern that France might rush him back into action.
What’s more, the parallels with Lamine Yamal’s situation are striking. Barcelona had already clashed with Spain’s medical team over the teenager’s treatment during the previous break, accusing them of using painkillers to get him through matches. Thus, the rift between national federations and domestic giants is widening by the week.
Bizarre solution from Italy
Amid this growing crisis, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has offered a radical — and some would say crazy and bizarre — proposal to solve soccer’s congestion problem once and for all. Speaking at the National Italian American Foundation Gala in Washington, De Laurentiis didn’t hold back: “Europe must change because the time has come,” he told Class CNBC.“The football chiefs are reluctant to change because they fear losing their seats. But it’s time to change both the game’s rules and the leagues’ formats.”
Then came his most controversial idea yet. De Laurentiis proposed that players should no longer be allowed to represent their national teams after the age of 23, arguing that it would protect older players from injuries and allow new talent to emerge.
Aurelio De Laurentiis
“After you’ve turned 23, you can no longer go with the national team,” he said. “If you play those who are over 30 and they get injured, you’re kicking the domestic leagues in the shins. There’s no respect for these leagues.”
While few expect FIFA or UEFA to entertain such an extreme measure, De Laurentiis’ remarks underline just how desperate clubs have become to protect their investments in players — and how fractured the relationship between club and country has grown.
Christian Pulisic (left), Robert Lewandowski, (center), and Kylian Mbappe (right)
From Lionel Messi’s MLS to Christian Pulisic’s Milan, the soccer world continues to see the blending of continents — and now, Son Heung-min could be the next star to bridge that gap.
From Lionel Messi’s MLS to Christian Pulisic’s Milan, the soccer world continues to see the blending of continents — and now, Son Heung-min could be the next star to bridge that gap. The South Korean forward, currently dazzling in Major League Soccer with Los Angeles FC, may be on course for a sensational European comeback — one potentially taking him to San Siro.
Reports from The Sun suggest that AC Milan could offer Son a short-term return to Europe this winter to maintain peak fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup, thanks to a mysterious “special clause” in his MLS contract. The 33-year-old, who left Tottenham last summer after a decade of service, has been in breathtaking form since moving stateside — scoring nine goals and providing three assists in just ten matches for LAFC.
In California, Son’s arrival has generated a buzz “comparable to Messi’s impact in MLS,” according to The Sun, which reported that LAFC’s social media engagement has soared by nearly 600% since the Korean captain joined. Local fans have even dubbed the league “the Son Heung-min league”, a testament to his influence both on and off the pitch.
Since joining LAFC in August, Son has helped the club secure a third-place finish in the Western Conference and a spot in the MLS Cup playoffs. In his most recent outing against Colorado Rapids, he found the net once again — his ninth goal of the campaign — as LAFC drew 2-2 to close the regular season. But once the MLS season wraps up in December, a long off-season looms — and that’s where the mystery clause could come into play.
The revelation: “Beckham clause” in his contract
Midway through his first season in MLS, The Sun revealed what they called a “special Beckham clause” written into Son’s LAFC contract. This unique provision allows him to temporarily return to European soccer during the MLS off-season, mirroring what David Beckham did when he joined Milan on loan from LA Galaxy in 2009 and 2010.
David Beckham at Milan
The clause, kept under wraps until now, could enable Son to rejoin a European club between January and March 2026, maintaining competitive sharpness before the World Cup in North America. “Son Heung-min rejected offers from European giants and Saudi clubs to choose MLS,” wrote The Sun,“but like Beckham’s brief return to AC Milan, he has left room for a short-term European comeback.”
Milan’s interest: Following Beckham’s footsteps?
TransferFeed reports that Milan is seriously considering the opportunity, eyeing a temporary deal to bring the Korean superstar to Serie A. For the Rossoneri, uniting Son with Christian Pulisic could mirror the club’s history of marquee short-term moves — with Beckham himself wearing red and black during his MLS off-seasons.
The report adds that Son is “reportedly considering Milan, Tottenham, or even a stint in South Korea” as part of his World Cup preparations. Given his current form, any move would represent a significant short-term investment.
The 2026 World Cup, hosted across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, is central to Son’s decision-making. At 33, he’s determined to arrive in top condition, and a few months of top-flight European soccer could make all the difference.
Lionel Messi (left), Son Heung-min (center), and Christian Pulisic (right)
Al Nassr will face Goa on Wednesday in the AFC Champions League Two, and head coach Jorge Jesus spoke about Cristiano Ronaldo.
Al Nassr are currently the undisputed leaders in the Saudi Pro League, having won all five of their matches so far. Within that context, the team is now shifting its focus to the AFC Champions League Two, where they will face Goa this Wednesday in India. Head coach Jorge Jesus addressed Cristiano Ronaldo’s availability for that match.
“For matches outside Saudi Arabia, we decided to rest Ronaldo,” Jesus announced during a press conference this week, according to Goal. “We have to make choices and we’ve decided to leave him in Riyadh to prepare for the upcoming matches… We need to preserve his fitness.”
The Portuguese coach justified his decision by pointing to the need to rest Cristiano, who, at 40 years old, remains a key player for both his club and the Portugal national team. But he also mentioned another factor—the attention the forward draws wherever he goes.
“Everyone admires Ronaldo, he has a massive fanbase… We know that in Iraq, India many people want to see him and take pictures with him,” Jorge Jesus acknowledged at the same press conference. The coach made it clear that he understands this decision will be met with disappointment from fans, but his priority is doing what’s best for the team.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr FC.
Ronaldo still absent from AFC Champions League Two
Jorge Jesus’ reasoning—that avoiding international travel and intense fan interactions helps manage Ronaldo’s workload—makes sense, but it doesn’t fully explain all of the coach’s decisions this season.
Al Nassr failed last season to qualify for the AFC Champions League Elite, Asia’s top-tier club tournament, and had to settle for the second-tier competition instead—roughly equivalent to the UEFA Europa League. Given that context, the club’s primary focus this season is on the Saudi Pro League rather than continental play.
That’s reflected in how Cristiano Ronaldo’s minutes have been distributed during the 2025–26 campaign. While he has played all five full matches in the Saudi league, he hasn’t been included in the squad for any AFC Champions League Two games.
He didn’t travel to Iraq for the game against Al-Zawraa SC, he won’t make the trip to India to face Goa, and he also didn’t play at home against Istiqlol. This seems to indicate a clear strategy for CR7 to concentrate his efforts on the Saudi Pro League and, at least for now, stay out of the Champions League Two action.
However, after that Saudi Pro League match, Jorge Jesus’ team will face a tougher test in a different competition: on Tuesday, October 28, Al Nassr will play their second match in the King Cup of Champions. They opened the tournament with a 4–0 win over Jeddah, but now face a Round of 16 clash against Al Ittihad.
After their 2025 Leagues Cup loss to Seattle Sounders, Inter Miami risk ending the season without a trophy, relying solely on the MLS Cup. In response, Lionel Messi's teammate, Noah Allen, issued a decisive statement about that potential situation.
Inter Miami have displayed remarkable form since Javier Mascherano took the helm in January 2025. Despite not securing a trophy, the Argentine coach has kept his team as strong MLS contenders, consistently topping the Eastern Conference. However, after falling to the Seattle Sounders in the 2025 Leagues Cup final, they face a possible trophy-less season. In response, Lionel Messi‘s teammate, Noah Allen, spoke passionately about the team’s determination.
“Yeah [it’s a failure for if Inter Miami don’t win MLS Cup]. We have high expectations for ourselves. I feel like we have the highest standard in ourselves and we want to win every trophy possible. Yeah, we want to win,” Noah Allen said, as reported by ESPN.
At just seven years since their founding, the Herons have transformed from a team scraping the bottom of the MLS standings to bona fide contenders. The pivotal arrival of Lionel Messi has spurred them to capture their first two titles: the 2023-24 Supporters’ Shield Cup and the 2023 Leagues Cup. This success underscores their ambitious sports project, as they strive to instill a winning culture within the franchise.
In the 2025 MLS season, Inter Miami have crafted a formidable sporting project, anchored by standout players like Telasco Segovia, Yannick Bright, Noah Allen and Rodrigo De Paul. The team boasts the best goal difference in the Eastern Conference at +26 and has suffered the fewest losses with just seven. This strong foundation, coupled with an enhanced bench depth, positions the Herons as clear contenders for the MLS Cup.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami against Nashville SC.
Inter Miami are building a strong long-term project aiming towards a winning culture
Although Inter Miami had heightened their competitiveness, fans remained vocal about concerns surrounding the sports project’s future. With key players like Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez, and Lionel Messi all over 35, their potential retirements cast doubts on the team’s direction. However, the Herons have actively reshaped their roster, signaling a clear commitment to fostering a winning culture.
Javier Mascherano’s arrival has catalyzed a youth movement, highlighted by Noah Allen’s impressive rise as a versatile left-footed defender. The front office is doubling down on this future strategy, strategically acquiring talents such as Telasco Segovia, Tadeo Allende, Rodrigo De Paul, and Mateo Silvetti. This bold approach signals a new era for the Herons, full of promise and potential to keep pushing towards a winning mentality.
The Herons face the challenge of revamping their roster, with critical upgrades needed at center forward and defensive midfielder. As Luis Suarez shows signs of physical decline and Busquets retirement, Inter Miami must capitalize on this transition period. By infusing fresh talent and energy into the team, they can enhance competitiveness and rejuvenate their lineup for sustained success.
Lionel Messi of Inter Miami celebrates with teammate Noah Allen after scoring a goal.
Ahead of the MLS playoffs against Nashville SC, alarms were set as Lionel Messi was absent at Inter Miami's training session.
The 2025 Major League Soccer regular season has concluded, and teams are now gearing up for the playoffs, set to kick off next Friday with Inter Miami hosting Nashville SC in the opening match. However, alarms were raised for the Herons after star forward Lionel Messi missed Tuesday’s training session.
Following a season packed with fixtures across multiple competitions, Inter Miami fell short in their bid to defend the Supporters’ Shield but still managed to secure third place in the Eastern Conference with 65 points — just one behind leaders Philadelphia Union. With the Herons once again facing Nashville, as they did on MLS Decision Day, their preparation for the playoffs suffered an unexpected setback.
According to Miami Herald reporter Michelle Kaufman, Messi was nowhere to be seen during the first part of Inter Miami’s training session on Tuesday morning. It marked the second team practice since Saturday’s win over Nashville, and with no official statement initially addressing his condition, the Argentine’s absence sparked uncertainty.
The news came as a surprise, given Messi’s performance in that same game, where he scored a hat trick, added an assist, and completed the match without showing any signs of discomfort. Later in the afternoon, club officials clarified that Messi missed the session due to minor back soreness.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF during Nashville SC game.
Despite the midweek scare, Inter Miami have little reason for concern regarding their captain’s availability for the postseason. According to Miami Herald, Messi is expected to return to training on Wednesday and should be fit for Friday’s playoff opener against Nashville.
Inter Miami to face Nashville in MLS playoffs
After finishing third in the regular season, Inter Miami were drawn to face sixth-place Nashville SC, who ended the campaign with 54 points. The first leg will be played on October 24 at Chase Stadium, followed by the return leg at GEODIS Park on November 1. If a decisive third match is needed, it will take place in Miami on November 7.
Heading into the playoffs, Inter Miami hold a strong record against Nashville, not only following their recent 5–2 win but also throughout Messi’s encounters with the Boys in Gold. The Argentine has faced Nashville seven times, earning five wins and two draws, while contributing an impressive 10 goals and three assists in those matchups.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami warming up prior to Nashville SC game.
Ousmane Dembele, fresh off his 2025 Ballon d'Or victory, faced an early setback this 2025-26 season with an injury. PSG coach Luis Enrique did not mince words when addressing Dembele's condition, clearly outlining his stance on the 28-year-old star's situation.
After years of injuries and inconsistency, Ousmane Dembele has rediscovered his peak form at Paris Saint-Germain. In a landmark season, he spearheaded the French club’s charge to the UEFA Champions League title, earning the 2025 Ballon d’Or. Unfortunately, an injury has sidelined him this season, prompting coach Luis Enrique to respond bluntly to persistent inquiries about Dembele’s inclusion on the latest squad.
Ousmane has been included in PSG’s latest squad list to face Bayer Leverkusen 04 after recovering from his right hamstring tear. For this reason, coach Luis Enrique was asked about his condition after the injury and responded emphatically: “You are very concerned about the Ballon d’Or. It’s Dembélé, not the Ballon d’Or.He is the same player and the same person. We are very happy to have Dembélé back, as well as Marquinhos, and last week Doué,” he said at the latest press conference.
Although Luis Enrique’s words may seem blunt, he asserts that the Ballon d’Or is now a relic of the last season, emphasizing that no player receives special treatment.This comes amidst speculation about his high salary demands in contract talks with PSG, fueling some unease as his entourage reportedly believe that he deserves a contract enhancement. With his approach, coach seeks to maintain the team’s crucial focus on collective balance.
As the 2025-26 season begins, Ousmane faces the crucial task of maintaining his peak performance. After tallying an impressive 35 goals and 16 assists in 53 games last season the Frenchman must withstand the challenge from rising star Desire Doue, who is pushing for a prominent leadership position on the team. Under mounting pressure, his consistency and resilience will be pivotal in determining his continued success.
Ousmane Dembele #10 of Paris Saint-Germain celebrates scoring a goal.
PSG look to end inconsistent run in crucial showdown vs Leverkusen
Paris Saint-Germain haven’t kicked off the 2025-26 season as dominantly as expected. Under Coach Luis Enrique, they remain unbeaten in the Champions League, having conquered both Barcelona and Atalanta, despite dealing with significant absences. However, consecutive draws in Ligue 1 have led to a dip in form, costing them the top spot to Olympique Marseille. For that reason, a victory against Bayer Leverkusen could provide the crucial momentum shift they need.
With the return of Dembele, Marquinhos, Joao Neves, and Fabian Ruiz, PSG could secure a return to their best form with the top stars back in action. A victory against Leverkusen would allow the French team to regain its confidence and return to the level that made it the best team in the world in the 2024-25 season. However, this inconsistent run leaves clear doubts about its bench strength.
Head coach Luis Enrique and Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint-Germain.
As he prepares to compete in the Major League Soccer playoffs with Inter Miami, Lionel Messi is in the running for a major honor.
Last Saturday, Inter Miami wrapped up their 2025 Major League Soccer regular season with a dominant 5–2 win over Nashville SC. Now they’re gearing up for their Eastern Conference playoff debut—facing that same opponent—while Lionel Messi is competing for a prestigious award.
This week, MLS unveiled the list of finalists for the 2025 Goal of the Year award, and Messi made the cut thanks to the goal he scored for the Herons on July 5 against CF Montreal at Stade Saputo.
That day, the clock showed 61 minutes and Inter Miami were up 3–1 when the Argentine forward received the ball in the opposing half after a pass from Luis Suarez. With no defenders immediately in his path, Leo began carrying the ball forward. As Montreal defenders closed in, he slipped past them with his trademark unpredictable dribbling. After beating four players, he finished the move with a precise shot.
That brilliant solo effort, which gave the Herons their fourth goal in Canada, remains etched in fans’ memories. It stands out among the 29 goals Lionel scored during the regular season—a performance that also earned him the league’s top scorer award.
Notably, this is the first time Messi has been nominated for this award in his three seasons in the United States. In his first year, he joined late in the campaign and played just six MLS matches, scoring once. In his second season, Leo netted 20 goals in 19 games, but none were selected as finalists for the award.
How is MLS Goal of the Year chosen?
Unlike other MLS awards that are decided by experts, players, or coaches, the Goal of the Year is chosen exclusively by fans. Voting opened on Monday and will remain open through Friday, October 24.
The league revealed the 16-goal shortlist for the 2025 honor via social media posts. In addition to Messi, other MLS stars featured include Los Angeles FC’s Denis Bouanga and Son Heung-min, FC Cincinnati’s Evander, and San Diego FC’s Hirving Lozano. Also nominated is Messi’s Inter Miami teammate Baltasar Rodriguez, for his goal against New York City FC in August.
Who has won MLS Goal of the Year?
The Goal of the Year award was introduced by MLS in 1996, with the inaugural winner being San Jose Clash’s Eric Wynalda. In the nearly 30 years since, the list of winners has included stars like Landon Donovan, Obafemi Martins, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Josef Martinez—culminating with the most recent winner, FC Cincinnati’s Luca Orellano in 2024.
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