Lionel Messi has been the face of Major League Soccer since joining Inter Miami in 2023, transforming the league’s visibility and prestige overnight. But as much as the Argentine legend has enjoyed his American adventure, he has now revealed that there’s one thing he doesn’t like about MLS — and even offered a three-word piece of advice that, if implemented, could see global superstars like Antoine Griezmann, Neymar, and even Cristiano Ronaldo follow in his footsteps.

In a revealing interview with NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas, Messi spoke candidly about what he would change if he were commissioner for a day. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who recently extended his stay in South Florida through 2028, didn’t hold back in his vision for how American soccer could truly compete with Europe’s elite.

Since arriving in Miami, Messi has done what few thought possible: he’s turned Inter Miami from a struggling expansion project into a global brand. Ticket sales, shirt revenue, and TV audiences skyrocketed. Yet, even amid that success, the Argentine superstar insists the league has untapped potential.

“I think that growing soccer in the United States is possible,” Messi said during the interview. “I think there are still big changes to be made so that teams can continue to grow, but there is a very strong foundation in place where clubs are prepared and want that growth. And I think it’s time to do it.”

According to Messi, that foundation isn’t enough without significant reform. He believes one specific rule prevents MLS from becoming what it could be — and his frustration with it has clearly grown over time.

The hidden obstacle holding MLS back

The 38-year-old captain explained that one major difference between MLS and top European leagues is the level of freedom clubs have to build their squads. Under current rules, MLS teams are subject to strict salary caps and roster regulations, including the Designated Player rule, which allows only three players per team to earn salaries above the set cap.

While this system is designed to promote parity, it has also restricted clubs’ ability to compete for top talent. Messi was direct about what he sees as the problem: “Every team should have the opportunity to bring in players and sign whoever each team wants — without limitations or rules for players to bring them in.”

Then came the moment that made headlines. In simple but striking terms, the Inter Miami icon delivered his three-word advice that summed up his entire argument — an appeal that would, in his view, completely reshape MLS and attract the world’s elite. His message? Scrap salary caps.

Messi’s stance isn’t just about money. It’s about vision. He argued that MLS’ growth depends on giving clubs the power to sign and build freely — not on equal spending limits that restrain ambition. “I don’t think that today all teams in the United States, all clubs, have the power to do that,” he continued. “If they were given the freedom, many more important players would come and help the growth of the United States.”

It’s a bold suggestion, one that aligns with the approach seen in Europe’s major leagues — where clubs like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City operate with financial freedom to attract top-tier talent. In fact, the veteran believes that if MLS were to follow that path, the league could soon welcome a wave of international superstars. 

What might have been

Messi’s comments echo a frustration felt by many global players who have admired the MLS project from afar but found its structure unappealing. Over the past few years, Antoine Griezmann, Neymar, and Cristiano Ronaldo have all been linked with moves to the U.S., yet none of those transfers materialized — in large part due to the financial and roster restrictions Messi now wants lifted.

Antoine Griezmann, for example, was heavily linked to Inter Miami during his turbulent spell at Barcelona. His creative play and charisma would have fit the American market perfectly, but MLS’ wage limitations made the move unrealistic. Neymar, another global icon, has reportedly explored a potential U.S. switch for years now. However, despite Inter Miami’s interest, the cost of his wages and image rights proved prohibitive.

And then there’s Cristiano Ronaldo, who, despite his global appeal and unmatched fitness, chose Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia over MLS in 2022. His potential arrival would have been monumental, but again, salary cap restrictions stood in the way. Had Messi’s advice already been implemented, the league might have seen these superstars on American soil — reshaping not only MLS’ competitiveness but also its global market presence.

Endrick arrived at Real Madrid as a star prospect in 2024, securing a multi-million dollar transfer from Palmeiras. Although Karim Benzema’s departure seemed to open doors for him, the Brazilian struggled to establish himself as the starting center forward. With Kylian Mbappe’s arrival and Gonzalo Garcia’s emergence, he appears open to a loan move in the coming months. In light of this, a historic French team seems poised to secure Endrick‘s arrival.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Olympique Lyon have begun negotiations with Real Madrid for Endrick in the form of a loan until the end of the season in July 2026. Although the Brazilian was looking for a team competing in the Champions League, he is open to listening to the offer as he would have a good chance of playing a key role in coach Paulo Fonseca’s roster.

Despite Olympique Lyon not being at their most successful tenure in history, Paulo Fonseca has lifted the team from the brink of relegation to one of the top three teams in Ligue 1. However, neither Martin Satriano nor Enzo Molebe have been able to impress this season as strikers, as only the midfielder Pavel Sulc shine in that aspect. As a result, Endrick could become a key figure, with an opportunity to emerge as a goalscorer once again.

Even if Endrick wouldn’t have the chance to play in the Champions League, Lyon compete in the Europa League with an unbeaten record. Therefore, the Brazilian might still have the opportunity to shine and participate in European competitions, boosting his performance to pursue a spot on Brazil’s 2026 World Cup roster. If he regains his form and helps clinch the Europa League trophy, he would have a better chance of making a comeback to Real Madrid.

Endrick supposedly has another option: Real Madrid standout attracts Bundesliga interest

Although Olympique Lyon remains the strongest contender for Endrick’s services, a Bundesliga team is also showing keen interest in the player. According to Sport.de, VfB Stuttgart are looking to sign on loan the Brazilian due to Ermedin Demirović’s long-term injury. However, Denis Undav’s presence as a clear goal-scoring figure means the Brazilian may not be guaranteed a starting spot, as the French side may offer him.

The bond between Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso and Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness could smooth the path for Endrick’s arrival at the German club. According to a report by Sport.de, Alonso believes joining Stuttgart may offer the Brazilian the best opportunity for professional growth. Nevertheless, a significant concern is his potential role on the team, as he seeks this clarity to enhance his prospects of making it to the 2026 World Cup with Brazil.

When Thomas Muller arrived in Vancouver this past August, few imagined that within weeks, the German legend would be rewriting the very same statistical categories that Lionel Messi once ruled unchallenged. The Inter Miami forward, long seen as the face of Major League Soccer since his blockbuster arrival in 2023, suddenly finds himself in unfamiliar territory — being outperformed, not by an up-and-coming prodigy, but by another European great nearing the twilight of his career.

As the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs phase heads toward its decisive phase, Muller’s explosive start for the Vancouver Whitecaps has redefined the competitive landscape of a league that, for over two years, revolved around Messi’s dominance.

When the Whitecaps announced the experienced striker’s arrival from Bayern Munich, many expected a quiet adaptation period. Instead, the German World Cup winner stormed into MLS with the same sharp instinct and intelligence that defined his time in Europe.

In just seven matches, Muller has recorded seven goals and three assists, displaying ruthless precision in front of goal. His adaptation to North American soccer has been seamless — so much so that he now sits atop the league’s goals-per-90-minute chart, averaging 1.16 goals per game, narrowly eclipsing Messi’s 1.08 and Son Heung-min’s 1.00 for LAFC.

According to official MLS data, Muller currently leads the league in scoring efficiency, marking him as the most lethal finisher on U.S. soil despite arriving just two months ago. It’s a remarkable feat for a player who joined the competition late in the campaign, but the numbers tell a compelling story: the German star has transformed Vancouver’s attack almost overnight.

The shift in power

For much of the past two years, Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami symbolized a golden era for MLS — a fusion of global stardom and consistent excellence. He lifted trophies, broke attendance records, and set new commercial standards. But as new stars arrived — Son in Los Angeles, Muller in Vancouver — that dominance has started to face serious challenges both on and off the pitch.

While Son’s impact has been primarily cultural and commercial, Muller’s is purely soccer. His arrival has quietly redrawn the performance map of MLS, revealing that even at 36, the German playmaker’s knack for positioning and timing remains unmatched. And just when it seemed the conversation would stay limited to his on-field efficiency, Muller has gone one step further — surpassing Messi in a statistic that has long defined composure and reliability.

The surprising stat revealed

Incredibly, despite joining MLS in August 2025 and featuring in only nine matches across all competitions, Thomas Muller has already outscored Lionel Messi in penalties. The breakdown is eye-opening:

Messi, who joined the Herons in 2023 and has now played 83 matches, trails Muller in this category — an almost unbelievable comparison considering the vast difference in appearances. The detail might seem minor on the surface, but it highlights a deeper truth: Muller’s short stint in North America is not a farewell tour — it’s a statement of enduring excellence.

Match Overview

Flamengo edged out a last-minute goal in the opening leg, giving them a slim advantage as the Copa Libertadores semifinals continue. Racing Club head back to their home stadium, where they’ve been nearly unstoppable this season, aiming to erase the deficit in front of their passionate fans.

With both teams boasting top-tier talent and everything on the line, this matchup is set to be an intense, unpredictable showdown. Don’t miss a second of the best Copa Libertadores action—this is one game you’ll definitely want to watch live.

Eden Hazard has been one of the most unique players of the 21st century, not for his records, but for the pure joy of watching him glide across the pitch in a way few others could replicate. With his lasting legacy in English soccer, the Premier League has honored the former Chelsea star, inducting him into its prestigious Hall of Fame.

On Wednesday, the Premier League announced that Eden Hazard has been added to the Premier League Hall of Fame. Across 245 appearances, he recorded 85 goals, 57 assists, and won two league titles., leaving an impact on the field, on Chelsea, and on the league that will be remembered for years to come.

Following the announcement, Hazard took to his social media to share his gratitude. “For a small Belgian guy from Braine-le-Comte playing for fun, being inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame with these greats of the game at 34 years old is crazy. Thank you to all of you; I will see you soon, my friends!” the retired star posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The former Chelsea star is part of the 2025 Hall of Fame class alongside Manchester United legend Gary Neville. With his induction, Hazard becomes the fifth Chelsea player to receive the honor, joining Didier Drogba (2022), Petr Čech (2023), and Ashley Cole and John Terry (both in 2024).

Hazard and his unique impact at Chelsea

Hazard arrived at Chelsea in 2012 from Lille, where he had already begun his meteoric rise as one of Europe’s brightest young stars. During the 2014-15 season, he was named Premier League Player of the Season and finished eighth in the Ballon d’Or voting, the highest ranking of his career, alongside his top-10 finish in 2018.

Despite winning “only” two Premier League titles with Chelsea and not posting record-breaking numbers, Hazard’s influence transcended statistics. Renowned as one of the most gifted dribblers of his generation, he consistently delivered in big moments, scoring the title-clinching goal against Crystal Palace in 2014-15 and netting a brace in his farewell match, a 4-1 win over Arsenal in the 2018-19 UEFA Europa League final.

Even the Premier League’s official website has described Hazard as the league’s best player of the 2010s, a decade that also featured stars from Manchester City and Liverpool. Across seven seasons in England, he attempted 1,441 dribbles and completed 909, more than any other player during that period.

Premier League Hall of Fame members

• 2022: Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, Frank Lampard, Dennis Bergkamp, Steven Gerrard, David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, Patrick Vieira, Sergio Agüero, Didier Drogba, Vincent Kompany, Peter Schmeichel, Paul Scholes, and Ian Wright.
• 2023: Tony Adams, Petr Čech, and Rio Ferdinand.
• 2024: Ashley Cole, Andy Cole, and John Terry.
• 2025: Gary Neville and Eden Hazard.

In the past two years, several English stars have made the move to La Liga — a league that traditionally hasn’t attracted many of them — signing for giants such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid. Marcus Rashford is one of them, and reports suggest that another former Manchester United player could follow in his footsteps soon.

“Barcelona lead the chase for Greenwood, with scouts attending his recent masterclass against Le Havre,” reported TeamTalk this week. The outlet was, of course, referring to Mason Greenwood, the English forward who came through the Red Devils’ academy and has been shining with Olympique de Marseille since the summer of 2024.

Since his complicated exit from Manchester United, following legal controversies, Greenwood has rebuilt his career outside the Premier League. He first enjoyed a strong spell in La Liga with Getafe, scoring 10 goals in 36 matches. Over the past year and a half in France, he has cemented himself as a key player, contributing 30 goals in 48 appearances.

“The Catalan giants see Greenwood as a dynamic addition to Hansi Flick’s attack, potentially reuniting him with Marcus Rashford,” added TeamTalk. Indeed, Mason brings great tactical flexibility — beyond his impressive scoring ability, he can play as a winger on either flank, making him one of the few truly two-footed players in European soccer.

Other options for Greenwood

Mason Greenwood’s impressive form in Ligue 1 has caught the attention of other clubs besides Barcelona. Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United are reportedly among the teams closely monitoring the English forward as a potential signing.

Both clubs could offer Greenwood a return to the Premier League, where he made 129 appearances for Manchester United between 2019 and 2022. However, that move would likely mean giving up the chance to play in top-tier European competitions — something Marseille can currently offer him.

English players in La Liga

Throughout history, few English superstars have played in Spain. Real Madrid had notable cases such as Steve McManaman, David Beckham, and Michael Owen, while Barcelona enjoyed two prolific seasons from Gary Lineker in the late 1980s.

However, this trend appears to be changing in recent years. Greenwood himself is proof of that, having played for Getafe during the 2023–24 season. Since then, Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold have joined Real Madrid, Marcus Rashford has signed with Barcelona, and Conor Gallagher has moved to Atletico Madrid — highlighting a growing English presence in La Liga.

When Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo shared the same dressing room at Real Madrid, they were symbols of unity, precision, and success. Years later, they found themselves on opposite sides of a charged Saudi Arabian night — the King’s Cup Round of 16 clash between Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr. What unfolded wasn’t just a fierce battle on the pitch, but a drama that spilled over into social media, leaving fans speculating about a subtle message that reignited the old rivalry.

The match in Riyadh felt like a throwback to their prime La Liga days — two veterans leading their teams with pride and defiance. Ronaldo, desperate to end his trophy drought in Saudi Arabia, came into the clash unbeaten this season, while Benzema’s Al-Ittihad arrived with revenge on their mind after a league defeat.

For all of Al-Nassr’s early dominance, it was Benzema who struck first. A devastating counterattack spearheaded by Moussa Diaby ended with the Frenchman finishing with trademark composure. Ronaldo responded in style, orchestrating a slick move that allowed Angelo Gabriel to level the score. But just before halftime, Houssem Aouar restored Al-Ittihad’s lead — one they would defend with grit and heart despite being reduced to ten men after Ahmed Al Julaydan’s red card.

For the 40-year-old, the loss cut deep. Despite his relentless drive and constant movement, his side simply couldn’t break through Al-Ittihad’s resilient defense. Goalkeeper Rajkovic pulled off several world-class saves, including a stunning reflex stop to deny Sadio Mane in the dying minutes.

When the final whistle blew, Sergio Conceicao’s bench erupted while Ronaldo stood motionless, another opportunity for silverware slipping away. Since his move to Riyadh in 2022, the Portuguese star has now missed out on 13 trophies, his only triumph coming in a regional competition not recognized by FIFA. On his social media, Ronaldo remained philosophical. “We stand tall, learn, and move forward together,” he wrote — a post that contrasted sharply with Benzema’s tone later that evening.

What did Benzema say?

Hours after the victory, Benzema shared an image on his Instagram story: him celebrating his goal, with a clearly visible Ronaldo in the background. What seemed like a harmless victory post soon turned viral. Some defended the French striker, claiming he was simply reposting a fan-made image. Yet others viewed it as a deliberate provocation — a symbolic moment where the 37-year-old reminded the world he was no longer in Ronaldo’s shadow.

But what truly caught everyone’s attention was the mysterious five-word message that followed in a new post on social media — a phrase many fans quickly linked to his old teammate. Amid the online frenzy, the story took another turn when the Frenchman shared a fresh photo with the caption: “Big win tonight.. Important for the team and our fans. When we talk, we do”.

The phrase he chose — “When we talk, we do” — resonated deeply among fans. It was interpreted as a quiet assertion of confidence, a declaration from a player who continues to let his actions speak louder on the field, rather than outside.

For nearly two decades, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have stood as the twin pillars of soccer greatness. Their rivalry transcended leagues and generations, shaping an era where success was measured not just in goals but in silverware. Yet, as both legends continue their journeys far from Europe’s familiar lights, a curious question emerges: which of the two has endured the longest drought without a club trophy?  It’s a question that surprises even their most devoted followers — one that hides a record few would associate with Ronaldo, the man once defined by endless triumphs.

When Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in January 2023, it felt like the beginning of a new golden chapter. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner arrived as the face of Saudi Arabia’s soccer revolution, bringing a résumé that spanned five Champions League titles, seven league crowns, and a legacy of dominance from Manchester to Madrid and Turin.

But nearly three years on, the story has taken an unexpected turn. Ronaldo’s time in the Middle East, though rich in goals and global attention, has been defined by something foreign to him — defeat.

On October 28, 2025, Al-Nassr fell 2-1 to Al-Ittihad in the King’s Cup Round of 16, extending what has now become the longest club trophy drought of Ronaldo’s career. Despite creating chances and assisting Angelo Gabriel’s equalizer, the night ended in heartbreak once more.

A total of 1,623 days have passed since Ronaldo last won a club title. That last triumph came on May 19, 2021, with Juventus defeating Atalanta 2-1 in the Coppa Italia final — a distant memory for one of soccer’s most decorated players.

Record few would expect

Since leaving Italy, Ronaldo has competed in 13 official competitions with Juventus, Manchester United, and Al-Nassr — and has lost every single one. His closest brush with success came in 2024, when Al-Nassr lost the King’s Cup final on penalties to Al-Hilal, before falling again in Super Cup heartbreaks in consecutive years.

The only trophy he has held aloft since 2021 is the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023, a regional competition not recognized by FIFA. It’s a startling contrast for a player whose career was built on inevitability. At Real Madrid, trophies arrived like clockwork; in Saudi Arabia, they seem to slip through his fingers no matter how brightly he shines.

And so, to answer the question, Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record for the longest club trophy drought of his career, stretching over four years since that Coppa Italia win. His rival? Lionel Messi has never endured anything close.

Messi: The eternal collector

While Ronaldo wrestles with near misses in Riyadh, Lionel Messi has continued to lift trophies almost wherever he goes. During his 17 years with Barcelona’s first team, Messi’s consistency bordered on the impossible — 35 club trophies, including 10 La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions Leagues.

Even his occasional dry spells were fleeting. According to ESPN, “2013/14 and 2019/20 were the only trophyless seasons of Messi’s club career.” Each lasted less than a year, and both were swiftly followed by rebounds — a treble in 2014/15, and domestic honors again in 2020/21.

After moving to Paris Saint-Germain, Messi added two Ligue 1 titles and a French Super Cup, keeping the streak alive. Then, at Inter Miami, he wrote yet another chapter in gold: the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, turning a fledgling MLS side into a continental contender.

The numbers reveal the contrast:

While Messi’s droughts have never exceeded a single season, Ronaldo’s current run — his longest ever — now spans nearly half a decade.

After arriving at El Clasico on a winning streak, Barcelona looked to defeat Real Madrid. However, the Culers faced defeat due to Los Blancos’ powerful attack led by Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham. Despite Lamine Yamal becoming a target of criticism for his limited offensive contribution, legend Toni Kroos chose to highlight another key factor by strongly criticizing Hansi Flick for a lineup decision.

“In the centre of defence, I don’t understand why (Eric) Garcia is playing. Football-wise, he’s slightly better than (Ronald) Araujo, but Araujo has the physical strength to chase down opponents more, especially when you’re defending so high up the pitch… When you have Mbappe and Vinícius up against you, you need someone who can match that pace. Araujo can do that. I was very surprised by his absence,” Toni Kroos said, via Einfach mal Luppen.

Hansi Flick’s arrival has injected new life into Barcelona, revitalizing their attacking play, which stands as their strongest attribute. However, an obvious weakness in defense persists. Despite Eric Garcia’s strong performances, he hasn’t reached the level of dominance seen next to Pau Cubarsi, a point that Kroos has notably highlighted. Moreover, Ronald Araujo has been facing a secondary role, leaving the defensive line without a physical dominant profile.

Not only have Araujo’s secondary role and Christensen’s constant injuries weakened the defense, but Barcelona also suffered the departure of Iñigo Martinez. In light of this, Kroos has analyzed his departure: “Last year, he was Barca’s centre-back with the best ball distribution…He was an excellent defender and had great build-up play. Against Real Madrid, his absence was noticeable when the team suffered under their high press. They didn’t replace him, and that’s taking its toll.”

With this in mind, Barcelona have decided to retain Pau Cubarsi as the undisputed starter, but the team still hasn’t discovered his ideal partner. Araujo might be Kroos’ preferred candidate, but his inefficiency with the ball has led to several individual errors resulting in goals. Moreover, rather than strengthening the defense after Iñigo’s departure, they chose to keep the defense intact, which has not been entirely positive.

Why did Hansi Flick’s Barcelona lose to Real Madrid? Toni Kroos gives his clear perspective

Following Barcelona’s defeat to Real Madrid, many fans have questioned the team’s competitiveness. Now trailing the La Liga leaders by five points, Barcelona need Los Blancos to lose two games while maintaining a winning streak themselves to remain in contention for the title. Despite various analyses exploring the reasons for the defeat, legend Toni Kroos pinpointed a clear factor contributing to the Culers’ loss.

“To be fair, Barcelona arrived at El Clásico exhausted: from the goalkeeper to the coach, who wasn’t even on the bench… They were missing Raphinha, (Daniel) Olmo, and (Robert Lewandowski) Lewy, and that makes a big difference in a game of this caliber. I’m sure they’ll improve later on,” Toni Kroos said, via Einfach mal Luppen.

Despite arriving with clear aspirations for victory, Barcelona faced several challenges due to the absence of seven key players: Robert Lewandowski, Joan Garcia, Dani Olmo, Andreas Christensen, Raphinha, Gavi, and Marc Andre Ter Stegen. Missing many of their stars put them at a disadvantage, especially on offense, where their play remained uninspired and flat.

Argentina have just one more game left in 2025. During the upcoming international break, they were originally scheduled to play a match in India, but that plan was eventually scrapped. As a result, their only friendly will be against Angola in Africa on November 14. Lionel Messi is expected to be there, and alongside him, several young players could make their first appearance.

According to TyC Sports, Argentina’s strong performance at the U-20 World Cup, where they lost the final to Morocco, has put several players from that team in Lionel Scaloni’s plans. The head coach could use the November friendly to give some of them their first opportunities with the senior team.

The head coach has already called up Julio Soler, a 20-year-old left back who joined Bournemouth in the Premier League last season, on a few occasions. However, he has yet to make his official debut, and the match against Angola could finally be the day that happens.

Another standout from the U-20 World Cup was Gianluca Prestianni, a 19-year-old winger for whom Benfica paid over $10 million in 2023. Unlike Soler, he has not yet received a senior call-up, but that opportunity now seems much closer.

Young Argentine talents in Ligue 1 and Bundesliga

In Ligue 1, two Argentine players have been delivering impressive performances: Valentín Barco and Joaquin Panichelli, both from RC Strasbourg. The former is a left back who already made his debut in a friendly with Argentina against El Salvador in 2024. Panichelli, meanwhile, is a 23-year-old forward who has scored eight goals in 11 matches in France this season.

Reports also indicate that Lionel Scaloni had considered calling up a Bundesliga star. Ezequiel Fernandez joined Bayer Leverkusen this year as part of the club’s rebuild following the departure of Xabi Alonso. His strong performances earned him a place in the squad, but a knee injury sidelined him for nearly two months, ruling him out of the international break with Argentina.

Messi’s plans ahead of the November international break

While there is still no official confirmation, Lionel Messi is expected to be among Argentina’s call-ups for the friendly against Angola in Luanda. Before that, of course, the forward has an important mission: helping Inter Miami secure a spot in the Major League Soccer Eastern Conference semifinals.

On Saturday, November 1, the Herons will visit Nashville SC seeking a victory that would allow them to advance. If they fail, they will need to play a decisive third match at Chase Stadium on Saturday, November 8. In any case, starting November 10, the Argentine players will meet in Spain to begin training for the friendly against Angola.

Since there won’t be a second friendly during the international break, Scaloni’s plan is for the team to remain in Spain and continue training until Tuesday, November 18. However, TyC Sports reports that some players — including Messi — may receive special permission to return to their clubs right after the match against Angola, giving them extra preparation time for their next club fixtures.

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami are among the top contenders to win the 2025 MLS Cup after finishing third in the regular season. With the playoffs underway, the Argentine star has set honest expectations for the Herons as they chase their first major trophy of the year.

In Javier Mascherano’s first season as head coach, the Herons have competed on multiple fronts, including the CONCACAF Champions Cup, Leagues Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup, but have struggled in the final phases of the competitions, still without lifting a trophy in 2025.

In an interview with Fabrizio Romano, Messi was asked if Inter Miami could go all the way in the MLS Cup, and the Argentine legend didn’t hesitate: “Yes, obviously yes, we can, it’s not going to be an easy thing. We have the experience from last year, when we finished first in the regular season, and then in the first match, we got knocked out.“

Reflecting on that 2024 playoff defeat to Atlanta United, Messi was candid about the challenge ahead. “I think the playoffs are a separate competition, where games are different, the teams are much more careful and attentive to everything, to every detail, as any given situation you can be knocked out. But obviously we are prepared to compete, to fight and o try to win it. What we all want,” Messi stated.

After finishing third in the Eastern Conference, Inter Miami were drawn against sixth-placed Nashville SC in the first round of the playoffs. The Herons earned a 3–1 win in the opening leg last Friday and will look to advance to the next round on Sunday, November 1, when Messi and company travel to Geodis Park.

Once again, Messi has been the driving force behind Inter Miami’s success, tallying 39 goals and 19 assists in 44 appearances across all competitions and securing the 2025 MLS Golden Boot. With both the MLS Cup and the Eastern Conference title still in play, the Argentine legend has two more chances to avoid a trophyless season.

Messi on Inter Miami’s changes and struggles

After dominating the league in 2024, setting a record for the most points in a single regular season and claiming the Supporters’ Shield, Inter Miami underwent significant changes in 2025, both on the sideline and within the squad. Still, led by a resurgent Messi, the Herons remain in contention for silverware.

Asked about the team’s evolution this year, Messi explained: “I think this year, like last year too we grew a lot. It’s true that several new players came and many others left. I think the team… It had a moment where it knew how to compete at a high level, where it’s also true that we were very inconsistent, specifically defensively, where we conceded a lot of goals, and that’s something where we’re still lacking in our defensive work if we really want to compete and be champions of the MLS.“

Messi closed on an optimistic note, reflecting on Inter Miami’s 2025 campaign. “And well, I think it was a year, although we didn’t win in any competition, it was a positive year, where we still have the opportunity to do out best by winning the MLS,” he stated.

Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has shared his thoughts on Benjamin Šeško’s adaptation to life at Old Trafford, urging the Slovenian forward to be more vocal and assertive on the pitch. Speaking on Rio Ferdinand’s podcast, Berbatov praised Šeško’s strength, technical ability, and two-footed finishing while stressing the need for controlled emotion to earn trust and quicker service from teammates.

According to Softfootball, Manchester United secured Šeško from RB Leipzig for €85 million in August 2025 after an impressive stint in Germany. The Bulgarian legend, known for his calm composure and creativity during his United days, said Šeško has all the physical tools to succeed but must blend that with assertiveness.

As reported by Softfootball, the 22-year-old striker has already shown flashes of his potential, scoring his first goal at Old Trafford earlier this season. However, Berbatov believes the youngster still needs to find his voice within the squad to fully thrive.

Berbatov said, as posted on the official X account:

If you see that it’s not working out quick enough, speak with them. He’s a big, strong lad. He can run, he can cover the space, he can hold the ball. The goals I saw him score in his previous club were unbelievable — left foot, right foot. I’m cautiously optimistic.

Berbatov went on to emphasise that Šeško must not shy away from showing emotion. He added:

Sometimes, be angry, be more angry. Scream, swear, whatever — not personal — but in a way that says, ‘I’m here, man, give me the ball!’

Watch the video below:

Šeško, who registered eight goals and three assists for RB Leipzig in the 2024/25 season, has been tipped by manager Rúben Amorim to develop into a top Premier League striker. Softfootball recently reported Amorim’s growing confidence in the youngster’s attitude and work rate.

Berbatov’s advice could prove vital as Šeško looks to assert himself and become a key figure in Manchester United’s attack this season.

Freddie Woodman and Kieran Morrison are both in line to make their Liverpool debuts when the Reds host Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup fourth round at Anfield today.

With Alisson Becker still sidelined through injury and Giorgi Mamardashvili given a rest, Woodman, who actually came through the Crystal Palace academy, will finally get his first Liverpool start. The 28-year-old, signed from Preston North End during the summer, called it a special moment to wear the Liverpool shirt, especially against the club he supported growing up in a previous interview reported by Softfootball.

Teenager Kieran Morrison also gets his big chance. The 19-year-old starts in the midfield pivot alongside Alexis Mac Allister and he will be aiming to make an impact today. Liverpool made the announcement of the two players starting in a post made via the team’s official X account.

They posted:

Manager Arne Slot has made ten changes from the 3–2 defeat to Brentford at the weekend, opting to hand minutes to some of his young and fringe players.

Liverpool starting XI:
Woodman; Ramsay, Gomez, Robertson, Kerkez; Endo, Mac Allister; Morrison, Nyoni, Ngumoha; Chiesa.

While the focus will be on the two debutants, there’s no denying the pressure on the team. Liverpool have lost five of their last six matches, and the mood around Anfield has been uneasy. Slot will be hoping this reshuffled side can spark a response and maybe, just maybe, start turning things around.

Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard has spoken with confidence and belief ahead of tonight’s Carabao Cup clash against Brighton & Hove Albion, saying the Gunners are ready to take the competition seriously as another chance to win silverware this season. This comes after Softfootball reported that Bukayo Saka revealed that now is Arsenal’s time to win the league.

Writing in his captain’s notes for the Emirates Stadium programme as revealed by Arsenal via their official X account, Ødegaard talked about the importance of squad depth and how the team’s spirit has been one of their biggest strengths this campaign, this sentiment was shared by Softfootball in the pre-game report, with Arsenal expected to enjoy a narrow victory against Brighton.

They posted:

With Arsenal in fine form across both the Premier League and Europe, the Norwegian midfielder pointed out that one thing that’s stood out is how goals have been coming from everywhere. After Eberechi Eze, fondly called “Ebs” by his teammates, scored in Sunday’s narrow 1-nil win over Crystal Palace, Ødegaard couldn’t help but praise the English star’s calm finish.

He revealed:

Ebs got his goal on Sunday, and that was almost meant to be, wasn’t it? It was a great finish, and he showed really good technique to get over the ball properly and finish that well. I think it was a big moment for him, and we were all really pleased for him. We know he’s the type of player who brings goals and assists in crucial moments.

I saw as well that he’s our 11th different scorer in the league this season, and that’s exactly what you want throughout the season. It’s a real strength of ours. When you look at our team, you see goals everywhere; everyone is able to contribute and take responsibility. To be fair I think we’ve seen that over the past few seasons as well that we can share the goals around the squad.

We want to keep that going, of course, and tonight’s match could be another chance for people to step up and take their opportunity.

With three tough away matches before the November break, the Carabao Cup gives other players a good stage to impress and Odegaard is confident that Aresnal have the squad depth to go all the way and achive great things this season.

He said:

We are determined to do well in every single competition this season, and tonight that means the Carabao Cup. This competition can progress really quickly, if we win tonight we will be in the quarter-finals and suddenly you can see the end of the tournament approaching.

That’s a huge motivation for us going into the game. Everyone knows that we want to win trophies, and how important that is for us. This competition is the first chance to do that this season. It’s great that we have lots of players desperate to be out there playing. The level in training is really good right now, and there is a great energy at the training ground, but nothing replaces the matches.

We have a bigger squad now and a lot of players competing, so I’m sure everyone will be ready if they are called tonight. Everyone deserves to play, and we are all together, wanting to keep this good run going.

Though Ødegaard is still recovering from his minor injury spending time on the anti-gravity treadmill at the Sobha facility—he says he’s improving well. He also spoke about his goal to help Norway qualify for the 2026 World Cup, with key qualifiers coming soon.

As Arsenal look to reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, Ødegaard’s message stays simple but powerful: every competition matters, and everyone’s role counts.

Barcelona’s latest La Masia gem, Pedro “Dro” Fernández, has made his long-awaited breakthrough into the first team. The 17-year-old midfielder officially debuted in both LaLiga and the UEFA Champions League during the 2025–26 season under Hansi Flick, continuing the club’s proud tradition of nurturing homegrown talent.

According to SoftFootball, Dro started in the 2–1 win over Real Sociedad at Montjuïc on September 28, marking his first-ever appearance in Spain’s top flight. Just a few weeks later, he started again in the Champions League match against Olympiacos, a night that fans will remember for Fermín López’s brilliant performance.

Dro’s debut carries extra weight, coming at a time when Barcelona has struggled with injuries and relied heavily on its academy products, as reported by Softfootball. After his first two senior outings, the young midfielder expressed deep pride in wearing the Barça jersey. Dro said in a video posted by Barcelona on their official X account:

Whether it’s the Champions League, LaLiga or Copa, making my debut in this jersey is always very special.

He described his experience as truly unique and admitted feeling a bit nervous at first but grew calmer and more confident in his second appearance, crediting Flick and his senior teammates for helping him adjust quickly.

Watch the video below:

Dro’s rise to prominence began during the pre-season tour of Japan and Korea, where he caught attention with a spectacular volley against Vissel Kobe. Born in the Philippines but representing Spain at youth levels, he joined La Masia in 2022 and has since been known for his creativity, maturity, and versatility — excelling both as an attacking midfielder and on the left wing.

Now fully integrated into Flick’s first-team setup, Dro trains regularly with the senior side and remains one of Barcelona’s most exciting prospects. While interest from abroad continues to grow, particularly from West Ham United, the club remains focused on developing its young talent, with Dro standing out as one of the brightest symbols of Barça’s future.

Barcelona fans finally have something to smile about this week. Both Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo were spotted training with the group on Wednesday, a big step forward in their recovery from recent injuries. The two attackers took part in parts of the main session, sharing the pitch with a few Barça Atlètic youngsters as Hansi Flick’s men stepped up preparations for Sunday’s La Liga game against Elche at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.

According to Softfootball, Lewandowski had been battling a thigh problem that kept him out of the El Clásico loss to Real Madrid, while Olmo’s injury further deepened Barcelona’s attacking issues earlier this month. Both players returning at the same time, as posted by the club on their official X account, is seen as a huge boost for Flick, who has had to shuffle his lineup week after week due to fitness concerns.

The training session also featured young talents like Kochen, Eder Aller, Jofre, Dro, A. Fernández, and Xavi Espart. Their inclusion brought good energy to the pitch as the first team tried out movement drills and tactical plays. Raphinha’s recent setback that was reported by Softfootball and the heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to their big rival Real Madrid still linger in memory, but the return of Lewandowski and Olmo adds a sense of hope that the squad badly needs right now.

Meanwhile, Pau Cubarsí and Marcus Rashford did not train with the group, as both were given permission by the club to rest. The Catalans will continue their training sessions throughout the week before Sunday’s match, which could play a key role in rebuilding confidence and momentum in what remains a long and demanding season.

It wasn’t the loudest day at the training ground, but for Barcelona, it was a meaningful one—a small sign that better days might be on the way.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s impact at Al-Nassr has been massive, but questions are beginning to surface about how much the club leans on him. As reported by Softfootball, the Portuguese legend was the star again when he scored his 950th career goal in a 2-0 win over Al-Hazem earlier this month. Despite his impressive numbers, it’s interesting to note that the team sometimes seems to perform better when he is not on the pitch.

During the 2022/23 season, Al-Nassr averaged 2.36 points per game without Ronaldo, compared to 2.13 when he played. They even scored a bit more in his absence. The team occasionally looks more fluid without constantly searching for him with every attack. It is not that Ronaldo is a problem, but his presence tends to make others overly dependent on him instead of trusting their instincts.

Ronaldo has scored 106 goals since joining Al-Nassr in 2022, an incredible return by any measure. Yet, the club has not lifted the Saudi Pro League trophy since 2019. They have finished second in the last two seasons and lost out in major tournaments like the AFC Champions League, Super Cup and King’s Cup, in which they just lost a match to Al-Ittihad in a 2-1 scoreline, as reported by Softfootball.

Their only silverware since Ronaldo arrived remains the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup, which FIFA does not officially recognise. Even though Al-Nassr started the 2025/26 season perfectly with six wins from six games, frustration is quietly growing among some supporters. While many still adore him, a portion of the fanbase has become critical.

Videos online show fans turning their backs during matches, and some describe the team’s heavy reliance on Ronaldo as embarrassing. Critics argue that the club’s expensive signings, such as Sadio Mané, Marcelo Brozović, and Aymeric Laporte, have not changed the fact that the system revolves too much around one man.

Al Nassr FC, via their official X account, posted a goal scored by Cristiano Ronaldo during a match, highlighting his skill and athleticism, which is particularly notable given his age of 40 and ongoing performance in the 2025–26 Saudi Pro League season.

Watch the video below:

Off the pitch, though, Ronaldo’s effect goes far beyond football. His arrival in December 2022 reshaped Saudi football entirely, encouraging stars like Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, and Riyad Mahrez to join the league. He has elevated Al-Nassr’s profile globally, attracting new sponsors and fans everywhere. Ronaldo’s influence has even changed how other clubs approach competition in the Saudi Pro League.

Still, success in football is not only about one player. Ronaldo’s influence is undeniable, both commercially and culturally, but the question remains whether Al-Nassr can balance their reliance on him with a stronger team identity. Whatever the case, his time in Saudi Arabia has already reshaped the country’s football landscape and pushed Al-Nassr into global conversations that once felt impossible.

Bukayo Saka says Arsenal have finally built the squad capable of winning the Premier League title after three straight seasons of near misses. Speaking after the Gunners’ 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace, which took them four points clear at the top, Saka believes this campaign could be different for Mikel Arteta’s men. Softfootball reported that the club had been working to secure Saka’s long-term future, a sign of just how crucial he remains to Arsenal’s title ambitions.

The 24-year-old has seen Arsenal finish second in three consecutive seasons—twice behind Manchester City and once behind Liverpool. But with the team now showing greater resilience and balance, Saka feels things have changed. As posted on the Premier League’s official X account, he said:

When you are an Arsenal player, there’s always talk about where we will finish. This season we are stronger, and even with injuries, everyone who comes in keeps the level high.

That belief reflects the maturity Saka has developed over the years, something he spoke about in Softootball’s earlier feature highlighting his growing leadership role within the squad.

Saka pointed out that Arsenal have started winning tough away games that once tripped them up. He said:

Matches like Newcastle away used to be difficult for us, but this year we got the result. It’s early, though. I have learnt that the key part of the season is in April, when you need to be first.

Marking his 200th Arsenal appearance this month, Saka reached 100 Premier League goal involvements, becoming the second-youngest player to achieve the feat for the club after Cesc Fabregas. He said:

It’s a big milestone, but I’m always hungry for more. I have grown from a boy to a man here, and I want to help the club win the biggest trophies.

He shared a similar sentiment in Softootball’s exclusive piece, where he spoke about his drive to keep improving and creating history at Arsenal.

Arsenal host Brighton in the EFL Cup on Wednesday before visiting Burnley in the Premier League. With momentum on their side, Saka believes the squad now has the quality and mindset to go all the way and bring the title back to North London.

Manchester City travels to Wales looking to continue their pursuit of domestic cup glory as they face Swansea City fourth round of the Carabao Cup, Softfootball reports

The Swans come into this one full of confidence after a home win over Norwich City lifted them to 13th in the Championship. Alan Sheehan’s men have already proven capable of springing a surprise, having edged Premier League side Nottingham Forest 3–2 in the previous round.

Manchester City, meanwhile, will be aiming to respond after a narrow defeat to Aston Villa in the Premier League. Pep Guardiola’s side are targeting a return to winning ways and a place in the quarter-finals of the competition.

Team News

Speaking ahead of the clash. Swansea manager Alan Sheehen expressed optimism and called on their fan to create a special atmosphere in the stadium.

We’re hoping for a wonderful atmosphere out there and to have a really good night for the football club.

Watch the clip as shared on the club’s official x handle below:

Swansea will again be without Ricardo Santos who has a knee injury. Malick Yalcouye is still on suspension. Head coach Alan Sheehan is expected to rotate, with Adam Idah likely to lead the attack, while Benson Manuel Hedilazio and Ishe Samuels-Smith could both feature from the start.

In a pre match conference interview shared on the club’s official x handle, Guardiola confirmed he plans to rotate his squad, allowing opportunities for those needing minutes while giving others a rest. He said:

Yes, absolutely. The Carabao Cup has always been like that. Some players need rest, and others need minutes to show they’re ready. The competition is perfect for that.

Pep Guardiola provided an update on the fitness of several key players, including Haaland, Khusanov, and Rodri.

Erling [Haaland] — I didn’t see him yet today, but it was a knock. We’ll train this afternoon and see how he feels,” said Guardiola.

He also confirmed that Abdukodir Khusanov is ready to make his return after missing the last seven matches.

[Abdukodir] Khusanov is ready; he’ll play a few minutes tomorrow.

He also offered a cautious update on Rodri, who continues his recovery from a muscular issue.

Rodri still is not ready. He’s getting better, he’s training, but of course, after what happened twice, we are going to see.

The City boss also expressed excitement about Omar Marmoush’s return to form after an injury-hit spell. He noted

Omar and Erling can play together. If we need players close to the box, Omar is the best we have alongside Erling. He’s still young and has room to improve.

Predicted Lineups

Swansea City: Fisher; Key, Casey, Burgess, Samuels-Smith; Franco, Galbraith; Manuel Hedilazio, Cullen, Eom; Idah

Manchester City: Trafford; Nunes, Stones, Ake, O’Reilly; Lewis; Bobb, Kovacic, Nico, Doku; Marmoush

Prediction

Swansea will look to use their home crowd and recent form to their advantage, but even with rotation, Manchester City’s quality and depth make them strong favourites to progress.

Prediction: Swansea City 0–2 Manchester City

Real Madrid excelled in El Clásico, defeating Barcelona convincingly. However, Vinicius Jr. found himself at the center of controversy due to his underwhelming performance and his reaction to being substituted. As a result, his future with the team is now under scrutiny, allegedly due to a strained relationship with coach Xabi Alonso. For that reason, a France World Cup winner didn’t hesitate to make a bold prediction about the Brazilian’s future.

“He’s unbearable. He’s always whining to the referee, to his opponents… then he insults his coach… Your performances aren’t up to scratch… he’s always complaining about something… He needs to take a long, hard look at himself. He’s a future Ballon d’Or winner, a leader for Brazil, one of Real Madrid‘s best players. He needs to show something else if he wants to be at the top of his game. Florentino Pérez will sell him,” 1998 World Cup winner Christophe Dugarry said, via RMC Sport.

Vinicius has already decided to publicly apologize for his reaction to being substituted, but the Brazilian’s attitude at Real Madrid is nothing new. Fans are calling for an end to his repeated outbursts on the pitch—something that players like Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe have managed to avoid. Amidst the media noise surrounding him, the Brazilian’s Ballon d’Or status have diminished, seemingly affecting his image.

Although Dugarry predicts Vinicius’ departure from Real Madrid, the Brazilian remains one of the world’s top players, making any potential move complex. Moreover, he has frequently expressed his desire to stay with the team, a sentiment echoed by the front office according to Carrusel Deportivo. With in mind, the team is supposedly decided to make an effort to renew his contract despite the rumors on his potential departure.

Is Vinicius Junior still an undisputed starter for Real Madrid amid rising competition?

Over the past few years, Vinicius Junior has cemented his status as one of the world’s elite players and has been a cornerstone of Real Madrid. However, Kylian Mbappe’s arrival seems to have shifted the team’s focus, diminishing his role in Xabi Alonso’s squad. This situation raises questions among fans about whether he will continue as an undisputed starter, akin to the Frenchman.

According to Sky Sports, Vinicius has averaged only 68 minutes per game in Real Madrid’s 13 matches this season, completing the full 90 minutes in just three encounters: against Osasuna, Atlético Madrid, and Villarreal. Despite this, the Brazilian continues to start, positioned ahead of Rodrygo, yet he no longer holds the irreplaceable status he enjoyed in previous seasons, emphasizing the need for him to reestablish his standing within the squad.

How has Vinicius performed in the 2025-26 season with Real Madrid?

In the 2025-26 season, Vinicius Junior has remained one of Real Madrid’s key players, even though he is no longer deemed irreplaceable. Under coach Xabi Alonso, the Brazilian has scored five goals and provided four assists in 13 games. While these numbers are solid, they fall short of his performances in previous seasons, suggesting he is still adjusting to Alonso’s demands for increased defensive contributions, which have impacted his offensive effectiveness.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s career has been built on a relentless pursuit of glory, but in Saudi Arabia, even one of soccer’s most decorated champions is discovering that winning can sometimes be the hardest goal of all. The 40-year-old Al-Nassr forward, whose name was once synonymous with silverware, is now enduring the longest trophy drought of his illustrious career, a run that has seen near misses, heartbreaks, and an ever-deepening sense of frustration.

His latest setback came in the 2025 Saudi Arabian Super Cup final, played in Hong Kong. Al-Nassr, despite Ronaldo’s trademark goal in regulation time and a successful penalty in the shootout, fell short once again — losing 5-3 to Al Ahli after a 2-2 draw in regular time. For Ronaldo, it wasn’t just another loss. It was another reminder of how far he’s drifted from the days when lifting trophies felt inevitable.

Since moving to the Kingdom in January 2023, the Portuguese has played in 13 official competitions but has not won a single one. The list includes three finals — the 2023-24 King’s Cup, the 2024 Super Cup, and the 2025 Super Cup — all of which ended in disappointment.

The only piece of silverware he has lifted in the Middle East remains the Arab Club Champions Cup, a regional title that FIFA does not recognize as an official competition. With four seasons in Al-Nassr marked by brilliant goals but collective failures, the veteran superstar has gone through 13 competitions without adding an official collective prize to his name.

Despite Al-Nassr’s current lead in the Saudi Pro League and Ronaldo’s impressive personal record — among the top scorers of the season — his inability to convert individual brilliance into team success has become the defining paradox of his Middle East journey.

The drought that refuses to end

The heartbreaks have stacked up. After a 2-1 King’s Cup defeat to Al Ittihad, followed by this latest Super Cup loss, Ronaldo’s drought has stretched further than anyone expected. In fact, as of October 29, it has now been 1,623 days without an official club trophy — nearly four and a half years since his last triumph.

So, when was the last time Cristiano Ronaldo won an official club trophy? It dates back to May 19, 2021, when Ronaldo was with Juventus. That night in Reggio Emilia, the Old Lady defeated Atalanta 2-1 in the Coppa Italia final, thanks to goals from Dejan Kulusevski and Federico Chiesa. Ronaldo started the match but did not score — yet it would prove to be his final club triumph to date.

He left Turin that summer to rejoin Manchester United, where no new silverware followed, and then moved to Al-Nassr, where the barren run only deepened.

The ‘unofficial’ glimmer of success

There was one brief glimmer of joy: the Arab Champions Cup victory in August 2023, when Ronaldo scored twice in the final against Al-Hilal. But as Football Italia noted, “the trophy is not sanctioned by FIFA and is considered a friendly-level regional competition.”

For a player who has lifted five Champions League titles, three Premier League crowns, two La Liga trophies, and two Serie A triumphs, this absence of official success is striking. Ronaldo has not lifted a recognized club trophy for nearly four and a half years — the longest dry spell in his 22-year professional career.

Cristiano Ronaldo arrived in Saudi Arabia as a conqueror — the face of a new soccer era, a man who had already scaled every mountain in Europe. Yet, nearly three years after joining Al-Nassr, the Portuguese superstar finds himself battling a strange, unrelenting curse. Despite his individual brilliance, Ronaldo’s quest for a major trophy in Saudi Arabia remains painfully unfulfilled.

The 40-year-old forward, who once seemed destined to win everything he touched, has gone from collecting silverware to enduring one heartbreak after another. On October 28, the desert’s silence grew heavier: Al-Nassr crashed out of the Saudi King’s Cup after a 2-1 defeat to Al-Ittihad — another crushing blow in a series of near-misses that now define Ronaldo’s Middle Eastern chapter.

The match carried an added sting of irony. Across the field stood Karim Benzema, Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid partner in glory. The Frenchman struck first after a swift counterattack, punishing Al-Nassr early. Ronaldo responded moments later, setting up Angelo Gabriel for the equaliser that briefly reignited hope in Riyadh. But just before halftime, Houssem Aouar buried a curling effort past goalkeeper Bento, restoring Al-Ittihad’s lead.

Despite playing the entire second half with a man advantage, Al-Nassr couldn’t find a way through. Sadio Mane, Joao Felix, and Kingsley Coman all pushed forward, but Predrag Rajkovic’s heroics in goal denied them. When the final whistle blew, Ronaldo’s frustration was visible, his dream of finally lifting a Saudi trophy slipping further away.

The hidden record behind the drought

Behind that optimism, however, lies a painful truth. Since joining Al-Nassr in December 2022, Cristiano Ronaldo has competed in 13 official tournaments — and lost every single one. The closest Ronaldo has come to breaking the spell was in 2024, when his side lost the King’s Cup final on penalties to Al-Hilal. Later that year, they fell again in consecutive Super Cup finals, including a dramatic 5-3 defeat to Al Ahli in Hong Kong.

The only silverware Ronaldo has lifted since his move is the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup, a regional title that FIFA does not recognize as an official competition. “It’s been 1,623 days since his last official club trophy,” noted TNT Sports, referring to his 2021 Coppa Italia triumph with Juventus. In that time, he’s played for three clubs — Juventus, Manchester United, and Al-Nassr — without adding a single official honor.

The defeat of Barcelona against Real Madrid in the first Clasico of the 2025–26 season has left the Catalan club with more than just three points lost. One of the team’s best players, Pedri, sustained an injury that will keep him out of action for a considerable amount of time.

“The first team player Pedri has suffered a tear in the distal biceps femoris muscle in his left thigh,” the Catalan side announced in a statement published Wednesday on its official website, following medical tests performed on the star.

This is a major concern for Hansi Flick, who considers the midfielder a key part of his system—so much so that he has used him in 72 of the 73 matches since taking over as Barcelona head coach in the summer of 2024.

Even so, Pedri was already set to miss the next Blaugrana match in La Liga, against Elche this Sunday. He must serve a one-game suspension after being sent off for a second yellow card late in the match against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

How long will Pedri be out?

The statement from Barcelona did not specify a recovery timeline for Pedri’s muscle injury. “The player’s recovery will dictate his return to action,” the Spanish club explained briefly on its official website.

However, reports suggest it could be a lengthy absence. “The tear in the distal biceps femoris will keep him out until after the international break,” Marca reported, a conclusion also shared by Sport.

If that timeline proves accurate, Barcelona will be without Pedri for at least three matches: the upcoming clash with Elche, the UEFA Champions League game against Club Brugge next Wednesday, and the La Liga fixture against Celta Vigo on Sunday, November 9.

But that’s not all — those recovery estimates would also prevent the midfielder from joining the Spain national team at a crucial point in the year. During the November international break, Spain will fight for a direct berth to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, facing Georgia and Turkey.

Other Barcelona players dealing with injuries

Pedri is the latest name added to a long list of players Barcelona cannot currently rely on due to physical problems. Joan Garcia, Gavi, Raphinha, Dani Olmo, and Robert Lewandowski were all unavailable for the clash against Real Madrid.

Among them, Olmo appears closest to returning to action, just a couple of weeks after the physical issues that sidelined him from Spain’s October international break. During that same period, Lewandowski suffered an injury while playing for Poland, though he’s expected to recover soon and rejoin the squad.

The last case — and perhaps the most concerning — is Lamine Yamal. The young winger has been struggling for weeks with a pubic injury that has prevented him from training and playing at full strength, something that was evident during his poor performance in the Clasico.

Match Overview

All eyes will be on this Carabao Cup fourth-round showdown as two Premier League heavyweights collide in one of the tournament’s standout fixtures. Newcastle, sitting in the middle of the league standings, see this competition as their clearest path to a trophy this season and will be desperate to make a statement at home.

Standing in their way is a surging Tottenham side, fresh off a big win over Everton that brought them to 17 points and just behind league leaders Arsenal. With confidence high and their attack clicking, Spurs will look to keep their hot streak alive and prove they can challenge on multiple fronts.

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Match Overview

Chelsea and Wolverhampton renew their rivalry in the Carabao Cup’s fourth round as both clubs search for a much-needed boost amid disappointing league campaigns. The Blues come into the matchup trying to rebound from a tough Premier League defeat to Sunderland that pushed them out of the European cup spots.

On the other hand, the Wolves continue to struggle at the foot of the table with only two points and no wins to their name. With frustration growing on both sides, this knockout battle could serve as the spark each team needs to get back on track. Don’t miss what promises to be a high-stakes showdown in the Carabao Cup.

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Match Overview

Manchester City look to get back on track in the Carabao Cup’s fourth round after their Premier League run was stalled by a loss to Aston Villa. Pep Guardiola’s squad, loaded with talent and depth, will try to reestablish their rhythm against Swansea City, who enter the matchup with confidence and the freedom of having nothing to lose.

The Welsh club, sitting mid-table in the Championship, know the odds are stacked against them but will aim to make headlines with a fearless showing against the Citizens. Don’t miss this clash between a Premier League powerhouse and a hungry underdog looking to shock the competition.

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Match Overview

The spotlight shines on this Carabao Cup fourth-round showdown as Liverpool and Crystal Palace renew a rivalry that’s quickly becoming one of England’s most compelling storylines. Palace have had the upper hand lately, shocking the Reds in the Community Shield and handing them another defeat earlier this Premier League season.

Now, Liverpool find themselvesdesperate to halt a four-match league slide and reclaim its edge, while Palace aim to prove their recent success over the Reds is no fluke. Don’t miss this high-stakes clash—it promises drama, intensity, and plenty of fireworks.

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Match Overview

It’s a duel with an unmistakable Premier League feel. Brighton will look to shake off their recent defeat to Manchester United when they meet PL frontrunners Arsenal in what promises to be a high-octane showdown. The Seagulls, after their defeat against the United, will try to regain their sharpness.

Standing in their way will be an Arsenal side firing on all cylinders and brimming with title-winning confidence. With the Gunners’ relentless attack and Brighton’s hunger to respond, this matchup has all the ingredients for an electrifying contest—don’t miss a second of the action.

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Xabi Alonso’s arrival at Real Madrid appears to be a resounding success. Following Carlo Ancelotti’s departure to Brazil, the Spanish club strategically appointed Alonso, a former team player they had been monitoring for several seasons. With only one defeat at the start of the 2025-26 season, fans are optimistic about a successful campaign. However, reports indicate some players disagree with the coach, implying that Vinicius Junior is not the only one.

After several seasons under Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso has introduced a new style of play. With Aurelien Tchouameni as the central pivot in midfield, the team is now built around Arda Guler, embracing a fairly offensive style that adapts to opponents. With a strong defensive commitment from all players, they manage to maintain a solid defense. Dean Huijsen and Eder Militao’s ball distribution has proven crucial. However, their day-to-day adjustments appear challenging.

The Athletic’s Mario Cortegana reports tension between Xabi Alonso and some Real Madrid players due to the drastic changes he implemented after joining the team. The coach identified bad habits within the roster and, in response, enforced stricter discipline, increased gym workouts, and instituted more group and individual video sessions. These changes have reportedly not been well received by the players.

Despite the changes seemingly paying off, Mario Cortegana reports that veteran, influential figures in the dressing room feel disrespected and dissatisfied—a sentiment shared by Vinicius Junior. They allegedly claim to have accomplished much over time without being subjected to this type of work. Additionally, the players reportedly say that Xabi Alonso is quite distant, having the players expressed: “He thinks he’s Pep Guardiola, but for now he’s just Xabi.”

Real Madrid’s strategy shift seems to be paying off as Xabi Alonso’s impressive work shines

Unlike Carlo Ancelotti’s tenure, Xabi Alonso has decided to shake up the dressing room to usher in a new era with fresh conditions. As a result, Real Madrid have seen young players like Arda Guler, Franco Mastantuono, and Alvaro Carreras impressively emerge into the lineup, where they’ve taken on prominent roles. Alongside this, they have managed to maintain a fundamental characteristic of the team—adaptability to the opponent.

Along with the introduction of promising young players into the lineup, stars like Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Eder Militao have delivered outstanding performances. This suggests that the absence of guaranteed positions motivates them to excel, as each player strives to secure their place on the roster. In this context, Real Madrid appear to be firmly backing Xabi Alonso’s efforts, laying the foundation for a promising future project.

Olympique Lyon are in advanced talks with Real Madrid to sign Brazilian youngster Endrick on loan for the January 2026 transfer window, as his possible loan move was earlier reported by Softfootball. The Ligue 1 side made an official approach earlier this week to explore the possibility of a short-term deal, as was confirmed by Fabrizio Romano on his official X account.

The 19-year-old striker has not featured in any competitive match under Xabi Alonso, even after recovering from injury more than a month ago. That has raised concerns about his lack of playing time and his development at the Santiago Bernabéu. As reported by Softfootball, his father, Douglas, recently showed support for the struggling youngster.

Lyon’s manager Paulo Fonseca has already spoken with Endrick about the club’s project. They see him as a key part of their attacking plans for the second half of the season. Lyon currently sit fourth in Ligue 1, just two points behind Paris Saint-Germain, and are also pushing deep in the UEFA Europa League. The French club believes that offering Endrick regular football at this level will help him regain rhythm and confidence ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Endrick’s camp has set clear conditions for any loan move. The club must belong to one of Europe’s top five leagues or the top three in Portugal. It must be involved in the Champions League or Europa League and play attacking football. Lyon perfectly fits those requirements. Their good relationship with Real Madrid, which dates back to transfers involving Karim Benzema and Mahamadou Diarra, could also make talks smoother for both sides.

Financially, Lyon are capable of handling the deal. The loan is expected to cost around $5.23 million for six months, covering a portion of the player’s transfer amortisation. The club’s owner, Michele Kang, has already shown willingness to support Fonseca’s request for a new striker. With Lacazette and Mikautadze gone, the manager currently depends on Pavel Sulc, Martin Satriano, and young Enzo Molebe, leaving room for a powerful forward like Endrick.

Real Madrid are open to a temporary loan that guarantees consistent playing time for the teenager. Endrick still dreams of proving himself in Madrid, but with no minutes so far this season, a move looks more realistic by the day. Lyon are pushing hardest and remain confident they can finalise an agreement before the January window opens. For the player, this might be the right step toward maturity, exposure, and a return to form before he fights again for his place in Spain.

The potential return of Gabriel Jesus to the pitch is sending excitement among Arsenal fans across the world, Softfootball reports.

The 28-year-old has missed 38 matches for the Gunners including Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace last weekend after suffering an ACL injury in January, 2025 during the Gunners FA Cup match against Manchester United.

Under a post shared by Arsenal’s via official X handle on an interview with Gabriel Jesus, some interesting fan comments popped up and we highlight some of the interesting ones.

According to @CrackWasHere, he sounded optimistic that Gabriel will help Arsenal’s course this season when he eventually returns. He wrote: Feels like a new signing every season. I hope he stays fit. I cherish his abilities to the moon.

@Javalord1 added: Love to see it. Gabby’s resilience is inspiring can’t wait to see him shining again on the pitch!

Another Arsenal fan, @joaodorovsky stated: Hope he stays fit for the second half of the season, this defense is good enough to allow him to miss 3 big chances per game and still get the three points. i just need him to bring the poetry back to our football.

A cocky Gunners fan used the opportunity to troll Manchester United’s defender, Diogo Dalot who was mesmerised by Gabriel Jesus before scoring against the Red Devils last season with the post below.

We need him to recreate this pic.twitter.com/oPq7mIzkpL

— Ọlá (@oflaelae) October 29, 2025

While Arsenal fans hope and pray for the full recovery for Gabriel Jesus they would also be praying that Mikel Arteta finally wins the premier league title after finishing second in three consecutive seasons.

Barcelona midfielder, Pedri is out of the club’s training today after suffering a muscle injury during the El Clasico at the weekend, Softfootball reports.

The Spanish international got a red late in the game as he tried to stop a counter-attack but Real Madrid still ran out with a 2-1 win over Barcelona to remain top of LaLiga with 27 points, five points more than second placed Barcelona.

According to football expert, Fabrizio Romano via his official X handle, Pedri was not part of Barcelona’s training this morning. He wrote:

Barcelona midfielder Pedri suffers muscle injury and will be assessed by the staff. He’s not training with the team today, per RAC1.

Pedri has been one of the standout players for Barcelona since he broke through from the famous La Masia. He is also a vital part of the Spain national team and they would hope his injury is not long-term as they prepare for the November international window.

Barcelona will return to action in LaLiga against Elche on Sunday as they try to close the gap on Real Madrid.

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has tendered a public apology to the club following his erratic behaviour during the El Clasico after he was substituted, Softfootball reports.

The Brazilian playmaker was removed in the second half as Real Madrid lead Barcelona 2-1 inside the Bernabeu but he was left furious at Los Blancos manager, Xabi Alonso and make hand gestures to show his disgust at being substituted.

The player has now released a statement which was shared via Fabrizio Romano’s official X handle.

Vini Jr statement

Today I want to apologize to all the Madridistas for my reaction when I was substituted in the Clásico. Just as I have already done in person during today’s training, I also want to apologize again to my teammates, the club, and the president.

Sometimes passion gets the better of me because I always want to win and help my team. My competitive character stems from the love I feel for this club and everything it represents. I promise to keep fighting every second for the good of Real Madrid, as I have done since the first day.

Real Madrid’s management were angry at the incident and discussed disciplinary action against the player. They were not happy with the insensitive nature of the player to recognise that his substitution was down to tactical reasons, rather than the Coach not liking him.

Vinicius is currently negotiating a new contract with Real Madrid but the club are yet to agree on a deal as the salary he is demanding is too high and the club do not want to break their salary structure for him.

Vinicius sees himself as a very important player for Real Madrid and reports in some quarters say if he is not seen as indispensable, he might seek a move at the end of the current season.

Real Madrid excelled in their last match against Barcelona, with Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham delivering standout performances. However, Vinicius Jr.’s underwhelming play and his heated reaction to being substituted shifted all the focus onto him. Amid rumors of a possible departure from the team and a pause in contract renewals, Vinicius took to social media to clear the air, sending a definitive message to his teammates and fans.

“Today I want to apologize to all Real Madrid fans for my reaction when I was substituted in El Clásico. As I have already done in person during today’s training session, I also want to apologize again to my teammates, the club, and the president. Sometimes my passion gets the better of me because I always want to win and help my team. My competitive nature stems from the love I feel for this club and everything it represents. I promise to continue fighting every second for the good of Real Madrid, as I have done since day one,“ Vinicius Jr posted, via X.

Since the start of the 2025-26 season, Vinicius Jr has undergone a noticeable transition in his role within Real Madrid’s lineup. Moving from a central role to an important one, the Brazilian star has averaged just 68 minutes per game this season and has only completed three matches—against Osasuna, Atletico Madrid, and Villarreal—according to Sky Sports. Furthermore, he has scored only 5 goals and registered 4 assists in 13 games.

Vinicius vs Xabi Alonso: Real Madrid unable to end rising tension with the Brazilian and coach

Even though Vinicius’ public apology was something Real Madrid fans eagerly anticipated, his omission of coach Xabi Alonso raises further questions about their relationship and potential departure from the team, as he failed to address the rumors. Additionally, Los Blancos face a crucial game against Liverpool in a few days, which will reveal whether the Brazilian will retain his spot in the starting lineup—a decisive factor indicating that this saga continues.

According to Mario Cortegana in The Athletic, Vinicius Jr. intentionally chose not to mention Xabi Alonso by name or reference. The Brazilian feels he has been treated unfairly, having lost some of the prominence he once enjoyed despite his efforts. However, this doesn’t imply a strained relationship with the team. Reports indicate that the club has been very supportive, emphasizing his importance to the group.

Could the tension between Vinicius Junior and Xabi Alonso still impact his Real Madrid contract renewal?

Real Madrid remain optimistic about renewing the Brazilian’s contract despite the current issues. According to Carrusel Deportivo, the front office views the problem as specific to the coach and the player not something that negatively impacts the team. With his contract set to expire in 2027, Vinicius Junior stands as one of the main renewal targets for the team as he is considered a crucial part of the squad, alongside Kylian Mbappe.

Arsenal striker, Gabriel Jesus claims he is doing great as he continues recovery from the longest injury of his career, Softfootball reports.

The Brazilian suffered an ACL injury in January, 2025 during the Gunners FA Cup match against Manchester United and has gone on to miss 38 matches including Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace last weekend.

Speaking in an interview shared via Arsenal’s official X handle, Gabriel Jesus remains optimistic about his recovery and returning to training with his teammates. He said:

Yeah, I’m feeling great, man. My knee’s responding very well. So now I’m looking forward to being around the team again soon, to come back to do what I love to do. It’s been too long.

An injury like this, one that is so long, you split up the recovery periods into smaller timings. So now I’m at the stage where I need to hold myself back a little bit, because I’m doing great work outside on the pitches, but it’s tricky because I need to not rush myself too hard over the line. When you can see the end, it’s important you don’t push too hard, keep my feet on the floor, and then as soon as the time comes, I will be ready.

Gabriel Jesus became a father for the second time in the summer, a special moment that helped him through the pains of his longest-ever injury layoff.

Arsenal are doing great with Gabriel and are currently top of the premier league table with 22 points after nine matches so far this season.

Former Italian manager, Luciano Spalletti has verbally agreed to become the new Coach for Juventus, Softfootball reports.

The Old Lady sacked Igor Tudor on Monday following a series of poor results and his last matches were losing 1-0 each to Como and Real Madrid respectively.

According to football expert, Fabrizio Romano via his official X handle, the Italian is willing to join the Turin club. He revealed:

Luciano Spalletti has agreed to become new Juventus manager, deal in place.

Verbal agreement until June 2026 plus option to extend based on Champions League spot to reach this season.

Formal steps/contracts being checked by lawyers before signing all documents.

Luciano Spalletti last Serie A job was as manager of Napoli where he led the club to their first Scudetto title in 30 years with players like Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia playing key roles at the time.

However, difference in ambition and transfer targets led to Spalletti and the club parting ways and it wasn’t long before Khvicha Kvaratskhelia moved to Paris Saint-Germain where he went on to win Ligue 1, UEFA Champions League and played in the Club World Cup final while Victor Osimhen led Galatasaray to the Turkish Super Lig title and won the most Valuable Player and Topscorer award in Turkey last season.

Juventus are currently placed eighth with 12 points and Spalletti’s first match, if confirmed as manager, is expected to be against Cremonese on Saturday.

Chelsea legend Mikel Obi has refused to criticize Liverpool despite their poor form recently as he insisted that the club is still suffering from the effect of Diogo Jota’s death, Softfootball reports.

The football world was thrown into shock as the news broke that Jota and brother Andre Silva died in a car accident in July.

The Reds began the season well by winning their first five Premier League matches but their form has deeper in recent times as they have lost their last four matches against Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Manchester United and Brentford.

However, speaking on his official podcast ‘ObiOne,’ Mikel believes Liverpool’s form is greatly affected by the demise of Jota. He said:

Let’s not forget that a massive tragedy happened at the club that nobody expected.

As footballers, we spend more time with our teammates than with our own families because we are together in the dressing room every single day.

Losing such a massive figure is always going to affect these players. It doesn’t matter how well they started the season or how talented they are – something like this hits you emotionally, and it stays with you. For me, whatever is happening at the club, the emotion is still very raw.

When you look at Mohamed Salah right now, who was very close to Jota, you can see that he is a shadow of his former self.

So, I think we need to be careful and a bit more understanding in the way we criticise this Liverpool team.

Here is a video of the podcast. Watch below.

‘STILL DEALING WITH EMOTIONS’@mikel_john_obi is reluctant to stick the boot in on @LFC after five defeats in six.

And here’s why… pic.twitter.com/N5951fXxxC

— The Obi One Podcast (@obionepodcast) October 28, 2025

The major reason they won their first five Premier League matches was down to the good form of Hugo Ekitike, who arrived the club from Bundesliga outfit and hit the ground running with goals.

But the arrival of Alexander Isak created a problem for Arne Slot as he couldn’t fit both huge money strikers in the same team and the creative supply was low because huge money signing, Florian Wirtz struggled for form.

Liverpool face Crystal Palace in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup this weekend and would hope a return to winning ways could spark a revival in the Premier League where they are currently placed seventh with 15 points after nine matches.

Brentford continued their impressive run of form with a dominant 5-0 win over Grimsby Town, marching into the League Cup quarter-finals for the second consecutive season. It was another confident performance from Keith Andrews’ men, who look to be finding their stride after a shaky start to the campaign, Softfootball reports.

The result also builds on Brentford’s recent momentum coming off a famous 3-2 Premier League win over Liverpool, the Bees have now won three of their last five games in all competitions.

For Grimsby, who had stunned Manchester United earlier in the competition and claimed wins from each of England’s top three divisions on their magical run, this was a step too far. Despite a lively start in front of a packed Blundell Park, the League Two side were simply outclassed once Brentford settled into gear.

The hosts began brightly, with Charles Vernam and Evan Khouri both flashing half-chances early on. But once Brentford found their rhythm, there was no turning back. The breakthrough came midway through the first half when Grimsby tried to play out from the back. Keane Lewis-Potter pounced on a loose pass from Harvey Rodgers before Mathias Jensen curled a stunning strike past Christy Pym from the edge of the area to make it 1-0.

Just four minutes later, Brentford doubled their advantage in ruthless fashion. A swift counter-attack saw Reiss Nelson deliver a delightful chipped cross, which Lewis-Potter nodded home at the back post. The Premier League side were cruising now, and as the half-hour mark approached, Dango Ouattara came inches away from adding a third after great work from Rico Henry down the right flank.

The third goal eventually arrived three minutes before the break and it was pure class. Some beautiful interplay between Brentford’s front line found Reiss Nelson in space, and the winger made no mistake, bending the ball into the far corner to put the result beyond doubt before half-time.

If Grimsby had any hope of a comeback, it vanished soon after the restart. Fábio Carvalho was tripped in the box after another flowing team move, and the midfielder picked himself up to slot home the resulting penalty to make it 4-0.

Despite their best efforts, Grimsby never really threatened a response. They battled admirably to the end, but Brentford’s quality and depth proved overwhelming. The Bees even found time for a fifth goal in the closing stages, as Nathan Collins rose highest to head home from a well-worked corner.

After the game, Brentford posted via its official X handle, the players appreciating and thanking the fans for their support after a five star performance from the team. They posted:

It was a night that showcased Brentford’s growing confidence under Andrews a far cry from their early-season inconsistency. With three wins in their last five outings and a place in the last eight of the League Cup secured, the Bees’ momentum is building nicely as they eye a strong run on all fronts this season.

As he reaches the final stages of recovery from his latest injury, Neymar has made it clear that his top priority is to regain full fitness and form in order to earn a spot on Brazil’s roster for the FIFA World Cup 2026. In that context, his future with Santos will play a crucial role in determining how the forward prepares for next summer’s tournament.

After agreeing to return to the club at the beginning of 2025, Ney’s contract is set to expire in December of this year. While speculation about his next move has become a top story in the Brazilian press, Santos president has made his position clear.

“The tendency is for Neymar to stay,” said Marcelo Teixeira in a conversation with reporters after Santos’ draw with Botafogo over the weekend. The club president added that he maintains “constant communication” with the player’s father and agent, but also acknowledged, “We have not yet talked about a renewal.”

Teixeira clarified that the link between Neymar and the club has reasons to continue at least until next summer. “The project is not for six months,” he explained. “It has always been focused on the World Cup — for Santos and for Brazil.”

However, far from guaranteeing a renewal for the 33-year-old forward, the Santos president noted that key issues will still need to be discussed. “We will evaluate, review the financial aspects, and assess the player’s technical condition,” said Teixeira.

Santos in a delicate situation

While the media and fans around the world are eager to know what will happen with Neymar after December — with some even imagining a move to Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami — the current reality at Santos allows little room for distraction.

The club is in a precarious position in Serie A: they currently sit 16th in the standings with 32 points from 29 matches, just one point clear of the relegation zone. Ahead of them lie only nine more games to determine their fate.

Given this situation, Marcelo Teixeira made it clear that discussions about Neymar’s renewal are, for now, secondary. “We’ll evaluate that in due time,” said the president. “Santos is focused on the competition. Every match is a final.”

Neymar focused on the 2026 World Cup

With the urgent need to secure victories and avoid relegation, Santos are eagerly awaiting Neymar’s return to the field. He last played on September 14, before a hamstring injury sidelined him. The forward’s recovery has now lasted a month and a half, and he is expected to return in November to help the team through the decisive stretch of the season.

Beyond that short-term goal, Neymar also needs to regain consistency at Santos — both in staying healthy and in maintaining his level of play. He knows that only under those conditions will he be able to earn a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for the World Cup.

Al Nassr kicked off the season in top form, securing 10 consecutive wins. As a result, they emerged as clear favorites to beat Al Ittihad in their King’s Cup match. However, they suffered a surprising elimination from the tournament, marking their second failed attempt after the Super Cup. After the game, Cristiano Ronaldo swiftly delivered a short eight-word message to his teammates and fans.

Karim Benzema opened the scoring for Al Ittihad, but Angelo quickly equalized for Al Nassr. However, Jorge Jesus’ team struggled to maintain a solid defense, allowing Houssem Aouar to capitalize on the gaps and score the winning goal. Despite having a numerical advantage on the field after Ahmed Al-Julaydan’s ejection, Cristiano Ronaldo’s team could not mount a comeback, prompting the veteran to react on social media.

Cristiano Ronaldo failed to shine in today’s game against Al Ittihad, finishing the game with just one shot on goal. After his lackluster performance, the Portuguese star broke his silence following Al Nassr’s defeat just over an hour after the final whistle, saying: “We stand tall, learn, and move forward together,” he wrote, via X, formerly Twitter.

With today’s defeat, Al Nassr suffered their second lost of the season, after their Supercup defeat against Al Ahli, once again highlighting the team’s persistent defensive issues despite the addition of Iñigo Martinez. Following this setback, fans have questioned the performances of Abdullah Alkhaibari and Marcelo Brozovic, expressing concerns about their ongoing lack of defensive solidity.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s problem? Al Nassr coach Jorge Jesus gives the reasons behind their King’s Cup elimination

Although Al Nassr had been shining offensively in several consecutive games, only Angelo, Kingsley Coman, and Sadio Mane managed to shine. As a result, not only were defensive lapses exposed, but also the performace of Joao Felix and Cristiano Ronaldo, who had been leading the team in previous games. In response, coach Jorge Jesus analyzed the team’s defeat, making it clear that the Portuguese veteran was not to blame for today’s result.

“This was our third match against Al Ittihad… We won two matches and lost one. The first half was evenly matched…After the red card, we tried to equalize but didn’t succeed, and the opponent defended well… As for Cristiano, we needed him, whether for aerial balls or set pieces. Our problem today was not Cristiano, but fatigue and exhaustion… The loss has nothing to do with tactical issues,” Jorge Jesus said in the post-game press conference.

Just before King’s Cup match against Al Ittihad, Al Nassr faced a busy schedule, playing against Goa in the AFC Champions League 2 and against Al Hazm in the Saudi Pro League within a span of just six days previous today’s game. For this reason, coach Jorge Jesus exposed that his roster was not in peak physical condition due to the demanding schedule, setting aside criticism of Cristiano and his performance in the game.

While competing in the Eastern Conference Playoffs of Major League Soccer, Inter Miami are also focused on building their roster for the coming years. Just days after announcing Lionel Messi’s new deal, the club confirmed a contract extension for another key player.

“Inter Miami CF announced today it has signed midfielder Yannick Bright to a contract extension,” the Herons said in a statement published on their official website on Tuesday. The Florida side explained that the new deal will run for three years, through the end of the 2028 campaign, with an option for one additional season.

It is a key decision not only for the present of the Italian midfielder, who has been frequently used by Javier Mascherano throughout this year, but also for the future. With Sergio Busquets having announced his retirement, Inter Miami will need players to fill that area of the field, and Bright’s continuity will be a relief when considering the team’s priorities for the next transfer window.

The current campaign is Yannick’s second since joining Miami. Throughout 2025, he appeared in 39 matches across MLS, the Concacaf Champions Cup, and the Leagues Cup. However, during the FIFA Club World Cup, he was left out of the squad due to a muscle injury.

Of the 39 matches he played this year, Bright started in 21, highlighting his importance to the team during a demanding season with many competitions on multiple fronts. In most of his appearances, he partnered with Busquets in midfield, and his role grew especially after the departure of Federico Redondo to Elche.

Inter Miami are building their roster for 2026

In recent weeks, two of Inter Miami’s superstars have announced that they will retire from professional soccer at the end of this season. Sergio Busquets was the first to share the news, followed by Jordi Alba, who had signed a contract extension just a few months earlier.

As a counterbalance, the club’s management has taken steps to secure the future of several key players. The most notable case, of course, is that of Lionel Messi, who announced last week that he had signed a new contract. Joining him were Noah Allen and David Ruiz.

Among the players whose contracts expire at the end of this season are other regular starters such as Tadeo Allende, Marcelo Weigandt, and Ian Fray. Luis Suarez is in the same situation, and there is significant attention on whether he will follow Messi’s path or make a decision similar to those of Busquets and Alba.

Finally, there are four players whose contracts are also set to expire on December 31, 2025, but under different circumstances. Rodrigo De Paul, Baltasar Rodriguez, Rocco Rios Novo, and Allen Obando are currently on loan, though Inter Miami hold the option to make their moves permanent.

The Herons’ most immediate goal

Aside from the ongoing negotiations to renew contracts for next year’s roster, Inter Miami have much more immediate objectives. Their current focus is on advancing to the next round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs—something they failed to achieve last season despite winning the Supporters’ Shield.

In the opening match of the first round, the Herons defeated Nashville SC 2-0, taking a crucial step toward the Eastern semifinals. To secure qualification, they will need another victory, this time on the road, next Saturday. If they fail to do so, a third and decisive game will be played at Chase Stadium to determine which team advances.

Giovanni Reyna has seen his place in the US Men’s National Team slip away in recent months, struggling to earn the trust of new head coach Mauricio Pochettino and his staff since the Argentine’s appointment. With less than eight months until the start of the 2026 World Cup, the young midfielder has opened up about his dreams of returning to the national team.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Reyna shared his thoughts on the upcoming World Cup and his desire to be part of the USMNT: “I do obviously think about it pretty often as it’s somewhere where I need and want to be. But I try to focus daily here, stay present here, work here every day, and hopefully believe everything will fall into place.“

Reyna has battled injuries over the past few seasons, which have made it difficult for him to stay in Pochettino’s plans. Since the coach’s debut, the midfielder has only been called up once, for the CONCACAF Nations League Finals back in March, and hasn’t featured for the national team since then.

For the 2025–26 season, Reyna completed a move from Borussia Dortmund to Borussia Mönchengladbach in a transfer worth €4 million. After six years with Dortmund and limited playing time, the USMNT star made the switch in search of more minutes and a path back to international football.

Reyna also revealed Pochettino’s message regarding what he needs to do to earn a recall ahead of the World Cup: “I think Pochettino was very clear with saying, ‘You need to play, perform and then if you do that then you have a good chance to come in again.’ It’s all on me now.”

Reyna and a 2025–26 season focused on minutes

During the 2024–25 campaign, Reyna struggled to find consistent playing time at Borussia Dortmund, while a groin strain sidelined him for several games. As a result, he fell down the pecking order, finishing the season with just 627 minutes across 26 matches, an average of 24 minutes per game.

Given that scenario, Reyna decided to move on from Dortmund, the club he joined from the New York City FC Academy in 2019. So far in the 2025–26 season, the 22-year-old has logged 120 minutes across four matches with Mönchengladbach and is gradually regaining his fitness while aiming to become a regular starter once again.

Bayern Munich have kicked off the season in top form, maintaining an impressive unbeaten streak. One of the standout players in this strong start is Harry Kane. Despite being 32 years old, he appears to be in his best shape ever. After scoring 20 goals in 12 games, the Englishman is emerging as a key figure for the team’s immediate future. However, the German club is also eyeing a Barcelona target for its long-term plans.

As Sky Sports reported, Bayern Munich are pursuing Fisnik Asllani as a long-term replacement for Harry Kane. However, his arrival might not be as straightforward as expected since Barcelona are also targeting him to succeed Robert Lewandowski. With a reportedly low release clause, the 23-year-old Hoffenheim striker has attracted attention from multiple teams.

Even Asllani is not a world-wide known talent, he has been fascinating fans with his impressing scoring prowess. In the 2024-25 season, Fisnik was able to score 19 goals and contribute with 10 assists in 37 games in the Bundesliga 2. After getting a promotion to Bundesliga, many expected his goal ratio to decrease, but he keeps leading Hoffenheim scoring 6 goals in 5 games in the current season.

Given his impressive performances, both Bayern and Barcelona view him as a potential top-class striker. If the Spanish side does not renew Lewandowski’s contract, he may have a better chance to regain a starting role in the lineup. Meanwhile, the German side reportedly considers pairing him with Kane to form a dynamic offensive duo, ensuring he receives ample playing time.

Asllani’s possible arrival raises questions about Harry Kane’s future at Bayern Munich?

Harry Kane has reached peak performance since joining Bayern Munich. With an impressive scoring start, the English star continues to lead the offense. The potential arrival of Fisnik Asllani, however, raises questions about whether the German side might replace the veteran striker with the young up-and-comer. Nonetheless, Sky Sports reports that the 32-year-old will remain a cornerstone of the team until his contract ends.

At the end of his contract in June 2027, Kane will be 34 years old. This may lead Bayern to offer him a short-term renewal, a strategy they have followed over the years. Considering this, the English star’s continuity may not be as assured as expected and the German side plans to have an immediate solution capable of scoring. Additionally, pairing Asllani with Kane will ease the adaptation of the 23-year-old star and maintain the team’s competitiveness.

Atalanta and AC Milan played out a gritty 1–1 draw at the Gewiss Stadium on Tuesday night, October 28, 2025. The result wasn’t surprising, as Softfootball predicted a 1-1 draw in the pre-game reports, and the match had its moments, some flashes of brilliance, but also long stretches where both sides just couldn’t finish what they started.

Milan drew first blood early. In the 6th minute, Samuele Ricci let one fly from a distance, and with a bit of luck, it took a heavy touch off Éderson that completely wrong-footed Marco Carnesecchi. It wasn’t the prettiest goal, but Milan would take it all day, as they even posted a video of the celebratory scenes after that banger goal on their official X account.

Watch the video below:

Atalanta didn’t sit back. They kept pushing, and Ademola Lookman, who’s looked sharper lately, kept asking questions. After a couple of close shaves, he finally got his reward in the 38th minute. Mario Pašalić slid a clever ball through, and Lookman smashed it home with his left foot for his first goal of the season.

The crowd erupted; Bergamo was bouncing again. Prophetically, Softfootball did an earlier report on Ademola Lookman beginning to find his groove again; the forward responded with his first league goal after appearing to have buried the hatchet with the Atalanta hierarchy.

In the second half, Milan came out with a bit more purpose. Christopher Nkunku replaced Rafael Leão, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek came on for Santiago Giménez, who limped off holding his ankle not a great sign for Allegri’s men. The Rossoneri had the better spells, but honestly, not enough end product. Mike Maignan had to pull off a big save from Davide Zappacosta, though Atalanta probably looked more likely to nick it late on.

In the end, it’s another draw for Atalanta, their fifth in a row, and frustration showed on Ivan Jurić’s face Massimiliano Allegri, meanwhile, stays unbeaten since returning to Milan, but you can sense he’s not entirely happy either. Nine games in, they’re solid, just not sparkling.

Next up, Atalanta travel to Udinese on November 1, while Milan host AS Roma at San Siro a day earlier. Both are still in the title race, but neither are really firing on all cylinders.

In one of the most eagerly anticipated ties of the DFB-Pokal second round, Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Dortmund served up a thrilling contest that had everything early goals, missed chances, extra-time drama, and finally, penalties. After 120 minutes of football couldn’t separate the sides in a tense 1-1 draw, Dortmund held their nerve in the shootout to win 4-2 and book their place in the next round, Softfootball reports.

Frankfurt came into the clash looking to bounce back from a bruising 5-1 defeat to Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League a result that dented both their confidence and pride. But in front of their home fans, they started like a team desperate to make amends.

Within seven minutes, they were ahead, and it was two familiar faces who combined to do the damage. Former BVB stars Mario Götze and Ansgar Knauff linked up beautifully, with Götze threading a precise ball through for Knauff to slot past Gregor Kobel and make it 1-0.

That early strike set the tone, and Frankfurt’s energy continued to trouble Dortmund. Farès Chaïbi thought he had doubled the lead shortly after, but the flag went up for offside. Meanwhile, Dortmund despite plenty of possession struggled to find rhythm in the final third. Karim Adeyemi saw a shot blocked, and young Jobe Bellingham headed wide as BVB’s attack looked disjointed.

Frankfurt pushed for a second, with Ritsu Dōan forcing Kobel into a smart save and Arthur Theate testing him from distance, but the Swiss keeper stood firm to keep his team in it. The hosts went into the break with a narrow lead, but Dortmund emerged for the second half with renewed purpose — and within three minutes, they were level.

A crisp move down the right saw Bellingham find Julian Ryerson, whose cross was met by Julian Brandt for a simple tap-in to make it 1-1. The goal shifted momentum instantly. Still, Frankfurt refused to fold. Knauff continued to torment his former club, testing Kobel once more, while Dōan rattled the crossbar with a thunderous effort that had the home crowd gasping.

As the game wore on, both managers turned to their benches. Niko Kovač introduced Serhou Guirassy for Dortmund in search of a late winner, while Dino Toppmöller brought on Ellyes Skhiri and Can Uzun to inject energy. Frankfurt looked closest to nicking it when Uzun forced another brilliant stop from Kobel, while at the other end, Fábio Silva’s late strike was tipped wide by Zetterer.

Extra-time brought tension rather than action. Chaïbi went close again, and Guirassy tried an ambitious bicycle kick that drew applause, but neither side could find a breakthrough. Frankfurt thought they’d finally done it when Burkardt turned home from close range, but VAR quickly ruled it out for offside. The tie was heading to the one place both sets of fans feared a penalty shootout.

And as SoftFootball predicted before kickoff, this was always going to be a tight affair, even correctly called the outcome, a 1-2 result for Dortmund after penalties and that’s exactly how it played out.

After the game, Dortmund shared an emotional video via its official X handle,showing the players celebrating and rejoicing at the away end with the black and yellow fans.They posted

Under the immense pressure of the shootout, Frankfurt blinked first. Dōan fired his effort over the bar, and Kobel produced another hero moment by saving Chaïbi’s spot-kick. Dortmund were clinical from 12 yards, converting all four attempts to seal a dramatic 4-2 shootout win and advance to the next round.

For Frankfurt, it’s another painful night following their Champions League humiliation at the hands of Liverpool. For Dortmund, though, it was a gritty, hard-earned win — the kind that can boost a team’s belief for the challenges ahead.

Al-Ittihad booked their place in the King’s Cup quarterfinals after a dramatic 2–1 win over Al-Nassr on Tuesday night, despite being reduced to ten men late in the game. Softfootball, in an earlier report, expected Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo to be influential in this encounter, and they delivered. Benzema got the first goal for his team, while Cristiano Ronaldo was involved in Al-Nassr’s equaliser.

The visitors struck early when Karim Benzema calmly slotted home in the 15th minute, punishing a defensive lapse from Al-Nassr. That goal gave Al-Ittihad confidence to settle quickly into their rhythm. But the hosts responded with energy, and it was Ângelo Gabriel who brought the game level on the half-hour mark with a smart finish inside the box.

Just when it looked like the first half would end even, Houssem Aouar pounced on another sloppy moment at the back, firing Al-Ittihad ahead in stoppage time (45+2’). His goal silenced the home crowd and restored the visitors’ control going into the break.

The second half was almost all Al-Nassr; 67.6% possession and 22 shots tell the story, but it was not quite enough to turn it around. Ronaldo had a golden chance one-on-one but missed narrowly, while Kingsley Coman and João Félix both saw efforts denied by goalkeeper Predrag Rajković, who made four crucial saves to preserve his side’s lead.

There was late drama when Ahmed Al-Julaydan saw red for a rash challenge on Aiman Yahya, leaving Al-Ittihad down to ten men for the closing stages. Still, Al-Nassr failed to capitalise, their attack running out of ideas as the visitors clung on for a hard-fought win.

It was the second meeting between both sides this season; the last time, back in September, Al-Nassr won 2–0 thanks to Sadio Mané and Ronaldo. But this time, it was Al-Ittihad who had the final say.

With the victory, Al-Ittihad move on to face either Al-Ahli or Al-Fayha in the quarterfinals. The victory was so important Al-Ittihad posted a video of Fabinho celebrating via the Al-Ittihad official X account.

Watch the video below:

While Al-Nassr will turn their attention back to the Saudi Pro League, still sitting top of the table thanks to goals from Joan Felix and Cristiano Ronaldo in their 2-0 victory over Al hazem. They face Al-Ettifaq next on November 2 before a mouth-watering clash with Al-Hilal.

A bitter night for Ronaldo’s men, but a statement win for Benzema and Aouar, who might just have reignited Al-Ittihad’s chase for silverware.

Al Nassr faced Al Ittihad in the Round of 16 of the Saudi King’s Cup on Sunday, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s side entering as the clear favorite after a strong league run that has them atop the standings. However, despite Karim Benzema’s team being reduced to ten men early in the second half, Al Nassr suffered a shocking exit from the competition.

Al Ittihad opened the scoring after a lethal counterattack in the 15th minute, when Moussa Diaby delivered a precise cross for Benzema to slot home the first goal. Al Nassr equalized through Angelo’s powerful strike in the 30th minute after a deflection from a Ronaldo cross, but Houssem Aouar restored the lead in stoppage time of the first half with what proved to be the winner.

Pushing for a comeback after the break, Al Ittihad went down to ten men in the 49th minute when Ahmed Al Julaydan was shown a red card for a reckless challenge to Mohamed Simakan’s head, forcing the defender off with an injury. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Al Ittihad managed to hold firm, and with Ronaldo failing to convert key chances inside the box, Al Nassr suffered yet another setback in their pursuit of silverware.

Al Ittihad shuts down Al Nassr’s streak

After a strong 2025 summer transfer window that brought in stars like Iñigo Martínez, Kingsley Coman, and João Félix, expectations were high for Al Nassr to compete on all fronts. Despite a promising start to the 2025–26 season following their defeat in the Saudi Super Cup final, Benzema’s Al Ittihad brought Al Nassr’s impressive run to an end.

Since Matchday 1 of the Saudi Pro League on August 29, Al Nassr had built a 10-match winning streak across all competitions, six in the league, three in the AFC Champions League Two, and one in the King’s Cup. Interestingly, one of those victories came against Al Ittihad, but when the two sides met again in the King’s Cup, Al Nassr were unable to extend their dominant run.

What silverware options remain for Ronaldo and Al Nassr?

After setbacks in both the Saudi Super Cup and the King’s Cup, Ronaldo has already missed two chances to lift a trophy with Al Nassr in the 2025–26 season. Still, the Portuguese legend and his team have opportunities left to add silverware before the campaign ends.

Al Nassr remain alive in two major competitions: the Saudi Pro League and the AFC Champions League Two. Manager Jorge Jesus has already emphasized that the league title is the club’s top priority this season, but the continental tournament could prove to be a more realistic path to success in 2025–26.

Barcelona’s defeat in El Clasico against Real Madrid last Sunday was not only a setback in the battle for the top of the La Liga standings but also appears to have had repercussions in other areas of the Catalan side. Lamine Yamal found himself under the spotlight — not only for his poor performance but also for the controversy surrounding him.

Yamal was scheduled to attend a commercial event on Tuesday to promote the launch of the OPPO Find X9 Series. However, “Barcelona decided at the last minute that another public appearance by the culer player was not the best idea,” reported Sport. “The Catalan club advised its player not to attend the launch event, and he accepted.”

This decision marks a clear shift in Barcelona’s media approach toward Lamine. Until now, he had been granted considerable freedom to make public appearances — for example, alongside popular streamers. It was during one of those appearances that Yamal made controversial remarks about Real Madrid, comparing them to Kings League’s Porcinos FC and stating, “They steal and complain.”

Comments like that, along with the constant attention to Yamal’s personal life, have kept him under continuous public scrutiny — a situation that has worsened due to his disappointing recent performances. Sport adds that the young winger is “aware that his outspoken moments have caused a controversy (perhaps exaggerated) that did not help the team ahead of the clash at Santiago Bernabeu.”

The massive conflict that erupted after the final whistle in El Clasico underscored that tension. In that moment, Yamal found himself at the center of the storm, engaging in heated exchanges with Real Madrid stars such as Vinicius Junior, Daniel Carvajal, and Thibaut Courtois.

The toughest season yet for Yamal

During the 2024–25 campaign, Lamine Yamal delivered an outstanding performance, recording 18 goals and 25 assists in 55 matches across La Liga, Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, and UEFA Champions League. His contributions were crucial as Barcelona captured three titles and reached the European semifinals, while the Spanish winger finished second in the Ballon d’Or voting behind Ousmane Dembele.

Just a few months later, however, the picture looks very different. Yamal has missed a significant portion of this season due to injury, and that absence has clearly affected Barcelona’s form. The club sits well off the top spot in La Liga and continues to show inconsistency in the Champions League.

Lamine Yamal has been sidelined for nearly 40% of Barcelona’s matches this season. Before his groin issues began, he had already contributed to five goals in just three games. Since then, he has played five matches, scoring once and adding two assists.

What’s next for Barcelona?

After the loss to Real Madrid, the good news for Barcelona is that they now have a full week of rest before their next challenge. That break could allow them to recover some of their many injured players, including Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo, and Raphinha.

On Sunday, they will face Elche in La Liga — a good opportunity to close the five-point gap with Real Madrid in the standings. After that, attention will shift back to the Champions League, where they will visit Club Brugge on Wednesday, November 5.

Paul Pogba emerged as one of the best soccer players in the world, shining with Juventus, France, and even Manchester United. Nonetheless, the midfielder faced an 18-month ban that prevented him from playing at an elite level. Despite this setback, AS Monaco extended him an opportunity to recover his form as a professional athlete, though he has yet to make his debut. For that reason, coach Sébastien Pocognoli decided to give an update on his conditioning, issuing a warning about his comeback.

“His (Pogba’s) absence has been a lot longer than Denis’, but for now, he is closer to making his return. For now, it is going well, so I am expecting to have him in the squad soon… The Paul from Manchester United or from his first stint at Juventus, was a few years ago now. All players evolve over time and through their experiences. We have to judge him exactly on what he is now, with his baggage but also his age,” Sébastien Pocognoli said in the latest press conference.

Even though Paul arrived at AS Monaco as a big star, the French side offered him a three-month tenure to recover his physical conditioning, according to team CEO Thiago Scuro’s report. With his, Pogba should have already made his debut with the team, but regaining competitive rhythm isn’t straightforward. While his recovery process might be delayed, taking the time to fully regain his level could be the best decision, especially considering the pressure of expectations.

While Paul Pogba might make a return to the field, he may not exhibit the same brilliance he once displayed at Juventus or with France. At 32 and having lost some competitive rhythm, he might transform his role into that of a less explosive yet more mature player. Consequently, Coach Sébastien’s remarks weren’t meant to suggest that Pogba can’t regain his peak level. Instead, he highlighted the need for fans to be patient.

Paul Pogba breaks silence on his AS Monaco comeback, revealing key details about his process

Paul Pogba thrilled fans with the announcement of his comeback to AS Monaco after a lengthy absence. Although he has yet to make his official debut with the team, the midfielder is nearing his long-awaited appearance. He has also chosen to share the challenges of his comeback journey, revealing key details about his time before joining the French side.

“I am a determined person, who wants to come back and who wants to enjoy myself on the pitch again… The objective is therefore to make my return to the highest level while taking the time necessary, and being patient… Of course, there were moments of doubt, but I always wanted to look forward and towards the future. And looking at my kids, I told myself that I wanted them to see me play on the field!,” Paul Pogba said, via AS Monaco website.

Boxing Day has long been a cherished tradition in England and other Commonwealth countries, and one that has become synonymous with soccer. However, that tradition is reportedly on the verge of being disrupted, as the Premier League faces a unique scheduling situation that could almost break its Boxing Day custom.

According to The Times, only one Premier League match is expected to be played on Boxing Day, December 26, due to a congested calendar and broadcast constraints. With the 26th falling on a Friday, league officials are expected to move one of the 10 games to that date to preserve the tradition, while the remaining nine fixtures will likely be postponed to the weekend.

One of the major challenges Premier League organizers face is managing broadcast requirements and scheduling. Contracts stipulate that 33 rounds must be played on weekends each season, with only five rounds allowed during midweek, potentially pushing Boxing Day out of the midweek slate.

Additional complications have arisen this season compared to previous ones, such as the expanded formats of UEFA’s continental tournaments (Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League) as well as the FA Cup taking up more weekends. As a result, the weekend of Saturday, December 27, and Sunday, December 28, is expected to be used to fulfill broadcasting obligations.

Last season, the 2024–25 Premier League’s Matchday 18 was played largely on Boxing Day, with eight matches held on December 26 and two — Brighton vs. Brentford and Arsenal vs. Ipswich Town — the following day. This time, with even more scheduling constraints, dates and times for the Christmas fixtures have yet to be finalized, but officials appear to be edging toward a decision that could come closer than ever to breaking the Boxing Day tradition.

Boxing Day and a historic low

First established in 1880, Boxing Day soccer predates the Premier League’s creation in 1992 and has remained a constant for more than three decades. Should only one match take place on December 26, it would mark the fewest Boxing Day games in Premier League history.

The current record low dates back to 1993, when only three matches were played on Boxing Day. Since then, the fewest number of fixtures held on that date came in 1995 and 2023, both featuring six games. If just one match is played in 2025, it would officially set a new all-time low — and a significant break from one of English football’s longest-running traditions.

They’ve all tried. Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, and Harry Kane — three of modern soccer’s most feared finishers — each had a chance to rewrite history in 2025. Their clubs, Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, depend on them like few others. But even as their streaks grew and their form soared, one of Lionel Messi’s strongest and most impressive records remained untouched. More than a decade after he set it, the mark still stands tall, unbroken, and unmatched.

The 2025-26 season has offered plenty of fireworks — Haaland’s hat-tricks, Mbappe’s dominance in Madrid, and Kane’s ruthless form in Bavaria. Yet when all three stumbled within days of each other, the soccer world was reminded of one truth: Messi’s greatness exists on a different plane.

The Argentine has spent his twilight years continuing to rewrite record books across continents, but one of his most remarkable feats has turned into a barrier even the best of the next generation can’t climb. Back in the 2012-13 La Liga season, Lionel Messi didn’t just dominate — he transcended the sport. He scored in 21 consecutive league matches, the longest goalscoring streak in the history of Europe’s top divisions.

Across those 21 games, Messi netted 33 times and became the first player ever to score against every team in the same campaign. He finished the season with 46 league goals, guiding Barcelona to 100 points under Tito Vilanova. It was an era defined by his total mastery — four straight Ballons d’Or, 91 goals in a single calendar year, and a level of consistency that turned elite soccer into a personal playground.

To put it in perspective, the Premier League record for consecutive scoring games remains 11, set by Jamie Vardy in 2015-16 — exactly half of Messi’s feat. The closest anyone has come in Europe was Gerd Muller, who scored in 16 straight Bundesliga matches over half a century ago. Messi’s record sits alone, untouched and almost untouchable.

When greatness meets its ceiling

Erling Haaland’s goalscoring streak of 12 games ended abruptly when Manchester City fell 1-0 to Aston Villa — his twelfth consecutive match with a goal coming to an end in early October. “It was City’s first defeat since August 31,” reported BBC Sport, as Matty Cash’s fierce strike proved decisive. Haaland even bundled the ball into the net late on, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. That miss didn’t just end his run — it ended any remaining hope that the Norwegian might touch Messi’s level this campaign.

Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe’s own streak ended at 11 consecutive games after he failed to score against Juventus. The French superstar’s form for Real Madrid has been devastating —43 goals in 44 appearances in 2025— but not even that consistency was enough to threaten Messi’s reign.

Then there’s Harry Kane, whose run of 10 straight scoring games for Bayern Munich came to an end in a 3-0 win over Borussia Mönchengladbach. Despite firing 20 goals in his first 13 matches, the Englishman fell short, though his start to the season has been described as “career-best” by German media. Three elite strikers. Three record chases. All ending the same way.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past five years, you’ve probably heard of Wrexham Association Football Club. Founded in 1864, Wrexham is the oldest club in Wales and the third-oldest professional association football team in the world. However, it wasn’t until the end of 2020 that the club began receiving worldwide attention following its highly publicized takeover by actors Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds through Wrexham Holdings LLC.

These two Hollywood stars ushered in a new era of success through significant investment and the global fame of the Welcome to Wrexham documentary series, helping Wrexham achieve visibility surpassing even some Premier League clubs like West Ham and Brighton.

However, McElhenney and Reynolds haven’t been the only driving forces behind Wrexham’s meteoric rise. One man who has played a crucial role in the club’s historic ascent is Les Reed.

Born on December 12, 1952, in the London suburb of Wapping, Reed played for England at the schoolboy level and was one of the 97,000 in attendance for the 1966 FIFA World Cup Final at Wembley, where England beat Germany 4–2 in extra time. Unable to make his senior debut, Reed spent time at lower-league sides such as Cambridge United, Watford, and Wycombe before retiring early to pursue a coaching career and a degree in physical education.

Reed began coaching with non-league sides Finchley and Wealdstone, winning the Football Conference and FA Trophy with the latter, before joining the Football Association (FA) as a development officer in 1986. It was during this first of many stints with the FA that Reed’s career truly began to take off.

“The turning point came during my first period with the FA,” stated Reed in an exclusive World Soccer Talk interview. “My three-year contract was coming to an end, and by that time, I was running some of the highest-level coaching courses at the Lilleshall FA Centre — where the national school was — and overseeing courses for professional coaches. It was a time when coaching qualifications became mandatory. Many former players and long-time coaches had to complete these courses, including those who’d been in the game at the highest level for decades.”

“Quite a lot of them passed through my hands. One was Alan Curbishley, then reserve team coach at Charlton Athletic, who had just been offered the full-time manager role. He completed both his preliminary and full licenses with me as his tutor. Afterward, he called to ask me to join him as his assistant. I had to decide — stay with the FA coaching England youth teams, or take this opportunity that might never come again?”

“I took the chance. I was with Alan for three years; we earned promotion to the Premier League, and that’s where my reputation started to grow. After those three years, I was headhunted back to the FA as Director of Technical Development to set up the academy programs. I oversaw all national teams and became assistant coach to Kevin Keegan with the England men’s national team. That call from Alan probably changed my career — it gave me confidence and a reputation I’ve carried ever since.”

Reed hasn’t just left his mark on England’s national teams but also across the globe — in Northern Ireland, South Africa, the Republic of Ireland, Hong Kong, China, Thailand, Ghana, and Zimbabwe. After building a name at Charlton and later as Fulham’s Director of Football, he joined Southampton in April 2010 as Head of Football Development and Support, later becoming Vice-Chairman.

At Southampton, Reed oversaw youth development, scouting and recruitment, sports science, and medical operations — helping steer the club from England’s third division to a stable Premier League presence. One year after his side reached the 2017 EFL Cup Final, Reed returned to the FA as Technical Director before moving back into club management in 2021 — this time, with a Welsh club.

With nearly half a century of experience, Les Reed has established himself among the top football executives in the game — alongside names like Giuseppe Marotta and Sergey Palkin. Just a few months after purchasing Wrexham, McElhenney and Reynolds offered Reed a position as advisor to the board. He was immediately tasked with key decisions — replacing the manager, determining which players to retain, and which to release — and struck gold by appointing Phil Parkinson as manager.

With Parkinson leading from the touchline and Reed providing strategic oversight from his office in Spain, Wrexham have maximized their resources and risen rapidly through the divisions.

“I don’t have many encounters with Rob and Ryan. You won’t see me on the documentary. I stay very much in the background,” Reed explained. “Ryan once described me as their secret weapon. If they’re at a game and I’m around, we’ll have a general chat rather than a business one. They’re very approachable — if something important comes up, they’re open to hearing it. But as a consultant, I generally work through the board and executives. These days, I work more closely with Michael Williamson and Phil Parkinson. In the early days, I had more contact with the owners as the club grew, but now that it’s larger and has more people at the executive and operational level, my role is more behind the scenes.”

Wrexham have made history as the first team in England’s top five divisions to achieve three consecutive promotions, and they’re now aiming for a fourth — which would take them to the English top flight for the first time ever.

When Marcus Rashford and Jude Bellingham stepped out onto the Santiago Bernabeu pitch on Sunday evening, few could have predicted the layer of history that was about to unfold. The two Englishmen, facing each other in their respective colors for Barcelona and Real Madrid, turned one of soccer’s most iconic rivalries into a landmark moment that extended beyond La Liga’s fierce title race.

Since joining Real Madrid in 2023, Jude Bellingham’s time in Spain has been nothing short of eventful. After recovering from shoulder surgery earlier in the season, the 22-year-old midfielder returned to action determined to reassert his influence. His performance against Barcelona was a statement — and a decisive one at that.

In the thrilling 2-1 victory, Bellingham was at the heart of everything good his team produced. The Englishman “scored one and assisted another,” as Marca reported, helping Xabi Alonso’s side extend their lead at the top of La Liga to five points.

It was a night that reinforced his growing reputation as one of Europe’s most clutch performers. His first major contribution came midway through the first half, when he turned elegantly in midfield before releasing a diagonal ball to Kylian Mbappe, who finished clinically past Wojciech Szczesny. Moments later, when Marcus Rashford teed up Fermin Lopez for Barcelona’s equalizer, it looked like the pendulum might swing back.

But Bellingham responded almost instantly. A looping header from Eder Militao found its way to the Englishman, who tapped home from close range — his sixth goal of the campaign — to seal the win.

Rashford’s fight in the Blaugrana shirt

For Marcus Rashford, it was a night of mixed emotions. The 27-year-old forward, on loan from Manchester United, has quickly become a vital figure in Hansi Flick’s Barcelona. Rashford’s blistering pace and intelligence in attack have made him a reliable outlet during an injury-hit period for the Catalan side.

In the El Clasico, Rashford played a crucial role in creating Barcelona’s only goal. After dispossessing Arda Guler on the flank, he delivered a low cross for Fermin Lopez to level the score. Although his side ultimately fell short, the Englishman’s contribution did not go unnoticed.

With five goals and seven assists across all competitions this season, Rashford is finding his rhythm in Spain — and in doing so, helping to redefine what an English forward can achieve abroad.

The hidden chapter of history

The night wasn’t just about goals and assists — it was about legacy. Hidden within the excitement of Sunday’s derby was a remarkable milestone that quietly reshaped the narrative of the sport’s most storied rivalry.

For the first time in history, at least two English players faced each other in El Clasico. While both Real Madrid and Barcelona have had English representation in the past, such as Gary Lineker for the Blaugrana and David Beckham, Steve McManaman, and Michael Owen for Los Blancos, none had ever shared the same field in this iconic fixture — until now.

Bellingham and Rashford’s presence symbolized a new chapter for English soccer abroad. Even more striking, Trent Alexander-Arnold — another Englishman — was on Madrid’s bench, signaling that the influence of English talent in Spain’s elite duel could continue for years to come.

Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland have been two of the most prolific forwards in world soccer in recent years, consistently finding the back of the net and battling for Golden Boots. However, a former Mbappé teammate at Paris Saint-Germain has weighed in on the ongoing debate between the two superstars, and chose the Manchester City striker over the current Real Madrid ace.

Few players have had the chance to share the pitch with both Mbappé and Haaland, but Gianluigi Donnarumma is one of them. After several seasons at PSG, the Italian goalkeeper completed a move to Manchester City ahead of the 2025–26 season, giving him the opportunity to work alongside the Norwegian phenom.

In an interview with the Daily Mail, Donnarumma was asked which player currently has the most powerful shot in world soccer — and he didn’t hesitate to compare the two: “I think Erling has the most powerful shot in world football. He’s left footed, so he’s different from Kylian.”

The Italian goalkeeper then doubled down when asked which one he’d rather have on his team. “They’re both very difficult to face, but I’d rather have Erling on my team,” Donnarumma admitted, leaving Mbappé off his ideal lineup.

So far in the 2025–26 campaign, both Mbappé and Haaland remain among Europe’s most lethal finishers. The Frenchman has 16 goals in 13 appearances, while the Norwegian has 15 in 12 matches across all competitions. Both trail Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane in the Golden Boot race, but the battle between the two stars remains one of the most compelling storylines of the season.

Donnarumma prepares to face Haaland again

Despite now being teammates at Manchester City, Donnarumma will have to deal with Haaland’s threat once again this season. During the November international break, Italy will face Norway in a crucial six-point clash at the top of UEFA World Cup Qualifying Group I.

The goalkeeper also discussed his relationship with Haaland and the challenge of facing him for their national teams: “I’d say we just got on well immediately. We have always respected each other, even before we met. We make a lot of banter about playing against each other in the national teams. It will be difficult to face each other, as it will be difficult to play against him. I know how strong he is and what chances he can create. It will be hard to face him both as a player and as a friend.”

Throughout his career, Donnarumma has faced Haaland twice — once in the 2023–24 UEFA Champions League group stage, when PSG defeated Manchester City 4–2 (with Haaland on the scoresheet), and more recently in the 2026 UEFA World Cup qualifiers, when Haaland scored again in Norway’s 3–0 win over Italy.

The drama of El Clasico did not end when the final whistle blew at the Santiago Bernabeu. While Real Madrid celebrated a 2-1 victory over Barcelona, the evening also exposed tension between Vinicius Junior and manager Xabi Alonso, whose relationship has been under scrutiny for weeks. What began as a substitution has now spiraled into one of the most talked-about moments in Spanish soccer — and Real Madrid has now reportedly made its decision on how to handle the controversy.

In the 72nd minute of the match, Alonso’s decision to substitute Vinicius was met with an eruption of anger. Cameras captured the Brazilian forward shouting in disbelief — “Me?! Coach, coach!” — before storming toward the tunnel. As he disappeared down the steps, he was overheard saying, “Always me, I’m leaving the team, it’s better if I leave, I’m leaving,” as reported by The Athletic.

Moments later, Alonso was seen muttering, “Come on, Vini, d*mn it” in visible frustration. The situation encapsulated a growing unease between the two figures. The Brazilian would later return to the bench, though the images of his fury spread rapidly across social media, overshadowing Madrid’s triumph over their fiercest rivals.

This was not an isolated moment. According to Cadena SER, the duo’s relationship has been strained since the summer. The Basque coach reportedly left the winger out of several key matches early in the season, leading to what some insiders have described as “a total lack of communication” between the two. Sources also revealed that Vinicius even asked his agent to explore an exit from Madrid during the final days of the transfer window.

Despite those tensions, the 25-year-old had been in strong form and seemed to be adapting to Alonso’s system before this outburst reignited doubts. The episode has forced Los Blancos’ leadership to intervene, hoping to mend a bond that remains crucial for both their immediate and long-term ambitions.

Will Real Madrid punish Vinicius?

After the match, Alonso and Vinicius reportedly spoke privately in the dressing room. According to Marca and Mundo Deportivo, the conversation helped to calm the situation — and Real Madrid has since made its final decision. “Real Madrid do not intend to take disciplinary action against Vinicius, and will not fine him for his outburst,” reported Marca, confirming the club’s stance. The leadership at Valdebebas considers the incident “an emotional reaction, not a disciplinary breach.”

While some within the club were displeased by the display of frustration — especially given Vinicius’ status as one of the team’s captains — the hierarchy ultimately viewed it as a matter best handled internally. Alonso has been given full authority to decide if any sporting response is necessary, such as benching the forward in upcoming fixtures.

Has Real Madrid picked side already?

Despite public speculation of a rift, the Whites have chosen to stand firmly behind Alonso. According to Diario AS, the board has “closed ranks around the coach, making it clear that his authority stands above any player.” Club sources described the Brazilian’s reaction as “exaggerated and unhelpful to the team dynamic.”

Alonso is expected to meet Vinicius again in training this week to clear the air and reset their working relationship. The manager’s calm handling of the situation has impressed the club’s executives, who believe it demonstrates his command of the locker room in his first full season in charge.

After skipping the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, Christian Pulisic has drawn heavy criticism from fans and former players. Despite the backlash, he remains in top form and is expected to lead the national team in the 2026 World Cup under Mauricio Pochettino. Nonetheless, a former USMNT player added to the scrutiny by criticizing the 27-year-old star and highlighting a key role absent in the current roster for the upcoming major tournament.

“I don’t think that Christian Pulisic is the captain that this team needs or that this team wants… The notion that your best player is not necessarily equipped to be a captain is nothing new. We have seen it over the years and it is completely valid …That doesn’t mean he doesn’t have passion… But I just don’t think that this team has a captain that would qualify on the ‘Bad Boys’ of the Detroit Pistons,” Former USMNT player Alexi Lalas said, via State of the Union podcast.

In 2025, Tim Ream has been the most frequent captain for the USMNT, wearing the armband ten times. However, at 38, his ability to start in the 2026 World Cup is in question. Consequently, attention turns to Tyler Adams, the captain during the 2022 tournament, though his recent injuries and form issues have hindered his consistency. This situation has led Alexi Lalas to highlight the absence of a vocal leader in the squad that Pulisic may not accomplish.

While Alexi Lalas questions Christian Pulisic’s leadership qualities, AC Milan legend Marcel Desailly stands firm praising his talent and leadership capacities. Notably, the 27-year-old winger has experience with the captain’s armband for the USMNT, having made history on November 20, 2018, as the youngest captain at just 20 years and 63 days. Given this, Pulisic could be a prime candidate to lead the U.S. squad at the 2026 World Cup.

Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT faces growing doubts about its form ahead of the 2026 World Cup

Alexi Lalas highlights the lack of a commanding vocal leader on the USMNT, while Mauricio Pochettino’s squad remains a puzzle. Despite securing wins against Japan and Australia in just four matches since the 2025 Gold Cup loss, they could not overcome the more formidable challenges posed by South Korea and Ecuador. For that reason, the team’s inconsistent performances continue to stir uncertainty rather than confidence.

Without facing formidable opponents in friendlies, doubts linger over the USMNT’s competitiveness. While they showcase strong offensive capabilities, defensive weaknesses raise significant concerns. However, coach Pochettino has revitalized the roster by integrating dynamic attacking talents, and as they gear up for the 2026 World Cup, testing themselves against some European nations could bolster their performances.

It’s the first midweek round of Serie A action this season, and while Milan travels to Bergamo to face an unbeaten Atalanta, one notable name is missing from the Rossoneri squad sheet. Christian Pulisic, Milan’s standout performer so far this season, has been ruled out of the crucial clash.

After a frustrating 2-2 draw against Pisa at San Siro last Friday, Massimiliano Allegri’s Rossoneri now find themselves chasing Napoli in the Serie A standings. The trip to the New Balance Arena in Bergamo comes at a delicate moment for the club, which remains unbeaten but has stumbled in recent weeks.

But as the teams prepare for kick-off, fans quickly noticed the absence of one of Milan’s most influential players — Christian Pulisic. The American winger, who has been directly involved in eight goals this season (six goals and two assists), was not included in the matchday squad. The American has been a driving force in Milan’s early-season resurgence, recently winning Serie A Player of the Month for September.

In fact, Pulisic is sidelined due to a low-grade hamstring injury picked up during the October international window. The setback occurred while the 27-year-old was representing the United States Men’s National Team in a friendly match against Australia on October 14 in Colorado. He was forced off the field in the 31st minute after feeling discomfort in his right leg. Milan’s medical staff later confirmed that the injury was mild but required careful management.

When will Pulisic return?

Head coach Massimiliano Allegri provided an update in his pre-match press conference, ruling out any possibility of Pulisic featuring against Atalanta or Roma in the coming days. “Absolutely not against Roma,” Allegri said when asked about a possible early return. “We hope to have him on the bench against Parma.”

That timeline suggests that Pulisic will miss at least 10 more days of action, sitting out the club’s next fixtures against Atalanta and Roma, before potentially returning for the Parma clash on November 8, just before the international break.

According to Milannews.it, Milan is “prioritizing his long-term fitness rather than rushing him back.” The club’s medical staff reportedly advised Allegri to give the winger additional recovery time, especially with crucial fixtures ahead — including the Milan derby after the break.

Tensions with USMNT

The situation has also created tension between Milan and the U.S. Soccer Federation. Reports in La Gazzetta dello Sport suggest that CEO Giorgio Furlani is in discussions with the American federation to prevent the winger from being called up for the November friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay.

The reasoning is simple: the matches carry no competitive significance, and the Serie A giant wants to avoid the risk of another transatlantic trip that could delay Pulisic’s full recovery. The Rossoneri’s stance is that keeping him at Milanello through the break would benefit both club and country in the long run.

Liverpool return to Anfield desperately needing a response after a dismal run of results that has seen them lose four of their last five matches in all competitions their only win in that stretch coming in the UEFA Champions League away to Eintracht Frankfurt, Softfootball reports.

The Reds’ defensive frailties have been exposed in recent weeks, with costly lapses leading to goals conceded at crucial moments. However, the Carabao Cup presents a chance to steady the ship and restore confidence within Arne Slot’s side.

Liverpool have traditionally thrived in this competition, having progressed from 12 of their last 14 ties against Premier League opposition, and their record at Anfield in domestic cup games remains one of the best in England.

On the other hand, Crystal Palace head into this tie looking to bounce back from a narrow 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at the weekend in the Premier League. Despite their recent struggles in the league with no wins in their last four matches, Oliver Glasner’s men have shown resilience and tactical discipline against bigger sides.

Palace famously defeated Liverpool in their last league meeting and will see this as another opportunity to upset the odds. Their ability to stay compact and hit on the counter could make them a tricky opponent for a Liverpool side low on confidence and struggling to keep clean sheets.

Team News

Liverpool are still without first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker, while young defender Giovanni Leoni remains sidelined with a long-term ACL injury. Midfielders Ryan Gravenberch and Alexander Isak are both doubtful for this clash, and Arne Slot is unlikely to risk either player given the congested fixture schedule ahead.

Playing in the fourth round of the Carabao cup will allow Liverpool to give opportunities to academy players to gain valuable experience. Freddie woodman who is expected to start in goal for the reds tomorrow in Spoke to the Liverpool media via the team’s official X handle, on his journey and how it feels for him to wear and fight the Liverpool badge. They posted:

The Dutch manager is expected to rotate his side, handing opportunities to fringe players and youngsters such as freddie woodman and Rio Ngumoha to impress. Slot will be eager for a strong response from his squad as they look to rediscover their rhythm and confidence after a difficult few weeks.

Crystal Palace, on the other hand, have fewer injury concerns. Cheick Doucouré and Chadi Riad are unavailable, but Glasner is expected to field a strong lineup. With players like Nketiah and Yaser Asprilla showing flashes of form, the Eagles will look to test Liverpool’s backline early and capitalize on any defensive errors.

Possible Lineups

Liverpool possible starting lineup:

Woodman; Ramsay, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Endo, Mac Allister; Chiesa, Szoboszlai, Ngumoha; Ekitike

Crystal Palace possible starting lineup:

Benitez; Canvot, Lacroix, Guehi; Clyne, Lerma, Hughes, Sosa; Esse, Devenny; Nketiah

Crystal palace have beaten Liverpool once earlier this season at Anfield in dramatic late 3-2 win.The team via its official X handle, posted highlights from that huge win as they hope for similar outcome in tomorrow’s fourth round matchup. Watch video below:

SoftFootball Prediction

This Carabao Cup clash promises to be tightly contested. Liverpool will be under pressure to deliver a performance in front of the anfield supporters, after a rough spell that has shaken confidence in the squad. Palace, meanwhile, will see this as a free hit, an opportunity to continue their solid record against the Reds and advance further in the competition.

While Liverpool’s attacking depth could make the difference late on, Palace’s compactness and counter-attacking threat suggest the visitors won’t make things easy. Expect a evenly contested matchup, with moments of quality deciding the outcome.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Crystal Palace

Wolverhampton Wanderers welcome Chelsea to Molineux on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, for a tense EFL Cup fourth-round showdown. Both sides need this one badly, not just for progress, but for confidence.

Wolves, led by Vitor Pereira, are struggling to find rhythm. They’ve gone five league games without a win, including that painful 3–2 loss to Burnley last weekend. Still, they’ve looked sharper in cup action, knocking out Everton 2–0 in the previous round.

For Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea, the mood isn’t exactly calm either. Their 2–1 defeat to Sunderland ended a four-match winning streak and exposed a few cracks. The Londoners will be eager to set things right and continue their recent good run against Wolves, having won the last two meetings between the sides.

Team News

Wolves have only one absentee: Leon Chiwome, still recovering from a knee injury. Pereira otherwise has a full squad to choose from. Expect Jorgen Strand Larsen, Hwang Hee-chan, and Marshall Munetsi to start, especially with Larsen scoring in both of Wolves’ Carabao Cup games so far.

Chelsea’s injury list remains a concern. Cole Palmer (groin) and Levi Colwill (ACL) are still out long-term, while Dario Essugo and Benoît Badiashile are sidelined too. However, Liam Delap is back in full training after two months out, even though he might not be fit enough for the full 90. Chelsea even uploaded a welcome video of the striker joining back the fold on their official X account.

Watch the video below:

Malo Gusto returns from suspension and should slot straight in. Maresca hinted that Joao Pedro, Moises Caicedo, and Enzo Fernández are managing small knocks, so at least one of them could be rested. Also, Alejandro Garnacho is another player that will be looking to make an impact either from the starting XI or from the bench. In an earlier report by Softfootball, the Argentine revealed why he joined Chelsea and how important Enzo Maresca was to making the deal happen.

Possible Lineups

Wolves (4-3-3):
Johnstone; Hoever, S Bueno, Krejci, H Bueno; Munetsi, Gomes, Andre; Arias, Larsen, Hwang

Chelsea (4-2-3-1):
Jorgensen; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Hato; Lavia, Santos; Gittens, Estevao, Garnacho; George

Maresca is expected to shuffle things a bit, giving his young players another chance to shine. Garnacho, fresh off his first Chelsea goal, is likely to start again.

Softfootball’s Prediction

This could be a tighter affair than expected. Wolves at home are tricky, and with their attacking trio regaining sharpness, they’ll definitely test Chelsea’s back line. But the Blues’ depth and pace on the counter might just make the difference.

Prediction: Wolves 1–2 Chelsea

Chelsea should edge this one, not without a few scares, and book their spot in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

Former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel has joined the growing list of football figures praising Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, describing the Gunners as the most complete team in the game right now. The former Nigerian international, known for his honest and measured takes, couldn’t hide his admiration for the depth and balance in Arsenal’s current squad.

Speaking on The Obi One Podcast via the the official X handle, Mikel highlighted how Arsenal’s transformation under Arteta has elevated them beyond domestic rivals and placed them among Europe’s elite. He noted that their strength is not just in their starting XI but in the quality of players available on the bench a key factor in sustaining success across multiple competitions.

According to him, no other team in world football currently matches Arsenal’s overall squad depth and ability to change games from the bench. He said;

Arsenal have the best squad, not just in the Premier League, not just in England… In world football right now, I bet you there’s no better squad. Depth squad. Name one squad—you’re not talking about the 11 that start—what do you have on the bench that comes in and win games? Arsenal, it’s not better sometimes. It’s not just the starting 11 that wins your game; it’s who you bring off the bench.

Mikel’s comments come at a time when Arsenal have been nothing short of exceptional. The Gunners currently sit top of the Premier League table, showcasing their consistency and composure under Mikel Arteta. Their latest win a narrow but deserved 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace came courtesy of former Palace player Eberechi Eze, whose performances continue to impress in red and white.

Still on the Obi one podcast, Mikel obi had alot of other talking points, he believes that this could be Arsenal’s year and they could go all the way to win the premier league title. Watch the full video below:

In Europe, Arsenal have been just as ruthless. Their 4-0 demolition of Atlético Madrid extended their perfect record in the Champions League this season, positioning them among the favourites to go all the way.

For Mikel, Arsenal’s rise is no fluke it’s the product of smart recruitment, elite coaching, and remarkable team spirit. Coming from a Chelsea legend, his endorsement speaks volumes about how far the Gunners have come.

Atlético Madrid’s 2-0 win over Real Betis on Saturday didn’t just end on the pitch; it carried over to social media, where one fan’s comment lit up X with contrasting opinions about who truly deserved the points.

Softfootball reported that although Betis dominated the ball and created more opportunities, they were unable to convert, with Atlético’s defence and goalkeeper Jan Oblak making crucial interventions. The match statistics highlight a clear disparity between control and efficiency Betis had more shots, corners, and possession, but Atlético’s clinical edge in front of goal proved decisive.

Atletico uploaded video highlights of both goals via their official X account.

Watc the Videos below:

Following the match, a fan using the handle Iamrafael07 @adimoranwa16121 on X  sparked a heated discussion on social media, claiming that Atlético didn’t deserve the win, as Betis were the better team. Well, everybody knows that. Betis is a quality team; in fact, Softfootball initially reported Diego Simeone praising the side before the encounter and emphasising their quality. However, regardless of Rafael’s frustration, goals win games in football.

He posted:

Not really, Betis were the better team in that game by far. That scoreline doesn’t reflect the match, but fair play to Atletico.

His take quickly picked up traction. Many agreed, pointing to the numbers after the game, in fairness Betis had 57% possession, 17 shots, and dominated much of the play. Yet Atlético, with barely nine attempts, scored twice and walked away looking comfortable.

Some users backed Rafael’s claim, arguing that Atlético were efficient but far from superior. Citing that this is what Diego Simeone’s side is best known to do; however, not everyone shared the sentiment. With others accusing Betis of wastefulness and praising Atlético for their classic ruthlessness.

User PeeFC @BigPresh_25 on X mocked Betis’ inconsistency. Meanwhile, Galacticos @Madridfan on X defended Atlético’s approach as a very solid display of character and grit.

PeeFC reacted:

Just for them to lose against a relegation team at home lol.

Galacticos defended Atlético’s approach:

“Solid performance from Atlético. They made it look easy — clinical, disciplined, and back in the top four where they belong!”

And Super Power Uniform (@S_PowerUniform) framed it as a title-race statement, as Atletico is definitely playing catch-up to the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona and form them to take full advantage. This is a good way to to approach it.

He tweeted:

It’s a great win to keep up the chase for the top spot.

What began as a simple opinion turned into a thread full of arguments about football’s oldest question, does possession mean dominance, or do goals decide everything?

For Rafael, it probably wasn’t that deep. He just saw what many fans did: a team that played better football but walked away with nothing. For others, it was classic Atlético’s organized, ruthless, and never needing to impress anyone but the scoreboard.

By the end of it all, the stats doesn’t matter much. Betis had the ball; Atlético had the win. And on X, Rafael’s post had already done its job reminding everyone that in football, beauty doesn’t always beat efficiency.

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly on the verge of tying down William Pacho to a new long-term deal that could keep him at the club until 2030, with an option for one more year. Initially, Softfootball reported that there might be a contract negotiation between both parties, and according to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano via his official X account, he suggested that the Ecuadorian defender has already agreed to personal terms, and the extension could be finalised before the end of 2025.

He tweeted:

Paris Saint-Germain expect William Pacho’s new deal, valid for the next five years to be signed by the end of 2025. It’s considered just a matter of time.

Although his current contract runs through 2029, PSG’s hierarchy, led by sporting director Luis Campos, wants to secure his future early, especially with Liverpool and a few other top European clubs monitoring his situation.

Since joining from Eintracht Frankfurt for around €45 million, Pacho has been nothing short of a revelation. Calm on the ball, intelligent in his positioning, and fearless under pressure, he played a major role in PSG’s historic treble-winning 2024/25 campaign that saw them finally lift the Champions League trophy for the first time.

The 24-year-old’s performances have not gone unnoticed. His market value has reportedly climbed to €65 million on Transfermarkt, and PSG are ready to reward that rise with a significant pay bump, one that could put him on par with some of the club’s former stars.

For Luis Enrique, Pacho isn’t just another defender; he’s part of the club’s new identity. A left-footed centre-back who blends style with stability, he’s exactly the kind of player PSG hope to build around as they shift toward a more balanced, future-driven project. He has been ever present for the Parisians, even starting in the team’s last statement victory a 3-nil thrashing of Brest.

If all goes to plan, this extension won’t just be about money it’ll be a statement. That Paris isn’t merely a stop for world-class talent anymore, but a real home for the next generation of champions and Ballon d’or winners.

Liverpool’s Carabao Cup fourth-round clash against Crystal Palace on Wednesday might be just another fixture on paper, but Softfootball understands that for Freddie Woodman, it’s a night that could mean everything.

The 28-year-old goalkeeper, signed on a free from Preston North End, is expected to make his competitive debut for Liverpool, stepping in while Alisson Becker recovers from a hamstring injury. For most players, that’s a massive occasion already. For Woodman, it’s personal.

Born and raised in south London, Woodman grew up a passionate Crystal Palace fan. His earliest memories of football are tied to Selhurst Park; he was once a ballboy there, even a mascot. His father, Andy Woodman, also played for the Eagles, which made the family’s connection to the club even deeper. He revealed this in an interview he granted, which was uploaded via the club’s official X account.

He said:

I got into football quite late really in terms of the playing side of things, Obviously I watched my dad [former professional goalkeeper Andy] growing up but I just played a little bit here and there.

It was completely random how it happened for me, really. I was at secondary school and we used to rotate the team around. It was my turn to go in goal one day and I had a teacher at the time, Mr Bruce, who was a coach for Crystal Palace. After the session, he came up to me and said he wanted me to go down to Crystal Palace Park, where the academy set-up was based, that evening and take a trial. And that’s where it all started for me.

I used to go down to Selhurst with my grandad as he had a season ticket down there. I was a ballboy a few times and also a mascot and I just used to love it. Being a south London lad, being a Crystal Palace fan was just born into me really.

Now, fate brings him full circle. Standing between the posts at Anfield, facing the very club where it all started, it’s the sort of story football writes when it wants to remind us that dreams and destiny still matter.

Watch the interview video:

Liverpool manager Arne Slot, who’s been under serious pressure after four straight Premier League defeats following their 3-2 defeat to Brentford, is expected to rotate his squad. That means Woodman could finally get his long-awaited chance to prove himself under the lights, an opportunity the midfielder can’t wait to fully grasp, as he revealed further in his interview.

He said:

Any time I get to pull on the jersey for this club, whether it be a pre-season game or whatever competition, I’ll always just try to do my best and enjoy the moment, because I’ve spent a lot of time playing in the Championship, and so to play for a club with this history is pretty special.

It’s clear that this club takes the competition seriously, like it does every competition. When you get to the latter stages, you go to Wembley, and you see how important it is to the fans.

We train in the goalkeeping area at the AXA Training Centre, and I regularly see the photo of Caoimhin Kelleher on the wall after his success in the recent finals, and that’s how important it is. You can really write yourself into history if you win trophies at this club, so I know how important it is, and the club recognises how important this competition is too.

For Liverpool it is not just another cup tie; it’s a chance for them to gather themselves again. Just like Virgil van Dijk revealed in a previous interview, it is a time for the club to sit back and reflect. While for Woodman, it’s a reunion, a memory, and maybe even a redemption rolled into one night at Anfield, a debut written with heart, history, and a touch of home.

Arsenal are making positive strides in negotiations to extend Bukayo Saka’s contract, with discussions said to be progressing smoothly between the club and the player’s representatives. The England international has continued to be one of the Gunners’ standout performers, and the club is eager to secure his long-term future at the Emirates.

Softfootball earlier reported that Arsenal successfully extended the contract of William Saliba earlier this season as part of their wider effort to retain their young core, and Saka’s new deal appears to be the next major step in that plan.

According to Fabrizio Romano via his official X handle, salary details are currently being discussed, but all parties remain confident that an agreement will be reached soon. Romano shared;

Arsenal are progressing well in talks with Bukayo Saka and his camp over new contract. Salary details being discussed but all parties involved aligned and convinced to move forward together. Talks were already underway before the summer window, proceeding well.

Saka, who has become one of Arsenal’s most influential players under Mikel Arteta, recently admitted that he’s embraced his leadership role within the team, saying he’s grown into the responsibility of leading this side.

The 24-year-old has been instrumental once again this season, both in domestic and European competitions, and a new long-term deal would further show Arsenal’s commitment to building around their academy grown star.

Securing Saka’s future would also send a strong message about Arsenal’s ambitions moving forward. The winger remains a symbol of the club’s progress under Arteta – homegrown, consistent, and driven to win. With both sides reportedly on the same page, it’s only a matter of time before fans see their star man commit his long-term future to the red half of North London.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has provided an update on midfielder Rodri’s recovery, admitting there is still no clear date for his return to full action. The Spaniard, who has been out with a muscular problem, has been sorely missed by City this season, especially in the middle of the park where his control and composure are unmatched.

Softfootball earlier reported that Rodri has returned to first-team training, but Guardiola remains cautious about rushing him back. The City boss emphasized that the club wants to avoid any setbacks, given the midfielder has already suffered similar issues twice this year.

According to Fabrizio Romano via his official X handle, Guardiola explained Rodri’s situation while speaking to the media, offering a glimpse of optimism but also a note of patience. Romano posted;

Guardiola: There’s no timeframe for Rodri’s return yet. He’s not ready yet. For sure he’s getting better, training with us partially. But after what happened two times, prior incidents in muscular, we’re going to see how he evolves this week.

Manchester City have had a bit of a rollercoaster start to the season, unsteady in parts but showing signs of improvement lately. However, their recent 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa at Villa Park, thanks to a goal from Matty Cash, was a reminder that they’re still finding their rhythm.

With crucial fixtures coming up, including Champions League commitments, Guardiola will be hoping Rodri’s recovery stays on track, as his return could be the boost City need to regain full momentum in their trophies chase.

The past few weeks have tested Milan’s resilience. With several key players out, including Christian Pulisic, Massimiliano Allegri has had to juggle his options while keeping the team near the top of the Serie A table. Yet, as the Rossoneri prepare for another crucial fixture, there’s growing optimism that their American star could be nearing a long-awaited return.

Since the international break, Milan’s focus has shifted from on-field performances to the mounting list of injuries. Pulisic has been the headline absence, but he’s not been alone. Adrien Rabiot, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Pervis Estupinan, and long-term absentee Ardon Jashari have also spent weeks in the treatment room. The result has been a stretched squad and a noticeable dip in attacking sharpness.

The American star has been out since October 14, when he sustained a right hamstring injury during international duty with the U.S. men’s national team in a friendly against Australia. The 27-year-old was forced off early in the first half, and the club’s medical staff confirmed afterward that it was a low-grade strain — not serious, but enough to require a few weeks of recovery.

The timing of the injury couldn’t have been worse. Pulisic had been one of the standout players of the Serie A season, registering six goals and two assists in eight matches, and earning both Serie A Player of the Month and AC Milan’s MVP for September. His performances had turned him into one of Allegri’s most dependable attacking weapons.

Pulisic is ‘hungry to get back’

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Pulisic’s recovery is progressing smoothly. The player himself recently reassured fans with a message on Instagram: “It’s been a tough couple of weeks, but recovery is going great and I’m hungry to get back out there.”

That determination has been echoed by the coaching staff, who are carefully managing his workload in training. Allegri has no intention of rushing him, insisting that the team must prioritize long-term fitness over short-term gains. “Given the importance of both him and Jashari, we will not rush either back,” Allegri told the media. “It will take time to reintegrate them and, above all, for them to regain full fitness.”

What did Allegri say about Pulisic?

However, the negative tone at Milanello is beginning to change. In his latest press conference, Massimiliano Allegri offered a cautiously positive update, hinting that Milan’s injury crisis may soon ease. “Absolutely no Pulisic against Roma, but against Parma, we hope to have him on the bench,” the club’s boss said. “His recovery is going well.”

That sentence alone provided the Red and Blacks’ fans with a sense of relief. After nearly a month without their most explosive winger, the hope is that Pulisic could return for Milan’s final match before the international break — against Parma on November 8.

After Friday’s frustrating 2-2 draw against bottom-placed Pisa, Milan finds itself in urgent need of redemption as it prepares to visit Atalanta on Tuesday night. It was a night where Massimiliano Allegri’s men looked in control, only to surrender their advantage and rely on a dramatic late equalizer to avoid an embarrassing defeat. This upcoming midweek trip to Bergamo comes at a crucial time for the Rossoneri, who are battling to stay within touching distance of Serie A leader Napoli. Christian Pulisic, Luka Modric, and Santiago Gimenez all dominate pre-match discussions for different reasons — one recovering, one leading, and one under scrutiny.

The absence of Pulisic, Milan’s attacking heartbeat this season, remains a major blow. Allegri has confirmed that his American talisman will not feature until at least the game against Parma. In his pre-match press conference, the coach admitted, “Absolutely not against Roma. We hope to have him on the bench against Parma.”

With several attacking options unavailable, the big question remains — will Allegri trust experience and flair to reignite Milan’s rhythm, or stay loyal to the under-fire starters who have yet to convince?

It’s been a season of resilience and improvisation for Milan. Injuries to key players have forced the experienced tactician to field makeshift lineups, testing the limits of his squad depth. Alongside Pulisic, Adrien Rabiot, Ardon Jashari, and Pervis Estupinan remain sidelined, though there’s finally a glimmer of good news: Ruben Loftus-Cheek is back in full training and has made the bench.

The injuries have forced the Italian coach to rely heavily on his defensive core and veteran leaders. Mike Maignan continues as the immovable presence in goal, while Matteo Gabbia and Strahinja Pavlovic retain their places in the back three. However, Fikayo Tomori has returned to the starting lineup after being rested.

Will Modric and Gimenez feature?

Milan’s midfield remains unchanged, with Luka Modric, Youssouf Fofana, and Samuele Ricci dictating the play. Modric’s experience has brought balance and intelligence to the team, though the Croatian maestro’s presence also raises questions about the club’s tempo — can he still control a high-intensity Serie A battle against Atalanta’s pressing?

The real intrigue lies in attack. Santiago Gimenez, once heralded as Milan’s long-term answer up front, is facing a defining stretch. After a string of muted performances, the Mexican striker is running out of chances. His partnership with Rafael Leao will be tested again, but fans are beginning to grow restless.

As reported by Sky Italia, “It could be a final chance for Santiago Gimenez up front, given there has been a fair bit of criticism of the Mexican recently.” Whether Allegri decides to persist with him or rotate could depend on tactical needs — and perhaps the coach’s growing impatience.

The buildup to Tuesday’s clash has been dominated by speculation over Allegri’s tactical gamble. Many expected him to “keep things largely the same,” thus Luka Modric and Santiago Gimenez are again handed key roles.

Atalanta vs. Milan: Confirmed lineups

Atalanta confirmed XI (3-4-3): Carnesecchi; Kossounou, Hien, Ahanor; Zappacosta, Ederson, De Roon, Pasalic, Bernasconi; De Ketelaere, Lookman.

Milan confirmed XI (3-5-2): Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Fofana, Modric, Ricci, Bartesaghi; Gimenez, Leao.

Despite a litany of injuries, Barcelona entered the clash against Real Madrid with high expectations but faced a reality check with a tough defeat in El Clasico. Post-match, Lamine Yamal drew heavy criticism for his underwhelming performance, which left the team’s offense struggling. In a surprising twist, a doctor provided a candid assessment of Yamal’s groin recovery and his impact on his latest performance, sparking concern among fans.

After the final match of the UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, Lamine returned to Barcelona grappling with significant pubic issues. Despite his appearances against Girona and Olympiakos, fans noticed a dip in his performance, with neither his speed nor his dribbling seeming as sharp. Following the defeat to Real Madrid, Dr. Pedro Luis Ripoll offered a frank evaluation of Lamine’s physical condition, raising concerns about his form.

“It is an injury that is frankly difficult to treat. It’s characterised by pain that reduces the player’s ability to move and shoot by almost 50%, which is exactly what we saw in El Clasico… He hardly shoots at goal, he has difficulty moving, he constantly stretches… It’s a disabling pain that allows the player to participate in matches but keeps him away from his best level and significantly diminishes his performance,” Dr Pedro Luis Ripoll said, via El Larguero.

Lamine continues to work towards full recovery, as Barcelona navigate a spate of injury setbacks. With Dr. Ripoll analysis, the 18-year-old prodigy may assume a diminished role in forthcoming fixtures to prioritize his rehabilitation. Fans, meanwhile, express discontent with the decision to field Yamal before he reaches optimal fitness, fearing not only the potential for aggravating his injury but also suggesting that Roony Bardghji, might have delivered superior performances.

Barcelona reportedly take steps to distance Lamine Yamal from growing controversy

Since debuting in April 2023, Lamine Yamal has quickly emerged as a crucial player for Barcelona. Despite achieving elite status by securing second place in the 2025 Ballon d’Or ranks, the young star has faced challenges, including controversial remarks before the Real Madrid clash and backlash from a lavish birthday celebration. To minimize distractions, the Culers have reportedly stepped in with measures to shield him from further controversies.

According to Spanish media outlets such as Diario Sport and Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are displeased with Lamine’s off-field statements and behavior. Rather than exerting pressure, the club is opting to support the 18-year-old by collaborating with his agent, Jorge Mendes, to oversee his social media presence and public appearances. This strategy aims to reduce the exposure of his private life, allowing him to concentrate on soccer.

This Tuesday, Al Nassr will face their first major test of the 2025–26 season. In the Round of 16 of the King Cup of Champions, they’ll take on one of Saudi Arabia’s strongest teams, Al Ittihad. This single-elimination clash will draw special attention as it features two global superstars — Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.

CR7 and his teammates have enjoyed an almost perfect start to the 2025–26 campaign. After the disappointment of losing the Saudi Super Cup final to Al Ahli, they’ve bounced back with a string of victories in both the Saudi Pro League and the AFC Champions League Two, allowing them to sit atop the standings in both competitions.

However, the King Cup of Champions could present their first true challenge of the year. After defeating Jeddah in the opening round, they now face Al Ittihad — a dangerous opponent — in a knockout match that will send one of the two clubs home. Benzema’s side advanced to this stage after overcoming Al Wehda.

Recent history favors Al Nassr, though. The teams have already met this season in the Saudi Pro League, where Al Nassr earned a convincing 2–0 victory that put them at the top of the table and led to the dismissal of then-Al Ittihad coach Laurent Blanc.

Confirmed Al Nassr lineup

In recent weeks, head coach Jorge Jesus has carefully managed the workload of his key players to prevent injuries and focus on what he considers the team’s most important competitions. That’s why, although Ronaldo has featured in every Saudi Pro League match, he hasn’t played a single minute in the AFC Champions League Two.

This Tuesday, however, the situation will be different. Given the high stakes of a knockout match — and against such a strong rival as Al Ittihad — the coach will field his strongest possible lineup in the King Cup of Champions.

Al Nassr’s confirmed lineup: Bento; Nawaf Boushal, Mohamed Simakan, Inigo Martinez, Ayman Yahya; Abdul Al-Khaibari, Angelo Gabriel; Kingsley Coman, Joao Felix, Sadio Mane; Cristiano Ronaldo.

Confirmed Al Ittihad lineup

While Al Nassr have been fully focused on the Saudi Pro League, Al Ittihad are juggling several competitions. They aim to defend their domestic crown while also pursuing the AFC Champions League Elite title — a key goal to secure qualification for both the Intercontinental Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.

Within that context, Sergio Conceicao knows he cannot afford a loss against Al Nassr in the King Cup of Champions, so he will send out his best available squad. The confirmed XI: Predrag Rajkovic; Ahmed Al-Julaydan, Danilo Pereira, Saad Al-Mousa, Mario Mitaj; Roger Fernandes, Houssem Aouar, N’Golo Kante, Fabinho; Moussa Diaby, Karim Benzema.

Match Overview

Wrexham are set for a defining showdown in a season full of milestones, as the club makes its long-awaited return to the Championship and looks to continue their remarkable rise in English soccer. The spotlight turns to the Carabao Cup, where Wrexham hope to extend their impressive run.

However, Cardiff City are ready to challenge them. Leading League One and boasting a rich top-flight history, Cardiff brings both skill and grit to this intense Welsh rivalry, setting the stage for a thrilling Carabao Cup battle. Don’t miss a minute of this clash—it could be a season-defining moment for Wrexham.

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Match Overview

Matchday 10 of an increasingly interesting Serie A season kicks off with AC Milan aiming to bounce back after a frustrating 2-2 draw against bottom-placed Pisa that halted their momentum at the top of the standings.

The Rossoneri still hold the lead but know they need a sharper performance to stay ahead in a tight title race. Their next challenge comes against an unpredictable Atalanta side sitting mid-table and eager to gain ground, setting up a matchup with plenty on the line for both clubs.

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Lamine Yamal was far from his best during Sunday’s El Clásico against Real Madrid, with FC Barcelona clearly feeling his dip in form in a game that marked their second defeat of the 2025-26 La Liga season. After the match, Hansi Flick’s assistant coach Marcus Sorg addressed the 18-year-old’s struggles at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Despite dominating possession, Barcelona struggled to create clear chances against a Real Madrid side that was nearly flawless in attack, posing a constant threat in the final third. In contrast, Yamal found himself shut down by the opposing defense, repeatedly forced to pass the ball backward under pressure.

After the game, Sorg spoke to the press about how Real Madrid managed to neutralize Barcelona’s young star: “Often they played two against one and tried to prevent him from entering the area. It’s normal. He is young, he has to improve, and we will help him.”

The German assistant also analyzed how Real Madrid’s strategy specifically targeted Yamal’s biggest strengths. “He needs rhythm, games… It’s normal. He’s 18, and we have to give him time and help him. It’s normal, opponents try everything against him and adjust to defend well. We have to work more and help him bring out the best version on the field,” he state.

Yamal had raised tensions before the game with a bold statement that didn’t sit well with Real Madrid players and fans. Once the match began, however, he was far from his usual level, managing only two off-target shots, completing four dribbles, and losing possession 22 times.

Sorg was also asked whether the hostile crowd might have affected the Barcelona prodigy: “It’s possible. Perhaps a little. Because he’s learning to deal with the crowd, the booing… It’s a process. It’s true that he’s usually very motivated, and today wasn’t very easy for him.“

Why was Flick sidelined?

Barcelona were already missing key attackers such as Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, a major setback compared to recent El Clásico matchups. However, one of the biggest surprises came on the sideline: while Xabi Alonso stood on the touchline, Hansi Flick watched from the stands.

Flick served a one-match suspension after being sent off during Barcelona’s previous game against Girona. With the club’s appeal denied, assistant coach Marcus Sorg was left in charge from the bench at the Bernabéu.

Despite Dani Carvajal’s injury, Real Madrid showcased formidable depth in their roster with a victory over Barcelona. Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham shone brightly, demonstrating their scoring prowess. Meanwhile, Vinicius Jr’s understated performance led to a substitution, sparking an unexpected reaction. In the aftermath, club legend Toni Kroos weighed in with his insightful analysis of the situation.

With Xabi Alonso’s arrival, Vinicius Jr. had to adapt his game as Kylian Mbappe now drives the offense. Consequently, the Brazilian star has been forced to make more defense efforts, reducing his offensive impact. In the match vs Barcelona, he registered just one shot on goal, leading to his substitution him with Rodrygo. On his way out, he prompted: “Always me! I’m leaving the team!”. Despite this, Toni Kroos decided to support the Brazilian star.

“When you play an exceptional match, especially in a game like this, you’re not happy. I never liked being substituted either. But to be fair, I’ve never gone straight to the dressing room afterward… In the cold light of day and with a bit of distance, he’ll probably think: ‘Well, I can hold back the anger a little longer.’… Even so, I want to point out that it’s an emotionally exceptional situation to be down there in a match like that,” Toni Kroos said, via Einfach mal Luppen.

Although Kroos attempts to downplay the situation, Vinicius Jr has reportedly paused his contract renewal with Real Madrid. Spanish media suggest the club aims to mediate a resolution between the Brazilian star and coach Xabi Alonso to secure Vinicius’s future with the team. The club is reportedly upset with his actions, but it has refrained from imposing the fines that typically apply to other players in similar cases.

Real Madrid’s upcoming games could reveal key signs about Vinicius Jr.’s future

Real Madrid appear to be navigating tensions between Vinicius Jr. and coach Xabi Alonso, yet they firmly back Alonso’s decisions. For that reason, the upcoming games could offer insights into the Brazilian star’s future. After defeating Barcelona, Los Blancos will play Valencia CF on November 1, followed by a crucial clash against Liverpool on November 4. While rotations may occur against Valencia, coach is likely to deploy his strongest lineup against the Reds.

In case Xabi Alonso opts for Rodrygo or another alternative on the left wing against Liverpool, he might reveal his intentions about Vinicius’ future role and whether he’ll remain pivotal or shift focus to a different player profile. While this scenario puts the Brazilian in a tense situation, it opens the door for others to showcase their commitment and vie for the left winger spot, potentially swaying the coach’s decision.

Lionel Messi experienced the abrupt departure of coach Tata Martino at the end of the 2025 season, the same manager who guided Inter Miami to their first two major titles. Heading into the 2026 campaign, the Argentine star could reportedly face his former boss as a rival in Major League Soccer.

Following the 1–1 draw against D.C. United, Atlanta United announced on Sunday, October 19, the dismissal of coach Ronny Deila, who had only been appointed in December 2024. After enduring the worst season in the club’s history, the board has reportedly set its sights on a familiar face as its top managerial target for 2026.

According to The Athletic, Gerardo “Tata” Martino has emerged as the leading candidate to fill the vacant head coach position at Atlanta United. While other names are also being considered and interviews are ongoing, the report notes that Martino remains the frontrunner to take over the club he once led to glory.

Atlanta United have just wrapped up their worst season since joining MLS in 2017. Despite key signings such as Alexei Miranchuk, Emmanuel Latte Lath, and the return of Miguel Almirón, the Five Stripes struggled to turn things around, finishing with only five wins, 13 draws, and 16 losses, ranking 29th, just above D.C. United. The disappointing campaign has prompted the front office to return to its roots.

Martino was Atlanta United’s first-ever head coach, leading the club to its maiden title with the 2018 MLS Cup and quickly earning league-wide respect. After a successful stint with Messi’s Inter Miami, the Argentine tactician is currently a free agent, and with speculation mounting over a potential MLS return, Atlanta appears eager to bring him back to the sidelines.

Martino already linked with MLS return

Martino announced his departure from Inter Miami late in 2024, citing “personal reasons” for his decision to return to Argentina. With those matters now seemingly resolved, the veteran coach has once again been linked with a move back to MLS.

Earlier in October, reports connected Martino with Son Heung-min’s Los Angeles FC following Steve Cherundolo’s announcement that he would leave the club at the end of the 2025 season. Although initial talks reportedly stalled, Atlanta United now seem poised to make the strongest push to secure Martino’s return to the league.

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.

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.

As reported by Softfootball, Liam Delap, who Maresca confirmed is out against Sunderland but nearing return for the Cup clash, is set for his return after a two-month hamstring injury. Maresca confirmed:

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.

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.

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.

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 has opened up about the reasons behind his move to Chelsea, explaining how a personal video call with manager Enzo Maresca played a major role in his decision. The Argentine winger completed a £40 million transfer from Manchester United in August 2025, a move reported by Softfootball.

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.

That conversation gave him clarity on the tactical system Maresca wants to build, one that suits creative, fearless wingers capable of taking on defenders in one-on-one duels. It’s a style that has already been evident in recent games, including Chelsea’s defeat to Sunderland, where the Argentine scored his first Chelsea goal, as reported by Softfootball.

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.

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.

Bayern, who recently beat Club Brugge 4–0 in the Champions League and edged Monchengladbach’s ten men in a comfortable 3–0 win, as reported by Softfootball, come into this with 16 straight wins across all competitions. They are not just winning; they are steamrolling. Kompany’s system looks balanced, ruthless, and, frankly, terrifying to play against.

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.

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.

Possible Lineups

Cologne (3-4-2-1): Schwabe; Ozkacar, Martel, Heintz; Lund, Huseinbasic, Johannesson, Sebulonsen; El Mala, Kaminski; Bulter.

Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1): Urbig; Bischof, Kim, Upamecano, Boey; Goretzka, Kimmich; Diaz, Gnabry, Olise; Jackson.

Softfootball’s Prediction

Kompany knows the dangers Cologne pose on the counter. He warned:

They are very alert and quick to close down space… incredibly dangerous on the break.

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.

Prediction: Cologne 0–3 Bayern Munich

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.

Their recent 1–0 win over Crystal Palace, which Softfootball described as a grind that champions find a way to win, summed up their character this season. Arsenal looked composed, even with several key absentees. Brighton, though, come into this tie licking their wounds after a 4–2 defeat at Old Trafford in a night where Softfootball highlighted Bruno Fernandes’ class in his 300th United appearance.

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.

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.

Possible Lineups

Arsenal (4-3-3): Kepa; White, Mosquera, Hincapie, Lewis-Skelly; Eze, Norgaard, Merino; Nwaneri, Gyokeres, Trossard.
Brighton (4-2-3-1): Steele; Wieffer, Dunk, Boscagli, De Cuyper; Milner, Ayari; Gomez, Rutter, Minteh; Welbeck.

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.

Watch the video below:

Softfootball’s Prediction

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.

Prediction: Arsenal 2–1 Brighton.

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.

Speaking after that game, as reported by Softffoball, defender Chemsdine Talbi said they knew they could do the job, and they showed it. That quiet confidence says everything about this new Sunderland: fearless, well-drilled, and united under head coach Regis Le Bris.

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.

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.

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.

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.

His recent displays have been pivotal to United’s improved results, as seen in their 4–2 win against Brighton, which was reported by Softfootball, and the team has looked more balanced and composed whenever Casemiro starts.

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.

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’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.

Watch the video below:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

Back in February, Luis Suárez spoke about the challenges Inter Miami faced ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, admitting that MLS roster rules limited the club’s ability to compete with international powerhouses. Even when Neymar was rumored to be a potential signing, head coach Javier Mascherano publicly acknowledged that the club was constrained by MLS financial regulations.

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.

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.

Watch the video below:

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.

Possible Lineups

Eintracht Frankfurt:
Santos; Kristensen, Koch, Theate, Brown; Skhiri, Larsson; Collins, Uzun, Bahoya; Burkardt

Borussia Dortmund:
Kobel; Anton, Sule, Bensebaini; Ryerson, Sabitzer, Nmecha, Svensson; Adeyemi, Brandt; Guirassy

Softfootball’s Prediction

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.

Prediction: Eintracht Frankfurt 1–2 Borussia Dortmund

After a bruising week in Europe, Atletico Madrid found the perfect way to respond. Diego Simeone’s men, who were torn apart in their 4–0 Champions League loss to Arsenal as reported by Softfootball, showed real character in Seville on Monday night, beating Real Betis 2–0 at the Estadio La Cartuja. As reported by Softfootball in the pre-game report, the victory came at just the right time for the visitors, who needed a lift after a tough week.

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.

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.

Watch the video below:

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.

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.“

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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:

Team News

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:

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.

Possible Lineups

Wycombe Wanderers (4-3-3): Norris; Harvie, Grimmer, Allen, Leahy; Henderson, Taylor, Lowry; Bell, Woodrow, Onyedinma

Fulham FC (4-2-3-1): Lecomte; Castagne, Diop, Cuenca, Sessegnon; Reed, Berge; Smith-Rowe, Traoré, Jiménez; Óliver

SoftFootball Prediction

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.

Prediction: Wycombe Wanderers 1–3 Fulham FC

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.

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.

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.

After making his long-awaited return, the Spanish midfielder suffered another relapse in Manchester City’s 1-nil victory over Brentford, but fans can be more relaxed now as the midfielder is back in training.

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.

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:

They Posted:

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, leading Xabi 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 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.

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.

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:

• Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Alisson Becker, Thibaut Courtois.
• Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, William Saliba, Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Nuno Mendes, Pau Cubarsí.
• Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Luka Modric, Joao Neves, Pedri, Federico Valverde, Kevin De Bruyne, Cole Palmer, Vitinha.
• Forwards: Ousmane Dembélé, Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé, Raphinha, Mohamed Salah, Lamine Yamal.

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 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.

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.

To make matters trickier, Atalanta have won just three of their last fifteen home league matches , and they’ll need a major lift to break that trend. Much of their attacking edge has also been missing since Ademola Lookman’s return to the side after a transfer window saga.

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;

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.

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.

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

AC Milan possible starting lineup:

Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Fofana, Modric, Ricci, Bartesaghi; Nkunku, Leao

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:

SoftFootball Prediction

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.

Prediction: Atalanta 1–1 AC Milan

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.

The biggest boost of the day came from Robert Lewandowski’s long-awaited return to full training. Softfootball initially reported that the 37-year-old striker had been sidelined since early October with a left hamstring injury picked up on international duty. However, he completed the full session without any issues. His comeback is a timely relief for Flick, who’s had to depend on Lamine Yamal, Fermín López, and Ferran Torres in attack in recent weeks.

Barcelona updated the training information in a post made via their official X accouunt.

They Posted:

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.

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.

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;

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.

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.

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.

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;

The announcement follows weeks of speculation after reports emerged suggesting De Bruyne was in a rift with head coach Antonio Conte claims the Belgian midfielder firmly dismissed, stating he remains fully committed to the team and the manager’s project.

The former Manchester City star had also been in fine form for his country, scoring during Belgium’s 4-2 win over Wales in the last international break a testament to the quality and leadership Napoli will be missing during his recovery spell.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

The Poland international scored a wonderful goal at the weekend as Aston Villa defeated Manchester City 1-0 at Villa Park. The victory quickly erased the sad loss in the Europa League against Go Ahead Eagles.

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.

Highlights from our fourth straight win in the Premier League #AVLMCI pic.twitter.com/8wx0m9CRHB

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) October 26, 2025

Cash first match after signing his new Aston Villa contract will be in the premier league against defending champions Liverpool at Anfield.

Premier league outfit, Brentford to travel to face Grimsby Town at Blundell Park in the fourth round of the EFL Cup on Tuesday, Softfootball reports.

The Bees, who defeated Liverpool 3-2 at the weekend must be wary of their giant-killing opponents after they eliminated Manchester United and Sheffield Wednesday before reaching this round of 16.

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.

Next Up: Brentford (H)

Our journey in the Carabao Cup continues under the Blundell Park lights! #GTFC pic.twitter.com/k1Dikoa5sM

— Grimsby Town F.C. (@officialgtfc) October 27, 2025

Head-to-Head

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.

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.

Grimsby Town probable XI:

Pym; Rodgers, Warren, McJannet, Sweeney; McEachran, Green; Amaluzor, Walker, Vernam; Kabia

Brentford probable XI:

Valdimarsson; Kayode, Pinnock, Ajer, Henry; Janelt, Onyeka, Jensen; Lewis-Potter, Lewis-Potter, Carvalho

Softfootball prediction

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.

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.

Napoli would need every hands-on board as they try to retain their title and would be happy that Kevin De Bruyne has insisted that there’s no rift between himself and the manager Antonio Conte.

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.

#LecceNapoli: info per i tifosi https://t.co/mkVZdK43BR

— U.S. Lecce (@OfficialUSLecce) October 27, 2025

Head-to-Head

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 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.

Lecce probable XI:

Falcone; Veiga, Gaspar, Gabriel, Gallo; Coulibaly, Ramadani, Berisha; Pierotti, Stulic, Morente

Napoli probable XI:

Milinkovic-Savic; Di Lorenzo, Beukema, Jesus, Spinazzola; Gilmour; Politano, Anguissa, McTominay, Neres; Lucca.

Softfootball prediction

Napoli are expected to win this match and consolidate on top spot in the Serie A. Lecce 0-1 Napoli.

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.

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

CC: @rioferdy5, @lewy_official, #ElClasico pic.twitter.com/mibrJrjjJL

— Rio Ferdinand Presents (@RioMeets) October 26, 2025

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.

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.

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.

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.

Yamal’s comments about Real Madrid earlier in the week had already added fuel to the fire, setting the tone for a heated matchup. The tension carried into the postgame scenes, when several Madrid players, particularly captain Dani Carvajal, mocked the 18-year-old for his remarks and the result.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

Cristiano Ronaldo nears 1,000-goal milestone

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.

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.

Both men celebrated Fermín Lopez’s goal when cancelled out Kylian Mbappe’s opener but Jude Bellingham scored the winner as Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 2-1 at the Bernabeu.

Barcelona posted Ed Sheeran and Carlos Puyol via their official X handle, as they celebrated the Barcelona equalizer.

@edsheeran and @Carles5Puyol celebrated Fermín's goal in New York City@spotify pic.twitter.com/PF70ZSOf3E

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 26, 2025

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.

Bašić’s came in the ninth minute of the encounter as Bianconeri slumped to a third consecutive defeat in all competition. Recall, that last weekend Juventus lost to Como before losing 1-0 to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League in midweek as their poor start to the league campaign continues.

Juventus posted the final result on their official X handle as pressure mount on manager Igor Tudor.

FT | Fischio finale.@EASPORTSFC @easportsfcit#LazioJuve pic.twitter.com/jVKgoZy7cD

— JuventusFC (@juventusfc) October 26, 2025

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.

After Real Madrid’s thrilling 2-1 victory over Barcelona on October 26, 2025, the El Clásico conversation exploded across X. Some Madrid fans celebrated with pride, others urged caution, while several Barça supporters went defensive or outright frustrated.

The mix of emotions painted a raw, messy picture of football passion, the kind that only a Clásico can spark. before taking fans’ reactions Softfootball initially reported Rodyrgo Goes’s reaction, describing the victory over Barcelona as a great experience.

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.

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.

@Scott captured the excitement:

Big Boy Onana in the middle of the park with a stellar display. Great team performance that rarely let up. Onto Wobblers FC next .

@villanAshake added:

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: