Lamine Yamal could witness a major managerial transformation at FC Barcelona as a reported billionaire offer looms over the club.

Lamine Yamal has emerged as one of FC Barcelona’s brightest revelations in recent years, arriving at a crucial moment as the club continues to battle serious financial constraints. Now firmly established as one of the team’s cornerstone players, Yamal could soon find himself affected by a major managerial shake-up, as reports suggest a historic billionaire offer could be on the table for the club.

One of the most pressing issues Barcelona have faced in recent years, and one that even contributed to the departure of club legend Lionel Messi, has been their fragile financial situation. Massive transfer spending, an inflated wage bill, and the ambitious Camp Nou redevelopment project have pushed the club to the brink, creating a debt crisis that may soon force transformative decisions.

According to El Chiringuito journalist François Gallardo, Saudi Arabian crown prince Mohammed bin Salman is preparing a €10 billion offer to purchase FC Barcelona. After making a significant investment in the Premier League through the Public Investment Fund’s acquisition of Newcastle United, Saudi leadership has reportedly identified the Catalan giants as a potential next target.

In Forbes’ 2024 ranking of the world’s most valuable soccer clubs, Barcelona placed third with a valuation of $5.6 billion, trailing only Manchester United ($6.55B) and Real Madrid ($6.6B). With club debt exceeding $2.5 billion and ongoing struggles to meet registration requirements without securing new sponsorships, a potential takeover could represent a financial lifeline for the institution.

Already asserting influence in Formula 1 and boxing, Saudi Arabia has made an aggressive push to establish itself as a global power in soccer. That effort has included heavy investment in the Saudi Pro League, headlined by Cristiano Ronaldo and other international stars, as well as securing hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup. Within that broader expansion strategy, a move for Barcelona would be unprecedented but transformative.

Bin Salman facing multiple obstacles in potential Barcelona takeover

Despite generating some of the highest annual revenues in world soccer, Barcelona’s mounting debt has severely limited its spending power, allowing just €23 million in transfer expenditures during the most recent window. With Mohammed bin Salman’s reported personal wealth estimated at $25 billion (and his family’s assets approaching $1.3 trillion) the financial burden itself would not be a major obstacle.

The primary challenge, however, lies in Barcelona’s ownership structure. Like Real Madrid, Athletic Club, and Osasuna, Barcelona is owned by its socios, or club members, rather than a private individual or corporation. These members elect the club president and play a central role in determining the club’s future direction.

For a €10 billion takeover bid to move forward, Barcelona would first need approval from its board, followed by a vote from its membership to fundamentally alter the ownership model. While such a shift remains highly unlikely given the club’s history and identity, the severity of Barcelona’s financial situation means the possibility may no longer be automatically dismissed.

One year after rejecting a move to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi Pro League, a World Cup winner with Lionel Messi is reportedly set to see his contract expire at the end of the season.

Most of Lionel Messi’s teammates from Argentina’s iconic 2022 World Cup triumph have maintained their level and are expected to feature again in 2026. However, one of the players who lifted the World Cup after turning down a lucrative offer from Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi Pro League is now reportedly set to see his contract expire at the end of the 2025-26 season.

The start of the season has been far from ideal for Paulo Dybala. The Argentine star has struggled with fitness issues and, as a result, has gradually lost his starting role at AS Roma. Under new head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, Roma have taken a new direction, leaving Dybala, once considered the team’s untouchable centerpiece, in a reduced role on the bench and casting doubt over his future.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Dybala is expected to leave Roma as a free agent at the end of the season. The World Cup winner joined the Italian capital club in 2022 on a four-year deal, but with his role now limited under Gasperini, Roma’s leadership is reportedly not planning to offer him a new contract at this stage.

After seven seasons at Juventus, Roma supporters welcomed Dybala with a massive reception, viewing him as the club’s new star and highest-paid player, earning €7.5 million plus €2 million in add-ons. However, he has now started the last four matches on the bench, and in Monday’s 1-0 win over Como, he remained unused for all 90 minutes, underscoring his diminished role within the squad.

Gasperini was asked about Dybala’s absence in the post-match press conference and explained why the Argentine never entered the match: “I usually make all five substitutions, but tonight it was difficult to change anything. That should also serve as motivation for Paulo, who is an extraordinary player.“

With Roma set to face Juventus next Sunday, Gasperini also addressed what he will consider when deciding whether to use Dybala. “When he’s fit and gets going — he dribbles, shoots — there’s no one in Italy with his quality. Maybe he’ll be ready for Sunday, even for a match against his former club. We’ll see how he trains,” he added, showing no urgency to rush him back into the lineup.

Dybala rejected a millionaire offer from Saudi Arabia

Dybala has been one of the most prominent figures in Italian soccer in recent years, not only for his goals and assists but also for his flair and creativity on the pitch. Roma have relied on him as both the leader of the sporting project and a key marketing figure, but with a €12 million release clause for foreign clubs, his future has remained uncertain.

A potential departure emerged in August 2024, when Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah offered Dybala a reported €75 million deal spread over three seasons, which would have made him another marquee name in the Middle East alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. The Saudi club was even willing to exceed his release clause, but Dybala ultimately rejected the offer, citing his family, the city of Rome, the team, and his desire to return to the Argentina national team.

In an interview with the Los Edul YouTube channel, the former Messi teammate in Argentina opened up about his decision: “It’s not as easy as it seems — it changes everything. The plane was in Rome for three days. It’s true, and I won’t lie, the figures are mentioned, but when you see them written on a piece of paper — that if you sign it, it’s yours — so many numbers go through your mind.“

With his deal at Santos set to expire at the end of the month, Neymar's plan to recover from his knee injury ahead of the 2026 World Cup has been reportedly revealed.

Neymar emerged as Santos’ hero at the end of the 2025 season, delivering a string of standout performances that helped the club avoid relegation and secure a place in the Copa Sudamericana for next year. With his contract set to expire in less than a month and his sights firmly set on a return to the Brazilian national team for the 2026 World Cup, details of Neymar’s recovery plan from his knee injury have now reportedly come to light.

Santos’ survival was not driven solely by Neymar’s impact on the pitch, but also by his resilience in playing through discomfort. The star forward wore three layers of protection on his left knee to ensure stability and manage pain, yet still played a decisive role in lifting the club to a 12th-place finish in the Brasileirão. With the season now complete, the next phase of his recovery is set to begin.

According to Globo Esporte, Neymar, currently on vacation in the United States, will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee to correct a meniscus fraying. Because the issue is not a full tear, the expected recovery timeline is up to one month, allowing him to begin 2026 with a clear rehabilitation schedule.

The Brazilian outlet reports that Neymar plans to undergo the procedure before resolving his contractual situation with Santos. His father is expected to meet with club president Marcelo Teixeira in the coming weeks to discuss an extension, a move that would likely keep Neymar at the club for at least six more months leading into the World Cup.

As a result of the surgery, Neymar is expected to miss the opening days of Santos’ preseason, with players scheduled to report back on January 2. The club’s first official match of 2026 is set for January 11 against Novorizontino in the Campeonato Paulista, though it remains uncertain whether Neymar will be fit to feature.

Brazil’s next international window is in March, making the early months of 2026 critical for Neymar as he works to regain full fitness and earn a recall to the national team. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti recently suggested that selection would be based strictly on form, stating that if Neymar is at the same level—or better—than other options, he will be called up, adding further intrigue to what could be the final major tournament of his international career.

Neymar building momentum for 2026 with Santos

Since returning in February, Neymar appeared in 28 matches for Santos during the 2025 season, scoring 11 goals and adding four assists, while missing 17 games due to injury. Still, his late-season streak of five goals and one assist in the final four matches proved decisive in avoiding relegation and reignited optimism around his future.

Under head coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda, Neymar has rediscovered his role within the team, and Santos’ 12th-place finish secured qualification for the Copa Sudamericana. With the opportunity to compete against top continental opposition alongside domestic play, the club is now eager to have Neymar fully fit and leading the project as soon as possible.

Despite being fit to play, Marc-André ter Stegen’s return from injury in the next Copa del Rey game has been put in doubt as head coach Hansi Flick defines the roles at FC Barcelona.

Marc-André ter Stegen has been FC Barcelona’s starting goalkeeper for several years, but a long-term injury last season kept him sidelined for more than a year. Now fully fit and pushing for his return ahead of Barcelona’s Copa del Rey debut, the German goalkeeper faces uncertainty after head coach Hansi Flick outlined his plans for the position.

Ter Stegen suffered a serious knee injury last season against Villarreal, which ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign. Ahead of the 2025–26 season, however, a separate back issue emerged, requiring surgery and allowing Barcelona to register Joan García as a new signing while Ter Stegen remained unavailable.

With Ter Stegen now recovered, Flick was asked whether the former No. 1 could return for the Copa del Rey match, especially with García expected to be rested: “Marc is an amazing goalkeeper, and we have 3 of them. We’ll see what happens, my words were clear, Joan is the number 1 goalkeeper, so then we’ll see what happens.“

Flick confirmed García would be rested, noting that the starting goalkeeper would be announced on matchday. “(Wojciech) Szczesny had a great season and we won 3 titles with him, as well as well as doing well this season during the injury of Joan Garcia, and gave us stability. For me, Szczesny is an important player for us, not only on the pitch, but also off it,” the coach stated over the Polish keeper.

With the 2026 World Cup approaching, a lack of playing time at club level could become a setback for Ter Stegen, who is eager to remain part of Germany’s plans. Asked whether the goalkeeper would be willing to stay despite limited minutes, Flick was direct: “I think that’s his decision, we’ve talked about his situation. I respect Marc because he’s an amazing goalkeeper, he’s an important person for the team as well. But that remains his decision, he’s the one who makes it.“

Flick’s comments offered little reassurance regarding Ter Stegen’s long-term role after several seasons as a key figure at the club. According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are open to the possibility of loaning out the goalkeeper if no clear path to minutes emerges, leaving the final decision in Ter Stegen’s hands.

Flick focused on Copa del Rey objective

Barcelona will visit CD Guadalajara on Tuesday in the round of 32 of the 2025–26 Copa del Rey, with the Blaugrana heavy favorites against the third-division side. Flick referenced last season’s 4-0 win over Barbastro as an example of the focus required to avoid underestimating lower-tier opposition.

After lifting the trophy last season with an epic win over Real Madrid in the final, Flick was asked about the competition, and the coach made it clear that the Copa del Rey is one of Barcelona’s goals this season. “We have to win this match. We’re playing in La Liga, and we’re favorites to win the Copa del Rey. We have to show that. We have the high quality, and we want to show it.”

In order to change Manchester United's situation, head coach Ruben Amorim is reportedly targeting the signing of an USMNT star that's already playing in the Premier League.

Ruben Amorim has struggled to find consistency at Manchester United, working with a thinner squad than last season after the club failed to qualify for European competition. In an effort to push back toward the top of the Premier League table, the Portuguese manager is reportedly targeting a USMNT star already playing in the Premier League.

United have delivered strong performances against several teams near the top of the table, only to drop points against lower-ranked opponents due to a lack of balance. One of the main concerns within the squad has been the midfield, where Amorim has limited options that truly fit his system, prompting the club to explore reinforcements.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Tyler Adams is being considered as a potential target for Manchester United. After battling back issues last season, the USMNT midfielder has re-established himself as a regular starter at AFC Bournemouth, one of last year’s surprise teams, and is viewed as a strong tactical fit for Amorim’s approach.

Timing, however, remains a key obstacle. After losing several important players in recent windows, such as Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez, and Ilya Zabarnyi, Bournemouth are reluctant to part with another core contributor midway through the season, especially while battling in the lower half of the Premier League table.

Under those circumstances, a winter move for Adams, valued at €25 million by Transfermarkt, appears unlikely unless a unique opportunity arises. A deal could instead be revisited for the 2026–27 season. If completed, Adams would become just the fourth USMNT player to feature for Manchester United, following Jim Brown, Jonathan Spector, and most recently Tim Howard.

Manchester United’s midfield concerns

With Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro often tasked with anchoring the midfield, Amorim has struggled to find defensive stability, as United have conceded 26 goals in 16 Premier League matches. Manuel Ugarte has fallen out of favor, while uncertainty surrounding Kobbie Mainoo’s future has only intensified the need for reinforcements, particularly ahead of the winter transfer window.

Romano reports that Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton are also on United’s radar. However, their current importance to their clubs and high transfer fees make them more realistic targets for next season. With January approaching and immediate solutions needed, Adams has emerged as one of the more attainable options to address a growing problem.

With prices continuing to rise, Gianni Infantino’s FIFA could face a boycott from England fans over 2026 World Cup ticket costs.

Tickets for the 2026 World Cup have become a major point of discussion, not only because of the system FIFA implemented for fans to purchase them, but also due to the exorbitant prices following their release. As supporters debate how they will afford a trip to North America, the organization led by Gianni Infantino could ultimately face a boycott from England fans.

As reported by The Telegraph, the Football Association is facing growing pressure from England supporters to lead a boycott over World Cup ticket pricing. The main driver behind the movement is the steep costs FIFA has set across the various stages of the tournament.

In recent days, Football Supporters Europe (FSE) released a statement expressing concern over the situation, and an England Supporters Travel Club member has since written to the FA highlighting the lack of dialogue with fans. The governing body is now planning discussions with tournament organizers in an effort to address the issue.

“If true leadership was shown, and support for the fans who fuel the game with their passion, commitment and, yes, their money (with no FFP laws protecting us), the FA and other Football Associations participating next year would refuse their ticketing allocations, in order to make FIFA think again,” read part of the letter sent to the FA.

According to FSE, the minimum amount fans would need to pay to follow their national team from the opening match through the final is $6,900, not including premium seating. For a fan base as passionate as England’s, the letter, which was also shared on social media, highlighted how family vacations and long-term plans have been jeopardized, as the prices far exceed expected budgets.

The Football Supporters’ Association has previously accused FIFA president Gianni Infantino of exploiting fan loyalty to maximize revenue through rising ticket prices following the 2022 World Cup. Compared to four years earlier, the total cost to attend matches from the group stage through the final averaged around $1,600, but has now increased nearly fivefold, fueling frustration among fans worldwide, particularly in England, where a boycott could encourage similar action from other nations.

2026 World Cup still drawing interest despite high prices

Hosting the World Cup in North America has drawn criticism not only over ticket pricing, but also over soaring accommodation costs, as following confirmation of venues and matchups, hotel prices have risen sharply across Mexico, Canada, and the United States. Despite these challenges altering how fans plan to attend the tournament, interest in the World Cup remains strong, as reflected in ticket demand.

Last Thursday, FIFA opened the third ticket sales phase for the tournament, with group-stage matches already attracting significant international interest. Excluding host nations, Colombia led all countries with 367,376 ticket applications, followed by England (140,291) and Germany (138,246), with Brazil (101,576) and Argentina (101,056) rounding out the top five.

The most requested match among the confirmed group-stage fixtures was Colombia vs. Portugal on June 27 in Miami. Other highly sought-after games included Brazil vs. Morocco, Mexico vs. South Korea, Ecuador vs. Germany, and Scotland vs. Brazil, featuring nine national teams across five different continents.

Despite his roots linking him with Real Madrid, Sergio Reguilon opened up on his motivation of playing alongside Lionel Messi now at Inter Miami.

Sergio Reguilón was announced as a new Inter Miami player on Monday after signing his contract to replace Jordi Alba in the vacant left back role. Despite being a product of Real Madrid’s academy, Reguilón opened up about the special motivation of playing alongside global superstar Lionel Messi.

After joining Fundación Real Madrid at just nine years old, Reguilón emerged as a potential long-term successor to Alba with the Spanish national team following his early breakthrough. A strong loan spell at Sevilla led to a €30 million move to Tottenham Hotspur at age 23, but inconsistent form and several loan stints prevented him from reaching his full potential, and now the left back is looking to revive his career in MLS.

In his first words as a Heron, Reguilón explained the reasons behind his decision to join the Fort Lauderdale-based club. “I think it’s a very ambitious project. It’s a club that’s doing things very well. They’re the current champions, and that’s what attracts me—winning teams. Both the people at the club and the owners are doing a great job, and that shows,” he said in an interview with Inter Miami.

According to Fabrizio Romano, several La Liga clubs showed interest in signing Reguilón as a free agent after his contract expired last June, including lucrative offers from Iran worth €4 million net per season. However, the left back had always been eager to join Inter Miami, which began negotiations with him last October before finalizing the deal.

Despite his Real Madrid background, Reguilón also highlighted the opportunity to play alongside Lionel Messi as a major factor in his decision. “It’s a really exciting reason to come here: to keep winning and keep competing. I won’t lie—coming here to play with Leo is an extra motivation,” he added.

Since his contract expired in June, Reguilón has not played a competitive match, but that was not seen as a concern by either the player or the club. Now eager to claim the starting left back role in 2026, he said: “I’m really eager to get started, because I’m coming off a few difficult months, and all I want is to compete on the field, give my best, and be happy on the pitch—which is the best thing in life.”

Reguilón and MLS growth

In recent years, Major League Soccer has increasingly attracted European players not only at the tail end of their careers, but also during their prime. One notable example is Son Heung-min, who completed a move to LAFC at age 33 after winning the UEFA Europa League with Tottenham, despite having multiple offers to remain in Europe.

Reguilón was asked about MLS’s growth and spoke about how the league’s rising profile—boosted in part by Messi’s arrival—has captured global attention. “For example, in Spain I have many friends who follow it, and honestly it’s a league that’s on the rise and doing things very well. In terms of exposure, it keeps growing. It’s becoming more competitive, and that’s also what draws me to it,” he concluded.

After a thrilling final that concluded with a 12-round penalty shootout against Tigres UANL, Toluca have now joined an exclusive club in the history of Liga MX.

Toluca captured the Torneo Apertura title with a dramatic victory over Tigres UANL, decided in a 12-round penalty shootout in the 2025 Liga MX final. After securing yet another trophy this year, Los Diablos Rojos joined an exclusive club in league history with the championship.

After a 1-0 loss in the first leg, Toluca were forced to mount a comeback at home on Sunday. The match initially swung in Tigres’ favor when club legend André-Pierre Gignac took a free kick in the 14th minute that deflected off Fernando Gorriarán and found the net, leaving the hosts needing two goals to force extra time.

Unwilling to go quietly, Toluca pressed forward and found a breakthrough in the 40th minute, when Helinho unleashed a thunderous strike to score the Red Devils’ first goal of the series. The Brazilian remained central to the comeback, providing a pinpoint cross from the right flank that Paulinho converted in the 52nd minute to level the aggregate score.

The match went the full 90 minutes, and despite chances at both ends during extra time, neither side could find a winner. The penalty shootout followed, with all 11 players taking a kick. Both goalkeepers, Luis García and Nahuel Guzmán, missed their attempts, and in the 12th round, Ángel Correa failed to convert. Alexis Vega then buried the decisive penalty to seal a historic title for Toluca.

By winning the Apertura 2025, Toluca became just the fourth club to claim back-to-back Liga MX titles since the introduction of short tournaments in 1996. Previously, only Pumas UNAM, Club León, and Atlas had accomplished the feat, placing Toluca among an elite group in league history.

Pumas UNAM were the first to achieve the milestone, asserting their dominance by winning both tournaments in 2004. León later joined them with titles in the Apertura 2013 and Clausura 2014, a run that Atlas replicated in the 2021 and 2022 editions. The next benchmark remains Club América, the only side to win three consecutive Liga MX titles, a feat Toluca will now aim to challenge in 2026.

Toluca reach No. 2 spot among Liga MX title winners

Since appointing Antonio “Turco” Mohamed as head coach in December 2024, Toluca have emerged as a powerhouse throughout the 2025 calendar year. The Clausura 2025 title came via a 2-0 victory over Club América, and the dramatic triumph over Tigres further elevated the club’s standing among Liga MX’s most successful teams.

With this latest championship, Toluca now sit on 12 league titles, tied with Chivas Guadalajara for the second-most in Liga MX history. Sitting at the top with a considerable difference are Las Aguilas del America, with 16 trophies.

Updated top-10 list of Liga MX winners

• Club América: 16 titles.
• Guadalajara: 12 titles.
• Toluca: 12 titles.
• Cruz Azul: 9 titles.
• Club León: 8 titles.
• Tigres: 8 titles.
• Pumas UNAM: 7 titles.
• Pachuca: 7 titles.
• Santos Laguna: 6 titles.
• Monterrey: 5 titles.

In a 2025 season where he set a new record in the MLS, Tadeo Allende raised some doubts whether he'll remain to keep playing alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami.

Tadeo Allende emerged as one of Inter Miami’s standout performers during the 2025 season, even outscoring Lionel Messi during the postseason and setting a new MLS record. With his loan deal set to expire at the end of December 2025, the Argentine forward has now raised questions about whether he will remain with the Fort Lauderdale club.

After failing to settle at Celta Vigo, Allende opted to move to MLS, joining Messi’s Inter Miami on a one-year loan at the start of 2025. The deal did not include a purchase option, leaving Inter Miami facing potential negotiations with the Spanish club, an outcome that even the player admits remains uncertain.

While attending a meet-and-greet at a Miami sports shop, Allende spoke with reporters and reflected on his MLS campaign. “Right now, I feel really good about having scored this many goals, about finishing the playoffs in the best possible way, and above all about becoming champions with the whole group. That’s priceless. It will go down in the club’s history.” he said to Deportes Total USA.

When asked directly about a possible return to Inter Miami, Allende struck a cautious tone, neither confirming nor ruling out a future in MLS: “Day to day, family comes first, and we’ll see what happens. There’s still a long way to go. I’m also anxious — I have the same information you do. For now, tomorrow I’m going on vacation and I’m going to clear my head. Then we’ll see what happens.”

With a return to Celta Vigo currently the default scenario, reports have also surfaced suggesting Allende’s agent has offered him to River Plate ahead of the 2026 season. Asked whether a move back to Argentina would be a dream scenario, the striker declined to speculate: “That’s something I can’t answer for you.”

According to Transfermarkt, Allende’s market value stood at €2 million when he joined Inter Miami on loan and has since risen by more than 150 percent to €5 million. Celta Vigo paid €4.5 million to sign him from Godoy Cruz in January 2024, and after such a breakout season, the Spanish club will likely look to recoup, or even exceed that investment, potentially complicating Inter Miami’s efforts to retain him.

Allende enters the MLS record books

Initially deployed as a winger, Allende struggled to find consistency early in the season, including a 10-game MLS scoring drought midway through the campaign. His fortunes changed after shifting into a more central role, finishing the year as a striker with 24 goals and three assists in 54 appearances across all competitions.

His most explosive stretch came during the MLS Cup playoffs. As Inter Miami surged to a historic title, Allende delivered nine goals and two assists in six postseason matches, outscoring Messi and setting a new MLS record for goals in a single postseason, surpassing Carlos Ruiz’s mark of eight with the LA Galaxy.

Asked how he evolved so quickly, Allende credited both repetition and guidance from teammates for his breakthrough: “It was a bit of everything — also taking advice from my teammates, especially the goalkeepers. Taking my time, chipping the ball over keepers who struggle with that… I started to feel more confident, things began to click, and I gained confidence. Each time I felt more secure when it came to finishing.”

After scoring yet another goal against Deportivo Alaves, Kylian Mbappé is closing in on a historic goalscoring record of Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid.

Kylian Mbappé has been thriving at the start of the 2025–26 season with Real Madrid, with the Spanish giants showing a growing reliance on their star to deliver results. After scoring again against Deportivo Alavés, Mbappé is now on the verge of breaking one of Cristiano Ronaldo’s most iconic goal-scoring records at the club.

With head coach Xabi Alonso under pressure to show improvement amid a challenging stretch, Real Madrid traveled to face Alavés on Sunday for Matchday 16 of La Liga. In the 2-1 victory, Mbappé opened the scoring with a brilliant solo effort in the 24th minute, a goal that moved him one step closer to history.

Mbappé has now scored 56 goals in the 2025 calendar year for Real Madrid and needs just four more to become the club’s all-time single-year top scorer. The record is currently held by Cristiano Ronaldo, who set the benchmark with 59 goals in 2013 during his time at the Bernabéu.

After a slow start following his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024, 2025 has marked a dramatic turnaround for Mbappé at Real Madrid. He scored 30 goals across all competitions in the first half of the year, including one at the FIFA Club World Cup, and has added another 26 so far this season, producing a staggering total.

Mbappé has become the only player outside of Ronaldo to crack Real Madrid’s top five list for goals in a calendar year, with the Portuguese legend occupying the remaining spots. The list currently stands as follows:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo — 2013: 59 goals.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo — 2012: 58 goals.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo — 2014: 56 goals.
4. Kylian Mbappe — 2025: 56 goals.
5. Cristiano Ronaldo — 2015: 54 goals.

How many chances does Mbappé have left?

The goal against Alavés leaves Mbappé tied with one of Ronaldo’s seasons at 56 goals. He is two goals shy of Ronaldo’s 58-goal campaign and three away from the all-time mark of 59, a record he will be eager to chase with limited opportunities remaining as the calendar year winds down.

With Sunday’s match now in the books, Real Madrid have just two games left in 2025. The next comes Wednesday, December 17, against Talavera CF in the Copa del Rey Round of 32, presenting a prime opportunity for Mbappé to add to his tally.

Real Madrid will then close out the year at home against Sevilla on Saturday, December 20, for Matchday 17 of La Liga. With the next fixture not scheduled until January 4 against Real Betis, Mbappé will need at least three goals to match Ronaldo’s record and four to surpass it, an achievement that would mark a historic statement just 18 months into his Real Madrid career.

A former teammate of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe at Paris Saint-Germain explained the fallout of the relationship between the two soccer stars.

Neymar and Kylian Mbappé formed one of the most explosive attacking duos in Paris Saint-Germain history, helping the club dominate French soccer for several seasons. However, their relationship eventually cooled, and years after their time together in Paris came to an end, a former PSG teammate has offered insight into how the bond between the two stars unraveled.

As part of PSG’s ambitious UEFA Champions League project, Neymar and Mbappé both arrived in Paris in the summer of 2017, Neymar via a world-record transfer from FC Barcelona and Mbappé initially on loan from AS Monaco before a massive permanent deal. One of the leaders of that squad was Thiago Silva, who witnessed firsthand the early chemistry between the two attacking stars.

In an interview with L’Équipe, Silva recalled the period leading up to their arrival and the strong connection they initially shared. “At Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappé and Neymar got along well at first, but their relationship deteriorated. Why? It was a beautiful story. I remember the Trophée des Champions match against Monaco, Kylian Mbappé’s team, in Morocco,” the defender stated, where PSG collected a 2-1 win on July 29.

The Brazilian defender then explained how Mbappé pushed for his move to Paris: “At the end of the match, Mbappé wanted to speak with me. He said, ‘Even if Neymar signs, I also want to come and be part of this team. If you could talk to the president…’ Both arrived that summer, and their relationship was incredible. They were very close, among the ones who had the most fun together on a daily basis.“

Silva left PSG as a free agent in 2020 to join Chelsea, meaning he was no longer at the club when the relationship soured. “I didn’t understand why they drifted apart. I was no longer at PSG by then. I don’t know which of the two caused the split, but it saddened me. They are two great guys, and it’s disappointing that it ended like that,” he concluded.

PSG reached a new peak in the 2019–20 season, when they advanced to their first Champions League final, losing 1-0 to Bayern Munich. The following season, Lionel Messi joined the club, but PSG never fully recaptured the dominance of the early Neymar–Mbappé years. With Messi and Neymar eventually leaving Paris, tensions within the squad became more evident, and Silva’s comments now shed more light on the internal dynamic.

Silva on Neymar’s recovery ahead of the World Cup

Now 41 and playing for Brazilian side Fluminense, Thiago Silva is enjoying the final chapter of an illustrious career away from Europe and the Brazil national team spotlight. Neymar, meanwhile, remains focused on returning to the Seleção ahead of the 2026 World Cup, though persistent injury issues have complicated that path.

During the interview, Silva defended his longtime teammate and emphasized Neymar’s professionalism: “He’s judged unfairly. I assure you that he is preparing the right way, that he is determined to be at his best for the World Cup. Don’t forget that he is coming off a serious injury to his left knee. Contrary to what people think, Neymar is doing the right things.“

Despite feeling physically strong in recent months, Neymar is now expected to undergo surgery on his left knee as part of his recovery process. “Before one of his recent physical setbacks, he felt in perfect shape. But that’s when injuries happen. You feel so good that you push yourself too hard, and then something gives,” the defender added.

After their performances in the 2025 MLS season, Inter Miami have given stars Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba a special club recognition.

Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba have undeniably been two of Inter Miami’s defining figures, not only during the 2025 campaign but ever since their arrival in 2023. That process reached one of its highest points with the club’s MLS Cup triumph. Following a productive 2025 MLS season, both Messi and Alba have now received special recognition from the franchise.

The 2025 season has officially come to an end, with the Philadelphia Union lifting the Supporters’ Shield and Inter Miami defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps to claim the MLS Cup. As MLS clubs hand out internal awards to recognize standout performances, Inter Miami did the same, honoring Messi and Alba with two of the club’s top individual accolades.

Lionel Messi was named Inter Miami’s Most Valuable Player of the Year. Coming off his best season since joining the club, the Argentine posted 43 goals and 26 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions. Messi also became the first player to win the Landon Donovan MLS MVP Award in back-to-back seasons, and he was an unsurprising choice to top Inter Miami’s internal honors as well.

Meanwhile, in what is set to be his final season as a professional player, Jordi Alba was named Inter Miami CF’s Defensive Player of the Year for 2025. The award reflected not only his defensive consistency, but also his impact going forward, as the veteran fullback recorded eight goals and 16 assists in 52 matches, often serving as an extra attacking outlet.

Back in 2024, both Messi and Alba were selected to the MLS Best XI after Inter Miami claimed the Supporters’ Shield during the regular season. The 2025 campaign was different, as Messi was the only Herons player included in the league’s Best XI, but Alba’s influence throughout the season remained impossible to ignore.

Messi and Alba’s numbers at Inter Miami

The year 2023 marked a turning point for Inter Miami, a club that had been near the bottom of the MLS standings and without a trophy since its foundation. Following the arrivals of Messi and Alba, the club reached a new level, adding the Leagues Cup, the Supporters’ Shield, and the MLS Cup to its trophy cabinet.

Jordi Alba will close the chapter on his professional career after making 103 appearances for Inter Miami, becoming one of the few players to reach the century mark, and also with 15 goals and 33 assists, the second-highest assist total in club history. Lionel Messi, meanwhile, has registered 77 goals and 44 assists in 88 matches, an extraordinary rate of production that he will look to extend during the 2026 season.

With the Finalissima happening in just a few months, Julián Álvarez snubbed Lamine Yamal and another two Spain stars to play for Argentina national team.

Lamine Yamal is expected to be one of the headliners in the upcoming Finalissima between Spain and Argentina next March, a matchup that would see him share the field with Lionel Messi for the first time. However, despite finishing as the runner-up in the 2025 Ballon d’Or, the Barcelona star was overlooked by Julián Álvarez, who instead selected two other Spain internationals to represent Argentina.

Álvarez has firmly established himself as one of the world’s top strikers and remains a key figure for the Argentina side that lifted the World Cup. Now starring for Atlético Madrid in La Liga, the forward has already faced Yamal multiple times domestically, but the teenager still does not appear to be his preferred fit for a hypothetical Albiceleste lineup.

During a rapid-fire interview with Marca, and with the Finalissima approaching, Álvarez was asked which Spain player he would choose to play for Argentina. “Rodri,” the striker replied, naming his former Manchester City teammate with whom he won the UEFA Champions League.

Álvarez was then given the opportunity to make a second selection, and once again Yamal was left out. “Pedri,” he answered immediately, opting for another FC Barcelona standout rather than the highly touted 18-year-old winger.

With Spain already securing qualification for the World Cup by finishing atop their group, the Finalissima no longer faces another postponement and is expected to go ahead as planned. While no official announcement has been made, the match is projected for Friday, March 27, at Lusail Stadium in Doha, a stage where Yamal could look to prove Álvarez wrong against one of the world’s elite national teams.

Yamal leads head-to-head against Álvarez

Julián Álvarez’s move to Spain coincided with Yamal’s breakout 2024–25 season. While Álvarez was still at Manchester City, the two never crossed paths at club or international level, but frequent clashes between Atlético Madrid and Barcelona have since created a growing rivalry.

Álvarez has faced Yamal’s Barcelona five times, recording just one win, a match in which Yamal was sidelined with an ankle injury in December 2024. In the four meetings since, Barcelona have claimed three victories along with a 4-4 draw. During that stretch, Yamal has registered one goal and two assists, while Álvarez has scored twice and added one assist, giving the edge to the Spanish teenager so far.

As one of the most interesting games of the group stage, an Uruguay player has issued a strong warning to Lamine Yamal ahead of their clash with Spain in the 2026 World Cup.

Lamine Yamal will make his World Cup debut in 2026 at just 18 years old, already established as Spain’s biggest rising star. But the FC Barcelona winger is not expecting a warm welcome, as an Uruguay international has issued a strong warning ahead of their high-stakes group-stage showdown.

As a Pot 1 nation, Spain landed in Group H and will face Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay, this last one widely viewed as their toughest opponent. Uruguayan right back Guillermo Varela is aiming to spoil Spain’s plans and push La Celeste to the top of the group.

Speaking to La Mañana del Fútbol on El Espectador, Varela broke down the group stage: “This is a different Saudi Arabia than the one from the 2018 World Cup—it’s more prepared than before, although that match was difficult for us. Spain is a powerhouse and a contender to win the World Cup. But if we make the adjustments we need to make in Uruguay, I don’t think we’d have trouble advancing.“

Beyond his confidence in Uruguay’s path, Varela added some heat to the upcoming duel with Lamine Yamal, issuing a playful but pointed warning. “It’s going to be fun. He knows that we Uruguayans like to play tough, so he’s going to have to be ready—he’ll have to put his foot in too,” he said with a laugh.

Spain and Uruguay will meet on Matchday 3 on June 26 at Akron Stadium in Mexico, in what could be a decisive battle for the top spot in Group H. With the runner-up likely to face Argentina in the Round of 32, the stakes for both La Roja and La Celeste couldn’t be higher.

Spain and Uruguay already met in World Cups

As a two-time World Cup champion and one of the sport’s historic powers, Uruguay enters the tournament with pedigree, and Spain, one of the most consistent forces of the 21st century, completes what should be one of the group stage’s marquee matchups. Fans will be watching closely to see which nation earns its first World Cup win in the fixture.

Uruguay and Spain have met twice in World Cups, with the first game happening in Brazil 1950 during the second group phase, ending in a 2-2 draw. The second came 40 years later at Italia ’90, a scoreless draw in the opening round. Nearly another four decades later, both sides will be looking to finally break the deadlock in 2026.

After Lionel Messi's comments on the clash, Argentina star Emiliano Dibu Martinez set the record straight on playing the Finalissima against Spain a few months before the beginning of the 2026 World Cup.

Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez has become one of Argentina’s key leaders alongside Lionel Messi and will be a cornerstone of the squad heading into the 2026 World Cup. With the Finalissima looming, the Argentine goalkeeper has now set the record straight on facing Spain just months before the tournament begins.

The Finalissima has sparked debate and criticism, with many arguing that players from both national teams shouldn’t be forced to compete for a trophy so close to the World Cup. Martínez doesn’t see it that way. For him, a matchup against Lamine Yamal’s Spain represents a major opportunity, despite the proximity to the global competition.

Speaking with Argentine outlet DSports, Martínez set a strong tone for the showdown: “I’d love to play it. First, because Spain is one of the teams to beat at the World Cup and one of the best national teams in the world. And it would be a great test for us two months before the World Cup — good preparation for what’s ahead. Beating Italy gave us a huge boost going into Qatar, and we hope it will be the same with Spain.”

He also addressed concerns about playing such a high-profile match so close to the World Cup. “I understand the argument that we’re close to the World Cup and coaches don’t want to play it because opponents can analyze you. But we like to play, compete, and win titles, so hopefully it happens,” he added.

Lionel Messi recently cast doubt on the match, easing expectations by saying, “It’s not even confirmed if it will be played.” But unlike the captain, Martínez views the Finalissima as a valuable test and a chance for the Albiceleste to measure themselves against FIFA’s top-ranked national team.

While an official announcement has yet to be made, the Finalissima is expected to take place on Friday, March 27 at Lusail Stadium in Doha, the same venue where Argentina lifted the 2022 World Cup. The Albiceleste would be looking to earn back-to-back Finalissima wins following their victory over Italy.

Martínez and his focus on the 2026 World Cup

Dibu Martínez has cemented himself as a legendary figure in Argentine soccer, delivering unforgettable saves that helped Messi’s Argentina win the 2022 World Cup. Still, the Aston Villa star admitted he had “technical errors in the matches” during the tournament after conceding eight goals.

Looking ahead to 2026, Martínez expressed full confidence: “I’m going to feel better in this one — I’ll be better. Physically I feel perfect.” The goalkeeper also highlighted his desire on the group stage draw. “I wanted a group you can get through, where you can compete and there are no surprises. We lost to Saudi Arabia, who were supposed to be the easiest,” he added.

Drawn into a group with Algeria, Austria, and Jordan, Argentina enters as the clear favorite to win Group J, but Martínez prefers caution. “Today you don’t know who the easiest is. Luckily, we already have the experience of losing the first match and being 20 minutes away from elimination against Mexico. That experience helps for the next one,” he concluded.

Cristiano Ronaldo will have to wait a little longer to return to make his official return to the pitch with Al Nassr as the Saudi Pro League has taken the decision to postpone its restart.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2025-26 campaign had already been interrupted by the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup, which kicked off in early December and will conclude before the holidays. Now, the Portuguese star will have to wait even longer to play an official match for Al Nassr, as the Saudi Pro League has announced a sudden postponement of its restart.

With Saudi Arabia competing in the tournament, several SPL players have been called up, prompting the league to pause during the competition to avoid issues related to player availability. However, the league has now made a decision that will force fans to wait a bit longer before seeing Ronaldo back in competitive action.

On Wednesday, the Saudi Pro League confirmed the postponement of all Matchday 10 fixtures of the 2025-26 season. Originally scheduled for December 19–21, the matches have now been rescheduled for February 22–25.

In its announcement, the SPL noted that clubs had previously been informed “of the possibility of postponement should the Saudi national team qualify for the semifinals of the Arab Cup.” Following Saudi Arabia’s 2–1 win over Palestine in Wednesday’s quarterfinals, the national team reached the semifinal round, triggering the official postponement.

“The League reaffirms its commitment to aligning the league schedule with the national team’s participation, as well as ensuring the best competitive conditions for the clubs,” part of the SPL statement read. With Matchday 10 against Al Najma pushed back, Ronaldo’s official return is now on hold.

When will Ronaldo return to play for Al Nassr?

During this unusual mid-season pause, Cristiano Ronaldo has stayed active by appearing in friendlies to maintain his fitness. On Wednesday the 10th, he returned to the pitch with a goal in Al Nassr’s 4-2 win over Al Wahda, but his official comeback will have to wait.

Al Nassr’s next official match is scheduled for December 24 against Al Zawraa in the AFC Champions League Two. However, since Ronaldo has not featured in that competition this season, he is more likely to return on December 27, when Al Nassr host Al Okhdood in Matchday 11 of the SPL. Currently sitting atop the table with a perfect 27 points from 27, Ronaldo and his teammates will be eager to extend their dominant run.

With nearly two weeks between the latest friendly and their upcoming competitive fixture, Al Nassr will need to maintain their rhythm during this extended break. In fact, Jorge Jesus is reportedly seeking another friendly next week to complete the team’s preparations, with Ronaldo potentially featuring again as he did in the previous match.

Santiago Giménez’s future at AC Milan remains unresolved, and as an alternative attacking option, a former Former Inter star has been reportedly offered to the Rossoneri.

Santiago Giménez has become one of AC Milan’s biggest question marks during the 2025–26 season, as the Mexican striker has struggled to find his best form and secure a consistent place in the starting lineup. Amid rumors of a possible exit, new reports suggest that a former Inter star could now be making his way to the red-and-black side of the city.

With head coach Massimiliano Allegri still searching for Milan’s best version, Giménez has been one of the players unable to cement his spot in the XI. With only one goal and two assists in 11 matches so far, and currently sidelined as he recovers from an ankle injury, his future has become increasingly uncertain, and the Rossoneri may already have a potential replacement in mind.

According to transfer expert Matteo Moretto, Mauro Icardi has been offered to AC Milan as a possible solution should Giménez depart. The Argentine striker, now back from an ACL injury, has struggled to regain his starting role at Galatasaray, and with his contract set to expire at the end of the 2025–26 season, Icardi’s name is resurfacing after also being linked with a move during the 2024 summer window.

Icardi ranks eighth on Inter Milan’s all-time scoring list with 124 goals, but despite serving as Galatasaray’s captain, he has recently lost his place to an in-form Victor Osimhen. Milan have emerged as a potential next destination, though Moretto notes that the move remains complicated, as Icardi is not among the club’s top striker targets, and any deal would first require determining Giménez’s future.

With Giménez yet to convince the club with his performances, Milan are indeed exploring options for the attack, though the Mexican’s situation must be resolved first. His last appearance came on October 28 against Atalanta, and the striker’s preference is reportedly to stay and fight for his spot through the end of the season rather than leave in January before making a final decision.

Icardi and a heated situation in Türkiye

After a frustrating spell at Paris Saint-Germain, Icardi rediscovered his form at Galatasaray, where he has become not only the captain but also a fan favorite. However, with his contract set to expire at the end of the current season, local speculation about his future has sparked tension, something the striker did not take lightly.

In an Instagram story titled “FAKE NEWS,” Icardi addressed the rumors head-on: “I understand that my name sells and that some Turkish ‘journalists’ want to claim that the club called me to inform me about my ‘non-renewal’… but not only did no one call me, they didn’t call my agent either. Do they want to push a story that is NOT a story—considering my contract ends in June 2026—to cover up yesterday’s defeat? I won’t allow them to use my image for that.“

The striker ended his message with a statement that added even more intrigue to his future at the club. “Rest assured, when my contract ends, I’ll leave with my head held high. And in the hypothetical case that I leave earlier, it would be solely and 100% my decision—no one else’s. Sending a kiss. You’ll have Icardi for a few more months. Enjoy it, because afterward you’re going to miss me,” he wrote.

With a first look to the new jersey, Inter Miami announced the renewal of one of Lionel Messi's key teammates.

Lionel Messi’s extension has given Inter Miami the stability needed to begin shaping the roster for another run at the MLS Cup in 2026. With the squad taking form for the new campaign, one of Messi’s key teammates has now announced his contract renewal, offering a subtle first look at the club’s jersey for the upcoming MLS season.

With the 2025 MLS season in the books, clubs across the league have begun adjusting their rosters, and Inter Miami has already confirmed the departure of three players. However, one player whose deal was set to expire at the end of the campaign will remain with the club for years to come.

On Thursday, Inter Miami announced the extension of defender Ian Fray through the 2028–29 season. The Jamaican international was entering the final year of his contract in 2025, but after a strong season, the Inter Miami academy product has committed his future to the club.

Fray spoke with Inter Miami’s official website and reflected on signing a new deal: “To continue this journey here feels amazing, this club has put so much trust in me for the last 5 years I’ve been here. Going through injuries, they kept their trust in me to sign a new contract and now we’ve won the MLS Cup, so I’m excited for next year.“

Fray struggled early in the season due to fitness issues but gradually earned the trust of head coach Javier Mascherano down the stretch. With 35 appearances, one goal, and three assists in 2025, Fray started at right back in the MLS Cup final against the Vancouver Whitecaps, and with Marcelo Weigandt’s departure confirmed, he currently stands as the frontrunner to retain the starting role.

A first look at Inter Miami’s new jersey

Back in February 2025, Inter Miami unveiled the “Euforia” home kit, the jersey Lionel Messi and company would use for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. As with previous editions, the kit spans two years, but now it features a small yet meaningful update.

After lifting the MLS Cup, Inter Miami will carry a silver star above the crest to commemorate the franchise’s biggest achievement. In the video announcing his renewal, Ian Fray appeared wearing the Euforia jersey with the new star already embroidered, offering fans a sneak peek at the version the team will showcase in 2026.

After the chaos in the game against Celta Vigo, Kylian Mbappé will be missing four Real Madrid teammates as La Liga confirmed their suspensions.

Kylian Mbappé has become the focal point of a Real Madrid side that has struggled to deliver convincing performances whenever the French star isn’t at his best. Following the chaos in their latest league match against Celta Vigo, La Liga has now confirmed the suspensions of four of Mbappé’s teammates.

For Matchday 16, Real Madrid hosted Celta Vigo last Sunday in a match where Los Blancos once again failed to close the gap on FC Barcelona at the top of the table. After Celta opened the scoring in the 54th minute, frustrations and rising tension led to a desperate response from Madrid, which suffered their first major blow in the 64th minute when Fran García was sent off after committing two quick fouls.

As Real Madrid pushed for an equalizer, tension between the players and referee Alejandro Quintero González escalated, but it boiled over in the 90+2 minute. Álvaro Carreras was shown a red card after twice protesting to the referee while trying to restart play quickly, a decision sparked outrage across the Madrid bench, leading to further confrontations and bookings, including suspensions for Dani Carvajal and Endrick, who were both substitutes.

On Wednesday, La Liga issued a statement confirming that Álvaro Carreras, Dani Carvajal, and Endrick will each serve a two-match suspension. Meanwhile, defender Fran García will serve a one-match ban for his red card.

According to the disciplinary committee, the two-game bans stem from repeated protests and “disparagement” toward referee Quintero González. In contrast, García’s dismissal was due to an in-play foul, resulting in a less severe punishment than the others.

Currently sitting second with 36 points, Real Madrid will travel to face Deportivo Alavés on Sunday, where Mbappé and company will be without all four suspended teammates. García will return for the following match against Sevilla, but Carreras, Carvajal, and Endrick will have to wait one more week.

Alonso expresses frustration with the referee

Carreras’ red card infuriated Real Madrid, causing several players from the bench to rush toward the referee in protest, and coach Xabi Alonso was no exception. With rumors already circulating about his future, the former Bayern Munich midfielder also voiced his displeasure to Quintero González, earning a yellow card and capping a night to forget.

In the post-match press conference, Alonso gave a blunt assessment of the officiating: “The referee’s decisions drove us crazy. The sending-off… he was very permissive, I didn’t like his performance at all… Álvaro’s yellow card is very debatable, it felt like he really wanted to give it. I didn’t like it, and it threw us off a bit. I didn’t like the officiating.”

Amid reports linking him with a move to Manchester United, Sergio Ramos has delivered a heartfelt farewell to CF Monterrey.

Sergio Ramos has announced his departure from CF Monterrey after a year in which the Spanish defender earned the respect and admiration of fans, becoming one of the most impactful signings in Liga MX. Amid reports linking him to Manchester United as his next destination, Ramos shared a heartfelt farewell to Rayados in an extended message.

Monterrey were enjoying a strong run in the 2025 Liga MX Apertura, reaching the semifinals and taking a 1-0 win in the first leg against Toluca. However, the Red Devils completed a 3-2 comeback in the second leg last Saturday, eliminating Rayados and marking Ramos’ final match for the club.

After the game, Ramos took to social media to post a special message to Monterrey and their supporters. “Saying goodbye is never easy. A chapter comes to an end—one that began full of excitement in February and allowed me to discover a new country, a new city, a new style of football… a chapter that leaves me with many new experiences and, above all, many friends,” the message started.

Ramos earned the captain’s armband shortly after arriving in February, a responsibility he greatly valued: “I will always feel proud to have worn the Rayados captain’s armband, to have led the team in the first Club World Cup in its new format, to have battled through the Clausura, the Apertura, the Leagues Cup, the CONCACAF Champions Cup… and to have defended the Steel Giant with courage by your side in every home match.

“To the club, to my beloved teammates, to the coaching staffs, to the employees—thank you. And above all, thank you to the fans, who showed me warmth and affection from the moment I set foot in the city. I will always look back on this stage of my career with nostalgia, and I will always say with pride: ¡Arriba el Monterrey!” Ramos concluded in an Instagram post that included 20 photos highlighting his time at the club.

Beyond Liga MX, Sergio Ramos featured in the Leagues Cup, the CONCACAF Champions Cup, and the FIFA 2025 Club World Cup, where Monterrey advanced from the group stage. Although he leaves Mexico without a trophy, Ramos — now 39 — made a significant impact in less than a year, finishing with 32 appearances and seven goals.

Manchester United, Sergio Ramos’ next destination?

Even after confirming his departure from Monterrey, questions remain about where Ramos will go next, whether he could join Lionel Messi in MLS or make a return to Europe. With the veteran defender still open to new challenges, one European giant may be preparing a move.

According to Spanish outlet Cadena SER, Manchester United have presented Sergio Ramos with a proposal to join the club as a free agent in the winter transfer window. Reports indicate the defender is eager to return to Europe, and with his contract expiring in December 2025, the Red Devils have emerged as a potential landing spot for the former Real Madrid star.

With his goal against Galatasaray, Folarin Balogun has reached an historic USMNT Champions League goalscoring record not even Christian Pulisic was able to claim.

Folarin Balogun became AS Monaco’s hero on Tuesday against Galatasaray, as the former Arsenal striker scored the lone goal to lift the French side in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League table. Beyond securing the three points, Balogun also reached a historic USMNT milestone in the competition that even Christian Pulisic never managed to hit.

Monaco were one of the teams featured on Matchday 6 of the current Champions League, taking on a Galatasaray side that had already earned impressive wins over Liverpool and Ajax. After Denis Zakaria missed a penalty in the 50th minute, Balogun pounced on a rebound in the box off a corner to score in the 68th minute, delivering the decisive strike and etching his name into USMNT history.

With his goal against Galatasaray, Folarin Balogun became the first USMNT player ever to score in three straight UEFA Champions League matches. The striker previously found the net in the 1-0 win over FK Bodø/Glimt and again in the 2-2 draw against Pafos FC, completing the record-setting streak on Tuesday against the Turkish club.

USMNT players have taken on increasingly prominent roles in Europe in recent years, particularly in the Champions League, where Timothy Weah also became just the second American to score against Real Madrid after Pulisic. Now, with Balogun’s stellar form, he extends that trend, helping push Monaco to 18th place with nine points and a spot in the playoff round.

Christian Pulisic and multiple times on the edge of history

More than a decade after he arrived at Borussia Dortmund and broke into European soccer, Pulisic remains the most influential USMNT representative in the Champions League. In addition to being the American with the most appearances in the competition at 63, he also leads all USMNT players with 12 goals.

Pulisic never managed the streak Balogun just set, but he came close on several occasions. During his Chelsea tenure, he scored in both legs of the 2021–22 round of 16 matchup against Lille, playing a key role in sending the club through. However, he was unable to find a third straight goal in the next round against Real Madrid.

Another brief scoring run came after his move to AC Milan, though across different editions. Pulisic scored in Milan’s final match of the 2023–24 campaign against Newcastle United, then found the net again in the opening match of the 2024–25 tournament against Liverpool. That streak also ended at two, this time across two different seasons.

Lionel Messi is already watching Inter Miami’s roster take shape ahead of the 2026 MLS season, and now three of his teammates are set to depart before the new campaign.

Lionel Messi capped the 2025 season by leading Inter Miami to the MLS Cup, but the front office is already shifting focus toward strengthening the squad for next year. Starting internally, three of Messi’s teammates will now have to look for new clubs ahead of the upcoming campaign.

The retirements of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba open the door for Inter Miami to pursue another high-profile signing, with Messi and Rodrigo De Paul occupying the Designated Player slots. Still, before any major additions are announced, several players will be moving on from Fort Lauderdale.

With MLS releasing the Eligible Player Lists for Offseason Roster Mechanisms, Fafa Picault, Ryan Sailor, and Allen Obando are the three Inter Miami players set to be offloaded. Picault and Sailor have contracts expiring in December 2025, while the Ecuadorian forward has been included in the End-of-Year Waivers.

Picault logged the most minutes of the trio, appearing in 28 matches and scoring four goals, but with Tadeo Allende and Mateo Silvetti earning starting roles through stronger performances, the veteran winger’s importance in the squad diminished. Sailor, meanwhile, played just 184 minutes across six matches, serving mostly as an unused substitute.

Obando’s case is more complicated, as the 19-year-old arrived as a promising long-term prospect, but inconsistent performances and physical setbacks pushed him out of the rotation. He managed only seven appearances and two goals since joining in March, falling out of favor with both the coaching staff and the front office.

As a result, Obando is the lone Inter Miami player listed in MLS’s End-of-Year Waivers, with San Jose holding the first pick and Miami selecting 30th in each round. Clubs will have until Thursday to submit a claim, with Obando hoping to land a fresh opportunity as the Herons turn to reinforcing the squad for their 2026 title defense.

Three Inter Miami players still up in the air

Picault, Sailor, and Obando appear set to depart Messi’s team, but several other roster decisions remain unresolved—aside from the situation surrounding star striker Luis Suárez—particularly involving three Argentine players.

Inter Miami’s Marcelo Weigandt, Rocco Ríos-Novo, and Óscar Ustari were listed in Stage 1 of the Re-Entry Process. Weigandt and Ríos-Novo have loan deals expiring, and it remains unclear whether the club will attempt to secure their permanent transfers. Ustari is out of contract as well, raising further questions as Miami risk losing two of their most-used goalkeepers from the 2025 season.

The draw of the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup was made on Tuesday, and now Lionel Messi's Inter Miami know their potential rivals in the competition.

Lionel Messi wrapped up a spectacular 2025 season with Inter Miami after lifting the MLS Cup last Saturday, building even more anticipation for the club’s next major objective: the CONCACAF Champions Cup. With the draw now finalized, the Herons know their potential opponents for the continental tournament.

Since Messi’s arrival in 2023, Inter Miami have entered nearly every competition as title contenders, but the Champions Cup remains the one trophy that has slipped through the Argentine’s grasp. Following Tuesday night’s draw, Miami’s potential path for another run at the intercontinental crown has been unveiled.

Inter Miami will face the winner of the matchup between MLS side Nashville SC and Canadian outfit Atlético Ottawa in the Round of 16. The Herons had already secured their place in the tournament, but by winning the MLS Cup, they earned the privilege of bypassing the opening round and will now wait to see who emerges from the first-round series.

Several other teams also earned direct entry into the Champions Cup’s Round of 16. One of them is the Seattle Sounders, who qualified by winning the 2025 Leagues Cup, ironically defeating Inter Miami in the final. The other automatic qualifiers are Caribbean Cup champions Mount Pleasant and Copa Centroamericana winners Deportivo Alajuelense.

If Inter Miami advance, they could potentially meet Mexican giants Club América, setting up a possible repeat of 2025’s heated preseason clash that involved Messi and opposing fans. With such a challenging road to the final—and after falling to the Vancouver Whitecaps in last season’s semifinals—Messi and company will be determined to make an even deeper run.

Champions Cup the top priority for Inter Miami

After winning the Leagues Cup in 2023, the Supporters’ Shield in 2024, and now the MLS Cup in 2025, Inter Miami have collected the most significant domestic trophies. Still, with Messi under contract through 2028, the club is intent on continuing its ascent, with the next step being the most prestigious club title in the CONCACAF region.

Speaking to reporters before the MLS Cup final, Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas discussed the club’s plans to replace departing stars Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, while also making clear the organization’s ambitions for next season: “The club’s goal for 2026 is to win the Champions Cup, and of course I want to go in with a fully loaded starting XI.”

Inter Miami will open their 2026 campaign on February 21 on the road against Son Heung-min’s LAFC, with the Champions Cup Round of 16 first leg scheduled between March 10–12 and the second leg between March 17–19. No matter whether Nashville or Atlético Ottawa advance, Messi is expected to feature in those matches as Inter Miami debut the newly built Miami Freedom Park.

Lamine Yamal reacted with a clear discomfort after being subbed off against Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Champions League, and head coach Hansi Flick set the record straight on the FC Barcelona star's reaction.

Lamine Yamal was one of the standouts in FC Barcelona’s 2-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt, not only for his performance on the field but also for his frustrated reaction after being subbed off. Following the final whistle, head coach Hansi Flick addressed the 18-year-old’s response during the UEFA Champions League match.

After conceding the opening goal in the 21st minute, Barcelona had to mount a comeback to avoid jeopardizing their Champions League position, and they did so with a second-half brace from Jules Koundé, who scored with headers in the 50th and 53rd minutes. Yamal provided the cross for the winner, and looking to close out the match with fresh legs, Flick replaced the young winger in the 89th minute with Roony Bardghji, a decision that clearly frustrated Yamal.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Flick was asked about Yamal’s reaction and whether it concerned him. “Next time, he will sit on the bench. That’s not a problem for me,” he joked, before getting serious. “No, it’s Lamine, it’s like this. He received a yellow card; there were about five minutes left; we had to make the substitution, so that’s why.“

The German manager went on to show empathy toward the young star: “I completely understand how he feels, because everyone wants to stay on the pitch. He also thinks he can play 90 minutes or 100 minutes. He’s young, and that’s normal.”

Flick concluded by emphasizing that this type of attitude isn’t a concern at all. “I think this is also a good attitude. For me, there is no problem. I understand him completely, because I was a player before. Maybe I didn’t do what Lamine does, but he is another player at a very high level, so I fully accept it. It’s not a problem,” he said.

A similar moment occurred earlier this season when Yamal showed frustration after being subbed off in the 3-0 loss to Chelsea. Still, even though this reaction came in a match Barcelona was winning, Flick believes these moments are more a reflection of Yamal’s desire to play every minute than a sign of a larger concern.

Yamal set to miss next Champions League game

Despite several matches still to be played on Wednesday, Barcelona moved up to 14th place with 10 points in the Champions League standings after their win over Frankfurt. However, in their push for a top-eight spot to avoid the playoff round, the club will face a major setback with Yamal unavailable.

After being booked in the 56th minute, Yamal will serve a one-match suspension due to yellow-card accumulation. With previous cautions against PSG and Club Brugge, the young winger reached his third of the tournament, ruling him out for Matchday 7 of the UCL, when Barcelona visit Slavia Prague next year on January 21.