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Barcelona will hope to wrap up the La Liga title as soon as possible, and when they do, their attention will turn to the summer. The Catalans have plans for a number of deals to be done during the transfer window, and one of the players whose futures will need to be defined before then […] The post Robert Lewandowski clarifies Barcelona contract situation – “The club knows what I think” appeared first on Football España.

In the last 24 hours, there has been much focus on Alvaro Arbeloa’s future as Real Madrid manager, following the club’s Champions League exit at the hands of Bayern Munich on Wednesday. It’s been taken for granted that Arbeloa will not be kept on, having failed to deliver a trophy since taking over from Xabi […] The post Alvaro Arbeloa given hope of staying on as Real Madrid manager despite Champions League exit appeared first on Football España.

Union Berlin coach Marie-Louise Eta said Thursday she was looking forward to questions about football rather than her pioneering role as the first female manager of a men’s team in a top European league. Eta, 34, was named Union coach on Sunday after predecessor Steffen Baumgart was fired. Speaking to the media for the first […] The post Union coach Eta wants focus on football after landmark appointment appeared first on Soccer America.

Ollie Watkins eyes World Cup spot after joining Aston Villa’s 100 club

Ghanaian winger Joseph Paintsil has opened up about his disappointment after being left out of Ghana’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.Speaking to VamosNetwork, the Los Angeles Galaxy star admitted that missing the tournament was one of the toughest moments of his career and revealed that former Black Stars head coach Otto Addo offered little explanation for the decision.“I was disappointed to miss the 2022 World Cup,” Paintsil said. “The coach told me there was no reason — only that I don’t defend. There was no tangible explanation.”Paintsil’s exclusion surprised many given his strong form at the time. Two years later, the 2024 MLS champion is using that setback as motivation to shine for both club and country.With Carlos Queiroz now in charge of the national team and Ghana preparing for the 2026 World Cup, Paintsil hopes to finally get his chance on football’s biggest stage.“I’m just focused on proving myself again. I want to play for Ghanaians and make them proud,” he added.

After overcoming Fiorentina over two legs to reach the semi-finals, Crystal Palace will now fancy their chances of going all the way in the Conference League and adding a European trophy to their FA Cup success last season.

Nottingham Forest continue their remarkable Europa League run - but does it only increase the pressure on staying in the Premier League?

Although the enormous success of bitter rivals Bayern Munich has at times overshadowed Borussia Dortmund’s triumphs this term, the Black-Yellows have quietly been enjoying one of their best Bundesliga campaigns whilst orchestrating a top-to-bottom rebuild in the hope of landing silverware in 2026/27.

Robert Lewandowski has had a disappointing season, losing his starting position at Barcelona and missing out on the 2026 World Cup. Following this, the Polish now faces one of the most important challenges of his career: Convincing the Blaugranas and securing his future. Despite arriving in Barcelona as a seasoned veteran, Robert Lewandowski managed to put in an impressive performance in his first few seasons, scoring 42 goals last season and surpassing 25 goals in the two seasons prior. Despite this, the Polish striker is having a season to forget, missing out on the 2026 World Cup and raising serious doubts among the Blaugranas. As a result, he faces a tough challenge: convincing the Spanish side to keep him and securing his future. Shortly after the start of the 2025–26 season, Robert Lewandowski suffered two muscle injuries that limited his impact at Barcelona. As a result, Ferran Torres took his starting spot, delivering strong performances. Beyond the injuries themselves, this situation highlights a growing concern: his declining physical output. While the Polish striker remains in good shape, Hansi Flick’s tactical system demands far more than just goals, something he has not been consistently providing. Unlike his previous season, Robert Lewandowski has been far less productive in front of goal. In the 40 matches he has played this season, he has managed to score just 17 goals, marking his lowest scoring output since joining Barcelona. With his contract set to expire in June 2026, the Blaugranas are not fully convinced about renewing him, reportedly offering only a one-year extension with a reduced salary and a secondary role. His struggles have not been limited to Barcelona, as Lewandowski has also failed to impress with Poland. Despite being an undisputed starter, the veteran was unable to make a decisive impact in the final stages of the World Cup qualifiers, going scoreless against Sweden and missing out on the 2026 edition, leaving him with just two World Cup appearances in his career. Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona looks on from the bench. Lewandowski disappointed with Poland in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Robert Lewandowski is one of the most important players in the history of Poland. After 165 appearances, he has scored 89 goals, making him the nation’s all-time leading scorer. He also ranks among the top five international goal scorers of all time, alongside players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Despite this, the 37-year-old striker did not deliver his best performances in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. During the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, Lewandowski set a historic record by scoring 16 goals in 10 matches. Far from slowing down in the 2022 edition, the Polish forward once again impressed, netting 9 goals in 9 games and leading his national team to the tournament. However, he was unable to replicate that level in the most recent campaign, producing a less effective return. Unlike the previous two editions, Lewandowski managed just five goals in nine matches for Poland. While he has played a key role in creating space and assisting teammates, his goal output has dropped significantly. He also failed to score against Sweden in the play-off final, leaving his side without his usual scoring contribution and reflecting a difficult season in which he has struggled to find his best form. Lewandowski no longer fits in at Barcelona under Flick Hansi Flick has managed to establish a highly dominant style of play in Europe. Since his arrival in Barcelona, he has relied on intense high-pressing and pressure after turnover involving his forwards. As a result, the Blaugranas have excelled offensively, creating far more scoring opportunities. While Lewandowski performed brilliantly in the 2024-25 season, his physical condition has declined this season, making him less productive. During the 2025–26 season, Robert Lewandowski has become a less effective goalscorer, though he has maintained his importance in overall play by drawing defenders and creating opportunities for his teammates. However, head coach Hansi Flick has a clear demand for his striker: high pressing and immediate pressure after losing possession. As a veteran forward, Lewandowski has struggled to meet those physical demands. Given his declining goal output and high salary, Barcelona are reportedly no longer counting on him as an undisputed starter. Instead, they are pursuing the signing of a younger forward such as Julián Álvarez, prioritizing pressing, pace, scoring ability, and creativity. That said, the Polish striker could still play a key role off the bench, offering experience and finishing quality as a more traditional central striker. Robert Lewandowski of Barcelona With one of the highest salaries in the squad, Robert would need to significantly reduce his wages and accept a secondary role. While this scenario would be ideal for Barcelona, he could struggle to adapt to those conditions. In addition, he continues to attract strong interest from clubs that could offer him a more lucrative contract or a more prominent role. As a result, Lewandowski is not entirely open to staying at Barcelona, feeling neglected by the club, reports Nil Sola, via SER. How has Lewandowski’s playing style changed compared to previous seasons? Robert Lewandowski has gone through several distinct phases throughout his career. During his tenure at Borussia Dortmund, the Polish striker established himself as a brilliant forward, physically dominant and relentless in pressing defenders to score. While not yet a standout in collective play, he still managed to record 103 goals and 42 assists in 187 appearances, attracting interest from Real Madrid and several top European clubs. With his move to Bayern Munich, Lewandowski underwent a clear evolution in his playing style. Under the influence of Pep Guardiola, he developed into one of the most complete strikers in the world. Not only did he excel as a goalscorer, but he also became fully integrated into the team’s collective play, frequently rotating positions with Thomas Müller. At the same time, he maintained his physical dominance, finishing his spell with 344 goals and 73 assists in 375 matches. After his historic stint in Germany, Lewandowski chose to join FC Barcelona. Despite already being a veteran, he made an immediate impact under Xavi Hernández. Thanks to his game intelligence, he stood out by scoring 33 goals in his first season, playing a key role in creating space, pressing, and winning duels against defenders. However, he has since had to adapt his style, maintaining his importance while seeing a decline in pure scoring output. Even though Lewandowski had previously scored 42 goals for Barcelona under Hansi Flick, he has shown a noticeable physical decline this season. As a result, he has shifted his focus toward drawing defenders and facilitating play for Fermín López and Lamine Yamal. In doing so, he has remained highly influential in the team’s overall structure, albeit with a reduced scoring role, particularly as he is no longer applies pressure on opponents. Robert Lewandowski may be an ideal fit for AC Milan Robert Lewandowski can still thrive in European leagues, and AC Milan could be an ideal fit. Arriving as a free agent, the Polish striker would suit head coach Massimiliano Allegri. Unlike Barcelona, the Rossoneri are looking for a forward capable of dominating aerially and positioning himself between opposing center-backs. While he is not coming off his best season, he could still fulfill the role required by the Italian side. As a more traditional, fixed center-forward, Lewandowski could maintain solid output in Serie A. Without heavy creative or pressing responsibilities, he could preserve his physicality to outmuscle defenders and convert chances consistently. With his clinical finishing, he could become a key solution for Allegri, especially as a partnership with Christian Pulisic could significantly boost his goal production. Compared to Christopher Nkunku and Rafael Leão, Lewandowski has consistently demonstrated elite scoring ability in recent seasons, comfortably surpassing 15 goals. He also offers a strong aerial presence, which could be decisive, particularly as Milan have relied on Adrien Rabiot in that aspect. In addition, his presence could create more space for Leão and Pulisic to operate more effectively. While Lewandowski may no longer possess the physical profile to dominate in a high-intensity collective system, he remains highly effective as a fixed striker. Moreover, he could serve as an ideal mentor for Francesco Camarda, who could develop significantly as his backup—something the club does not currently get from options like Christopher Nkunku and Santiago Giménez.

After being eliminated by Bayern Munich in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League, Kylian Mbappe made a reassuring message to the fans that Real Madrid "will start winning again and very soon." Kylian Mbappe’s dream of capturing a UEFA Champions League title has been deferred for at least another season following a quarterfinal exit at the hands of Bayern Munich. In the midst of what has been a frustrating campaign for Real Madrid, Mbappe delivered a defiant message to the fanbase, promising that the club “will start winning again soon.“ Wednesday’s elimination via a 6-4 aggregate scoreline served as a crushing blow for a Real Madrid side that had pinned its primary championship hopes on Europe, with Barcelona currently the heavy favorites to secure La Liga. Despite Mbappe netting the third goal for the Spanish giants, he was unable to stave off elimination in what was statistically his most prolific individual scoring campaign in the competition’s history. In his first public comments following the defeat, Mbappe took to Instagram to offer a candid self-assessment of the team’s current form: “We tried until the very end, but it wasn’t enough. It’s disappointing to be eliminated from such an important competition, but we have to look ahead. We need to take a hard look at ourselves to avoid this kind of disappointment again.“ After that wake-up call to his teammates, the French striker made it clear that the club expects to be back in the trophy hunt sooner than later. “We will never give up!!! In Madrid, failure has never been and never will be an option. But I promise you one thing: we will start winning again and very soon,” Mbappe concluded. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kylian Mbappé (@k.mbappe) Mbappe’s individual impact during the 2025-26 Champions League campaign was undeniable, as he racked up 15 goals in just 11 appearances. While he reached the 70-goal milestone for his UCL career, his individual brilliance couldn’t mask the team’s lack of cohesion, a process hindered by significant organizational turmoil, including the dismissal of head coach Xabi Alonso back in January. Real Madrid and a 2025-26 season to forget With 40 goals and six assists across 39 games so far, Kylian Mbappe has indisputably been the lone bright spot for Real Madrid this season. However, questions regarding the squad’s over-reliance on the star striker have intensified, casting a spotlight on the fact that despite a roster full of superstars, this iteration of Los Blancos has failed to gel as a collective unit. The 2024-25 season, the final chapter of the Carlo Ancelotti era, saw the club lift the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup while falling short of major domestic and European honors. While the appointment of Xabi Alonso initially sparked hope during the FIFA Club World Cup, a crushing defeat in the Spanish Super Cup proved to be the tipping point that led to his midseason exit. Real Madrid Castilla coach Alvaro Arbeloa stepped in to lead the first team but has struggled to stabilize the ship. Under his watch, the club suffered a shock Copa del Rey exit to second-tier Albacete and the recent Champions League heartbreak against Bayern. Currently, La Liga is being dominated by Barcelona, sitting at the top with 79 points in 31 games and a 9-point difference to second-placed Real Madrid. With just seven games remaining, Los Merengues are on the verge of their first trophyless season since 2020-21, the final hallmark of a campaign the club would rather forget.

Brenden Aaronson insisted that that the USMNT is determined to make the country proud, following criticism of its performances ahead of the World Cup.

Los Angeles Galaxy winger Joseph Paintsil has criticised former Black Stars head coach Otto Addo for leaving him out of Ghana’s 2022 FIFA World Cup squad — a decision that shocked many football fans and pundits.In an interview with VamosNetwork, the 2024 MLS Cup champion expressed his lingering disappointment over what he described as an unconvincing explanation from the former coach.“I was disappointed with the decision of the coach of the national team… there was no tangible or reasonable reason for me being excluded from the list,” Paintsil said.Paintsil revealed that Otto Addo told him his omission wasn’t due to performance but rather because he “doesn’t defend".“He told me there is no reason, but the only reason is that I don’t defend. There was no tangible explanation, and I was left behind really disappointed.”Ghana endured a tough 2022 World Cup campaign under Otto Addo, crashing out in the group stage. Although Addo later guided the team to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he was dismissed earlier this year after a poor run of results and replaced by veteran coach Carlos Queiroz.Ghana now prepares for the upcoming World Cup in the USA, Canada,...

Ghana international Joseph Paintsil has expressed his willingness to continue giving his all to the Black Stars anytime he is called upon. The LA Galaxy winger who missed out on the 2022 World Cup squad has struggled to stay fit in recent times, thereby making his place in the team contentious.However, for Joseph Paintsil, wearing the Ghana jersey goes beyond personal ambition – it's a duty to his nation and its fans.“I’m playing for the people of Ghana and not an individual person,” the Los Angeles Galaxy winger said, his voice firm with conviction.As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, Paintsil’s words echo the sentiment of many Ghanaian players preparing to fight for their place in Carlos Queiroz’s squad.The new Black Stars head coach has promised a fresh era built on merit, discipline, and passion — qualities Paintsil has consistently displayed in both club and international football.Since arriving in Major League Soccer, Paintsil has lit up the pitch with his pace, creativity, and hunger to make a difference. His performances for LA Galaxy have reignited conversations about his importance to the national team, especially after his controversial omission from Ghana’s 2022 World Cup roster.Now,...

Los Angeles Galaxy winger Joseph Paintsil has expressed hope that newly appointed Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz will select Ghana’s best players for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.Ghana has been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, Croatia, and England, setting up an exciting but challenging path for the four-time African champions.Speaking to VamosNetwork, Paintsil emphasized his commitment to representing Ghana, saying his focus is always on making his country proud.“I always need to respect the national team call-up. I’m playing for the people of Ghana, not for an individual person,” Paintsil said. “I’m doing it for Ghanaians to know my worth and that I can deliver whenever I get the chance.”The 26-year-old also voiced optimism that Queiroz — who previously managed Colombia, Iran, and Egypt — will make fair and merit-based selections for the tournament.“We are just hoping and praying that the new coach will do the needful — to take the best players to the World Cup, to perform, and to make Ghanaians proud,” he added.Queiroz took over the Black Stars earlier this week following the dismissal...

Inter Miami forward German Berterame does not have his place secured with Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In just over a month, the coaches of the 48 qualified national teams for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will have to finalize their 26-man squads. In Mexico, there is fierce competition for the striker spots, putting Inter Miami star German Berterame’s chances in serious doubt. “Raul Jimenez and Santiago Gimenez are the main forwards of the Mexico national team, and that appears to be beyond any doubt as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches,” Diario Marca reported this week. Indeed, the Fulham forward has been a key figure based on recent call-ups. And while Gimenez has struggled this year at AC Milan due to inconsistent performances and injuries, he has built a strong reputation in Europe to earn that consideration. “The debate is over the third striker for the World Cup,” the report adds. “The focus is on Armando Gonzalez and German Berterame, who are competing for a place in the 26-man squad that Javier Aguirre will select for the FIFA tournament.” Armando Gonzalez playing for Mexico. Who is Armando Gonzalez? One of the fastest-rising players in Mexican soccer in recent years is Armando Gonzalez. The striker will turn 23 next week and is currently enjoying the best season of his professional career with Guadalajara. After beginning his career with Tapatio in Liga de Expansion MX in 2020, ‘La Hormiga’ (The Ant) reached Liga MX in 2024 and has since established himself as a key player for Guadalajara. This season, he is the team’s undisputed star, leading the standings and topping the Clausura tournament scoring chart with 12 goals. Those performances earned Gonzalez a call-up to the Mexico national team, where Javier Aguirre gave him the opportunity to make his debut in a friendly against Paraguay in November 2025. Since then, he has recorded six appearances, one goal and one assist at the international level. Berterame is struggling at Inter Miami While Armando Gonzalez is in the best form of his career with Guadalajara and gaining prominence with the Mexico national team, German Berterame is having trouble finding his rhythm on the field. Inter Miami paid $15 million to Monterrey at the start of this year to sign the Argentina-born forward, hoping he would become an important attacking piece for the team. However, his start with the club has not been ideal: across MLS and the Concacaf Champions Cup, Berterame has managed just one goal in nine appearances for the Herons, raising questions about his place in the starting lineup. That lack of form at club level has impacted his chances internationally. Javier Aguirre has included Berterame in the starting lineup in only one of Mexico’s five matches this year, while in two others he did not see the field at all.

Rayan Cherki may have won the humour and hearts of the majority of the Premier League but a former European Championship and FIFA World Cup winner thinks otherwise. Cherki had long been regarded as one of France’s top-rising talents at Lyon before he joined Manchester City last summer for £34 million, one of the greatest […]

Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has revealed that Ghana is collaborating with Morocco to enhance the country’s sports infrastructure and development.Speaking during an address to a Moroccan delegation, Honourable Ablakwa commended the North African nation for setting a high benchmark in hosting world-class sporting events across the continent.Morocco has earned widespread praise for successfully hosting both the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, earning acclaim for its state-of-the-art stadiums and advanced sporting technology.“We are also collaborating when it comes to sports because Morocco has become a hub for sporting activities in Africa. They just successfully hosted the African Games [AFCON],” Ablakwa said.He continued, “They have invested tremendously in sporting infrastructure, and we are working with them to also improve our facilities and nurture our young talents. Our cooperation with Morocco is becoming very broad, very deep, and very wide.”The 2025 AFCON concluded with Senegal defeating hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The impressive organisation and modern facilities drew global attention to Morocco’s capabilities as a top sporting destination.Ghana, meanwhile, looks to leverage this partnership to...

The Real Madrid star is still searching for his first UCL trophy, but he's breaking records in the process. Leer

David Moyes took over at Everton in January 2025 with the club sitting just a point above the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Everton have picked up three wins from their last five Premier League matches, netting ten goals and letting in six. That run includes a dominant 3-0 win over Chelsea and a hard-fought 3-2 victory […] The post Former Everton Chief Lays Down Conditions For David Moyes’ Renewal: Should They Back Him? appeared first on The 4th Official - A view from the sideline.

Leeds United returned to the Premier League this season after winning promotion from the Championship, and their first campaign back in the top flight has been anything but a smooth ride. The club currently sit on 36 points from 32 games, recording eight wins, 12 draws, and 12defeats across the season. For long stretches of […] The post Former PL Scout Provides Decisive Update On Daniel Farke: Does He Deserve To Lead Leeds United Next Season? appeared first on The 4th Official - A view from the sideline.

Jorginho Frello did not relish his two seasons on the fringes of the Gunners’ squad

Former Everton midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson was a Premier League regular for much of his career, but is now winding down his playing days in the Icelandic top flight

A round-up of some of La Liga’s most intriguing storylines across the week, traversing through the good, the bad and something beautiful. The Good: Levante are falling in love again Love comes in all shapes and sizes, but few saw the cumbersome figure of Carlos Espi as Levante’s beau come the spring. At the start of the […] The post The Good, the Bad and the Beautiful: A new love, an old infatuation and worrying routine appeared first on Football España.

Manchester City defender Marc Guehi has told his teammates to take inspiration from their Carabao Cup final win over Arsenal into Sunday’s meeting with the Gunners. City have mounted significant pressure on the Premier League leaders by reducing the gap to the top of the table to three points, with goals from Nico O’Reilly, Guehi […]

Tim Howard and Landon Donovan talk about how Michael Bradley and the New York Red Bulls have been developing their young players.

BBC Sport takes a look at Bernardo Silva's glittering career at Manchester City and why fans will never forget him.

UE Cornella have announced that Lionel Messi has become the club’s new owner. Lionel Messi continues to take steps toward remaining involved in soccer once his professional playing career comes to an end. His latest move in that direction is the acquisition of a fifth-division club in Spain, Unio Esportiva Cornella, the third club he is involved in. “The Argentine footballer and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, Leo Messi, has finalized the acquisition of UE Cornella,” the club announced in a statement published Thursday on their official website. “With this operation, Messi strengthens his close ties to Barcelona and his commitment to the development of sport and local talent in Catalunya.” UE Cornella are a club founded in 1951 and based in the autonomous community of Catalunya, around 50 miles from Barcelona. They currently compete in the Tercera RFEF (Spain’s fifth division) and sit third in Group V, five points behind leaders Manresa. “The arrival of Leo Messi opens a new chapter in the club’s history, with the aim of driving its sporting and institutional growth, strengthening its structure, and continuing to invest in talent. The project includes a long-term vision, with a strategic plan that combines ambition, sustainability, and local identity,” the statement added. Lionel Messi of Inter Miami How many clubs is Lionel Messi involved in? While continuing his professional career — since 2023 with Inter Miami — Lionel Messi has also begun exploring a role that was previously unfamiliar to him: club ownership and management. On more than one occasion, he has said this side of soccer appeals to him more than coaching, as he looks ahead to life after retirement. Last year, he joined his friend and teammate Luis Suarez in a project of this kind in Uruguay, becoming co-founders and co-owners of Deportivo LSM. The club debuted in the country’s fourth division and, in its first season — 2025 — earned promotion, beginning what looks like a promising path forward. In addition, the Messi family also founded a club in Argentina: Leones de Rosario FC, based in Leo’s hometown. The project began in 2015 with a focus on developing young talent, but this year took its first professional step by joining Primera C, Argentina’s fourth division. Messi and Ronaldo follow similar paths The news of Lionel Messi’s acquisition of UE Cornella comes just months after Cristiano Ronaldo made a similar move. The 41-year-old forward has owned a 25% stake in Almeria since February of this year, another club competing in the lower tiers of Spanish soccer. Almeria, unlike UE Cornella, are a more established club with greater tradition: they have spent a total of seven seasons in La Liga, most recently in 2024. Messi’s new club, meanwhile, have yet to play in Spain’s top division.

Guillermo Hoyos spoke for the first time as Inter Miami head coach and addressed his relationship with Lionel Messi. This week, Inter Miami were shaken by Javier Mascherano’s surprising decision to step down, citing personal reasons. Guillermo Hoyos was appointed on an interim basis to replace him and has now opened up about his connection with Lionel Messi. “Being on the field with the greatest player in history is extraordinary,” Hoyos said in his first press conference as head coach of the Herons, as shared by reporter Jose Armando on his official X account. Regarding the nature of his relationship with Messi, the coach was clear: “There’s a friendship we’ve built over the years, like with many other players in different countries… Friendship is non-negotiable.” However, Hoyos made it clear that this bond of trust also comes with boundaries. “That doesn’t mean we’re around him every day. You have to respect everything — his privacy, for example — be prudent, and quietly continue building this approach,” Guillermo said. “All of this is new.” Head Coach Guillermo Hoyos of Inter Miami CF talks to his players during a training session. How did Messi and Hoyos meet? Lionel Messi and Guillermo Hoyos first crossed paths when the forward was still a teenager and had just arrived at Barcelona. At the time, Guillermo was working within the club’s academy and quickly took on a role in helping his compatriot adjust to a new country and club. “He helped me a lot from the moment I arrived at Barca. He was always there for me… He taught me things and helped me get to where I am,” Messi said previously about Hoyos’ role in his development at Barcelona, according to Ole. More than 20 years later, the two reunited at Inter Miami in different roles: Messi as the team’s superstar and Hoyos as sporting director. However, Mascherano’s sudden departure forced the club to turn to him to fill the vacancy, at least on an interim basis. Hoyos highlights Inter Miami’s structure In the same press conference, Guillermo Hoyos addressed his current situation after moving from sporting director to interim head coach. “I’m at the club’s service, and that’s why I’m in this position today. A couple of days ago, I was in a different role,” he said. “I’m here to help in any way the club needs.” Finally, Hoyos expressed strong optimism about Inter Miami’s potential. “It’s one of the 10 best clubs in the world, not just in MLS,” the coach said. “Because it has a structure. And especially with the stadium they’ve inaugurated, which is something extraordinary. It’s a club with tremendous potential.”

Jude Bellingham has labelled England team-mate Harry Kane a "fantastic player" as Real Madrid prepare for a titanic Champions League quarter-final second leg against Bayern Munich.

As the global stage prepares for its biggest edition yet, questions about participating nations, mainly Iran, have added an extra layer of intrigue. The countdown to the 2026 World Cup continues to build momentum, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino stepping forward to address one of the most discussed uncertainties surrounding the tournament. As the global stage prepares for its biggest edition yet, questions about participating nations, mainly Iran, have added an extra layer of intrigue. The tournament itself is shaping up to be historic in every sense. Set to feature 48 teams for the first time, the competition is expected to generate more than $11 billion in revenue, underlining its massive global appeal. With matches spread across multiple host nations, anticipation continues to grow among fans and stakeholders alike. The 2026 edition promises to redefine the scale of international soccer. With 48 teams divided into 12 groups, followed by an expanded knockout phase, the structure introduces a new level of competition and opportunity. This format ensures more nations are involved, increasing both representation and unpredictability. Also, more than 500 million ticket requests have already been recorded, highlighting the event’s reach across all continents. As speculation intensified, FIFA moved to clarify its stance on Iran’s participation. “The Iranian team is coming for sure,” Infantino told CNBC, firmly addressing the uncertainty surrounding the situation. His statement confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup, putting an end to weeks of doubt. Infantino emphasized the fundamental principle behind the decision. “They represent their people. They have qualified. The players want to play,” he explained, reinforcing FIFA’s commitment to sporting merit. Keeping the focus on soccer Beyond the confirmation itself, Infantino highlighted a deeper philosophy guiding FIFA’s decisions. “Sports should be outside of politics,” he stated, acknowledging the challenges while maintaining a clear stance. The aim is to preserve the tournament as a platform for unity and competition, regardless of external circumstances. He also acknowledged the realities of the world while defending this approach. “We don’t live on the moon, we live on planet Earth,” Infantino said, before adding that FIFA continues to work toward building connections through soccer. These remarks underline the balance between idealism and practicality in organizing a global event. Alireza Jahanbakhsh of Iran celebrates during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifiers Iran’s road ahead for the tournament Looking ahead, the focus shifts back to the competition itself. Iran is scheduled to play its group-stage matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt, with games set to take place in major U.S. cities. If successful, further matches would continue within the same host nation as the tournament progresses. The broader objective remains ensuring a successful and secure event. “A win would be that we have a successful World Cup from a security point of view, so no incidents,” Infantino explained. Delivering high-quality matches while maintaining safety standards stands at the core of FIFA’s vision.

By: Oliver Fisher With a return to European football looking likely for AC Milan, the management will have to start thinking about the squad list regulations. It is April 15th, so it’s only right that the team and players are fully focused on the final stretch of the season, with six games to go and a top four […] The post A squad to build with an eye on the rules: Where Milan stand relative to UEFA regulations appeared first on SempreMilan.

Ashley Cole won 107 caps for England, seventh on the all‑time list, but says he was "discouraged" by those in the football pyramid from becoming a head coach.

Real Madrid want Jurgen Klopp or Mauricio Pochettino to take the reins should the club part ways with Alvaro Arbeloa, according to the Daily Mail. Pressure is mounting at the Santiago Bernabeu after a bruising week. A Champions League exit at the hands of Bayern Munich has already ended hopes of European glory. Los Blancos […]

Italian teams have shone in European competition in recent years. Current Serie A league leaders...

Landon Donovan talks about his involvement with Lincoln City and them clinching promotion to the EFL Championship.

Barcelona legend Lionel Messi has perhaps hinted at a return to living in Spain down the line, with the purchase of a 5th division Spanish club close to Barcelona. The Inter Miami and Argentina star is yet to call time on his playing career, but has admitted that he is in the twilight of his […] The post Lionel Messi purchases Spanish club close to Barcelona appeared first on Football España.

By: Oliver Fisher AC Milan do not want to have to look for a new head coach, but it is hard to ignore the growing noise surrounding Massimiliano Allegri. La Gazzetta dello Sport recall how Allegri responded when asked about the Italy job on the eve of the defeat to Napoli: “I’ve started a job with Milan. I […] The post GdS: Involvement and investment – how Milan can dissuade Allegri from Italy temptation appeared first on SempreMilan.

In football, success is often measured in trophies and results — but by the time those arrive, the real work has already been done. Long before dominance becomes visible, it is constructed through structure, repetition, and identity. What appears as success is often just the final outcome of a system that has been built over… The post Built Before Success: How Football Identity Shapes Long-Term Performance first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

Malmo FF football director Daniel Andersson has called for patience in the development of Isaac Assibu following his move to Swedish club.He stressed that adaptation rather than immediate impact will define the early phase of the youngster’s journey.The 18-year-old winger arrives from WAFA Academy as part of Malmö’s continued recruitment pipeline from the West African side, but the club is intent on managing expectations as he settles into a new football and cultural environment. Assibu will begin with the club’s P19 team, where his integration is expected to be gradual.“We have followed Isaac for quite a long time and thanks to good contact with WAFA Academy, he can now take the step to us. Isaac is an explosive and skilled winger with great potential, but first and foremost it is important to give him time to adapt and settle in.”Highly rated for his pace and ability to operate across both flanks, Assibu adds attacking depth to Malmö’s youth ranks.

Roberto De Zerbi is using a traditional Italian team-building exercise with Tottenham Hotspur, even though...

By: Oliver Fisher Matteo Gabbia has shed some light on what makes Massimiliano Allegri such a good coach, revealing the hope of the whole squad that he remains at AC Milan. We’re in the final part of the season, and Milan are faltering. After four defeats in their last seven league games, Napoli have now overtaken the Rossoneri […] The post Gabbia discusses hernia recovery, Milan’s decline, Leao jeers and Allegri: “The whole team’s wish” appeared first on SempreMilan.

Netherlands icon Clarence Seedorf joins FOX Sports as an analyst for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The midfielder is set to return this weekend.