World Cup News

Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni has opened up on his struggles at the Santiago Bernabeu over the past couple of seasons. The French midfielder has been singled out as one of their most consistent players this season, a major difference from where he was 18 months ago. Los Blancos are now in their second season […] The post ‘I was made a scapegoat’ – Real Madrid star opens up on struggles appeared first on Football España.

Chelsea were reportedly prepared to make a stunning £138million bid for Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior, but the London club are now said to have no interest in signing the Brazilian winger this summer

Fabrizio Romano has brought the latest on Jurgen Klopp to Real Madrid, and the futures of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Vinicius Junior.

Vinicius Junior surpassed a Lionel Messi assist record in the UEFA Champions League during Real Madrid’s loss to Bayern Munich, although Cristiano Ronaldo still leads the all-time list. Real Madrid were eliminated from the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League after falling to Bayern Munich on Wednesday in Germany. However, the match allowed Vinicius Junior to surpass a Lionel Messi mark and move closer to Cristiano Ronaldo. Vini produced a brilliant play and assisted Kylian Mbappe on Real Madrid’s third goal in the closing minutes of the first half, which temporarily put the Spanish side level in the tie. With that contribution, the Brazilian winger reached 13 assists in the knockout stages of the European competition. In doing so, Vinicius moved past Lionel Messi for second place in the all-time rankings in that category. The Argentine forward had recorded 12 assists in Champions League knockout matches during his time with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. Cristiano Ronaldo remains at the top of the list, having recorded a total of 15 assists in the tournament’s knockout stages across his spells with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus. No other player has come close to those numbers, but Vinicius, at just 25 years old, needs only three more to claim the all-time record. IT'S MBAPPE'S TURN! 😱 OH MY GOODNESS, WHAT A MATCH! #UCL pic.twitter.com/g0RYwP92aF — DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) April 15, 2026 Vinicius also draws level with Neymar That assist to Mbappe at the Allianz Arena also helped Vinicius climb the all-time Champions League assist rankings, including both the knockout rounds and the group stage. Vini is now tied with Neymar for fourth place on the list with 33 assists, and he has strong prospects of closing in on the top spots in the near future. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, as expected, are also in the top three, with the Portuguese star leading the way. However, there is another somewhat unexpected name included: Angel Di Maria, who played alongside both legends at Real Madrid and PSG, respectively. All-time Champions League assist leaders: 1- Cristiano Ronaldo (42) 2- Angel Di Maria (41) 3- Lionel Messi (40) 4- Neymar (33) 4- Vinicius (33) 6- Kevin De Bruyne (31) 6- Ryan Giggs (31) 8- Xavi Hernandez (30) 8- Thomas Muller (30) 10- Karim Benzema (29) 10- Andres Iniesta (29)

Is Kylian Mbappe a curse for Real Madrid? Following their aggregate defeat to Bayern Munich, Los Blancos face a managerial crisis and a squad regression that Florentino Perez must answer for. The fallout from Real Madrid’s 6-4 aggregate defeat against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final will inevitably rumble on for several weeks. The competition was Madrid’s last realistic route to major silverware in a season which promised a lot, but will ultimately deliver nothing. Barring a monumental collapse by Barcelona in La Liga, the 15-time European champions will end a second consecutive campaign without a trophy. With that in mind, read on as we assess the repercussions for Real Madrid, starting with an issue which has been entirely of their own making. Mbappe has proved to be a curse rather than a blessing Kylian Mbappe is one of the best forwards in the world. That point is evidenced by his tally of 84 goals in 98 appearances for Los Blancos. However, his desire to be the ‘main man’ is not only a problem Madrid didn’t need, but one which they could have avoided. Mbappe scored 256 goals in 308 for Paris Saint-Germain. However, his efforts in front of goal failed to deliver the desired results in the Champions League. In their first season without the French international in their team, PSG were crowned kings of Europe. They have reached the semi-finals again this season. By contrast, Mbappe has made Madrid worse. They won La Liga and the Champions League in 20234/24 – since then, they have suffered a series of disappointments. The 27-year-old’s ego was problematic when he was at PSG, and has continued to upset the equilibrium in Madrid’s dressing room. Players such as Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior are no shrinking violets, yet are expected to play second fiddle to the ‘Mbappe Show’. Intriguingly, Madrid looked far more coherent as a team when Mbappe was recently sidelined with a knee injury. With Vinicius and Brahim Diaz leading the line, they were more balanced. It may seem churlish to question a player who has scored goals for fun in Madrid colours, but it cannot be ignored that they have regressed since signing him. Arbeloa on shaky ground after Champions League exit Madrid’s decision to appoint Xabi Alonso as manager last summer appeared to be a sensible decision with SportsView and other major football publications all predicting success for Los Blancos, but he lasted just seven months. At a club packed with egos and led by president Florentino Perez, the former Bayer Leverkusen boss was always likely to be on a hiding to nothing. Alonso quickly lost the dressing room, with Vinicius and Federico Valverde amongst the players who publicly expressed disapproval at his methods. Appointing Alvaro Arbeloa as Alonso’s replacement was no real surprise. He had done well with the club’s youth and ‘B’ teams, so was viewed as a steady pair of hands. Arbeloa responded to Flick’s comments However, the club’s failure to specify the length of his contract when he was placed in charge suggested that they were unsure whether he was the right man for the job. A record of 13 wins and one draw in 21 matches highlights why Madrid may have been reluctant to confirm whether he was a long-term appointment. Arbeloa will reportedly be replaced this summer, with Perez seemingly eager to bring in someone with a proven track record of success. That may be easier said than done given the dearth of viable options currently available. Madrid’s managerial options are thin on the ground Alonso seemed to be the ideal fit for Madrid. He was a former player who subsequently enjoyed success as a manager with Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. Sacking him after just seven months in charge did not seem like the brightest idea anyone had ever had, and developments this summer may hammer home that point. Several managers have been linked with the Madrid managerial job including Zinedine Zidane, Jurgen Klopp and Maurico Pochettino. Perez rates Zidane highly, but he seems destined to replace Didier Deschamps as the French national team manager at the end of the World Cup. Klopp would be welcomed with open arms at the Santiago Bernabeu, but has demonstrated no desire to leave his position as head of Red Bull’s football operations. Pochettino could be available after the World Cup, although nothing he has done with the United States national team suggests he is the right option for Madrid. Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has been touted as a possibility after the club recently confirmed he will be leaving at the end of the season. Several pundits believe the 43-year-old is an ‘elite-level’ manager, but whether he is ready to step into the Madrid hot-seat is hugely debatable. Madrid’s eagerness to pander to egotistical players and dispense with Alonso’s services has created a problem that may find extremely difficult to fix this summer.

Bayern Munich secured their UEFA Champions League semi-final place after an all-time classic against 15-time winners Real Madrid. Here are three things we learnt. Bayern’s defence could be exposed by…

The fallout from any Real Madrid exit from the Champions League is messy, but their loss to Bayern Munich all but certainly ended their season without trophies too. As well as fuming at the referee, Vinicius Junior was not happy with one of his Real Madrid colleagues during the game. President Florentino Perez reportedly spoke […] The post VIDEO: Vinicius Junior tells Real Madrid teammate to ‘shut your mouth’ during Bayern Munich loss appeared first on Football España.

VINICIUS JUNIOR told Jude Bellingham "shut your mouth" in a heated exchange before Real Madrid crashed out of the Champions League. Los Blancos were beaten home and away by Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals and lost 6-4 on aggregate. Tensions ran high during Wednesday night's second leg at the Allianz Arena, where a rollercoaster clash...

Tensions flared late in the Champions League clash between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in Germany, with Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior at the centre of the drama

Bayern Munich will play holders Paris Saint-Germain in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League semi-finals after coming from behind to beat Real Madrid 4-3 on the night and secure a 6-4 aggregate win in a wild quarter-final second leg at the Allianz Arena.

Despite being eliminated by Bayern Munich, Kylian Mbappe eclipsed Lionel Messi’s personal best but fell short of matching Cristiano Ronaldo's record for goals in a single UEFA Champions League season. Kylian Mbappe‘s 2025-26 UEFA Champions League campaign came to a crashing halt Wednesday following Real Madrid’s 6-4 aggregate loss to Bayern Munich in the quarterfinal second leg. While the Frenchman managed to surpass Lionel Messi’s personal best, he ultimately fell short of matching Cristiano Ronaldo’s gold standard for goals in a single UCL season. Despite being sidelined for three matches, Mbappe enjoyed a prolific run in European play, netting a staggering 13 goals in just seven games during the league phase. Those historic numbers immediately put the Frenchman on a trajectory to shatter every existing record had Real Madrid managed a deeper run toward the final. His availability in the knockout stages was limited, featuring only in the first leg of the playoff round against Benfica and the second leg of the Round of 16 against Manchester City after missing time with a knee sprain. After going scoreless in those earlier rounds, Mbappe regained his form in the quarterfinals against Bayern Munich, scoring once in each leg of the series. His 42nd-minute strike at the Allianz Arena, assisted by Vinicius Junior, brought his tournament total to 15 goals. Although he shattered his previous personal bests of eight goals in the 2020-21 and 2023-24 campaigns, the premature exit effectively clipped Mbappe’s wings in his pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo’s ultimate milestone. Messi left in the rearview When it comes to pure finishing, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi remain the competition’s historical benchmarks. However, Mbappe’s 2025-26 output has already eclipsed the greatest single-season effort produced by the Argentine and Barcelona legend. By finding the net 15 times in 11 appearances, Mbappe surpassed Messi’s career-high for a single Champions League campaign. Messi’s most productive season came in 2011-12, when he scored 14 goals before Barcelona was eliminated by Chelsea in the semifinal stage. Remarkably, Mbappe now joins an elite club alongside Karim Benzema and Robert Lewandowski, who both reached the 15-goal mark in a single season. Benzema achieved the feat in 12 matches during the 2021-22 campaign, while Lewandowski hit the number in just 10 games in 2019-20; notably, Mbappe is the first to do so under the competition’s revamped format. Cristiano Ronaldo’s record remains safe While Mbappe was on a torrid pace, the quarterfinal exit preserves both of the high-water marks set by Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese icon still holds the record for the most goals in a single Champions League edition, having scored 17 times in 11 games during the 2013-14 season. Furthermore, Ronaldo also maintains the second-best mark in history, a 16-goal barrage across 12 games in 2015-16. Mbappe’s mid-season fitness issues, which saw him sidelined for three matches, proved to be missed opportunities to catch Ronaldo, whose records will remain untouched for at least one more year.

Real Madrid bowed out of this season’s Champions League on Wednesday, as they went down 4-3 to Bayern Munich in the second leg of their quarter-final tie, which ensured a 6-4 defeat on aggregate for Alvaro Arbeloa’s side. Andriy Lunin – 5 He may have made a couple of good saves to keep Bayern at […] The post Real Madrid player ratings against Bayern Munich: Arda Guler shines on disappointing night appeared first on Football España.

Real Madrid faced off against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena earlier tonight as they hoped to secure a win on the road in the UEFA Champions League. Los Blancos made a dream start to the game as they scored the opener in the first minute when Arda Guler found the back of the net. […] The post Mbappe And Bellingham Get 7.5 | Real Madrid Players Rated In Tough Loss Vs Bayern Munich appeared first on The 4th Official - A view from the sideline.

Bayern Munch 4-3 Real Madrid (6-4 agg) Real Madrid are out of this season’s Champions League, as they fell to defeat in the second leg of their quarter-final with Bayern Munich. As expected, Alvaro Arbeloa recalled the likes of Eder Militao and Jude Bellingham to his line-up for the match at the Allianz Arena. His […] The post Real Madrid bow out of Champions League despite brave Bavaria effort against Bayern Munich appeared first on Football España.

Bayern Munich snatched a dramatic 4-3 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final second leg at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday. The Bavarians have progressed to the semi-finals after winning 6-4 on aggregate. They will face holders Paris Saint-Germain, who knocked out Liverpool on Tuesday. Madrid opened the scoring inside 45 seconds as […]

Real Madrid need to win in the Allianz Arena to give themselves a chance of getting into the Champions League semi-finals, and after three goals in 15 minutes, they are on course for the win they need to force extra time at the very least. Alvaro Arbeloa’s side made a golden start to proceedings in […] The post WATCH: Kylian Mbappe drags Real Madrid level on aggregate after Arda Guler and Harry Kane trade goals appeared first on Football España.

Brazil former star Filipe Luis highlighted the importance of Carlo Ancelotti at this crucial moment. With two months to go before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Brazil are hopeful that Carlo Ancelotti can provide the national team with a tactical identity that allows them to compete for the title in North America. Filipe Luis expressed confidence that the Italian coach will get the job done in time. “Ancelotti brings us many good things,” Filipe Luis said during a conference organized by Conmebol this week, according to Diario AS. “There are no guarantees we’ll win anything, but it’s the best that could have happened.” The former Atletico Madrid defender pointed to the timing of Ancelotti’s arrival to take over the national team. In mid-2025, Brazil were coming off a heavy loss to Argentina in Buenos Aires and, with four matches remaining in the South American qualifiers, had not yet secured their place in the World Cup. Carlo Ancelotti delivered the results needed to achieve that goal and has since used every FIFA break to shape a team that had struggled to meet expectations since the departure of Tite after the 2022 World Cup at Qatar. Vinicius Junior is subbed off by Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Brazil. Filipe Luis believes in Brazil’s chances The general consensus among fans and analysts lists Spain, France and Argentina as the top favorites to win the 2026 World Cup. Despite being the most successful national team in the competition’s history, Brazil are not placed in that top tier, but rather in a second group alongside other powerhouses such as Germany, England and Portugal. However, Filipe Luis warned those who might count Brazil out of the title race. “Brazil will always be one of the favorites, even when things aren’t going well,” said the former Flamengo manager, extending that view to Argentina as well. To support his confidence in Ancelotti’s squad, Filipe Luis pointed to the team’s individual talent: “People don’t believe Brazil can win. But if you look at the five best players in the world, we have two: Raphinha and Vini Jr.” Brazil’s path in the 2026 World Cup Brazil are in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They will open their campaign on June 13 against Morocco at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, before traveling to Philadelphia six days later to face Haiti. Their final group-stage match will be on June 24 in Miami against Scotland. If everything goes as expected and Carlo Ancelotti’s side finish top of the group, they will advance to the Round of 16, where they would face the runner-up of Group F — made up of Netherlands, Japan, Sweden and Tunisia — in Houston on June 29.

Jude Bellingham has said that he, Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Junior can deliver together on the pitch for Real Madrid ahead of an "all-or-nothing" Champions League quarterfinal second leg at Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

Esterno d'attacco classe 2003, è il nuovo talento del calcio spagnolo e può finire al centro del mercato

Bayern will face Real Madrid in the second leg of the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. Check here for kickoff times and how to watch the match on TV or via streaming in the United States. Here are all of the details of where you can watch Bayern vs Real Madrid on US television and via legal streaming: WHO Bayern vs Real Madrid WHAT UEFA Champions League WHEN 3pm ET / 12pm PT • Wednesday, April 15, 2026 WHERE Paramount+, DirecTV Stream, DAZN, Univision, TUDN, and ViX FREE TRIAL WATCH NOW Match Overview Real Madrid head into the decisive second leg trailing on aggregate, but their late push in the opener—highlighted by a key goal that cut Bayern Munich’s lead to 2-1—has kept this heavyweight showdown finely balanced. Bayern, now back on home soil, will aim to build on their advantage after dictating much of the first meeting, yet the presence of Kylian Mbappe and Madrid’s reputation for thriving under pressure ensures there’s little separating these European giants as a semifinal spot hangs in the balance. More details on how to watch Paramount+ is now offering a 7-day free trial promotion for new subscribers, giving fans the ability to watch a ton of soccer fans (and other content) for free. After the 7-day trial, Paramount+ is just $7.99 per month. Paramount+ features more than 2,000 live matches each year. In addition to Serie A, the extensive portfolio of soccer properties also includes EFL Championship, EFL League One, EFL League Two, Coppa Italia, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League; NWSL; and much more. Paramount+ includes exclusive original programs such as: Halo, Star Trek: Discovery, Frasier, Lawmen: Bass Reeves, and Evil, as well as movies including Mean Girls, Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning and more. You can also stream CBSN (CBS News), CBS Sports HQ and ET Live, as well as — with the Premium Plan — your local CBS network. Paramount+ is available on PC or Mac as well as Roku, iPhone and Android phones, Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, PlayStation 4, Samsung smart TV, Vizio and XBOX One. If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full Paramount+ soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service. Here are the steps to sign up for your 7-day free trial to Paramount+: 1. After clicking the ‘Try It Free’ button, you’ll see the following page that explains the two choices you’ll find. Click ‘Continue’ to be presented with the options: 2. Choose between the ‘Paramount+ Essential’ or ‘Paramount+ With Showtime’ options. If you want to save over 15% with an annual plan, click the Annual option. Then hit ‘Continue’ to move on. 3. Next, you’ll need to create a free Paramount+ account: 4. Enter your contact details, and click ‘Continue’ to move to the next step. 5. The following page explains the free 7-day trial: 6. Enter your payment details and then click ‘Start Paramount+’ to begin your free trial. SEE MORE: Schedule of UEFA Champions League games on US TV and streaming How to watch anywhere with VPN If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer. Free resources available to you World Soccer Talk is the number one destination in the United States for soccer television and streaming information. We recommend that you bookmark our soccer games on TV today page as well as subscribing to our free daily email newsletter that includes TV schedules and the latest soccer news and opinion from around the world. Courtesy of World Soccer Talk, download a complimentary copy of The Ultimate Soccer TV And Streaming Guide, which features details on where to watch all of the leagues from around the world on US TV and streaming. To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).

In the middle of growing speculation, Ancelotti made his stance unmistakably clear regarding Neymar’s path back into the squad. The future of Neymar has once again taken center stage as Carlo Ancelotti weighs his options ahead of the 2026 World Cup. With Brazil preparing for the tournament, uncertainty surrounds whether the Santos forward will make the final squad, adding intrigue to an already competitive selection process. The situation has grown even more compelling given Neymar’s recent struggles at club level, where consistency and fitness have remained ongoing concerns. As Brazil continues its preparations, the spotlight now shifts to whether the veteran can rediscover his best form in time to convince the national setup. Neymar’s journey back to the top has been anything but straightforward, with injuries playing a major role in disrupting his rhythm. Since suffering a serious knee injury in October 2023, he has struggled to regain sustained momentum, both physically and in terms of regular playing time. Despite returning to Santos, his appearances have been limited, and maintaining consistency has proven difficult. He has featured only six times this season in all competitions, scoring three goals, a return that hints at promise but still falls short of expectations for a player of his stature. The current year has been particularly challenging for Neymar, as he continues to search for rhythm following multiple setbacks. Neymar Jr of Santos. His 2026 goalscoring form has been inconsistent, raising legitimate concerns about whether he can reach the level required for international competition. However, upcoming matches present an opportunity to change that narrative. Each performance now carries extra weight, as Neymar looks to prove he can still deliver at the highest level and silence doubts surrounding his place in the squad. What did Ancelotti say? The mystery surrounding Neymar’s future was partially addressed when Ancelotti finally spoke about the situation. Brazil’s head coach has left the door open for the forward’s inclusion, provided he meets key physical and performance standards in the coming weeks. “He’s a great talent, and it’s normal that people think he can help us win the next World Cup,” Ancelotti stated in an interview with L’Equipe. “He’s currently being evaluated by the CBF, by me, and he still has two months to show that he has the qualities to play in the next World Cup.” One theme stands out above all others in Ancelotti’s assessment: fitness. The Brazilian national team is prioritizing physical readiness as it builds toward the tournament, leaving little room for sentiment. “I’m going to call up the players who are physically ready,” he added. Carlo Ancelotti greets Vinicius Junior of Brazil after being subbed. “After his knee injury, Neymar has come back well; he’s scoring goals. He needs to continue in this direction and improve his fitness. He’s on the right track.” This emphasis underlines the reality that reputation alone will not secure Neymar a place in the squad. Brazil’s competitive landscape complicates everythinmg Brazil’s attacking depth adds another layer of complexity to Neymar’s situation. With emerging talents, including Endrick, Luiz Henrique, Igor Thiago, Gabriel Martinelli, Estevao, and Vitor Roque, and in-form forwards such as Vinicius, Raphinha, Matheus Cunha, Richarlison, and Antony pushing for inclusion, competition for places is fierce. The national team, Brazil national team, has already demonstrated its willingness to move forward without relying solely on its biggest star. Neymar’s absence from recent friendlies against top opposition highlighted this shift, even as fans continued to chant his name from the stands.

In “The Lion Grown Old”, one of Aesop’s fables, an elderly, feeble lion lies at the mouth of his cave. Once feared and revered by all, the dying lion is visited by his old enemies. A bull comes along and gores him with its horns. A boar drives at him with its tusks. Even a… The post The Lion Grown Old: The Plight of José Mourinho first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

Chelsea have made a formal enquiry about the availability of Vinicius Junior, according to Fichajes, with the Blues moving proactively to explore a transfer as contract negotiations between the Brazilian and Real Madrid continue to stall. Vinicius Jr enters the final year of his contract at the Bernabeu this summer. Real Madrid have offered him […] The post Chelsea have made a formal approach to sign the best winger in the world from Real Madrid first appeared on Premier League News Now.

Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior was heavily criticized by Rafael van der Vaart following the loss to Bayern Munich. The 2-1 defeat to Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu left Real Madrid on the brink of elimination in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. Vinicius Junior came under heavy criticism after the match from Rafael van der Vaart. “Vinicius is horrible,” the former Dutch midfielder said during an appearance on Ziggo Sport following Tuesday’s Champions League match in Spain. “He annoys me to no end when I see him.” Van der Vaart went on to explain the reasons behind his criticism of the Brazilian winger. “As soon as he gets a little push, he throws himself down, hoping to see a red card for the opponent, and then gets up as if nothing happened,” he said. However, the former Ajax and Real Madrid player did not hesitate to acknowledge Vinicius’ talent on the field. In fact, he emphasized how that behavior detracts from his ability: “That’s the part that I find sad about him. I find it incredibly sad because he’s a fantastic player.” Rafael Van der Vaart playing for Real Madrid in 2010. Vinicius’ performances this season Criticism of Vinicius is common, and in most cases it is not related to his performances on the field or his ability on the ball, but rather to his behavior. The 25-year-old winger has often drawn the frustration of opponents, who believe he does not always conduct himself with respect. However, Vinicius’ on-field production is beyond question, and that is reflected in his numbers. Even in a season in which Real Madrid have posted disappointing results and gone through a coaching change, the Brazilian has stood out: Vinicius has recorded 17 goals and 13 assists in 45 appearances. Van der Vaart knows what he’s talking about Criticism of Vinicius Junior coming from Rafael van der Vaart carries added weight compared to most opinions. The former Dutch international speaks from experience, having played for Real Madrid and understanding the club’s culture and its fanbase. Van der Vaart began his professional career at Ajax in 1999 before moving to Hamburger SV six years later, where his performances prompted Real Madrid to pay around $15 million for him. In Spain, he spent two seasons with the club between 2008 and 2010, making 73 appearances, scoring 12 goals, and winning one title.

Manuel Neuer was the best goalkeeper in the world in his 20s and 30s, and arguably still is after turning 40 at the end of March. Just ask Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior...

Bayern Munich claimed a crucial 2-1 victory against Real Madrid in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Bernabéu, with goals from Luis Díaz and Harry Kane giving the defending Bundesliga champions a deserved advantage in the tie.

On Tuesday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you news from the League of Ireland, the Premier League and the Champions League. Dundalk defeated St. Patrick’s Athletic 2-0 at Oriel Park, with first-half goals from Tyreke Wilson and Shane Tracey moving them into fourth place. Daryl Horgan received a late red card, while Ciaran Kilduff praised Dundalk’s execution and Stephen Kenny described the result as disappointing. Shamrock Rovers returned to winning ways with a 3-2 victory over Shelbourne, with Graham Burke scoring his 100th competitive goal for the club. Galway United came from two goals down to beat Drogheda United 3-2 and climb into fifth position. Bohemians remained unbeaten after a 1-1 draw with Waterford, while Derry City were held 0-0 by Sligo Rovers. In the First Division, Cork City extended their unbeaten run with a 4-2 win over Kerry FC, and Cobh Ramblers beat Treaty United 4-0. Arsenal prepare to face Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League quarter-finals, with Mikel Arteta highlighting Viktor Gyokeres’ connection to his former club. Bayern Munich were boosted by Harry Kane’s return to training ahead of their clash with Real Madrid. Real Madrid could welcome back Federico Valverde and Vinicius Junior, with Jude Bellingham also in contention. Lincoln City secured promotion to the Championship after a 2-1 win over Reading, with Jack Moylan scoring a 96th-minute winner. Coventry City edged closer to Premier League promotion, and Harry Maguire signed a new contract at Manchester United until 2027. Aaron Ramsey announced his retirement from professional football after a career that included spells at Arsenal, Juventus and Cardiff City. Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior praised Barcelona star Lamine Yamal for publicly condemning anti-Muslim chants in a recent match, saying players need to stick together in the fight against discrimination.

Vinicius Junior revealed that he intends to put pen to paper on a new deal with Real Madrid “at the right time”, expressing his desire to remain at the club “for many years”. Vinicius has been in blistering form since the turn of the year, scoring 12 times in 20 matches in all competitions, the […] The post ´It´s the club of my dreams´ – Vinicius to sign Real Madrid extension ´at the right time´ appeared first on Soccer News.

VINICIUS JUNIOR is planning to stay at Real Madrid "for a long time" having threatened to quit earlier this season. The Brazil international, 25, had Premier League clubs on alert in October when, after falling out with ex-manager Xabi Alonso, the winger indicated he might leave the Bernabeu. Fresh talks over a new deal are...

Eduardo Camavinga joined Real Madrid from Stade Rennais in the summer of 2021 for €31m. Right away, he got off to a great start, playing 26 matches in La Liga and 37 the following season, becoming a key player in Los Blancos‘ midfield. Things have slowed down for Camavinga at Madrid; injuries played a part, […] The post Eduardo Camavinga Scout Report At Real Madrid 2025/2026: A High-Ceiling Recruitment Opportunity – Player Analysis appeared first on Total Football Analysis.

Vinicius Junior twists knife and may have ended Guardiola’s last tilt at Champions League

On Monday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you news from the Premier League to the Scottish Premiership to the League of Ireland to the international women's side. Arsenal strengthen their Premier League title charge with a tense 2–1 victory over 10-man Chelsea at the Emirates, with Mikel Arteta urging calm as the pressure intensifies. Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior calls for stricter officiating on grappling at set-pieces after conceding twice from dead balls in North London. Former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira weighs in on criticism of Arteta’s playing style, insisting results matter most in the run-in. Michael Carrick equals a Premier League record after Manchester United’s 2–1 win over Crystal Palace, collecting 23 points from his first nine games in charge. Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner slams a controversial VAR-assisted penalty and red card decision that proved decisive at Old Trafford. Gary Neville and Brian Kerr assess Carrick’s chances of landing the Manchester United job permanently following his impressive interim spell. Tottenham’s crisis deepens with a 10-game winless league run after defeat to Fulham, leaving Igor Tudor facing a massive relegation battle. Nottingham Forest remain in danger near the bottom after defeat to Brighton, with Vitor Pereira still chasing his first league win. Liverpool sweat over Florian Wirtz’s fitness ahead of their clash with Wolves, while Arne Slot delivers a blunt verdict on the Premier League season. Celtic keep their title hopes alive with a dramatic comeback draw against Rangers, as Martin O’Neill and Danny Rohl react to a huge Old Firm clash. Henry Winter joins Off The Ball Breakfast to discuss Martin O’Neill’s evolving reputation and Celtic’s title credentials. Republic of Ireland begin their World Cup qualifying campaign against France, with Katie McCabe and Denise O’Sullivan set to feature in a crucial opener. St. Patrick’s Athletic face Galway United in a key League of Ireland clash, with Stephen Kenny praising new signing James Brown’s impact. Jose Mourinho takes a firm stance on racism allegations involving Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior. Iran’s World Cup participation faces uncertainty amid geopolitical tensions, while the Finalissima between Spain and Argentina is also in doubt due to regional instability. Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

On this episode of The Cooligans, we break down the wild rumor of Antoine Griezmann potentially joining Orlando City and whether he could seriously challenge Lionel Messi’s MLS throne. Gotham FC defender Mandy Freeman joins the show to discuss the club’s championship run, the pressure of defending a title, her decade-long NWSL journey, her passion for fashion, and why the league’s new High Impact Player rule may not benefit players the way fans expect. Plus, we talk Weston McKennie’s standout Champions League performance despite Juventus falling short, Vinícius Jr.’s statement game against Benfica, and Bodø/Glimt’s shocking result against Inter Milan.

On a night where Vinícius Júnior didn't need to answer to anyone, he did anyway with a brilliantly taken winner against Benfica. The dance goes on. Pete and Luke are joined by David Cartlidge to look back on the action across Europe last night – including further depressing scenes on both sides at the Bernabéu, as David explains. José Mourinho behaves like a prat too, of course. We also unpack perhaps the worst red card decision in recent memory in Juventus vs Galatasaray. Poor lovely Lloyd Kelly! Find us on Bluesky, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, and email us here: [email protected]. Sign up to the Football Ramble Patreon for ad-free shows for just $5 per month: https://www.patreon.com/footballramble. ***Please take the time to rate us on your podcast app. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** The Football Ramble, the original and best football podcast. Brand new podcasts every single weekday throughout the Premier League season and every day throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Wednesday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you all the latest from the Champions League action last night, whilst having a look ahead to events tonight, plus there is Irish action in the English Championship. Norwegian minnows Bodø/Glimt stun Inter at the San Siro to reach the last-16 of the UEFA Champions League, continuing one of the competition’s greatest modern fairytale runs. Irish defender Alex Murphy shines with a full 90-minute performance for Newcastle United, with manager Eddie Howe praising the team’s European progress. Atlético Madrid advance thanks to a hat-trick from Alexander Sørloth, while Bayer Leverkusen also book their spot in the next round. Huge anticipation ahead of Real Madrid vs Benfica, with controversy surrounding allegations involving Vinícius Júnior and reaction from goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, while José Mourinho serves a suspension. Holders Paris Saint‑Germain prepare for a decisive clash with Monaco, as defender Achraf Hakimi faces ongoing legal proceedings off the pitch. Major pressure on Juventus after a heavy defeat to Galatasaray, while Borussia Dortmund hold a strong advantage over Atalanta. Relegation fears grow for Tottenham Hotspur, with interim boss Igor Tudor backed to bring discipline, according to Dan Kilpatrick of The Athletic. Republic of Ireland selection questions intensify, with fitness concerns over Evan Ferguson ahead of the World Cup playoff against Czechia, and debate over who could partner Troy Parrott in attack. Off-field headlines as Snoop Dogg energises fans at Swansea City, while West Bromwich Albion sack manager Eric Ramsay after a poor run of results. Irish stars impress in the Championship, with goals and key performances from John Egan, Sammie Szmodics, and Ryan Manning boosting their clubs’ promotion ambitions. Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

European Nights returns as Rog and Rory Smith look ahead to the second legs of the Champions League knockout playoff round. They begin in Lisbon, where alleged racist abuse directed at Vinícius Júnior during Real Madrid’s game against Benfica led to a stoppage and sparks a wider conversation about accountability, institutional response, and whether football is doing enough to protect its players. Then it’s on to Istanbul, where Galatasaray’s emphatic win over Juventus spotlights Turkish spending power and deepens concerns about the broader state of Italian football. Finally, they turn to the Europa Conference League, where Crystal Palace were held to a draw by HŠK Zrinjski Mostar and Oliver Glasner’s call for fans to “stay humble” becomes part of the conversation after the first leg. Plus, Rory delivers his latest continental culinary recommendation from Istanbul. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There’s some important admin up top, but once that’s all out of the way, Musa and Ryan turn their attention to the Premier League title race once more after what felt like a very important few days. They begin with Arsenal’s 4-1 win at Spurs in the North London derby (03:53), which saw them maintain a five point lead at the top of the Premier League. There’s chat about braces for Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyökeres and the response of Mikel Arteta’s side, following the draw at Wolves in midweek. There’s a bit of chat about Spurs’ position in the table and whether they can realistically go down (24:29), before heading to Manchester City’s 2-1 win over Newcastle United on Saturday (30:30), plus some thoughts about the title race in general. After a quick round-up of the rest of the Premier League, they wrap up results elsewhere (49:07), including La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, Ligue and more! To read Musa’s GQ Piece about the Vinícius Júnior incident last week, head here, and our Patreon episode about it from last week is here. For more podcasts, ad-free and in full, plus access to the Stadio Social Club and much more, you can become a Stadio member by signing up at patreon.com/stadio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Cooligans, Alexis Guerreros and Christian Polanco are joined by MLS analyst Gio Savarese to break down his bold predictions for the 2026 MLS season and the USMNT’s outlook heading into the 2026 World Cup. The boys also discuss the racist incident involving Vinícius Júnior during Real Madrid’s match against Benfica and debate whether current protocols put too much responsibility on the victim. Plus, a wild Champions League recap featuring standout performances and shocking results across Europe.

Arsenal made unwanted history this weekend, becoming the first side in Premier League history to surrender a two-goal lead against a team starting the day in the relegation zone. Wolves fought back from 2–0 down to claim a crucial point, a result that has thrown the title race wide open. With Manchester City now just five points behind, with a game in hand, the question has to be asked: do Arsenal have the experience and resilience required to go all the way? Elsewhere in Europe, there were deeply troubling scenes during Benfica’s match involving Vinícius Júnior and Gianluca Prestianni. After scoring a superb goal, Vinícius Júnior was subjected to alleged racial abuse. The incident has once again raised urgent questions about racism in football and why meaningful progress remains so slow. Gary, Alan and Micah reflect on why this continues to happen in the modern game and also discuss the reaction after the match, including disappointing comments from José Mourinho that have sparked further debate. The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. Sign up and use the referral code FOOTBALL and you could win a 1990 England shirt signed by the hosts of The Rest Is Football. Visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football for terms and conditions Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An incident of alleged racist abuse towards Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior by Benfica forward Gianluca Prestianni, Real Madrid’s improved form on the pitch, a bit of a blip for Barcelona and an unexpected situation for Darwin Nunez at Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League were all discussed on the Tifo football podcast. This episode of the Tifo football podcast is hosted by Joe Devine, features Jon Mackenzie, Kaya Kaynak & Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero and is produced by Steve Hankey. Join the Tifo Discord Server - https://discord.gg/VUW7CRzJ Angel Martinez / Stringer / Getty Images Europe via Getty Images 00:00 - hola! 03:05 - allegations of racism during Benfica vs Real Madrid match 12:44 - Real Madrid’s recent results on the pitch 23:35 - Squad refreshment for Real Madrid? 31:28 - A break 31:20 - Kaya’s screensaver & Joe’s delivery habits 34:00 - Curling! And the hog line 36:15 - Tifo’s Ring For Analysis 39:43 - A Barcelona blip 50:40 - Barcelona’s fascinating election 54:36 - Darwin Nunez’s Saudi situation 59:28 - Does moving to the Saudi league work out for players? 1:02:37 - Tifo Discord plug! More about pets… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Real Madrid’s 1-0 Champions League play-off first-leg win at Benfica on Tuesday night was overshadowed by alleged racist abuse suffered by goalscorer Vinicius Junior. Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Jay Harris and Dermot Corrigan to break down what happened, discuss the reaction and what might happen next. Host: Ayo Akinwolere Guests: Jay Harris, Dermot Corrigan Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Wednesday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you the latest from last night's UEFA Champions League action including the racism allegations in Lisbon, plus there is a look ahead to tonight's action and there is a Premier League game taking place between Wolves and Arsenal. Champions League fallout as Vinicius Junior accuses Gianluca Prestianni of racial abuse during Real Madrid’s win over Benfica in Lisbon. Reaction from Jose Mourinho and strong criticism from Spanish football expert Graham Hunter on Off The Ball Breakfast. A full round-up of Tuesday’s Champions League results, including Juventus’ heavy defeat to Galatasaray. Late drama in France as Paris Saint-Germain fight back to beat Monaco despite a brace from Folarin Balogun. Goals from Serhou Guirassy and Max Beier secure victory for Borussia Dortmund. A look ahead to tonight’s action as Newcastle United travel to face Qarabag, with Eddie Howe targeting more history. Other key ties previewed, including Inter’s trip to Bodo/Glimt and Atletico Madrid on the road at Club Brugge. Mikel Arteta addresses Arsenal’s growing warm-up injury concerns ahead of their clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers. Relegation battles in focus as Vitor Pereira begins his mission to keep Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. Championship and Scottish storylines covered, including play-off drama and discussion on who could succeed Martin O'Neill in the Celtic hot seat. Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Lars Sivertsen and Nicky Bandini as a brilliant Vinícius goal is overshadowed by alleged racist abuse at Real Madrid’s 1-0 win over Benfica. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod. Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FootballWeeklyPodcast

Man City Stumble Again, Madrid Win Big in UCL Manchester City suffered their second consecutive defeat in 2026 after suffering a shocking 3-1 loss against Bodo/Glimt. Meanwhile, Real Madrid seem to rediscover their winning ways as they hammered Monaco 6-0 in the Champions League’s Tuesday fixtures. Man City Stunned by Bodo/Glimt Following a disappointing derby […] The post Man City Stumble Again, Madrid Win Big in UCL appeared first on 1000Goals.com: Football Betting, Highlights, and More - Your Ultimate Destination for Exciting Football Action.

With you earlier than usual, it’s Jimbo, James Horncastle, Pol Ballus and some special guests for the first Euro pod of 2026. Ruben Amorim is sacked by Manchester United on Monday morning. James Horncastle knew it wouldn’t work. Laurie Whitwell tells us why it didn’t and what happens next. For the first time in 47 years, there’s a Paris derby in Ligue 1! And Strasbourg are losing their manager to Chelsea. Louis Vix from Canal + joins us to summarise the action from France. There are big wins for Barca in the derby at Espanyol and Real Madrid at home to Real Betis. But the Bernabeu still shower Vinicius Junior with boos. And the top three continue to match each other stride for stride in Serie A with another big away win for Napoli, with Antonio Conte turning night-club bouncer. Produced by Charlie Jones and Lucy Oliva RUNNING ORDER: • PART 1: Man United sack Amorim, with Laurie Whitwell (01.30) • PART 2a: Moment of the week(15.00) • PART 2b: La Liga update - Barca’s derby win and boos for Vini (20.00) • PART 3: Serie A latest - the top three all victorious (30.00) • PART 4: Ligue 1 with Louis Vix - the Paris derby and O’Neil in at Strasbourg (43.00) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Donovan 2026 promises to be a thrilling year of football with the 2026 FIFA World Cup the headline act. Stephen Donovan picks out 20...