AS World Cup

‎Anthony Gordon has wasted little time outlining his ambitions after sealing his move to FC Barcelona, with the England international making it clear that winning the Champions League is a major target during his spell in Spain. ‎ ‎The former Newcastle United F.C. winger completed his transfer to the Catalan side on a five-year deal reportedly valued at €80m (£69m). Following his arrival, Gordon visited the club museum, where he reflected on Barcelona’s rich European history and immediately set his sights on adding another continental title to the collection. ‎ Anthony Gordon outlines Champions League ambitions after joining Barcelona from Newcastle United. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎While standing in front of the five Champions League trophies displayed by the club, Gordon stated: "We need the sixth." ‎ ‎The 25-year-old later explained that he hopes to help Barcelona reclaim European glory during his time with the club, further underlining the ambition he carries in...

‎Joe Cole has called on Chelsea to make surprise moves for John Stones and Robert Lewandowski this summer, insisting the experienced duo could transform the atmosphere within the squad as a new era begins under Xabi Alonso. ‎ ‎Joe Cole urges Chelsea to sign John Stones and Robert Lewandowski to bring leadership and winning culture to Stamford Bridge. ‎Getty Images Sport (2) ‎The former Chelsea midfielder believes the Blues need proven winners to guide their talented young players after another disappointing Premier League campaign. According to Cole, Stones and Lewandowski would provide the leadership and mentality currently missing from the dressing room at Stamford Bridge. ‎ ‎Xabi Alonso set for Chelsea takeover ‎ ‎Chelsea are preparing for a fresh start with Xabi Alonso officially set to become the club’s new manager in July. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder has signed a four-year contract after being chosen to replace Liam Rosenior, whose spell in charge ...

‎Barcelona secured the La Liga title with a commanding 2-0 victory over Real Madrid in El Clasico, but much of the post-match attention shifted to Lamine Yamal after his sharp social media response reignited tensions with Jude Bellingham. ‎ ‎Lamine Yamal responds to Jude Bellingham after Barcelona’s 2-0 Clasico win secures La Liga title in a heated rivalry moment. ‎Getty Images Sport (2) ‎ ‎Shortly after the match, Yamal shared a video on his Instagram story showing himself celebrating Ferran Torres’ decisive goal from the stands. Alongside the clip, the 18-year-old added the caption “talk is cheap”, followed by several laughing emojis. ‎ ‎The phrase was not random, but a direct reference to earlier remarks made during the season’s heated exchanges between the two sides. Barcelona teammate Gavi further amplified the moment by reposting the story and adding a “talking” emoji, underlining the shared sentiment within the squad. ‎The tension between Yamal and Bellingham began a...

Memphis Depay has enjoyed a career filled with high-profile moves, major clubs, and international recognition, yet questions remain over whether the Dutch forward could have achieved even more at the highest level of European football. The former PSV Eindhoven star currently plays for Sport Club Corinthians Paulista in Brazil after previous spells with Manchester United, FC Barcelona, Olympique Lyonnais and Atletico Madrid. Although he has earned 108 appearances for the Netherlands national football team, he never truly became a dominant figure for Europe’s elite clubs. ‎ ‎Memphis Depay’s former coaches explain why the Dutch forward struggled to consistently shine at Europe’s top clubs. ‎Getty Images Sport (2) Memphis’ rise began in the Eredivisie, where his performances for PSV and Golden Boot-winning campaign convinced United to invest £25 million ($34m) in the attacker in 2015. Supporters at Old Trafford believed the talented winger could become one of the Premier League...

‎Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes Jérémy Doku has all the qualities needed to become one of football’s elite wingers after the Belgian’s recent burst of goalscoring form. ‎ ‎Doku has found the net in three successive matches, giving Manchester City an important attacking edge as they continue their pursuit of Arsenal in the closing weeks of the Premier League season. ‎ ‎Jeremy Doku’s recent scoring form has convinced Pep Guardiola he can become one of football’s elite wingers. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎After City defeated Brentford 3-0, Guardiola was questioned about whether Doku could eventually match the standards set by Vinícius Júnior and Lamine Yamal. ‎ ‎"Yeah, for sure," said Guardiola. "And always accept being pushed. Always accept that. And that is so nice. We are really pleased. Now he is winning games. But he has always been really, really good." ‎ ‎The Spanish coach also humorously remarked that managers are often praised when play...

‎Marcus Rashford delivered a defining Clasico performance for FC Barcelona, scoring a brilliant free-kick in a 2-0 win over Real Madrid that secured the La Liga title. ‎ ‎The Manchester United loanee etched his name into Barcelona history, becoming the first English player in 41 years to win Spain’s top flight and the first Blaugrana player to score a direct free-kick in El Clasico since Lionel Messi in 2012. ‎ ‎Rashford’s Clasico heroics secure La Liga for Barcelona, but the Man Utd loanee admits uncertainty over his future. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Historic Clasico Moment ‎ ‎Rashford’s goal came after a moment of hesitation, as he later explained that he initially considered crossing the ball instead of shooting. ‎ ‎"No, I wasn't going to shoot," he told reporters in the mixed zone. "I wasn't going to shoot... because when I put the ball down I didn't see the angles. I didn't feel confident it was going to be a goal, so I was going to cross. ...

‎Marcus Rashford’s impressive loan spell at Barcelona has triggered serious discussions about a permanent transfer after the forward helped guide the club to a Liga title. The Manchester United loanee has become a key figure in the Catalan side’s success, with his performances drawing strong reactions from former manager Ronald Koeman. ‎Koeman insists Barcelona must sign Rashford permanently after title win, calling £30m fee too cheap to ignore. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Barcelona Urged to Act on £30m Option ‎ ‎Despite Rashford’s success, Barcelona have yet to activate the £30 million (€35m) purchase clause in his loan agreement. Reports suggest the club is attempting to negotiate a reduced fee, but Koeman believes hesitation could prove costly. ‎ ‎The former Barcelona manager argues that Rashford’s impact and adaptation to Spanish football make him an essential long-term signing. ‎ ‎“If Barcelona lets him return to Manchester United after this loan, I think they will reg...

Robert Lewandowski has admitted he could consider a move to a “lower league” if he leaves FC Barcelona this summer, as uncertainty grows around his future at the club. The Polish striker, who recently celebrated winning his second consecutive La Liga title with Barcelona, is approaching the final stages of his current contract. Reports have linked him with a potential move to Major League Soccer (MLS), with clubs such as the Chicago Fire mentioned as possible destinations. ‎ ‎Lewandowski considers lower-league or MLS move as Barcelona contract nears end and future decisions remain open. ‎Getty Images Sport  Lower League Possibility on the Table During Barcelona’s title celebrations following their win over Real Madrid, Lewandowski acknowledged that a new chapter in a less demanding competition could be possible. Speaking to Polish television channel Eleven Sports, he explained: "There could be an option in a lower league. I'm almost 38, but I feel good physically, ...

‎João Cancelo etched his name into football history after FC Barcelona defeated Real Madrid CF 2-0 to clinch the La Liga title in dramatic fashion. ‎ ‎The Portuguese defender achieved a milestone no other footballer has managed before, as Barcelona celebrated another league triumph at the Camp Nou. ‎ João Cancelo becomes the first footballer to win league titles in four of Europe’s top five leagues after Barcelona’s La Liga triumph. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎Barcelona Clinch Historic El Clasico Title Victory ‎ ‎Barcelona wrapped up the Spanish league crown with victory over their fiercest rivals in Sunday night’s El Clasico. The result marked a historic moment for the Catalan giants, who secured La Liga directly against Real Madrid for the first time. ‎ ‎Heading into the 35th match of the season, Barcelona only needed to avoid defeat, holding an 11-point advantage over Alvaro Arbeloa’s side. However, Hansi Flick’s team ensured there would be no tension by delivering another...

‎Lionel Messi has placed Lamine Yamal firmly at the centre of football’s future, describing the Barcelona youngster as the player who stands out above all others. Speaking at an Adidas event, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner expressed total confidence in the teenager’s rise. ‎ ‎At an Adidas event, Lionel Messi praised Lamine Yamal as his natural heir, calling the Barcelona teenager the best in world football with a huge future. ‎Getty Images Sport (2) ‎ ‎Messi explained that while many young players are emerging, Yamal is the one he would choose without hesitation. He stated that based on what the winger has already achieved and what lies ahead, there is no uncertainty in his mind that the Barcelona talent is currently the best. ‎ ‎The Spanish club’s prodigy, developed at La Masia, has already taken on enormous responsibility at Camp Nou, including wearing the iconic No.10 shirt once associated with Messi himself. His rapid development has drawn constant comparisons wi...

‎Barcelona have officially moved into the race to secure Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United as they look to reinforce their attacking options ahead of the summer window. The Catalan side are prioritising the addition of a pacey winger, with sporting director Deco already initiating contact with the player’s camp in Catalonia. However, Bayern Munich remain firmly in contention. ‎ ‎Barcelona step up interest in Anthony Gordon as Deco meets his agents, but Bayern Munich remain strong contenders in the race for the Newcastle winger. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Recent developments reported by RAC1 indicate that Barcelona’s recruitment focus has shifted toward Tyneside. Deco, accompanied by Bojan Krkic, held discussions at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper with representatives Will Salthouse and Adam Dugdale from Unique Sports. ‎ ‎The English winger has become a key objective for Barcelona after months of evaluating forwards suited to their tactical approach. His performances th...

Criticism directed at Kylian Mbappe in Spain has prompted a strong response from his representatives, who have defended the Real Madrid forward’s behavior during his injury recovery period. The controversy followed his trip to Sardinia while sidelined, which drew attention ahead of a pivotal La Liga meeting with Barcelona. ‎ Mbappe’s representatives and Real Madrid defend his recovery routine after Sardinia trip criticism, as uncertainty remains over his return for Barcelona clash. ‎ Getty Images Sport  Mbappe was in the process of recovering from a muscle injury when he traveled, a period that overlapped with Madrid’s 2-0 win against Espanyol. His absence from the squad led to questions about his professionalism, particularly regarding the timing of the trip alongside his partner. His entourage, however, has dismissed such concerns, insisting that the situation has been misinterpreted. In comments shared via AFP and reported by Marca, his representatives clarified that...

‎Barcelona may soon be confronted with a crucial transfer decision as clubs from the Saudi Pro League prepare a potential offer exceeding €90 million for Raphinha. While the financial package could prove tempting, the Brazilian forward remains committed to continuing his career in Spain, leaving the club to carefully consider its priorities. ‎ Barcelona could receive a €90m Saudi Pro League bid for Raphinha, forcing a difficult choice between keeping a key player and easing financial pressure. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎According to Marca, teams in Saudi Arabia are ready to challenge Barcelona with a significant proposal that could surpass €90 million (£77m). The deal is also expected to include a highly attractive personal contract that would outmatch Raphinha’s current earnings in Catalonia. Despite the growing speculation, the 29-year-old is not seeking a move, particularly after extending his contract with Barcelona until 2028 in May 2025. ‎ ‎On the pitch, Raphinha has b...

Marcus Rashford’s spell with Manchester United appears to be nearing its conclusion, with former striker Louis Saha indicating that the England international no longer has a place at Old Trafford. Even if FC Barcelona decide not to activate the £26 million ($35m) purchase clause, a return to Manchester seems improbable for the 28-year-old. ‎ ‎Marcus Rashford’s Manchester United future looks over as Barcelona hesitate on a £26m deal, with Louis Saha suggesting the England star is unlikely to return. ‎Getty Images Sport  Currently spending the 2025–26 season on loan in Spain, Rashford is widely expected to secure a permanent move elsewhere during the next transfer window. His journey at Manchester United began as a standout academy graduate, breaking into the first team under Louis van Gaal in February 2016 at just 18 years old. That same year, he made headlines by becoming England’s youngest debut scorer before earning a spot in the national squad for the European Champi...

A second loan spell for Marcus Rashford is now under discussion as Barcelona engage with Manchester United to extend his stay. The development comes after Hansi Flick approved the idea, reshaping earlier expectations that the player would return to England. ‎ Marcus Rashford could remain at Barcelona as talks with Manchester United focus on a second loan, following Hansi Flick’s approval and budget concerns. ‎Getty Images Sport  The Spanish side had initially included a €30 million purchase option in the agreement but are unwilling to activate it. Budget restrictions have instead pushed the club toward securing another temporary deal. Shift in plans after earlier uncertainty Speculation had pointed toward Rashford leaving Spain at the end of his current loan, especially as his role became less prominent in recent months. However, Flick’s support has prompted a reassessment, with the coach still seeing value in the forward’s qualities. Rashford contributed significantly ...

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has issued a positive update on Lamine Yamal after confirming the young winger will not feature again this domestic season. The 18-year-old sustained a hamstring problem during the midweek La Liga victory over Celta Vigo, forcing him out of the club’s remaining fixtures. ‎ ‎Hansi Flick confirms Lamine Yamal will miss Barcelona’s final games but expects the teenager to recover in time for Spain’s 2026 World Cup. ‎Getty Images Sport  Speaking ahead of Barcelona’s upcoming clash with Getafe, Flick clarified that Yamal’s campaign is over, with six league matches still to play. The teenager had made a decisive impact in the win over Celta Vigo, converting the winning penalty before being substituted due to discomfort. Despite the setback, Flick moved to ease concerns about the player’s long-term fitness. The Barcelona coach stressed that a cautious recovery plan is being followed to safeguard Yamal’s future, especially given his age and growing ...

‎Sergio Aguero has delivered glowing praise for Lamine Yamal, suggesting the Barcelona wonderkid is already operating at a level that surpasses nearly every player in world football, with only one major exception standing out. ‎ ‎The former Manchester City striker and Barcelona figure believes the teenager possesses a rare quality that has not been seen at Camp Nou since Lionel Messi left, highlighting his extraordinary rise at such an early stage. ‎ ‎Lamine Yamal earns high praise from Sergio Aguero, who compares his talent to Messi and ranks him above most stars, with Mbappe as main rival in football. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Speaking to Stake, Aguero expressed his admiration, saying: "There are many people who make different comparisons, but as a player, and based on my experience in football, he is one who is as good as the very best. Having good and bad games is normal - I want everyone to go and watch him. The movements, the passes, the dribbling, the agility he h...

Barcelona have taken further action by filing a new complaint with UEFA following their Champions League quarter-final elimination against Atletico Madrid. The Spanish side, who lost 3-2 on aggregate, remain deeply dissatisfied with officiating decisions across both matches. ‎ ‎Barcelona submit a second UEFA complaint over refereeing and VAR decisions in their Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid, citing major impact. ‎Getty Images Sport  This latest submission comes shortly after their initial protest, highlighting continued frustration with referees and VAR interventions. The club insists that multiple calls during both legs were mishandled and significantly influenced the outcome. Club president Joan Laporta voiced strong criticism, describing the officiating as unacceptable. Speaking publicly, he pointed to several contentious moments, including Pau Cubarsi’s red card, a suspected handball by Marc Pubill, Eric Garcia’s dismissal, a possible penalty involving D...

‎The fallout from Barcelona’s Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid has brought sharp criticism, with Christophe Dugarry delivering a strong verdict on Lamine Yamal. ‎ ‎Appearing on RMC Sport, the former striker did not hold back in his assessment. He challenged the young winger’s recent displays and public confidence, arguing that such a profile must be justified by consistent success on the pitch. ‎ ‎After Barcelona’s Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid, Christophe Dugarry criticises Lamine Yamal’s level, mindset, and overall impact. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎While Yamal opened the scoring early in the decisive quarter-final clash, Dugarry insisted that his influence quickly faded when it mattered most. He dismissed suggestions that the teenager belongs among football’s top-tier talents, pointing instead to players like Ousmane Dembele at Paris Saint-Germain as a benchmark he has not yet reached. ‎ ‎According to Dugarry, the forward’s moment came and passed with...

‎Lionel Scaloni has unveiled Argentina’s tactical approach to neutralize Lamine Yamal in the upcoming La Finalissima clash against Spain in Qatar. The European champions will face the Copa America winners next month in the pre-World Cup showdown, often viewed as the national team counterpart to the old Intercontinental Cup. For Yamal, it will be a first-time meeting with Lionel Messi on the international stage. ‎ Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni reveals his plan to contain teenage sensation Lamine Yamal as Spain prepare to face Argentina in the La Finalissima in Qatar. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Argentina enter the match as reigning champions after a commanding 3-0 win over Italy at Wembley in 2022, with goals from Lautaro Martinez, Angel Di Maria, and Paulo Dybala. The next edition, originally scheduled for last year, is now confirmed for March in Qatar. ‎ ‎Much attention is on how Argentina plans to curb the threat of Barcelona’s teenage winger. Yamal, only 18, has quickly...