Premier League representation is low when it comes to the 16 attacking players on this year’s Ballon d’Or shortlist. Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland are there but Cole Palmer, one of the nominees in 2025, is out after an injury-hit year and English football’s shift towards physicality and set pieces last … Read more
The furore over FIFA’s attempt to sell off the World Cup had only just died down when VAR controversies reared their ugly head in the opening weeks of the Premier League season. The demise of PSR appeared to offer temporary relief, yet those minded to celebrate its sudden obsolescence should be wary, EPL executives included. … Read more
There are many things for which Newcastle United supporters have Kevin Keegan to thank: escaping relegation to the third tier in 1992 and then promotion to the Premier League; Andy Cole; Albert’s chip; Faustino Asprilla; Champions League football; a 12-point lead over Manchester United; and a defiant blast against the dark arts of Alex Ferguson. … Read more
Available for 29 days John Bennett is joined by Mina Rzouki and Julien Laurens to assess the aftermath of the transfer window on Ligue 1 in France after many of its young stars departed for the Premier League. Julien also gives us the lowdown on Malick Fofana’s dramatic deadline day move to Sunderland. We’re also … Read more
The boy prophesied to be the next Frenkie de Jong made a mere 20 first-team appearances in the Eredivisie for Ajax before moving on to Newcastle United this summer. Sean Steur is 18. And once a credible Premier League club came calling, there was little the four-time European champions could do to hang on to … Read more
The Premier League’s transfer window is now closed, with various high-profile transfers being made in the dying embers of Tuesday’s deadline day. English top-flight clubs are still able to pursue free transfers, however, their window to purchase players is closed. Across the globe, various windows remain open, notably Saudi Arabia. The following football leagues remain … Read more
The business end of the annual Leagues Cup tournament between the best teams in MLS and their counterparts in Mexico’s Liga MX is here. The original field of 36 teams — 18 from each side of the Rio Grande — has been whittled down to eight, with the single-elimination quarterfinals kicking off on Tuesday before … Read more
First La Liga match: Alaves v Getafe, Saturday 15 August, 18:30 (BST) Jose Mourinho returning to Real Madrid 13 years after his first spell as manager ended was a reunion nobody saw coming. Many expected Real to dominate La Liga and the Champions League when they signed Kylian Mbappe in 2024, and while he has … Read more
The summer of soccer continues after the best World Cup ever. This time, select teams from Major League Soccer and their Liga MX counterparts will kick off the Leagues Cup in the latest edition of the tournament. Here’s what to know as 36 teams featuring star players like Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi square off in … Read more
This used to be a land of giants. This used to be a land where big men fought. This used to be a land where Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsène Wenger tussled, then José Mourinho joined the fray. This used to be a land where Jürgen Klopp made Pep Guardiola reconsider, and he changed his … Read more