Top News

Arsenal's Vini Jr transfer alternatives ranked

Deepa Krishnaswamy | July 30, 2026 7:18 AM CST

Arsenal's chase for Vinicius Junior always looked like a long shot. Over the weekend, a major revelation surfaced that the Gunners were “exploring” the chance of doing a deal for the Real Madrid superstar as they look to land a marquee left-wing signing, but at this point it appears those discussions are likely to amount to nothing. So where do they go from here?

Welbeck & Henderson?! Chelsea are RIGHT to target veterans

Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson could be about to give a whole new meaning to “the Chelsea Pensioners”. In a dramatic shift away from the youth-first recruitment model that has defined BlueCo’s rule since the 2022 takeover, Chelsea are astonishingly weighing up moves for both the 35-year-old striker and the 36-year-old midfielder this summer.

Infantino’s power play puts soccer’s soul for sale

Gianni Infantino’s decision to sell stakes in FIFA’s commercial rights is part of a troubling pattern that is stripping the soul from professional sports.

What next for Rashford as Man Utd run out of options?

It feels as if Marcus Rashford and Manchester United are back where they started. Both the player and the club would have been desperately hoping that Barcelona would take up what looked like a bargain £26 million ($35m) option to buy the forward after a productive loan spell in Catalunya in 2025-26, but, much to United’s disbelief and anger, they chose a different path. Rashford is now left in limbo at Old Trafford.

Chelsea's World Cup villain Enzo stuck in transfer limbo

Chelsea may have a problem on their hands when Enzo Fernandez returns from his post-World Cup break - both literally and figuratively. The midfielder and his outspoken agent have made it very clear that he wants to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, and after the ugly end to Argentina’s bid for glory in North America, Enzo is now expected to “explore his options”. The issue is that he may not have any.

BDO Power Rankings: Has Yamal done enough to usurp Kane?

With the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly presumably fading into the rearview mirror, the Ballon d’Or race has not felt this open for almost 20 years, with countless players now starting each season believing they can claim the most prestigious individual prize football has to offer. Ousmane Dembele emerged from a career blighted by injuries and inconsistency to win the Golden Ball in 2025, and he was again part of a crowded field of challengers in 2026.

10 wonderkids to watch as EPL clubs kick off pre-season

With the new Premier League season now less than a month away from starting on August 21, pre-season friendlies are about to move into full swing as most clubs travel across the globe in search of the best possible preparation for the 2026-27 campaign. However, because of the World Cup, several squads are far from full strength as those who reached the knockout rounds in North America enjoy some delayed time off, creating chances for others to push their case for bigger roles over the next 10 months.

10 biggest summer transfer sagas that still need resolving

With the World Cup over and pre-season friendlies beginning in earnest over the next week, it feels as though the new club season is racing towards us at a rather alarming pace. With that in mind, managers are becoming increasingly restless about transfers, with coaches across Europe eager to know which players they will and will not be able to call on in the weeks and months ahead.

20 NXGN wonderkids set to light up the 2030 World Cup

And just like that, it is over. After five-and-a-half weeks of relentless action, the 2026 World Cup is starting to slip into the rearview mirror, with the biggest international tournament in football history leaving behind a lifetime of memories while champions Spain continue their celebrations.

BREAKING NEWS

President of the French Federation: Infantino's project is worrying, and Europe is not against the rest of the world

After his departure from Al-Ahli: Saudi club moves to sign Riyad Mahrez for free

Milan deny Baresi death rumours

FIFA in an official statement: Embolo's sending-off was a correction of justice, and it met with the approval of the IFAB

Man Utd told to replace Lammens

Bellingham's father drops a bombshell: secret meeting to discuss Real Madrid exit

Kerkez: Iraola perfect for Liverpool

Infantino defends his new project: a democratic process, a golden opportunity, and not compulsory

CONCACAF expresses deep frustration over Infantino's World Cup idea

Fulham launch massive bid to sign Real Madrid striker Garcia

Infantino hears all the uproar around his bizarre World Cup plan and then comes up with a new statement

European football bodies call emergency meeting over FIFA investment plans

Archivo VAR: Embolo's sending-off was correct, and the IFAB statement was misinterpreted

Emergency meeting: the African Union intervenes in the crisis over FIFA's new project

A touching message from hospital: Barcelona target's first appearance after surgery

Team summaries

Barcelona's striker search has stalled after Bournemouth rejected two bids for Eli Junior Kroupi, while Frenkie de Jong faces a lengthy spell out with a knee ligament injury.

Vinicius Junior is set to stay at Real Madrid under Jose Mourinho, while a €120m deal for Yan Diomande reshapes the club's attack this summer.

Man Utd's summer rebuild gathers pace with four signings made, but Rashford's future and defensive fitness concerns loom over Carrick's preparations.

Liverpool are closing in on a deal for PSG winger Bradley Barcola as Mohamed Salah edges toward Besiktas, with Andoni Iraola managing defensive concerns on the US tour.

Arsenal's summer transfer push is intensifying, with advanced talks underway for Bruno Guimaraes while the Vinicius Junior pursuit appears to have stalled.

Enzo Maresca's Man City era is taking shape fast, with Gvardiol signing a new deal, Rodri's surgery confirmed as minor, and Stones heading to Inter.

Chelsea are reshaping their squad under Xabi Alonso, closing in on free transfers for Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck to add experience alongside record signing Morgan Rogers.

Tottenham's summer rebuild gathers pace with over £237m spent, but the Cristian Romero situation and Lucas Bergvall transfer saga add uncertainty to De Zerbi's project.

Your essential football briefing straight to your inbox

NXGN 2026

Video

🎥 | Man City confirm Maresca appointment

Manchester City have confirmed the appointment of Enzo Maresca on a three-year contract until 2029. The Premier League side confirmed the news on June 29, with former Chelsea boss Maresca returning to the Etihad Stadium to replace Pep Guardiola, having previously served as the Catalan's assistant back in 2022.

🎥 | David James on England, Liverpool, Alisson & more

From his early life and rise through the game to becoming Liverpool's first-choice goalkeeper, representing England on the international stage, and lifting the FA Cup with Portsmouth, David James reflects on the highs, the challenges and everything he learned along the way in the latest episode of the Beast Mode On Podcast.

🎥 | No Era Penal - a MUNDIAL film

MUNDIAL release No Era Penal, a film celebrating the magic and passion of Mexican football fandom. Taking the infamous “No Era Penal” (It wasn't a penalty) saying from the 2014 World Cup as a starting point, the film delves deep into Mexico's love for the game, the World Cup, and its elusive mission to reach La Quinto Partido, the fifth game of the World Cup. Featuring Raúl Jiménez, Miguel Herrera, Rey Mysterio and more, it's a wild, wild ride!

🎥 | EXCLUSIVE: José Mourinho on Madrid return, Messi & more

New Real Madrid head coach José Mourinho joins Adebayo Akinfenwa on the Beast Mode On Podcast as he exclusively discusses his sensational return to the Liga giants, the World Cup and whether England can finally end 60 years of hurt, and some of the joyous, and painful, experiences he's had in management to date. Mourinho also speaks openly about his time at Tottenham, and the controversial nature of his sacking just days before the League Cup final, among many other fascinating topics in a must-watch episode of the award-winning podcast.

🎥 | Anton Ferdinand on John Terry incident, West Ham & more

Former West Ham and Sunderland defender Anton Ferdinand joins Adebayo Akinfenwa on the latest episode of the Beast Mode On Podcast. The 41-year-old talks about his journey through professional football and the experiences that shaped him both on and off the pitch. From coming through the ranks with the Hammers and making his mark in the Premier League, Ferdinand looks back on the highs and challenges of life at the top level of the game.

Who will claim the 2026 Ballon d'Or?

Queens of football 👑

NWSL Power Ranks: Spirit find a way and Utah score four goals

Sam Kerr scores her first Gotham FC goal as the Bats draw Portland Thorns FC 2-2, while Sofia Cantore helps Washington Spirit beat Lindsey Heaps and Denver Summit FC 1-0. GOAL ranks all 16 NWSL teams in this week’s Power Rankings.

Hannah Hampton signs new contract at Chelsea

England international Hannah Hampton has committed her future to Chelsea by signing a new two-year contract with the Blues. The star goalkeeper's extension gives the club a major lift after a period of squad change and anxiety among the fans.

Transfer grades for the biggest women's deals of the summer

It is here. The 2026 summer transfer window has arrived and it promises to be an extremely eventful one in the women’s game, with several major stars on the move. Alexia Putellas, Georgia Stanway and Sam Kerr are just some of those who have already completed summer transfers, with plenty of rumours and reports of more to come and a few surprises likely as well.

Paralluelo completes blockbuster transfer to Lyonnes after Barcelona exit

Spain forward Salma Paralluelo has officially joined French giants OL Lyonnes on a four-year contract after leaving Barcelona. The 22-year-old free agent ends a brilliant four-year stay in Catalonia, where she won 14 major trophies, to begin her first career move outside Spain under former manager Jonatan Giraldez.

Barca reach agreement to sign Man City & Brazil star Kerolin

Barcelona have reached an agreement with Manchester City for the transfer of Kerolin in a deal that would make the Brazil international one of the most expensive players in the history of the women’s game. The two clubs have been negotiating for several weeks and, after Barca had two earlier bids rejected, a fee of €1.5m (£1.28m/$1.7m) has now been agreed.

Superstars of the future

Why Madrid broke women's world record to sign Swedish teen

Khadija Shaw is one of the best centre-forwards in the women’s game, if not the best. A winner of three straight Women’s Super League Golden Boots, and the scorer of more goals than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues since her move to Manchester City in 2021, it is no surprise that Chelsea were trying to bring her to west London as her contract neared expiry this summer. But as it became clear that the Blues were going to miss out on Shaw, it says a lot about Felicia Schroder that the Swedish teenager was next on their wish list.

Yamal & the NXGN wonderkids to watch at the World Cup

The World Cup is now only a few hours away, with teams currently making their final preparations for the tournament in North America. The stage is set for a whole host of players to become national heroes, including some of the most exciting young talents in the game today.

Bosnia's teen star set to shine at the World Cup

As 40-year-old Edin Dzeko moves into the final twilight of his career, Bosnian football has a new possible superstar to lead it forward. Kerim Alajbegovic had not even been born when the respected striker made his international debut 19 years ago, but the pair are set to carry their country’s hopes at the 2026 World Cup in North America this summer.

Why City, Barca & more want Palmeiras' next teenage star

At Palmeiras, Endrick, Estevao, Luis Gulherme, Vitor Reis and Luighi became known as “The Billion Generation” - a reference to the massive amount of money four hugely gifted players were expected to bring in for the Brazil club. However, it now feels as if another name should be added to that celebrated list of outstanding academy graduates, that of Eduardo Conceicao.

Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame: How Shevchenko became a Milan legend

For a certain generation of AC Milan fans, especially those who grew up in the early 2000s, one name stands above all others. Andriy Shevchenko blended technical quality with ruthless finishing to become one of the finest strikers the game has ever seen, a Ballon d’Or winner and a deserving addition to GOAL’s Hall of Fame...

Hall of Fame: How Platini became 'The King'

Michel Platini is without doubt one of the greatest footballers of all time. Playmaker, creator, scorer: Platini was a complete footballer, able to leave a lasting mark on world football between the late 1970s and the mid-1980s. He was the perfect No.10, capturing the true meaning of the shirt number then and now.

Hall of Fame: Roberto Carlos - the greatest full-back in history

By redefining the full-back role 30 years ago, Roberto Carlos unquestionably set the standard. A tactical genius and a physical powerhouse, the Real Madrid and Brazil icon won countless trophies at club and international level, while also contributing huge numbers of goals and assists. No one from the past, present or future can ever claim to match him - he was that special.

Hall of Fame: Why Beckham is such an underrated player

One of the best midfielders of his generation, perhaps the greatest crosser of a football ever and a free-kick specialist to rival the best the game has produced, David Beckham was a special player without question. Yet because of his impact away from the pitch, one of the sport’s great icons of the past 30 years is often overlooked when people talk about the true legends of the game.

Rebel United

“Public Enemy Number One”: How Stefan Effenberg sabotaged his once-promising DFB career

Stefan Effenberg was once regarded as German football’s greatest hope. But instead of turning his huge talent into a glittering career, he infamously raised his middle finger to supporters and was shown the door by the DFB during the 1994 World Cup. Arguments with teammates, an affair with a teammate’s wife, drink-driving convictions and an autobiography packed with erotic photos and spelling mistakes only deepened his rebellious image. This is Part 14 of our Rebel United series.

He made the professionals richer, yet he can no longer afford an ice cream himself

The Bosman ruling changed football forever in 1995. It shifted power in favour of the players and sped up the professionalisation of the sport. Yet very few remember the player whose case led to this landmark judgment. Part 13 of our Rebel United series.

“We implore you”: The Chelsea star who stopped a civil war

On the pitch, Didier Drogba was a firebrand; off it, he was a peacemaker. The long-serving Chelsea striker played a decisive role in the peace process in the Ivory Coast. Part 12 of our Rebel United series.

Rebel United: Zlatan 'arrived as king, left as a legend'

GOAL's Rebel United series focuses on players who prefer to swim against the tide, players such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic – an icon who did not just disrupt the system, but overpowered it...