Football News

Anthony Gordon to Arsenal 'preference' forces Eddie Howe to speak out on Newcastle transfer

Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon continues to be linked with a move to Arsenal this summer

Behdad Eghbali lifts lid on Chelsea transfer plans and makes Enzo Maresca admission

Rarely does Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali speak in the public domain but he did on Thursday evening, where he spoke about the club's transfer plans and much more

Manchester United report: Andoni Iraola’s first signings revealed, as Red Devils plot future

Arsenal learn of Man City injury blow for title clash that will force Pep Guardiola's hand

Arsenal make the trip to Manchester City in a Premier League title showdown on Sunday and the Gunners have learnt about an injury blow to Pep Guardiola's side

Chelsea knew Alejandro Garnacho’s exact intentions months before summer window

Alejandro Garnacho's agent reportedly visited Stamford Bridge months before the Argentinian left Manchester United for Chelsea last summer, but his future with the Blues is now uncertain

Is Mohammed Kudus injured? Tottenham Hotspur injury latest amid crucial relegation battle

Mohammed Kudus was not available to Roberto De Zerbi for his first Spurs game in charge

Guardiola ready to benefit as fellow Cruyff disciple Arteta strays from path

Manchester City and Arsenal managers were both schooled in the expansive Barça tradition but the latter opting for caution could be his team’s undoing When Pep Guardiola was preparing for the challenge of taking on Jürgen Klopp’s peak Liverpool team at Anfield in February 2021, training that week at Manchester City was a little different, according to Oleksandr Zinchenko. Guardiola’s instructions seemed counterintuitive. “Guys, let’s start from the goal-kick, I want you to make at least three or four touches on the ball,” the manager told them. “Most of the teams come to Anfield and shit themselves. They want to play one touch, two touch. ‘Oh, don’t give me the ball! Oh you take it!’ But you have to play with big balls at Anfield! Big balls! ‘Give me the ball!’ Demand it! If you need to dribble past two or three players, do it. But play football. I want you to play football.” Zinchenko recalls that Guardiola made the same speech before they walked out at Anfield. “Teams coming here are scared. They play one or two touches, and that’s what Liverpool like, because they get the ball back so quickly. I want you to be brave. Play your football!” as Zinchenko puts it in his autobiography, Believe. Admittedly that game came in the midst of City’s record-breaking 21-game winning run that season but was also Guardiola’s first win at Anfield , so not dissimilar to the title showdown at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday with Arsenal. Continue reading...

Roberto De Zerbi is a tactician but the Spurs job is about giving players belief

Friday Football Quiz, episode 111: Can you get 20 correct answers?

Here's your sign that you're in for a good weekend

Chelsea line-ups for Man Utd as Garnacho decision made and Estevao disagreement reached

Chelsea take on Manchester United in the Premier League this weekend in a hugely significant match for the Blues as Liam Rosenior faces some really tough decisions

Antoine Semenyo explains Man City squad's view on Arsenal's dip in form

Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo believes now is the perfect time to face Arsenal, with the Gunners having suffered a dip in form ahead of Sunday's crucial Premier League title decider at the Etihad

Xavi, Tel and Bissouma start - The Tottenham team Roberto De Zerbi must pick vs Brighton

We asked our Tottenham reporters Alasdair Gold and Ryan Taylor to name the team they would pick to face Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday

11 players could miss Chelsea vs Man Utd as Liam Rosenior gives injury update

How much will it cost to attend World Cup 2026 matches using public transport?

World Cup 2026 will be played in 16 stadiums across three countries and fans are already counting the cost of getting to matches

Three Arsenal changes for Man City if Mikel Arteta gets double injury boost

Arsenal travel to Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday as they seek to remain in control of the title race

Arsenal latest: Ian Wright and Thierry Henry agree as Martin Zubimendi explains struggles

Arsenal are in a fight to keep their Premier League title hopes alive, with Ian Wright and Thierry Henry demanding more

Reece James injury latest: Early Chelsea team news vs Manchester United reveals light at end of the tunnel

Reece James and injuries have sadly gone hand-in-hand throughout his Chelsea spell

Iran footballers granted asylum in Australia vow to continue chasing sporting dream

Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend

A seismic clash between City and Arsenal, Tottenham need leadership, and could Eddie Howe recall Yoane Wissa? Josh King learned of the difficulties that come with being a Premier League player at Liverpool on Sunday. The 19-year-old was withdrawn at the break after a tough first half at Anfield as Marco Silva wanted to change things when two goals down. It will be interesting to see how King reacts to the half-time hook when he is next called upon, whether he uses it as inspirational fuel or sees it as an undeserved irritation because he was not solely to blame for Fulham being behind. Silva will have a quandary over whether to start the youngster again or leave him stewing on the bench, offering a further reminder of what is required at the top level. King has impressed over the season and at this stage of a player’s development it is sometimes a good idea to see what lessons are learned from a challenging moment. Will Unwin Brentford v Fulham, Saturday 12.30pm (all times BST) Leeds v Wolves, Saturday 3pm Newcastle v Bournemouth, Saturday 3pm Tottenham v Brighton, Saturday 5.30pm Chelsea v Manchester United, Saturday 8pm Continue reading...

Crystal Palace hold off Fiorentina as Sarr powers Conference League dream

What a time it is to be a Crystal Palace supporter. Twelve months ago, the south London club was still waiting to win their first major trophy and even the most optimistic fan could never have imagined that they would be contesting the semi-final of a European competition. Despite a few anxious moments when a motivated Fiorentina team cut the deficit from last week’s 3-0 defeat in the first leg at Selhurst Park to just two goals with half an hour still to play, Oliver Glasner’s side showed their growing maturity at this level to progress to a last four showdown with Shakhtar Donetsk. While Palace made things far more uncomfortable for themselves after Ismaïla Sarr’s early header, even the loss of Adam Wharton and Maxence Lacroix to injuries before half-time could not knock them off their stride against opponents who have twice been beaten finalists in this competition and gave it their best shot. Continue reading...

Watkins breaks record as Aston Villa cruise past Bologna into all-English semi-final

Ollie Watkins kickstarted Aston ­Villa’s perfect evening as his 100th goal for the club enabled Unai Emery’s side to cruise into an all-English Europa League semi-final against ­Nottingham Forest. The England striker, seeking a late recall into Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad, tapped home in the 16th minute before goals from Emiliano Buendía and Morgan Rogers, making amends for a spurned penalty, put the tie to bed by half-time. Continue reading...

Arsenal icon David Seaman pays tribute to 'great friend' Alex Manninger after devastating death

Arsenal legend David Seaman has paid tribute to former team-mate Alex Manninger after the 48-year-old died in a road accident in Austria

Anthony Gordon 'transfer preference' suits Arsenal perfectly this summer in Liverpool blow

Ex-Arsenal director makes Andrea Berta transfer admission after Edu exit

Arsenal face a defining period in their history with the work done by Andrea Berta putting them in a position to win a first Premier League title since 2004

Arsenal star to be sold for just €30m, despite wanting to stay: report

Arsenal are set for another busy summer, and could have yet another rebuild

Under Armour launches stunning new World Cup 2026 boot worn by Spain's best players

Several stars of the game will wear the Shadow Elite 4 in North America this summer

From Burnley to Bayern: Kompany trains sights on PSG and European supremacy

Manager’s grounded attitude has helped the free-scoring German giants set up a tantalising Champions League showdown and de facto final If you thought that was good, wait until you have done it at Ewood Park. While everyone else struggled to compose themselves after watching a modern classic unfold between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, it was Vincent Kompany who supplied the cooling balm. He had just taken Bayern back to the Champions League semi-finals in scintillating fashion, another feat to justify the decision to take him from Burnley two years ago. Not many managers have breathed such rarefied air within days of turning 40. For Kompany, though, it sat snugly alongside the snappy Lancashire climate. “I remember we beat Blackburn twice with Burnley,” he said, having been asked whether Wednesday night marked a crowning achievement in his coaching career. “Nobody in this room will want to compare it with the game today, but it was amazing. I experienced so much as a player and that was incredible. For Bayern this game is an amazing feeling, but I don’t think you wait for Real Madrid to say ‘this is the best’. You have to get it from other things as well.” Continue reading...

Ethan Nwaneri facing nightmare amid Arsenal star's 'persistent impression' and financial clause

Noni Madueke injury update as Arsenal learn return chances for crucial Man City clash

Arsenal are waiting to discover if Noni Madueke will be available for the Premier League clash against Manchester City this weekend

How to watch Nottingham Forest vs FC Porto: Free streams & TV info as the Tricky Trees look to secure a Europa League semi-final, team news

Here's how to watch Nottingham Forest vs FC Porto in this crucial second leg Europa League quarter-final clash at the City Ground.

Tottenham injury updates and return dates - Maddison, Kulusevski, Vicario, Kudus and Romero

Tottenham Hotspur have just six matches remaining but they still have a lot of players yet to return to competitive action after injury

Moises Caicedo makes Chelsea transfer decision after recent comments

The latest on Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo, who is expected to commit his future to the Blues in the near future

Myles Lewis-Skelly issues perfect response to Arsenal starting XI call after Sporting game

Roberto De Zerbi pulls on Tottenham Hotspur emergency cord after nightmare start to tenure: report

The new Tottenham Hotspur boss is keen to improve morale

Chelsea fans have 'no trust' in owners as Supporters' Trust raise serious concerns ahead of protest

Chelsea Supporters Trust have penned a damning open letter to the club's hierarchy

Roberto De Zerbi splashes out on Tottenham team bonding night out as boss copies Igor Tudor

Tottenham Hotspur and Roberto De Zerbi have just six matches left to avoid relegation from the Premier League, and the Spurs boss is desperate to find a way to galvanise the squad

New Jersey governor hits out at Fifa over reported $100 World Cup train tickets: ‘They should pay’

Mikie Sherrill says taxpayers should not carry burden Costs at World Cup have come under increased scrutiny New Jersey’s governor, Mikie Sherrill, has hit out at Fifa after reports her state’s transport system will charge $100 for a return ticket to World Cup matches this summer. New Jersey Transit lists the price for a round-trip ticket from New York’s Penn Station to MetLife Stadium, which will host eight World Cup matches this summer, including the final, as $12.90. The new pricing, reported by The Athletic earlier this week , puts the return ticket at more than $100 with no reductions for children, seniors or people with disabilities. NJ Transit told Fox 5 New York that the price has not been finalized. A decision is expected in the coming days. Continue reading...

Football Daily | Bayern and Madrid produce a gourmand feast before the tantrums

Is Nico O'Reilly injured? Manchester City sweat on fitness of key defender ahead of Arsenal decider

Manchester City star Nico O'Reilly was substituted with an injury during last weekend's win over Chelsea

Alex Manninger has died at 48 - with his final interview a heartfelt reflection on his 'thrill' to play for Jurgen Klopp

Alex Manninger played for both Arsenal and Liverpool, along with Sienna, Juventus, Udinese and Augsburg

Ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger dies aged 48 after train collides with his car

Alex Manninger, the former Arsenal goalkeeper who helped the club win the Double in 1998, has died following a car accident in Austria

Champions League review: cunning Kane, PSG click into form and a bloodied pundit

The semi-finals are set after a dazzling meeting between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. But there was plenty more to talk about in the last eight Bayern Munich ’s thrilling 4-3 win over Real Madrid on Wednesday, which gave them a 6-4 victory on aggregate and set up a semi-final meeting with PSG, was a stone-cold classic. If either of the semis is as good as Real and Bayern’s quarter-final, this season will have been blessed. Arda Güler showed off his brilliance on Wednesday, first with his presence of mind after Manuel Neuer’s mistake led to the opening goal and again from a free-kick in the 29th minute. Güler’s goals gave Madrid hope, but Harry Kane made another difficult finish look routine before Luis Díaz and Michael Olise’s late goals settled the tie. Bayern’s wing wizards were crucial in defeating the 15-time champions. This game had it all. That includes controversy, with a post-match scuffle set off by Madrid players enraged by Eduardo Camavinga’s dismissal for two quickfire yellow cards. Neuer, the hero of the first leg, had his blushes saved by his Bayern teammates, though one save from Kylian Mbappé was him at his best, combining reflexes with brute strength. Fine margins decided a battle of the giants. Continue reading...

Chaos and controversy: Bayern Munich v Real Madrid was an instant classic: Football Weekly Extra – podcast

Palestine FA officials denied entry to Canada for Fifa pre-World Cup meeting

Three officials have had applications for visas rejected Fifa Congress will take place in Vancouver on 30 April Officials from the Palestine Football Association have been denied entry to Canada ahead of a pre-World Cup meeting of Fifa’s member associations to be held in Vancouver this month. Three officials have had applications for visas to enter Canada rejected, with the association subsequently asking Fifa to intervene with immigration authorities on their behalf. It comes amid concerns over the ability of some nations to travel freely to this summer’s 48-team tournament, which will be held across the US, Canada and Mexico. Continue reading...

Every word Liam Rosenior said on if Enzo Fernandez will return, Chelsea fan protest and Man Utd

Every word Liam Rosenior just said on Chelsea's Premier League fixture with Manchester United on Saturday evening, the latest injury news and Enzo Fernandez's return to action

Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva confirms he will leave club at end of season

31-year-old has been at club for nine years Portuguese says he will be ‘a City supporter for life’ Bernardo Silva has confirmed he will leave Manchester City in May, with the captain saying he cherishes the legacy he has helped build in nine years at the club, winning the 2022-23 treble and a record four consecutive league titles. Silva joined City from Monaco in July 2017 for £43.5m and has been a key member of the generational success of Pep Guardiola’s team, winning six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups, the Champions League and a Fifa Club World Cup. Including the Community Shield and Uefa Super Cup, the Portuguese has 19 honours with City. Continue reading...

Paul Scholes leaves Gary Neville gobsmacked with Man City vs Arsenal prediction

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal are chasing their first Premier League title in 22 years and both Paul Scholes and Gary Neville have had their say on Sunday's game against Man City

Declan Rice fires Man City Premier League title warning following Arsenal talks

‘Is Spanish dominance in Europe coming to an end?’ – Sid Lowe answered your football questions

Sid Lowe is our Spanish football correspondent and has been covering an increasingly busy beat for years. He answered your questions on everything from the Champions League to La Liga … and lookalikes trollercoaster asks : Why have so many Spanish clubs competing in the Champions League or European Cup been relegated? It happened with Real Betis and with Villarreal. We have seen leading Spanish clubs fall to the second division and even to lower leagues, see Deportivo. Sid: There are lots of elements at play here, and they are not all the same going back over time, as the structure of Spanish football has changed (collective TV deal, etc), while some clubs had their own specific issues (Depor’s success, built on money they didn’t really have, was what brought their fall, for example). The short-term reason for some teams – look at Athletic this season, for example – is that they don’t always have the resources for both competitions. There’s definitely a financial component to it. Villarreal’s relegation in 2012 was baffling but internally they had overspent – which is unlike them, a stable and financially strong club – although they did learn from that. Look at the second division now and it is full of massive clubs (historically). Zaragoza are the really clear example … Sporting, Málaga, Depor, similar with Oviedo until last summer. Often laden with debt, often unready for the sudden fall off of income, etc … I don’t know … I’m not sure that I feel that the people I bigged up (early) have started suffering better fates … have they? It might not have been that bad before. Or maybe it was, ha. There’s a related issue here, actually, which is part of the daily battle … most pieces are on-demand, so to speak, (the desk asks about an issue or I suggest an issue or whatever), but on Mondays, the regular column linked to the weekend games, I more or less write what I want (over a 38-week season there might be three or four weeks when the desk suggests/wants a certain topic and I’m not totally mad: if it’s clásico weekend then very likely that will be the focus). Which is why you get Leganés or Levante. Continue reading...

Is Bukayo Saka injured this weekend? Arsenal talisman fitness latest after end-of-season rumours

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has not been involved for the Gunners in recent weeks

Women's Football Quiz, episode 3: Shock call-ups and qualifying groups

Test your women's football knowledge, with our current affairs challenge

Get to a Premier League game this weekend! Secure your seat now with last-minute deals still available for title decider and Merseyside derby

It's a huge weekend in the Premier League this weekend with meaningful games up and down the division

EFL implored to help Sheffield Wednesday to avoid yet another points deduction in League One

Piteå IF feel the pinch as Swedish football’s outlier: ‘It’s an impossible puzzle’

Thirteen of the Damallsvenskan’s 14 teams are based in the south. For Piteå IF, rising costs are now the priority Piteå IF are entering their 17th season as a top-division side in Sweden’s Damallsvenskan, but the challenge for them is getting tougher and tougher every year. And it is not a small budget compared to clubs such as Hammarby and Häcken who have, in recent years, been able to rely on the support of major men’s club, or the rejuvenated Malmö FF side, but geographical issues which have put a strain on club finances. Continue reading...

Max Dowman could start in Arsenal's Premier League title decider with Manchester City

Arsenal's breakout teenager could be set to play in his biggest game yet

Bournemouth close to agreeing deal for Andoni Iraola replacement: report

Bournemouth are planning for life without Andoni Iraola and are reportedly closing in on his replacement

Andoni Iraola pulled Bournemouth out of Howe’s shadow and toward a stable, hopeful future | Jeff Rueter

The manager, set to depart after this season, transformed the Cherries into a legitimate talent factory and one of the Premier League’s most entertaining sides The walls of the Emirates could hardly contain Andoni Iraola’s beaming grin. As he crossed the touchline last Saturday after Bournemouth’s 2-1 win , his stride wasn’t one of rushing disbelief. He applauded the away support in between tousles of his charges’ heads and slaps on their sweat-soaked backs. The coach knew his side had completely outplayed the league leaders for their third win in four against Arsenal. This wasn’t a Bournemouth upset of old. It was further evidence that these arenas have never been more welcoming to the Cherries – and are the sites that Iraola is ready to call his next home . Continue reading...

Ticket to ride? Fifa premium makes this the World Cup that actively hates you | Jonathan Liew

FA opens investigation into alleged breach of betting regulations by Kettering manager

Allegations relate to Liam McDonald’s time at Redditch They include a claim that he bet against his own team The Football Association has opened an investigation into allegations of a breach of betting regulations by the Kettering Town manager, Liam McDonald. The allegations are understood to be historic and relate to McDonald’s time as manager of Redditch a decade ago. They include a claim that he bet against his own team. The FA’s betting rules enforce a strict ban on any participants in the game from Step 4 upwards placing any bets on football anywhere in the world. Continue reading...

Quiz! Can you name every club to have knocked an English team out of Europe?

We're looking for those who smashed the best of British… including Premocide itself

Barcelona teenager and Lamine Yamal's partner-in-crime set for major summer role 'The Boy's A Bit Special'

Pau Cubarsi promises to be one of the standout young players at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Quickfire Quiz 99: Can you answer 10 questions in 90 seconds?

Ce n'est pas aussi facile qu'il n'y parait... 90 seconds on the clock once again

How to watch Newcastle United live streams from anywhere

Arsenal are painful to watch but maybe this is just how you win things | Barney Ronay

The crowd were getting anxious and players are either missing or off form but they have still reached the Champions League semi-finals And so I am become a meme. Towards the end of this game, already booked for standing on the edge of the pitch whirling his arms in a balletic, immaculately groomed pose of horror, like an oversized wedding cake figurine at the world’s most distressing wedding, Mikel Arteta could be seen pulling his jumper up over his eyes to obscure the spectacle in front of him. Not so fast, Mikel. We’re all in this together you know. At the final whistle, with a controlled, job-done 0-0 safely in the bag, Arteta could be seen striding out in front of the post-match column of Arsenal players, conducting the crowd, an urgent, compact, dark-haired figure with, from a distance, something of the business-casual Tom Cruise about him. Continue reading...

Kylian Mbappe could end huge contract and spark bidding war... not the one you might imagine

Kylian Mbappe is on the brink of ending his long-time contract with Nike, prompting pursuits from Adidas and Under Armour

What is the highest points total for a relegated team in Premier League history?

The Premier League relegation fight is hotting up and it looks like a high points total could be needed for survival

Why Mary Earps being honoured at Wembley was important to close the Lionesses saga

A long-awaited tribute helped bring closure to one of the most talked-about sagas in Lionesses history

How to watch Arsenal vs Sporting CP: Free streams, TV coverage as the Gunners hunt a Champions League semi-final spot, team news

Manchester City battle Arsenal for €100m-rated Brazilian wonderkid: report

Manchester City are advancing towards making a concrete offer for an Arsenal target, with interest also present from Liverpool and Chelsea

Liverpool given green light for €50m release clause buy: report

Liverpool have been given a firm deadline to trigger the exclusive release clause of their defensive target

How Spain’s loss to England means the world champions could miss out on the 2027 World Cup

With only the team finishing top of the group gaining automatic qualification to the World Cup, could Spain miss out on Brazil 2027?

Slot’s misplaced positivity does not tally with harsh reality of Liverpool’s season | Andy Hunter

Return of Alexander Isak is all well and good, but it will not redeem a season of sustained underperformance “The failure is big,” said Ryan Gravenberch as he digested the Champions League defeat by Paris Saint-Germain that ensured Liverpool’s season will finish trophyless. It was a more appropriate description of the team’s plight than Arne Slot’s insistence the future looks bright and a reality the head coach cannot avoid whether Champions League qualification for next season is secured or not. As it must be. Failure is unthinkable for a club whose business model depends on its lucrative revenue streams and a team that 12 months ago was about to win the Premier League title at a canter and then remodelled to the tune of almost £450m. With the top five all qualifying, Chelsea fading from the conversation under Liam Rosenior and a five-point advantage over Brentford and Everton with six games to play, it would be a humiliating final blow for Liverpool to miss out. Slot’s defence for getting a third season to manage Liverpool’s transition would be holed. Continue reading...

Leicester could mark 10-year anniversary of Premier League title in the worst possible way

Race for World Cup places is on and fringe Lionesses have grabbed their chance | Tom Garry

England have a long way to go yet before booking flights to Brazil, but Esme Morgan, Lotte Wubben-Moy and Lucia Kendall impressed against Spain Everybody keep calm. England sit top of their qualifying group with a 100% record after beating Spain , but there remains a very long way to go before anyone can start booking flights to Brazil for 2027. Let us cast aside that sensible advice, though, and begin to look at the players who enhanced their prospects of selection because, whether England continue this winning streak or not, their target is to win a first world title and there is no hiding from that challenge. So who has staked a claim? Of those who started at Wembley on Tuesday, eight look nailed on to be in the first-choice XI for the World Cup. That octet of Hannah Hampton, Lucy Bronze, Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, Lauren Hemp, Lauren James and Alessia Russo will be central to Sarina Wiegman’s plans for Brazil, together with senior players such as Leah Williamson and Ella Toone when they return after injuries, plus the “clutch moment” saviour that is Chloe Kelly, who was on the bench. Continue reading...

How to watch You Don't Know Where I'm From Dawg — stream Clint Dempsey doc from anywhere

Here's how to watch You Don't Know Where I'm From Dawg online from anywhere as Paramount+ dig into Clint Dempsey's journey from his Texas upbringing to Premier League star.

Arsenal move for Tino Livramento takes a step closer following Newcastle talks: report

Arsenal’s pursuit of Tino Livramento is picking up speed as Newcastle weigh up a concrete move for his replacement

Lionesses mark 500th game with special shirt

England Women will celebrate their 500th international with a commemorative shirt and celebrations honouring past and present Lionesses

How to watch Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid for FREE: Live stream details for HUGE Champions League quarter-final 2nd leg, team news

Arsenal join race for Norwegian wonderkid who has already emulated Martin Odegaard: report

Arsenal have stepped up their interest in the teenager but face competition from a Premier League rival

A long-term plan with mixed results: how Matt Crocker’s US Soccer tenure stacked up

The US federation’s sporting director hired Mauricio Pochettino and Emma Hayes, but it’s too early to judge his larger impact Sign up for the World Behind The Cup newsletter Sporting directors live in the mid-to-long-term. While the coaches they hire and players they recruit have to deal with the highs and lows of week-to-week performance reviews, the executives watch on and make sure the project hasn’t veered off course. With a club, the rule of thumb is that it can take at least three transfer windows to start seeing tangible evidence of progress under a new sporting director. In international soccer, it often takes multiple cycles. Matt Crocker arrived at US Soccer in April 2023 pledging to guide the program into a brave new era while acknowledging that initiative would take time to actualize. As it turned out, he never game himself that time. US Soccer announced on Tuesday that Crocker was stepping down as sporting director , and he’s reportedly due to take up a similar position with Saudi Arabia. Continue reading...

Mo Salah’s Anfield Champions League farewell shows what Liverpool icon can no longer do

As Mohamed Salah waved to The Kop after Liverpool’s 2-0 defeat to PSG on Tuesday night it brought down the curtain on his Champions League career for the Reds

Who is Manchester United's best central defensive duo?

Manchester United have plenty of options defensively - but it's hard to know exactly who the first-choice centre-backs should be

Could we see 10 new managers in the Premier League next season!?

Pep Guardiola's Arsenal mind games revealed ahead of Manchester City title decider

This weekend the Premier League prepares for a title showdown that could shape the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign

Liverpool report: Ekitike set for nine month absence after horror Champions League injury

The Frenchman was stretchered off the pitch during last night’s Champions League clash

Newcastle United transfer target will leave Premier League club this summer: report

Brighton and Hove Albion are facing the prospect of losing one of their most vital defensive players this summer

‘I could wipe the floor with you, man’: the exhibition on female football fans’ experiences

Prof Stacey Pope’s showcase highlights how women have always been required to defend and justify their fandom “You can be the thickest bloke and you still think you know more about football than a woman,” reads a line from Newcastle fan named Jo around halfway into a new exhibition on women in football culture. “[They] say, ‘you don’t know what you’re talking about.’ Oh, I could wipe the floor with you, man, with my knowledge and how much I’ve been, how much I’ve seen.” “I love that quote,” smiles Prof Stacey Pope, a leading women’s football sociologist and creator of the Away From Home: The Untold Stories of Women Football Fans exhibition, alongside David Wright of Durham University’s museums, galleries and exhibitions Team. Continue reading...

David Squires on … the TikTok of the clock as Arsenal’s title charge falters

Iran releases assets of women’s football team captain in Australia asylum drama

Zahra Ghanbari had been on list of ‘traitors’ whose assets were frozen Latest move taken ‘following her change in behaviour’ Iran’s judiciary said on Monday authorities had released the assets of the captain of Iranian women’s football team which had been seized after she made and then withdrew an asylum claim in Australia last month. Zahra Ghanbari was among a group of six players and one backroom staff member who sought asylum in Australia in March after playing in the Women’s Asian Cup at the start of the Israeli-US war against the Islamic republic. Continue reading...

Why the World Cup should be decentralized | Leander Schaerlaeckens

Expansion and political influence have made soccer’s showpiece too big for one region to handle responsibly Sign up for the World Behind The Cup newsletter In retrospect, the 2018 World Cup in Russia looks like a gentle genuflection, a dainty little bow before its strongman leader. Vladimir Putin and his Russian project of gradual conquest were most definitely centered and validated eight years ago: the tournament showcased his nation and awarded its leader prominence of place. This summer, we will see something altogether different, as the runup to this edition of the world’s biggest and most popular sporting event has become a monument to Donald Trump. This is an extract from Soccer with Jonathan Wilson, a weekly look from the Guardian US at the game in Europe and beyond, helmed this week by Leander in Jonathan’s absence. Subscribe for free here. Have a question for Jonathan? Email soccerwithjw@theguardian.com , and he’ll answer the best in a future edition. Leander Schaerlaeckens is a Guardian US contributor whose book on the United States men’s national soccer team, The Long Game, is out on 12 May. You can preorder it here . He teaches at Marist University. Continue reading...

Premier League: 10 talking points from the weekend’s action

De Zerbi looks past Simons, Arsenal fans are not helping their team and Ngumoha can give PSG something to think about Football is such that, when you’re down, there’s a good chance the game boots you in the solar plexus, and that’s exactly what happened to Tottenham at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland’s winner coming by way of a deflection. But you can also take steps to help yourself and, though Roberto De Zerbi’s midfield setup made some sense – he picked three hard-runners in order to compete with Sunderland’s physicality – even pre-match, it wasn’t clear who would create their chances. It’s true that Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison and Mohammed Kudus are out injured, but in that context, it is surely even more important a place in the XI, whether in midfield or out wide, be found for Xavi Simons, left on the sidelines until the 85th minute. Simons is not perfect, but of the players De Zerbi has available he is the only one with the imagination and technique to make things happen. He may lack physicality, but what Spurs need more than anything is quality. Daniel Harris Match report: Sunderland 1-0 Tottenham Match report: Arsenal 1-2 Bournemouth Match report: Chelsea 0-3 Manchester City City improve in good weather, says Guardiola Continue reading...

Welcome to Pep in April – the serial title avenger with Arsenal in his sights | Barney Ronay

Manchester City’s unbeaten April record in the past four years bodes well for their end-of-season pursuit for glory “I have a particular set of skills. Skills I have acquired over a very long career. I may stumble a little in the autumn. I may get a little caustic with a TV camera crew or sarcastically applaud a referee. But I will pursue you. I will hunt you down. I will, in all likelihood, narrowly pip you to the line in an agonising title chase.” Welcome to Pep in April, the franchise. In which a furiously intense, bald, skinny man becomes a serial springtime league title avenger. At the finish of what was by the end a celebratory, one-hand-on-the-wheel 3-0 win at Stamford Bridg e, Manchester City’s record in April in the past four years reads: played 23, won 19, drawn four across all competitions. Continue reading...

Real talk: Chelsea punished Enzo Fernández for exposing project’s fatal flaw | Jonathan Wilson

Bournemouth expose Schrödinger’s Arsenal, a team that could be either dead or alive | Paul MacInnes

Mikel Arteta urged fans to bring ‘your lunch, bring your dinner’ but when the set pieces fail to fire his side are short of a full plate It was another one of those games where Arsenal had found it necessary to rouse the troops beforehand. Mikel Arteta, in his occasional, unusual jokey mode, had urged Arsenal fans to “bring your lunch, bring your dinner” and make this 12.30 kick-off an occasion. The players, meanwhile, had been training under the eye of a big screen broadcasting footage of Arsenal in happy, successful moments, presumably to encourage the creation of more. “Every game, we have to be there,” Arteta said. So were they? Continue reading...

Goodbye and thanks to Aaron Ramsey, a shoo-in for all-time Wales XI | Elis James

The retired midfielder’s absence for the semi-final of Euro 2016 was the great ‘what-if’ of Welsh football, but even so his brilliant career managed to transform a footballing public for ever If some footballers take time to reach their potential, others seem to be the finished article before they’re able to drive. A teenage Aaron Ramsey was firmly in the latter camp. After only 11 league starts for Cardiff he had made his international debut for Wales against Denmark, turned down Manchester United in favour of Arsenal, and given Cardiff fans one of the great what-ifs of their club’s modern age after Dave Jones chose not to start him in the 2008 FA Cup final against Portsmouth, with Ramsey being the tender age of 17. Success-starved supporters who should know better will pin their hopes on to the narrowest of young shoulders and yet it all seemed so easy for the teenager from Caerphilly who was captain of his country by the age of 20, would go on to play in a World Cup and two European Championships, and this week retired as an icon of the Welsh game. Continue reading...

American Samoa’s Women’s World Cup fairytale takes them from ‘underdog to dark horse’

Alma Mana’o, the captain, reflects on their journey from a 21-0 defeat in 1998 to a place in the final round of qualification The American Samoa women’s team has lived through a scarcely believable tale littered with upsets, and their story is still unfolding. At the end of last year, they entered a World Cup qualification tournament containing the lowest-ranked teams in the smallest federation, the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC). At 153rd in the world rankings, American Samoa ranked the lowest of the low. With an estimated population of 45,319, the island’s entire population would not sell out even the smallest stadium hosting Fifa’s showpiece event next year. The national team’s captain, Alma Mana’o, talks of American Samoan culture as being “family is above all”. Multiple sets of sisters represent the team, something Mana’o relishes. “This is a family, we have got to get together, hold our sisters accountable and push each other,” she says. The Mana’o family hold the record for most family members to participate in Fifa events – “If we can’t win, we’re going to have the most kids!” Alma declares with a laugh – and American Samoa are out to prove there can be success in the family business. This is an extract from our free email about women’s football, Moving the Goalposts. To get the full edition, visit this page and follow the instructions . Moving the Goalposts is delivered to your inboxes every Tuesday and Thursday . Continue reading...

Doing the 92: how football changed during my groundhopping odyssey

During my 43-year adventure I saw pubs close, standing on terraces return and big flags fly all over the country By When Saturday Comes It was bound to end like this: a long and arduous odyssey that started in 1982 on a crumbling terrace culminated on a grey, drizzly afternoon in December watching my team get hammered 3-0 in a brand spanking new stadium named in conjunction with an international commercial law firm. A glorious away win thanks to a last-minute winner would have been somehow too poetic. This was how it was meant to be, when I finally completed the 92. As with that game at Everton, most games were as an away Nottingham Forest fan; others as a neutral. There is much I witnessed and learned from this ludicrous yet wholly fulfilling enterprise and the many miles travelled. For one thing, it used to be that one displayed allegiances by carefully trapping a scarf in the window, so it fluttered outside all the way. This has been replaced by the executive car sticker or personalised number plate and our society is much the worse for it. Continue reading...

Which team has gone furthest in Europe while being relegated in the same season? | The Knowledge

Ousmane Dembélé quietly becomes the main man after long journey to the top

The Frenchman, who has been named the best male footballer in the world by the Guardian, has benefitted from PSG’s focus on the team rather than individuals What makes a good player great, and a great player the best? This question has been occupying me since 2014, when the Guardian first asked me to contribute to its inaugural Next Generation feature . My job was to look for a France-based talent born in 1997 who could go on to have a stellar career. After a great deal of research, I narrowed it down from my shortlist of five by asking questions not about the players’ football ability, but about other attributes: resilience, adaptability, decision-making, creativity, work ethic, response to feedback and willingness to learn. Qualities we cannot see, and are harder to measure. Continue reading...

The 100 best male footballers in the world 2025

Ousmane Dembélé becomes our seventh winner as he beats Lamine Yamal into second and Vitinha into third on our list of the best players on the planet Premier League dominates list | How every judge voted | Our methodology | The top 100 female players for 2025 2024 edition | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 Continue reading...

The 100 best female footballers in the world 2025

Aitana Bonmatí has been voted the best female player on the planet by our panel of 127 experts ahead of Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo 2024 list | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 Meet the judges | See how every judge voted Subscribe to Moving the Goalposts, our free newsletter Continue reading...

Next Generation 2025: 60 of the best young talents in world football

From PSG’s Ibrahim Mbaye to Brazil’s next hope, we select some of the most talented players born in 2008. Check the progress of our classes of 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 … and go even further back . Here’s our Premier League class of 2025 Continue reading...

Next Generation 2025: 20 of the best talents at Premier League clubs

Sign up to the Sport in Focus newsletter: the sporting week in photos

Our editors’ favourite sporting images from the past week, from the spectacular to the powerful, and with a little bit of fun thrown in Continue reading...

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Kick off your afternoon with the Guardian’s take on the world of football Every weekday, we’ll deliver a roundup the football news and gossip in our own belligerent, sometimes intelligent and – very occasionally – funny way. Still not convinced? Find out what you’re missing here . Try our other sports emails: there’s weekly catch-ups for cricket in The Spin and rugby union in The Breakdown , and our seven-day round-up of the best of our sports journalism in The Recap . Living in Australia? Try the Guardian Australia’s daily sports newsletter Continue reading...

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The best of our sports journalism from the past seven days and a heads-up on the weekend’s action Subscribe to get our editors’ pick of the Guardian’s award-winning sport coverage. We’ll email you the stand-out features and interviews, insightful analysis and highlights from the archive, plus films, podcasts, galleries and more – all arriving in your inbox at every Friday lunchtime. And we’ll set you up for the weekend and let you know our live coverage plans so you’ll be ahead of the game. Here’s what you can expect from us. Try our other sports emails: there’s daily football news and gossip in The Fiver , and weekly catch-ups for cricket in The Spin and rugby union in The Breakdown . Living in Australia? Try the Guardian Australia’s daily sports newsletter Continue reading...