… But Bellingham said he feels “fresh and sharp” heading into the tournament and it was “nice to hear” comments from colleagues such as Jordan Henderson, who said the former Birmingham City and Borussia Dortmund player gives England an “X-factor”. …
… Carvajal was included in the FIFPro 2024 World XI, won The Best FIFA Men’s World XI award in 2024, and was named the best player of the 2024 Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund, in which he scored the opening goal. …
… Carvajal was included in the FIFPro 2024 World XI, won The Best Fifa Men’s World XI award in 2024, and was named the best player of the 2024 Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund, in which he scored the opening goal. …
… The former Borussia Dortmund coach has agreed a two-year contract and is scheduled to be presented by the Bilbao-based club at the start of next season. …
… Among the clubs linked with the winger are Brighton & Hove Albion, SC Freiburg, Feyenoord, AFC Bournemouth, RB Leipzig, Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund, as well as teams from Spain’s La Liga and Italy’s Serie A. …
Real Madrid have signed 19-year-old Ivorian winger Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig for a fee worth up to £120m on a seven-year contract. If the full fee is paid, Diomande would become the fourth most expensive player in history and the most expensive African player.
Real Madrid have signed 19-year-old Ivorian winger Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig for a fee worth up to £120m on a seven-year contract. If the full fee is paid, Diomande would become the fourth most expensive player in history and the most expensive African player.
Real Madrid have signed 19-year-old Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig for a fee worth up to £120m on a seven-year contract. If the full amount is paid, Diomande would become the most expensive African player and the fourth most expensive player in history.
Bosnia and Herzegovina captain Edin Dzeko has signed a one-year contract extension with German side Schalke after helping them secure promotion to the Bundesliga from the second division. The former Manchester City forward scored six goals in 11 Bundesliga 2 matches.
UEFA will meet Thursday to discuss its response to FIFA's controversial proposal to sell a 20% stake in FIFA competitions to private investors, after FIFA set a 19 September deadline for member associations to accept the deal or forfeit the first $20m of a $40m initial payout.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has written to 211 member associations offering $40m if they back his plan to sell stakes in major competitions, including the World Cup, with a 19 September deadline for access to an initial $20m. UEFA accused FIFA of using football to enrich themselves and their friends.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has written to all 211 member associations offering $40m in exchange for backing his plan to sell stakes in major competitions like the World Cup through a new commercial subsidiary. The plan, which could raise $10bn and has drawn quick condemnation from multiple regions, sets a 19 September deadline for nations to accept and receive an initial $20m.
Former Ghana head coach Otto Addo has expressed his desire to return to coaching following his exit from the national team, saying he remains motivated and is open to working as either a head coach or assistant coach.
Chelsea winger Jamie Gittens says he will feature in Xabi Alonso's squad next season, describing the new manager as "one of the best to do it." Gittens joined Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund for £52m last summer and struggled in his first season, but has scored in Alonso's first two pre-season friendlies.
Barcelona have signed German winger Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund on a contract until 2031, with media reports valuing the deal at €22 million plus add-ons. The 24-year-old reunites with Barcelona coach Hansi Flick, who gave him his Germany senior debut.
Robert Lewandowski has signed a two-year deal with MLS side Chicago Fire after leaving Barcelona. The 37-year-old Polish striker ended his four-year stint in La Liga and was also of interest to AC Milan and the Saudi Pro League.
Germany defender Nico Schlotterbeck has been ruled out of the rest of the World Cup with a medial collateral ligament injury to his left ankle, sustained in a 2-1 win against Ivory Coast. The 26-year-old Borussia Dortmund player will remain with the team in the USA.
Germany defender Nico Schlotterbeck has been ruled out of the rest of the World Cup with a medial collateral ligament injury to his left ankle, sustained in a 2-1 win against Ivory Coast. The 26-year-old will remain with the team in the USA despite being sidelined for several months.
Jude Bellingham said external pressure over his England selection may help him perform at his best during the World Cup. The 22-year-old started against Croatia and scored England's third goal in a 4-2 win, saying he felt "fresh and sharp" after a tougher season marked by injury and his club Real Madrid finishing eight points behind Barcelona.
Roy Keane and Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes have reconciled after Keane misquoted Fernandes on a podcast, leading Fernandes to accuse him of lying. The pair had what Keane described as a "lovely chat" to resolve the matter.
Mexico will host the 2026 World Cup alongside the United States and Canada without the competitive rhythm of a qualifying campaign. Manager Javier Aguirre emphasises pragmatism and intensity over possession-based football, employing a flexible formation with aggressive pressing and quick transitions.
Liverpool have appointed Andoni Iraola as head coach on a two-year contract following Arne Slot's departure. The former Bournemouth manager, 43, takes over after the Reds finished the Premier League season with 60 points and qualified for next season's Champions League.
Dani Carvajal, 34, will depart Real Madrid at the end of the season when his contract expires in June, ending a 23-year association with the club spanning two spells. The Madrid-born right-back, who has made 450 appearances and won 27 titles including six Champions League titles, is departing after recent serious knee injuries.
Dani Carvajal, 34, will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season when his contract expires in June after two spells at the club covering 23 years. The right-back made 450 appearances, won 27 titles including six Champions League titles, and is among only five players to win the Champions League six times.
German manager Edin Terzic has agreed to become Athletic Club's new head coach on a two-year contract, replacing Ernesto Valverde. The 43-year-old, former Borussia Dortmund coach, will take charge at the start of next season.
Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United are leading contenders to sign 19-year-old Ghanaian attacker Prince Amoako Jnr from FC Nordsjaelland, with a transfer fee estimated between €27 million and €32 million. Amoako Jnr has scored eight goals and five assists this season, attracting interest from multiple top European clubs including Arsenal, Dortmund, and Brighton.