Alisha Lehmann has paid an emotional tribute to Matt Beard following the tragic news of the former Liverpool and West Ham manager’s death. Lehmann worked with Beard during her time with the Hammers, which started her career in the WSL and helped to launch her towards stardom, with the Swiss forward saluting “the first person that believed in me”.
Lehmann's time in English football
Lehmann moved to England in 2018. She spent time with West Ham, Everton and Aston Villa before taking on a new challenge with Juventus in 2024 – winning the Serie A title during her only season with the Turin-based giants.
Advertisement
Getty
Beard spotted Lehmann's potential
Lehmann is now on the books of Como Women, but continues to keep a close eye on WSL matters and will never forget those that helped to provide a professional springboard. Beard will always hold a special place in her heart after spotting potential that others overlooked.
Beard passed away at age of 47
It was announced on September 20 that Beard had passed away suddenly at the age of 47. Tributes have flooded in from around the football world, with Lehmann adding her voice and stories to those paying respect to a popular figure in the English game.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Lehmann's emotional tribute to Beard
Lehmann said in a post on Instagram: “I can’t find the right words how much this hurt me. Matt Beard was the first person that believed in me and was always there for me my whole career. I am who I am as a player, as a person cause of him.
“My heart is hurting and those news are devastating. I remember the first time we met, I couldn’t speak English and we used Google Translate and we laughed. You brought me to England, you were the first coach in my life that saw my talent and made me strong. The memories we shared on and off the pitch I will never forget.
“He was the one that teached me all my skills and took care of me whenever I needed it. I will never forget you Matt, you will always live with me in my heart. Thank you for everything. Prayers to your wife and kids. RIP.”
Mandla Mashimbyi has been appointed as South Africa Women’s full-time head coach, ending the vacuum that had existed in the role since Hilton Moreeng brought his 11-year stint to an end in May.Dillon du Preez, who had been Moreeng’s assistant, had taken over in an interim capacity and been in charge during South Africa’s run to a runners-up finish in the T20 World Cup in the UAE last month. He had expressed uncertainty about continuing in the role, however, suggesting that “the team needs a little bit more”.Related
Mashimbyi wants more long-format cricket for all-format development
Dean sets up big win as England complete 3-0 sweep
Moreeng's stint as head coach of SA women's team ends after 11 years
Kapp, Khaka rested for England T20Is; Naidu to skip for school exams
Mashimbyi’s first assignment will be the three-match home ODI series against England, which begins in Kimberley on December 4. That will be followed by a one-off Test in Bloemfontein from December 15-18. England are currently leading 2-0 in the T20I leg of their tour, with the third and final match of that series to be played in Centurion on Saturday.”It is with a profound sense of honour and humility that I accept the appointment as the Proteas Women’s Coach,” Mashimbyi said. “I am fully cognizant of the significant responsibilities and expectations associated with this esteemed position.Mashimbyi, a fast bowler who played 48 first-class games, 49 List A games and one T20 in a South Africa domestic career that stretched from 2003-10, has extensive coaching experience, particularly with the highly successful Titans franchise. He has also enjoyed stints as bowling coach and assistant coach with South Africa Men, and was recently fast-bowling coach at Paarl Royals in the SA20.”I am profoundly grateful for the exceptional opportunity bestowed upon me by Titans Cricket throughout my tenure as a coach,” he said. “Their unwavering support and unwavering backing over the past eleven years have been instrumental in my professional growth and development.”At this juncture, I am deeply appreciative of the opportunity to contribute my expertise and knowledge to the Proteas Women continued success and to elevate their standing as a formidable force in world cricket.”
خطف آرسنال نقطة ثمينة من مانشستر سيتي، بعد التعادل بهدف لمثله على ملعب الإمارات، في الجولة الخامسة من منافسات الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.
وكان الهدف الأول لفريق مانشستر سيتي قد تم تسجيله عن طريق الهداف النرويجي إرلينج هالاند، بعد أن تلقى تمريرة رائعة وأسكن الكرة في شباك رايا في الدقيقة التاسعة.
وفي الوقت القاتل تعادل آرسنال عن طريق الجناح البرازيلي جابرييل مارتينيلي بعد أن تلقى تمريرة رائعة من زميله إيزي في الدقيقة 93.
بهذا التعادل يرتفع رصيد آرسنال للنقطة العاشرة خلال 5 مباريات بفوزه في 3 مباريات وتعادله في مباراة وخسارة مباراة.
أقرأ أيضاً.. فيديو | ليفربول المستفيد الأول.. آرسنال يفرض التعادل الإيجابي على مانشستر سيتي في الدوري الإنجليزي
بينما أصبح مانشستر سيتي برصيد 7 نقاط خلال 5 مباريات من انتصارين وتعادل وهزيمتين.
وتم الكشف عن جائزة أفضل لاعب في لقاء آرسنال ومانشستر سيتي، والتي تمنحها رابطة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.
وحصل إرلينج هالاند مهاجم مانشستر سيتي والذي افتتح التسجيل لفريقه على جائزة رجل المباراة بعد أن حصد نسبة 44% من الأصوات وجاء في المركز الثاني مارتينيلي جناح آرسنال الذي خطف هدف التعادل وحصد 28% من الأصوات، وجاء في المركز الثالث تيجاني ريندرز لاعب خط وسط مانشستر سيتي والذي حصد 12% من الأصوات.
خاض فريق توتنهام، مساء اليوم السبت، مباراته في إطار منافسات بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، موسم 2025/26، ضد خصمه برايتون على ملعب الأخير.
واستضاف ملعب “فالمر” مباراة توتنهام وبرايتون، في خضم منافسات الجولة الخامسة من الدوري الإنجليزي، حيث تعادلا بهدفين لمثليهما. أهداف مباراة توتنهام وبرايتون في الدوري الإنجليزي
تقدم برايتون بهدف سجله اللاعب يانكوبا مينته في الدقيقة الثامنة من عمر الشوط الأول، قبل أن يضاعف ياسين العياري النتيجة بعدما سجل الهدف الثاني في الدقيقة 31.
وتمكن ريتشارليسون من تقليص الفارق بعدما سجل هدف أول لصالح توتنهام قبل نهاية الشوط الأول، وتحديدًا في الدقيقة 43.
واستفاد توتنهام من النيران الصديقة بعدما سجل لاعب برايتون، يان باول فان هيك، هدفًا بالخطأ في مرمى فريقه في الدقيقة 82 من عمر المباراة.
بتلك النتيجة، حصل كل فريق على نقطة، حيث أصبح رصيد توتنهام 10 نقاط في المركز الثاني، بينما أصبح رصيد برايتون 5 نقاط في المركز الثالث عشر.
Leeds United made their second signing of the summer transfer window on Monday evening when they officially confirmed the arrival of Jaka Bijol from Serie A side Udinese.
The central defender is now set to compete with the likes of Ethan Ampadu, Pascal Struijk, and Joe Rodon for a place in the starting XI in the Premier League next season.
Daniel Farke is also in the market to add another number nine to his squad, having already brought in Lukas Nmecha on a free transfer from Wolfsburg.
Football Insider claims that Leeds are interested in a deal to sign Fulham centre-forward Rodrigo Muniz, but the Cottagers are confident of keeping hold of the Brazilian frontman.
The report adds that the Whites have already had an offer of £32m rejected by the fellow Premier League team, and that the London-based side are prepared to price the Championship champions out of a move for the striker.
This latest update suggests that the Fulham marksman will not be making his way to Elland Road this summer, but what could he have brought to the team?
What Rodrigo Muniz could bring to Leeds
If Leeds can turn it around to sign him, the 24-year-old attacker would join the Whites to provide Farke with a Premier League-proven number nine who has shown that he can score goals at that level.
In the last two seasons, Muniz has racked up 17 top-flight goals for the Cottagers, which shows that he knows how to find the back of the net in the top division in England.
Appearances
26
31
xG
8.72
5.81
Goals
9
8
Big chances created
2
1
Key passes per game
0.7
0.2
Assists
1
1
As you can see in the table above, the Brazilian forward also outperformed his xG in both of those seasons, showing that he is also a reliable and clinical finisher.
However, creativity is not his strong suit. A return of two assists in two seasons, and a peak of 0.7 key passes per game, does not suggest that he would create many high-quality opportunities for his teammates.
Muniz would, though, offer physicality in the number nine position. He won 52% of his duels and won 2.2 aerial battles per game in the Premier League this season, which shows that he can hold his own against top-flight defenders.
Whilst there are clearly a lot of strong qualities that the Fulham star could bring to West Yorkshire, Leeds are now reportedly pursuing a striker who could be an even better signing.
Leeds pursuing deal for Serie A star
According to Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno, as relayed by Sport Witness, Leeds United are expected to make another bid to sign Nikola Krstovic from Lecce in the summer transfer window.
The report claims that the Championship champions have already had an offer of £19.7m rejected by the Italian side for the Montenegrin centre-forward, but they are now plotting another attempt to snap him up.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It also reveals that AS Roma are interested in signing the 25-year-old marksman, and that they would be prepared to offer a player in exchange for him, although they have yet to make an official bid.
Meanwhile, the print edition of Corriere dello Sport, via MOTLeedsNews, reports that Lecce value the forward at a fee of around £26m, and claims that Leeds are ready to pay big money to get a deal done for the striker.
It now remains to be seen whether or not their second offer for the Montenegro international will be enough to tempt the Italian team to part ways with the attacker.
Why Leeds should sign Nikola Krstovic
The Premier League new boys should push to sign the Lecce number nine before the end of the summer transfer window because he would be an even better signing than Muniz.
Nikola Krstovic
Krstovic would be considerably cheaper if the latest reports are to be believed, with Lecce valuing him at £26m compared to the significantly more than £32m that Fulham want for Muniz in order to price Leeds out of a deal.
This means that it could be more financially viable for the Whites to pursue the Montenegro international, which would also free up more funds to be spent on other areas of the squad as they look to build a team that can compete in the Premier League.
Krstovic, as shown in the clips above, is a versatile goalscorer who has shown that he can find the back of the net in a variety of ways, with either foot, from close or long range, and with his head.
The Lecce sensation, who was dubbed “integral” by former boss Roberto D’Aversa, has proven that he can score goals in a major European league, netting 18 Serie A goals in the last two seasons combined.
Appearances
31
37
Sofascore rating
6.88
7.14
Goals
8
11
Big chances created
1
5
Assists
1
5
Duels won per game
3.7
4.9
As you can see in the table above, Krstovic outperformed Muniz at league level in the 2024/25 campaign, with three more goals and four more assists, whilst also winning more duels per game.
The Montenegro international’s ability to generate high-quality opportunities for himself is one of his most impressive attributes, as he has accrued 24.80 xG in two seasons in the Serie A, compared to the Fulham man’s tally of 15.32 in two Premier League campaigns.
Montenegro international Nikola Krstovic.
This could suggest that Krstovic is better at getting himself into goalscoring situations, which could be particularly useful in a season that Leeds are expected to be battling relegation in.
Overall, the Lecce star could be a better signing than Muniz for the Whites as the striker may be able to offer more goals and assists in the top-flight, whilst being a cheaper addition to the squad.
Best signing since Raphinha: Leeds close to landing "exceptional" £21m star
Leeds United are closing in on a deal for a star who would be their best signing since Raphinha.
Manchester United’s front line is in desperate need of an overhaul this summer, with such a department massively holding them back from any success under Ruben Amorim.
The side only managed to net 44 times in their 38 Premier League outings last campaign, with no player in the first-team squad managing to register double figures.
Departures are to be expected in such an area, with academy graduate Alejandro Garnacho one player likely to be sacrificed in the coming months, after hitting out at his lack of action in the Europa League final.
Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho.
Rasmus Hojlund could be another to leave the Red Devils during the off-season, with any sales massively helping Amorim in his quest to land new stars at Old Trafford.
As a result of the pending futures of the aforementioned players, targets have already been drawn up, with the hierarchy appearing to be making moves in the transfer market.
The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers this summer
The 3-4-2-1 formation utilised by Amorim at United requires specific players to be signed if they are to fit into the current system and be a success at the Theatre of Dreams.
A striker has been one of the main priorities in recent weeks, with the likes of Dušan Vlahović, Victor Osimhen and Hugo Ekitiké all firmly remaining on the club’s radar.
However, a new twist has emerged, with Sporting CP talisman Viktor Gyokeres still seen as their number one target for the position, according to TEAMtalk.
They claim that the Red Devils remain confident of a deal to land the 54-goal forward despite the Swede claiming that he’s only interested in a move to join fellow English side Arsenal.
It also states that the board at United believe his previous spell under Amorim in Portugal could play a huge factor in the deal, with the attacker wanting a move to England this window.
Why United’s latest target could be Amorim’s answer to Mbappé
Kylian Mbappé is a forward who has constantly tormented backlines across Europe in recent years, cementing himself as one of the best attackers in world football.
The 26-year-old joined Real Madrid last summer on a free transfer from PSG, after enjoying a six-year spell in Paris, which saw him net 235 goals in his 264 appearances.
His move to Spain has seen him continue his tremendous run in front of goal, registering 43 efforts in his 56 outings for the LaLiga giants, forming a deadly partnership with Vinícius Júnior.
Every team across the continent must wish they had a version of the forward, with his form in front of goal something which is extremely hard to find in the modern game.
However, United could be about to land their own version of the superstar, in the form of Gyokeres, with the Swedish international a force to be reckoned with in front of goal.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokereskisses the trophy as he celebrate after winning the Taca de Portugal
He’s been labelled as a similar player to Mbappé by FBref, managing to match or better the Madrid talisman in numerous key areas, highlighting how much of a sensational signing he would be for the Red Devils.
The Swede, who’s been labelled “the best striker in Europe” by The Athletic, has outscored Mbappé, whilst averaging a better goal per shot on target rate – handing Amorim the clinical edge he’s been lacking as of late.
Games played
33
34
Goals & assists
46
34
Shot on target accuracy
52%
49%
Goal per shot on target
0.4
0.3
Key passes completed
2
1.5
Take-on success
46%
44%
Carries into opposition box
3.1
2.9
Aerials won
51%
40%
He’s also completed more of the take-ons he’s attempted whilst registering more carries into the opposition box, having the ability to create an attacking opportunity out of nothing.
Gyokeres’ dominance is also reflected in his higher percentage of aerials won, with his ability in the air offering the side the needed focal point they’ve often lacked.
Given the interest from elsewhere this summer, the hierarchy must work quickly to secure the Sporting CP star’s signature, with the forward a talented all-round option.
His comparisons to Mbappé highlight the threat he carries, with the 27-year-old having the skillset to end their long-standing pursuit of a new talisman at Old Trafford.
More exciting than Mbeumo: Man Utd in talks to sign "very special" talent
Manchester United could be about to land a star who could thrive under Ruben Amorim.
Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy could soon green-light a move for a “fantastic” manager to replace Ange Postecoglou, according to a report.
Ange on thin ice at Tottenham after Chelsea defeat
Tottenham’s poor form continued against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last Thursday, suffering a 1-0 defeat against their London rivals, but in truth they have had little to play for in the Premier League for quite some time.
Winning the Europa League is the last remaining avenue for Spurs to have a successful season, with a triumph ending their long trophy drought, while also granting them access to next season’s Champions League.
As such, Postecoglou is on very thin ice, and Levy has now started to identify potential replacements for the Australian, with Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola one of the names on the shortlist, having enjoyed an impressive campaign with the Cherries.
Sky pundit: "Monster" player is "going to leave" Tottenham alongside Romero
Spurs are facing an exodus this summer.
ByEmilio Galantini Apr 4, 2025
Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner is also of interest, alongside Fulham manager Marco Silva, and there has now been a new update on Tottenham’s pursuit of the Portuguese coach.
According to a report from Football Insider, Levy could green-light a move for Silva, with Postecoglou under serious pressure as we approach the business end of the season.
Former Everton chief Keith Wyness goes on to explain why appointing the Fulham boss could make perfect sense for Levy, saying: “Silva is probably more in the running than Iraola.
“I think he’s more of a Levy character, he’s got the London experience – performing well with Fulham.
“He’s been with Everton, Watford – he’s got the runs on the board.
“I think he would operate at Spurs quite well. He’s done well on a tight budget with Fulham, and that’s what Levy will be looking for.
“We’ve seen the numbers at Tottenham, they’re not spending much on wages or fees – it’s very low.”
"Fantastic" Silva has earned move to top club
The 47-year-old has had his fair share of setbacks, previously being sakced by Everton, but he has since done a stellar job with Fulham, having achieved promotion from the Championship before stabilising the Cottagers as a Premier League club.
In light of his accomplishments, the former Everton boss has been lauded as “fantastic” by journalist Konstantinos Lianos, and he is on course to record a top-half finish in the Premier League this season.
Should Postecoglou fail to win the Europa League, it is looking likely the 59-year-old will depart this summer, particularly with his relationship with the fans increasingly under strain.
Silva has proven he could be a solid replacement for Ange, but there also has to be questions asked of Levy, given that so many top managers have now failed to bring success to Spurs.
The summer transfer window is fast approaching, and Liverpool are set to spend big as they prepare for Arne Slot’s second, Premier League title-defending season at the helm.
Of course, the top-flight trophy isn’t yet wrapped up, but the Reds need just two wins from their remaining six fixtures to put things beyond Arsenal’s reach.
Sporting director Richard Hughes has wrapped up Mohamed Salah’s new contract; captain Virgil van Dijk’s fresh deal is soon to follow. Now, focus can be turned to the upcoming transfer window, with Liverpool expecting flurries of activity through the summer months.
While signing a centre-forward, left-back and central defender are the priorities for the Reds, Slot would be wise not to neglect his midfield.
20/04/25
King Power Stadium
Leicester City
27/04/25
Anfield
Tottenham Hotspur
04/05/25
Stamford Bridge
Chelsea
11/05/25
Anfield
Arsenal
18/05/25
AMEX Stadium
Brighton & Hove Albion
25/05/25
Anfield
Crystal Palace
Liverpool’s midfielders have been immense through the 2024/25 campaign, but they aren’t infallible. There’s been a lack of bite and physicality at times of late that suggests a new addition to the engine room could go down a treat.
Why Slot shouldn't neglect Liverpool's midfield
When Liverpool fell from grace under Jurgen Klopp in 2022/23, the German manager knew he needed to repackage his side’s long-serving midfield.
Jordan Henderson was a first-standard leader but was starting to look a weak link from a technical standpoint, while Fabinho’s legs had gone after so many years serving as a world-class anchor at the heart of one of the highest-octane squads on the globe.
Jordan Henderson and Fabinho
Their replacements, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai, have been immense this season (and last) as Liverpool’s mainstays in the middle, but there’s no denying Liverpool have lacked a combative sheen and that extra bit of dynamism at times recently, namely being overrun by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and Newcastle United at Wembley.
Liverpool have won more duels than their opponents in just one of their past 11 matches across all competitions, denoting fatigue and a lack of sharpness that opponents are capitalising on.
Though packing quality across more needy areas will ultimately hold sway for Liverpool, there’s no question that a high-class midfielder would elevate an already immense team.
It’s something FSG are bearing in mind.
Liverpool lining up marquee midfielder
According to Italian outlet InterLive.it, Liverpool’s interested in signing Nicolo Barella this summer is said to be ‘serious’, with Inter Milan anticipating offers for their midfield linchpin after yet another standout campaign.
Nicolo Barella for Inter Milan vs Bayern Munich.
Now, Barella, 28 years old, is contracted to the San Siro until 2029 and thus Inter are in a commanding position regarding his future and have listed him at €100m (about £87m).
Liverpool’s interest is confirmed to be serious, however, and given the Serie A leaders are keen on Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa, a deal wouldn’t be out of question.
What Nicolo Barella would bring to Liverpool
Described as “the best Serie A midfielder of the 2020s” by journalist Zach Lowy, Barella has already won two Scudettos and two Coppa Italia titles with Inter Milan, joining from Cagliari in 2019.
Inter Milan's Nicolo Barella
Having featured 277 times for I Nerazzurri, Barella has scored 25 goals and supplied 59 assists. He’s not the most prolific of midfielders, but then that’s not really his jurisdiction.
With Simone Inzaghi’s side battling it out with Napoli for the Italian title, Barella has been the architect of his team’s challenge, averaging 1.9 key passes, 4.7 successful duels and 5.2 ball recoveries per game, as per Sofascore, illustrating his wide range of quality.
Of course, the Italian has also been immense in Inter’s quest for the Champions League trophy, with outlets stating that he delivered a career-defining performance at the Allianz Arena last week, taking a 2-1 lead over Bayern Munich back to the San Siro.
Talent of this level suggests that Liverpool could be getting their mitts on one of the most gifted midfielders in many years, one who could stand out above the current Anfield crop.
He might even prove to be Liverpool’s best midfielder since Fabinho.
douglas-luiz-fabinho-liverpool-opinion
For the uninitiated, Fabinho was absolutely spellbinding in his role as Klopp’s number six, so cultured and commanding as he held together a hard-grafting midfield that worked around the clock to facilitate the attacking successes of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Bobby Firmino.
Once hailed as “one of the best in the world” by Klopp, Fabinho truly was a core part of the most illustrious era in Liverpool’s modern history, joining from Monaco for roughly £40m in May 2018 and going on to play 219 times for the Reds before his legs finally failed him.
When in his pomp, the Brazilian was truly one of the most dominant forces out there, and now Barella could emulate him and become Liverpool’s new centrepiece, perhaps unlocking the next level in Slot’s existing options.
Tough-tackling, tenacious and iron-willed, Fabinho performed dutifully and blended his natural qualities with a sharpness of mind and quickness of reaction that differentiated him from his positional rivals.
The Italy international has the experience and the multi-skilled ability to be a real standout for Liverpool over the next several years, with his FBref data discussed above suggesting the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Pedri are among his most statistically similar players.
Such ball-playing specialists, maestros and conductors wrapped into one, would fit snugly into Slot’s system – just look at how Gravenberch has got on this term.
Italy'sMoiseKeancelebrates scoring their second goal with Italy's Nicolo Barella, Italy's Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Italy's Giacomo Raspadori
Barella, then, would fit right in. He’s a world-class player, dubbed a “genius” on the pitch by sports editor Mike Pielluci, and a trophy winner besides, and if Inter are willing to discuss deals containing the likes of Nunez and/or Chiesa, Liverpool might just sign their best midfielder since Fabinho.
Awful Trent repeat: Another Liverpool "superstar" is now wanted by Madrid
Liverpool need to make sure they keep their best players this summer.
Cristiano Ronaldo put out a message on social media after attending a White House dinner with Donald Trump. The event was attended by influential figures from global business, technology and sport, and it marked Ronaldo’s first public appearance in the United States since 2016. The black-tie gathering was arranged as part of efforts to strengthen the expanding political and economic relationship between Washington and Riyadh. Ronaldo’s presence alongside the Saudi delegation once again highlighted how prominently the Al-Nassr forward now features in the kingdom’s soft-power and sporting strategies.
Trump opens the evening with a star-studded roll call
Trump began the night by acknowledging the array of high-profile attendees, including major CEOs and football’s most powerful figures, such as FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Tech heavyweights, including Elon Musk, were also present, adding to the sense that this was a meeting of global influence. Although Ronaldo did not feature in Portugal’s final qualifying match earlier in the week, having been suspended due to the first red card of his international career, earned against the Republic of Ireland, Trump singled him out with a personal tribute.
President Trump said: "You know, my son is a big fan of Ronaldo, wherever Ronaldo is here. And Barron got to meet him, and I think he respects his father a little bit more now, just the fact that I introduced you. So I just want to thank you both for being here. Really an honour."
Advertisement
Getty/GOAL/X:@DavidSacks@RapidResponse47
Ronaldo responds with a heartfelt online message
Soon after the event, Ronaldo shared his own thoughts on Instagram, posting a strikingly warm message of appreciation directed at Trump and the First Lady.
"Thank you Mr. President for your invitation and for the warm welcome you and the First Lady gave me and my future wife, @georginagio," he wrote. "Each of us has something meaningful to give, and I stand ready to do my part as we inspire new generations to build a future defined by courage, responsibility and lasting peace."
Portugal seal World Cup spot without their superstar
Ronaldo’s absence from the pitch did not derail Portugal’s World Cup qualification campaign. His teammates cruised to a dominant nine-goal victory over Armenia, prompting him to congratulate the squad from afar as they confirmed their ticket to next year’s tournament. Yet his disciplinary situation remains unresolved. Ronaldo still has two matches left to serve from his suspension, raising the possibility that he could miss Portugal’s opening game when the World Cup begins in June 2026. The Portuguese federation are expected to lodge an appeal in hopes of reducing the punishment.
National team manager Roberto Martinez expressed frustration at the red card, insisting it was an excessive sanction for what he described as a reaction to persistent harassment.
Martinez said: "After the game it’s a difficult time because emotions can be unclear. I saw his reaction to a provocation. It started at the beginning of the game, in every play in the penalty area. It even started the day before in the press conference. And it was a reaction of trying to continue playing. Others might fall to the ground and look for a penalty. It’s not a violent action, it’s not a red card for violence, but a reaction to a provocation. We need to try to show the case and prepare well. I would say it would be very unfair to impose a long suspension."
Ronaldo’s financial influence remains unparalleled in the sport. His initial contract with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr was worth an estimated $200 million (£153m) per year. In June, he signed a two-year extension worth a reported $400m (£306m), cementing his status as football’s first billionaire player. Bloomberg now estimates his personal fortune at roughly $1.4 billion.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty
One final World Cup ahead
Ronaldo has long maintained that the 2026 World Cup, when he will be 41, will be the final chapter of his storied international career. With Portugal now officially qualified, the countdown begins for what promises to be his last bow on football’s grandest stage. Whether he begins that tournament on the pitch or in the stands may depend on the outcome of Portugal’s appeal. But his determination to compete at one more World Cup remains unwavering.
Manchester City are now monitoring FC Koln forward Said El Mala, with it being revealed that Pep Guardiola is personally an admirer.
Injuries are piling up for Arsenal, with both Gabriel and Viktor Gyokeres suffering blows ahead of the North London derby, which could be a major boost for Man City in the Premier League title race, having recently closed the gap to four points at the top of the table.
However, if Guardiola’s side are going to mount a serious push for the title, they may need to start finding some goals from elsewhere, with Erling Haaland scoring 14 of the 23 the Blues have to their name in the Premier League this term.
Haaland has been susceptible to injuries in the past, missing 21 City games across the previous two seasons, which means they cannot afford to be overreliant, and the manager may be keen to provide the Norwegian with some additional support in attack during the January transfer window.
Real Madrid’s Arda Guler and Rodrygo have recently been named as potential targets, with the latter’s future at the Santiago Bernabeu now in major doubt, while another, lesser-known target is also now of interest…
Man City monitoring Said El Mala with Pep personally keen
According to a report from Sky Sports, Man City are now closely monitoring FC Koln forward El Mala, as Pep has been left impressed by the 19-year-old, having reviewed several videos and clips.
City scouts have recently been in attendance at the Bundesliga side’s matches to observe the youngster’s performances, but there could be competition for his signature, with Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund also being named as potential suitors.
Koln are in a strong negotiating position, having extended the teenager’s contract until 2030, which puts them in a position to demand over €40m (£35m), and the player himself isn’t in a hurry to leave.
Hailed as a “flamboyant” winger by scout Jacek Kulig, it is little wonder the German starlet is attracting so much attention, having performed very well in the Bundesliga so far this season, netting four goals and picking up two assists in ten outings.
That said, it is still very early days for the Koln star, given that this is his debut campaign in the Bundesliga, so there are doubts over whether he would be able to make an immediate impact at Man City in the title race.
El Mala could be a future star, but there have recently been encouraging signs that Guardiola will be able to rely on some of his other attackers to provide support for Haaland, with Jeremy Doku scoring and receiving the Man of the Match award in the 3-0 win against Liverpool.
As such, Guardiola’s squad should already be strong enough to push Arsenal all the way this season, but if the manager feels a fresh injection of quality is needed, Rodrygo, who has far more top-level experience, could be a suitable option.
AC Milan's asking price for Rafael Leao revealed amid Man City interest Pep's a fan: Man City keen on Rafael Leao, AC Milan's asking price revealed
Pep Guardiola is an admirer of the AC Milan forward, who has a huge release clause in his contract.