Pep Guardiola had issued a warning to the Manchester City players, and Erling Haaland responded in an unexpected way.

The debate over who sits at the very top of world soccer has defined an entire generation. Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, or Lamine Yamal—each name represents a different era, a different idea of greatness.

As the soccer world looks ahead to 2026, questions continue to swirl around Lionel Messi and whether the sport’s most decorated modern icon will once again step onto the game’s biggest stage.

After his standout triumph in the 2025 MLS Cup with Inter Miami, Lionel Messi has now been named one of three finalists for an award he has never claimed in his career.

After Mohamed Salah completed his return to the team, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot delivered a final verdict on the controversial saga involving the Egyptian star.

After being stretchered off in the game against Arsenal in a concerning image, USMNT star Chris Richards delivered an optimistic update on his injury.

A UEFA Champions League winner could be joining the Saudi Pro League, following in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo.

With uncertainty surrounding the future of Mohamed Salah, Liverpool are reportedly interested in a UEFA Champions League winner with Paris Saint-Germain.

With a contract renewal for Tadeo Allende increasingly complicated, Inter Miami are reportedly interested in a former teammate of Lionel Messi who won the FIFA World Cup with Argentina.

While other top names like Luka Modric or Santiago Gimenez still command respect and headlines, Pulisic has carved out a level of consistency and influence that no one else in the squad has matched.

The debate over soccer’s greatest qualities usually invites abstract answers, but when Gareth Bale was asked to construct his version of the perfect player, the result was anything but theoretical.

With Fikayo Tomori re-established at the heart of the defence and England now under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel, the defender has laid out a clear vision for how he plans to force his way back into international contention.

While familiar icons like Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe continue to dominate headlines, the assist charts have delivered a quiet shock: a new name has risen above them both, redefining what elite playmaking looks like this year.

Marcus Rashford has impressed with his performance in Barcelona, consistently demonstrating solid form. Despite this, his future with the team has been widely debated. However, coach Hansi Flick has already made a clear decision regarding the Englishman for the 2026-27 season.

Mohamed Salah has rejoined Liverpool's lineup, but it seems his tenure with the club is nearing its conclusion. Meanwhile, a standout player from the Bundesliga has surfaced as a potential replacement for the Egyptian star in January 2026.