With Neymar once again sidelined due to injury, the iconic number is up for grabs—and there are three strong candidates who could wear it: Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Raphinha, or another rising star.

Not everyone believes the outcome of the 2022 World Cup was entirely fair. A former French international has now made a shocking claim, suggesting that Argentina’s victory was preordained by FIFA. According to him, the 2022 World Cup was ‘given to Messi’, and even some French fans were rooting for him to lift the trophy.

Lamine Yamal has quickly become a prominent figure in world soccer. His impressive performances for Barcelona and Spain, culminating in a Young Player of the Tournament award at Euro 2024, have established him as a rising star. The player’s rapid rise has led to him becoming a very popular player.

Despite the absence of key players like Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martínez, Scaloni expressed confidence in his squad's ability to perform well against Uruguay. He mentioned some uncertainty in midfield but highlighted the depth of talent within his squad. He acknowledged the challenges presented by the upcoming matches.

The USMNT faces Panama in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals, aiming for a fourth consecutive title. Under coach Mauricio Pochettino, the team has shown strong form, winning their last six matches. Their recent victory over Costa Rica highlights their readiness for this important match.

Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to feature prominently in Portugal's starting lineup. He will aim to add to his impressive goal tally in the competition, currently ranking third on the all-time Nations League goal-scoring list. His experience and goal-scoring ability make him a significant asset to Portugal.

Mbappé acknowledged Didier Deschamps' impending departure after the 2026 World Cup, praising his achievements. While avoiding a direct mention of Zinedine Zidane, he indirectly referenced the popular candidate, deferring the decision to the French Football Federation president. Mbappé expressed his admiration for Zidane, but also respect for those currently in charge.

Several other teams are still competing for World Cup qualification. Argentina needs victories over Uruguay and Brazil and favorable results elsewhere. In Oceania and Asia, other teams are battling for the remaining qualifying spots.

With manager Ruben Amorim planning a major squad overhaul, Højlund is reportedly among the players Manchester United is willing to sell. Napoli's interest in the player has intensified speculation about his future. The club is determined to make significant changes to improve the team.

Colombia’s James Rodriguez has reignited controversy months after the 2024 Copa America final, alleging that referee Raphael Claus unfairly favored Lionel Messi’s Argentina in their dramatic title clash.

Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez has added his voice to the long-standing debate about Neymar’s legacy. The former Real Madrid star believes the Brazilian would have won multiple Ballon d’Or titles if not for the dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

American soccer has defied the global promotion and relegation system for decades. Closed-league models, prevalent in MLS and other North American sports leagues, restrict team development beyond costly expansion fees. But now, history has been made.

Martínez had been dealing with a muscle problem, missing Inter's Champions League match against Feyenoord. Despite scoring against Atalanta, further assessment confirmed the hamstring injury. His absence will require the coach to implement significant changes to the team’s strategy.

Pochettino acknowledged the pressure surrounding the Nations League but emphasized the importance of using the tournament to prepare for the World Cup. He aims to balance the desire for immediate success with the need to evaluate players and build a strong team for the future.

A new debate is emerging at Real Madrid, one that could reshape the dynamics of their attack. Is Kylian Mbappe now the team’s true leader? Has he overtaken Vinicius Jr. in importance, and does he actually perform better when the Brazilian is not on the pitch?