According to journalist José Armando, Messi received only an economic sanction as a result of the review, closing the book on a situation that had cast doubt over his availability for the upcoming fixture.

The incident stemmed from Inter Miami‘s 2-2 draw with the Philadelphia Union, when Messi appeared to make contact with Sullivan’s head during a heated second-half confrontation.

While a one-match ban had been floated as a possibility under league rules, the committee ultimately determined a fine was the appropriate outcome, consistent with how MLS has handled similar hands-to-the-head incidents involving Messi in the past. The amount of the fine has not been disclosed.

With the disciplinary matter now resolved, Messi is set to lead Inter Miami into Saturday’s clash against Toronto FC as the team looks to snap its recent slide and get back on track in the MLS standings.

MLS also rules on the Cavan Sullivan and Ian Fray incident

The Disciplinary Committee’s review didn’t stop at Messi. The MLS also rescinded the red card shown to Cavan Sullivan for his role in the stoppage-time scuffle with Yannick Bright, while Ian Fray was hit with an economic fine for his part in sparking the confrontation.

Bright, however, still holds his red card, and his potential suspension remains unresolved. Based on precedent, the punishment for physical altercations of this kind has typically landed between two and three matches: Sergio Busquets received a two-game ban for punching Obed Vargas in the face at the 2025 Leagues Cup final. MLS is expected to announce Bright’s sanction in the coming hours.

Ronaldo had been absent from Al-Nassr’s opening matches of the campaign, leaving plenty of anticipation around his eventual comeback. When the moment finally arrived, he needed only 21 minutes on the pitch to score his first goal of the 2026-27 season and take his career tally to 977.

Ronaldo began the match on the bench as new head coach Ange Postecoglou opted to manage his minutes following his extended break. He entered in the 62nd minute with his side already leading 3-0, and the stadium erupted as the Portuguese superstar returned to competitive action.

Abdulelah Al-Amri, Angelo, and Joao Felix had already put the Knight of Najd firmly in control before Ronaldo was introduced. The captain’s armband was handed to him, and the forward quickly settled into the contest as Al-Nassr continued to dominate.

Ronaldo had already gone close before finally finding the net in the 83rd minute. Ayman Yahya burst forward on the right and sent a low ball across the area, allowing the 41-year-old veteran to take a touch before calmly finishing with his left foot to complete the 4-0 victory. The goal was Ronaldo’s 977th career strike and his 130th for Al-Nassr in all competitions since joining the club in December 2022.

Long-awaited comeback after 2026 World Cup

Ronaldo’s absence at the beginning of the season came after Portugal’s run at the 2026 World Cup and his recent wedding. His extended break meant he missed Al-Nassr’s 3-0 league victory over Al-Fateh and the club’s 4-1 King’s Cup win over Al-Diriyah.

The decision to ease him back into action therefore came as little surprise. Postecoglou waited until Al-Nassr had established a commanding advantage before turning to his captain, giving Ronaldo enough time to make an impact without immediately placing a full-match workload on him.

The approach worked perfectly. Ronaldo entered with Al-Nassr three goals ahead and left having scored the fourth, providing the ideal return for both the player and his new coach. The goal against Al-Riyadh also carried a significance that went beyond his comeback. It extended Ronaldo’s extraordinary scoring run to 25 consecutive professional seasons, making him the first soccer player in history to achieve the feat.

The message Ronaldo chose after his return

After the final whistle, Ronaldo appeared to have little need for a lengthy explanation about how much the return meant to him. Instead, he shared a photograph of himself smiling alongside his Al-Nassr teammates and accompanied it with three simple words: “Good to be back.”

The short message perfectly captured the mood surrounding his comeback. After weeks away from the pitch, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was back in the Al-Nassr shirt, wearing the captain’s armband and scoring within minutes of his return.

The photograph showed the Portuguese surrounded by teammates in Al-Nassr’s yellow shirts, visibly enjoying the moment. For a player who has spent much of his career turning milestones into routine, the simple celebration offered a glimpse of how significant this particular return was.

At 41, Ronaldo continues to produce numbers that would be remarkable for a player in his prime. His latest strike moved his career tally to 977 goals and added another extraordinary chapter to a run that began more than two decades ago.

The superstar veteran made his first competitive appearance of the 2026-27 season against Al-Riyadh and quickly reminded everyone why he remains one of soccer’s most prolific scorers. Coming off the bench, the Portuguese needed just 20 minutes to get on the scoresheet as Al-Nassr secured its second consecutive Saudi Pro League victory.

The goal came during a dominant performance from Ange Postecoglou‘s players, who eventually completed a 4-0 victory. For Ronaldo, however, the personal significance of the strike was arguably even greater than the result, as it continued a scoring run that has stretched across an astonishing portion of his career.

L’Équipe highlighted that Ronaldo had scored for the 25th consecutive season, while ESPN also confirmed that the 2026-27 campaign represents his 25th professional season since his breakthrough at Sporting CP. L’Équipe also reported that the goal was Ronaldo’s 977th career strike.

The historic record finally revealed

That latest goal means Ronaldo has become the first player in history to score in 25 consecutive seasons. His remarkable streak began during the 2002-03 season with Sporting CP, when he scored his first professional goals, and it has continued through every chapter of his career.

The achievement moves Ronaldo beyond another legendary goalscorer, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swedish legend had previously held the record after scoring in 24 consecutive seasons, from 1999-2000 through 2022-23.

Ronaldo’s sequence has survived several major changes in his career, from Sporting CP to Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus before his move to Al-Nassr. The fact that the streak has remained intact across different leagues, clubs and generations is what makes the milestone particularly remarkable.

His first professional goal came for Sporting CP on October 7, 2002, and more than 24 years later, he is still adding to the sequence. AS recalled how that first strike helped begin what would eventually become one of the most decorated and prolific careers soccer has ever seen.

Another milestone as Ronaldo chases 1,000 goals

The timing of the record is also significant because Ronaldo is approaching another potentially historic landmark. His goal against Al-Riyadh took his career total to 977, leaving him only 23 goals short of 1,000.

Ronaldo has previously suggested that the 2026-27 season could be his final campaign, meaning the pursuit of four figures has taken on even greater importance. The Portuguese captain has repeatedly spoken about his desire to reach the milestone, and every goal now brings him closer.

Asked directly about reports linking the Argentine captain to Barcelona, Chivu didn’t shy away from the topic. “Lautaro is our captain and we keep him with us. I think he will stay here for very long time,” he said, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Inter boss acknowledged that speculation around his captain was inevitable given his stature in the squad, noting that Martinez represents “what we were and what we want to be in the future“.

Still, when pressed further on whether he could guarantee Martinez’s future beyond the current window, Chivu opted not to make any promises. “Then the transfer market is bastard… so I’m not gonna reply. For sure we want Lautaro to stay here,” he added, striking a more cautious tone about a situation that remains out of his hands.

For now, Martinez is set to captain Inter Milan in their Serie A opener on Saturday against Monza, where they’ll look to begin their title defense in the best way possible.

Lautaro Martinez is Barcelona’s Plan B

The rumors have picked up steam after Barcelona’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez hit a wall at Atletico Madrid, reportedly pushing the Catalan club to view Martinez as an alternative.

Reports out of Spain suggest personal terms have already been discussed and that Martinez himself would be open to the move, though Inter’s stance remains that the 28-year-old, under contract until 2029, isn’t for sale.

The decision is especially significant because Ronaldo has already missed Al-Nassr‘s opening league match and the club’s King’s Cup victory. His continued absence has therefore become one of the biggest talking points surrounding Al-Nassr at the beginning of the new campaign, particularly after the club enjoyed an impressive start without its captain.

Al-Nassr has still given supporters plenty of reasons for optimism. The club opened the Saudi Pro League season with a 3-0 victory over Al-Fateh before following it with a 4-1 win over Al-Diriyah in the King’s Cup, giving Ange Postecoglou a perfect competitive start.

The biggest development ahead of the Riyadh derby is that Ronaldo has been named among the substitutes rather than in Al-Nassr’s starting XI. That means the 41-year-old remains available to Postecoglou, but the manager has opted against throwing him straight into the starting lineup.

The decision will inevitably raise questions about when the Portugal international will finally make his first competitive start of the season. For now, though, Al-Nassr appear to be taking a cautious approach rather than rushing their biggest attacking star back into action.

The reason behind Ronaldo’s absence

The explanation for Ronaldo’s continued absence goes back to the unusual circumstances surrounding his preseason preparation. The veteran forward returned from his post-World Cup break later than many of his teammates, while his wedding celebrations also contributed to the limited amount of preparation time available to him.

More recently, reports indicated that Ronaldo had been dealing with discomfort involving a pelvic muscle issue. That problem reportedly resulted in the striker training separately from his teammates while Al-Nassr’s medical staff monitored his condition.

That context helps explain why Postecoglou has resisted immediately putting Ronaldo into the starting lineup. With a long season ahead, Al-Nassr have little reason to take unnecessary risks with a player they will need for the biggest domestic and continental matches.

Ronaldo had already missed the 3-0 league victory against Al-Fateh, while he was also absent from the 4-1 King’s Cup win over Al-Diriyah. His return to the matchday squad against Al-Riyadh therefore represents progress, even if he has not yet been trusted from the opening whistle.

Al-Nassr have coped impressively without its captain

Ronaldo’s absence would normally represent a major attacking setback for any team, but Al-Nassr have managed to produce convincing results without him. The club has scored seven goals across its first two competitive matches, conceding only one in the process.

Postecoglou has also benefited from the attacking quality around Ronaldo. Joao Felix, Angelo and Sadio Mane provide the team with different ways of creating chances, while the summer additions have helped ensure that the attack does not depend entirely on the Portuguese striker.

That could make Ronaldo’s eventual return even more interesting. Rather than having to immediately carry the attack, he should be joining a team that has already developed some rhythm and confidence under its new manager.

Al-Riyadh vs Al-Nassr: Confirmed lineups

Al Riyadh confirmed XI (4-3-3): Borjan; Al Essa, Majrashi, Al Khaibari, Hazazi; Keita, Al Jayzani, Mensah; Okou, Curto Antunes, Trezeguet.

Al-Nassr confirmed XI (4-2-3-1): Bento; Boushal, Al Amri, Martinez, Al Najdi; Al Khaibari, Angelo; Coman, Joao Felix, Mane; Al Hamdan.

The timing is encouraging for the Rossoneri, particularly after a difficult pre-season in which several important players have been unavailable. Pulisic’s return gives the club another attacking option, but one important question remains before the trip to Turin.

According to MilanNews, Pulisic has returned to full team training at Milanello, with his comeback coming only two days before the Serie A opener. The American has recovered from the injury he sustained during last month’s Club World Cup, when he suffered a microfracture and bone oedema in the tibia and fibula of his right leg.

The American winger had originally been expected to miss around four to six weeks, making his return to group work a significant milestone. After 44 days away from the squad, the 27-year-old is now back training alongside his teammates, putting him firmly on course to return to match action.

The images from training also offered further encouragement, with Pulisic pictured smiling alongside teammates during a rainy session. His presence suggests that his recovery has progressed well enough for him to resume normal work with the group rather than continuing on an individual rehabilitation program.

Milan faces huge decision over Torino

Despite the positive development, Pulisic’s availability for the season opener is still uncertain. The factor now sitting between his return to training and a place in the squad is whether Ruben Amorim believes he is ready to be involved in a competitive match so soon after his injury.

MilanNews adds that the decision will be made before the match, meaning Pulisic could still have a chance of traveling with the team. However, given the nature of his injury and the length of his absence, the team will have to carefully weigh the benefits of an early return against the risk of pushing him too quickly.

Even a limited appearance could be useful if the coaching staff decides that he is ready. A 20-to-30-minute cameo from the bench could give Pulisic valuable minutes while allowing Milan to avoid placing too much physical demand on him immediately.

Return that could come at the perfect time

Even if Pulisic does not make the squad against the Turin side, his return to full training means the wait for his comeback is almost over. He should be in a much stronger position to feature in Milan’s following match at San Siro, provided he continues to respond well to the increased workload.

There had previously been reports that Pulisic could return around August 28, but his return to group training has accelerated hopes that he can contribute earlier. Milan will have no reason to rush him, especially with a long Serie A campaign ahead.

The defending champion, Al-Nassr, controlled the match from the very beginning under the guidance of manager Ange Postecoglou. Abdulelah Al-Amri opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a commanding header from a corner. Just before halftime, Brazilian midfielder Angelo doubled the lead to firmly establish control at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium.

Shortly after the break, Portuguese star Joao Felix made it three by firing a low shot past goalkeeper Milan Borjan. According to Sofascore, Al-Nassr completely dictated the tempo against an overwhelmed opponent. This sustained pressure set the perfect stage for a heavily anticipated substitution.

Entering the game around the 61st minute, Ronaldo immediately began searching for his moment of magic. In the 83rd minute, he collected a precise low cross from Ayman Yahya and executed a sharp turn inside the box. He then sealed the comprehensive victory with a composed, left-footed finish that rattled the back of the net.

Chasing historic milestone

At an age where most professional athletes step away, Ronaldo is steadily marching toward the unprecedented 1,000-goal mark. He has previously hinted that this could be his final season, openly expressing his profound desire to leave “a spectacular legacy.” With this resounding win, Al-Nassr leaps above rival Al-Hilal on goal difference to claim the top spot.

The crushing defeat leaves Al-Riyadh sitting at the very bottom of the table following their second consecutive loss. Meanwhile, the integration of global stars alongside local talent makes Al-Nassr look incredibly formidable right out of the gate. For Ronaldo, returning from the sidelines with a goal and a massive victory is the ultimate statement of intent.

Price remains the biggest obstacle standing in the way of any agreement. Arsenal have reportedly tabled an opening bid of £103 million plus £4 million in add-ons, but Atletico are said to be holding out for around £129 million, a gap that leaves the two clubs far from an agreement despite the direct talks.

Even if the financial terms are eventually bridged, Alvarez’s own stance complicates matters further. The forward has yet to open the door to a move to England, having made clear that Barcelona remains his only real preference amid the ongoing transfer saga.

However, talks with Barcelona appear to have hit a dead end, after Atletico Madrid rejected their offer for the player, making clear he wouldn’t be sold.

Atletico’s stance seems to be that they won’t sell the forward to a direct rival, having also rejected an offer from Real Madrid for Alvarez. That leaves Diego Simeone’s team potentially selling the Argentine to England instead, though his departure wouldn’t come cheap for Arsenal.

Atletico Madrid fans make their frustration with Alvarez clear

The tension between Alvarez and a section of Atletico’s fanbase escalated further on Friday morning, when banners appeared outside the club’s training facility in Majadahonda. One read simply “Julián out“, while another played on traffic sign imagery to read “19 forbidden“, a reference to Alvarez’s shirt number.

It’s the latest sign that the relationship between the forward and Atletico’s supporters has deteriorated significantly, following chants directed at him during LaLiga opener against Malaga.

“Given the notifications received, and in defense of the rights of the Association and its players, the AFA Legal Department will, in due time and form, request from FIFA the grounds for the rulings that are subject to review, in order to file appeals with the Appeal Committee of world football’s governing body, with the possibility of resorting to the CAS as a last instance remaining open in the future,” the official statement read.

The federation’s priority is reducing the individual suspensions handed to Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada, and assistant coach Roberto Ayala, with the stated goal of ensuring each of them misses as few matches as possible heading into Argentina‘s upcoming fixtures.

Given the length of Paredes’ (ten games) and Molina’s (seven games) bans in particular, any reduction would carry real weight for Lionel Scaloni as he plans his squad for the next international window.

Should the initial appeal fail to produce results, AFA has made clear it won’t rule out escalating the case to the CAS as a final resort, a path the federation has only taken once before in recent memory, back in 2022, over a suspended match against Brazil. For now, the process is just beginning, and no timeline has been given for when FIFA‘s Appeal Committee might rule on the federation’s request.

A full breakdown of FIFA’s fines against Argentina

Between the fines tied to fan conduct and the individual suspensions handed to Paredes, Molina, Almada, and Ayala, FIFA’s ruling against Argentina covers a wide range of incidents from across the tournament.

Team sanctions:

• $10,000 fine for the display of the Falklands flag.
• $20,000 fine for inappropriate spectator conduct.
• $100,000 fine (plus an additional $100,000 suspended) over racist and discriminatory chants from fans.
• 50% stadium capacity restriction for Argentina’s next home match, with a second such restriction suspended for one year.
• $91,000 fine for objects thrown onto the pitch, match delays, and security protocol failures.

Individual sanctions:

• Leandro Paredes: 10-match suspension and $90,000 fine
• Nahuel Molina: 7-match suspension and $90,000 fine
• Thiago Almada: 1-match suspension and $30,000 fine
• Roberto Ayala: 3-match bench suspension and $30,000 fine

The penalties cover discriminatory chants and gestures from Argentine fans across matches against Cape Verde, Egypt, Switzerland, England, and Spain, the display of the Falklands flag, and objects thrown onto the pitch during the Switzerland and England matches that delayed kickoff.

As part of the sanction, Argentina must play their next two home matches with stadium capacity capped at 50%, and $100,000 of the fine must be directed toward an anti-discrimination program. A portion of the penalty, one match and $100,000, was suspended on probation.

Individual suspensions handed out for World Cup final brawl

Separately, FIFA also handed down individual sanctions tied to the chaotic scenes that broke out after Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain in the World Cup final on July 19.

Leandro Paredes received the harshest punishment, a 10-match suspension and a $90,000 fine, for grabbing Eric Garcia by the neck during the post-match brawl. Nahuel Molina was banned for seven matches and fined $90,000 after clashing with Rodri, while Thiago Almada received a one-match ban and a $30,000 fine.

Assistant coach Roberto Ayala was also sanctioned, banned from the bench for three matches and fined $30,000 after punching Dani Olmo during the fracas. On Spain’s side, Gavi received a one-match suspension and a $30,000 fine as well.

The AFA has confirmed it will formally request the grounds for FIFA’s ruling in order to pursue an appeal through the governing body’s Appeal Committee, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport remaining available as a final recourse should that process not resolve in Argentina’s favor.

The developments come as the Saudi Pro League continues to tighten its financial controls while clubs attempt to complete their summer recruitment. For Ronaldo and Al-Nassr, the timing is particularly significant with Al-Riyadh waiting on Friday and Al-Ettifaq scheduled to face the defending champions next week.

The first major development concerns Al-Riyadh, which has received approval to register Ivorian midfielder Kader Keita. The defensive midfielder is set to take the place of Senegalese striker Mamadou Sylla in the club’s registered squad after the necessary financial approval was granted.

According to Al-Riyadh newspaper, the league has given the green light for Keita’s registration, allowing the midfielder to become available for selection. Keita, who was born in November 2000 and has a French-Ivorian background, arrives after a spell with Romanian club Rapid București. His arrival gives Al-Riyadh another physical and defensive option in midfield ahead of its meeting with Al-Nassr.

The timing could hardly be more interesting. Al-Riyadh suffered a 4-2 defeat to Al-Ettifaq in its opening league match, but it responded by beating Al-Zulfi 2-0 in the King’s Cup, meaning the club will enter Friday’s clash with renewed confidence.

Al-Ettifaq also gets green light for Larsson

The second boost involves Al-Ettifaq and Swedish forward Jordan Larsson, whose move to the club had been held up by financial restrictions. The club has now received approval from the Financial Control Committee to proceed with the signing from Copenhagen.

Larsson had reportedly agreed to join Al-Ettifaq in a deal worth around $1.5 million, with the proposed contract running until June 2029. The 28-year-old had already completed his medical and arrived in Saudi Arabia earlier this month, leaving the registration process as the major obstacle.

The approval means Al-Ettifaq can now move closer to having another attacking option available. That could prove especially important ahead of its meeting with Al-Nassr on August 25, just four days after Ronaldo’s side faces Al-Riyadh.

Why the registrations were delayed

The two developments are linked to the Saudi Pro League’s increasingly strict financial regulations. The Financial Control Committee has introduced spending controls that limit first-team expenditure to 75% of a club’s revenue, with the remaining funds directed toward areas such as youth development and infrastructure.

Those restrictions have already created complications for several clubs attempting to complete their transfer business. Al-Ettifaq’s inability to finalize Larsson’s registration is one example, while Al-Riyadh also needed approval before officially adding Keïta to its squad.

Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr faces tougher challenges

For Al-Nassr, the news represents a double headache at the beginning of a campaign in which the club is expected to challenge for every major domestic trophy. Ange Postecoglou’s side began the league season impressively with a 3-0 victory over Al-Fateh and subsequently defeated Al-Diriyah 4-1 in the King’s Cup.

Ronaldo’s presence gives Al-Nassr an obvious advantage, particularly after the Portuguese superstar returned to the squad following his extended break. However, having to face opponents who have just gained additional squad options could make the early schedule more demanding.

Al-Riyadh will now have Keita available as it attempts to produce an upset in Friday’s Riyadh derby. Al-Ettifaq, meanwhile, could potentially have Larsson available by the time it welcomes Al-Nassr on August 25.

Match Overview

Al Nassr return to action, this time to face Al Riyadh. Both teams enter Matchday 2 under very different circumstances, but with one shared goal: victory.

Al Nassr enter the match as clear favorites, having won their opening fixture against Al Fateh 3-0. As for Al Riyadh, they kicked off their campaign with a 4-2 loss to Al Ettifaq and are looking to turn things around in Matchday 2.

In recent days, reports emerged that Benzema was seeking a return to European soccer. However, the French striker dismissed those rumors, creating a ripple effect across Al Hilal’s squad structure.

The Saudi club signed Nunez in August 2025. Just one year later, they have opted to send him on loan to newly promoted Al Diriyah for the 2026–27 season, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Darwin Nunez struggles to meet expectations

In 2022, Liverpool made a high-profile move in the transfer market by signing Nunez from Benfica for nearly $100 million, expecting to secure an elite forward to anchor their attack.

Three years later, the Premier League club sold him to Al Hilal for $60 million. The Saudi Pro League side sought a top-tier, young star to bolster their frontline, but the move did not pay off as anticipated.

In 24 appearances, Nunez scored just nine goals—a return well below expectations. His inconsistent output prompted Al Hilal to sign Karim Benzema six months after Nunez’s arrival.

With the Uruguayan striker now loaned to Al Diriyah, the message is clear: Al Hilal prefer to rely on an established veteran rather than continue waiting for Nunez to fulfill his potential.

The rumors gained traction after reports from Diario AS and Sky Sports indicated Benzema was negotiating a possible contract termination with the club, with the 38-year-old reportedly out of manager Simone Inzaghi’s plans.

Tension appeared to boil over when Benzema showed visible frustration at being substituted during the Saudi Pro League opener win over Al Faisaly, despite having scored in the match. However, Inzaghi later played down any rift, saying he understood his striker’s desire to play every minute given his own playing career.

The uncertainty around Benzema’s situation had also fueled a far more sensational storyline, with reports floating Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami as a possible destination. However, with Benzema now publicly committing to stay, that scenario appears to be off the table.

Ollie Watkins turns down Saudi Arabia

With Benzema’s future uncertain, Al Hilal had reportedly identified Ollie Watkins as his potential replacement, but that pursuit has also stalled, at least from Aston Villa’s side. The Saudi club had submitted an official €45 million bid for the striker, according to Fabrizio Romano, and Watkins himself was reportedly open to making the switch.

Villa, however, held firm, rejecting multiple approaches and instead moving to tie their striker down further, offering him a lucrative new contract to fend off the interest and keep one of Unai Emery’s most important players at Villa Park heading into another Champions League campaign.

With Benzema now publicly committing to stay, that search for a replacement striker no longer appears necessary, at least for the time being. His comments effectively take Watkins off Al Hilal’s radar and close the book on one of the more talked-about storylines of the Saudi transfer window.

He returned to individual training earlier this week, and while there’s no guarantee he starts, Ronaldo has been included in Ange Postecoglou’s 21-man squad list for the trip to face Al Riyadh, opening the door for him to feature in some capacity even if it’s not from the opening whistle.

Ahead of the match, Al Riyadh coach Mauricio Dulac had nothing but praise for the possibility of facing him. “When we talk about Ronaldo, we are talking about a legend, someone who has made history in football and in the world of football. If Cristiano plays against us, it will be a pleasure for everyone,” Dulac said during a press conference.

Al Nassr head into the match on a two-match winning run, having opened the Saudi Pro League with a 3-0 win over Al Fateh and cruising 4-1 past Al Diriyah in the King’s Cup. For Al Riyadh, who dropped their season opener 4-2 to Al Ettifaq, the match carries extra weight as they’ll need to win to get their campaign back on track.

Dulac struck an optimistic tone about the challenge ahead. “They are a very good team with an extremely strong squad and many stars. But I think that is also very good for us, because when we play against good players and very strong teams, we raise our own level as well,” the Brazilian coach added.

Postecoglou won’t have his full squad available

While Ronaldo’s potential return would give Postecoglou a major boost, it comes as Al Nassr also deals with six absences for the Al Riyadh match. The missing players are Saad Al Nasser, Samu Costa, Mohamed Simakan, Mohamed Maran, Raghed Al Najjar, and Abdulrahman Ghareeb.

Per Arriyadiyah, the absences of Costa and Simakan in particular are tied to squad management rather than injury, with Postecoglou opting to rest the Portugal midfielder and France defender due to fatigue after a congested start to the season.

The draw has produced several intriguing matchups involving Saudi Arabia’s biggest clubs and ambitious challengers. Al-Nassr will have home advantage, but the tie could still demand full concentration from Ange Postecoglou’s side.

The draw, held at Thmanyah studios on Thursday, August 20, confirmed that Al-Nassr will face Al-Kholood at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh. The match is scheduled to take place on October 19 or 20, although organizers have also announced November 30 and December 1 as alternative dates if the calendar requires adjustments.

The Saudi Pro League champion booked its place in the last 16 with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Al-Diriyah earlier this week. Joao Felix stole the spotlight in that match, scoring twice and adding an assist after Al-Nassr initially fell behind.

The opponent arrives with its own impressive cup story. Al-Kholood defeated First Division side Jeddah 5-0 in the Round of 32, with Spanish midfielder Iker Kortajarena scoring a first-half hat-trick to underline the club’s attacking threat.

Al-Kholood brings recent King’s Cup pedigree

Al-Kholood enjoyed a remarkable run in the previous edition of the competition. The club reached the King’s Cup final last season, even taking the lead against Al-Hilal before eventually losing 2-1.

That campaign was particularly impressive because Al-Kholood was simultaneously fighting to preserve its top-flight status. Under Des Buckingham, the club managed to avoid relegation while establishing itself as a genuine threat in the cup, demonstrating that it can cause problems for more established opponents.

The recent league meeting between the two sides should also give Al-Nassr reason for caution. The teams played out a 1-1 draw, meaning Postecoglou’s players will already know that Al-Kholood can frustrate them when the game becomes competitive and tightly contested.

Postecoglou faces another test with Ronaldo’s side

Al-Nassr enters the tie as the obvious favorite given its squad quality and ambitions. Ronaldo remains the headline figure, while the Riyadh side can also call upon Joao Felix and a collection of international stars capable of deciding a knockout match.

For Postecoglou, the King’s Cup represents another opportunity to build momentum during his first season in charge. The Australian coach will be expected to challenge for multiple trophies, making a favorable home draw something Al-Nassr will want to capitalize on.

Still, knockout soccer can quickly punish complacency. Al-Kholood’s cup pedigree, recent 1-1 draw with Al-Nassr and emphatic 5-0 victory in the previous round mean the visitor has enough evidence to believe it can produce another surprise.

Pulisic has been sidelined since the United States’ World Cup campaign ended in disappointing fashion against Belgium. The 27-year-old suffered a bone bruise and microfracture in his lower leg after striking the leg of Belgium midfielder Youri Tielemans while attempting to shoot.

The injury came after Pulisic had already battled a calf problem during the tournament, making his recovery particularly important. He initially expected to have time to recover after the World Cup, but the setback ultimately ruled him out of Milan‘s entire preseason under new head coach Ruben Amorim.

“I just totally twisted my ankle and my knee in one play,” Pulisic said following the injury. “I mean, whatever. I have time to rest. It’s just an unfortunate way to finish.” Now, however, there is genuine reason for optimism at Milanello. The 27-year-old has already returned to partial work with the squad, and MilanNews journalist Antonio Vitiello reports that the winger has been cleared to resume full group training on Friday, August 21.

Milan receives timely boost before Serie A opener

The timing could hardly be more significant for Milan, which is preparing for its first competitive match of the new campaign. The club travels to Turin to face Torino in the Serie A opener, with Amorim still assessing which players are ready to handle the demands of the new season.

Pulisic was still working separately on Thursday alongside Rafael Leao and Santiago Gimenez, who are also continuing their respective recovery plans. The key difference for the American is that he has now received the green light to rejoin his teammates for collective training.

The development represents a clear improvement from earlier in the week, when Pulisic was only able to complete part of the session. It also suggests that his rehabilitation has progressed without any major setbacks, even though his lack of preseason minutes remains a concern.

Will Pulisic make the Torino squad?

This is where the situation becomes more complicated. A return to full group training does not automatically mean Pulisic will be included in Milan’s squad against Torino, particularly after he has spent more than six weeks away from competitive play.

Reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport have indicated that the American is still unlikely to feature in the Serie A opener, with the club preferring to give him additional time to rebuild his match fitness. The possibility of a return could instead arrive for the Rossoneri’s first home league fixture against Venezia on August 28.

That approach would allow Pulisic to spend several more days working under Amorim and adapting to the manager’s tactical demands. After missing the entire preseason, throwing him straight into a competitive match could carry unnecessary risks.

The Riyadh club opened its title defence in convincing fashion, defeating Al-Fateh 3-0 before following that result with a 4-1 King’s Cup victory over Al-Diriyah. Ronaldo missed both matches while working his way back to full fitness, making his inclusion in the squad one of the biggest talking points ahead of Friday’s fixture.

Ronaldo’s availability had been uncertain after he experienced discomfort linked to a pelvic muscle issue during training. According to earlier reports from Arriyadiyah, the 41-year-old continued with an individual rehabilitation plan on Wednesday rather than joining the main group, leaving the club’s medical staff to assess him before the match.

That uncertainty has now been eased, with Ronaldo officially included in Postecoglou’s 21-man squad for the trip to Al-Riyadh. Arriyadiyah and the club reported the squad news on Thursday, confirming that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is available for selection.

Ronaldo had returned to Saudi Arabia following his wedding in Portugal and his extended post-World Cup break. His absence from the opening two matches created plenty of anticipation around his eventual return, and Friday could finally provide the answer for supporters waiting to see their captain back on the pitch.

Al-Nassr faces six-player absence

While Ronaldo’s return provides a significant boost, Al-Nassr is also dealing with six absences for the Al-Riyadh match. The missing players are Saad Al Nasser, Samu Costa, Mohamed Simakan, Mohamed Maran, Raghed Al Najjar and Abdulrahman Ghareeb.

The absence of Samu Costa and Mohamed Simakan is particularly notable, although their omission appears to be related to squad management rather than a major injury. Arriyadiyah reports that Postecoglou decided to rest the Portugal midfielder and France defender because of fatigue following the congested start to the season.

The decision reflects the Australian manager’s desire to protect his players from muscle problems while navigating consecutive competitive fixtures. Costa and Simakan are therefore being managed carefully, rather than being ruled out because of a serious setback.

Ronaldo adds another dimension to Postecoglou’s attack

Ronaldo’s return gives Postecoglou another elite attacking option as Al-Nassr attempts to maintain its perfect start. The forward could potentially feature alongside Joao Felix, Kingsley Coman, and Sadio Mane, creating one of the most dangerous attacking groups in the Saudi Pro League.

The club’s first two results have already suggested that it can score freely without Ronaldo. Al-Nassr defeated Al-Fateh 3-0 in the league before producing another convincing performance against Al-Diriyah, winning 4-1 to advance in the King’s Cup.

However, Ronaldo’s presence changes the attacking dynamic. His goalscoring record and experience make him an obvious focal point, whether Postecoglou decides to start him immediately or gradually reintroduce him from the bench.

Asked about Alvarez, Romero didn’t hesitate to back his compatriot. “I see Julian doing very well. I arrived five days ago and he’s the same as always, a guy eager to keep scoring goals and entertaining people,” he said, adding that his teammate remains “very locked in,” a focus that Romero said makes him happy given everything going on around him.

Romero‘s comments came just a day after Diego Simeone was asked about the same chants and gave a far more guarded response, saying only that he respects the club’s fans without addressing Alvarez’s situation directly.

Club president Enrique Cerezo struck a similarly supportive tone to Romero’s, insisting Alvarez was never for sale and predicting he’ll win the fanbase back within a couple of matches.

With Alvarez back in individual training and expected to be available for Atletico’s next match against Villarreal on Sunday, Romero’s public show of support adds another voice pushing back against the tension between the forward and a section of the fanbase, even as the club insists the Barcelona saga is now firmly behind them.

Cuti Romero on his own arrival at Atletico Madrid

Beyond addressing Alvarez’s situation, Romero also opened up about what led him to Atletico Madrid in the first place. The 27-year-old joins after five seasons at Tottenham Hotspur, a spell in which he became a key figure for the club, eventually earning the captaincy and winning the 2024-25 Europa League, before Atletico agreed a €40 million deal with Spurs that ties him to the club through 2031.

He’ll wear the number 21 shirt for his debut season under Simeone. “I’m very happy to join this huge club, and I know I’m coming in with the same mentality as always: trying to leave my name written into the history of this beautiful club,” he said, echoing the same ambition that defined his time in England.

The 2026–27 Premier League season is about to kick off, with Chelsea launching their campaign on Monday, August 24, against Fulham. For this match, Alonso expects to have Fernandez fully available.  

“Enzo is a Chelsea player. He’s a top, top player,” Alonso stated. “He’s training really well, very integrated, and we are happy with him. He’s getting ready for Monday.”  

A move to Manchester City may be the best option for Fernandez

During Chelsea’s pre-season fixtures—including a friendly against Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge—some supporters booed Fernandez. The reaction stemmed from frustration regarding his celebrations following Argentina’s victory over England in the 2026 World Cup.

Subsequent rumors linking him with a departure to Manchester City have further exacerbated tension among fans. Under these circumstances, a transition to the Etihad Stadium could offer a fresh start for his career.  

City manager Enzo Maresca reportedly views Fernandez as a primary target to reinforce his midfield. Should the Argentine complete a marquee move to Manchester, City supporters would likely view him favorably based on his technical quality, provided he meets expectations and delivers immediate performances.  

The 46-year-old arrived at Forlì Airport from Milan, greeting fans with his trademark “shaka” gesture, the same city where he spent two and a half seasons at AC Milan earlier in his career.

According to beIN Sports, the move is primarily tied to commercial and brand-development goals for the club, which was acquired in 2024 by Italian businessman Ignazio Cipriani as part of a project that also includes partnerships with Nike and Black Duck. Still, Ravenna has confirmed that Ronaldinho is expected to play in at least one official match during the season, though no debut date has been set yet.

The signing was first announced back in June with a presentation event in Miami, where Ronaldinho made his intentions clear: “Football has always been joy for me and I’m excited to bring that spirit to Ravenna. Let the magic begin!” Now, with his arrival in Italy, that long-anticipated return is finally taking shape.

Ronaldinho’s last professional match and career recap

Ronaldinho’s last official appearance as a professional came in 2015 with Fluminense, the Brazilian club where he closed out his playing days after scoring his final professional goal against Gremio on August 23 of that year. Though he never officially played again, his retirement wasn’t formally confirmed until January 2018, when his agent announced it nearly three years later.

Across his career, Ronaldinho built one of the most iconic résumés in the sport’s history, starting out at Gremio in his native Brazil (1998-2001) before moving to Europe with Paris Saint-Germain (2001-2003).

His most successful spell came at FC Barcelona (2003-2008), where he reached the best form of his entire career, winning two LaLiga titles and the 2006 Champions League while collecting the Ballon d’Or in 2005.

He then joined AC Milan (2008-2011), winning a Serie A title, before returning to Brazil for spells with Flamengo (2011-2012) and Atletico Mineiro (2012-2014), followed by a brief stint in Mexico with Queretaro (2014-2015) and finally Fluminense (2015), where his professional career came to a close.

Benzema’s situation has become one of the most intriguing stories of the Saudi transfer window. With his future at Al-Hilal increasingly uncertain, speculation has naturally turned toward where the 38-year-old could continue his career if he leaves the club.

Reports from Diario AS and Sky Sports indicate that Benzema is negotiating a possible contract termination with Al-Hilal. The French striker is reportedly out of Simone Inzaghi’s plans, while the club has already identified Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins as a potential replacement.

The situation became even more complicated after Benzema expressed his frustration at being substituted during Al-Hilal’s 4-2 victory over Al-Faisaly. Despite scoring in the match, the veteran forward was replaced in the second half, fueling further speculation about his relationship with the new manager.

Inzaghi, however, attempted to calm the situation afterward. “We talked about that after the match. It’s normal that he wants to play every match, and I understand him because I was a striker too,” Inzaghi said, according to Saudi media reports. The Italian coach added that he has a respectful relationship with Benzema, describing him as “not only a great champion, but also a very great professional.”

The financial problem blocking Benzema’s exit

The biggest obstacle to Benzema leaving Al-Hilal is reportedly financial. The striker wants the full value of the final year of his contract, while Al-Hilal and the relevant Saudi soccer authorities are unwilling to simply pay the entire amount to terminate the agreement.

Benzema’s contract structure makes matters even more complicated because part of his salary is reportedly covered through bodies connected to the Saudi Pro League. As a result, ending the deal could require approval from multiple parties rather than being a straightforward agreement between the player and the club.

That issue has effectively put the next stage of the veteran striker’s career on hold. Al-Hilal wants to free up a foreign-player spot for a new striker, but it cannot fully move forward until Benzema’s contractual situation is resolved.

Could Messi and Benzema really unite in Miami?

That uncertainty has opened the door to speculation about a stunning move to Major League Soccer. Inter Miami has been mentioned as a potential destination for Benzema, with the possibility of the Frenchman joining Messi, Luis Suarez and several other established stars creating an irresistible storyline, as per Saudi outlet Midan Al Yaum.

The idea would reunite two of the most decorated forwards of their generation. Messi and Benzema spent years competing against each other in European soccer, particularly during Benzema’s Real Madrid career, but could now potentially become teammates in the United States.

The Argentine forward, whose future at the club has been thrown into doubt amid persistent links to Barcelona, didn’t feature in the match as he continues working toward full match fitness, and a section of Atletico supporters didn’t hold back their frustration with him, with chants targeting the striker ringing out from the stands.

Asked directly about the chants after the match, Diego Simeone chose not to come to his player’s defense. “I respect our fans very much,” the Argentine coach responded shortly during the press conference, declining to elaborate further or address Alvarez’s situation at the club.

The brief, pointed response did little to calm the situation. Rather than distancing himself from the supporters’ behavior or backing his forward publicly, Simeone’s answer was widely read as tacit approval of the fans’ anger, deepening the sense that the relationship between Alvarez and the Atletico faithful may have reached a breaking point.

Alvarez appears set to stay at Atletico this season

Despite the tension and noise surrounding him, Julian Alvarez appears increasingly likely to remain at Atletico Madrid through the rest of the transfer window.

The Argentine was back on the training pitch on Thursday as part of his individual fitness program, and Diego Simeone could hand him a place in the squad for the club’s next match, against Villarreal on Sunday, August 23.

Adding to the sense that his Barcelona move may no longer be on the table, reports indicate the Catalan club have shifted their attention toward Lautaro Martinez as a fallback striker option, a move that would effectively close the door on any imminent deal for Alvarez.

The 26-year-old arrived in Riyadh after a difficult spell in European soccer, but his career has taken a dramatic turn since linking up with Ronaldo. Now, a major decision involving his future could give Al-Nassr another reason for optimism as it looks to build on its championship-winning campaign.

Felix’s first season in Riyadh proved to be a major success. He produced 20 goals and 14 assists in the Saudi Pro League, playing a key role as Al-Nassr claimed the league championship while also earning recognition as the competition’s Player of the Season.

His influence has continued into the new 2026-27 campaign. Felix scored in the opening league victory over Al-Fateh before producing two goals and an assist against Al-Diriyah in the King’s Cup.

The Portuguese forward has also developed a productive partnership with Ronaldo. Felix has already delivered more than 40 goal contributions for the Knight of Najd, underlining the impact he has made since arriving in Saudi Arabia.

What does Joao Felix’s future hold?

According to 365Scores Arabic, Al-Nassr and Felix have agreed to extend his contract by two additional seasons beyond his current agreement, which is scheduled to expire in June 2027. The report also makes clear that there are no financial problems or disagreements between the player and the club, with the official announcement expected at a mutually agreed time.

The development represents a significant boost for Al-Nassr, particularly given Felix’s importance since his arrival in July 2025. The Portuguese forward initially signed a two-year contract after leaving Chelsea in a deal reported to be worth around $35 million plus potential add-ons.

Ronaldo’s role in the renewal push

Felix’s importance to the project had already become clear during the summer, when reports suggested Ronaldo personally encouraged Al-Nassr to open discussions over a new contract for his compatriot. The relationship between the two Portuguese stars has become one of the defining features of the club’s attack.

There had previously been speculation that Felix’s future could become complicated, particularly amid reports concerning Al-Nassr’s finances. However, those concerns appear to have been overstated, with the latest information indicating that the extension was connected to the terms of his original contract rather than any dispute between the two sides.

For Ronaldo, keeping his younger compatriot represents another important piece of stability around him. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner remains the centerpiece of the team’s attack, but having a creative forward capable of producing goals and assists consistently gives the club another major weapon.

Felix, meanwhile, has finally found the kind of environment that allows him to play with confidence and freedom. After difficult spells involving Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, and Milan, his Saudi Arabian adventure has given him regular opportunities and the chance to rediscover the form that once made him one of Europe’s most exciting young talents.

After leading 2-1, Neil Pierre equalized in the 58th minute, with tensions on the pitch already starting to rise. Right after the equalizer, Messi had an exchange with Quinn Sullivan in which he appeared to swing a slap that caught him on the neck.

According to journalist José Armando of Deporte Total USA, the committee is expected to hand down a financial penalty, though league rules technically allow for a match suspension as well.

Should Messi be suspended, he would miss Inter Miami’s next fixture against Toronto FC on Saturday, a game the Herons can ill afford to be without their captain for given their recent form.

A heated game finish

Tensions on the pitch kept escalating until the final whistle. Deep into stoppage time, a scuffle broke out after Miami defender Ian Fray made contact with Philadelphia’s Quinn Sullivan, who shoved back in response.

Quinn’s brother, Cavan Sullivan, stepped in to defend him, and as the confrontation escalated, Yannick Bright got involved to back up his teammates and ended up tangling with Cavan.

Both Cavan Sullivan and Bright were sent off in the fracas, while Quinn Sullivan picked up a yellow card for his role in sparking it. With the Disciplinary Committee’s ruling still pending, all eyes now turn to whether Messi will be cleared in time to face Toronto, or whether the incident will cost Inter Miami their captain at a pivotal point in the MLS regular season.

Inter Miami’s Supporters’ Shield hopes take a hit

The draw also complicates Inter Miami’s pursuit of the Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the club with the best regular-season record. The Herons now trail Nashville SC, who lead the standings by five points, and the gap only grows more concerning after a stretch that’s produced three straight losses and now a draw.

Miami’s schedule doesn’t get any easier from here, with Toronto FC up next on Saturday, followed by CF Montréal on August 29, Atlanta United on September 5, Chicago Fire on September 9, and a rematch with Nashville itself on September 12, a stretch that could either close the gap at the top or push the Shield further out of reach.

According to Arriyadiyah, Ronaldo continued his rehabilitation plan on Wednesday without joining Al-Nassr’s group training session. The 41-year-old is recovering from a pelvic muscle injury after experiencing pain during a team session last week, although he reportedly felt no discomfort during Wednesday’s work.

Instead, the Portuguese superstar completed specific fitness exercises alongside his recovery program as he continues to follow the medical staff’s return-to-play plan. The club is expected to assess him again during Thursday’s training session before determining whether he can feature against Al-Riyadh this Friday.

That assessment could ultimately determine whether Ronaldo makes his first competitive appearance of the new season. Medical and physical tests will play a major role in deciding how much involvement, if any, he is ready to handle.

Postecoglou faces crucial call

The latest information has added another layer of intrigue to Ronaldo’s situation. 365Scores Arabic reports that the current inclination is for Ronaldo to be rested against Al-Riyadh, although Postecoglou is discussing the possibility of giving his captain some minutes.

“The current inclination is for Cristiano Ronaldo to be rested against Al-Riyadh. However, Postecoglou is consulting with Ronaldo about giving him some minutes, with the final decision expected to be made in the coming hours,” the report stated.

That means the door remains open to a short cameo from the bench, even if the veteran is ultimately deemed unready to start. Postecoglou’s decision will depend on both the medical assessment and the player’s own response to the workload.

Carefully managed return

Ronaldo has already missed Al-Nassr’s opening competitive fixtures of the campaign. He was absent for the 3-0 Saudi Pro League victory over Al-Fateh on August 15 before also sitting out the King’s Cup meeting with Al-Diriyah.

His absence from those matches came after a demanding summer that included the 2026 World Cup with Portugal, followed by his return to club soccer later than some of his teammates. Postecoglou has therefore taken a cautious approach as he attempts to manage the workload of one of the most important players in his squad.

The Australian coach took over at Al-Nassr in July following Jorge Jesus’ departure and has already overseen a positive start to the league campaign. With the club defending its Saudi Pro League crown, Postecoglou will want Ronaldo available for the long haul rather than risk rushing him back for one early-season fixture.

Al Hilal last lifted the SPL title in the 2023–24 campaign. The club has built a formidable squad in recent years, with Benzema arriving as their highest-profile attacking marquee.

However, reports indicate that Benzema could seek a return to European soccer in the coming weeks. With that possibility looming, Al Hilal are actively exploring high-caliber options to bolster their forward line.

Gabriel Martinelli emerges as a top option for Al Hilal

Following rumors of Benzema’s potential exit, primary center-forward candidates like Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins, and Victor Osimhen were linked as possible replacements. Now, a new shortlist of wide attackers has emerged.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Gabriel Martinelli has been placed on a three-man shortlist by Al Hilal. While the Arsenal forward prefers to remain in Europe, Al Hilal are prepared to test his resolve with a substantial financial offer should they make him their primary target.  

The same report indicates that Martinelli is joined on the shortlist by Chelsea winger Pedro Neto and one additional target. The Arsenal star represents a top priority, though the Portuguese winger is also viewed very favorably by head coach Simone Inzaghi.

Al Hilal aim to reclaim Saudi Pro League dominance

Over the past 10 seasons, Al Hilal have won six Saudi Pro League titles, firmly establishing their domestic dominance. However, recent campaigns have proven more competitive.

In the past two seasons, Al Hilal finished as runners-up behind Al Ittihad and Al Nassr. While they still lead the Saudi Pro League all-time record with 21 titles—well ahead of closest rivals Al Ittihad (14)—the club is determined to reclaim the crown by securing top-tier talent in the transfer market.

Reijnders has completed his move from Manchester City to Al-Qadsiah, with the Saudi club agreeing to pay $71 million for the Netherlands international. The 28-year-old has signed a five-year contract and will now work under former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers alongside Italy striker Mateo Retegui.

Al-Qadsiah announced the signing with a video introducing their new midfielder as “A Dutch artist who will paint his masterpieces on our pitches.” Reijnders also offered his own memorable message after arriving, saying: “I’m a Dutch artist; I’m a Qadsiah man.”

The transfer brings an unexpectedly quick end to Reijnders’ time at Manchester City. The midfielder joined from Milan in 2025 and made around 50 appearances in his only season, scoring seven goals and providing seven assists across competitions.

The clause that changes everything for Milan

While Manchester City will receive a substantial fee from Al-Qadsiah, the transfer has an even more interesting consequence for the Rossoneri. A clause inserted into Reijnders’ original move to England means Milan is entitled to the full value of his performance-related bonuses if City sells him within the first year.

Milan had sold Reijnders to City for an initial fee of around $64 million, with another $16 million available through bonuses. Those incentives were originally connected to achievements such as appearances, team success and individual accolades, but the special resale provision means the Italian club can collect the entire bonus package following his immediate departure.

That takes City’s total payment to Milan to almost $82 million, despite Reijnders failing to trigger all of those performance-based targets during his season in England. It represents an extraordinary piece of business for Milan, which originally signed the midfielder from AZ Alkmaar for roughly $15 million in 2023.

Milan turn Reijnders into $65m profit

The numbers make the financial impact particularly striking. The Red and Blacks’ overall profit from Reijnders’ sale now rises to approximately $65 million, highlighting how effectively the club managed the midfielder’s transfer despite losing him after only two seasons at San Siro.

The Dutchman had become one of Milan’s most important players after joining from AZ. His ability to carry the ball, progress possession and contribute in the final third made him one of Serie A‘s most sought-after midfielders, eventually convincing City to make a major investment in him.

His move to the Saudi Pro League means Christian Pulisic’s squad has effectively turned that investment into a huge financial return. The Rossoneri will receive considerably more from the overall deal than the original guaranteed transfer fee suggested, thanks to the clause negotiated when Reijnders moved to Manchester.

What the move means for Christian Pulisic and Milan

For Milan, the biggest takeaway is financial rather than sporting. The club has lost a player who became an important part of its midfield. Still, the unexpected resale clause has transformed Reijnders’ departure into one of the most profitable pieces of business in the club’s recent transfer history.

That money could prove particularly useful as the club continues reshaping the squad around players including Christian Pulisic. With Reijnders now joining Cristiano Ronaldo’s league, the Rossoneri have received a financial boost from a player who left San Siro only a year ago.

Nandez has been linked with Al-Nassr throughout the transfer window, although earlier attempts to bring the Uruguayan to Riyadh failed to produce an agreement. Now, fresh reports suggest the midfielder’s situation at Al-Qadsiah has changed considerably, giving Al-Nassr renewed hope of completing a deal.

According to reports from Thmanyah, Al-Nassr and Al-Qadsiah are discussing a potential player swap involving Nandez. The proposal would see the 30-year-old move to the Riyadh outfit, with an unnamed player potentially heading in the opposite direction.

The idea is still at the discussion stage, meaning there is no official agreement between the two clubs. However, the possibility of a swap could provide an alternative solution after the Saudi champion previously saw its approach for the Uruguay international rejected.

Nandez joined Al-Qadsiah from Cagliari in July 2024 on a free transfer and signed a contract running until June 2027. His versatility has made him an attractive option, as he can operate in central midfield, on the right side or at right-back while offering considerable energy and defensive discipline.

Nandez’s stance could change the picture

The biggest development surrounding the potential transfer concerns Nandez’s own position on a move to Al-Nassr. According to 365Scores Arabic, the midfielder is open to joining the Riyadh side and has given his preliminary approval.

That stance could give Ange Postecoglou’s side an important advantage if negotiations with Al-Qadsiah progress. The player’s willingness removes one potential obstacle, although the clubs still need to settle the financial and structural details of any transfer or swap.

Al-Nassr had previously made an enquiry for Nandez earlier in August, only for Al-Qadsiah to reject the approach. The Saudi club was reportedly offered German midfielder Julian Weigl instead, but that proposal did not lead to a breakthrough.

Why Nandez makes sense for Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr

For Al-Nassr, Nandez would offer something different from a conventional midfield signing. His ability to cover several positions–central midfielder, right-back, attacking midfielder or winger–combined with his experience in Saudi Arabia and European soccer, could give the squad greater tactical flexibility.

The midfielder spent five seasons in Serie A with Cagliari before moving to the Saudi Pro League, meaning he already understands the demands of the competition. His high-energy style and defensive work could also complement a squad built around attacking stars such as Ronaldo.

Al-Nassr is continuing to compete for major domestic and continental honors, making squad depth increasingly important. Adding a player who can switch between midfield and defence could give the club another useful option during a demanding campaign.

Earlier this week, Ronaldo revealed his timeline, stating that the current campaign will likely be his last as a professional soccer player. His announcement generated a strong reaction across the squad.

Goncalo Ramos, who shares a locker room with Ronaldo for the national team, emphasized that while CR7 is undoubtedly one of the greatest players in history, age affects every competitor.

“It’s hard to believe that Cristiano will end his career,” Ramos said on press conference. “It’s been such a long time, and I think everyone has tied their soccer memories to his presence.

“Personally, I don’t know soccer without Cristiano, so it would be very strange. But I think it’s something everyone expects, because age doesn’t lie. We all know that he will retire one day, and after what he said, perhaps that will be next season.”

The 2026 World Cup was decisive for Cristiano Ronaldo

Before the 2026 World Cup began, Portugal were viewed as serious title contenders. Alongside a star-studded squad, Ronaldo’s presence inspired his teammates to pursue the trophy.

However, Portugal fell short of expectations. Despite reaching the Round of 16, their overall performances were inconsistent, and Ronaldo struggled to sustain a peak level of play throughout the tournament.

Intense scrutiny weighed on the squad before they were ultimately eliminated by Spain. After the final whistle, an emotional Ronaldo was visibly distraught, recognizing that his final World Cup match had come to an end.  

The 1,000-goal milestone remains in sight

Cristiano Ronaldo currently sits on 976 official career goals, leaving him just 24 goals away from reaching the historic 1,000-goal mark. That milestone stands as his primary remaining objective.

If this proves to be Ronaldo’s final season, scoring 24 goals is well within reach given his typical output. However, should he fall slightly short by season’s end, he may extend his career just long enough to secure the historic benchmark.

The timing matters for Miami, who are coming off a lopsided 4-1 defeat to Nashville SC on August 15 that dropped them further behind the Eastern Conference leaders, though they still sit second in the standings.

Messi had a chance to pull Miami level at 1-1 from the penalty spot in that match, but saw his effort saved, missing his third straight spot kick, a stretch that also includes penalties missed for Argentina against Austria and Egypt at this summer’s World Cup. It’s the first time since 2014 he’s failed to convert three consecutive penalties.

Philadelphia, by contrast, arrive in strong form. The Union have won their last two matches, most recently a 3-2 victory over New York City FC that moved them up to 13th in the Eastern Conference, and they’ll be eager to extend that run against one of the league’s marquee sides.

Inter Miami confirmed lineup

For this match, coach Guillermo Hoyos will be without a few key names. Rodrigo De Paul won’t be available due to yellow card accumulation, while German Berterame hasn’t received clearance from MLS and remains a confirmed absence under concussion protocol.

Inter Miami confirmed starting XI: St. Clair; Fray, Falcon, Lujan, Reguilon; Bright, Casemiro, Segovia; Messi, Suarez, Pinter.

Philadelphia Union confirmed lineup

Philadelphia arrive with a clean bill of health for this one, with no injuries or suspensions reported on their side. That means head coach Bradley Carnell has his full squad available, as the Union look to carry their two-match winning streak into the clash with Miami.

Philadelphia Union confirmed starting XI: Blake; Harriel, Pierre, Westfield, Wagner; Sullivan, Bueno, Vassilev, Danley; Iloski, Damiani.

Per the report, Ronaldo felt pain in the area during a group training session last week, but experienced no discomfort in Wednesday’s session, opting instead to stick to his rehabilitation routine alongside specific fitness work as part of his return-to-play plan.

The club’s medical staff is expected to evaluate him again during Thursday’s session, with his final availability for the upcoming match against Al Riyadh on Friday to be determined based on the results of those medical and physical tests.

The 41-year-old has already missed Al Nassr‘s first two competitive matches of the season, against Al Fateh in the Saudi Pro League and Al Diriyah in the King’s Cup, where his side picked up two wins to start the campaign on the right foot.

Why Ronaldo missed Al Nassr’s season debut

Ronaldo’s absence from Al Nassr’s opening fixtures actually does tie back to fitness, just not the pelvic injury that’s now in question. The forward spent the club’s entire preseason on vacation following the 2026 World Cup, a break during which he married long-time partner Georgina Rodríguez in Portugal, missing the team’s overseas training camp in Lisbon entirely.

With no preseason work under his belt, Ange Postecoglou chose not to rush him into a squad that had trained together for weeks, resting him for Al Nassr’s first two games of the season. He rejoined training just two days before the Saudi Pro League opener, and now, his debut hinges on whether he’s cleared to face Al Riyadh on Saturday.

Ronaldo’s chase for 1,000 career goals continues this season

Beyond the immediate injury concerns, this season also carries historic weight for Ronaldo, who sits on 976 official career goals for club and country, just 24 short of becoming the first player in history to reach 1,000 official goals.

The suspension comes at an inconvenient time for Guillermo Hoyos, who will need to reshuffle his midfield. De Paul has been a near-constant fixture in Miami’s XI since arriving, and his absence leaves a gap both defensively and offensively.

This isn’t the first time De Paul has sat out an MLS match this year. Earlier in the campaign, he was also left out against the Chicago Fire and CF Montreal as part of a managed workload following Argentina’s exhausting World Cup run. In those games, the Herons managed to win both matches without Lionel Messi as well.

With De Paul sidelined, Miami will likely lean on Casemiro as the midfield engine, while Messi remains the team focal point. The absence is a one-match issue rather than a long-term concern, and De Paul will be back once the suspension is served.

Inter Miami looking to snap a three-game losing skid

Beyond the De Paul suspension, this match carries extra weight for Inter Miami, who arrive in Philadelphia in the middle of their worst stretch of the season. The Herons have lost three straight games, two Leagues Cup matches that ended Miami’s tournament campaign, followed by a 4-1 collapse against Nashville SC in which Messi missed his third consecutive penalty.

Despite the skid, Miami still sit second in the MLS standings at 39 points from 19 games, and a result against Philadelphia would go a long way toward steadying the ship before the stretch run.

Match Overview

Inter Miami hold second place in the 2026 MLS Eastern Conference standings with 38 points from 19 matches. A recent 4-1 loss to Nashville SC created a five-point gap with the conference leaders.

As for the Philadelphia Union, they have struggled to find consistency this campaign. The club carries a 5-4-10 record with 19 points, sitting in 13th place just above CF Montreal and Atlanta United FC.

It’s a stark departure from the version of Ronaldo that dominated the series for the better part of two decades. Between FIFA 17 and FIFA 19, he sat at a career-high 94 overall, a level matched by only a handful of players in the game’s history.

Even as his output tailed off in his mid-to-late 30s, EA Sports kept him in elite territory well into his time at Al Nassr, refusing to nerf him below 84 until this year’s edition.

The decline has been gradual but steady. His rating dropped a single point across FC 25 and FC 26 (85 in both), then fell again this year to 84, continuing a slide that began in earnest once he left Europe for the Saudi Pro League in early 2023.

FIFA 23 marked the first real inflection point, when EA slashed his card from an initial 90 down to 87 mid-cycle following the Al Nassr transfer, a rating cut that set the tone for everything since.

Despite the drop, Ronaldo’s 84 overall still ranks as the highest base cards ever assigned to a 41-year-old in the franchise’s history. Whether EA Sports FC 27 ends up being his final appearance in the series remains to be seen, but for now, the numbers tell the story of a decline two decades in the making.

Cristiano no longer the Saudi Pro League’s top-rated player

For the first time since arriving in Saudi Arabia, Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t the highest-rated player at the Saudi Pro League. According to the latest EA Sports FC 27 ratings, Ruben Neves now tops the league pecking order with an 85 overall, edging out Ronaldo’s 84.

Even so, Ronaldo remains comfortably the highest-rated player at Al Nassr. His 84 overall sits well clear of the club’s next-best cards, João Felix (83), Iñigo Martinez (83), and Kingsley Coman (83), all a full point behind their captain.

Ronaldo’s overall rating through every FIFA/EA Sports FC edition

The American has been sidelined since the United States’ World Cup exit against Belgium in July. The 27-year-old suffered a bone bruise and microfracture around his lower leg after colliding with Youri Tielemans while attempting to strike the ball, bringing a frustrating end to a tournament in which he had already battled another injury.

The latest development has provided Milan with a major boost, as Pulisic returned to partial team training at Milanello. He completed part of the session, including speed and agility exercises, marking his first significant involvement with the squad since the World Cup injury.

The American had missed Milan’s entire preseason while recovering, leaving him behind the rest of Amorim’s squad in terms of match fitness. Although Pulisic is understood to have recovered physically, the Rossoneri are taking a measured approach rather than rushing him back into competitive action.

That cautious approach means the winger is reportedly expected to miss Milan’s Serie A opener against Torino. The club’s medical and coaching staff believe he still needs time to rebuild his fitness after more than six weeks away from regular soccer.

When could Pulisic return?

The current plan points toward a later return, with Pulisic potentially being included for Milan’s first home league match against Venezia on August 28, La Gazzetta dello Sport reports. The possibility of appearing from the bench would represent a significant step forward after a summer dominated by injuries and disappointment.

The timing would also give Pulisic several additional days to work on his conditioning and integrate into Amorim’s tactical plans. Rather than forcing him into the season opener, Milan appear prepared to wait until the American is sufficiently prepared to contribute.

Pulisic’s latest injury came after he had already struggled with a calf problem during the World Cup. He aggravated that issue against Paraguay, missed the following match against Australia and later returned against Turkiye before starting the United States’ 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Pulisic has plenty to prove after difficult months

The injury setback followed a frustrating period for Pulisic at club and international level. He endured a 19-game scoring drought for Milan, while his World Cup campaign ended with no goals after he had hoped to make a major impact on home soil.

Pulisic admitted his disappointment following the United States’ elimination, writing on Instagram: “Tough to find the words. I want to start by saying thank you to everyone who believed. The support carried us all the way through.”

The winger also acknowledged that the United States had fallen short of expectations, adding that he had wanted to deliver more for the national team. His focus now shifts back to San Siro, where he will have an opportunity to rebuild his momentum under a new manager.

According to Jijantes‘ Gerard Romero, Lautaro is now the name Barcelona are putting all their effort behind. “Lautaro Martinez is the name Hansi Flick and Barca are working to close. It’s a very difficult operation, agreed, but it’s priority number one. There was Julian, Lautaro and the rest of the options,” Romero reported.

The Argentine forward’s camp appears open to the idea. Romero added that a recent meeting between Deco and Lautaro’s agent in Madrid was meant to lay the groundwork and gauge real interest. “Lautaro opened the door to Barca, and now Lautaro is the top option. We’ll see how these next 10 days play out, but Lautaro is out in front to be the striker Barca are looking for,” he added.

Any deal will still require serious negotiation with Inter, since Lautaro has a contract through June 2029 with no release clause, and his transfer value is estimated at around €85 million by Transfermarkt.

Barcelona will need to reach an agreement with the Italian club before Europe’s transfer window closes on September 1, all while having already wrapped up the signings of Karim Adeyemi, Anthony Gordon, Jesse Bisiwu and Rodri earlier this summer.

Julian Alvarez looks set to stay at Atletico Madrid

Despite Barcelona’s shifting focus, one thing seems increasingly clear: Julian Alvarez isn’t going anywhere this summer. Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo reaffirmed the club’s stance while speaking to the media, insisting the forward was never for sale.

“I already said from the start that he wasn’t being sold, that he was our player and an important piece of our team. As an important piece, we want him, we like having him with us, and I think he’s going to have a magnificent season,” Cerezo said.

He also brushed off the tension from Alvarez’s public request to leave, adding, “I don’t know if he’ll apologize, but Julian is an excellent person, and I’m sure he’ll win the fans back over within two matches“.

Diego Simeone still left Alvarez out of the squad for the LaLiga opener against Malaga, a decision tied both to his late return from vacation and the standoff over his proposed exit, but with Cerezo’s comments making Atletico’s position unmistakably clear, all signs now point to Alvarez staying put for at least one more season.

Al-Nassr has already become one of the most recognizable clubs in world soccer since Ronaldo’s arrival in January 2023. Now, with Saudi Arabia accelerating its soccer privatization project, the Riyadh club could be approaching a completely different era under a new investment structure.

The latest development comes after Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sports confirmed the transfer of the remaining 25% shares in Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli to the Public Investment Fund (PIF), as reported by Sabq and Asharq Business.

The move temporarily gives PIF complete ownership of three of those clubs, while Al-Hilal remains a partial exception because of its previous majority sale. The transfer is an important step in Saudi Arabia’s wider Sports Clubs Investment and Privatization Project, clearing the way for private investors to acquire controlling stakes.

The changes are designed to make ownership structures more streamlined before private investment enters the next phase. For Al-Nassr, that could mean fresh capital, new administrators, greater commercial freedom and potentially increased spending power in the transfer market.

Five companies reportedly join forces

That is where the biggest twist surrounding Al-Nassr emerges. According to 365Scores Arabic and Falah Al-Qahtani, a five-company alliance is preparing a unified takeover bid for the club, with the group said to include an entity affiliated with Ronaldo.

The companies reportedly involved are Al Wasail Company, a Ronaldo-affiliated company, a company linked to the Al Muhaidib Group, Lamal Company and an entity connected to the American owners of Milan, associated with RedBird Capital.

The alliance appears to be the result of months of discussions involving several different investment groups. Rather than competing separately for control, the groups are understood to have merged their efforts to create one stronger proposal, potentially making the process easier for PIF to evaluate.

Ronaldo’s involvement could be bigger than expected

The most fascinating aspect of the proposal is Ronaldo’s reported participation. The Portuguese superstar is not expected to become the owner personally, with his involvement instead reportedly coming through a formal legal entity and an official company connected to him.

That distinction is important because Ronaldo has increasingly expanded his activities beyond soccer. In 2026, he acquired a 25% stake in Spanish club Almería through CR7 Sports Investments, further establishing himself as an investor with ambitions across the sports industry.

His potential involvement with an Al-Nassr takeover would therefore represent a natural extension of that strategy. At the same time, Ronaldo’s status as Al-Nassr’s biggest global star could give any ownership group enormous commercial and marketing value, particularly when attempting to attract sponsors, investors and elite players.

The backlash stems from a wave of conspiracy theories that spread in Argentina in the weeks following the loss, some of them tied to a leaked video showing Lionel Messi delivering an unusually calm pre-match speech in the locker room, in which he told his teammates to “forget about everything”.

That clip was seized on by some to suggest the players had mentally checked out before kickoff, and it wasn’t long before speculation grew into open accusations, with some in Argentina even floating the idea that the squad had deliberately “given away” the final.

Tapia didn’t hold back in responding to those claims, noting that a month had passed without a single apology from anyone who spread the theories. “None of them apologized. None of them came out and said, ‘We were wrong’,” he wrote, adding that while making a mistake is human, lying and fueling a false narrative for days before quietly disappearing once it’s debunked is not.

He was especially forceful in defending the players themselves, arguing that once someone accuses the national team of being traitors, there’s no walking it back.

Claudio Tapia’s full statement

“A month has passed. A month since that final. A month since the lie, the operation, and a miserable campaign to paint this national team as having given up. And the most striking thing is that, after a month, none of them apologized. None of them came out and said, ‘We were wrong.’ None of them had the honesty, the dignity, or simply the guts to take responsibility.

Because making a mistake can happen. What can’t happen is lying, building a false story, feeding a suspicion for days, and then, when time proves it was all smoke, hiding and acting like nothing ever happened.

While our players left everything on the field, some outside were doing exactly the opposite: sowing hatred, dividing, tarnishing, and trying to destroy the image of a national team that earned the respect of millions. To all of them: take responsibility.

Staying quiet isn’t enough. Waiting for time to pass isn’t enough. Changing the subject and acting like you never said anything isn’t enough.And even if you now want to avoid the comments, the complaints, or the criticism from people over all the lies you told, you won’t be able to erase what you did. Because words have consequences, and accusations leave marks.

You don’t come back from calling the national team’s players traitors. You don’t come back from putting those who defended this jersey under suspicion. You don’t come back from accusing them of giving up. And you certainly don’t come back from doing it without a single piece of proof, only to choose silence once the lie is exposed.

You demanded explanations when you didn’t have a shred of proof. You pointed fingers at players who were giving their lives for this. You fed a lie and passed it off as truth. Now it’s your turn to explain yourselves. Because greatness also means owning up to a mistake. And when you accuse, lie, and publicly hurt people who gave everything for this jersey, apologizing isn’t a favor. It’s an obligation.

And there’s something else: how do you go back home after doing all this? How do you look your kids in the eye and talk to them about honesty, respect, dignity? How do you teach them that there are values worth defending, when you had the chance to do exactly that and chose to lie, point fingers, and hide instead?

Values aren’t negotiable. A month has passed and we still haven’t heard an apology. Meanwhile, the players, the coaching staff, and everyone who worked alongside them keep walking with their heads held high.

Because they know what they did that day. They know how much they left on that field. And they know that when the final whistle blew, they didn’t owe anyone anything.

Those who left their soul out there have nothing to explain. Those who lied, do.”

Benzema’s future has become increasingly complicated after Al-Hilal began considering a major overhaul of its attacking options. The former Real Madrid captain remains productive, but his place in Simone Inzaghi’s plans is reportedly under serious scrutiny, creating uncertainty over where the 38-year-old will play next.

Benzema joined Al-Hilal in January after ending his spell with Al-Ittihad, but his time in Riyadh could already be approaching an unexpected conclusion. The Frenchman has scored nine goals and provided five assists in 13 appearances for the Blue Waves, showing that his individual numbers remain impressive despite the doubts surrounding his future.

The club is reportedly considering terminating his contract as it looks to reshape its squad and accommodate another high-profile striker. Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins and Victor Osimhen have all emerged as possible targets, with Inzaghi understood to want another center-forward for the new campaign.

The situation is complicated by Benzema’s contract, as the striker reportedly wants the full amount owed for the final year of his deal before agreeing to leave. That demand has made negotiations more difficult and could determine whether Al-Hilal can move ahead with its preferred attacking changes.

Turkish Super Lig suddenly enters the Benzema race

That uncertainty has now opened the door to the surprise development involving Trabzonspor, which has reportedly made contact regarding Benzema. According to Turkish journalist Yagız Sabuncuoglu, the club has inquired about the conditions required to sign the veteran striker while its discussions with Al-Hilal continue.

“Trabzonspor inquired about the conditions for Karim Benzema, who wears the Al-Hilal shirt!” Sabuncuoglu reported on X (formerly Twitter). He added: “Trabzonspor has not yet reached an agreement in their discussions with Al-Hilal. As the process continues, Karim Benzema was offered to Trabzonspor, and simultaneous talks with the French star have begun!”

The move represents a major change in Trabzonspor’s transfer strategy, particularly because the club had failed to close a deal for Darwin Nunez. With those negotiations yet to produce an agreement, Benzema has emerged as an experienced alternative for the attack.

Mohamed Salah could make the move even bigger

The biggest twist is the possibility that Benzema could join Mohamed Salah at Trabzonspor, creating a remarkable attacking partnership if the negotiations progress. Salah reportedly joined the Turkish club on a free transfer after leaving Liverpool, signing a two-year contract on August 6.

That would give the Claret-Blues two of the most recognizable forwards of their generation in the same attack. Salah’s arrival has already transformed the profile of the Turkish club, while Benzema would add Champions League experience, elite finishing and the pedigree of a former Ballon d’Or winner.

However, the talks remain at an early stage, and there is currently no agreement between Trabzonspor and Benzema or between Trabzonspor and Al-Hilal. The club is continuing to assess whether the Frenchman’s contractual situation can be resolved before committing to the move.

The changes arrive after a summer in which similar measures were trialed elsewhere in soccer, including at the 2026 World Cup. Serie A wants more soccer actually being played, while referees have also been given clearer instructions on player behavior and communication with officials.

For Pulisic, who is looking to rediscover his best form with Milan after a difficult second half of last season, the changes could create a faster and more demanding environment. The American winger scored 10 Serie A goals before the turn of the year last season but then went through a prolonged scoring drought, making a strong response particularly important.

McKennie enters the season after producing the best numbers of his Juventus career, having recorded nine goals and six assists in 52 appearances last campaign. His versatility means he could be particularly exposed to the substitution and injury-management changes, especially given how frequently he operates across different positions.

The two Americans are also among the leading USMNT figures preparing for another major period with the national team. The new Serie A regulations could therefore have an impact beyond their club careers, particularly as players adjust to a quicker tempo and fewer opportunities to slow matches down.

Serie A introduces stricter rules on time-wasting

The biggest change concerns the amount of time players will have to restart play or leave the field. A substituted player must leave the pitch within 10 seconds after the substitution board is shown, while the countdown begins when the final board is displayed if several substitutions are made simultaneously.

Throw-ins and goal kicks are also coming under greater scrutiny. Players will have five seconds to restart play, with a corner awarded to the opposition if a goalkeeper takes longer than five seconds to take a goal kick.

The new rules also target situations involving injuries. A player who receives treatment on the field must remain off the pitch for one minute after play resumes, although goalkeepers are exempt from the provision.

Serie A’s leadership believes these changes can make a significant difference to the spectacle. “Many of the changes introduced will concern situations where play is stopped, with the aim of increasing the effective playing time of matches, making games even more dynamic and spectacular,” Serie A CEO Luigi De Siervo said, according to ANSA via CalcioMercato.

Only captains can approach the referee

Another major change concerns communication with officials. Only the designated captain will be allowed to approach the referee to complain or request explanations, meaning other players will have to stay away from confrontations.

Daniele Orsato explained the reasoning behind the measure during the briefing attended by representatives from all 20 Serie A clubs. “The captain will be the figure representing the club on the pitch, and the referee will only refer to them,” Orsato said, according to CalcioMercato.

The refereeing authorities have also addressed the controversial gesture of covering the mouth during arguments. There will be no automatic punishment in every situation, with the referee instead assessing whether the gesture represents provocation or unsporting conduct.

VAR receives additional powers

The changes extend beyond time-wasting and player behavior, with VAR also receiving additional responsibilities. Video officials can now intervene in cases of mistaken identity involving a first yellow card and certain clearly incorrect second-yellow-card decisions that result in a sending-off.

The system can also be used in specific situations involving simulation inside the penalty area. However, refereeing officials have stressed that VAR should remain focused on clear mistakes rather than turning every incident into a lengthy review.

Domenico Messina emphasized the importance of ensuring everyone understands the changes before the season progresses. “It’s essential that all the necessary technical information is provided before kick-off, especially regarding the regulatory changes introduced this season,” Messina said, according to ANSA.

For Pulisic, McKennie and the rest of Serie A’s players, the message is clear: matches are expected to move faster, and time-wasting will be punished more aggressively. Whether the changes substantially increase effective playing time remains to be seen, but the league has made its intention unmistakable as the 2026/27 campaign gets underway.

During an exclusive interview with Bolavip, former U.S. midfielder Tab Ramos discussed the national team’s performance at the 2026 World Cup. He also analyzed the performances of the players, including Christian Pulisic.

The three-time World Cup veteran was critical of the Stars and Stripes for failing to fulfill expectations during a once-in-a-generation opportunity on home soil.

Tab Ramos critical of Mauricio Pochettino’s impact

In 2024, U.S Soccer made a landmark hire by appointing Mauricio Pochettino as head coach. His top-tier European experience convinced many that better days were on the horizon, but the results failed to break new ground.

According to Ramos, Pochettino repeatedly asked fans and media to reserve judgment until the World Cup. Given Pochettino’s position as one of the world’s highest-paid international managers, merely matching the country’s standard Round of 16 exit was a disappointment.

“In terms of the national team itself, I thought, in general, the national team had a good performance,” Ramos said. “I thought our first game against Paraguay was likely the best that any U.S. team has ever played at a World Cup, and I think that’s a very positive sign. However, in general, you have to judge the national team by results, and I think the results were just barely okay and really below the expectations.”

Analyzing the USMNT’s World Cup performance

Ramos backed his criticism with detailed tactical analysis rather than superficial claims. He pointed out that the team’s inconsistency during the tournament mirrored their form over the previous 18 months, making the early knockout departure a predictable outcome.

“Well, I mean, it seems like going to the Round of 16 is the norm for our country here, regardless of the coach that we have,” he said. “And so, because we brought in Mauricio Pochettino, and he’s one of the highest-paid national team coaches in the world and obviously he has incredible experience overseas, our expectations were a little bit higher than getting to the same place we always get.

“We waited for two years in the beginning of Pochettino’s era, as we didn’t get good results. He kept saying, ‘Well, we’ve got to wait for the World Cup. We have to wait for the World Cup.’ And we waited for the World Cup, but in the end, we ended up getting the same results as always. So, in general, I’d have to say this World Cup was below expectations.”

The criticism toward Christian Pulisic through the eyes of Tab Ramos

Christian Pulisic was among the marquee players who received the most criticism during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The AC Milan winger was unable to dominate matches to the extent fans had hoped, but Tab Ramos believes such scrutiny is entirely normal for a player of his standing.

“Well, I think criticism is fair. This is what this game is about, right? I’m sure there were some people who thought that because we played well in the first-round games that the full performance was good enough. And then there’s going to be people that are going to say, ‘Well, that’s not good enough. I think we got to the same place as other World Cups.’”

With Rodri determined to depart Manchester City, Real Madrid originally pushed hardest to pull off the high-profile transfer. The player’s agent, Pablo Barquero, confirmed as much, stating that “Real Madrid made an irresistible offer to Rodri after the World Cup,“ though the star midfielder ultimately decided to head to Catalonia instead.

According to The Athletic, Barcelona ultimately reached a full agreement with Manchester City for a guaranteed base fee of 60 million euros ($68.8M USD). However, performance-based add-ons and trophy incentives included in the deal could see the total valuation rise up to 76.5 million euros ($87.8M USD).

Rodri was officially unveiled as a Barcelona player on Tuesday, August 18, putting pen to paper on a four-year contract running through June 2030. Although Mourinho and club president Florentino Perez actively pursued the player, the 2026 World Cup Golden Ball winner and 2025 Ballon d’Or recipient chose the Blaugrana over their archrivals.

Mourinho on why Real Madrid ‘didn’t need Rodri’

Following the departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, Real Madrid have struggled to identify a central midfielder capable of dictating tempo and controlling matches. Rodri appeared to profile as the exact missing piece, but Mourinho shut down claims that the squad suffered from an operational void in the engine room.

In an interview with Spanish television program El Chiringuito, the Portuguese manager offered a blunt assessment of his roster needs: “We are not lacking players. I’m not saying there won’t be any more signings because the market is open, but if you ask me directly if it’s closed for me… yes. It is closed. I really like the squad.“

When pressed specifically on Rodri’s decision to turn down Real Madrid, Mourinho dismissed the notion of lingering regret. “I am not lacking Rodri,” he stated, highlighting his confidence in player development. “A player who is an X today can become a completely different player tomorrow,” he added, before detailing the inner workings of the club’s pursuit.

However, during direct conversations with the player, reservations began to surface for the veteran manager: “I spoke to him a couple of times and Real Madrid made him a very good offer. I think there is a very good relationship with City. Without negotiating with City, the club made contact with Rodri; they made him a major offer. Rodri had doubts, he hesitated… and Rodri’s doubts created doubts for me.“

Mourinho concluded by explaining why Real Madrid were comfortable walking away from the deal despite Rodri’s undisputed world-class ability. “He is an extraordinary player and was very respectful with us, nothing negative to say, but Real Madrid is of a dimension that cannot have players who second-guess themselves; you make contact… and the player asks you: When do I have to go? That’s somewhat the concept, but he was very respectful with us; I wish him well… not too well, obviously… but I wish him well,” Mourinho concluded.

Throughout preseason action, Mourinho has deployed his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation featuring a double pivot sitting behind the attacking line. Federico Valverde and Bernardo Silva logged the heaviest minutes as a midfield tandem during the summer schedule, though with the La Liga opener fast approaching and Aurelien Tchouameni standing as the lone holding specialist, Real Madrid’s midfield dynamic remains a central talking point.

During a media conference hosted by LALIGA and ESPN, Carles Puyol was asked by Martin O’Donnell of Bolavip about Mourinho’s arrival at Real Madrid and its potential impact on Barcelona.

“Well, we’re talking about a great manager,” Puyol told Bolavip about Mourinho’s arrival to Real Madrid and how can he turn things around for the club. “I met him at Barcelona when I was young and coming through the academy, and when I made it to the first team, we could already see that he knew a lot about football.

“Then he went to other clubs, built a good résumé, and eventually arrived at Real Madrid, where Real Madrid had a very good team. We were going through a very strong period, and I remember a great rivalry and many individual battles. The Barça-Madrid rivalry is huge, but in those years, on top of that, it was Guardiola against Mourinho, Messi against Cristiano, and two great, great teams.

“So we’ll see how he does now. I still think Barcelona have a very good team and will be able to have a good season, but it’s clear that one of their biggest rivals is Real Madrid, and with Mourinho they could be even stronger.”

Steve McManaman puts extra pressure on Mourinho

Former Real Madrid winger Steve McManaman also participated in the conference. The Englishman, who made over 150 appearances for Los Blancos, weighed in on Mourinho’s return, highlighting the immediate pressure on the coach and squad to deliver trophies.  

“He needs to win,” McManaman responded to Bolavip about the expectations on Mourinho. “It’s simple as that. He needs to beat Barcelona, he needs to win the league. I don’t necessarily think he needs to win the Champions League, but he needs to finish above Barcelona.

“He’s been brought in because the last two years have been disappointing. So he needs just to get the best out of the players, but more importantly, it’s to finish above Barcelona. He has to do it instantly. Real Madrid can’t go three years without winning anything. So Jose has to hit the ground running and he has to be successful straight away. That’s what he’s been brought in for.”

McManaman emphasized the high expectations associated with managing Real Madrid, recognized as one of the most demanding seats in world soccer. However, key summer acquisitions—including record signing Yan Diomandé—have fueled belief that Mourinho’s second tenure can meet those expectations.

After missing out on the tournament last season due to a third-place finish in 2024-25, Al Nassr are back in Asia’s flagship club competition. While they competed in the AFC Champions League Two last term, where they finished as runners-up, capturing the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title punched their ticket straight to the top tier.

The draw for the expanded 2026-27 AFC Champions League Elite took place on Tuesday, August 18, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Al Nassr’s path was detailed alongside three other Saudi Arabian representatives in the competition: Al Hilal, Al Qadsiah, and reigning back-to-back champions Al Ahli.

This campaign marks the first edition featuring 32 clubs across the Asian continent. The AFC adopted a single-league format similar to the UEFA Champions League for the opening phase, with every participating club playing eight matches against eight different opponents while competing in a unified standings table.

Once the eight-match league phase concludes, the top eight teams in the overall standings will advance to a two-legged round of 16 set for March 1 to 17, 2027. From the quarterfinals onward, the tournament transitions to a centralized knockout stage hosted in Saudi Arabia between April 23 and May 1, 2027.

Following Tuesday’s King’s Cup victory against Al Diriyah, Al Nassr manager Ange Postecoglou addressed the continental draw: “I watched the AFC Champions League draw, but we had a difficult match. If we hadn’t done what was required, we would have been knocked out of the King’s Cup. From tomorrow, we’ll start planning for the AFC Champions League, but my priority right now is the match against Al Riyadh (on Friday).”

When is Al Nassr’s debut in the AFC Champions League?

Since joining Al Nassr in December 2022, Cristiano Ronaldo has competed in two AFC Champions League campaigns, suffering a quarterfinal exit against Al Ain in 2022-23 and a semifinal heartbreak against Kawasaki Frontale in 2024-25. The 2026-27 tournament marks his third run leading the Saudi club, with attention now focused on their opener.

Al Nassr will kick off Matchday 1 of the AFC Champions League Elite against UAE side Al Ain FC on Tuesday, September 15, at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium. The Saudi club hold a 2-3 all-time record against Al Ain, giving Ronaldo and company an early chance to level the head-to-head series.

Al Nassr’s complete AFC Champions League Elite schedule

With four home fixtures at Al Awwal Park and four away trips, Ronaldo’s full schedule for the AFC Champions League Elite league stage breaks down as follows:

• Matchday 1: Al Ain FC (UAE) vs. Al Nassr — Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
• Matchday 2: Al Nassr vs. PFC Neftchi (UZB) — Monday, October 12, 2026.
• Matchday 3: Al Nassr vs. Al Wasl FC (UAE) — Monday, October 26, 2026.
• Matchday 4: Pakhtakor (UZB) vs. Al Nassr — Monday, November 2, 2026.
• Matchday 5:Al Nassr vs. Al Sadd SC (QAT) — Tuesday, November 24, 2026.
• Matchday 6: Al Gharafa SC (QAT) vs. Al Nassr — Tuesday, December 8, 2026.
• Matchday 7: Al Nassr vs. Al Shamal SC (QAT) — Monday, February 8, 2027.
• Matchday 8: Shabab Al Ahli (UAE) vs. Al Nassr — Monday, February 15, 2027.

Jorge Messi died on August 8 at a hospital in Rosario, Argentina, aged 68. His death came as a devastating blow to his son, who had long described Jorge as his father, friend and representative, making his return to soccer an especially difficult one.

Messi returned to competitive action on Wednesday, August 12, in the Leagues Cup, coming off the bench against Leon in the second half. The Herons captain received a standing ovation from supporters, marking an emotional return after stepping away following his father’s passing.

The 39-year-old was subsequently named in the starting lineup against Nashville, although Inter Miami suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat. missed a penalty in the game but still contributed an assist for Telasco Segovia, showing flashes of the creativity that has made the pitch such an important place for him.

Hoyos explains Messi’s emotional progress

Now, Hoyos has provided the clearest indication yet that Messi is gradually finding some emotional balance. “He looks good, expressing himself on the pitch, a place he knows to perfection, and at peace,” the Inter Miami coach told reporter Franco Panizo on Tuesday, via ESPN.

The choice of words from Hoyos is particularly significant because Messi’s return was never expected to mean that the grieving process had suddenly ended. The coach has instead allowed his captain the space to deal with the loss while continuing to provide an environment in which soccer can offer some comfort.

Messi had previously shared an emotional tribute to his father, acknowledging the enormous void left behind. His return to the field therefore represented more than simply another appearance for Inter Miami, especially given how quickly he resumed his professional responsibilities.

Casemiro, who praised Messi after the Leon match, also highlighted the unusual level of commitment the Argentine had shown despite his personal circumstances. “He sets a great example. After all, he is surely going through a very difficult time, but the commitment he has shown, not just to the players but to the club, has been incredible. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life,” the midfielder said.

Inter Miami faces difficult stretch

While Messi’s personal recovery remains the priority, Inter Miami is dealing with its own problems on the field. The club has lost three consecutive matches and was eliminated from the Leagues Cup, increasing the pressure heading into another demanding MLS fixture.

The schedule has also become a concern for Hoyos, particularly with Inter Miami playing its sixth competitive match of August against Philadelphia Union. The coach believes the short recovery periods, travel and difficult weather conditions are placing excessive demands on his squad.

“I think players are often exploited. They are pushed too hard because recovery times are frequently inadequate, whether due to travel, match schedules for the heat,” Hoyos said. He pointed specifically to the conditions facing his players, adding, “It’s almost madness how players give of themselves; their determination is truly praiseworthy, but this is an issue that needs addressing to improve the quality of the sport.”

On Monday, ahead of Bayern Munich’s preseason friendly against FC Heidenheim the following day, Kane addressed reporters regarding his performance over the past year: “Again, extremely proud to have put in the season I did last year. I think the Ballon d’Or is as big as it gets from an individual point of view. I know I had a great season last season, but as always, like I said already, the focus is on this new season.“

Kane’s campaign with Bayern proved to be one of the most prolific goalscoring runs in modern European soccer history. Despite coming up short in the UEFA Champions League, the English captain bagged 61 goals in 51 appearances for the Bavarian giants, including 36 in the Bundesliga to claim the 2025-26 European Golden Shoe, the second of his career.

The striker, who also led England to a third-place finish at the 2026 World Cup, took a measured approach when asked about his chances of securing the sport’s highest individual honor. “The Ballon d’Or is not in my hands. I’ve done what I can do in terms of putting in the performances. It’s now down to votes and other people and the media. Stuff I can’t control. We’ll see what happens.“

While maintaining that team goals remain his priority, Kane acknowledged the significance of potentially capturing the award: “Obviously, it’d be amazing if it was to happen, but ultimately it’s still two or three months away before that’s decided. It’s not something that’s on the front of my mind right now.“

The 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or will take place on Monday, October 26, at The London Palladium in London, marking the first time the prestigious ceremony will be hosted outside of France. With the event set in his home country, Kane will aim to become the fifth English player to win the award, and the first since Michael Owen in 2001.

Messi’s single-season goalscoring record remains untouched

The 2025-26 campaign presented Kane with an ideal platform to cement his legacy among the game’s legendary center forwards, starring for a dominant Bayern side and leading the line for England. He swept all domestic silverware in Germany by winning the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and DFL-Supercup, but ultimately fell just short of eclipsing Messi’s all-time single-season mark.

Combining his output for Bayern Munich and England across all competitions, including UEFA World Cup qualifiers and the 2026 World Cup, Kane finished with 73 goals in 2025-26, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s 69-goal mark from 2011-12 to move into second place all-time. His final tally was capped in the World Cup round of 16 against Mexico, as he went goalless in subsequent fixtures against Norway, Argentina, and France in the third-place match.

As a result, Lionel Messi’s mythical record of 82 goals in 69 total appearances during the 2011-12 season remains intact for another year. Wearing the Barcelona shirt that year, Messi scored 73 club goals across all competitions while adding nine goals in nine appearances for Argentina, setting a benchmark that remains unmatched in modern soccer history.

Chelsea had set Friday, August 14 as the cutoff for City to submit a concrete proposal for Fernandez, a deadline that came and went with no bid on the table. Despite that, talks between the two sides never fully cooled off behind the scenes.

“At Manchester City they’re still talking about Enzo Fernandez. Even today, from what I know, there were conversations at the club about his situation. On the player’s side, his agent, Javier Pastore, has kept up daily conversations lately, even after the deadline set by Chelsea,” Romano said. The insider added that it wouldn’t come as a surprise if Manchester City make another move and try to open negotiations for Fernandez.

Head coach Enzo Maresca, who managed the Argentine midfielder during his own time at Chelsea, confirmed in his latest press conference that City are still active in the market and have yet to land Rodri’s long-term successor, leaving the door open for a fresh approach even with the initial deadline already missed.

Maresca’s cautious stance on Enzo Fernandez

Even with Romano’s report suggesting City are still working behind the scenes, Maresca has been careful not to fuel the speculation publicly. Asked about a possible reunion with his former Chelsea midfielder days before Romano’s update, the Italian coach kept his answer deliberately vague, sticking to the same line he’s used from the start of the transfer saga.

“At this moment, I have to give the same answer as day one: he’s a player from another club and I don’t think it’s right to talk about other players. At the same time, I don’t think it’s right for other clubs to do this with ours,” Maresca said, choosing to protect Chelsea’s position publicly even as his own club continues exploring a move behind closed doors.

City closing in on Ayyoub Bouaddi transfer agreement

City’s midfield rebuild extends beyond just the Enzo Fernandez situation. The club has reportedly reached personal terms with Lille’s 18-year-old Moroccan international Ayyoub Bouaddi on a contract running through June 2031, with the two clubs now finalizing the last details of a transfer fee in the region of €90-100 million.

City are pushing to bring Bouaddi to the Premier League immediately, though Lille have expressed a preference to keep him on loan for the 2026-27 season as part of any agreement, which is the last detail that needs to be settled for the midfielder to officially become a Manchester City player.

Ronaldo has already returned to training after receiving an extended break following Portugal’s 2026 World Cup campaign and his wedding to Georgina Rodríguez. The 41-year-old missed the opening Saudi Pro League fixture against Al-Fateh and Tuesday’s King’s Cup clash with Al-Diriyah, but his absence has allowed Postecoglou to assess his squad without its biggest star.

Al-Nassr began the new campaign impressively, beating Al-Fateh 3-0 before overcoming Al-Diriyah 4-1 in the King’s Cup. Joao Felix played a starring role against Al-Diriyah, scoring twice, while Mohamed Simakan and Abdullah Al-Hamdan also found the net.

Ronaldo was present around the team despite being unavailable for selection. Before the opening league game, he was filmed encouraging his teammates with a passionate message, telling them, “Passion… play, play, play, play, play. First game is always the difficult one.”

Postecoglou has also been careful to avoid rushing his captain back into competitive action. Ronaldo’s return from his post-World Cup break has been accompanied by a special fitness plan designed to build his match sharpness, with the coaching staff focused on making sure he begins the season in the best possible condition.

Postecoglou reveals major Ronaldo update

After the King’s Cup victory over Al-Diriyah, Postecoglou offered the clearest indication yet that Ronaldo’s return is moving in the right direction. “Ronaldo is working very hard. He had the World Cup, and he’s important to us. He was busier than any other player, and it’s crucial that he starts the season ready,” the Australian said.

The Al-Nassr manager added that the Portuguese superstar has already completed a training session and suggested supporters will see him back with the squad soon. “He’s had a training session, and I’m happy. Day by day, you’ll see him soon,” Postecoglou explained, determined to give his captain enough time to regain full match fitness after a demanding summer.

Will Al-Nassr change its system for Ronaldo?

One of the most interesting parts of Postecoglou’s update concerned how Ronaldo will fit into the team’s tactical approach once he returns. Despite the Portuguese forward’s enormous influence, the coach insists that Al-Nassr’s strategy will remain largely unchanged when its captain comes back.

“I don’t think we’ll change our strategy with Ronaldo’s return. When he joins the team, we’ll have more room for improvement,” the Australian manager said. That suggests that he believes Ronaldo can be integrated into the structure already taking shape rather than forcing the team to completely reorganize itself around him.

That could be encouraging for the veteran forward, especially after Al-Nassr produced two convincing victories without him. The early performances from Felix, Sadio Mane, Kingsley Coman, and Al-Hamdan have given Postecoglou additional attacking options while Ronaldo works his way back.

The 27-year-old has yet to make his competitive debut under Amorim, having missed much of preseason while recovering from the bone bruise and microfracture suffered during the United States’ World Cup defeat to Belgium. Yet rather than questioning Pulisic’s place in the squad, Amorim has repeatedly emphasized his belief in the forward and hinted at a role designed around his strengths.

Pulisic’s versatility has always been one of his biggest assets. He has played on both wings, operated centrally and even featured as a false nine, but the Portuguese boss appears to have identified a specific position where he believes the American can be particularly dangerous.

Speaking during Milan‘s preseason preparations, Amorim explained that he already knows how he wants to use the USMNT star. “I have a clear idea of where I want him [Pulisic] to play. Especially with the right foot on the left side, it is the perfect position for him. He can play the other side also, inside too and not on the line,” Amorim said.

That points toward Pulisic playing as the left-sided No. 10 in Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1 system, operating behind the striker rather than staying permanently on the touchline. The position would allow him to cut inside onto his stronger right foot, combine with the wing-back and attack spaces between defenders.

Pulisic has already played in similar role

The idea may actually feel familiar to Pulisic after his experience with the United States at the 2026 World Cup. Although officially listed as a winger, he frequently started from the left before moving into central areas, while the left-back provided width on the outside.

That setup gave Pulisic freedom to receive the ball in dangerous positions and attack defenders from different angles. His best performance of the tournament came during the opening half against Paraguay, when he helped create two goals and completed four dribbles despite playing only 45 minutes.

Amorim’s system could therefore give Pulisic a similar platform at club level. The major difference is that he will have more freedom to operate centrally from the beginning rather than constantly being asked to function as a traditional winger.

Amorim remains firmly behind the American

The tactical plan comes at an important moment for Pulisic, who endured a frustrating second half of the previous campaign. After scoring 15 goals in his first Milan season and 17 in his second, his total dropped to 10 in 2025-26, while he failed to score for the club after December.

His World Cup campaign then ended in disappointment, with injuries restricting him before a second injury against Belgium forced him out of the tournament. Despite the criticism that followed, Amorim has made it clear that he does not believe Pulisic’s best days are behind him.

“Pulisic is a really talented player,” Amorim said. “I know the strengths of Pulisic. I believe in him; he will be supported in our club.” The Milan manager added, “We believe a lot in him, have a clear plan to use all the qualities that he has, so I can say to you that Pulisic is really important for us.”

Pulisic has spent the past several weeks working away from the main group after suffering a serious setback during the 2026 World Cup. Now, with the new campaign only days away, there is growing optimism that he could have a role to play sooner than initially expected.

Pulisic suffered a bone bruise and microfracture to the right tibia and fibula during the United States’ World Cup round-of-16 defeat to Belgium. The injury occurred following a strange collision, and although he attempted to continue playing, he eventually had to leave the match.

After the game, Pulisic explained what happened in his own words, saying, “I twisted my ankle and my knee in one play.” The injury forced him into a lengthy rehabilitation plan and ruled him out of Milan‘s entire preseason schedule.

The 27-year-old had continued his recovery at Milanello while the rest of the squad travelled for preseason commitments in Australia and Indonesia. His return to the training complex also allowed him to begin working toward a comeback under new head coach Ruben Amorim.

Pulisic returns to group training

The biggest development arrived on Tuesday, August 18, when Pulisic completed the opening portion of Milan’s team training session with his teammates. MilanNews reported that the American was able to participate in part of the session, marking a significant milestone 41 days after suffering the injury. That development immediately raised the possibility of Pulisic being involved when Milan travels to face Torino on Sunday.

While his return to full fitness is still being managed carefully, the forward is now much closer to competitive action than he was only a few weeks ago. Earlier reports had suggested that the American was targeting a return toward the end of August, with the Torino fixture viewed as an ambitious target.

Could Pulisic feature against Torino?

The latest developments suggest Pulisic now has a realistic chance of being included in Milan’s squad for the Serie A opener against Il Toro on Sunday, August 23. His partial return to team training is an encouraging sign, although the club will have to determine whether he is physically ready for competitive minutes. Even if he makes the squad, however, a starting role is considered highly unlikely after such a long period without competitive soccer.

The priority will be avoiding another setback after such a long rehabilitation process. Even a short appearance from the bench would represent meaningful progress for Pulisic and give Amorim another attacking option as the Rossoneri begin the new Serie A campaign.

For now, the expectation is that Pulisic will continue his personalized work alongside his gradual integration with the squad. His return is getting closer, and the Torino match could provide the first opportunity for Milan fans to see their American star back in action.

According to the player, Gil Marin had assured him he could leave this summer if he finished last season professionally, and Barcelona want him to hold his club’s leadership to that word directly rather than let the situation drag on through intermediaries.

That meeting between Alvarez and Gil Marin, however, keeps getting pushed back, leaving the operation stuck in limbo just as LaLiga’s season gets underway, and Diego Simeone ruled out Alvarez for Atletico Madrid’s opener vs Malaga.

Barcelona feel the moment has arrived to either open real negotiations for a transfer or shut the door on the pursuit entirely, especially with the club needing a resolution before the market closes.

Behind the scenes, the saga has also stirred tension within Atletico‘s locker room. According to Spanish radio program El Larguero, Alvarez told his teammates directly that he “made mistakes in how he handled things and in the way he expressed himself” regarding his public comments during the World Cup about wanting to leave.

Barcelona’s backup options if the deal collapses

If Alvarez can’t force his way out of Atletico Madrid, Barcelona already have alternatives lined up rather than being caught empty-handed. Names circulating in recent days include Lautaro Martinez along with Mikel Oyarzabal and Sporting CP forward Luis Suarez.

The most recent addition to that list is Viktor Gyokeres, with reports indicating Barcelona could move quickly on the Arsenal striker if their primary target falls through.

This last move could end up benefiting both Barcelona and Arsenal, since TEAMtalk reported the Gunners haven’t backed off their pursuit of Julian Alvarez, and a potential Gyokeres departure to Spain could clear the way for the Argentine to land at the Emirates Stadium instead.

Santos traveled to face Vasco on Sunday, August 16, in a critical match to climb out of the relegation zone. Tensions flared early when the teams lined up for pre-game greetings, as Thiago Mendes was captured on camera refusing to shake Neymar’s hand, leaving the forward’s hand hanging before Neymar smirked and proceeded to greet the match officials.

Behind goals from Gabriel Barbosa, Willian Arao, and Luan Peres, Santos secured a vital 3-0 victory in the Campeonato Brasileiro, but post-match discussions remained centered on the pre-game friction between the two captains.

Speaking in the mixed zone at the Estadio Sao Januario, Neymar was asked directly about the snub and pulled no punches: “To be honest, I don’t care much about that guy. To me, he is a nobody. In 2020, he broke my ankle, which I think he did on purpose. And I didn’t let it go: we had a little fight in our last match against each other, which I think is normal in a football match.”

Reflecting on their history across European and Brazilian soccer, Neymar continued his critique. “I wasn’t even thinking much about him in today’s match because I don’t care. He refused to shake my hand, which I see as very disrespectful. The most important thing is that we still won against them and he can keep crying. Everyone knows Neymar Jr., but nobody even knew Thiago Mendes’s name until today,” he concluded.

The viral moment drew widespread attention across social media, with Santos’ official Instagram account adding fuel to the fire by posting a video referencing the snub. Neymar commented on the post with a laughing-crying emoji, adding the caption: “Pride comes before a fall.“

Neymar and Mendes’ history of friction

Despite both hailing from Brazil, the rivalry between Neymar and Thiago Mendes dates back to their time playing in Europe, specifically in France. During a Ligue 1 clash between PSG and Olympique Lyonnais in 2020, Mendes committed a heavy tackle on Neymar that resulted in a severe ankle injury, forcing the superstar off the pitch in tears.

Medical reports later confirmed Neymar suffered a severe left ankle sprain, though initial fears had pointed to a fracture. The two players crossed paths again in February 2026 during a 2-1 victory for Santos, where they engaged in a heated mid-pitch argument that ended with Mendes aiming a headbutt at the Santos captain.

Following that February incident, Neymar addressed Mendes’ conduct during his post-match press conference: “He is always the one starting problems, he always tries to act tough, he is always like that. With all due respect, he is an idiot. He broke me once at PSG and he made me a promise today. Let’s see if he has the manhood to break me again.“

The Spanish midfielder was asked whether Barcelona should pursue Julian Alvarez, the Argentine forward he played alongside for two seasons at Manchester City. The Argentine forward wasn’t called up for Atletico Madrid’s LaLiga opener, amid an increasingly tense relationship between both parties.

Rodri didn’t shy away from praising his former teammate, though he was careful about how far he took it. “I’m quite cautious when it comes to players who don’t belong to the club. He’s an Atletico Madrid player, I respect Atletico Madrid, but it’s clear that Julian is a fantastic footballer, and he could bring what he is to any team in the world, one of the best forwards,” he said.

He then pulled back from suggesting Barcelona were actively working on a deal, keeping the door open without confirming anything concrete. “That’s all I can say. I’m happy with the players we have, and Deco and the board are always thinking about improving the squad,” Rodri added, echoing the same cautious tone the club has generally kept around the Alvarez situation in public.

The situation between Barcelona and Alvarez

Barcelona have wanted Alvarez for a while now, and the interest hasn’t cooled despite the lack of a breakthrough. The Argentine himself appears open to the move, having already made clear his desire to join, but Atletico Madrid have remained firm, insisting they won’t let him leave for anything less than his €500 million release clause.

That figure has effectively frozen any real progress on the transfer, with neither side budging from their respective positions. Barcelona, for their part, haven’t backed off the pursuit either, continuing to monitor the situation closely, as they believe the player’s own willingness to join could still be enough to break the deadlock.

Still, Barcelona are aware it won’t be easy to pry the Argentine away from Atletico Madrid, which is why reports indicate the club is also weighing other options at forward, like Sporting’s Luis Suarez, in case a deal for Alvarez ultimately doesn’t materialize.

Bayern Munich were playing their final tune-up match before the start of the official season against Heidenheim at the Voith-Arena on Tuesday, August 18. Having seemingly cleared health protocols following an earlier incident against RB Leipzig, Musiala was named to the substitute bench and cleared for match action.

After coming on as a substitute in the 61st minute, Musiala went down to the turf just minutes after entering the pitch and was subsequently forced off in the 69th minute. Unlike the previous scare, he was able to walk off under his own power this time, offering a small sign of relief to the team’s medical staff and worried supporters.

The recurrence has nevertheless created significant concern within the club, coming just four days after his previous on-field collapse. That initial incident occurred during a Telekom Cup match against RB Leipzig, where subsequent medical evaluations attributed the episode primarily to physical exhaustion.

On Monday, two days after the scare against Leipzig and following an individualized training session, Musiala was notably absent from Bayern’s official team presentation at the Campus. Bayern Munich have yet to issue an updated medical statement, leaving Musiala’s status for the upcoming season opener undisclosed.

Jamal Musiala issues medical update

While Bayern have not spoken about the episode officially, Musiala issued a direct update on his Instagram account shortly after the match. In an extended message, he sought to bring calm to the situation by stating that he is doing well, while also explaining the neurological diagnosis behind his last two episodes:

“First and foremost, I am doing well!” Musiala’s statement began. “I am especially grateful for all your messages and support! I understand that many of you are worried. Today, I want to put your minds at ease and explain a little more: I have been diagnosed with brief, temporary but easily treatable episodes of absence, which are caused by a neurological dysfunction. These can lead to the episodes that have occurred recently, such as against Leipzig and now in Heidenheim.

“I know that they may seem scary at first glance, but for me, they are currently part of my everyday life,” he continued. “I am receiving the best possible medical treatment for this and am very optimistic. FC Bayern and my private circle are always by my side and supporting me on this journey.

“The important thing is that there is no further health risk. In close consultation and regular communication with the experts, it was my personal wish to face this challenge and, with the approval of the neurological specialists, continue to focus on what helps me most in my recovery: simply living my everyday life and continuing to pursue my passion of playing football. I have taken responsibility for that decision. Overall, I have a very good feeling and believe I am on the right path.

“What helps me most on this journey is to continue chasing victories and titles with my team and your great support. I hope you can understand me better now. At the same time, I ask for your understanding that I would like to keep this matter within the circle of my closest confidants, the club, and the experts. Thank you very much,” Musiala concluded.

What is Musiala’s condition?

Musiala revealed that he has been diagnosed with “brief, temporary episodes of absence caused by a neurological dysfunction,” leading to his sudden collapses and momentary lapses in awareness. According to a fact sheet published by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) regarding epilepsy and seizures, generalized seizures result from abnormal neuronal activity that rapidly emerges on both sides of the brain.

While severe generalized seizures can trigger a sudden loss of consciousness, falls, or massive muscle contractions, Musiala appears to be dealing with a milder variant. In the case of absence seizures, the NINDS notes that the condition “may cause the person to appear to be staring into space, with or without slight twitching of the muscles.“

Ronaldo has already returned to training, but Al-Nassr has decided to ease him back into competitive football rather than immediately throw him into the opening fixtures. A special fitness program has now been designed to prepare the 41-year-old for his comeback, with his workload being closely monitored by the club’s fitness staff.

The Portuguese forward spent an extended period away from Al-Nassr following Portugal’s campaign at the 2026 World Cup. He subsequently returned to the Saudi club last week after enjoying time away from soccer, including his holiday with Georgina Rodriguez.

Although Ronaldo missed the club’s preseason preparations in Lisbon, reports indicate that he maintained a good level of physical condition during his break. That has allowed Al-Nassr’s coaching staff to focus primarily on restoring his match sharpness rather than starting his conditioning work from scratch.

Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah reported that Ronaldo has been placed on a special fitness plan designed by Al-Nassr’s fitness coach to raise his physical levels ahead of his return.

Special 90-minute session forms part of comeback plan

The latest update came as Ronaldo was scheduled to complete a 90-minute fitness session on Tuesday at Al-Nassr’s training center in Riyadh. The session is part of a tailored program intended to prepare him for competitive action in the coming weeks. Al-Riyadiyah reported that the club’s fitness coach had prepared a special program for the Portuguese star to build his fitness ahead of the upcoming matches.

The session comes after Ronaldo missed Al-Nassr’s opening Saudi Pro League match against Al-Fateh, which the club won 3-0. He was also expected to sit out Tuesday’s King’s Cup Round of 32 clash against Al-Diriyah, with the coaching staff continuing to prioritize his gradual return.

The exact return date is finally taking shape

With the Al-Diriyah match effectively serving as another game Ronaldo will miss, attention now turns to Al-Nassr’s next league fixture. Ronaldo is now expected to return against Al-Riyadh on Friday, August 21, assuming he completes the fitness plan without any setbacks.

That would give the veteran forward several more days to work on his conditioning before being reintroduced to competitive play. The timing also makes sense for Al-Nassr, which has little reason to rush its biggest star this early in a long campaign.

Reports from Al-Riyadiyah also suggest Ronaldo has lost little of his sharpness during his time away from the club, providing further encouragement that his return could arrive sooner rather than later. The special fitness plan is therefore less about rebuilding his physical condition completely and more about making sure he is ready to handle the intensity of a competitive match.

Asked about life after football, Ronaldo made clear he already has a plan in place, and that padel will be a central part of it. “I have my future all mapped out… Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one. And also have more fun, travel more, watch and play padel, which I really like, and continue to enjoy what I’ve earned, what we’ve earned,” he said.

None of it means Ronaldo is walking away just yet. He missed Al Nassr’s Saudi Pro League opener against Al Fateh on August 15 and also sat out their King’s Cup debut against Al-Diriyah, as he continues working his way back into match fitness after his wedding with Georgina Rodriguez.

He’s expected to return for Al Nassr’s Matchday 2 clash with Al Riyadh on August 21, as the club looks to defend their title and secure back-to-back championships for the first time in more than 11 years.

On an individual level, he remains just 24 goals shy of becoming the first player in history to reach 1,000 career goals, giving this potential farewell season no shortage of storylines regardless of how it ends.

Ronaldo’s own padel club in Lisbon

Ronaldo is far from the only elite athlete drawn to the sport, but few have invested in it quite like he has. In 2024, he acquired 100% of the shares in the Lisboa Racket Club, a premier complex in the Alvalade neighborhood featuring eight tennis courts, seven padel courts and five squash courts, making him the outright owner of one of Lisbon’s top racket-sports venues.

Ronaldo isn’t the only star who plays padel

Several other big football names have shown a taste for the sport too. Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez have also been spotted playing padel together in Miami, squaring off in a friendly match that went viral after Suarez lost a bet tied to it.

Vinicius Junior has had a padel court installed at his own home, where he regularly plays with several Real Madrid teammates, and former Dutch international Arjen Robben has gone as far as competing in padel professionally since hanging up his boots.

After the starting XI was announced, it was confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will sit out Al Nassr’s match against Al Diriyah. The Portuguese star did not feature in his team’s debut for the 2026–27 Saudi Pro League season either.

Head coach Ange Postecoglou has decided to give the 41-year-old rest to regain match fitness following the 2026 World Cup and his recent wedding.

Al-Nassr’s confirmed lineup

While it is a Round of 32 cup match, Postecoglou deployed a strong starting XI similar to the squad featured in Matchday 1 of the 2026–27 SPL season against Al Fateh.

Al Nassr confirmed XI (4-3-3): Bento; Salem, Simakan, Alamri, Boushal; Coman, Costa, Angelo; Mane, Felix, Hamdan.

Al Diriyah’s confirmed lineup

As for Al Diriyah, the start of the season did not go as planned following a home defeat against Al Ahli Saudi. The club is aiming to get back on track in the King Cup of Champions.

Al Diriyah confirmed XI (4-2-3-1): Vasilj; Al Faraj, Djimsiti, Mbemba, Al Obaid; Gueye, Al Malki; Diandy, Rodriguez, N’Koudou, Laborde.

The change is especially striking because the Saudi Pro League built much of its global reputation through enormous investments in internationally renowned players. Ronaldo remains the face of that transformation, while Benzema continues to rank among the competition’s highest-paid stars, yet the latest figures suggest the era of unchecked wage growth is beginning to cool.

According to estimates from salary data provider Capology, cited by Saudi newspaper Al-Eqtisadiah, the Saudi Pro League‘s fixed player wage bill has fallen by around 13% for the 2026-27 season.

Base salaries are now estimated at approximately $1.11 billion, compared with roughly $1.28 billion last season. When bonuses and other estimated incentives are included, the total wage package stands at around $1.38 billion, down from approximately $1.58 billion previously.

That represents a substantial reduction for a competition that has spent the past few years aggressively recruiting some of football’s biggest names. The decline reflects a combination of expensive contracts leaving the books and new financial controls designed to encourage more sustainable spending.

Ronaldo remains the league’s highest-paid star

Despite the overall reduction, Ronaldo remains comfortably at the top of the salary rankings. Capology estimates that the Al-Nassr captain earns approximately $241 million in fixed annual salary, equivalent to roughly $4.6 million per week before bonuses are taken into account.

Benzema follows in second place, with an estimated fixed salary of around $142 million per year. Sadio Mane ranks third at approximately $46 million, while Kalidou Koulibaly is next at around $40 million, with Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Ivan Toney both estimated at roughly $30 million.

These figures are particularly significant because they highlight how much the league’s financial structure still revolves around elite talent. However, the gap between the biggest contracts and the broader spending environment could become more controlled as clubs adapt to the new regulations.

New spending rules change the landscape

The reduction in wages is closely connected to stricter financial regulations introduced for the new season. Clubs are now limited to spending no more than 75% of their revenue on first-team costs, down from the previous 80% threshold.

The remaining portion is intended to support areas such as youth development, infrastructure and other long-term projects. The aim is to ensure that clubs can continue competing at a high level without allowing wage commitments to grow beyond what their revenues can reasonably support.

The Saudi Pro League’s aggressive recruitment strategy succeeded in raising its profile around the world. Ronaldo’s arrival at Al-Nassr in 2023 helped trigger a wave of major transfers, with other clubs subsequently attracting players such as Benzema, Mane and Neymar.

“From a sporting standpoint, we look after the person, the player — we hope he gets into the condition we need so he can keep protecting the name he’s built, the player he is, and everything he’s given us. So we understand that he’s not in condition to be part of this game,” Simeone said in his pre-match press conference, adding that he hopes Alvarez can improve his condition over the next four days.

The decision comes amid swirling speculation over Alvarez’s future at the club, with reports linking the World Cup winner to a possible exit. Simeone addressed the situation directly, pointing to club ownership’s firm stance on the matter.

“Miguel Angel Gil Marin is the owner of the club and categorically spoke in the manner he did and there is nothing more to discuss,” the Argentine coach said, reaffirming that Atletico Madrid consider Alvarez’s €500 million release clause the only way out.

Simeone’s comments leave the door open for Alvarez’s return in the coming days, but for now his immediate future — both on the pitch and at the club — remains a talking point heading into the new season.

Simeone weighs in on Alvarez’s standing with supporters

Alvarez’s situation has stirred debate among Atletico Madrid’s fan base after the forward publicly declared during the 2026 World Cup that he wanted to leave the club.

Following Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria in June, Alvarez told reporters, “I spoke with people at the club, with those I had to speak with and the best thing for everyone is a transfer and I want to fulfil my dream,” making clear his desire to move on despite the club’s resistance to selling him.

That backdrop set up a pointed question for Simeone in Tuesday’s press conference: whether Alvarez owes the fans an apology over the transfer noise surrounding him.

“People will think what they have to think. I’m very respectful of everyone’s opinion, whether it’s the case of Diego Costa, Griezmann, or now Julian. I’m very respectful of what everyone might think,” the coach said, drawing a parallel to past situations involving other Atletico players.

Last year, following his retirement announcement after an Inter Miami match against the New England Revolution in October, Busquets was asked in the mixed zone whether he had plans to step into management. “I think in the future, yes, but for now I prefer to take a sabbatical year,” he said at the time, and with a few months of rest under his belt, the Spanish legend has made his move.

On Monday, August 17, Busquets was officially named the new assistant coach at Barca Atletic. He will join the staff of current head coach Juliano Belletti while working to complete his UEFA coaching licenses to earn his senior head coaching badges.

Barca Atletic serve not as La Masia’s youth academy, which handles underage player development, but as FC Barcelona’s official “B team.” The reserve side currently compete in Spain’s Fourth Division, the Segunda Federacion, aiming to climb back after previously residing in the second tier.

Lionel Messi‘s presence played a decisive role in convincing Busquets to make Inter Miami the second club of his 15-year career in 2023 following a legendary tenure in Barcelona colors. This return to the Catalan giants, now on the touchline rather than the pitch, marks the midfielder’s homecoming to the Blaugrana after just three years away.

Busquets served as the tactical engine everywhere he played throughout a career spanning Barcelona, the Spain national team, and Inter Miami, collecting an astounding 37 trophies along the way. Bringing an elite tactical mind and unmatched reading of the game, he will now assist Belletti’s technical staff in developing the club’s next generation.

Another Messi teammate from Barcelona transitions to coaching

Beyond its success on the pitch, Barcelona have long operated as an incubator that revolutionized modern soccer tactics, with Johan Cruyff and Pep Guardiola standing as its most influential figures. That culture has inspired dozens of former Barcelona players to step into management, particularly those who shared the pitch alongside Lionel Messi.

Alongside Busquets, a long list of former teammates who shared the Barcelona locker room with Messi have gone on to join technical staffs or take head coaching roles across the globe:

• Xavi Hernandez.
• Thierry Henry
• Cesc Fabregas
• Rafael Marquez
• Juliano Belletti
• Thiago Motta
• Giovanni van Bronckhorst
• Sylvinho
• Mark van Bommel
• Víctor Valdes
• Gabriel Milito
• Javier Mascherano
• Arda Turan
• Thiago Alcantara
• Yaya Toure
• Henrik Larsson
• Eidur Gudjohnsen

Born in Enugu, Okocha featured prominently in Nigeria‘s greatest football triumphs, including the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations title and the 1996 Olympic gold medal, while carving out an unforgettable career in Europe. Highlighted by his tenure at Paris Saint-Germain and his surprise free-agent move to Bolton Wanderers, the Nigerian built a lasting legacy as one of the most gifted dribblers in soccer history.

Speaking with John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy on The Obi One Podcast on YouTube, Okocha was asked by the former Chelsea midfielder to settle the debate between the two legends, and he offered an emphatic response: “Messi, Messi. Ronaldo is a special player, but he is for me a goal scorer. He can score 10 million goals. He is a goal scorer. It’s like (Erling) Haaland. Haaland is a goal scorer.“

The Nigerian icon expanded on his view by highlighting the underlying artistic quality that sways the balance toward the Argentine. “But Messi, Messi is on another planet. Messi is an art. Messi was born to play football. He’ll get ill if he doesn’t play football. He’s a genius. I mean, you have to give it to him,” he said.

Okocha also praised the remarkable consistency achieved by both icons throughout their careers, noting that while Cristiano Ronaldo’s success stems from relentless work ethic because “he’s not the most gifted player,” Messi operates on pure instinct. “But when it comes to natural gifted player, someone that is born to play football, someone that plays with ease, that doens’t force anything, like it’s his playground, is Messi,” the legend added.

One ‘maverick’ placed just above Okocha

In an era defined by classic playmakers like Rui Costa, Juan Roman Riquelme, Dennis Bergkamp, and Paul Scholes, Jay-Jay Okocha stood out as an exceptionally skilled midfielder who dismantled defenders with body feints, step-overs, and sudden bursts of acceleration. His flair and creativity earned him lasting status as an icon of individual artistry, a level of reverence few players ever achieve.

When asked whether any fellow maverick possessed superior skill to his own, Okocha passed over a distinguished list of names including Gheorghe Hagi, Guti, Roberto Baggio, Nwankwo Kanu, Eric Cantona, David Beckham, and Zinedine Zidane. However, he singled out one former teammate above everyone else.

Okocha acknowledged that Brazilian legend Ronaldinho stands as the lone player superior to him in raw dribbling ability and ball mastery. “Maybe because I had the privilege to play with him, to really see his talent and appreciate it,” Okocha stated.

Al Nassr opened their 2026-27 Saudi Pro League campaign on Saturday with a commanding performance, hosting Al Fateh at Alawwal Park. Powered by goals from Angelo, Joao Felix, and Samu Costa, the home side cruised to a 3-0 victory without Ronaldo, who is reportedly set to miss another match as he works his way back into match fitness.

According to a report from Saudi outlet Al Arriyadiyah, Ronaldo will not be included in Al Nassr’s squad to take on Al Diriyah in their King’s Cup debut. The round-of-32 fixture in Saudi Arabia’s premier domestic cup tournament is scheduled for Tuesday, August 18.

After meeting with his teammates and new coaching staff during pre-season in Portugal, Ronaldo rejoined Al Nassr for full team training last Thursday following his extended post-World Cup break. With only a handful of training sessions under his belt, manager Ange Postecoglou and his technical staff decided to rest the forward to avoid risking an early-season injury setback due to a lack of match conditioning.

As revealed by Al Arriyadiyah, Ronaldo is not the only high-profile player who will sit out the cup match. Al Nassr’s list of absentees also features goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi, fullback Saad Al-Nasser, and striker Mohammed Maran.

In the goalkeeper’s case, Al-Aqidi missed the league opener with a shoulder contusion, and despite returning to health, Postecoglou opted to leave him out of the squad for the cup tie. Meanwhile, Al-Nasser suffered ankle and calf injuries that forced an early first-half substitution on Saturday, and Maran picked up a hamstring strain during his appearance in the season opener.

When will Ronaldo debut in the 2026-27 season?

Ronaldo’s last official appearance came on July 6, when he played all 90 minutes in Portugal’s round-of-16 exit at the 2026 World Cup. He has not played in a competitive match or preseason friendly since, though his return to action appears imminent.

The Portuguese legend is expected to make his season debut in Al Nassr’s upcoming Saudi Pro League fixture. Following Tuesday’s King’s Cup match, the squad will travel to face Al Riyadh on Friday, August 21, at Prince Turki bin Abdul Aziz Stadium, where Ronaldo is slated to make his first appearance of the 2026-27 campaign.

Benzema departed Real Madrid in 2023 shortly after winning the Ballon d’Or, joining Al Ittihad where he eventually captured the Saudi Pro League title. However, contractual friction led the French forward to leave Al Ittihad and complete a blockbuster transfer to Al Hilal in February 2026 on one of the most lucrative deals in modern sports.

Tension has been mounting ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, with Spanish outlet Diario AS reporting that Benzema is no longer viewed as central to manager Simone Inzaghi’s tactical plans. Under these circumstances, the club’s leadership favors brokering an exit, creating a delicate stalemate between the player and decision-makers.

During Al Hilal‘s Saudi Pro League opener against Al Faisaly on Friday, August 14, Benzema opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 19th minute. However, with the match hanging in the balance at 3-2 in the second half, Inzaghi opted to substitute the French striker in the 70th minute for Mohamed Kader Meite, a move that clearly frustrated the veteran forward.

Benzema voiced his frustration while walking off the pitch, confronting one of Inzaghi’s assistant coaches on the touchline. The fallout was immediate, as Benzema was subsequently dropped to the bench for the following King’s Cup fixture against Al Raed, logging just 25 minutes as a 65th-minute substitute.

While relations between the manager and star player remain frayed, Diario AS reports that Benzema’s camp has maintained he has no intention of walking away from Al Hilal during the summer 2026 transfer window, intending to honor his contract through June 2027.

Benzema’s departure conditions rise

On Forbes’ 2026 list of the world’s highest-paid athletes, Benzema ranked eighth overall with $104 million in total earnings ($100M salary, $4M endorsements), making him the third-highest-paid soccer player behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. That massive compensation package remains the primary obstacle to a departure, unless Al Hilal agree to pay out the final year of his deal.

According to Saudi outlet Al Arriyadiyah, Al Hilal terminating Benzema’s contract hinges directly on securing a replacement striker. With Malcom and Joao Cancelo linked with exits and Darwin Nunez out of Inzaghi’s plans, Al Hilal face a foreign-player roster crunch while searching for an elite center forward suited to Inzaghi’s system.

Reports out of Saudi Arabia have linked Al Hilal to Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins as potential replacements to lead the front line. However, no formal bids have materialized for either target.

Al Hilal remain active in their pursuit of a marquee striker to lead the squad for the upcoming campaign, effectively phasing Benzema out of their medium-to-long-term plans. Yet until a definitive resolution is reached, the 38-year-old forward remains the second highest-paid player in Saudi Arabia behind Cristiano Ronaldo.

While the signing is yet to be made official by the club, Rodri has already arrived for his medical tests with Barcelona. The midfielder expressed his excitement to join the squad and fight for every trophy this season.  

“It’s a dream for me to be here,” Rodri told media at the Barcelona airport. “I am looking forward to working with my teammates and giving my best to win it all. We will go for the Champions League and for every title.”

Barcelona have an elite roster to fight for the UCL

A sixth UEFA Champions League title continues to elude Barcelona, but a standout summer transfer window makes many believe this could finally be the year for the Blaugrana to lift the trophy.

Joao Cancelo, Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi, and Rodri are among the high-profile additions brought in this summer. While securing a natural center-forward remains a priority, the attack features immense depth across the front line.

Rodri’s arrival is set to reshape Barcelona’s starting XI. Fresh off winning the Golden Ball at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the midfielder anchors what many view as one of Europe’s premier central units.  

What number will Rodri wear at Barcelona?

According to Fabrizio Romano, Rodri requested the No. 16 jersey. Young midfielder Fermin Lopez agreed to vacate the shirt, taking over the No. 7 jersey previously worn by Ferran Torres prior to his move to PSG.  

The tournament opened on Saturday, August 15, with Deportivo Alaves hosting Getafe in a 3-0 victory for the home side. Throughout the weekend, only four of the 10 scheduled Matchday 1 fixtures were played, with games involving Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid postponed for a specific logistical reason.

La Liga reached an official agreement with clubs that had players participating in the late stages of the 2026 World Cup to delay their domestic debuts. Teams with rostered players who reached the World Cup semifinals or beyond were granted additional mandatory rest and recovery time before starting their league schedules.

Across the two semifinal matchups, seven Spanish clubs were represented: Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Athletic Club, Real Sociedad, Real Betis, and Celta Vigo. Those clubs worked alongside the Spanish Footballers Association (AFE) and La Liga to reschedule their opening league fixtures to accommodate the extended break.

The only eligible club that chose not to request a special postponement was Celta Vigo, whose striker Borja Iglesias made Spain’s squad but logged just two minutes against Portugal in the round of 16. However, a fungal outbreak ruined the pitch at Celta’s stadium, ultimately forcing the league to reschedule their opening match against Osasuna anyway.

Having an extra week before making their official debuts did not mean total rest for the clubs. Over the weekend, Barcelona played a friendly against FC Basel (a 5-2 win), Real Madrid faced Schalke 04 (a 3-0 win), and Atletico took on Olympique Marseille on Friday (a 2-1 win) to maintain match fitness ahead of the season.

When are Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid debuting in La Liga?

The first of the trio to make their official debut will be Atletico Madrid. The Colchoneros host Malaga at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Wednesday, August 19, meaning their overall scheduling and match preparation will experience minimal disruption compared to the rest of the league.

As for Barcelona and Real Madrid, both clubs will make their 2026-27 La Liga debuts during Matchday 2 rather than Matchday 1. The Blaugrana travel to face Elche on Sunday, August 23, while Los Blancos head to Catalonia to take on Espanyol on Saturday, August 22.

The two powerhouse clubs will then make up their postponed Matchday 1 fixtures during midweek action. Real Madrid face Real Sociedad on Wednesday, August 26, while Barcelona host Athletic Club on Thursday, August 27.

EA Sports unveiled the list of the top 27 highest-rated men’s players on Monday, with Messi earning a prominent spot. Notably, he stands as the only Argentine representative and the sole player outside of Europe’s top five leagues (England, Spain, Germany, France, and Italy) to crack the exclusive rankings.

Tied with star players like Vinicius Junior, Bruno Fernandes, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Messi garners an 89 overall card in EA FC 27. The Inter Miami star boasts attributes including 76 pace, 87 shooting, 89 passing, 90 dribbling, 33 defending, and 63 physicality.

Compared to his rating in last year’s title, his pace dropped by two points while his shooting jumped by two points and his passing rose by four. His dribbling held firm at 90, his defense remained at 33, and his physical attribute took a one-point hit. This marks his second-highest base rating since joining Inter Miami, trailing only his 90-rated card in EA FC 24, and serves as the first 89-rated base card of his career.

One of the most notable adjustments on his new card is his default primary position, now officially listed as a Central Attacking Midfielder (CAM). Throughout previous editions, his base item was predominantly classified as a Right Winger (RW) or occasionally a Center Forward (CF), making EA FC 27 the first game to assign him a CAM base position.

Cristiano Ronaldo misses out on the Top 27 entirely

Cristiano Ronaldo’s ratings have steadily drifted away from the game’s top tier since his move to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr, beginning with an 86 overall gold card in EA FC 24. In last year’s EA FC 26, the Portuguese forward dropped to an 85 overall rating.

For the new release, EA Sports revealed the Top 27 base cards spanning overall ratings from 91 down to 88. However, for another consecutive year, Ronaldo failed to secure a spot among the video game’s top-rated talent.

Top 27 rated cards compared to previous edition

With the Men’s Top 27 official, here is the full ranking and how each player rated in EA FC 26:

1. Kylian Mbappe — 91 rated (EA FC26: 91)
2. Erling Haaland — 91 rated (EA FC26: 90)
3. Rodri — 90 rated (EA FC26: 90)
4. Ousmane Dembele — 90 rated (EA FC26: 90)
5. Vitinha — 90 rated (EA FC26: 89)
6. Harry Kane — 90 rated (EA FC26: 89)
7. Michael Olise — 90 rated (EA FC26: 86)
8. Pedri — 90 rated (EA FC26: 89)
9. Lamine Yamal — 90 rated (EA FC26: 89)
10. Thibaut Courtois — 90 rated (EA FC26: 89)
11. Jude Bellingham — 90 rated (EA FC26: 90)
12. Gabriel Magalhaes — 89 rated (EA FC26: 88)
13. Gianluigi Donnarumma — 89 rated (EA FC26: 89)
14. Bruno Fernandes — 89 rated (EA FC26: 87)
15. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia — 89 rated (EA FC26: 87)
16. Nuno Mendes — 89 rated (EA FC26: 86)
17. Willian Pacho — 89 rated (EA FC26: 86)
18. Lionel Messi — 89 rated (EA FC26: 86)
19. Vinicius Junior — 89 rated (EA FC26: 89)
20. Jan Oblak — 88 rated (EA FC26: 88)
21. Declan Rice — 88 rated (EA FC26: 87)
22. William Saliba — 88 rated (EA FC26: 87)
23. Virgil van Dijk — 88 rated (EA FC26: 90)
24. Achraf Hakimi — 88 rated (EA FC26: 89)
25. Joao Neves — 88 rated (EA FC26: 85)
26. Joshua Kimmich — 88 rated (EA FC26: 89)
27. Luis Diaz — 88 rated (EA FC26: 85)

With Rodri’s signing, Barcelona’s starting lineup is set to undergo significant tactical adjustments. Joao Cancelo can operate on both flanks, providing Hansi Flick with elite versatility on either side of the defense.

Cancelo requested that Al Hilal terminate his contract early, paving the way for his return to Barcelona. The Portuguese defender was determined to rejoin the Spanish side and expressed his delight about embarking on his second stint with the Blaugrana.

“We have a top team this season! I am finally where I wanted to be,” Cancelo said at his arrival to Barcelona. “I spent already one week training hard to be ready for Barca.”

Barcelona still await a striker

While the additions of Rodri, Joao Cancelo, Karim Adeyemi, and Anthony Gordon significantly bolster the squad, Barcelona currently lack a recognized natural central striker for the upcoming campaign.

Julian Alvarez remains the primary target, but Atletico Madrid are reluctant to entertain offers. Sporting CP’s Luis Suarez remains another candidate, though his release clause presents a major hurdle as options narrow.

Following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, Barcelona continue to seek a suitable replacement. Hansi Flick could deploy Anthony Gordon down the middle, though the Englishman’s best performances have consistently come from the left wing.

As of today, the club are set to kick off their LaLiga campaign without a natural number nine. However, the front office are working endlessly to secure a center-forward and prevent Hansi Flick from needing to experiment with makeshift options.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s next game with Al Nassr is scheduled for Tuesday, August 18, when they visit Al Diriyah for the Round of 32 in the 2026-27 King’s Cup at Al Awwal Park. However, the Portuguese star’s presence remains to be a major question as he has recently returned to the training sessions alongside his teammates.

The icon’s 2026-27 international campaign with Portugal following the 2026 World Cup is set to begin on Thursday, September 24, when they host Wales for Matchday 1 of the of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League. The forward’s last World Cup game came on July 6th, where Spain beat the Selecao in the Round of 16 with a narrow 1-0 win.

In the 2025-26 season, the Portuguese icon scored 30 goals and provided 4 assists in 37 games for Al Nassr, while netting 5 goals in 5 UEFA World Cup qualifiers and 3 in the 2026 World Cup for Portugal, with his personal account in 976 career goals.

Ronaldo faced long break due to FIFA schedule

After his stunning bicycle-kick goal against Al Khaleej, Cristiano Ronaldo was rested for Al Nassr’s midweek AFC Champions League Two match. But from that point forward, the Portuguese star endured a 24-day gap without competitive action, a result of the upcoming FIFA competition schedule.

From December 1 through 18, Qatar hosted the second edition of the FIFA Arab Cup, with the final between Morocco and Jordan played at Lusail Stadium, the same venue as the 2022 World Cup final.

With several Saudi Pro League players involved, including stars of the Saudi Arabian national team, clubs, including Al Nassr, were unable to meet domestic player requirements, forcing the SPL into a temporary pause during the tournament.

Lionel Messi’s next match with Inter Miami is scheduled for Wednesday, August 19, when the Herons visit Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park for the 2026 MLS. The Argentine star heads to the game after missing a penalty in the 4-1 defeat against Nashville SC.

As for his next game with Argentina, there is no game scheduled yet, but the next matchups will be in the upcoming extended international break in September-October. Still, his continuity at the helm of the Albiceleste remains a question since he hasn’t spoken after the 2026 World Cup final over his future.

During the World Cup, Messi featured in all eight matches for Argentina scoring eigth goals to cement his legacy as the second all-time top scorer in the torunament with 21 career World Cup goals. As for the 2026 MLS campaign, Messi has featured in 16 official matches so far across all competitions for Inter Miami, scoring 13 goals with 7 assist registered thus far.

Lionel Messi and the task of defending the World Cup title

The year 2026 will be especially significant for Messi, not only because of Inter Miami’s ambitions but also because he’ll head into the 2026 World Cup aiming to defend the title. The triumph in Qatar in 2022 marked one of the defining peaks of his career, and now in North America he’ll enter another tournament wearing the champions’ badge for the first time.

Drawn into Group J, Argentina will open its campaign against Algeria on Tuesday, June 16, in Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium. The second match will be against Austria on Monday the 22nd in Arlington at AT&T Stadium, before closing the group stage against Jordan on Saturday the 27th, also in Texas.

The Argentina FA has announced that the national team will base itself in Kansas City during the tournament, though training facilities have yet to be confirmed. Expected to be his final World Cup appearance, Messi will have a chance to add to his record haul with a squad coached by Lionel Scaloni that remains one of the strongest in international soccer after winning the last World Cup and back-to-back Copa América titles.

In an interview with Vogue magazine released on Sunday, Ronaldo offered a direct update regarding his playing future: “This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy. I have my future all mapped out. I have so many things to keep me busy that to tell you just one thing is hard. Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one.“

The legendary forward also noted that he wants to “have more fun, travel more, watch and play padel,” and enjoy the rewards of his legendary career. In the meantime, this final lap presents one last opportunity to expand his trophy collection before he decides to officially hang up his boots.

Ronaldo to hunt Al Nassr success

After ending their trophy drought last season, Al Nassr are set to make another major push for the Saudi Pro League title. Ronaldo captured the crown under former manager Jorge Jesus, marking Al Nassr’s first league championship since 2019, and with new manager Ange Postecoglou now in charge, the domestic title stands as one of the premier targets on the calendar leading up to the final matchday on May 29, 2027.

Another trophy Al Nassr will be chasing is the King’s Cup, Saudi Arabia’s premier domestic cup tournament. Ronaldo’s side will face Al Draih in the round of 32 on Tuesday, August 18, and while his participation remains unconfirmed, fans hope the Portuguese icon returns to the pitch to help secure passage to the next round ahead of the May 2027 final.

Thanks to their strong domestic performance last season, Al Nassr have also qualified for the 2026-27 Saudi Super Cup, with the semifinals and final scheduled to take place from November 30 to December 4, 2026. Ronaldo’s club will compete alongside Al Ahli, Al Qadsiah, and Al Kholood for the title, a tournament Ronaldo has featured in four times previously, suffering two semifinal eliminations and two final defeats.

Finally, Al Nassr’s ultimate crowning objective for the 2026-27 campaign is the AFC Champions League Elite, Asia’s premier club competition. Ronaldo’s side missed out on the top continental tournament last year, but after finishing atop the SPL table, winning an inaugural Asian continental title remains the defining goal for Al Nassr, whose best historical finish was a runner-up performance in 1996.

Ronaldo and the chance for one more title with Portugal

Despite producing generations of legendary talent like Eusebio, Luis Figo, Rui Costa, and Pauleta, Portugal captured their first senior international trophies during the Cristiano Ronaldo era, raising their overall count to three. While Ronaldo would miss the 2028 European Championship in the UK and Ireland if he retires at the end of the season, he still has an opportunity to lift one final trophy with the Selecao.

Following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, Portugal are set to compete in the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League. Drawn into Group A in League A, the Selecao will play three home and three away matches against Denmark, Norway, and Wales.

During an extended international window spanning late September and early October, Portugal will host Wales on September 24 before traveling to face Norway on September 27 and Denmark on October 1, culminating in a home rematch against Norway on October 4. The group stage will conclude in November, with Portugal hosting Denmark on November 14 and visiting Wales on November 17.

A top-two finish in the group will secure Portugal a spot in the quarterfinals in March 2027, with the Final Four semifinals scheduled for June 9 and the final on June 13. Having already won the Nations League in 2019 and 2025, Ronaldo will aim to defend the title in what could be his final tournament appearance for Portugal.

After Andy Najar put Nashville ahead in the 17th minute off an accurate cross from Elias Saad, Inter Miami pressed aggressively for an immediate equalizer. Following a lofted pass over the defense from Casemiro, Luis Suarez controlled the ball, cut back onto his left foot, and was brought down in the box by Jeisson Palacios after a mistimed tackle in the 22nd minute.

Messi stepped up to the spot, using a stutter-step approach to try and freeze Brian Schwake. Though the goalkeeper committed early and dived to his right, Schwake managed to stick out his legs and make the save. Sergio Reguilon pounced on the rebound and slotted it into the back of the net, but the goal was quickly disallowed due to encroaching into the penalty area.

Failing to convert from the spot against Nashville extends Messi’s current slide to three straight misses from 12 yards out. Saturday’s failure was also his second missed penalty in an Inter Miami shirt, with the first occurring back in September 2025 during a 3-0 regular-season defeat against Charlotte FC.

The penalty miss against Nashville highlights a rare dip in execution for the Argentine legend when facing opposing goalkeepers from the spot. During the 2026 World Cup with Argentina, he dragged a penalty wide in a group-stage match against Austria, and had another attempt saved by Mostafa Shobeir in a round of 16 clash against Egypt, bringing his total to three straight failures.

Despite the recent slump, Messi remains one of the premier dead-ball technicians in modern soccer history. Across 149 career penalty attempts for club and country, the forward has converted 114 times while missing 35, maintaining a respectable 76.5% conversion rate.

When did Messi last miss three consecutive penalties?

As the captain and primary penalty taker for both Inter Miami and Argentina, Messi naturally carries the responsibility whenever a spot kick is awarded. While this three-match slump is an unusual sight, it is not the first time he has endured a cold stretch from the spot.

The only other time Lionel Messi missed three consecutive penalties was back in 2014 while playing for FC Barcelona and Argentina. That run began in an April 2014 match against Real Betis, where Antonio Adan saved a late attempt in the 86th minute. His next miss came that September in a 5-0 win over Levante UD when he fired completely wide, followed by an October friendly with Argentina where Brazil goalkeeper Jefferson stopped his 40th-minute effort.

Messi ultimately snapped that 2014 drought in November during an international friendly against Croatia at Boleyn Ground, converting from the spot to secure a 2-1 victory. Inter Miami return to action next Wednesday against the Philadelphia Union, where Messi will look to end his current drought or risk setting an unprecedented personal low.

According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Manchester City have agreed to a package worth up to 76.5 million euros ($87.8M USD) for Rodri to complete his move to Barcelona. The Spanish midfielder, who was entering the final year of his contract with the Sky Blues, will sign a long-term deal keeping him at the Catalan club through June 2030.

The deal consists of a guaranteed base fee of 60 million euros ($65.8M USD), with the remaining 16.5 million euros structured in performance-based add-ons. The Athletic reports that 11 million euros of those incentives are considered easily achievable, giving Manchester City full confidence in recouping at least 71.5 million euros from the transaction.

Barcelona have held a long-standing interest in Rodri and accelerated negotiations once the midfielder made it clear he preferred a move to the Camp Nou over competing interest from Real Madrid. After being left out of Manchester City’s squad for the FA Community Shield against Arsenal, travel arrangements and medical examinations are now being finalized to officially complete the transfer.

How does Rodri fit in Barcelona?

Barcelona have previously struggled to establish a firm identity during brief coaching tenures under Quique Setien and Ronald Koeman, though Xavi Hernandez brought initial structural stability. However, since Hansi Flick took charge and Lamine Yamal emerged as a generational superstar, the Blaugrana have re-established themselves as one of Europe’s most formidable attacking forces.

Bringing tactical principles refined during his time at Bayern Munich and the Germany national team, Flick introduced a far more direct, vertical playing style while preserving Barcelona’s traditional possession-based roots. However, that high-octane verticality often proved to be a double-edged sword, leaving the back line vulnerable whenever an opponent bypassed the team’s high press.

This dynamic produced several chaotic, high-scoring affairs, including a 7-2 win over Newcastle United, a 3-3 draw against Club Brugge, a 5-4 thriller over Benfica, and a wild 7-6 aggregate semifinals series against Inter Milan in 2024-25. While thrilling for neutral observers, those frantic games revealed a lingering tactical imbalance despite Barcelona remaining committed to their press and high defensive line.

That aggressive approach, while effective domestically, exposed vulnerabilities in Flick’s pursuit of European silverware. By adding Rodri to the midfield engine room, the German manager gains a elite defensive anchor capable of dictating tempo rather than forcing rapid transitions, providing vital structural balance through his world-class distribution and defensive positioning.

Projected lineup for Barcelona with Rodri’s arrival

With Rodri’s arrival, Barcelona’s starting defensive unit is expected to remain largely intact. Joan Garcia will start in goal, flanked by Jules Kounde at right back, Alejandro Balde at left back, and the tandem of Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin operating at center back.

In midfield, Rodri and Pedri are projected to form a double pivot, albeit with distinctly complementary responsibilities. Operating as the deep-lying playmaker, Rodri will drop between the center backs to anchor the build-up phase, unlocking Pedri to advance into a traditional No. 8 role where he can dribble and feed line-breaking passes to the front line.

With Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres no longer in the squad and a deal for Julian Alvarez still far from completion, Barcelona currently lack a recognized central striker. Based on their recent friendly against FC Basel, Flick could deploy Lamine Yamal on the right wing and new signing Anthony Gordon on the left, with Dani Olmo in the No. 10 role and Raphinha operating as a false nine.

Ousmane Dembele will start on the bench against Lens as part of a tactical and fitness decision by manager Luis Enrique. Since the French winger was among the final group of players to report back to pre-season training following the 2026 World Cup, the Spanish manager opted to limit his workload and manage his minutes to avoid unnecessary injury risks early in the campaign.

Instead, Maghnes Akliouche gets the start in Dembele’s place in the attack. The former AS Monaco winger will occupy the central position, while Kvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue will be operating down the left and right flank respectively, much like PSG’s lineup was in Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup victory.

Meanwhile, Joao Neves was left out of the squad list entirely for the Trophee des Champions clash. In this instance, Luis Enrique chose to give the Portuguese midfielder a complete rest following his 75-minute workload in the UEFA Super Cup, though the player is not dealing with any structural or serious injury.

With Vitinha serving as the central anchor in midfield, the Portuguese international will be flanked by Warren Zaire-Emery and Brazilian Lucas Beraldo. Fabian Ruiz, who featured in the 2026 World Cup final for Spain, will begin the match on the substitute bench awaiting his opportunity.

Confirmed lineups for PSG and RC Lens

PSG’s confirmed lineup (4-3-3): Matvey Safonovl Achraf hakimi, Ilya Zabarnyi, William Pacho, Lucas Digne; Warren Zaire-Emery, Lucas Beraldo, Vitinha; Desire Doue, Maghnes Akliouche, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Head coach: Luis Enrique.

RC Lens’s confirmed lineup (3-4-2-1): Robin Risser; Kyllian Antonio, Ismaelo Ganiou, Maik Nawrocki; Saud Abdulhamid, Michael Cuisance, Yassine Titraoui, Matthieu Udoi; Florian Thauvin, Franjo Ivanovic; Abdallah Sima.
Head coach: Dino Toppmoller.

As reported by The Athletic‘s David Ornstein, Juventus have submitted a formal bid for “Dibu” Martinez worth 7 million euros up front plus 3 million euros in team performance incentives ($7.7M + $3.3M USD). The total package approaches the guaranteed 10 million euro fee ($11M USD) Aston Villa have been seeking to let the Argentine international depart.

Juventus initially registered interest in the 33-year-old shot-stopper before the 2026 World Cup, but negotiations stalled in early August when the Italian side deemed Villa’s 10 million euro asking price too steep. However, talks have reignited two weeks later, with personal terms between Martinez and the Serie A club not expected to pose any obstacle.

With Martinez edging toward the exit, Aston Villa shifted their primary focus to completing a deal for Zion Suzuki. The Japanese goalkeeper was in advanced negotiations with PSG before talks with Parma broke down, clearing the path for Aston Villa to swoop in.

According to The Athletic, Aston Villa and Parma reached a full agreement on Sunday for Suzuki’s transfer. The 23-year-old goalkeeper, who delivered a standout performance at the 2026 World Cup, is set to join the Premier League club for an initial fee of 30 million euros plus 5 million in add-ons ($33M + $5.5M USD), signing a five-year deal through 2031.

Why did Suzuki’s deal with PSG collapse?

At just 23 years old, Suzuki emerged as a key reason Parma avoided relegation from Serie A before carrying that form to the 2026 World Cup with Japan. His international displays caught the eye of top European clubs, with PSG aggressively pursuing his signature to the point of nearly finalizing a transfer.

Following their UEFA Super Cup victory, PSG were actively working to close multiple summer deals, including Ferran Torres, Mika Godts, and Suzuki. However, on Saturday, a chartered plane sent to Parma returned empty after the French champions abruptly decided to pull out of the deal.

According to L’Equipe, Suzuki’s agency presented last-minute demands, including a 5 million euro commission fee, a contractual guarantee that he would become the team’s starting goalkeeper by 2027, and an option for an exclusive loan move to a Champions League club. While PSG agreed to certain terms, they balked at submitting to the agents’ escalating pressure, causing the entire transaction to implode despite a prior club-to-club agreement with Parma.

Following a challenging 2026 FIFA World Cup with Portugal, Ronaldo clarified that he would not participate in the 2030 tournament as an active player, reaffirming that 2026 marked his final international competition.  

Speaking to Vogue, Ronaldo stated that the 2026–27 season with Al-Nassr will likely mark the conclusion of his career. “This is probably my last year of football. I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” he revealed.  

Cristiano Ronaldo aims to finish career on a high note

After a 2026 World Cup in which Portugal fell short in the knockout stage, Ronaldo is focused on solidifying his achievements with Al-Nassr. He aims to secure silverware in Saudi Arabia while pursuing the historic 1,000 career goals milestone.

During the 2030 World Cup, Ronaldo will be 45 years old. While his physical fitness remains exceptional, he recognized that competing at the international level requires immense physical sacrifice, leading him to plan his retirement at the conclusion of his current club campaign.

The match referee tasked with officiating the 2026 Community Shield is Samuel Barrott. The 33-year-old official has made a rapid rise through the English ranks, taking charge of Premier League fixtures since 2024 and joining the official FIFA refereeing list in 2025.

The 2026 Community Shield will mark the third major final of Barrott’s career. The English referee previously officiated the 2023-24 EFL League One Playoff Final between Bolton Wanderers and Oxford United (a 2-0 Oxford victory), and most recently handled the UEFA U19 EURO Final between Spain and Germany (a 2-0 win for Spain).

Barrott will lead the crew on the pitch alongside assistant referees Craig Taylor and Blake Antrobus, with Farai Hallam serving as the fourth official on the touchline. The Community Shield final will feature full VAR implementation, led by lead VAR official James Bell and assistant VAR Tim Wood.

Complete list of match officials

• Referee: Sam Barrott
• 1st assistant: Craig Taylor
• 2nd assistant Blake Antrobus
• 4th Official: Farai Hallam
• Reserve Assistant Referee: Alistair Nelson
• VAR: James Bell
• AVAR: Tim Wood

Barrott’s record with Arsenal and Manchester City

Sam Barrott made his Premier League officiating debut back in October 2023 during a fixture between Fulham and Sheffield United at Craven Cottage that ended in a 3-1 win for the host side. Since then, he has overseen several high-profile matches involving both Man City and Arsenal across top-flight English soccer and domestic cup competitions.

When overseeing the Citizens, Barrott has officiated six matches, including four in the Premier League, one in the Carabao Cup, and one in the FA Cup. His most recent Man City fixture was an FA Cup round of 16 clash against Newcastle United, which ended in a 3-1 victory for Pep Guardiola’s side. In those six matches under Barrott, Man City hold a 4-2 record while outscoring opponents 16-6.

Arsenal hold an even stronger mark under Barrott’s whistle, boasting nine wins and just one defeat across 10 matches. However, that single loss came in a major fixture, the 2025-26 FA Cup quarterfinal, where second-tier Southampton eliminated the Gunners 2-1. His most recent Arsenal match was a Premier League tilt that ended in a 1-0 victory over Newcastle United.

This year’s edition will be played at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, marking the first time the fixture has been staged there in 20 years. The 74,500-capacity venue steps in as host for a match that has called Wembley home in all but a handful of editions since 2007.

The two sides arrive with plenty of history in this competition. Arsenal have won all three of their previous meetings against City in the Community Shield — in 1934, 2014 and most recently in 2023, when the Gunners prevailed 4-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Manchester City, meanwhile, head into the match under new manager Enzo Maresca, who officially took over this summer as the club begins life after Pep Guardiola.

Both squads are expected to field a mix of first-team regulars and players easing back in following extended World Cup breaks, as they look to kick off the new season with silverware already on the line.

Why the match isn’t being played at Wembley

The Community Shield has been held at Wembley every year since 2007, with only a couple of exceptions, but this year’s edition had to find a new home.

According to organizers, Wembley Stadium is unavailable due to a pre-scheduled run of concerts by The Weeknd, forcing the FA to relocate the match to Principality Stadium in Cardiff — the same venue that hosted the fixture the last time it left Wembley two decades ago.

Arsenal qualified as reigning Premier League champions after their title-winning campaign last season, while City earned their place by winning the FA Cup in May, beating Chelsea at Wembley for their eighth FA Cup title in club history.

Recent history slightly favors City in this particular fixture, with two wins in the last five head-to-head meetings between the sides. Arsenal, however, hold the more recent edge in the Community Shield specifically, having won the last time these two clubs met in this exact competition back in 2023, on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Both sides arrive with contrasting preseason form. Arsenal posted a mixed 2-2-1 record in their warm-up matches, including defeats to Real Betis and Borussia Dortmund, though they did beat Girona 4-1. City, meanwhile, looked sharper in their own preparation, beating Atlético Madrid 3-1 in their final tune-up, with Omar Marmoush scoring twice in that win.

What happens if Manchester City beat Arsenal

A win would hand Maresca a trophy in his very first match at the helm, giving City an ideal start to the new era and a psychological edge heading into the Premier League season opener. It would also snap Arsenal’s recent run of success in this exact fixture, avenging their 2023 Community Shield defeat to the Gunners.

What happens if Manchester City and Arsenal draw

The Community Shield doesn’t allow for extra time. Any match still level after 90 minutes goes straight to a penalty shootout to determine the winner, with both teams still credited with a draw on the official record despite one side lifting the trophy.

What happens if Manchester City lose to Arsenal

A loss would see Arsenal successfully defend the Community Shield and continue their recent dominance over City in this fixture, while also handing Maresca a defeat in his first game in charge — an inauspicious start to his tenure, even if the Community Shield itself carries more symbolic weight than competitive significance heading into the new season.

In English soccer, Wembley Stadium stands as the country’s ultimate cathedral, serving as the home pitch for both the men’s and women’s national teams while hosting the biggest domestic fixtures on the calendar. From lower-division promotion playoff finals to the FA Cup and Carabao Cup showpieces, Wembley has also consistently hosted the Community Shield in recent years.

The fixture brings together the reigning Premier League champions and FA Cup winners from the previous campaign to battle in England’s equivalent of a super cup. Situated in London, Wembley typically provides an ideal neutral venue for traveling supporters, though 2026 will mark a rare departure from that setup.

The 2026 Community Shield will not take place at Wembley Stadium because Canadian pop superstar The Weeknd is scheduled to perform his “After Hours til Dawn” tour at the venue on the exact same day. With the stadium booked and configured for a massive concert, hosting both events simultaneously was impossible, forcing the FA to relocate the match.

Where is the 2026 FA Community Shield being held?

Forced away from Wembley, the 2026 Community Shield will actually take place outside of England, heading west into Wales. The clash between Arsenal and Manchester City will instead be hosted at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, a venue capable of holding 74,500 fans.

This marks only the third time since 2007 that the Community Shield has moved away from London, and the first time it returns to Wales since 2006. Between 2001 and 2006, while the original Wembley Stadium was being demolished and rebuilt, the fixture was held at Principality Stadium for six consecutive years, making this a 20-year anniversary return to the Welsh capital.

Other venues have also held the Community Shield

First established in 1908 as the Charity Shield, the competition did not make Wembley its permanent host venue until 1974. In the decades prior, historic grounds such as Stamford Bridge, Highbury, White Hart Lane, Old Trafford, Maine Road, The Den, Molineux, and Filbert Street all played host to the annual season opener.

Since the new Wembley Stadium opened its gates in 2007, only three editions of the Community Shield have been moved elsewhere. Villa Park hosted the 2012 match while Wembley served as a venue for the London Olympics, Leicester City’s King Power Stadium hosted in 2022 due to the UEFA Women’s Euro final, and now Cardiff steps in for 2026 due to concert scheduling.

Speaking after the match, Costa reflected on the win and made a point of including Ronaldo in his praise, despite the Portuguese superstar not featuring in the squad. “A good start. We worked hard and deserved the three points. I dedicate the victory to my family, my teammates, and Cristiano Ronaldo,” Costa said.

Ronaldo’s absence from the matchday squad was a deliberate call by new head coach Ange Postecoglou, who only recently took charge at Al Nassr. Ronaldo had rejoined training just two days before the match, having spent recent weeks away from the squad following his marriage to Georgina Rodriguez.

With Ronaldo sidelined for the opener, it was Angelo, Costa and Felix who stepped up to deliver the win, giving Postecoglou an encouraging start to his tenure in Riyadh. All eyes will now turn to when Ronaldo is expected to make his own season debut for the club.

Ronaldo eyeing return for matchday 2

It was to be expected that Cristiano Ronaldo wouldn’t feature at the start of Al Nassr‘s 2026-27 Saudi Pro League campaign, having missed every training session with the squad and sat out the entire preseason.

According to reports out of Saudi Arabia, the captain is also expected to miss Al Nassr’s King Champions Cup opener against Diriyah Club on August 18, with his return now targeted for matchday 2 of the Saudi Pro League against Al Riyadh on August 21.

The 35-year-old right-back’s comments came just weeks after England’s heartbreaking 2026 World Cup semifinal exit to Argentina, a result that once again put Messi’s brilliance on full display against one of the tournament’s toughest defenses.

For Trippier, the challenge of marking Messi is unlike anything else in the game. The Argentine’s ability to seemingly disappear from a match for long stretches before suddenly deciding it in the blink of an eye is what makes him so uniquely difficult to contain.

“He can walk for 60 minutes but then score a hat-trick. That’s his magic,” Trippier told The Guardian, summing up the unpredictable threat Messi poses even when he appears disengaged from the run of play.

Trippier credits Simeone’s approach

Trippier also drew on his extensive experience facing Messi during his time at Atletico Madrid under Diego Simeone, crediting his former manager’s tactical setups for helping neutralize the Argentine on multiple occasions.

“I’ve been in that situation many times with Simeone; I could name 30 matches where he’s done it and we’ve come through. That’s typical Simeone. He’s a master of tricks and winning matches. We were against one of the best players in history who can change everything in two seconds,” he said about the Argentine coach.

Trippier’s rivalry with Messi

Trippier’s history with Messi spans two different stages of his career. He first faced the Argentine while at Tottenham, starting in Spurs’ 2-4 Champions League defeat to Barcelona at Wembley in October 2018 — a night Messi capped with a brace — before the two sides met again in the reverse fixture in Barcelona.

Trippier’s battles with Messi continued after his move to Atletico Madrid, where he faced him repeatedly in LaLiga under Simeone, meetings he says numbered into the dozens.

The Argentine World Cup winner remains one of several names on Juventus‘ shortlist, alongside Ederson and Guglielmo Vicario, as the club weighs its options between the posts.

While Juventus keep monitoring the situation, Aston Villa are already working on a plan to replace Martinez if he were to leave. After a proposed move for Zion Suzuki to Paris Saint-Germain collapsed, Villa moved quickly and opened formal talks with Parma over the Japan international goalkeeper.

According to Romano, Aston Villa are prepared to match the package PSG had previously offered for Suzuki — a deal worth around €35 million plus a long-term contract — as talks between the two clubs continue.

Nothing is close to being finalized on either front, but the pieces are starting to move: Juventus keeping tabs on Martinez, and Villa lining up a possible successor in Suzuki, could set the stage for a busy few weeks in the goalkeeper market.

Martinez out from Aston Villa’s previous games

Amid swirling speculation over a potential exit, the Argentine goalkeeper has yet to feature for Aston Villa since returning to the squad, fueling further questions about his long-term future at the club.

Martinez was absent for Villa’s 2-1 defeat to PSG in the 2026 UEFA Super Cup on August 12, and was also left out of the matchday squad for the pre-season friendly against Borussia Mönchengladbach, which Villa also lost 2-1. Marco Bizot started in goal in both matches.

However, according to manager Unai Emery, the decision to leave Martinez out has nothing to do with other matters — it’s purely about rest. The goalkeeper wrapped up his 2026 World Cup campaign with Argentina on July 19, and the Spanish coach has since granted him an extended break.

Heading into the week, head coach Guillermo Hoyos had declined to confirm Messi’s availability, citing the emotional toll following the passing of Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, and stressing that any return would need to happen gradually.

With Messi now projected in the starting XI, it appears he’s ready to take on a bigger role again as the club navigates one of its most important stretches of the season.

The stakes are significant for both sides. Nashville currently sit atop the Eastern Conference in the Supporters’ Shield race, with Miami chasing close behind, making this one of the most important regular-season matchups left on the calendar for both clubs.

Kickoff is set for 07:30 p.m. ET at GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tennessee, with both sides fielding strong lineups as they push for positioning down the stretch of the regular season.

Inter Miami’s projected lineup

With Messi back in the fold after his cameo against León, Hoyos is expected to reshuffle his attack around the captain once again, while continuing to manage his overall workload following the recent loss of his father.

Inter Miami’s projected starting XI: Ríos Novo; Fray, Caicedo, Micael, Allen; Bright, Casemiro, De Paul, Segovia; Messi, Suárez.

Nashville SC’s projected lineup

Nashville, meanwhile, will look to protect their spot atop the Eastern Conference standings, fielding a lineup built around the attacking partnership of Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge that has carried them for much of the season.

Nashville SC’s projected starting XI: Schwake; Najar, Woledzi, Palacios, Lovitz; Acosta, Tagseth, Mohammed; Espinoza, Mukhtar, Surridge.

Speaking ahead of City’s friendly clash with Atlético Madrid, the Italian coach said: “He is a player from another club and I don’t think it’s correct to talk about other players“.

Pressed further on whether City would get a deal done before Chelsea‘s deadline on Friday, Maresca offered little reassurance: “Not today to be honest, I don’t think we’re going to do something today.”

According to Fabrizio Romano, that caution proved well-founded. Chelsea did not receive any official bid for Fernández before their own deadline passed, and the club has since informed the player’s camp that the £120 million verbal exit clause is now off the table. Chelsea are said to consider Fernández no longer available at that figure and remain happy to continue with him as part of their squad.

The update marks a significant shift in the saga. What looked like a live pursuit just days earlier, with City maintaining regular dialogue with Fernández’s representatives, now appears to have stalled at the finish line, with Chelsea moving to shut the door on any deal at the previously agreed price.

Maresca also addresses Rodri’s situation

Maresca was also asked about Rodri’s ongoing transfer saga with Barcelona, offering a similarly guarded response. “I’ve just seen Rodri now in the building, I gave him a big hug. He looks good. So, we’ll see what happens,” he said, stopping short of confirming whether the Spanish midfielder remains part of his plans going forward.

According to The Independent, City have grown “baffled and frustrated” by Barcelona’s approach to the negotiation, with the Catalan club’s £60 million bid falling well short of City’s own £70 million valuation of the World Cup winner.

That gap appears to be narrowing, though. According to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona are set to submit a third bid for Rodri, this time proposing a fee roughly halfway between €60 million and City’s €80 million valuation. Both Barcelona and Rodri’s camp are reportedly confident an agreement can still be reached with City, with talks now described as underway.

Messi featured for the second half of Miami’s Leagues Cup elimination loss to Club León earlier in the week, just days after returning from Rosario following the passing of his father, Jorge Messi.

Asked about Messi’s situation, Hoyos said: “I think Leo’s situation needs to keep developing little by little because there’s a lot of pain there. This isn’t something that happens from one day to the next. So I think silence, calm and peace are what’s best, and for him to find his own moments“.

He continued, offering a personal reflection on Messi beyond the football side of things: “We have to support him always within that silence, which for me is an ally so he can come out of this. But he truly is a wonderful human being with a wonderful family. I want to make that very clear, because people like that aren’t common in this world”.

With the club continuing to give Messi space to process his grief, Hoyos made clear that the final call ultimately belongs to the player himself rather than the coaching staff, framing his own role as one of support rather than pressure as Miami waits to see whether their captain feels ready to return to the starting lineup.

Inter Miami’s next matches

Beyond Saturday’s clash with Nashville, Miami‘s schedule doesn’t slow down. The club travels to face Philadelphia Union on August 19, before returning home to host Toronto FC on August 22 and CF Montréal on August 29, all crucial fixtures as Miami continues its push in both the MLS table and the Supporters’ Shield race.

September brings even more on the calendar, starting with a home date against Atlanta United on September 5, followed by the highly anticipated Campeones Cup clash against Cruz Azul on September 16 — giving Messi and company a packed stretch of games to navigate as the club balances his gradual return with a schedule that offers little room to slow down.

The situation with Álvarez remains complicated. Atlético have set his release clause at €500 million and have shown no willingness to negotiate below that figure, even as tension continues to build between the player and manager Diego Simeone over his desire to leave. With that deal still far from resolved, Barcelona are said to be exploring alternatives to avoid being left without reinforcements up front.

Suárez, a 28-year-old Colombian forward, joined Sporting from Almería in the summer of 2025 and carries a considerably more modest release clause of €80 million — a price Barcelona view as fair for a player coming off one of the most productive seasons of any striker in Europe.

For now, Álvarez remains Barcelona’s clear priority, particularly with Robert Lewandowski’s departure to MLS and Ferran Torres’ move to PSG both freeing up space up front. But with Suárez now on their radar as insurance, Barcelona appear determined not to let their attacking plans hinge entirely on Atlético’s willingness to negotiate.

Adding another layer to the situation, Arsenal have also refused to step away from the race for Álvarez, positioning themselves through sporting director Andrea Berta — a former Atlético executive — to move quickly if Barcelona’s pursuit ultimately collapses.

Suárez’s standout season in Portugal

Suárez’s rise has been built on an extraordinary debut campaign in Portugal. He finished the 2025-26 season with 38 goals in all competitions, including 28 in the league alone, claiming the Primeira Liga’s Golden Boot and a spot on the league’s Team of the Season.

That form carried him into Colombia’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, though his tournament didn’t mirror his club success. Suárez went scoreless throughout the entire tournament, as Colombia advanced all the way to the Round of 16 before falling to Switzerland on penalties.

The three still in play are the Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the team with the best regular-season record across MLS; the MLS Cup, the league’s postseason championship; and the Campeones Cup, a one-off match against Liga MX’s top club.

Miami currently sits second in the Eastern Conference, keeping their Supporters’ Shield hopes alive, while the MLS Cup remains the clearest path to reclaiming the trophy they won a year ago.

The Campeones Cup, meanwhile, is already locked in. As the defending MLS Cup champions, Inter Miami automatically qualify for the matchup regardless of how the rest of their season plays out, and they’re set to host Cruz Azul on September 16 in Miami for a shot at continental bragging rights.

The Leagues Cup blow marks the second cup competition Miami have exited early this year, following their Concacaf Champions Cup elimination back in March at the hands of Nashville on away goals.

Messi’s trophy haul with Inter Miami so far

Since arriving in Miami, Messi has already added three trophies to his collection with the club. It started with the 2023 Leagues Cup, his first piece of silverware in MLS, followed by the 2024 Supporters’ Shield as Inter Miami claimed the league’s best regular-season record.

Last year brought the biggest prize yet: the 2025 MLS Cup, a 3-1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps in which Messi didn’t score but set up both of Miami’s second-half goals.

That MLS Cup triumph was a landmark moment beyond the club itself — it stood as Messi’s world-record 47th trophy across club and country, extending his stake as the most decorated player in the history of the sport. With three more titles still up for grabs this season, Messi has a real chance to add to that number before 2026 is through.

After arriving at PSG from AS Roma in July 2013, Marquinhos joined the club at the dawn of their era of domestic dominance. Now serving as team captain at 32 years old, the Brazilian center back has secured two UEFA Champions League titles and two UEFA Super Cup trophies following Wednesday’s 2-1 victory over Aston Villa.

By lifting the European trophy, Marquinhos raised his career total to 44 professional titles. The defender won the 2012 Copa Libertadores with Corinthians, along with the South American U-17 Championship, the 2019 Copa America, and an Olympic gold medal at the 2016 Rio Games with the Brazil national team, while earning the rest of his silverware in the French capital.

With his total at PSG climbing to 40, Marquinhos has now won more trophies with a single club than any other player in history. The Super Cup victory allowed him to break the previous record held by legend Hossam Ashour, who won 39 titles with Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly.

Marquinhos’ trophy breakdown

Including the South American U-17 Championship with Brazil, Marquinhos’ trophy cabinet breaks down as follows:

• Ligue 1: 11
• Trophee des Champions / French Super Cup: 10
• Coupe de France: 8
• Coupe de la Ligue: 6
• UEFA Champions League: 2
• UEFA Super Cup: 2
• FIFA Intercontinental Cup: 1
• Copa Libertadores: 1
• Copa America: 1
• Olympic Games: 1
• South American U-17 Championship: 1

How far is Messi from Marquinhos?

Marquinhos has already locked down the number two spot on the all-time list, passing countryman Dani Alves, who retired with 42 career titles. Unlike the former right back, Lionel Messi remains active, but his ultimate record is facing a real threat of being matched or even broken in the near future.

At present, Lionel Messi leads all players with 48 official career titles. The Argentine star reached that milestone by capturing 35 trophies with FC Barcelona, three with PSG, three with Inter Miami, and seven with the Argentina national team, including his 2008 Olympic gold medal and the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup title.

With Inter Miami eliminated from both the CONCACAF Champions Cup and the Leagues Cup, Messi can contend for a maximum of two trophies in 2026: the Supporters’ Shield and the MLS Cup. Marquinhos, meanwhile, can narrow the gap as early as this weekend, when PSG face RC Lens in the 2026 Trophee des Champions.

According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Reijnders has agreed to join Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah after the two clubs reached a full agreement on the transfer fee. The midfielder did not participate in Thursday’s training session and is now expected to receive clearance to fly to Saudi Arabia for medical tests.

Reijnders joined Man City last summer after being named the 2024-25 Serie A Midfielder of the Year with AC Milan, commanding a 55 million euro ($60.5M USD) fee. After struggling to replicate that top form in England, the club are now set to receive 61 million euros ($67.1M USD) from Al Qadsiah, netting a 6 million euro profit after just one season.

At that reported fee, Reijnders is set to become the fifth most expensive signing in Saudi Pro League history. He will leapfrog the 60 million euros Al Ittihad paid Aston Villa for French winger Moussa Diaby in 2024, falling just short of breaking into the top three.

Top 5 most expensive SPL signings

According to Transfermarkt, and taking into account the completion of Reijnders’ deal, the top 5 most expensive signings of the Saudi Pro League are the following:

Reijnders’ exit clears path for Enzo Fernandez

Pep Guardiola’s departure as manager has triggered a domino effect across the squad, particularly in midfield with Bernardo Silva heading to Real Madrid, Rodri in ongoing talks with FC Barcelona, and now Reijnders moving on. In Reijnders’ case, his sale will help fund Man City’s primary summer target, Enzo Fernandez.

Argentine transfer insider Cesar Luis Merlo reports that Manchester City have submitted a 120 million euro ($132M USD) offer to Chelsea for Fernandez. However, that figure remains below the price tag set by the London club.

According to The Athletic and Ben Jacobs, Chelsea have set a deadline of 5:00 p.m. local time on Friday (12:00 p.m. ET) for Manchester City to meet their valuation, insisting on a minimum of 120 million pounds ($162M USD) for the Argentina international. If the Manchester club fail to match that number before the deadline, Fernandez will remain at Stamford Bridge for at least another season.

The Sky Blues have already wrapped up a 135 million euro ($148.5M USD) deal for Elliot Anderson, while 18-year-old young talent Ayyoub Bouaddi is positioned as Rodri’s long-term successor in a move reported by David Ornstein to be worth around 100 million euros ($110M USD). With two holding midfielders securing the engine room, Fernandez would provide the late-arriving box threat and final-third magic City currently lack, and his strong working relationship with manager Enzo Maresca could prove decisive in closing the deal.

Last season, Jorge Jesus was appointed by Al Nassr to snap a multi-year silverware drought, ultimately guiding the club to a Saudi Pro League title. With Jesus now taking charge of the Portugal national team, Postecoglou was brought in as his replacement, tasked with maintaining that championship momentum.

Speaking at Thursday’s press conference at the Dar Al Nassr training complex, Postecoglou was asked about the road ahead following a demanding preseason in which Al Nassr posted a 1-3 record: “When we spoke about the challenges, we were aware that there were different circumstances and challenges, but whatever the circumstances, we have to deal with them and prepare well.“

While he stopped short of guaranteeing trophies, the new Al Nassr boss made no secret of his ambition for his debut campaign in Saudi Arabia. “Of course, I do not promise anything, and I have always achieved something in my first season,” he said. “The matter is simply that wherever I go, I love to achieve success,” he added.

Unlike last season, Al Nassr will be competing in the AFC Champions League Elite, Asia’s premier continental tournament, alongside their domestic duties in the Saudi Pro League, the King’s Cup, and the Saudi Super Cup. Ronaldo’s side missed out on the top competition last year, finishing as runners-up in the AFC Champions League Two, but punched their ticket back to the elite tier by winning the SPL title.

Postecoglou and his second-season pedigree

Under contract through June 2028, Postecoglou’s tenure with the Saudi club extends beyond Ronaldo’s current deal, which runs through June 2027. However, much of the Australian manager’s famed track record has come during his second years in charge, a pattern he readily acknowledges.

During his time at Tottenham Hotspur, he famously declared, “I always win things in my second year. Nothing has changed. I don’t say things unless I believe them,” a claim that has consistently held up. That history of second-year triumphs spans stops at South Melbourne, Brisbane Roar, Yokohama F. Marinos, Celtic, and Tottenham, where he ended the club’s 17-year trophy drought by winning the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League.

Postecoglou also became the first manager from his country to take charge of a Saudi Pro League side, a milestone he proudly highlighted. “I am proud of where I am working now. I am an Australian born in Greece, and I have become the first Australian coach in Saudi Arabia, just as I was in England and Japan,” he said during the press conference.

Rather than wait to see how things unfold, Chelsea have already begun scouting potential replacements. According to Team Talk’s Graeme Bailey, two names have emerged as the club’s primary targets: Alex Scott of Bournemouth, a 22-year-old who has already seen previous approaches rejected by his club, and Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace, another 22-year-old who has impressed enough to draw interest from multiple top sides.

Scott in particular has been a recurring target for Chelsea across recent transfer windows, with Bournemouth also having turned down interest from Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United for the midfielder.

Wharton, meanwhile, would represent a similarly significant investment, with both moves expected to require substantial fees regardless of which player Chelsea ultimately pursues.

For now, everything hinges on what happens with Fernandez. Should Manchester City meet Chelsea’s valuation before Friday’s deadline, the west London club appears ready to move quickly on one of its two identified targets to fill the void in midfield.

Where things stand with Rodri

Much of City’s urgency around Fernandez traces back to their own ongoing situation with Rodri. Barcelona have been negotiating to sign the Spanish midfielder, with City having rejected an initial offer before Barcelona reportedly returned with an improved proposal in the region of €65-70 million.

Nothing is finalized yet, but reports suggest Rodri would prefer a move to Barcelona over any other option, and City have only shown real interest in bringing in Fernandez as insurance if the Spaniard midfielder does eventually leave.

City have already made moves in midfield

According to Fabrizio Romano, Ayyoub Bouaddi is set to become a new City player once the move is formally announced, while Tijjani Reijnders’ transfer to Al-Qadsiah is reportedly close to being finalized — signaling City are already reshaping their midfield regardless of how the Fernandez and Rodri situations ultimately play out.

PSG‘s run began with their 2025 triumph, a penalty shootout win over Tottenham after a 2-2 draw, and now continues with this year’s success against Villa to complete the double. It’s a remarkable stretch for a club that has rapidly built one of the most dominant runs in recent European soccer under manager Luis Enrique.

Real Madrid were the last club to manage the feat, winning in both 2016 and 2017 during the height of their Champions League dynasty under Zinédine Zidane. Before that, the only other team to achieve back-to-back Super Cup titles was AC Milan, who won in both 1989 and 1990.

Notably, that puts PSG ahead of clubs like Ajax, who won the competition in 1972 and 1974 but never managed consecutive titles, since the tournament wasn’t held in 1973.

PSG’s dominance over English clubs in Europe

PSG’s back-to-back Super Cup triumphs are part of a broader trend: the French club has won all eight knockout ties and finals they’ve played against English opposition in UEFA competitions over the past two seasons.

That run includes Liverpool in the Champions League round of 16 (2025), Aston Villa in the quarterfinals (2025), Arsenal in the semifinals (2025), and Tottenham in the Super Cup (2025), followed by Chelsea in the round of 16 (2026), Liverpool again in the quarterfinals (2026), Arsenal again in the final (2026), and now Aston Villa once more in this year’s Super Cup.

It’s worth noting, however, that this perfect record is specific to UEFA competitions. PSG’s run doesn’t extend to the FIFA Club World Cup, where Chelsea beat them 3-0 in the July 2025 final.

After starting Wednesday’s match against Club Leon, Micael was forced to exit in the 33rd minute after twisting his ankle and being unable to continue. Though he managed to walk off the pitch under his own power, Fricio Caicedo came on as his replacement at center back in a match that ultimately ended in a 3-2 victory for the Mexican side, leaving Inter Miami eliminated from the Leagues Cup in the round of 16.

The day after the elimination, Inter Miami released a statement addressing Micael’s condition. “Micael underwent an MRI today, which confirmed that he has a sprained right ankle sustained during last night’s Leagues Cup match against Club Leon,” part of the official update read.

While confirming the injury, the Florida side did not disclose the severity or provide a firm recovery timeline. Instead, Inter Miami noted that Micael will begin a period of rest and treatment, adding that “his progress will dictate his gradual return to team training.“

Asked about the Brazilian’s injury during his post-match press conference, manager Guillermo Hoyos spoke candidly about what losing him would mean for the squad: “Micael has a significant sprain, and we will see what is determined during the medical examination. But it is a significant sprain, and for us, it would also be a significant loss. He is very important.“

How long will Micael be out?

Much like Messi’s importance in the attack, Micael has established himself as the anchor of the defense, featuring in every single match for Inter Miami this season except for a MLS Matchday 4 clash against Charlotte FC back in March when he was rested, totalling 22 games. Now, his target return date will depend entirely on the severity of the sprain.

A Grade 3 sprain, which involves a complete ligament tear and carries a two-to-three-month recovery period, seems unlikely given that Micael walked off the field unaided. If he suffered a Grade 1 sprain (micro-tears) or a Grade 2 sprain (partial tearing), his recovery timeline will likely range anywhere from one to six weeks.

Who will replace Micael?

Micael has cemented his status as a cornerstone of the defense while also providing a dangerous aerial threat, evidenced by his recent goal off a Messi corner kick against Atletico San Luis. Now, Hoyos faces the task of replacing a player who has arguably been Inter Miami’s most consistent defender this season.

In terms of stylistic fit, recent signing Fricio Caicedo is the most natural replacement. Compared to options like Ian Fray, Gonzalo Lujan, or a returning Maximiliano Falcon, the Ecuadorian defender offers a 6-foot-4 frame and a left-footed profile that make him the ideal candidate to preserve the team’s build-up play from the left side of defense.

Match Overview

Cruz Azul and Chicago Fire FC have the opportunity to advance to the knockout stage of the 2026 Leagues Cup, and all they have to do is win and score as many goals as possible to avoid depending on outside results.

Both clubs have reached Matchday 3 with two victories. Standings across Phase One remain extremely tight, with several teams sitting on six points—which is why Cruz Azul and Chicago Fire need a victory with a strong goal differential to guarantee a top-four spot and advance.

According to reporting from TEAMtalk, the Gunners continue to monitor the situation closely rather than pursuing him outright while Barcelona remain the player’s preferred destination. Much of Arsenal’s positioning comes down to their sporting director, Andrea Berta, a former Atlético Madrid executive who remains in close contact with Atlético CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín.

That relationship gives Arsenal a direct line into how the Álvarez situation is developing internally at Atlético, and the club is prepared to step in and meet Atlético’s demands quickly should Barcelona’s efforts stall.

Barcelona have already tested the waters with a €100 million offer, which Atlético rejected outright. That rejection came before a meeting between Álvarez and manager Diego Simeone, in which the Argentine reportedly sought his coach’s support in pushing the move through — support Simeone declined to give, stating the decision belongs entirely to the club’s leadership.

Despite that resistance, Álvarez has made his intentions clear internally, beginning preseason training on August 10 while continuing to request a transfer. With Atlético standing firm and Barcelona yet to meet their valuation, Arsenal’s patient approach could position them well if the player’s preferred move never materializes.

Barcelona’s long pursuit, and how Ferran Torres’ exit could help

Barcelona’s interest in Álvarez isn’t new — the club has tracked him for months as a potential heir to Robert Lewandowski up front, with president Joan Laporta long viewed as a driving force behind the pursuit.

Atlético, however, have held firm throughout, setting his release clause at €500 million and rejecting Barcelona’s opening offers as nowhere close to what they’d consider.

What has shifted recently is Barcelona’s financial picture. With Ferran Torres now closing in on a move to PSG worth €50 million, Barcelona would free up both a squad spot and fresh funds in attack — resources that could be redirected toward improving their offer for Álvarez and finally giving their long-standing pursuit real financial weight behind it.

Match Overview

Club America wrap up their 2026 Leagues Cup Phase One campaign against Austin FC. The Mexican side still have a strong chance of advancing, and their fate remains entirely in their own hands.

A victory for either club virtually guarantees a spot in the knockout stage. However, Club America will aim to secure three points with a decisive goal differential to guarantee a top ranking without depending on outside tiebreakers.

On Thursday, August 13, Gerry Cardinale, RedBird Capital Partners founder and owner of AC Milan, returned to the city following his previous visit in late July. There, the Italian-American businessman met with Amorim to finalize squad needs and strategic moves for the final two weeks of the transfer window.

According to Sky Sports Italia, Fikayo Tomori, Youssouf Fofana, and Christopher Nkunku have all been made available for sale by AC Milan. The decision came directly after the meeting between the manager and the team owner, where Amorim designated the trio as expendable for his upcoming campaign.

Tomori and Fofana both started in Amorim’s first two preseason matches against Celtic and Inter Milan. However, in the final friendly against Chelsea, both the Englishman and the Frenchman were left on the bench as unused substitutes, foreshadowing their likely exit from the Rossoneri.

On the other hand, Nkunku came off the bench in the second half against both Inter and Chelsea. Given Amorim’s preference for a system with dual number 10s, the 28-year-old Frenchman was expected to play a central role, but his future now appears to lie elsewhere.

Tomori’s situation requires the most immediate attention since his contract runs through June 2027, forcing the club to find a buyer before risking a free-agent exit. After investing 35 million euros ($38.5M USD) for the defender in 2021, 26 million euros ($28.6M USD) for Fofana in 2024, and 37 million euros ($40.7M USD) for Nkunku in 2025, AC Milan are hoping to recoup roughly 98 million euros ($107.8M USD) for the three players.

Leao’s future has a direct impact on Nkunku staying

In central defense, AC Milan are well-stocked, and with Amorim deploying only two central midfielders, a high-profile departure like Fofana was bound to happen. However, Nkunku’s fate appears to be tied directly to the future of Rafael Leao.

Following the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, Leao made clear his desire to seek a new challenge, opening the door for an exit from AC Milan. Two months and a World Cup have passed since, but no definitive progress toward a transfer has materialized.

While reports linked Leao to Turkish clubs, the forward has no interest in moving to that region. With AC Milan setting a 50 million euro price tag, no suitable offers have been brought to the board. Amorim started Leao in the recent friendly against Chelsea and plans to keep him in his core setup alongside Christian Pulisic in the dual 10 role, effectively leaving Nkunku as the odd man out.

The deal is worth a guaranteed €50 million, with Barcelona and PSG now exchanging documents to finalize the move within the next 24 hours. Torres will not train with Barcelona in the interim, a clear sign the transfer is considered all but done on both ends.

His departure leaves an opening in Barcelona’s forward line, one the club could look to fill with Julian Alvarez. The Argentine has been strongly linked with a move to Camp Nou for months, and Torres’ exit could accelerate those plans.

With Alvarez as their main target, Barcelona are looking to reshape their attack for the new season, having already added Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi, and Jesse Bisiwu.

Julian Alvarez’s situation at Atlético Madrid

Alvarez’s future at Atletico Madrid has become an increasingly tense storyline. The club has set his release clause at €500 million, with CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin insisting there’s no scenario in which he leaves for less, despite Álvarez’s contract running through June 2030.

Atletico have flatly rejected the idea of a sale, rejecting offers from Barcelona and Real Madrid, framing him as a non-negotiable piece of the squad heading into the new season.

Things came to a head this week. After returning from preseason medical evaluations, Alvarez reportedly told the club not to count on him going forward, prioritizing a move to Barcelona above all else.

Simeone, for his part, maintained that the decision rests with club executives — though Alvarez’s camp reportedly views the coach as the one person with enough influence to push the front office toward approving a deal.

Whether that influence materializes remains to be seen, but with Ferran Torres’ exit freeing up both space and resources in Barcelona’s attack, the pieces around Alvarez’s potential move are shifting in a way that could eventually put pressure on Atletico’s hardline stance.

That means Ronaldo will sit out the club’s first two matches of the new season: the league opener against Al Fateh, and the King Cup Round of 32 clash with Al Diriyah just days later.

Both absences trace back to the same reason — his recent wedding to Georgina Rodríguez in Portugal, which prompted manager Ange Postecoglou to grant him extended leave.

Ronaldo hadn’t taken part in a single Al Nassr training session until today, meaning he now needs time on the training pitch to build up match fitness before he can be considered for selection.

For now, Postecoglou will have to navigate the opening rounds of the season without his star forward, leaning on the rest of the squad to get points on the board before Ronaldo is expected to slot back into the starting lineup for the trip to face Al Riyadh later this month.

Ronaldo’s chase for 1,000 career goals

Beyond the return-to-fitness storyline, this season carries extra significance for Ronaldo as he closes in on one of football’s most extraordinary milestones. At 41 years old, the forward sits on 976 career goals — 830 for club and 146 for Portugal — meaning he needs just 24 more to become the first player in history to reach 1,000 official goals.

The timeline suggests it’s well within reach. Ronaldo scored 28 goals across all competitions for Al Nassr last season, and if he maintains anything close to that rate once he’s back up to speed, the 1,000-goal mark could realistically fall before the 2026-27 campaign is over.