Cristiano Ronaldo
February 2026
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez claims Ronaldo is no longer preoccupied with reaching 1,000 career goals, despite Ronaldo previously framing it as a major target. Ronaldo continues scoring for Al-Nassr and has restated motivation around trophies and longevity, while Martinez suggests his mindset has shifted as his career enters its final phase.
Stuart Pearce
February 2026
Guardiola is being tipped to stay at Manchester City for as long as possible, with Pearce suggesting a future transition into a director of football role rather than a clean exit. Pearce argues replacing Guardiola is a major risk for continuity and style, and says City’s owners should prioritise retention and succession planning inside their wider multi-club structure.
Kobbie Mainoo
February 2026
Lee Sharpe believes Mainoo’s struggles for minutes under Amorim may ultimately benefit him, as he rebuilds confidence and form under Carrick and re-enters England contention. After falling down the pecking order, Mainoo has returned to regular involvement since the January change in leadership, giving him a clearer platform to force a Tuchel recall
Kobbie Mainoo
February 2026
Manchester United have reportedly not opened new contract talks with Mainoo despite his return to the XI under Carrick and lingering uncertainty over his long-term commitment. After being sidelined under Amorim and reportedly considering a loan exit, Mainoo has re-entered the lineup; Carrick is deliberately limiting criticism to rebuild confidence while United retain leverage via an extension option.
Antony
February 2026
Antony was consoled after collapsing in tears when he missed a late opportunity, with Betis drawing 1-1 against Rayo Vallecano. The moment capped a high-emotion night for the winger, whose career arc has swung from an expensive Manchester United spell to a productive loan at Betis and then a permanent return, where he has been key in their push for Champions League places.
Gianluca Prestianni
February 2026
Benfica president Rui Costa defended Prestianni after UEFA suspended him for one match while investigating allegations linked to an exchange with Vinicius Jr. Costa said he was not on the pitch to know what was said, insisted Benfica trust the player’s account, and argued it is wrong to label him before the process is concluded.
Leny Yoro
February 2026
Leny Yoro was banned from driving for six months and fined after being caught at 72mph in a 30mph zone, pleading guilty. The court issued a £666 fine plus costs and surcharge, with his lawyer saying he was rushing to take a friend to a railway station and apologising.
Viktor Gyökeres
February 2026
Arsenal players held a heated group meeting after blowing a two-goal lead vs Wolves, then responded by hammering Spurs 4-1 to go five points clear at the top. Gyokeres said the squad spoke openly to “let it all out,” understand each other’s emotions, and rebuild unity. Arsenal then delivered a statement performance with braces from Gyokeres and Eze, and are now targeting another response with Chelsea next weekend.
Kylian Mbappé
February 2026
PSG will pay Mbappé €61m after choosing not to appeal a court ruling tied to withheld wages and bonuses from his final months at the club. The dispute hinged on PSG refusing certain payments after Mbappé left on a free, with PSG citing a verbal agreement, but the French legal system ruled against them. PSG said it is ending the matter to stop a prolonged process and refocus on its sporting project.
