Bradley Carnell, Philadelphia Union, Ryan Richter, Jon Scheer
27 May 2026

Philadelphia Union fired Bradley Carnell less than a year after he led the club to the Supporters’ Shield. The Union sit bottom of MLS with seven points from 15 matches before the World Cup break.

Ryan Richter has been named interim manager, while Jon Scheer becomes sporting director permanently. Carnell’s exit continues a sharp fall after Philadelphia lost key players and posted the league’s worst record this season.

Barcelona, Barca Foundation, Gran Tierra Energy
27 May 2026

Barcelona’s foundation faces sportswashing allegations over its partnership with Gran Tierra Energy in Colombia. Local activists claim the club’s charity work in Putumayo helps soften the image of an oil company accused of environmental harm.

The project used football activities for vulnerable children and included Barcelona branding alongside Gran Tierra support. Community leaders told The Athletic they fear the partnership could help the company gain legitimacy, while Gran Tierra denies the allegations.

Luka Modric, Real Madrid, Jose Mourinho, AC Milan
27 May 2026

Luka Modric could reportedly return to Real Madrid in a leadership or sporting department role after leaving AC Milan. Reports claim he has been indirectly told a new era may open for him at the Bernabeu.

Modric’s Milan contract expires in June and he is expected to let an extension option lapse. A return would reunite him with Real Madrid if Jose Mourinho takes charge, while his playing career may end after the World Cup.

Nuno Espirito Santo, West Ham United
27 May 2026

Nuno Espirito Santo will remain West Ham United manager for their Championship campaign after relegation from the Premier League. The club confirmed he will lead the attempt to return at the first time of asking.

West Ham’s decision gives Nuno control of a major rebuild rather than making another coaching change. The squad faces likely exits after relegation, but keeping the manager provides a clear starting point for the summer plan.

Roly Gregoire, Sunderland
27 May 2026

Roly Gregoire, Sunderland’s first black player, has spoken publicly about the racism he faced during and after his short career at the club. He said the abuse damaged his life, legacy and love for football.

Gregoire recalled attacks on his family, racist incidents around the club and a knee injury that ended his playing career at 20. Sunderland said they recognise his historic role and will work with him next season.

Crystal Palace, Rayo Vallecano, Saxon State Police
26 May 2026

Two arrests were made after Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano supporters clashed in Leipzig before the Conference League final. Police said bottles, beer glasses and furniture were thrown overnight, while two officers sustained minor injuries.

Saxon State Police said around 300 high-risk Rayo fans were in the city centre before trouble broke out with Palace supporters. More than 300 identities were checked, while 60 known Palace troublemakers were ordered away.

Jesse Marsch, Canada Soccer
26 May 2026

Jesse Marsch signed a new four-year contract to remain Canada head coach through the 2030 World Cup cycle. His previous deal was due to expire after the upcoming tournament, which Canada will co-host.

Marsch said he feels a strong connection to the team and wants to keep building the programme. Canada Soccer praised his identity and competitive standards after a fourth-place finish at the 2024 Copa America.

Frank Lampard, Coventry City, League Managers Association
26 May 2026

Frank Lampard was named League Managers Association manager of the year after leading Coventry City back to the Premier League. His side won the Championship by 11 points, scoring 97 goals and finishing with the division’s best defence.

Lampard received the Sir Alex Ferguson award from Thomas Tuchel after a vote by managers across the leagues. He also won the Championship award, while Mikel Arteta, Michael Skubala, Andy Woodman and Andree Jeglertz claimed divisional honours.

Harry Kane, Bayern Munich, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe
26 May 2026

Harry Kane won the 2025-26 European Golden Shoe after scoring 36 Bundesliga goals for Bayern Munich. He finished well clear of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, adding another individual honour to a trophy-winning season.

Kane’s 72-point total put him 18 points ahead of Haaland, while his overall campaign included 61 goals in all competitions. He joins Gerd Muller and Robert Lewandowski as Bayern players to win the award twice.

Enzo Maresca, Manchester City, Pep Guardiola
26 May 2026

Enzo Maresca has reportedly signed a three-year contract to replace Pep Guardiola as Manchester City manager. The former City assistant is expected to be confirmed soon after Guardiola ended his decade-long Etihad spell.

City moved quickly after Guardiola’s departure, choosing a coach familiar with the club’s structure and playing ideas. Maresca inherits a rebuilt squad and will help direct summer recruitment as City try to reclaim the Premier League title.