Tony Docherty, Steven Naismith and Scotland Under-21s
24 August 2026

Tony Docherty has been appointed Scotland Under-21 head coach, with former Hearts manager Steven Naismith joining as his assistant. Docherty replaces Scot Gemmill, who had held the position for almost a decade, and brings previous Scotland backroom experience.

The appointment forms part of Scotland’s wider coaching reset after Steve Clarke left following the World Cup and Sebastien Pocognoli took the senior job. Naismith will also lead a mentorship programme aimed at supporting the country’s leading young players.

Diego Maradona’s 1986 World Cup match ball and Heritage Auctions
22 August 2026

The ball used when Diego Maradona scored his famous Hand of God goal against England at the 1986 World Cup sold for $3.3 million, about £2.5 million, at a Heritage Auctions sale in the United States.

Referee Ali Bin Nasser kept the Adidas Azteca for more than three decades before selling it in 2022. The latest auction price fell well short of an expected value near $10 million, despite authentication linking it to the match.

Cristo Fernández and El Paso Locomotive
Saturday night

Ted Lasso actor Cristo Fernández made his professional football debut for El Paso Locomotive in the USL Cup. The 35-year-old Mexican, known for playing Dani Rojas, came on in the 79th minute against New Mexico United.

Fernández signed with El Paso in May after a two-month trial, years after knee injuries pushed him from youth football into acting. He wore number 91, picked up a yellow card and finished on the losing side.

Kylian Mbappe, France and Iraq
21 June 2026

Kylian Mbappe is set to win his 100th France cap against Iraq at the World Cup. The milestone comes after he scored twice against Senegal, passed Pele on the tournament scoring list and became France’s record goalscorer.

Mbappe said the milestone is historic but insisted his focus remains on helping France beat Iraq and chase the trophy. He now sits near the top of the all-time World Cup scoring chart, with further records within reach.

Elijah Just, New Zealand and Motherwell
21 June 2026

Elijah Just has become one of New Zealand’s World Cup breakout stories after scoring twice in a 2-2 draw with Iran. The Motherwell attacker became his club’s first World Cup scorer and New Zealand’s top scorer at the finals.

Just’s rise has boosted transfer talk after a strong Scottish Premiership season, with Celtic and Rangers linked previously. Motherwell hold a club option on his deal, giving them leverage if interest grows after the Egypt match.

Wayne Rooney, Jordan Pickford
17 May 2026

Wayne Rooney revealed he may need surgery after injuring his wrist while saving a Jordan Pickford shot during a BBC recording. The former Manchester United and Everton forward appeared on FA Cup final coverage wearing a cast.

Rooney said he hurt his hand after diving to stop Pickford’s effort during filming at Everton. He is due to see a surgeon to determine whether surgery is required, although he played down the seriousness of the injury.

William Osula, Enzo Le Fee, Adam Wharton
17 May 2026

Premier League goal celebrations grabbed attention after William Osula and Enzo Le Fee marked goals with unusual tributes. Osula copied Michael Jackson after scoring for Newcastle, while Le Fee wore a Spider-Man mask after scoring for Sunderland.

Osula used a white glove during Newcastle’s win over West Ham, while Le Fee celebrated Sunderland’s victory against Everton with a superhero pose. Adam Wharton also caught attention with a backflip after scoring for Crystal Palace.

Brandon Vazquez, Lionel Messi, Inter Miami
17 May 2026

Brandon Vazquez described the surreal experience of playing against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, admitting moments on the pitch felt like childhood FIFA video game dreams becoming reality. Several MLS players also reflected on the pressure of facing Messi’s star-studded squad.

Vazquez recalled facing Messi and Luis Suárez during Monterrey’s Champions Cup clash, while Obed Vargas detailed confronting Messi during a Leagues Cup match. Players explained balancing admiration with competitiveness became necessary to avoid being overwhelmed during major fixtures.