FOOTBALL

Cristiano Ronaldo becomes football’s first billionaire

Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr)
October 2025

Ronaldo has officially become the first footballer to reach billionaire status, with Bloomberg estimating his net worth at $1.4 billion following his lucrative contract extension with Al-Nassr. Already football’s most prolific goalscorer, the 40-year-old is now eyeing 1,000 career goals as his next landmark.
His new Al-Nassr deal, worth £178m annually plus a signing bonus, pushed him past the milestone, joining Federer, Woods, Jordan, and LeBron James in sport’s billionaire club. Despite family pressure to retire, Ronaldo insists he will play on and focus on Portugal’s World Cup push.

Manchester City braced for ruling on 115 financial charges

Manchester City
October 2025

The Premier League is preparing to deliver a verdict on City’s 115 alleged financial breaches, with boardrooms expecting an announcement this month. The charges, relating to 2009–2018, follow a four-year investigation and could reshape City’s legacy under Abu Dhabi ownership.
City strongly deny wrongdoing and recently settled a dispute over commercial rules with the league. Guardiola has stressed patience with the independent panel. Meanwhile, City remain in form, unbeaten in seven matches across all competitions, as the long-awaited decision looms over their season.

Borussia Dortmund push new contract for Nico Schlotterbeck amid Bayern interest

Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund)
October 2025

Dortmund have offered Schlotterbeck a contract until 2030 that could triple his salary, aiming to secure his future as Bayern Munich and Real Madrid circle. Seen as a future captain, the defender is central to BVB’s long-term rebuild under Niko Kovac.
The deal could raise his wages to €9m with bonuses, reflecting his leadership and importance. Schlotterbeck is taking his time, prioritising fitness after injury, while Dortmund remain eager to fend off Bayern, who are monitoring due to stalled talks with Dayot Upamecano.

Jordan Henderson exit sparks unrest at Ajax, Brentford benefit

Jordan Henderson (Brentford)
October 2025

Ajax players are reportedly unhappy with sporting director Alex Kroes over Henderson’s free transfer exit, which they viewed as a cost-cutting move that weakened leadership. Henderson has since revived his career at Brentford, where his composure and experience have been crucial in midfield.
Henderson himself suggested he was pushed out at Ajax. His quick adaptation in England has silenced critics, while Ajax’s dressing room harmony has suffered. What looked like simple wage trimming now appears to have cost the Dutch club both stability and authority.

Barcelona Eye Adeyemi as Long-Term Lewandowski Successor

Karim Adeyemi (Borussia Dortmund)
October 2025

Barcelona are tracking Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi as a potential summer 2026 signing. Adeyemi, 23, will enter the final year of his contract and has been productive this season with three goal involvements in six games.
Barca view him as a long-term replacement for 37-year-old Robert Lewandowski. Adeyemi’s pace, directness, and Bundesliga form make him a natural candidate, though his price could rise with other clubs monitoring his situation.

Palace Star Mateta Hints at Exit After France Call-Up

Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)
October 2025

Jean-Philippe Mateta has hinted at leaving Crystal Palace to chase Champions League football and major trophies. The striker has scored 30 league goals in two seasons and helped Palace win the FA Cup in 2025.
Now 28, Mateta earned his first France call-up and told RMC Sport he wants to reach the next level like his international teammates. Aston Villa, Leeds, and Newcastle are interested, with Palace valuing him at £40m. Tottenham and Manchester United were linked in the summer.

Liverpool Consider Reunion with Bournemouth’s Semenyo

Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth)
October 2025

Liverpool are considering a move for Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo, with sporting director Richard Hughes pushing for a reunion after signing him once before. Semenyo is second in the Golden Boot race with six goals.
Despite losing key defenders, Bournemouth sit fourth in the table thanks to Semenyo’s form. Spurs, Manchester United, and Chelsea are also keen. Bournemouth would demand £75m+, making him one of the most expensive forwards on the market.

Arsenal’s Wembley Plans Spark Chelsea Fan Fury

Arsenal
October 2025

Arsenal are considering moving to Wembley while renovating the Emirates Stadium to expand capacity beyond 70,000. The plan has sparked frustration among Chelsea fans, who fear it will block their own Stamford Bridge redevelopment options.
Fans vented online that Arsenal’s temporary occupation of Wembley could deny Chelsea access if they also need the venue. Arsenal last used Wembley in 1998–2000 for Champions League games. Meanwhile, Arsenal top the Premier League while Chelsea sit mid-table amid stadium uncertainty.

Jordi Alba to Retire at End of 2025 Season

Jordi Alba (Inter Miami)
October 2025

Jordi Alba announced he will retire at the end of the current MLS season, closing a decorated career that includes 25 trophies and 93 Spain caps. The 36-year-old has been a standout for Inter Miami since joining in 2023.
Alba leaves behind a legacy built on success at Barcelona, where he formed a devastating left-flank partnership with Lionel Messi. At Miami, he played 63 games and helped stabilize the squad. His departure follows Sergio Busquets’ exit announcement. Miami could finish as high as second in the East, with Alba chasing one final playoff run.

Malaysia Appeals FIFA Ban on Seven Naturalised Players

Football Association of Malaysia
October 2025

Malaysia will appeal FIFA’s ruling that banned seven players for falsifying documents to gain eligibility for the national team. FIFA’s disciplinary report revealed the players’ claimed Malaysian ancestry was fabricated, with roots actually in Spain, Argentina, Brazil, and the Netherlands.
The players received 12-month bans and fines, while FAM was hit with a 350,000 Swiss franc penalty. FAM said it already prepared documents to support its appeal and will file promptly. The controversy threatens to destabilize Malaysian football, as the national team risks losing key squad members for an extended period.