FOOTBALL

Mbappe and Ekitike Beat Brazil in Foxborough Friendly

Kylian Mbappe, Hugo Ekitike
March 2026

France beat Brazil 2-1 in Foxborough, with Kylian Mbappe opening the scoring and Hugo Ekitike adding the second. The win came despite France going down to 10 men, giving them a strong result against elite opposition ahead of the World Cup. Reuters reported Mbappe scored in the 32nd minute and Ekitike made it 2-0 after Dayot Upamecano had been sent off early in the second half. Brazil pulled one back through Gleison Bremer, but France held on and Mbappe moved to within one goal of Olivier Giroud’s national scoring record.

Kulusevski Undergoes Further Knee Surgery as Tottenham Wait Continues

Dejan Kulusevski
March 2026

Dejan Kulusevski has undergone another knee operation, extending an already long absence that has kept him out for the entire 2025-26 season so far. The Tottenham winger said little about timing and avoided setting any return date as he continues rehabilitation. Reports said the second surgery in 10 months was intended to address lingering complications that had blocked the final stages of his comeback. Sweden coach Graham Potter had recently said Kulusevski was still only at a support-stage rehab level, underlining how far he remains from match action

Casemiro Exit Path Cleared as Manchester United Remove Contract Trigger

Casemiro
March 2026

Manchester United and Casemiro have reportedly agreed to remove a performance-based contract trigger, clearing the way for the midfielder to leave this summer without the club risking an automatic extra year on his deal. The move simplifies his departure and removes any reason to manage his minutes for financial purposes. The reported clause would have activated if Casemiro hit a specific Premier League starts threshold. By waiving it, United can continue selecting him on merit while proceeding with a planned midfield reset, rather than balancing team selection against wage exposure.

Rudiger Under Pressure in Germany as Nagelsmann Weighs New Defensive Order

Antonio Rudiger
March 2026

Antonio Rudiger is facing renewed scrutiny over his Germany role, with growing debate that Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck may now be ahead of him in the centre-back hierarchy. Recent criticism has focused on form, fitness and disciplinary noise rather than his status as an automatic defensive leader. Reuters confirmed Rudiger is back in Germany’s squad after injury, but current reporting in Germany indicates Nagelsmann values Tah’s consistency and Schlotterbeck’s left-footed build-up qualities. That leaves Rudiger needing strong performances and full fitness to reassert himself before the World Cup.

Manchester United Open Door to Premier League Bids if Barcelona Do Not Complete Rashford Deal

Marcus Rashford
March 2026

Manchester United are prepared to consider Premier League offers for Marcus Rashford if Barcelona do not activate the €30 million option in his loan deal. Barcelona still have the agreed purchase route, but financial constraints and talk of a restructured arrangement have created uncertainty. Reuters previously confirmed Rashford joined Barcelona on a season-long loan with an option to buy for about €30 million. ESPN has since reported that Barcelona are considering either reducing the fee or extending the loan, which would leave United free to explore other buyers rather than reopen talks on weaker terms.

Potter Defends Sweden Squad Call After Mourinho Questions Dahl Omission

Graham Potter
March 2026

Graham Potter responded calmly after Jose Mourinho questioned why Samuel Dahl had been left out of Sweden’s squad. The Sweden coach said the omission was purely a sporting decision and stressed there was nothing negative behind leaving the Benfica full-back out.Mourinho had publicly said Potter would need to explain Dahl’s absence after the defender’s strong season at Benfica. Potter replied that disagreements over selection are part of football and said Sweden remain satisfied with the squad they have chosen for the playoff.

Mbappe Rejects Claim Real Madrid Examined the Wrong Knee

Kylian Mbappe
March 2026

Kylian Mbappe has publicly denied reports that Real Madrid’s medical staff examined the wrong knee during his recovery process. The forward said communication with the club has been clear throughout and insisted the story was false despite heavy media attention around the issue. Mbappe explained that limited public communication can create space for speculation, but he said there had been no confusion between him and Real Madrid’s staff. He added that he now feels healthy and is pleased to be available again with both knees feeling good.

Gerrard Says Liverpool Must Buy a Box Office Star to Replace Salah

Steven Gerrard
March 2026

Steven Gerrard said Liverpool cannot replace Mohamed Salah with a developmental signing and must instead target a genuine elite winger. Salah’s confirmed departure has forced Liverpool into planning for life after one of the most productive forwards in the club’s modern history. Gerrard argued that only a top-three or top-four winger in the world can realistically fill the gap Salah leaves behind. Reports have linked Liverpool with several wide players, including Michael Olise, but Salah’s agent has also warned that no one yet knows where the Egyptian will play next season

Postecoglou Calls Nottingham Forest Exit Brutal After 39-Day Spell

Ange Postecoglou
March 2026

Ange Postecoglou said his short spell at Nottingham Forest was brutal, describing the way he was dismissed after a home defeat to Chelsea. The Australian said the experience was chaotic and painful, but believes it has made him a stronger manager. Reuters previously reported that Postecoglou was sacked after just 39 days and eight winless matches, making it one of the shortest managerial spells in Premier League history. His latest comments underline how quickly the situation collapsed after he arrived for a survival job.

De la Fuente Says Lamine Yamal Has Been Touched by Magic

Luis de la Fuente
March 2026

Luis de la Fuente described Lamine Yamal as a rare footballer touched by magic, saying the Barcelona winger already shows qualities far beyond his age. Spain’s coach also praised Yamal’s character and said he is an example for young players on and off the pitch. De la Fuente said the Spanish federation worked hard to secure Yamal’s international future because his talent was obvious from the beginning. He framed the winger as both a special player and a major long-term asset for Spain heading into the next World Cup cycle.