Cristiano Ronaldo
February 2026
Al-Nassr won 1-0 away to Arkadag in the first leg, taking a narrow advantage back to Saudi Arabia. Ronaldo did not play but is expected to return this weekend. Al-Hamdan scored in the 19th minute after a through ball from Ângelo. Nassr missed chances to extend the lead, including Al-Hamdan from close range and a late one-on-one miss by Ghareeb.
Thomas Frank
February 2026
Spurs dismissed Frank after a dismal eight-match winless run, leaving them five points above the relegation zone and without a league win in 2026. The club says results and performances forced the board to act despite backing him since his June 2025 appointment. Reporting says Tottenham are now working through contingency plans for the replacement.
Roberto De Zerbi
February 2026
Marseille ended De Zerbi’s tenure by mutual consent after a 5-0 loss to PSG. He leaves with the club fourth and 12 points off the top, after finishing second last season. The decision followed heavy pressure after an early Champions League exit and the collapse in Le Classique, where De Zerbi apologised for the performance. Marseille’s statement says leadership agreed a change was needed for the run-in.
Harry Maguire
February 2026
A report says Maguire is increasingly likely to sign a new deal after regaining form and minutes under Carrick, helped by De Ligt’s injury opening a route back into the starting side. United are said to be discussing a compromise on salary and contract length, with Maguire keen to stay. External interest is mentioned from Milan and Al-Qadsiah, meaning United may act quickly to avoid losing a senior centre-back for free.
Vinícius Júnior
February 2026
Flamengo’s president outlined a cautious stance on re-signing Vinícius as speculation builds around his Madrid future. The forward’s deal is described as nearing its final year, with past reports of friction and delayed renewal talks. The piece says Vinícius is more open to renewing after Alonso’s departure, while Arbeloa publicly distanced himself from contract matters. Flamengo’s sporting director joked about a free return if the contract runs down, but the president position is framed as non-committal for now.
Benjamin Šeško
February 2026
United’s winning streak ended in a 1-1 draw at West Ham, but Carrick stayed unbeaten thanks to a stoppage-time equaliser from Sesko. West Ham’s plan slowed United and Soucek put the hosts ahead after the break. Soucek scored from Bowen’s cross at the near post, with Shaw blamed in the build-up and Martinez and Mainoo unable to stop the finish. Carrick brought on Sesko, who flicked a late cross into the top corner to rescue a point and keep the run alive.
Michael Owen
February 2026
Owen predicts United could be back challenging for the league in one or two years, pointing to improved performances under Carrick and a summer rebuild that could accelerate the timeline. He notes the title has not returned since Ferguson left in 2013. Owen says United still need “surgery” in the squad, with Casemiro expected to leave and uncertainty around Fernandes. He argues the current league season looks set for a low winning points total, so a well-run summer window could turn United into a real contender quickly.
Rio Ferdinand
January 2026
Ferdinand says chronic back issues from his playing career can flare up suddenly and become so severe he needs hospital treatment and sometimes a wheelchair. He describes years of medication and injections during his career as contributing to ongoing problems. He says he has started regular physiotherapy and a more joined-up training approach, sharing information between physio and trainer to reduce flare-ups. He also frames staying active as important for family example-setting and his own mental balance.
