FOOTBALL

Boca plot ambitious Verratti swoop for 2026 Libertadores push

Marco Verratt
November 2025

Boca Juniors are exploring a shock move for Marco Verratti as they plan a star-studded squad for their 2026 Copa Libertadores return, with president Juan Roman Riquelme sounding out the Italian midfielder about leaving Al Duhail before his contract expires in 2026. After injury-hit spells in Qatar and talks with Serie A clubs, Verratti has discussed a Buenos Aires move with former PSG teammates Cavani, Herrera and Paredes. Riquelme has opened direct dialogue, even courting Verratti’s wife, as Boca target a veteran core to drive a new “Euro Boca” era.

Nasri sparks backlash with comments on judging Greenwood

Samir Nasri
November 2025

Former Arsenal and Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri said Mason Greenwood “shouldn’t be judged” if his partner Harriet Robson has forgiven him, referencing the ex-Manchester United forward’s past rape and assault charges that were dropped in 2023 before his move to Marseille. Speaking on Canal+, Nasri argued public opinion should follow Robson’s forgiveness, a stance that has provoked debate given the graphic allegations that led United to move Greenwood on despite no conviction. Greenwood, now a key Marseille player, has previously admitted to “mistakes” while denying the criminal accusations.

Bayern push to keep Upamecano as free transfer giants circle

Dayot Upamecano
November 2025

Bayern sporting director Max Eberl is trying to persuade Dayot Upamecano to sign a new contract rather than leave on a free next summer, with Real Madrid, Liverpool and PSG monitoring the 27-year-old defender’s situation ahead of potential negotiations from January. Eberl says Bayern have made a strong offer but insists the decision must be about the “overall package” and not just money, calling Upamecano one of the world’s best centre-backs and describing an extension as an “internal king transfer”, while the player remains non-committal in public.

Driver pleads guilty over Liverpool title parade car attack

Paul Doyle
November 2025

Paul Doyle has changed his plea and admitted all 31 charges after driving his car into crowds during Liverpool’s Premier League title victory parade, an attack that injured 29 people aged from six months to 77 in the city centre. Sobbing in Liverpool Crown Court, the 53-year-old pleaded guilty to offences including dangerous driving and GBH with intent. The judge told him a prison term of “some length” is inevitable, with sentencing scheduled for December 15 as victims await formal justice.

Modric says Milan move is “step down” but ideal next chapter

Luka Modric
November 2025

Luka Modric admits leaving Real Madrid for AC Milan at 40 was “a step down” but insists it was the right move, already contributing a goal and two assists as he becomes an integral figure in Allegri’s title-chasing Serie A side. Drawn by Milan’s history and boyhood affection for Italian football, Modric signed a one-year deal and says he feels “phenomenally” welcomed by teammates, staff and fans, describing the city and club as high-level and the closest thing to Madrid he could realistically join.

Kane hails Kompany’s no nonsense regime for best form of his career

Vincent Kompany (Bayern Munich)
November 2025

Harry Kane says he is enjoying his football more than ever at Bayern, crediting Kompany’s direct management and system after delivering a 36 goal debut Bundesliga season, winning the European Golden Shoe, breaking league records, then finally lifting a long awaited Bundesliga title and best player award. Kane praised Kompany for “no BS” communication and a man for man style that forces him to press, tackle and block as well as score, contrasting it with the gruelling Conte era at Tottenham. He believes his all round influence on matches, with and without the ball, is at an all time high.

Estevao outshines Yamal as Chelsea crush Barcelona in Champions League

Estevao Willian (Chelsea)
November 2025

Chelsea swept aside Barcelona 3-0 at Stamford Bridge, with Estevao Willian scoring a spectacular second after Kounde’s own goal and becoming only the third teenager to net in each of his first three Champions League starts, joining elite company alongside Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. Released by a precise pass from Reece James, Estevao slalomed into the box and lashed his finish into the roof of the net past Joan Garcia, then described the night as “perfect” and one of his career highlights, stressing gratitude and his hunger to keep scoring many more big stage goals.

Slot under fire as Forest hammer Liverpool in Anfield crisis

Arne Slot
November 2025

Liverpool’s season hit a new low with a 3-0 home loss to Forest, their sixth defeat in seven matches, dropping the champions to 11th and handing them their heaviest Anfield league defeat in four years as Murillo, Savona and Gibbs-White exposed soft defending. Slot admitted the result was “a smack in the face” before PSV’s visit, a remark that angered many supporters who feel his tone understates the crisis. With Liverpool already having lost more league games than in the entire title season, pressure and scrutiny on his methods are intensifying.

Guardiola rotation shocks as City field near cup style side vs Leverkusen

Pep Guardiola
November 2025

Manchester City supporters were stunned to see Guardiola make ten changes for the Champions League meeting with Leverkusen, leaving Haaland on the bench and retaining only Nico Gonzalez from the weekend defeat at Newcastle, prompting jokes that the XI looked like a Carabao Cup lineup. James Trafford was recalled for his first start in a month and Omar Marmoush tasked with leading the line, turning the tie into a major audition for fringe players. After the 2-1 loss at Newcastle, the heavy rotation raised questions about rhythm, risk and Guardiola’s priorities.

Ronaldo and Georgina line up emotional Madeira wedding in 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo
November 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez have reportedly chosen Funchal Cathedral for their wedding, scheduling a Christian ceremony on Ronaldo’s home island in summer 2026 after the World Cup. The long term couple got engaged in August, confirming the proposal with a ring reveal on social media. The pair, together since 2016 and parents to five children, plan a reception at a luxury hotel close to the hospital where Ronaldo was born and near Nacional’s base, a club from his youth. The venue c