Wataru Endō (Japan National Team, Liverpool)
March 2025 (World Cup Qualifiers)
Endō is on the verge of becoming the latest Japan captain to secure World Cup qualification.
Japan leads Group C with a nine-point advantage and can qualify with a win against Bahrain. If not, they have another chance against Saudi Arabia next week.
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
September 2025
Lionel Messi played his final competitive game on home soil, scoring twice in Argentina’s 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over Venezuela. The Inter Miami star admitted emotions ran high, calling it “a dream” to finish in front of his people.
Argentina, already qualified with 35 points from 16 games, gave Messi the perfect send-off at Estadio Monumental. While Messi hasn’t confirmed his World Cup participation, he said he’ll decide based on fitness in 2026, stressing honesty with himself over playing if unfit.
Scotland, Andy Robertson (Liverpool)
World Cup qualifier at Hampden Park ahead of the 2026 tournament
Scotland clinched a first World Cup spot since 1998 with a wild 4-2 win over Denmark at Hampden, then an emotional Andy Robertson dedicated qualification to late Liverpool team mate Diogo Jota as he described the night as possibly his last World Cup chance.
Robertson revealed he spent the day in tears thinking about Jota and the World Cup dream, praised Steve Clarke’s stirring team talk and Scotland’s never say die mentality, as late goals from Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean sparked euphoric celebrations at Hampden.
Bodø/Glimt
February 2026
Bodo/Glimt eliminated Inter 5-2 on aggregate to reach the Champions League last 16 for the first time, winning 2-1 away after a 3-1 first leg. Inter controlled possession but Bodo punished mistakes, including an Akanji giveaway that led to another Hauge goal, then added a second through Evjen; Bastoni pulled one back too late.
Morgan Rogers, Unai Emery (Aston Villa)
April 15, 2025 (ahead of April 16 UCL match)
Trailing 3–1 after the first leg, Aston Villa believe they can overturn the deficit against PSG in Tuesday’s Champions League quarterfinal at Villa Park, with Morgan Rogers and Unai Emery rallying belief in a home turnaround.
Rogers, who scored in the first leg, stressed Villa’s confidence and underdog mentality. Emery highlighted tactical consistency and the importance of fan support, while hinting at Ollie Watkins’ growing role after his return from injury.
João Félix (Al-Nassr)
September 2025
João Félix declared Al-Nassr “closer to the title” after his electric start in Saudi Arabia alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, scoring five goals in three league matches as Jorge Jesus’ side extended their perfect campaign with another dominant win. Félix credited teammates for making football “easier,” saying their collective quality drives individual brilliance. With Ronaldo also on form, Al-Nassr’s attack looks unstoppable. Félix insisted consistency and clean sheets must improve but believes togetherness will power their title challenge across the season.
Mohamed Salah
December 2025
Egypt needed late magic from Mohamed Salah to secure a 2-1 win over Zimbabwe, coming from behind after wasting a dominant first half before Marmoush equalised and Salah struck in stoppage time to avoid an embarrassing start to their AFCON campaign. Operating with more freedom than at Liverpool, Salah roamed centrally and from the right, repeatedly creating chances before his influence dipped, then reappeared at the death when he teed up Zizo, missed further openings and finally swivelled inside the box to smash home the decisive half-volley.
