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.
Marco Asensio (Aston Villa)
Ahead of Champions League QF first leg, May 2025
PSG boss Luis Enrique has no issue with Marco Asensio facing his parent club, praising the Spaniard’s impact at Aston Villa and emphasizing his quality and history with Spain’s national team.
Asensio, who joined Villa on loan in January, is eligible to face PSG in the Champions League. Enrique acknowledged Asensio’s lack of minutes at PSG and expressed happiness he’s thriving at Villa with eight goals in 11 games.
Harry Kane (England)
September 2025
Harry Kane equalled Wayne Rooney’s record of scoring away against 16 different nations as he opened the scoring in England’s 5-0 thrashing of Serbia in Belgrade. The dominant victory eased pressure on manager Thomas Tuchel ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Kane struck early to settle nerves before England exploited Serbia’s red card to cruise to a commanding win. His milestone places him alongside Rooney in the record books, boosting team morale after recent criticism of Tuchel’s tenure and England’s uneven form.
Harry Kane
December 2025
Kane has exploded out of the blocks for Bayern, scoring 18 goals in 14 league games and five in six Champions League ties. He openly acknowledged Lewandowski’s 41-goal Bundesliga record is in his sights as he combines ruthless finishing with heavy defensive and link-up duties for Kompany’s side. Former Bayern man Mario Basler backed Kane to break the record, noting his all-round contribution and tactical flexibility, including deeper roles and support for Nicolas Jackson. With Bayern built around his movement and work rate, Kane is being trusted as both primary scorer and first defender from the front in a record-chasing campaign.
Antonin Kinsky
March 2026
Spurs conceded three goals inside 15 minutes, with Kinsky making major errors and being substituted for Vicario. Opta noted it as the earliest a team has gone three goals ahead in a Champions League knockout-stage match. Errors led directly to goals (slip for Llorente; missed back pass for Alvarez) alongside Atletico’s rapid punishment (Griezmann also scored).
Atletico Madrid
April 2026
Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw by Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first leg, with both sides scoring penalties in a tense encounter overshadowed by a controversial late decision. Gyokeres and Alvarez converted from the spot, while Arsenal pushed for a late winner but saw a penalty decision overturned after review. Defensive efforts and key saves ensured the tie remains finely balanced heading into the second leg.
Ecuador, Moises Caicedo, Piero Hincapie, Enner Valencia
1 June 2026
Ecuador named their World Cup squad with Moises Caicedo, Piero Hincapie and Enner Valencia included among the headline names. Sunderland forward Nilson Angulo also made the group and is set for his first appearance at the tournament.
Valencia captains the squad as Ecuador’s all-time leading scorer, while Kendry Paez and Pervis Estupinan add further high-profile names. Ecuador open Group E against Ivory Coast before facing Curacao and Germany later in June group play.
Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
June 2025
Mbappé missed Real Madrid training due to a fever ahead of their Club World Cup opener against Al Hilal. A decision on his availability will be made on matchday.
Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said Mbappé felt better but not enough to train. The team also faces injury concerns with Rüdiger, Camavinga, Carvajal, and Militão. Heat and humidity in Miami remain a challenge for players.
