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Lamine Yamal’s breakthrough on the global stage at such a young age has sparked comparisons with some of soccer’s all-time greats. But at only 18 years old, the forward still has a long road ahead. Now, his former coach at FC Barcelona and legend Xavi Hernandez has revealed what Yamal needs to do to “become one of football’s great geniuses.”

Portugal’s preparations for the next round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers have been hit by a major setback. With Cristiano Ronaldo still leading the charge for his nation at 40, the Selecao entered the October window chasing perfection and another record for their captain. But just as momentum seemed unstoppable, a vital midfield presence has withdrawn from the squad through injury, leaving Roberto Martinez with an unexpected gap to fill ahead of crucial matches against Ireland and Hungary.

In a groundbreaking move that has left fans and officials across Europe stunned, UEFA has officially approved Milan’s request to play a Serie A fixture abroad, making history in the process. The match, which will feature Christian Pulisic’s Milan facing Como, is set to become the first-ever Serie A league game to be played outside of Italy. While the decision has sparked both excitement and controversy, many are wondering at which venue and why this particular fixture will take place so far from home.

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Since joining Real Madrid in 2019, Rodrygo Goes has become one of the team’s standout players. By the age of 24, he has already won two UEFA Champions League titles, playing a vital role in both victories. However, Kylian Mbappe’s arrival has seen him shift to the sidelines, which has fueled rumors of a potential move away. In response, Rodrygo quickly broke his silence to clarify his position on the matter.

Following a turbulent season, AC Milan took a bold step by appointing the seasoned Massimiliano Allegri as head coach. Under his leadership, the team has stabilized, suffering just one defeat in its first seven league matches. Christian Pulisic has emerged as a pivotal figure. Although he missed a crucial penalty in the previous game, the team legend Alessandro Nesta quickly praised his significant contributions to the squad.

Inter Miami were shaken Tuesday by Jordi Alba’s surprising announcement that he will retire from soccer once the current 2025 Major League Soccer season concludes. In doing so, the left-back follows in the footsteps of Sergio Busquets and leaves Lionel Messi’s team.

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As Serie A enters the thick of the 2025-26 season, the Italian league continues to evolve both on and off the pitch. Player performances, club finances, and transfer trends have reshaped the market once again, with players receiving updated valuations in the latest Transfermarkt review. Among the many stories behind the numbers, Christian Pulisic‘s name stands out — a player whose consistent brilliance has reignited his reputation and pushed his market value back to heights not seen in years.

There are moments in soccer that linger long after the final whistle — moments that test not just a player’s skill, but their character. For Christian Pulisic, Sunday night in Turin was one of those moments. Milan’s clash with Juventus ended in frustration, a goalless draw that might easily have been a victory had the American converted from the penalty spot. The miss, rare and costly, denied the Rossoneri not only three points but also the chance to reclaim top spot in Serie A. Yet, it was what came after the game that defined Pulisic’s response: an apology and a nine-word promise that left fans both heartbroken and inspired.

1. FC Heidenheim will be without Sirlord Conteh for the foreseeable future.

On loan from FC Bayern Munich, Alexander Nübel is currently in his third season as VfB Stuttgart’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Sky Germany reports that English Premier League clubs have already made contact with Eintracht Frankfurt regarding Can Uzun.

SC Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu has attracted interest from Inter Milan, according to Sky Germany.

Dayot Upamecano and Bayern Munich have been negotiating a contract extension beyond 2026 a while now, but a full agreement is still not in sight, although the two sides appear to be getting closer.