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AC Milan vs Bologna: Confirmed lineups for the 2026-27 Serie A match
AC Milan host Bologna at San Siro on October 28, 2026, with both teams in good scoring form. Milan, on a three‑game unbeaten streak after a 2‑0 win over Udinese and a 3‑2 shootout victory against Atalanta, line up in a 4‑4‑1‑1 under Ruben Amoril, featuring Mike Maignan, Fikayo Tomori, Koni De Winter, Strahinja Pavlović and Gonçalo Ramos leading the attack. Bologna, fresh from a 2‑0 win over Cagliari, field a 3‑4‑3 managed by Raffaele Palladino, with Lukasz Skorupski, a back three of Darmian, Casale and Theate, and a front three of Federico Bernardeschi, Jens Odgaard and Nicolo Cambiaghi. No absences are reported for Bologna, making the clash a key test for Milan’s title push and Bologna’s European hopes.
Christian Pulisic’s new Milan contract to save club $3.9 million per season despite salary increase, thanks to one hidden benefit
Christian Pulisic is set to extend his AC Milan contract until June 2031, boosting his salary to €5 million net per year. While the raise seems costly, Milan will slash his accounting charge from €10.5 million to €7.1 million annually, saving about €3.4 million ($3.9 million) each season. The savings stem from spreading his €22 million transfer fee over a longer term, dropping amortization to roughly €0.6 million a year. Pulisic, who has 44 goals and 28 assists in 141 games since joining from Chelsea in 2023, remains a key attacker for manager Ruben Amorim, and the club’s owner Gerry Cardinale is eager to lock him down after his injury‑hit comeback.
Why is Christian Pulisic not starting for Milan vs Bologna in 2026-27 Serie A game?
AC Milan bench Christian Pulisic for the October 28 Serie A clash with Bologna to safeguard his fitness ahead of Saturday’s Derby della Madonnina against Inter. Coach Ruben Amorim, coping with injuries and a tight schedule, also rests Luka Modrić and other key players. Milan enter the game unbeaten (5‑0‑3) after a 2‑0 win over Udinese, where Pulisic scored. Bologna come in confident after a 2‑0 victory over Cagliari. Young midfielder Alphadjo Cissé starts, while Pulisic remains available off the bench, primed for the Inter showdown.
Dani Carvajal is certain Cristiano Ronaldo will reach 1,000 goals: ´He deserves it´
Dani Carvajal says Cristiano Ronaldo is guaranteed to hit 1,000 career goals, noting the Portuguese star is "the example of discipline and perseverance." Carvajal, who played with Ronaldo at Real Madrid from 2013‑2018, recalls Ronaldo’s killer instinct in the box and a pre‑Champions League pep talk. Ronaldo sits on 981 goals—19 shy of the milestone—though a contested Al Nassr goal was ultimately not counted. The pair shared 165 matches and 13 trophies, including three consecutive Champions League titles (2016‑2018).
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr can still sign players in January, but two major issues could stop its plans
Al‑Nassr, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, can still register players in the January window, but two financial hurdles may stall signings. No formal ban exists, yet the club’s cash flow and liquidity problems—exacerbated by a looming instalment for midfielder Samu Costa and eight high‑wage contracts—limit its ability to meet transfer fees and payments. A recent loan of goalkeeper Abdulhadi Al‑Alwan shows deals are possible if funds are available. Potential aid from honorary members, Gold Members, or outstanding fund payments could free up resources, but without it Al‑Nassr may have to curb recruitment and focus on existing obligations.
Arsenal knocked out by League Two Fleetwood: the biggest shock eliminations in Carabao Cup history
Arsenal’s Carabao Cup campaign ends in a historic upset as League Two Fleetwood Town defeat the Premier League champions 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Highbury Stadium. The Gunners, sharing the Premier League lead and fresh from a 2-2 Champions League draw with Bayern Munich, fielded a rotated side but couldn't avoid a shock elimination. Fleetwood, sitting 18th in League Two, saw Aaron Loupalo‑Bi open scoring and Viktor Gyokeres equalise, then clinched victory when Conor Haughey netted the decisive spot‑kick. The result joins a list of the tournament’s biggest upsets.
Cristian Romero picks Lionel Messi’s No. 10 heir for Argentina after the captain’s retirement
Argentina captain Cristian Romero says Atletico Madrid striker Julián Álvarez should inherit Lionel Messi’s iconic No. 10 after the star’s international retirement. In a YouTube interview Romero praised Álvarez’s humility, family values and on‑field talent, noting he has already discussed the role with the forward. While Romero’s initial idea was to retire the shirt, FIFA rules prohibit leaving the number vacant in official tournaments. The debate continues, with Como midfielder Nico Paz also mentioned as a contender, but no formal decision has been announced.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr set to deliver grim January transfer message to Ange Postecoglou as Joao Felix fears grow
Al‑Nassr’s January transfer window looks bleak as the club confronts a $213 million debt crisis. New owner‑backed financial controls mean manager Ange Postecoglou will likely be barred from signing reinforcements, forcing him to rely on his current squad starring Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix. The financial squeeze also stalls Felix’s contract talks, sparking rumors of a potential departure. While the Saudi Public Investment Fund tightens spending and pushes for higher commercial revenue, the team plans to retain its roster, leaving Postecoglou with limited options to address injuries and tactical gaps. The looming restrictions make the second half of the season a critical test for both the manager and the stars.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr receive Kingsley Coman boost before Saudi Pro League match
Al Nassr’s title chase gets a lift as French winger Kingsley Coman returns to group training after a hamstring injury sustained on Oct. 12 in the AFC Champions League. Though his fitness for the upcoming 12th‑round Saudi Pro League home game against Al Kholood remains unconfirmed, his presence could revive the creative spark that supplied five of Ronaldo’s assists last season. Coach Ange Postecoglou plans to field midfield duo Abdullah Al Khaibari and Angelo Gabriel, while Samu Costa sits out due to yellow‑card suspension. Al Nassr sit second with 25 points, two behind leaders Al Hilal, and aim to extend their three‑match winning streak to stay in the title race.
Lamine Yamal breaks silence with defiant career message after losing 2026 Ballon d’Or to Harry Kane
Lamine Yamal, the 19‑year‑old Barcelona sensation, finished third in the 2026 Ballon d'Or behind Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé after Kane clinched the award at the London Palladium. Despite a stellar season that included a World Cup triumph with Spain, Yamal vowed to keep chasing the prize, saying his career is just beginning and his focus returns to helping Barcelona win again. The article notes his lack of a Champions League title—Barcelona exited in the 2025‑26 semifinals—as the missing piece for a future win, and positions Yamal and Mbappé as the main contenders for the 2027 award.
Christian Pulisic helps Ruben Amorim match 71-year-old Milan record as one legendary milestone remains
Christian Pulisic sparks AC Milan’s 2‑0 win over Udinese, scoring in the sixth minute before Omari Hutchinson adds a second, lifting the Rossoneri back into Serie A’s top four. Manager Ruben Amoram matches a 71‑year‑old club record, becoming the third coach to go unbeaten in his first eight league games, joining Hector Puricelli (1955) and Luis Carniglia (1963). With eight wins and draws, Amoram now eyes Carniglia’s 13‑match unbeaten streak as Milan faces Bologna and a crucial derby with Inter amid injury woes.
Lionel Messi joins Gianluigi Buffon among the oldest top-ten Ballon d’Or finishers in history
Lionel Messi, 39 years and four months old, finishes fifth in the 2026 Ballon d’Or, becoming the third‑oldest top‑ten finisher behind Gianluigi Buffon (39y 10m in 2017) and Stanley Matthews (41 in 1956). The Inter Miami captain missed the London gala but earned the spot after an eight‑goal, four‑assist World Cup run that netted him the Silver Ball. Harry Kane won the award, with Kylian Mbappé second, Lamine Yamal third, and Rodri fourth. Messi’s 2026 placing marks his 17th Ballon d’Or appearance and his eighth trophy, cementing his record as the most decorated player in the award’s history.
Christian Pulisic’s Milan renewal nears completion as new contract and pay rise emerge, and it sends clear message
Christian Pulisic is on the brink of a new deal with AC Milan that would keep him at the San Siro until June 2031. After rediscovering his scoring form under manager Ruben Amorim – netting twice in four league games, including the opener in a 2‑0 win over Udinese – the 28‑year‑old has reached an agreement in principle, pending final details. The contract would raise his salary to €5 million per season, making him one of Milan’s top earners, and signals the club’s intent to build around him after Rafael Leão’s exit. The extension follows a tricky negotiation period and a recent injury‑hit spell, positioning Pulisic as a central figure in Milan’s long‑term project.
Kylian Mbappe apologizes to China as backlash reportedly forces state television to suspend LaLiga broadcasts
Kylian Mbappé apologises to China after a meme comment that likened his face to a Chinese dictator sparks backlash. The remark, made in an April podcast, was interpreted as a reference to a Mao Zedong meme, prompting Chinese state TV (CCTV) to suspend LaLiga broadcasts and pull ads featuring the forward on Oct. 26. Sponsors Dongpeng, Mengniu and Milkground also cut ties. LaLiga and its president Javier Tebas issue apologies, stressing the comment was personal and pledging a new sensitivity protocol. The incident threatens the league’s China partnership despite an unchanged streaming deal with Migu through 2029‑30.
Christian Pulisic in the spotlight as Milan’s Bologna lineup prediction could reveal Ruben Amorim’s plans for crucial Inter derby
Milan coach Ruben Amorim must juggle a Serie A clash with Bologna on Wednesday and the crucial Inter derby on Saturday. After a 2-0 win over Udinese, where Christian Pulisic opened the scoring, Milan faces fitness worries and a packed schedule. Amorim is reportedly weighing whether to rest Pulisic—who has four goal contributions in his last seven games—in favor of Alphadjo Cissé, while also considering a break for Luka Modric. With Mario Gila, Diego Moreira, Adrien Rabiot and several others sidelined, the Rossoneri’s depth is tested. The predicted lineup against Bologna could signal how Amorim balances immediate points with preserving his key attackers for the showdown with league leaders Inter.
Lionel Messi and Harry Kane stand alone as only two players and Ballon d’Or winners to achieve incredible goalscoring record in 21st century
Harry Kane joins Lionel Messi as the only players in the 21st‑century top‑five European leagues to net 70+ goals in a single season. Kane’s 2025‑26 campaign produced 73 goals for Bayern Munich and England, earning him the 2026 Ballon d’Or – the first English winner since Michael Owen – and beating Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal. Messi’s benchmark remains his 2011‑12 record of 82 goals. The article compares the two historic tallies, highlights Kane’s award speech, and underscores how their feats set a near‑unattainable standard for modern strikers.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal future takes another twist amid 30-day suspension as UEFA Nations League preliminary November squad comes to light
Portugal’s 41‑year‑old captain Cristiano Ronaldo faces an uncertain future after a 30‑day suspension and €255 fine for leaving the training camp on Sept. 30. The ban is back‑dated, so he is technically eligible for the November international break, and the Portuguese federation has placed him on the preliminary UEFA Nations League squad. However, head coach Jorge Jesus still must decide if Ronaldo makes the final 23‑man list for the Nov. 14 match against Denmark and the Nov. 17 game versus Wales. Ronaldo has apologized, denied retirement and hinted at a future farewell, but his selection hinges on the coach’s verdict.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Ivan Toney see Golden Boot tallies drop after Saudi Pro League reclassifies goals
The Saudi Pro League has stripped Cristiano Ronaldo and Ivan Toney of one goal each after reclassifying their scores as own goals, dropping Ronaldo to 12 and Toney to 12 in the official Golden Boot tally. Ronaldo’s disputed header in Al Nassr’s 3‑1 win over Al Faisaly and Toney’s goal in Al Ahli’s 4‑1 victory against Al Khaleej were both reassigned to opponents despite match reports still crediting the strikers. The league’s data now contradicts external sites like Transfermarkt, but the official records keep Toney five goals clear of Mateo Retegui and Youssef En‑Nesyri, while Ronaldo falls to fourth.
Why did Lionel Messi not attend the 2026 Ballon d’Or gala today?
Lionel Messi makes the 30-man shortlist for his 17th Ballon d'Or nomination, but sources say he likely won’t attend the October 26 ceremony at the London Palladium. Fabrizio Romano notes the transatlantic flight from Miami and a lack of an invitation make his presence improbable. While eight‑time winner Messi remains a contender, the frontrunners are Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) and Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), with Harry Kane and others also in the mix. If Messi wins, a host will accept the trophy and a pre‑recorded speech will be played, potentially giving him a record ninth award.
Harry Kane wins first Ballon d’Or at 33: How old were Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo when they won theirs?
Harry Kane clinches his first Ballon d’Or at 33 years and 90 days, making him about a decade older than Lionel Messi (22) and Cristiano Ronaldo (23) when they each won their inaugural awards. Kane edged out youthful favorites Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé after a dramatic El Clásico, capping a 73‑goal season for Bayern Munich and England and ending England’s 25‑year Ballon d’Or drought since Michael Owen in 2001. Though impressive, he isn’t the oldest winner—Sir Stanley Matthews claimed the prize at 41. Kane also swept the Gerd Müller Trophy as the season’s top striker.
Lamine Yamal retains Young Player of the Year crown: Can the Barcelona star still win 2026 Ballon d’Or?
Lamine Yamal, 19, clinches his third straight Kopa Trophy at the London Palladium, reinforcing his status as football’s top young talent. While the Kopa win doesn’t disqualify him from the 2026 Ballon d’Or—rules allow a double—but no player has ever taken both honours in the same night since the award’s 2018 inception. Yamal used his speech to champion teammate Pau Cubarsi, sparking speculation about a historic double. With past precedent favoring senior stars, Yamal faces an uphill climb to add the senior Ballon d’Or to his accolades.
Why Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr won’t play in the AFC Champions League Elite tonight vs Al Wasl?
The AFC Champions League Elite Matchday 3 fixture between Saudi giants Al Nassr and UAE’s Al Wasl was postponed hours before kickoff at Riyadh’s Alawwal Park on October 26, 2026. The AFC cited severe flight disruptions out of Dubai that left Al Wasl unable to travel, despite Al Nassr’s full readiness and all logistical clearances. Legal analysts question the confederation’s decision, noting Al Nassr bears no fault. The match will be rescheduled, but fitting it into an already packed autumn calendar will be tough. Al Nassr now turns to a Matchday 4 trip to Tashkent, while Al Wasl prepares to host Al Quwa Al Jawiya.
2026 Ballon d’Or tonight: Where to stream the ceremony, start time, and complete list of nominees
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony kicks off today, Monday, Oct. 26, at the London Palladium, with live streaming in the U.S. on DAZN at 4:00 pm ET (2:00 pm PT). Hosts Kate Scott and Thierry Henry will present the awards, including the men’s Ballon d’Or where Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé and Barcelona’s 19‑year‑old Lamine Yamal lead a 30‑man shortlist. Other nominees feature Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland, Vinícius Júnior, Lionel Messi and Saudi‑league standout Julián Quiñones. DAZN streams the gala free with a basic account; international fans can watch via UEFA TV or L’Équipe’s YouTube channel. Ten trophies spanning male, female, youth, goalkeeper and coaching categories are awarded during the 70th edition.
Why was Cristiano Ronaldo omitted from the 2026 Ballon d’Or 30-man shortlist?
Cristiano Ronaldo misses the 2026 Ballon d'Or 30‑man shortlist for the first time since 2022, as voters deem his Al Nassr season insufficiently dominant and question the Saudi Pro League’s competitiveness. Despite consistent scoring, Ronaldo has been absent from the shortlist in 2023‑2026 and focuses now on reaching 1,000 career goals. In contrast, Mexico’s Julian Quinones earns a nomination after a top‑scorer campaign and a strong World Cup showing. Ronaldo, a five‑time winner with 18 career nominations, last placed 20th in 2022.
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho downplays defeating Barcelona: ‘We must not go over the moon’
Jose Mourinho downplays Real Madrid’s 2‑1 El Clásico win over Barcelona on Oct. 26, urging his squad to stay grounded and focus on league titles. Kylian Mbappé netted a brace, hitting his 100th goal for Los Blancos, as Madrid cut Barcelona’s lead to three points on Matchday 10. Despite missing Vinícius Júnior and a flu‑stricken Thibaut Courtois, Mourinho praises the team’s tactical depth and warns against complacency as the club chases La Liga and Champions League silverware.
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