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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.
Julian Alvarez apologizes to Atletico Madrid fans over his World Cup comments: ‘I would have been angry too’
Julian Alvarez publicly apologises to Atlético Madrid fans for the World Cup interview in which he hinted at leaving the club. Speaking after a 1‑0 league win over Deportivo La Coruña at the Metropolitano, the Argentine forward admitted his comments were a mistake and thanked supporters for their loyalty. He noted his recent form – scoring his first season goal against Stuttgart in the Champions League and the match‑winner versus La Coruña – and says he feels sharper on and off the pitch. Alvarez hopes his humility and work will turn boos into applause, urging fans to move on.
Kylian Mbappe hits 100 goals with Real Madrid in win over Barcelona, falls short of Cristiano Ronaldo’s historic pace
Kylian Mbappé scores both goals in Real Madrid's 2–1 El Clásico win over Barcelona, reaching 100 goals for Los Blancos in just 115 matches. The milestone, achieved at Spotify Camp Nou, puts him just ten games behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 100 goals in 105 games. The brace narrows Barcelona’s La Liga lead to three points, lifts Real to third place, and fuels a title race with Atletico and the Catalans. Mbappé’s performance underscores his impact since joining in 2024 and positions Real Madrid as serious contenders in both the league and Champions League heading into the winter break.
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates Al Nassr’s 71st anniversary with message to the club
Cristiano Ronaldo marks Al Nassr’s 71st anniversary with a social‑media shout‑out, posting “71 years of passion. Happy birthday, Al Nassr FC!” on X. The Portuguese star, who joined the Saudi club in 2023, has already netted over 130 goals, including a double in the 4‑1 title‑clinching win over Damac that secured the 2025‑26 Saudi Pro League. His record‑breaking 35 league goals in 2023‑24 surpassed the previous single‑season mark, and he reached 100 league goals in just 105 games. Ronaldo’s arrival also helped elevate the Saudi Pro League’s global profile, attracting stars like Benzema, Neymar and Mane.
Real Madrid hand Barcelona first defeat of 2026-27 season through a brace by Kylian Mbappe
Barcelona host Real Madrid on La Liga Matchday 10, delivering another El Clasico showdown at Spotify Camp Nou on October 25, 2026. The Catalans, fresh from a Champions League loss to PSG but boasting a flawless 9‑0‑0 domestic record, enter as home favorites. Meanwhile, Mourinho’s Real Madrid sit six points behind the leaders after an uneven start, yet carry momentum from a 4‑1 Champions League win over RB Leipzig. The article provides live updates, watch details, and line‑up information for this high‑stakes encounter.
Why is Vinicius Junior not playing for Real Madrid vs Barcelona in 2026-27 LaLiga Matchday 10?
Vinicius Junior misses Sunday’s El Clasico at Spotify Camp Nou after receiving a four‑match ban for violent conduct and aggressive protests following his straight red card against Villarreal on Matchday 8. The Spanish Disciplinary Committee extended the suspension, ruling him out of Real Madrid’s crucial Matchday 10 clash with Barcelona. Coach José Mourinho slots Yan Diomande on the left wing, while Endrick and Kylian Mbappé continue their form, with Mbappé netting a brace in the recent 4–1 win over Sevilla. Mourinho says Vinicius will regain his spot after the ban, but his absence fuels debate over the Brazilian’s role in the lineup.
Why is Thibaut Courtois not playing for Real Madrid vs Barcelona in 2026-27 LaLiga Matchday 10?
Real Madrid face Sunday’s El Clasico without starter Thibaut Courtois, who contracts a sudden flu and is ruled out of Matchday 10 at Spotify Camp Nou. The Belgian’s high fever forces the club to keep him isolated, leaving Ukrainian keeper Andriy Lunin to guard the net. Courtois’ absence, alongside Vinícius Júnior’s injury, creates a defensive dilemma for Los Blancos in a pivotal La Liga clash against Barcelona’s attack led by Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. Lunin’s composure will be crucial as Madrid strives to close the title gap.
Udinese vs AC Milan: Projected lineups for the 2026-27 Serie A match
Udinese host AC Milan on October 25, 2026, with both sides lining up in a 3-4-2-1 formation. Kosta Runjaic's Udinese, on a three‑match losing streak after 0‑3 to Lecce and 1‑2 to Torino, field a full squad including goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, wing‑backs Jurgen Ekkelenkamp and Mergim Vojvoda, and striker Keinan Davis. Ruben Amorim's Milan arrive in better form, fresh from a 3‑2 win over Atalanta, and start Mike Maignan, wing‑backs Filippo Terracciano and Alphadjo Cisse, and attackers Christian Pulisic and Pervis Estupinan supporting Gonçalo Ramos. No injuries are reported for either team, setting up a clash that could halt Udinese's slide or extend Milan's momentum.
Is Raphinha playing today? Confirmed lineups for Barcelona vs Real Madrid in 2026-27 LaLiga Matchday 10
Barcelona host Real Madrid on Oct. 25, 2026, with both sides on winning streaks—Barcelona fresh off 5-2 vs Betis and Real Madrid after a 4-1 thrashing of Sevilla. Projected 4-2-3-1 lineups see Raphiza starting for Barça after recovering from injury, alongside Pedri, Lamine Yamal and Anthony Gordon, while coach Hansi Flick fields João Cancelo and Rodri. Madrid, coached by José Mourinho, line up Kylyn Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde, missing Ferland Mendy. The match could widen Barcelona’s nine‑point lead over their rivals.
Manchester United vs Bournemouth: Confirmed lineups for the 2026-27 Premier League match
Manchester United and Bournemouth announce their projected 4-2-3-1 lineups for the October 25 Premier League clash. United, fresh from back‑to‑back 1‑1 draws with Leeds and Tottenham and still winless in three, start Senne Lammens, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, Harry Maguire, Diogo Dalot, Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, Carlos Baleba, Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo and Mason Mount under Michael Carrick, with Tom Heaton out. Bournemouth, coming off a 2‑0 win over Sunderland after a 1‑5 loss to Chelsea, field Djordje Petrovic, Adam Smith, James Hill, Antonio Silva, Adrien Truffert, Tyler Adams, Justin Kluivert, Lewis Cook, Rayan, Evanilson and Marcus Tavernier, coached by Marco Rose, while Alex Tóth is unavailable.
Liverpool vs Albion: Confirmed lineups for the 2026-27 Premier League match
Liverpool host Albion at Anfield on October 25, 2026, with both clubs on opposite runs. Liverpool, coming off a 2-1 win over Brentford after a 0-3 loss to Man City, line up in a 4-2-3-1 featuring Alisson, Van Dijk, and striker Alexander Isak, but miss Frimpong and Szoboszlai. Albion arrive on three straight victories, including a 5-0 demolition of Crystal Palace, and field a mirrored 4-2-3-1 with Bart Verbruggen in goal and a front four of Kostoulas, Ayari, Gómez and De Cuyper, despite several absentees. The match could give Iraola’s side back‑to‑back wins and extend Hürzeler’s winning streak.
Why is Lionel Messi not starting for Inter Miami vs New York Red Bulls in 2026 MLS?
Lionel Messi sits on the bench for Inter Miami’s October 24 MLS match against New York Red Bulls after a quick trip to Oviedo to receive the Princess of Asturias Award. Coach Cristian “Kily” Gonzalez cites rest, not injury, as the reason, noting Miami has already clinched a playoff spot and cannot challenge for the Supporters’ Shield. Messi, who scored twice in the previous 3‑1 win over Atlanta United, remains eligible to sub in the second half. Fillipi Riquelme starts up front, Luis Suárez captains, and the team eyes a fourth straight victory to lock second in the Eastern Conference.
Red Bulls vs Inter Miami: Projected lineups for the 2026 MLS season match
The Red Bulls host Inter Miami at Red Bull Arena with both teams on opposite streaks: New Jersey is looking to snap two straight losses after 0-2 defeats to Toronto FC and DC United, while Miami aims for a fourth consecutive win following 3-1, 2-0, and 4-0 victories over Atlanta, NYCFC and DC. Michael Bradley’s projected 4‑3‑3 features Ethan Horvath, Dylan Nealis, Jahkeele Marshall‑Ruty, Julian Bazan, Devin Padelford, Ronald Donkor, Adri Mehmeti, Mohammed Sofo, Cameron Harper, Cade Cowell and Julian Hall. Kily González lines up Inter Miami in a similar formation with Dayne St. Clair, Gonzalo Luján, Casemiro, Micael, Sergio Reguilón, Rodrigo De Paul, David Ayala, Matías Galarza, Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez and German Berterame. Both squads report no absences, setting up a clash of a struggling Red Bulls side against a hot‑streak Miami attack.
Cristiano Ronaldo to achieve the unthinkable in Saudi Pro League as Al-Nassr closes in on 100-game scoring streak record: When could history be made?
Cristiano Ronaldo propels Al‑Nassr toward a historic 100‑game scoring streak in the Saudi Pro League. After a 3‑1 win over Al‑Faisaly on Oct. 23, 2026, the club logged its 97th consecutive match with at least one goal, breaking Al‑Hilal’s 88‑match record and River Plate’s 93‑match run from the 1930s. Ronaldo, now 41, added his second goal, taking his career total to 982 and edging closer to the famed 1,000‑goal mark. The team must score in three more fixtures to hit the century, with a projected 100th‑game goal against Al‑Qadsiah on Nov. 20, 2026. The streak underscores Al‑Nassr’s scoring consistency across seasons, positioning the club for a new benchmark in soccer history.
Cristiano Ronaldo is on the verge of matching his Manchester United goal total at Al Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo is just ten goals away from equalling his 145‑goal haul at Manchester United while playing for Al Nassr. A disputed strike in Al Nassr’s 3-1 win over Al Faisaly, credited by the Saudi Pro League, pushed his tally to 135 for the Saudi club and 982 career goals overall. At United he scored 145 in 346 games (0.42 per match); at Al Nassr he has 134 in 159 appearances (0.84 per match), netting a goal every 103 minutes. The goal’s attribution remains contested, but the milestone highlights Ronaldo’s doubled scoring rate in Saudi Arabia.
Cristiano Ronaldo had one trait Kylian Mbappe approached differently, claims former teammate Ricardo Carvalho
Former Portugal defender Ricardo Carvalho, who teamed up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid and later watched Kylian Mbappé rise at Monaco, says the key difference between the two stars lies in how they cultivated confidence. Carvalho notes Ronaldo’s ego was innate, driving his relentless self‑belief, while Mbappé deliberately shaped his ambition early, charting a clear career path from Monaco onward. He recalls a 2022 conversation where the young Frenchman already knew he’d move to a big club after his Monaco contract. The insight highlights contrasting personality development despite their shared talent and ambition.
Atletico Madrid vs Deportivo: Projected lineups for the 2026-27 LaLiga match
World Soccer Talk previews the LaLiga clash on Oct. 24, 2026, between Atletico Madrid and Deportivo, outlining projected 4‑2‑3‑1 lineups. Atletico, on a three‑game winning streak after 1‑0 over Espanyol and 2‑1 at Alaves, line up Jan Oblak, Marcos Llorente, Pablo Barrios, Álex Baena, Julian Alvarez and Ademola Lookman, with Lee Kang‑in sidelined. Deportivo, seeking a win after a 1‑1 draw with Levante and a 2‑3 loss to Real Sociedad, field Leo Román, Ximo Navarro, José Maria Giménez and others, missing Pierre Emerick Aubameyang. Coach Simeone faces Hidalgo in a tactical showdown.
Cristiano Ronaldo on verge of breaking all-time heading record as Saudi Pro League recognizes his 982nd career goal: How many more does he need?
Cristiano Ronaldo’s 49th‑minute header against Al‑Faisaly lifts his official tally to 982 career goals, as the Saudi Pro League backs the referee’s report despite some stats sites labeling it an own‑goal. The win (Al‑Nassr 3‑1) also narrows his gap to Celtic legend Jimmy McGrory’s record of 162 headed goals – Ronaldo now has 159, needing three more to tie and four to surpass. With the 1,000‑goal milestone still in sight, the goal‑attribution dispute highlights how different organisations record stats, but the official count moves Ronaldo closer to two historic marks.
2026 Ballon d’Or odds shift again as Lamine Yamal loses ground and Kylian Mbappe makes move that changes the picture
The 2026 Ballon d’Or race tightens as odds shift ahead of the October 26 ceremony in London. Harry Kane now leads bookmakers at 3/10, bolstered by a 61‑goal season for Bayern and England’s World Cup third‑place finish. Kylian Mbappé, despite Real Madrid’s empty trophy cabinet, climbs to second favorite with 42 goals for the club and the World Cup Golden Boot. Barcelona’s 19‑year‑old Lamine Yamal, a 2025 runner‑up, drops to third at 5/1 after a 24‑goal, 18‑assist campaign and Spain’s World Cup win. A Marca poll also ranks Kane first, Yamal second, Mbappé third, underscoring a tightly contested showdown.
Cristiano Ronaldo offers cheeky response amid confusion over his latest 982nd career goal
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his 982nd career goal as Al‑Nassr beats Al‑Faisaly 3‑1, but a deflected strike sparks a scoring controversy. While the Saudi Pro League’s referee report credits Ronaldo with the 49th‑minute goal, platforms like Opta and SofaScore list it as an own goal by defender Andrei Girotto. A VAR‑disallowed effort later in the match means only one goal counts officially, prompting Ronaldo’s cheeky reply, “Only one counted.” The dispute highlights the league’s reliance on referee documentation over international data providers, keeping Ronaldo 18 goals short of the coveted 1,000‑goal milestone.
Christian Pulisic’s Milan status emerges ahead of Udinese test in Serie A with three new key players missing
AC Milan head to Udinese on October 25 aiming to preserve their unbeaten Serie A run after a 3-0 Europa League loss to Bournemouth. Coach Ruben Amorim faces a selection crisis, missing Mario Gila, Adrien Rabiot and Diego Moreira plus additional absentees Matteo Gabbia, Alexis Saelemaekers and Samuel Chukwueze. Despite the injuries, Gonçalo Ramos returns to training and is set to lead the line, while Christian Pulisic is expected to start on the left in a 4-3-3 alongside Ramos and Omari Hutchinson. A win would boost Milan’s 15 points from seven games and keep them in the title chase ahead of a busy mid‑week schedule.
Jose Mourinho rejects altering Real Madrid’s identity for Lamine Yamal ahead of Barcelona clash
Ahead of the first Clasico of the season, Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho insists his side will not reshuffle its tactics for Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal, stressing respect for talent without abandoning the club’s identity. Mourinho also praised rival coach Hansi Flick. Barcelona enter the match as LaLiga leaders with a perfect 9‑0 record, while Real sit third with 21 points after recent 4‑1 wins over Sevilla and Leipzig. Both teams face absences: Jules Kounde misses the game for Barcelona, and Vinícius Junior serves a four‑game ban for Real.
Chelsea vs Tottenham: Confirmed lineups for the 2026-27 Premier League match
Chelsea host Tottenham at Stamford Bridge on October 24, 2026, with both teams eager to extend recent attacking runs. Xabi Alonso fields a 3‑4‑2‑1 (listed as 4‑2‑3‑1) featuring Mike Penders, a back three of Josh‑Ko Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix and Levi Colwill, and a midfield anchored by Jorrel Hato, Jordan Henderson and Moisés Caicedo. Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Pedro Neto support João Pedro, while several key Blues—Reece James, Emiliano Martínez and others—remain unavailable. Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham line‑up uses Antonín Kinský, a back four of Archie Gray, Jan‑Paul van Hecke, Micky van de Ven and Andy Robertson, with Sandro Tonali, Conor Gallagher, James Maddison, Mohammed Kudus, Omar Marmoush and striker Dominic Solanke, despite a long list of absences. The match could shift early‑season momentum in the capital.
Arsenal vs Everton: Confirmed lineups for the 2026-27 Premier League match
Arsenal and Everton reveal their projected 4‑2‑3‑1 lineups for the October 24 Premier League clash. Artura’s side, fresh from a 1‑0 win over Nottingham and a 2‑1 victory at Leeds, will miss William Saliba but start David Raya, Ben White, Myles Lewis‑Skelly, Mikel Merino, Ezri Konsa, Gabriel Magalhães, Noni Madueke, Declan Rice, Viktor Gyökeres, Martin Ødegaard and Eberechi Eze. Moyes’ Everton, coming off a 0‑2 defeat to Chelsea and a 2‑2 draw with Hull, are without Vitali Mykolenko and line up Jordan Pickford, Merlin Röhl, James Garner, Jake O’Brien, James Tarkowski, Brennan Johnson, Harrison Armstrong, Thierno Barry, Kiernan Dewsbury‑Hall and Tyrique George.
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