05
Jun
2026
Igor Thiago: Brazil’s not-so-secret surprise weapon at the World Cup

Igor Thiago: Brazil’s not-so-secret surprise weapon at the World Cup

Brazil’s penultimate World Cup warm up friendly against Panama was supposed to be a comfortable evening for Carlo Ancelotti and his men.

By Ross Kilvington

Despite unleashing a strong starting XI featuring Vinícius Júnior, Casemiro and Raphinha, Brazil held a narrow 2-1 advantage at the break.

Something had to change at the Maracanã. As such, Ancelotti made ten substitutions, bringing on the likes of Rayan, Endrick, Danilo Olivera and Douglas Santos in a bid to mix things up during the second half.

Collectively, these four players had won a total of 32 caps, yet the quartet played a part in three of Brazil’s four goals throughout the second period.

None, however, proved to be the most impactful sub that Ancelotti made. That accolade goes to Igor Thiago, who did his chances of starting the friendly against Egypt on Saturday evening no harm at all.

He assisted Rayan after just eight minutes on the pitch, before slotting home a penalty in the 63rd minute for Brazil’s fifth goal of the evening.

That was his second international goal in as many matches for his nation and his performance will give Ancelotti plenty to ponder.

The Italian has an array of attacking superstars at his disposal, but can Thiago be his surprise weapon in North America this summer?

Thiago enjoyed a stellar season at club level

Rewind 12 months. Thiago was coming off the back of a season where he managed just eight Premier League appearances. He spent large periods on the treatment table, first with a meniscus issue, then suffering a further knee injury.

A solid pre-season under Keith Andrews appeared to be the catalyst for an incredible campaign. All in all, Thiago netted 25 goals across 40 appearances for Brentford. Remarkably, 22 of those were scored in the top flight and if it weren’t for the continued excellence from Erling Haaland, the Brazilian would have won the Golden Boot.

Among his peers in the Premier League, Thiago finished the season ranked in the top 5% for shots on target (43), duels won (203) and touches (1,215), showcasing his all-round talents as Brentford’s focal point in attack.

“He’s been sensational. The way he’s attacked the league, the way he’s affected the league, the way he’s developing his game — I think you can see that in the types of goals that he’s scoring now compared to earlier in the season,” Andrews gushed after Thiago’s brace against Sunderland in January.

“He’s all action. He leads the line, he runs the channels, he presses back, he’s amazing from set pieces. He’s a complete centre-forward.”

His performances for the Bees made it practically impossible for Ancelotti to overlook him for the friendlies against France and Croatia in March and April.

He managed 19 minutes against the French without making much of an impact. A few days later, though, Thiago opened his Brazil account by scoring the winner against the Croatians thanks to a late penalty.

Two months later, he is gearing up for his first international tournament.

A chance to join an elite club of Brazilian forwards

Since the World Cup began in 1930, five Brazilian players have finished as the top scorer. Leonidas scored seven times in 1938, while Ademir won the Golden Boot with nine goals at the 1950 edition.

In 1962, both Garrincha and Vava netted four goals apiece to share the award with four other players, but it took another 40 years for Brazil to have another Golden Boot winner.

Ronaldo was unstoppable in 2002, scoring eight times as he led Brazil to a fifth World Cup. It was somewhat of a redemption arc for the striker after his injury hell.

That was arguably the last time Brazil had a genuine world class centre-forward leading the line at a World Cup. Ronaldo was a shadow of his former self in 2006, while Luis Fabiano in 2010 and Fred four years later barely made a mark at the tournament.

Thiago’s player traits comparison vs. similar strikers in Europe’s top five leagues

Even Gabriel Jesus in 2018 and Richarlison in 2022 didn’t exactly light up either edition as Brazil crashed out at the quarter-final stage in both tournaments.

Ancelotti’s embarrassment of attacking riches this summer suggest Brazil are going to go with the “if you score two we will score three” mantra, especially given their defensive frailties.

Matheus Cunha has been given the number nine jersey, but the Manchester United star is most effective in a slightly deeper role.

Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha, Endrick, Rayan and Gabriel Martinelli will offer plenty in the wide areas. The legendary Neymar has also been selected, but it remains to be seen whether he can shake off a calf strain to play a part in the group stages.

Should Thiago impress Ancelotti against Egypt – as it looks as though he should replace Cunha in that number nine role –  it could lead to him being unleashed against Morocco in Brazil’s opening match of the World Cup next Saturday.

At France 98, Ronaldo scored his very first World Cup goal against the Atlas Lions during a 3-0 group stage victory.

Can Thiago follow in the footsteps of the great man this summer? If so, Brazil might have a chance of ending their 24-year wait for a sixth World Cup.

Every World Cup has a breakout sensation. Thiago has the form, and all the attributes, to become a major star in North America over the next six weeks or so.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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Posted by Bill Biss
04
Jun
2026
Jose Mourinho’s possible Madrid appointment is a huge gamble on the power of personality

Jose Mourinho’s possible Madrid appointment is a huge gamble on the power of personality

José Mourinho’s sensational return to Real Madrid, which will seemingly be guaranteed should Florentino Pérez win reelection this weekend, raises questions about the current direction of the Santiago Bernabéu club.

By Graham Ruthven

In football, they say never go back, but it worked out fine for Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane. Both managers were just as successful, possibly even more successful, in their second stints as Real Madrid boss, winning multiple titles to add even more silverware to the fullest trophy cabinet anywhere in Europe. 

Something, however, feels different about José Mourinho’s impending return to the Bernabéu. 13 years after he last coached Madrid, The Special One is heading back in the Spanish capital, although it’s unclear if he’s still so special. It’s been a long time since Mourinho was at the forefront of modern management.

The game has left Mourinho behind. Over a decade has passed since he last won a league title with the Portuguese’s ideas and methods now widely seen as antiquated. What used to work so well for Mourinho now makes him appear a relic of a bygone era. At Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Roma, Fenerbahçe and Benfica, Mourinho’s reputation counted for little.

Mourinho’s points per game record in his recent jobs

And yet Real Madrid, and Pérez in particular, are counting on that reputation being the thing that points them in the right direction again. Mourinho’s appointment is a gamble on the power of personality. It’s a bet that the 63-year-old will have the aura and natural authority to succeed where Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa failed last season.

Real Madrid tried to modernise. At least that was the impression they gave by hiring Alonso last summer. Considered one of the sharpest tacticians anywhere in Europe having led Bayer Leverkusen to Bundesliga glory, Alonso’s appointment was meant to herald a new age for Los Blancos.

Quickly, though, Alonso ran into some problems. His high-intensity approach wasn’t a natural fit for the group of players he inherited. What’s more, the former midfielder struggled to win over many of the dressing room’s biggest egos, most notably falling out with Vinícius Júnior who pushed back against Alonso.

Cliques developed and Alonso found himself in the middle of a situation that ultimately led to his departure after only seven months. There wasn’t much improvement under Arbeloa either as multiple training ground bust-ups broke out, including one which hospitalised Fede Valverde with a brain injury.

Finishing second behind Barca two years in a row is not good enough for Madrid!

At his peak, Mourinho was a player’s coach. His players played for him. When Mourinho left Inter Milan after winning the Treble, Marco Materazzi cried on his shoulder. The likes of Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and John Terry all felt intense loyalty to the Portuguese at Chelsea. 

And yet in his first spell as Real Madrid boss, something changed in Mourinho. He became more combative inside his own dressing room. Iker Casillas got on Mourinho’s wrong side and ended up out of the team, and ultimately out of the club. It mattered little that Casillas was a legend.

Overwhelmed by the pressure put on him by Pep Guardiola and his great Barcelona side, Mourinho buckled. He lost his cool (see the eye-poke on Tito Vilanova) and his way. Mourinho left Real Madrid having won LaLiga once, achieving his goal of toppling Barca, but he was never the same manager, or person, after that.

If Real Madrid’s best players weren’t willing to accept Alonso after his recent success of winning the Bundesliga as a manager, what will they see in Mourinho? Will they see him for the coach who led Porto and Inter to European glory against the odds or the increasingly bitter yesterday’s man chasing past triumphs? 

Kylian Mbappé was 12 the last time Mourinho won the Champions League. Jude Bellingham was seven. Have they ever seen Mourinho as special? What is it about the Portuguese’s recent record that says to Florentino Perez that Real Madrid’s highest-paid players will respond to him?

Tactically, Mourinho might not be the worst fit. He will set up Real Madrid to play with a low line of confrontation. Mbappé and co. won’t be asked to press from the front. Instead, Real Madrid will play on the counter-attack to get the best out of their speedy attackers in open space. It will be a back-to-basics approach.

This summer must be a busy one for Real Madrid if they are to stand any chance of catching Barcelona next season. They must finally find a long-term successor for Toni Kroos as the pace-setter in midfield. A new central defender is also a must with their current contingent at the back too injury prone to be relied upon.

Maybe Mourinho will remind us all why he was once so revered. Ancelotti and Zidane have set the precedent for him to follow as a returning Real Madrid manager. Whether or not Mourinho succeeds, however, could be determined by the same players who gave up on the last guy, and the guy before that, in the job.

(Images from IMAGO)

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Posted by Bill Biss
02
Jun
2026
Manuel Neuer is back in the Germany squad, but what role will he play at the World Cup?

Manuel Neuer is back in the Germany squad, but what role will he play at the World Cup?

It has been 21 years since Zinedine Zidane reversed his international retirement, prompting teammate Thierry Henry to declare, “God exists, and he has returned to the France team.” Having retired after Les Bleus’ quarterfinal exit in Euro 2004, Zidane encountered a France side struggling to qualify for the 2006 World Cup and spearheaded them to the final against Italy, where he ended his career with a penalty goal and an infamous headbutt en route to a penalty shootout defeat.

By Zach Lowy

Zidane isn’t alone: from Roger Milla to Claude Makelélé, from Kevin-Prince Boateng to Lionel Messi, we’ve seen quite a few players rejoin the workforce and prove instrumental in their national team’s success, the latest being Toni Kroos. Three years after retiring, Kroos pulled a U-Turn and helped Germany reach the Euro 2024 quarterfinals, where they lost to eventual champions Spain. Fast forward to today, and there’s another world champion who’s rekindling his Germany adventure ahead of the 2026 World Cup: Manuel Neuer.

Ever since breaking onto the scene at Schalke, Neuer has stood out from everyone else in his position thanks to his ‘sweeper keeper’ style, utilizing his speed and tenacity to anticipate opposing attacks before they manifested, and timing his interventions to perfection. It was a high-risk, high-reward style of goalkeeping that could only be administered by someone of Neuer’s technical prowess, physical fortitude, and mental acuity.

Neuer still stakes up as one of the top sweeper keepers in Europe’s top five leagues

Across a professional career that is now entering its third decade, Neuer has excelled at the highest level and set the standard for goalkeepers both in possession and keeping the ball out of the net, helping Germany claim their first World Cup as a unified country in 2014 and cementing an unprecedented domestic dynasty with Bayern. But these attributes have dwindled thanks to a litany of recent injuries, the first being a metatarsal fracture which saw him miss the bulk of the 2017/18 season. For the first time, Neuer is no longer a sure thing in between the posts: he’s a coin-toss.

“Neuer has been very inconsistent,” stated Bundesliga expert Andrés Weiss. “He’s had stretches where he looked like one of the best in the world — like the first leg at the Bernabéu or the return leg against PSG — but he’s also suffered significantly from a recurring calf injury, which caused him to miss several weeks of competition and even be substituted off on three separate occasions. I believe that on a good day, he absolutely belongs among the elite, but right now, it’s a total toss-up. With Neuer being the starter, I feel like what he gives you, he also takes away. If I were to picture a German side winning the title, Neuer wouldn’t look out of place in that picture. But for that to happen, he would need to cut out the errors that have become increasingly frequent and find a greater level of consistency.”

After Germany’s humiliating group stage elimination in the 2022 World Cup, Neuer went on a ski trip to clear his mind, but he found no serenity: instead, he crashed on the slopes and fractured his tibia and fibula, sidelining him for over 300 days. Since returning in October 2023, Neuer has missed 34 matches due to injury for club and country, predominantly muscular injuries. But whilst Neuer’s body is breaking down more frequently, he’s nevertheless proven more reliable than the man once earmarked to be his successor – Marc-André Ter Stegen – who has played 12 times over the past two seasons.

With Ter Stegen struggling for fitness, Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has experimented with Alexander Nübel, Kevin Trapp, Finn Dahmen, Stefan Ortega, Janis Blaswich and Bernd Leno, before eventually settling on Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann. And yet, just when it seemed that Baumann would be the starter, Nagelsmann decided to bring Neuer back into the fold for his ninth consecutive major tournament as Germany’s #1.

Even at 40 years of age, Neuer is still capable of pulling off world-class performances against the highest caliber of opposition, but it’s unclear whether he can deliver those displays on a consistent basis and remain healthy and error-free. The Neuer of 2026 has yo-yoed between jaw-dropping saves and catastrophic mistakes, as evidenced in Bayern’s Champions League run. He delivered a Man of the Match display at the Santiago Bernabéu with nine saves, but he failed to cover himself in the return leg as Bayern won 4-3 against Real Madrid (6-4 on aggregate). And whilst he came up clutch in the second leg of the semifinals vs. Paris Saint-Germain, it was too little too late after an unconvincing display in a 5-4 defeat in France the week prior.

Neuer’s numbers in the Champions League this season

“For most of the season, Manuel Neuer was in good condition, but in the second half of the campaign, he experienced a lingering calf issue, had a setback, recovered, and then had another setback,” stated Bayern journalist The Barrel Blog. “At times, he was absolutely brilliant and stole games for Bayern Munich. It was not as much the calf injury that affected Neuer during the games where he struggled, but his decision-making. Sometimes, Neuer still thinks he’s 27 again and tries to make aggressive, sweeper-keeper-type plays that he just can’t do anymore.”

“Neuer cannot do everything he did 5-10 years ago, but he is still extremely skilled, still has an insane amount of drive to play (which can work against him at times), and still can deliver amazing performances. Neuer is still smart, and he can still cut down angles, but sometimes he just needs a better understanding of what his body can and cannot do. In some games, Neuer is still just flat-out spectacular. In others, he makes all of the necessary plays needed for the team to win. On those rare occasions where he is off, though, he struggles tremendously. When healthy and fresh, Neuer was terrific, but his struggles often seemed to come after a really busy period.”

After making the 925th appearance of his professional career vs. Köln, Neuer missed the DFB-Pokal Final and Germany’s first pre-tournament friendly with a calf injury. He’s extended his contract for another year at Bayern, and while he is expected to lose a chunk of minutes to successor-in-goal Jonas Urbig, it is undeniable that as long as he decides to keep playing, he will remain the starter.

But as he gears up for the final World Cup of his illustrious journey, two questions remain unanswered:

1) Can Neuer’s body hold up over the course of a six-week tournament?

2) Which Neuer will show up: the one from the Bernabéu, or the one from the Parc de Princes?

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every Germany game with FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

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Posted by Bill Biss
29
May
2026
Preview: Arsenal and PSG set for titanic Champions League final showdown

Preview: Arsenal and PSG set for titanic Champions League final showdown

Arsenal face PSG in the Champions League final, on Saturday, in what promises to be a colossal showdown in Budapest.

By Ross Kilvington

The Gunners have made it to their first final in this competition since 2006. PSG, on the other hand, are the defending champions and are looking to become the second team in the Champions League era to successfully win-back-to-back titles.

PSG boast the most goals in the competition (44), while Arsenal have conceded the fewest goals (6). What a battle we have in store.

A resolute defence could be the difference for Arsenal

Arsenal’s success this season has been built on an impenetrable defence. The Gunners conceded just 27 goals across 38 Premier League matches on their way to winning the title.

Mikel Arteta’s men conceded just twice throughout the knockout stages and one former Arsenal goalkeeper believes David Raya will be the key component for the North Londoners on Saturday.

“If Raya plays well or continues the great form he has been in he gives Arsenal every chance to go and win the Champions League, without a question,” Graham Stack told the best sports betting app.

“And I just think it’s the belief he instils throughout the team as well. I think they’re so assured and so confident when they’re in front of him. What he brings to the team from that psychological point of view, he’s proven, and he’s been so consistent.

Raya’s record in the Champions League this season

“You look behind you, you’ve got Raya in goal, you’re thinking to yourself, I’m really confident we can get a result today. Because PSG are going to create chances. You saw them against Bayern, when they’re at it, they’re free-flowing, they will create chances, it doesn’t matter who they’re playing against.

If PSG wish to defend their title, they will have to get past Raya.

PSG eyeing back-to-back Champions League crowns

Luis Enrique’s side looked unstoppable early on, scoring 13 goals in their first three games in the competition. The Ligue 1 giants, however, only finished 11th in the league phase and had to make it through a playoff to reach the knockout stages.

Since then, AS Monaco, Chelsea, Liverpool and Bayern Munich were all put to the sword as PSG reached a second successive final.

History beckons for the Spaniard, who is aiming to join Pep Guardiola, Bob Paisley and Zinedine Zidane as managers to have won three European Cup/Champions League trophies.

With an attacking trio of Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Désiré Doué, it is no wonder PSG lead the way this season in terms of goals in the Champions League, scoring 44 in 16 games.

One thing is certain, this match is finely poised and should hopefully live up to the hype.

Team news

Achraf Hakimi will likely be missing for PSG, while goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier remains a doubt due to a thigh issue.

Arteta may have issues at right-back, as Ben White is definitely missing. Jurriën Timber has been absent for the previous eight weeks and it is highly doubtful he will be fit to start against the French side.

Prediction

Arsenal will enter the showpiece event buoyed by the fact they already have one trophy in the cabinet.

Winning the Premier League was the ultimate aim, but now Arteta has the chance to become the first Arsenal manager to win Europe’s premier club competition.

Enrique and PSG won’t part with the trophy easily, though, which sets up an intriguing matchup.

I’m going for a PSG win after extra-time.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow all the games from the Champions League on FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage, including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

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Posted by Bill Biss
29
May
2026
FotMob Interview: Lioness legend Fran Kirby on Brighton’s FA Cup fairytale

FotMob Interview: Lioness legend Fran Kirby on Brighton’s FA Cup fairytale

There was a moment in the 95th minute of Brighton’s FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool that the world seemed to pause. It was only for a couple of seconds but as the ball dropped to the feet of Nadine Noordam in the box, there was a brief lull in the noise before pandemonium ensued as the Seagulls made history. 

By Girls On The Ball

Amongst the wild celebrations that followed, the cameras panned to Fran Kirby standing in front of the travelling supporters, just drinking it in. 

“I’ve made it no secret that when I retired from the national team, I felt that I wasn’t going to get a chance to play at Wembley again,” she reflects. “I knew the project at Brighton but I felt that maybe I would just be part of it and then once I leave, that it will build and keep going. It was more of a moment of reflection, a moment of pride, and a moment of probably, “Make sure you take all this in”.”

Unlike for most of her teammates and her club, this Sunday’s final against Manchester City will not be Kirby’s first Wembley rodeo. The 32-year-old is a seasoned visitor, having collected five FA Cup titles during her time at Chelsea and a European trophy with England on the famous turf. This one, however, feels a little different, the start of something building at a club that is continuously striving for improvement.

“An FA Cup Final is one of the best days of your life,” she says. “I’ve been lucky enough to have a couple there. To be able to do it with Brighton…and with these girls – you know, we’re still quite an inexperienced group – I’m really excited for them for them to experience Wembley. You can just talk about it but for them to actually be able to be there, it’s going to be so special.”

“Everyone handles [the occasion] differently,” she continues. “I think some nerves are good because it shows how much you care. I’m going to share what I need to share but also I just want them to experience it for themselves. I want them to have their own emotions.”

There is little question of Brighton’s ambition to challenge for silverware. In 2021, they opened a state-of-the-art training hub for their women’s side while just last month, they announced plans to construct the first purpose-built women’s football stadium in Europe. On the pitch, things have settled following a tumultuous few years following the departure of long-term manager Hope Powell in 2022. Two years and four managers later, Dario Vidošić took over the helm, securing their best WSL finish (fifth) in his first season. 

Bringing in players of the calibre of Kirby has been key. At 32, she remains the heartbeat of Vidošić’s side, the catalyst at the centre of their attack. 

Brighton’s recent league finishes

“The most proud thing for me is coming to a team that really wants to push the women’s game,” she says. “I’ve always said that I want to play for teams who want to invest. I will push them and they’re probably sick of hearing from me as well because I’m really demanding. I’ve had countless conversations with the owner and he really wants to drive it. He wants Brighton to be the home of women’s football in the way that we play and what we give to the women’s team.”

“It’s not going to happen overnight”, she continues. “There are still many things that need to be put in place. I said when I joined, if you’re not really going to go for it then I’m not going to sing your praises. They knew where I stood with that… I’m just really proud to be part of another team, because Chelsea also had that, that wants to push the game forward and keep building.”

Success is not always linear and this campaign has thrown up a few challenges for the Seagulls. A seventh-place WSL finish would have been disappointing but, within the context of everything that has happened, perhaps unsurprising. 

After Michelle Agyemang ruptured her ACL, they have been without a central striker since October.

“[An out-and-out number nine] is not a role that a lot of people can just adapt into. Madison [Haley] has done really well. Sometimes, I’ve gone as a false nine. Kiko [Seike] has also been [there]. I think it’s just to play what the opposition are and what strengths they have and how you can make their weaknesses become your strength.”

Off the pitch, the death of Rado Vidošić, Dario’s father and the Head of Women’s and Girl’s Coaching, in January at the age of 64 was difficult with their manager understandably taking personal leave to head back to Australia to be with his family. 

There is a sense, therefore, that Brighton are playing for something more than just the badge. In their way of a first major trophy stands a formidable opponent. Manchester City are fresh off the back of winning their first league title in a decade. Brighton’s belief will come, however, from the fact that they beat Andree Jeglertz‘s side in the league under a month ago. 

“We probably should have been 4-0 down at one point so we’re not naive to think that everything was roses,” Kirby reflects. “We really showed more of ourselves in the second half and I think that will give us confidence. On the flip side, there are a lot of conversations about how we cannot start like that again in an FA Cup final. That’s more like the stern warning… because we know the quality players they have and what they’re capable of. It’s just a case of staying in the game for as long as we can at the beginning and then growing into our flow and our rhythm. We know that there are going to be moments that we’re going to have to suffer because they are a quality side.”

“[Winning] would have a huge impact,” she continues. “The club is already going in the right direction with the way that it wants to build the women’s team… I think it would be a massive stepping stone.”

Whatever happens, Sunday will mark a significant moment in the history of the women’s team. For Kirby herself, a player whose name has become synonymous with Wembley over the years, it is proof that she still has a huge role to play and an opportunity to add a sixth winners medal to her already substantial haul.  

(Images from Girls on the Ball, with additional images from IMAGO)

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Posted by Bill Biss
29
May
2026
Preview: Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2026

Preview: Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2026

Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2026 takes place at the London Stadium this Sunday, as football’s biggest celebrity match celebrates its 20th anniversary – and this year, FotMob is the Official Live Score partner of the annual charity showpiece. Here, we reflect on the history of Soccer Aid and look ahead to this weekend’s encounter.

By Tom Hancock

A history of Soccer Aid for UNICEF in numbers

15

This will be the 15th edition of Soccer Aid for UNICEF, the first game having taken place back in 2006 at Old Trafford. Held biennially until 2018, Soccer Aid has been a yearly event since 2019.

As ever, the contest pits an England Aid XI against a Soccer Aid World XI (Rest of the World until 2016), with celebrities and former players representing both sides. The World XI are the reigning champions and have the edge overall, with eight wins to England’s six to date.

9

Paddy McGuinness holds the record for the most Soccer Aid appearances, having featured nine times over the years. The TV presenter and comedian, known for shows such as Take Me Out and A Question of Sport, is involved once again this time around.

David Seaman and Robbie Keane are tied on eight for the most Soccer Aid appearances by former footballers.

5

Two players are tied on a record five Soccer Aid goals: Love Island 2017 winner Kem Cetinay and ex-England striker Jermain Defoe, the latter of whom will play this year. 

Defoe has scored in each of the last two editions of Soccer Aid but was almost caught by Carlos Tevez last year, the former Manchester City and Manchester United star bagging four goals – the most in a single edition – as the World XI recorded a thrilling 5-4 win, finishing with an all-time high FotMob rating of 9.9.

13

Singer Olly Murs has played in seven Soccer Aids but has yet to find the net. His total of 13 shots is the highest without scoring a Soccer Aid goal.

Murs is in the England squad once more for 2026; will it be a case of eighth-time lucky for the 2009 The X Factor runner-up.

5.14

You’re pretty much guaranteed to see the net ripple over and over again at Soccer Aid, with the 14 matches to date averaging 5.14 goals between the two teams – and the last two both seeing nine goals scored. In fact, only once have there been fewer than three goals in the game: in 2020, when England won 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Goalkeepers can be expected to face a lot of shots, then – though none have kept as many out as Julio Cesar, the ex-Brazil man making a Soccer Aid-high seven saves in 2019.

5.93

The highest Expected Goals (xG) tally on record at Soccer Aid is a whopping 5.93 by England on their way to a 3-2 win in 2016 – during which they had 31 shots. TV personality Mark Wright opened the scoring before Jermain Defoe bagged an ultimately decisive brace.

England also posted the lowest Soccer Aid xG output on record: 0.68 as they lost 4-2 in 2023.

Soccer Aid 2016

16

Actor Owen Cooper is poised to become the youngest player in Soccer Aid history, having only turned 16 in December.

Assuming he plays, the Adolescence star will smash the record currently held by fellow actor Chris Fountain – who made his Soccer Aid debut in 2008 aged 21.

1

TV presenter Ben Shephard holds the ignominious honour of being the only player ever to be sent off in Soccer Aid.

A veteran of seven Soccer Aids, Shephard was shown a red card for a second bookable offence in 2016 by ex-Premier League referee Howard Webb.

Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2026 Preview

Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2026 will see the usual array of celebrity faces and former professional footballers take to the pitch. 

Among the stars representing England are ex-pros Steph Houghton, Sol Campbell and Wayne Rooney, singer Olly Murs, and actors Tom Hiddleston and Damson Idris. Members of the World XI squad include Edwin van der Sar, Clarence Seedorf and Lukas Podolski, alongside the likes of actor Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Westlife member Nicky Byrne and legendary jockey Frankie Dettori. Full squads are available in the line up tab for the game.

Likewise, in the dugout, former Tottenham and Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp will manage England, with eight-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt taking charge of the World XI – having captained the team on five previous occasions.

A number of players will make their Soccer Aid debut this year. As well as the aforementioned Owen Cooper, ex-England rugby union international Joe Marler, Irish actor and comedian Chris O’Dowd – who have been named as goalkeepers for England and the World XI respectively – Euro 2012 winner Jordi Alba and two-time Women’s World Cup champion Ali Krieger are all gearing up for their first taste of Soccer Aid.

Meanwhile, one active player is set to take part: former Man Utd and Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic, who made 34 Serie A appearances this season for Sassuolo.

England are chasing just their second win in eight editions of Soccer Aid – and their first at the London Stadium, having triumphed at Old Trafford four times, and Wembley and Stamford Bridge once apiece. The World XI have been victorious at all four of those grounds, as well as the Etihad Stadium.

The referee for Soccer Aid 2026 has yet to be announced, though ex-EFL official Rebecca Welch has overseen the last two editions.

(Images from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from over 500 competitions in World football on FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage, including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

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Posted by Bill Biss
28
May
2026
Getafe rejecting Spanish norms to qualify for Europe

Getafe rejecting Spanish norms to qualify for Europe

There is more than one way to play football. Not everyone has to or even wants to be the next Pep Guardiola. Getafe and their manager José Bordalás are living proof you can achieve success with ‘negative’ football.

By Alex Roberts

If you thought Mikel Arteta’s ‘cornerball’ or José Mourinho’s ‘parking the bus’ were rough, you’re in for a real lesson. The 62-year-old is unlike almost every other modern Spanish manager.

As is so often the case, those that go against the norm aren’t always welcomed by their peers. Back in 2020, then Barcelona manager Quique Setién said of Bordalás’ style: “this isn’t football. It’s something else and it makes my blood boil.”

You’re really not going to find anyone from Barcelona’s tiki-taka, pass and move school of thinking that have a kind work for Bordalás. Xavi shared Setien’s sentiment during his spell in charge at the Camp Nou, adding: “Normal people don’t want to watch football like that,” after his side were held to a frustrating draw.

This is Bordalás’ second spell at Getafe. Following their relegation in 2025/16, he was the man tasked with the job of bringing them back up. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it wasn’t pretty, but he got it done, in a very bricks and mortar, meat and potatoes kinda way.

Few expected them to do too much in their first season back in the big time. Getafe shocked everyone, finishing eight, missing out on a place in the Europea League by just three points, with Sevilla in seventh.

Getafe were 20th for average possession (39.5%), 20th for accurate passes per 90 (199.3), and 17th for touches in the opposition box (632). On the flip side, they ended the season in third for goals conceded per 90 (0.9). So, there was method to the perceived madness.

Again, as 2018/19 rolled around, Getafe and Bordalás were dismissed by the media. It was just dumb luck, they were a one season wonder, surely a club couldn’t find sustained success in LaLiga playing such football!?

Again, Getafe proved them all wrong, only this time, they did better. If it wasn’t for an 87th minute Gerard Moreno goal in their 2-2 draw on the final day of the season, we would have seen Bordalás in the Champions League.

A couple of disappointing seasons after, Bordalás left for Valencia and Getafe opted for a change of direction, and hiring Quique Sánchez Flores, who is indeed a more progressive, forward-thinking coach.

Bordalás did well, guiding Valencia to a ninth placed finish and even reaching the Copa del Rey final, but his style of play was too bitter of a pill for the fans to swallow. He was replaced by Genaro Gattuso, who was sacked after 22 games.

Back at Getafe, it was perhaps too much change too quickly, however, and after two years and two consecutive 15th placed finishes, Getafe decided they should have tried to fix what wasn’t broken in the first place.

Fast forward to the current day, Getafe have just secured qualification for next season’s Conference League, beating out this season’s finalists Rayo Vallecano by a single point. The dichotomy between the two sides is wild, by the way.

Getafe are seriously punching above their weight. They’re currently spending the 12th most on squad wages, with only one of them, Borja Mayoral, amongst the top 100 LaLiga players in terms of their individual earnings.

This past season, the numbers tell a very clear story. Getafe are fast, direct, their games are very… hard on the eye, if we’re being brutally honest. Bordalás’ side are masters of the dark arts, in a way that would make Mourinho blush.

They’ve committed the most fouls per match at 15.2, have been handed the second most yellow cards (103), and the third most reds with eight. When you actually sit down to watch a full game, one of the very first things you notice is just how long the ball is inactive. 

Now, that’s not entirely their fault, LaLiga referees are famously pretty trigger happy. Bordalás addressed that fact a few years ago, saying: “The essence of football is being lost a bit and too much impact is being given to things that are natural. 

“For example, we are a league where, and this is not a criticism, all fouls are called, there is no rhythm of play, there is no help from almost anyone. Everything is being exaggerated. We are seeing incredible penalties being called.

“The coaches, in my case, before a game and during the week have to constantly warn the players to be careful with each jump, to be careful with their hands, not to go to the ground, although these are natural things in a game, in a contact sport.”

The rest of the stats are truly remarkable. Getafe were rock bottom for xG (30.6), shots on target per match (2.8), big chances created (48), accurate passes per match (198.4), and touches in the opposition box (582). They’re also 20th for average home attendance (8196), so, perhaps that tells its own story.

By right, they should have been relegated, only Real Oviedo scored fewer goal than Getafe, but at the other end of the pitch, they’re so well organised. Every single one of their players has bought in to what Bordalás wants.

Getafe finished the season third for xG conceded (42.3), third for interceptions per match (8.9), fourth for tackles per match (18), and third for clearances per match (28). They also somehow conceded the fewest penalties (4), which is quite something.

Bordalás is clearly a very divisive figure in Spanish football, but perhaps that what it needs, an agitator, disruptor, who isn’t afraid to do things a little differently. Either way, Getafe are reaping the benefits.

(Images via IMAGO)

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Posted by Bill Biss
28
May
2026
FotMob Profile: The four nations competing at the World Cup for the first time

FotMob Profile: The four nations competing at the World Cup for the first time

Four countries will make their World Cup debut at the World Cup 2026 in North America, the most since the 2006 edition in Germany. Here’s all you need to know about this year’s World Cup newcomers: Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan.

By Tom Hancock

Cape Verde

It was just 13 years ago that Cape Verde qualified for their first Africa Cup of Nations, its Football Federation having only formed in 1982; now, the archipelagic Atlantic nation are primed for their debut on the biggest stage of all.

The Tubaroes Azuis (Blue Sharks) booked their place in North America this summer by topping their qualifying group ahead of African giants Cameroon, a 3-0 win over Eswatini in October sealing the deal.

Coached by Bubista, former captain of the national team, Cape Verde have drawn their squad from players plying their club trade in 14 different countries – with Portugal, the country from whom Cape Verde gained independence in 1975, supplying the most members.

With a population around that of the English city of Bradford, Cape Verde have also called upon a sizeable diaspora: almost half the squad were born overseas, including a sizeable contingent from Rotterdam – where many Cape Verdeans arrived as sailors on Dutch ships in the mid-20th century – and centre-back Roberto Lopes (known as Pico), born in Ireland to an Irish mother and Cape Verdean father and a five-time Irish champion with Dublin’s Shamrock Rovers.

Currently 69th in the FIFA World Ranking, Cape Verde are one of the lowest-ranked sides at the 2026 World Cup – and they’ve been handed a tough-looking draw in Group H, where they’ll get their campaign underway against one of the pre-tournament favourites, Spain, in Atlanta, before facing another former world champion, Uruguay, then Saudi Arabia.

Recent friendly results – a loss to Chile and draws followed by penalty defeats to Iran, Egypt and Finland – don’t augur well, but the spirited Blue Sharks will back themselves to bite their considerably more seasoned opponents.

Curaçao

For just over a month, Cape Verde held the record of being the smallest country by area ever to reach the World Cup finals; then along came Curaçao, the tiny Dutch island territory 40 miles off the coast of Venezuela, smaller in area than most UK counties and home to fewer people than the English city of Warwick.

Rather poetically nicknamed the Blue Wave, Curaçao’s remarkable qualification – confirmed by a draw with Steve McClaren’s Jamaica in the CONCACAF section – was masterminded by Dick Advocaat, the veteran ex-Netherlands, PSV Eindhoven and Rangers boss who turned 78 last September. As such, he’s set to become the oldest manager in World Cup history – by some seven years, outdoing Otto Rehhagel, who led Greece in 2010.

But until last week, Advocaat wasn’t due to be in charge at all. The Dutchman stepped down in February to care for his unwell daughter but, following an improvement in her health, returned to take the reins for Curaçao’s greatest adventure yet – much to the delight of players and fans alike.

Advocaat’s troops include a fair few familiar faces: brothers Juninho and skipper Leandro Bacuna, Kenji Gorré, Jürgen Locadia, and Sheffield United’s Tahith Chong – the only player in the squad born in Curaçao itself, the rest all hailing from the Netherlands – have all played Premier League football at some point.

Drawn into Group E alongside four-time world champions Germany – who they play their opening game against in Houston – Ecuador and the Ivory Coast, and having been thumped 5-1 by Australia in their latest friendly, Curaçao are understandably huge underdogs – not that that held them back in getting this far.

Jordan

The surprise package at the 2023 Asian Cup, when they knocked out continental heavyweights South Korea in the semi-finals, Jordan made it to their first World Cup at the 11th time of asking, qualifying automatically without the need for any play-off drama.

Al Nashama – which translates literally as the Chivalrous Ones (nickname of the tournament?) – will have one of the most domestically focused squads at the 2026 World Cup, with half of their preliminary 30-man selection representing Jordanian clubs, nine of them playing for reigning Jordanian Pro League champions Al-Hussein.

Coached by Moroccan Jamal Sellami – who featured for his country at the 1998 World Cup – Jordan’s hopes of making a mark in North America rest largely on the shoulders of captain and star man Mousa Tamari, one of the nation’s greatest-ever players and the first Jordanian to play in one of Europe’s top five leagues. The Rennes winger was among the top scorers in Asian qualifying and has chalked up six goals and six assists in Ligue 1 this season, helping his club to UEFA Conference League qualification.

Other players to keep an eye on include strikers Ali Olwan – whose 29 international goals have come at an average of almost one every other cap (though he is on his way back from ankle surgery) – and 20-year-old Ibrahim Sabra of Turkish side Göztepe, a champion sprinter in his teens. Another key forward, Yazan Al-Naimat however, is out injured.

Jordan line up in Group J with opening opponents Austria, Algeria, and holders Argentina. They head into the World Cup having reached the final of December’s Arab Cup, but this summer will present by far their sternest test yet.

Uzbekistan

A football-mad nation, Uzbekistan have attempted to qualify for eight World Cups since the break-up of the Soviet Union and came close to qualifying in 2014 the play-offs, but they finally made it this time around, clinching an automatic berth to become the first Central Asian participants at the tournament.

The White Wolves took points off fellow 2026 World Cup participants Iran and Qatar in qualifying, beating the latter 3-0, as well as defeating Egypt and only narrowly losing to Uruguay in friendlies at the back end of 2025, so they have cause for optimism in North America.

Uzbekistan qualified under the stewardship of national legend Timur Kapadze – but he was replaced in October by a World Cup great: Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning captain, modern legend Fabio Cannavaro – previously manager of Dinamo Zagreb and, on the international stage, China.

Cannavaro will turn to a crop of players predominantly based in Uzbekistan, though most of the side’s leading lights play their club football abroad. Among them are Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov, the first Uzbek to feature in the Premier League – joining Man City from Lens in January last year for a reported £33.6m – and skipper and record goalscorer Eldor Shomurodov of Turkey’s İstanbul Başakşehir.

Taking their place in Group K, Uzbekistan kick off their 2026 World Cup campaign against Colombia in Mexico City, before meeting Portugal and DR Congo. With the best eight of the 12 third-placed group finishers going through, Cannavaro’s men ought to fancy their chances of advancing to the knockout stage – where England could await.

(Images from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the World Cup on FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage, including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

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Posted by Bill Biss
28
May
2026
Mikel Arteta’s obsessive focus on control faces ultimate test in PSG showdown

Mikel Arteta’s obsessive focus on control faces ultimate test in PSG showdown

Arsenal stand on the brink of their greatest-ever season with PSG the only hurdle left for Mikel Arteta’s team to clear.

By Graham Ruthven

Mikel Arteta does things a certain way. Some neutrals wish he didn’t, such is the cautious approach frequently employed by Arsenal, but nobody can question the effectiveness of the Spaniard’s methods after the Gunners ended their 20-year wait for Premier League glory this season.

Everything Arteta does is geared towards control. He wants to eliminate every opposition threat in every match Arsenal play, and he has been successful in this effort. Indeed, it was the Gunners’ defensive strength that played the biggest role in them becoming Premier League winners.

On Saturday, though, Arteta’s obsessive focus on control will face its biggest test. Paris Saint-Germain also like to control matches, although they do so in a very different way. While Arteta sets up Arsenal to limit opponents, Luis Enrique’s PSG side are built to expose the teams they come up against.

Arsenal boast the most clean sheets (nine) in this season’s Champions League. PSG, however, have the highest average possession share per match beyond Bayern Munich, who the French champions brushed aside in the semi-finals. On top of this, PSG are averaging 547.6 accurate passes per match compared to Arsenal’s tally of just 389.4 per match.

In the past, Enrique has been criticised for favouring possession for the sake of possession. His Spain team were too easy to play against because they lacked the natural creativity to do anything with the ball when they had it. They were too risk-averse in the biggest matches in the biggest tournaments.

As PSG manager, though, Enrique has the likes of Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Désiré Doué as final third difference-makers with Joao Neves and Vitinha as natural ball progressors behind them, driving the reigning European champions forward from midfield. 

PSG’s movement and rotations will stretch Arsenal. They must find a way to keep the gaps between their defenders compact without being so compact that the Premier League champions can’t get out when they win possession. Arteta must strike the right balance between the two.

Arsenal have the best defence in the Champions League, but only rank ninth for goals scored per match

No matter what happens in Budapest on Saturday, this season has been a success for Arsenal. Winning the Premier League title was the culmination of a long process that started when Arteta was appointed manager back in 2019. Sunday’s parade around North London will be joyous even if the Gunners have just one trophy to show off.

And yet Saturday’s match is an opportunity for Arsenal to further highlight how far they have come. They have already proved themselves as an established member of the Europe elite by making the final, but a victory over PSG would be momentous and the ultimate vindication of Arteta.

“We need that energy to flow and going against that, I think it will be a big mistake,” said Arteta when asked whether Arsenal will carry their title celebrations into the Champions League final. “We already talked about what we have to do in Budapest, how we’re going to use all the incredible energy that we’re all carrying towards that final, and tomorrow we’re going to start to prepare for it.”

Arteta will have options to utilise against PSG depending on the state of the game. Viktor Gyökeres has proved himself as a physical focal point capable of roughing up opposition defenders and running the channels. Kai Havertz, meanwhile, is more tactile in the way he performs the number nine role.

Eberechi Eze could offer goal threat with his shooting from the edge of the box while Martin Ødegaard is a more nimble creator through his use of the ball. Gabriel Martinelli has the skill set to provide some verticality down the left with Leandro Trossard effective through his box-crashing runs and general eye for goal.

This is another area where Arteta has moulded Arsenal into a team capable of competing against, and beating, the very best. The Spaniard pushed for his squad to be strengthened when other managers might have targeted flashier first team figures. Arteta knew he needed options in every position on the pitch.

Ultimately, it might not matter against PSG. The French giants have already seen off Chelsea, Liverpool and Bayern Munich on their path to this season’s Champions League final and they will have ideas on how to disrupt Arsenal too. Nothing in Budapest will faze Enrique and his players. They have complete belief in what they are and what they do, and with very good reason.

The same could be said of Arsenal, though, who have been building to this moment for a long time. Arteta and Enrique exist on the same spectrum, but at opposite ends to one another. The teams they have moulded in their own image are proof of this and Saturday’s Champions League final could be more compelling for it.

(Images from IMAGO)

You can follow every Arsenal game on FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage, including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

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Posted by Bill Biss
27
May
2026
FotMob Opinion: Ivan Toney’s England call up a risk worth making for Thomas Tuchel

FotMob Opinion: Ivan Toney’s England call up a risk worth making for Thomas Tuchel

Ivan Toney was a surprising selection in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad, but the 30-year-old shouldn’t be underestimated.

By Graham Ruthven

The release of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup certainly caused discussion. The absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Phil Foden had been expected. Cole Palmer and Harry Maguire’s omissions were more surprising while 35-year-old Jordan Henderson’s inclusion was triggering to many.

Ivan Toney’s selection was also a surprise. Out of sight, out of mind, the former Brentford striker has spent the last two years in the Saudi Pro League. His decision to join Al-Ahli was seen by many as something that would prevent him from being a major part of the national team going forward.

And for the most part Toney has been a fringe figure for England. The centre forward has played just at international level since Euro 2024 when he was part of Gareth Southgate’s squad in Germany and looked to be on the outside looking in following an unsuccessful recall by Tuchel last year.

By Tuchel’s own admission, Toney failed to make a positive impression when he was called into the England squad for two matches against Andorra and Senegal last June. “I was not happy with the June camp,” said the German coach. “He knows that. And we had to clear the air after that. That was the first step to even start thinking about calling him up again, because I was not happy.”

Toney’s goal laden two seasons in Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia this season, though, Toney has been a goal-scoring machine. He won the Saudi Pro League golden boot, netting 32 goals in just 31 starts, outshining the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Sadio Mané, all of whom have failed to meet the standard being set by the former Brentford man.

As a focal point, Toney could be a useful option for England this summer. He certainly was at Euro 2024 when he made a game-changing contribution off the bench in the round of 16 against Slovakia. Had it not been for Toney, the Three Lions might have suffered an early exit from the tournament.

Major tournaments are often decided by moments and Toney is a big moments player. He has kept his scoring touch sharp in the Saudi Pro League and could be valuable in a scenario when Tuchel needs something to change the game state. As a ‘break glass in case of emergency’ player, taking Toney to the World Cup makes sense.

Toney’s player traits compared with strikers in similar leagues

“We started talking about different scenarios and what would be the most offensive lineup if we are going 1-0 down with 15 minutes to play, ten minutes plus extra time we need a goal. We are pushing. We are around the box. Balls are flying into the box,” said Tuchel when explaining the thought process behind picking Toney.

“Then his name comes up constantly. Because he has a presence. Harry [Kane] loves to play with him, because he thinks that he takes the attention off him. He is even more of an old-school No. 9 than Harry himself.

“So would he be a player you would like to fall the ball down to if there is a ricochet in the box? Yes. Absolutely. Would he be the player that you want to have this touch? Does he take, with his presence, the attention off other strikers? Yes. He suddenly ticks a lot of boxes for us.”

Tuchel has done his due diligence, reportedly relying on his fellow countryman Matthias Jaissle (Al-Ahli manager) for insight on Toney as a player and a personality. His call-up won’t have been taken lightly. Tuchel, who was spoiled for choice by England’s depth of talent pool, has surely considered every aspect of his 26-man squad.

In the past, England managers have made the mistake of simply picking the best available players without any consideration for how they will fit together at a major tournament. Tuchel has taken a risk by leaving out so many elite-level performers, but England wanted someone to improve them as a team and the German is working through a process to achieve this.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin might feel aggrieved that his 14-goal season for Leeds United wasn’t enough to earn a place on the plane to the World Cup. He is operating in a stronger league than Toney who plays his club football in a division deemed only the 42nd-best in the world by Opta. 

Danny Welbeck is another Premier League striker who potentially could have offered England something. The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker scored 13 league goals for Brighton this season and has experience of playing at major tournaments for the Three Lions.

Toney, however, has shown he can provide a different dimension. Tuchel was sure enough of this to bring him back into the fold after a bad first impression. It would have been easier to omit Toney than call him up, but the Al-Ahli striker is someone who could make a difference when it matters most.

(Images from IMAGO)

You can follow every England game on FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage, including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

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Posted by Bill Biss