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Football officials gather in Vancouver on Thursday for FIFA’s 76th Congress, weeks before the expanded World Cup kicks off in North America. War in Iran, logistics and Russia’s ban top the agenda. Iranian federation officials left Canada abruptly, casting a shadow over the meeting.
Liverpool have not had their best season, creating uncertainty around their sporting project. Adding to these concerns, Alisson Becker is reportedly heading toward a move to Juventus. In response, Virgil van Dijk has broken his silence, making his stance clear regarding his potential departure. Following a disappointing season, Liverpool are preparing for major changes to their squad, as Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson have announced their departures at the end of the campaign. While those exits are already significant, the Reds could face further losses, with Alisson Becker reportedly close to a move to Juventus. In response, Virgil van Dijk has broken his silence regarding the Brazilian’s potential departure. According to Tuttosport, Alisson Becker has reached a personal agreement with Juventus to become their marquee signing. After being offered a three-year contract worth €4.5 million per season, the Brazilian is reportedly pushing to leave Liverpool at the end of the campaign. However, they are not willing to let him go on a free transfer, asking for a fee between €15–20M. In light of this, Virgil van Dijk has already warned that it would be a painful loss in every sense. “There is always going to be a day where you – including myself – will go…We have been through everything together, positive things and some negative things unfortunately as well, so it would definitely be a big blow and a miss… He’s very important for me as one of the leaders in the team and I think he is very important on the pitch because I think he is one of the best – in my opinion the best – goalkeeper in the world,” van Dijk said, via ESPN. Even though he is already 33 years old, Alisson has remained the undisputed starter for head coach Arne Slot. Not only is he crucial with his impressive saves, but his excellent distribution is key to the offense. Despite his significant impact on the team, the Reds do not seem open to offering him a contract extension beyond 2027, given that he is a veteran. As a result, the Brazilian star is looking to secure a long-term contract by leaving the team. Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool and Alisson Becker of Liverpool celebrate. Liverpool bet on Giorgi Mamardashvili as replacement for Alisson Anticipating Alisson’s potential departure, Liverpool decided to sign Giorgi Mamardashvili in 2024, when he was shining at Valencia CF, paying €30 million. However, he only joined the squad in the 2025–26 season, serving as the Brazilian’s backup. Following several injuries to the 33-year-old goalkeeper, the Georgian has gained valuable minutes, making 18 appearances and showing solid quality to potentially take over as the starter under Arne Slot. Giorgi Mamardashvili would become the Reds’ starting goalkeeper if the Brazilian completes a move to Juventus. As his backup, head coach Arne Slot already has Freddie Woodman, who has also proven to be a fairly reliable option. However, neither has established as a true difference-maker—something Alisson Becker has consistently shown, including leading performances in the UEFA Champions League. Alisson’s departure could create a leadership problem at Liverpool Arne Slot might be gearing up for another tense season at Liverpool, with Alisson’s potential departure adding to the exits of Salah and Robertson. With this, they would lose three influential leaders who not only serve as captains but also play vital roles on the field. Consequently, the Reds will experience a significant leadership shift in the locker room, potentially causing some upheaval and placing increased pressure on Dominik Szoboszlai to assume a more prominent role.
José Mourinho's release clause from Benfica has an expiration date that may hurry Real Madrid if they want to hire him. The search for a new manager may begin very soon for Real Madrid after a year without trophies. However, they may not have much time to think if they want José Mourinho, because his release clause at Benfica has an expiration date. If Florentino Pérez wants to hire Mourinho to replace Álvaro Arbeloa, he would have to pay the release clause. According to Fabrizio Romano, May is the last month in which the Portuguese manager can trigger that option for 3-4 million euros. That date would come after the season ends. The Athletic says it is 10 days after Benfica’s final match, which would make May 27 the final chance to activate the clause. What would have to happen first is for Real Madrid to decide who they want. Mourinho isn’t thinking about Real Madrid There is nothing confirmed about Real Madrid yet. In a season without trophies, their slim chance of winning one is in La Liga, but they are 11 points behind Barcelona with just five matches remaining. Mourinho was Real Madrid’s manager from 2010 to 2013 Talk around Mourinho as a preferred option for club president Pérez has fueled rumors about a return to the club where he managed before. It is not something the manager appears to be thinking about. Mourinho was asked about the possibility of managing Real Madrid this year in an interview with Mediaset Italia, and he gave a clear answer focused on the present: “My next goal is taking Benfica to the Champions League.” Benfica’s season under Mourinho Benfica have not had the season expected after Mourinho’s arrival. Even if they have not lost in the Primeira Liga, they are seven points behind Porto with three matches remaining. In the Taça de Portugal they were eliminated by Porto in the quarterfinals. Their Champions League run ended against Real Madrid in the playoff.
Major League Soccer announced a sanction for Luis Suarez just days before Inter Miami’s clash with Orlando City. Inter Miami star Luis Suarez was sanctioned by Major League Soccer this week, just days before the Herons face Orlando City in a key league matchup between Florida rivals. However, the decision will not prevent the Uruguayan forward from being available. “The MLS Disciplinary Committee has fined Inter Miami CF forward Luis Suarez for violating the league’s policy regarding simulation/embellishment in the 72nd minute of Miami’s match against the New England Revolution on April 25,” MLS said in a statement published on its official website. The incident took place during Inter Miami’s most recent match, a 1-1 draw against the Revs at Nu Stadium on Matchday 10 of the MLS season. Suarez was in the starting lineup and played the full 90 minutes. In the second half, with the score at 1-0 in favor of the visitors, the forward attempted to deceive referee Rubiel Vazquez in hopes of earning a penalty to level the match, but was unsuccessful. However, minutes later, German Berterame scored to secure a point for Inter Miami at home. Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates with Luis Suárez #9. Suarez was not the only player penalized. “The MLS Disciplinary Committee has fined D.C. United midfielder Matti Peltola for violating the league’s policy regarding simulation/embellishment in the 30th minute of D.C.’s match against Orlando City on April 25,” the statement added. Suarez has played a limited role this season The sanction issued to Luis Suarez is purely financial, meaning he remains eligible for Saturday’s match against Orlando City. It will be up to head coach Guillermo Hoyos to decide whether to keep the Uruguayan forward in the starting lineup or return him to the bench. So far in the 2026 season, Suarez has made seven appearances for Inter Miami. One came in the Concacaf Champions Cup against Nashville SC, while the other six were in MLS, where he has scored two goals. However, the 39-year-old striker has played a secondary role for most of the year. He has started just two of those seven matches—a 0-0 draw against Charlotte FC when Javier Mascherano was still the coach, and last Saturday’s 1-1 draw against New England Revolution. He has also remained on the bench without featuring in four matches. Other Inter Miami players sanctioned Luis Suarez joins a list of Inter Miami players who have been sanctioned by MLS in recent weeks. Facundo Mura was also fined for simulation during the Herons’ win over Real Salt Lake in a similar incident, while Yannick Bright received an additional one-match suspension following his red card against Colorado Rapids for racist remarks.
After being forced off the game against Arsenal and surpassing a Lionel Messi goalscoring record in the UEFA Champions League, Julian Alvarez has reportedly received a positive injury update. Julian Alvarez made headlines on Wednesday for two very different reasons, finding the net against Arsenal before being forced off with an injury. Despite the concern that followed his exit, reports have emerged with an encouraging update on the striker’s condition, and he did so after eclipsing a Lionel Messi record in the UEFA Champions League. With Atletico Madrid searching for an equalizer in the second half, Marcos Llorente won a penalty after the ball struck Ben White’s hand in the box, and Alvarez stepped up to convert in the 56th minute. The mood quickly shifted in the 74th minute, however, when Eberechi Eze landed heavily on Alvarez’s knee and ankle after a challenge, sending the Argentine to the ground in obvious discomfort. He was replaced by Alex Baena in the 78th minute. Despite visibly showing concern on the substitutes’ bench, Argentine journalist and insider Gaston Edul has confirmed that Alvarez’s situation is “nothing to worry about.” The striker came off due to a momentary twist and will undergo further testing, but the early indications point to a minor issue rather than anything more significant. Head coach Diego Simeone also addressed Alvarez’s condition in his post-match comments on Movistar+. “They will perform a test on Thursday to see what the issue is. We hope it’s as minor as possible,” he said, before adding in the press conference that he expects the Argentine to be available for the second leg. Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid is challenged by Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice of Arsenal. Simeone also shed light on the broader injury situation within the squad following the first leg. “Giuliano had a collision with Piero Hincapie at the start, a blow to the waist that was bothering him a lot. Let’s hope that is also minor. Alexander Sorloth said his leg was bothering him during the warmup, and we protected him so as not to force anything,” the coach said. Alvarez surpasses Messi’s record in the Champions League With 10 goals and four assists in 14 games, Alvarez is in the midst of his finest personal run in the Champions League, and his fitness for the second leg at the Emirates Stadium next Tuesday will be crucial for Atletico’s hopes of reaching the final. In the process, he has also left a significant mark in the record books. His goal against Arsenal made Julian Alvarez the fastest Argentine player to reach 25 Champions League goals, achieving the milestone in 41 games. Lionel Messi had previously held that mark, having taken 42 matches to reach the same tally during his time at Barcelona. Messi remains far ahead at the summit of the all-time Champions League scoring chart for Argentine players, with an extraordinary 129 goals in 163 appearances. Di Stefano sits second with 49 and Sergio Agüero third with 41, but Alvarez has now climbed into a share of fourth place with 25 goals, level with Hernan Crespo, who needed 65 games, and Lautaro Martinez, who took 66 appearances to reach the same mark, a testament not only to Alvarez’s elite form but to his growing legacy in Argentine soccer history.
The night carried a familiar feeling, the kind that has followed Cristiano Ronaldo throughout his career, as Al-Nassr took a major step toward the title. The night carried a familiar feeling, the kind that has followed Cristiano Ronaldo throughout his career, as Al-Nassr took a major step toward the title. The veteran forward once again found the moment when it mattered most, reinforcing his influence on a season that is quickly becoming historic. The clash against Al-Ahli unfolded with tension and patience, as both sides struggled to create clear chances early on. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 76th minute, when Ronaldo rose to head home from a Joao Felix delivery, sending the stadium into celebration. That goal shifted the balance entirely, and Kingsley Coman added a second late on to seal a 2-0 victory. The result pushed Al-Nassr further ahead at the top of the table, strengthening its grip on the Saudi Pro League title race. With the win, Jorge Jesus and his players moved eight points clear of second place, creating a gap that now feels decisive with only four matches remaining. The victory also extended the club’s remarkable run, as Jorge Jesus’s side reached 20 consecutive wins across all competitions. Defensively, the performance stood out as much as the attacking moments. Al-Nassr registered another clean sheet, bringing its total to 17 in the league, underlining the balance that has defined their campaign. The record revealed Beyond the result, a personal milestone added extra weight to the night. According to Transfermarkt‘s data, Ronaldo’s involvement in the victory meant he matched the longest winning streak of his club career, a record that dates back to his time at Real Madrid. The number itself tells the story: 12 consecutive league wins in matches he has played, now replicated years later in a different league and at a very different stage of his career. It is a reminder that consistency has remained one of his defining traits. The goal against Al-Ahli carried additional significance, as it marked Ronaldo’s 25th league goal of the season. He continues to chase the Saudi Golden Boot, sitting third just behind Julian Quinones (28 goals) and Ivan Toney, who has scored 27 goals this season. 🔝🇲🇽 Julián Quiñones lidera la tabla de goleadores de la Saudi Pro League 25/26👉 A 1 de Iván Toney, a 3 de Cristiano Ronaldo#julianquiñones #cristianoronaldo #cr7 #saudiproleague #futbol pic.twitter.com/Gwap4ajSYD— MARCA México 🇲🇽 (@MarcaMexico_) April 29, 2026 At 41, he also reached another milestone, scoring the 970th goal of his professional career. Each contribution adds another layer to a legacy that continues to evolve even in the later stages of his journey. The road to a first major title The bigger picture is now impossible to ignore. Al-Nassr stands on the verge of securing its first league title in years, and for Ronaldo, it would represent his first major domestic trophy with the club. His previous success in the region came in the Arab Club Champions Cup. Regardless of the accomplishment, neither FIFA nor the AFC recognizes the trophy as an official award. Thus, this campaign carries far greater significance.
The club’s latest victory over Al-Ahli reinforced its dominance, while the Portuguese forward once again stood at the center of a result that pushed the title closer. Cristiano Ronaldo continues to shape the Saudi Pro League title race with Al-Nassr, as momentum builds toward a decisive end to the season. The club’s latest victory over Al-Ahli reinforced its dominance, while the Portuguese forward once again stood at the center of a result that pushed the title closer. In the aftermath, Cristiano Ronaldo sent a six-word warning message to rivals Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal. That message came after another defining night in Riyadh, where Al-Nassr strengthened its grip on the top of the table and extended a remarkable run of form. Al-Nassr defeated Al-Ahli 2-0 in a match that had far more weight than the scoreline alone suggests. The club moved eight points clear of Al-Hilal and 13 ahead of Al-Ahli, creating a gap that now places it firmly in control of the title race. The breakthrough came in the 76th minute when Cristiano Ronaldo rose highest to meet a Joao Felix corner and directed a powerful header into the net. The finish broke a tight contest and shifted the momentum entirely in favor of the home side. Al-Ahli had earlier threatened through Merih Demiral and Riyad Mahrez, but neither opportunity changed the rhythm of the match. Once Ronaldo struck, the game tilted decisively toward Al-Nassr’s control. Kingsley Coman added the second goal in the 90th minute after a sharp attacking sequence that exposed Al-Ahli on the break. The finish confirmed a result built on patience rather than sustained attacking pressure. This result also extended the Knight of Najd’s winning run to 20 consecutive matches in all competitions, a streak that has become central to its title push. The message that summed up the moment After the final whistle, the tone of confidence became even clearer. Ronaldo took to social media with a short but powerful statement: “YALLA [Let’s go in Arabic]!! WE ARE AL NASSR!!” The six-word message carried more than celebration. It felt like a signal to both Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal that the title race is slipping away, and that Al-Nassr believes the job is nearly complete. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano) Historic milestone for Ronaldo The goal itself added another layer to Ronaldo’s legacy. It marked the 970th goal of his professional career, a number that continues to underline his longevity and consistency at the highest level. He also reached 25 league goals for the season, maintaining his push for another Golden Boot. With nine goals in his last nine matches, his form has arrived at exactly the right moment for Al-Nassr’s title charge. What’s more, Al-Nassr’s victory created a clearer separation at the top of the Saudi Pro League table. With only a handful of matches remaining, the club now controls its own destiny in the race for the championship. Al-Hilal remains mathematically in contention, but the gap places significant pressure on any remaining fixtures. Al-Ahli, despite a strong form earlier in the season, now sit further back and face an increasingly difficult path.
