J. Bellingham
Real Madrid · UEFA Nations League · Midfielder · #5 · England · 22 yrs
J. Bellingham news
Ranking the 10 best attacking midfielders in world football: Bellingham, Fernandes, Cherki…
Featuring stars from Real Madrid, Manchester United and Manchester City. The post Ranking the 10 best attacking midfielders in world football: Bellingham, Fernandes, Cherki… appeared first on Planet Football.
The Best XI of the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Our team of the tournament
The 2026 World Cup has come to an end, and World Soccer Talk is elaborating the Best XI of the tournament in North America. The 2026 World Cup has officially drawn to a close, with Spain capturing its second global title in a 1-0 extra-time thriller over Lionel Messi and Argentina. As players disperse and return to their respective clubs, a select group left an indelible mark on North America, earning a place in our Best XI for the largest, most expansive World Cup in soccer history. This historic 48-team tournament bridged the past, present, and future of global stardom, featuring legacy icons like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Luka Modric alongside the sport’s modern titan in Kylian Mbappe and Rodri, plus rising superstars like Erling Haaland, Lamine Yamal, Jude Bellingham, and Desire Doue. While figures from every era produced iconic moments on the pitch, only 11 players made the cut for World Soccer Talk’s dream lineup, structured in a traditional 4-3-3 formation. Goalkeeper and Defenders In goal, Unai Simon authored a historical campaign, setting a World Cup record for consecutive shutout minutes while capturing the Golden Glove with seven clean sheets. Conceding just a single goal during Spain’s quarterfinal clash against Belgium, the Athletic Bilbao stopper served as the ultimate security net behind La Roja’s march to glory. Marc Cucurella #24 of Spain. Spain also swept the fullback positions in our XI, anchored by Pedro Porro on the right and Marc Cucurella on the left. Blending relentless overlapping runs with disciplined defensive coverage, the duo completely locked down the flanks and gave Spain the most complete fullback tandem in the tournament. Pau Cubarsi, who earned the FIFA Young Player Award, secured his spot at center-back after fearlessly organizing Spain’s defense against Ronaldo, Mbappe, and Messi, capping his tournament with a legendary clearance in the final. Partnering him is Argentina’s Cristian Romero, who despite his side conceding eight total goals throughout the tournament, proved to be a dominant, warrior-like presence on the backline with crucial tackles and clutch aerial defense. Midfielders Awarded the World Cup Golden Ball as the tournament’s top player, Rodri dictated the tempo of every match for Spain, leading all players with a staggering 94.5 completed passes per game. Operating alongside him, Jude Bellingham served as England’s heartbeat, directly contributing to seven goals and driving the Three Lions to a third-place finish, their finest performance on foreign soil in program history. Operating in an attacking role, Michael Olise rounds out the midfield following a legendary individual tournament. In his World Cup debut, the Bayern Munich playmaker recorded seven assists, breaking Pele’s 56-year-old single-tournament assist record (6) set during the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. Forwards Stationed on the right wing, Lionel Messi delivered another heroic, timeless World Cup performance, almost single-handedly driving Argentina back to the final. The legendary captain scored eight goals and provided four assists, directly factoring into 12 of Argentina’s 19 total goals throughout their run in North America. At center forward, Erling Haaland gets the nod after a breathtaking debut campaign that yielded seven goals in just five matches, leading Norway to its first World Cup appearance in 28 years. The Manchester City superstar announced himself on the global stage with an iconic two-goal performance against Brazil in the Round of 16, propelling the Scandinavian nation into the quarterfinals for the first time in its history. Messi posted after the semifinal Rounding out the front line, Kylian Mbappe claims the final spot after taking home the World Cup Golden Boot with 10 goals and four assists. At just 27 years old, the French icon cemented his status among the game’s all-time greats, bringing his career total to an astonishing 22 World Cup goals in 22 career matches. 2026 Worl
From Barcelona to Real Madrid: Spain striker Ferran Torres is reportedly a target to join Jose Mourinho’s side
After not yet renewing his contract with Barcelona, Ferran Torres' future has been surrounded by doubts, linking him with PSG and several other clubs. However, Real Madrid are reportedly monitoring the future of the 26-year-old striker to strengthen José Mourinho's squad. Ferran Torres has become one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe. Following his outstanding performance at the 2026 World Cup, he appears open to leaving Barcelona. Without a contract renewal offer yet, PSG seemed to be his only destination. However, Real Madrid have reportedly joined the race for the 26-year-old striker, opening a new chapter that could be resolved in the coming weeks. According to L’Equipe, Real Madrid are closely monitoring Ferran Torres’ future, as they have been following him since his days at Valencia. However, they have not submitted an official offer, instead viewing him as a low-cost opportunity. With the poor relationship between Real Madrid and Barcelona, a direct transfer would be very difficult. Therefore, they could be keeping an eye on signing him as a free agent in the summer of 2027. Recognizing his importance to the team, FC Barcelona are looking to secure Ferran Torres’ contract renewal soon. However, he is reportedly unhappy with the club, as he expected to receive a new contract much earlier. As a result, the Blaugrana are open to selling him for €50 million, as he is a world-class striker whose contract expires in June 2027, reports L’Equipe. Amid interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid, Ferran Torres appears to have a preferred destination: Paris Saint-Germain. Over the past few weeks, head coach Luis Enrique has reportedly already spoken with the striker, and he has greatly appreciated the interest. In addition, they sold Gonçalo Ramos for €60 million, so they have room in the squad to accommodate his arrival. Ferran Torres #7 of Spain scores a goal vs Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final. Ferran Torres may face uncertain role under José Mourinho Ferran Torres has gone from being a heavily criticized striker to becoming Spain’s hero. After scoring the winning goal in the 2026 World Cup final, he has attracted the attention of Real Madrid. However, the 26-year-old striker may not play a leading role in head coach José Mourinho’s plans. Instead, he could be limited to a secondary role, something far less appealing compared to Barcelona or PSG. Ahead of the 2026-27 season, Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., and Jude Bellingham are expected to be the cornerstones of José Mourinho’s team. As a result, Ferran Torres would likely become a rotation player, competing with Rodrygo Goes, Brahim Díaz, and Endrick. This could significantly complicate his potential move to Real Madrid, as he is looking for a club where he can be an important starter or a frequent part of the rotation.
Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland among nominees for 2026 World Cup Goal of the Tournament
Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland are three of the twelve nominees in contention to claim the 2026 World Cup Goal of the Tournament. The 2026 World Cup belonged to the game’s biggest icons, with marquee superstars delivering unforgettable performances across North America. With the tournament now in the books, FIFA has opened voting for one of its most anticipated individual honors: the 2026 World Cup Goal of the Tournament, featuring a star-studded list headed by Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland. This expanded edition proved to be the highest-scoring tournament in FIFA history, shattering previous records with a staggering 308 goals across 104 matches. Following Sunday’s final, FIFA officially unveiled a 12-goal shortlist for fans to crown the tournament’s single finest strike. Unsurprisingly, Messi earned a nomination among his eight tournament goals, with FIFA selecting his opening-match stunner against Algeria. Back on June 16, the Argentine captain collected a crisp pass from Rodrigo De Paul in the central channel before whipping a curled, long-range laser past Luca Zidane into the top-right corner to kick off his team’s campaign in style. MESSI SCORES ARGENTINA’S FIRST GOAL OF THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP! 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/JyNwqGCaFU— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 17, 2026 Earlier that same day, Mbappe put on a shooting display of his own, capping a two-goal performance to lead France past Senegal 3-1 in their group-stage opener. Standing 32 yards out from Edouard Mendy’s goal, the Real Madrid superstar unleashed a thunderous strike that clipped the underside of the crossbar, marking his 58th career goal for Les Bleus to become his country’s all-time leading scorer. Absolute GOLAZO from Mbappé! 🇫🇷Kylian Mbappé is now France's ALL-TIME leading goalscorer pic.twitter.com/5phfectcIY— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 16, 2026 Haaland also earned a nod after authoring a legendary chapter in Norwegian soccer history. On July 5 against Brazil in the Round of 16, the physically imposing striker latched onto a delicate layoff from Andreas Schjelderup at the edge of the 18-yard box, hammering a blistering crossed shot home to seal an iconic 2-1 upset victory over the Canarinha. ERLING HAALAND IS BRILLIANT TO BAG HIS BRACE AND PUT NORWAY UP 2-0 🇳🇴 pic.twitter.com/QA4bZE5DCe— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 5, 2026 The other candidates Kerim Alajbegovic — Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Qatar (1-0), Group B, 24 June.Julian Alvarez — Argentina vs. Switzerland (2-1), 11 July.Jude Bellingham — England vs. France (4-6), 18 July.Sidny Lopes Cabral — Cabo Verde vs. Argentina (2-2), 3 July.Wilson Isidor — Haiti vs. Morocco (2-1), Group C, 24 June.Elijah Just — New Zealand vs. IR Iran (1-0), Group G, 15 June.Daizen Maeda — Japan vs. Sweden (1-0), Group F, 25 June.Eldor Shomurodov — Uzbekistan vs. Congo DR (1-0), Group K, 28 June.Ferran Torres — Spain vs. Argentina (1-0), Final, 19 July.
10-Goal Absolute Chaos: England Outlasts France as Mbappé Breaks All-Time World Cup Record
Adrian Sousa from Rabona TV breaks down the maddest match of the 2026 World Cup—a 6-4 third-place thriller where England took bronze and Kylian Mbappé made history. If the 2026 World Cup third-place playoff is traditionally viewed as a quiet consolation match, someone forgot to hand that script to England and France. In the highest-scoring tournament showcase since 1982, the two defeated European heavyweights went completely off the rails in Miami. Adrian Sousa from Rabona TV breaks down a 10-goal tactical rollercoaster that left fans completely breathless. Listen to the full matchday breakdown on Spotify to hear the complete post-match analysis. Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions looked ready to run France right out of the stadium in the first 45 minutes, storming to a commanding 4-0 lead. Declan Rice opened the floodgates with a curling strike after just 134 seconds, Ezri Konsa powered home a header from a corner, and Bukayo Saka bagged a clinical first-half brace. Yet, echoing their collapse against Argentina, the English structural discipline vanished entirely after the intermission as a rampant French squad mounted a fierce second-half fightback. The comeback charge paved the way for a legendary moment of sporting history when Kylian Mbappé fired home his second goal of the evening in the 66th minute. The clinical finish marked his 22nd career World Cup goal, officially surpassing Lionel Messi to become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history. With France suddenly pulling within a single goal and pushing inches away from an equalizer, the encounter dissolved into pure single-elimination chaos. England finally managed to stem the bleeding late when Bukayo Saka converted a high-pressure 87th-minute penalty to complete a spectacular hat-trick. Despite Ousmane Dembélé pulling another back for France in deep stoppage time, Jude Bellingham had the absolute final say by striking at the 90+8′ mark to wrap up a historic 6-4 victory. The result secures the bronze medal for England, marking their best tournament finish since 1966, while Bellingham becomes the first Englishman to score seven goals in a single World Cup. Conversely, the defensive shootout brings a historic era to a sudden close for the 2022 runners-up. The match officially marks Didier Deschamps’ final appearance on the bench, concluding a legendary 14-year tenure at the helm of national team football. The daily wrap-up tracks how the French transitional blueprint will look moving forward, alongside early tactical keys for the grand finale. You can stream the entire tactical post-mortem right now. Check out the Rabona TV World Cup Recap on Spotify to stay completely updated on the latest player statistics, match ratings, and final tournament analysis.
No Messi, no Ronaldo, no Neymar: The 2030 World Cup will have a new generation of superstars
After dominating the recent era, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar Jr. arrived at the 2026 World Cup in promising form for their final edition. Nevertheless, the three legends have been eliminated from the tournament, making it clear that there is now a new era of young stars. Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar Jr. have been the most outstanding players of the recent era. Shining with their individual performances, they amazed fans. Now veterans and no longer playing in Europe’s top leagues, they arrived at the 2026 World Cup as their last dance. After Argentina’s defeat, all three legends have been eliminated, making it clear that there is now a new era that will be dominated by young players. Argentina were top contenders, but they failed to break down Spain’s high press. During the 120 minutes, the did not managed to make a single shoot on target, being completely dominated. While Lionel Messi had a great performance in the tournament, he did not manage to lead his team to the victory. Nevertheless, he leaves behind an enormous legacy, as the one of the all-time leading goalscorers and the winner of the 2022 edition. Cristiano Ronaldo has been one of the greatest players in history. Excelling as a goalscorer, he won five Ballon d’Or awards and is closing in on the 1,000-goal mark. Despite this, he did not leave a major legacy in World Cup history, scoring only 11 goals. In addition, he was also unable to lead Portugal to a World Cup final. His legacy in soccer is historic, but he is no longer one of the leaders of the new era. Neymar Jr. left an enormous legacy with Brazil and in soccer history. After arriving in Europe at a very young age, he amazed fans at FC Barcelona with his technique. In addition, he surpassed Pelé as the national team’s all-time leading goalscorer, scoring 80 goals. Despite dealing with injuries, he arrived at the tournament hoping to shine. Nevertheless, he did not become a starter, and Brazil were eliminated, making it clear that a new era is beginning. Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, Michael Olise and Lamine Yamal. Mbappe, Haaland, Olise, Bellingham, Lamine lead World Cup’s new era Unlike previous editions, the 2026 World Cup was full of surprises, with national teams such as Egypt, Norway, and Belgium advancing to the final stages. In addition, young players have taken over the new era. After scoring 22 goals across three World Cup editions, Kylian Mbappé is the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer. In addition, he has continued to shine in European soccer, having already scored 435 goals at the age of 27. Erling Haaland led Norway to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in history. In his first edition, he scored seven goals, leaving huge mark in his first edition. Not only has he shone with his national team, but also with Manchester City, where he is the leader of the project. In addition, he has already scored 359 goals and, at just 25 years old, is on track to become one of the greatest players in history. Jude Bellingham overtook Haaland to become the third-highest scorer at the 2026 World Cup.While they were tied on seven goals, the Englishman provided one assist, giving him the edge. Having established himself as the national team’s top scorer, he has also cemented his place as a regular starter under Thomas Tuchel, putting any doubts to rest. At just 23 years old, he is set to have a legendary career. While Michael Olise did not stood out as goalscorer at the 2026 World Cup, he has excelled as the tournament’s assist leader. Contributing with 7 assists, he surpassed Brazil legend Pele as the player with more assist in a single tournament. With only 24 years old, he has established as a regular starter for France and his team, already shining in the World Cup, the UEFA Champions League, and other tournaments. Even though Lamine Yamal did not have his best performances, he remained among the most important players of Spain. With only 19 year
Top 30: from half a million World Cup photos, why I love these the most
Our picture editor chooses his favourite images from the tournament including Lionel Messi’s cathedral, that delicious diving header from Jude Bellingham and a humbling scene in GazaWhat makes a great World Cup photograph? Now there’s a question with myriad answers. Composition, newsworthiness, emotional resonance, expert timing and luck can all contribute to varying degrees. But one thing they all share is the power to capture attention.On the Guardian sport picture desk, we have received more than 500,000 World Cup photographs over the past six weeks, with so many gems among them. Here, with much applause to the photographers who created them and a slight bias towards England, are my favourite images of the tournament. Continue reading...
Neither Messi nor Mbappe: The 1958 World Cup goal record that remains unbroken
Amidst the glory and shattered expectations, one mythical scoring milestone remains stubbornly out of reach. The curtain has fallen on the 2026 World Cup, leaving behind a newly crowned champion, immortal performances, and a thrilling new chapter in the eternal clash between Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe. Yet, amidst the glory and shattered expectations, one mythical scoring milestone remains stubbornly out of reach. Standing like an ancient fortress, this decades-old record continues to defy the absolute greatest attacking titans the beautiful game has ever produced. The final between Spain and Argentina closed the curtain on one of the highest-quality World Cups in recent memory. While the spotlight naturally shifted toward the champion, the Golden Boot race, and Messi’s likely farewell on the World Cup stage, another historic achievement quietly survived yet another challenge. The answer lies with Just Fontaine, the legendary France striker whose astonishing haul of 13 goals in a single World Cup continues to stand alone nearly seven decades later. Even after an expanded 48-team tournament and more matches than ever before, nobody managed to erase the mark he established in Sweden in 1958. Fontaine’s achievement remains one of soccer’s most remarkable individual feats. He scored against Paraguay (three), Yugoslavia (two), Scotland (one), Northern Ireland (two), Brazil (one), and West Germany (four), averaging more than two goals per game across only six appearances. Ex-French international footballer Just Fontaine (C) receives the Adidas Platinum Boot award Messi and Mbappe came close, but history stood firm The 2026 tournament appeared to offer the perfect opportunity for Fontaine’s record to finally fall. Messi, Mbappe, Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, and Jude Bellingham all produced prolific campaigns, raising hopes that someone would finally rewrite soccer history. Instead, the record remained untouched after the final whistle. Mbappe finished as the tournament’s Golden Boot winner with 10 goals and four assists, while Messi concluded the World Cup with eight goals, leaving Fontaine’s incredible total safely intact. RankPlayerNational TeamGoalsAssists1.Kylian MbappeFrance1042.Lionel MessiArgentina843.Jude BellinghamEngland714.Erling HaalandNorway705.Ousmane DembeleFrance626.Harry KaneEngland61 One reason Fontaine’s accomplishment continues to amaze historians is the incredible story behind it. The French striker wasn’t even expected to start the tournament and famously ended up wearing borrowed boots after damaging his own pair during training. “I was devastated,” Fontaine once recalled in an interview with FIFA after tearing one of his boots before France’s opening match. “I thought my chance could be gone.” Fortunately for France, teammate Stephane Bruey wore the same shoe size and generously loaned Fontaine his boots. The rest quickly became soccer folklore as the striker exploded for 13 goals in just six matches, averaging a goal every 42 minutes. Record built in only one World Cup Perhaps the most astonishing detail is that Fontaine only played in one World Cup during his entire career. Unlike players such as Miroslav Klose, Ronaldo Nazario, Messi, or Mbappe, he never had multiple tournaments to build his numbers. Klose eventually became the men’s World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with 16 career goals, but those strikes came across four separate tournaments. Fontaine reached 13 goals during a single edition, making the feat even more remarkable. France striker Just Fontaine His scoring spree helped France finish third at the 1958 World Cup after victories over Paraguay, Yugoslavia, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and West Germany. The only team capable of stopping France was Pele’s Brazil in the semifinals. Why modern soccer makes the challenge even harder Many believed expanding the tournament from 32 to 48 teams would finally create the perfect conditions for someone to surpass Fontaine. In reality, the opposite may h
World Cup 2026: Spain v Argentina final buildup, security stepped up with Trump attendance – live
⚽ World Cup final starts at 3pm EST, 8pm BST, 5am AEST⚽ Player guide | Golden Boot | Follow on TikTok | Mail usWatching England against France – though, of course, defensive intensity was lower – it was still noticeable how dangerous Saka and Marcus Rashford were on the counter. Had Tuchel sent them on against Argentina soon after England scored, Lionel Scaolini’s men would’ve had to respect it and might well have feared it, forced, at the very least, to leave defenders back to mark them, while their own team would’ve had out-balls and a serious threat, meaning when they cleared their lines, it wouldn’t have simply been to face yet another attack.It find it strange that, given his team struggled for control and also to break down tight defences, Tuchel didn’t give Mainoo a single second on the pitch – and seemed to have decided as much by the Panama game, when he brought on Henderson in preference. England desperately lacked midfield balance, control, poise and craft, a problem that eventually cost them – and is the main reason I’d have given them little chance of beating Spain had they made the final. Anderson and Rice are fine players, but given Bellingham is essential, I’d want only one, with the trio completed by a more technical and cerebral type – which needn’t be Mainoo, he was just the only one in the squad. Continue reading...
All 10 goals as England triumph over France in World Cup consolation prize showdown (Video)
Declan Rice 3′ Ezri Konsa 18′ Bukayo Saka 37′ Bukayo Saka 45+1′ Halftime. Kylian Mbappe 48′ Bradley Barcola 54′ Kylian Mbappe 66′ Bukayo Saka (Pen.) 87′ Ousmane Dembele 90+6′ Jude Bellingham 90+8′ The end. A first-half rout, a spectacular comeback, two stoppage-time goals. What a game. England eventually held off France to win the bronze […] The post All 10 goals as England triumph over France in World Cup consolation prize showdown (Video) appeared first on SoccerNews.
England 2026 World Cup squad: player-by-player ratings
After the team’s third-placed finish, we rate the 24 squad members who made an appearance at the tournamentJordan Pickford Could he have done better with Enzo Fernández’s equaliser for Argentina? Jude Bellingham certainly thought so. But the man who has made more World Cup finals appearances than any other Englishman made some crucial saves, including a brilliant stop from Nicolas González in the semi-final. 7 Continue reading...