All posts by n8rngtd.top

NWSL sides San Diego Wave and Kansas City Current will join the World Sevens Football tournament in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in December, the organization announced. The two clubs join an Americas-focused iteration of the tournament, which now has seven teams committed to play. The debut edition of the tournament featured entirely European clubs.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  A necessary addition

  The inclusion of two NWSL teams would seem a no-brainer for an American-based event. The Current and Wave are two of the most well-regarded franchises in the league, with the former playing in a state-of-the-art new stadium, complete with celebrity backing. 

  “We are thrilled to welcome the Kansas City Current and San Diego Wave FC to our exhilarating 7v7 tournament, where they will compete against top clubs from across the Americas," CEO of W7F Sarah Cummins said in a statement. "This high-stakes competition showcases the talent and ambition fueling the women’s game today.

  "We know the fans will come out and cheer on these world-class teams as they compete for the title and a significant prize, reflecting our ongoing commitment to creating opportunities that reward excellence and elevate women’s football on the global stage."

  The first iteration of the seven a side tournament was held in Portugal in May, and drew a series of high-profile clubs from across the world. Bayern Munich were crowned champions.

Advertisement

• 'Top clubs from across the Americas'

  The Current and Wave join several highly-regarded sides, including Canada's AFC Toronto, Mexico's Club America and Tigres Femenil, Brazil's Flamengo and Colombia's Deportivo Cali. The seven sides will compete for a prize pot of $5 million, divided among the clubs – with the majority going to the winning team.

  The Current, who are currently top of the NWSL standings, expressed their excitement.

  "Our team thrives on intensity, creativity, and competition, which fit perfectly with the 7v7 style of play," assistant coach Milan Ivanovic said in a statement. "This tournament is an incredible opportunity for our players to test themselves against some of the world's best in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. The growth of women's football is accelerating globally, and events like World Sevens Football help showcase the skill and excitement that define our sport.

  "We can't wait to bring the KC Current energy to Fort Lauderdale."

• 'Not easy to navigate'

  W7F was successful in its first iteration, but faces a problem in terms of scheduling. Much like the men's game, the women's soccer schedule isn't consistent around the globe. The event this winter, then, will be held two weeks after NWSL championship, between international windows. 

  "The women's football calendar is not the easiest to navigate," Adrian Jacob, head of World Sevens Football, said. "There's a lot of overlapping and a lot of gaps there. It's trying to find those gaps where you can have more than one continent playing."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  A highly-anticipated tournament

  The second edition of the tournament is set for Dec. 5-7, just seven months after a successful debut competition. That version featured European only teams, with Bayern Munich winning the final. The organization promised "fierce competition and unforgettable moments."

  To date, it is the only small-sided women's soccer setup that allows professional clubs. 

Already thinking about 2026 targets after a chaotic summer window, Newcastle United and PIF are now reportedly eyeing a move to sign a midfield star for Eddie Howe.

Newcastle's early 2026 targets

Now that they’ve solved their striker problem with the addition of Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, Newcastle have the chance to focus on other areas of their side in 2026.

The Magpies have already felt the full effect of balancing Champions League football with domestic action, having drawn at Bournemouth just days after defeat against Barcelona, and Howe has already reiterated that the depth of his squad will play a key part throughout the campaign.

The Newcastle boss also believes that he has a “strong squad” at his disposal this time around compared to the last time that Newcastle played Champions League football. But, on paper, it’s clear that the Magpies could still do with strengthening when 2026 arrives.

On that front, adding to their midfield seems to be one of a number of targets. Whilst Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton provide an impressive foundation, there is a drop in quality beyond them that the likes of Conor Gallagher would solve.

Not Guimaraes: Howe's "incredible" star has been Newcastle's best player

This Eddie Howe signing has been one of the best buys in many years at Newcastle.

By
Angus Sinclair

Sep 23, 2025

The Magpies are reportedly keeping tabs on the Atletico Madrid midfielder ahead of a potential move. But he’s not the only former Premier League star on their radar. Reports are now suggesting that PIF could swoop in for a player that they already know well.

Newcastle eyeing Ruben Neves swoop

According to The Boot Room’s Graeme Bailey, Newcastle are now eyeing a move to sign Ruben Neves, who is keen to leave Al-Hilal amid “unfinished” business in the Premier League.

Of course, PIF already know all about the former Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder, having welcomed him to the Saudi Pro League in 2023. Now, almost three years on, they could swoop in and welcome him back to English football. It almost goes without saying that Newcastle won’t be the only side interested, however.

Bailey told TBR: “I am told that Neves thinks there is ‘unfinished’ business in England – he had a wonderful time at Molineux and he is still highly respected.

“But it is not a given that he moves back to England. A return to Portugal would be considered whilst there is strong interest in Spain and Italy too – he is not going to be short of options.”

Dubbed “incredible” by former Wolves teammate Conor Coady, Neves is still a player capable of making an impressive impact at a Champions League club in the prime of his career. For the right price, Newcastle should go all in on the Portugal international.

Lisandro Martinez is back in Manchester United training after eight months on the sidelines following a serious knee injury but Ruben Amorim has warned the defender not to rush his return to action. The Argentine centre-back was keen to face Nottingham Forest this weekend, yet Amorim has confirmed he will not feature as the Red Devils continue to manage his recovery carefully.

• Martinez returns to training after eight months injured

  Manchester United received a major fitness boost this week as Martinez returned to first-team training for the first time since February. The Argentine defender has been out of action for eight months following an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury sustained in the 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford. After undergoing a lengthy rehabilitation programme at Carrington, the 26-year-old was finally spotted back on the training pitch with his teammates on Wednesday.

  Despite his visible excitement to return, Martinez will not be part of the travelling squad to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday. Amorim revealed in his pre-match press conference that the centre-back had pleaded to be included, but was told “no” as the Red Devils continue to prioritise his long-term fitness. Martinez’s recovery marks a key milestone for the club’s defensive unit, which has been stretched at times since last season, but Amorim is adamant that the process cannot be rushed.

  The Reds are currently enjoying a fine run of form, with recent victories over Sunderland, Liverpool and Brighton propelling them up the Premier League table. A win at The City Ground could momentarily take Amorim’s side up to second place, but the United boss remains focused on easing Martinez back into action gradually to avoid any setbacks.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Amorim denies Martinez's pleas for Forest squad inclusion

  Asked about Martinez’s potential inclusion for the Forest clash, Amorim made it clear that he had to step in and slow things down: “He wants to go to this one [Forest], he isn’t going to this one. He’s going to need time.” The Portuguese coach added: “He has started training with us. Slowly, he is going to get better.”

  Amorim also highlighted the importance of Martinez’s influence around the squad, even while working his way back to full fitness: “It’s really good. He gives us that edge in every training session, that is also really good for us. The rest of the guys we have one day. I don’t know about Harry Maguire, the rest are fit.”

  The World Cup-winning defender has been out since February and underwent surgery earlier this year, making Amorim’s conservative approach both expected and necessary.

• Martinez still a ways away from full playing fitness

  Martinez’s long-awaited return to training marks a key moment in his United journey. Since joining from Ajax in 2022, the Argentine has become a fan favourite for his passion, defensive aggression and leadership qualities. He has made 91 appearances for the club, contributing three goals and helping United to lift both the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup under Erik ten Hag.

  The 26-year-old’s absence since February was deeply felt across the backline, as United often struggled with defensive consistency. During his time on the sidelines, the team Red Devils through several centre-back pairings, with Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro, each taking turns to anchor the defence. Martinez’s return to full fitness promises to restore a level of composure and aggression that United have occasionally lacked, but Amorim is acutely aware that returning too quickly could risk aggravating his knee injury.

  His rehabilitation at Carrington has been a long but steady process. After surgery on his ACL, Martinez spent months in individual recovery before gradually rejoining team drills. United’s medical team and Amorim’s staff have kept a close eye on his progress, and while his return to training has been hailed as a “significant step,” full match fitness is still some distance away.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  Martinez facing a lot of competition for starting spot

  Manchester United face a crucial run of fixtures heading into November, with Saturday’s trip to Nottingham Forest followed by a visit to Tottenham Hotspur before the international break. While fans may be eager to see Martinez back in competitive action, Amorim’s stance suggests the centre-back’s return could come only after the break. That timeline would give the Argentine ample time to build sharpness and reintegrate fully into matchday training routines.

  The competition for defensive spots is fierce, with Maguire rediscovering form and De Ligt providing valuable depth— meaning Martinez will need to prove his readiness before reclaiming a starting berth.

Tottenham return to action against Aston Villa on October 19 once this round of international fixtures ends, with Thomas Frank looking to build upon an unbeaten run which has stretched their last seven games in all competitions.

Spurs were forced to dig deep in their last outing at Elland Road, securing a 2-1 win over newly-promoted Leeds United and ending the Yorkshire side’s year-long unbeaten run at home in the league.

Player of the match, Mohammed Kudus, was once again a nightmare to deal with in the wide area and looks like the Lilywhites’ best summer signing thus far alongside Bayern Munich loanee Joao Palhinha.

Mathys Tel also staked his claim for a starting nod over fellow striker Richarlison, and he rewarded Frank’s faith with their opening goal as Dominic Solanke continues to work his way back from minor ankle surgery.

Despite concerns surrounding some of Tottenham’s performances against lesser sides, with the North Londoners stealing draws in dramatic fashion against the likes of Brighton, Wolves and Bodo/Glimt, it has been a very solid start to life for Frank overall.

14 points from seven Premier League games has Spurs sitting third in the table with the joint second-best defensive record in the top flight, and only league leaders Arsenal have conceded fewer league goals than them so far.

It is a far cry from the defensive frailties which haunted Ange Postecoglou’s version of Tottenham last season, with Frank’s new-look side displaying a real grit and resilience to see out needed results.

Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero have been vital to Tottenham’s solidarity, with pundit Jamie O’Hara even suggesting that they’re the best centre-back partnership in the world right now.

Spurs’ full-back options have also impressed for the most part, and ex-defender Sergio Reguilon would’ve certainly struggled to battle his way back into the team.

The Spaniard is now a free agent after being forced to leave the club when his contract expired in July, but according to reports, he’s now closing in on a free transfer to the MLS.

Sergio Reguilon in advanced talks to join Inter Miami after Tottenham exit

According to ESPN and other reliable media sources, Reguilon is in advanced talks to join Inter Miami as he finalises a switch to David Beckham’s MLS franchise.

The 28-year-old did attract rumoured interest from West Ham and Everton, but it is Javier Mascherano’s side that have won the race to snap up the ex-Real Madrid starlet at zero cost.

Reguilon’s five-year stint at Tottenham was a mixed bag, with the former Sevilla man spending time out on loan at Brentford and Man United during his time there.

Postecoglou could barely find a place for Reguilon, despite the odd appearance during Tottenham’s injury crisis last season, and he was still allowed to leave on a free soon after Frank’s appointment in June.

Interestingly, Tottenham’s new boss briefly worked with him at the Gtech Community Stadium and actually praised Reguilon after he put pen to paper on a move there — calling him a “proven” Premier League player and a “perfect fit” for his former side.

Manchester United star Bryan Mbeumo has revealed the inspiration behind his new goal celebration that pays tribute to legendary cartoon character Homer Simpson. In the immediate aftermath of his goals against Brighton last month, the Cameroon international teamed up with team-mate Amad Diallo for a special celebration. Now, the winger has explained why they are channelling the character from The Simpsons.

• Mbeumo settling in nicely at Man Utd

  After a long, drawn-out transfer, United finally got Brentford to yield as they accepted a £71 million ($95.5m) deal for Mbeumo in July. Much was expected of the 26-year-old, due to the sizeable fee and the fact he scored 20 goals for the Bees last season. The signs were positive at the start of the campaign, even if the Red Devils' results were not commensurate with that. And in his last four Premier League games, Mbeumo has scored three goals and bagged an assist, which has helped Ruben Amorim's team climb up into the top half of the table. And it seems he has ingratiated himself well with his United team-mates, going by how they are embracing him on and off the pitch.

Advertisement

• Mbeumo channels The Simpsons

  It turns out that Mbeumo and Amad did the 'Homer dance' celebration against Brighton. The dance features in the popular video game, Fortnite, which has increased its traction. 

  He told the club's website: "It's from a GIF from Homer Simpson. Yeah, so if you go on the GIF [section in your phone] and you put 'Homer Simpson dance', you will be able to find it. I think we've been talking about this [Amad and I], this morning with him, so let's see [about any future celebrations]."

  Incidentally, Mbeumo was voted United's Player of the Month for October, something he was delighted about but also tried to shy away from. 

  "Obviously, I'm very happy with this. But, as I always say, I think it's teamwork, and a lot of players would have deserved this as well this month, so I'm happy," he added.

• Amorim praises Mbeumo for fast start

  Mbeumo has played a big part in United's upturn in fortunes, with the Premier League giants currently on a four-match unbeaten run and just two points off second-placed Manchester City. And the Cameroonian's importance to the team, along with Amad's, is not lost on head coach Amorim. 

  Last month, he said, "He’s a working machine. He’s so good in transitions. He’s improving when we are organising the final third. The connection with Amad, it’s really hard to beat these two guys because they change position, they are really fast, they are good in one against one. My role was, as a manager, to explain what I want from him. But it was more the club. And you guys. We can struggle a lot, but it’s Manchester United. When Manchester United is there, and when we feel that this player wants to come here, no matter what, no matter what the position, no matter if it's Champions League or not, we also give everything to bring these kind of guys, and that was the case."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Big concern for Man Utd on the horizon

  While things are looking much rosier for United after picking up 10 points from a possible 12 in their last four outings, both Mbeumo and Amad will leave Amorim's squad next month for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. The tournament is scheduled to take place between December 21 to January 18, 2026, with Mbeumo set to play for Cameroon and Amad representing the Ivory Coast. That means the Red Devils will have the pair for a maximum of six games before heading off to represent their countries. Those fixtures include trips to Tottenham, Crystal Palace, and Wolves, and home encounters with Everton, West Ham, and Bournemouth. They could miss a good half a dozen games in December and January, which includes crunch ties with Newcastle United, Leeds United, Man City, and Arsenal. 

  On the duo leaving for AFCON, Amorim joked, "We will have time to suffer," before adding, "We are going to struggle a little bit, but we already knew it's going to be an opportunity. When I watch the training, there are players that should be playing. But it's hard with one game to take some players from the team, because they are also doing well during the training in games. So other players are going to have the opportunity to help us. They are understanding the way we want to play, so if we are improving on that, the change of characteristics is not going to change the idea or the momentum of the team. But let's use Amad and Bryan in these games and we will see in general."

Leeds United have now opened talks to sign a Europa League midfielder, with their first official offer set to be sent in a matter of weeks.

Leeds looking to strengthen in midfield amid downturn in form

While they still remain outside the Premier League relegation zone, Leeds’ form has gone downhill in recent weeks, most recently suffering a 2-0 defeat away against Burnley, which could prove to be a real six-pointer at the end of the season.

Speaking after the match, manager Daniel Farke claimed the result was “tough to take”, given that the Whites were the better team on the balance of play, with Brenden Aaronson hitting the woodwork, while Jack Harrison, Lukas Nmecha and Jayden Bogle also missed big chances.

Ultimately, however, it is a results business, and Farke’s side now find themselves just three points clear of 18th-placed Nottingham Forest, with the Clarets also closing the gap to just one point courtesy of their victory on Saturday.

It is still a little early to panic, considering the Elland Road outfit remain outside the bottom three, but Farke may have one eye on the January transfer window, and it has now been revealed that a new midfielder is of interest.

That is according to a report from Africa Foot (via Sport Witness), which reveals Leeds have now opened talks over a deal for Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Issouf Sissokho, who has emerged as a target for the January window.

The Whites plan to send their first official offer within a matter of weeks, given that talks with Sissokho’s entourage are progressing nicely, although it is unclear what sort of fee the Israeli side will demand to sanction a departure.

A verbal agreement with the Malian could soon be reached, with a winter move on the cards, and there are signs he could be a fantastic acquisition for the west Yorkshire outfit.

Pass-master Sissokho could be fantastic signing

The Maccabi Tel Aviv maestro is particularly impressive in possession of the ball, placing in the 99th percentile for his pass completion rate per 90 over the past year, when compared to other midfielders, having averaged 93.2%.

The defensive midfielder has also gained experience at a high level, having made ten Europa League appearances during his time with Maccabi Tel Aviv, and the 23-year-old was particularly impressive against Greek side PAOK at the end of September.

£90,000-a-week Leeds player who started vs Burnley could leave in January

The Whites could be set to reshuffle one area of their squad.

1

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Oct 19, 2025

Indeed, the Mali international put in a solid display in a holding midfield role to help his side pick up a clean sheet, recording a 100% pass completion rate, while also completing four defensive actions.

Leeds have been left a little light on options in central midfield at times this season, with Ao Tanaka and Ethan Ampadu spending time on the sidelines, so it could make sense to bring in another option, and Sissokho has proven he could be a solid addition.

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has clarified whether he will be joining the cast of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here contestants in 2025. The ex-England international saw his wife Coleen star on that show last year, with her stock soaring after a runner-up finish, and it has been suggested that Wayne could tread a similar path to the Australian jungle.

• Packed schedule: Why Rooney has never appeared on I'm A Celeb

  Rooney has never previously been in a position to accept an offer from ITV due to his commitments in professional football. After representing the likes of United and Everton as a player, he moved into coaching with Derby when retiring in 2021. He has since spent time in the dugout with D.C. United, Birmingham and Plymouth.

  He was calling the shots at Home Park when Coleen headed Down Under in 2024 – leaving him watching on from afar as she was subjected to Bushtucker Trials. Rooney left that role in December 2024 and has since returned to punditry duty with Match of the Day and Amazon Prime.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  Angryginge & Aitch: Rooney would have fun in Australian jungle

  He could now be lured to Oz, having seen what his wife had to go through, with close friends Angryginge and Aitch reported to be among the contestants being lined up for an I’m A Celeb stint in 2025. Rooney is, however, adamant that he will not be heading to New South Wales on this occasion.

  Speaking on , he said of potentially joining YouTube star and passionate United fan Angryginge in the jungle: “I spoke to him last night and he was still in England so I don't know if he is… No, Ginge is a great lad and I've seen who's linked as well, so if he is in there I'm sure he'll be really entertaining. If he's in it and Aitch is in it as well, I'm gutted that I didn't go in because I think the three of us could have been real fun in there.

  “I'd be all right with the food situation, but I get bored and some of the challenges, you know, the snakes and there was one a few years ago with the big ostrich. I wouldn't like that. I love the show and obviously Coleen was in it last year and maybe at some point but not this year, unfortunately.”

• Would Rooney like to appear on I'm A Celeb?

  Rooney has previously said of stepping out of his comfort zone and into the world of reality TV: “Definitely not Strictly! I can’t dance. But, no, (I’m A Celebrity) is something I would never say no to, of course.

  “I think I said on the after show when Coleen was in the jungle, that was the one we’ve always watched and the one we both said if there was anything we’d do it’d be that. So, you never know in the future, but I’ve got other things I’m looking at at the minute.”

  Coleen is benefitting from her time in Australia, having won a new legion of followers, with one of the most famous WAGs in English football now considered to boast greater marketing appeal than her legendary husband.

  Celebrity and PR expert Chad Teixeira has told : “If she continues to play her cards right, the next five years could see her earning up to £40 million across various ventures. She’s no longer just ‘Wayne Rooney’s wife’ – she’s a brand in her own right.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty/GOAL
  

  Punditry & Disney documentary: Rooney's immediate future

  That rise to prominence has allowed the Rooneys to sign a reported £10m ($13m) deal with Disney+ for an ‘At Home With’ documentary series. Wayne will be stepping in front of the cameras there, with an insider telling : “They could be bigger than not just the Beckhams, but the Kardashians. Obviously, Wayne’s work as a manager hasn’t gone as they’d have hoped, but they’re seeing this as a new chapter. There’s been so many rumours and so much drama around them, they’re going to set the record straight on a few things too.”

  With that production still to come, and match coverage duty to contend with during the current Premier League campaign and 2026 World Cup, it looks like being at least 12 months before Wayne considers a bid to better Coleen’s efforts on I’m A Celeb.

Oakland Athletics president Dave Kaval announced Friday that he's resigning from his position with the franchise to pursue other business opportunities in California.

Kaval, who played a big part of the franchise's planned relocation to Las Vegas, has served as the franchise's president for the last eight years. Sandy Dean will take the role of interim president, continuing her work with the A's since John Fisher bought the franchise in 2005.

"We are grateful for Dave's contributions and leadership over the past eight years," Fisher said in a statement. "He guided our organization through a period of significant transition, and we sincerely thank him for his unwavering commitment from the team.

"As we look ahead to the next chapter of our franchise, the team will continue to grow under new leadership, driving the organization toward success during our interim years in West Sacramento and at our new home in Las Vegas."

Fisher was the lead point of contact in 2021 when the A's first began looking at Las Vegas as a relocation market. The A's will play at least the next three seasons in Sacramento as they wait for construction of their proposed Las Vegas ballpark to begin.

A proud part of Arsenal’s DNA has long been their development and promotion of young academy talents.

This has been especially true over the last few years, with the emergence of players like Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly and, of course, Bukayo Saka.

The latest player who seems ready to make the leap from the youth sides to regular senior football is Max Dowman.

However, the talented 15-year-old certainly won’t be the last, and there is already one youngster making waves in the academy who could soon find himself in the first team.

Dowman's rapid rise to stardom at Arsenal

Even before this season, Arsenal fans have been at least somewhat aware of Dowman.

After all, respected talent scout Jacek Kulig boldly proclaimed him as the “most exciting prospect” he had seen “since Lamine Yamal.”

That might sound absurd, but over the course of last season, the youngster ended up scoring 19 times and providing five assists in just 23 appearances, totalling 1945 minutes, for the youth sides.

That comes out to a sensational average of 1.04 goal involvements per match, or one every 81.04 minutes, made all the more astonishing by the fact he was playing for the u18s and even the u21s.

With performances like that in age groups well above his own, it wasn’t much of a surprise to see the Chelmsford-born dynamo included in the first team’s pre-season tour.

The 15-year-old made his debut against Newcastle United, and in the words of analyst Ben Mattinson, spent his short cameo “humiliating Premier League players.”

His competitive debut came at home to Leeds United in the Premier League, and then he became the youngest player to ever start a game for the club against Brighton & Hove Albion in the League Cup.

The superstar in the making then broke another record in the Champions League a week later, and was described as “a miracle player” by Slavia Prague defender David Zima.

In all, it certainly seems like Dowman is destined to reach the top of the game with Arsenal, although he might be joined by another academy gem this season.

Hale End's next superstar

It’s been a good season for Hale End this year, as on top of Dowman, Andre Harriman-Annous has also been given his full competitive debut by Mikel Arteta.

It could get even better, though, as there is another youngster in the system, who, like the record-breaker, could find himself becoming more involved with the senior side as the campaign goes on: Ife Ibrahim.

The 17-year-old has been with the club since May 2016, and while he started out as a striker, he has since moved back down the pitch, into defensive midfield.

However, he’s not limited to just one position, as the highly rated youngster has also played at right-back, in central midfield, and even as a centre-back.

It’s no surprise that he has been used in the defence before, as even though he’s still so young, the versatile prospect is huge and towers above some of the first team in pictures taken of the time he trained with them. It is no wonder that analyst Harvey Diamonds said that he has a “languid frame like [Patrick] Vieira and [Abou] Diaby.”

Don’t let his size and physicality fool you, though; the Hale Ender is no slouch on the ball.

In fact, academy expert Will Balsam described him as someone who makes everything look so “effortless.” Moreover, this and his height mean “he eats up space, recovers the ball, and glides past players with ease.”

He has also made an impression on U23 scout Antonio Mango, who has described him as “composed, technically talented in possession and calculated out of possession.”

Overall, while he plays in a totally different position to Dowman, Ibrahim sounds like the sort of Hale End product who could come in and have a serious impact on the first team soon enough.

Zubimendi upgrade: Arsenal chasing "the best CM in the world" for £114m

The incredible international could already be a significant upgrade on Zubimendi for Arsenal.

1

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Nov 11, 2025

Former Real Madrid and Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele has stepped down from the Miss Universe judging panel just days before the event in Thailand amid allegations that the competition is rigged. The ex-France international was named as a judge for the event last month as he swapped the football pitch for the runway, but has now decided to quit the position.

• Getty Images Entertainment
  

  Makelele was 'special guest judge' at Miss Universe 2025

  It's not uncommon for the Miss Universe pageant to invite special guests as judges, with Aerosmith lead vocalist Steven Tyler and supermodel Adriana Lima among those to have previously featured on the panel. The committee looked to Chelsea icon Makelele for the 2025 edition, with the former midfielder praised for his "excellence and integrity" when his inclusion was confirmed.

  Miss Universe is due to be judged in Thailand on Friday, with the winner enjoying a £190,000-a-year salary for the year-long reign, while they have access to an upmarket New York apartment. In addition, international expenses are covered during their time as Miss Universe, with Denmark's Victoria Theilvig claiming the accolade last year.

  However, in the lead up to the event, Makelele has opted to step down from the judges' panel, due to "unforeseen personal circumstances".

Advertisement

• Makelele explains 'difficult decision' to step down

  In a post on his official Instagram account, Makelele said: "It is with regret that I must announce that I won’t be able to attend the Miss Universe 2025 event due to unforeseen personal reasons.

  "This was a difficult decision, as I hold Miss Universe in the highest regard. The platform represents empowerment, diversity, and excellence – values I have always championed throughout my career.

  "I sincerely apologise to the organisation, the contestants, and everyone involved, and I hope to be able to contribute in the future under better circumstances. Thank you for your understanding and support."

  Makelele isn't the first high profile member of the judges panel to step down from the role in the days leading up to the 2025 event after Omar Harfouch quit his position, accusing organisers of rigging the selection process.

  The Lebanese-French musician took to Instagram to allege that an "impromptu jury" had pre-selected finalists ahead of the competition.

• Makelele not the only judge to call it quits

  Makelele's post came shortly after another juror, Omar Harfouch, resigned from the panel. The Lebanese-French musician branded the competition a “charade” and alleged that an “impromptu jury” had pre-selected finalists.

  Harfouch posted on social media: "I, Omar Harfouch, resigning member of Miss Universe International Jury, wish to inform the public that I have officially consulted one of the leading law firms in New York to examine the potential filing of a formal complaint before the Office of the Attorney General against the Miss Universe Organization.

  "The issues under review include, but are not limited to: fraud, abuse of power, corruption, deception, breach of contract, conflict of interest, and emotional and reputational damages.

  "It has come to light that a secret and illegitimate vote was held to determine the Top 30 contestants before the arrival of the official jury.

  "This vote was conducted by individuals who are not recognized members of the official judging panel, including at least one person with a *personal romantic relationship with a contestant* — a fact which constitutes a clear and serious *conflict of interest* and may qualify as *collusion* and *manipulation of an international competition*."

  The resignations come just two weeks after a number of contestants had walked out of a pre-pageant event following comments made by an official from Thailand.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Post-football career hasn't quite hit the heights

  Makelele didn't disclose the reasoning behind his decision to step down from his position on the Miss Universe 2025 judges panel. The former midfielder enjoyed a glittering playing career, that took him from Spain to England, and back to France in 2008 before retiring in 2011.

  During his time as a player, the Frenchman won La Liga, the Premier League and the Champions League, among other trophies. In addition, Makelele finished as a runner up for France at the 2006 World Cup, a tournament won by Italy with the final best-remembered for Zinedine Zidane's infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi in the iconic Frenchman's last ever game.

  Makelele's managerial career, however, has failed to live up to expectations. Indeed, the 52-year-old briefly managed Bastia and Asteras Tripolis, with an 18-month stint as Eupen boss sandwiched between his time in France and Greece.