Alderweireld’s panic attacks forced him to retire
November 19 – Former Belgium international defender Toby Alderweireld has revealed that he decided to end his international career after thinking he was “going to die”.
Performance
Amorim’s Sporting Lisbon top shot-taking ranking. One League Man Utd could win?
November 15 – Manchester United-bound Ruben Amorim’s Sporting Lisbon side tops a new shot-taking ranking by the CIES Football Observatory, suggesting that the Red Devils have gained a real attacking asset by getting the Portuguese coach.
Kitman expands into Saudi Pro League with Al-Hilal deal
November 13 – Sports performance intelligence platform Kitman Labs has entered into a partnership with Saudi Pro League’s Al-Hilal, one of the country’s most decorated football clubs.
Jewel in Barca’s crown, La Masia, has production line at full capacity
November 7 – During the 2010-11 season, FC Barcelona was the greatest team in world football. Under the guidance of La Masia graduate, Pep Guardiola, and prompted by the GOAT, Lionel Messi, another product of the famed academy, the Catalans were unstoppable, but then, the production line faltered.
Yamal value rockets to €180m in young player ranking, 26 EPL players in top 100
November 6 – The CIES Football Observatory has unveiled its latest rankings of young players with the highest transfer values, with no surprises at the number one spot.
Benfica ranks as world’s best player development club
October 31 – Portugal’s Benfica has been unveiled as the world leader in player training, according to stats generated by the CIES Football Observatory.
Respect? Petulant Real Madrid snub Ballon d’Or over Rodri beating Vini Jr to top gong
October 29 – After a stellar season that saw him pick up silverware with both club and country, Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri won the men’s Ballon d’Or award on Monday but the entire occasion was overshadowed by Real Madrid boycotting the prestigious annual event in Paris.
Method in the money madness? Chelsea owners BlueCo recruitment shows skew towards youth
October 24 – Chelsea owners BlueCo are closing in on Red Bull as the kings of youth scouting, according to an age recruitment study from the CIES Football Observatory.
Coaching duo Cleber Xavier and Tite to part company
October 21 – After a 24-year-long partnership, Brazilian manager Tite and his assistant Cleber Xavier have parted ways with the latter choosing to pursue his own managerial ambitions.
EPL managers praise Tuchel but question why English system hasn’t been trusted for top job
October 18 – Premier League managers were united in their praise for Thomas Tuchel after the German’s appointment as head coach of the England national team but stressed the need for elite-level opportunities for English coaches.
Win 2026 or bust. Tuchel will be judged on one task in his new English role
October 17 – In his first press conference just hours after he was appointed England’s new manager, Thomas Tuchel said all the right things as the German won over the sceptics with an effortless blend of honesty, self-assurance and charm.
England turn to Tuchel for tilt at 2026 title
October 16 – In a left-field move that drew a collective intake of breath from commentators and fans alike, Thomas Tuchel has been appointed England manager from January 1, dashing hopes that another Englishman would follow in the footsteps of Gareth Southgate who held the job for eight years.
AI-powered scouting software Eyeball Club raises further €5m of funding
October 16 – Eyeball.Club, the newest player in the AI-powered talent scout market, has announced the successful closing of a €5 million seed round which will fuel the company’s expansion into US and Latin American markets, as well as be ploughed into developing its technology capabilities across the platform.
With Norway now in his rearview, is Bob Bradley set for a return to the MLS?
October 16 – Three weeks ago, former USMNT head coach left Norwegian side Stabaek – by mutual consent and with immediate effect. The club is currently mired in the second tier of Norwegian football and were in free-fall as well as being in danger of missing out on the promotion play-offs.
Jonas Eidevall quits Arsenal Women after poor start to season
October 15 – Jonas Eidevall has stepped down as head coach of Arsenal Women after managing just one victory in four Women’s Super League matches, worsened by a 5-2 thrashing against Bayern Munich in their opening Champions League fixture.