Real Madrid & Barcelona News

‘The perfect moment’ – Tearful Alexia Putellas opens up on decision to leave Barcelona

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 27: Alexia Putellas of FC Barcelona lifts the UEFA Womens Champions League Trophy during the press conference at Spotify Camp Nou on May 27, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. Two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas has announced she will leave Barcelona after 14 years. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images) | Getty Images Alexia Putellas said her goodbyes to Barcelona on Wednesday in a special event organised by the club to pay tribute to a true club legend. The 32-year-old spoke about her decision to say goodbye to the club and made it clear how difficult it will be for her to walk away from the Catalan giants. Yet Alexia also admitted that it’s the perfect time to go after a season where the club have won an historic quadruple. “Yesterday was a very emotional day, actually, I’d say the whole season has been, when I considered whether it would be my last,” he sad. “Yesterday I felt a huge emptiness and today I’m filled with love. There’s no single moment when you feel it’s time to leave. There are many shades of gray; it’s the most important decision of my life. What I felt was that continuing could obscure this path. When I lifted the fourth Champions League trophy, I saw that it was the perfect moment to say goodbye. “I made a promise that today I would lay myself bare. This is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I felt I could contribute, but you can’t normalize all of this. I told my grandmother that it’s not normal to live with this level of pressure for 14 years, that we are privileged. “If I had to imagine a perfect ending, this would be it. I’ve given it my all. After the fourth Champions League title … I felt it was the perfect moment. “I couldn’t see myself doing anything other than giving 100%. The team will continue. I know them and I know they will keep winning,” she said, explaining the reasons for the change in her career path. Alexia has yet to announce her next move but readily admitted that no matter where she goes, she will always be a culer: “My story will always be with Barça. It has been a privilege.”

Which football club has had the fewest sponsor logos on their shirt? | The Knowledge

Plus: biggest points deficit before a shock, worst-performing managers that helped win a title and keepers on corners Mail us with your all of your questions and answers “Which club has had the fewest sponsor logos adorn their shirts?” asks Bob Krag. “My guess is Arsenal, who have only had four (JVC, Dreamcast/Sega, O2 and Emirates). Even Barcelona, who eschewed shirt sponsorship for many years, have had more.” Let’s start with a club who supplied Barcelona with the supernatural talents of Romário and Ronaldo in the 1990s. “PSV Eindhoven have had only three sponsors: Philips (from 1982, when shirt sponsorship was allowed in the Netherlands, to 2016), EnergieDirect (2016-2019) and Brainport Eindhoven (2019-),” writes Stephan Wijnen. Continue reading...

Barcelona given green light to host Champions League final at Spotify Camp Nou

It has been 27 years since Barcelona last hosted the Champions League final, when Manchester United won 2-1 against Bayern Munich in 1999 at the now-named Spotify Camp Nou, but that streak could come to an end sooner rather than later. In recent weeks, Barcelona bosses have been drawing up plans to launch a bid […] The post Barcelona given green light to host Champions League final at Spotify Camp Nou appeared first on Football España.

Ballon d'Or winner Putellas to leave Barca as London City Lionesses make offer

Barcelona have confirmed captain Alexia Putellas is leaving the club amid strong interest from London City Lionesses this summer.

Ballon d'Or winner Putellas to leave Barcelona and set to join London City Lionesses

Barcelona have confirmed captain Alexia Putellas is leaving the club and is set to join London City Lionesses this summer.

London City pursuing Putellas after Barca exit

Two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas has announced she is leaving Barcelona after 14 years, with London City Lionesses in pursuit.

Barcelona confirm Alexia Putellas departure at the end of the season

Photo by Judit Cartiel - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images Barcelona confirmed on Tuesday that club captain and women’s football icon Alexia Putellas will leave the club at the end of the season after 14 years in the Catalan capital. Un llegat. Una icona. Una capitana. Eterna Alexia. 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/h2335k2gns — FC Barcelona Femení (@FCBfemeni) May 26, 2026 There had been much speculation about Alexia’s future in recent weeks and her departure is now confirmed, with the captain set to say an official goodbye in a ceremony at the club on Wednesday. Alexia leaves as the club’s record scorer with 232 goals in over 500 appearances and with a staggering 38 trophies won including 4 Champions Leagues and 10 league titles. She’s also a two-time Ballon d’Or winner and World Cup and twice Nations League champion with Spain, and is undoubtedly the greatest female player of all-time. Alexia’s legacy goes beyond her goals, assists and trophies: she put Barça Femení on the map, and the Blaugrana’s dominance this decade with Alexia as the team’s leader and captain has helped grow the success and popularity of women’s football. There will never be another Alexia Putellas. Farewell, Queen.

An absolute bargain? Barcelona target Jan Virgili’s release clause drops after Mallorca’s relegation

GETAFE, SPAIN - MAY 13: Jan Virgili of RCD Mallorca gestures during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Getafe CF and RCD Mallorca at Coliseum Alfonso Perez on May 13, 2026 in Getafe, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) | Getty Images Jan Virigili has been linked with a return to Barcelona throughout this season as the Catalans search for a new left winger for next season. The former Barcelona player made 31 appearances for Mallorca this season in La Liga, scoring twice and grabbing four assists. However, his future in once again in the spotlight after Mallorca’s relegation. According to Diario Sport, the team’s drop down the divisions means his release clause has reduced from €30m to just €12 million. If you add in the fact that Barcelona also have 40% of a future sale and the right of first refusal, it means that Virgili could potentially be snapped up for just €7m. The change in circumstances may well prove tempting for Barca as they seek to strengthen their squad. The Catalans are reportedly ready to spend big on a striker but are also thought to want a winger and a defender in time for the new campaign.

Joan Garcia has been worth every single penny for Barcelona and deserves his World Cup call-up

Let’s not beat about the bush. Joan Garcia is right up there with Barcelona’s players of the season. Moving from arch-rivals Espanyol isn’t for the faint of heart, and the cacophony of boos and abuse that he received on his return to the RCDE Stadium showed the depth of feeling towards him amongst the Periquitos. At only 25 years of age, he is already the consummate Barca custodian. Commanding in his box, brave and decisive when he needs to be – even if it means taking out his own players in the process – astonishingly good with his feet, and brilliant in one-on-one situations. Think about it… How often during the 2025/26 campaign did you say to yourself when the opposition was bearing down on his goal, ‘I’m not worried, Joan will save it,‘ or something to that effect? 𝐉𝐨𝐚𝐧 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐚 🔒 pic.twitter.com/6hyGtMAKbU — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_cat) January 25, 2026 If the supporters think that, and I believe that most genuinely do, then think how confident his back four are in him. That’s a priceless commodity to have as a goalkeeper. Marc-Andre ter Stegen lost that edge for whatever reason, and whilst he will almost certainly have been bruised by his treatment at the club, he can’t have any complaints as to the reasoning. Given just how well Joan Garcia has done throughout his debut campaign with the Blaugranes, it’s astonishing that he isn’t the Spanish No.1, too. An incredible 147 saves made with a 72.9% success rate is truly elite level, not to mention the 72 times that he acted as a sweeper keeper with a perfect 100% success rate, or the winning back of possession on 110 separate occasions. Then there are the punches, clearances and headed clearances to factor in, as well as the astonishing 88.04% pass completion thanks to 1,126 of 1,279 total passes finding their target. For passes made in his own half, Garcia’s numbers go up to an almost perfect 95.9%, whilst only a handful of players have made more than his 1,533 possessional passes during the 25/26 campaign. At this point in time there’s arguably little weakness to his game, and to come in and hit the ground running in the way that he has shows great confidence in his own ability. The Zamora Trophy was well deserved. Having the mental strength to walk into a club as big as Barcelona and essentially puff out his chest and not be cowed by the responsibility of wearing the shirt, or the demands of his position more generally, takes bravery and guts. What a bargain!

Barcelona Marc Bernal to join Spain training camp before World Cup 2026

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 17: Marc Bernal of FC Barcelona during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona v Real Betis at the Camp Nou on May 17, 2026 in Barcelona Spain (Photo by David Ramirez/Soccrates/Getty Images) | Getty Images Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal missd out on a place in Spain’s World Cup 2026 squad but will be part of a ‘back-up’ list. Spain boss Luis de la Fuente announced his squad on Monday, with eight Barcelona players getting the nod for the tournament. Bernal just misses out but will join the squad in Spain to train in the build-up to the tournament. He’s on a list along with Javi Rodríguez, Jesús Rodríguez, Leo Román, Gonzalo García, Sergio Gómez, Jon Martín, Beñat Turrientes and Javi Guerra. These nine players will be training with us and backing the team right through until the game against Iraq in A Coruña.#VamosEspaña | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/kjAxQhgRz2 — Spanish Football (@SpainIsFootball) May 25, 2026 The players will stay with the team until their first friendly before the tournament starts against Iraq on June 4th. La Roja are due to kick off their preparations at Las Rozas and will play Iraq in A Coruna before jetting across the Atlantic for a final friendly against Peru in Mexico. The move should prove some consolation for Bernal who had been hoping for a call-up but hasn’t made the list this time around.

‘We’ll take risks if necessary’ – Spain boss offers Lamine Yamal update after Barcelona star named in World Cup 2026 squad

Lamine Yamal of Spain during the international friendly match between Spain and Egypt prior to the FIFA World Cup, at RCD Stadium on March 31, 2026, in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has offered an update on Lamine Yamal after naming the Barcelona teenager in his squad for World Cup 2026. Yamal is currently out with a hamstring injury but is expected to be fit in time for the start of the tournament, although there has been talk he may not play in Spain’s opening game as a precautionary measure. De la Fuente was asked for an update after his naming the squad and provided the following answer. “We won’t rush any process. The dates and the report we have indicate that everyone will be available for either the first or second match,” he told reporters. “We won’t take any risks, but if players want to take risks, it’s at a World Cup. We’ll take some risks if necessary. We have to win every match. If they don’t play, it’s because I don’t think they should play.” Barcelona will certainly be hoping that no risks are taken with Yamal in case he does suffer a relapse of his hamstring injury.

Lamine Yamal reveals Gavi’s incredible reaction to World Cup call-up after injury nightmare at Barcelona

Gavi central midfield of Barcelona and Spain and Lamine Yamal right winger of Barcelona and Spain celebrates the goal of his team during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol de Barcelona at Spotify Camp Nou on April 11, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images Lamine Yama and Gavi have both been named in Spain’s World Cup 2026 squad along with Barcelona team-mates Pedri, Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, Pau Cubarsi, Joan Garcia and Eric Garcia. The call-up marks a great end to the season for Gavi who missed a large chunk of the campaign due to a serious knee injury that required surgery. It’s been a long way back to full fitness for the combative midfielder but he’s impressed since returning to the Barca team and has now been handed a dream World Cup call-up. Yamal was with Gavi when the squad was announced and showed just how much it meant to his team-mate to be selected by Luis de la Fuente. @AccessYamal pic.twitter.com/tRHccUWTr1 — AccessYamal Media (@laminefilez) May 25, 2026 The Spain boss is a big fan of the midfielder and had hinted at a call-up before making his squad announcement on Monday. Gavi will now be hoping he can make an impact at the tournament, with Spain bidding to lift the World Cup trophy for the first time since 2010.

Eight Barcelona stars in Spain’s World Cup 2026 squad as Gavi, Joan Garcia and Eric Garcia make list

BERLIN, GERMANY - JULY 14: Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana #19 of Spain celebrates the victory with Pablo Martin Paez Gavira #20 of Spain after the UEFA EURO 2024 final match between Spain and England at Olympiastadion on July 14, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Zhizhao Wu/Getty Images) | Getty Images Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has named his squad for World Cup 2026 and has included a host Barcelona players on his list. The big news is that Gavi has been given the nod after returning to full fitness with Barcelona, Joan Garcia is also included after a brilliant season and Eric Garcia’s fine form for the Catalans has also been rewarded. Here are the 26 players selected: Goalkeepers: Unai Simon, David Raya, Joan Garcia Defenders: Marc Cucurella, Alejandro Grimaldo, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Pubill, Eric Garcia, Marcos Llorente, Pedro Porro Midfielders: Pedri, Fabian Ruiz, Martin Zubimendi, Gavi, Rodri, Alex Baena, Mike Merino. Forwards: Mikel Oyarzabal, Dani Olmo, Nico Williams, Yeremy Pino, Ferran Torres, Borja Iglesias, Victor Munoz and Lamine Yamal Spain are due to play two friendlies before the World Cup starts against Iraq and Peru and will then kick-off their tournament on June 15th against Cape Verde in Atlanta. La Roja then go on to play Saudi Arabia on June 21st in Atlanta and finish off their group campaign against Uruguay in Guadalajara on June 26th. Yamal is expected to potentially miss the team’s first two games, as he works his way back from a hamstring injury, and make his first appearance of the competition against Uruguay. What do you think of Spain’s World Cup 2026 squad and how far will they go this summer? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Relegation the inevitable outcome of West Ham’s relentless executive failure | Barney Ronay

Once-proud club has forgotten what it was trying to be after years of mismanagement in a shopping centre annexe If you’re going to die, die with your boots on. Belatedly and pointlessly on. But on all the same. It felt deeply fitting that West Ham should show some fight on the final day of the Premier League season, but that relegation should still be confirmed by events elsewhere, any pleasure at a 3-0 defeat of Leeds rendered irrelevant by Tottenham’s win at home against Everton, as West Ham’s season flopped like an ailing dog in the mid-summer heat. There was at least some joy at the London Stadium, a reminder that joy is both the only thing that actually matters here, and also the precise polar opposite of the football-club-shaped blob that West Ham’s ownership has created. When Jarrod Bowen scored West Ham’s second goal on 78 minutes, charging past a Leeds defence already ranged about the place on sun loungers flicking through the latest Sally Rooney, there was a brief glimpse of some other West Ham, some other reality, a lost place of greater care and competence, other hands on the wheel. Continue reading...

Barcelona stars Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres share the Zarra Trophy for 2025-26 season

BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 11: Ferran Torres of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team's first goal with Lamine Yamal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol de Barcelona at Spotify Camp Nou on April 11, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) | Getty Images La Liga’s 2025-26 season is officially over which means individual awards are now being handed out to some of the division’s best players. Barcelona have already been crowned champions again, while Joan Garcia has won the Zamora Trophy given to the goalkeeper with the lowest goals-to-games ratio. Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres have also been handed an award, taking home the Zarra Trophy as the top Spanish goalscorers in La Liga. Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres will share the 2025/26 Zarra Trophy, awarded to the top national goalscorer in La Liga. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/XDljhvGuLt — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 24, 2026 Torres ended the campaign with 16 goals from 33 La Liga outings, while Yamal finished with the same amount of goals from 28 appearances in the Spanish top flight. The Barcelona stars ended the season just above Real Sociedad forward Mikel Oyarzabal (15) and Celta Vigo’s Borja Iglesias (14) as the top Spanish scorers in La Liga. Both Ferran and Yamal will now shortly head to the World Cup with Spain and will be eyeing more silverware. Luis de la Fuente’s side are one of the big favorites for glory at this summer’s tournament.

FC Barcelona News: 24 May 2026; Barça lose to Valencia on La Liga finale, Barça Femení win fourth Women’s Champions League title

Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images Valencia 3-1 FC Barcelona: Defeat at the Mestalla stadium – FC Barcelona Flick’s side end the season with a loss, but Lewandowski scores in his final appearance for the Blaugranes. Christensen returns after 158 days out – FC Barcelona Danish center-back plays at the Mestalla stadium after returning from injury. Barça 4-0 OL Lyonnes: European Champions! – FC Barcelona Braces by Pajor and Salma, plus superb saves by Cata Coll help the Blaugranes claim their fourth WCL title to make it four in the last six years. Fourth Champions League title in six seasons – FC Barcelona Oslo is Blaugrana as Pere Romeu’s team take victory in the final against OL Lyonnes to claim the trophy. Ewa Pajor’s two goals win her Player of the Match award – FC Barcelona The Polish striker scores the first two of Barça’s four goals in the Champions League final win over OL Lyonnes. Pere Romeu: ‘We’ve had a brilliant season’ – FC Barcelona Coach expresses his pride in the squad after winning the Champions League in Oslo. European Champions to celebrate Champions League win with fans in Barcelona on Sunday – FC Barcelona The FC Barcelona’s women’s first team will celebrate winning yet another Champions League this Sunday, starting at 7pm CET together with the fans at Avinguda Maria Cristina in the city of Barcelona. It will be a celebration to share this latest success for a team that continues to make history and establish itself as a model team both on and off the pitch. Flick: “I want 100% commitment from everyone” – Mundo Deportivo The German coach stated that “next season will be tougher and I have that hunger, I want everyone to have it and be at 100%.” Frenkie de Jong: “We want more next year” – Mundo Deportivo The Barça midfielder analyzed the end of the season, highlighted the strength of the squad despite the injuries, and set the goal of taking another step forward next season. Gerard Martín: “I hadn’t played center-back before, but I felt comfortable” – Mundo Deportivo The Barcelona defender gave a positive assessment of the season, both individually and collectively. Alexia keeps her future a secret after conquering Europe: “You’ll see” – Mundo Deportivo The Barça captain was overcome with emotion after lifting the fourth Champions League trophy in history, hinting at her possible departure and highlighting the strength of a team that “always responds” in difficult times. Aitana Bonmatí: “Mentality is the best thing we have” – Mundo Deportivo The three-time Ballon d’Or winner came off in the last twenty minutes of the Champions League final after a season marked by a serious injury. Salma Paralluelo, star of the show with two goals: “We worked all season for a day like today” – Mundo Deportivo The Barcelona forwards were key to securing the Champions League final victory against OL Lyonnes.

Gerard Martin rates his season with Barcelona after switching position

Valencia's Spanish midfielder # 11 Luis Rioja fights for the ball with Barcelona's Spanish defender #18 Gerard Martin during the Spanish league football match between Valencia CF and FC Barcelona at Mestalla Stadium in Valencia on May 23, 2026. (Photo by JOSE JORDAN / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images Gerard Martin has reflected on his excellent season with Barcelona which has seen him shift over to center-back and impress in the heart of the backline. The 24-year-old has come in for plenty of criticism in the past but has shone this season after moving into a central role. Martin says he’s happy with how he’s played for Hansi Flick’s side. “I think I’ve had a very good season. I started as a full-back, then I moved to center-back, a position I hadn’t played before, but I’ve felt very comfortable there. I think I’ve competed at the level that Barcelona demands,” he said after Barcelona’s final game of the season against Valencia. “At a collective level, the same, we came from winning three titles, which is not easy at all, and this year we have had some bad knockout rounds, but in the League we have been very good and we also won the Super Cup.” Martin also spoke about the blow to the head he took to his head against Valencia. The defender needed stitches but was able to continue. “The kick hurt at first. I felt pain, but later I noticed blood. They treated me, put stitches in, and then I was able to go back and play,“ he added. Martin is now hoping for a World Cup call up with Spain. Luis de la Fuente will announce his squad on Monday.

Valencia vs Barcelona, La Liga: Final Score 3-1, Robert Lewandowski scores farewell goal as Barça lose season finale

Photo by JOSE JORDAN / AFP via Getty Images Barcelona’s season has officially come to an end as the Catalans suffered a 3-1 defeat to Valencia at Mestalla on Saturday night’s La Liga finale. The back-to-back champions had nothing to play for but still took the lead thanks to Robert Lewandowski’s last goal for the club, but Valencia completed a furious comeback at home to finally end a run of humiliating losses against the Blaugrana. Reactions & Observations Valencia were determined to avoid another humiliating loss to Barça and came out with plenty of energy and intensity, pressing high up the pitch to force mistakes and create chances. The home team had several good moments early on, and missed a few strong opportunities to take the lead. Barça didn’t have much to play for and it showed as their performance was disjointed and lacking true invention up front. Ferran Torres is always motivated against his former club and was Barça’s most active player on the pitch, but the best chance of the half fell to Robert Lewandowski who headed a corner-kick against the post just before halftime. The game was goalless at the break, and Barça were lucky to not be losing to a Valencia side that outplayed and outworked them in the first half. Valencia continued to apply pressure to begin the final period but were punished by Barça’s departing legend, as Lewandowski deflected a shot from Ferran into the net to score the 120th and final goal of his amazing Blaugrana career and put the Catalans ahead. But Valencia answered quickly thanks to an error by young Xavi Espart, who came on at halftime but gave the ball away to Javi Guerra who fired it home and equalized for the hosts shortly after the hour mark. Then Luis Rioja gave them the lead five minutes later, and Valencia completed the comeback to send the crowd into a frenzy. Barça tried to pull off a late equalizer and Andreas Christensen had two huge chances denied by Stole Dimitrievski saves, and Guido Rodríguez scored from the edge of the box shortly before the final whistle came to end Barça’s season on a losing note. The result and the game mean nothing, and drawing conclusions from a dead rubber on Matchday 38 less than three weeks from the World Cup is silly. Barça’s season is still great despite the loss on the finale. Well done, boys!

Barcelona thrash Lyon to win Champions League

Barcelona secure their fourth Champions League title in six seasons as Ewa Pajor and Salma Paralluelo each score twice to thrash Lyon in the final in Oslo.

Pajor’s brilliance delivers Women’s Champions League victory for Barcelona against Lyonnes

Five times the bridesmaid, finally the bride, the Barcelona forward Ewa Pajor shrugged off the pain of all her Champions League final losses, scoring twice, as they punished a profligate Lyonnes to earn a fourth European title. Pajor stole the show, before Salma Paralluelo’s sublime double at the death doubled their tally. The Polish forward moved two goals clear of Alessia Russo’s nine to secure this season’s golden boot, but it was the trophy with sweeping ribbon-like handles that was all Pajor coveted. Continue reading...

Barcelona Femení complete historic second Quadruple with 4-0 win over Lyon in Women’s Champions League Final

Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP via Getty Images Barcelona continue to rewrite women’s football history as the Blaugrana have claimed a second Quadruple in three years thanks to a 4-0 win against OL Lyonnes in Saturday’s Women’s Champions League Final in Oslo, Norway. After a very even first half the Catalans established their superiority in the final period, and Ewa Pajor and Salma Paralluelo shined with two goals each to give the Catalans a fourth Champions League title in six years as they remain the most dominant side in the sport. EL PÒQUER JA ÉS AQUÍ!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/vo6uqFfogu — FC Barcelona Femení (@FCBfemeni) May 23, 2026 The opening 45 minutes were very even with both teams having strong moments and trading big chances against each other. Lyon had the lead early on but Lindsey Heaps’ goal was disallowed for offside, and Selma Bacha’s free-kick required a sensational save from Cata Coll later in the half. Barça also had two massive chances of their own but Ewa Pajor was uncharacteristically wasteful by her very high standards, and neither team could find the net in the opening period despite some really good football from both sides. If the story of Barça’s first half was Ewa Pajor’s wastefulness, the story of the second was her scoring brilliance: the Pole fired a beautiful low shot into the bottom corner after an assist by Patri Guijarro 10 minutes into the period, then tapped home an assist by Salma Paralluelo with 20 minutes to go to finish off a perfect counter-attack and give Barça a monster two-goal lead to put the Blaugrana in a great position to win the title. Lyon desperately tried to find their way back in the contest and Cata Coll made a monster save one-on-one with Tabitha Chawinga, but that turned out to be their last chance and there was time for a spectacular ending for Barça: Paralluelo fired a sensational strike from outside the box into the top corner to make it 3-0 and seal the win and the title, and scored another on the counter to turn the win into an absolute dream. The final whistle came to end a perfect evening for Barça, who were absolutely fantastic in the second half and deservedly beat their biggest European nemesis. Ewa Pajor finally has a Champions League title, and Alexia Putellas may very well have played her last game for Barça and ends her career in glorious fashion. Well done, ladies!

Barcelona thrash Lyon to become European champions LIVE!

Barcelona 4-0 OL Lyonnes: Women’s Champions League final – live reaction

⚽️ 5pm BST kick-off at Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo ⚽️ Charlton seal WSL promotion | Email Will 4 mins: Pajor barges into the back of Bacha to give away a free-kick. Barcelona are yet to string two passes together. Continue reading...

Valencia vs Barcelona live stream: Lineups, Kickoff time, TV channel, How to watch La Liga online

BARCELONA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 14: Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona scores his team's fifth goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Valencia CF at Estadi Johan Cruyff on September 14, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) | Getty Images WELCOME TO MESTALLA!!! The beautiful home of Valencia is the site of the final La Liga match of the season for the hosts and Barcelona, as the back-to-back champions look to end the season a high against a team they’ve dominated in the last two seasons under Hansi Flick. This should be fun, and you’re welcome to join us to follow and comment all the action. Vamos! LINEUPS BARCELONA Starting XI: Szczesny; Eric, Araujo, Martín, Balde; Gavi, Bernal; Rashford, Olmo, Ferran; Lewandowski (4-2-3-1) Substitutes: Joan (GK), Kochen (GK), Cubarsí, Christensen, Cortés, Espart, Cancelo, De Jong, Pedri, Tommy, Casadó, Roony VALENCIA Starting XI: TBA Substitutes: TBA MATCH INFO Competition/Round: 2025-26 La Liga, Matchday 38 Date/Time: Saturday, May 23, 2026, 9pm CET/WAT (Barcelona), 8pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 3pm ET, 12pm PT (USA), 12.30am IST (India, Sunday) Venue: Estadio de Mestalla, Valencia, Spain Referee: Adrián Cordero Vega VAR: José Antonio López Conde HOW TO WATCH On TV: Not Available (USA & Spain), Premier Sports 2 (UK), SuperSport (Nigeria), others Online: ESPN+ (USA), Premier Sports Player (UK), FanCode (India), DAZN (Spain), others Matchday Thread Rules We don’t have a lot of rules here, but there are a few things to keep in mind when joining our matchday threads: Even if the referee sucks or we lose the game, watch the swearing. It’s just unnecessary. Also, don’t discuss illegal streaming links. Those who do it will be warned, and those who post links will be instantly banned. Finally, be nice to each other. This is a Barcelona community and we don’t need to offend one another. Have fun with the game! Forever and ever, no matter the competition, VISCA EL BARÇA!

Barcelona and Lyon face off in Women’s Champions League Final for the ages

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 03: Alexia Putellas of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring her team's second goal during the UEFA Women's Champions League 2025/26 Semi-Final Second Leg match between FC Barcelona and FC Bayern München at Nou Camp on May 03, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Juanma - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) | UEFA via Getty Images FC Barcelona Femení and OL Lyonnes face off in Oslo tonight for the UEFA Women’s Champions League title, a blockbuster final defined by two of the best teams in Europe – and a managerial swap. Former Barça boss Jonatan Giráldez is now leading the French champions, while his former assistant, Pere Romeu, looks to secure a domestic treble for the Catalan giants in his first season in charge. “I see a team that is more mature than last season,” Romeu said ahead of the match, adding that his squad possesses a greater ability to alter tactics mid-game compared to the side that fell to Arsenal in last year’s final. That was then, this is now. Now the student faces off against his former master, in a game that sees the two titans of women’s football square off. It’s not just the two coaches that share history. The two clubs have met three times in the Champions League final before. Lyon were dominant in 2019 (winning 4-1) and 2022 (winning 3-1). But Barça roared back with a 2-0 victory in Bilbao two years ago. In the buildup, Alexia Putellas brushed off the idea that history will dictate the present. “We can’t compare seasons and we can’t compare finals,” the two-time Ballon d’Or winner insisted. Stylistically, this is a clash of polar opposites. Barcelona want to suffocate teams with possession and relentless passing, while Lyon lean into aggressive, high-pressing transitions. The way to beat the Catalans, analysts say, is to pack the midfield. Not that many teams have accomplished it this season. In fact, Barcelona have only lost one match – against Real Sociedad. But they have two draws in Europe, one each against Chelsea and Bayern Munich. In those matches, opponents found joy by deploying five-man blocks to deny central space, forcing Barça wide. In fact, Bayern managed to make the blaugrana attempt 28 open-play crosses in their semifinal first leg, which was their highest mark all season. Another question mark for Barcelona is the availability of Aitana Bonmatí. The midfielder has been building up strength after a five-month layoff with a broken leg, but she hasn’t played a full 90 minutes since November. Romeu mentioned she is improving daily, but she’s likely to be on the bench. Immense pressure falls on Patri Guijarro to control the tempo in her absence. On the bright side, Caroline Graham Hansen and Irene Paredes both trained normally in Oslo after recent fitness scares. Pushing full-backs high can leave Barcelona exposed on the counter, a vulnerability Lyon’s flying midfielder Melchie Dumornay is perfectly equipped to punish. But if executed properly, the high press can leave Lyon without oxygen. Barcelona’s beautiful fluid football can leave the other side dizzy. Players making quick passes and moving in and out of spaces, alternating positions… it can be a joy to watch. Lyon will certainly have their hands full. With that combination of pressing, passing, movement, and also, set piece efficiency, Barça just secured another domestic treble by brushing aside Atlético de Madrid 3-1 in the Copa de la Reina. Lyon are chasing their own domestic treble next week. They will be looking to re-establish their legacy as the queens of Europe. That reputation used to put fear into other teams. That may no longer be the case. Barcelona goalkeeper Cata Coll said that Lyon’s fear factor was removed when they beat the eight-time champions two years ago. But Lyon remain fiercely hungry. Midfielder Lily Yohannes told UEFA that the group possesses an intense desire after a three-year European drought. As the squad prepared to leave their hotel, they were met with a legendary reminder. Emblazoned for the players to see before boarding the team bus was Johan Cruyff’s iconic phrase: “Go out and enjoy.”

FC Barcelona announce squad for La Liga season finale against Valencia

Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images The next Barcelona match is upon us! The La Liga champions play their final game of the season against Real Betis at Mestalla, and Hansi Flick has called up the following 23 players for Saturday’s clash: Goalkeepers: 13. Joan Garcia, 25. Wojciech Szczesny, 31. Diego Kochen Defenders: 2. João Cancelo, 3. Alejandro Balde, 4. Ronald Araujo, 5. Pau Cubarsí, 15. Andreas Christensen, 18. Gerard Martín, 24. Eric Garcia, 36. Álvaro Cortés, 42. Xavi Espart Midfielders: 6. Gavi, 8. Pedri, 17. Marc Casadó, 20. Dani Olmo, 21. Frenkie de Jong, 22. Marc Bernal, 43. Tommy Marqués Forwards: 7. Ferran Torres, 9. Robert Lewandowski, 14. Marcus Rashford, 19. Roony Bardghji Barça will be without Fermín López for the season finale with a foot injury that will also sideline him for the World Cup, and he joins Lamine Yamal (hamstring) on the absentee list for this one. Raphinha and Jules Kounde also don’t travel to make sure they are fit for the World Cup, but there are good news as Frenkie de Jong and Ferran Torres return after missing out last week. Predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1): Joan; Eric, Cubarsí, Martín, Cancelo; De Jong, Pedri; Roony, Olmo, Gavi; Ferran The match kicks off at 9pm CET/WAT (Barcelona), 8pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 3pm ET, 12pm PT (USA), 12.30am IST (India, Sunday), and you can join us to follow and comment all the action. VISCA EL BARÇA!

Valencia vs Barcelona, La Liga: Team News, Match Preview

Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images Valencia CF (9th, 46pts) vs FC Barcelona (CHAMPIONS, 94pts) Competition/Round: 2025-26 La Liga, Matchday 38 Barcelona Outs & Doubts: Lamine Yamal, Fermín López (out), Jules Kounde (doubt) Valencia Outs & Doubts: José Copete, José Gayà, Lucas Beltrán, Renzo Saravia, Eray Cömert, Dimitri Foulquier (out) Barcelona Form Guide: WWWLW Valencia Form Guide: WLWDW Date/Time: Saturday, May 23, 2026, 9pm CET/WAT (Barcelona), 8pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 3pm ET, 12pm PT (USA), 12.30am IST (India, Sunday) Venue: Estadio de Mestalla, Valencia, Spain Referee: Adrián Cordero Vega VAR: José Antonio López Conde How to watch on TV: Not Available (USA & Spain), Premier Sports 2 (UK), SuperSport (Nigeria), others How to watch online: ESPN+ (USA), Premier Sports Player (UK), FanCode (India), DAZN (Spain), others Following a fun win against Real Betis in the last home game of the campaign last week, Barcelona return to action for the last time in the 2025-26 season as the back-to-back champions of La Liga face Valencia at Mestalla on Saturday Night Fútbol. The final weekend of the league season has nine games kicking off at the same time on Saturday, and every single match has huge implications in what promises to be a wild two hours that will decide relegation and the final spots in European competition next season. Valencia still have a slim chance of getting into Europe but achieved their main goal of avoiding the drop last week with an absolutely insane 4-3 victory against Real Sociedad when Los Che came back from 3-2 down with 10 men and scored a 94th minute winner at Anoeta to seal survival in dramatic fashion. They essentially have nothing to play for against a Barça side that are also just happy to be here, so both teams will play pressure-free football on Saturday in front of what is always a great crowd. But Valencia have another motivating factor for this one: end a humiliating run of results against Barça. Since Hansi Flick took over last summer, the Catalans have won all four games against Valencia by a combined score of 20-2, including 7-1, 5-0 and 6-0 wins in the last three. Valencia have had no answers for Flick’s attacking machine so far and will be hungry to finally stop the Catalans from destroying them, and pulling off an upset at home would be a nice way to wrap up a tough season for a proud club. Barça on the other hand truly have nothing to play for as they can’t get to 100 points and the goal of finishing the season with a historic perfect home record was achieved last week, so this one is all about breaking a sweat, avoiding injuries so close to the World Cup, and having some fun against a team they’ve dominated recently. Another great season for Hansi Flick’s Barça will come to an end. Enjoy it one last time. Let’s dance. POSSIBLE LINEUPS Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Joan; Eric, Cubarsí, Martín, Cancelo; De Jong, Pedri; Raphinha, Olmo, Gavi; Ferran Valencia (4-4-2): Dmitrievski; Correia, Tárrega, Núñez, Vázquez; Rioja, Ugrinic, Rodríguez, López; Guerra, Duro PREDICTION Barça are very comfortable against Valencia but will face an opponent hungry to finally end a run of very bad defeats, so this could be a lot of fun and full of goals despite the lack of stakes: 4-2 Barça.

Barça and OL Lyonnes a clash of styles in Women’s Champions League final

Barcelona’s former coach Jonatan Giráldez can bring insider knowledge to a fourth final between the European giants You could be forgiven for having a sense of deja vu before a fourth Champions League final between the Spanish champions, Barcelona, and French title-winners, OL Lyonnes, on Saturday evening. The three-time champions and eight-time champions played each other in the final of Europe’s premier competition three times in six years between 2019 and 2024, with Lyonnes earning a 4-1 win over the Catalan giants in 2019 and a 3-1 win in 2022, before Barcelona delivered a 2-0 defeat of the French side in 2024. Continue reading...

Barcelona lose key staff member as Hansi Flick confirms Thiago Alcantara exit

Barcelona bid farewell to Robert Lewandowski last weekend, and this Saturday they will also see two members of their coaching staff depart. After uncertainty over his future, it seems that Thiago Alcantara will leave the club this summer. The 35-year-old began Hansi Flick’s first preseason as part of the coaching staff, working to aid the […] The post Barcelona lose key staff member as Hansi Flick confirms Thiago Alcantara exit appeared first on Football España.

Pep Guardiola’s perpetual revolutions have changed face of English football | Jonathan Wilson

Departing Manchester City manager has left huge imprint but equally stands alone in his willingness to adapt When Pep Guardiola arrived in English football in the summer of 2016, there was a degree of scepticism. The quality of the football produced by his Barcelona had been extraordinary – and it’s perhaps difficult now, 18 years on, to remember the impact that side had when they first emerged, how incomprehensible the focus on passing and the manipulation of space seemed. But his Bayern Munich had not won the Champions League and it was reasonable enough to ask whether that very precise, technically accomplished style would be as effective amid the hurly-burly of an English winter as it had been in Spain and Germany. Continue reading...

How will Barcelona line up against Valencia in the La Liga season finale?

Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images The back-to-back champions of La Liga finish the season on the road as Barcelona travel to Mestalla to face Valencia looking to end the campaign on a high note. Here’s how we think Hansi Flick will line up his troops for Saturday’s battle: Defense Barça had a full week to rest and recover after the home win against Real Betis and the players who are going to the World Cup will have some time off while the European competitions wrap up next week, so we are expecting a strong lineup from Flick in this one. We think the coach will go with his favorite back four combination as of late, with Eric Garcia ahead of Jules Kounde at right-back, Pau Cubarsí alongside Gerard Martín at center-back, and João Cancelo facing one of his former clubs at left-back. Midfield Fermín López received some brutal injury news as he’s out of the World Cup with a broken foot, so Barça will be without one of their best players for this one as well. We are expecting Dani Olmo to return to the side in Fermín’s spot, and we think Frenkie de Jong and Pedri will finally reunite as a double pivot to give the Dutchman extended minutes as he builds up his fitness for the World Cup. Attack Marcus Rashford didn’t play due to a minor injury last week and is unlikely to start this one to make sure of his place in the England squad for the World Cup, so we think Gavi will start on the left wing with Raphinha on the right and Ferran Torres facing his former club and leading the line after Robert Lewandowski’s farewell last week. Possible XI: Joan; Eric, Cubarsí, Martín, Cancelo; De Jong, Pedri; Raphinha, Olmo, Gavi; Ferran (4-2-3-1) How do you think Barcelona should line up against Valencia? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and teams in the comments below!

‘I’m not making any plans for summer yet’ – Barcelona’s Marc Bernal hoping for World Cup call-up

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 17: Marc Bernal of FC Barcelona during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona v Real Betis at the Camp Nou on May 17, 2026 in Barcelona Spain (Photo by David Ramirez/Soccrates/Getty Images) | Getty Images Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal says he is hoping to be included in Luis de la Fuente’s Spain squad for World Cup 2026. De la Fuente will announce his squad on Monday and Bernal has his fingers crossed after making an impressive return from injury this season. “I would like to go there. Representing a country is the best thing for a footballer,” he told Catalunya Radio. “I’m not ruling myself out yet. For now, I’m not making any plans for the summer until the final list comes out on Monday.” De la Fuente has confirmed he will call up 26 players and there could be a few surprises on his list. The Spain boss is expected to include a host of Barca stars but will be without Fermin Lopez after he underwent surgery on a fractured metatarsal this week. Do you think Bernal will make the Spain squad? Tell us what you think in the comments below!

‘Lesson that will serve me well’ – Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsi says he’s learned from his red card against Atletico

BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 08: Referee Istvan Kovacs shows a red card to Pau Cubarsi of FC Barcelona following a VAR review after a challenge on Giuliano Simeone of Atletico de Madrid (not pictured) during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final First Leg match between FC Barcelona and Club Atlético de Madrid at Camp Nou on April 08, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) | UEFA via Getty Images Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi has been talking about his red card against Atletico Madrid this season and says it’s an experience that he will learn from. Cubarsi saw red in the Champions League defeat to Diego Simeone’s side in April and was quick to take responsibility after the 2-0 first-leg defeat. The defender admits he could have done better and will learn from the game. “There’s always a way to do better, even playing with an advanced defense, but these are things that happen and in milliseconds you have to decide what to do or not; it’s a lesson that will serve me well in the future,” he told Marca. “I’m 19 years old and I have a long way to go, but I need to keep accumulating experience and that will help me over time to try to take on a leadership role, because the defender, after the goalkeeper, sees the whole field and it’s important to improve in that area.” Cubarsi was also asked about Alvaro Cortes, after Hansi Flick handed the defender a debut against Alaves, and had plenty of praise for his team-mate. “Cortés is a guy who’s a little older than me, he’s spectacular and he’s the captain of the reserve team. If he keeps up this intensity and character, he could do very well in the world of football,” he added. Cortes will be hoping for more chances from Hansi Flick in the future and has already made it clear he’d love to stay at the club and following Cubarsi into the first team.

Barcelona star issues scathing response to recent speculation – “All those rumours…”

Over the last few months, much has been said regarding the situation of Barcelona and Sweden winger Roony Bardghji. The 20-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Spotify Camp Nou this summer, with that speculation coming amid confirmation that he will not appear at the 2026 World Cup. Bardghji was a surprise […] The post Barcelona star issues scathing response to recent speculation – “All those rumours…” appeared first on Football España.

Andy Robertson: ‘It was easy to fall in love with Liverpool – I’m fortunate Liverpool fell in love with me’

As he prepares to say farewell to the club, the veteran left-back considers the highs – and tragic lows – of a stellar career at Anfield There was the Barcelona comeback on the night he ruffled Lionel Messi’s hair, the Champions League triumph in Madrid, winning Liverpool’s first league title in 30 years and pressing five Manchester City players in one career-defining run at Anfield when 4-1 up. But the best feeling Andy Robertson experienced at Liverpool was “climbing the mountain” with Jürgen Klopp’s all-conquering team. Nobody climbed higher or harder. The boy who was rejected by Celtic at 15 and tweeted: “Life at this age is rubbish with no money” after his debut for Queen’s Park aged 18 became the man many consider to be Liverpool’s finest left-back, and arguably the best in the world at his peak. With 377 fiercely committed appearances in a Liverpool shirt behind him, Robertson will say goodbye on Sunday. The 32-year-old Scotland captain leaves “with no regrets, no bitterness” and “glad that one of our Egyptian friends might take a bit more of the limelight. I can just sneak underneath that.” Continue reading...

Hansi Flick to request addition to Barcelona staff to address ongoing player concerns

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is set to request another addition to their coaching staff this summer, following a season that has been hampered by injuries. The Catalan side made a change to their fitness last summer that has not paid off. In the summer of 2024, Barcelona revamped their fitness and physio teams, bringing in […] The post Hansi Flick to request addition to Barcelona staff to address ongoing player concerns appeared first on Football España.

‘Off the charts’ – Eric Garcia on his link-up with Lamine Yamal at Barcelona

Eric Garcia centre-back of Barcelona and Spain and Lamine Yamal right winger of Barcelona and Spain during the warm-up before the La Liga EA Sports match between Rayo Vallecano de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Estadio de Vallecas on August 31, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images Eric Garcia has been talking about what it’s like to play at right-back for Barcelona and how he links up with Lamine Yamal. The versatile Spain star has featured in a range of positions under Hansi Flick this season and has been used in central defence, right-back and in midfield. Reports have suggested that Flick will use Eric primarily as a right-back next season, and he’s detailed how he works with Yamal when the two are in the starting XI together. “If Lamine has a one-on-one with the defender, I will hardly go up because I know he will dribble past him and do his thing. But when he is double or even triple marked, which has happened a lot this season, then I need to go there to add a new layer to the attack,” he told The Athletic. “Since the first day we played together, we got along really well. I always try to adapt to him. If I’m the right-back, I try to have a quick chat with him before the game to know what he wants from me — if he prefers me overlapping, underlapping, if I have to wait behind him… whatever he senses is best. “Because, besides his skill and dribbling, Lamine’s decision-making is off the charts. He has the intelligence to see what’s best in every game, so all I can do is adapt and try to help him shine. In training, he does things sometimes you really can’t believe.” The right-back position will be one to watch next season. Jules Kounde has struggled for his best form this season and may face a battle with Eric for his starting sport.

Hansi Flick to lose member of Barcelona staff amid doubts over Thiago Alcantara future

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is bracing himself for at least one loss to his coaching staff this summer, with a possible second to follow. While much of his focus in the coming weeks will likely be on the recruitment of players, the German manager will also have to look into adding to his staff. Last […] The post Hansi Flick to lose member of Barcelona staff amid doubts over Thiago Alcantara future appeared first on Football España.

‘A very difficult time for me’ – Barcelona star Fermin Lopez sends after undergoing surgery

Fermin Lopez plays during the match between FC Barcelona and Real Betis Balompie, corresponding to week 37 of LaLiga EA Sports, at the Spotify Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain, on May 17, 2026. (Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images Barcelona star Fermin Lopez has sent out a message from his hospital bed after undergoing surgery on a fractured metatarsal. The midfielder sustained the injury in Sunday’s win over Real Betis and is now set for a spell on the sidelines. Lopez will also miss World Cup 2026 with Spain and says it’s a cruel blow. “The operation went very well, and now I’m already starting to think about coming back stronger, both physically and mentally,” he wrote on Instagram. “Life and football are tough when you don’t expect it, or even when you don’t deserve it. But you have to accept that it’s all part of the journey. View this post on Instagram “This is a very difficult time for me, a new challenge in my career that I will overcome, without a doubt. Now, it’s time to support the national team and my teammates from home. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone for your support. Let’s wish Fermin a swift recovery and hope he’s ready to go in time for next season.

‘High pressing for 90 minutes is difficult’ – Eric Garcia reveals the ‘solution that made us better’ after defeat to Atletico

Eric Garcia of FC Barcelona reacts to an Atletico de Madrid goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final second leg match between Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, Spain, on April 14. (Photo by Guillermo Martinez/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images Barcelona have enjoyed a successful season by winning La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup but did suffer disappointment in the Champions League and Copa del Rey. Atletico Madrid knocked Barcelona out of both competitions and Eric Garcia has revealed what the team learnt from the painful 4-0 defeat to Diego Simeone’s side in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final. “After those games, I think we learnt how to read games better,” he told The Athletic. “There’s moments when the opponents have the ball, and you are tired after four, five or six consecutive presses, so you better hold it a bit and find your balance. We had meetings with the team, talking everything through, and found a solution that has made us better. “We have been more solid since. In the Champions League quarter-finals, we did not lose against Atletico because of pressing badly. It’s something in which we have improved and evolved, and I think it can be the path to follow to go to the next level. “High-pressing for 90 minutes is very difficult, and now we know there are moments when, if we don’t have the right legs or positioning on the pitch, you possibly take a step back, read the room and decide when to jump and press again. This is what Paris Saint-Germain did in the return leg of the Champions League semi-finals against Bayern Munich. When they could, they went pressing man-to-man. When they couldn’t, they waited deeper.” Barcelona will go again next season with Hansi Flick having already warned his players they will have to “work harder” next year as they aim to bring more silverware back to Camp Nou.

The 100 best male footballers in the world 2025

Ousmane Dembélé becomes our seventh winner as he beats Lamine Yamal into second and Vitinha into third on our list of the best players on the planet Premier League dominates list | How every judge voted | Our methodology | The top 100 female players for 2025 2024 edition | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 Continue reading...

Aitana Bonmatí makes Guardian top 100 history with third title in a row

The margin may have got smaller but the brilliant Spanish midfielder makes it a hat-trick of No 1 finishes They say the best things come in threes, and Aitana Bonmatí has written herself into the Guardian’s top 100 history as the first player to finish at the top of the tree for a third consecutive year. Last year the majestic midfielder emulated her Barcelona and Spain teammate Alexia Putellas by winning for a second year running, but the 27-year-old has now gone one better, establishing herself once again at the top of the women’s game. Continue reading...