Gilberto Mora has become the youngest player to score for the Mexican National Team, adding another record to a remarkable rise that has attracted attention from Barcelona and Real Madrid.

The 17-year-old scored Mexico’s only goal in a friendly against Colombia this week. Mora drove into the penalty area, cut inside to wrong-foot two defenders and finished past the goalkeeper at the near post.

His goal saw him surpass the previous record held by Manuel Rosas, who was 18 years, 3 months and 2 days old when he scored for Mexico. Rosas’ mark had stood since the 1930 World Cup.

Mora has now set several historic milestones for his country. He is also Mexico’s youngest debutant, the youngest player in football history to win a senior international title after helping Mexico claim the 2025 Gold Cup, and the youngest Mexican to appear at a World Cup.

His progress has reportedly been monitored by Barcelona and Real Madrid for a number of months following his impressive debut at the 2026 World Cup. Mundo Deportivo reported earlier this month that both Spanish clubs were following the teenager’s development.

Reports suggest playing for Real Madrid is Mora’s dream. However, Premier League clubs Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal are also said to be prepared to make a bid.

Mora is currently with Club Tijuana and remains under contract until 2029. He has scored five goals in the league so far this season, making him Tijuana’s leading scorer.

With interest growing from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, the next question is whether Barcelona or Real Madrid will make a formal move for the teenager.

Gilberto Mora has become the youngest player to score for the Mexican National Team, adding another record to a remarkable rise that has attracted attention from Barcelona and Real Madrid.

The 17-year-old scored Mexico’s only goal in a friendly against Colombia this week. Mora drove into the penalty area, cut inside to wrong-foot two defenders and finished past the goalkeeper at the near post.

His goal saw him surpass the previous record held by Manuel Rosas, who was 18 years, 3 months and 2 days old when he scored for Mexico. Rosas’ mark had stood since the 1930 World Cup.

Mora has now set several historic milestones for his country. He is also Mexico’s youngest debutant, the youngest player in football history to win a senior international title after helping Mexico claim the 2025 Gold Cup, and the youngest Mexican to appear at a World Cup.

His progress has reportedly been monitored by Barcelona and Real Madrid for a number of months following his impressive debut at the 2026 World Cup. Mundo Deportivo reported earlier this month that both Spanish clubs were following the teenager’s development.

Reports suggest playing for Real Madrid is Mora’s dream. However, Premier League clubs Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal are also said to be prepared to make a bid.

Mora is currently with Club Tijuana and remains under contract until 2029. He has scored five goals in the league so far this season, making him Tijuana’s leading scorer.

With interest growing from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, the next question is whether Barcelona or Real Madrid will make a formal move for the teenager.

Gilberto Mora has become the youngest player to score for the Mexican National Team, adding another record to a remarkable rise that has attracted attention from Barcelona and Real Madrid.

The 17-year-old scored Mexico’s only goal in a friendly against Colombia this week. Mora drove into the penalty area, cut inside to wrong-foot two defenders and finished past the goalkeeper at the near post.

His goal saw him surpass the previous record held by Manuel Rosas, who was 18 years, 3 months and 2 days old when he scored for Mexico. Rosas’ mark had stood since the 1930 World Cup.

Mora has now set several historic milestones for his country. He is also Mexico’s youngest debutant, the youngest player in football history to win a senior international title after helping Mexico claim the 2025 Gold Cup, and the youngest Mexican to appear at a World Cup.

His progress has reportedly been monitored by Barcelona and Real Madrid for a number of months following his impressive debut at the 2026 World Cup. Mundo Deportivo reported earlier this month that both Spanish clubs were following the teenager’s development.

Reports suggest playing for Real Madrid is Mora’s dream. However, Premier League clubs Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal are also said to be prepared to make a bid.

Mora is currently with Club Tijuana and remains under contract until 2029. He has scored five goals in the league so far this season, making him Tijuana’s leading scorer.

With interest growing from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, the next question is whether Barcelona or Real Madrid will make a formal move for the teenager.

Lamine Yamal scored inside two minutes and produced a standout display as Spain beat England at Wembley, marking his return to the scoresheet for his country after a lengthy wait.

The Rocafonda winger had not scored for Spain since their second World Cup match against Saudi Arabia in Atlanta, but he needed only 120 seconds in London to make an immediate impact.

England attempted to build from the back when Marc Guehi received possession. Yamal pressed the defender, won the ball and then found the far corner with a low finish beyond James Trafford to put Spain 1-0 ahead.

The 19-year-old Barcelona player remained a constant threat for the rest of the match. His contribution extended beyond his attacking play, with Yamal also working hard to regain possession for Spain.

On one occasion, he won the ball back before Rodri produced a superb pass which Ferran Torres narrowly failed to turn into a second goal. Yamal later delighted the 90,000 spectators at Wembley with a backheel that almost released Dani Olmo.

His all-round performance earned him a Flashscore rating of 8.5.

Yamal said after the match that Spain manager’s demands for an aggressive press had played a key role in the opening goal.

“The manager puts a lot of pressure on us to press,” he told reporters in London. “I always say I want to help the team; sometimes I switch off, but sometimes I win the ball, find myself one-on-one and can score.”

The winger also explained how Spain approach matches when they do not have control of possession. Speaking to Teledeporte, he said the team were comfortable responding quickly once the ball was won back, even if they did not necessarily prefer to defend without it.

“It’s not that we feel comfortable, but we don’t mind the opposition having the ball,” Yamal said. “We’re quick, we don’t mind playing on the counterattack. You have to understand your role in each game and make the most of it.”

He acknowledged the difficulty of securing a result at Wembley, while stressing Spain’s determination not to be on the losing side.

“You can always lose, but we try not to be the ones who do,” he added. “It’s a very difficult stadium.”

Roy Keane has challenged Anthony Gordon to take the next step in his development after the Barcelona winger scored England’s equaliser against World Cup champions Spain.

Gordon finished well on Saturday night to cancel out the opening goal from Barcelona team-mate Lamine Yamal. The goal extended an impressive run of form for the 25-year-old, who has settled quickly since moving to Spain.

The winger joined FC Barcelona from Newcastle in summer 2026 on a five-year contract worth around £60M. Under manager Hansi Flick, he has made six La Liga appearances and provided four assists.

Flick has been relying on Gordon to create opportunities for the likes of Raphinha and Lamine Yamal in attack, and the England international has responded with a series of influential performances.

His latest display against Spain was another indication of his growing confidence, but former Manchester United midfielder Keane believes Gordon must produce consistently at the highest level if he is to fulfil his potential with England.

“Anthony Gordon is certainly full of confidence,” Keane stated. “He is maturing, and his confidence must be sky-high. He was excellent tonight.

“What defines you as a top player, is your end product. The talent is all there, but he has to become a main man as a player.”

Keane’s comments acknowledge Gordon’s progress while placing emphasis on the responsibility that comes with becoming an established leading player. Despite scoring a well-taken equaliser, Gordon was told that contributing more regularly in decisive moments will be central to his continued development.

Overall, the performance against Spain was sharp and decisive, reinforcing the progress Gordon has made since his move to Barcelona. He is continuing to develop under both Flick at club level and Thomas Tuchel with England.

That improvement has increased expectations surrounding Gordon’s future for both Barcelona and the Three Lions. His ability to provide assists as well as finish chances has made him an important part of the attacking plans being built around him.

England’s next fixtures are against the Czech Republic and Croatia. Gordon is expected to feature again in those matches, although Tuchel could rotate his side.

Thomas Tuchel says England needed Jarell Quansah’s pace and defensive intelligence after selecting the Bayer Leverkusen player ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back.

Quansah started in the 3-2 defeat by Spain at Wembley on Saturday night, with Alexander-Arnold left out of the side despite his experience with England and Real Madrid.

The decision was one of several significant selections made by Tuchel for his first England match since the team’s victory over France in the 2026 World Cup third-place play-off. James Trafford was also preferred to Jordan Pickford in goal.

Quansah’s inclusion initially raised questions, but the 23-year-old produced a performance that satisfied his manager, who explained why he had chosen him over Alexander-Arnold.

“We needed Jarell Quansah’s speed and ability to think as a central defender (in a three as Guehi moved into midfield),” journalist Henry Winter quoted Tuchel as saying.

“He (Quansah) was top class at the World Cup, he was top class in training this week, he was excellent in this game.”

Quansah was employed on the right side of England’s defence as Marc Guehi moved into midfield. His pace and understanding of playing as a central defender were viewed by Tuchel as important qualities for the system England used against the European and world champions.

The defender’s display was not without shortcomings. He misplaced possession 12 times, lost four of his seven duels and failed with both of his attempted dribbles.

However, he won all three of his tackles, giving him a 100% success rate in that area, and helped restrict Spain winger Nico Williams during the match. His contribution could strengthen his case to remain in the starting line-up.

Alexander-Arnold was also overlooked for the World Cup, and Saturday’s decision means he has yet to regain a regular place under Tuchel. England’s next fixtures could provide an opportunity for the Real Madrid player, particularly with the manager expected to rotate his squad.

England play the Czech Republic next before facing Croatia. Those matches will show whether Tuchel continues with Quansah at right-back or gives Alexander-Arnold the chance to compete for the position.

Kylian Mbappe has been diagnosed with a hyperextension of the posterior capsule in his left knee, Real Madrid have confirmed, although the France captain could be fit to face Barcelona later this month.

The forward sustained the injury while playing for France in Friday’s 1-0 victory over Turkey. He was withdrawn shortly after scoring the only goal of the match.

Real Madrid announced the diagnosis on Saturday following examinations by the club’s medical department.

“Following tests carried out today by Real Madrid's medical department on our player Kylian Mbappe, he has been diagnosed with a hyperextension of the posterior capsule of his left knee,” the Spanish club said in a statement.

New France coach Zinedine Zidane said Mbappe would not feature in the national team’s next three Nations League fixtures over the coming 10 days.

“We are not going to take any risks,” Zidane said.

France are due to travel to Belgium on Monday before hosting Italy and Belgium at the Stade de France on 2 October and 5 October respectively.

Mbappe’s club return could come against Villarreal on 10 October when LaLiga resumes, although that match may arrive too soon for him to play.

Spanish daily AS reported on Saturday that the forward is expected to be available for Real Madrid’s Clasico against Barcelona on 25 October.

Marseille defender Derek Cornelius is expected to be out for about three months after sustaining a hip injury while representing Canada on international duty.

The 28-year-old will not need surgery, according to L’Equipe, but is unlikely to play again in 2027.

Cornelius suffered the injury during a training session in Toronto on Wednesday. It was a non-contact lower-body problem and he was taken to hospital for assessment.

The Canada international returned to Marseille this summer after spending last season on loan at Rangers. He has made only limited appearances for the French club this season, playing 26 minutes in Ligue 1 and 67 minutes in the Europa League.

Cornelius started Marseille’s Europa League match against Besiktas and had appeared likely to provide a rotation option for Bruno Genesio’s squad.

His absence leaves Marseille without the defender for an extended period, although he will not require an operation as he begins his recovery.

Former Spain and Barcelona midfielder Gaizka Mendieta believes Erling Haaland could be well suited to a future move to Barcelona if Manchester City’s ongoing situation affects the striker’s prospects at the club.

Manchester City were reportedly found guilty of all but one of the 115 charges brought against them by the Premier League in 2023, according to claims that emerged on Friday. The club could face a range of sanctions, including a points deduction or expulsion from the Premier League.

Haaland was reportedly removed from media duties with Norway after the developments involving Manchester City. The potential consequences have raised questions over whether some of the club’s players could seek departures if the team is severely punished.

Mendieta said Haaland’s desire to compete for major trophies could influence any decision about his future, while suggesting Barcelona’s style may suit the Norway striker particularly well.

“Erling Haaland’s future is interesting. Let's see how things pan out at Man City and whether it turns out to be successful. Players like Haaland want to win trophies. I agree that if he moves, which could happen, the price tag will be massive, certainly not below a hundred million. That is just the way it is,” Mendieta told Casinolyze.

Haaland joined Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund and remains one of the club’s leading players, but Mendieta believes both Barcelona and Real Madrid could be possible destinations if he eventually decides to leave.

“In terms of where I see him, I could imagine him at both Madrid and Barca. However, I sense that Barca's style would be better for him, and perhaps better for the club too. The way he makes those runs and his power in the box suits the Hansi Flick style quite well,” he added.

Mendieta stressed that any move would not necessarily be imminent. Haaland is still young and could remain at Manchester City for the coming seasons, depending on how the club’s campaign and the charges develop.

“We are talking about something quite far down the line, but if things don't work out at City this season or over the next couple of seasons, he is still very young and very ambitious. He won't want to stay at a club where they aren't winning trophies,” said Mendieta.

Haaland is currently with the Norway squad during the extended international break, giving him time to consider his situation before club football resumes. Manchester City’s possible punishment could determine whether those questions become an immediate issue or remain a longer-term consideration.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Cristian Romero will succeed Lionel Messi as captain of the national team.

Messi announced his retirement from international football on 31 August 2026, after Argentina’s 1-0 defeat by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.

The 2026 tournament brought an end to the international career of Argentina’s most-capped and highest-scoring player. Messi leaves having helped his country win the World Cup, two Copa America titles and the Finalissima.

With Messi stepping down after an era of unprecedented success for the national side, Scaloni has chosen Romero to take over the captaincy.

“The captain is going to be Cuti. He was already the third captain after Leo and Ota (Nicolas Otamendi),” Scaloni said, as quoted by TyC Sports.

“There is Emiliano (Martinez), who can also wear the armband. Rodrigo (De Paul), who will not be in these two games, can also wear it.

“Lautaro (Martinez) can wear it. Cuti is the right one.”

Romero has previously taken responsibility for leading the team on three occasions when Argentina’s senior captains were unavailable.

The defender is also beginning a new chapter at club level after moving from Tottenham to Atletico Madrid this summer. He will now inherit the armband for one of the world’s most successful international teams, following Messi’s decision to end his Argentina career.

Romero’s appointment comes with several established players still available to Scaloni. Nicolas Otamendi had been ahead of him in the captaincy order, while Emiliano Martinez and Lautaro Martinez are also regarded as players capable of wearing the armband. Rodrigo De Paul is unavailable for Argentina’s next two games.

Argentina are due to face Bolivia in a friendly before playing Burkina Faso and Benin on 6 October.

Those fixtures are also reportedly set to include Messi’s farewell appearance for Argentina, despite his announcement that he had retired from international football after the World Cup final.

The Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A and LaLiga have called for far-reaching reforms at FIFA, demanding stronger checks on its president and a formal role for football stakeholders in key decisions.

In a joint statement on Friday, the four leagues said FIFA must establish clearer constitutional boundaries and create greater separation between its regulatory responsibilities and commercial operations.

Their intervention is the first coordinated response from the leagues since FIFA President Gianni Infantino abandoned an attempt earlier this year to attract outside investment into FIFA’s commercial activities. The proposal provoked opposition from across world football.

“The World Cup may be the pinnacle of our sport, but the foundations of football are sustained week in and week out, in packed stadiums and local communities, by dedicated players, fans, clubs and leagues around the world,” the leagues said.

“Football’s longstanding foundations have, in recent years, been threatened by a fundamental governance problem, whereby FIFA’s president has actively promoted exploitative ideas rather than safeguarding against them. And while football’s stakeholders ultimately forced the withdrawal of the FIFA Forward Enterprise scheme, the conditions that led to FFE remain.”

The statement comes as FIFA’s governance faces increased scrutiny, with Infantino seeking re-election next year. FIFA has been contacted for comment.

Relations between FIFA and Europe’s leading domestic leagues have deteriorated over recent years, particularly because of disagreements about the expansion of international competitions.

Clubs and leagues have repeatedly argued that the increasing number of FIFA-organised events puts additional pressure on players and risks reducing the value of domestic competitions.

Infantino attempted to respond to those concerns earlier this week in a letter to the FIFA Council and the presidents of all 211 member associations. He proposed that the Council consider commissioning an independent external review of FIFA’s governance framework for major strategic initiatives.

He also suggested consulting confederations, associations and other stakeholders about improving decision-making, while reaffirming his commitment to remain FIFA president.

“The FIFA President has now acknowledged the need for reform, but it is not enough for surface-level, process changes to be explored in the aftermath of FFE - fundamental governance reform is essential to restore clear constitutional boundaries within FIFA, including confidence that individual disciplinary matters remain demonstrably insulated from political interference,” the leagues said.

Several European federations rejected Infantino’s proposal, while UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin delivered a strong assessment on Wednesday. Although he did not name Infantino, Ceferin was clearly referring to plans to sell private investors up to a 20% stake in FIFA’s commercial rights, including rights connected to the World Cup.

The project was abandoned in July after opposition from UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF.

The four leagues want FIFA to give affected stakeholders a genuine voice in its decisions and create a permanent representative body involving national associations, leagues, clubs and players from both men’s and women’s football. They also called for evidence-based decisions and a clear separation between FIFA’s regulatory and commercial functions.

“The future of FIFA matters to everyone who cares about football, because our sport cannot grow globally if its foundations are undermined,” the statement said.

“FIFA’s governance problem goes far beyond the role of one individual. The wider question is whether FIFA’s president should simultaneously wield such regulatory, commercial and political power without effective checks and balances, including the agreement of affected stakeholders.

“More than a decade ago, following criminal proceedings involving senior football officials, FIFA’s own reform process sought to address these issues - yet, once again, football has suffered one of the biggest abuses of power in FIFA’s history.”

England manager Thomas Tuchel believes Harry Kane deserves to be crowned the world’s best player after scoring more than 70 goals for club and country during the 2025-26 season.

The 33-year-old Bayern Munich striker is among the leading contenders for the Ballon d'Or, having found the net 73 times across his international and club appearances last campaign.

Kane has maintained that form this season, scoring six goals in his seven games for Bayern Munich before the September/October international break.

Speaking ahead of England’s UEFA Nations League meeting with World Champions Spain on Friday (September 25), Tuchel said Kane would be his choice for football’s most prestigious individual award.

Asked by ITV Sport whether Kane was his preferred candidate to be named the world’s best player, Tuchel replied: “Yeah. After this season, yeah.

“Seventy-plus goals (for club and country), three titles with Bayern Munich, the semi-finals at the World Cup and in the Champions League...”

Kane’s achievements during the campaign included helping Bayern Munich win three titles, while he also reached the semi-finals of both the World Cup and the Champions League.

Tuchel also praised the striker’s continued development and his contribution in all areas of the game, rather than focusing solely on his goalscoring.

“He's getting better and better. I think he added a level of physicality to his match,” said Tuchel.

“He's just so committed to the high press and being involved in every part of the match.

“Be it in deep build-up, be it in finishing, be it in build-up play in the middle block, be it in defending. He's just the full package.”

Barcelona sporting director Deco has played down reports linking the club with Man United youngster JJ Gabriel, saying the Catalan side is not involved in the 15-year-old’s current situation.

Gabriel has reportedly asked for his existing deal at Old Trafford to be cancelled. The request came after he was said to be disappointed at being left out of Man United’s 4-0 Champions League victory over Sabah.

Man United have not yet announced their official response to Gabriel’s request. However, the forward is still expected to leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Reports have since claimed Gabriel travelled to Barcelona for talks with the Spanish club. Mundo Deportivo subsequently asked Deco about the player, with the sporting director seeking to distance Barcelona from the speculation.

“There’s nothing to say about this boy,” Deco said. “It’s common for certain players to be linked with us. As for his situation, I don’t know what happened.

“It’s a matter we’re not involved in because, first and foremost, we need to understand all the circumstances before trying to do anything or talking about young players.”

Gabriel’s future is attracting interest from several leading European clubs, meaning Barcelona are not the only side reportedly monitoring his position. Real Madrid, PSG, Arsenal, Man City, Bayern Munich and Chelsea are also said to be keen on the young forward.

Bayern Munich are considering an €80m bid for Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo in the January transfer window, according to Sky Sports News.

The 28-year-old has started only two of Barcelona’s seven LaLiga matches this season and appears to have fallen down the pecking order under manager Hansi Flick.

Olmo has nevertheless made an impact when selected, providing three league assists as Barcelona remain top of the table with a 100% win record.

Bayern are monitoring the Spain international’s situation as they face growing interest from other leading clubs in Jamal Musiala and Michael Olise.

The German club are understood to be ready to test Barcelona’s resolve with a substantial offer when the January window opens.

Fermin Lopez has established himself as Barcelona’s preferred number 10 over the past couple of seasons, but Olmo intends to compete for his place in Flick’s team.

Barcelona sporting director Deco says the club made an offer for Julian Alvarez but had to abandon the move after being told the striker was not for sale.

Speaking at the Portugal Football Summit 2026 on Thursday, 24 September, Deco also discussed Raphinha’s successful switch to centre-forward, the arrivals of Rodri and Gabriel Jesus, Lautaro Martinez and teenage player JJ Gabriel.

Deco said Barcelona had identified Lautaro as a possible attacking option but ended their interest as soon as Inter told them the Argentina captain was unavailable.

“Lautaro is an idol at Inter. He’s a fantastic player, an icon, a legend and the captain,” he said. “As soon as the club told us he wasn’t available, we didn’t pursue it any further.”

He added that Barcelona had not continued discussions with the player or his agent out of respect for Inter, although Lautaro remained a player he admired.

On Italy’s development compared with Spain and Portugal, Deco said the country needed to give young players opportunities earlier. He praised Portugal’s federation and its network of historic clubs and training programmes, noting that the country competes strongly at Under-15, Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 level.

“In Spain and Portugal, at 17 or 18, they’re already playing for their countries and clubs,” he said. “Italy has great footballers, but it takes them a long time to reach the national team and to play for their clubs.”

Deco said Italy had “many top-level directors and many former players with incredible histories” who could help restore the country to the level it deserved.

He described Rodri and Gabriel Jesus as different but successful deals. Rodri had won everything at Manchester City and was helped to leave because it was his wish, while Gabriel Jesus had not played many matches at Arsenal and could benefit from a change of club, teammates and motivation.

Deco also dismissed speculation about JJ Gabriel, who had been seen in Barcelona, saying the club had no interest in the teenager’s situation and first needed to understand all the circumstances.

Raphinha’s move into a central role followed discussions with the player and manager Hansi. Barcelona had considered using him as a number 10 or number nine after deciding to bring in Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, while the Brazilian had previously played mainly as a winger or attacking midfielder.

“We’re happy because we’ve discovered a new role for Raphinha, but the most important thing is that he’s happy too,” Deco said.

He explained that the position required Raphinha to attack space behind defenders rather than remain constantly involved in possession. Barcelona expected him to adapt well, “but not at this level”, and Deco said he could also operate on either wing or as a number 10.

On Alvarez, Deco said Barcelona had been seeking a mobile striker capable of linking play as Robert Lewandowski’s role changed with age. The club made an offer for Alvarez, but when it became clear he would not be sold, Gabriel Jesus emerged as the preferred solution, particularly with Raphinha developing as a number nine.

“The idea hasn’t changed,” Deco said. “Julian is in the past, we have to move on. There are many deals and many signings that don’t happen. That’s football.”

Barcelona sporting director Deco says the club made an offer for Julian Alvarez but had to abandon the move after being told the striker was not for sale.

Speaking at the Portugal Football Summit 2026 on Thursday, 24 September, Deco also discussed Raphinha’s successful switch to centre-forward, the arrivals of Rodri and Gabriel Jesus, Lautaro Martinez and teenage player JJ Gabriel.

Deco said Barcelona had identified Lautaro as a possible attacking option but ended their interest as soon as Inter told them the Argentina captain was unavailable.

“Lautaro is an idol at Inter. He’s a fantastic player, an icon, a legend and the captain,” he said. “As soon as the club told us he wasn’t available, we didn’t pursue it any further.”

He added that Barcelona had not continued discussions with the player or his agent out of respect for Inter, although Lautaro remained a player he admired.

On Italy’s development compared with Spain and Portugal, Deco said the country needed to give young players opportunities earlier. He praised Portugal’s federation and its network of historic clubs and training programmes, noting that the country competes strongly at Under-15, Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 level.

“In Spain and Portugal, at 17 or 18, they’re already playing for their countries and clubs,” he said. “Italy has great footballers, but it takes them a long time to reach the national team and to play for their clubs.”

Deco said Italy had “many top-level directors and many former players with incredible histories” who could help restore the country to the level it deserved.

He described Rodri and Gabriel Jesus as different but successful deals. Rodri had won everything at Manchester City and was helped to leave because it was his wish, while Gabriel Jesus had not played many matches at Arsenal and could benefit from a change of club, teammates and motivation.

Deco also dismissed speculation about JJ Gabriel, who had been seen in Barcelona, saying the club had no interest in the teenager’s situation and first needed to understand all the circumstances.

Raphinha’s move into a central role followed discussions with the player and manager Hansi. Barcelona had considered using him as a number 10 or number nine after deciding to bring in Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, while the Brazilian had previously played mainly as a winger or attacking midfielder.

“We’re happy because we’ve discovered a new role for Raphinha, but the most important thing is that he’s happy too,” Deco said.

He explained that the position required Raphinha to attack space behind defenders rather than remain constantly involved in possession. Barcelona expected him to adapt well, “but not at this level”, and Deco said he could also operate on either wing or as a number 10.

On Alvarez, Deco said Barcelona had been seeking a mobile striker capable of linking play as Robert Lewandowski’s role changed with age. The club made an offer for Alvarez, but when it became clear he would not be sold, Gabriel Jesus emerged as the preferred solution, particularly with Raphinha developing as a number nine.

“The idea hasn’t changed,” Deco said. “Julian is in the past, we have to move on. There are many deals and many signings that don’t happen. That’s football.”

Barcelona sporting director Deco says the club made an offer for Julian Alvarez but had to abandon the move after being told the striker was not for sale.

Speaking at the Portugal Football Summit 2026 on Thursday, 24 September, Deco also discussed Raphinha’s successful switch to centre-forward, the arrivals of Rodri and Gabriel Jesus, Lautaro Martinez and teenage player JJ Gabriel.

Deco said Barcelona had identified Lautaro as a possible attacking option but ended their interest as soon as Inter told them the Argentina captain was unavailable.

“Lautaro is an idol at Inter. He’s a fantastic player, an icon, a legend and the captain,” he said. “As soon as the club told us he wasn’t available, we didn’t pursue it any further.”

He added that Barcelona had not continued discussions with the player or his agent out of respect for Inter, although Lautaro remained a player he admired.

On Italy’s development compared with Spain and Portugal, Deco said the country needed to give young players opportunities earlier. He praised Portugal’s federation and its network of historic clubs and training programmes, noting that the country competes strongly at Under-15, Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 level.

“In Spain and Portugal, at 17 or 18, they’re already playing for their countries and clubs,” he said. “Italy has great footballers, but it takes them a long time to reach the national team and to play for their clubs.”

Deco said Italy had “many top-level directors and many former players with incredible histories” who could help restore the country to the level it deserved.

He described Rodri and Gabriel Jesus as different but successful deals. Rodri had won everything at Manchester City and was helped to leave because it was his wish, while Gabriel Jesus had not played many matches at Arsenal and could benefit from a change of club, teammates and motivation.

Deco also dismissed speculation about JJ Gabriel, who had been seen in Barcelona, saying the club had no interest in the teenager’s situation and first needed to understand all the circumstances.

Raphinha’s move into a central role followed discussions with the player and manager Hansi. Barcelona had considered using him as a number 10 or number nine after deciding to bring in Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, while the Brazilian had previously played mainly as a winger or attacking midfielder.

“We’re happy because we’ve discovered a new role for Raphinha, but the most important thing is that he’s happy too,” Deco said.

He explained that the position required Raphinha to attack space behind defenders rather than remain constantly involved in possession. Barcelona expected him to adapt well, “but not at this level”, and Deco said he could also operate on either wing or as a number 10.

On Alvarez, Deco said Barcelona had been seeking a mobile striker capable of linking play as Robert Lewandowski’s role changed with age. The club made an offer for Alvarez, but when it became clear he would not be sold, Gabriel Jesus emerged as the preferred solution, particularly with Raphinha developing as a number nine.

“The idea hasn’t changed,” Deco said. “Julian is in the past, we have to move on. There are many deals and many signings that don’t happen. That’s football.”

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is expected to miss almost two months after undergoing surgery on his right knee, Deportivo La Coruna have announced.

The 37-year-old striker had an operation on his meniscus at a clinic in Madrid on Thursday. He experienced discomfort during Deportivo’s draw with Real Betis on Sunday.

Deportivo said Aubameyang, Gabon’s all-time top scorer, would return to La Coruna following the procedure.

“His progress will determine when he returns to training,” the club said in a statement.

Spanish media reports said the former Arsenal and Chelsea forward was likely to be sidelined for nearly two months, although the timing of his return will depend on his recovery.

Aubameyang has been central to Deportivo’s impressive start after their promotion. He has scored five of the club’s 10 league goals, helping them reach seventh place in La Liga with 10 points from seven matches.

The injury comes after Aubameyang ended his international involvement earlier this month. He said he felt “humiliated” after the Gabonese government singled him out as responsible for the country’s disappointing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.

Ibrahima Konate is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a collateral ligament injury in his right leg while on international duty with France.

Real Madrid confirmed the injury, but have not provided any details about how long the 27-year-old defender is expected to be unavailable.

Konate joined Real Madrid as a free agent after his Liverpool contract expired at the end of last season. He has quickly become an important part of the side, playing every minute in six of their seven LaLiga matches this season.

Real Madrid are currently fourth in the table, six points behind leaders Barcelona.

Konate has now been replaced in Zinedine Zidane’s first France squad by Manchester United defender Leny Yoro.

The injury is a setback for both Real Madrid and France, with Konate having established himself as a regular at club level since his move to Spain.

Marc Cucurella has revealed he sent Spain team-mate Rodri a “subtle message” in an effort to persuade him to join Real Madrid during the summer.

Rodri, 30, had been a target for Jose Mourinho’s side but eventually opted to move to their rivals Barcelona.

The defensive midfielder’s decision has since appeared justified, with Barcelona six points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the LaLiga table.

Cucurella, by contrast, did join Real Madrid after leaving Chelsea in a reported £52m transfer.

Speaking before Spain’s match against England on Friday, 25 September, the left-back said he had attempted to influence Rodri’s decision before the move was confirmed.

“I don't really like pressuring or influencing team-mates,” Cucurella said. “These are personal things.

“It's true that I sent him a subtle message, before the news broke, saying I hoped we'd become team-mates.

“He replied, but didn't give anything away. I'm happy for him (at Barca), though I hope he doesn't have too much success.”