AC Milan forward Rafael Leao says the memory of Diogo Jota serves as a daily inspiration for the Portugal squad as they target success at the upcoming World Cup.
The former Liverpool striker died tragically in a car accident in Spain last summer, shortly after helping the Reds secure the Premier League title.
Leao, a long-time international team-mate, believes the profound loss has united the national side.
‘We think about him every game’
Speaking to CBS, the Milan winger opened up on the emotional impact of Jota’s passing.
“Everyone cared about him,” Leao said.
“Even if sometimes he was in his corner talking with his wife or kids, he was a good team-mate and always wanted to help everyone, even me sometimes.”
The 25-year-old revealed the personal bond they shared away from national duty.
“Sometimes I used to ask him for a few things and he would also ask me for tickets for his family to come to AC Milan to watch some games.”
When asked if the tragedy would fuel Portugal’s desire to win the tournament in North America, Leao was unequivocal.
“Every game we think about him,” he added.
“Always after a game he was there celebrating if he could score a goal, and every game we think about him.”
A legacy remembered
Jota was killed when a tyre burst on his car while travelling through Zamora, an incident which also claimed the life of his brother.
His funeral in July was attended by high-profile figures including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Portugal boss Roberto Martinez.
Liverpool have since retired the number 20 shirt in honour of their former forward, who became the first player in the club’s history to receive such a tribute.
Leao himself paid respects during a pre-season friendly against the Merseysiders, signalling the number 20 with his fingers after scoring.
Portugal are looking to bounce back from their quarter-final exit to Morocco at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The Selecao have never won the global tournament but believe Jota’s legacy provides powerful motivation for the upcoming campaign.
Manchester United have reportedly joined the race to sign Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven in a move that could shatter the British transfer record.
Old Trafford chiefs are monitoring the Netherlands international ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
United are set to compete with European giants Liverpool and Real Madrid for the 24-year-old’s signature.
Reports suggest Tottenham will demand a fee in excess of £125m to part with their prize asset.
United chase Champions League reinforcement
The Red Devils are actively planning for a return to Europe’s elite competition next season.
A recent 1-0 victory at Everton has provided a crucial three-point cushion over Chelsea in the race for the top four.
While the club is prioritising reinforcements in attack and at full-back, a world-class central defender remains on their agenda.
The recruitment team is reportedly keen to exploit uncertainty surrounding Spurs’ top-flight status and the player’s desire for Champions League football.
A record-breaking valuation
Tottenham are expected to hold firm on a valuation that would eclipse the British transfer record.
Sources indicate the north London club want a fee surpassing the £125m Liverpool reportedly paid for Alexander Isak.
Van de Ven has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most effective defenders since his arrival from Wolfsburg.
The Dutchman is officially recorded as the fastest player in the competition’s history, a trait highly coveted by elite clubs.
Defensive reshuffle at Old Trafford
United’s interest comes despite possessing a depth of options in central defence.
Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro remain key figures in the squad.
However, persistent injury issues in recent campaigns have highlighted the need for robust alternatives.
The future of Harry Maguire also remains a talking point in Manchester.
The 32-year-old England international is approaching the end of his contract, though an extension is currently considered likely.
Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt have produced one of the greatest shocks in Champions League history by knocking out Inter Milan to reach the last 16.
Kjetil Knutsen’s side claimed a remarkable 5-2 aggregate victory over last season’s finalists following a historic night at the San Siro.
It marks the continuation of a fairytale rise for a club operating on a fraction of the budget of Europe’s elite.
Arctic minnows make history
The result is all the more extraordinary given the Norwegian top flight concluded in November due to the severe winter climate.
Despite being in their off-season, the club from the Arctic Circle have now defeated Manchester City, Atletico Madrid and the Serie A leaders during this European campaign.
Based in a town with a population of just 55,000, the visitors were playing in Norway’s second tier as recently as 2017.
They have now become the northernmost team to ever compete in the latter stages of Europe’s premier club competition.
Silencing the San Siro
Carrying a 3-1 lead from the first leg at the Aspmyra Stadion, the tournament debutants withstood heavy early pressure in Milan.
Jens Petter Hauge eventually punished a mistake by Manuel Akanji to extend the aggregate advantage and silence the home crowd.
Hakon Evjen added a second goal on the counter-attack to leave the three-time European champions with an insurmountable mountain to climb.
Alessandro Bastoni pulled a goal back for the hosts, but it was a mere consolation on a disastrous night for Italian football.
Statistical brilliance
This victory makes Knutsen’s men the first Norwegian team to win a Champions League knockout tie since the 1987-88 season.
They also emulated Johan Cruyff’s legendary Ajax side of 1972 by becoming the first team outside the ‘big five’ leagues to win four consecutive games against elite opposition.
Ajax went on to win the European Cup that season, a precedent the Norwegian minnows will dream of following.
Manchester City are likely to face a significant points deduction rather than expulsion if found guilty of the 115 financial charges brought against them, according to a leading football finance expert.
Verdict delays explained
The Premier League champions have been waiting for a resolution since their 12-week tribunal concluded in December 2024.
Despite the long wait, a verdict has yet to be made public, fuelling speculation regarding the timeline of the process.
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has attributed this delay to the unprecedented volume of evidence required for the defence.
The case covers allegations spanning from 2009 to 2018, requiring a level of scrutiny far exceeding recent proceedings against other top-flight clubs.
“If there are 115 charges against Man City, then Man City must put 115 defences, so that’s going to involve hundreds and thousands of pieces of evidence.”
Maguire noted that comparatively narrower cases against Nottingham Forest and Everton still involved tens of thousands of documents.
Allegations of fraud
The severity of the accusations against the Etihad club sets this case apart from recent financial sustainability breaches.
While other clubs faced sanctions for overspending, the charges against the treble winners involve the alleged disguising of owner equity as sponsorship income.
Maguire describes this as effectively an “allegation of fraud,” noting the Premier League must possess overwhelming evidence to pursue such significant claims.
Punishment speculation
The conversation around potential sanctions has intensified following Leicester City’s six-point deduction in February 2026.
The Foxes were punished for breaching financial rules, though they argued the sanction was disproportionate given their mitigating factors.
With the precedent set by recent deductions, experts suggest a similar, albeit much heavier, sporting sanction is the probable outcome for the Manchester club.
A points deduction would penalise the team’s league standing without removing a commercially vital asset from the division entirely.
England captain Leah Williamson says she would “never rule out” strike action to ensure players’ concerns regarding fixture congestion are heard by governing bodies.
The Arsenal defender has only recently returned to international duty after a five-month injury layoff following the Lionesses’ Euro 2025 triumph in Switzerland.
She underwent knee surgery last year and is currently preparing for a World Cup qualifier against Ukraine on Tuesday.
Williamson is one of several high-profile stars, including Chelsea’s Lucy Bronze, working their way back to peak fitness after a demanding international cycle.
Impact of a congested calendar
Speaking ahead of the match, the 28-year-old addressed the correlation between the relentless football calendar and player welfare.
“We’ll never know for sure but I don’t think people argue against the scheduling for fun. There’s reasons behind it,” Williamson said.
“If you listen to the players’ group, of course we want to play all the time, but the more successful you are – and this team has been very successful – then the less rest you have and the higher risk of injury there is.”
She added: “It’s an accumulation.”
“The players, I’m sure, would love to just turn up and play football, but we use our voice and we try to get involved in conversations with the hierarchy so that they at least have our perspective.”
Potential for industrial action
While dialogue remains the preferred route, the England skipper admitted that failing to listen to athletes could eventually force their hand.
When asked if she would consider more drastic measures, Williamson was clear on her stance.
“I’ve not had any conversations about this right now, but if a group of people don’t feel like they’re getting listened to, then history suggests that’s the only way they can be heard,” she explained.
“I would never take it off the table. I don’t think that’s where we are now. I think we’re still in a place where we can collaborate, listen and educate.”
Data highlights burnout risks
Concerns over player load are backed by data, with a recent report by players’ union FifPro highlighting a significant increase in match volume.
The report revealed that last year, the world’s top 15 players all participated in 50 or more games for the first time since data collection began in 2020.
Fellow Lioness Keira Walsh has previously urged authorities to “listen to the players” regarding the congested schedule.
Williamson emphasised that players have been proactive in sharing training load and female health data with stakeholders to find a workable solution.
“It’s mainly around the rest periods and trying to get all governing bodies to align. It always sounds like we’re asking for a holiday, but that’s not the case,” she said.
“I’m a professional footballer and part of my job is also to rest, which I’m encouraged to do so by my managers and the environments we play in.”
“So why is that not prioritised when we’re left to our own devices?”
Arsenal are monitoring RC Lens forward Rayan Fofana ahead of the summer transfer window as the club looks to bolster their attacking options for the future.
The Gunners are currently enjoying a stellar campaign, sitting top of the Premier League and remaining in contention for the Champions League.
Despite their immediate focus on ending a six-year trophy drought, the North London club are already assessing targets for the 2025-26 season.
Scouts have reportedly identified the Ligue 1 prospect as a striker capable of adapting to the physical demands of English football.
Breakthrough in Ligue 1
Fofana has caught the eye this season with a series of clinical performances, netting five goals in just five starts for Lens.
The 20-year-old is renowned for his electric pace and tactical maturity, traits that have drawn comparisons to established European finishers.
Although the French attacker has frequently featured as a substitute, making 14 appearances from the bench, his efficiency in front of goal has alerted scouts.
Observers have described his finishing as "ice-cold", noting his ability to disrupt defensive lines with diagonal runs.
Valuation and contract situation
Prising the forward away from the Stade Bollaert-Delelis will likely prove expensive following his recent contract commitment.
Fofana signed an extension with the Blood and Gold until 2029 late last year, placing the French side in a formidable negotiating position.
It is understood that a bid in the region of £40m would be required to open talks for the talented youngster.
Lens are reportedly willing to retain the player for another season, anticipating his market value could double with further development.
Competition and squad fit
Arsenal’s interest comes amid potential reshuffling of their forward line.
While Viktor Gyokeres is currently the club’s top scorer, speculation surrounds the long-term futures of Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.
Fofana is viewed as a player who suits a high-intensity pressing system, offering a mobile profile that differs from a static target man.
The Premier League leaders may need to act quickly, with reports suggesting Barcelona and Real Madrid are also aware of the striker’s progress.
Liverpool are monitoring Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso as a potential £52m summer signing to bolster Arne Slot’s defensive options.
The Reds have identified the versatile Italian international as a primary target following the recent arrival of Jeremy Jacquet.
Anfield recruiters are planning a significant defensive overhaul following a campaign disrupted by persistent fitness issues across the backline.
Injury crisis forces market move
Arne Slot’s side have struggled for consistency due to a series of long-term absentees in defensive areas.
Giovanni Leoni has been ruled out for the foreseeable future after rupturing his ACL, depleting the club’s central options.
Recurring fitness problems for Conor Bradley, Joe Gomez, and Jeremie Frimpong have further highlighted the need for reinforcements.
With senior figures Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson approaching the end of their contracts, the club is prioritizing long-term succession plans.
Versatility appeals to Slot
Cambiaso has attracted attention from top Premier League clubs, with Manchester City also understood to be tracking his situation.
Liverpool have been impressed by the 26-year-old’s ability to operate effectively on either flank or step into midfield roles when required.
The former Genoa man is viewed as a player who can offer strong ball progression and tactical flexibility within a fluid system.
His capacity to create chances from wide areas while maintaining defensive discipline has drawn comparisons to elite Italian defenders of the past.
Financial demands
Juventus are reluctant to lose a key asset who is under contract at the Allianz Stadium until 2029.
However, the Serie A giants’ financial situation may force them to consider offers in the region of €60m (£52.2m).
Liverpool are keen to ensure their summer spending is efficient after mixed results from previous big-money additions like Milos Kerkez.
Securing a multifunctional player of Cambiaso’s profile is seen as the ideal solution to balance quality with squad depth.
PGMOL chief Howard Webb has supported the VAR intervention that ruled out Manchester City’s late goal against Liverpool due to a foul by Erling Haaland.
Referee Craig Pawson initially allowed Rayan Cherki’s strike into an unguarded net to stand during the Premier League encounter.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson had been caught upfield, leaving the goal gaping for the City forward to apparently seal a 3-1 victory.
However, the goal was chalked off following a review by VAR John Brooks, with audio of the decision-making process now released.
Why the goal was overturned
Footage from the Match Officials Mic’d Up programme revealed Pawson admitted on the pitch that he “didn’t see” the crucial infringement.
Dominik Szoboszlai had initially pulled Haaland’s shirt, prompting the referee to play an advantage.
As the pair raced for the loose ball, the Norwegian striker then hauled down the Liverpool midfielder.
This second action prevented the Hungarian international from clearing the danger before Cherki scored.
Brooks was heard telling the on-field official via the headset that the contact meant the defender could not reach the ball.
Pawson acknowledged the first foul he had spotted but admitted he missed the subsequent holding offence by the City marksman.
Consequently, the goal was ruled out.
The match restarted with a City free-kick and Szoboszlai was sent off for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity regarding the initial foul.
‘A limit to common sense’
Speaking during live coverage, Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville described the technical application of the law as a “killjoy”.
The former Manchester United defender argued the ruling stripped the game of a dramatic moment by strictly adhering to the rulebook.
However, Webb insisted the officials had no choice but to intervene.
He addressed suggestions that “common sense” should have allowed the goal to stand despite the infractions.
“To referee at Premier League level, you need a feel for the game and an understanding, and we try to apply common sense where possible, but there’s a limit to that.”
Howard Webb, PGMOL Chief Refereeing Officer
The refereeing chief clarified that the ball only entered the net because of Haaland’s specific action.
Webb concluded that ignoring a clear foul which prevented a clearance was impossible, regardless of the spectacle.