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• Bright Osayi-Samuel details “ruthless” standards under José Mourinho

  Bright Osayi-Samuel reflected on José Mourinho’s demanding coaching style and storytelling prowess, highlighting a balance of ruthless discipline and high-level mentorship during their time at Fenerbahçe. Super Eagles defender Bright Osayi-Samuel has shared insights into life under José Mourinho at Fenerbahçe. The winger recalled the Portuguese manager’s blunt introduction, noting his immediate demand for high intensity. Osayi-Samuel revealed, “The first thing he said to me was, ‘You are a good player, but you need to run more.’ I was like, what? You know? That just shows what type of guy he is.” ​The Nigerian international described a manager who balances stern discipline with personal mentorship. While Mourinho punished poor results with grueling training stints, he also rewarded success with extended breaks and shared career anecdotes. Osayi-Samuel remarked, “He can be ruthless when things go wrong… But if we played well, he’d give us four or five days off,” adding he felt honored to work with the legendary coach.

• 2026-27 Nations League draw revealed as England, Wales discover daunting League A opponents

  England have been placed in a challenging 2026-27 Nations League group alongside Spain, Croatia, and Czechia, marking Thomas Tuchel’s first major tournament cycle since extending his contract.

  ​England’s return to the top tier of the Nations League will feature a high-stakes reunion with Spain, the team that denied them glory in the Euro 2024 final.

  Following their promotion under Lee Carsley, the Three Lions were placed in League A Group 3, where they will also contend with recurring rivals Croatia and a resilient Czechia side.

  This daunting draw coincides with the confirmation that Thomas Tuchel has extended his managerial deal until 2028, ensuring he will lead the squad through this competitive cycle following the 2026 World Cup.

  ​The tournament structure also presents a difficult task for Wales, who must navigate a group containing title-holders Portugal, Norway, and Denmark.

  Meanwhile, Scotland will face Switzerland and Slovenia in League B, while Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland prepare for tests against Hungary and Austria respectively.

  Fixtures are scheduled to commence in late September 2026, utilizing a revised international window format.

  Regarding the challenging path ahead, FA sources indicated that the schedule provides “belated revenge” opportunities as England seeks to re-establish dominance among Europe’s elite.

• Harry Kane close to beating Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal record milestone

  Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has reached 497 career goals and is poised to hit the 500-mark in fewer appearances than Cristiano Ronaldo, though he remains behind Lionel Messi’s record pace.

  ​Harry Kane is on the brink of football history following a weekend brace against Hoffenheim that took his career tally to 497 goals.

  The England captain has reached this figure in 741 matches, meaning he needs just three more goals in his next 11 games to reach the 500-goal landmark faster than Cristiano Ronaldo.

  Ronaldo achieved the feat in 753 appearances, while Lionel Messi remains the benchmark, having hit the milestone in just 632 games.

  ​The 32-year-old striker has flourished in Germany, averaging a goal every 85.6 minutes for Bayern Munich.

  Kane’s upcoming DFB-Pokal clash against RB Leipzig provides an immediate opportunity to close the gap.

  Reflecting on his ambitions to mirror the longevity of his inspirations, Kane previously stated: “I want to try and get on the level Ronaldo and Messi got to. That’s my ultimate goal – to be winning trophies season in, season out.”

• Player Ratings: Alvaro Carreras 8.5, unlikely hero as Madrid survive Valencia test

  A shorthanded Real Madrid side managed to grind out a 2–0 win against Valencia at the Mestalla on Sunday evening, propelled by strikes from Álvaro Carreras and Kylian Mbappé.  

  ​With key figures like Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo sidelined, Madrid’s improvised frontline found it difficult to find their rhythm for much of the encounter.

  Following a stagnant first half, the deadlock was finally broken in the 65th minute through a moment of individual brilliance by Carreras.

  ​Madrid maintained control into the final minutes, rarely looking like they would concede the equalizer. To put the game beyond reach, Mbappé slotted home his ninth goal of 2026 in stoppage time, ensuring the team returned home with all three points.

  ​Under the guidance of Álvaro Arbeloa, the squad has now put together a seven-match winning streak in the league, keeping them within a single point of leaders Barcelona.

  ​Real Madrid Player Ratings 

  ​GK: Thibaut Courtois — 6.9

  The Belgian shot-stopper was mostly a bystander throughout the night. Valencia failed to register a single shot on target, leaving Courtois with little to do other than organize his backline during occasional set pieces.

  ​RB: David Jiménez — 7.1

  Making his full La Liga debut, the youngster had a testing night. While he was occasionally caught out of position and missed a prime opportunity to score, he remained composed enough to avoid any catastrophic errors on the big stage.

  ​CB: Raúl Asencio — 7.3

  Playing through a lingering injury, Asencio remains the most reliable presence in the heart of the Madrid defense. His positioning was vital in covering for Jiménez during defensive transitions.

  ​CB: Dean Huijsen — 8.2

  Though he was physically tested by Lucas Beltrán early on, Huijsen grew into the game. He provided the long-range pass that eventually led to the second goal, adding a crucial offensive contribution to his defensive duties.

  ​LB: Álvaro Carreras — 8.5

  The standout performer of the night. With the left flank open in the absence of Vinícius Jr, Carreras exploited the space brilliantly, culminating in a superb solo effort that gave Madrid the lead and changed the momentum of the match.

  ​RM: Arda Güler — 7.5

  Starting deeper than usual, the Turkish international eventually moved into a more central playmaker role. Despite his high activity levels, he will be disappointed not to have created more clear-cut chances for the strikers.

  ​CM: Federico Valverde — 7.9

  A characteristically tireless performance from the Uruguayan, though he lacked his usual creative edge. While he kept the engine room running, his passing remained safe, and he struggled to truly dictate the tempo of the game.

  ​CM: Aurélien Tchouaméni — 8.4

  The defensive anchor was instrumental in breaking up Valencia’s counter-attacks. He effectively shielded the back four, ensuring the hosts rarely made it into the final third with any real threat.

  ​LM: Eduardo Camavinga — 7.3

  Operating in a wide midfield role, Camavinga provided essential defensive cover. His efficiency on the ball was notable, misplacing only three passes over the course of the full 90 minutes.

  ​ST: Kylian Mbappé — 8.0

  Denied space for most of the match by a disciplined Valencia defense, Mbappé grew visibly frustrated. However, he maintained his clinical streak by finishing a late chance to secure the win and continue his impressive scoring run.

  ​ST: Gonzalo García — 6.5

  It was a quiet night for the young forward, who struggled to find chemistry with Mbappé. He often found himself drifted out to the wings where his impact on the game was significantly diminished.

  ​Key Substitutes

  ​Trent Alexander-Arnold (76’ for Jiménez) — 6.4

  Returning from a two-month injury layoff, the Englishman looked sharp in his brief cameo, providing much-needed verticality with several passes into the final third.

  ​Brahim Díaz (76’ for Gonzalo) — 6.7

  Made an immediate impact by providing the assist for Mbappé’s late goal, proving once again why he is such a valuable asset off the bench.

• Real Madrid have first two additions for next season decided

  Real Madrid have finalized their first two moves for the 2026/27 season by activating Nico Paz’s buyback clause and recalling Brazilian striker Endrick from his successful loan spell at Lyon.

  ​Real Madrid leadership has finalized the first two additions for next season’s squad to bolster Alvaro Arbeloa’s attacking options.

  The club will activate a €9m buyback clause for Nico Paz, the reigning Serie A Young Player of the Year, following his standout performances.

  Joining him is 19-year-old Endrick, who is set to return from a productive loan at Olympique Lyon.

  ​The decision follows a directive from Florentino Perez and Juni Calafat to address squad imperfections.

  Despite hierarchy claims that “there is sufficient quality in the side to compete on all fronts,” the board is eager to re-integrate Endrick after his five goals in France.

  Meanwhile, Paz’s return is considered “a bargain by any standards” as he prepares to compete with Arda Guler.