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Soccer
The winter is open for teams to strengthen before the end of the season.
Toby Cudworth|

SOCCER HEADLINES

BEST OF SI FC

The Italian manager’s refusal to elaborate on his surprise criticism only added to the tensions.
Tom Gott|

SOCCER IN 2025

Few of the summer’s 16 most expensive players could be considered a home-run swing.
Jamie Spencer|
From confusing metaphors to fiery insults, sweeping conclusions and touching life lessons, the game’s players, manager and pundits had plenty to say in 2025.
Grey Whitebloom|
The year before the 2026 FIFA World Cup brought plenty of unforgettable moments.
Ben Steiner|
The longstanding adversaries have enjoyed success across the calendar year.
Ewan Ross-Murray|
The last 12 months were complicated for the Stars and Stripes ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Ben Steiner|
Several of Canada’s top stars shone across the globe in 2025.
Ben Steiner|
Javier Aguirre should build a well-structured, versatile roster to maximize Mexico’s potential in the 2026 World Cup.
Roberto Casillas|
Next

PREMIER LEAGUE

Rodrygo, Frenkie de Jong, Kobbie Mainoo and Morgan Rogers all feature in today’s gossip.
SI FC Staff|
Enzo Maresca’s abrupt departure from Stamford Bridge remains a major talking point across the English football landscape.
Roberto Casillas|
With a hefty clash against Liverpool approaching on the horizon, a trip to lowly Bournemouth could be the occasion for some tinkering.
Grey Whitebloom|
The Englishman has logged just 167 minutes at Aston Villa in four months.
Amanda Langell|
Some of the very best in the business are unattached free agents.
Barnaby Lane|

LA LIGA

The Catalans’ defensive options are thin after Andreas Christensen’s injury.
Roberto Casillas|
Hansi Flick will deploy his strongest XI aiming to capture a ninth consecutive league win.
Roberto Casillas|
The Germany international is yet to ink a contract extension in the Spanish capital.
Amanda Langell|
A fight for form is intertwined with Vinicius Jr’s contract situation.
Grey Whitebloom|
Barcelona adding Harry Kane could result in the birth of a Blaugrana dynasty.
Roberto Casillas|

MUST READS 🔥

The Premier League has played hosts to some of the best soccer players ever seen.
Malik Tillman carries the hopes of the USMNT heading into the 2026 World Cup.
The Ballon d’Or has taken on a whole new meaning in modern times, making it arguably the most valuable individual award in sport.
Aitana Bonmatí has cemented her legacy as one of the best women’s players ever.

MLS

Four companies have produced MLS match balls since the league’s 1996 debut.
Ben Steiner|
The Spanish Designated Player missed the entire 2025 season after tearing his ACL in 2024.
Ben Steiner|
Messi previously led La Albiceleste to World Cup glory in 2022.
Ben Steiner|
The Patriots legend is hoping to see his team reached the promised land of the Premier League.
Ben Steiner|
Several MLS teams have Designated Player spots open and could look to fill them ahead of the 2026 season.
Ben Steiner|

WOMEN’S SOCCER

From England’s Women’s Euro triumph to Arsenal’s stunning run in the Women’s Champions League, here are the biggest stories of the year.
Jenna Tonelli|
SI FC crowns who did it best in the NWSL in 2025, from best goal to unsung hero and more.
Theo Lloyd-Hughes, Jenna Tonelli|
One of the smallest markets in MLS could land a brand new franchise.
Ben Steiner|
Everything you need to know about a major rule change in the NWSL and the NWSLPA’s opposition to its implementation.
Theo Lloyd-Hughes|
As the NWSL offseason heats up, free agency season is upon us. From Sophia Wilson to Midge Purce, here are the best of the deals yet.
Theo Lloyd-Hughes|

TRANSFER NEWS

Premier League clubs flexed their financial muscles to spend over £3 billion on new talent.
Ewan Ross-Murray|
The winter window is up and running with a massive Premier League transaction.
Toby Cudworth|
Specific terms may be required to bring the 31-year-old back into prominence.
Grey Whitebloom|
The two sides could be set to butt heads over two more transfer targets.
Tom Gott|

THE BEST PLAYERS IN THE WORLD

Quality distribution and composure on the ball is now as important as shot-stopping ability.
SI FC Staff|
The role has been redefined over the years as players look to invert and push into midfield.
SI FC Staff|
The world's best strikers must find a way to get past some outstanding centre backs.
SI FC Staff|
The role of the modern left back is ever-evolving—and these players represent the very best in the world currently.
SI FC Staff|
Supremely talented anchors and deep-lying playmakers often hold the key to success.
SI FC Staff|

Some players make the most difficult position to play look easy.
SI FC Staff|
The great finishers often rely on the brilliance of those operating just behind the forward line.
SI FC Staff|
A number of modern day greats have flourished cutting in from the right flank.
SI FC Staff|
Some of the world's elite players operate on the left, terrorising full backs both inside and out.
SI FC Staff|
The role of the modern day striker varies hugely depending on a team's style of play.
SI FC Staff|

THE BEST EVER

Lionel Messi, Pele, Cristiano Ronaldo and Diego Maradona headline the greatest soccer players of all time.
SI Staff|