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Soccer
Arsenal’s six-point advantage over Manchester City was preserved after another frenetic weekend of action. The leaders have the talent, the hunters the experience of getting it done—it really could go down to the wire.
Henry Winter|

SOCCER HEADLINES

BEST OF SI FC

While co-hosts Mexico and Canada opted to play friendlies in January, the USMNT went in a different direction—suggesting Mauricio Pochettino, under pressure to deliver, is happy with how preparations are going.
Jon Arnold|
Barnaby Lane|
Henry Winter|
Ewan Ross-Murray|
Henry Winter|
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PREMIER LEAGUE

The Blues have strung together four consecutive league victories.
Amanda Langell|
The midfielder leads both Man Utd and the Premier League in assists so far in 2025–26.
Amanda Langell|
The defender was on the cusp of joining the defending English champions last summer.
Amanda Langell|
Chelsea’s captain has missed the last two fixtures with his first injury in more than a year.
Grey Whitebloom|
The Reds have just one Premier League win on the board in 2026.
Ewan Ross-Murray|

LA LIGA

Álvaro Arbeloa’s gut feeling doesn’t quite stack up with the numbers.
Grey Whitebloom|
Cole Palmer, Mohamed Salah, Julián Alvarez, Endrick and Dayot Upamecano all feature in the gossip.
SI FC Staff|
The fight for the Spanish crown is a two-horse race between Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Amanda Langell|
Los Blancos have now won seven consecutive La Liga fixtures.
Amanda Langell|
Real Madrid’s No. 7 and No. 5 will not be making appearances at the Mestalla.
Amanda Langell|

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

Messi hinted at a future partner-in-crime with an impressive performance against Barcelona SC.
Ben Steiner|
Cristiano Ronaldo is at war with Al Nassr and the Saudi Pro League.
Ewan Ross-Murray|
The Colombian superstar brings a social following of more than all Minnesota professional teams combined.
Ben Steiner|
Turmoil at Al Nassr could result in Cristiano Ronaldo looking for a new club in the near future.
Roberto Casillas|
One of Lionel Messi’s former clubs are not hiding their quest for a reunion.
Ewan Ross-Murray|

WOMEN’S SOCCER

The U.S. women’s national team opened 2026 with a pair of big wins over South American opponents, but which players impressed most under Emma Hayes?
Theo Lloyd-Hughes|
The assistant captain of Stanford’s women’s soccer team Sammy Smith is a dual-sport star heading to Italy in February.
Ben Steiner|
In its first match of 2026, the U.S. grew into a game that showed rust and quality in almost equal measure.
Theo Lloyd-Hughes|
The U.S. women’s national team forward inked a new three-year contract with the Washington Spirit and is likely the first NWSL player to access new funds outside the salary cap.
Theo Lloyd-Hughes|
Everything you need to know about the tournament, including the clubs competing, the match schedule and more.
Theo Lloyd-Hughes|

TRANSFER NEWS

The Red Dragons are virtually unrecognisable from their squad just three years ago.
Amanda Langell|
A number of Liga MX teams secured stellar reinforcements during the winter for the Clausura 2026.
Roberto Casillas|
The Red Devils are prepared to spend big on their next midfield general.
Tom Gott|
Liverpool’s strong stance on Curtis Jones could be tested over the summer.
Grey Whitebloom|

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|