Today's top global international football news, transfers and more - 22st Jan

Catch Up On Today's Top Global International Football News.

The 2014 World Cup will forever be etched in the memories of Mexican football fans, but for all the wrong reasons. A controversial penalty awarded to the Netherlands, following a seemingly innocuous challenge by Mexico's Rafael Márquez on Arjen Robben, ultimately decided the outcome of the match. This incident has been a subject of heated debate for a decade, and its effects continue to reverberate through the football world.

The incident occurred during the round of 16 match between Mexico and the Netherlands. With the game locked at 1-1, Robben went down in the box after a minimal contact with Márquez. The referee awarded a penalty, which was converted by Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, sending the Dutch into the quarterfinals. Mexican fans were outraged, believing that the decision was unjust and had robbed their team of a well-deserved victory.

The transfer market never fails to deliver surprises, and a bombshell report has rocked the football world: according to DSports, Real Madrid are reportedly interested in acquiring the services of Enzo Fernandez, the young Argentine star currently playing for Chelsea. The most striking aspect of this information is the strategy the Spanish giants are said to be considering to complete the signing: offering Aurelien Tchouameni to Chelsea in exchange, without any additional cash changing hands. This operation, if it were to come to fruition, would represent a real earthquake in the market and generate a flurry of questions.

Enzo Fernandez: A Talent on a Steep Upward Trajectory

Enzo Fernandez burst onto the football scene with his outstanding performances at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he became a champion with the Argentine national team and was chosen as the Young Player of the Tournament. His performances for Benfica, the club he joined from River Plate, were also remarkable, attracting the interest of several European giants. Eventually, Chelsea secured his signature for a significant fee.

Robert Lewandowski has been one of the most prolific strikers in European football over the past decade, consistently delivering goals for his club and country. This season, the Polish forward added another remarkable milestone to his career by scoring his 19th penalty goal in the UEFA Champions League, matching the record held by none other than Cristiano Ronaldo. Lewandowski's penalty against Benfica in the 7th matchday of the 2024/2025 Champions League phase not only secured a crucial victory for Barcelona but also placed him on par with one of the greatest players in the history of the competition.

Football rivalries, often spiced with pointed remarks and off-pitch controversies, are an ingredient that adds excitement to the beautiful game. Recently, Neymar Jr. fanned the flames by suggesting that Kylian Mbappe felt jealous of Lionel Messi during their time together at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), which supposedly triggered conflicts between the two. However, Mbappe, in a recent interview with TNT Sports, responded with an elegance and maturity that stand in stark contrast to the accusations, offering a masterclass in professionalism and focusing on the positive aspects of his time in Paris.

The Context: The Alleged Rivalry at PSG

The co-existence of three superstars like Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe at PSG always generated speculation about potential internal tensions. While on the pitch they demonstrated great teamwork and achieved significant titles, rumours of a strained relationship between Mbappe and Neymar never truly dissipated. Neymar's recent statement, suggesting Mbappe's jealousy of Messi, added a new chapter to this narrative.

David Beckham, the owner of Inter Miami CF, is celebrating his 48th birthday today, May 2nd. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star has become a pivotal figure in the growth of Major League Soccer, both as a player for LA Galaxy and now as a club owner. Despite his team's recent struggles, Beckham's personal fortune continues to soar.

Beckham's impact on the MLS is undeniable. His time with LA Galaxy significantly boosted the league's popularity, and his subsequent investment in Inter Miami has further solidified his legacy in American soccer. However, Inter Miami has faced challenges in recent seasons, despite a recent victory over Columbus Crew thanks to Ecuadorian striker Leonardo Campana.

"He's a good one, eh. I'm grateful to him for the work he does for the team. Maybe people see him for the goals. But the effort, how he runs, where he positions himself, the intelligence he has. He's different. What strikes me most, well I already know him, but it's his humility. He's a guy who's won everything, because he's won it all, and he's the one who runs the most. You look at him and you admire him. He's an example to all of us, from the youngest to the oldest. And that's our strength." With these words, Uruguayan defender Jose Maria Gimenez offered a deep analysis of Julian Alvarez's success, highlighting qualities that go beyond his goalscoring ability. "The Spider," as the Argentinian forward is known, comes off the back of a standout performance with a brace in the Champions League, further solidifying his excellent current form.

Gimenez's praise doesn't focus solely on the goals Alvarez scores but delves into less visible yet equally crucial aspects of his performance and the team's. The Uruguayan defender emphasises the effort, the physical exertion, the tactical intelligence and, above all, the young forward's humility. These statements offer a valuable perspective on the factors propelling Julian Alvarez to the top of world football.

The Spaniards won 5-4 in a dramatic Champions League match. Raphinha's goal in Barcelona's victory over Benfica should have been disallowed, at least that's what fans are demanding on social networks for an alleged foul by Szceszny on a Benfica player that was not reviewed.

In recent years, FC Barcelona has faced multiple challenges, both on and off the pitch. The club has struggled with financial instability, and their performance on the field has been inconsistent, especially after the departure of Lionel Messi in 2021. However, alongside these challenges, rumors and allegations have surfaced suggesting that UEFA has provided some form of assistance to Barcelona, sparking debate in the footballing world.

These claims, while widely discussed, have not been officially confirmed by UEFA or the club itself. The accusations range from financial leniency regarding the club's compliance with Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations to the perception that Barcelona has been given preferential treatment when dealing with UEFA sanctions or regulations. To better understand the situation, it is important to examine the background, the nature of these allegations, and the broader context in which they arise.

Vinícius Júnior, 24, who came second in last year’s Ballon d’Or voting and was later named FIFA Men’s Best Player, remains a top priority for the cash-rich Saudi Pro League. Despite failed attempts to sign him last summer, reports suggest the Public Investment Fund (PIF) has renewed contact with his representatives, reaffirming their interest in the forward.

Saudi Pro League’s Persistent Interest

Last year, Al Ahli was among the clubs vying for Vinícius after offloading Allan Saint-Maximin, but an unexpected turn of events forced them to settle for Brentford’s Ivan Toney. Despite this, PIF reignited discussions in December, emphasizing their long-term vision to bring Vinícius into the league, which already boasts stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.

However, Real Madrid has made it clear that Vinícius is not for sale. Manager Carlo Ancelotti firmly stated, “There is nothing at all. He’s here, he wants to be here, and he’s committed to helping Real Madrid succeed.” The Brazilian, too, has expressed his desire to remain at the Santiago Bernabéu, where he is seen as a pivotal figure alongside Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham.