During his illustrious playing career, Xabi Alonso became a European journeyman, spending time in England with Liverpool, Germany with Bayern Munich and Spain with Real Madrid and Sociedad. The legendary midfielder was a sight to behold with the ball at his feet, carving open defences with his extraordinary vision, exquisite passing abilities and pinpoint accuracy.
Alonso called time on his playing career in July 2017 after making 700 club appearances, winning multiple UEFA Champions League trophies, and 12 other major honours at Anfield, the Allianz Arena, the Santiago Bernabeu and Reale Arena. The Spaniard was also a hit on international duty, part of a La Roja side that became European Champions twice and won their first 2010 World Cup.
Alonso spent years pulling the strings in the heart of midfield in some of Europe’s most glamorous stadiums. But it was one of his former stomping grounds that the former Eibar man loved calling home because of its aura.
Alonso Spoke Glowingly About Anfield’s Atmosphere
Alonso became one of the most celebrated midfield talents to grace the Premier League during his time at Liverpool, appearing 210 times for the Reds, posting 18 goals and 19 assists. The Spaniard was part of the side that won the UEFA Champions League in 2005 in the Miracle of Istanbul. While that famous night at Ataturk Stadium was the highlight of his career, he still seemingly favoured playing at the Merseyside giants’ glorious Anfield stadium.
The 43-year-old participated in a Legends Match, representing his former Premier League club against Manchester United. He spoke about his affection for one of the oldest stadiums in English football history (via FourFourTwo):
“You still know that you feel it, you have it inside and whenever you have the chance it awakens [you]. I really loved it and a great cause, great atmosphere, best stadium in the world. Great day.”
It was clear that Alonso would thrive at Anfield early in his Liverpool spell when he started producing moments of magic in front of the Kop. One of his most eye-catching displays came after five games when he deputised for Steven Gerrard and showcased his playmaking abilities in a 3-0 win over Norwich City in 2004.
There’s something special about Champions League nights at Anfield, and Alonso appeared in 20 European games where the Reds made the opposition know ‘This is Anfield’. One of his last appearances on home soil for the Merseyside outfit in Europe was a 1-0 win over Marseille, where he assisted Gerrard with the winner:
“[Anfield is] different. You have pretty stadiums all over the world, great atmospheres, Champions League nights – but this is Anfield. The soul, the stands, the lights, it’s different and it’s pure football. That’s why we love it as a player, as a fan, as anyone that comes.”
Xabi Alonso had an extremely successful career in the Champions League – and the Spaniard was tasked with naming his ‘dream’ XI from the competition.
Will Xabi Alonso Ever Return To Anfield In The Managerial Dugout?
It seemed like fate for Alonso to replace Jurgen Klopp when the German decided to call time on his Anfield spell in late January. The Spanish tactician’s stock was growing as one of Europe’s most exciting coaches, propelling Bayer Leverkusen to the top of German football and ending Bayern’s Bundesliga dominance in the process.
Alonso was a heavy favourite to succeed Klopp, but turned down the opportunity because he felt he was at the best club for him to develop further as a manager. The Reds turned to Arne Slot, and it’s a decision that has worked out well, with the Dutchman steering them to the Premier League title during his debut season.
The Spaniard returned to Anfield for a UEFA Champions League clash between Liverpool and Leverkusen, but it wasn’t a fond return as his side were thrashed 4-0. This was perhaps a reminder for those who got carried away by his credentials to come into such a high-pressure situation as becoming Klopp’s heir.
Alonso has recently been sacked by Real Madrid, meaning he could return to Anfield if Slot isn’t able to turn his current fortunes around. There’s nothing to suggest the Spanish tactician won’t one day be the home manager at his old stomping ground.
All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt – correct as of 03/02/2026.
The end goal at every World Cup is simple: finish the tournament with your hands on the trophy. Very few footballers will ever be able to say they’ve won the sport’s ultimate prize, with Brazil (five), Germany and Italy (four), and Argentina (three) accounting for the majority of World Cup triumphs throughout history.
Yet, even fewer players will end their careers having won the Golden Boot. Awarded to the tournament’s top goalscorer, it’s one of football’s most coveted individual honours and presents a unique set of challenges. Unlike lifting the trophy, winning the Golden Boot isn’t solely dependent on the strength of the team around you – a clinical striker can carve out their own place in World Cup folklore, regardless of how far their nation goes.
Heading into the 2026 World Cup, there’s no shortage of elite forwards capable of filling their boots. From established superstars that have won it before, to emerging talents, the race to finish as the tournament’s leading marksman looks as open as ever. But to save ourselves some of the guesswork, we’ve turned to AI to estimate which players have the best chance of taking home the Golden Boot.
Cody Gakpo and Florian Wirtz are in the same boat at the moment – they seem capable of turning out for their country, while Liverpool fans have seldom seen them provide the goods at Anfield over the last 12 months. While the former was a shared recipient of the Euro 2024 Golden Boot, the latter was unfortunate not to have got on the scoresheet in Germany’s 7-1 opening win over Curacao.
He did get an assist, and he is projected to add three goals to his tally somewhere later into the tournament. That’s the same amount predicted for his compatriot Jamal Musiala, as well as Brazil’s Rodrygo. Carlo Ancelotti has a lot to ponder between now and his side’s second match against Haiti, and figuring out how to get the bets out of his attack following a 1-1 draw with Morocco will be top of his to-do list.
Elsewhere, Rafael Leao is also tipped for three goals this tournament. He didn’t start Portugal’s first match and, when he came on, he looked a shell of his usual confident self. Loose touches and no attacking intent suggest he could struggle this summer, but he must pick his head up and kick on if he is to audition himself for a move away from AC Milan as he intends ahead of next season.
AI Predicts 2026 World Cup Top Goalscorers (3 goals)
Player
Country
Florian Wirtz
Germany
Cody Gakpo
Netherlands
Jamal Musiala
Germany
Rodrygo
Brazil
Rafael Leao
Portugal
4 Goals
AI believes six players will finish the tournament on four goals, which would represent a respectable return given that some nations will play only three matches before bowing out at the end of the group stage.
Antoine Griezmann is a player that always seems to score with ease for France, no matter what his club form might suggest he’s capable of – meanwhile, Lautaro Martinez is the complete opposite, and will be hoping to finally turn up for Argentina and provide his other attacking teammates with an extra arrow to their quiver.
Julian Alvarez is next up, while Cristiano Ronaldo could probably count himself lucky that he will reach the four-goal tally at the rate he’s going. Against DR Congo, during which Portugal drew their opener 1-1, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner struggled to make an impact, having now gone 10 consecutive major tournament games without scoring for his country.
Rounding off this group is Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham. The England duo are certainly better known for their creation, with a certain other Three Lions being tasked of scoring the majority of Thomas Tuchel’s side’s goals – but that should take nothing away from the fact they are still capable of huge moments under pressure, with Bellingham’s bicycle kick at Euro 2024 the ultimate evidence.
AI Predicts 2026 World Cup Top Goalscorers (4 goals)
Player
Country
Antoine Griezmann
France
Lautaro Martinez
Argentina
Cristiano Ronaldo
Portugal
Julian Alvarez
Argentina
Bukayo Saka
England
Jude Bellingham
England
5-7 Goals
Lionel Messi, still among the best footballers in the world, needed just three goals to draw level with Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup record of 16 – and he achieved that in his first match, scoring a hat-trick against Algeria. AI predicts he will only manage another three goals for the rest of the summer, though, which would put him behind one other players.
With it being predicted that Messi feathers the throttle after such a fast start, it’s surprising that projections expect the same from Harry Kane, with four more goals from him seeing him finish on the same tally, bringing his season total to a stunning 73 goals for both club and country.
Kylian Mbappe has been up there with the very best players in recent World Cups, having helped France win it in 2018, before scoring a hat-trick in the final four years later. He’s predicted to notch seven goals this time around, which would put him out in front in the race for the Golden Boot.
Erling Haaland, noted down by AI as a ‘goal machine’ follows in fourth with five goals – Norway’s opening match against Iraq was expected to help him reach that benchmark, and it proved correct with the Manchester City frontman scoring twice. The last player in this section, also on five goals, is Vinicius Jr, with the likes of Lamine Yamal completely missing out after AI updated its predictions.
Lionel Messi’s family have issued a heartfelt statement on social media after his father, Jorge Messi’s, health situation emerged following Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria in the 2026 World Cup at the weekend.
The 38-year-old was seen holding back tears during the opening victory, with manager Lionel Scaloni appearing to console him on the touchline. In a statement released on Thursday night, the Messi family wrote (see the full statement below):
“The Messi family informs that Jorge Messi is currently going through a health situation. At this time, he is under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favorably within the condition he is experiencing.
In light of the reports, rumors, and speculation that have circulated in recent hours, the family wishes to express its deep concern regarding the lack of sensitivity, respect, and discretion with which some individuals have treated a strictly private family matter.”
They continued: “The family would also like to clarify that only Jorge’s immediate family has real and accurate information regarding his condition. Therefore, any version, statement, or information that does not come directly from the family and its official channels should not be considered valid or truthful.
“At times like these, we ask for responsibility, prudence, and humanity. A person’s health and the peace of mind of their loved ones should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media attention.
“We sincerely appreciate the expressions of affection, respect, and concern we have received, and we ask that Jorge’s privacy, confidentiality, and personal space – as well as that of his entire family – be respected throughout this process. Any relevant updates will be communicated in due course by the family and through the appropriate channels. “Thank you for your understanding.”
But the Red Devils have always maintained that they want to complete two deals in the middle of the park and that may become three if Manuel Ugarte is sold during the transfer window too.
United have been linked with a host of names already this summer. Elliot Anderson was the number one priority, but United have dropped out of the race to sign the Nottingham Forest midfielder, due to the huge financial package it would take to sign him.
Big names have been linked with Manchester United move
Sarah Meyssonnier Via Reuters
They also did not want to enter into a bidding war with rivals Manchester City, who have already seen two bids of more than £100million knocked back by Evangelos Marinakis.
Aurelien Tchouameni, Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes have all been heavily linked, but all would take a hefty pay packet to get done too.
That may lead to United turning to alternative options and one has emerged in the form of Marc Casado.
The 22-year-old is still trying to find his feet at the Camp Nou, making 34 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona last season, albeit only 15 as a starter in Hansi Flick’s La Liga title-winning side.
Casado had made 29 starts in the previous campaign and was linked with a move away from the Catalan giants then too. Flick said last year: “I spoke with Marc Casado, I don’t see him wanting to leave the team, nor do I think I want that either. The season is long, and we want to achieve everything.”
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It remains to be seen whether Flick’s or Casado’s stance has changed in a year, but Mundo Deportivo claims that United have already made contact over a move to sign the defensive midfielder this summer.
Marc Casado
United have made enquiries with the player’s agent Jorge Mendes over a move to Old Trafford this summer, and with a £22million price tag on his shoulders, would come considerably cheaper than some of their alternatives.
In an analytical piece on the player back in 2024, Breaking the Lines called him a La Masia gem and said: “With a rare mix of technique and stamina, Casado has the potential to dominate the center of the pitch for Barcelona for years to come. As he keeps growing and improving his skills, there’s no doubt he is destined to become a key midfielder for Barcelona and can be one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.”
High praise indeed and it may be that he has to move to a different club to prove it.
